Chapter 315: Oil painting with wet ink

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Douglasston was clear and crisp; in the courtyard bathed in the morning sun, the thick white snow had yet to melt.

The young director had just woken from a heavy sleep. Looking down from the second-floor balcony, he saw the drunk Guifei from last night already starting her morning exercises.

With Hu Zi there, Mia had earned a short break, so the sparring partner naturally became Xiao Mian Zhenghe.

However, Xiao Mian Zhenghe's physique had grown rapidly over these past few years, and he was now almost as tall as Lu Kuan.

The strength, speed, and ruthlessness he had forged from childhood in the underground boxing rings were not much different from those of the professional bodyguard Mia.

The young director listened with aching teeth to the *bang-bang* sounds of Liu's fists hitting the protective gear on Hu Zi's hands, and silently lit a cigarette.

Seeming to notice Hu Zi glancing toward the balcony, Liu Yifei stopped her movements, turned around, and looked at him, still wearing a sleepy expression: "Lazy pig."

Liu Xiaoli also walked into the courtyard, wiping her hands: "Xixi, go take a shower and change your clothes; get ready for breakfast."

"Mm, got it."

After washing up, Boss Lu went downstairs and moved his body a little in the courtyard, then asked in a low voice: "Xiao Liu... what level would this combat technique be considered now?"

Hu Zi didn't know how to describe it: "More than enough to deal with a few ordinary people, but Miss Liu is still too thin and light; she wouldn't have much of an advantage against an adult male over 100 kilograms."

Boss Lu raised an eyebrow: "Do I count as an ordinary person?"

The honest kid had never known how to lie since he was small: "Boss, you're just a bit taller; otherwise, you're not even as good as an ordinary person."

Someone's mouth twitched, and for the *n*-th time, he put his exercise plan on the agenda in his heart.

But managing such a huge mess of Gu Ji Holdings, along with the constant stream of film affairs, he could only steal moments of leisure.

Or else he would just eat himself up to 200 pounds.

Breakfast was a rare treat of dumplings eaten abroad, purchased by Liu Xiaoli yesterday from an Asian supermarket; the New York Chinatown was massive, and there were many channels to obtain these ingredients.

"Li Xiaolu, what are your plans for the next few days?"

"I've made an appointment with the casting director, Taylor. There are still several Western-faced roles in the film, like Rabe and Wei Telin; I need to communicate about suitable candidates."

After that, he would likely have to return to the country to accept talks with the leadership, and incidentally, settle scores.

Liu Xiaoli nodded, then immediately said to her daughter: "Xixi, don't forget to bring your gown later. Let's not delay Li Xiaolu's work this afternoon; shall we head back to Chicago?"

"Don't you still have to attend some international student Spring Festival dance or something?"

"Li Xiaolu, just stay here; treat it like your own home."

Whether he treated it like his own home didn't matter, but this so-called international student activity made the dumpling-eating someone think of his past life's USC alumnus Cai Jiazan.

Could there be one in Chicago too?

Boss Lu remained calm on the surface: "I'll go with you all; first, I'll go pay a New Year's visit to Sister Chunru."

He had just been busy with casting, but instantly changed his mind; he didn't even bother to find an excuse.

Just like looking at Xiao Liu's phone openly.

"That's good! That's great!" Liu Xiaoli was naturally delighted; she wished these two children would spend every day together cultivating their feelings.

Slowly erasing and repairing the emotional rift from that birthday banquet.

Xiao Liu looked at the young director with a calm mood, knowing the undisguised little thoughts of certain control freaks.

On the way to the airport, the car full of people listened quietly to his casting conversation with Taylor.

"For the role of Wei Telin, the visual age should be around 45-55; the actual age in the film is 51. Conditions can be relaxed for the right person, and the character image can be built through makeup and styling."

"But there is one point: when the massacre occurred, Wei Telin had already lived in Jin Ling for 25 years. Her behavior and spoken language were relatively Sinicized. I need an actress who can undergo long-term language and life training."

Taylor on the other end of the phone fell into deep thought; this requirement was still quite demanding.

Very few Hollywood actresses have a foundation in the Chinese language. Generally speaking, relatively professional Hollywood actresses can undergo complex pre-production preparation for a film.

But this was clearly a non-commercial film with Liu Yifei as the absolute lead; asking a high-profile Hollywood star to learn Chinese for several months for a role with not much screen time...

That was quite difficult.

Perhaps only the name of the genius director Boss Lu could attract the interest of some acting powerhouses.

