Chapter 315: The Oil Painting with Wet Ink

The weather in Douglasston on the first day of the Lunar New Year was clear and crisp; in the courtyard, bathed in the morning light, the pristine white snow had yet to melt.

The young director had just woken from a drowsy sleep; looking down from the second-floor balcony, he saw that the Imperial Concubine, who had been drunk the night before, had already begun her morning training.

With A-Fei there, Mia had been granted a short break, so her sparring partner had naturally become Liu Yifei.

However, Liu Yifei’s physique had grown rapidly over these past few years, and she was now almost as tall as Lu Kuan.

The strength, speed, and ruthlessness she had honed from childhood in the life-or-death struggles of underground boxing matches were not much different from those of the professional bodyguard Mia.

The young director listened with a sour ache in his teeth to the *thud-thud* of Liu Yifei’s fists hitting the protective gear on A-Fei’s hands, and silently lit a cigarette.

Seeming to notice A-Fei glancing toward the balcony, Liu Yifei stopped her movements, turned around, and looked at him with his still-sleepy eyes: "Lazy pig."

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

"Mm, got it."

After washing up, Boss Lu went downstairs, moved his body a little in the courtyard, and asked in a low voice: "Little Liu... what level would you say this fighting technique is at now?"

A-Fei didn't know how to describe it: "It's more than enough to handle a few ordinary people, but Miss Liu is still too thin and light; she doesn't have much of an advantage against an adult male weighing 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."

The corner of someone's mouth twitched, and for the nth time, he mentally put an exercise plan back on his schedule.

But managing such a massive enterprise as Wenjie Holdings, along with a constant stream of film affairs, he could only steal moments of leisure.

Or else he would just have to eat until he reached 200 jin.

It was a rare treat to have dumplings for breakfast abroad; Liu Xiaoli had purchased them from an Asian supermarket yesterday. New York's Chinatown was massive, and there were many channels to obtain such ingredients.

"Little Lu, 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 Vautrin, and I need to discuss suitable candidates."

After that, I should be heading back to the country to be lectured by the leadership, and incidentally, to settle scores after the harvest.

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

"Aren't you still going to attend some kind of international student Spring Festival dance or something?"

"Little Lu, you just stay here; treat it like your own home."

Whether he treated it as his own home or not didn't really matter, but this so-called international student activity made the person eating dumplings think of his past life's USC alumnus, Cai Jiazan.

Could Chicago have one too?

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

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

Just like how he looked at Liu Yifei’s phone openly and aboveboard.

"That's great! That's wonderful!" 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.

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

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

"For the role of Vautrin, the visual age should be around 45-55. The actual age in the film is 51. If the conditions are suitable, we can be flexible and build the character's image through makeup and styling."

"But there is one point: when the massacre occurred, Vautrin had already lived in Jinling 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 quite demanding.

Very few Hollywood actresses have a foundation in the Chinese language. Generally speaking, relatively professional Hollywood actresses can undergo complex preliminary preparations for a film.

But for this non-commercial film, which was clearly a solo lead for Liu Yifei, it would be difficult to get a high-profile Hollywood star to learn Chinese for several months for a role with limited 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 years old, required to speak simple German and French; the conditions aren't high."

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

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

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

The few minutes of screen time in *Drummer* naturally didn't count.

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

Liu Yifei listened silently as he finished his call. He had put so much effort into casting two supporting roles with limited screen time; one could imagine how much importance he attached to 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 business van herself to pick them up and gave Liu Yifei a full-hearted hug 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 mind for the past two days.

For Zhang Chunru, Liu Yifei’s heroic act was not just for the sake of petty love between a man and a woman, but also for the greater love of allowing this film to be successfully made to set the historical record straight.

After all, if a notorious, beastly director were to film a movie about conscience, its persuasiveness would be greatly discounted.

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 have done."

Zhang Chunru’s lifestyle habits were 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 Lunar New Year, and my mother has prepared a Chinese meal at home to welcome you."

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

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

"What are you saying!" Zhang Chunru knew he was joking.

The group chatted and laughed until they arrived at Zhang Chunru’s residence, where her parents and husband were waiting warmly at the door to welcome them.

Lu Kuan was the first to get out of the car, taking 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 the 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 a child, serving as her patriotic mentor.

