Chapter 348: Do I Have a Habit of Arriving Early?

As Fang Hong announced the winner, music played on site, and "clap clap clap" applause rang out from the guest seats.

The camera cut to Yu Xian, who stood up, slowly tidied his suit, looking very composed and unhurried — but it was an act.

In the eyes of some young women and female stars, this made the man seem very steady and dependable — a plus.

Then he strode toward the stage, and the host introduced Yu Xian's achievements: "He is not only an outstanding director from Hollywood, but also an outstanding producer. As producer, he has produced many films that sold well worldwide, generating nearly 2 billion US dollars at the box office — remarkable achievements."

The big screen played clips of films he had directed and produced in recent years — of course, the sensitive ones were not shown.

Only films like The Fault in Our Stars, Split, Shark Tale, and Fallen were played — just these few. No ghosts, no sex scenes, at most just something scary.

The other Conjuring Series, The Purge series, and Fifty Shades Series were too sensitive.

But people knew that the films he produced were far more than just these few, and the value he created was beyond what any domestic director could match — Li An couldn't match it either.

Haven't you heard? He created nearly 2 billion US dollars at the box office — this value leads the domestic industry by at least ten years.

Nothing is more real than money; money itself represents the audience and the market.

Yu strode onto the stage with big steps, and Fang Hong spread his arms, just about to give him a big hug.

Yu Xian suddenly threw a hook punch toward his abdomen.

"Holy shit!"

Fang Hong hurriedly dodged — he had no microphone in his hand.

But Yu Xian was only joking with him; he didn't actually throw the punch, but instead shifted his posture and laughingly gave him a big hug.

This move made the audience below all smile — it looked like the two had a very good relationship.

In their intimate hug, Fang Hong whispered by his ear: "Damn, you just picked up this award for free!"

"Hahaha, those old guys in Hollywood wouldn't give me an award. I didn't expect that coming back to my country I could snag one — I didn't expect it myself. What surprised me even more is that it's actually you presenting it to me!" Yu Xian said, delighted.

At this moment, a beautiful staff member came up carrying a tray, on which sat a Golden Goblet Award trophy and a certificate.

Fang Hong handed the trophy and certificate from the tray to Yu Xian, then stepped back and stood still.

Yu Xian looked at the trophy, paused, and spoke into the microphone: "I'm very happy and excited to receive this award. Thank the organizing committee for the recognition, and thank Shanghai, this beautiful city.

I'm an orphan, my family is all gone. Coming this far has not been easy — I've been looked down on, and I've been scammed. Luckily I met the Principal; he brought me into the industry and taught me a lot of things. Without him, there would be no me today. Mm."

As he said this, he suddenly paused — perhaps his emotions were too stirred up or something — and suddenly planted a loud "smack" kiss on Fang Hong's face, who was standing behind him.

Fang Hong was caught off guard, his face blank with confusion.

This moment was captured by the camera and also played on the big screen — after all, the camera and everyone's eyes were already focused on the two of them.

"Wahahaha." The guest seats suddenly erupted in teasing.

Liu Tianxian saw it too. She wasn't jealous — she just watched with a smile. She had long known what the two were like.

Tang Yan, Da Mimi, Guo Biting and those other female stars also had varied expressions — some admiring, some envious.

To them, these were all big names.

Those film and TV bosses — Yu Pangzi, Xiao Wang, Xiaoma Pentium's Zhong Lifang, and others — watching this scene also had a thought: should they train someone to go try their luck in Hollywood?

What if they made a name for themselves out there? The thought flashed through their minds and vanished — conditions didn't allow it.

The viewers watching the livestream also saw it.

"The Principal's expression is so funny, haha!"

"People who come back from the United States are just more open."

"The two of them are way too close — I'm shipping this CP, haha."

"."

Yu Xian continued speaking, his emotions still not settled: "I still remember when I went to the United States, the Principal said one thing to me. I've forgotten many of his words, but this one I still remember very clearly. He said, no matter where you go, remember that you are a descendant of the dragon.

Descendants of the dragon — we are all descendants of the dragon."