Taylor recorded everything in detail and continued to ask: "What about Rabe?"

"Around 55, required to speak simple German and French; the conditions aren't high."

"Okay, Lu, I will provide you with a list in the shortest time possible."

Lu Kuan rarely changed his work plans because of personal feelings and affairs, just like his film casting, which always considered the actor's suitability as the primary factor.

Therefore, in these four years, even though Liu Yifei was "uniquely favored," she had only officially collaborated with him as the female lead in one film, *Exotic Land*.

Naturally, the few minutes of screen time in *Drummer* didn't count.

Not to mention in *Tangshan*, where he even used two Huayi actors, Zhou Xun and Hu Jun. Whether friends or foes in the industry, his obsession and focus on film were well-known.

Xiao Liu listened silently as he finished the call. He put so much effort into casting two supporting roles with not much screen time; one could imagine how much he valued this film.

Even though he had encouraged her so much last night, a heavy burden still pressed firmly on her shoulders.

There were many flights between American cities. Two and a half hours later, the group, slightly disguised with sunglasses and scarves, got off the plane and arrived at Willard Airport in Champaign.

Zhang Chunru drove a commercial vehicle herself to pick them up and gave Xiao Liu a full embrace upon meeting.

"Yifei, I'm so proud of you!"

She was extremely excited; the images from the live television broadcast had been lingering in her heart for the past two days.

For Zhang Chunru, Xiao Liu's heroism was not just for the petty love of children, but also for the great love of allowing this film to be successfully shot to rectify historical truth.

After all, if a disreputable, beastly director were to shoot a film about conscience, its persuasiveness would be greatly diminished.

Even if it were successfully released, the right-wing and hostile forces would have many excuses to attack the film.

Liu Yifei had been praised so much over the past two days that she felt a bit embarrassed: "Hehe, it's what I should do."

Zhang Chunru's lifestyle was still relatively Western. She hugged and greeted Liu Xiaoli and Lu Kuan; after spending time together, their relationship had become very close.

"Let's go. Today is the first day of the New Year; my mother has prepared Chinese food at home to welcome you."

"Of course, it might not be as delicious as what Xixi makes; please don't mind."

Lu Kuan joked: "We don't mind, but we came in a hurry and didn't prepare too many gifts; please don't mind either."

"How could that be!" Zhang Chunru knew he was joking.

The group chatted and laughed as they arrived at Zhang Chunru's residence, where her parents and husband were waiting warmly at the door.

Lu Kuan got out of the car first and took a few steps ahead to shake hands with Zhang Chunru's parents, expressing his respect for these two patriotic overseas Chinese.

Zhang Chunru's father, Zhang Shaojin, was a Harvard University Ph. D. graduate.

His father, Zhang Naifan, worked for the Nationalist Party, serving as Director of the Central Propaganda Department and Secretary of the Central Secretariat.

He authored books such as *Chinese Administrative Organization* and *Theory of International Relations*, and had told his granddaughter stories about Chinese history and the War of Resistance since she was small; he was her enlightenment figure for patriotism.

Zhang Chunru's mother, Zhang Yingying, had a similar background to her father, also coming from a high-ranking Nationalist Party family, studying in the US from Taiwan, immigrating, and obtaining a Ph. D. from Harvard University.

After Zhang Chunru committed suicide in 2004, these parents dedicated themselves to their daughter's unfinished cause, writing books and establishing theories, spending seven years writing a biography for their daughter, and devoting themselves to historical public welfare.

Zhang Shaojin was nearly sixty, a typical high-level intellectual from a scholarly family, his voice steady and powerful: "Lu Kuan, welcome to our home!"

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang, Ms. Zhang, sorry for the intrusion."

He took the New Year's gifts from A-Fei's hands: "These are specialties from Huai'an and Jin Ling, specially air-freighted from the mainland. We came in such a rush, please forgive our meager gift."

Zhang Yingying smiled as she stepped forward: "Not at all! You are too polite."

Lu Kuan was welcomed into the living room and introduced the unique gifts to the family far from their homeland.

"Lianshui bundled trotters, Hongze silver fish, Jin Ling's salted duck, osmanthus duck, and Yu Hua tea."

"They are all some worthless local specialties; I hope they can alleviate your homesickness."

Zhang Shaojin originally wanted to refuse, but seeing these packages of local goods that had traveled across the ocean with such effort, he couldn't help but stroke them and sigh.

