Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 389 Screenwriter Lu Xixi

Outside the club is a small park.

As night fell, there weren't many people in the park, after all, it was the dead of winter.

The branches are sparse and the leaves are thin, and the weather is cold; there's nothing to see.

The two women walked side by side, the fallen leaves rustling under their feet—the only sound they made.

"It's been a long time since I've been out and about, and it's been a long time since I've felt this relaxed," Zhang Min sighed, breaking the silence.

“You should go out more. Staying cooped up at home all the time can easily lead to postpartum depression. Xiaoxue has Aunt Lin taking care of her; she’s a very meticulous person. Xiaoxue seems to be closer to her than to you.” Qianqian brought up Xiaoxue herself. According to seniority, Aunt Lin should indeed be called sister-in-law.

Lin's wife is from Northeast China. She is the wife of the son of one of Li's cousins. Qianqian should call her cousin's wife.

Zhang Min shook her head slightly. Having a child meant she was no longer in control of her own life. Even knowing how meticulous the other person was, she still wouldn't feel at ease.

“I grew up in Shanghai, and when I was eleven, I went to Hong Kong with my parents. I remember that year very clearly, 1979, and my life changed because of that year.” Zhang Min did not continue the topic of Qianqian, but continued to reminisce about the past.

"1979? I wasn't even born yet, and my mom hadn't even met my dad." Sisi shrugged. That era was so distant to her; she had no concept of it at all.

“Yuanyuan was just born that year, so when I met her ten years ago, I felt we were destined to meet. It just so happens that I left the mainland around the time she was born.” Zhang Min smiled, kicking aside a pebble blocking her path. “When I was little, I loved listening to opera, I loved it so much. Because of that, I later entered ATV’s acting training program, and then signed with Win’s Entertainment. The first time I met Mu Tou, I just thought this kid was like a little adult. Later, as we spent more time together, I discovered the little guy was always listening to opera on the radio, and I gradually became interested in him…”

Zhang Min smiled as she recounted the events of that year.

As she listened to the other person's description, Sisi smiled, and long-forgotten memories began to surface in her mind.

It was also a park, and the grandfather was with two little kids, singing opera with a group of old folks.

The little boy, who should be a blockhead, was still pointing things out in a serious tone, saying, "You're wrong here, you're wrong there."

She was bored and started doodling on her grandfather's fan with a red pen.

Grandpa really liked that fan; it seemed to have been a gift from an old comrade-in-arms. Grandpa was furious, and Mu Tou, looking conflicted, stepped forward and took the blame for her.

"More than a decade has passed in the blink of an eye," Sisi sighed.

“That’s right, Yuanyuan is thirty, you’re twenty-two, and Xiaoxue is almost a year old.” Zhang Min sighed, a wry smile on her face. “When you get old, you can’t help but think back to the past. People…”

"Sis, you don't look old at all. If we walk like this and ask anyone, they'll definitely believe we're the same age." Sisi was a little jealous, wondering if she would look this young when she was forty.
Zhang Min brought up Xiaoxue, but Qianqian didn't respond to the topic.

"To be as tall as a celestial being is a blessing earned through eight lifetimes," Zhang Min joked.

"Sister, why are you like this too?" Sisi stomped her foot, expressing her dissatisfaction.

Zhang Min laughed heartily, and Qianqian also chuckled. The two women looked at each other and smiled, putting aside all their entanglements.

“I came back from the US in August, and people have been coming to see me frequently. It’s fine with ordinary people, but there are friends, relatives, and business partners. I don’t dare let them come over. I entertain some next door and others outside.” Zhang Min said bitterly. The house next door is also hers, and there is a hidden door between the two courtyards, allowing them to visit each other.

When friends come over, they go next door, and she goes with them. She tries to squeeze in a quick visit to Xiaoxue, but it's like a battle.

The child is still young now; how strange this behavior will be when the child grows up.

Sisi sighed; she knew all this too. This wasn't a long-term solution. Even before Zhang Min mentioned it to Sister Li, she had already thought about this problem.

“Li Fuzhen came to Yandu a while ago and stayed here for half a month. She lived next door, and during those two weeks I became a time management master.” Zhang Min smiled wryly. Other women use time management techniques to deal with men, but she had to deal with a woman.

