Chapter 202: Lan Gui Fang (Ten-Thousand-Character Chapter)

The year had just entered 2004, and action movie fans were greeted with good news.

On major portal websites,

reports about Sha Po Lang were endless.

Photos of several big male stars in suits, fists clenched together, swept across the internet; the three large characters "Sha Po Lang" on the backdrop and their poses proved this would be a movie with bone-crunching action.

Putting together the names Li Luo, Sammo Hung, Wu Jing, and Simon Yam was enough to excite people.

Two veteran Hong Kong stars, a national martial arts champion.

And a guy who had already proven beyond doubt his ability to fight with a formidable record—this powerful cast had made countless fans eagerly await the film's release.

"No matter what character Li Luo plays, I will buy a ticket—I swear it here."

"Looking forward, looking forward."

"Same here—I wonder if they'll include the earlier fight scene against the robbers in the movie? If they do, that'd be amazing!"

"That can't be."

"The person above has a point—better not use that kind of thing for promotion!"

"Wu Jing has also gone to Hong Kong to develop his career—I love watching him in Tai Chi Master, he smiles so sweetly."

"Has Li Luo made connections in the Hong Kong circle? He was seen at a concert with Liu Liu Jialing and Liang Liang Chaowei, and now he's filming with Big Brother—it's really confusing."

"By the way, can Sammo Hung still fight?"

"I'm skeptical too—he's a very agile fatty, but still."

All kinds of discussions online had whipped up tremendous buzz for this newly started film.

Li Luo + action movie.

As soon as these two keywords were combined, they naturally drew eyes.

Even industry insiders were stunned.

The speed at which this guy rose to fame was truly astonishing.

Forget Sha Tang Ying Xiong Zhuan—even Yi Tian Tu Long Ji was still airing, and people were still debating when he'd enter films, when suddenly he landed the lead role in a Hong Kong action movie.

That's Hong Kong.

Hu Jun, who became famous through Tian Long Ba Bu, could only land a supporting role in In the Mood for Love.

Not just fans, but even industry peers sparked heated discussion.

Among these news reports, the production team reluctantly released a statement with a letter from an unknown woman and a few behind-the-scenes photos, reminding everyone this was Li Luo's first film role.

Beijing.

The SUV pulled into the parking lot smoothly.

The imposing man inside casually tossed the newspaper aside and stepped out of the car.

The wind from closing the door fluttered the newspaper, revealing the captured moment of Li Luo and Wu Jing fighting—one delivering a sharp kick, the other leaping high into the air.

It looked utterly captivating.

Doors closed one after another; three or four people followed the man, walking with steady steps into the elevator.

The elevator ascended steadily.

"Ding~"

After a crisp chime, the lead man grabbed his beard and stepped out of the elevator; before him stood the four large characters "Ciwen Media."

Beside those characters stood a bald man waiting eagerly.

"Hu Zi."

The bald man stepped forward, smiling and extending his hand.

"Ma Zong."

Hu Zi hurried forward, warmly shaking the man's hand: "How could you possibly wait here for me? I'm truly humbled."

"Hahaha."

The bald man shook his arm cheerfully: "Hu Zi, your arrival is an honor—I should've come downstairs to greet you. Everyone, please this way—hot tea is ready, let's warm up first."

Under the bald man's lead,

the group rushed toward the conference room.

Everyone they passed stepped aside, their eyes fixed on the lion-like figure in the center.

In recent years, he had been a golden touch.

Every move he made

drew massive attention from the industry.

The TV dramas he produced consistently ranked among the nation's top in viewership; the lead actors and supporting cast all rose to fame, making him a magnet for countless new actors.

The man was the renowned producer Zhang Zhong.

And the bald man?

He was Ma Zhongjun, head of Ciwen Media.

The two had gathered to plan their next major production.

"You all go in first."

Zhang Zhong scratched his beard and waved to the others: "I'll chat with Ma Zong for a moment."

"Alright."

The others nodded.

