Xie Guan just finished shouting, but before he could scare the person involved, he was tackled by Li Yan who held him down forcefully. “Buddy!! Stop shouting! Don’t you see where we are? What if there are reporters nearby?”
In terms of fighting, Li Yan was certainly no match for Xie Guan. In an instant, he was pushed away by Xie Guan. He was about to bravely intervene again when Xie Guan raised his hand and gestured to him to stop.
“Enough.”
Before his emotions could fully explode, Xie Guan pulled him back. The intensity of the situation was even less than when a elderly auntie and a vegetable vendor were haggling over fifty cents.
Xie Guan turned to Fang Wei and said, “Don’t come here during this period. Return the company’s card and keys. After this film is finished, resign from the company on your own initiative.”
Fang Wei tried to plead, “Mr. Xie, just this once, could you forgive me…”
“Don’t tremble before me,” Xie Guan said coldly. “Or do you want me to call the company right now?”
Li Yan walked over and patted Xie Guan on the shoulder, indicating not to waste more words on this scoundrel. The two of them turned back and walked towards the sports field. Fang Wei stood in place awkwardly for a while, then gritted his teeth and got into his car.
“Teacher Xie, Sister Lin is looking for you.”
Xie Guan glanced at Fang Wei expressionlessly, as if questioning why he didn’t leave yet. Fang Wei awkwardly handed his phone to Xie Guan. They were practically strangers at this point, so Xie Guan wouldn’t trust Fang Wei to hold his phone and personal belongings while he was on set. When Lin Yao called, Xie Guan was filming, so she contacted Fang Wei instead.
Xie Guan’s recent mood seemed to be getting worse; he used to habitually wear a gentle expression, but now he couldn’t be bothered to pretend. He coldly took the phone without saying a word and turned to the other side to answer the call.
Fang Wei stood in place, staring at his back, nervously rubbing the smooth fabric of his clothes. The hem of his clothes was crumpled, resembling a dried salted fish.
“Sister Lin, you were looking for me.”
Lin Yao was a senior manager at Xihua Entertainment, with over a dozen artists under her management. She couldn’t be everywhere at once, especially dealing with someone like Fang Wei, who was a habitual liar and tricky to handle. Therefore, she was unaware of the changes happening with Xie Guan’s side. She asked with a smile, “How’s it going? Have your recent film shoots been smooth?”
Xie Guan, not wanting to dampen her mood, refrained from sharing his troubles with Lin Yao. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they got down to business. Lin Yao smiled and said, “Good news this time, you’ve got another film offer.”
Xie Guan was slightly surprised.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
He was still a small-time actor with no significant work or recognition. None of his dramas aired yet, and even the opportunity he participated in was referred to as an “audition.” How could there be a confirmed “film offer”?
“Have you been struck dumb by happiness?” Although Lin Yao was accustomed to various large-scale productions, she was very enthusiastic about the minor role Xie Guan secured. “The film adaptation rights for Rising Tide of the Blue Sea were sold to He Run Tiancheng. They’re currently reaching out for investments and contacting actors. The director mentioned something about a… um, demon sect character, and specifically wanted you. Do you accept it?”
Pc ufcfgji, oliwr jcv KN vgjwjr qgbvemfv ys vloofgfca mbwqjclfr kbeiv gjgfis erf atf rjwf jmabgr. Ktlr kjr yfmjerf atf akb nfgrlbcr tjv vloofgfca obmerfr bc rabgsilcfr jcv mtjgjmafg vfnfibqwfcar, jcv tjnlcu atf rjwf jmabg qijs atf rjwf gbif kbeiv ijmx cbnfias obg atf jevlfcmf. Zbgfbnfg, lc atf fcafgajlcwfca lcverags, tjnlcu mbwqjglrbcr ufcfgjafv yehh. Ktlr jqqilfv ab ybat atf wjlc jmabgr jcv atf reqqbgalcu gbifr.
This kind of exception has occurred before, but the response was mediocre.
Xie Guan was puzzled. “Who’s the director, and why does she want me for the role?”
