Chapter 130: Fearing You'll Be Like Shu Qi for Half Your Life
Unlike the opulent grandeur on Liu Yifei's side, Ren Zhonglun brought Li Chen to a quiet, secluded private restaurant in Pudong.
It was a two-story Western-style building.
The facade wasn't large, but there was only one parking space in front of the entrance.
As Li Chen and Ren Zhonglun got out of the car, a young, beautiful lady in a cheongsam came forward to greet them.
"Ren Dong, please come in."
Ren Dong nodded slightly.
The lady in the cheongsam looked up and finally saw the friend accompanying Ren Dong.
She immediately smiled and said, "Director Li, welcome, please come in."
Ren Zhonglun laughed, "Li Chen, although you're not a celebrity, you're more famous than one; everyone recognizes you wherever you go."
The cheongsam lady didn't interject, thinking to herself that this was absolutely true.
Li Chen sighed, "No choice, being in the entertainment industry, it's better to be recognized than to be ignored."
Ren Zhonglun laughed, "You're absolutely right."
The two entered, and the cheongsam lady led them to the second floor.
Li Chen casually looked around; the decor was clearly thoughtfully designed, simple yet sophisticated.
Inside the private room, a three-meter-long ebony table was polished to a gleaming shine.
Li Chen and Ren Zhonglun sat on single sofas nearby.
The cheongsam lady poured tea for them, bowed, and quietly exited.
"How is it? The ambiance is pretty good, right?" Ren Dong asked with a smile.
"Very good."
"Later, try this restaurant's premium Australian abalone with oyster sauce; it definitely won't disappoint you."
Li Chen smiled, "Ren Dong, there's no need to be so extravagant."
"Hahaha, it's only right. If you feel embarrassed, then come be a judge for us."
"I knew this meal wouldn't be that easy to eat."
Before coming today, Li Chen had already guessed Ren Dong's intention.
It was nothing more than seeing him attend the Golden Horse Awards.
So, Ren Dong also wanted him to make an appearance at the Shanghai International Film Festival in mid-June.
The Cannes Film Festival chairman had also called him.
He hoped Li Chen could serve as a jury member for this year's Cannes along with Wong Kar-wai from Hong Kong.
However, Li Chen politely declined. He had toured the three major European film festivals last year and planned to rest this year.
"How about it? You went to the Golden Horse Awards; we are, after all, an international A-list film festival, which won't tarnish your Golden Palm reputation."
"Luc Besson and Feng Xiaogang are serving as the chairman and vice-chairman of the jury. If I had known you would attend the Golden Horse Awards, I would have directly asked you to be the vice-chairman."
Li Chen considered for a moment before saying, "I can't give you an answer now; I'll only know if I have time closer to the date."
Ren Dong expressed understanding; as long as Li Chen didn't refuse, it was fine.
The two chatted for a while, and then the waiter started serving dishes, providing completely one-on-one butler-style service.
After serving the dishes, they still didn't forget to perform a half-crouch bow.
During the meal, Ren Dong brought up Li Chen's three recently approved scripts again.
Li Chen didn't give a definitive answer, only saying they would discuss it after he returned to Beijing.
Meanwhile, Cai Yinong had also inquired about the information she wanted from Yang Siwei.
For so young, only the female lead had been cast so far, and that was Yang Mi.
Cai Yinong smiled upon hearing this: "Isn't this fate? Last year, Hu Ge and Yang Mi missed out on Liaozhai Zhiyi; this year, with an opportunity, Director Li can't refuse us again."
Yang Siwei chuckled, "That depends on my boss; I can't make the decision."
Cai Yinong's eyes darted around, "What about Yifei? You're so close with Hu Ge; surely you can help put in a good word with Director Li, right?"
Liu Yifei had somewhat gotten used to these people's teasing.
"Alright, but he's a very opinionated person, especially when it comes to casting; he doesn't really consider personal connections."
"He might not even listen to me."