Ma Ma Zhongjun was puzzled but led Zhang Zhong straight to his office. After sitting on the sofa, he waved his secretary out and poured tea himself.

The water boiled with a gentle gurgle.

Soon, it was poured over the needle-like tea leaves, a faint, delicate fragrance spreading through the air.

"Please, have some tea."

Ma Ma Zhongjun placed a cup of clear tea before Zhang Zhong, then gently blew on the hot liquid, smiling as he waited for his words.

"Thank you, Ma Zong."

Zhang Hu Zi nodded, tapping the sofa arm: "Preliminary preparations have begun—we should start casting now; this process will take a long time."

"We can't afford delays."

"Mm."

Ma Ma Zhongjun nodded.

Casting for a major production is an extremely tedious task, involving dozens of named actors.

The interests and relationships involved are highly complex, and additional promotion and hype are needed—spending several months on casting is perfectly normal.

"I want to lock in Yang Guo first."

Zhang Zhong crossed his legs, his gaze resolute.

The meaning was clear—he wanted greater control over the most crucial role.

They were preparing another adaptation of Jin Yong's work.

The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

And Ciwen Media was the primary investor.

Ma Ma Zhongjun hadn't expected such directness, but Zhang Hu Zi indeed had the clout—hit after hit had made him increasingly assertive with investors.

Like a top-selling product.

No matter what he did, bosses always turned a blind eye.

Let him do as he pleased.

"That does need consideration."

Ma Ma Zhongjun weighed his words, asking calmly: "Who do you have in mind for Yang Guo?"

"Li Luo!"

Zhang Zhong didn't hesitate at all.

His tone was firm.

It carried the weight of "no one else will do."

In fact, Zhang Zhong was a producer who favored familiar faces—if you paid attention, you'd notice many actors repeatedly appearing in his dramas.

During Tian Long Ba Bu, Zhang Hu Zi had wanted Li Luo to play Duan Yu.

But under pressure from investors,

he'd been forced to choose that Taiwan heartthrob.

At the time, Li Luo's grateful and loyal behavior deeply moved Zhang Hu Zi, who immediately decided his next project must feature Li Luo—now was the perfect moment.

At his position, he didn't need to weigh so many interests.

If he liked someone, that was enough.

Li Luo was no longer an unknown—he could compete without hesitation.

"Ma Zong."

Seeing Ma Ma Zhongjun's surprised expression, Zhang Zhong pressed on: "Li Luo's appearance and acting are perfect—he's received excellent feedback for Yi Tian Tu Long Ji and Sha Tang Ying Xiong Zhuan."

"Regarding market response, I don't think you need to worry."

"He's the best choice."

"Uh~"

Ma Ma Zhongjun scratched his bald head and slurped a sip of tea: "Hu Zi, do you know I've invested in a film called Ping Zhong Xia Ying?"

"I didn't know."

Zhang Zhang Zhongzhi felt utterly baffled.

Why are we discussing The Legend of the Condor Heroes here, talking about The Shadow of the Prowling Hero?

He's been running around nonstop lately—how could he care who shot what TV drama? He'd planned to bring this up later, but today he stumbled upon the news by accident.

Who would've thought that Li Luo had already gone to Hong Kong to play the male lead?

And not just any lead—movie lead!

Zhang Zhang Zhongzhi immediately realized he must lock down Li Luo's schedule as soon as possible.

Even if their relationship is excellent,

if the schedules clash, it's all for nothing.

"You probably didn't know either—Li Luo is the male lead in my drama." Ma Ma Zhongjun grinned, slapping his bald head. "Actually, I'd already planned to cast Li Luo as Yang Guo."

"But lately everyone's been busy, so I wanted to wait until after the official casting to mention it to you."

"Now it turns out we all want the same thing."

Wu Dun and Li Si have both made a fortune since casting Li Luo.

That guy is practically a guiding light.

One film he shoots, one hit he makes.

He's already seen the rough cut of The Shadow of the Prowling Hero and is extremely satisfied with Li Luo's performance—he wouldn't dream of passing up a familiar face to go hunt for some newcomer.