Zhang Chunru’s mother, Zhang Yingying, had a background similar to her husband’s; she also came from a high-ranking Nationalist Party official family, studied in the U.S. after leaving Taiwan, immigrated, and obtained a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

After Zhang Chunru committed suicide in 2004, her parents dedicated themselves to their daughter’s unfinished cause, writing books, 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, with a steady and powerful voice: "Lu Kuan, welcome to our home!"

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

He took the New Year gifts from A-Fei’s hands: "These are specialties from Huai'an and Jinling, specially air-freighted from the mainland in advance. We came in a hurry, please forgive our humble gifts."

Zhang Yingying smiled and 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 who were far from their homeland.

"Lianshui bundled trotters, Hongze silver fish, Jinling salted duck, osmanthus duck, and Yuhua tea."

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

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

"Long separated from my hometown, the journey is long and arduous; it is hard to dispel the longing for home!"

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

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

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

In another generation or two, they would basically become standard ABCs.

The atmosphere in the room was a bit sentimental, and Liu Yifei cleverly changed the subject: "Uncle, Auntie, you don't know, Lu Kuan is the most gluttonous person."

"He specially hired a Huaiyang cuisine state banquet chef for his Sihe Academy in Beiping. He is very particular about these things. If you ever want to eat them, just find him; he'll provide plenty!"

The whole room burst into laughter.

Only Liu Xiaoli feigned annoyance and patted her daughter, though she was secretly happy in her heart:

Given the young director’s current status, there weren't many people who could joke with him like this, right?

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

"The film has experienced some setbacks during this time, including the rejection of its 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 him to continue.

Back in 2002, when the idea for this film was established, it would be an exaggeration to say it was "ten years of sharpening a sword."

But he had finally exhausted all 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’s own writing and public speaking.

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

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

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

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

Liu Yifei listened with great joy; so he hadn't been just brushing her off or comforting her last night, but had truly been inspired by her performance.

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

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

People always say that one should wait until the coffin is closed to pass judgment; if future generations were to film this "Biography of Zhang Chunru," the grand climax at the end would surely be her heroic suicide.

But in this life, thanks to a stroke of heaven-sent luck, this angel of justice was saved, so the structure of the film's script—beginning, middle, and end—must undergo changes with even greater dramatic tension.

Where would that dramatic tension come from?

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

In 1998, Zhang Chunru engaged in a fierce debate with the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Kunihiko Saito, on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)!

During the debate, Zhang Chunru righteously condemned the crimes committed by Japan and questioned why they dared not clearly acknowledge the Nanjing Massacre and offer a sincere apology.

Kunihiko Saito did not dare to respond directly, attempting to brush it off with words like "we recognize that a very unfortunate event occurred," to which Zhang Chunru directly stated that she had not heard a single word of apology.

Using a vast amount of historical facts and evidence, Zhang Chunru exposed the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre during the Japanese invasion of China, leaving Kunihiko Saito speechless.

While watching Liu Yifei’s livestream on New Year’s Eve, this fragment suddenly flashed into the young director’s mind, and the images of her and Zhang Chunru merged in his thoughts.

Just imagine, after experiencing over 100 minutes of painful historical rendering, this performance in the final 20 minutes would undoubtedly be extremely dramatically tense.

The sudden eruption of sharp, biting words would instantly pull the audience into a vortex where emotion and conflict intertwine.

The intense collision between characters, every look, and every line of dialogue would contain immense power, piercing the air like a sharp arrow and reaching straight into the hearts of the audience.

If little 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 original suggestion; he told you to wait until at least after you were forty to film this movie."

"Including Xixi, she is also too young, and I feel very pained that she has to be drawn into these cruel truths."

She took a deep breath: "Regardless, I fully support your decision; if the film needs to be postponed, then let it be postponed."

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

Hearing this made one’s heart ache, and Lu Kuan comforted her: "It doesn't necessarily have to be postponed; there is no need to worry about funding or promotion, as I have already begun preparations."

"The media power of the Chinese community in the United States and the media power of Disney are both sources of support."

Of course, there is also Weibo, which is quietly developing, as well as Mytube, which, despite being sold, still maintains a good relationship as a Google shareholder, and the 18% stake in Facebook that he holds.

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

Zhang Chunru asked curiously: "What is it?"

Little Liu laughed: "He might be selected to be the general director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics!"

