Chapter 205: Picked Up a Future Best Actor

Xiang Fei returned home late at night.

He took off his suit jacket, tossed it casually onto the sofa, picked up his phone, and dialed Zhou Huimin.

The call connected quickly, and Zhou Huimin's voice came through, slightly weary yet gentle: "Hello?"

"Still on set?" Xiang Fei asked.

"Just wrapped." Zhou Huimin laughed softly. "The Kunlun Mountain scenes were harder to shoot than I expected. Today Rong almost slid down an icy slope."

Xiang Fei frowned. "Tell them to be more careful with safety."

"Don't worry, Director Wang Jing is keeping a close eye." Zhou Huimin paused. "What about you? How are preparations for 'Detective Chinatown 2' going?"

"The cast is basically set. I'm heading to the US in a few days to scout locations." Xiang Fei leaned back on the sofa, his tone relaxed. "Oh, and get me a ticket for Sister Mei's concert."

Zhou Huimin laughed lightly. "I know, you don't even have to say it."

"Mm, don't tell her." Xiang Fei said quietly. "I want to surprise her."

"Alright, leave it to me." Zhou Huimin agreed readily. "But if fans recognize you, don't blame me."

Xiang Fei smiled. "Don't worry, I'll keep a low profile."

The two chatted a while longer before reluctantly hanging up.

Early the next morning, Xiang Fei drove to the company.

The car had just pulled into the underground parking lot of Fei Min Entertainment and hadn't even parked properly when a figure suddenly darted out from the side, blocking the car directly ahead.

Xiang Fei slammed the brakes, frowned, and rolled down the window: "What's going on?"

The person was short, with small eyes and a simple, honest smile on his face. Seeing the window roll down, he immediately leaned over: "Director! Hello!"

Xiang Fei sized him up, feeling vaguely familiar, but couldn't recall who it was for the moment.

"You are...?"

"My name is Sun Honglei!" the other immediately introduced himself. "I haven't graduated from the Central Academy of Drama yet, but I love acting. I heard your new film is casting, and I wanted to volunteer myself!"

Xiang Fei was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized—Sun Honglei! Isn't that "King of Faces"!

He took a closer look at the young man before him. At this point, Sun Honglei didn't yet have the roguish air he'd later become known for; instead, he carried a certain youthful awkwardness and nervousness, though his eyes revealed an unyielding spirit.

Xiang Fei deliberated for a moment, then shook his head: "Sorry, all the roles on my end are already set. I don't need new actors for now."

Sun Honglei, hearing this, immediately grew anxious: "Director! I can work without pay! Even an extra would do! Please give me a chance!"

Xiang Fei looked at him without speaking.

Seeing that Xiang Fei was unmoved, Sun Honglei gritted his teeth and suddenly bowed deeply: "Director, I really want to act. Give me a chance, and I swear I won't let you down!"

Xiang Fei stared at him for a few seconds, closed the car door, and walked into the company.

"Come find me at the company tonight at 7." After saying that, Xiang Fei entered the elevator.

Sun Honglei's emotions were like a rollercoaster—he'd already given up hope, only to be given one at the last moment. He stood there, stunned for a few seconds, then excitedly clenched his fist: "I'm in!"

At six that evening, Sun Honglei was already standing in the lobby of Fei Min Entertainment, waiting.

He wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, clutching a few performance pieces he'd prepared in his hand. He kept glancing up toward the elevator, looking a bit nervous.

When Dong Xiaoming stepped out of the elevator, he happened to see him in this state and couldn't help but shake his head.

"You're early."

Sun Honglei, hearing the voice, immediately stood at attention: "Hello, President Dong!"

Dong Xiaoming said nothing more, just beckoned: "Follow me."

Arriving at Xiang Fei's office, Dong Xiaoming knocked on the door and said, "Sun Honglei is here," and a voice from inside replied, "Let him in."

Sun Honglei entered the office. Xiang Fei sat in a sofa chair and gestured for Sun Honglei to sit as well.

"Director, I've prepared a performance..." Sun Honglei said somewhat nervously.

Xiang Fei waved his hand: "No need. I'll give you a prompt directly."

Sun Honglei immediately sat up straight: "Go ahead!"

"Play a ruthless and vicious second-in-command of the triad." Xiang Fei said calmly. "I'll give you three minutes to prepare."

Sun Honglei took a deep breath, closed his eyes, seemingly adjusting his state.

Three minutes later, he opened his eyes, and his entire presence instantly changed.

The original simple, honest smile vanished, replaced by a cold, sinister smirk. His eyes grew sharp and dangerous.

"Boss, leave this to me. Don't worry." He lowered his head slightly, his tone respectful yet carrying an undeniable viciousness. "Anyone who dares to touch our people—none of them will get away."

In just a few lines, the image of a ruthless, vicious yet fiercely loyal triad second-in-command instantly came to life.

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat surprised.

After Sun Honglei finished acting, he immediately returned to his original expression and looked at Xiang Fei anxiously: "Director, what do you think...?"

Xiang Fei stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled: "I didn't expect a student who hasn't even graduated yet to have such good acting."

Sun Honglei's eyes lit up: "Then..."

Xiang Fei picked up a script from the desk and tossed it directly to him: "'Detective Chinatown 2.' There's a character in it called Lu Guofu—a ruthless, vicious triad boss."

Sun Honglei fumbled to catch the script. Flipping it open, he was so excited his hands began to tremble.

"This role is yours." Xiang Fei said calmly. "Study it thoroughly before filming starts."

Sun Honglei abruptly stood up and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Director! I swear I won't let you down!"

Xiang Fei waved his hand: "Alright, off you go."

Sun Honglei nodded repeatedly, clutching the script, and practically bounced out of the office.

No sooner had Sun Honglei left than Dong Xiaoming pushed the door and walked in.

"Director, are you really going to use a student who hasn't even graduated to play Lu Guofu?" she said, somewhat puzzled. "This role has a lot of screen time. What if he can't pull it off...?"

Xiang Fei smiled: "Give him a chance."

Dong Xiaoming hesitated: "But..."

"I rarely misjudge people." Xiang Fei leaned back in his chair, his tone certain. "This kid has something."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Dong Xiaoming said no more, merely nodding. "Alright, then I'll arrange the contract."

Xiang Fei gave an "Mm," his gaze turning to the window, lost in thought.

In his previous life, Sun Honglei had become a god-tier star thanks to the role of Liu Huaqiang in *Conquer*.

In this life, perhaps he could shine even sooner.