Chapter 176 - The Most Agile Chubby

Laila's hands crossed elegantly on the tabletop as she supported herself: "I have too much to do, and if I follow my plan, the sequel might not be able to start for several years. That would result in unnecessary losses for the company's development and the potential exploration of this movie. I've seen some of the short films you've directed, and I feel that we have many common points. I would feel more at ease if you were to direct the sequel."

Her candid words left Wen Ziren somewhat excited and embarrassed. Anyone would be delighted to receive praise from their "idol" face to face.

"Coincidentally! I was thinking the same thing! When I watched SAW, I jumped up with excitement in the movie theater. The scenes inside seemed to have appeared in my childhood nightmares, and even now, they still give me chills. You've truly made an amazing horror film!"

"Thank you," Laila smiled and thanked him. She didn't tell him that the reason he felt like the scenes had appeared in his childhood nightmares was because SAW's inception had originally come from nightmares he had as a child.

"Regarding the script for the second installment, do you have any ideas?"

When it came to the script, the flush of excitement on Wen Ziren's face gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression.

"About the script, I have a concept..."

In the following time, the two discussed the script for the second installment in the coffee shop. Wen Ziren truly lived up to his title as the "Father of the Chainsaw," as he suggested several intriguing ideas that Laila found captivating.

As the discussion came to an end, Laila smiled and said, "I now have more confidence in you directing the second installment, James Wen. I'm looking forward to seeing you create an astonishing second SAW."

"Thank you, I'll do my best!"

Wen Ziren enthusiastically shook her hand, only to suddenly pull back blushing when he realized he had been overly eager. He knew how fortunate he was, with his friends and those he knew still striving for their ideals, while he could take an early step toward realizing his dreams. He owed it all to her; her presence had changed his life. He believed that the time he saved through not struggling would become the cornerstone of future success.

After bidding her farewell, Laila headed to the location of her second scheduled meeting. She wasn't worried about Wen Ziren; it was the other meeting she cared about, as she was meeting Hong Jinbao!

Jackie Chan mentioned that Hong Jinbao was currently in the United States, preparing for a TV series called "Crossing the River Dragon," produced by Tang Jili. She knew it was a great series, the first one with an Asian protagonist, and it had even clinched the top spot in viewership ratings in its debut episode. Regrettably, the series struggled after its second season due to a significant drop in ratings and was ultimately canceled.

For dinner, they chose an oriental restaurant, perhaps because Laila's grandmother had mentioned her fondness for Chinese cuisine. Jackie Chan had specially recommended this place to her.

"Welcome, Director Moran."

As Laila stepped out of the car, she saw Jackie Chan and Hong Jinbao approaching.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late," she smiled.

"No, we arrived early," Hong Jinbao replied nervously. He was well aware that the young girl in front of him, not even twenty years old, was not to be underestimated in Hollywood. Her accomplishments, with over 600 million box office revenue, or closer to 800 million considering the new movie, and her role as the sole heir of a media conglomerate, placed immense pressure on him. Strangely, as he gazed at her, he felt an unusual aura emanating from her, as if suppressed by some unknown force.

This was quite amusing, considering he was a rather esteemed figure in the East. However, upon seeing the young girl, he seemed to sense something unusual about her, causing an inexplicable sense of suppression.

It was quite unbelievable, and he wondered if his nerves were playing tricks on him.

But no matter what, today's discussion would be crucial for his future, and there was no room for error.

In a quiet private room, Laila smiled and said, "Just call me Laila. Both of you are my seniors, and it's a bit awkward if you address me too formally."

Jackie Chan also patted his shoulder with a smile, "That's right, relax, relax. Didn't I tell you? This young lady is very easy to get along with."

"Alright, Laila," Hong Jinbao felt a bit embarrassed as well. How could he not, facing a young girl who had directed a film with nearly 800 million in global box office revenue, not to mention her status as the heir of the Moran family? These two factors alone were enough to make him nervous, and the strange aura he felt from her only added to the pressure.

"May I ask a bold question, have you studied martial arts?"

Laila blinked, "No, I had health issues before, and I only recovered a year or two ago. After that, I've been cautious about engaging in strenuous physical activities." She spread her hands with a hint of regret, "But I'm quite interested in martial arts."

This was true; if it weren't for her rebirth and the mismatch between her age and physical condition, she would have wanted to learn martial arts to improve her previously lackluster lifestyle.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why, but I seem to sense something unusual about you," Hong Jinbao chuckled awkwardly.

Surprisingly, Jackie Chan shot him a surprised glance. He had experienced a similar feeling when he first saw Laila, though he had dismissed it as his imagination. He soon grew accustomed to it and forgot about it, but he didn't expect Hong Jinbao to feel the same way.

But this wasn't the time to discuss that.

"Laila, I've conveyed your ideas to him, but I'm not entirely clear. Maybe you could explain it to him directly?"

"Of course." Laila smiled and shared some of the ideas about "Kill Bill" with them. Yet, she couldn't help but feel her heart racing because of Hong Jinbao's earlier comment.

The idea that he sensed something "unusual" about her startled her. She wasn't sure if her rebirth had given her some distinct qualities that set her apart from others. Martial artists often had keen senses and heightened intuition, and maybe that was what he was sensing.

It seemed she needed to be more cautious. If someone could detect something different about her, others might as well. Regardless, she absolutely could not reveal her status as a reincarnated person. If that were to happen, even though she was the heir of the Moran family, she could end up subjected to various government studies, a thought that sent shivers down her spine. (T/N: you think too much, Leila)

Listening to her narrative, Hong Jinbao nodded thoughtfully. When discussing matters related to his area of expertise, his initial hesitancy and nervousness had disappeared, replaced by the confidence of a martial artist.

"Jackie Chan talked to me about some of this a few days ago, and with your additional insights today, I think I have a pretty good understanding of your intentions." He suddenly stood up, moving to the open space on the right side of the round table.

His movements were graceful and agile. He gestured a few times and then transitioned into a more intense style. Next, he plucked a branch from a nearby vase, using it as a makeshift sword. Gripping it with both hands in the style of Eastern swordsmanship, he swung it in a slashing motion. The mere branch emitted a series of sharp, whooshing sounds as it sliced through the air.

No wonder he referred to himself as the "Most Agile Chubby." Laila couldn't help but agree.