Chapter 64: Birthday

Liu Xiaoli glanced at it and let out an exclamation.

"Lin Nan, is this real? This movie contract?"

Facing Mother Liu’s expectant gaze, Lin Nan nodded, "It’s real, Auntie."

"Qianqian, come and take a look."

Interrupted by Mother Liu, the makeup artist had no choice but to stop for a moment and head to the lounge.

"Mom, what is it? You’re so excited." Liu Yifei was very puzzled.

"It’s a good thing, Qianqian."

Shu Chang shouted excitedly.

Zhu Yawen couldn't stand the dawdling, "He prepared a gift for you for two months: the female lead in *Journey to the Center of the Earth*."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhou Yang, Jiang Yiyan, and Jiang Xin were all stunned; the news about *Journey to the Center of the Earth* from a while ago was still fresh in their minds.

A 3D sci-fi film under Hollywood’s Time Warner, with New Line Cinema as the lead producer, and Lin Nan bringing in 18 million USD in investment from China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, Wanda Cinema Line, and Huayi, for a total production cost of 60 million USD.

"The female lead?"

Liu Yifei looked at the document in her hand, which was indeed a contract, and her joy was evident.

"You actually kept it a secret for so long."

Liu Yifei raised her fair, delicate fist at Lin Nan, her eyes full of joy.

"Didn't you keep asking me for a movie role? I didn't have one at the time, so I had to go elsewhere to find one for you."

Lin Nan said in a gentle tone.

"Mm, I really like this gift, Little Lin."

Liu Yifei’s eyes shimmered as she flashed her little canine teeth at Lin Nan.

"As long as you like it. I just don't know if it will conflict with your recording schedule; the movie is planned to start filming at the end of the year, for a month and a half."

"It won't conflict."

Mother Liu hurriedly said; how many people were fighting and scrambling for a female lead role in a Hollywood sci-fi film?

"I’m jealous."

"Me too."

Zhou Yang and Jiang Yiyan looked at each other, speechless.

It was unclear what the situation was in the main hall, but backstage, everyone was crowding around the contract in Liu Yifei’s hand. The pay wasn't high—200,000—but that was in USD, and Liu Yifei was still a pure newcomer.

"Lin Nan, my birthday is in three months, you have to remember that."

Shu Chang looked at Lin Nan, feigning pity.

"What! Didn't you have your birthday last year? Why are you having another one this year?"

Lin Nan put on an incredulous expression.

"Ahhh, you’re bullying me..."

Shu Chang looked like she was about to rush over to start a fight.

"Hahaha."

In the front hall, guests were filling the room. Stars who had worked with Liu Yifei, such as Huang Xiaoming and Lin Zhiying, had arrived one after another, and the media’s cameras refused to stop for even a second.

Huang Xiaoming was preparing for Huayi’s blockbuster *The Banquet*, and with *The Return of the Condor Heroes* having wrapped up not long ago, his topicality was at its peak. Coming to attend Liu Yifei’s birthday banquet certainly grabbed plenty of media attention.

"Qianqian, it’s your father on the phone."

Liu Xiaoli answered a call and handed it to Liu Yifei.

Lin Nan and the others consciously stepped back to leave Liu Yifei some private space.

As the group appeared in the hall, Huang Xiaoming ran up to Lin Nan with familiar ease, "Director Lin, you guys arrived really early. Let’s go have a drink."

"Sure." Lin Nan accepted readily.

Lin Nan had a very good impression of Huang Xiaoming; he had even saved Liu Yifei once during *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, which was very manly.

Zhu Yawen consciously went over to Wang Jinghua’s side, while Lin Nan followed Huang Xiaoming into the Huayi crowd.

"Mr. Wang, Director Zhang, Director Yu."

Lin Nan greeted them one by one.

"Director Lin, we were just waiting for you."

Flattering the powerful and looking down on the weak was always the rule in the circle, but fortunately, Lin Nan’s momentum was strong, and he was an honored guest wherever he went.

Not long after, Chen Jinfei came in smiling, welcoming a few people.

