HuaYu: The most muscular director in history!

Star Overseas Company, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

In March in Hong Kong, a gentle breeze carrying moisture blows across the face, pedestrians stroll leisurely through the small shops, the shouts of shopkeepers rise and fall, and they occasionally exchange greetings with acquaintances.

"Hey handsome, I'm from Lei Gang, this shrimp wonton noodle soup is amazing!"

At the entrance of a breakfast shop, Xiang Nan, wearing sunglasses, took a step back and glanced at the shop sign again.

That's right, why does it have such a mainland flavor?

"Three egg tarts, please."

The boss was taken aback, thinking to himself, "Why didn't you speak Cantonese earlier? You're so big, and you're wearing sunglasses. I thought you were from the mainland!"

Having obtained the food he wanted, Xiang Nan ate egg tarts one after another as he walked towards Xinghui Company.

He attracted a lot of surprised looks along the way, but not many people recognized him. After all, what big star would eat egg tarts on the street?

At 8:30 a.m., Xiang Nan arrived at Xinghui Company.

This time it was completely different; paparazzi swarmed downstairs, and the audition area was probably even more crowded.

"That is?"

"Little Heavenly King Nan-zai!"

"News has broken!"

"Click click click—"

The shutter clicked, and a group of paparazzi swarmed around like hyenas that had smelled food.

"Nan-zai, what brings you here? Are you here for an audition?"

"Nanzai, Nanzai, which role did you audition for?"

Xiang Nan pursed his lips, remained silent, and exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay. He walked in without much effort.

After going through layers of notifications, Xiang Nan finally saw Stephen Chow on the fourth floor. The audition hadn't started yet, and a large group of people were gathered around Stephen Chow, whispering among themselves.

"Stephen Chow!"

"Oh?" The group of people turned around and saw the little giant walking towards them.

"Nanmei?"

A few black lines appeared on Xiang Nan's forehead. He clicked his tongue and looked at the person who spoke: "Senior Sister Huang is here really early!"

"Haha, Nanmei, you're late."

Huang Shengyi paused, wanting to come up and exchange a few pleasantries, but after glancing at Stephen Chow, she stopped again.

"Nan-zai!"

"Stephen Chow!"

"Hahaha!"

The two laughed and hugged, as if they were old friends reunited.

But is that really the case?

Last year, Xiang Nan barely passed the audition and only got an audition opportunity.

He once lied to Stephen Chow, claiming he was a student at the Beijing Film Academy in 02. Stephen Chow hasn't brought it up, nor has he sought revenge.

The reason for all this is that Xiang Nan is no longer the same as before. Last year he was a somewhat clever "little actor", but now he is a "rising star" with explosive popularity.

"Let's go, the audition will start soon."

Stephen Chow patted Xiang Nan on the back, and the group headed towards the audition venue.

Xiang Nan glanced suspiciously at Stephen Chow, whose eyes, beneath his fake smile, were full of conflict.

The situation was somewhat different from what he had expected.

His confidence in making such bold statements to Professor Wang Jingsong stemmed from his reputation.

From passing the preliminary test last year to becoming famous and forcing Stephen Chow to pass his second test, everything should have gone smoothly.

Where did the problem occur?

Xiang Nan couldn't figure it out for the time being, but time was of the essence.

The second round of auditions for "Kung Fu Hustle" began soon.

It wasn't until 10 o'clock that Chen Guokun, who auditioned for Brother Chen, left, and Xiang Nan was next.

"Xiang Nan!"

"Here you are!"

In the spacious audition room, seven people sat at a long table. Xiang Nan glanced at Stephen Chow, who was sitting in the middle seat, and walked confidently to the center of the room to begin his audition performance.

A dozen minutes later, Stephen Chow, sitting in the casting director's seat, nodded: "There's still only one flaw, the acting is too contrived! As for auditioning with makeup? Forget it, why bother with any styling? Nan-zai, you look like a bad guy just by standing there."