Even if Li Luo's fee is high, so what?

The investors don't care about spending an extra one or two million—as long as it helps them make money, they won't flinch at paying more; if it's a losing deal, even a hundred yuan feels like a waste.

"Hahaha."

Zhang Zhang Zhongzhi burst out laughing too.

Who knew there was this connection? Perfect—he didn't need to waste words anymore!

Getting his ideal male lead naturally put him in high spirits.

"Here's what we'll do."

As laughter faded, Zhang Zhang Da Hu Zi picked up his phone: "Since we're all in agreement, I'll call him and lock in his schedule—he's currently in Hong Kong filming a movie."

"I'm worried about scheduling conflicts."

He pulled up Li Luo's number and looked at Ma Ma Zhongjun: "Can we discuss the rest later?"

"No problem."

Ma Ma Zhongjun nodded with a smile.

He had no qualms about letting this favor go to Big Beard.

What others see as a fierce, impossible casting battle becomes a single decision the moment the main investor and producer agree.

Hong Kong.

On both sides of the street at night, tourists stopped in their tracks, staring curiously at a man sprinting down the middle, with a camera rapidly retreating behind him.

The locals glanced twice, saw it wasn't a major star, and quickly lost interest.

As the Hollywood of the East,

someone filming on the street was perfectly normal.

Actors performing amid hurried passersby as background was a quintessential Hong Kong street scene.

"Cut!"

After sprinting twenty meters or so, the director called stop.

Li Luo swallowed hard.

Slowed his pace.

He wore white sneakers, jeans, and a white tank top—looking extremely athletic, his pectorals bulging the tank, his arms clearly defined with muscle.

Radiating explosive power.

This outfit matched the version worn by Donnie Yen exactly.

It wasn't intentional imitation.

The crew had costume designers who matched outfits to specific scenes.

As long as the aesthetic wasn't wildly off,

actors generally just wore whatever they were given.

"Good."

Ye Ye Weixin walked over, sizing up Li Luo's muscles: "Now I believe you really beat three robbers into the hospital—this physique is truly formidable."

When he first heard Wu Dun had forcefully pushed Li Luo in,

to be honest, as director and writer, he'd been somewhat dissatisfied.

Though he never showed it.

Ye Ye Weixin wasn't a hack director—he was in his early forties, eager to make his mark, and with a strong script, he wanted to fully unleash his talent.

When he heard the new investor was bringing in a male lead, he nearly slammed his fist on the table.

But now, that resentment had largely faded.

How he'd perform later,

remained to be seen.

But at least his physique was no worse than Donnie Yen's—not just stronger, but significantly taller, giving off immense pressure.

"Director Ye."

Li Luo jumped in place, seriously asking: "How was that last take?"

"Very good."

Ye Ye Weixin thought a moment, then added: "Let's do another—add more anger."

"OK."

Nodding, Li Luo dropped to the ground and started doing push-ups: "Tell them to wait a bit—I'm not warmed up enough yet; the water droplets on my skin looked fake."

Seeing this, Ye Ye Weixin was thoroughly convinced.

Including the previous adjustments, the man had already run back and forth over ten times.

Now he was ramping up intensity again.

Though he still preferred Donnie Yen, Li Luo's sheer professionalism left him with no room for complaint.

Two more minutes passed until Li Luo's neck was soaked in sweat.

Filming resumed.

"Action!"

With a loud shout, Li Luo clenched his teeth and surged forward, eyes blazing with uncontainable fury.

His white sneakers slapped the pavement,

producing a rapid staccato of sounds.

"Cut!"

Ye Ye Weixin nodded in satisfaction, twirling his finger: "Hong Tianming, get ready to set your position. Li Luo, do another walk—keep that same fire, more energy and spirit is fine."

Just minutes later, Li Luo dashed around the corner with a chilling aura.

He leapt onto the car's trunk,

swiftly crossing the roof.

"Thud."

With a muffled impact, his feet slammed onto the hood.

In one spinning motion,

he landed steadily before the moving camera.