"Wood is the real expert," Sisi muttered. "What kind of time management master are you? But Wood doesn't seem to be either, he doesn't manage time at all."

“I know that solving this problem is actually very simple. But I just can’t bear to look at Xiaoxue. I get anxious if I don’t see her for even a short while, and I can’t muster the energy to do anything. This state is not good. It’s not good for Xiaoxue, it’s not good for me, and it’s not good for anyone. I understand everything, but I just can’t change it.” Zhang Min’s lips curled up, full of arrogance and unruliness.

Sisi rolled her eyes silently. With your personality, how come you're so submissive to a blockhead? If you're so capable, be independent to the end and live a rebellious life.

"After Lee Boo-jin left, I seriously considered this issue and felt I should ask for your opinion first..."

Sisi couldn't help but interrupt, "Is this the question you wanted to ask, or did Mu Tou tell you to ask it?"

"Is there a difference?" Zhang Min smiled calmly.

Unlike other women, she felt only guilty, not afraid, when facing Xixi and Sister Li.

Feeling guilty is because of immorality.

We are not afraid, because we have food at home and are not worried.

She has money in hand, possessing assets worth billions, which is her greatest source of confidence.

As the saying goes, "Your environment shapes your temperament, and your upbringing shapes your body." As the saying goes, "A person with knowledge and learning naturally exudes elegance." Even if you have billions in assets, you will still possess a refined demeanor.

Alcohol can't embolden you, but money certainly can.

"Hehe, you didn't ask the child's father for his opinion, but instead asked an aunt who isn't related to you by blood. You're putting the cart before the horse," Qianqian mocked.

“That day, when Mu Tou came to see the child, I asked for his opinion, and he said…” Zhang Min paused for a moment before continuing, “He said that there is a premise to all of this: don’t hurt Qianqian. You’d better discuss it with Qianqian, I’m worried she might overthink it.”

"Why overthink it?" Sisi chuckled, feeling much relieved. So what if you have children? I'm still the most important person to you.

“Even without his words, I would have still come to you to discuss it,” Zhang Min sighed.

"Since you've all asked for my opinion, then leave this to me. I've never been a director before, so I'll give it a try this time." Sisi snorted lightly. You do come to me for advice, but your attitude won't be like this.

"..." A series of symbols flashed through Zhang Min's mind. They really were mother and daughter. Others direct films, you two direct your lives.

"I've been writing this script for two or three months now. Sis, would you like to hear it?" Sisi's eyes were calm and composed.

"Go on," Zhang Min said, looking away, seemingly unable to meet his gaze.

Two or three months? It seems like that was when the "Scenery Romance" was first exposed.

You've been growing vegetables in the greenhouse for half a month, and you've actually achieved some success.

"This all started with the filming of 'The Sacred Flame of Yin and Yang.' During filming, you discovered you were pregnant..."

Zhang Min listened to the script with her eyes wide open, then swallowed hard. "This...this is what you thought of?"

"A win-win-win situation! You get what you want, I save face, and Xiaoxue gets a father. Isn't that great?" Looking at Zhang Min, Qianqian felt she could become a good screenwriter too. She'd even thought of a pen name: Lu Xixi, a hundred times better than Yun Taikang.

When she had some free time, she would write in her notebook. The material was readily available; she would use wood and fox spirits as her subjects.

"That's good, that's good, that's good..." Zhang Min stammered, unsure how to reply. This isn't just killing three birds with one stone, it's killing six, nine...

"Since it's good, let's do it this way." Sisi made the final decision.

Zhang Min sighed softly. The little girl from back then had grown up and was now able to handle affairs on behalf of Mu Tou.

"Sister, have you chosen a location for the Flower Research Center?" Sisi asked with a smile, deliberately changing the subject. Since the matter was settled, there was no need to dwell on it further.

"Right in Shanghai..."

The two chatted and strolled around for a while, and then, quite tacitly, returned to the film set.

The courtyard was bustling with activity, filled with the clinking of glasses and lively conversation; few noticed their return.

When you drink to a certain point, all you see are your tablemates and your rivals; nothing else matters.

Liu Jing noticed them; he had noticed them as soon as they walked over.