"Hahaha……"

Few people dared to laugh during the performance; even the assistant director could only awkwardly force a smile.

Xiang Nan was tall and had sharp eyesight; he spotted the nameplate on the long table at a glance.

Are they all production companies?

Xiang Nan remained outwardly calm, but a ripple of emotion stirred within him.

He seemed to realize something was wrong.

The investors in "Kung Fu Hustle" are quite diverse: China Film Group, Star Overseas, Columbia Pictures, Taihe Pictures, and... Huayi Brothers.

That's why Stephen Chow was conflicted.

Is Huayi causing trouble? Just because they didn't sign a contract?

Xiang Nan frowned, and his breathing gradually became heavy.

Alright, alright, I didn't cause you any trouble, but you made the first move.

Xiang Nan's gaze swept over the several production companies on the table.

So which one is Huayi's dog?

"Nanzai?"

"Ah, Stephen Chow, I'm here."

Stephen Chow, sitting at the main table, once again showed a conflicted expression.

"Mr. Stephen Chow, just tell me, I'm listening, whatever the outcome."

Stephen Chow glanced at the producer beside him, and Xiang Nan caught this subtle movement.

That production company is Huayi!

"Xiang Nan, your acting style and understanding of the character are quite good. We can guide you slowly because you lack acting experience, but the only problem now is..." Stephen Chow drew out his words here, his tone slightly heavy.

"What are your actors' fees?"

"?"

Xiang Nan opened his mouth wide, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped himself.

He was genuinely surprised this time. He had initially thought it was the investors causing trouble, but he hadn't expected the core issue to be this.

"Me? I'm fine with film offers as a newcomer."

"There are only 60,000 new recruits."

"no problem!"

"Hehehe..." Stephen Chow's brows instantly relaxed.

I thought the young star Xiang Nan would "use his popularity to raise prices," but I didn't expect him to be willing to come for 60,000 yuan? I should have just asked for 30,000 yuan!

"Okay, go back and wait for our notification. Filming will begin in July."

"no problem."

Xiang Nan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group of producers.

Four of them had no expression, and one had a stern face.

He said no more and turned to walk out.

The so-called "go back and wait for further notice" is just empty talk.

Xiang Nan had calculated everything, but he hadn't foreseen Huayi's investment, nor had he considered that Stephen Chow didn't care about Huayi's attitude at all; he only cared about money.

He walked out of Xinghui Company, put his mask and sunglasses back on, and was surrounded by a group of people with long lenses and cameras again.

"Nan-zai, did you pass the audition?"

"Nanzai, Nanzai, are you and Stephen Chow going to collaborate?"

"Xiang Nan, answer a question!"

Xiang Nan ignored the paparazzi and hailed a taxi to leave. But when he looked in the rearview mirror, he was surprised to find that some people were following him.

"The paparazzi in Hong Kong truly live up to their reputation!"

Back at the hotel, Xiang Nan rested for half a day, then called Feng Man to start dealing with the emails sent by Brother Chuan.

He acted alone the whole time today, actually because he was afraid of the paparazzi. If the paparazzi saw him with a young lady, they could write about him as "seven times in one night" the next day!

Over the next ten days or so, Xiang Nan participated in two Hong Kong variety shows and also received a formal contract with Star Overseas.

The relationship between him and Stephen Chow may have initially had some mutual respect, but now it has completely turned into a transaction.

Stephen Chow wanted his fame, and Xiang Nan also wanted Stephen Chow's fame.

Until February 4th.

Xiang Nan attended the last funeral.

In the funeral parlor named "Love," Xiang Nan saw almost all the stars in Hong Kong.

This includes Andy Lau and the God of Songs (whose lyrics were written by Xiang Nan) (in "Listen to Mom").

As for Zhou Runfa in the original song? Does he even deserve to appear in my lyrics?

"Nan-zai!"

"Brother Hua".

After a brief nod, the two remained silent.

You can exchange pleasantries anytime.

Today is another dark day for Hong Kong since the passing of Ka-Kui.