His arms glistened with sweat; the silver handcuffs and holstered pistol on his waist were all captured by the lens.

His movements didn't stop.

He pointed at Hong Hong Tianming, who sat panicked in the driver's seat, then lunged forward and kicked the door hard, grabbing the man's shirt and yanking his bulging arm outward.

Hong Hong Tianming tried to cooperate.

But before he could even push off with his feet, Li Luo yanked him straight out the window.

Light as a feather.

Like riding clouds and flying through air.

"Cut!"

As the director called stop, Li Luo swiftly caught Hong Hong Tianming before he could crash to the ground.

"Good."

Ye Ye Weixin raised his arm, giving a thumbs-up: "Next, prepare to switch angles."

"Cough, cough, cough~"

Hong Hong Tianming rubbed his neck, unable to suppress a few coughs.

"Sorry."

Li Luo reached out, quickly apologizing: "I used too much force—Brother Ming, you okay?"

"No big deal."

Hong Hong Tianming waved his hand, clapped his palm, and swallowed hard: "Just my collar choking me—but your strength is insane! I didn't even react before I was flying out!"

Though he lacks outward charm, he's no playboy living off his father's glory.

This much hardship, I can still bear.

Being a second-generation star brings convenience, but also pressure—if you throw tantrums at the slightest hardship, you're not just embarrassing yourself.

"You coordinated well just now."

Li Luo confirmed he was fine, and relaxed.

"Lo-ge."

Wu Yu waved his phone from beside the road.

Signaling an important call.

"Who?"

Li Luo let the sweat on his face drip down and strode over.

"Zhang Ding Zhizhong."

Wu Yu stood up and handed him the phone: "I told him you'd call back right after finishing this take."

Hearing this, Li Luo nodded.

A call from Hu Zi really needed a prompt reply.

No matter what it was, that busy man wouldn't just be calling to say hello.

He stepped two paces to the side corner and quickly dialed the number.

After a brief buzz.

The call was answered on the other end.

"Teacher Ding Zhizhong."

As the other side said "Hello," he warmly replied: "This is Li Luo. I'm so sorry—I was filming and couldn't answer your call right away. My apologies, my apologies."

"No problem."

Zhang Ding Zhizhong's voice was equally warm, asking directly: "It's that movie called *Sha Po Lang*, right?"

"That's right."

Li Luo nodded.

"Can you adapt?"

Zhang Ding Zhizhong took a sip of tea and continued: "The Hong Kong team is different from ours—you must overcome difficulties. Picking up new acting styles isn't a bad thing."

"Mm, thank you, Teacher Ding Zhizhong, for your concern."

Li Luo stepped around the moving crane, smiling back: "I'm doing fine here. The investor is Wu Dun—no issues."

"Hahaha."

Zhang Ding Zhizhong understood immediately, laughing loudly as he scratched his beard.

With Wu Dun around,

unnecessary trouble can indeed be avoided.

Even the most stubborn person wouldn't dare scheme against him.

"Let's get back to the matter."

Zhang Ding Zhizhong's expression turned serious, his voice deep: "Can you clear your schedule for the end of this year and early next year? Hu Zi wants to sign you for a film."

"No problem."

Li Luo raised an eyebrow, replying with unusual directness: "Teacher Ding Zhizhong, just name the time—I'll come for the audition."

End of the year and early next year.

He mentally scanned his memory, trying to figure out which film it was.

"Audition my ass."

Zhang Ding Zhizhong was even more direct: "Yang Guo is yours. Well, not exactly—you'll still have to go through the motions, but the role is yours."

"It's just promotion, hahaha—you know what I mean."

"This is only between me, you, and Ma Zong. Don't let a word leak out."

Li Luo's attitude pleased Hu Zi immensely.

He didn't even ask what film or role—just immediately agreed to audition.

He might as well be straightforward too.

"Yang Guo? Ma Zong?"

Li Luo's eyelashes flickered rapidly as he asked in quick succession.

Got it.

It's definitely *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*!

