Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 388 Liu Yifei
Another half hour passed before the room door finally opened.

Outside the window, the sun had completely set, leaving no trace of its afterglow.

Inside the courtyard, the lights were bright and the atmosphere was bustling. Baskets of steamed dishes were being served, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.

Liu Jing emerged from the house looking refreshed and energetic, having changed into new clothes.

"Are we still breaking up?" Sisi's face was slightly flushed, and her cheeks were wet, as if she had just washed her face.

"What does severing ties mean?" Liu Jing thought about the scene just now, his emotions still churning.

How delightful it is to draw an exquisite picture on the most beautiful template!

"Where's the pay?" Sisi rubbed her cheeks, not putting a face mask on the kid, but putting one on herself instead.

"Since you manage the money in our household, of course I have to hand it over," Liu Jing replied readily, thanks to the excellent service the young lady had given him earlier.

"Keep the second installment of money from 'The Message' as pocket money. I have no choice; Mom won't let me touch the money in the Hongxingwu account. Building a house requires scraping together money from all sides," Qianqian said, distressed.

"Why? To acquire the Book of Changes?" Liu Jing feigned ignorance, unusually generous.

"No, Zhou Yi asked for 100 million, but Mom thought it was too high and was only willing to offer 50 million at most. Jiang Xuerou was naturally unwilling, and the first negotiation failed. Some time ago, Mom led her team to target Avex. Avex suffered a setback and was on the verge of bankruptcy. They were quite decisive, cutting their losses to stay afloat. They dumped their channels and businesses in China and sold some overseas assets. Mom wouldn't let anyone touch Hongxingwu's accounts and took the opportunity to acquire some of Avex's business. Actually, I suspect that, no matter what, she's deliberately making things difficult for me. If I were pregnant today, Mom would have money immediately... Hmm, do you think if I told her I was pregnant with a boy, she might just buy me an island?" Qianqian's thoughts wandered, and she suddenly felt that it was very likely to happen.

"Get pregnant first," Liu Jing sighed. Oh no, I'm obsessed again. I'm such a fool, bringing up buying the island.

"How can you blame me? She keeps blaming me. I didn't use contraception, and her son is useless... Wait, why is she here?" Sisi was walking up the stairs when she suddenly stopped.

The hall was packed with people; there weren't enough sofas, so some people brought out stools.

A group of people surrounded two people, as if listening to a report.

Liu Jing was somewhat dazed. He thought of Sister Li's warning a while ago: don't give the payment to Qianqian.

Sister Li was definitely doing it on purpose. She kept urging Qianqian to have a child, but Qianqian wouldn't listen. Qianqian was her own daughter, not someone she wanted. Sister Li had no choice, so she came up with a crooked plan. Others get 100 million yuan in cash for giving birth, but if you get pregnant, you get 1 billion yuan in cash.

Sisi pretended not to hear. "This will all be my money in the future. You're trying to tempt me with my money? Are you stupid or am I?"

Sister Li had no choice but to cut off Qianqian's funding and wait for her daughter to give in.

But she never expected her daughter to be so capable, using endorsements and film fees, as well as exploiting Liu Jing, to build the manor little by little.

“Sister Min is the producer. With the filming of ‘The Message’ wrapped up, and she’s in Shanghai, how could she not come?” Liu Jing knew who Qianqian was talking about.

The main figures in the hall are Lao Han and Zhang Min, with the other main actors standing around them.

Chen Kun and Fan Wei, who had already left the show, also came to the scene today.

Liu Jing also saw Zhao Xiaodao, who was busy carrying plates and bowls.

There were more than a dozen tables set up in the courtyard. Today, the film crew brought in seven or eight chefs, and they set up a temporary stove in the courtyard this morning.

The person closest to Zhang Min wasn't Zeng Li from Chunqiu, but Pang Bing.

She had nothing to do with "The Message"; she was just giving the gift to Zhao Xiaodao and joining in the fun.

"I forgot about it." Sisi stuck out her tongue. She thought she wouldn't go to Zhang Min's house tonight, and would just run away after bumping into her tomorrow. Who knew Zhang Min would come? This is her territory, it seems there's no way to avoid it now.

There were about a dozen people in the hall. When they saw the two coming down, they all stood up to greet them.

