Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 512 Who can keep this little thought from?
(P.S. See the author's note at the end of this chapter.)
"Mr. Lu, welcome to my home for dinner." Uncle Jing, born in 60, is currently in his prime and greeted his guest very politely at the door.

It wasn't that he was "approachable," but rather that, given Boss Lu's social status and the level of his daily interactions, Uncle Jing wasn't even among the top few.

Moreover, today is a banquet, and the host must show courtesy and warmth, since the theme of today is gratitude.

Thanks to Mr. Lu, my niece Jing Tian has achieved her initial dream of entering the entertainment industry and becoming a well-known actress through this steady and methodical approach.

In this life, Da Tiantian is indeed only somewhat famous, known as the "Campus Belle of Beijing Film Academy Class of 06" and "Chu Yuxun", and has more than 500 million Weibo followers.

But those in the Jing family who are involved in politics can see that this kind of gradual accumulation is the most stable and sustainable approach.

Her career trajectory in the entertainment industry is similar to that of Zhong Xiaoai in "In the Name of the People," starting as the deputy director of a certain office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, accumulating anti-corruption experience through participation in special inspection teams, rather than directly assuming important positions.
Jing Tian debuted with the label of "campus belle," much like the "selected graduate from a prestigious university" status in a cadre's resume. This not only provides her with a basic halo but also avoids the backlash from excessive exposure of resources, thus avoiding the curse of not becoming famous in her previous life.

The banquet was held in a secluded courtyard house, and the round table was filled with exquisite Huaiyang cuisine, clearly indicating that Jing Tian had been consulted and the guests' tastes had been taken into consideration.

Besides Lu Kuan and his wife, and Jing Tian, ​​only Uncle Jing and his wife, and Jing Tian's mother were present today.

"Mr. Lu, let me say a few words." Uncle Jing stood up with a smile and said politely, "Two years ago, Tian Tian said she was interested in being an actress. I asked a young friend to help her get into the industry, which was partly to protect her and partly to guide her. In the end, she found you."

"The result is self-evident. Our whole family, including her, is very happy and satisfied. You've put in a lot of effort these past few years."

“Jing Tian’s father flew to the United States on the second day of the Lunar New Year to attend to business. As his uncle, I would like to express our gratitude on behalf of the whole family. Let me first raise this glass to you!”

Lu Kuan also politely stood up, exchanged a few pleasantries, and everyone chatted and ate casually, occasionally laughing and joking, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

The meal was a series of polite exchanges, and with officials present, it proceeded rather uneventfully.

After dinner, the men went to the study to chat, while the women sat on the sofa and talked about everyday things.

Holding Liu Yifei's hand, Jing's mother looked at her pregnant belly and said enviously, "I often tell Jing Tian, ​​you can be a star, but you can't be willful when it comes to important life events."

"Look, Yifei is a very decisive person. She accomplished a major life event at a young age, and won't she be able to steadily build her career in the future?"

In her heart, Da Tiantian thought to herself, "Do you all think everyone is as lucky as her, to meet someone so young..."

"If you keep using Sister Sisi to put me down, I'll drag her out for a walk. She's just saying things I don't like to hear!"

Liu Yifei smiled and said, "Many things depend on fate. Haven't we heard that Wang Jianlin's son and Tiantian have been in a lot of contact lately?"

"Why bring up something you shouldn't talk about!" Jing Tian gently patted her, then helplessly turned to her mother and aunt's curious and inquiring gazes: "Wang Sicong invited me to go to the premiere of 'Under the Hawthorn Tree.' It's so sweet; he's asked me to go several times already."

The overconfident Si Cong, unaware that he had already transformed into a sycophant, sought out Wu Ershan, a director signed with Wanda Media, and frantically absorbed knowledge of camera angles, composition, and color, all so he could have something to boast about later.

Women tend to gossip when they get together. Aunt Jing smiled and said, "Old Wang is your father's friend of many years and he's very supportive of your uncle's work. Just be polite."

