“Maggie Cheung, Jet Li, Tony Leung, and Zi Yi, please change into more formal clothes tonight. We are meeting with the ambassador from our New York and Beijing embassies. Ambassador Zhang has invited us to a banquet.”

Jet Li looked at Zhang Yimou with great surprise.

"Ambassador Zhang?"

Zhang Yimou nodded.

"That's right, Ambassador Zhang. Our film has caught the eye of the Central Propaganda Department, and they're planning a full-scale promotion. They've also arranged a promotional event in Chinatown the day after tomorrow, and we'll also be featured on the international news channel."

When Zhang Yimou said that, everyone—including Mandy Li, Jet Li, Tony Leung, and Zhang Ziyi—was stunned. The international news channel—that's even higher-class than CCTV's "Xinwen Lianbo" (News Broadcast). It's true; the international channel is geared towards the whole world, covering the globe, while "Xinwen Lianbo" only has a greater influence within China. In terms of influence, the international channel has a higher level of prestige.

International channels generally report on major world events, such as wars, public opinion, conspiracy theories, and international politics.

This is unprecedented.

Jet Li gave a thumbs-up to Zhang Yimou.

"Director Zhang has been making films for so many years, and this time the publicity is really top-notch. You're amazing."

"Yes, Director Zhang, we've really become famous alongside you this time, congratulations!" Man Shen also looked delighted.

Zhang Ziyi, standing to the side, was so happy she almost jumped for joy. Even a fool could tell that she was going to become famous this time, and not just any famous person. If the hero did well at the box office in the United States, her future would be limitless.

With a smile, Zhang Yimou waved his hand and said, "To be honest, I'm under a lot of pressure. I don't know if I can achieve good results in North America this time."

"Director Zhang, I have faith in you, we all have faith in you," Jet Li encouraged from the side.

Zhang Yimou nodded and continued discussing the details of tomorrow's premiere with Mike, who was standing next to him.

At 5 p.m., Zhang Yimou, along with Man Shen and others, arrived at the embassy.

Ambassador Zhang specially greeted them at the door.

As soon as Lao Zhangzi and his entourage got out of the car, they saw Shen Fang and Ambassador Zhang, and quickly took a few steps over.

Ambassador Zhang also came out to greet them, and the two shook hands warmly.

"Director Zhang, welcome to our embassy! I'm a huge fan of yours. The filming of 'Living' is fantastic."

Zhang Yimou responded warmly, "Ambassador Zhang, it's my honor that you like it."

Ambassador Zhang then warmly shook hands with Jet Li, Mandy Lieu, Leung Chiu-wai, and Cheung Tsz-yee.

"Director Zhang, please. Tonight, our chef has specially prepared some hometown dishes for you. Be sure to have a couple of drinks tonight."

"Definitely, definitely."

Ambassador Zhang led the group into the embassy and first showed them around the embassy grounds. There were also many photos taken with celebrities, including dignitaries from various countries, such as the current US president.

Ms. Lin Jie, who was standing nearby, raised her camera.

"Shall we take a picture together?"

Zhang Yimou nodded repeatedly.

Ambassador Zhang was in the center position, with Zhang Yimou standing next to him. Behind them stood Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, and others. Shen Fang was holding Liu Qianqian's left hand, while Liu Qianqian held the document approving her renunciation of citizenship in her right hand. Both of them had bright smiles on their faces.

With a click, a flash of white light appeared.

Lin Jie gave an OK sign, and then asked Zhong Lingxuan for help so she could take a few photos with her idol, Man Shen.

That evening, the embassy staff took a bunch of photos with Mandy Lieu, Tony Leung, and Jet Li.

Although they work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is high-end and classy, ​​they still have entertainment activities and watch movies. Celebrities may not be comparable to them, but they have high profiles.

Especially kung fu superstars like Jet Li have fans all over the world, particularly in the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Many foreigners know them.

The movie "Lethal Weapon 4" propelled Jet Li to the top, landing him a $20 million film.

This film marked Jet Li's first Hollywood appearance and his first time playing a villain, a role that left a lasting impression and quickly gained acceptance among American audiences. His ruthless performance and impressive martial arts skills garnered him a large fan base.

Then, the year after Lethal Weapon 4 was released, American film distributors seized the opportunity to bring Jet Li's old film Black Mask to the North American market. As a result, it grossed $12 million at the box office. It was said to be even more popular in the video market, selling nearly 10 million DVDs. When the film was released in Hong Kong three years earlier, it only grossed more than HK$13 million.

It's no joke that Jet Li is considered an international superstar. In 1998, he had a film that grossed over 100 million US dollars, which is extremely rare in Hollywood.

Celebrities are not all the same. People like Jet Li and Jackie Chan have a certain status all over the world, especially in some smaller countries. When they go to promote their movies, they are received by the foreign minister and prime minister. Jackie Chan, for example, has been received by the King of Thailand, African presidents, the prime minister of South Korea, and the prime minister of Japan. He has a very high status.

The meals we had were all pre-booked, mainly because they were high-class, and the outstanding talents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were all language artists; they spoke very eloquently and made very sound points. They were all top-notch.

At 9 p.m., Ambassador Zhang saw the group out of the embassy, ​​and they returned to their hotel.