Chapter Twenty: The Embroidered Spring Blade

Entering the office, Zhang Qianjun immediately headed for the sofa and sat down, casually glancing at the man who had opened the door. He looked like an ordinary young man in his late twenties, with short hair, thick eyebrows, single eyelids, and narrow eyes. He wasn’t tall, just a bit over 1.7 meters—truly unremarkable. Then Zhang turned his attention to Director Tian.

“Director Tian, do you still have that tea I had last time? I really liked it,” Zhang said.

Director Tian chuckled softly and brought out the tea set. “You actually like that? Not many young people prefer Pu’er tea. Wait a moment, I’ll brew some for you right now.”

As Director Tian busied himself with the tea set, Zhang Qianjun asked, “What’s the name of this tea?”

“This is Lao Ban Zhang Mountain ancient tree tea, a type of Pu’er. The aroma is excellent—pure orchid scent with a hint of honey. It leaves a sweet aftertaste and stimulates saliva well. It’s slightly bitter at first but quickly dissolves. The tea has a strong spirit; it’s just as intense as a shot of liquor when you’re not drinking alcohol. If you like it, take some with you when you leave.”

“No, thanks,” Zhang Qianjun declined immediately.

“Hey, why are you being so polite with me? That’s not like you. If I offer, just take it.”

“It’s not about being polite. If I take it home, no one will brew it. I can’t just throw the leaves into a big glass of boiling water—that would waste such good tea. When I become successful, I’ll hire a dedicated tea secretary—someone tall and elegant—to brew tea properly.”

Director Tian laughed heartily, thinking this young man’s ideas were truly unique. “If you don’t have a tall, graceful young lady, just settle for the tea I brew for you.”

“No problem, I’m not picky.” Zhang Qianjun settled into the sofa like a lord waiting for tea. “Director Tian, what did you want to see me about?”

“Oh, these old bones aren’t as sharp as they used to be. You came in talking about tea and secretaries, and I got distracted.” Director Tian then introduced the young man standing beside him.

“This is your senior fellow student Lu Yang, an outstanding graduate from the 2003 directing class. He’s an excellent director. He has a script he wants you to look at.”

From the moment the door opened, Lu Yang had been studying Zhang Qianjun, curious about the young man under twenty who had his debut film break a billion at the box office.

The first impression was handsome—normal enough, considering many handsome guys from the acting school. Although his facial symmetry was striking, it wasn’t overwhelmingly so.

But Zhang Qianjun gave off a different vibe. Despite his tall and sturdy build, he radiated clarity and purity, with none of the influencer aura. It was as if he carried a natural filter with him.

The second impression was confidence. Tall, broad-shouldered, with long arms, his gaze was calm yet powerful. His voice was loud and steady; he walked faster than most by about 25%. He was confident and poised, sitting on the sofa like he was at home. When talking to Director Tian, he was as natural as a cherished child speaking to his family’s elder.

He immediately asked for snacks upon entering, joking without a trace of formality. Seeing him sitting there, one could feel his vitality bursting forth.

When Director Tian introduced him, Zhang Qianjun quickly spoke up, “Hello, junior brother, I’m rookie director Lu Yang. You’re even more impressive than Director Tian described—a born spotlight.”

“Hahaha, senior brother, you’re right! I always feel like a firefly shining brightly in the night. Wherever I go, the light follows me.”

Lu Yang was momentarily thrown off. Was this junior brother joking, or did he really think that way? His confidence seemed genuine, not a joke. What was he supposed to say next?

Zhang Qianjun laughed again, stood up, and shook Lu Yang’s hand. “Just joking. Senior brother, I’m Zhang Qianjun—just call me Qianjun. I’ve seen your ‘Blind Cinema.’ It’s really well made.”

Director Tian chimed in, “Lu, don’t take it the wrong way. Qianjun only jokes like that with people he likes and sees as talent. If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t say a word. Come on, sit down and have some tea.”

It’s no wonder that at parties, holding a drink helps conversations flow naturally.

“So, here’s the thing: I’ve always dreamed of martial arts stories—jianghu, court intrigue, the secret police of the Eastern Depot and Western Depot. This is a script I’ve been working on for over a year. Qianjun, take a look.”

Taking the script, Zhang Qianjun unsurprisingly saw it was “Brotherhood of Blades.” After a quick flip through, he looked up at Lu Yang, who was full of hopeful anticipation.

“Interesting. Senior brother, are you looking for investment?”

“Actually, aside from investment, I want to invite you to play the male lead, Shen Lian.”

Zhang Qianjun nodded inwardly—good, at least he wasn’t foolish enough to say he wanted Zhang Zhen for the lead in front of me.

“What’s the budget?”

“Originally thirty million,” Lu Yang glanced at Zhang Qianjun and cautiously asked, “I don’t know your current fee, but the budget will vary with the lead actor’s pay.”

Zhang Qianjun smiled slightly. “I’m quite expensive—beyond what you’d imagine. Excluding the lead actor’s pay, what’s the budget?”

Hearing this, Lu Yang’s temples twitched but he thought it over.

“About twenty-four million. Since it’s a costume drama, going any lower and the costumes and props won’t be up to standard.”

“How much is still needed?”

Lu Yang looked even more embarrassed.

“Quite a lot—around twenty million.”

