Stephen was also very happy to learn that Su Han had returned.
The two arranged to meet as soon as possible.
They met at a tea restaurant, a pleasant environment.
"How was it?"
"Was everything good after returning from the Oscars?"
"Yes. It felt very good, everything went smoothly."
"I actually asked you to meet today because there's something I want to discuss with you."
"Oh? What is it?"
"You opened a film and television company before, didn't you? It went bankrupt. If I'm asking you to come now, it's to partner up and open a film and television company. Do you have any interest in that?"
Stephen hadn't expected Su Han to have such an idea.
But upon careful consideration, if the two of them cooperated, it would indeed be feasible.
Feasible it was, but having had a company go bankrupt before left some lingering psychological shadows.
"What are your plans for this company?"
"Actually, I've thought about it. This company will mainly produce films, and we can also sign new artists ourselves to cultivate them."
"Both of us have the ability to cultivate these artists, but primarily, we'll focus on film and television."
Su Han explained his thoughts to Stephen.
Stephen had actually entertained a similar idea before, and it seemed quite good.
However, undertaking this endeavor carried a certain risk.
"However, I feel there's a certain risk involved. If there's a fifty percent risk, would you still go for this business?"
Stephen looked at Su Han.
Su Han had considered the risk.
"If there's a fifty percent risk, no, even ninety-nine percent, I still think this is something worth trying."
Stephen was extremely surprised, his pupils constricting slightly as he looked at Su Han.
"It seems you have a gambler's mentality."
"A gambler's mentality is inevitable."
"I believe that to thrive in the entertainment industry, one must not only proceed steadily but also possess a gambler's spirit."
"It's clear you're meant for great things."
"I've actually wanted to start another film and television company for a long time, but I haven't found the right opportunity, nor a suitable partner."
"Now, it seems my chance to make a comeback has arrived. It's time."
Stephen sighed deeply.
"Then let's get it done!"
"Let's do it!"
Next, Su Han and Stephen continued to discuss various matters concerning the film and television company, such as investment, securing sponsorships, and the types of artists to sign.
They covered everything under the sun.
The two found common ground, engrossed in their conversation, lost in the moment.
By noon, the discussion had largely concluded. In the afternoon, they still had time, and they immediately headed to the filming location.
The scene to be shot today was on the beach.
It was a scene between Stephen and Cecilia Cheung on the beach.
They were chatting on the beach, which accelerated the progression of their relationship.
"When we performed on stage, we were truly invested."
"It would be very dangerous if you suddenly rushed up."
"..."
"And it was also filled with blood and tears."
"Last time, when I was in a bad mood, I slapped you. This time, I just wanted to apologize."
"Actually, I'm already very grateful that you came to support me so much tonight."
"Really?"
"Thank you!"
After speaking, Stephen turned and hugged Cecilia Cheung.
Cecilia Cheung stood frozen, allowing herself to be embraced by Stephen.
Stephen sincerely said to Cecilia Cheung, "Thank you."
"I will remember your encouragement."
Cecilia Cheung, however, was dismissive of all this, not taking it to heart at all.
She generously patted Stephen on the shoulder: "You can do it."
"That move you taught me last time, the one with the quail, those jerks really did cup my chin like that."
As Cecilia Cheung spoke, she imitated the action, cupping her own chin with one hand.
"Good morning, sir."
"All those jerks were captivated by me; I became the most popular one."
"Really?"
"Of course, this time I've really made it."
"Congratulations, you'll definitely become a very outstanding dancer!"
"Thank you, and you'll definitely become a very outstanding extra."
"Thank you!"
This exchange between Stephen and Cecilia Cheung was very pleasant, relaxed, and natural.
There was no acting involved; it was like a conversation between friends, utterly authentic.
Watching them converse so well, so naturally, and act so comfortably, Su Han felt pleased.
This segment was excellent; there was no need to call cut or anything.
They sat together, gazing out at the sea, watching the waves surge and crash onto the shore.
Following this, they slept together.
They stayed together until dawn.
Upon waking, Cecilia Cheung, wearing a shirt, sat by the window.
Outside the window was the vast, boundless sea.
Stephen awoke and stood at the doorway, watching Cecilia Cheung sitting by the window.
Cecilia Cheung was truly in the bloom of youth, the gentle breeze outside caressing her face and gently ruffling her hair.
The camera first panned across her upper body, then down to her long legs.
It was seeing her youthful and beautiful appearance that panicked Su Han.
His first thought was to rush back to his room to make a phone call.
"Hello? Master Hong?"
"What is it?"
"Roughly how much does it cost to spend a night with a nightclub hostess these days?"
"An average quality one costs about a thousand to twelve hundred."
"What about a higher quality one?"
"How good are we talking about?"
"Top-tier."
"Anything from over a million to over ten million."
Upon hearing this, Stephen's hand holding the phone trembled, and it dropped to the floor.
He quickly rummaged through his belongings, pulling out all his savings.
His savings weren't much: a few hundred yuan, some tens of yuan, and a watch.
After placing these meager possessions on a stool, Stephen stealthily returned to bed and feigned sleep, his back to the door.
When Cecilia Cheung returned to the room, she had intended to stay a bit longer.
However, upon seeing the money on the stool, she froze, her pupils constricting slightly.
As if understanding something, a complex emotion flickered in her eyes.
Taking the money, she changed her clothes.
As she walked towards the door, preparing to leave, she glanced back at Stephen lying on the bed.
"Thank you, boss."
After saying this, Stephen, who had been lying in bed, suddenly opened his eyes wide, then continued to lie still and pretend to sleep.
Cecilia Cheung turned and left without looking back.
Stephen stood by the window, watching her descend the stairs.
His eyes were filled with longing.
Seeing her dejected figure, he couldn't control himself and called out.
"Hey!"
Cecilia Cheung stopped.
"What is it?"
"You're leaving?"
"Yes!"
"Where are you going?"
"Going home!"
"And then?"
"Going to work."
"What if you don't go to work?"
"If I don't go to work, will you support me?"
This seemingly playful remark was also somewhat heart-wrenching.
So much love is lost because there's no financial security.
Many people in the crew witnessed this scene and were deeply moved.
One by one, they were filled with sadness.
Both Cecilia Cheung and Stephen couldn't help but smile, as the statement was too heavy.
Supporting someone is not simple; the responsibility is immense.
Stephen currently lacked the means.
Cecilia Cheung continued to walk away, not truly believing Stephen could support her either.
Stephen, standing by the window, also doubted his own ability.
Seeing her continue to walk away, he hurriedly turned and ran downstairs.
He ran all the way, chasing after Cecilia Cheung.
"Hey!"
Cecilia Cheung stopped: "What is it now?"
"I'll support you!"
She stood there for a long, long time. For a moment, she was tempted.
This was not the path she had chosen herself. Everyone has feelings, even she, now working as a nightclub girl.
In that instant, she immediately composed herself.
"You should take care of yourself first, you fool!"
She turned her head coldly and uttered this sentence.
After saying it, she got into her car and left.
In the parking lot, she burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
Cecilia Cheung's crying scene was exceptionally earnest, moving everyone to tears.
Everyone watched with rapt attention; those with strong empathy cried along with her.
And Su Han was one of those with strong empathy; he cried like a fool on set.
While crying, he deeply lamented.
"Indeed, love only exists in movies."