He had just gotten up from his seat, but then hesitated, as if the two of them could have a better conversation without him. So Liu Jingzhen went to the restroom and came back to continue drinking.

As people came to toast him, he toasted each of his friends.

"Liu Jing, how's the TV series adaptation of 'The Message' going? Do you need any help?" As they chatted, Lao Han brought up this topic.

The TV series adaptation of "The Message" officially began preparations when the film version started filming, and is currently in the casting stage, with filming scheduled to begin after the Lunar New Year.

The casting process wasn't as dramatic as the movie version. It involved an internal casting process, primarily using artists from the Spring and Autumn Period, with a focus on youthfulness.

"The main roles have been cast, and filming will begin after the Lantern Festival. Does Uncle Han want to continue his cameo role as Commander Zhang? I'll talk to Yuanyuan and ask her to arrange it immediately," Liu Jing responded.

Following the tradition of "The Sacred Flame Order", he is the executive producer of the TV series version, and Gao Yuanyuan is the producer.

"Forget it! A few cameo roles almost killed me. If I keep doing these, I'll lose the other half too." Old Han felt the pain in his ankle; this was a lesson learned.

Stay away from Liu Jing next time he's filming!
"Director, who did Gu Xiaomeng choose?" Zhou Xun asked curiously.

"Gu Xiaomeng gave it to a newcomer, Song Yi from the Central Academy of Drama's 06 class." Liu Jing's expression was strange. He hadn't participated in the casting for the TV series "The Message," but he knew it was a very anxious process.

Gu Xiaomeng and Li Ningyu, in particular, almost started a war.

Finally, Bai Bing made a strong decision: "I'm going to promote new talent, so you all better step aside."

"Song Yi?"

"She is currently filming 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' and Yan Hui plans to sign her after she graduates."

"What role did she play in 'Dream of the Red Chamber'?" Zhou Xun was quite interested in this drama, after all, it was produced by his former company.

"If I remembered, I would have said it just now." Unlike Zhou Xun, Liu Jing didn't pay much attention.

"That's true. What about the other characters? I heard quite a few more have been added?"

"Shu Chang played Li Ningyu, Wu Zhiguo was given to Zhu Yawen, Bai Xiaonian was changed to a female role, and Zhang Commander's female secretary was given to Xiao Dao..."

"Good, this is good." Old Han praised, "Don't go for someone like Chen Kun. It's not like I haven't seen 'feminized' characters before, but this one is too extreme. Old Han has a bad feeling about it."

"Mr. Han, a toast to you." Liu Jing didn't continue speaking, but Pang Bing came over with a bottle of red wine and a glass to offer a toast.

She was drinking red wine, but she was using a decanter.

As the head of China Film Group, Lao Han naturally ranks first in the order.

The two clinked glasses and exchanged a few words, and then it was Liu Jing's turn.

"Director, a toast to you." "You're drinking red wine like beer, aren't you?" Liu Jing looked at the glass, which was just a fraction full and about to overflow, and felt a little sorry for the red wine.

Latour, oh Latour, you should be in a goblet, gently swayed by a beautiful woman, and lightly placed at her red lips.

The woman was indeed beautiful, but she had none of the elegant demeanor she displayed on television. She was rolling up her sleeves and her face was flushed.

"A full glass is a sign of respect." Fat Bing smiled broadly. She was in a good mood today and drank freely. Since she had people around her, she wasn't afraid of getting drunk.

It was a rare opportunity to be open and honest, so she felt very relaxed today. She didn't have to worry about anyone having ulterior motives or what to do if she drank too much.

"My poor red wine, you're being guzzled down like cattle..."

when……

The glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound. "Director, stop dawdling. You haven't even hosted the celebration party for 'Painted Skin' yet. Let's have a couple of drinks and consider it the celebration."

"Have a drink, have a drink..." someone nearby egged them on, not wanting to miss out on the excitement.

When Fatty Bing came to offer a toast, everyone's eyes turned to her. Rumors about the shady dealings between the two were rampant, with all sorts of speculation circulating.

A few people are quite certain that the two are having an affair. Many more are unsure, after all, those in the industry know how many rumors they hear every day.

In this circle, truth and falsehood are intertwined, making it very difficult to discern the truth.