"Those are leaders from the Ministry of Culture..."

Wang Zhonglei whispered.

Lin Nan knew this was the biological father’s gesture of care and slight assistance for his daughter.

With so many people in the hall, everyone saw Chen Jinfei’s group, but no one stepped forward to strike up a conversation; they just watched Mother Liu chatting and laughing with those few individuals.

Before long, Liu Yifei also walked over, calling them uncle this and uncle that.

The group didn't stay long, presumably because it wasn't convenient, and left in a hurry; showing their faces was enough.

As guests took their seats, Lin Nan was pulled to sit beside Huang Xiaoming. This table was almost entirely Huayi people. Zhu Yawen was seated quite far away with Wang Jinghua and the others; this seating arrangement was also intentional.

Dressed in finery, Liu Yifei took the stage in a princess gown and crystal crown, her youthful beauty fully displayed, stunning everyone present.

Chen Jinfei, in his capacity as godfather, stood on stage with Mother Liu to speak about the theme of the day.

Taking advantage of Liu Yifei’s eighteenth birthday, they invited many industry figures to witness it, hoping everyone would take good care of Liu Yifei’s work and career in the future.

Sony Music executives took the stage to solemnly announce a music collaboration with Liu Yifei, noting that they were currently tailoring an album for her.

On stage, Chen Jinfei expressed his desire for Liu Yifei to enter the big screen, greeting many film companies, directors, and producers in a seemingly joking manner.

The host had done his homework; whenever Liu Yifei thanked the crews of her various TV dramas, he could accurately report which people from those crews were present.

Of the four TV dramas, the male leads of two were present: Lin Zhiying from *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils* and Huang Xiaoming from *The Return of the Condor Heroes*. Coincidentally, the directors and producers for both dramas were the same—Zhang Jizhong and Yu Min had both come.

"Since Yang Guo is here today, there’s no need to wait another sixteen years."

The host’s joke made many people present laugh and provided a promotional topic for this unreleased drama.

After talking about *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, it was time for *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*. Lin Zhiying was invited on stage to sing "The Rainy Season of Seventeen" with Wang Yuyan—a nostalgic hit from the "Little Whirlwind."

During the banquet, Wang Zhonglei asked about the start date for *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, and everyone at the table looked over curiously.

"New Line has set the filming time for the end of the year. The cycle isn't long; the post-production will take most of the time."

This film had not yet announced its main cast, and since Huayi was now an investor, they were quite concerned about this matter.

"Mr. Wang is still thinking about a role?"

"Haha, why would you say that? Why wouldn't I? It’s not easy to have a chance to participate in a Hollywood movie; there must be many actors eyeing it." Wang Zhonglei said bluntly.

"The cast has already been finalized," Lin Nan said.

Wang Zhonglei was clearly a bit disappointed, "Then forget it."

"Director Xiaogang’s *The Banquet* is about to start filming. If you have time, come visit the set. This is also Xiaoming’s first big-screen work." Wang Zhonglei invited him.

Huang Xiaoming also chimed in from the side.

"I’ll have to see when the time comes. If it’s convenient, I will definitely go." Lin Nan promised verbally first.

The song on stage had finished, and Lin Nan applauded at the right moment, with everyone else joining in.

Liu Yifei performed a few talents solo, winning a round of praise.

The banquet began; some picked up their wine glasses to wander between tables and socialize, while others chatted animatedly in small groups.

Liu Yifei was the protagonist today and needed to follow Mother Liu and Chen Jinfei to entertain guests and build connections.

At Lin Nan’s table, even Huang Xiaoming had left his seat, and Wang Zhonglei and "Big Beard" Zhang had their own social circles.

"You’re quite carefree, really just here to eat?"

Zhu Yawen sat down beside Lin Nan. At this table, only Lin Nan was eating and drinking in a leisurely manner.

"If I don't eat, what should I do? I gave such a gift, I definitely have to get some of my money’s worth back."

Lin Nan joked.

"Then you’ll have to eat yourself to death here."