Cai Yinong had heard about Li Chen's style.
It seemed that apart from Liu Yifei, he didn't seem to give such preferential treatment to anyone else.
There were rumors in the industry a while ago that during the casting for the thieves, Jiang Wen wanted to put his old lover in, but Li Chen didn't give him face, which showed a lot.
"That's natural, sis; how could I not understand this principle!"
Yang Siwei thought to herself, if you understood principles, you wouldn't bring it up to Yifei.
Who do you think you are, not understanding any rules?
Just wanting a role with empty words, truly insincere.
Actually, it wasn't that Cai Yinong didn't understand the rules; she understood quid pro quo.
The key was that she currently had no resources that Director Li would value, so how could she exchange?
She could only use personal connections to tie down Liu Yifei, a roundabout way to save the country.
The four got along reasonably well, and it wasn't until almost nine o'clock that Liu Yifei smiled and said, "I guess Director Li won't be coming."
Yang Siwei immediately followed up, "General Manager Cai, Hu Ge, it's getting late."
"Then let's call it a night, Hu Ge, please see Yifei and Siwei out," Cai Yinong said with a smile.
Hu Ge stood up, Liu Yifei put on her mask and baseball cap, then her coat, and waved goodbye to Cai Yinong.
After the three left the private room, Hu Ge said, "Yifei, don't say anything. I'll talk to Director Li myself tomorrow; maybe it'll be better."
Yang Siwei nodded and smiled, "You're much more honest than your boss."
The three bid farewell.
On the way back, Yang Siwei mused that Tangren Media and Zhouyi were into youth fantasy, unlike Daylight Entertainment.
They were doing well now, but she wondered if "crossing the guandong" could establish Daylight Entertainment's brand.
Allowing Daylight Entertainment to rise rapidly in the television sector.
Liu Yifei's phone rang, interrupting Yang Siwei's thoughts.
Yang Siwei smiled, "It's probably the boss, pick it up quickly."
To her surprise, Liu Yifei shook her head and said it wasn't, it was Liu's Mother.
Yang Siwei didn't intend to listen to their mother-daughter conversation.
But Liu Yifei's unexpectedly joyful expression really made her curious.
"Really, Mom?"
"Of course, it's real. The company just called me. Their people are already in Beijing. I'll meet them tomorrow and see first, still don't know if the timing conflicts."
"Mmm, mmm, then I'll wait for your news, Mom."
After hanging up, Liu Yifei's face was still beaming with a happy smile.
"What's making you so happy, Yifei? Look how delighted you are."
"I can tell you, but you have to keep it a secret."
Yang Siwei nodded, and Liu Yifei whispered something in her ear.
Yang Siwei's eyes widened as she listened, and she was also happy for Liu Yifei.
But then she frowned, worried about scheduling conflicts.
"Forget it, don't think about it. We'll see what the boss says when we meet her later. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Counting Chinese directors, perhaps only this one can steadily surpass the boss in terms of awards," Yang Siwei sighed.
"If there's really a conflict, then I'll just give up the thieves to someone else," Liu Yifei said, full of anticipation.
"My boss is so pathetic. Only you would dare to say that, and only you can say that!"
Back at the Hilton Hotel, where the those years crew was staying.
Li Chen had also just returned not long ago, only to see the two entering, smiling as if they had eaten 'Smiling Half-Step Drop' poison.
"What's wrong? Why are you laughing like the Qiang Double Fiends!"
Liu Yifei sat beside Li Chen, giggling, and affectionately linked her arm with his.
Yang Siwei sat opposite, just wanting to see the wonderful expression of her boss being abandoned by the boss's wife.
"If I don't act in the thieves, will you be angry?" Miss Liu's voice was soft, sweet, and clear.
Li Chen chuckled, "Why would I be angry? But at least there has to be a reason, right?"
"Did someone give our Miss Liu a love potion?"
Li Chen mused, could it be kung fu king? It shouldn't be that fast, right?
