Chapter 722: Forgive Ignorance

This year's National Day blockbuster lineup features Guo Xiaosi's L. O. R. D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties, Wang Jin and Liu Tianwang's Mission Milano, and even Shen Teng was brought on board.

Wang Jin only cares about cutting deals for money, regardless of film quality.

There's also Bona's Operation Mekong, whose leads were chosen as Xie Miao and Zhang Hanyu—both tough-guy roles.

This film was originally a project tendered by higher authorities.

If this film performs well at the box office, Bona might finally have a chance at going public.

To go public in China, Bona has been preparing for years, and the Principal demanded it happen this year; but with the entertainment industry in turmoil, no one knows if it will succeed.

It's likely to succeed, since other companies' stock prices are soaring.

Although the entertainment industry is turbulent, the overall trend is forward, with no major scandals—just one case of tax evasion.

Also, Yutu has a film, Passing Through Your World, with casting chosen entirely by the creators, starring Deng Chao and Bai Baihe.

Yang Yang and Zhang Tianai also appear as supporting roles.

Many actors have left Yutu, such as Li Xian, Song Jia, and Mao Xiaotong—all of whom have left to start their own studios.

Yutu no longer cares much about artist management, shifting entirely to content production and controlling the upstream.

Newer talent agencies like Yixin Media, Song, and Taiyang Chuanhe are far more professional.

Just as the National Day slot approached and presales began, people noticed Yutu's film Passing Through Your World had been added to Wanda Cinema Line.

Not only Passing Through Your World, but also Bona's Operation Mekong, L. O. R. D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties, and Mission Milano—all were added to Wanda Cinema Line.

Logically, due to the Principal's influence, none of these films should have been allowed on Wanda Cinema Line.

Yet they were added—not only that, but Tu Piao Piao now has rankings and ticketing access on Wanda theaters, no longer confined to the bottom-tier restricted distribution.

This is confusing—has the Principal reconciled with Lao Wang Zong?

This is a strong signal for the entire film and entertainment industry: if two giants reconcile, the industry returns to normal, and those theater chains that were wavering or competing with Wanda can no longer profit.

When Fang Hong cut off Wanda's film supply, they reaped many benefits.

Some hoped the conflict would continue indefinitely—it's just a wishful fantasy.

In fact, they know this is due to the summons!

Even netizens noticed Xiao Wang deleted his past Weibo posts insulting Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian.

He deleted them quietly, without fanfare, but keen netizens noticed—netizens are all-seeing; if there's the slightest stir, they find it.

One netizen commented to Xiao Wang: "Why did you back down?"

Chengfu Banquet in Xicheng District is a restaurant with an ancient, elegant ambiance, steeped in historical charm.

But it's too expensive and too upscale, so foot traffic is low; yet privacy is excellent, specializing in Beijing's imperial official cuisine.

In a restaurant with rustic furniture, Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian arrived for Lao Wang Zong's family banquet.

Liu Xiaoli and Xu Liyun didn't come—they stayed home to care for the children and don't involve themselves in such matters; the younger generation can handle it.

"Yifei, look—these are premium king crabs imported directly from Norway; you must eat plenty today!" Lao Wang Zong warmly urged.

They hadn't sat down yet, standing together exchanging pleasantries.

Xiao Wang and his mother wore cold, expressionless faces—as if someone owed them money.

High emotional intelligence allows few to smile at enemies; most still wear their true feelings openly, and Xiao Wang is one of them.

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind—just a simple meal will do; this is far too extravagant!" Liu Tianxian politely replied, glancing at the large round table in the center of the private room.

On the round table sat several large crabs, at least as big as a bowl, their shells bright red, appetizing to behold.

Other side dishes were all seafood—shrimp, fish, and more—abundant and lavish.

"I've never invited you for a meal before; today is the perfect chance."

Lao Wang Zong smiled and gestured: "Sit, sit, no need to be formal!"

Everyone chose their seats. Liu Tianxian wore a women's suit; after removing her jacket, she revealed a fitted white sweater that accentuated her full, slender figure.

Liu Tianxian's figure is quite full now.

She placed her hand on Fang Hong's thigh, leaned over, and cooed: "After we eat, let's stroll around Xicheng—we haven't gone shopping together in ages."