Zhu Yawen picked up the unused tableware on the table and joined the battle.

"You’re not over there, why did you run to my table to eat?"

"There are too few acquaintances over there, and the utilitarianism is too heavy."

Zhu Yawen ate a bite of food, "You made a big move today. Once the news gets out, it’ll be headline news for several days again."

Lin Nan didn't respond because several industry insiders had come over.

"Director Lin, a toast to you. I hope we can collaborate in the future."

"Thank you."

Zhu Yawen didn't say a word, only speaking after the people had left.

"I was careless; you are also an object for them to cultivate connections with."

Shu Chang brought Jiang Xin over, "You two are both here." She sat down as she spoke.

"Director Lin."

Jiang Xin was a year older than Lin Nan, but she seemed a bit restrained at this moment.

The gift Lin Nan gave Liu Yifei left her unable to recover for a moment. The boy in front of her, who was younger than her, had a much, much higher status in the circle—a big director, a film company boss, and someone who collaborated with Hollywood companies.

Lin Nan glanced at Jiang Xin, "Sit down quickly. I remember the last time we met was when you were filming *Chinese Paladin*; I was in the *Lotus Lantern* crew right next door to you."

"Yes, you used to come over with Shu Chang often to look for Liu Yifei."

Lin Nan's words made Jiang Xin relax a little.

"Hahaha." Zhu Yawen burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"What's so funny?" Lin Nan said coldly.

"Nothing." Zhu Yawen stifled his laughter and said.

Jiang Xin watched this scene, feeling a bit bewildered, while Shu Chang gave Lin Nan a sly look.

"Sima Zhao..."

"Ahem, Changchang, you must be hungry, hurry up and have a few bites."

Lin Nan pushed the desserts and candied fruits in front of Shu Chang.

With a few peers sitting together, it was much more comfortable; they could say whatever they wanted without worrying about the gazes of others.

It was just that Lin Nan was like a light source, with people coming over to greet him from time to time.

Liu Yifei had already changed her clothes, so she didn't have to drag her skirt train around.

"I'm so tired."

Liu Yifei came up to the group and complained.

"Tired? Such a grand scene was prepared just for you, and you still say you're tired."

Shu Chang teased her best friend.

"If you're tired, sit down and rest for a while."

Lin Nan looked at Liu Yifei beside him and said softly.

"Xiao Zhu, move over." Liu Yifei said to Zhu Yawen.

"Why do I have to move?"

Although he grumbled, Zhu Yawen still shifted over a spot.

Liu Yifei sat down next to Lin Nan, with Shu Chang on her other side.

"Hurry and let me have a few bites too; I haven't eaten anything since this morning."

Lin Nan and Shu Chang helped her pick up some food; Liu Yifei had very good table manners, her lips tightly closed, not making a single sound.

Before Liu Yifei could eat more than a few bites, Liu's mother was already calling for her; Lin Nan hurriedly handed her a napkin, "Slow down."

"Mom is calling, I have to go over; I'll find you guys again after I come down."

Liu Yifei took the napkin, gently wiped the corners of her mouth, and walked toward Liu Xiaoli.

Overall, today's banquet was a success.

While everyone was immersed in the banquet, the media had already rushed to post the news.

"Starlight shining bright, the Little Dragon Maiden's eighteenth birthday banquet rivals a film festival red carpet."

"Gathering of stars, half of the entertainment industry in attendance."

"Huayi and Wang Jinghua meet, but have no interaction."

"Sony signs Liu Yifei, she will head toward the international stage in the future."

By evening, the guests left one after another, and Chen Jinfei stood at the entrance with his people to see them off, his etiquette impeccable.

"Be safe on your way back; Xiao Zhu, you haven't been drinking, remember to drive carefully and take Lin Nan back to school."

Upon hearing the last sentence, Zhu Yawen, who had been quite happy, lost his smile instantly.

"Got it, my lady."

"Rest early; you and your mother are both quite tired today." Lin Nan said to Liu Yifei.

Liu Yifei's eyes sparkled as she looked at Lin Nan, "I will, you too."