"Long separated from our hometown, the journey is long; it is hard to dismiss the feelings for one's home!"

"Lu Kuan, we accept these gifts, thank you!"

The Zhang family was similar to the Zheng family that Lu Kuan and Xiao Liu visited yesterday, both descendants of Nationalist Party officials who immigrated to North America from Taiwan.

This generation experienced the War of Resistance and the Civil War, and their longing for their homeland was the most profound.

Another generation or two, and they would basically all become standard ABCs.

The atmosphere in the room was a bit sentimental. Xiao Liu cleverly changed the subject: "Uncle, Auntie, you don't know, Lu Kuan has the greatest appetite."

"He specifically hired a Huaiyang cuisine state banquet chef in his Sihe Academy in Beiping. He is very particular about these things; whenever you want to eat them, just find him, there's plenty!"

The whole room burst into laughter.

Only Liu Xiaoli patted her daughter with feigned anger, though she was secretly delighted in her heart:

With the young director's current status, there aren't many who can joke with him like this, right?

After the meal, Lu Kuan, Liu Yifei, and Zhang Chunru sat in the living room and talked about the script for the massacre film.

"The film has experienced some setbacks during this period, including the rejection of the filing in the mainland."

"I think this is a good thing; the more some forces are afraid, the more it shows that what we are doing is right."

The young director smiled: "I was still considering last night that I need to do a major overhaul of the script!"

Liu Yifei and Zhang Chunru were both stunned and looked at him, waiting for the rest.

Back in 2002, when the idea for this film was established, saying it was "ten years to sharpen a sword" was a bit of an exaggeration.

But he had exhausted his efforts, hoping to bring this history to the screen through rich cinematic art, and to narrate this undeniable history through the perspective of Zhang Chunru herself writing books and lecturing in defense.

"Actually, the inspiration also came from Xiao Liu's speech at the television station yesterday."

"In the new script I'm conceiving, it will start from Sister Chunru receiving patriotic education from old Mr. Zhang Naifan in her childhood, all the way to the 1998 book signing in Times Square, and ending with the debate with Kunihiko Saito on PBS television."

"In this, through Sister Chunru's perspective, through field visits, interviews, writing books, and debates with right-wing and Western scholars, we will bring out that period of history and clarify the truth."

"In this, I plan to unfold the historical discussion through the Western perspective of historical notes, *The Wei Telin Diary* and *The Rabe Diary*; this way, the recognition and acceptance in the international community will be higher."

Xiao Liu listened with great joy; so he wasn't just perfunctorily comforting her last night, but had truly gained inspiration from her performance.

Actually, Boss Lu could be considered to have found another path.

Generally speaking, many character prototypes for autobiographical films are people who have already passed away.

It is said that "the coffin is closed and the judgment is made." If future generations were to shoot this *Biography of Zhang Chunru*, the final climax would certainly be her heroic suicide.

But in this life, by the grace of heaven, this angel of justice was finally saved, so the structure of the film script's beginning, middle, and end would need to have changes with more dramatic tension.

Where would the dramatic tension come from?

Liu Yifei's performance at the Fox Center that day gave him inspiration.

In 1998, Zhang Chunru had a fierce debate with Kunihiko Saito, the Japanese ambassador to the US, on the American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)!

In the debate, Zhang Chunru righteously condemned the crimes committed by Japan and questioned why they dared not clearly acknowledge the Jin Ling Massacre and make a sincere apology.

Kunihiko Saito dared not respond directly, attempting to brush it off with words like "we recognize that something very unfortunate happened." Zhang Chunru directly stated that she had not heard any words of apology.

Zhang Chunru used a large amount of historical facts and evidence to expose the atrocities of the Jin Ling Massacre during the Japanese invasion of China, leaving Kunihiko Saito speechless.

On New Year's Eve, while watching Liu Yifei's live broadcast, the young director suddenly had this segment flash in his mind, and the images of her and Zhang Chunru merged in his mind.

Just imagine, after the rendering of the painful history for the first 100-plus minutes, this performance in the final 20 minutes would undoubtedly have extreme dramatic tension.

The sudden eruption of sharp-tongued debate would instantly pull the audience into a vortex of intertwined emotions and conflicts.

The fierce collision between characters, every look, every line of dialogue would contain immense power, piercing the air like a sharp arrow, reaching straight to the heart.

If Xiao Liu could truly perform it perfectly, it would be no less inferior to Chen Daoming's speech as Gu Weijun in *My 1919*.