Filming away, and suddenly a good piece of news lands—his mind was still catching up.

Zhang Ding Zhizhong's investments in recent films kept growing, placing him among the top in mainland cinema, and his results were consistently strong—there was no lack of buzz.

Landing the male lead would firmly cement his status as a top-tier actor.

"It's me."

After some rustling on the other end, a familiar laugh rang out: "Li Luo, after making movies, you don't recognize Brother Ma anymore, do you?"

"Ma Zong."

Li Luo laughed back, feigning surprise: "Don't say that—I've been waiting all along to help promote *Pingsheng Xia Ying*. What's going on with you and Teacher Ding Zhizhong?"

"Promotion's coming fast—March."

Ma Ma Zhongjun smiled satisfiedly and explained: "Stop guessing—*The Legend of the Condor Heroes* is my main investment. You and Brother Ma will have another round together."

"Clear your schedule first—we'll finalize the contract and promotion details later."

"Got it."

Li Luo readily agreed.

After more thanks, he hung up.

He tossed the phone lightly.

Li Luo couldn't help laughing.

Indeed, when you do your job well, opportunities don't need desperate scheming—they come knocking on their own.

"Lo-ge."

The assistant director shouted.

"Coming."

Suppressing the unexpected good news, Li Luo casually tossed his Nokia to Wu Yu and strode toward the car, stretching his arms as he said: "Every time you call me that, it feels weird."

"Why?"

Hong Hong Tianming stuffed a thin sponge pad behind his back.

"It makes me feel like Lu Le."

Li Luo spread his hands and replied in Cantonese.

"Lo-ge, Lo-ge."

He muttered it twice to himself, then burst out laughing: "That Lu Le made 500 million—how many hundreds of millions do you, Lo-ge, want to make?"

"Mm."

Li Luo raised his index finger, serious: "At least a billion."

Not just Hong Hong Tianming—the crew nearby stared at him in shock.

Soon,

several burst into laughter.

Before they could chat longer, the stunt coordinator directed them to rehearse their movements, striving to avoid mistakes during the upcoming shoot.

Looking at Li Luo in his white tank top, Donnie Yen's eyes glazed over.

As if that figure had become his own.

He shook his head and resumed carefully guiding the movements.

After two rehearsals,

filming resumed.

With crew members helping, Hong Hong Tianming carefully stepped onto the car window, bracing for a backward fall.

"I'll pull you back," Li Luo stepped forward, left hand supporting his back, right hand gripping his collar: "Control the main force yourself—I'll protect your head."

"Alright, I trust you."

Hong Hong Tianming hung awkwardly in midair, inviting: "You're a good guy—let's hit the bar after this."

They were all on the same set.

Through behavior and attitude, it was easy to judge an actor's character.

If you meet someone you click with,

it's worth more interaction.

"No problem."

Li Luo casually agreed, quickly adjusting his focus.

"Ready."

When both signaled they were ready, Ye Ye Weixin swung his arm down hard.

"Hng~"

With a low grunt, Li Luo grimly yanked Hong Hong Tianming's collar, stepping back swiftly; the latter pushed off hard with his foot, appearing in the shot as if flung backward.

"Thud."

His hundred-plus-pound body slammed heavily onto the concrete ground.

Hong Hong Tianming's face flushed crimson instantly.

Even though he'd prepared for it, the fall sent sharp pain through his back; he gasped in a breath, kicking his feet wildly against the ground.

"NG."

Just as Li Luo was about to continue, Ye Ye Weixin's voice called from behind: "Hong Tianming, your landing motion isn't natural—do it again."

Without hesitation, he immediately pulled Hong Hong Tianming up.

"Thud."

Not long after, another muffled thump echoed.

"NG."

"One more take."

"Thud."

Three times in a row left Hong Hong Tianming's face flushed and burning.

Finally, no one shouted "NG." Li Luo swiftly pivoted his feet and turned to stand before the guy.

He slapped away Hong Hong Tianming's flailing arms.

Grabbed and hurled.

With a thump, he slammed him into the car door.