"However, we have also inquired and found that his son has a better reputation compared to other second-generation real estate developers. He is studying diligently at the University of London and has not caused any trouble."

When Uncle Jing took office in 2008, Wanda opened its first store in Lijiacun, Xi'an in May of that year. This was Xi'an's first true shopping center, ushering in the era of commercial complexes in the area.

Next up is the Minleyuan Wanda project, which has already been agreed upon and is expected to officially open in December this year.

These two plazas alone represent a total investment of 60 billion yuan, directly creating more than 8000 jobs, including those in commercial operations and property services.

If this were an election in North America, this guy would be treated like a godfather by the congressmen.

Jing Tian knew what her family meant. Just as she had told Liu Yifei, she didn't have much ill will towards Wang Sicong, but she certainly didn't like him either.

She said stubbornly, "These things are all about fate. I'm only 22 years old, why am I in such a hurry to date?"

Aunt Jing and Mother Jing exchanged a glance, thinking to themselves, "You really intend to continue in this line of work? Just have your fun!"

For daughters of officials, having a career they like is great, but marriage is what their elders are truly concerned about.

In fact, according to Jing Tian's father's idea, it would be better to find an Olympic champion or a top athlete, just like the Huo family in Hong Kong, so that at least one of them would be physically good.

Why do officials and wealthy families prefer to hire athletes?

Because external material conditions will not be lacking for generations, but athletes with superior genes need to be selected to improve the health level of several generations.

With the added endorsement of national credit, they are certainly excellent candidates for marriage.

Aunt Jing was quite concerned about her niece's thoughts. At least Wang Sicong was a candidate to consider, especially considering that his father's Wanda Group was growing bigger and bigger, showing a trend of spreading like wildfire.

"Sweetie, what do you think of that Xiao Wang? Can we try being friends for a while?"

"Besides your childhood playmates and people in your circle, you don't have many close friends like Yifei, do you?"

Today, Xiao Liu has come to understand the helplessness of the daughters of wealthy families in ancient times. Although the Jing family is relatively democratic, such matters are obviously inevitable during holidays and festivals.

Ordinary families start urging marriage after college graduation, but wealthy families start planning marriages much earlier because it involves further integration of resources behind the scenes.

"I didn't feel anything. He does know a lot about movies, talking about films and directors from European countries, but I always felt like he was just reciting a memorized text."

Jing Tian paused for a moment, hesitated for two seconds, and then said something that really hit home: "And he looks a bit... well, in short, not very appealing."

Well's mother chuckled: "Why do men need to be so good-looking? As long as they have ability and charisma, their faces are irrelevant."

Da Tiantian said expressionlessly, "It's not that he has to be handsome like Teacher Lu, but his face is too distracting. He looks like a college student who just came out of an internet cafe after spending the night there."

During her freshman year, she had seen some of the boys in her class who stayed up all night looking unkempt and disheveled, and Wang Sicong was no better off.

Xiao Liu watched the show from the sidelines, smiling to himself with his eyes narrowed. He treated it as an opportunity to experience Jing Tian's character's life today, thinking that maybe he would have similar scenes in some future roles.

When Aunt Jing heard her mention Lu Kuan, she couldn't help but glance at Liu Yifei's face and scolded her, "You're really something. His wife is sitting right here. Is it appropriate for you to say such things?"

"Oh? It's nothing, it's nothing! She's just praising Lu Kuan!" Xiao Liu laughed. "But I don't really think he's that handsome, just average, haha."

Da Tian Tian wanted to roll her eyes at him, thinking, "He got the benefit but is still acting innocent!"
You act like everyone's seen you when you're being infatuated, it's shameless!
Jing's mother had no patience for playing along with her daughter anymore. She put down her teacup with a light touch and said, "The premiere of 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' is on February 14th. Why don't you go and support it with that Xiao Wang? It's good for peers to get to know each other better and become friends. What's there to be afraid of?"

Jing Tian scoffed: "I was going to go that day anyway. If he, a nobody from Wanda, has the nerve to come, so be it."