"It’s just talk for now, and nothing is known yet, but even if I am appointed as a senior consultant, I might have to run around with the creative team at that time, so the film’s production schedule will need to be coordinated further."

Lu Kuan said in a deep voice: "Let everything start preparing first; this film cannot be rushed, nor can it be rushed. I have already mentally prepared myself to spend a year or two filming it."

Just as Spielberg said, this is a major event concerning national history, and the pressure borne is enormous; it allows for not even a hint of carelessness.

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

If he could become the general director of the Olympics, his international reputation would rise even further, which would be an excellent boost for the film’s future promotion in the international market.

Since the proportion of the stories from "The Diary of Minnie Vautrin" and "The Rabe Diary" needed to be increased, Zhang Chunru patiently searched for more materials for him.

This included their chance encounter at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002, which was when she went to visit the descendants of Rabe in person to conduct some research.

After the group finished eating at Zhang Chunru’s house, they rushed toward Chicago, only arriving at the residence in Hyde Park at dusk.

A-Fei moved the luggage inside from the car, while Lu Kuan stood in the courtyard looking around at the living environment; he had to admit it was quite livable.

"Hey, are you Crystal’s boyfriend?"

Boss Lu turned his head, and a tall Black woman made him feel a sense of great shock!

He stood stunned for a long time, nearly burning his finger on a cigarette butt.

The young director had an absurd feeling of having entered a historical drama: "Uh... hello, ma'am, I am her friend."

Michelle, who was nearly 1.85 meters tall in high heels, gave a kind "oh, oh, oh": "You are not honest; I watched your television livestream, Mr. Director."

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

"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 hard—not because he coveted the Black lady’s body, but because he coveted her husband.

"It is an honor to meet you, I..."

"Michelle!"

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

The Black lady spread her hands: "Regrettably, I came to pick up the toys the children left at the old house; perhaps I can invite you to visit our new home."

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

Little Liu chatted with her as if nothing were the matter, making Boss Lu, who was standing to the side, feel his heart thumping.

Should he make contact?

How should he make contact?

How could he utilize this relationship?

In this instant, even the usually quick-witted Boss Lu couldn't brainstorm his way through it.

"Lu Kuan? Lu Kuan?"

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

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

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

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

Michelle waved at the two: "Oh! Right! Bring your suitor here too, haha."

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

"Little Liu?"

"Hmm?"

Boss Lu still had a gentlemanly demeanor and did not smoke in front of ladies.

He crushed the cigarette butt hard under his foot and said nonchalantly: "Is this your neighbor?"

"Yeah, a Black couple; their family has two very cute Portuguese Water Dogs!"

"You are very 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 be studying and living 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 use for it in the future." Little Liu glanced at him speechlessly; men, your name is Machiavelli.

Boss Lu, however, regretted that he was not skilled in calligraphy.

Otherwise, if he hand-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 Old Ao, wouldn't that be the masterpiece of his little immortal career?

This was a joke, but the look in his eyes as he watched the young girl became even more complex.

One might say, little Liu is my Meiling! (in a complimentary sense)

After simply tidying up the house, Liu Yifei’s phone began to ring frequently; it was the urging of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Chicago.

Little Liu deliberately paced back and forth in front of Boss Lu twice: "Mom, I’m going to attend the student dance; you guys eat at home."

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

"Alright, alright, you young people just arrange it yourselves." Liu Xiaoli beamed with joy.

Liu Yifei giggled as she returned to her room and changed into a dress that wasn't too exaggerated, revealing only a hint of her shoulders.

A-Fei was a bit confused, not knowing whether he should go.

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

Having just finished a simple makeup application, the young girl who came down from the second floor rolled her eyes, feeling speechless at someone’s thick skin.

Hyde Park is located within the Chicago campus, less than a quarter-hour walk away.

However, Liu Yifei was wearing a dress with a coat and high heels, making it inconvenient to walk, so Lu Kuan drove her and arrived at the event venue, 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 features beautiful ceilings and magnificent chandeliers.

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

A country bumpkin entering the city, Boss Lu let out a "Holy crap!" the moment he stepped inside.

This is called a dining hall?

It could even rival the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

You, little Liu, coming to Chicago—you wouldn't have come just for this bite to eat, would you?

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

"Little Liu, your life as an international student is truly extravagant and unrestrained, isn't it?"

