Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 113 Richie Jen in Hong Kong

Just then, a flash of inspiration struck Zheng Hui.

Wait, "Star Wish"?

This song isn't just a single; it's the theme song for the movie of the same name, *Fly Me to Polaris*! And that movie—

The male lead is a blind and mute onion-head character, played by Richie Jen!

Zheng Hui looked at Cecilia Cheung and casually asked, "By the way, I think I saw some promotional material for the filming of this song, 'Starry Wish,' in the newspaper."

This song must be the theme song of a movie, right? Was the movie filmed in Hong Kong?

"That's right! Brother Hui, you have a good memory, you even saw this. The movie is called 'Wish Upon a Star,' and the director is Jingle Ma. Besides me, the male lead is Richie Jen from Taiwan."

We just started filming in Hong Kong a while ago, and we've been rushing to meet the deadline. This song was specially written for me by Director Ma, so I could sing the theme song while I'm acting.

Upon hearing the confirmed information about Richie Jen and the start of filming in Hong Kong, Zheng Hui's lips curled up.

Goodness, you've come all the way to Hong Kong to film a movie, and you didn't even say hello.

Although I was in seclusion in the recording studio in Hong Kong throughout April, my phone was always on. This guy came to my turf and didn't say a word? Didn't he even see the news about me applying to the Beijing Film Academy?

"Oh, I see." Zheng Hui nodded, then took out his phone from the inside pocket of his suit.

"Ms. Zhang, please have some tea first. I'll make a phone call."

Under Cecilia Cheung's somewhat puzzled gaze, Zheng Hui flipped through his contacts, found the number saved as "Brother Qi," and pressed the dial button directly.

The phone rang for a long time, so long that Zheng Hui thought the other party might be filming a night scene and unable to answer, when finally the call was connected.

"Feed?"

A tired voice came from the other end of the phone. In the background, you could faintly hear the noise of instruments being tuned and someone shouting, "Adjust the lights!"

"Brother Qi, I'm Zheng Hui," Zheng Hui said with a smile.

"Depend on!"

On the other end of the phone, Richie Jen, who had seemed listless, perked up the moment he heard the name "Zheng Hui".

"Ah Hui?! My goodness! Why did you suddenly decide to call me? I thought it was some crazy person nagging me about work commitments!"

"Oh dear, you have no idea, I'm being tortured to death right now!"

Hearing that familiar tone, Zheng Hui's smile deepened. He deliberately spoke in a accusing tone, "Brother Qi, isn't that a bit unfair? When you were in Beijing, I treated you to tripe and soy milk, and made sure you were well taken care of."

What, now that you're on my turf, you don't even bother to say hello?

I've been filming in Hong Kong since April, without saying a word. What, are you afraid I'll make you treat me to a fancy meal at the Peninsula Hotel?

"ah?!"

Richie Jen on the other end of the phone was clearly stunned, exclaiming in surprise, "You—you're in Hong Kong now?! Damn, I didn't know! I always thought you were still on the mainland, or back in Macau!"

"Does a big star like you not even read the newspapers? Everyone in Hong Kong knew I applied to the Beijing Film Academy's journalism program in April, and I even held a press conference."

"My new album 'Half a Lifetime' has been promoted all over Asia these past two days. Even convenience stores are playing my music video. How could you not know that I released an album in Hong Kong?" Zheng Hui said with a laugh, annoyed.

"Bro, I really don't know!"

Richie Jen complained on the other end of the phone, his voice full of grievance and exhaustion: "You have no idea what kind of life I've been living lately! The filming schedule for the movie 'Wish Upon a Star' is incredibly tight. I have to pretend to be blind and mute on set every day. I've cried my eyes out."

That's not all! I'm having my first concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum in September! Every day after I get off the set, I'm dragged straight to the rehearsal room.

Band rehearsals, dance choreography, costume selection—I barely had time to sleep! I was even memorizing lyrics while going to the bathroom!

