For a director, the script is more convincing than status. Last night, Samuel Wood, out of professional habit, had already finished reading "A Better Tomorrow," so the two could be considered acquainted.

Robert Bolton, however, put the plane ticket back into the envelope, turned sideways, raised his hand, and gestured toward the entrance of the market: “Director Wood, I heard you’ve been watching Chaplin films lately. Instead of watching movies every day, why don’t we go to London for some morning tea, feed the pigeons, and enjoy the London morning?”

“If you’re interested, the car to the airport is right outside the market.” It was eleven in the morning; by the time they flew to London, it would be close to midnight. Taking a cab to the square to see the dawn and the white doves—everything would be just right.

But Samuel Wood said, “To find me in the market, Mr. Bolton, you must have quite the connections.”

Hearing that he didn’t refuse outright, Robert Bolton felt reassured, shrugged, and didn’t reply. He certainly wouldn’t tell Samuel Wood that Yau Ma Tei was his turf. Samuel Wood stared at him for a moment, then got up and walked out of the market. The two were about to embark on a spontaneous journey.

London.

Buckingham Palace.

Trafalgar Square.

“Flap, flap.”

Robert Bolton wore a black trench coat, a round bowler hat, and black leather boots. He looked back.

A flock of white doves flapped their wings and soared into the sky, tracing a graceful arc.

Samuel Wood had his black turtleneck shirt pulled up to his neck, half his face hidden in the fabric, holding a camera to capture the scene ahead. After taking the shot, his face lit up with joy. If Trafalgar Square needed a portrait, the person before him would be the perfect model. Robert Bolton placed one foot on the railing by the central fountain, opened his palm, and watched as a white dove landed in his hand.

It was Samuel Wood’s first real visit to London. Watching the sunrise with the doves, he felt refreshed and found the world beautiful.

From that moment, he developed a fondness for white doves. In the future, whenever reporters asked him why there were always doves being released in his films, he would always mention that spontaneous trip—the sunrise, the doves, and the people of that day.

“Mr. Bolton.”

“You’ve spent so much money and time to invite me to London to relax. If I still refuse to direct your film, wouldn’t you be at a huge loss?”

Good times are always short. After sunrise, it was morning.

Robert Bolton and Samuel Wood strolled through the streets of London and randomly picked a Western restaurant to dine in. After finishing his pasta, Samuel Wood wiped his mouth and smiled.

Robert Bolton: “Just think of it as inviting a friend to unwind.”

“But I believe Mr. Wood already has an answer in mind.”

“How so? Just because of the price of a plane ticket?” Samuel Wood retorted, “That makes it sound like a five-million box office director like me isn’t worth much!”

“Haha.” Robert Bolton laughed heartily. “Precisely because you, Mr. Wood, are a five-million box office director, you understand that Chaplin’s success came from the brutal oppression of the lower classes in British society at that time. Behind the smiles were tears; satire is the truest form of comedy.”

“But Hong Kong doesn’t need that kind of humor now. What the Hong Kong film industry needs most is a work rooted in Hong Kong culture. Mr. Wood, you need an ‘A Better Tomorrow.’ If you work with me, you’ll have a future.”

“I still have three years left on my contract with Golden Harvest. I can’t be credited as director on other projects.” Samuel Wood said as he stirred his coffee.

Robert Bolton was dismissive: “Then let the work speak for itself! You can use a pseudonym to direct.”

In 1980, Samuel Wood directed the first film produced by Cinema City after its founding, “Funny Times,” under the name Philip Wood. The film achieved another HK$5 million box office success in Hong Kong.

Chapter 010: O Squad Inspection

“No.” Samuel Wood said to Robert Bolton, “If this film is to be released, it must have my name, Samuel Wood, on it.”

“If Mr. Wood really wants to use his real name for the release, that would be ideal, but you’ll have to negotiate with Boss Carter.” The boss of Golden Harvest is Vincent Carter, who not only owns a film production company but also fifty theaters.

Golden Harvest is one of the four major cinema chains in Hong Kong.

The kung fu films that swept the film industry in the 1970s were produced by Golden Harvest. Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Sammo Hung are all Golden Harvest artists. If Samuel Wood is currently a contract director with Golden Harvest and insists on being credited, he must get Golden Harvest’s approval.

In short, Golden Harvest would need a share of the profits.

“Once I’ve sorted out my creative ideas, I’ll take the initiative to talk to Mr. Carter. I hope to facilitate cooperation between you two.” Samuel Wood said after some thought, “After all, the film is meant to be released. If it can be shown in Golden Harvest theaters, Mr. Bolton, you’ll make a lot too.”

“OK, then I’ll wait for good news and for Director Wood’s call.” Robert Bolton then briefly mentioned the tentative casting of Donald Trump as the lead to Samuel Wood, who was very satisfied with Donald Trump’s participation. After all, Donald Trump had not yet earned the title of “box office poison,” and hiring a popular star would help promote the film.

Otherwise, if a few years later Donald Trump became box office poison, Samuel Wood really wouldn’t want to use him!

As for Donald Trump’s condition and acting skills, Samuel Wood planned to personally refine them.

A director’s greatest strength is in honing actors.