Chapter 3

At Kai Tak Airport's arrivals hall, Jiang Heng stood holding a pickup sign for over ten minutes before spotting Li Meiqi, who was under eighteen, walking out of the crowd.

Translation: "At the exit of Kai Tak Airport, Jiang Heng stood holding a pickup sign for over ten minutes, then saw Li Meiqi, under eighteen, walk out of the crowd."

Check: The place name Qi De Airport (Kai Tak Airport) – should we translate it? It is a place name; Qi De means "Kai Tak". It is a proper noun, so we could render it as "Kai Tak Airport". According to the rule, meaningful place names should be translated. Qi De does have meaning—"to initiate virtue"—but as a proper noun it is usually kept as "Kai Tak". However we must decide. The rule states: use pinyin only for place names that are bare surnames or meaningless proper nouns. Since Qi De is meaningful, we ought to translate its meaning: "Start Virtue". Yet the place name is historically known as "Kai Tak", so translating literally would give "Start Virtue Airport", which sounds odd. Normally we retain "Kai Tak". Nevertheless the rule says we should translate meaningful place names. Look at the examples they gave: Xing Luo Zhou became "Star Fall Continent" and Wan Jian Shan became "Ten Thousand Swords Mountain". Those are descriptive names. For Qi De, a real place name, its literal meaning is "to commence virtue", which would render as "Commence Virtue Airport"—strange, but perhaps that is what they intend. Many translations of Chinese novels, however, keep Qi De Airport as "Kai Tak Airport". The instruction says we should translate meaning. Consider the glossary entry: Xianggang → Xianggang. Xianggang means "Fragrant River", yet they gave the pinyin "Xianggang" instead of translating it. So they kept pinyin for a meaningful place name. Wait, Xianggang means "Fragrant River"; they gave pinyin, not translation. So maybe the rule is: use pinyin for place names unless they already have an established English form. Actually they said: "Use Hanyu Pinyin ONLY for a person's actual name... and for place‑names that are a bare surname/meaningless proper noun." So for place names that are NOT bare surname/meaningless proper noun, we should translate. But they gave Xianggang → Xianggang, which seems contradictory. Perhaps they consider Xianggang a bare surname/meaningless proper noun? It isn't a surname, but it is a place name with meaning "Fragrant River". Yet they gave pinyin. Maybe they treat all place names as pinyin unless they are already established English names? But they gave examples Xing Luo Zhou → Star Fall Continent, Wan Jian Shan → Ten Thousand Swords Mountain, which are fictional and thus translated. For real place names like Xianggang (Hong Kong) they keep pinyin. So we need to distinguish: real‑world place names keep pinyin; fictional place names translate. The instruction didn't state this explicitly, but the glossary implies it. Therefore, for Qi De Airport, a real‑world airport (Kai Tak), we should keep pinyin? Yet they didn't list it in the glossary. However we could use its established English name, "Kai Tak Airport", which is not pinyin but the official English rendering. That seems acceptable. The rule says we should translate meaning, not keep pinyin, unless it's a person name or a meaningless place name. Qi De is meaningful; we could translate it as "Start Virtue", but that would be weird and not the actual English name. The instruction likely expects us to use the standard English translation for real places. Since they didn't provide it, we can use "Kai Tak Airport", the known English name. I think that's safe.

Thus line 1: "At the exit of Kai Tak Airport, Jiang Heng stood holding a pickup sign for over ten minutes, then saw Li Meiqi, under eighteen, walk out of the crowd."

We need to keep each line as a single output line with 【1】 prefix.

At 170 cm tall, she doesn't stand out in the modeling world, but in reality she is strikingly tall and beautiful.

Translation: "At 170 cm tall, she may not have an advantage in the modeling world, but in reality she is tall and beautiful."

We must keep the number exactly as "170". Should we retain the "cm"? The expression meaning a height of 170 normally refers to centimeters. We'll translate it as "170 cm tall". Keep the number 170.

Especially her delicate, deep-set features and cool demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Trinity from the original *The Matrix*, further cementing his decision to cast her as the female lead.

Translation: "Especially her delicate, deep features and cool temperament bore a resemblance to Trinity from the original The Matrix, further cementing the decision to cast her as the female lead."

"Hello, I'm Jiang Heng, welcome!"

Translation: "Hello, I'm Jiang Heng, welcome!" Actually the greeting means "Hello, I'm Jiang Heng, welcome your arrival!". Naturally we would say "Hello, I'm Jiang Heng, welcome!" We'll keep the exclamation mark.

