Chapter 73: The Handsome Director

Although Wang Jing has only gained some fame in the past year or two, he could be considered an old hand in the industry. Since childhood, he followed his father around various studios, and he understands every aspect of the business better than most. This has given him wide popularity—most people in the circle know him.

With Wang Jing leading the way, Yan Xu had the chance to meet many people in the industry. Wang, the chubby fellow, was especially sociable, greeting everyone enthusiastically regardless of who they were.

He was particularly familiar with the staff and actors from Shao Studios, thanks to his father’s connections.

“This is Ali, also from Shao Studios. He’s now working as an assistant director at several film companies. He’s known as the handsome director in our field, and he started out as a martial arts stuntman.”

Apart from the faces familiar from the screen, Yan Xu was introduced to many behind-the-scenes figures by Wang Jing. Naturally, those backstage professionals present at this event had some reputation. There were also a few lesser-known ones, brought along by influential people or who had managed to obtain invitations through various means.

The man Wang Jing was introducing clearly belonged to this latter group. Yan Xu could see the surprise on Wang Jing’s face at encountering him here—a martial arts stuntman turned assistant director. Yan Xu, who had himself served as an assistant director, understood the intricacies: a film crew might have several, even dozens, of assistant directors. Most were errand runners or mere names on the credits; few actually wielded authority.

“Is your surname Tang?” Yan Xu looked at the man before him. Judging by his appearance, he could easily be cast in a film—not as a director, but as an actor. Despite his youth, Yan Xu’s mind immediately recalled a name. In the world of directors, those with good looks were rare.

“Yes, Mr. Yan, my name is Tang Jili. Do you know me?” The man nodded politely.

“I think I saw your name in the credits of that kung fu film,” Yan Xu replied with a smile. He’d never been called ‘Mr. Yan’ before—he was used to being called Xu-ge, Ah Xu, Director Yan, or Boss Yan. This address was novel to him.

And this twenty-five-year-old young man would, in a few years, become far more than ordinary. His self-produced “Dragon from the Magic Domain” would employ innovative techniques and creativity, thrilling audiences and earning praise from industry insiders. It would also catch the attention of Golden Harvest.

From then on, films like “Supercop,” “Drunken Master II,” “Rumble in the Bronx,” “Simple Task,” and “Thunderbolt” would repeatedly break Hong Kong box office records, even propelling him into Hollywood, where he directed the hit comedy “Mr. Nice Guy” and the leading TV show “Over the Dragon” in 1998, not to mention the epic “The Myth.”

His rumored relationships with Lin Xinru and Lan Yan would become the focus of public gossip, and his formidable stamina—three times a day—would earn him the nickname “Three-Times-a-Day Man” from the media.

“You really know how to flatter, Mr. Yan. I like that title,” Wang Jing laughed, pointing at Tang Jili.

“This guy came back from Canada, dropped out of university to join the entertainment industry, hoping to become a martial arts star. Instead, he ended up playing bit parts. Over the years, he’s done everything—martial arts actor, stuntman, script supervisor, assistant director—working both in front of and behind the scenes. But he never stays long at any company.”

“What are you working on now?” Yan Xu asked Tang Jili. At present, he was still struggling as a young man, but in a few years, he would begin to shine.

“Not much at the moment. I’m considering a position just offered to me by Star Bright Film Company,” Tang Jili replied, shaking his head.

His words made Yan Xu’s eyes light up. Tang Jili was not enjoying much success yet; this was the perfect moment to recruit him. “I’m about to shoot a new film and need an assistant director. Would you be interested?” An assistant director is the director’s right hand, often more important than other assistant directors—essentially the first AD.

“Really?” Tang Jili’s eyes brightened instantly. He had managed to get a Hong Kong Film Awards invitation through his director brother-in-law, hoping for an opportunity to be recognized. Now such a chance was suddenly before him. He nodded eagerly. “I’d love to. Absolutely.”

“Here’s my card. After the Film Awards, I’ll be heading to Taiwan. Take this to Dragon Entertainment Agency and ask for their General Manager, Liu Yunjiao. He’ll arrange everything for you.”

Yan Xu’s expression remained unchanged, but inside he was delighted. If his company managed to sign such a talented director, future development would be assured. He would instruct Brother Nine to offer generous terms in the contract and make sure to retain him.

Watching Tang Jili leave with a smile, Yan Xu was pleased as well. The two were fulfilling each other’s needs: Yan Xu valued Tang Jili’s talent, while Tang Jili needed the chance to prove himself.

“Miss Xia Meng has arrived.” Just as Yan Xu was scanning the crowd for those unrecognized future leaders he hoped to recruit, a gasp of astonishment drew the attention of many filmmakers. Many turned toward the entrance.

Xia Meng? She was the representative figure of leftist cinema in Hong Kong, praised by Li Hansheng as the most beautiful actress in Chinese film history—the dream girl of Jin Yong. Among the heroines in Jin Yong’s novels, the imprint of Xia Meng could be found in each. To older film fans, she was the only Hong Kong actress comparable to Audrey Hepburn.

Although she no longer acted, she co-founded Bluebird Film Studio, and her film “Boat People” had catapulted Bluebird’s reputation, becoming a classic of the Hong Kong New Wave and earning over fifteen million Hong Kong dollars at the box office, setting a new record for local art films.

Surrounded by admirers, Yan Xu immediately recognized Xia Meng. Though already in her fifties, she looked barely thirty, her true age concealed. Of course, on closer inspection, one could spot traces of time on her face, but her mature feminine allure still captivated many.

Accompanying Xia Meng was the cast of “Like Water, Like Time.” Yan Xu scanned the crowd but did not see Si Qin Gaowa's figure; it seemed she was unable to attend. Although mainland policies had relaxed somewhat, it was still not easy for many to travel freely.