“Bai Luzhou. Have you heard of her drama The Spring Breeze is Green Again? She’s known for her unconventional methods,” Lin Yao explained. “I heard she was having a drink with Director He, and when he mentioned you, she became interested and asked to see your work. I’m quite curious about it myself. I wonder how he managed to portray you as a celestial beauty; these directors can’t stop praising you.”
Xie Guan was left speechless by her teasing. Lin Yao continued, “It seems she has high expectations for you. She didn’t provide me with specific details, but the director’s team is scheduled to have a meeting with the investors next Tuesday. She wants to talk to you in person, so try to make some time to attend.”
“Alright, I got it. Thank you, Sister Lin,” Xie Guan replied after a moment of thought. “Could you please get me the address and contact information later?”
Lin Yao agreed and expressed her concern for his well-being, reminding him to focus on his work on set. She then hung up the phone.
The next day, Xie Guan received a text message from Lin Yao. To his embarrassment, the meeting location was the headquarters of Starlight Films, the main investor of the current film and Xie Guan’s former employer.
This was indeed a huge coincidence.
Xie Guan was no stranger to Starlight Films’ headquarters. He only terminated his contract half a year ago, and there were still many familiar faces in the corridor greeting him. Xie Guan exchanged pleasantries with them until he reached the door of the meeting room. Just as he was about to knock and enter, he unexpectedly came face to face with a group of people walking out of another office on the opposite side.
Both sides were momentarily stunned into silence.
As the saying goes, “the road is narrow for enemies”, and for Xie Guan, the person before him could be considered his ultimate nemesis in life.
It was Zhang Heshan, the same person who clashed with Xie Guan at the Blue Moon Club that night.
“It’s you?!”
“What are you doing here?!”
Zhang Heshan and the person behind him, Yao Jing, questioned in unison.
Xie Guan was intimidated by the overwhelming hostility emanating from both of them. His body unconsciously pressed against the back door panel. With a creak, the door of the meeting room was pulled open. A slender and sharp-looking woman with a short hairstyle, loose work jacket and jeans walked out.
All eyes in the room turned toward her like a set of spotlights.
She had a face that seemed perpetually irritated, and in a husky voice, she asked, “What’s going on, blocking the door for a fight?”
She exuded a fiercely rugged aura, and behaved in a very masculine manner, successfully scaring Zhang Heshan and the others. Only then did she leisurely shift her gaze to Xie Guan. After sizing him up, she said bluntly, “Are you Xie Guan?”
The moment Xie Guan saw her, he immediately recognized her as the renowned female director. He dared not be negligent and quickly replied, “Hello Director Bai.”
“Come in,” Bai Luzhou stepped aside, allowing Xie Guan to enter. He walked in without glancing around, leaving Zhang Heshan and the others staring at his back in astonishment.
The director has a poetic and picturesque name, but her personality was essentially the opposite of those two words. She carried herself with arrogance, spoke bluntly, and had influential connections. Few people in the industry dared to offend her. Zhang Heshan and Yao Jing hesitated, unsure of what to do or say. Just as they were about to speak, Bai Luzhou promptly returned to the meeting table and sat down as if she didn’t see them.
“Uh… Boss Zhang, let’s go in.” Yao Jing was about to die of embarrassment, but had to step forward and mediate as the hostess. She took the initiative to open the door and made a “please” gesture, trying to pave the way for Zhang Heshan. But the other was furious and didn’t give her any thanks. He didn’t exchange pleasantries, simply walked in, and a faint cold snort could be heard from him.
Yao Jing was on the verge of exploding, her delicate makeup unable to hide the contorted muscles on her face. She stood there, clenching her teeth in hatred. After a while, she managed to suppress her raging anger and silently added another mark against Xie Guan in her heart.
Bai Luzhou didn’t show much enthusiasm for Xie Guan; instead, there was a hint of disdain in her eyes. Apart from Huo Mingjun and his superior Ye Zheng, Xie Guan felt this scrutiny for the first time in the entertainment industry. The feeling of being thoroughly seen wasn’t pleasant at all, and Xie Guan gritted his teeth and endured it. Suddenly, he heard Bai Luzhou ask, “What film are you currently working on?”