Zhang Chunru said with relief: "These past few days, I have often thought of Spielberg's suggestion back then; he told you to wait until at least after you were forty to shoot this film."

"Including Xixi, she is also too young; I feel very sorry for her having to be involved in these cruel truths."

She took a deep breath: "No matter what, I fully support your decision; if the film needs to be postponed, then postpone it."

"Since 1937, they have waited for almost 70 years; does another year or two matter?"

These words were heartbreaking. Lu Kuan comforted her: "It doesn't necessarily have to be postponed; there is no need to worry about funds or publicity; I have already started preparing."

"The media power of the Chinese community in the US and the media power of Disney are both aids."

Of course, there was also the silently developing Weibo, as well as Mytube, which, although sold, still had a good relationship as a Google shareholder, and the 18% Facebook stake he held.

"Casting is also continuing, but I have some personal circumstances; I don't know if there will be any changes..."

Zhang Chunru was curious: "What is it?"

Xiao Liu smiled: "He might be selected to be the chief director of the Beiping Olympic opening and closing ceremonies!"

"It's just talks for now, currently unknown, but even if he is hired as a senior consultant, he might have to run around with the creative team by then, and the film creation time will need to be coordinated."

Lu Kuan said in a deep voice: "Everything starts with preparation; this film cannot be rushed, and it cannot be rushed. I have already made the psychological construction to spend a year or two filming it."

Just as Spielberg said, this is a major event concerning national history; the pressure borne is enormous, and not a single bit of carelessness is allowed.

Of course, in his heart, he also had a good expectation.

If he could become the chief director of the Olympic Games, he would become even more famous internationally, which would also be an excellent help for the future publicity of this film in the international market.

Since he wanted to increase the proportion of the stories of *The Wei Telin Diary* and *The Rabe Diary*, Zhang Chunru patiently searched for more materials for him.

Including their chance encounter at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002, which was when she went to search for Rabe's descendants on the spot to do some investigations.

After the group finished eating at Zhang Chunru's house, they rushed to Chicago, arriving at the Hyde Park residence in the evening.

Hu Zi moved the luggage inside from the car. Lu Kuan stood in the courtyard, looking around at the living environment here; he had to say it was still quite livable.

"Hey, are you Crystal's boyfriend?"

Boss Lu turned his head; a tall Black woman made his heart race in shock!

He was stunned for a long time, almost burning his finger with the cigarette butt.

The young director had an absurd feeling of entering a fictional historical plot: "Uh... hello, ma'am, I am her friend."

Michelle, who was nearly 1.85 meters tall in high heels, kindly said "Oh-oh-oh" a few times: "You are not honest; I watched your live television broadcast, Mr. Director."

She reached out to introduce herself: "Michelle Obama, it's an honor to meet you; my children are fans of your *Exotic Land*."

"In fact, I think *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* is also very good; I left a comment on Rotten Tomatoes, hoping that an American director could adapt it; it would definitely be stunning."

Boss Lu swallowed his saliva; it wasn't that he craved the Black sister's body, but that he craved her husband.

"It's an honor to meet you, I..."

"Michelle!"

Xiao Liu ran down from the second-floor balcony excitedly: "Are you here to bring me oatmeal raisin cookies and pumpkin pie?"

The Black sister spread her hands: "Unfortunately, I'm here to pick up the toys the children left at the old house; perhaps I can invite you to visit our new house."

"You know, Obama is now a federal senator for the state of Illinois; we have to live closer to City Hall."

Xiao Liu chatted and laughed with her as if nothing had happened, making Boss Lu on the side feel his heart pounding.

Should he make contact?

How to make contact?

How to utilize this relationship?

At this moment, even the quick-witted Boss Lu couldn't brainstorm through it.

"Lu Kuan? Lu Kuan?"

Liu Yifei patted his arm with dissatisfaction: "Mrs. Michelle is talking to you; you're daydreaming again."

Boss Lu came back to his senses and smiled calmly at the Black sister: "Sorry, I've been staying up late writing a script recently, and my mind is a bit hazy."

"Understandable, you artists always have your days and nights reversed; my husband also had the experience of not sleeping well for a few days when he was a lawyer."

"Anyway, Crystal, I invite you to visit when you have time; you know my phone number."

Michelle waved at the two: "Oh! Right! Bring this suitor of yours, hehe."

Xiao Liu's pretty face flushed slightly, and she waved goodbye to her as if she were just an ordinary neighbor.

"Xiao Liu?"

"Mm?"

