Starting as the young master of a medicine shop, he practiced swordsmanship for twenty years.

Chapter 408 Minghuang Group, Young Master Leng, when are you going to film a kissing scene?

The capital of the Dragon Kingdom, within the Fifth Ring Road.

A modern high-rise building, entirely covered with dark glass curtain walls, stands tall, reflecting a cold luster in the sunlight.

This building, which is about ten stories high, is home to Tianyu International, a well-known entertainment giant in the industry.

As a major player in China's entertainment industry, Tianyu International boasts a diverse roster of artists, ranging from top-tier superstars to unknown newcomers.

With a market value of tens of billions, the company is a veritable industry behemoth.

At this moment, in a luxurious office on the top floor of this gleaming building, the atmosphere is as cold as the glass curtain wall outside.

"what?"

The silence was broken by a low growl filled with suppressed anger; it came from a man.

He slammed the documents in his left hand onto the expensive mahogany desk, while still holding his phone in his right hand.

"Didn't I tell you to try to persuade her? Why does Lu Xiaoying still insist on taking leave?" The man's chest heaved slightly, his voice filled with disbelief and anger.

"What does she take this company for? Her own backyard? Something she can just order around as she pleases?"

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but the threat in his eyes grew stronger as he delivered his final ultimatum over the phone, word by word.

"Gong Qing, you're her agent. Don't tell me you can't even handle this simple thing."

"This is your last warning. Arrange all of Lu Xiaoying's schedules for tomorrow immediately!"

"The crew must start filming on time tomorrow, there is no room for negotiation!"

On the top floor of Tianyu International Building, in a super large, modern office with an excellent view.

A man in his forties, dressed in an expensive custom-made suit, was pacing anxiously.

He had the air of a successful person, and the expensive watch on his wrist gleamed with a cold metallic sheen.

Unfortunately, his thinning hair and obvious baldness diminished the carefully crafted aura he possessed.

This person is none other than Mr. Zhao, the head of Tianyu International.

At that moment, he was tightly gripping the latest smartphone in his hand, his brows furrowed deeply.

She reprimanded him mercilessly into the microphone, completely abandoning her usual composure in front of the media.

On the other end of the phone, a woman's voice could be faintly heard trying to explain, "Mr. Zhao, but..."

"No buts!"

Mr. Zhao rudely interrupted the other party, the veins on his forehead bulging and throbbing with excitement.

All his composure and pretense vanished at that moment, and his voice rose eight octaves with anger.

"I don't want to hear any excuses! I only want results! If this gets messed up, the consequences won't be something you or she can handle!"

Mr. Zhao seemed to have all his strength drained away, and his voice trembled slightly.

He didn't even bother to maintain his boss's composure, and almost pleaded into the phone, saying, "Hey, Gong Qing... I'm begging you, please?"

Mr. Zhao took a deep breath, as if it took immense courage to utter that name.

"Don't you understand the situation yet?"

"The company that signed the contract with us this time isn't just any ordinary investor; it's Minghuang Group!!!"

He emphasized the word "Minghuang" heavily, his voice filled with an indescribable fear and helplessness.

"Our Tianyu International may look impressive, but compared to Minghuang Group, we're just a small company. We can't afford to mess with them!"

Mr. Zhao spoke faster and faster, trying to fully convey the sense of imminent crisis to the other party.

"If she breaches the contract, not only will Lu Xiaoying face exorbitant compensation payments and have her future completely ruined, but..."
Our entire Tianyu International will be dragged down with us; the impact will be severe, to say the least! Do you understand?

This near-collapse confession completely shattered his previous anger, leaving only primal fear and pleading.

This was the first time that General Manager Zhao had so disregarded his status to plead with a subordinate.

The pressure from Minghuang Group was simply too great; he simply couldn't bear any responsibility for any mistakes.

On the other side, a custom-made pink sedan, like a flowing dream color, slowly drove into the heart of the Dragon Kingdom's capital.

A top-tier villa area within the Third Ring Road.

The tranquility here is like two different worlds compared to the hustle and bustle of the city center.

The lush greenery cleverly separates the individual villas, each with its own unique style, ensuring absolute privacy.

Every inch of land is precious, and the housing prices here have long exceeded the imagination of ordinary wealthy people, reaching astronomical prices, with prices as high as tens of thousands of yuan per square meter.

In this area, even the most unassuming mansion can be worth tens of millions.

Without a net worth of hundreds of millions and a corresponding social status, one probably wouldn't even have the right to step into this area and take a look.

The pink sedan drove smoothly along the quiet tree-lined avenue and finally came to a stop silently.

In front of a three-story villa that blends modern minimalism with Chinese elegance.

This is Lu Xiaoying's residence in the capital, a property personally selected and purchased for her by her father, Lu Yulong.

In Lu Yulong's view, no one should suffer, especially his precious daughter.

Especially in terms of safety and quality of life, there is no room for the slightest carelessness.