Li Meiqi came over, utterly shocked; seeing Jiang Heng's youthful good looks, she assumed he was a driver sent by the company.

Translation: "Li Meiqi came over, utterly shocked; seeing Jiang Heng young and handsome, she thought he was a driver sent by the company."

Who would have thought it was the director she had spoken to on the phone the night before; she hurriedly spoke in non-standard Mandarin: "Director Jiang, hello, I could have called a car myself—really, too much trouble for you!"

Translation: "Who would have thought it was the director she had spoken to on the phone last night; she hurriedly spoke in non‑standard Mandarin: 'Director Jiang, hello, I could have called a car myself, really too much trouble for you!'" Note: the written character for "you" is a variant form. Also the characters meaning Director Jiang are used.

Jiang Heng chuckled and said, "No problem, I just happened to have time and came over—let's go get something to eat first!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng chuckled and said: \"No problem, I happened to have time and came over; let's go eat first! \""

Li Meiqi was still in a state of shock and dazed, so she naturally went along with whatever he suggested.

Translation: "Li Meiqi was still in a state of shock and bewilderment, naturally following his lead."

Arriving at the parking lot, they saw Jiang Heng driving a tiger-headed Benz, which left her even more stunned.

Translation: "Arriving at the parking lot, seeing Jiang Heng drive a tiger-headed Benz, she was even more shocked."

We need to decide how to translate the nickname for the car. We'll use "tiger‑headed Benz". It could also be rendered as "tiger‑head Benz", but we'll go with "tiger‑headed Benz".

She had seen Hong Kong films before and knew that only wealthy big shots could afford to drive such a car.

Translation: "She had watched Hong Kong films before and knew that only wealthy big shots could afford to drive such a car."

She didn't realize that this tiger-headed Benz was bought by Jiang Heng's father just for show; it never got used before he passed away, which ended up benefiting Jiang Heng this young man.

Translation: "She didn't know this tiger-headed Benz was bought by Jiang Heng's father just for show; before it could be used, he died suddenly, ending up benefiting this kid Jiang Heng."

Jiang Heng drove to the Kerry Hotel in Red Pool Bay and helped Li Meiqi check in.

Translation: "Jiang Heng drove to the Kerry Hotel in Red Pool Bay and helped Li Meiqi check in."

Line 13: The latter, meanwhile, was shocked yet secretly delighted.

Translation: "She, meanwhile, was shocked yet secretly delighted."

The latter, meanwhile, was shocked yet secretly delighted.

Translation: "The Kerry Hotel's fees were not cheap; Jiang Heng wasn't in a hurry to audition her, but first arranged her accommodation, suggesting he approved of her."

The Kerry Hotel's rates aren't cheap, but Jiang Heng wasn't in a rush to audition her; instead, he first arranged her accommodation, indicating he was quite taken with her.

Translation: "As for all the worries she had before coming, they had long been cast to the winds."

As for all the worries she had beforehand, they had long been blown to the winds.

Translation: "At the hotel restaurant Hundred Flavors Village, Li Meiqi gazed at the exquisite dishes on the table, then glanced at the night scenery outside the window."

At the hotel's Hundred Flavors restaurant, Li Meiqi gazed at the exquisite dishes on the table and glanced out at the night scenery beyond the window.

Translation: "Recalling the bitter experiences of these years, her food and lodging on the treasure island seemed like a dream compared to what was happening now."

Recalling the hardships of recent years, her food and lodging on Treasure Island felt like a dream.

Line 18: "Director Jiang, thank you for giving me this opportunity; I respect you!"

"Director Jiang, thank you for giving me this opportunity—I toast you!"

Li Meiqi's eyes reddened slightly; Jiang Heng's expression remained calm as he lightly tapped his cup and smiled, asking, "Have you heard of the virtual world theory?"

Translation: "Li Meiqi's eyes were slightly red, Jiang Heng's expression remained calm, he lightly tapped his cup and smiled: \"Have you heard of the virtual world theory? \""

Line 20: Li Meiqi stared with her beautiful eyes, her expression blank, and she instinctively shook her head.

Translation: "Li Meiqi stared with her beautiful eyes, expression bewildered, she instinctively shook her head."

Jiang Heng, however, spoke eloquently, repeating yesterday's talking points, overturning this young mixed-race beauty's worldview; her dazed gaze gained a hint of admiring light.

Translation: "Jiang Heng then spoke at length, repeating yesterday's pitch, which would overturn the worldview of this young mixed-race beauty; her bewildered gaze gained a hint of admiration."