How could I possibly have time to read the newspaper or listen to the radio! For the past two weeks, I haven't had a moment's rest; I'm practically having a mental breakdown!

Listening to Richie Jen's rapid-fire, insane rant, Zheng Hui could easily picture him with dark circles under his eyes, scratching his head in frustration.

For most Chinese-language singers today, a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum represents the pinnacle of their careers. For Richie Jen, a Taiwanese singer, to be able to perform at the Hong Kong Coliseum is certainly no small feat.

"Alright, alright, considering how ruthlessly you've been exploited by capitalists, I'll forgive your neglect this time," Zheng Hui interrupted his complaint with a smile.

"Wait a minute!"

Richie Jen suddenly realized what was happening and asked in confusion, "Ah Hui, how did you know I was filming in Hong Kong? I was completely confused when the company packed me up and sent me here."

Zheng Hui raised his eyelids and glanced at Zhang Baizhi, who was sitting opposite him, holding a teacup, listening intently to his phone call with a gossipy expression.

He spoke slowly and deliberately into the phone: "How did I know? Because today, Universal Music is throwing me an internal celebration banquet to commemorate the huge success of 'Half a Lifetime'."

Unfortunately, the leading lady in your play, our newly crowned queen of beauty and elegance, is sitting right across from me, drinking Tieguanyin tea that I brewed myself.

"What?!"

"Cecilia's with you?! Are you having a celebration party?!" Richie Jen's speech quickened instantly: "Which hotel are you at? No, which district are you in?!"

"The Peninsula Hotel, second floor, luxury banquet hall, Tsim Sha Tsui," Zheng Hui gave the address.

"Damn it! The rehearsal room isn't far from there!"

Richie Jen's voice burst with the ecstatic joy of finally finding a lifeline: "Ah Hui, you better hold on! I'm going to ask these vampires in the rehearsal room for leave right now! No, I'm not asking for leave, I'm just running away!"

My head is filled with chords and lines, I'm going crazy! I need to go drinking with you! I need to go out for a big meal!

"Send me the address via text message right now, reserve a spot for me, and preferably also reserve a roast suckling pig leg for me!"

"I guarantee I'll be there in twenty minutes—no, fifteen minutes!"

Without giving Zheng Hui a chance to speak again, the phone was abruptly hung up.

Hearing the busy tone from his phone, Zheng Hui shook his head helplessly and put the phone away.

After hanging up the phone, Zheng Hui casually tossed his phone onto the coffee table, picked up the tea tongs again, and began to clean the teaware that had cooled down a bit from their conversation.

As Cecilia Cheung watched Zheng Hui's eyes grow brighter, she realized that in the entertainment industry, a person's worth was determined not only by how much money they could earn, but also by what level of person they could summon with a single phone call.

Zheng Hui's demeanor during his phone call with Richie Jen had stirred a strong feeling within her.

She is a woman who admires strength; it's ingrained in her very being.

Cecilia Cheung had just starred in "King of Comedy," and with the halo of being a "Stephen Chow Girl," she became an overnight sensation in Hong Kong.

Flowers, applause, announcements, and money rained down on her like snowflakes. Her current state could be best described as riding high on a wave of success.

In terms of relationships, she had just broken up with her ex-boyfriend Zhu Yongtang and was currently single.

At this moment, she was like a canary that had just flown out of its cage, finding everything new and exciting, and wanting to try everything.

Zheng Hui, standing before me, is young, handsome, talented, wealthy, and possesses a maturity that is absolutely impossible for men his age.

Faced with such a tempting and irresistible piece of fresh meat, Cecilia Cheung couldn't help but feel a little tempted to try it.

"Brother Hui, you and Brother Xiao Qi are such good friends?" Zhang Baizhi leaned forward, this time deliberately lowering the curve of her shoulders, the neckline of her suspender dress slightly open, revealing glimpses of her fair skin.

