Chapter Thirty-Six: The Victory Celebration and the Appointment

The afternoon celebration was tedious. Although Zhang Qianjun had only attended two such events, he already felt the monotony of the process: ice-breaking, speeches from the production team, speeches from executives, handing out red envelopes, and networking.

Finding it dull, Zhang Qianjun sat in a corner to seek some peace, but someone wouldn't let him have it.

"Qianjun, everyone is looking for you. Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"

Zhang Qianjun looked up to see who it was—none other than "Green" Huang Xiaoming. So, he had come to show his support too?

"Brother Xiaoming, you're here too. I didn't see you earlier."

"You know how it is, my schedule is packed. I just rushed over. I've long heard that Brother Xiang’s class produced a big star. Seeing you today, I really thank you for being born late. If you were from our era, we wouldn't even have a chance to get famous."

"Brother Xiaoming, you’re exaggerating. I only make two movies a year; no matter the era, my turn wouldn't come."

"Movies aren't all the same," Huang Xiaoming said, then seemed to recall something. "I heard Young Master Wang from Huayi invited you to meet tomorrow?"

Zhang Qianjun nodded. "Yes, he mentioned discussing a collaboration. He originally suggested a private club, but I don't like overly enclosed environments, so we settled on a teahouse near the office."

Huang nodded slightly. "A teahouse is fine—quiet. I have matters to attend to, so I must go. My movie *Pifu* is coming out next year. If you have time, you must come to the premiere; let me catch some of your box-office luck."

Zhang Qianjun laughed. "I'll be there, even if I have to squeeze it into my schedule!"

After exchanging contact information, they bid each other a polite farewell. Regardless of whatever other flaws Huang Xiaoming might have, he truly possessed that classic, straightforward, and open-hearted demeanor of a Shandong man.

Suddenly, Zhang Qianjun frowned. What did Huang mean by saying a teahouse was "quiet"? Was there some underlying meaning?

Just then, the light beside him dimmed. He turned his head and was greeted by a pair of long, pale, slender legs. His gaze traveled upward: a slim waist, a graceful figure, a sharp jawline, a delicate, cherry-like mouth, and a refined aquiline nose.

Looking higher, he met a pair of cold, pure eyes.

"Have you seen enough? Who scans a person from feet to face like that?"

"Didn't you expose those long legs and lean right next to me? If you can show them, why can't I look?"

Seeing her expression shift, Zhang Qianjun decided it wasn't worth arguing here and quickly changed the subject. "Tianxian, how is your work going? Any new roles lined up?"

Liu Tianxian sat down beside him. "What, is Boss Zhang looking to take care of a small actress like me?"

"Don't do that; it doesn't fit your persona. I'm just asking."

Liu sighed. "I'm joining the cast of *The Four* this month."

Zhang Qianjun looked puzzled. "When you accepted *Brotherhood of Blades*, didn't you say you had a scheduling conflict and turned *The Four* down?"

Liu looked down at the table as if it held a gourmet feast. "I'm not sure why, but the production of *The Four* was delayed. They kept reaching out to me. Since *Brotherhood of Blades* performed so explosively, they insisted they couldn't do without me. I looked around, and since I didn't have other options, I agreed."

Zhang clicked his tongue. "Might as well go; it's better than sitting around. Did they give you a raise?"

Liu couldn't help but laugh. "We had already agreed on the terms. A raise just because one movie performed well? Who lacks professional ethics like that? I certainly couldn't do it."

Zhang Qianjun stared at her expressionlessly. "He's sitting right in front of you."

A sarcastic tone laced with laughter followed. "Heh, heh, heh, heh. I can only say, that’s so like you. Always so direct and realistic."

"I have a whole team to support, after all. By the way, let me ask you about someone—Young Master Wang from Huayi. What's he like? He asked to meet me tomorrow to talk business."

Disgust immediately appeared on Liu's face. "What's he like? I don't want to speak ill of people behind their backs, but as a friend, I must warn you: be cautious."

Zhang became interested. "Are we friends now?"

Liu looked helpless. "Can you focus on the important part? Do you not understand what people are emphasizing?"

"I do. I've heard rumors that he’s a 'pan-aestheticist'—he likes beauty regardless of gender. But I don't think I fall into his hunting range."

Liu shot him a look. "You'd better be careful. And what is a 'pan-aestheticist'?"

"Someone who appreciates beauty across gender lines." He scanned her from head to toe again. "You definitely fall into the category that a pan-aestheticist would like."

To his surprise, she wasn't flattered at all, blurting out, "I don't care what he likes!"