"Sure!" Fang Hong nodded.

"Your relationship with the Principal is truly enviable—after all this time, you're still so close." Lao Wang Zong said.

"Not really—we argue sometimes. I lose my temper and yell; my husband's been yelled at before." Liu Tianxian laughed.

"Beatings show affection, yelling shows love—you must be very affectionate!" Lao Wang Zong gushed, saying anything to flatter.

"You're joking—I think mutual tolerance is enough; don't dwell on trivial matters." Liu Tianxian replied.

"You clearly have deep insight!" Lao Wang Zong said.

"All learned through daily life."

Liu Tianxian spoke, raised her red wineglass: "It's rare to share a meal with your family—my husband and I toast you, thanking you for your hospitality."

"Good!" Lao Wang Zong's family raised their glasses, clinking them against the couple's.

The crisp "dingling" sound was pleasing to the ear.

They each tilted their heads and took a sip; Liu Tianxian's rosy lips left a mark on the clear glass, then the crimson liquid slipped into her mouth.

Then they all set their glasses down.

"There may have been misunderstandings and disputes in the past—please don't hold them against us," Liu Tianxian said politely.

"These are just business matters—friction is inevitable; how could I take it to heart?" Lao Wang Zong gave a bitter smile.

The Principal is so domineering and aggressive, yet his wife is gentle, kind, and talkative—their personalities are quite different.

I never knew Liu Tianxian before; only when I clashed with the Principal did I truly get to know her—she's a fine girl.

But I only listen—I don't know if they're playing good cop and bad cop.

He added: "My son has offended you—he shouldn't have spoken so rudely; I hope you'll forgive him."

"How could I? We're all young—tempers flare sometimes," Liu Tianxian replied with polite deflection.

Some things can't be brushed off with just a word. Fang Hong wouldn't let them get away with a single sentence—how could it be that easy?

Then why did he go to so much trouble!

Lao Wang Zong had no choice; he signaled with his eyes. Xiao Wang reluctantly stood up, walked to Liu Tianxian and Fang Hong, and bowed deeply before them.

"I'm sorry, Miss Liu, I'm sorry, Principal. I was immature before. Please, as adults, overlook the mistakes of a child, and forgive my ignorance." Xiao Wang kept his posture low, bowing continuously without straightening up.

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It must be that he'd communicated well with his father and prepared thoroughly—otherwise he wouldn't have done this.

In truth, Xiao Wang listened to his father. If he hadn't, he wouldn't have said he could only curse the entertainment circle—daring not to curse anyone in other fields.

Otherwise, when talking about Jing Tian, he wouldn't have publicly said the topic was banned.

After cursing Lei Bus, he wouldn't have publicly apologized.

Clearly, Lao Wang Zong had been telling him behind the scenes who to provoke and who not to—provoking Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian was mainly because their backgrounds were low.

At first, neither father nor son took it seriously.

But sometimes Xiao Wang couldn't control his loose tongue and offended the wrong people, so he got banned.

Even if his father was banned, there was nothing he could do—he had to accept it.

Liu Tianxian watched this person, her age, who in the entertainment circle cursed everyone, bowing to her in apology. Her vanity was satisfied; she felt her status had been elevated.

It felt like being an ordinary person who suddenly became rich—confidence surged all at once.

"It's fine, it's fine. Actually, it wasn't a big deal. I didn't care," Liu Tianxian said politely.

She could only say that—how could she say, "I'm furious, kneel down to me!"

Fang Hong took a photo with his phone beside him.

This was what he had said before—he would take a photo and post it online, so netizens could pull it out whenever they remembered.

"Principal, what do you think?" Lao Wang Zong asked about Fang Hong's attitude.

"Although past matters can be forgiven, from now on, he is forbidden to discuss any topic concerning my wife and me," Fang Hong said.

"Naturally," said Lao Wang Zong.

"I don't want you to say it—I want him to say it himself, to give his own guarantee," Fang Hong pointed at Xiao Wang.

"I won't speak about you again—not a word from now on," Xiao Wang showed good sense.

A noticeable flush appeared on his defiant face—he was holding it back, feeling deeply embarrassed, humiliated—now they were even going to post photos online.

