Chapter 542

Lin Nan was not sure what the purpose of the other party coming over to greet him was.

A provocation? That wouldn't make sense, would it? After all, this is a public occasion, and this is the mainland, not Hong Kong.

Extending goodwill to make peace? That seems a bit ridiculous too.

The moment he opened his mouth, he brought up a chance encounter on that street in Lan Kwai Fong. How would everyone look at Lin Nan because of this?

Lady Liu was right there on the side, "eyeing him like a tiger," although she still maintained that calm, composed, and generous demeanor.

"Chairman Xiang certainly has a good memory. At the time, I had won the Silver Bear and chose to transit through Hong Kong, taking the opportunity to discuss some film matters with Yinghuang. Chairman Yang and the others were hospitable and took me to see the night view of Hong Kong; I just happened to be passing by."

Lin Nan said indifferently. In short, he was just passing by.

Suddenly, he realized something. It seems that in the Hong Kong circle, hanging out in nightclubs is a very common thing!

No wonder this guy was "speaking without restraint"! Did he take Lin Nan for one of those "ordinary big shots" and "birds of a feather" in the entertainment industry?

"Haha, indeed. *Ip Man* is a rare blockbuster series, and the third installment even reached 770 million at the box office. We all envy Chairman Yang."

The other party dawdled for a long time. It didn't matter if Ning Hao and the others were annoyed, but Lin Nan was a bit annoyed.

He didn't offer a seat either, and his meaning was very clear: if you have something to say, say it; if not, I won't see you out.

Sure enough, those who mix in the underworld are the best at reading people. Xiang Huaqiang got straight to the point: "Lin Dao, I assume we haven't offended you, have we?"

The tone of this sentence was light, and although only this table and a few people nearby heard it, the weight and influence were not light at all.

Ning Hao frowned, Liu Yifei's expression became more serious, and Watching Shu Chang leaned closer to her best friend.

"Lin Nan?" A voice came from the next table, full of vigor.

"It's nothing." Lin Nan replied to Wang Changtian with a smile.

"Chairman Wang, you worry too much."

Boss Xiang turned his body to the side, nodded, and greeted him.

Immediately after, he looked at Lin Nan again: "Lin Dao, if there is any misunderstanding, let's just be friends over a glass of wine today."

As he spoke, Boss Xiang reached his right hand behind him, and his son, who was carved from the same mold as him, handed over a glass of red wine.

He toasted to signal and downed it in one gulp.

Only then did Lin Nan confirm that he really had come to seek peace!

However, with this kind of appearance, it was hard for Lin Nan to see the other party's true thoughts and intentions.

He didn't touch the wine glass on the table, but replied calmly:

"My principle has always been to address the issue, not the person.

As long as others don't provoke me, I won't bother with them, and I can't be bothered to. But for *The Mermaid*, I am the largest investor."

After finishing his sentence, Lin Nan picked up his glass.

The other party understood in a second, "Thank you, Lin Dao. China Star plans to make a big film. If there is an opportunity, I hope to work with Lin Nan Film and Tiangong Color..."

"That won't be necessary. Lin Nan Film's partners are very fixed, and Tiangong Color is already at full capacity."

"Well, alright then. I won't disturb you any further, Lin Dao. Goodbye."

Boss Xiang led his son away, looking somewhat dejected. That fat lady asked something with an arrogant face, and then a trace of resentment appeared on her face.

With the eyesore gone, Table 6 returned to a relaxed atmosphere.

"Yo yo yo, Lan Kwai Fong? Lin Dao, you've been there? I've only heard of it. It's a famous nightclub street in Hong Kong. Many stars from the Hong Kong circle frequent it; even Brother Jackie Chan and the others are..."

This guy Ning Hao was indeed not a pushover, always ready to "take revenge." He hadn't been "pit" by Lin Nan few times in the past.

Lin Nan coughed twice, meeting Liu Yifei's "you'd better confess honestly" look, and Watching Shu Chang on the side clenching her fists in excitement—what the hell was that?