"Director Jiang, are these ideas all your own?"

Translation: "\"Director Jiang, are these all your own ideas? \""

"Pretty much, though I've also built on some predecessors' theories and added my own speculation!"

Translation: "\"Pretty much, plus some theories from predecessors and my own speculation! \""

Li Meiqi said admiringly, "That's amazing! If you refine it a bit, you could even contend for the Nobel Prize in Physics!"

Translation: "Li Meiqi said in an admiring tone: \"That's too impressive; if refined, it could contend for the Nobel Prize in Physics! \""

Jiang Heng laughed heartily; knowing it was flattery, he was still genuinely pleased.

Translation: "Jiang Heng laughed heartily; knowing it was flattery, he was still pleased."

"Of course not, but using it as the movie's worldview is more than enough!"

Translation: "\"Of course not, but it's more than enough for the movie's worldview! \""

Afterwards, he briefly summarized the plot of *The Matrix*, and hearing it left Li Meiqi's heart racing; she thought that if she could pull off this film, becoming a big star wasn't out of the question.

Translation: "Afterwards, he briefly summarized the plot of The Matrix; listening, Li Meiqi felt her emotions surge, thinking that if they could film this movie, becoming a big star was possible."

"Director Jiang, if we were to film the scenes you've envisioned, wouldn't it cost a fortune?"

Translation: "\"Director Jiang, if we want to film the scenes you described, would it cost a lot of money? \""

Li Meiqi is an Asian-American who has seen big-effects films, so she knows where the difficulty lies.

Translation: "Li Meiqi is an Asian-American; having seen big special-effects films, she knows where the difficulty lies."

Jiang Heng replied, "Don't worry about that—the film's budget is ample, and we'll pour heavy investment into the special effects. As long as you don't run into trouble, it's sure to be a huge hit!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng replied: \"Don't worry about that; the film has ample budget, and we'll spend heavily on special-effects scenes. As long as you don't run into problems, it will surely be a huge hit! \""

Li Meiqi quickly promised, "I'll give it my all and nail this role!"

Translation: "Li Meiqi quickly promised: \"I'll give it my all and perform well in this drama! \""

Jiang Heng nodded slightly; Li Meiqi, setting aside other considerations, is commendable in her dedication—far surpassing many mainland actresses.

Translation: "Jiang Heng nodded slightly; setting aside other traits, Li Meiqi's professionalism is commendable, far surpassing many mainland actresses."

"Alright, then on behalf of the production crew, I formally invite you: the salary is 100,000 Hong Kong dollars, and we'd like you to play the female lead, Trinity."

Translation: "\"Alright, then on behalf of the crew I formally invite you: the salary is 100,000 Hong Kong dollars, and I invite you to play the female lead, Trinity, in the film! \""

"I accept!"

Translation: "\"I'm willing! \""

Li Meiqi said without hesitation, then wondered aloud, "No audition needed?"

Translation: "Li Meiqi replied without hesitation, then wondered: \"No audition needed? \""

Jiang Heng laughed, "Of course not!"

Translation: "Jiang Heng laughed heartily: \"Of course not! \""

The so-called audition was just an excuse; Jiang Heng couldn't even be bothered to go through the process.

Translation: "The so-called audition was merely an excuse, to the point that Jiang Heng couldn't be bothered to go through the process."

After all, in his view, Wu Jiazu and Li Meiqi already resembled the original *The Matrix*'s male and female leads in appearance and demeanor, which was more than enough.

Translation: "After all, in his view, Wu Yanzu and Li Meiqi resembling the original male and female leads of The Matrix in appearance and demeanor was enough."

Thinking this through, he added, "By the way, Miss Li, are you currently signed with an agency?"

Translation: "Thinking of this, he added: \"By the way, Miss Li, are you currently signed with an agency? \""

Li Meiqi shook her head, looking a bit hesitant, "Not yet!"

Translation: "Li Meiqi shook her head, looking somewhat hesitant: \"Not yet! \""

She wanted to act in films, no doubt, but she also knew that signing an agency contract isn't something to be taken lightly. All she saw was Jiang Heng alone; she knew he drove a tiger-headed Benz, but aside from that… she didn't even know the company's name—it seemed he hadn't mentioned it at all!

Translation: "Although she wanted to act in films, she also knew that agency contracts shouldn't be signed casually. Now she only saw Jiang Heng alone; knowing he drove a tiger-headed Benz, she saw no sign of a company… it seemed he hadn't even mentioned a company name!"