Liu Yifei couldn't hide her thoughts: "Director Li An's company contacted Red Star House today..."
Before Liu Yifei could finish her sentence, Li Chen shivered.
Oh my god, it wasn't kung fu king at all, it was "lust, caution"!
How could he have forgotten about this? But then he quickly thought, it seemed Miss Liu and Liu's Mother didn't agree to Li An in the end.
Why was he getting so excited?
"What's wrong with you?" Miss Liu hadn't finished speaking when she noticed her boyfriend's expression was off.
Yang Siwei sat opposite, stifling a laugh.
"Nothing, go on. Is it that Li An has a role for you, so you're looking down on my Golden Palm and aiming for the Oscar's high branch?"
Her thoughts exposed, Liu Yifei blushed and playfully punched Li Chen, "It's not as bad as you make it sound."
"When can't I film your movie? But Director Li An's movies are a rare opportunity, aren't they?"
Li Chen nodded and smiled, "That's true. I hope you get what you wish for."
The more Li Chen thought about it, the funnier it got. He wondered what kind of expression Liu's Mother would have when she learned about the script's content and Li An's demands.
"You agreed?" Liu Yifei hadn't expected it to go so smoothly.
She had even prepared to try and persuade her boyfriend tonight.
"Boss, why are you smiling so strangely?"
"Yeah, your smile is so annoying!" Liu Yifei felt something was off and pouted.
Li Chen lovingly pinched Miss Liu's cheek: "I know about Li An's film."
"I'm afraid if you really act in it, you might have to learn from Miss Shu Qi from Hong Kong for the rest of your life!"
At these words, both Yang Siwei and Liu Yifei were stunned.
"What do you mean?" Liu Yifei bristled slightly.
"It means you'd have to learn how to put back on the clothes you took off, one by one."
"Ah?"
Liu Yifei's lips parted slightly, and Yang Siwei froze on the spot.
"Boss, you, you mean, that movie is..."
"Exactly, it's just as you're thinking."
Seeing Miss Liu's still adorable, dazed expression, Li Chen couldn't help but pinch her tender cheek again.
"Still want to act in it, Xixi?"
Miss Liu finally reacted, her eyes filled with disbelief, her face flushed with embarrassment. She pushed Li Chen's hand away, "Hmph! How do you know? Is it really true?"
Actually, when she said this, Liu Yifei already believed half of it.
Her boyfriend had no reason to lie to her.
"Of course I know. His film is an adaptation of Eileen Chang's novel, and Ren Zhonglun, whom I just met, is one of the producers."
Liu Yifei completely believed it this time, and instantly deflated like a punctured ball.
Gone was her earlier joy.
"Then, I'll go call Mom."
Li Chen nodded with a smile, agreeing. Actually, it didn't matter whether she called or not.
Liu's Mother, upon seeing the script and hearing Li An's demands, would definitely refuse on Miss Liu's behalf.
However, Li Chen didn't stop her; it was good for Miss Liu to give Liu's Mother a heads-up.
"Boss, if Li An makes this kind of film, will it be banned in mainland China again?" Yang Siwei suddenly thought of Brokeback Mountain.
Li Chen waved his hand, "Not necessarily. Just delete the passionate scenes. Even if it's banned in mainland China, it won't affect Li An's double harvest of fame and fortune."
Yang Siwei thought, that's right. With Li An's reputation and ability, he still has a strong market in Europe and North America.
Miss Liu, after making the call, was in low spirits. She sat beside Li Chen, her shoulders slumped, her pretty face downcast.
"Mom was startled. She said she'd meet with them tomorrow, and if it's really like that, she'll refuse on my behalf."
Yang Siwei quietly slipped away.
Li Chen put his arm around Miss Liu and kissed her forehead.
He glanced at Yang Siwei's retreating figure, thinking, 'You're sensible.'
"Alright, don't be unhappy. It's fine to let go of this kind of opportunity. You're still young, and with me around, there will be plenty of opportunities."
