Hong Kong, 1984: Starting with Retro Props

Back in 1984 Hong Kong, Shen Yueting carries around a "brain-dead" retro-prop System.

The System is convinced he's in 2026 making a period film. As long as the movie earns box-office revenue, he can exchange it for realistic "nostalgic" prop blueprints from the System!

So he exchanges one for a "retro video player prop." The DVD is born, Sony's videotape business collapses overnight, and the company's executives line up on the rooftop.

He exchanges one for an "old-school handheld console prop." Nintendo engineers stare at the Game Boy in their hands and cry out, "How can our Famicom possibly compare to this thing?!"

A retro phone that can only play Snake brings the entire Apple empire to maturity.

"Shen, give me some of your Microsoft shares. I'll even put your name on this building!" Pu gazes pleadingly at Shen Yueting.

Shen Yueting waves him off. "Maybe later. Don't keep me from discussing the script for my new film with Zu Xian and Hui Min!"

From Hong Kong director to global tech mogul, Shen Yueting insists, "Those really are just props! I only wanted to make a movie!"