"I swear on my character, I was just passing by on the street. If you don't believe me, I'll call Huo Wenxi over. I righteously refused their invitation at the time and firmly opposed going in, just to avoid being written about by paparazzi and ending up in gossip news..."

"Hmph, I dare you not to."

Miss Liu acted a little coquettish, smiling and very confident. And Watching Shu Chang's expression of failing to eat the melon was a bit punchable!

In these short two minutes, Lin Nan's remark that he was the largest investor in *The Mermaid* had already spread rapidly to the surroundings. Many people from film and television companies looked over here, intentionally or unintentionally.

"Lin Nan, how much did you invest exactly?"

Wang Changtian leaned to the side, his arm resting on the back of the chair, and asked.

"Not much, thirty percent."

Lin Nan did not deliberately lower his voice. Wang Zhongjun, Wang Zhonglei, Yu Dong, and others all pricked up their ears to hear clearly.

"Damn, 90 million! And you call that not much?"

"Lin Nan Film is rich. It's more like a listed company than us listed companies, heh..."

This kind of large-scale public event is divided not only by class but also by circles.

The mainland circle, the Hong Kong-Taiwan circle, the Beijing circle, the Shanghai circle... the fashion circle, the sports circle. Well, there are also some people who belong to the "human sentiment circle," who can mix well everywhere!

After Boss Xiang left Lin Nan's side, he was still surrounded by a large number of mainland A-listers.

Even Fan Bingbing and Zhang Ziyi, who had started a conflict in front of the red carpet outside, did not affect each other and took photos with that family one after another, laughing and talking.

"When it comes to doing business and handling people, this Boss Xiang is still not as good as his younger brother. It's a pity that the other one is lying in the Union Hospital now; I heard it's the late stage."

Ning Hao sighed with a tsk.

Lin Nan didn't pick up the conversation. He was looking through a two-finger-thick auction catalog with Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang. And don't say, there were indeed many good things.

He had always known the nature of Bazaar: entertainment first, charity second. No matter how others treated it, he would just be serious about it himself.

Being in the circle, one cannot be too exclusive of the circle's rules. Not being an outlier, but also not following the crowd... this is actually very difficult, but also more interesting.

"Oh, this mutton-fat jade is so beautiful. I think it suits me."

Watching Shu Chang's eyes lit up, and she whispered to Liu Yifei, pointing at something on a page of the catalog.

Xing Aina also pulled Ning Hao to flip through it. As long as they are women, there is no one who doesn't like jewelry and accessories. These are also the most practical, unlike those luxury bags.

"Lin Dao, Director Ning, Yifei, Screenwriter Xing, Changchang." Huang Xiaoming walked over, holding Yang Ying's hand.

"Is there any happy event? You look very happy."

Lin Nan looked up and asked in confusion. If he remembered correctly, Sect Leader Huang had been chatting enthusiastically with that family for a long time before.

"Haha, it's a good thing."

Huang Xiaoming hesitated when he said this, remembering the scene here just now, but continued anyway:

"Mr. Xiang and his wife are scheduling with me and Baby. They will start a big production next year, and we have already agreed."

"That's great. Attending a Bazaar and getting two resources along the way." Ning Hao praised.

"Then congratulations to you both." Lin Nan didn't think much of it and nodded.

"What is Brother Xiaoming playing?"

Watching Shu Chang asked out of curiosity, which made Huang Xiaoming feel a bit embarrassed, "Um, the same role as Brother Jiao in *Lotus Lantern*."

"Ah?"

Not only was Watching Shu Chang stunned, but Liu Yifei, Lin Nan, and the others were all dumbfounded.

Then everyone couldn't help but laugh: "Then we really must congratulate you. This is a heroic figure in mythology!"

"Haha, you're too kind, you're too kind."

Huang Xiaoming was also one who accepted everything, taking it all on.

Everyone was an old acquaintance. Lin Nan could only complain in his heart: Sect Leader Huang's appearance was suitable, but what about his height?

Although he had always reported 1.8 meters to the outside world, his actual height was only a little taller than Miss Liu. Playing Erlang Shen Yang Jian?

…………

The auction started, and everyone returned to their seats.

