We asked you to make an anti-corruption film, but you made one in the name of the people!

These past few days, Lin Mo has finally gotten a full night's sleep.

I slept from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next day, twelve hours, and barely turned over more than a few times in between.

When I woke up, there were more than a dozen messages on my phone.

He squinted and scrolled through the messages; most of them were casual chats in work groups, nothing urgent.

But one of the posts was made by Zhang Yixing, around 11 p.m. last night.

"Director Lin, I'll be arriving in Yanjing tomorrow. Would you be free to have dinner together?"

Lin Mo thought for a moment and replied, "What time? Where?"

The message was sent and Zhang Yixing replied in less than ten seconds.

"Director Lin, you're awake? I thought you were going to sleep until the afternoon."

Lin Mo's lips twitched, but he didn't explain.

Zhang Yixing added, "There's a private restaurant near Jianguomen at 6 PM. I'll send you the location. Oh, and I've also invited two senior figures from the industry; they want to get to know you."

Lin Mo replied with an "okay" and didn't ask any further questions.

At 5:30 p.m., Lin Mo changed into a clean coat, took a taxi, and went out.

He doesn't usually care much about his clothes, but since he's going out to eat, he has to tidy himself up a bit.

When we arrived, it was an inconspicuous private restaurant, hidden deep in a hutong. There was no sign at the entrance, only a warm yellow light.

Lin Mo pushed open the door and went in; a waiter greeted him.

"Hello sir, do you have a reservation?"

"It was ordered by Mr. Zhang."

"This way, please."

The waiter led him through a small courtyard and into a private room.

The private room wasn't big; it had a square table that could seat six or seven people.

Zhang Yixing had arrived, wearing a black hoodie, her hair unkempt, looking much more casual than on stage.

Seeing Lin Mo enter, Zhang Yixing quickly stood up.

"Director Lin! Come, come, have a seat!"

Lin Mo walked over and shook hands with him.

"You're here pretty early."

"I just arrived too," Zhang Yixing said with a smile. "Director Lin, let me introduce you to these two..."

Before he could finish speaking, someone next to him stood up.

He was in his forties, with a round face and a smiling face, and his voice was familiar the moment he opened his mouth.

"Director Lin, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Huang Lei."

Lin Mo was taken aback.

Huang Lei.

The mastermind behind "Go Fighting!", a teacher at Beijing Film Academy, and a recognized senior figure in the industry.

He quickly extended his hand: "Hello, Teacher Huang, I've heard so much about you."

Huang Lei shook his hand and said with a smile, "Director Lin, please don't call me 'teacher,' just call me Lao Huang. I watched every single episode of 'In the Name of the People,' which you directed. It was wonderful!"

Lin Mo was a little embarrassed by the praise: "Teacher Huang, you flatter me."

Another person next to him also stood up.

He has dark skin and a very friendly smile.

"Director Lin, this is Huang Bo."

Huang Bo.

He is the vice chairman of the China Film Association, a Golden Horse Award-winning actor, and has starred in films such as "Crazy Stone" and "Dearest." He is a senior figure in the industry.

He quickly shook hands: "Brother Bo."

Huang Bo waved his hand: "No, no, no, Director Lin can just call me Huang Bo, or Xiao Huang is fine too."

Huang Lei rolled his eyes beside him: "You, Little Huang? You're over forty and you still call yourself Little Huang?"

Huang Bo chuckled: "Is that called Zhonghuang?"

Lin Mo was amused, and his tension dissipated by more than half.

The three people sat down, and the waiter began to serve the dishes.

Zhang Yixing sat next to Lin Mo, pouring him tea as he spoke, "Director Lin, I called you out today for two main reasons. First, to thank you for taking care of me on set. Second, these two gentlemen happen to be in Yanjing on business, so I thought we could all have a meal together and get to know each other."

Huang Lei picked up his teacup and looked at Lin Mo: "Director Lin, has Yixing caused you any trouble on set?"

"No, no, Ye Xing acted very well."

Zhang Yixing was a little embarrassed by the praise: "Director Lin, it's because you taught me so well."

Huang Lei glanced at Zhang Yixing, then said to Lin Mo, "I've watched Yixing grow up. He's honest and hardworking, but sometimes he's a little slow on the uptake."

Zhang Yixing's face fell: "Master, are you praising me or scolding me?"

Huang Lei ignored him and continued speaking to Lin Mo: "Director Lin, let me tell you the truth. When Yixing was offering you this role, he called me and asked if I would take it. I said I absolutely had to. Why? Because it's a project spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Security, and you're directing it. This is a serious matter, not just an ordinary commercial film."

Lin Mo nodded: "Teacher Huang is right."

Huang Bo picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and said, "Director Lin, I've watched the whole thing, 'In the Name of the People.' To be honest, I haven't seen such a hardcore domestic drama in a long time. Your script, the pacing, and the direction of the actors don't seem like the work of a new director."

Lin Mo humbly replied, "You flatter me. It's mainly because the actors performed well."

Huang Bo waved his hand: "Let me tell you, when I was at the Film Association meeting, several people mentioned you. They all said, 'Who is this Lin Mo? How did he suddenly appear?' I told them, 'You'll know when you watch 'In the Name of the People.'"

Lin Mo was surprised that his name had already spread throughout the Film Association, and he didn't know what to say for a moment.

Huang Lei chimed in from the side, "Director Lin, when will your film 'All or Nothing' be released?"

Lin Mo thought for a moment: "The submission for review has already been sent out, and it should be released next month."

Huang Bo nodded: "If this show airs, I'll be the first to see it. It's an anti-fraud drama, produced by the Ministry of Public Security, and directed by you, so it's bound to be good."

Once all the dishes were served, the four of them ate and chatted.

Huang Bo asked Lin Mo, "Director Lin, what are your plans for your next film?"

Lin Mo thought for a moment: "I haven't decided yet. Let's wait until 'All In' is released before we talk about it."

Huang Bo nodded: "No rush, good things come to those who wait. At your age, you have plenty of time."

"Director Lin, I have something to tell you."

"Please speak."

"The Film Association is planning a support program for young directors next year. If you're interested, I can help you submit your application materials."

Lin Mo was taken aback.

The Film Association's Young Director Support Program is widely recognized as a gateway to success in the industry. It selects five young directors each year, providing them with funding, resources, and a platform.

Those who emerged from that program later became great directors.

"Well..." Lin Mo paused, "My current identity is that of a civil servant at the Supreme People's Procuratorate. Filming is an assignment, not a personal creative endeavor. I'm afraid I don't meet the requirements."

Huang Bo waved his hand: "Conditions are set by people. Although you were assigned to direct 'In the Name of the People' and 'All or Nothing,' the results are no worse than any personal creation. I'll keep an eye on it for you, so don't rush."

"Thanks in advance, Brother Bo."

Huang Bo raised his teacup: "Director Lin, let me offer you a toast with tea instead of wine."

Lin Mo picked up his glass and clinked it against Huang Bo's.

Huang Lei also raised his glass: "I'd like to toast you too."

"You're too kind, Teacher Huang."

Zhang Yixing was the last to pick up his glass, smiling as he said, "Director Lin, I won't toast you, I'll drink it all."

After saying that, he downed a cup of tea in one gulp.

Huang Lei glanced at him and shook his head: "This kid drinks tea like he's drinking alcohol."

Everyone laughed.