"Hey! A shaved beard, a washed hair, and a changed outfit, and you look like a real person," Old Han joked.

"See? It looks much more normal now." Sisi smiled, "This is my doing."

"Wood, what happened to your ears? Did you offend Xixi again?" Zhang Min's focus was different from everyone else's.

"Oh no, he offended Sister Xun by arranging such a twisted scene. Sister Xun was furious and bit him." Qianqian refused to take the blame and explained in a few words. She understood that Zhang Min's focus was on who hurt Mutou.

Zhang Min knew, of course, that it couldn't be Xixi. Upon hearing that it was caused by filming, her anger subsided considerably.

She glanced at Zhou Xun and said, "Yeah, he's pretty perverted."

"Mr. Min, I didn't mean to..." Zhou Xun quickly explained.

Zhang Min feigned magnanimity, saying, "It's nothing. When we're filming, bumps and bruises are inevitable. I suffered a lot while filming 'The Sacred Flame' last year. I was so angry back then that I wanted to kick the log into the river."

Everyone burst into laughter, and those who didn't find it funny laughed even more exaggeratedly.

"You guys have no idea, when I was filming the electrocution scene, I kept thinking about how I could let the director experience it someday," Duan Yihong complained.

"Haha, when I was trying to find the right look for Bai Xiaonian, I referenced Liu Jing. Whenever I think of Liu Jing cross-dressing, I get all energized," Chen Kun laughed.

"Ugh..." Zhou Xun hugged his arms and trembled, looking disgusted. "Kun'er, you're not really a pervert, are you?"

"Zeng Li, what were you thinking when you were filming that scene?" Chen Kun turned to ask Zeng Li.

"I want to help him measure it," Zeng Li said irritably.

"What are you measuring for him?" Zhou Xun asked with a mischievous grin.

Everyone laughed, understanding what Zhou Xun meant.

Actors appear glamorous and well-mannered in public, but in private, they're all incredibly uninhibited. The fewer people around, the more outspoken they become. Some actresses say things that even men can't quite grasp.

Liu Jing laughed along with him. One night, Da Qingyi took revenge on him and actually measured his entire body with a ruler.

Of the twelve bonds, Zeng Li is the most unique. While the affection growth of the others is subtle, this one is anything but subtle.

As long as it's satisfying enough, the leading lady doesn't hold back on increasing favorability. This is precisely Liu Jing's forte; in just over ten days, Zeng Li's favorability rating soared to 88 points.

Liu Jing predicts that if the filming continues until the end of the year, it might break the 90-10 mark.

The way to increase the older sister's favorability is this straightforward; nothing beats the most direct feeling, no matter how much you talk about love.

When Liu Jing arrived, Pang Bing quickly made way for him, pulling up a small stool to sit beside him.

As for Xixi, she sat on the armrest of Liu Jing's sofa and did not accept the offer of a seat from others.

"Sissi, you've come at the perfect time. Everyone's been talking about you." Fat Bing said with a smile.

"Talk about me?" Sisi paused, her mind not on the hall, but on Liu Jing's head. She was thinking about where to start trimming his hair once her ear healed.

"Just now, Mr. Han said that 2008 was Liu Yifei's year. According to their internal statistics, combined with data from the internet, media, box office, and viewership ratings, you were the most popular star in 2008. In the first half of the year, you had 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' which, although not well-received domestically, received a good response internationally. In the second half of the year, you had 'My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,' and wherever there are Chinese people, everyone knows Liu Yifei. Especially 'Painted Skin,' which broke box office records. You and Bingbing are incredibly popular." Zhang Min smiled, beaming with pride.

"Bingbing is more popular than me. I haven't done anything this year except shoot commercials and do business deals." Xixi was puzzled. After so many years in the industry, this year has been the most leisurely. How come she's become the hottest celebrity of the year when she hasn't filmed any dramas?

"The hottest topic this year is romance amidst beautiful scenery, but unfortunately..." Old Han didn't finish his sentence, but everyone knew what he meant.

Unfortunately, because of the "scenery romance," Liu Yifei's popularity increased, but she lost a lot of fans.

"Has Sisi not filmed any movies this year?" Zhou Xun asked curiously.

"Yes, it was filmed. 'Painted Skin' was filmed this year." Sisi nodded, fulfilling her task of filming one movie a year, which was completed in 2008.