"Extravagant and unrestrained? How can you have the nerve to say that about others?"

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

Colorful ribbons on the ceiling were woven into exquisite patterns, like brilliant clouds, and the huge crystal chandeliers emitted a soft glow, spilling onto the long tables covered in red velvet.

Champagne glasses and fresh, delicate flowers exuded waves of fragrance, professional audio equipment and lighting gear had been tested, and the huge LED screen was scrolling through vibrant, dynamic patterns.

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

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

He nodded at Boss Lu, knowing that this person 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 Illinois North American Chinese Students and Scholars Association, a Xiangjiang native."

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

One after another, people from the University of Chicago and other surrounding schools in Illinois came over to greet them.

Northwestern University in Illinois, the Urbana-Champaign campus, the University of Chicago, DePaul University, and nearby schools like the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Purdue are all top-ranked institutions.

Liu Yifei is a famous actress, but she is not yet particularly well-known in North America.

The families of these proud sons and daughters of heaven also have impressive backgrounds, mostly consisting of wealthy merchants from Xiangjiang and Wan Province, and influential families from the mainland.

Everyone just treated each other as fellow students in a foreign land, interacting as equals.

The two of them had only been standing in the venue for a short while when quite a few males, who fancied themselves dashing and suave, came over to strike up a conversation.

There was no shortage of those who introduced themselves with smug satisfaction, letting Boss Lu see which high-ranking official's family they were from; it would be no exaggeration to say it was a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers gathered.

This reminded him of a joke:

If you shout "Secretary" in a casino in Aodao, over a dozen people might turn their heads at the same time.

Having finally found some peace and quiet, the dance was about to begin.

Little Liu let out a long sigh of relief and sat in a chair: "It's actually very boring; I didn't want to come either."

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

In all fairness, she is not a person who is particularly keen on socializing; the career she is dedicated to is also very simple: acting.

As for coming to Chicago, it was just an interesting little interlude in her life, a foreign side-quest she was forced into by someone.

Of course, regarding the Twitter incident, one could already see the significant progress she had made during this time; this was not without its gains.

A person is the sum of all their social relationships; it is inevitable that one must engage in the endless joy of struggling with others.

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

Little Liu was unconvinced: "Then what did you mean when you told me to associate with the Michelle family just now? Isn't that chicken ribs?"

"Of course!"

Boss Lu argued with conviction: "Don't you like eating the desserts she makes? The satisfaction of one's appetite is also very important, isn't it?"

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

It seems there really is no one in Chicago.

As if to tease his nerves, Chairman Zhou, who had just finished his speech, suddenly invited a guest to take the stage in a loud voice.

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

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

Little Liu glanced at him calmly, proudly lifting her smooth chin: "What does it have to do with me? What does it have to do with you?"

The young girl's linguistic art reached a peak at this moment.

"What does it have to do with me" is to clear the air; you, this washing machine, shouldn't misunderstand anything.

"What does it have to do with you" is a fierce resistance; you, this control freak, shouldn't overstep your bounds.

Boss Lu did not answer, sitting in the chair with his arms crossed and a calm expression, watching to see what kind of play this young man was putting on after flying thousands of miles today.

Was it because your big mansion in Los Angeles burned down?

Cai Jiazan is twenty years old, with a handsome face and a slender build.

At this moment, wearing a well-tailored high-end Richard James suit and standing under the spotlight, he possessed the temperament of a wealthy young master raised in an old-money Xiangjiang family.

Holding the microphone, he spoke with great poise: "Thank you, Chairman Zhou, for the invitation. My daddy and Uncle Zhou have been business partners for many years, and our two families are very close."

"This time, I also came here specially from Los Angeles at the invitation of the North American Chinese Student Association of the Midwest to celebrate the Spring Festival with everyone."

Cai Jiazan's eyes met Chairman Zhou's, and the latter secretly gestured 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 organizations certainly have close ties in private.

It is not just personal friendship, but also connections in the family businesses behind them, with countless friendships and marriages.

"On this joyous occasion of the New Year, we fellow students abroad should cherish our hometown feelings even more and help each other!"

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

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

The scene immediately erupted in noise.

They were all young men and women; who didn't understand the meaning of "the fair lady is a good match for the gentleman"?

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

Little Liu didn't know what else Boss Lu had teased her about, and she was just punching him on the arm when she was suddenly named, and she looked up with a blank expression.