Liu Yifei, unconvinced, pointed a finger at Li Chen's forehead: "You talk as if you're so old; you're only five years older than me!"
Seeing her smile, Li Chen leaned in and suddenly captured her rosy lips, greedily drawing in the sweetness from her mouth.
Miss Liu actively wrapped her arms around Li Chen's neck, passively responding, though her enthusiasm was low.
Li Chen's hands naturally and smoothly caressed her exquisite chest.
"Mmm, mmm, let's go to the room, not here."
Miss Liu panted softly, her eyes hazy, gradually stirred by passion.
Black short hair, black pupils, a black shirt, and the black night outside the window.
Her boyfriend in front of her seemed to merge with the dark night.
He gently stretched out his arms, easily lifted her up, strode into the bedroom, kicked the door shut with one foot, and gently tossed her onto the soft, large bed.
The next day, the roadshow at Shanghai Theatre Academy was unprecedentedly grand, and Li Chen saw many familiar faces.
Lei Jiayin, Wan Qian, Xiao Song Jia.
These three had all acted in Rongchen Film and Television productions.
Xiao Song Jia's "crossing the guandong" also counted.
There was also Hu Ge's future girlfriend, Jiang Shuying.
And Zeng Xiaoxian, the 'good man is me', and the 'little cheetah' who became famous with a fart.
The grand theater at Shanghai Theatre Academy was packed, with students making up most of the audience, along with media and a small number of fans.
The school's security worked non-stop on the weekend, all on duty.
Otherwise, fans would have flooded Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Xue Xiaolu led Li Chen and his entourage onto the stage.
All the main creators, including Li Chen, were uniformly dressed in the white, fitted school uniforms from those years, exuding youthful vitality.
The students and media sitting below eagerly asked questions.
But as the questions continued, the direction of the questions gradually drifted off topic.
Chen He was the most lively, laughing: "Director Li, Director Li, my name is Chen He, I volunteer to play Chen Xiaozheng!"
The students on site burst into laughter and curses.
"Old Chen, have some shame!"
"Hehe, please look in the mirror. How are you like Chen Xiaozheng, except for your surname!"
The little cheetah next to him also raised his hand high.
"Director Li, I think I'm more like Chen Xiaozheng!"
Li Chen on stage couldn't help but laugh, 'You're like a fart!'
The scene was lively and noisy, with people standing in the aisles.
It was Hu Ge, Wan Qian, and Lei Jiayin who actively maintained order, preventing chaos.
The head of Shanghai Theatre Academy was a teacher from the Acting Department, standing with Xue Xiaolu, and also took the opportunity to challenge Li Chen.
"Director Li, look how enthusiastic our Shanghai Theatre Academy students are; shouldn't you give them a chance?"
The students grew even more excited when they heard the teacher say this.
Li Chen had no choice but to step forward and speak.
"Actually, if you look, I personally have a soft spot for Shanghai Theatre Academy students."
"But your company hasn't signed a single person from our Shanghai Theatre Academy, have they, classmates?" Chen He egged on.
Li Chen laughed heartily, "You're not wrong to say that. Although the first artist I signed isn't from Shanghai Theatre Academy, she is a genuine Shanghainese."
Li Chen looked back at Tang Yan, "Isn't that right, Tangtang."
Tang Yan took the microphone: "That's right, but boss, if you can sign a student from Shanghai Theatre Academy in the future, I believe the students will have no complaints."
"What do you say, classmates?"
Li Chen hadn't expected Tang Yan to have this move, checkmating him.
"That's right, Tang Yan is right."
"Yang Mi is from Beijing Film Academy, Tang Yan is from Central Academy of Drama; how can we be missing Shanghai Theatre Academy? Director Li must treat everyone equally!"
The scene became chaotic again, and the those years roadshow completely went off-topic by a thousand miles.
Thank you, readers, for your monthly and recommendation tickets.