Yu Xian raised the trophy high, and suddenly "clap clap clap" thunderous applause rang out on site.

It was the leaders who clapped first; others followed — not clapping would be unpatriotic, so they had to clap.

These words proved both for himself and for Fang Hong that their stance had always been correct.

"Thank you, thank you all!" Yu Xian finished speaking and walked off the stage.

Fang Hong also walked off the stage and returned to his seat, where Liu Tianxian was looking at him.

"Why are you looking at me? Is there something on my face?" Fang Hong touched his own face.

Liu Tianxian pinched his chin, looked at both sides: "I want to see which spot he kissed, so I can avoid it."

Fang Hong was speechless.

"Hehehe, just kidding with you." Liu Tianxian said, as if she were neurotic.

The two whispered to each other in the guest seats, and the award ceremony also drew to a close — after the Best Film Award was presented.

Then came the judges' appearance — Yu Nan, Ning Hao, and them, along with some international judges — and finally the Film Bureau director's address.

After songs and dances, the award ceremony officially ended.

The award ceremony ended, but the film festival hadn't — it would continue for a few more days, with exchange meetings, various discussion panels, and so on still to come.

After the award ceremony came the banquet. Various stars and celebrities ate a buffet in a large banquet hall.

There were dedicated chefs, as well as seafood imported from various countries, high-end ingredients, and so on — every taste could be satisfied, since there were too many international friends with varied palates.

Here, eat whatever you want.

At this moment, Yu Xian was holding a glass of red wine, weaving through the crowd, and walked up to a group of beauties, raising his glass in greeting: "Ms. Guo, Ms. Yang, hello ladies."

Guo Biting, Da Mimi, Guo Caijie, Xie Yilin, and other beauties from Tiny Times, seeing him, couldn't help but break into smiles — such a big director taking the initiative to greet them was also a point of pride.

Da Mimi smiled: "Mr. Yu, congratulations on your award."

"You're too kind." Yu Xian, like a gentleman, casually asked: "Ms. Yang, what have you been busy with recently?"

"She's in a relationship — she has a boyfriend now." Xie Yilin said.

Da Mimi glanced at this person — really too talkative.

"Oh, congratulations then." Yu Xian immediately lost interest; he had no interest in married women—he'd already abandoned Tang Yan and wouldn't break up other people's marriages.

He maintained his composure and turned to Guo Biting: "Miss Guo, are you from Baodao?"

Xie Yilin and Guo Caijie were too ugly to interest him, but Guo Biting wasn't bad—she was tall and well-built.

"Yes, I'm from Baodao," Guo Biting smiled faintly.

"I've always wanted to visit Baodao. If I ever get the chance, I'd be honored if you'd be my guide," Yu Xian said shamelessly.

"Sure, if you come, I'll take you everywhere across Baodao," Guo Biting readily agreed.

"Then do you know Shanghai well? I don't know it at all—I could really use a guide," Yu Xian smoothly steered the conversation toward his goal.

Guo Biting covered her mouth and laughed; she knew exactly what he wanted: "I know Shanghai very well. I'd be happy to serve you, Mr. Yu."

The others remained silent; this was too obvious. He knew the Principal and was a Hollywood director—double advantages. Who wouldn't be tempted?

"Alright, let's stay in touch."

Having achieved his goal, Yu Xian checked the time and took his leave: "Excuse me, I have other matters—I won't disturb you further."

"Please, go ahead," the women signaled.

After he left, Xie Yilin said: "Too obvious—he came just to hit on us."

This guy seems to have some delusion about his looks; Yu Xian had zero sexual interest in her.

"Who wouldn't be tempted by someone like this? Do you think everyone's the Principal?" Guo Caijie said.

"Biting, be careful," Xie Yilin warned.

"It's fine. As long as he treats me well, I can give it a try—of course, only if he doesn't have a girlfriend," Guo Biting sounded quite forward.

He was more than good enough for her.

Da Mimi remained silent throughout, saying nothing.

A guest room. A round table. Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian faced Lao Wang Zong and his secretary.

