Chapter 67: Not Very Convenient……

Yiyi, go to Mom's place first, okay?

Chen Ci rubbed Yiyi's little braid on her head; the Little Girl nodded shyly, then snuggled into Mom's embrace.

Gu Ma, her name is Yiyi, she's one of the leads in our crew.

Lead?

Gu Ma didn't say anything else, she lifted her eyes and scanned everyone in the room.

Everyone was respectful, not daring to utter a sound.

Gu Ma smiled and asked Chen Ci, "Ah Ci, is this your team?"

Ah, more or less.

Like that...

Gu Ma nodded while smiling, her tone noncommittal.

Looks like Chen Ci is already at the point of no return; it's fine, it's not bad for a young person to experience some setbacks.

Ah Ci, do you have time tomorrow for the film's launch press conference?

Looks like this is the main reason Gu Ma came to see me; Chen Ci replied promptly:

Better not; if I go, someone will be unhappy.

Ah Ci...

I understand Gu Ma's meaning; I'm doing this for her family's harmony too.

You...

Gu Ma gave him a meaningful glance, then stopped pressing.

On the contrary, at that moment Chen Ci had a flash of inspiration and suddenly asked, "Gu Ma, where is your press conference being held?"

Beiying Factory, you haven't been there before?

Like that...

Why ask that?

Gu Ma finally sensed something odd from his tone and smile, feeling he had suddenly become restless.

No...

What was supposed to be a lively gathering became much quieter and more restrained upon Gu Ma's arrival.

Even after seeing Gu Ma off, the atmosphere could not return to its former liveliness.

Chen Ci simply announced the gathering was over; we'll meet again if the chance arises, anyway the purpose of getting to know each other has already been fulfilled.

When saying goodbye to Shen Teng and the rest of the Twisted Dough crew, their looks at Chen Ci seemed to carry a hint of gravity.

Teng Ge, I've called away your two assistant directors; you won't have any trouble over there, will you?

The two assistant directors of the stage version of 'Stone', Yan Fei and Da Mo, have now become the backbone of Chen Ci's film team.

Although they only have experience directing stage plays, that's still much easier to use than an outsider like Lao Zhao.

Not just them; the Twisted Dough creative team has basically been poached by Chen Ci.

Like Wei Xiang and Song Yang, who were originally part of the 'Stone' team, they've also defected to Chen Ci's side.

The progress of the stage play 'Stone' is now fraught with difficulty; Chen Ci feels a bit guilty about it.

No problem; we've discussed it with the company—postpone the stage play and focus our efforts on the film first.

When was that?

Chen Ci asked; back during the auditions, Shen Teng had still wanted to withdraw from acting.

Shen Teng's face flashed with embarrassment: 'Um, just not long ago.'

Not long ago?

Chen Ci understood, smiled without speaking; Shen Teng was referring just now, to be precise, after seeing Gu Ma.

Shen Teng and the others are still in shock; upon seeing Chen Gu Ma, they eventually realized.

If this is Chen Ci's aunt, then his uncle would be……

They suddenly understood; no wonder Chen Ci can make a film at such a young age, and besides, Ning Hao personally gave him an 'escort'.

Nowadays, Happy Twisted Dough has some renown in Jingcheng's theater circle, especially in comedy, and can even associate with someone like Ning Hao.

But few know that Happy Twisted Dough was originally founded as a film and TV company for the purpose of making movies.

Because of lack of money and other reasons, the film wasn't made, so they turned to stage plays instead.

After a few years passed in the blink of an eye, they finally got another chance to make a film—how could they not take it seriously?

But they took it seriously, yet it still felt insufficient, mainly because Chen Ci is too young and lacks any prior industry experience.

So even with Ning Hao's endorsement, they thought it was about seizing the opportunity and gaining experience!

Actually, they didn't have high hopes for this play, just treating it as some rich kid's hobby.

But they never expected it to actually be the Old Chen Family's.

Then the situation would be different……

Exactly how it differs, Shen Teng and the others couldn't say for a moment; anyway, it's that feeling of having connections in high places making things easier.

Honestly, the film industry is just that small; connections and background sometimes matter more than ability……

After seeing Shen Teng and the others off, Chen Ci returned home and saw Ling Er and Xiao Tong tidying up the living room.

Don't bother; I'll call in two part-time workers in a moment.

No sooner had he spoken than Xiao Tong replied, 'These chores are trivial; we'll handle them ourselves—no need for part‑time help.'

Mei Na stood nearby, wiping the table and chiming in: 'Exactly.'

While saying that, she still didn't forget to lift her chin and give Chen Ci a nose‑thumb; these days are different from before, with Mao Mao backing her up.

Chen Ci felt helpless; 'I'm not doing this for your own good, am I?'

He immediately turned his head to look at Ling Er, who was mopping the floor: "Ling Er, take a break—let Pang Zi and the others do the mopping, Pang Zi."

Oh.

Pang Zi sprang into action, getting up to take Ling Er's mop, but saw her give a sweet smile.

Brother, I don't need help—I can do it myself.

Pang Zi looked helplessly at Chen Ci, who frowned; even the usually obedient Ling Er wasn't listening to him anymore.

Chen Ci shook his head and said to the few people in the room: "Pang Zi, Lao Zhao, you should also go back and prepare—don't forget tomorrow's schedule."

Don't worry, Master Ci—I'll make sure the task is done.

Lao Zhao and the others left after receiving the order; Xiao Tong watched their mysterious backs, feeling a sudden doubt.

Tomorrow? What's up?

Chen Ci gave a faint smile: "You want to know? Come with me."

After saying that, Chen Ci turned and went up the stairs; Xiao Tong glanced at the last two left in the living room—Mei Na and Ling Er.

After a brief hesitation, she wiped her hands with a rag: "If I'm going, then I'm going..."

Xiao Tong followed Chen Ci to the second floor of the villa and saw him waiting for her ahead.

Just as Xiao Tong was about to say something, he pulled her into an empty bedroom and casually shut the door.

In the bedroom, Chen Ci suddenly turned and leaned in; Xiao Tong instinctively tried to step back and dodge.

She hadn't taken two steps before Chen Ci forced her back against the white wall.

Xiao Tong lowered her eyes gloomily, staring at her own toes.

Why are you avoiding me?

Chen Ci's voice was right next to her, almost making her feel his warm breath.

Xiao Tong's gaze darted away, but she stubbornly retorted: "I don't—you asked me to come; after the graduation ceremony ended, I came, didn't I..."

You're this obedient?

Chen Ci extended a single forefinger, lightly lifting Xiao Tong's chin, "forcing" her to meet his gaze.

This time Xiao Tong finally stopped dodging; after a brief pause, she heard Chen Ci say:

Since you're so obedient, you'll stay here from now on—this room is yours.

Huh?

What "huh"? You've graduated, you can't stay in the dorms, so just stay here for now.

I...

Seeing she still wanted to say something, Chen Ci thrust his hand forward and covered her mouth, the move a bit domineering.

I won't charge you rent, but you have to help me look after Ling Er and Mei Na. After all, I'm a man—sometimes it's inconvenient...