Zhang Qianjun chuckled softly.

“I’ll invest in the film.”

Seeing Lu Yang’s joyful expression, Zhang Qianjun immediately cooled the mood.

“But I don’t have money right now.”

Director Tian beside them couldn’t help but chide, “Don’t mess with your senior brother. Say everything at once.”

Zhang Qianjun didn’t hold back.

“The box office revenue share won’t come until October. Right now, I have just a little over a million. Here’s the deal: at the ‘Better Days’ celebration at the end of the month, you come with me. Senior executives from China Film Group will be there. I’ll try to pull some investors. It doesn’t have to wait until October; you start preparing now, and I’ll transfer funds to your account gradually.”

Only then did Lu Yang relax and continue discussing the film.

After bidding farewell to Director Tian and Lu Yang, Zhang Qianjun returned to his company, where Glasses immediately greeted him.

“You’re back! Lots of things need your approval—pink money, all of it.”

Zhang Qianjun brightened at the mention of money.

“Are these the endorsements people want me to do?”

Looking at the files in his hand, Zhang frowned.

“My Zhang, forget the miscellaneous brands—no health supplements, no online games, no financial products. Anything risky, just no. These are the only options left.”

“None of these will do. One offers 1.5 million over two years? That’s like giving me alms. Li Ning pays 800,000 a year. What is this? I’m not doing it.”

“How about this one, Dongpeng Energy Drink, 5 million over three years? Interested?”

Zhang hesitated but firmly said, “Too cheap. No deal. I can’t sell myself so cheaply.”

Now Li Yanjing was helpless. So it wasn’t like when he used to run around ad shoots as a model.

“What do you think a single endorsement should be to meet your standard?”

“Not less than ten million a year to support my family.”

Li Yanjing was speechless.

“Come on, even Fan Xiaopang doesn’t get that much. Do you really think you’re worth it?”

“Hm, why not?”

Li Yanjing frowned deeply. “Why do I feel a strange dislike hearing you say that? If endorsements don’t work, what about commercial performances? Twenty thousand a show, sing two songs.”

“How much?” Zhang thought he’d misheard.

“Starting at twenty thousand per show. With recent films breaking a billion, we’re promoting you as a hot star, a lead with box office hits.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Whenever it starts, I’ll take as many as I can. I’m healthy and don’t mind the work.”

Calculating it through, Li Yanjing realized his boss was a pure money lover.

And so, Zhang Qianjun began hopping between major shopping malls at a pace of at least two performances a day, embarking on a torturous yet joyful commercial tour.

Perhaps because he appeared so often, his debut songs “Wind Rising” and “Fly Away” quickly gained popularity. The best proof: he even received copyright royalties from the TV station.

***

After a long, exhausting day of commercial performances, Zhang Qianjun lay on the bed, chuckling softly, which left Kan Qingzi beside him somewhat stunned.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing much, I’m just happy that my songs finally earned royalties.”

“But you said it’s not much compared to commercial gigs.”

Zhang Qianjun looked at the system points in his mind steadily increasing and said with meaning, “It’s different. This is lifelong income. Tomorrow’s celebration—what should I wear?”

“Wear that black double-breasted coat. You wouldn’t let me pick a tuxedo anyway.”

“Isn’t that coat too warm?”

“The hotel conference hall won’t be hot. The men all wear suits.”

After speaking, Kan Qingzi laid onto Zhang Qianjun.

“I feel like you don’t like me as much as before.”

“Why say that?”

“You used to terrify me.”

“......” Zhang Qianjun was at a loss for words.

“Do you think we’ll always be together? You’re a lead star with billion-dollar box office hits, and I’m still the villainous second female lead.”

“I thought since my film was so popular, I’d get famous too. More drama roles have come my way, but they’re still second leads, mostly villains.”

Zhang patted her gently.

“It’ll get better. Films don’t have as broad an audience as TV dramas. Their influence on the mainstream is slower to grow.”

On the unseen side, Kan Qingzi’s eyes showed a trace of disappointment because he hadn’t answered whether they would stay together forever.

“After I finish filming ‘Watching the Sky,’ let’s go to Nan’ao Island together, okay?”

“Hm? If time permits, sure. You like the ocean?”

“Yes, I love the ocean the most. The first time I saw it as a child, I realized there was such a beautiful sight in the world.”

Zhang thought silently: no wonder she’s from the ice city, just like Northeasterners who love Sanya. But in the previous life, Sanya’s living costs became outrageous, so many Northeasterners moved to Yunnan and Guangxi instead.

“I’ll definitely take you there.”

“Mwah~ I knew you were the best to me. I heard you’re shooting a new film?”

“Yes, a senior brother introduced by Director Tian—Lu Yang’s script, a martial arts film.”

Kan Qingzi hesitated. “This time, can I be your female lead?”

Zhang thought for a moment and answered honestly:

“Not likely. Lu Yang wants a popular young actress; he’s currently negotiating with Liu Tianxian.”

Kan Qingzi’s face fell but she didn’t argue—she knew the gap was too wide.

“Don’t be sad. Even though it’s called the female lead, it’s really just the fifth role, more of a decoration with little connection to the main story. Go to sleep early.”

But Kan Qingzi found it hard to fall asleep.

Fool, it doesn’t matter how big the role is—I want to be your female lead.