Leslie Cheung nodded on the side, understanding her thoughts and fully agreeing. If it were him, he would probably do the same. It's a matter of respecting excellent works and being responsible to the audience.
"Is it true that there are still some roles without suitable actors?" Chen Shufen's heart pounded, nervously looking at Laila. Even if she had answered the phone at that time, she wouldn't have believed such a good thing until it was confirmed face to face.
"Yes," Laila smiled, not revealing Chen Shufen's cautious thoughts. It's not easy to conceal expressions in front of a director, even someone with excellent acting skills like Roy couldn't guarantee he could do it. Let alone just an "outsider."
Chen Shufen wiped her sweaty palms secretly, wiping away the emerging sweat.
"I wonder if our Leslie..."
"Of course!" Laila smiled and looked at Leslie Cheung. "If Mr. Leslie is willing, I would be delighted to have him play a role in my film. Unfortunately, I'm shooting a Western story, and an Eastern face can't play the main role. However, some distinctive supporting roles would be great, and I believe the audience would love them."
Chen Shufen understood her meaning. The main roles were not for them, but they could choose likable, crowd-pleasing supporting roles!
This is also good!
Getting an excellent supporting role in a Hollywood movie is simply too good to be true! For a long time, Asian actors in Hollywood movies have been stereotyped, either as sharp and sarcastic villains or honest bookworms, and the best-case scenario is showcasing some kung fu skills like Bruce Lee. But even so, it's the dream of countless Asian actors to appear in Hollywood movies.
Chen Shufen didn't know what Leslie Cheung was thinking, but she felt this was an irresistible opportunity, almost like a miracle sent by the goddess of fate!
"This is incredible! Cheung, what do you think?"
Agree! Please agree! She excitedly shouted in her heart. But it seemed like the other party didn't receive the telepathic message she sent.
"I'd like to see the script first," Leslie Cheung said to Laila.
Chen Shufen was on the verge of tears. Why doesn't he just agree? A big Hollywood director has said such things, what else is there to consider? Even if it's a villain role, it doesn't matter. As long as he plays it well, the villain could become a highlight in the movie, remembered by the audience.
If you don't quickly accept the invitation and still want to read the script, what if they think he's avoiding it?
But surprisingly, Laila wasn't angry at all; she nodded in agreement, "That's reasonable. I'll send you the script after I return."
Leslie Cheung nodded and flashed a smile that made Laila's eyes sparkle again.
They still had a comfortable meal. Chen Shufen held her heart, finding it hard to handle the emotional rollercoaster. Meanwhile, Roy just ate and vented his frustrations by throwing glares. Someone was focused on other men, completely forgetting his existence as the legitimate boyfriend.
Unhappy, he was having a little mood swing!
After a satisfying meal, the four walked out of the restaurant's entrance. As soon as they stepped out, there was a sea of flashes, the clicking of shutters incessant. The flashlights were so blinding that it was hard to see clearly.
"Laila, is it true that you came to Hong Kong to invite Leslie Cheung to participate in your new movie production?"
"Was yesterday's meeting about discussing the contract?"
"Do you know how much the pay is?"
"Can you tell us about the role?"
Journalists rushed forward, with photographers carrying cameras crowding in the back. It looked like they were desperately trying to get something out of it.
Laila, even if somewhat slow to realize the situation, had experienced similar scenes many times in Hollywood. She wouldn't be scared or flustered.
Fortunately, her bodyguards were quick enough to shield her from the front, preventing her from becoming a spectacle knocked down by reporters.
Leslie Cheung frowned slightly, about to say something, but Laila spoke first.
"I happened to meet Mr. Leslie at the hotel, and he was very friendly. Our conversation was pleasant." She certainly couldn't reveal the real situation at that time. Even though she had done something she considered unparalleled, the pain and fear were something she preferred to experience alone, without dragging others into it.
"Director Moran, have you ever thought about inviting Leslie Cheung to join your movie?" The reporters, having heard her words, thought she might be confirming the reports in Clear News. Though they hadn't thought it was possible, the potential for a big story was too tempting, and it would surely fetch them a considerable fee!
Laila looked at Leslie Cheung, smiling slightly, "Originally, no, but after these two days of conversation and getting to know him, I think he is an excellent actor. I'm looking forward to him giving an outstanding performance in my movie."
This statement caused an uproar. Even those who had initially considered her new movie's plan as just rumors now realized its potential. With Laila personally coming to Hong Kong to look for actors, could it be...
"Laila, are you planning to have Leslie Cheung play the leading role?" The questioning reporter thought, if it's not for choosing the lead, why would she come all this way?
After he asked the question, he unknowingly garnered a lot of eye rolls and disdainful looks. Even an idiot knows that it's impossible. A top Hollywood director, one who makes successful and critically acclaimed movies, would need what kind of actor? And in Hollywood, can't you find any actor you want? Why go all the way here to choose?
Even the request for an Asian actor is suspect because, as everyone in the movie industry knows, Western filmmakers are generally not interested in Asian actors or the entire Chinese actor circle. Unless it's for a movie where the goal is to make it fail, or if they want a kung fu star like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, they won't use an Asian actor as the lead.