However, she also knew that they wouldn't have another chance to meet. The kind of people who could ride in such a car wasn't the type they could easily approach. After all, this wasn't Hong Kong; it was Hollywood. She could call herself a movie actress in Hong Kong, but here in Hollywood, she was nothing, at most just a tourist.
"Go back and rest," Laila waved to them through the car window, smiling with a meaningful expression. "Perhaps we might have another chance to meet again."
Shu Qi watched the departing car with some curiosity, feeling that there might be more to what Laila had said.
"What a stylish car. Could she be from some wealthy family?"
"She's pretty too. Could she be a big celebrity?"
"A celebrity? Now that you mention it, she does look a bit familiar."
Shu Qi's fellow traveler was not as composed as she was. They were both ordinary crew members of the production team, and being able to ride in such a luxurious car was something they could boast about for the rest of their lives.
"Do you like that Asian girl?" Claire asked, looking at Laila, who was clearly in a much better mood than before.
"Yeah," Laila admitted with a smile. It wasn't something to be ashamed of. "Don't you think she's beautiful?"
Claire, like many Westerners, tended to struggle with distinguishing the faces of people from Asian backgrounds. Likewise, many Asians found it challenging to differentiate between Western faces.
"Really? Well, she's okay," Claire replied. In her memory, she only retained an impression of a young girl; as for her appearance, she might remember some resemblance to Angelina Jolie's lips.
"She's Asian. Could it be that you want her to appear in your movie?" Claire's surprise deepened at the possibility.
Laila looked at the window with a smile. "Why not?"
There was a need for an Asian character in her new movie. The person she had asked Jackie Chan to contact a while ago still hadn't responded. It was probably that the person wasn't interested in her new movie but didn't want to outright reject her, so they kept delaying.
While there might be a few Asian movie stars who could make it big in Hollywood, they certainly weren't nonexistent. Laila didn't need to force someone who didn't want to join her cast; there were other options. If the other person wasn't interested, the person she had met today might be even more suitable, she thought.
Considering the achievements Angelina Jolie gained after "Tomb Raider," Shu Qi, who also had exceptional charisma, shouldn't be that different.
What surprised Laila was that before she could approach Shu Qi, Shu Qi's agent, Wen Jun, had approached her.
"Wen Jun? Are you sure he said he's Wen Jun from Hong Kong?" After hearing the report, she had to confirm it again to believe her ears.
Demi nodded. "Yes, that's what he said. He also mentioned that he came to express his gratitude to you."
"Did he say what he's thanking me for?" Laila asked inquisitively.
"It seems like you helped one of his friends yesterday," Demi replied. She wasn't familiar with Eastern matters and didn't understand what "Wen Jun" represented or whether she should report this to Laila. However, she remembered her boss had a mysterious fondness for things from the East, and since the other party was here to express gratitude and sounded sincere, she decided to make the call.
"Really?" Laila raised an eyebrow. Her ice-blue eyes narrowed slightly. "Bring him in to see me at my home. I won't be going to the office today."
"Of course."
Laila was looking forward to meeting this Wen Jun. He was a legendary figure in Hong Kong. Even without knowing him, if you mentioned the "Young and Dangerous" series, you'd understand his significance. He was not only behind the "Young and Dangerous" series but also "Storm Riders," "A Man Called Hero," and many other classic films and TV shows. He also held the position of chairman of the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Today, he was Shu Qi's agent and the one who had brought her back from the path of becoming just a sex symbol. However, for some reason back then, he had turned down the invitation for Shu Qi to play Yu Jiaolong in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," missing the chance to launch her into the global film scene and giving it to Zhang Ziyi instead.
Despite that, he still played a pivotal role in her life.
Laila didn't know how he found out that she was the one who sent Shu Qi and her friends back yesterday and why he had come to see her. She believed it wasn't just about gratitude.
Shortly afterward, Demi brought him to her mansion in Beverly Hills. It wasn't her first time there, yet she still marveled at the scenery. Every tree, every flower, and even every blade of grass was meticulously maintained, arranged in impeccable order. This kind of historic and opulent house was beyond the reach of nouveau riche.
"Welcome." Laila smiled as she stood outside the door to greet her guest upon receiving the notification.
"You're too kind," Wen Jun smiled warmly as he shook her hand. "I apologize for the intrusion and hope you'll forgive me."
"It's no problem. I've always enjoyed guests from the East. Please come in." Laila invited him into the living room. After the servants brought tea, she engaged in a lively conversation with him.
They talked about the scenery of the East, its history, culture, movies, and various other topics. Laila skillfully led the conversation, circling without letting him bring up the main topic. If he were impatient, he might reveal his intentions prematurely. Once the initiative slipped from her hands, it would be much harder to regain it. Laila intentionally avoided getting to the point to see if this legendary figure was as formidable as her past life self had known him to be.
And indeed, he proved to be quite a character. Despite Laila's long-windedness, he showed no signs of impatience. He spoke fluently, with substance, leaving Laila impressed by his poise.
However, Laila didn't know that Wen Jun across from her was feeling the same way. It wasn't that he didn't want to steer the conversation to his side; he just couldn't find the opportunity. The person in front of him wasn't someone from the Hong Kong entertainment industry, nor was she a mere Hollywood director. Even he would feel a bit hesitant when faced with someone like her.
He was well aware of the purpose of this visit. If things went well, he could enjoy a favorable outcome. But if things went wrong, even retaining a foothold would be lucky. Despite the high risks, he had decided to try because that girl was worth it.
While Laila continued to steer the conversation, bringing up one topic after another, appearing genuinely interested in everything from the East, Wen Jun realized that he couldn't easily shift the topic elsewhere. If he abruptly changed the subject, it might displease her, and that's why he kept his impatience in check.
"Laila," Claire intervened, pointing at her wrist.
Laila nodded in understanding. "Mr. Wen, it's getting late. If you don't mind, we can have dinner together."
"Of course, it's my honor," Wen Jun agreed, not having much choice. Once he left here, it wouldn't be easy to come back in.