But there was no way out—he lost, and struggling changed nothing. Even his father was powerless; what could he do?

After the Panda was killed, his spirit was crushed. The Principal was still his creditor, and now he held his Pusi Capital in check.

Because his equity in Pusi was frozen due to unpaid debt, he could only endure—unable to struggle at all.

Xiao Wang Ma watched her son like this and let out a heavy sigh, clearly displeased—when had her son ever suffered such humiliation!

She could only blame herself and her husband for being powerless, unable to protect their son.

Lao Wang Zong remained silent, taking it as a lesson for his son—to be more restrained, more mature.

"Then that's settled?" Lao Wang Zong asked.

"That's settled. Don't forget to issue a public apology—post it on Weibo or publish it in the paper, whatever, but it must be public." This was Fang Hong's earlier demand.

Liu Tianxian straightened her spine a little.

She said "it's fine, it's fine," but inwardly she still wanted him to apologize.

After all, an apology meant she was right, that the rumors were lies, and that she could clear her name.

"I'll do it," Xiao Wang said.

"We're not making things hard for you. Don't be resentful—it's your fault. We never provoked you. You came after us yourself," Fang Hong lectured Xiao Wang, implying: you brought this on yourself, so be grateful we forgive you.

"I know I'm wrong. You don't need to remind me so specifically," Xiao Wang showed a hint of temper.

He'd already apologized—now they had to lecture him too.

"See? Still not convinced," Fang Hong said.

"Oh, come on, come on—he's already apologized. Don't scold him anymore," Liu Tianxian patted Fang Hong's arm.

The two of them treated Xiao Wang like a talkative child, soothing him as if he were a kid.

It felt like a child had misbehaved, and the parents stood by saying, "Forget it, forget it—he's just a kid, don't take it personally."

Though silent, Lao Wang Zong and his wife felt deeply pained—they couldn't bear to watch.

Fang Hong no longer pressed the rich second-generation; he fell silent. Lao Wang Zong understood the meaning and signaled his son to return to his seat—the matter was closed.

"Principal, regarding my son's previous debt, how would you like to handle it?" Xiao Wang's mother timely changed the subject, fearing he might torment her son again.

She was still very beautiful—even at her age, she retained her charm.

Xiao Wang sat back in his seat, listening as they discussed his debt—this money could only be repaid by his family.

"This? Of course, repay in cash. Pay back exactly what you owe," Fang Hong said.

Xiao Wang still owed him 350 million—this was his personal debt, and it had to be repaid. No dodging.

"What if I pay you one hundred million first, and the rest from our family's fund? It'll take some time—would that be acceptable?" Xiao Wang's mother negotiated.

Even their family fund required procedures—it couldn't be withdrawn instantly.

They couldn't take money directly from the company either.

"Fine. As long as you have the intention to repay, I can be flexible on timing," Fang Hong nodded.

"Good," Xiao Wang's mother had no further objections.

She had come today solely to repay her son's debt—to free him from enforcement and let him regain some freedom.

"Eat, eat," Lao Wang Zong signaled them to eat now that matters were mostly settled.

Fang Hong picked up a royal crab, peeled its shell, and picked out the meat, placing it in Liu Tianxian's bowl: "Here, have some to nourish yourself!"

"Thank you!"

Liu Tianxian squinted and smiled softly, picking up a shrimp for him and saying, "This is to nourish you too."

The two of them were being affectionate here, so the rest of the family ate with little appetite. Actually, once the business talk was done, this meal was just so-so—everyone was just going through the motions, since they weren't that familiar with each other to begin with.

After the meal, Liu Tianxian and Fang Hong chose to take their leave. The two of them didn't go home; taking advantage of the night, they went to Jixiang Commercial Street.

Here, the night view combined modern architecture with ancient architecture, giving one a dreamlike, illusory feeling.

The two of them walked down the street hand in hand, with flowing street lamps on both sides casting a hazy glow over them.

Liu Tianxian didn't cover her face much—just half-covering it—and her noble, unique bearing couldn't be concealed. She was quickly recognized by passersby.

They excitedly took out their phones to photograph the two of them.

(End of this chapter)