***

She looked at Zhang Qianjun. "Did you really let your girlfriend play the female lead in *So Young*?"

Zhang Qianjun looked smug. "Absolutely. We just signed the contract for the investment share this morning. It officially starts tomorrow."

Liu wore that familiar expression—one part envy, three parts resentment, and six parts resignation. "So, even our 'Gentleman Zhang' has a penchant for nepotism?"

"That sentence has a lot of issues. If a man can't take care of his own, he's hardly going to help others; no subordinate would follow a leader like that. Besides, what is this 'Gentleman Zhang' business? I flatly reject that label. Did I not try to 'sub-rule' you like in the tabloids, giving you the wrong idea?"

Liu wore a smug expression. "What, does the big producer want to 'sub-rule' a small actress? Too bad, I'm no longer in your crew; your power has expired."

Zhang replied instantly, "You could come play Ruan Guan."

Now it was Liu's turn to lose her composure. "You want me to play second lead to your girlfriend?"

"Didn't Auntie Liu say Ruan Guan was a good role? Besides, the campus goddess persona fits you."

Liu's expression turned serious and formal. "Zhang Qianjun, listen carefully: I will never play second lead to any woman!"

Seeing she was annoyed, Zhang stopped teasing her. "Fine, don't do it then. Why are you so angry? Why did you come to me, anyway?"

"I originally wanted to thank you."

"And now?"

Liu pondered for a moment, as if she had made a decision. "I still want to thank you."

Zhang found her awkwardness amusing. "A 'friend' like you comes to thank me empty-handed?"

Liu looked disdainful. "As if you could do anything to me. Does just showing a leg get you excited? Men these days are truly strange. You better be careful tomorrow. I’m leaving."

Zhang said casually, "What, are you worried I'll get 'assaulted'?"

Liu didn't look back as she replied, "I'm worried you'll beat someone to death."

***

The next day, at a teahouse near his office, Zhang Qianjun went to the appointment alone. He saw Young Master Wang, who looked a bit like a degraded, monkey-like version of Qi Tongwei.

"Qianjun is here! Sit, sit. I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time, but we’ve both been too busy. Congratulations on the box office—300 million in ten days, truly remarkable."

At this moment, Young Master Wang was riding high. As the second-in-command at Huayi, his net worth had skyrocketed after the company went public. Last year, Huayi invested in Zhangqu Technology, holding 22% of its shares, and it was already confirmed that Zhangqu would list on the ChiNext board next year. Being in the entertainment industry, he was reaching a point where he had nothing left to pursue.

Zhang Qianjun exchanged a few pleasantries. Perhaps because life had been too smooth, Young Master Wang didn't play games. "Qianjun, I think very highly of you. Originally, I wanted to sign you, but considering you have your own film production company, I want to know if you're open to investment."

Zhang thought: *As expected, these listed companies just want to use me to prop up their stock price.*

"Mr. Wang, could you be specific about the terms of your investment?"

"500 million in cash plus an equivalent value of Huayi stock, in exchange for 70% of your company."

500 million? Zhang was genuinely shocked. *This guy can really blow smoke! Huayi’s annual net profit isn't even that high. He’s aiming for the stars!*

Seeing Zhang silent, Wang assumed he was stunned and laughed. "Of course, even for Huayi, putting up that much cash is a strain, so we’ll do a stock issuance. You'll need to take 400 million to buy the new shares. That way, we can make money together and play with girls together."

*I knew it,* Zhang thought. *It’s impossible for them to have that much cash. This guy is just using me to pump their stock.*

"What requirements does this have for Solar System Film?"

Wang's smile faded. "Business is business. For an investment this large, we have to be responsible to our shareholders. If you agree, then for the next five years, your annual net profit cannot be lower than 100 million, with a 10% annual increase starting from the second year. Don't be scared—if we’re family, all our resources will tilt toward you. Movies, ads, variety shows, commercial gigs—we'll give you the best. With your image, Huayi can force-feed you 100 million a year!"

Honestly, this contract was better than anything Enlight Media could offer. While Huayi’s production ability was slightly inferior, their hold on advertising, variety shows, and commercial appearances was far superior. And while the valuation was low, that 100 million in cash was real money. If you held the stock until 2015, it would be worth at least 5 billion!

What could earn 5 billion in three years? Even Zheng Shuang couldn't pull that off.

But Zhang noticed another point in Wang's words: *playing with girls together.*

"Mr. Wang, I appreciate the offer. I need to consider the investment. But I’m curious—did you just say 'play with girls together'?"