Boss Lu was still very gentlemanly and didn't smoke in front of ladies.

He crushed the cigarette butt under his foot and said as if nothing had happened: "Is this your neighbor?"

"Yeah, a Black couple; they have two very cute Portuguese Water Dogs!"

"Are you close? She just invited you to visit."

Liu Yifei didn't know why he was interested in this again: "Average, just ordinary neighbors; we share food."

"Oh!"

Boss Lu nodded deeply: "Actually..."

"Aren't you going to study and live here for a while longer?"

"If you have nothing to do, you can interact more; isn't he a state senator? Perhaps there will be a place where he can be useful in the future." Xiao Liu glanced at him speechlessly; man, your name is Machiavelli.

Boss Lu, however, regretted that he was not good at calligraphy.

Otherwise, if he wrote "The tide rises and falls, watching the sea and listening to the waves, lofty ambitions, spirit piercing the nine heavens" and gifted it to Obama, wouldn't it be the masterpiece of his little immortal career?

This was a joke, but the look he gave the little girl was more complex.

It couldn't be said, Xiao Liu might just be my Meiling! (In a positive sense)

After simply tidying up the house, Liu Yifei's phone started ringing frequently; it was the urging of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Chicago.

Xiao Liu deliberately wandered around in front of Boss Lu: "Mom, I'm going to attend the international student dance; you guys eat at home."

The young director naturally picked up his Chesterfield double-breasted coat: "Auntie Liu, I'm planning to visit the University of Chicago; you guys eat at home."

"Good, good, you young people arrange it yourselves." Liu Xiaoli beamed.

Liu Yifei returned to her room with a secret smile and changed into a gown that wasn't too exaggerated, only slightly revealing her fragrant shoulders.

Hu Zi was a bit confused, not knowing whether he should go.

Boss Lu was very considerate of him: "Rest at home; if anything happens, Xiao Liu will protect me."

The little girl, who had just finished applying simple makeup and came down from the second floor, rolled her eyes, feeling speechless at someone's thick skin.

Hyde Park was within the Chicago campus, less than a quarter of an hour's walk away.

However, Liu Yifei was wearing a gown, a coat, and high heels, which was inconvenient for walking. Lu Kuan drove her and arrived at the event location, Cathey Dining Hall, very quickly.

Cathey Dining Hall is located on the south campus of the University of Chicago and has a history of over 100 years. The architecture is exquisite and ancient, and the dining hall has beautiful ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers.

The candlelight on the dining table reflects off them, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere.

A country bumpkin entering the city, Boss Lu's first words upon entering were "Holy shit!"

This is called a dining hall?

It could even compare to the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

You, Xiao Liu, came to Chicago, surely not just for this bite to eat, right?

Tonight's Cathey had been taken over by Chinese international students in the Midwest; the usual four-row dining tables and chairs had been moved to the side and designed into a traditional Western dance venue.

"Xiao Liu, this international student life of yours is truly extravagant, isn't it?"

"Extravagant? You have the nerve to say that about others?"

Before them, international students with Asian faces were nervously and orderly making the final arrangements.

Colorful ribbons on the ceiling were intertwined into exquisite patterns, like gorgeous clouds, and huge crystal chandeliers emitted soft light, spilling onto the long tables covered in red velvet.

Champagne glasses and fresh flowers emitted bursts of fragrance; professional audio equipment and lighting equipment had been debugged, and huge LED screens were scrolling with dynamic patterns full of vitality.

Sure enough, those who could study abroad in this era were either rich or noble.

A bespectacled man walked over with a smile: "Crystal, it's really great that you could come!"

He nodded at Boss Lu again, knowing that this one also had a significant background: "Very happy to meet you, Director Lu, welcome to the dance."

Liu Yifei introduced: "This is Chairman Zhou of the North American Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Illinois, from Xiangjiang."

Boss Lu smiled and shook hands: "Hello, Student Zhou."

People from the University of Chicago and other schools around Illinois came over to greet them one after another.

Northwestern University, UIUC, University of Chicago, DePaul University in Illinois, and nearby University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Purdue, etc., were all top-ranked schools.

Liu Yifei was a female star, but she wasn't very famous in North America yet.

The families of these proud sons and daughters of heaven also had significant backgrounds, mostly from Xiangjiang, Taiwan wealthy merchants, and mainland red families.

Everyone just treated them as classmates in a foreign land and discussed things equally.