"Me?"

Cai Jiazan seemed to treat the Boss Lu beside her as if he were invisible, repeating again: "Crystal, could you please come up on stage?"

Chairman Zhou was the first to applaud, signaling everyone to join in the noise and build up momentum for this rich young master.

Aren't some romances between men and women just formed through this kind of half-reluctant push and pull!

It's just a pity that Little Liu has seen many traps, schemes, ill intentions, and presumptuousness; the washing machine beside her alone has taught her quite a few lessons.

She had no interest in joining these second-generation students in their heckling or fostering an ambiguous atmosphere between men and women; she only came today because she couldn't refuse the request, and she was prepared to leave after showing her face.

Of course, it's hard to say whether she came to the scene partly to show off her popularity to the washing machine.

She had to let him know that she wasn't without suitors, alright!

The young girl, who is expected to be a future Best Actress, reached out with a depressed expression: "I'm sorry, I just sprained my ankle and can't move. You guys have fun."

Good heavens, she just stopped short of saying "I'm leaving first."

Boss Lu was overjoyed and satisfied, still looking like he was sitting firmly on the fishing platform.

A person who sells his head for a price is also showing off in front of me!

How about that? I didn't even need to give a look, and Little Liu rejected you directly.

Cai Jiazan was not discouraged; he seemed to have anticipated this setback, smiling as he walked through the crowd and leaned over with great gentlemanly grace to show concern: "Crystal, how could you be so careless? I'll call someone to treat you right now."

The second-generation toy tycoon is no fool; he had no impulse to expose Little Liu's lie in public, displaying his excellent demeanor step by step.

You say you sprained it, so I'll just pretend you sprained it, okay?

Before Little Liu could refuse in a hurry, it seemed an industry veteran couldn't bear to watch Cai Jiazan's amateur performance any longer.

In my movies, you would definitely be scolded to death! What are you putting on an act for here!

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

"Her foot isn't sprained; she just doesn't want to go over and pay attention to you. How can you have such low emotional intelligence? How did you become that whatever-it-is chairman?"

Cai Jiazan's level is not low either; he still looked at him with a polite smile and suddenly reached out: "Mr. Lu is joking. There are some things a lady finds inconvenient to say. We should have gentlemanly grace and probably shouldn't expose it to her face."

"Let's get acquainted, Cai Jiazan. I have long heard of Mr. Lu's name as an international director; it is truly thunderous!"

There was an immediate uproar all around, with no shortage of students who had just learned the identity of this tall man; after all, not everyone reads the news.

These two haven't reached the point of being household names yet, and the title of "richest man" is just a nickname from mainland netizens; it is estimated that it won't be fully settled until next year's Hurun Rich List.

No wonder Liu Yifei has been sitting with him all this time; so he is that international director?

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

To be exposed to his face, to be rejected by a girl in various ways, and still be able to maintain the demeanor of a graceful young master.

This act of putting on airs is exactly the kind of breed raised by that batch of old Xiangjiang merchants like Li Huanggua.

"Little Cai, hello."

Boss Lu also stood up suddenly, politely shaking hands with Cai Jiazan opposite him.

Just a moment ago, he was sitting there as light as a cloud and as free as water, but now he stood tall like a pine, broad-shouldered and sturdy, seemingly becoming a mountain in front of everyone again.

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

A little shady guy running to show off in front of an old shady guy—why don't you ask your dad if he dares?

Liu Yifei thought to herself that it was a bad sign when she saw him like this; it would be a disaster if he got fired up and ended up tormenting this bean sprout or chicken feather vegetable.

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, I'm sorry, just a little joke."

The young girl stood up and intimately hooked her arm around the man beside her, her whole body seemingly about to press against him.

"I'm really not feeling well today; I just came to join in the festive fun."

"Please everyone continue to have a good time; we'll leave after sitting for a while."

Boss Lu spread his hands helplessly, signaling for Little Cai in front of him to do as he pleased, and then leisurely pulled the young girl back down into their chairs.

Perhaps to resolve the increasingly awkward scene, a lively waltz suddenly began to play. Chairman Zhou took the initiative to bail out the gloomy-looking Cai Jiazan, calling for the students to invite their dance partners and step into the center of the dance floor.

They were all a bunch of people used to playing; the young men and women skillfully took their dance steps, spinning, advancing, and retreating with tacit cooperation.