"You... you didn't count 'The Message' as being filmed up to 2009, did you?" Zhou Xun was both amused and exasperated. Many people knew the rumor that Liu Yifei only filmed one movie a year.

At first, they were seen as weird, like, "How can someone be like this?"

It's now considered a miracle that this can still happen.

"This is just a cameo role. I have a movie in 2009 that will take about a year to film," Sisi explained.

"A year? The filming period is that long?" Chen Kun asked curiously. "The Hollywood blockbuster 'Inception' filmed its first scene in February. Sissi joined the crew in the middle of the year, and the filming locations spanned six continents and five countries, including our country. Sissi is the female lead. The film is scheduled to wrap up filming at the end of 2009, and the release will probably be in 2011." Old Han, as expected of the head of China Film Group, was very knowledgeable about this kind of information.

"Hollywood." Everyone fell silent, pondering the word with mixed feelings.

"Bingbing also has a role, all thanks to Liu Jing. He brought our actors and our culture to the world." Old Han was very gratified. The more contributions Liu Jing made, the greater his own achievements became.

"In 2011, Xixi will be the hottest celebrity of the year again," Zhou Xun said with envy.

"Haha, Bingbing is ranked second, and Zeng Li is ranked third. The top three most popular female celebrities of 2008 are all here." Old Han laughed.

"If we were to have a table, President Han would definitely have a couple of drinks," Wang Zhiwen joked.

"Director, when is lunch? I didn't eat enough at noon," Lao Han asked Liu Jing.

"Shen Ao, when is lunch? I didn't eat enough at noon," Liu Jingchao asked Shen Ao as soon as he entered.

"It's a chain of command," Shen Ao sighed, then turned to the logistics officer and asked, "Old Li, when's lunch? We're starving."

“Now…” the logistics director responded.

Dinner was ready half an hour ago.

If the director doesn't show up, the logistics manager just pretends not to hear the urging. What does it matter if it's President Han, President Min, the lead actor, or the assistant director? I only listen to the director.

Having worked on so many film crews, he naturally understands whose words carry weight and whose advice leads to a brighter future.

The dozen or so tables were full of people. Lao Han, Zhang Min, and Liu Jing naturally sat at one table. Qianqian wanted to sit with Pang Bing, but she was just making a guest appearance and still had some sense of propriety.

People won't allow it. If you're just making a cameo appearance, it's fine, but who would dare to treat you as a cameo?

Sisi sat next to Liu Jing, feeling somewhat lost. Why did everything seem different after their relationship was exposed?

Wherever she went before, it was always Liu Yifei. At most, someone would say, "This is Liu Jing's sister, President Li's daughter."

Now, no matter where she is, people's first impression is that she is Liu Jing's wife, and only then is she Liu Yifei.

Old Han, holding his glass, stood up, interrupting Qianqian's thoughts. "I'm very happy today. I've witnessed the wrap-up of another excellent production. I was fortunate to play a role in 'The Message' and spend an unforgettable time with everyone. During this time, everyone—director, actors, and staff—has worked hard. Enough said, let's drink. It's the rule of the trade, drink first, then talk. Cheers, everyone..."

"Let's do it!" Many people echoed, instantly igniting the atmosphere.

"Haha, great, fine wine. This second glass is to thank Mr. Min from Chunqiu Film and Television for providing us with such fine wine. The baijiu is Moutai, and the red wine is Latour, both top brands. Thank you all for coming from afar to support us. Cheers to the second glass!" Old Han laughed heartily, and after downing the glass, he became even more enthusiastic.

"Let's do it!" The voices grew louder, and the atmosphere became even more enthusiastic.

Old Han didn't sit down. He poured himself a third glass of wine. "This third glass is first an apology to the director. I've taken the initiative. Then, I have a personal reason. I'm currently preparing 'The Founding of a Republic,' and in the future, there will be 'The Founding of an Army' and 'The Founding of a Party.' This has been my ambition for a long time. Everyone here is excellent. The actors are dedicated actors, and the technicians are professional technicians. Everyone has worked hard and diligently. I formally extend an invitation to the entire crew, hoping everyone will support the 'The Founding of a Republic' project. I'll drink this third glass; you can drink as you please."

