By the end of July, Hong Kong had entered the peak of summer. The blazing sun hung high over the city like a giant furnace suspended in the sky, radiating waves of suffocating heat. Even before leaving the airport terminal, Luo Zheng could already feel the thick humidity pressing against his skin.
The moment he stepped outside, hot air rushed over him.
Compared to Los Angeles' dry weather, Hong Kong's summer felt completely different. It wrapped around people like invisible steam, making every breath feel heavy.
This trip was different from the previous one.
Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei had remained in America. Since the Beijing Film Academy semester would begin in September, they planned to head directly back to the mainland afterward. Luo Zheng, meanwhile, had come alone.
Waiting outside the airport was Chan Fai Wang, the general manager of Marvel Asia-Pacific.
The moment he saw Luo Zheng emerge from the terminal, he immediately hurried over.
"President Luo!"
His face carried an enthusiastic smile.
He personally opened the car door and waited respectfully.
Although they frequently discussed work over the phone, face-to-face interaction was naturally different. Phone calls couldn't compare with reporting directly to the boss and showing loyalty in person.
Once the car started moving toward the city, Chan Fai Wang immediately entered work mode.
He began reporting one project after another.
"President Luo, at the moment, our branch's main focus is still the localization of Marvel comics and distribution of newly translated works. We've already expanded into several Southeast Asian markets."
Luo Zheng nodded silently.
This strategy was expected.
Marvel's influence in Asia was still far from its future status.
Cultivating comic readers now was equivalent to planting seeds.
Years later, once the Marvel cinematic universe exploded, those readers would naturally become loyal moviegoers.
Chan Fai Wang continued:
"The second major operation is collecting copyrights and investing in television dramas and films."
"This area has become our main source of profit recently."
"If we only relied on headquarters funding forever, the branch wouldn't survive long."
Luo Zheng nodded again.
Very practical thinking.
As expected from someone capable of managing a regional branch.
After listening quietly for a while, Luo Zheng suddenly asked:
"How's the script for War and Beauty progressing?"
Chan Fai Wang instantly straightened.
He knew Luo Zheng valued this project highly.
After all, Luo Zheng had personally pointed out dozens of revision suggestions before leaving Hong Kong.
"The revisions are nearly complete."
"We've already adjusted the palace conflicts and character arcs according to your suggestions."
"Now we're just waiting for your final review."
Luo Zheng finally showed satisfaction.
Good.
Very good.
With the guidance he had already given, if they still couldn't polish it properly, then perhaps the general manager position needed reconsideration.
After all, opportunities had already been handed over.
Not being able to grasp them would only mean lacking ability.
He leaned against the seat and casually asked:
"Any outstanding scripts lately?"
His tone sounded relaxed, but inwardly he held expectations.
Perhaps another hidden gem had appeared.
Chan Fai Wang quickly replied:
"There are several. I've already had people organize everything and place them in your office."
Luo Zheng raised an eyebrow.
Not bad.
At least preparation was decent.
"Fine. I'll review them later."
Then he glanced at his watch.
"No time for delays. Take me to Secretary Liu first."
This trip's schedule was extremely tight.
He hadn't even adjusted for jet lag.
The car immediately turned and headed toward Han Sanping's hotel.
InterContinental Hotel.
When Luo Zheng entered the private room, he instantly saw a familiar figure.
A woman sat by the window.
Elegant posture.
Graceful bearing.
Her black dress perfectly outlined mature curves without appearing flashy.
Time seemed especially generous toward her.
Even at thirty-seven years old, her beauty had not faded.
Instead, age had added a noble and refined temperament impossible for younger actresses to possess.
Gong Li.
The dream goddess of countless men throughout the 1990s.
Luo Zheng paused slightly.
In his previous life, he had seen countless photos and films.
But meeting her in person still carried a completely different impact.
Some beauties belonged to photographs.
Others belonged to the screen.
But Gong Li belonged to reality itself.
Especially women at this age.
Like ripe peaches.
No need for force.
Just a light touch, and the skin seemed ready to peel away naturally.
Of course—
The prerequisite was holding that peach in your hand first.
And that step alone had stopped countless people.
Recovering himself, Luo Zheng smiled and stepped forward.
"Teacher Gong Li."
"I've admired your reputation for a long time."
"We finally meet."
Gong Li looked at him with interest.
Before meeting, she had already heard many descriptions.
Young genius.
Hollywood billionaire.
Marvel chairman.
Movie producer.
But now, seeing him personally...
She felt surprised.
Too young.
Much younger than expected.
Yet despite his youthful appearance, there was a calmness in his eyes that didn't fit his age.
It was a strange contradiction.
But somehow harmonious.
She smiled gently.
"Don't call me Teacher."
"That sounds too distant."
"If President Luo doesn't mind, call me Sister."
Luo Zheng laughed.
"I wouldn't dare."
"It's my honor."
His tone carried no exaggeration.
No pretentious flattery.
Just sincerity.
Which unexpectedly made Gong Li feel comfortable.
Soon the two sat facing each other.