Everyone laughed when they heard this, because of Jing Tian, ​​everyone knew about the current competitive relationship between Wanda and Wenjie.

"Who's shameless?"

As Uncle Jing and Lu Kuan strolled out of the study, they happened to hear Jing Tian's teasing voice coming from the living room.

Lu Kuan had already taken off his suit jacket and draped it over his arm, while the cuffs of his shirt were rolled up to the middle of his forearm, revealing his well-defined wrists.

His gaze first fell on Liu Yifei on the sofa. Seeing her winking at him while holding a glass of honey water, the corners of his mouth unconsciously relaxed.

When Da Tiantian saw the two of them come out, she smiled broadly: "Uncle, you and Teacher Lu are done already? Why didn't you chat for a while longer?"

"His wife, Xiao Liu, is pregnant and needs to go home and rest early," Uncle Jing said with a smile. "No matter how enthusiastic you are, you can't delay their important business."

"I won't be late, because I'm going back with them tonight, haha!"

The mother said sternly, "Don't be so inconsiderate. Who goes to other people's homes during the New Year?" Then she looked at the couple apologetically.

Liu Yifei hugged Jing Tian: "She told me this morning that we'd watch a movie together at home tonight. We're going to watch a horror movie, since neither of us is too scared to watch it, haha!"

Two people who are both bad at games but love to have fun.

Uncle Jing hoped that his niece could get closer to this young man, especially after their long talk tonight.

However, we still had to be polite on the surface. "Mr. Lu, Tian Tian has disturbed your time together as a couple. If you find her annoying, just tell her to leave. Otherwise, this girl can be shameless sometimes."

Xiao Liu chuckled to himself, thinking how shameless Da Tiantian was, like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

I won't do anything, but at least I can stay closer to you two!
This deliberate approach, made overtly obvious from a long time ago, prevented Liu Yifei from becoming wary of her, especially since she had already figured it out.

“Okay, definitely.” Lu Kuan smiled, without any hint of politeness. “But Xiao Liu has been quite bored at home lately, so it would be good for Jing Tian and her friends to visit more often.”

He helped his wife up: "Then we'll take our leave now. Thank you for your hospitality tonight!"

Aunt Jing stood up at the right moment and adjusted her shawl: "Mr. Lu, won't you sit down for a while? Consort Yi is feeling unwell, so please take your time."

"Let's go, let's go," Liu Yifei said with a smile. "We still need to hurry back to watch the movie!"

The family saw the three off, and after a meal, the daughter was eaten up. It's the middle of the Lunar New Year, and they're still running around visiting other people's homes. It's really worrying.

In the courtyard, Boss Lu, dressed in a dark gray overcoat, with a tall and slender figure, held the car door with one hand and steadily supported Liu Yifei's lower back with the other, his movements gentle yet firm.

Once she was settled, Lu Kuan turned around and nodded to the people who had come to see her off: "Stay a while, let's get together again sometime."

"Okay, walk slowly."

A night breeze swept by, ruffling the hem of his overcoat and revealing the impeccably tailored suit underneath. He exuded a calm and composed aura, as if even the chill of the winter night made way for him.

The Volvo XC90 slowly drove away. Uncle Jing stood on the steps of the villa courtyard. The red lanterns under the eaves swayed gently in the night wind, casting his shadow long and short.

"You have to come to Beiping. If you don't come to Beiping, how can you meet young people like this?"

Aunt Jing and Mrs. Jing were both taken aback by his sudden sigh. The former inquired, "What did you talk about in the study?"

"Hehe, we can talk about anything and everything, you don't need to know." Even with his closest family members, Uncle Jing would keep his mouth shut and not reveal a single word.

On a smaller scale, this reflects the prudence of someone destined for great things; one must never let trivial family matters ruin things.

On a larger scale, not telling them is also out of a sense of protection and a desire to safeguard them.