"Let's do it!" The voice boomed like thunder, echoing across the surrounding area.

The cups weren't big, like the two-qian cups for Moutai liquor. Even after drinking three cups, it would only amount to half a liang of liquor.

But Lao Han was good at stirring up the atmosphere; after three drinks, the atmosphere became incredibly lively.

"Uncle Han, you're openly poaching someone's boyfriend," Liu Jing joked.

"Come on, I'm giving everyone a chance. Do you know how many artists want a role? Recently, the doors of China Film Group have been swarming with offers. Many big stars have very low requirements; they'd even accept a single line. Now it's even lower; they'd accept just showing their face." Old Han said irritably.

"You're really that kind?" Liu Jing didn't believe it at all. If you had such an opportunity, you would have already done them a favor. Why would you give it to these people?

"Hehe, of course I have some selfish motives. I'm just learning from you." Old Han laughed smugly.

"Learn from me?" Liu Jing wondered.

"The release dates for 'The Message' and 'The Founding of a Republic' should be one after the other. When promoting 'The Founding of a Republic,' we can use the slogan 'The Message's original cast and crew participated.'" Old Han had a very clever plan.

"What if 'The Message' collapses?"

"The Founding of a Republic and The Message are unrelated; the repetition of actors is purely coincidental."

Liu Jing really wanted to raise his middle finger and stick it out in front of Lao Han; what a cunning old fox.

Eight people sit at a table, chatting in pairs; this is a common occurrence.

Zhou Xun and Qianqian's conversation attracted everyone's attention, including the people at the next table.

"Xixi, let me toast you, but this is... plain water, isn't it?" Zhou Xun held up his glass, wanting to clink glasses with Xixi, but then realized something was wrong.

She plays an old ghost in the play, but in real life she's a heavy drinker who can tell the difference between plain water and liquor at a glance.

"I... don't like drinking baijiu." Qianqian stammered, too embarrassed to say that her period was coming in front of so many people.

"Want some red wine?" Zhou Xun grabbed a bottle of red wine from the next table.

"No need, I... I'm not feeling well," Sisi quickly stopped her.

Feeling unwell? So young… could she really be pregnant?

Remembering the recent rumors, the noisy scene suddenly fell silent as everyone turned to look at Sisi.

The silence was inexplicable, and so were the viewers. Others watched it, so I watched it too.

"Zhou Xun, let's have a drink. I have something I'd like to ask you for help with," Zhang Min said, as if she hadn't seen him, as she picked up her glass.

"Great, I'm so happy you called me, sis," Zhou Xun said with a smile.

The people around them were even more confused. Why were they looking this way? Then they continued drinking and bragging.

Sisi was very distressed. Oh no, tomorrow all sorts of messy rumors will start circulating again.

Suddenly, an idea struck her: Could I use this information to swindle some money from my mom?
Then she looked dejected. "Impossible," she said. "My mom's scared. She won't act until she sees the evidence. Even if I show her the report, she'll think it's fake."

"Xixi, what are you thinking about?" Zhang Min raised her glass, wanting to clink glasses with Xixi.

"Nothing, just thinking about how to help Mu Tou with his haircut." Of course, Qianqian wouldn't admit that she was plotting against her mother. She also knew that as long as she said she needed money, Zhang Min would be very generous.

"I bought a new piece of jewelry, can you take a look and see what you think?"

"Okay, where should we go to see it?"

"It's in the car."

Liu Jing didn't pay attention to these things; he wasn't very concerned about what rumors were circulating outside.

I'm chatting with Lao Han right now about the filming of "The Founding of a Republic". Lao Han also wants to film it, but he's encountered a problem: there are too many actors, and it's difficult to coordinate their schedules.

Liu Jing didn't have any good suggestions. Filming would start in another month, which was too rushed. He wasn't the director, and he didn't want to bother with it.

As they were chatting, Liu Jing turned his head casually and found that Qianqian was gone.

Looking around again, Zhang Min was nowhere to be seen either.

Of the several tables around, only these two people were nowhere to be seen.

His heart pounded, and he knew something was wrong. These two were likely about to have a showdown and discuss Xiaoxue's situation.

Thinking of this, he lost all interest in eating and drinking, and made up the ever-present excuse of going to the toilet to slip away.

(End of this chapter)