The impact made the entire vehicle shake.

"Good~~~"

Watching Li Luo's ferocious posture on the monitor, Ye Ye Weixin excitedly clenched his fist: "Get the cameras into position—I want Hong Tianming's current state!"

"Damn it!!!"

Hong Hong Tianming grimaced, teeth bared.

"My fault."

Li Luo looked embarrassed and quickly apologized: "Sorry, I didn't mean to."

The motion should've been a coordinated collision, but in his urgency, he'd just thrown Hong Tianming outright—yes, the shot looked great on camera.

But the guy had taken a solid hit.

"It's fine."

Hong Hong Tianming said it was no problem, took a deep breath: "Just buy me three drinks later, that's all."

In action films, bumps and bruises are normal.

Even his uncles and aunts had suffered serious injuries.

As long as it looks good, that's all that matters.

The camera moved behind Li Luo. Once the shooting angle was confirmed, he continued the motion, swinging Hong Hong Tianming into the car door again and roaring: "Do you know how many people one gun can kill?"

"Eat shit!"

Hong Hong Tianming's face turned crimson, veins bulging on his neck as he screamed back.

"Cut."

Ye Ye Weixin was satisfied and shouted to the prop team: "Bring in the dummy—let Li Luo punch it."

"Hong Tianming did well—take a break."

It was supposed to be just one punch.

But to nail the motion, Li Luo swung his fist over a dozen times at the dummy wearing the same outfit.

That rage.

For him, it was now easy to summon.

As he kept punching.

Li Luo's emotions fully surged.

When Ye Ye Weixin asked for one more take, he pulled back sharply, then lunged forward—sweat on his arm shook into mist as he smashed the dummy's head with a thud.

After that muffled impact,

the dummy's neck split open instantly, its head flying up and rolling on the ground.

Everyone on set froze, stunned.

Hong Hong Tianming trembled all over—he could imagine what it would feel like if that punch landed on his own head; he might really end up like the idiot in the scene.

He clicked his tongue.

Donnie Yen silently stared at the monitor.

That punch replayed endlessly on screen; even just the footage radiated its power.

"Director, how was it?"

Shaking his hands, Li Luo strode over to the monitor.

"Excellent."

His gaze returned from Li Luo's muscular arms, Ye Ye Weixin pointed at the monitor: "We'll cut the head flying part, but the emotion and explosive force are perfect."

"Take a break—now it's Hong Tianming's turn."

He high-fived Donnie Yen.

Li Luo turned and walked toward the rest area by the street.

It was just a few folding chairs, surrounded by caution tape—no comfort at all.

As he walked those few steps, the Hong Kong crew members all turned their eyes toward him; after the press conference, many had thought he was just bragging.

Now, after those dozen punches, that skepticism vanished.

"Bro Li."

Wu Yu held a towel in one hand, a water bottle in the other.

"Thanks, no need for the towel."

He took the water bottle and gulped down mineral water in large swallows.

Watching Ye Ye Weixin coaching Hong Hong Tianming,

the next scene would test the guy's acting—he had to convincingly portray being knocked unconscious, convulsing.

After a few minutes' rest,

he handed the bottle to Wu Yu and walked over to help Hong Hong Tianming rehearse.

Tonight,

the guy had suffered terribly.

All the falls and slams aside, he'd been yanked repeatedly by wires onto the car roof until the director was satisfied.

At one a. m., the night shoot finally wrapped.

Shouts for late-night snacks

rang out everywhere.

After changing clothes in the RV, Li Luo tossed the keys to Wu Yu, adjusted his jacket, and strode toward Hong Hong Tianming, who was waving from a distance.

Wang Fei had returned to Beijing to see her daughter.

If he didn't make the most of this chance, what was the point of coming to Hong Kong?

The good news he'd gotten from Zhang Zhang Zhongzhi tonight was worth celebrating properly.

"Big Ming."

Fist bumped, Li Luo grinned at Hong Hong Tianming, who staggered as he walked: "You're sure you still want to go drinking like this? Shouldn't you find a bone-setting doctor instead?"