Jiang Heng noticed Li Meiqi's caution and hesitation, smiled, and said, "I'm merely making a suggestion—I hope you'll sign with my company. After all, I'm planning a series, and having our own actors makes scheduling much easier."

Translation: "Jiang Heng saw Li Meiqi's caution and hesitation, smiled and said: \"I'm merely making a suggestion; I hope Miss Li signs with my company, after all I'm planning a film series, and it's easier to coordinate schedules with our own actors. \""

Li Meiqi heard this and thought it made sense; her lips parted slightly as she was about to agree.

Translation: "Li Meiqi listened and thought it somewhat reasonable, her lips parting as she almost agreed."

But years of struggling taught her not to act impulsively.

Translation: "But years of struggling experience told her not to be so impulsive."

Jiang Heng didn't pressure her, smiling, "You have three days to decide; let me know your answer later. As for my company, it's called YouTeng Pictures."

Translation: "Jiang Heng didn't pressure her either, smiling: \"You have three days to consider; let me know the result later! As for my company, it's called Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company. \""

We must use the exact glossary term: "Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company". So we will output that.

Li Meiqi heard this and thought, "Sure enough, I've never heard of it," but she merely gave a hesitant nod and said softly, "Thank you, thank you, Director Jiang—I'll get back to you soon!"

Translation: "Li Meiqi thought, hearing that, 'Indeed I've never heard of it,' but merely gave a timid nod, whispering: \"Thank you, thank you, Director Jiang; I'll get back to you as soon as possible! \""

Jiang Heng wasn't in a hurry either; he laughed and continued enjoying his meal.

Translation: "Jiang Heng wasn't in a hurry either, chuckled and continued enjoying the meal."

The next day, Jiang Heng kept busy preparing for the production.

Translation: "The next day, Jiang Heng continued to run around preparing the crew."

The *The Matrix* series, especially the first film, features few characters—aside from the male and female leads and the main villain, the role with the most screen time is Morpheus, played by a Black actor in the original.

Translation: "In the The Matrix series, especially the first film, there aren't many roles; aside from the male and female leads and the main villain, Morpheus has the most screen time, originally played by a Black actor."

Jiang Heng initially wanted to stick to the original version, but then thought better of it.

Translation: "Jiang Heng initially also wanted to follow the original, but after thinking it over, he let it go."

After all, in Hong Kong, finding a suitable Black actor isn't easy.

Translation: "After all, in Xianggang, finding a suitable Black actor is not easy."

After careful consideration, he decided to cast veteran actor Gao Xiong in the role.

Translation: "After careful consideration, he decided to ask veteran actor Gao Xiong to play the role."

He is currently at ATV, doesn't have many projects lined up, and would naturally not turn down a film opportunity.

Translation: "He currently works at Asia Television, doesn't have many filming commitments, and would naturally not refuse a movie opportunity."

Jiang Heng secured Gao Xiong with a very low fee.

Translation: "Jiang Heng signed Gao Xiong with only a low fee."

Note: The pronunciation Gao Xiong appears. Actually line 52 mentions the veteran actor Gao Xiong should be cast. So the actor's name is Gao Xiong. Line 54 says they signed Gao Xiong. That seems like a typo: it should be Gao Xiong but the written form is Gao Xiong. Could be a mistake; but we must translate exactly what is given: the written form Gao Xiong. That is a different name: Gao Xiong could also refer to the city Kaohsiung. However here it is likely a typo for Gao Xiong. However we must translate exactly what appears: the written form Gao Xiong. We need to decide: Should we treat it as a name? It is a place name (Kaohsiung). But context: signing an actor named Gao Xiong doesn't make sense; it's likely a mistake for Gao Xiong. However we must follow the text. The glossary did not include Gao Xiong. We need to decide whether to translate it as a name or a place. Since it's used as the object of signing, it's likely a person's name. The previous line mentioned Gao Xiong. So it's probably a typo; but we must translate faithfully. We could translate as Gao Xiong assuming it's a mistake? But the instruction says: translate faithfully — never skip, summarise, or merge paragraphs. Render exactly what the source says. So we must output what the Chinese says: the written form Gao Xiong. If we think it's a mistake, we still must translate it as is. So we need to translate the written form Gao Xiong as a name? It's a place name (Kaohsiung). But the verb "signed" expects a person. However we cannot change meaning. We'll translate as Kaohsiung. But that would be weird: "Jiang Heng signed Kaohsiung with only a low fee." That doesn't make sense. However maybe the author intended Gao Xiong but typed Gao Xiong. As a translator, we should not correct errors. We'll translate literally: Kaohsiung. We'll note that it's a place name. But we could also treat it as a person's name and transliterate as Gao Xiong? Actually Gao Xiong is a surname Gao and given name Xiong? No, Xiong is Xiong, but the second character is Xiong, not Xiong? Wait the pronunciation is the same; the spelling in pinyin is identical for both possible writings. So we cannot distinguish them in pinyin. So any transliteration will be Gao Xiong for both. So we cannot avoid ambiguity. So we can just say Gao Xiong.