She looked at Zheng Hui with watery eyes, her voice becoming even softer, even with a hint of coquetry: "Actually, I've been under a lot of pressure lately. I just finished filming Stephen Chow's movie, and now I'm in a new film crew. The company is also forcing me to sing."

There's no one to talk to every day, and when I come home, it's so cold and empty. I can't even find someone to have a glass of red wine with.

""

The implications of these words are clear to any adult man.

High pressure, no one to keep you company, drinking a glass of red wine at home—it's practically like your intentions are written all over your face.

This is already an explicit hint.

Any 19-year-old, vigorous young man, faced with a woman at the peak of her beauty who was actively throwing herself at him, would probably already be distracted and planning his evening's activities.

But Zheng Hui was no ordinary nineteen-year-old. As a time traveler, he knew all too well what this woman would experience in the future, how chaotic her love history was, and how outrageous her personality was.

She was one of the famous women involved in the photo scandal, a thorny rose that's hard to wash off once it's been touched.

Moreover, even if we take a step back, Zheng Hui now has not only the charming Fan Binbin filming in Wuxi, but also the "big sister" Gao Yuanyuan waiting for him in Beijing to enjoy the flowers together.

Compared to those two women, Zhang Baizhi, who seemed to be just dabbling in the business and had a strong admiration for the powerful, was not worth the risk in Zheng Hui's eyes.

Faced with Cecilia Cheung's fingertips almost touching the back of his hand, Zheng Hui naturally picked up his teacup and, using the act of drinking tea, withdrew his hand, cleverly avoiding her touch.

"Ms. Zhang is too kind." Zheng Hui's tone was gentle, but it carried a sense of distance: "We are all artists in the same company, so it is only right that we help each other out."

As for the techniques of "Starry Wish," I've already told you the most essential things. The rest, you'll have to figure out for yourself in the studio.

He put down his teacup and looked at Cecilia Cheung with clear eyes: "As for the celebration banquet, I have to fly back to the mainland early tomorrow morning to handle some important personal matters. The tickets are already booked, so I'll probably have to go back and rest early tonight."

Cecilia Cheung's hand froze in mid-air for a moment, then she casually withdrew it.

A look of surprise flashed across her eyes, which was then replaced by resentment.

She has absolute confidence in her charm. Since her debut, no man who has taken the initiative to show interest in her has ever been as unforgiving as Zheng Hui, leaving her no room for anything else.

This distant yet polite attitude left her completely at a loss as to where to begin.

Just as Cecilia Cheung was pondering how to break the deadlock, a burst of laughter came from outside the rest area.

"You little devil! I've been looking for you outside for ages. I thought you were being harassed by some media reporters."

"I never expected you to be hiding here like a king, brewing fine tea and chatting with the prettiest girl in our company!"

Following the sound, Zheng Donghan walked in, followed by Leslie Cheung.

Upon seeing these two big shots suddenly appear, Cecilia Cheung was so startled that she immediately stood up from the sofa. The alluring, worldly air she had exuded vanished instantly, replaced by the obedient and sensible demeanor of a junior.

"Hello, Mr. Zheng! Hello, brother!" She bowed respectfully in greeting.

Zheng Donghan smiled and waved to her, "Cecilia is here too. Sit down, sit down, don't be so reserved, we're all family."

Zheng Hui also stood up and greeted him with a smile: "Zheng Sheng, brother. I really can't drink anymore, my stomach is churning with acid."

I saw you chatting happily with those Taiwanese branch managers over there, so I didn't want to disturb you and came over here to have some peace and quiet.

"You little rascal, you know how to enjoy yourself."

Zheng Donghan laughed and cursed, then walked over to the sofa opposite Zheng Hui and sat down: "These old foxes from Taiwan, they can drink like oxen, I can't keep up either."

Leslie Cheung also sat down next to Zheng Donghan and glanced at Zheng Hui: "In such a noisy celebration banquet, you can still calm down and brew a pot of tea."

Hui-zai, I truly admire your composure more and more. Many young people your age who have achieved this level of success would have long since become arrogant and forgotten their place.

