I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

In Feng Xiaogang's opinion, Cheng Sheng is exceptionally talented, possesses numerous high-quality original scripts, and has unparalleled box office appeal and directing ability among the new generation of directors.

If he can use this godparent relationship to get close to Cheng Sheng, he will be able to obtain a steady stream of high-quality scripts in the future, which will greatly help his film and television career.

“If you don’t believe me, I’ll have Cheng Sheng tell you himself. He’s right next to me right now,” Xu Fan said casually.

"Okay... wait a minute." Feng Dapao paused, his guard up again. "You mean he's with you now?"

“That’s right. After picking us up from the airport, he dropped us off at the hotel.” Xu Fan calmly dispelled any suspicions, speaking frankly. “But don’t worry, he was just doing his duty as a junior and didn’t stay at the hotel. I’m a whole twelve years older than him, already middle-aged, while he’s young, promising, and handsome, and has a proper girlfriend. How could he possibly be interested in us? Please don’t overthink it.”

These words were so well-spoken that they completely dispelled all of Feng Dapao's doubts.

“You’re right.” Feng Dapao completely let down his guard, his tone filled with admiration. “I have absolute faith in Cheng Sheng’s character. Although there are many rumors about him online, there has never been any solid evidence. The media has dug deep into his life and reported on him many times, all of which have confirmed that he has a proper lifestyle, never engages in any sexual harassment of artists, and has no bad habits. Among young directors, he is a rare clean and reliable one.”

Feng Dapao was filled with emotion. If he were Cheng Sheng's age and had achieved such success and status, he would never have been able to maintain such integrity and stay true to his principles.

As Xu Fan listened to the praise on the other end of the phone, the corners of his lips twitched slightly. He thought to himself: What kind of upright character and non-conformist behavior towards artists is this? He just hasn't met the right person yet. If Feng Dapao saw this scene with his own eyes, he would probably fly into a rage instantly.

Cheng Sheng took the phone at the right moment, with a gentle and harmless smile on his face, and spoke frankly and naturally: "Director Feng, I hope I haven't misunderstood you. The photos on the internet are all fabricated and made up by netizens. Sister Xu and Sister Hong and I are just godparents. I'm just here to take care of my sisters. I wouldn't dare to ruin your relationship with your husband."

"So that's how it is. I was overthinking it." Feng Dapao laughed heartily, his tone unusually warm. "In that case, I'll take the liberty of calling you Xiao Cheng from now on. By the way, did you go to Hollywood this time for new work? Have all your domestic film projects been put on hold?"

“Then I should call you brother-in-law.” Cheng Sheng replied with a smile, and then explained, “I came to Hollywood this time because I owe Scarlett a favor. When we were filming ‘Three Kingdoms,’ she came all the way to China to make a cameo appearance. I have to repay that favor, so I came here to help her produce a new movie.”

“Scarlett? That top Hollywood actress?” Feng Dapao was shocked.

“That’s right,” Cheng Sheng replied. “They helped me a lot back then, so I can’t let them down.”

"I understand!" Feng Dapao reacted instantly, his tone becoming even more shocked. "Xiao Cheng, you mean you're going to officially direct a movie in Hollywood?"

"I guess so. This is my first film in Hollywood. It's just a small project, an experiment," Cheng Sheng said modestly.

Feng Dapao on the other end of the phone fell silent instantly, his heart filled with shock and envy.

Countless top directors in China dream of breaking into Hollywood and establishing themselves in the international market, but very few can actually gain a foothold.

Even top domestic directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, who ventured into Hollywood in their early years, ultimately returned home disappointed and defeated.

He himself once harbored a Hollywood dream, but due to a mismatch between his style and the local environment and a lack of opportunities, he never had the chance to get involved. Now, at a young age, Cheng Sheng is able to independently manage Hollywood projects, an achievement that directly surpasses 99% of directors in China.

"Xiao Cheng, your talent is truly admirable," Feng Dapao exclaimed with deep emotion. "You have already left the vast majority of directors in China far behind."

"It's too early to talk about these things now," Cheng Sheng said calmly and modestly. "If this movie flops both critically and commercially in Hollywood, I'm afraid I'll be kicked out of Hollywood."

"Impossible!" Feng Dapao said firmly. "Your historical films have received rave reviews and are widely popular overseas, with a very strong audience base. How could they possibly flop!"

“This time it’s different,” Cheng Sheng said slowly. “My new film is a modern drama, not a historical film.”

"Why?" Feng Dapao asked, puzzled and regretful. "Why would you choose to shoot an unfamiliar feature film instead of using your most advantageous and popular genre?"

"Brother-in-law, don't forget, this is Hollywood." Cheng Sheng didn't explain the real reason, just glossing over it with a few words.

If the film continues to focus on Chinese history, it wouldn't be considered a project specifically tailored for Scarlett Johansson, nor would it align with Hollywood's market logic.

Feng Dapao suddenly realized and quickly echoed, "It was my oversight, but your ability is undeniable. No matter the subject matter, your work will definitely be a masterpiece and you will absolutely succeed."

"Then I'll take your kind words, brother-in-law." Cheng Sheng chuckled, gently placing a hand on Xu Fan's chest, feeling her slight trembling, and calmly asked, "By the way, brother-in-law, how's the preparation for 'Alone' going? When will filming officially begin?"

Xu Fan tensed up, suppressing his strange feelings, and rolled his eyes at Cheng Sheng helplessly, thinking to himself: Sure enough, all men are the same, they prefer this kind of thrilling and exciting atmosphere. The more secretive and unconventional it is, the more excited they become.

"The production team's funding is all in place, and the set construction and equipment preparation are progressing steadily," Feng Dapao replied truthfully. "We should be able to officially start filming around the beginning of next year. Xiao Cheng, you have to make time to attend the opening ceremony press conference to help me out and promote the production."

"Don't worry, I'll naturally give my brother-in-law face," Cheng Sheng replied with a smile.

As soon as he finished speaking, he lowered his head slightly, leaned down and kissed Xu Fan's lips, tender yet unrestrained, with Feng Dapao's voice echoing in his ears the whole time.

"Xiao Cheng, I still have some things to take care of here, so I won't bother you any longer." Feng Dapao said in a friendly tone, and instructed, "Please take good care of your two older sisters for me. When you return to China, I will host a banquet to thank you properly."

"I must take good care of him." Cheng Sheng released his lips, smiled at his phone, then looked at Xu Fan, winked and joked, "Sister Xu, tell your brother-in-law if I'm taking good care of him, so he won't worry."

Xu Fan finally caught his breath, his heart filled with helplessness. He could only say perfunctorily into the phone, "Old Feng, don't worry. With him taking care of us, Ah Hong and I are doing fine. Don't worry about us." (End of Chapter)