Jackie Chan was in Hong Kong filming Rush Hour 2, a movie that carried all his hopes of conquering Hollywood's box office once again.
If you counted from 1980's The Big Brawl, he'd already been in Hollywood for twenty years. Time had flown by—he'd gone from a 26-year-old hotshot to a 46-year-old veteran.
Over the years, he'd had several hits in Hollywood—Rumble in the Bronx, Rush Hour, and others. Those films performed decently for Asian-language productions, but compared to the top Hollywood blockbusters, the gap was still significant.
Jackie wanted one movie that would truly break out—something that would prove he could stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names.
Back when he was young, he didn't have much say in anything; he had to compromise and go along with others' decisions. Now, though his physical peak had passed, he had far more influence and resources than ever before.
If he wanted to reach the top, this was the perfect time—and probably his last real shot.
Jackie wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. Rush Hour 2 carried all his hopes and energy. Whether he could finally join the ranks of Hollywood's box office elites depended on this film.
That was why he was paying special attention to one particular guest—someone he was currently waiting for, a young man flying in from New York: Luke.
Originally, Jackie had only planned to help the newcomer out—let him do a small cameo in his movie, get his face out there a bit. But in just a few months, Luke's career had skyrocketed.
His film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon wasn't just a hit—it became a phenomenon, thanks largely to Luke's creative marketing that pushed the once-niche movie into the box office top ranks.
To be honest, that success had stung Jackie a little. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon achieved what he had always dreamed of but never quite managed. Luke's contribution had been crucial.
And now the kid was starring in a major Hollywood blockbuster.
He was only eighteen—and nobody, no less. Jackie knew firsthand how tough it was to survive in Hollywood as an Asian. He'd been through all that struggle himself.
Still, Jackie didn't feel jealous. He actually felt proud. It was good to see someone from the next generation picking up the torch for action cinema.
Especially since his trusted stunt coordinator, Bob, who'd been assigned to Luke's recent project, had given him glowing reviews.
So, to show how seriously he took the young man, Jackie had decided to come meet him at the airport personally.
"Hey, isn't that Jackie Chan himself?"
A chubby man with a mocking grin walked into the VIP lounge. "Who could possibly be important enough for you to come greet in person? Don't tell me it's some gorgeous actress?"
It was Director Wong Kin—one of the defining figures of Hong Kong's golden film era. His credits included God of Gamblers, All for the Winner, and Justice, My Foot!.
He and Jackie went way back and had worked together several times. Their 1993 collaboration City Hunter was iconic—but also the last time they worked together.
After that, things soured between them for various reasons. Wong even made a movie, The Dragon from Heaven, that subtly mocked Jackie, bringing their feud out into the open.
So when Jackie saw the smug, heavyset man standing before him, he didn't bother hiding his disdain.
"Just because you can't think of anything but women doesn't mean everyone else is like you," Jackie shot back.
"Oh, spare me," Wong sneered. "You really think you're the one to lecture me on that?"
"I've always cared more about my brothers than about women. They're the ones who actually have my back."
"So you're saying you're really here to pick up a man?" Wong blinked in mock surprise.
"What's it to you? Mind your own business."
"Hey!"
"What?" Jackie replied impatiently.
"I heard some triad gangs have been eyeing your film crew. You know they won't leave you alone unless you pay up. Watch yourself."
"Yeah, yeah, I got it."
That was exactly what had been bothering Jackie lately. Why did things have to be so damn complicated—even for someone at his level?
Meanwhile, Luke's plane was descending toward Hong Kong, the glittering city lights sprawling beneath him.
Even counting his previous life, this was his first time setting foot here. But the place still felt oddly familiar—TVB dramas, Shaw Brothers kung fu flicks, Golden Harvest productions... all of it had left a deep imprint on his childhood.
He'd grown up watching Hong Kong movies, listening to Cantopop—Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok, the two Chows and Jackie himself. Vivian Chow, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin—those stars had all been his childhood idols.
Now he was finally coming here in person. Would he actually cross paths with any of them?
The decision to make this trip had been spontaneous. Two days earlier, he'd gotten a call from Zhang Ziyu reminding him of his promise to cameo in Rush Hour 2.
When he'd borrowed Jackie's stunt team for Jurassic Park 3, he'd said he'd return the favor someday. Now it was time to make good on that promise.
In a few weeks, The Fast and the Furious and Jurassic Park 3 would both hit theaters, and he'd be busier than ever.
His work on Jurassic Park 3 had already wrapped, though the rest of Jackie's team was still assisting Director Johnston on the remaining action scenes.
So Luke figured—why not take this small window of free time to knock out the cameo?
After a smooth landing, the plane rolled to a stop. Sixteen hours in the air had left everyone exhausted, and the passengers were eager to grab their luggage and get out.
Luke, seated near the back in economy, didn't bother rushing.
That's when a flight attendant stopped by, crouched down, and asked softly, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Luke?"
She looked slightly puzzled. She'd just gotten a message from airport management telling her to give this passenger special treatment. But why would a VIP be flying economy?
"Yes, that's me. Is something wrong?" Luke smiled, his expression so naturally warm that it made her heart skip a beat.
God, how could someone look that good—and she hadn't even thought to slip him her number?
"Mr. Luke," she said quickly, blushing. "Please bring your carry-on. We've arranged a VIP exit for you."
"Huh?"
Still confused, Luke followed her toward the front of the cabin. To his surprise, he was ushered off the plane before even the first-class passengers.
A private car waited for him outside, and after a swift ride through a series of green lights, he arrived at a VIP lounge—
—where a middle-aged man was waiting.
Even before the man stood up, Luke recognized him instantly.
Jackie Chan.
He smiled and walked over, still unsure why the superstar himself had come to meet him.
Jackie rose to his feet the moment their eyes met, striding forward with a grin.