Tea was poured.
The conversation started casually.
At first, they only discussed ordinary topics.
Entertainment industry stories.
Overseas filming.
Funny incidents from award ceremonies.
But gradually, Gong Li discovered something surprising.
Luo Zheng was incredibly good at conversation.
Not only knowledgeable—
His interpretations were often strange and unexpectedly hilarious.
Several times, Gong Li burst into laughter.
Even Secretary Liu nearby couldn't help smiling.
After two rounds of tea refills, the atmosphere had changed completely.
"Sister Li."
"Brother Luo."
The formal titles had disappeared naturally.
Only then did the discussion gradually shift toward serious matters.
Gong Li's expression became more thoughtful.
She looked at him carefully.
"So tell me honestly."
"How confident are you regarding Venice?"
Luo Zheng understood immediately.
This wasn't small talk.
This was testing intentions.
After all, Han Sanping had arranged this meeting for a reason.
Smiling, Luo Zheng leaned back.
"Very confident."
Gong Li looked surprised.
"Oh?"
"How confident?"
Luo Zheng's eyes narrowed slightly.
Then he smiled.
"To be honest..."
"I'm aiming for the Golden Lion Award."
Silence.
Even Secretary Liu looked up.
Gong Li stared at him for several seconds.
The highest award at Venice.
Golden Lion.
This wasn't ordinary ambition anymore.
This was enormous confidence.
Or perhaps...
Madness.
After a while, she laughed softly.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Most people spoke modestly.
This young man simply stated his goal openly.
No hesitation.
No false humility.
After thinking briefly, she asked directly:
"So how exactly do you want me to help?"
Luo Zheng smiled.
"As long as fairness remains intact..."
"If necessary..."
"Say a few words for me."
For a moment Gong Li looked at him strangely.
Fairness.
Speak up.
These two requests together sounded ridiculous.
Yet somehow he had phrased them naturally.
After several seconds, she finally laughed helplessly.
"Fine."
"When voting comes, I'll remain fair, objective, and realistic."
Luo Zheng instantly smiled.
"No problem."
"I trust Sister Li."
The conversation gradually ended.
But as they talked about tomorrow's Hero overseas rights auction, Gong Li suddenly grew quieter.
Her eyes seemed distant.
Luo Zheng understood immediately.
Zhang Yimou.
Some emotions faded with time.
Others remained forever.
Their story had ended years ago.
Yet certain traces never truly disappeared.
Looking at her expression, Luo Zheng spoke gently:
"Sister Li."
"Need me to pick you up tomorrow?"
"We can go together."
Gong Li recovered from her thoughts.
Then smiled softly.
"No need."
"I'll arrive a little later."
Luo Zheng nodded.
He didn't continue.
Some emotions didn't need discussing.
Later that evening.
Marvel Asia-Pacific Headquarters.
Chairman's office.
Luo Zheng sat comfortably on a sofa chair.
Behind him, a pair of soft hands gently massaged his temples rhythmically.
After rushing nonstop from America and immediately starting work, even his physique felt tired.
Then he suddenly asked:
"Kaiqi."
"How long have you joined the company?"
The girl paused.
Then answered cheerfully:
"One month."
"I've been doing vocal training arranged by President Chan."
Luo Zheng looked up.
Xue Kaiqi.
Future Hong Kong's final pure-hearted princess.
Her lively eyes carried a playful cleverness.
Youthful energy overflowed from her naturally.
Chan Fai Wang really had gotten lucky.
After seeing Jane Zhang's success, he had secretly started signing newcomers.
And unexpectedly struck gold.
Looking at her, Luo Zheng suddenly smiled.
"That's enough."
"Go rest."
The massage instantly stopped.
"...Ah?"
Xue Kaiqi blinked.
Confused.
Didn't President Chan say the boss might personally test her?
Maybe give songs?
Maybe launch her directly?
Was that all?
Finished already?
Looking at her disappointed face, Luo Zheng laughed.
"Study properly."
"I'll check your progress later."
Xue Kaiqi looked gloomy immediately.
Watching her expression, Luo Zheng nearly laughed aloud.
Children really were easy to read.
But some things coming too easily weren't always good.
After all—
The entertainment world never gave rewards without effort.
Jane Zhang was simply an exception.
A very special exception.
The next day, Mid-Levels Villa.
Luo Zheng slept very well last night and woke up feeling refreshed.
He got into the car and headed to the Harbour Grand Hotel to attend the Hero overseas copyright auction.Before this, Zhang Yimou had called Luo Zheng.
He expressed a warm welcome and gratitude for his presence.
After all, overseas copyrights for mainland films were indeed difficult to sell, and even harder to sell at a high price.
As a famous investor and distributor in the United States, Luo Zheng's presence also elevated the prestige of the auction to a certain extent.
However, Zhang Yimou still subtly expressed Zhang Weiping's unscrupulousness.
He hoped that he wouldn't take it to heart.
Of course, Luo Zheng wouldn't bother with a dog that bit randomly.
When he encountered such things, he usually just killed them directly.