Zheng Hui took two clean teacups from under the tea tray, rinsed them with boiling water, and replied with a smile, "Brother, you flatter me. I just wanted some peace and quiet. Drinking too much wine is bad for your health, but drinking too much tea will just mean I have to go to the bathroom a couple more times at night."

He poured the tea into two cups and handed them to Zheng Donghan and Leslie Cheung.

"Zheng Sheng, brother, try this Tieguanyin tea I brewed."

Zheng Donghan picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp: "Refreshing! This hot tea has finally calmed the burning sensation from the alcohol."

.

He glanced at Zhang Baizhi, who stood to the side looking somewhat reserved, and then at Zheng Hui, as if he had noticed something, but he didn't say anything.

"Cecilia, you've had a tough time these past few days."

Zheng Donghan displayed both the authority and concern of a CEO: "The filming schedule for 'Wish Upon a Star' is tight, so you need to take care of your health. Also, your first single is about to be recorded. If you have any questions, in addition to asking the producer, you can also ask Hui Zai."

He's at the level of our Universal Music Director; he produced all three of our albums himself. Getting his guidance would definitely be beneficial for you.

"I know, Mr. Cheng." Cecilia Cheung nodded obediently. "Brother Hui just taught me a lot of singing techniques, and I found them very helpful."

Leslie Cheung, holding a teacup, looked at Cecilia Cheung and said with a hint of goodwill, "Cecilia is a very talented girl with great acting skills."

Singing requires emotional investment. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; just relax and sing.

"Thank you, brother." Cecilia Cheung looked at Leslie Cheung gratefully.

With the addition of Zheng Donghan and Leslie Cheung, the atmosphere in this small VIP lounge instantly transformed from the slightly pink and ambiguous tug-of-war to a tea party.

Zheng Hui was in charge of making tea, while Zheng Donghan and Leslie Cheung chatted about the recent situation in the Hong Kong music scene, Universal Music's future development plans, and their concerns about the Taiwan market.

Although Cecilia Cheung couldn't get a word in edgewise, being able to sit and have tea with these three big names in the Hong Kong entertainment industry was already an honor and a privilege for her.

She sat quietly to the side, occasionally refilling the water, playing the perfect role of a decorative vase and a junior.

Time slipped away quietly with each pot of tea.

About ten minutes later.

Inside the banquet hall outside, background music from Zheng Hui's album was still playing, and people were chatting in twos and threes.

Suddenly, a slight commotion arose at the entrance to the hall.

"Hey? Isn't that Richie Jen?"

"Why is Xiao Qi here? Wasn't he on our invitation list?"

"Holy crap, it really is him! He actually showed up for the Peninsula Hotel's dinner dressed like that?"

Whispers drifted in, and Zheng Hui stopped pouring tea and looked over.

Zheng Donghan and Zhang Guorong also stopped talking and turned to look at the entrance of the hall with some confusion.

"Richie Jen is here?" Zheng Donghan frowned. Although PolyGram/Universal and Rock Records are fierce rivals in the market, they still have a friendly relationship behind the scenes.

It was indeed a bit abrupt for the Rolling Stones' top figure to suddenly visit at such an internal celebration banquet.

Just as everyone was wondering what was going on, Richie Jen, wearing a jacket over a sweat-soaked T-shirt, strode in.

He was panting heavily as he walked, clearly having jogged all the way here.

When he rushed into the lounge area and saw that familiar figure sitting at the head of the coffee table, he exclaimed, "Damn! Ah Hui!"

Zheng Hui stood up with a smile and walked towards the other person.

Two men who now wield immense influence in the Chinese music scene shared a solid hug in a corner of the Peninsula Hotel.

"Have you eaten yet?" Richie Jen patted Zheng Hui on the back forcefully and blurted out a sentence in Hokkien.

"How could I be full? Come and have some tea first!" Zheng Hui also responded in Hokkien.

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