Chapter 126: Invitation

After filming ended, naturally, there had to be a wrap-up banquet.

Having stayed on the mainland for nearly three months, Wu Yanzu, who had practiced diligently, could already communicate with people completely in Mandarin. Because they were of similar age, he had also become familiar with Liu Ye and Chen Minghao during this period.

Liu Ye nudged Wu Yanzu and then said: "Let's go, let's go toast together!"

Wu Yanzu also picked up his glass upon hearing this and was just about to get up when he was pulled by Chen Minghao beside him:

"Hey, hey, Azu, we're going to toast, why are you holding tea!"

Wu Yanzu asked in surprise: "Is it wrong to hold tea?"

"Of course it's wrong! To toast, naturally, you have to hold wine! Here, if you hold tea to toast, that's deliberately not giving face! Haven't you toasted in America?"

"There is toasting in America, but it's just clinking glasses. Isn't toasting with tea also expressing respect and gratitude? And didn't Wu Dao just say he doesn't drink alcohol and also drinks tea?"

"Hi, Wu Dao can drink tea, but we who toast must hold wine; this is the rule!" Chen Minghao was popularizing Chinese drinking culture to Wu Yanzu.

Liu Ye interrupted him directly: "Azu, don't listen to him; you are an international friend, you don't need to follow this rule..."

At this time, Wu Yuchen asked: "What are you three whispering about?"

Liu Ye and Chen Minghao were just about to cover it up when Wu Yanzu smiled honestly and said: "I'm learning toasting etiquette from them!"

As soon as Wu Yuchen heard this, he guessed what they were doing and said unhappily: "Azu, don't follow them to learn this; just drink tea."

Wu Yuchen didn't have any good feelings about the toasting culture at the dinner table; the more it developed, the more foul it became. He didn't want to use the dinner table to force others to drink to show off his power and status; it was quite boring.

He then asked: "Azu, what are your plans after filming?"

"Wu Dao, I want to go see other places in China. I've only been to Beijing so far. Now that communication is no problem, I want to walk around more and understand more Chinese culture."

"Good idea! Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. I wish you a pleasant journey~"

"Thank you, Wu Dao!"

Seeing Liu Ye and Chen Minghao looking at Wu Yanzu with envious eyes, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but smile and say:

"You two should stop thinking about it; go to class well as soon as school starts."

Chen Minghao immediately put on a fawning smile:

"Wu Dao, do you have any more films coming up? We still want to follow you to learn more!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and shook his head: "Don't even mention not having any; even if I did, it would have to be specially approved by your teacher."

Don't look at Liu Ye and Chen Minghao becoming sophomores after school starts; they still can't freely take roles. The Zhang Mo hitting Tong Yao incident that was known to everyone in his past life was because Tong Yao, who was already a sophomore, wanted to go out to film and needed approval, and it seemed there was an unclear transaction with a professor surnamed Huang. It can be seen that at the Central Academy of Drama, even as a sophomore, it is very difficult to get the opportunity for teacher approval to film.

"Wu Dao, as long as it's your film, our academy will definitely approve it!"

Wu Yuchen just smiled and didn't pay attention to Chen Minghao's flattery. He also planned to rest for a few months, and he still had to go take a make-up exam after school started in two days.

……

In the evening, Wu Yuchen was stroking Jiang Qinqin's delicate waist: "Are you going to join the crew the day after tomorrow?"

Jiang Qinqin nodded: "The 'My Fair Princess' side has already started filming; they are just waiting for me alone."

"Then did I delay you from taking your makeup photos?"

"I don't care at all~"

Wu Yuchen smiled and then said: "I'll send you over tomorrow, and by the way, treat your crew to a meal~"

Jiang Qinqin revealed a joyful look, but said in her mouth: "Aren't you still busy with post-production? Why don't you get busy with your own work first?"

"It's okay, I can still spare this bit of time."

……

It's still the end of August, right in the middle of the scorching summer, and the air seems to have become a bit sticky from the sun. However, the crowd of the "My Fair Princess" crew has to brave the scorching sun and has already started filming.

"Cut! Little Xiao Yanzi, be a bit more mischievous; it's still not vivid enough."