The two had only stood in the venue for a while, and quite a few males who considered themselves romantic and dashing had already come to strike up a conversation.

There was no lack of those who introduced themselves triumphantly, letting Boss Lu see which high-ranking official's family they were descendants of; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

This reminded him of a joke:

If you shout "Secretary" in a casino in Macau, perhaps a dozen people will turn their heads at the same time.

It was finally a bit quiet, and the dance was about to begin.

Xiao Liu let out a long sigh and sat on a chair: "Actually, it's very boring; I didn't want to come either."

"It's just that refusing every time... seems too unsociable."

In all fairness, she wasn't a person very keen on socializing; her focused career was also very simple, which was acting.

As for coming to Chicago, it was just an interesting little episode in her life, a foreign copy she was forced to walk on by someone.

Of course, in the matter of Twitter, one could already see the significant progress she had made during this period, which was also a gain.

A person is the sum of all social relations; it is inevitable to fight with people and find endless joy in it.

After hearing her words, Boss Lu deeply agreed: "Ineffective socializing, chicken ribs, chicken ribs."

Xiao Liu was unconvinced: "Then what did you mean by asking me to interact with the Obama family just now? Isn't that chicken ribs?"

"Of course!"

Boss Lu said with justification: "Don't you like the desserts she makes? The satisfaction of appetite is also very important, right?"

The two chatted idly, and Lu Kuan looked around for a long time, but didn't find any suspicious characters.

It seems there really was no one in Chicago.

It seemed that just to tease his nerves, Chairman Zhou, who had just finished his speech, suddenly loudly invited a guest to appear.

Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei looked closely; under the spotlight in the center of the dance floor, it was none other than Cai Jiazan, the son of the Xiangjiang toy king.

The washing machine showed dissatisfaction: "Why did he come too?"

Xiao Liu glanced at him calmly and raised her smooth chin proudly: "What does it have to do with me? What does it have to do with you?"

The little girl's language art reached its peak at this moment.

"What does it have to do with me" was to distance herself; don't misunderstand anything, you washing machine.

"What does it have to do with you" was to resist indignantly; don't be too meddlesome, you control freak.

Boss Lu didn't answer and sat on the chair with his arms crossed, calm and composed, to see what kind of play this young man was putting on by flying thousands of miles here today.

Was it that your big mansion in Los Angeles was burned down?

Cai Jiazan was twenty years old, with a handsome face and a slender figure.

At this moment, wearing a well-tailored high-end Richard James suit, he stood under the spotlight with the rich young master temperament cultivated by an old Xiangjiang money family.

He held the microphone and spoke with great poise: "Thanks to Chairman Zhou for the invitation; my daddy and Uncle Zhou have been business partners for many years, and the relationship between the two families is very close."

"This time, it is also at the invitation of the North American Chinese Students and Scholars Association in the Midwest, specifically rushing over from Los Angeles to celebrate the Spring Festival with everyone."

Cai Jiazan's eyes met Chairman Zhou's, and the latter secretly signaled toward the mainland female star who was chatting and laughing with Boss Lu in the corner.

These little leaders of the North American Chinese student organization naturally had close contact in private.

Not only private friendship, but also business connections behind their families, with countless friendships and marriages.

"On this New Year's festival, we compatriots and students abroad should cherish the feelings for our hometown even more and help each other!"

"Today, here, I want to mention one person! Tell one thing!"

The noble young master suddenly turned to the little mainland beauty in the corner: "Crystal! Could you please come over?"

The scene suddenly became noisy.

They were all young men and women; who didn't understand the meaning of "the fair lady, the gentleman is fond of her"?

The son of the toy king and the hottest female star of the younger generation in the mainland should be considered a good match, right?

Xiao Liu didn't know what else Boss Lu had teased her with, and was just hammering his arm with a fist when she was suddenly named, and she looked up with a confused face.

"Me?"

Cai Jiazan seemed to treat Boss Lu beside her as if he were nothing, and repeated again: "Crystal, could you please come on stage?"

Chairman Zhou took the lead in applauding, signaling everyone to join in the noise and build momentum for this rich young master.

Aren't some affairs between men and women just accomplished by being half-pushed?

It's just a pity that Xiao Liu had seen too many traps, schemes, ill intentions, and rudeness; just the washing machine beside her had taught her quite a few lessons.

She didn't have the interest to echo the second-generation international students in their booing and creating an ambiguous atmosphere between men and women; she only came today because she couldn't refuse the face, and was planning to leave after showing her face.

