Chapter 177 - The Villain is the Most Suitable

"It's fantastic!" After he displays moves, Laila couldn't help but applaud: "This is exactly the kind of action I was hoping for!"

Hong Jinbao seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing heartily: "Haha, that's great. It's a shame we don't have more space; otherwise, I could show you some even more intense moves."

"Alright, it's getting late, let's have dinner first, and we can discuss further after we eat," Jackie Chan sighed, covering his forehead, feeling somewhat helpless with his martial arts-obsessed senior brother. This place was meant for eating, and he wondered just how much more space he wanted.

"Hehe, sounds good." Hong Jinbao returned to his seat, picking up his chopsticks and then putting them down again. "Laila, I can see that you're also interested in kung fu. Why did you choose to make a film about the Japanese rather than, oh, let's say, a film about Eastern swordsmanship? I think kung fu could also be very effective!"

Jackie Chan felt like his head was about to explode, almost wanting to stuff his senior brother's mouth with food. She was a director after all, and she would choose the style that suited her. He just needed to design the action sequences according to her instructions. Why was he bringing up historical grievances? Even if he did, did he think the American girl sitting across from him would understand?

Despite her quarter-Chinese heritage, she had never been to her ancestral homeland, having grown up entirely in the United States. How much of a sense of belonging could she possibly have to Eastern countries?

Laila also hadn't expected that Hong Jinbao had a "nationalistic" side to him. In the original version of the movie, using Eastern swordsmanship was not something that could be openly discussed. So, she came up with a more suitable and easily accepted answer.

"The character using Eastern swordsmanship is the villain."

"Oh!" This answer seemed to satisfy Hong Jinbao. "Swordsmanship it is then! Villains are the most suitable for using swordsmanship!"

Jackie Chan massaged his temples, shaking his head speechlessly once again.

"Hehe." Laila was getting to know this renowned master-level figure for the first time and found it quite amusing. "I think we're going to have a great collaboration." She extended her hand.

Hong Jinbao gave her a hearty handshake and smiled, "Exactly! I believe so too!" Whether it was due to getting accustomed to the situation or his misconception earlier, he didn't feel any suppression from her now.

"I'm still writing the script, and once it's done, I'll send it to you right away. I'll be counting on you then."

"No problem. If you're not satisfied with what I do, feel free to let me know."

"Oh, by the way." Laila suddenly remembered another matter, "The script requires a female character skilled in Eastern martial arts. Do you have any recommended candidates?"

Both Jackie Chan and Hong Jinbao were delighted, recognizing this as an opportunity to recommend someone. Just as Jackie Chan had recommended Hong Jinbao, they were offering her a ticket to break into the Hollywood film circle.

They understood the significance!

"If you're looking for a martial arts actress, I have a suggestion," after discussing for a while, Hong Jinbao mentioned a name, "Have you seen '007 Tomorrow Never Dies'?"

As soon as he mentioned it, Laila knew who they were talking about: "So, it's her. She does seem like a suitable choice."

Michelle Yeoh, from Malaysia. She had been crowned Miss Malaysia and entered the entertainment industry in 1984. In 1985, she starred in "Yes, Madam" and transitioned into a martial arts actress. After her marriage in 1988, she took a break from acting for a period, and later made a comeback through Jackie Chan's "Police Story 3."

She had appeared in "007 Tomorrow Never Dies," one of the James Bond films, and was the only Bond girl who wasn't just used as eye candy.

Laila also knew that the following year's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" would be the peak of her career. With that film, she would achieve countless honors.

Having such an actress in her movie would undoubtedly be a wonderful addition.

"I don't know if she would be interested in my film, though it's just a supporting role." In her mind, Laila already had her lead actress in mind, and it was clear that casting an Eastern actress wouldn't fit the film's concept. However, it was a question whether Michelle Yeoh, who had appeared in "Tomorrow Never Dies," would be interested in a supporting role in her movie.

Jackie Chan suggested, "How about I approach her first to gauge her interest? If everything's fine, then your company can extend the invitation. How does that sound?"

It was a well-intentioned suggestion. He thought that if Laila's company extended the invitation and got rejected, it would be embarrassing for both parties. It might be better if he confirmed things personally first, so even if Michelle Yeoh declined Laila's invitation, it wouldn't affect her as much.

However, he forgot a crucial point—Hollywood directors were quite proud. Countless stars were aspiring to enter Hollywood; you could easily find dozens with your eyes closed. Unless they were A-list stars, there was hardly an irreplaceable role.

It was fortunate that Laila wasn't purely American; she still had a connection to the East within her. Otherwise, just this sentence could have shattered their collaboration. How could she be so proud, thinking the movie couldn't proceed without her? I'll just replace her!

It was just a supporting role after all. As long as she had an Eastern appearance, it would be sufficient. Martial arts sequences could easily be performed by stunt doubles; it wasn't necessary to have a martial arts star.

Laila glanced at Jackie Chan, who was completely oblivious to all this and shook her head with a wry smile. It seemed that his kind and innocent approach to Hollywood could lead to some significant pitfalls. Hopefully, his future experiences would help him understand the industry's rules better.

The next day, before heading to Victoria's Secret headquarters, Laila made a quick visit to the company. Waiting for her in the office was another heavyweight member of the economics department, Charlize Theron.

"Sorry for calling you back especially. I assume you've been quite busy with your film projects lately?" Laila invited her to take a seat and had Demi bring in some drinks.

"I've taken on a few supporting roles in some movies. I think I need more practice."

Charlize Theron was grateful. If it weren't for Laila giving her opportunities, those supporting roles would never have come her way. She never felt discouraged about not landing lead roles; she knew that with diligent practice, she would eventually have the chance to play great characters. After all, her boss was a genius director; there was no need to worry about finding good scripts to work on.

Laila smiled, "It's good to be aware of your shortcomings. But don't underestimate yourself. I believe your dedication can overshadow any minor flaws in your acting. I had Louise bring you here today because I wanted to ask if you're interested in doing an action film."

Charlize Theron's heart skipped a beat, and her pulse raced.

"Of course! I'd love to!" She knew very well that a film that Laila personally asked for her input on wouldn't be an ordinary one. She remembered that Laila had recently made a movie about Eastern martial arts, which had just wrapped up. It couldn't be that she wanted Charlize to make a cameo appearance, right?

Could it be... that Laila herself was considering making an action film?