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

The day after returning to Beijing, Xiao Chen didn't even adjust to the time difference before plunging into the preparation office for "Infernal Affairs".

Wang Jinhua had prepared a whole bunch of excuses, hoping he would rest for a few days first.

I'm worried that he's just a kid and he can't handle such a high-intensity job.

As it turned out, all her worries were unnecessary.

Xiao Chen appeared in front of her office door on time the next day.

Those eyes looked at her with bright, expectant eyes.

"Let's go, Aunt Hua."

Wang Jinhua gave a helpless, bitter smile.

I really don't know how this child has so much energy.

Having just finished working on one film crew, he immediately threw himself into another.

It seems that Xiao Chen never tires of anything related to acting.

This time, Xiao Chen is not an actor in the drama, but serves as a producer and director, so he still has a lot of preparation work to do before the crew starts filming.

When Xiao Chen entered the conference room, all the department heads were already there.

These people are all veterans in the industry, and they are connections that Wang Jinhua specifically built up for the filming of "Infernal Affairs".

The way they looked at Xiao Chen was somewhat scrutinizing and suspicious.

A twelve-year-old director?

What a joke!

If it weren't for giving Wang Jinhua face, they would never have sat at the same table as Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen ignored their gazes and didn't say anything unnecessary.

He placed a thick stack of storyboards on the table.

His voice was clear, calm, and unhurried.

"This is the storyboard I made, down to each and every shot."

"You can take a look at the lighting, photography equipment, and props that are needed."

"If you have any questions, let's discuss them now."

The veterans present exchanged glances and casually flipped through the script.

I thought it would be a child's random doodle.

Unexpectedly, everyone's expression changed at just one glance.

This isn't a draft, it's practically a printed storyboard!

The composition, framing, lighting, and even the actors' micro-expressions of every scene are clearly marked.

So professional!

And it's the ultimate in professionalism!

The director of photography had a bad temper and was the most resentful.

He was holding the storyboard, his hands trembling slightly.

He pointed to a scene of confrontation on the rooftop on one of the pages and asked, stammering.

"This...this lighting, you want to use a combination of natural light and Rembrandt lighting?"

"Isn't the difficulty a bit too high?"

Xiao Chen nodded, his tone indifferent.

"I know it's difficult, but it's the most effective."

"I will calculate the shooting time precisely, down to the minute, to ensure the sun is in the best position."

"As for the lighting, I have faith in your skills."

In one sentence, he not only demonstrated his superior professionalism but also flattered the other party.

The hot-tempered director of photography fell silent instantly, and his gaze toward Xiao Chen changed from suspicion to respect.

Over the next few hours, Xiao Chen communicated with various departments in a clear and organized manner.

He knows everything from the details of the actors' costumes to the placement of even the most inconspicuous props in the scene.

The best way to silence all dissent.

It's about absolute professionalism and strength.

Wang Jinhua stood to the side, watching the young man sitting in the main seat talking eloquently.

For a moment, I felt that it wasn't a child, but a great director who had been working in the industry for decades.

She was completely relieved.

She should have known.

Xiao Chen wouldn't make requests he wasn't confident about.

Just as the crew of "Infernal Affairs" was making intensive preparations, a storm was quietly brewing in the outside world.

Andy Lau was immediately surrounded by reporters after attending a business event in Hong Kong.

"Hua-zai, any new developments lately?"

"What's your next movie?"

Andy Lau was in a good mood and answered with a smile.

"I'm about to join a new film crew; the movie is called 'Infernal Affairs'."

Infernal Affairs?

The reporters quickly searched their minds but had never heard of the name.

A reporter rushed to ask.

"Which famous director directed this film?"

Andy Lau blinked and said frankly.

"The director is Xiao Chen."

"You should know each other."

There was a moment of deathly silence at the scene.

All the reporters thought they had misheard.

Xiao Chen?

That child prodigy?

The next second, flashes of light and questions erupted like thunder.

"Hua-zai! You mean Xiao Chen, who's twelve years old?"

"Did he play your son in the movie?"

"What is his position? Screenwriter? Or...?"

Looking at the group of reporters who were on steroids, Andy Lau smiled and repeated it again.

"He is the director and also the producer of this film."

boom--!

The entire media industry was in an uproar.

The next day, the news dominated the front pages of almost all entertainment newspapers in Hong Kong and mainland China.

The Heavenly King lowers himself to carry a sedan chair for a twelve-year-old child!

"Shishiba Culture spares no expense in promoting child stars, spending millions on frivolous pursuits!"

Is Hong Kong cinema dead? A prodigy director emerges out of nowhere—a genius or a hoax?

The criticism came almost overwhelmingly.

If we consider Xiao Chen's brief but memorable appearance in "Farewell My Concubine" as an example...

Outstanding performances in Hollywood blockbusters.

This made the public think of him as a gifted actor.

Therefore, the identity of a director completely crosses the line of public perception.

What does a twelve-year-old child know about camera language?

Do you even know what mise-en-scène is?

Can he handle award-winning actors like Andy Lau and Tony Leung?

This isn't filming a movie; it's just kids playing house!

Public opinion quickly escalated, casting doubt on all of Xiao Chen's previous achievements.

"This is definitely a publicity stunt! This kid is probably only in middle school at most; has he even studied directing theory?"

"Is Shishiba Culture desperate to create a god? Their behavior is appalling!"

"I feel so sorry for my sons, Hua Zai and Wei Zai. They've definitely been held hostage by capital."

"These entertainment companies these days really dare to say anything!"

Wang Jinhua trembled with anger as she looked at the vile comments on the internet and in the newspapers.

The company's phones were ringing off the hook, and the stock price was also affected.

She grabbed a newspaper and rushed into the Infernal Affairs studio.

"Xiao Chen! Did you see today's news? These people are saying such awful things."

"No! We must hold a press conference immediately to clarify!"

Xiao Chen was wearing headphones and simulating shooting angles in front of the monitor screen.

He took off his headphones, glanced at the newspaper, and remained completely expressionless.

"Aunt Hua, don't waste your time."

He chuckled and casually tossed the newspaper into the trash can.

"clarify?"

The more you explain, the more they'll think you're guilty.

"It's like telling a madman you're not mad; he'll just think you're even more insane."

Wang Jinhua became anxious.

"What should we do then?"

"Are we just going to let them keep hurling insults at us?"

Xiao Chen turned his head and looked back at the monitor, his gaze focused and sharp.

"Aunt Hua, the best public relations is always your work."

"Once the movie comes out, all the doubts will turn into slaps in the face, hitting them hard on the back."

"We can shoot more behind-the-scenes footage during filming; these will become today's boomerangs."

His voice wasn't loud.

He exudes a powerful confidence that is completely out of character for his age.