Of course, whether she came to the scene to incidentally show the washing machine her popularity was also hard to say.

She had to let him know that she wasn't without pursuers, okay!

The little girl, who was expected to be a future movie queen, reached out with a depressed face: "Sorry, I just sprained my ankle, I can't move, you guys have fun."

Good fellow, she was just one sentence away from "I'm leaving first."

Boss Lu listened with great joy, feeling satisfied, still sitting on the fishing platform steadily.

A person who sells his head by sticking a label on it is also showing off in front of me!

How about it? I didn't even need a look, and Xiao Liu rejected you directly.

Cai Jiazan was not discouraged, as if he had expected this setback, and smiled as he walked through the crowd, leaning over with great gentlemanly demeanor to care: "Crystal, why are you so careless? I'll call someone to treat you now."

The second generation of the toy king was not a fool; he didn't have the impulse to expose Xiao Liu's lie in public, and followed the steps to show his excellent demeanor.

You say you sprained it, so I'll treat it as if you sprained it, okay?

Xiao Liu hadn't refused in a hurry yet, as if an old senior in the industry couldn't stand Cai Jiazan's immature performance.

In my film, you would definitely be scolded to death! What are you pretending for here!

Boss Lu raised his chin at him: "I say."

"She didn't sprain her ankle, she just doesn't want to bother with you, why don't you have even this bit of emotional intelligence? How did you become that whatever chairman?"

Cai Jiazan's level was not low either, still looking at him with a polite smile, and suddenly reached out: "Mr. Lu is joking, there are some things that ladies find inconvenient to say, we must have gentlemanly demeanor, and probably shouldn't expose it face to face."

"Let's recognize each other, Cai Jiazan, I've long heard of Mr. Lu's name as an international director, it's absolutely thunderous!"

The surroundings were suddenly in an uproar, and there was no lack of international students who had just learned the identity of this tall man; after all, not everyone reads the news.

These two hadn't reached the point of being household names after all, and the name of the richest man was just a loving nickname from mainland netizens; it was estimated that it would only be completely settled in next year's Hu Run Rich List.

No wonder Liu Yifei had been sitting with him all along; so he was that great international director?

This time, Lu Kuan really looked at him with new eyes.

Being exposed face to face, being rejected by the girl in various ways, and still being able to look like a graceful noble young master.

This way of pretending, it was exactly the kind of seed raised by that batch of old Xiangjiang merchants like Li Huanggua.

"Little Cai, hello."

Boss Lu also stood up suddenly, and politely shook hands with Cai Jiazan opposite him with one hand.

The ease and freedom of sitting just now were like a pool of water, but this time he stood tall like a pine, with broad shoulders and a wide body, and seemed to have become a mountain in front of everyone again.

Under the spotlight, Boss Lu's unsmiling face was slightly cold, his palms were thick and slender, his five fingers were like halberds, and in just an instant, he suppressed Little Cai's pretentious momentum.

A little shady person ran to pretend in front of an old shady person; why don't you ask your dad if he dares?

Seeing him like this, Liu Yifei thought to herself that it was a bad sign; it would be a disaster if he got his temper flared up and then ended up tormenting this bean-sprout or chicken-feather-vegetable person to death.

She didn't want to care about Little Cai's life or death, but she didn't want Lu Kuan to make enemies for no reason because of her.

"That... Student Cai, sorry, just a little joke."

The little girl stood up and intimately hooked the arm of the man beside her, as if her whole body was about to stick to him.

"I'm really not feeling well today, just came to join the fun of the festival."

"Please continue to have fun, we'll leave after sitting for a while."

Boss Lu spread his hands helplessly, signaling Little Cai in front of him to do as he pleased, and then pulled the little girl back to the chair gracefully.

Perhaps to resolve the increasingly awkward scene, a cheerful waltz music suddenly sounded, and Chairman Zhou took the initiative to relieve Cai Jiazan, who had a depressed face, calling on the international students to invite their dance partners one after another and step into the center of the dance floor.

They were all people who were used to playing; the young men and women skillfully took dance steps, rotating, advancing, and retreating, with tacit cooperation.

Cai Jiazan's face had a trace of gloom the moment Liu Yifei held Lu Kuan, but it instantly returned to clarity; it had to be said that his cultivation was still quite good.

Not big, but quite capable of pretending.

He didn't invite Xiao Liu to dance ungraciously, nor did he give up, but sat beside the two with a calm face, chatting like a friend of many years.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Lu, I met a business partner of my father in the mainland in Los Angeles last week, and we talked about you."