“I’m working on Director Pang Zhonghua’s Youth of Martial Arts.
“Oh, old Pang,” Bai Luzhou casually took out a half-pack of Zhonghua cigarettes from her pocket and lit one. “He’s quite old, yet still making these childish movies.”
Xie Guan: “…”
The words left Xie Guan speechless. However, the big shots present all pretended to not hear it, making everyone equally awkward.
Fortunately, the Vice President of He Run Tiancheng was not as clueless. He was acquainted with Bai Luzhou in private and knew she was just being her usual self, and not intentionally causing trouble. He took the initiative to stand up and intervene, “Since our directorial team and the investors are all here, let’s start the meeting.”
Rising Tide of the Blue Sea secured investments from three companies: the copyright holder Heturun Tiancheng, Starlight Films where Xie Guan used to work, Zhang Heshan’s Sichuan Media, and Caiwei Film Industry. Bai Luzhou was the contracted director for Heturun Tiancheng, and the male lead, Qinglan, was already chosen and was currently the leading actor at Starlight Films. Sichuan Media and Caiwei Film Industry were co-producers of the project.
The purpose of this meeting was mainly for the production and financial sides to exchange information. The financial side would confirm the exact investment amount, while the production side would briefly explain the shooting plan and casting matters. Apart from Starlight Films, who were concerned about the actors, other investors were only interested in whether the film would be popular, if it would do well at the box office, and whether it could break even. They didn’t pay much attention to specific details. Bai Luzhou originally thought that choosing an actor in advance wouldn’t cause much controversy. However, as soon as she introduced Xie Guan to everyone, Sichuan Media and Starlight Films immediately formed an opposition alliance.
“No way.”
“I disagree.”
Xie Guan could only smile bitterly; he didn’t have any other expression to make. Not only did he encounter his arch-nemesis, but he was also faced with two of them at once. When Starlight Films drove him away, they firmly stated that he offended President Zhang and caused significant losses to the company. Yet, after just a short period of time, they were now teaming up to attack him.
Xie Guan estimated that his borrowed good luck probably ran out this time, and he might even end up in debt.
Bai Luzhou lazily flicked the ash of her cigarette into the ashtray beside her. She retorted on the spot, “Am I the director, or are you the directors? If you’re not satisfied, then sorry, find someone else. I won’t serve you.”
Zhang Heshan was infuriated, “Don’t give me this arrogant attitude! Even if I throw all this money away, I won’t invest a single penny in this kid. Anyone can play the role except him!”
“I’ll say it straight today,” Bai Luzhou squinted slightly, “I don’t care about your previous grudges. If you want me to direct Rising Tide of the Blue Sea, my decisions regarding the professionals are final. If you insist on throwing your money around and trying to dictate things to me, then I’m sorry, but find someone else. I won’t comply.”
Zhang Heshan was furious, “Don’t pretend to be someone when you’re nothing! There are plenty of actors in China. Have all the directors died?”
Bai Luzhou sneered. She was about to retort when a soft and smiling female voice suddenly floated into the room, “Now gentlemen, please calm down. There seems to be a misunderstanding here. Let’s not argue for now.”
Everyone turned their heads like a group of geese, all looking towards the woman who just spoke at the end of the long table.
“Director Bai, esteemed investors, although I’m not clear on how Mr. Xie managed to capture your attention, I’m sure that nobody here understands certain aspects of him better than Mr. Zhang and I do.”
“I believe that after listening to my revelations, you will understand why both Mr. Zhang and I strongly oppose Director Bai’s decision in employing him. You will also reconsider your choice carefully.”
The executives exchanged glances; beneath their feigned composure, there was a palpable curiosity. Only one individual remained unmoved, sitting calmly in the corner, as steady as Mount Tai.
Yao Jing and Xie Guan’s eyes met briefly in the air. She lifted the corner of her lips imperceptibly, showing him a determined smile.
I can’t stans these awful people teaming up to ruin Xie Guan’s life. I hope they all suffer in the end
What the heck! 😤