Even married couples who have registered their marriage cannot be sure of the nature of their relationship unless they have personally witnessed the wedding night.

Even if you witness someone's wedding night, they may not actually be husband and wife.

A married couple on set, their relationship deteriorates after filming ends—a typical scenario.

We're strangers in public, but we're always on each other's radar in private; it's a common occurrence.

There are countless instances of hype and promotion for film and television dramas.

Those willing to act as a shield for powerful figures, or to cover for them, are encouraged to sign up.

Liu Jinglang laughed, picked up his cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Hey! That won't do. Didn't you see what kind of cup Bingbing was using? Her wine was poured high, easily three ounces. Your cup isn't even full, at most three coins. Making three coins off a girl who's worth three ounces, I can't stand by and watch," Old Han scolded.

"Mr. Han, tell the director to drink less. I'm counting on him to cast me in his movies. If you get him too drunk, he'll hold a grudge against me tomorrow," Fatty Bing said with a smile.

"Hey! He wouldn't dare. If he holds a grudge against you, just tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson." Old Han slammed his hand on the table, putting on a great show, as if he really didn't know anything about the relationship between Liu Jing and Fatty Bing.

"Director, you don't look down on Bingbing, do you?" Zhou Xun subtly stirred things up.

“A man can’t say he can’t. Liu Jing, we can’t lose face, so if you say you can’t drink, I’ll drink it for you.” Wang Zhiwen was sly, saying nice things while pouring the wine promptly.

"Director, you don't want Bingbing to drink for you, do you?" Zeng Li said with a half-smile. Last time you saw me drunk, this time I want to see you drunk too.

Fat Bing really meant it, but before she could say it, Zeng Li saw through her intention.

She can get drunk today, but Liu Jing can't.

"Haha, fill it up..." Liu Jing was not afraid at all. He used to get drunk after two glasses of beer, and now he can get slightly tipsy after two jin of liquor. You guys here are really no match for him. You're not calling him the Wine Immortal for nothing. It's only because Wang Baoqiang, Jiang Wen, Huang Bo and the like are here that he's wary of them.

"Let's drink the nuptial wine!" someone shouted.

The noise in the arena fell silent. Who was this brave warrior? You've forgotten how Young Master fought ten men one night, haven't you?

My classmates quickly moved aside, thinking, "You can die if you want, but don't drag us into it."

Under everyone's gaze, especially Liu Jing's, the guy, having just had a few drinks, almost peed his pants.

He wanted to slap himself; drinking had definitely led to trouble. "I...I'm a member of the Wang Shengpei Rong faction, I'll punish myself with a drink..."

“Brother, today is the wrap party, let’s talk freely and have a good time. After this farewell meal, from now on, the character is the character, and reality is reality. In the play, I was Pei Rong, and she has finished filming. Now I am Fan Bingbing.” Pang Bing smiled frankly and poured red wine into her glass. “You don’t need to punish yourself. I’ll toast you.”

"Good..." The cheers rang out in unison.

Liu Jing sighed inwardly, marveling at how much Pang Bing had gone through, how many trials and tribulations he had endured to get to where he was today.

This was the first time he'd ever drunk with Pang Bing in such a large group. It has to be said, his performance was far superior to that of Xixi and the others. Even among the younger generation, Zeng Li and Gao Yuanyuan, who were of the same generation, couldn't match Pang Bing's composure.

"Director, I'll make up for the difference between my two drinks and yours. I wish 'The Message' great success and continued glory." Fat Ice refilled his glass and clinked glasses with Liu Jing again.

After three cups of wine, her eyes became brighter, sparkling like stars.

After toasting everyone, Zhou Xun, being a top actress in her tier, was not about to let Pang Bing steal the spotlight.

She was injured and couldn't walk, but that didn't stop her from toasting.

The first person I'd like to pay my respects to is naturally Mr. Han, the general manager of China Film Group.

Fat Bing refilled Liu Jing's glass and stood aside, whispering a few words, "I'm fine, you don't need to worry. I'm happy today because 'My Love from the Star' has been approved, and a lot of advertisers have come knocking on our door these past few days. The finance department roughly calculated that the sponsorship fees they offer alone will cover the filming costs."

"Don't accept any random ads," Liu Jing warned.