Just like the year before last, every session had celebrity guests assisting with the auction.

I heard that there were many more auction items this year than last year, but there were also many more "celebrity paintings," most of which were modern, "living" ones!

Whether it was snobbery or other reasons, it was hard to say. Anyway, Lin Nan had no interest in these things, and Liu Yifei never bought this type either. It was either evening gowns or jewelry. She didn't like anything else, so in the end, she would just donate some money.

"Lin Dao, your note."

When the food was served, a waiter handed over a note. Lin Nan glanced at it and found it hilarious.

Liu Yifei on the side also covered her mouth and laughed straight away.

"Please help return it and convey: I don't accept rewards without merit, and besides... we aren't even friends."

The waiter was confused the whole time, but took it, "Alright, Lin Dao."

"What's the situation?" Xing Aina asked, cutting her steak, very curious.

"That Boss Xiang said he would pay the bill for tonight's auction. Haha..."

Liu Yifei lowered her voice and said, leaning over Watching Shu Chang and Xing Aina.

"This is a bit cunning! Whoever at our table bids, everyone will give face in the end. Could it be that he's deliberately bidding high? This kind of thing that ruins one's reputation and acts like a big shot is too childish. Heh."

One by one, "famous paintings," famous watches, luxury bags, gemstones, colored diamonds, jewelry, and high-end evening gowns... appeared one by one.

A-list male and female stars took turns to assist with the auction, and various bidding sounds rose and fell, which was extraordinarily lively.

It could be seen that big shots don't necessarily spend money, but those who spend money must be big shots.

Zhang Ziyi spent 7.8 million, killing her way out from the crowd, and bought a painting called *Small Blue Boat*.

Sect Leader Huang bid 3 million for an ink painting *Suzhou Courtyard* and gave it to Yang Ying.

Deng Chao took an oil painting for 900,000.

Wang Zhonglei spent 9 million to snatch a painting called *Pink* from Huang Xiaoming, becoming the highest price of the night around 9:20 PM.

Liu Yifei had already flipped through it twice, and finally shook her head at Lin Nan; there was nothing she liked.

"It's up to Changchang. That mutton-fat jade rabbit pendant suits her quite well."

While they were talking, Ning Hao had already raised his number plate.

"Director Ning Hao, 1.35 million..."

Xing Aina had taken a fancy to a sapphire and diamond necklace. It was a rare opportunity for the great Director Ning to perform.

After Liu Yifei helped Watching Shu Chang raise the plate once, she successfully won the item the latter liked, spending 860,000.

Only then did Lin Nan know the purpose of Boss Xiang's family coming to Bazaar this time: it was to scatter money to buy fame.

For a painting, Boss Xiang had clearly bid 2 million with no competition, but the fat lady waved her hand and raised it again, adding 1 million herself, drawing cheers from the whole audience.

When going on stage to receive the award, the whole family went up, and the fat lady specifically emphasized: this time, she flew from Hong Kong specifically to devote herself to mainland charity...

However, after sitting down, the "cool" cigarette-lighting action still showed that this fat lady was full of underworld spirit.

"Let's donate 1 million in our names in a while. This food is not bad."

Lin Nan said to Liu Yifei, and the latter nodded.

"Big Brother is in a good mood. He wasn't affected by the verdict at all and is still blowing kisses with Fan Bingbing. Hehehe..."

"Can't the food block your mouth?" Xing Aina retorted directly.

By the time the Bazaar Charity Night reached the end, it was purely a dinner party.

Lin Nan didn't intend to stay long because it was already past ten o'clock in the evening.

Declining the requests of many people to stay, he left directly with Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang. Ning Hao and Xing Aina were still prepared to stay a while longer.

"I just heard those company bosses discussing very intensely, saying that more than an hour ago, Alibaba listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the stock price soared, and the market value is very, very high..."

Watching Shu Chang and Liu Yifei were whispering to each other, hand in hand.

"Hmm, the true 'high-salary era' of the film and television industry is coming!" Lin Nan said something that had no beginning or end.

…………

(End of chapter)