Chapter 68

Master Ci, is it really not right for us to do this?

Oh, what's not good about it?

After the temporary press conference ended, Lao Zhao anxiously sought out Chen Ci.

He also managed to ride the heat of Mei Lanfang, and this time the effect seemed not bad.

Right after the Mei Lanfang press conference opposite finished, Chen Ci called the reporters over.

As for his relationship with the poetry recitation master, that definitely wasn't something Chen Ci deliberately spread.

Rather, it was Shang Teng pulling this stunt; when it comes to riding trends and being shameless, they're still more professional.

Lao Zhao's worries aren't entirely unfounded, after all the poetry recitation master is known for being petty.

Back when Limitless was released, it seemed a female host asked a nosy question that annoyed Director Chen, and he blew up on the spot.

Although the poetry recitation master never went to find fault with that host, given his stature he wouldn't bother.

This incident blew up quite a bit; everyone knows Director Chen has a short temper and is not to be provoked.

Chen Ci pulled out a chair and sat down, gesturing for Lao Zhao to join him.

Lao Zhao stared at the direction behind him, his brows suddenly furrowed, but he still nodded and sat down.

"Actually, I've always respected him… no, 'respect' isn't quite right; more accurately, I admire him."

Lao Zhao's gaze drifted, he sat upright cautiously, and asked carefully: "Admire, who…?"

Chen Ci gazed into the distance, not answering but counter-questioning: "Who else could it be?"

"Master Ci is talking about Director Kaige."

Lao Zhao let out a long breath, finally relieved.

Then Chen Ci continued: "You know, we make movies; even if the film becomes a hit, the box office explodes, and we make money, that's just earning from ordinary people—it's meaningless."

"Then whose money would make it interesting?"

"Earn money from the rich, earn capital's money—that's what I admire most about him. Anyone can profit by cutting the leeks, but to turn around and cut capital's leeks, and even have capital willingly stick out its neck to be cut…"

Chen Ci shook his head and clicked his tongue: "Tsk tsk, just ask how many people in the world can pull that off? A role model… hiss!"

Just as he was getting excited, Chen Ci felt a sudden pain in his right ear, and his whole body was pulled up by the force.

"Gu Ma! How did you come here?"

Chen Ci covered his ear with one hand—Gu Ma really laid into him just now.

Lao Zhao beside him also rose awkwardly, silently retreating and slipping away.

"If I didn't come, how would I know you've done all these good things, Ah Ci? You've really made Gu Ma look at you anew."

Gu Ma took a deep breath of cool air, her eyes holding a smile, a cold smile.

No wonder Chen Ci previously refused no matter what to come to the press conference, yet he kept insisting on asking about the timing of the movie press conference.

"Gu Ma, what are you saying? I can't understand a word."

"You don't understand?"

Gu Ma was practically laughing in anger at Chen Ci; at this point, is there any need to pretend ignorance?

"Why don't you sit first, Gu Ma, and I'll explain slowly..."

"No need, I'm just here to tell you that your uncle already knows about today's matter; from now on, handle it as you see fit."

"What else could happen? With his standing, he can't really just put on a straight face and blacklist..."

"Ah Ci!"

Gu Ma's face turned black in an instant; she shouted sternly, perhaps she was really angry.

Chen Ci immediately fell silent, quietly and seriously looking at Gu Ma. (the Chinese text is unintelligible)

All I heard was her soft sigh: "We're all family; listen to what you're saying."

Seeing Chen Ci not speak, Gu Ma paused, then continued:

"We're family; it's not really a big deal. Ah Ci, you and I just need to clear things up; at worst, we apologize."

"An apology?" Chen Ci finally moved: "Gu Ma, just let him blacklist me."

"You..."

"Yingjun, I never noticed before how agile you are, you run pretty fast."

In the study, Chen Ci was surfing the net, mainly browsing entertainment news, focusing on the special feature about the film "Mei Lanfang".

On the screen, the oily-faced Da Mi Mi faced Chen Ci; never mind the oil, she was still dark.

Not only Da Mi Mi, but everyone including Gu Ma was dark.

Chen Ci remarked that nowadays the camera is so honest; not retouching is fine, but they even add reverse lighting.

Who can stand this? Moreover, Chen Ci even doubts whether Da Mi Mi's agency arranged a stylist for her.

If so, name and criticize.

She's already so dark, yet she wears a pink skirt; Chen Ci really can't find words to complain.

Fortunately the skirt is low enough that her impressive figure is fully visible.

Chen Ci suddenly missed his girlfriend terribly...

Old Zhao across from him smiled apologetically: "Master Ci, who would dare meddle in your family affairs?"

Fine, you ran, I don't blame you; where's the person you were supposed to find?

The person has been found!

Oh, what about the conditions?

No conditions; the old man readily agreed.

The person Chen Ci had Old Zhao look for was De Yun She's Yu Qian, inviting him to cameo as the supermarket boss Sun Dalin in the film, who is also Tong Tong's father.

As for Tong Tong, since she's called Tong Tong, naturally they cast Xiao Tong to play her.

So straightforward, you aren't even setting any conditions?

When I mentioned Master Ci's uncle... cough, oh right.

……

Chen Ci was speechless, signalling Lao Zhao with his eyes to leave.

It's not that I want to criticize Lao Zhao; he's no different, always thinking of ways to leech off others' popularity.

No choice; it's a movie—any exposure is better than none.

Moreover, the things Chen Ci said to Lao Zhao back at the Beiying Factory guesthouse weren't all just jokes.

Cutting the capital's leeks isn't something just anyone can do; the art film 《Mei Lanfang》 alone can attract over a hundred million in investment.

Perhaps Chen Ci will never reach such heights in his lifetime……

Not long after Lao Zhao left, Chen Ci's phone rang.

He picked up the phone and saw the caller ID showing a familiar yet unfamiliar name—'Chen Chi Chi'.

Chen Ci startled, it had been a long time since he felt this way.

The dead memories began to bombard Chen Ci's mind again—how could it be him……

"Hello?"

"Ci bro……"

Chen Ci furrowed his brows: "Get lost, who's your brother."

"It's no use denying it; the relationship is right there. We brothers haven't seen each other in ages—let's go out for a meal."

"I'm in Jingcheng—let's go eat a damn meal."

"I'm already in Jingcheng; with summer break, I came straight to see you. I've heard you're acting now and even becoming a director……"

Chen Ci refused without thinking: "No time, you eat by yourself."

"Hey, it's fine if you don't want to see me, but you can't avoid seeing your girlfriend, right? She's with me right now……"

Chen Ci frowned at the words: "With you?"

"Oh no, I didn't mean that—I've already saved seats. Your girlfriend, my sister-in-law, and the Jiang University belle are all waiting for you here—do you understand now?"

"Uh-oh, how did she also come to Jingcheng?"

Chen Ci felt a bad premonition rise from his heart, put down his phone, grabbed a coat on the way, and walked out……