"Yes, yes! Many advertisers are coming for you; you're the producer and screenwriter of 'My Love from the Star.' Once this news gets out, advertising revenue explodes. Since it's using your name, of course I can't let you down; I'll definitely review it carefully." Fat Bing was thrilled; after all these years, she finally felt like she'd made it through.

"I know you're happy, so drink less later." Liu Jing patted Pang Bing on the shoulder, like an old friend.

He appeared calm and collected, but his heart was itching with desire. Fat Bing, who had just had a little wine, was extremely beautiful, making his mouth water.

But tonight we can only dream about it. Sisi is still here, so it's best to stick to our duties.

"I'm not afraid today. But if I get drunk later, you'll have to take me back. I don't want to embarrass myself like Zeng Li," Fatty Bing said with a grin.

The two were not overstepping any boundaries in their conversation; it appeared to be normal communication.

Some people chuckled to themselves, thinking, "What a pair of scoundrels, their acting skills are quite impressive."

Some people even wondered if the two were really having an affair.
Life is like a play, half genuine emotion and half acting.

Life imitates art; one has a script for taking the stage, and no regrets when the curtain falls.

"Director, you can't show favoritism," Zhou Xun said, raising his glass to Liu Jing and interrupting their private conversation.

"Sister Xun, let me toast you first, to thank you for taking care of my Liying." Pang Bing took over the conversation.

Zhou Xun was taken aback. Who was Li Ying? Oh, Zhao Xiaodao. But has this vixen changed her ways? She's being so nice today, could she be up to something?

"She...is quite diligent." That was all Zhou Xun thought of Zhao Xiaodao.

That night, she scared Xiaodao to tears. They had been together for half a month, barely spoken, let alone cared for each other.

Zhou Xun's heart skipped a beat; she understood. Back then, Chen Kun had joked that she should recommend three films to the young woman as an apology. Heh, this was to confirm those three films, wasn't it?

"Don't worry, what I, Zhou Xun, say isn't just empty talk."

"Haha, Sister Xun is a woman of her word, a true conscience of the industry." Fat Bing was completely bewildered. What nonsense are you spouting? What do I need to trust?

when……

The two glasses clinked together, and each drank from their glass without saying another word.

One act ends and another begins; one must put in the effort on stage, and even more effort off stage.

With Zhang Min absent, Lao Han and Liu Jing became the best targets for toasts, as everyone wanted to take the opportunity to become familiar with each other, knowing there would be other chances in the future.

When Xixi and Zhang Min returned, they saw this lively scene and were not surprised.

This is nothing; there's usually a second wrap party.

"Excuse me, I just took a phone call," Zhang Min said casually.

"Sister, you and Qianqian are back just in time. We were just waiting for you two. Let's have a toast first. I'll fill your glass." Pang Bing leaned over to Zhang Min and poured her a drink.

"Are you crazy? You're really like me, so full of yourself, trying to show off, huh?" Zhang Min said irritably, slapping Pang Bing on the back of the head and laughing and scolding him.

"Sis, I'll drink it, you can do whatever you want..."

Sisi silently sat back down in her seat, something seemed amiss.

Liu Jing, worried, held Xixi's small hand, "Xixi..."

"From now on, call me Lu Xixi." Xixi woke up with a start.

"Changed her surname again?" Liu Jing was speechless. He reached out and touched Qianqian's forehead. She didn't have a fever.

"Um, pen name, are you only allowed to have a pen name?" Sisi was slightly embarrassed, wondering how she had accidentally voiced her inner thoughts.

“Lu Xixi doesn’t sound good, I’ll give you a pen name.”

"what?"

"Neurotic Sisi".

"Pah! You're the crazy one, your whole family is crazy."

Liu Jing sighed. He was indeed acting strangely, even cursing himself.

Sisi finally realized what was happening. How could he insult the whole family? That's just crazy.

Before Sisi could correct herself, Fatty Bing clinked glasses with her, saying, "Sisi, a toast to you, it's been a pleasure working with you."

Everyone looked on with amusement. Except when Fat Bing clinked glasses with Lao Han and Zhang Min, he held his glass very low, while he held it slightly lower or level with everyone else.

But when it came to Sisi, it was half a cup lower.

(End of this chapter)