I became a movie star at the age of three; Dilraba and I are childhood sweethearts.

Who else could it be but Xu Sanduo?

"Okay, as long as you understand."

Wang Jinhua never doubted Xiao Chen's judgment.

She changed the subject, her tone becoming even more agitated.

"Oh, and I have some good news for you!"

"Michael Bay just sent the final confirmation: the global release date for Transformers is set!"

"It will be released globally on July 4th this summer!"

This news was like a bombshell.

Transformers!

This is Xiao Chen's second major Hollywood commercial production since Titanic!

This is also the first time that Shishiba Culture has been so deeply involved in an international investment project!

From the moment the project was first conceived, this film has been the subject of countless expectations and attention.

Now that the release date has finally been set, it means that a box office storm belonging to Xiao Chen, sweeping the globe, is about to begin!

However, Xiao Chen's reaction on the other end of the phone was surprisingly calm.

He simply said "Oh," as if he had heard something utterly mundane.

"Understood, Aunt Hua."

"For publicity, you just need to coordinate with Paramount. Thanks for your hard work."

Wang Jinhua, on the other end of the phone, was already used to his reaction and smiled helplessly yet proudly.

This kid seems to have been born to create miracles.

Oscar winner, Grammy Award winner, hundreds of millions of fans worldwide...

These accolades, enough to drive any star crazy, seem to him to be nothing more than ordinary scenery on his acting career path.

Wang Jinhua listened to Xiao Chen's nonchalant response on the other end of the phone.

She smiled helplessly, as if the release date of "Transformers" was just a trivial matter like the nice weather today.

This kid has a certain composure that's both endearing and infuriating at times.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Wang Jinhua quickly switched back to work mode, her voice becoming sharp and concise once again.

"Let's get down to business. The two scripts you mentioned earlier, 'Soldiers' Assault' and..."

"Have you decided on the cast for that movie called 'The Wandering Earth' yet?"

She emphasized her words.

"Especially with military dramas like 'Soldiers Sortie,' if the lead actor isn't chosen well, the whole show will fall apart."

You need to be careful.

Xiao Chen's gaze remained fixed on the honest-looking figure not far away.

Wang Baoqiang was holding a large bowl that was bigger than his face.

He slurped down the last mouthful of noodle soup, a simple, contented smile on his face.

"Let Baoqiang play the lead role in 'Soldiers Sortie'."

Xiao Chen's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable certainty.

Wang Jinhua on the other end of the phone paused noticeably.

Wang Baoqiang?

The country boy who played Shagen in "A World Without Thieves" and whose simple-mindedness left a deep impression?

Wang Baoqiang's information flashed through her mind.

His appearance and temperament seem quite different from the tall and heroic male protagonists in traditional military dramas.

But this was Xiao Chen's decision.

For more than a decade, this man has never made a mistake in casting.

He always manages to find the most brilliant diamonds in the sand.

Almost 80% of the stars at Shiba Culture were personally requested to be signed by Xiao Chen.

There were also some cases where Xiao Chen felt it was wrong to sign, and he asked Wang Jinhua to terminate the contract.

As expected, not long after terminating their contracts, these celebrities were involved in scandals.

Therefore, Wang Jinhua unconditionally trusted Xiao Chen's decision.

"Protect Qiang?"

Wang Jinhua pondered the name, then decisively said.

"Okay! I trust your judgment."

"His energy and drive, if he acts well, can truly make a brilliant performance."

"What about... The Wandering Earth?"

Wang Jinhua's voice became more solemn than ever before.

"This subject matter, this investment, is no small amount."

"The lead actor must be a pillar capable of carrying billions in box office revenue; he must be able to command respect."

The implication is that, looking at the entire Chinese film industry, and even the world, there are very few people with this kind of appeal and acting skills.

Xiao Chen remained silent for a moment on the other end of the phone.

He turned his head and looked at the distant blue sea shrouded in morning mist, where the sea and sky met at the horizon, vast and boundless.

His eyes were deep, as if he could already see the giant red spot on Jupiter.

I saw frozen Shanghai, and I saw the planetary engines that propel the blue planet on its lonely journey through the universe.

That would be a science fiction epic belonging to China, a gamble unprecedented in history.

He must take the helm himself.

"I'll do it."

Two words, light and airy, yet carrying more weight than any grand pronouncement.

Wang Jinhua understood instantly on the other end.

Yes, who else could it be but him?

Only he, Xiao Chen, whose very name is the highest guarantee of box office success and quality.

"Understood!"

Wang Jinhua's voice suddenly rose, filled with barely suppressed excitement and trembling.

"I'll assemble a project team immediately, and 'The Wandering Earth' will be the top priority!"

"I'll go talk to Weta Digital and Industrial Light & Magic about the visual effects team!"

"Hurry up and finish the complete script!"

"Regarding 'Soldiers' Sortie,' once you've finished recording the show and come back, I'll have Baoqiang contact you directly!"

"it is good."

Xiao Chen hung up the phone, a faint smile on his face.

A world-class film IP, a sci-fi blockbuster with an investment of billions, a casting decision that's enough to shake the entire industry...

In those few casual words during the phone call, the matter was settled.

This will surely have a great impact on the world.

Keep in mind that this was 2011, and The Wandering Earth would definitely be relevant today!

At this moment, the afterglow of a sumptuous breakfast still lingers in the courtyard of the Mushroom House.

Huang Bo leaned back in his chair, patting his round belly with satisfaction, looking completely blissful.

"Brother Chen, let me tell you, with your skills, it's a real waste that you're not opening a private restaurant."

He smacked his lips, half-jokingly and half-seriously.

"With a face like yours, you wouldn't even need advertising if you just stood at the door."

"Female diners could line up right here all the way to Paris, France!"

Anita Mui, who had just put down her chopsticks, gave him an elegant, alluring glance upon hearing this.

"If he really dares to open a restaurant, wouldn't all of us be coming here to freeload every day?"

"If Aunt Hua finds out, she'll probably come all the way from the capital with a knife."

Her tone was affectionate and teasing, but when she looked at Xiao Chen, her eyes were filled with the tenderness and pride of an elder.

Leslie Cheung listened with a smile, slowly wiping the corner of his mouth with a tissue, his eyes clear.

"Ah Chen's mind isn't on that."

He said softly.

"He cooks for his own comfort, and he cooks especially for us old friends."

In one sentence, he expressed the sentiments of everyone present.

Dilraba slumped in the chair without any regard for her image, patting her slightly protruding belly with her small hands, her cheeks flushed.

"I'm so full! I feel like I could eat three big bowls of Xiao Chen's scallion oil noodles!"

"If I keep eating like this, I won't even need to rent a hot air balloon anymore; I can fly by myself!"