Otherwise, given Lu Xiaoying's current status as a relatively weak second-tier celebrity, even if her career goes smoothly, her annual income would be at most a little over five million.

To buy such a top-tier luxury mansion that costs tens of millions in cash, even if she didn't eat or drink, it would take her more than five or six years to save up.

And this is merely having the right to "take a look," far from reality.

Seeing the car smoothly parked in front of and behind the villa, Gong Qing, the agent sitting in the passenger seat, slowly put down the phone she had been holding tightly.

Throughout the journey, she kept her voice very low on the phone and unconsciously turned her body towards the car window, trying to avoid the view of the people in the back seat.

However, the phone call between Gong Qing and General Manager Zhao was filled with anxiety and fear.

Every word seemed to ring clearly in Lu Xuan's ears, entering his perception, which had long surpassed the limits of mortals, without missing a single one.

In the spacious back seat sat only Lu Xuan and Lu Xiaoying, who was still holding his arm and immersed in the joy of their reunion.

The driver in the driver's seat is a full-time employee assigned by Tianyu International.

"Grandpa, we're here! Be careful. This is where I live. Do you like it?" Lu Xiaoying's voice was light and cheerful, like a happy little bird.

She moved swiftly, opening her own car door first, then quickly walked around to the other side and eagerly opened the car door for Lu Xuan.

At the same time, she thoughtfully extended her other hand and carefully placed it on the top of the car door, afraid that her grandfather might accidentally bump his head.

Lu Xiaoying bent down slightly and gave Lu Xuan a sweet smile inside the car.

Although most of her face was still covered by a mask, her crescent-shaped eyes were already filled with smiles and anticipation.

"Grandpa, since you're in the capital this time, why don't you stay here for a few days to keep Xiaoying company? Hehe."

This meticulous care and heartfelt intimacy were noticed by Gong Qing, the agent standing nearby.

The anxiety caused by company pressure was somewhat eased by this heartwarming scene.

The villa's interior is elegantly and warmly decorated, with excellent natural lighting.

Lu Xuan sat calmly in the center of the living room on the spotless white sofa.

He held a simple porcelain cup in his hand, filled with hot tea that Lu Xiaoying had just diligently brewed. The fragrant aroma of the tea rose slowly with the steam.

After completing what she considered the most important task—making tea—Lu Xiaoying wanted to snuggle up to her grandfather and continue talking.

But then she saw her agent, Gong Qing, give her a quick and serious look.

Lu Xiaoying was slightly taken aback, then gave Lu Xuan a sweet smile: "Grandpa, please sit down and have some tea and rest for a while. I'll go upstairs to change my clothes and come right back down!"

After saying that, she turned and ran up the spiral staircase leading to the second floor, like a light butterfly. The door to the room on the second floor had just gently closed.

Gong Qing clasped her hands together and whispered to Lu Xiaoying, almost pleadingly.

"My dear little aunt, this time I'm not joking!"
Mr. Zhao is already furious. Just show some compassion for me and obey him, okay?

Looking at Lu Xiaoying's still stubborn face, she hurriedly offered what she considered to be the best solution.

"How about this? I assure you, I will personally accompany the old man throughout his stay in the capital, showing him around everywhere and providing him with the best possible hospitality!"
And look, you only go to film during the day. When you finish work and come back, you still have plenty of time in the evening to spend with your grandfather, right?

This way, we can do both without any problems, okay?

Gong Qing felt utterly overwhelmed.

Faced with this powerful and demanding young master who couldn't be scolded or hit, she could only lower herself and almost beg for mercy, hoping he would change his mind.

Lu Xiaoying's fair cheeks remained puffed out, like an inflated pufferfish, radiating an unyielding stubbornness. She stomped her foot: "No way! I won't!"

Seeing her so lacking in manners, Gong Qing's suppressed anger finally erupted.

She took a deep breath, her tone becoming sterner than ever before, leaving no room for compromise.

"Lu Xiaoying! Wake up!"

She practically squeezed each word out from between her teeth, “This time it’s completely different from those small-scale contracts I’ve had before!”
In the past, our partners might have tolerated your tantrums because of your family's connections!

Gong Qing took a step closer, looking directly into Lu Xiaoying's eyes, trying to wake her up with the most blunt words.

"But this time the investor is Minghuang Group! Minghuang Group! Do you understand what those four words mean?"

Before Lu Xiaoying could answer, she gave her answer in an almost desperate tone.

"That's a super behemoth with a market value of trillions!"
It's a behemoth whose sneeze can send the entire industry catching a cold!

Moreover, rumors suggest that they are connected to some incredibly powerful figures whom we can't even imagine, figures whose names we can't even mention!

Gong Qing's voice trembled slightly, a fear stemming from the absolute disparity in power.

"If we dare to breach the contract this time, it won't be as simple as just paying money and apologizing... We'll suffer a terrible fate!"

I, General Manager Zhao, and indeed the entire Tianyu International, cannot afford the consequences!

Seeing that Lu Xiaoying still seemed indifferent and unconcerned, Gong Qing almost lost her temper and blurted out a curse.

