Chapter 29: Chapter Thirty-Four: Twisted Talent

Chen Ci's words had not yet faded when he suddenly heard the sound of a door opening behind him.

The two turned toward the sound and saw Pang Zi and Xiao Dan standing at the door, each holding big and small bags, their four eyes meeting.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat subtle.

Chen Ci reacted first, calmly placing the remaining tissue in Xiao Tong's hand, then slowly rose.

Xiao Dan also noticed Xiao Tong's reddened eye sockets and tears at the corners of her eyes, surprised, she put down the bags in her hands and hurried over.

Meanwhile, Pang Zi behind them raised his thumb, giving Chen Ci a look only they could understand.

"Xiao Tong, why are you crying? Did he bully you again?"

Xiao Dan stepped forward to comfort her, but upon hearing this, Chen Ci objected: "Sister-in-law, when have I ever bullied Mao Mao?"

"Here there's only you—who else could it be?"

Chen Ci smiled helplessly; her reasoning was sound, leaving him speechless.

Xiao Tong also laughed along with Chen Ci, wiping away her remaining tears.

Aside from not yet understanding what a "white moonlight" is, she basically has no other problems.

"Sister-in-law, I'm fine; I just recalled some past events. He..."

Xiao Tong glanced at Chen Ci casually, then said: "He was comforting me."

Meanwhile, Xiao Dan's mouth corner remained somewhat unnatural: "Oh, is that so?"

Just then, Pang Zi also walked over, holding up several large bags high and shouting:

"Come, let's eat! I'm almost starving to death. Wow, Xiao Tong, you look beautiful in that black dress—it makes your legs look so white… hiss!"

Pang Zi was being led by the ear by Xiao Dan toward the dining hall, while Xiao Tong watched their figures, delighted.

Until she noticed that Chen Ci was also gazing at her with a smiling expression.

"Mao Mao, let's go eat."

Xiao Tong lowered her gaze, looking at Chen Ci's hand reaching out proactively.

"Hmm..."

"Is this what you two filmed?"

In the study, Chen Ci faced the computer screen, right hand clenched into a fist, left hand scratching his head.

Before him stood three nervous men.

From Chen Ci's reaction to saying that, it seemed impossible to tell whether he was pleased or displeased.

The three were puzzled when Chen Ci suddenly looked up and said: "Pang Zi, did you watch it?"

Pang Zi shook his head blankly: "No."

"Then come over and take a look now."

"Oh, okay..."

After only about half a minute, Pang Zi's expression changed drastically; he glared fiercely at Zi Dong and Yi Ming, but instantly returned his gaze to the screen.

On the screen at that moment was a video of a girl with a great figure… uh, big… uh white… no, anyway, a girl with an excellent physique being interviewed.

How do you know her figure is good? Because she was wearing a swimsuit, with a pool as the background.

Good grief, Chen Ci had told them to just film something random.

Those two rushed all the way to the city's swimming pool, bringing professional equipment, pretending to be from a TV station to film attractive women in swimsuits?

What a great idea—how could Chen Ci not have thought of it… cough, cough, I must say, these two really have some twisted talent.

Chen Ci roughly guessed some of it, perhaps because the topic he gave them was too broad.

Moreover, they weren't close to Chen Ci and didn't know his preferences.

So they decided to film something men generally like to fulfill the assignment.

Is Chen Ci a man? That's beyond doubt.

Does he like this work?

That's hard to say, but it did bring Chen Ci some new inspiration.

Right, it's summer now, the weather is so hot it's perfect for swimming—if only we let Xiao Tong wear a swimsuit…

"Um, that…"

Zi Dong spoke up, breaking the silence, causing Chen Ci and Pang Zi to both look up.

Zi Dong timidly said: "There's another segment later, even more stimulating than the first…"

"And then?"

Upon hearing that, Pang Zi got excited, instinctively moving to press the keyboard to fast-forward the video.

His hand halfway there, Chen Ci suddenly turned off the video.

Pang Zi stared at the vast grassland on the screen, dazed for a moment: "This."

Turning his head, he saw Chen Ci with a solemn expression: "Pang Zi, you're someone who already has a partner."

"I…"

"For today, let's leave it at that. Pang Zi, go notify Lao Zhao and Shi San; tonight we'll gather at my place for a meeting with everyone."

Although he felt it a pity, Xiao Dan was outside, so Pang Zi couldn't say much more.

He nodded: "All right."

"Well, we…"

Zi Dong and Yi Ming exchanged a glance, then each nervously looked at Chen Ci.

"Didn't I say everyone?"

"Ah~"

Zi Dong and Yi Ming high-fived in celebration, having just begun, when they heard Chen Ci's voice again.

After filming the promotional video, two thousand each.

Two thousand! So, how long will the shoot take?

Strive to finish within a week.

Two thousand in just one week! Tsk tsk.

Yi Ming couldn't help but click his tongue; this money comes too fast.

Just saying, the average salary in Jingcheng is just over three thousand, so two thousand a week would be at least eight thousand a month.

Zi Dong also exclaimed excitedly: "Thanks, Master Ci, of course, and thanks to Big Mountain Brother. I knew anyone Big Mountain Brother recommends is reliable; following Master Ci will definitely not shortchange us brothers."

Chen Ci gave a faint smile. As for flattery skills, these two still fall short of Old Zhao.

Don't get too excited yet; I haven't finished.

Um, Master Ci, please go on.

Zi Dong and Yi Ming had also braced themselves; this is the sweet date, time to bring out the stick.

At times like this, one should say something like "I'll lay out the unpleasant truths first," right?

"Did Pang Zi say you're classmates and also studying acting at the Central Academy of Drama?"

"Huh?"

The two stared at each other, then nodded heavily: "Yeah."

Chen Ci also nodded: "Did Pang Zi tell you about my filming work?"

"Um, this..."

Upon hearing that, the two looked at each other, then turned their gaze to Pang Zi.

"Big Mountain Brother, is there or not?"

Pang Zi had been giving them glances, but hearing their question, he helplessly slapped his own forehead.

"That means you know, so I'll just say it straight: I think your images are quite suited for comedy; are you interested?"

"Yes yes yes!"

Before Chen Ci could finish speaking, Zi Dong rushed over to him.

Although Yi Ming was a beat slower, he runs fast—in fact, he grabbed Chen Ci's arm even before Zi Dong did.

"Master Ci, I really won't say anything else. I can play any role, guaranteeing good quality and low price to satisfy you!"

"Zi Dong refused to be outdone: 'I'm even better value than him—I… can work without pay, as long as I get to act!'"

"I…" Yi Ming hesitated: "I don't need the two thousand either, as long as I can film with Master Ci..."

This is probably what's called involution.

Chen Ci felt that if he didn't speak up, they'd soon start paying to work.

"Alright, not a cent less."

Pang Zi also looked down on their embarrassing appearance: "Anyway, Master Ci doesn't lack this bit of money for you two..."