Chapter 222: Tang Yan's Lu Xueqi

Tang Yan heard the call and first reported her approximate location.

After hanging up, she went to the restroom to touch up her makeup.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she thought her current outfit was fine, so she dropped the idea of buying a new set.

After coming out, she wandered for about twenty minutes and finally spotted Jiang Heng.

"Second Brother, I'm here!"

Since they were out in public to avoid being recognized by fans and causing trouble, Jiang Heng wore sunglasses, and Tang Yan smartly didn't call him Director Jiang, continuing to call him Second Brother as in the film "Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother".

Walking up, she gave a sweet smile: "How come you're here? Haven't you been busy lately?"

Jiang Heng laughed and said: "Even when busy, we have to come out for a meal. I thought it's been a while since we ate together, so let me treat you."

Upon hearing that, Tang Yan was overjoyed, linked arms with Jiang Heng, just like in "Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother", and said happily: "I knew Second Brother treats me the best!"

Hearing that, Jiang Heng also felt an inexplicable warmth.

He is an only child with no siblings; Tang Yan always calls him Second Brother, which really gives him the illusion of being an older brother.

"Alright, let's go buy some things, so you won't complain behind my back that I'm stingy as an older brother."

"Ah!"

Tang Yan froze, then quickly said: "No way! Second Brother has already taken great care of me!"

Jiang Heng said: "No nonsense, hurry up—what kinds of shops do you usually like? Chanel, Dior?"

Seeing Jiang Heng's stern face, Tang Yan quickly said: "Those are too expensive; I go to more affordable places!"

"Forget it, I'll lead you!" Jiang Heng said, then strode forward.

Tang Yan hesitated: "Um, that's too luxurious, isn't it?"

Jiang Heng said: "I came today to talk about the new film; you need to perform well when the time comes and not disappoint my expectations—consider these an advance reward."

Having said that, he led Tang Yan into a luxury store, her mind still in a daze.

She wondered, "New film?"

"Second Brother really let me star in the new film! Haha, I knew she had me in mind!"

Upon hearing that, Tang Yan was thrilled and wished she could immediately call her mother to share the good news.

But for now, being in the luxury store, she should deal with the present—well, she shouldn't take too much, otherwise how would she pay it back later?

Unexpectedly, although Jiang Heng rarely goes shopping and doesn't pay much attention to fashion, the clothes and bags he picked suit her very well.

It seems each item was tailor-made for her, looking extremely good.

Tang Yan loved them immensely, but upon seeing the price tags, she couldn't help clicking her tongue—too expensive, making it hard to decide for a moment.

Seeing this, Jiang Heng directly told the salesperson: "Please wrap up everything I just selected!"

Tang Yan hurriedly said: "No need, no need, I'll pick!"

She already had some decision‑making difficulty, and now she couldn't choose anything, looking like she was about to cry.

The pretty female sales clerk said: "Your boyfriend really has great taste—every piece he picked suits you perfectly; you might as well take them all!"

Upon hearing that, Tang Yan felt sweet inside, glanced at Jiang Heng beside her, and said: "Well…"

Jiang Heng had already handed over his bank card and paid.

After they came out, Tang Yan couldn't help saying: "You've really spent a lot on me!"

Jiang Heng laughed: "I can't let you call me Second Brother for nothing—take them!"

"Well then, thank you, Second Brother!"

Tang Yan finally accepted them with peace of mind, then added: "How can your taste be so good? I usually have to try on several items before finding one I like, but every piece you picked is something I super love—this is amazing!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily, thinking: "The Super Microcomputer can directly simulate how you'd look after trying them on, so of course I know how to match them better."

Yet he said: "Maybe this is just talent!"

Tang Yan nodded: "Indeed, I feel that when Second Brother films, his costume, prop, and composition designs are too beautiful. Everyone says Zhang Yimou's composition is good, but I think his is even better!"

Jiang Heng laughed: "You really think that?"

"Of course, and I also think Director Zhang doesn't tell stories well…"

Tang Yan said this while lowering her voice: "So everyone thinks his films have good composition. But Second Brother's movies have beautiful composition, costumes, makeup, and props—just one of their strengths—so people don't notice it; they only feel the films' visual impact is shocking!"

Upon hearing that, Jiang Heng was very happy: "I'm really glad to hear you say that—what would you like to eat?"

"Hmm, anything is fine—pick what you like, Brother!"

Jiang Heng then chose the high‑end restaurant on the top floor of Guomao, had the purchased clothes sent to the car, and then went to the restaurant.

After sitting down and ordering, Jiang Heng then said the film to be made is "Slay Immortal", inviting Tang Yan to play the role of Lu Xueqi.

"Really?"

Upon hearing that, Tang Yan was very pleased. She is an only daughter from Jiangsu‑Zhejiang‑Shanghai, a well‑behaved girl; truly asking her to play the "unrestrained" Bi Yao would make her a bit inhibited, but the role of Lu Xueqi suits her perfectly.

"Thank you, Second Brother—I will surely do my best to act well!"

"I believe in you; just do your best, no need for too much pressure."

Tang Yan gave a sweet smile: "I know, Brother will give me acting tips!"

Tang Yan truly admires Jiang Heng, because when filming "Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother" she had no acting experience and no real skill, yet Jiang Heng could use words and motions she understood to tell her how to perform.

At first she naïvely thought all directors were like that.

Later, after filming with other crews, she realized how great the gap between directors can be.

Not every director has Jiang Heng's level of ability.

After they finished eating, Tang Yan didn't mention going home, but said Jiang Heng would return to continue revising the script.

He occasionally makes phone calls to confirm the cast.

Since it had already been agreed that he would star in a romance with Da Tian Tian, the character Zhang Xiaofan in the film will be played by Jiang Heng himself.

As for the handsome Lin Jingyu, he is preparing to have Han Dong play him, and is not in a hurry to notify.

Just as he was about to get off work, his phone suddenly rang.

Jiang Heng picked it up and saw it was a call from Han Sanping.

"You're going to shoot another new film?" Han Sanping said in a surprised tone.

"Oh, I just had that idea; the script isn't written yet!"

Han Sanping said: "Is that so? But the news has already spread, saying you're going to collaborate with Stellar Han Brilliant Film, with the female lead being Jing Tian?"

Jiang Heng gave a hehe laugh: "They spread the news fast!"

Upon hearing the news confirmed, Han Sanping instinctively sighed.

Over these years, from the initial Beijing Film to the current China Film, it has been the only film company Jiang Heng has collaborated with in the mainland.

Now, Jiang Heng has quietly teamed up with another film company, giving him the illusion of being abandoned.

Of course, Jiang Heng has the right to collaborate with any film company, but this sudden move leaves him feeling a bit lost.

"Then, does China Film have a chance to participate?"

"Of course there is!" Jiang Heng laughed: "I only make big productions; a single investor can't front the money, and if they lose money it would be disastrous!"

Han Sanping laughed: "Your novel 'Slay the Immortal' is so popular, so good, and so suited to be adapted into an effects-heavy blockbuster—how could it possibly lose money!"

"As long as you can participate in the investment, that's fine; same old rule—this side only puts up the money, handles production and distribution, and everything else is your responsibility!"

(End of chapter)