Chapter 208: Puff Daddy's Party

After returning to the hotel, Xiang Fei lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

Outside the window, New York was ablaze with lights, the sound of traffic faintly drifting in; the invitations from Hollywood's big shots still echoed in his mind.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

The sound of knocking suddenly rang out.

Xiang Fei frowned, rose, and walked to the door; peering through the peephole—he saw Leonardo DiCaprio.

He opened the door: "Leo? Something wrong so late?"

Leonardo wore a casual black T-shirt and jeans, swaying car keys in his hand, and smiled: "Can't sleep? Perfect, there's a party. Want to go?"

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow: "What kind of party?"

Leonardo shrugged. "Since you can't sleep anyway, why not go relax?"

Xiang Fei thought for a moment; since he was idle anyway, he nodded: "Fine, wait while I change clothes."

Five minutes later, the two sat in Leonardo's black Mercedes.

The car drove into the New York night; Leonardo drove while chatting casually with Xiang Fei.

"Honestly, Aiven, I've watched The Meg three times," Leonardo said with a smile. "That combination of deep-sea dread and action sequences is fantastic."

Xiang Fei was somewhat surprised: "I didn't expect you'd like this kind of film."

"I'm a sci-fi fan!" Leonardo said excitedly. "Especially monster movies; I've watched Jurassic Park no fewer than twenty times."

Xiang Fei smiled: "If The Meg 2 gets made, do you want to cameo?"

Leonardo's eyes lit up: "Really? I'll do it for free!"

"Sure," Xiang Fei said half-jokingly. "How about a role where you get swallowed whole by a shark?"

Leonardo laughed loudly: "No problem! As long as the script is cool enough, I could even play a villain!"

The two chatted about films the whole way, from Titanic to The Meg, from Hollywood filming anecdotes to the rise of Asian cinema.

Unknowingly, the car stopped before a luxurious villa.

Luxury cars filled the space outside the villa; several burly bodyguards stood at the entrance.

Leonardo, familiar with the place, led Xiang Fei inside; the moment they entered, deafening music hit them.

The party scene was dimly lit, figures swaying; the air was thick with the scent of champagne and cigars.

Xiang Fei glanced around and noticed most people wore white clothes, swaying to the music on the dance floor.

"This is... what theme?" Xiang Fei asked.

"The host's rule: his parties must be in white," Leonardo explained. "He says it's for 'pure revelry'."

Xiang Fei: "..."

Just then, a tall Black man wearing sunglasses approached.

"Hey! Leo! Long time no see!" The man spread his arms, hugged Leonardo, then turned to Xiang Fei: "This must be the Asian genius director, Aiven, right? I've heard great things!"

Xiang Fei smiled: "Hello."

"I'm Sean John Combs," the man said, removing his sunglasses to reveal his signature smile, "but everyone calls me Puff Daddy."

Xiang Fei's heart stirred—Puff Daddy! The behind-the-scenes big shot who controlled the American music industry in his previous life!

"Nice to meet you," Xiang Fei said, extending his hand.

Puff Daddy warmly shook his hand: "Come, come, tonight we must drink well!"

Puff Daddy led Xiang Fei to the center of the party, suddenly grabbed a microphone, and clapped: "Hey! Everyone! Quiet down!"

The music cut off abruptly; everyone stopped moving and looked over.

"Tonight we have a special guest—" Puff Daddy announced loudly, "the Asian film genius, Aiven Xiang!"

Instantly, the entire venue erupted in enthusiastic applause and whistles.

Puff Daddy handed him the microphone: "Aiven, say a few words?"

Xiang Fei took the microphone, glanced around, and smiled: "Thanks to Puff for the invitation, and thanks to everyone for the warmth. Tonight, no talk of films, just drinking, how about that?"

"Cheers!" the crowd cheered.

The music started again; the party erupted once more.

Puff Daddy personally poured Xiang Fei a glass of champagne; the two sat on a sofa in the VIP area, chatting.

"Aiven, actually, I've always wanted to break into the film and television industry," Puff Daddy said bluntly, "but I lack a good project."

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow: "You want to invest in films?"

"No, I want to produce," Puff Daddy said, ambition flashing in his eyes. "Music, films, fashion—I want to build an entertainment empire."

Xiang Fei pondered. In his previous life, Puff Daddy had indeed dabbled in film production, but with mediocre results.

"What ideas do you have?" Xiang Fei asked.

"A hip-hop music biopic," Puff Daddy lowered his voice, "about my story."

Xiang Fei laughed: "An autobiography film?"

"No, it's 'based on true events'," Puff Daddy winked cunningly. "Of course, the plot can be artistically adapted."

Xiang Fei pondered for a moment: "It's worth considering, but..."

"Budget isn't an issue," Puff Daddy said immediately, "as long as you direct."

Xiang Fei didn't agree at once; he simply raised his glass: "Let me think about it."

Puff Daddy clinked glasses contentedly: "Deal!"

Slightly drunk, Xiang Fei politely declined advances from several female models and prepared to leave.

Leonardo approached: "Leaving already?"

"Yeah, I have to fly back to the country tomorrow," Xiang Fei rubbed his temples. "Thanks for the invitation tonight."

Leonardo smiled: "No need for thanks. By the way, don't forget about The Meg 2!"

"Rest assured," Xiang Fei patted his shoulder, "once the script is written, I will contact you."

Xiang Fei took a deep breath, his thoughts swirling, and had someone escort him back to the hotel.

What Xiang Fei did not know was that the moment he left, the P. Diddy party truly began—a party that would overturn human nature.