Chapter Thirty-Three: Interlude

“This morning, Wang Chenhao came to see me…” Rong Qing said suddenly.

“Mmm… Wait, what? That scumbag, that lowlife dared to show his face again? Didn’t you kick him straight out the door?” Meng Lin leapt up from the floor, nearly grabbing a broom as if ready to charge out the door in a fury.

“He came to the set to find me. But I didn’t give him a chance—I turned around and left him there,” Rong Qing replied calmly.

Meng Lin gave her a thumbs-up, nodding approvingly. “Good job. Don’t bother with him.”

“Hmph, let him regret it. My Qing is so outstanding—if he doesn’t want you, plenty of others do. He really thinks he’s something special, when in fact he’s nothing at all. He should go look in the mirror and see what he really is.”

“You…” Rong Qing sighed helplessly, though a fond smile played on her lips. “Alright, enough. Get some sleep—we have to get up early and work tomorrow.”

That night, Rong Qing and Meng Lin sprawled across the guest room’s large bed, wrapped in a velvet quilt, sleeping soundly.

The summer heat was relentless. On set, actors wore heavy makeup and thick costumes while frogs croaked in the bushes, the oppressive heat only adding to everyone’s irritation. The students, dressed in cotton uniforms, sweated uncomfortably. Wen Rui sat beneath the shade of a tree, looking annoyed as her assistant fanned her with hot air. Director Wang Zhang’s forehead was beaded with sweat as he kept a close eye on everything, both in and out of the scene.

“Cut! How many times do I have to tell you? I want to capture the intensity of a hot summer and the youthful energy of college students. Just look at you—dead-eyed, lifeless! If everyone in the eighties acted like you lot, the era would have been ruined,” Wang Zhang roared at an actor, “Again, from the top!”

With Wang’s relentless pursuit of perfection, the scene of students before and after class was retaken countless times before they finally made it through. Wang Zhang at last found a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow. “Working with these kids is exhausting,” he grumbled.

“Heh, Director Wang, where’s your favorite apprentice today?” someone teased. Everyone on set knew that Rong Qing was Wang Zhang’s top favorite—she rarely made mistakes, delivered high-quality performances, was kind to everyone, and carried herself with a distinct charm. Even the scriptwriter found himself tempted to add more scenes for her.

“She’s been worn out these past few days. She has another engagement today, but she’ll stop by later and bring you all some plum juice,” Wang Zhang replied, a faint smile on his lips at the mention of Rong Qing.

The scriptwriter shot him a look full of disdain. So much for your lofty ideals, your arrogance, your sharp tongue—all undone by a single cup of plum juice! How cheap!

After a brief rest, an assistant hurried over to whisper a few words in Wang Zhang’s ear. His expression shifted dramatically, his features growing cold and stern. He struggled to contain his anger, but his face was filled with contempt.

“Well, Director Wang, it’s been a while. I just thought I’d stop by. You know how tough company operations can be—the quality really needs to be maintained,” said a rotund, middle-aged man with a bald crown and a bristling beard, swaggering onto the set with a girl in tow, his arm draped over her shoulder. His air of self-satisfaction and gaudy display made everyone uncomfortable.

“Chairman Huo, long time no see,” Wang Zhang replied coolly. He already knew what this wealthy investor wanted. As the main backer of “Splendid Years,” the Huo Corporation often forced their own people into the production. Such unspoken rules and shady dealings were common in the entertainment industry, but Wang Zhang had his pride, his reputation, and his boundaries. If he made a habit of accepting these trades, he would never have earned international acclaim.

This middle-aged man was merely a distant, inconsequential relative of the Huo family, holding a minor share in Ding Sheng. Although he had little real status or power within the family, in a world fueled by wealth, it was enough for him to act with impunity. Huo Zhen squeezed the girl closer to him. “Where are your manners? Aren’t you going to greet Director Wang?”

Perhaps his grip was too strong, for the woman yelped in surprise. Her heavily made-up face contorted into a forced, brittle smile. “Hello, Director Wang. My name is Han Xiyun.”

As soon as Wang Zhang heard her voice and caught sight of her face, he recognized her at once—she was the same woman who’d come to audition a few days ago and made him thoroughly uncomfortable. Damn it! He felt as though a thousand wild horses were stampeding through his mind.

“Chairman Huo, you know my rules. You’re putting me in a difficult position,” Wang Zhang said, his face unreadable.

“Wang Zhang, I respect you as a famous director. If I’m sending you someone, it’s because I think highly of you. Or do you think my candidate isn’t good enough?” Huo Ke retorted gruffly, his rough tone more like that of a street thug than a scion of a prominent family.

Wang Zhang was furious. If it weren’t for the budget shortfall, he wouldn’t have to humble himself before these sponsors. Damn it! Just this once—next time, they can beg all they want, I’ll send them packing!

“All the major roles are already cast. There’s still ‘Lin Yun’ left. Fine, you can have the part,” Wang Zhang finally relented.

“Thank you, Director Wang! I won’t let you down!” Han Xiyun cried out in delight, planting a kiss on Huo Ke’s cheek, making him laugh uproariously.

Won’t let me down? If you don’t scare me half to death, I’ll count myself lucky!

Huo Zhen knew when to stop. After all, Wang Zhang was a renowned international director. It would do no good to push things too far, especially with the family head away. If not for that, he wouldn’t dare be so brazen.

“Alright, Xiyun, stay here and do your best. I’ll be off,” he said.

“I’ll walk you out, Ke,” Han Xiyun replied, scurrying after him and clinging to his arm, her departing figure radiating both arrogance and triumph.

Scenes like this were all too common around the set. Some people watched with interest, others gossiped among themselves.

“Look at her—she’s practically got her legs wrapped around his waist.”

A man murmured quietly, hand over his mouth, “I heard Director Huo Ke has some unusual tastes.”

Everyone: “Wow, that’s heavy…”

Everyone: “No wonder he’s not like other people…”

———End of side note———

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