Jason Wright was always good at saying nice things. He said, “So you can’t sit here if you’re not famous? It’s not like you’re just an extra.”

John Brooks would shine with just a little encouragement. He nodded, “Exactly, I’m the male lead this time, the soul of the whole show. The soul deserves a soul’s status.”

Jason Wright, ever perceptive, stepped forward and pulled open the car door. Inside, a brand-new carpet was laid out, the leather interior was exquisite and beautiful, and every seat had a Shu embroidery pillow. As you got closer, you could smell a faint fragrance.

John Brooks stylishly flung off his trench coat, lifted his leg, and got into the car, sitting down on the sofa seat in one smooth motion.

The driver was startled, half-turned his body, and looked in surprise at the suddenly appearing John Brooks and Jason Wright, staring for a good four or five seconds.

John Brooks reached out and snapped his fingers in the air, saying, “Sir, am I so handsome that you’re stunned?”

The driver snapped out of it and greeted them hesitantly, “Are you... heading to the crew?”

“That’s right, we just got off the plane,” Jason Wright said. “Don’t just stand there, give us a hand with the luggage.”

The driver got out to help, glancing at them as he lifted the suitcases, unable to resist confirming again, “Is it to ‘The First Night’ crew?”

“Could it be wrong?” Jason Wright replied. “The crew’s logistics are really unreliable. You’re already here, but they didn’t send the license plate number earlier. Luckily, this car stands out.”

John Brooks felt thirsty, so he twisted open a bottle of Perrier prepared in the car and handed a can of Coke to Jason Wright. He took a sip and asked, “Sir, about how long will it take to get to the crew?”

The driver answered, “About... an hour and a half.”

John Brooks frowned, feeling that this driver was really slow and hesitant with every word. At home, he had two drivers—one old, one young—who always followed three rules: answer promptly, act quickly, and drive steadily.

It was getting late, so he said, “Alright, let’s go then.”

But the driver didn’t move. Instead, he looked toward the terminal and finally asked in confusion, “Director Thompson went in to pick you up. Didn’t you see him?”

Outside the arrival gate, a well-dressed middle-aged man had been waiting for a while. His surname was Liu, and he was the production manager for ‘The First Night’ crew.

The VIP passage was getting quiet. Ethan Sullivan was the last to board before takeoff and almost the last to disembark after landing. He knew someone was waiting for him, but the closer he got to the exit, the more his steps slowed uncontrollably.

Director Thompson spotted Ethan Sullivan’s figure with sharp eyes and immediately waved, calling out warmly, “Editor Qu, it’s been a while since we last met!”

Ethan Sullivan heard the voice and gripped the handle of his suitcase tighter. When he finally approached, he shook the other’s outstretched hand and said, “Long time no see. I didn’t expect to trouble you to come pick me up.”

“Not at all,” Director Thompson said with a smile. “The car is right outside. Let’s get you to the hotel to rest first.”

Chapter 2

John Brooks looked at Jason Wright, asking with his eyes: Who is Director Thompson?

Jason Wright quickly ran through the staff list in his mind. There were quite a few people surnamed Liu, but only one could be called “Director.” He was startled and leaned in to whisper to John Brooks, “Seems like the production manager’s surname is Liu.”

“What the hell?” John Brooks’s eyes widened. “The production manager came to pick me up himself?”

They were whispering with their heads down and didn’t notice someone approaching the car door. When the door was opened again, both John Brooks and Jason Wright looked up at the same time.

Director Thompson appeared at the door. His fine Armani suit couldn’t hide his beer belly, and his gold-rimmed glasses couldn’t conceal the surprise on his face. He stood there, stunned, blocking the doorway and making eye contact with those inside.

The driver was the first to break the silence, saying, “Director Thompson, you see...”

Jason Wright quickly moved aside from his seat, holding out both hands respectfully. “Director Thompson, hello, hello, I didn’t expect you to come in person.”

Director Thompson shook his hand lightly, but his gaze stayed on John Brooks, as if trying hard to remember who he was. Jason Wright immediately said, “This is my artist, John Brooks, joining the crew today. We just got off the plane.”

Director Thompson suddenly understood and nodded, “Ah, it’s Xiao Lu.”

“Hello, Director Thompson,” John Brooks greeted.

Director Thompson asked, “Did you contact the crew? Who’s the crew member in charge of reception?”

“It’s Xiao Zhang,” Jason Wright said. “Xiao Zhang is probably busy. We saw the crew’s car parked here, so we just got in ourselves.”

Director Thompson took out his phone, dialing as he spoke, “This Xiao Zhang is famous for being careless and always making mistakes. Wait a moment, I’ll contact him and check.”

John Brooks gripped the Perrier bottle tighter, feeling a sense of foreboding.

“How do you handle things? Even with several cars, you still mess it up and leave the artists hanging after their flight? Don’t give me any excuses about scheduling. Alright, don’t apologize to me.”

Director Thompson scolded into the phone for a bit, then relaxed his brow after hanging up. “Xiao Lu, here’s the situation. I asked Xiao Zhang, and the car that was supposed to pick you up is actually a different one.”

John Brooks: “Huh?”

“There are a lot of actors joining the crew these days, so the car scheduling is tight and might be a bit slow,” Director Thompson said. “I’ve already scolded Xiao Zhang. When you get to the crew, make sure he gives you a proper apology.”

John Brooks was a bit dazed. “So now we...”

Director Thompson smiled and answered tactfully, “Then let’s meet at the crew.”