Wang burst into laughter. "Exactly! Young men should be passionate. You're a six-foot man; what’s the point of sticking to one girlfriend every day? I’m not bragging, but if you join us, tell me who you like. As long as it’s not forbidden, I can arrange it."

***

Zhang suddenly felt a surge of gossip-fueled interest. "Mr. Wang, I quite like Li Xiaoran and Qin Lan. Can those be arranged?"

Wang smiled. "So you like the mature ones. I’ll introduce you to Qin Lan and create the opportunities; whether it works is up to you. As for Li Xiaoran..." Wang paused. "I suggest you don't touch her this year. Her boyfriend's incident last year had a very bad impact. There are plenty of women with fair skin, beauty, and great figures; don't get involved with someone who brings trouble."

*Huh,* Zhang thought. *Not quite the 'arrangement' I expected. This Mr. Wang isn't as powerful as the rumors say.*

They chatted a bit more, and Zhang prepared to leave. He wouldn't accept Huayi’s investment; once tied to that sinking ship, you never knew when it would capsize. And as an ordinary person, if things went south, he wouldn't have the connections to get out.

As Zhang stood to leave, Wang asked, "Qianjun, how are things between you and Liu Yifei?"

Zhang was confused. Why bring up Tianxian? "Just normal colleagues."

"I don't mean to talk behind her back, but that woman is very calculating. She promised to sign with Huayi, but after taking our resources, she turned and ran. From someone who’s been there, don't believe anything she or her mother promise you."

"Mr. Wang, you're overthinking it. I just saw she had actual box-office results among the young actresses and high national recognition, so I cast her."

Wang clapped his hands. "Exactly! No female star in China can carry a box office; box-office success depends on big directors and male stars!" He continued, "Is the cast for *So Young* settled? I’m not saying you have to use my people, let them audition, but I hope you won't use Liu Yifei. Give me some face on this."

Zhang kept his expression steady. "Mr. Wang, that was two or three years ago. Is it really necessary? And didn't Deng Chao film *The Four* with her?"

Wang’s expression hardened. "It is. She played us openly. The whole circle knows it. If we don't push her out, where do we put our faces?"

Zhang felt the meeting should end, but he asked one more question. "Mr. Wang, I want to know: if Liu Yifei had signed with Huayi back then, would she have been 'arranged' too?"

"Famous actresses have their choices; the company wouldn't force them. But attending parties and accompanying guests is common practice. If you can't accept that, get out of the industry."

Zhang sighed. "You have a point. This circle is truly rotten."

Wang looked at him. "So, can you do me this small favor, Qianjun?"

Zhang smiled. "Normally, I’d agree, but for some reason, I just feel I can't do this."

Wang's smile vanished, his face gloomy. "You're refusing to give me this face? Is Liu Yifei that important? Important enough to affect our multi-billion dollar business?"

Zhang was calm. "It’s not about whether Liu Yifei is important. If I can abandon a friend like her today for the sake of your 'face,' tomorrow I could abandon another friend for someone else's sake, and the day after, abandon my girlfriend. Eventually, I might even sell myself out for something. Tsk, tsk... just thinking about it makes me sick!"

Wang was angry. "I looked into your dealings, saw your 'tiger-skin' tactics this past year, and heard your songs. I thought we were the same kind of people, that we’d have a lot in common."

Zhang laughed out loud. "Which song of mine made you think we were the same? Don't tell me it was 'Rose Boy'? What, because I sang that, I have to go 'admiring chrysanthemums' with you? Mr. Wang, not everyone has only prostate fluid in their brains."

Wang lost his composure. "You mother—"

Before he could finish, Zhang’s hand shot out, pinching Wang's face across the table, choking the words back. Zhang’s voice was flat, his eyes locked on the other man. "Mr. Wang, let's not ruin the atmosphere. If we tear the mask off, you’ll see the real me."

He released him and turned to leave. At that moment, the male assistant at the door rushed over, shouting, "Let go of him!" He grabbed a teapot from the table, aiming to smash it on Zhang.

Zhang stepped back, raised his leg, and with a sharp kick, sent the man and the teapot crashing to the floor.

"Mr. Wang, my opinion of you just dropped further. The boss hasn't even spoken, and the lackey is already attacking? That’s poor discipline. Also, your hire is trash—like an idiot, completely useless. Weren't you supposed to be a 'big-house' descendant? Why hire someone so pathetic? I suggest you fire him. After all this, I have even less faith in a partnership. Thanks for your 'favor,' but I have things to do. You stay here."

Zhang turned and walked away, leaving behind a pale-faced Young Master Wang staring at his assistant on the floor.