Director Sun Shupei shouted at Zhao Wei; he is currently filming the scenes where Little Xiao Yanzi is still in the big courtyard at the beginning.

At this time, the assistant director ran over and shouted: "Director, Ziwei is here!"

Sun Shupei was happy upon hearing this: "Good, now that Ziwei is here, our protagonist group is finally complete. You lead her over!"

"Director Sun, it's not just Jiang Qinqin who came; that, Wu Yuchen also came with her, and he even brought a truck of watermelons and drinks."

Sun Shupei's heart stirred upon hearing this. He naturally knew who Wu Yuchen was—Berlin Best Director, after all; this level of prestige and status is much higher than his as a TV drama director.

"Let everyone rest for a while." After Sun Shupei finished speaking, he stood up directly and walked out. Although he didn't have any interest relationship with Wu Yuchen, since the other party brought gifts, he still had to go out and welcome him with a smiling face.

Zhao Wei, who heard the news, immediately wanted to follow out. Su Youpeng, who was on the side, asked upon seeing this:

"Wei Wei, who is this Wu Dao Yuchen? Do you know him?"

A proud smile immediately appeared on Zhao Wei's face: "Of course I know him; that's my senior, and he even served as our counselor! Obedient Tiger, you are so out of date; don't you even know the Berlin Best Director?!"

Su Youpeng scratched his head. He had been in Wanwan before, and this was his first time stepping into the film and television circle, so he really hadn't paid much attention to information in this regard, but he knew the name of the Berlin Best Director was quite powerful, so he followed along.

At this time, Fan Bingbing, who was playing the little maid Jin Suo, rolled her eyes and chased after Zhao Wei to ask: "Sister Wei Wei, how come Wu Dao Yuchen came to our crew?"

Zhao Wei looked at the two people beside her and lowered her voice: "Jiang Qinqin, who plays Ziwei, is our Teacher Wu's girlfriend; you guys better not offend her~"

Su Youpeng understood immediately upon hearing this—this Ziwei has a background, and Fan Bingbing also kept it in her heart immediately.

Soon, the three walked to the door and saw the crew moving watermelons and drinks, while Director Sun Shupei was shaking hands and laughing with a handsome young man.

Su Youpeng looked around and didn't see anyone who looked like a big director: "Wei Wei, where is the Wu Dao Yuchen you mentioned?"

Zhao Wei glanced at Su Youpeng and said strangely: "Didn't you see? The one shaking hands with Director Sun is him!"

Su Youpeng looked carefully and asked in disbelief: "Are you kidding?! So young? Wei Wei, are you joking with me?"

Zhao Wei said unhappily: "Why would I lie to you! Our Teacher Wu is hailed as the most genius director in China. Don't look at him only being a junior; he has already filmed several award-winning movies, and a few months ago he was even invited by Hollywood to film a movie!"

"Hollywood?!" Su Youpeng widened his eyes; this was even more familiar and impactful to him. He looked at Sun Shupei's polite appearance again and had to believe it.

Zhao Wei walked over excitedly and bowed to Wu Yuchen: "Hello, Teacher Wu!"

Seeing that it was Zhao Wei, Wu Yuchen nodded at her with a smile: "It's Zhao Wei; are you playing the role of Little Xiao Yanzi?"

"Yes, Teacher Cui said I'm especially suitable for this role~"

"Hmm, perform well. The role of Little Xiao Yanzi is a very scarce type in the current market; if you perform it well, you will have a surprise harvest!"

Sun Shupei also became interested upon hearing this: "Wu Dao, you think so too?"

"Haha, Brother Sun, it seems our heroes think alike!"

Wu Yuchen knows that actually, the reason "My Fair Princess" was able to shape a Little Xiao Yanzi that everyone likes is thanks to this Director Sun Shupei. Because in Seeing Qiongyao's original script, Little Xiao Yanzi was only a bit more lively than the average young lady, but Sun Shupei had Zhao Wei act according to the Monkey King, which more highlighted her characteristics, making her an overnight success.

Su Youpeng and Fan Bingbing followed behind Zhao Wei and also politely greeted Wu Yuchen.

