Mr. Howard, with his greying hair and equally grey long beard, wearing a traditional Chinese tunic, exuded wisdom of past and present. He stood there, resembling a hefty book that people yearned to read yet found hard to comprehend.
Ms. Hughes and Hughes were chatting with him when Hughes mentioned his upcoming film. Mr. Howard stroked his beard and said, "Could your film be in need of a Chinese culture advisor? What do you think of me, old as I am?"
Hughes was so taken by surprise that he blurted out, "Huh?"
He had wanted to invite Mr. Howard for guidance, but knowing how busy he was, he dared not bother him much. To his astonishment, Mr. Howard proposed the idea himself today.
Ms. Hughes gently patted his arm and courteously said, "Your reaction, could it be that you didn't want Mr. Howard to be the advisor?"
Hughes laughed repeatedly, "How could that be? You know, madam, I've only dreamt of such an opportunity. I'm overjoyed to have Mr. Howard join us."