"That mainland family friend has a female junior who has been active in some multinational business endorsements recently, and it should be successful in the cherry picking season next June."

"Seems to be the Northwest Cherry Association in Washington State? That girl is named Ruan Jingtian, Mr. Lu should know her, right?"

Boss Lu looked at the time on his phone, already bored and wanting to leave.

Whether it was Chicago or Los Angeles, there wasn't one who could fight.

The young director didn't even want to raise his eyelids: "Oh, I know her."

"What's wrong with Ruan Jingtian?"

Cai Jiazan saw Liu Yifei also looking over curiously, and said as if unintentionally: "I heard that at the mainland Charity Bazaar, this Miss Ruan Jingtian spent a fortune, spending 15 million to buy Mr. Lu's masterpiece, which is considered a beautiful story!"

"Hiss!"

Lu Kuan only felt a sharp pain coming from his left arm held by Xiao Liu, and swallowed his saliva helplessly.

Cai Jiazan smiled: "What's wrong with Mr. Lu?"

"Chicago... has mosquitoes."

"Oh, Mr. Lu is humorous."

Cai Jiazan said noncommittally: "This Miss Ruan Jingtian is indeed very good to Mr. Lu."

"Those two days when I learned that you were slandered by rumors in North America, I specifically asked my father to say hello to several familiar media in North America to see if I could help."

He scanned Liu Yifei's increasingly gloomy face and continued to add fuel to the fire: "Fortunately, Crystal cleared the siege for you, and this matter was finally resolved satisfactorily..."

"Lu Kuan! Let's go back."

Liu Yifei suddenly stood up with a blank face, and walked away *da-da-da* in high heels without saying a word; that brisk pace would be enough to participate in the Olympics.

Boss Lu looked at Little Cai speechlessly; the relations between the two countries had just returned to normal! You really have a bad mouth!

"Mm... Little Cai, let's stop here for today, you guys continue to play."

Xiao Liu didn't go far, standing by the car tightly wrapped in her coat, watching him walk out in the cold wind, feeling very aggrieved in her heart.

This kind of grievance had some unclear meaning.

It was as if...

Previously, she felt that she and he had a unique tacit understanding to fight against enemy forces back-to-back, like a couple in troubled times turning danger into safety.

This suddenly discovered that there was another top-tier rich beauty who was also silently caring for him, helping to relieve worries and difficulties, and she was no longer the only one.

Why does this dog thing have so many rotten peach blossoms!

Of course, the fact that she had no position to get angry now was also one of the reasons.

After all, the relationship between the two was still limited to the pursuit relationship of working together to handle this crisis; she didn't have the courage to cross that line.

Or rather, the warmth and encouragement that the young director deliberately released these past two days because of her heroic suicide, Xiao Liu naturally knew in her heart.

She herself also knew clearly that the two were just breaking the ice after the birthday banquet, and were still far from the last step.

There was no more laughter and joy in the car on the way back.

The vehicle drove into the garage, Liu Yifei didn't say a word with a cold face, went straight to the second-floor room, and closed the door with a *bang*.

Boss Lu smoked a cigarette in the cold wind speechlessly.

Damn! Unprovoked disaster.

He walked into Liu Yifei's study, preparing to continue modifying the script according to the plan he discussed with Zhang Chunru during the day, and inadvertently saw a whole set of world-top oil painting tools.

Faber-Castell brushes, Winsor & Newton paints, Courbet palette knives, and Pebeo palettes.

It highlighted that a poor student has many stationery items.

Thinking of someone who was angry because of the 15 million painting, and thinking of her sacrificing her life for righteousness at Fox yesterday, the washing machine, who had been diagnosed as "love-incapable" by a psychologist, silently picked up the palette...

The next day, Liu Yifei rarely stayed in bed because of insomnia.

The little girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and happened to see Hu Zi driving Boss Lu away from the garage.

"Mom, where are they going?"

"Oh, Li Xiaolu went to find that great lawyer Alan Dershowitz to talk about Wendi Deng."

"Xixi, go to the study and help me get the scissors." Liu Xiaoli was preparing breakfast, turned her head to look at her daughter walking to the study, with a smile on her face.

Xiao Liu walked into the study with disheveled hair, turned off the desk lamp left by someone last night, and turned around to see another oil painting with wet ink on the easel.

Surprise suddenly arrives, the heart is smooth, this painting is better than ten thousand words.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 316 =====