Wu Yuchen kept a smile toward both of them, but he looked at Fan Bingbing a few more times. She hadn't fully grown up yet, and her temperament was still leaning toward cute, but one could still see that she would definitely be a top-tier beauty in the future.

……

At noon, at the dinner table, the "My Fair Princess" protagonist group gathered for the first time. Zhou Jie, who didn't have scenes in the morning, also rushed over.

In the two main seats, Wu Yuchen and Sun Shupei were talking enthusiastically. On the side, Fan Bingbing was also fawning over Jiang Qinqin beside her:

"Sister Qinqin, I'm playing your maid Jin Suo in the crew; if there's anything wrong, you just tell me."

Jiang Qinqin smiled, took Fan Bingbing's hand and said: "We'll be acting together from now on; naturally, we'll learn from each other."

"Sister Qinqin, I'm far behind; I definitely can't compare to a top student like you from Tao Jingying. And you are so beautiful, like a fairy; you will definitely become a big star in the future. I'll be able to brag to people in the future that I've filmed with you~"

Don't look at Fan Bingbing not even being 16 yet, but she has already been a 'Beijing drifter' for more than half a year, and has run to several crews. The girl is very clever. Jiang Qinqin relies on Wu Yuchen, a big director, so getting on good terms with her might mean she could recommend some opportunities to her in the future. Her Jin Suo this time was recommended by Liu Xuehua, whom she met in a previous crew.

Although she knew the girl in front of her was deliberately fawning over her, Jiang Qinqin still felt quite satisfied in her heart. Ever since Wu Yuchen came over, Zhao Wei had always wanted to get close to him, which naturally made Jiang Qinqin, who saw it, feel unhappy. By comparison, this Fan Bingbing, who looked cute and was respectful to her, naturally made her feel favorable.

……

"Borrowing-angle kiss scene? I'm afraid I can't necessarily make the decision on this; I still have to ask for Seeing Qiongyao's opinion." Sun Shupei said.

Wu Yuchen said with a smile: "Brother Sun, the scale of TV dramas on our mainland side is relatively small. If there are intimate kiss scenes, they are very likely to be cut. It's enough to be able to film this visual effect; if you don't believe me, you can ask the people from Mango TV.

And Qinqin doesn't want to film kiss scenes either; I ask you, brother, to bear with it a bit more. If Seeing Qiongyao really has any opinions, you can push it to Qinqin; there won't be any problems."

Actually, there are quite a few techniques for fake kiss scenes; borrowing angles is one of them. These techniques are still commonly used 20 years later—for example, the kiss scene of Dilraba, where you can see a card was placed between her and the male actor's lips.

Sun Shupei understood upon hearing this. Wu Yuchen personally sent Jiang Qinqin over today, likely aiming for this matter. He thought for a moment: if Jiang Qinqin really doesn't want to film it, he can't force her:

"Alright, Brother Wu, then I'll film it like this first. If Seeing Qiongyao has opinions after watching it, I won't be able to help it."

"Alright, many thanks, brother!"

Zhou Jie, who was sitting beside Director Sun Shupei, also heard the conversation between the two, so he understood that his kiss scene with Jiang Qinqin would likely be filmed by borrowing angles.

In his past life, Zhou Jie was rumored to have forcibly stuck his tongue out because of the kiss scene with Ruby Lin, and coupled with his average relationship with several Wanwan actors in the crew, it led to his acting career being ruined by being led by the nose.

And now the actress playing Ziwei has been changed to Jiang Qinqin, who is clearly deeply involved with Wu Yuchen. Zhou Jie is a bit stubborn, a bit rigid, but he isn't stupid. Even if the director forced him to kiss for real now, he would firmly refuse.

To tell the truth, Wu Yuchen actually quite appreciates Zhou Jie's acting; at the very least, his "Young Justice Bao" was really well acted.

After filming "My Fair Princess" this time, Wu Yuchen plans to ask Jiang Qinqin how she feels about Zhou Jie. If it's okay, he will prepare "Young Justice Bao" for him to act in. This show was also popular all over the country back then, and even Hong Kong ranked it in the top ten in ratings.