"Holy crap! My Miss Lu!"

"You come from a wealthy family, you're out of touch with reality!"
With your family backing you up, hundreds of millions or even billions in breach of contract fees are probably just a number to you, so of course you don't need to worry about it!

“But we ordinary people are different!” Her emotions finally erupted, and her eyes reddened slightly.

"I will be completely blacklisted from this industry, and I will never be able to find a job again. I will be homeless! Do you understand?!"

This time, Lu Xiaoying's attitude finally softened, not because of the terrifyingly high penalty for breach of contract.

As Gong Qing said, for her, it was perhaps just a number that her family could handle.

What truly struck at Lu Xiaoying's weak spot was Gong Qing herself, and the line, "I will end up homeless and be completely blacklisted."

Lu Xiaoying may be naive, but she knows who is good to her.

Along the way, I've gone from being clueless when I first entered the industry to becoming somewhat famous.

Gong Qing, her manager who is both a mentor and a friend, is always by her side, taking care of everything for her, protecting her from the wind and rain, and sometimes spending more time with her than her own family.

In her heart, Sister Qing was already like an older sister to her.

How could she, because of her own willfulness, stand by and watch her beloved sister Qing be pushed into the abyss and have her career ruined?

Lu Xiaoying subconsciously bit her lower lip, her bright eyes filled with unprecedented entanglement and struggle.

On one side is her blood relative, her rarely seen grandfather; on the other side is her sister, Qingjie, who is facing a desperate situation...

Her little mind was a mess at that moment, and for the first time she was experiencing the weight of difficult choices in the adult world.

Seeing that Lu Xiaoying's attitude had finally softened, Gong Qing knew that the time was right.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile of triumph crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by a concerned expression.

In fact, she had already thought of the best solution, but Gong Qing knew that she should never be the one to bring it up first.

Only when this young lady is cornered and has no other options can we present this plan as a "savior" and she will readily accept it.

Now, the time is ripe.

The next second, Gong Qing immediately switched to a tone of surprise and delight, as if a flash of inspiration had struck her, and clapped her hands lightly.

"That's it, Xiaoying! I've thought of a great idea that might be the best of both worlds!"

She leaned closer, her voice carrying just the right amount of seduction: "Look, the old man has finally come all the way to the capital, it's not interesting if he just goes sightseeing, is it?"

"We could totally take him to the film set!"

"Wouldn't it be more meaningful for him to see you looking professional and radiant on set than to just wander around anywhere else?"

"This is an extremely rare opportunity!"

Gong Qing carefully observed Lu Xiaoying's expression and then raised the most crucial point.

"This way, you can see your grandfather all the time and make him proud of you, while also focusing on filming without neglecting anything! What do you think?"

as predicted!

Lu Xiaoying, who had been driven to a dead end and was torn between her own conscience and her own desires,

Upon hearing this "perfect" plan, his previously dim eyes instantly lit up, as if he had seen a glimmer of hope in his desperate situation!
The capital of the Dragon Kingdom, located in the core area within the Second Ring Road.

This is truly prime real estate, home to the city's most exclusive villa district.

The average price of any mansion is calculated in hundreds of millions, making it the most direct symbol of wealth and power.

Inside one of the extremely luxurious villas, the spacious living room was dimly lit.

A man around thirty years old, with delicate features but exuding a sinister aura.

He leaned back casually on the main sofa, while a naked woman with snow-white skin curled up beside him like a pet.

If anyone in the industry were here, they would be shocked to recognize him.

This woman is a top-tier actress who has recently become a sensation, hailed as a national idol, and known for her alluring sexiness.

At this moment, she nestled against this man, utterly devoid of dignity.

On the two sofas next to them, two well-dressed men were also lounging, each with their arms around two beautiful and hot women.

Although they are not top-tier celebrities, they are still quite active on screen and have a considerable number of fans as second-tier actresses.

The air was filled with the ambiguous scent of expensive cigars mixed with perfume.

"Young Master Leng, I heard you've been quite interested in a woman lately?"

A man with slicked-back hair swirled his wine glass, his tone ambiguous, "For this woman, you even personally acted in more than ten episodes."

I've seen the promotional photos; that girl is truly stunning—a perfect nine-headed figure, a swan-like neck, and just the right amount of fullness…she's practically a work of art sculpted by God himself.”

Another man wearing an earring leaned closer and chuckled in a low voice, "The script should be getting to the kissing scene soon, right? You must share your thoughts with us when that happens."

The man known as "Cold Young Master" smiled with an air of certainty, his fingertips lightly tracing the shoulder of the woman in his arms.

"You two have good taste. Once I tame this proud phoenix into a sparrow... I certainly won't forget my brothers."

Finally, he slowly uttered the name that lingered in his heart, his voice filled with a dangerous infatuation.

"Lu, Xiao, Ying... she's a woman with a bit of a background. I love playing these kinds of challenging games."

(End of this chapter)