"Where's the person you mentioned? Don't waste my time," Lao Wang Zong was annoyed—he felt disrespected; the man still hadn't shown up.

"He's coming right away. He's got other engagements too—I can't force him," Fang Hong spread his hands.

"I see you two have a good relationship," Lao Wang Zong remarked, recalling the Shanghai Film Group awards ceremony.

"That was all for show. Do you think we'd publicly flaunt our grudges?" Fang Hong dodged.

Liu Tianxian sat quietly beside him; she knew exactly what was going on, and she felt sorry for Fang Hong.

But this was unavoidable. Once you reach a certain level, people will always covet you—when I first became famous, many coveted me too.

"Mr. General Manager, after you meet, don't make things hard for me—this whole thing has nothing to do with me," Fang Hong stated his purpose.

He needed time now to develop properly.

"I haven't made things hard for you. I just asked you for a favor—and besides, we still have plenty of room for cooperation," Lao Wang Zong avoided the topic.

That old fox was cunning enough—he left no room for direct commitment.

At that moment, the door opened. Yu Xian stepped in, a cigar tucked between his fingers, elegant and confident.

"Mr. Yu, you're finally here," Fang Hong greeted.

"Do I have a habit of arriving early?"

Yu Xian was arrogant—he sat down directly: "The Zhong family is mine. Don't think just because you brought me here, you can talk nonsense in front of me. Whoever speaks to me the wrong way—I won't give them any face."

Fang Hong bowed his head like a grandson.

Yu Xian took a puff of his cigar and pointed at Lao Wang Zong across from him: "What are you, exactly? To demand a share of the Zhong family? Do you even qualify?"

"How dare you speak to our General Manager like that!" Lao Wang Zong's aide slammed the table, furious.

"What? You want to fight? You wanna fight me? I dare you—come on, kill me. I beg you," Yu Xian was outrageous, sneering and taunting.

Liu Tianxian wanted to laugh but covered her mouth, afraid she'd burst out—she knew this was a performance for Lao Wang Zong, and their acting was quite good.

So this was where real acting was forged—in business and life, not on set. There was no "Cut!"—you had to play it straight through.

"We're all here for cooperation and mutual growth. You act like this, you'll have no friends," Lao Wang Zong signaled his man to calm down, remaining calm and exuding natural authority.

"I have plenty of friends. To be my friend, you need qualifications—and clearly, you don't. That's all. I'm busy—my bed earns hundreds of millions per minute. I can't stay," Yu Xian crushed his cigar, exhaled a plume of smoke, then walked out without looking back.

He didn't look at anyone in the room the entire time!

Lao Wang Zong had his pride—he didn't call after him, just watched him leave.

After stepping outside, Yu Xian took a deep breath, rubbed his chest—Lao Wang Zong's aura was overwhelming; he'd been terrified he'd break character, had forced himself to hold it together.

So he dared not say more, afraid of slipping up—finished the act, got out fast.

But honestly, this feeling? Absolutely incredible—so damn satisfying!

Inside the room, Fang Hong said to Lao Wang Zong with difficulty: "You saw it yourself—I can't help you."

"Let's go," Lao Wang Zong didn't waste words—he stood and left with his men.

He was furious—he'd come here and taken a whole load of insults!

After everyone left, Fang Hong turned and met Liu Tianxian's gaze.

"Pfft." Liu Tianxian couldn't help laughing.

"What's so funny?" Fang Hong was baffled.

"Nothing. It was good," Liu Tianxian said.

"Old bastard, this time was just to give him a lesson. Next time he comes, it won't just be a couple of insults," Fang Hong started posturing—he'd been a coward just moments ago.

"What will you do next time?" Liu Tianxian asked, playing along.

"Wanda's been acquired—I made him come beg me to buy it," Fang Hong blew up wildly.

"Then I'll look forward to that day," Liu Tianxian took it as pure bluffing—but found it hilarious.

Just as the two—one loving to boast, the other loving to listen—the door opened again. Yu Xian poked his head in: "Did Lao Wang Zong leave?"

"He's gone—come in quick!" Liu Tianxian waved him in.

(End of chapter)