……

In a private room, several middle-aged men sat together, one of whom had just hung up the phone.

Wang Zhonglei, who couldn't hold back his temper, asked: "Brother Xiaolong, what did he say?"

Zheng Xiaolong took out a cigarette, lit it, took a puff, and then exhaled a smoke ring: "He said he's busy with make-up exams and doesn't have time."

"Make-up exams?! He's fooling us!" Ye Jing directly slapped the table.

"Fooling you what? He is a student after all; isn't it only natural for him to go take exams?" Zheng Xiaolong glanced at him and said.

"The box office is already 70 million, and he still has to take make-up exams?! If I were their principal, even if he handed in a blank paper, I'd give him 100 points!" Ye Jing shouted loudly.

At this time, Feng Xiaogang picked up the teapot, poured a cup of tea for Zheng Xiaolong first, then filled it up for Ye Jing, and said with a smile:

"Brother Jing, it's hot in midsummer, so drink some tea to get rid of the fire. When I went to Tao Jingying Studio to pull investment, I heard Third Brother Han mention it. Tao Jingying has already confirmed the postgraduate recommendation qualification for this Wu Dao, wanting to set him up as an outstanding student representative. I guess he really has to go through the motions for this exam; we pay attention to this set of face-saving, don't we?"

Wang Zhongjun smiled: "I think Xiaogang makes sense."

His younger brother Wang Zhonglei asked upon hearing this: "Then should we change the time and make another appointment later?"

Wang Zhongjun nodded: "Tomorrow, he's busy with exams right now; let's talk after he's done with this."

Actually, Wang Zhongjun naturally understood in his heart that it's not that he's too busy with make-up exams; this is basically an excuse. If he really wanted to meet you, could he not even have the time for a meal?

But now it's not that people want to know them, but that they want to befriend people.

Over the past two months, the box office of "My Brothers and Sisters" has climbed to 70 million. This is not 7,000, but 70 million!

A director with 70 million has the qualification to put on airs. If they want to befriend people, they have to endure it.

Wang Zhongjun then asked Feng Xiaogang with a smile: "Xiaogang, how is the investment for your movie? If you're not short of much, I'll make it up for you."

Feng Xiaogang smiled until his teeth showed: "Thank you, Boss Wang, for still thinking of me! I have to thank this Wu Dao; Tao Jingying Studio made a big profit this time relying on 'My Brothers and Sisters,' and Third Brother directly paid me the full amount!"

"Yo! Then this is a great joy; your movie can be considered to have a landing, brothers, let's have one, wishing Xiaogang's movie success!"

After speaking, several people clinked glasses with Feng Xiaogang.

However, just after putting down the glass, Ye Jing asked: "I say Xiaogang, what do you plan to call your movie?"

Feng Xiaogang paused upon hearing this, but still said with a smile: "'Dreams Dedicated to You'."

Ye Jing pouted: "'You Are Not a Vulgar Person'—how good is that name!"

Feng Xiaogang's smile stiffened upon hearing this, but Zheng Xiaolong said to Ye Jing: "Jingzi, what nonsense are you talking about? You don't want to change the name, do you want this movie to be killed too?"

Then he comforted Feng Xiaogang: "He doesn't mean anything else; he's just feeling unfair for Wang Shuo, not targeting you."

Feng Xiaogang immediately apologized with a smile:

"I know, I also feel especially sorry for Master Shuo. In our whole China, only Master Shuo dares to speak, and I admire him the most, but he ended up being targeted by a group of villains. My script is adapted from Master Shuo's novel; if it weren't for having no other choice, I wouldn't be willing to change the name either. Brother Jing, changing the name was Master Shuo's own initiative!"

After hearing this, Ye Jing nodded and didn't speak again. Wang Shuo is the core figure of their circle; although he has fled to America to avoid disaster, his influence remains.

Feng Xiaogang maintained a humble smile on his face, while deep in his heart, he had a deep yearning and envy for the Wu Yuchen mentioned in his mouth just now. Whether it was Berlin Best Director or the 70 million box office, as long as he could achieve one, he wouldn't have to keep acting like a grandson and fawning over this group of masters. ===== CHAPTER 127 =====