Thus line 54: "Jiang Heng signed Gao Xiong with only a low fee."

That evening, Li Meiqi called and expressed her willingness to sign the film contract with Jiang Heng's company.

Translation: "That evening, Li Meiqi called, indicating her willingness to sign the film and television contract with Jiang Heng's company."

After saying all that, she felt completely drained.

Translation: "After saying that, she felt as if all her strength had been drained."

She was unfamiliar with Hong Kong life and couldn't gather much information.

Translation: "In Xianggang, she was unfamiliar with the surroundings, and the information she could gather was limited."

Yet turning down Jiang Heng's agency offer might cost her the lead role.

Translation: "But if she refused Jiang Heng's agency contract, the chance to be the female lead might be lost."

Having struggled for years, she couldn't bear to let such a great opportunity slip away, so she gritted her teeth and decided to give it her all, ultimately making that call.

Translation: "After years of struggle, she simply couldn't watch such a great opportunity slip away for nothing; she ruthlessly decided to give it her all, ultimately making that call."

Jiang Heng signing Li Meiqi wasn't to exploit or pressure her; it was purely to facilitate future filming and keep the original cast intact.

Translation: "Jiang Heng signing Li Meiqi was naturally not to trap or exploit her; it was purely to facilitate later filming and ensure the original cast remained intact."

Now we need to output each line with 【N】 prefix and translation on same line.

After that, output ===TITLE=== with translation of chapter title: 人選確定. Title translation: "Personnel Confirmed" or "Casting Decided". The phrase 人選確定 means "Personnel confirmed" or "Casting decided". We'll choose "Casting Confirmed". We'll output exactly that line.

Then

Although her height of 170 cm doesn't give her an edge in the modeling world, in reality she is tall and striking.

Especially her delicate, deep features and cool demeanor bear a resemblance to Trinity from the original *The Matrix*, further solidifying the decision to cast her as the female lead.

"Hello, I'm Jiang Heng, welcome!"

Li Meiqi, who had approached, was utterly astonished; seeing Jiang Heng young and handsome, she assumed he was a driver sent by the company.

Who would have thought it was the director she had spoken to on the phone the night before; he hurriedly spoke in somewhat non-standard Mandarin: "Director Jiang, hello, I actually could have called a car myself—thanks for the trouble!"

Jiang Heng chuckled and said: "No problem, I happened to have time and came over; let's go eat first!"

Li Meiqi remained in a state of shock and bewilderment, naturally following the host's lead.

Arriving at the parking lot, seeing Jiang Heng driving a Tiger Head Benz, she was even more shocked.

Having watched Hong Kong films before, she knew that only wealthy big shots could afford such a car.

She didn't know that this Tiger Head Benz was bought by Jiang Heng's father just for show; he passed away before it could be used, which ended up benefiting this young man.

Jiang Heng drove to the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom Bay and helped Li Meiqi with check-in procedures.

She, meanwhile, was shocked yet secretly delighted.

The Kerry Hotel's rates are not cheap; Jiang Heng wasn't in a hurry to audition but first arranged her accommodation, indicating he approved of her.

As for the various worries she had before coming, they had long been cast to the winds.

At the hotel restaurant Baiweicun, Li Meiqi gazed at the exquisite dishes on the table and glanced out at the night scenery.

Recalling the hardships of these years, her food and lodging on Treasure Island made the present experience feel like a dream.

"Director Jiang, thank you for giving me this opportunity; I toast you!"

Li Meiqi's eyes reddened slightly, while Jiang Heng's expression remained calm; he lightly tapped his cup and said with a smile: "Have you heard of the virtual world theory?"

Li Meiqi stared with her beautiful eyes, her expression bewildered, and she instinctively shook her head.

Jiang Heng spoke at length, repeating yesterday's pitch, overturning the worldview of this young mixed-race beauty; her bewildered gaze gained a hint of admiration.

"Director Jiang, are these ideas all your own?"