Cai Jiazan's expression had a trace of gloom the moment Liu Yifei took Lu Kuan's arm, but it instantly returned to clarity; one has to admit his self-restraint is quite good.

Not very old, but quite good at putting on an act.

He didn't rudely invite Little Liu to dance, nor did he give up; instead, he sat down beside the two with a calm expression, chatting like a long-time friend.

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

"That mainland family friend has a female junior who has been working on some multinational commercial endorsements recently; it should be able to go through during the harvest season next June."

"It seems to be the Northwest Cherry Association of Washington State? That girl's name is Jing Tian; Mr. Lu should know her, right?"

Boss Lu looked at the time on his phone; he was already bored and wanted to leave.

Whether it's Chicago or Los Angeles, there isn't a single one who can fight.

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

"What about Jing Tian?"

Seeing Liu Yifei also looking over with curiosity, Cai Jiazan said as if unintentionally: "I heard that at the mainland's Charity Bazaar, this Miss Jing Tian spent a fortune, spending 15 million to buy Mr. Lu's masterpiece; it is considered a beautiful story!"

"Hiss!"

Lu Kuan only felt a sharp pain in his left arm, which was being hooked by Little Liu, and he swallowed his saliva helplessly.

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

"Chicago... has mosquitoes."

"Oh, Mr. Lu is humorous."

Cai Jiazan said noncommittally: "This Miss Jing Tian is indeed treating Mr. Lu extremely well."

"Those two days when I learned you were being slandered in North America, she even specifically entrusted my father to reach out to several media outlets he is familiar with in North America, to see if they could help."

He glanced at Liu Yifei’s increasingly gloomy expression and continued to stir the pot: "Fortunately, Crystal cleared things up for you, and this matter was finally resolved satisfactorily..."

"Lu Kuan! Let's go back."

Liu Yifei suddenly stood up expressionlessly and walked away, clacking in her high heels without saying a word; the way she strode along, she could have competed in the Olympics.

Boss Lu looked at Little Cai, speechless; the relations between the two countries had only just normalized! You really have a loose tongue!

"Hmm... Little Cai, let's stop here for today; you guys continue having fun."

Little Liu did not walk far; she stood by the car, wrapped tightly in her coat, watching him walk out in the cold wind, feeling very aggrieved.

This grievance was somewhat indescribable and unclear.

It was just like...

Previously, she felt that she and he were uniquely in sync, back-to-back against hostile forces, like a couple in troubled times turning danger into safety.

Suddenly discovering that there was also a top-tier wealthy beauty silently caring for him, helping him resolve worries and difficulties, she was no longer the only one.

Why does this bastard have so many rotten peach blossoms!

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

After all, the relationship between the two was still limited to the courtship phase of working together to handle this crisis; she did not yet have the courage to cross that line.

Or rather, Little Liu was naturally well aware of the warmth and encouragement the young director had deliberately released over the past two days because of her heroic self-sacrifice.

She herself was also clear that the current state between the two was merely a thawing after the birthday banquet, and they were still far from the final step.

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

The vehicle pulled into the garage, and Liu Yifei, with a cold face, didn't say a word, went straight to the room on the second floor, and slammed the door shut with a bang.

Boss Lu smoked a cigarette in the cold wind, speechless.

Damn it! An unprovoked disaster.

He walked into Liu Yifei’s study, intending to continue revising the script according to the plan he had discussed with Zhang Chunru during the day, when he inadvertently saw a complete set of world-class oil painting tools.

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

It really highlighted that a poor student has many stationery items.

Thinking of the person who was angry because of the 15 million painting, and then thinking of her heroic sacrifice at Fox yesterday, the washing machine, already diagnosed by a psychologist as having "love-incapacity," silently picked up the palette...

The next day, Liu Yifei, rarely, slept in due to insomnia.

The young girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and happened to see A-Fei driving Boss Lu away from the garage.

"Mom, where are they going?"

"Oh, Little Lu is going to find that big lawyer, Alan Dershowitz, to talk about the Deng Wendi matter."

"Xixi, go to the study and bring me the scissors." Liu Xiaoli was preparing breakfast, looking back at her daughter walking toward the study with a smile.

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

A surprise suddenly arrives, the heart feels at ease; this painting is worth more than ten thousand words.

(End of chapter)