Temporary Trip to Hong Kong Island

Jackie Chan was filming "Rush Hour 2" in Hong Kong, a movie that carried his ambition to once again hit the Hollywood box office.

If we count from filming "The Protector" in 1980, he had already been trying to break into Hollywood for 20 years.

The passage of time had transformed him from the 26-year-old young man he was back then into the 46-year-old middle-aged man he was now.

Over the years, he had also had quite a few successful films in Hollywood, such as "Rumble in the Bronx" and "Rush Hour."

The box office performance of these films could only be described as quite good for Chinese films, but they still fell far short of Hollywood's top blockbusters.

Jackie Chan yearned for a work that could truly be considered a massive hit.

In his youth, he had little influence and couldn't make decisions on many things, forcing him to compromise.

Now, he had achieved fame and success. Although his physical condition was past its peak, the resources he controlled far surpassed those of his past.

If he wanted to achieve results and reach his peak, this was the best and final opportunity.

Jackie Chan would not allow such a precious chance to slip through his fingers.

"Rush Hour 2" carried all his hopes and hard work; whether it could enter the ranks of Hollywood's highest-grossing films depended on this movie.

To this end, he would grasp every sliver of possibility, like the guest arriving now.

He was waiting for Lin Yuan, who was flying in from New York, USA.

Initially, it was just out of a desire to mentor a junior, wanting to give him a boost by letting him have a cameo role in his film to gain some recognition.

But he never expected that in just a few months, Lin Yuan would continuously rise, seemingly on the verge of soaring into the heavens.

Not only was his "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" a huge hit, but it was also said that his successful marketing was what propelled a film that was originally considered niche to the top of the box office charts.

To be honest, the success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" stimulated Jackie Chan.

This film achieved what Jackie Chan had always wanted to accomplish but couldn't, and Lin Yuan's contribution was a crucial part of it.

Lin Yuan's dazzling achievements didn't stop there; he had recently become the lead actor in a top Hollywood blockbuster.

Keep in mind he was only 18 years old, and still Chinese.

Jackie Chan knew firsthand how deep Hollywood's prejudice against Chinese people ran and how difficult it was to establish oneself; he himself had suffered a lot in the past.

Jackie Chan felt no jealousy or envy towards all of Lin Yuan's brilliant achievements.

He was very happy to see that after him, there would be other Chinese people who could carry the banner of action films.

Combined with the assessment of Lin Yuan by Meng Tao, an expatriate member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, Jackie Chan had come to fully acknowledge this rising star.

Therefore, Jackie Chan's way of showing his regard was to personally pick him up at the airport.

"Isn't that Brother Jackie Chan? What distinguished guest is worth you coming to greet personally? It must be a great beauty, right?"

At this moment, a chubby man with a sarcastic smile walked into the reception room and greeted them with veiled mockery.

Director Wong Jing was also one of the iconic figures of Hong Kong cinema's golden age, with representative works including "God of Gamblers," "God of Gamblers," and "Hail the Judge."

The two were old acquaintances and had collaborated on several films.

1993's "City Hunter" was a classic, but it was their last collaboration.

After that, the two had a complete falling out for various reasons.

Director Wong Jing even made a film called "The Saint of Gamblers," which alluded to Jackie Chan.

This brought their conflict out into the open.

Facing this lecherous fatty, Jackie Chan didn't have a good expression.

"You're the one with women on your mind all the time, so you assume everyone else is the same," Jackie Chan retorted sarcastically.

"Anyone else saying that would be one thing, but do you have the right to say it?" Wong Jing looked even more disdainful.

"Why wouldn't I have the right to say it? Women have never been important to me. I value brotherhood more; brothers can truly help me, but women can't."

"So you really are here to pick up a man?" Wong Jing was taken aback.

"What business is it of yours? Just mind your own business."

"Hey!"

"What?" Jackie Chan asked impatiently.

"I heard quite a few gangs are keeping an eye on your film crew. If you don't let them have a taste, they won't let you off easily. Be careful yourself!"

"Got it!"

This was also something that had been bothering Jackie Chan recently, and he didn't expect Wong Jing to bring it up again.

Jackie Chan couldn't help but feel weary inside: Why was it still so difficult for him to get things done, even at his level?

At this moment, the plane Lin Yuan was on was descending, about to land.

Looking at the dazzling night view of Hong Kong outside the airplane window, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Even counting his previous life, this was his first time visiting Hong Kong.

He was no stranger to Hong Kong Island, with TVB, Shaw Brothers, and Golden Harvest leaving indelible marks on his childhood.

Lin Yuan had watched plenty of Hong Kong films and listened to many Cantonese songs growing up.

The Four Heavenly Kings, Chow Yun-fat and Andy Lau, Vivian Chow, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin… these stars were once idols he'd followed in his childhood.

Now, he was finally stepping foot in this land. Would he cross paths with them?

Lin Yuan's trip to Hong Kong Island was a last-minute decision made the day before yesterday after receiving a call from Zhang Ziyi.

When he had asked Jackie Chan to borrow Meng Tao and other members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team for stunt guidance, he had promised to make a cameo appearance in Rush Hour 2.

Now it was time to fulfill that promise.

In a little over a month, The Fast and the Furious and Jurassic Park 3 would be released. He would be even busier then, with even less time to spare.

At this moment, Lin Yuan's scenes for Jurassic Park 3 had wrapped up. Meng Tao and the other Jackie Chan Stunt Team martial artists were still with the crew, assisting Director Johnston with the remaining filming.

So, with some free time on his hands, Lin Yuan decided to take this opportunity to visit Hong Kong Island and complete his cameo role.

With a slight jolt, the plane finally completed its landing and slowly taxied down the runway.

The 16-hour flight had left many passengers feeling physically and mentally exhausted. They eagerly got up to retrieve their luggage, eager to disembark as soon as possible.

Lin Yuan, however, remained seated and unhurried. He had purchased an economy class ticket, and his seat was towards the back, so even if he tried to rush, he wouldn't be able to get to the front.

Just then, a flight attendant approached Lin Yuan's seat and crouched down, speaking softly, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Lin Yuan?"

The flight attendant's eyes held a hint of confusion. She had just received instructions from airport management to provide special care for this passenger.

But why would a guest of such standing be sitting in economy class?

"I am Lin Yuan. Is there something you need?"

Lin Yuan smiled brightly, his handsome face causing the flight attendant's heart to skip a beat.

This Mr. Lin was so handsome, why hadn't she prepared a note to give him?

The flight attendant couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

"Miss, is there something you need?"

Lin Yuan had no idea he had truly stunned someone. Seeing the flight attendant staring blankly at him, he asked again.

"Ah! My apologies, Mr. Lin. Please gather your carry-on luggage. We have arranged a VIP channel for your departure." The flight attendant smiled sweetly.

"Huh?"

Lin Yuan, still bewildered, followed the flight attendant to the front of the cabin. His departure order was even ahead of the first-class passengers.

After disembarking, a private car was waiting for him, and then it was smooth sailing with green lights all the way.

It wasn't until he reached the VIP waiting lounge that he saw a middle-aged man waiting for him.

Jackie Chan, Lin Yuan recognized him immediately.

Though he was a bit confused, he walked over with a smile.

Upon seeing him, Jackie Chan also rose from the sofa and quickly walked over to greet him.