Chapter 104: New Year

Time flies; in the blink of an eye, The Matrix is already a work from four years ago.

In these past four‑plus years, countless movie fans worldwide have been urging Jiang Heng on major forums not to delay and to release the sequel quickly.

Some fans even found the phone numbers of Xianggang You Teng and Jingcheng Ai You Teng Company, pestering them incessantly and driving the front desk crazy.

Jiang Heng, after learning about these situations and reviewing recent years' filming plans, also sensed the timing for a sequel.

As for this film, he does not intend to involve other companies, not even China Film.

When the shoot requires many foreign actors, the solution is to have Ai You Teng Company staff hire them directly.

At this moment Jiang Heng's reputation is strong internationally; recruiting Haolaiwu artists is a breeze, and independent production is no trouble.

Zhou Xingxing, upon hearing Jiang Heng's plan to shoot The Matrix 2, wore a surprised face and said, "Ah, honestly, I really like the concept of that movie; it's so groundbreaking. Do you think this world could truly be virtual?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "I think the probability is high!"

"Then what is the meaning of our existence and struggle?"

"To live more enjoyably, even if it's just a game. Paying players dominate, getting whatever they want. Casual players struggle to beat a small monster, can't leave the starter village for ages, have to save forever to buy gear, and might get killed, lose gear. What about you, what would you choose?"

"Um, I also think being a paying player is pretty fun!"

"Exactly, being alive means enjoying it to the fullest!"

"Then you, why haven't you been looking for a girlfriend?"

When Zhou Xingxing said that, he glanced at Tang Yan in the distance.

Don't be misled by how deeply affectionate Zhou Xingxing appears in movies; his lifelong love remains unmarried, yet he never lacks a girlfriend.

"Um, I haven't met anyone that really moves me yet!"

The real reason, of course, is that he's been scarred by the many girlfriends he dated in a past life.

Zhou Xingchi patted his shoulder and said, "When the flowers are ripe, cut them; don't wait until there are no flowers to break empty branches."

Without waiting for Jiang Heng to say anything, he left straight away.

Three days later, after Zhou Xingxing finished his cameo, he boarded a plane back to Xianggang to prepare Kung Fu.

Over Jiang Heng's side, the filming schedule remains tense.

The tension is such that the crew only gets two days off—New Year's Eve and the first day of the New Year—and then must return to shoot.

Given the transportation level at that time, most people have to spend the New Year in Jingcheng.

Tang Yan's parents, fearing their daughter would be too lonely in Jingcheng, came early; the whole family lives in the apartment the company arranged for Tang Yan, and they can even cook and make dumplings.

"Tang Tang, you must be exhausted during the shoot; are you adapting to the crew? No one bullying you, right?"

Even though she's made countless calls during this period, Tang Yan has reported her situation, and Tang's mother still worries about her daughter, asking nonstop whenever she has time.

"It's fine, I've gotten used to it; the people in the crew also take good care of me!"

"What about Director Jiang?"

"He's busy every day; either he's filming with the crew or occupied with a new project!"

"So young yet so ambitious!" Tang's mother praised, then suddenly asked, "Does he have a girlfriend?"

"Maybe he does; I haven't heard of anyone, nor have I seen anyone show up at the crew!"

"Then probably not!" Tang's mother muttered to herself.

Tang's father, a bit displeased, said, "Why worry about that?"

"I'm not trying to make my daughter get along with people; with his current standing, a single word could save Tang Tang many detours."

Tang's father fell silent, and Tang's mother asked again, "By the way, since it's New Year, have we given him anything?"

Tang Yan was stunned; at nineteen and just celebrating the New Year, she didn't understand those social customs.

Tang's mother instructed, "He chose you as the female lead, which is a favor to you; we may not be able to repay much, but we can't forget our roots—during festivals we must show some appreciation!"

Tang's father grew more displeased, "Why are you telling her that?"

Tang's mother said, "During festivals, treating guests and giving gifts is perfectly normal; when have you ever missed it? Let me tell you, Tang Tang, leaders may not remember a gift, but if you give nothing they will definitely remember!"

Tang Yan, half laughing, half crying, said, "He's a director, that's different, right?"

Tang's mother said, "But he's also a big boss; with so many companies under his name, ordinary staff have no right, but senior executives will definitely show appreciation. You're an artist under his company, your status isn't lower than the executives."

Seeing the father and daughter silent, she added, "I've heard about Xianggang TVB, AsiaTV and the rivalry among the top actresses; keeping good relations with the boss can only be beneficial."

Tang Yan, hearing that, simply gave a faint "oh."

Tang's father only said "you," then went to the small room.

Tang's mother asked again, "By the way, what do your boss's parents do, and are they also coming here for the New Year?"

Tang Yan replied, "I heard his father passed away, his mother remarried, so he's probably alone in Jingcheng!"

"Oh dear, then…!" Tang mother began, thinking she could invite Jiang Heng over for dumplings.

But looking at the cramped apartment, it's not easy to invite anyone over!

"Tang Tang, give him a call and say you'd like to bring him some dumplings. Ask if he wants them. If he does, send them over; if not, that's fine—our intention is what matters!"

"Ah, okay, is that okay? He's from Xianggang, he might not eat them!" Tang Yan, never having done this before, felt awkward to bring it up.

"What's there to be afraid of? If you don't dare, give me the phone and I'll speak for you!"

"Then, I'll just say it myself!"

She picked up the phone shyly, returned to her room, closed the door, and dialed Jiang Heng.

"Hello, Director Jiang, this is Tang Yan. Happy New Year. I'm calling to ask, have you eaten dumplings?"

"Ah, not yet!"

In Jingcheng in 2002, there weren't many restaurants serving New Year's Eve meals; Jiang Heng spent a fortune booking a banquet, which still hadn't been delivered.

"Um, my parents have arrived, they made a lot of dumplings and want to send some to you!"

"What filling is it?"

In his past life, having lived in Jingcheng for many years, Jiang Heng still liked to eat it.

Three-fresh shrimp!

Ugh, too troublesome, it's New Year's!

"Well..." Tang Yan was about to say, then "that's fine."

Fortunately, in a moment Fu Ling had an idea, and she quickly said: "That's not troublesome, I'll drive and deliver it shortly!"

Jiang Heng then stopped refusing and gave the address.

After hanging up, Tang Yan walked out of the room, still with a racing heart and a slightly flushed cheek.

"What did he say?" Tang's mother asked.

"He asked what filling, I said three-fresh shrimp, then he hesitated a bit, and I almost just said forget it!"

Tang's mother, with a flour-dusted finger, pressed it on her daughter's forehead, saying, "Silly girl, let me tell you, as a leader, they'll be happy if you bring them food!"

"Really?"

"Nonsense!"

"Just a plate of dumplings!"

"It's not like it's New Year's!"

(End of chapter)