Uncle Jing wasn't one to be deliberately serious. Perhaps realizing his riddle was a bit of a mood killer, he turned his head and asked with a smile, "So what did you two talk about? How was Mrs. Lu, Mr. Lu's wife?"

Aunt Jing glared: "You don't need to know, right, Tian Tian's mother—"

When she turned her head, she saw her sister-in-law's gaze still following the departing taillights, and she sighed softly, "Sweetie was right, that Director Lu is indeed..."

She paused, seemingly choosing her words carefully, "Too outstanding."

Aunt Jing came from a good family and married a man with a successful career. She was an outgoing person and couldn't help but tease, "Sweetie also praised her teacher, Mr. Lu, saying he was good in every way. You, as his mother, are the same! You two are something else!"

Jing Tian's mother waved her hand: "Seeing is believing. With such grace and poise, it's no wonder your niece thinks everyone else is lacking."

She said helplessly, "How can someone who is constantly in contact with people like that, seeing their career, their art, their family, possibly have any room for others?"

This worried old mother, just like Liu Xiaoli, couldn't help but sigh inwardly, wondering if her daughter's constant visits to other people's places were actually not what she truly wanted.

You only guessed half right.

Aunt Jing found it amusing: "Haha! It's too late even if it's good. Someone else has already gotten there first. Their twins are about to be born."

Her husband, who rarely talked about such gossip with his family, suddenly started talking too.

"It is indeed too late. If it had been a few years earlier... well, it wouldn't have mattered anyway," Uncle Jing chuckled, seemingly finding it pointless, and cut the subject short.

"Hey? Don't leave things unsaid! What's wrong with a few years ago?" Aunt Jing looked at him with displeasure.

"Lu Kuan is excellent, but a few years ago he was just a fledgling director. With Tian Tian's looks and figure, and our family background, we're not good enough for him?"

Uncle Jing glanced at his wife but didn't say anything. He had thought the same thing before today.

However, during their cryptic "chat" tonight, he effortlessly unraveled the complex situation, subtly revealing his own background and predicting future trends.

Regardless of whether his predictions about the future will come true, his insightful observation skills alone are astonishing.

This is completely different from what Uncle Jing had imagined. Ordinary film directors and artists are two completely different faces, specializing in different things.

He turned to walk inside, but seeing his wife and sister-in-law standing there staring at him, he stopped and said with a sigh:

"Some people are destined to stand out from the crowd and lead an era, whether in the halls of power or in the common world."

“Even when he was just starting out, families like ours were not an asset to him, but a liability.”

“Once he is labeled or associated with a faction, it limits his horizons and becomes a constraint for him.”

Moonlight filtered through the branches of the trees in the courtyard, casting dappled shadows on his face. Uncle Jing's gaze was deep and far-reaching, as if piercing through the brick wall in front of him.

There were some realities he couldn't say, but if this young man, who would only be thirty in two years, continued to develop like this, even if his own niece offered herself to him, he might not even be interested in him.

This does not refer to emotional inclination, but merely to the overall comparison of the strength of wealthy families in terms of "marrying someone of equal social standing".

Besides, who could possibly hide Jing Tian's little secret?
"Tell Tian Tian not to keep running around to other people's places; it's not good for her." In the end, Uncle Jing didn't cruelly push his niece into a "fire pit."

Since there's no possibility left, and it's impossible to sacrifice her for a deal, let's not let her get too deeply involved.

Aunt Jing asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by this? Didn't you say before that you wanted Tian Tian to spend more time with Lu Kuan and his wife, saying it was a good thing?"

Uncle Jing chuckled inwardly and gave a muddled answer:
"It's good for us, but not for her."

Then, as if remembering something, she said, "Wang Jianlin's son has a decent reputation, right? Let's get to know him. Whether he likes her or not is his own business, but we have to give him face."

Mother Jing nodded: "I understand, I will talk to her."

……

This topic continued throughout the Spring Festival, which quickly came to an end.

On February 3, 2009, the third day after the Spring Festival holiday, Wuyue Culture Media, which had been approved before the holiday, was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

(End of this chapter)