"Damn it~"

Hong Hong Tianming insisted he was fine, gripping his waist: "Don't underestimate your Big Ming—let's go hit up some foreign girls right now."

"Lan Kwai Fong!"

He waved down a taxi and shouted as he climbed in.

Lan Kwai Fong was in Central.

Packed with bars and restaurants of all sizes, it was an upscale area, beloved by the middle class and expats for its nightlife vibe.

Even though it was past one a. m.,

for this place, it was just getting lively.

Lan Kwai Fong was legendary.

But once they arrived, Li Luo felt slightly disappointed—it was just a bar street on a slope.

Aside from more foreign girls, more bare legs, and more revealing outfits,

it didn't seem special at all.

Two foreign girls walked toward them, both wearing black strapless crop tops, swaying as they walked.

They really weren't cold.

Under the crop tops, they wore nothing else.

His dick stood up straight!

Hmm.

Nothing special.

Just bigger… and bigger.

"How's it going?"

Hong Hong Tianming nudged Li Luo's arm, coaxing: "If you like someone, just go over and invite them for a drink—even if your English is bad, it doesn't matter."

"As long as you take off your mask and show off that body."

"Foreign girls? Easy pickings!"

"Not interested."

Under the sultry glances of the two foreign women, Li Luo quickly looked away: "Their arm hairs are longer than mine—creepy."

Most foreign women don't hold up to close inspection.

Look too closely and you're done for!

"True."

Hong Hong Tianming glanced over, scratching his mask: "You came out to have fun but didn't even shave."

In a place like this, paparazzi are inevitable.

Put on your mask.

To avoid trouble.

In fact, Hong Kong stars are often surprisingly down-to-earth—when attending events, they bring at most one or two assistants, ride bikes, shop for groceries at markets, and often go alone.

Nothing like today's mainland entertainment industry, let alone big stars.

Even low-tier variety show idols bring twenty or thirty security guards to form a human wall and clear a path.

Totally over the top!

Follow the ramp upward.

Along the roadside, urban men and women gathered in small groups, dressed in cool, fashionable attire; they stood chatting, drinking, laughter breaking out now and then—the atmosphere was excellent.

In a slightly bourgeois phrase:

Extremely relaxed.

And genuinely relaxed—not the fake relaxation that Shanghai bourgeoisie put on.

They stopped at a bar with elegant ambiance.

At the entrance, men in black suits stood guard, and beside them hung a bilingual sign reading: Private Club—Non-Members Please Do Not Enter.

Hong Hong Tianming took off his mask and swiped his face.

"My friend."

Dropping those words, he strode in with Li Luo: "There are plenty of private clubs like this in Lan Kwai Fong—designed for people with spending power to relax and have fun."

"Don't worry about paparazzi—they can't get in."

"Take off your mask."

Inside the bar, it was nothing like the deafening chaos Li Luo had imagined.

Booths were scattered across the hall; a band on stage played an unknown English song, colorful neon lights drifted everywhere, the mood was perfectly set.

But it wasn't too noisy.

Definitely a great place to unwind.

"I invited a few friends too."

Hong Hong Tianming walked in confidently, as if he were at home: "They've probably arrived already."

Amid the music, they soon reached a slightly larger booth.

He looked at the people inside.

Li Luo hesitated.

Inside were two familiar faces.

Xie Xie Tianhua.

The actor who played Da Tian Er in The Young and the Dangerous.

She Sai Man.

Ding Xiao Jia from The Empress of China, later the undisputed queen of Hong Kong TV dramas.

Besides these two, there were a few other girls, but he didn't know them—they were likely models or minor TVB actresses.

Under Hong Hong Tianming's introductions, Li Luo nodded and greeted each one.

"Hello!" echoed constantly around the table.

The girls had already been delighted by Li Luo's looks; now, hearing from Hong Hong Tianming that he was the lead of Killers of the Wolf, their warmth deepened—familiarity among peers.