"More or less, plus some predecessors' theories and my own speculation!"

Li Meiqi said in an admiring tone: "That's too impressive; if refined a bit, you could contend for the Nobel Prize in Physics!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily; knowing it was flattery, he was still pleased.

"Of course not, but it's more than enough for the movie's worldview!"

He then briefly outlined the plot of *The Matrix*; listening, Li Meiqi's heart surged, feeling that if they could film this movie, becoming a big star was possible.

"Director Jiang, if we want to bring the scenes you described to the screen, wouldn't it cost a lot of money?"

Li Meiqi, an Asian-American, having seen big-effects films, knew where the difficulty lay.

Jiang Heng replied: "Don't worry about that; the film has ample budget, and we'll spend heavily on special effects. As long as you don't run into problems, it's sure to be a big hit!"

Li Meiqi quickly promised: "I'll give it my all and perform well in this drama!"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly; setting aside other traits, Li Meiqi's professionalism is commendable, far surpassing many mainland actresses.

"Alright, then on behalf of the crew I formally invite you: a salary of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars to play the female lead, Trinity, in the film!"

"I'm willing!"

Li Meiqi replied without hesitation, then wondered: "No audition needed?"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily: "Of course not!"

The so-called audition was merely an excuse, to the point that Jiang Heng couldn't be bothered to go through the process.

After all, in his view, Wu Yanzu and Li Meiqi resemble the original male and female leads of *The Matrix* in appearance and demeanor, which is already enough.

Thinking of this, he added: "By the way, Miss Li, are you currently signed with an agency?"

Li Meiqi shook her head, her expression somewhat hesitant: "Not yet!"

Although she wanted to act in films, she also knew that agency contracts shouldn't be signed casually. Having only seen Jiang Heng alone, knowing he drives a Tiger Head Benz, she saw no sign of a company… it seemed he hadn't even mentioned a company name!

Jiang Heng perceived Li Meiqi's caution and hesitation, smiled and said: "I'm merely making a suggestion; I hope Miss Li signs with my company, after all I'm planning a series of films, and having actors from my own company makes scheduling easier."

Li Meiqi, upon hearing this, thought it somewhat reasonable, her lips parting as she almost agreed.

But years of struggling experience told her not to be so impulsive.

Jiang Heng didn't pressure her either, smiling: "You have three days to consider; let me know your decision later. As for my company, it's called Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company!"

Li Meiqi thought to herself that she had indeed never heard of it, but merely gave a timid, agreeing expression, and said softly: "Thank you, thank you, Director Jiang; I'll get back to you as soon as possible!"

Jiang Heng wasn't in a hurry either; he smiled and continued to enjoy the meal.

The next day, Jiang Heng continued to run around preparing the crew.

In the *The Matrix* series, especially the first film, there aren't many speaking roles; aside from the male and female leads and the main villain, Morpheus has the most screen time, and in the original he was played by a Black actor.

Jiang Heng initially wanted to follow the original, but after thinking it over, he let it go.

After all, in Xianggang it's not easy to find a suitable Black actor.

After careful consideration, he decided to invite veteran actor Gao Xiong to play the role.

He currently works at ATV, doesn't have many filming commitments, and would naturally not refuse a movie opportunity.

Jiang Heng signed Gao Xiong with only a low salary.

That evening, Li Meiqi called, indicating her willingness to sign the film and television contract with Jiang Heng's company.

After saying that, she felt as if all her strength had been drained.

Unfamiliar with Xianggang, she could gather little information.

But if she refused Jiang Heng's agency contract, the chance to be the female lead might disappear.

Having struggled for years, she simply couldn't watch such a great opportunity slip away; she ruthlessly decided to give it her all, ultimately making that call.

Jiang Heng signing Li Meiqi was naturally not to trap or exploit her; it was purely for the convenience of future filming, ensuring the original cast remained intact.

Even on Wu Yanzu's side, they added a supplementary agreement for a film series, the kind where breaching the contract would cost a lot of money.

Yan Zu signed it without much thought; he came to Xianggang earlier than Li Meiqi, has many acquaintances there, and knows how film series work.

If the box office is a big hit and makes money, there's no reason not to shoot.

If the box office bleeds and investors lose their investment, then there will be no sequel.

So in his view, the so-called supplementary agreement is just a formality, with almost no binding force.

Both the male and female leads are newcomers; who knows how the film will turn out!

However, when he saw Li Meiqi at the groundbreaking ceremony, he suddenly felt it might become a classic.

(End of chapter)