Chapter 6: Sister, You Smell So Good!

In April, the final scene of "Love Announcement" took two full days of repeated shooting before finally wrapping.

On the very day of wrap, Chen Zhixi returned.

The two sat in a corner at the wrap party like invisible nobodies, ignored and greeted by no one.

The real stars here were Wang Laoer and Liu Tianxian; this girl could drink well—after a few glasses, her face didn't change color.

Fang Hong didn't pay attention to them, asking: "How's it going?"

"I visited several film investors in Modu. Some I couldn't even meet with the decision-makers; some weren't interested in the script; those who were interested demanded an experienced director on board and didn't want to hire a newcomer." Chen Zhixi shook her head dejectedly.

Distrust toward first-time directors was common in the film industry—so much money at stake, no one would let a novice squander it.

Fang Hong had anticipated this; the hardest part of making a film was always securing investment.

Some directors went bald trying to raise funds—for example, the director of "Xiu Chun Dao."

Money—the biggest headache! "Never mind, let's eat, then head to Beijing."

Fang Hong encouraged her, showing no trace of disappointment.

He couldn't afford to be discouraged—if he lost confidence, those following him would lose it even more, and the team would fall apart.

Even if there were only two of them, they were still a team!

The film was finished; they'd go to Beijing together and seek investment there. These people in Modu had no vision—he wouldn't waste time with them.

The wrap party was low-key; once it ended, the crew would officially disband, and post-production had nothing to do with Fang Hong.

Even if it did, he wouldn't take it—he was too lazy to bother. May it flop.

Chen Zhixi went back early to rest; the two agreed to take the train to Beijing the next morning.

At this time, high-speed rail between the two cities hadn't opened yet—they'd have to wait until next year!

It was night, the moonlight sparse, neon brilliant; as Fang Hong stepped out of the hotel lobby, a cool breeze brushed past.

Again, a business van had stopped before him, out of nowhere.

The side door slid open, revealing Liu Tianxian's beautiful face: "Get in."

"What for?" Fang Hong was wary.

He thought Liu Tianxian wanted him to repay her loan, since after this film they'd part ways—he didn't even know if they'd meet again.

"Aren't you the one who came to borrow money from me? Looks like you've already achieved financial freedom—no need anymore." Liu Tianxian said, then moved to shut the door.

"Wait!"

Fang Hong stepped forward and climbed into Liu Tianxian's van.

The move was sudden; Liu Tianxian hadn't had time to pull away before Fang Hong tackled her onto the leather seat, the two toppling together, one atop the other.

So close, face to face, Fang Hong sniffed her smooth cheek: "Sister, you smell so good!"

Her natural scent mixed with alcohol—quite pleasant.

Both were from Beijing Film Academy; Liu Tianxian graduated before him and was one year older—calling her sister was acceptable.

"Move away."

Liu Tianxian glared, clenched her tiny fist, and punched him hard on the back, cursing inwardly: Pervert.

Fang Hong grunted from the blow.

This seemingly frail girl had surprising strength—he sat down on the adjacent seat and shut the door.

Liu Tianxian's face flushed; she took a deep breath, adjusted her clothes, signaled the driver to go, then asked: "Are you really serious about making a film?"

"Of course I am. I've already prepared the script and am seeking investment." Fang Hong sat sideways, facing her.

Liu Tianxian asked casually: "How's the investment going?"

"Not at all—I haven't raised a single cent." Fang Hong admitted frankly. "Oh, so it's hopeless? I thought you were capable in every way." Liu Tianxian teased.

"Why do you keep saying I can't do it? I'll prove it to you." Fang Hong was speechless.

"Go for it!" Liu Tianxian raised her fist to cheer him on.

Fang Hong sighed—he wouldn't quarrel with a woman. The situation was weak; he couldn't be arrogant—he had to coddle her a little.

He leaned closer to the seat: "Sister, you promised to lend me money."

"Move back. Don't get so close—I'm allergic to men." Liu Tianxian extended a finger, pressing it against his chest and shoving him away, as if repulsed.

This hurt Fang Hong's feelings, but for the money, he sat back properly.

Liu Tianxian sat upright, adopting a businesslike tone: "I'll lend you money once you secure investment."

That way, it's safer—it proves you're actually doing something.

"If I can secure investment, I won't come to you for a loan." Fang Hong looked at her.

"You just said you'd prove it to me." Liu Tianxian said.

"I was just bluffing." Fang Hong conceded.

Liu Tianxian found it funny—he'd been boasting loudly moments ago, now he looked so meek.

"My money isn't easy to borrow, you know."

"How hard?" Fang Hong asked.

"You must offer something of equal value in exchange."

"The only thing of equal value is me—take me, if you want." Fang Hong spread his hands.

What else could he offer? He was broke.

Liu Tianxian truly sized him up—he wasn't super handsome, but decent-looking, presentable if cleaned up.

That was her own standard; in truth, Fang Hong looked quite good. She pulled a business card from her purse and handed it to him: "Here's my card. Take it. When you get to Beijing, find a good production team, then come to me. But I warn you—I won't lend you much. Three million, max. You'll still need to find the rest yourself."

She'd help a little, he'd work hard himself—helping someone too much wasn't best.

If he succeeded, great; if he failed, she'd lose only a little. That way, she kept her word without spending too much.

She'd promised to lend him money when she read the script a few days ago.

Fang Hong seriously took the business card, not expecting Liu Tianxian to be as kind-hearted as rumors claimed—no wonder so many people spoke highly of her later.

Of course, only among those without conflicting interests!

A woman lending a man three million to start a business is already a great favor; Liu Tianxian is clearly an excellent person.

She wasn't someone who cared much about material things.

"Since you've helped this far, help me one more time," Fang Hong put away the business card.

"What kind of help?" Liu Tianxian said.

"My film still needs a female lead—why don't you take the role too?" Fang Hong's expression was serious.

Since I'm going to find a female lead anyway, it's better to have Liu Tianxian, someone famous, take it—she'll bring some buzz.

Even if Liu Tianxian is terrible at movies, her topic appeal is extremely high.

Liu Tianxian asked again: "How much are you paying me?"

"Look at you, talking about money ruins the feeling," Fang Hong said.

"Talking about money ruins the feeling? Then why did you come to borrow money from me? You borrowed my money and now want to exploit me for free—doesn't that ruin the feeling for you?" Liu Tianxian rolled her eyes.

She'd never met a man so shameless.

(End of Chapter)