As he sat down, he accidentally revealed the back of his Patek Philippe.

Their friendliness instantly turned into enthusiasm.

Actually, these people weren't trying to flatter him or gain anything from him.

It was exactly what Wang Fei had said: respect the clothes before respecting the person.

Hong Kong has always been money-driven.

Over decades, Hong Kongers developed a mindset that idolizes strength—always looking up to the wealthy, instinctively ranking people by wealth.

They knew luxury brands inside and out.

To them, Li Luo wearing a Patek Philippe was clearly rich.

Though Hong Kong entertainers seem glamorous,

TVB's stinginess is well-known—news frequently breaks about minor actors having to take side jobs just to survive.

So among those present,

Honestly, few were richer than Li Luo.

Welcomed warmly, he quickly blended into Lan Kwai Fong's vibe, playing drinking games with familiar faces, determined to shake off the day's fatigue.

"What happened to you?"

While gesturing "fifteen, twenty," She Sai Man noticed Li Luo's knuckles—this leading lady from Palace: Heart's Desire naturally grabbed his hand to inspect it.

His skin was scraped and torn, as if he'd just been in a fight.

"Just filming a scene."

Li Luo casually explained, smiling as he raised his glass: "Miss Zhou Zhou Zhiruo, I'm Zhang Zhang Wuji."

In the Wu Qihua version of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, she had portrayed Zhou Zhiruo.

If he remembered correctly,

She'd been third runner-up in the Miss Hong Kong pageant.

Her figure and looks were truly impressive.

"Zhang Zhang Wuji?"

She Sai Man looked baffled.

"Exactly!"

Beside them, Hong Hong Tianming suddenly remembered and chimed in: "Ah She, you played Zhou Zhou Zhiruo in Hong Kong, Li Luo plays Zhang Zhang Wuji on the mainland—I think you two absolutely must drink together."

He knew a bit about Li Luo's background since they'd worked on the same set.

"Right?"

She Sai Man widened her eyes, immediately grabbing a glass: "Hahaha, what a coincidence! It'd be rude not to drink with you—my apologies!"

Her laugh was infectious.

Her fair skin glowed faintly pink under the neon lights.

"Miss Zhou, feel free."

Li Luo smiled, revealing bright white teeth, clinked glasses with her, and downed the whiskey in one gulp.

He did it cleanly.

She Sai Man didn't hesitate.

Her red lips parted, and the amber liquid vanished instantly.

When they set their glasses down,

Hong Hong Tianming, Xie Xie Tianhua, and others cheered and applauded.

"Wow, you two."

As the booth buzzed with noise, another familiar figure appeared, rolling up his sleeves, pushing past She Sai Man to sit beside her, and casually draping an arm over her shoulder:

"You're not being fair—drinking without waiting for me?"

"What's your name, young man?"

As he spoke, he raised his glass challengingly toward Li Luo: "How about you and I have a drink?"

He'd just seen their cheerful clinking—now this was an unmistakable claim of territory, the subtext clear to anyone.

She Sai Man felt awkward by his behavior but didn't resist the shoulder touch.

"Li Luo."

Pouring half a glass of whiskey, Li Luo raised his glass to Chen Chen Haomin: "Mr. Chen, pleased to meet you."

His portrayal of Duan Yu was an iconic screen image.

Countless people's childhood idol.

He hadn't expected Chen Chen Haomin and She Sai Man were connected—now that the real person was here, he'd have to shift targets.

"Just a drink to get acquainted," Hong Hong Tianming waved off Chen Chen Haomin's gaze impatiently: "Don't go thinking about weird stuff—come on, everyone, let's drink!"

His intentions were exposed—he looked embarrassed.

But he quickly adjusted his expression.

At Hong Hong Tianming's invitation, everyone at the table raised their cups noisily.

"Sorry!"

Taking advantage of others' distraction, She She Shiman silently apologized to Li Luo.

She shrugged and smiled.

Li Luo quickly blinked at her.

That dashing gesture.

Made She She Shiman hurriedly look away, bringing the cup to her lips.

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