Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 155 The Rice Is Already Cooked

It was past nine o'clock at night when the dinner ended, and the director and several key members of the production team were quite drunk.

Gu Jingyi was the only one who didn't drink much throughout the entire event, as he was preoccupied with catching his flight back to Xiamen that night.

It was still early, so Gu Jingyi leisurely scrolled through his phone, waiting for Lin Ze to come and pick him up.

The news of supporting Tian Xiwei today has already swept Weibo's trending topics, and "Waiting for You in the Long Time" has gained unprecedented popularity.

The Weibo hot search was dominated by "Gu Jingyi surprises the new drama press conference" and "Gu Jingyi looks absolutely stunning in a black suit".

Anyone who clicks in will at least see the title of Tian Xiwei's new drama.

Gu Jingyi thought for a moment, then posted a photo of the hotpot she ate today with a tag on Weibo.

[Gu Jingyi (Red V)]: Having dinner with the production team. I heard the new drama premiered today. Let's watch it together, fellow drama buffs (pinky promise).

As soon as the Weibo post was published, Gu Jingyi was immediately blocked by tens of thousands of comments.

When he clicked in again, the fans seemed to be talking about things unrelated to this.

[Gu Jingyi's non-celebrity girlfriend]: My brother looks so handsome in the behind-the-scenes footage of "Kuai Ge"! I've already bought the original comic. Let's all watch it together and wait for my brother's new movie to be released.

[Gu Jingyi's Runaway Wife]: I didn't see my brother in the behind-the-scenes photos from the "Kuai Ge" crew yesterday, so I'm not happy. I'm waiting for Jingbao to come back, and I'm filling the void left by his absence by watching the fan site's posts every day.

[Your Emperor Jing, Unbridled Arrogance]: Jingyi, why don't you show off your handsome face when you post on Weibo? You know, these kinds of advertising posts will never have the same impact on fans as your face.

Seeing that Gu Jingyi's expression wasn't good, Tian Xiwei also went over to take a look for a while.

Gu Jingyi turned off the screen and took her hand.

"Come on, I'll take you back."

“Okay,” Tian Xiwei nodded. She couldn’t be bothered to argue with those people; she should spend her time on meaningful people.

Even if she doesn't log into her own fan club's Weibo account, she can guess that a lot of people in her "friends circle" are criticizing Tian Xiwei.

"toot toot"

The dual WeChat accounts that Tian Xiwei had created were constantly being tagged, and at a quick glance, the latest thing she saw was fans cursing at her.

[Gu Jingyi's non-celebrity wife]: Ahhh, Sister Tian, ​​are you there? Why did Jingyi go to Beijing? Why is he supporting a newcomer actor?

[Jingxing Yisheng]: Hehe, do you even need to ask? My brother was taken there by Tencent; they want to make her the "Crown Princess." What can he resist? My brother is truly pitiful!

[Jingbao Jingbao]: Huace is truly heartless! Don't you know my brother is a workaholic? He hates being associated with scandals, so why force him to attend this kind of event? The thought of him having to take a red-eye flight back to Xiamen to film makes my heart ache even more! Tian Xiwei, this nobody, doesn't even deserve it! A newcomer getting carried by a top star. These "resource-backed" celebrities are disgusting! Boycott them!

Tian Xiwei grew inexplicably angry as she looked at them, even though she recognized most of the insulting nicknames. She had fought alongside them before and knew how crazy these female fans could be.

But you only feel the pain when the knife touches your skin.

Why keep tagging her? Do you expect her, the victim, to come out and curse along?
What are you thinking, kid?

What could Xiaotian think? She chose to hold onto Gu Jingyi's arm and stroll slowly in the afterglow of the streetlights.

One step, two steps, three steps

Yahoo! Great! Gu Jingyi didn't refuse; he indulged him!
This discovery brought a sweet smile to her lips; the more she interacted with Gu Jingyi, the more she discovered his good qualities.

He is excellent and self-aware, yet he respects differences.

He often says he's boring and his private life is dull. In reality, however, he has a rich inner world and doesn't get caught up in uncertain speculation.

He shines whenever he's doing what he loves.

Please, she's such a nice person.

It's like a dream to be walking with her now.

Previously, there was always a barrier between her and Gu Jingyi; he was a dazzling superstar. And she could only stand outside that threshold, quietly watching him.

Entering the industry was indeed the right decision; she was finally bathed in the bright moonlight.

The bright moon still hung high, yet it illuminated her.

Thinking of this, Tian Xiwei couldn't help but cup her face and giggle foolishly.

"what are you laughing at?"

"It's nothing, hehe." Tian Xiwei turned her face away so that Gu Jingyi wouldn't see the corners of her mouth that were practically pointing to the sky.

She must not let her naive nature be discovered; she must strive to maintain a dignified and elegant image in front of Gu Jingyi.

“Jingyi, I can’t go to your offline events recently. We have to do a door-to-door tour for ‘Waiting for You in the Long Time’ and I also have to cooperate with the crew on some promotional activities for the drama.”

Gu Jingyi gave a helpless twitch of his lips. "Are you sure you've really been following any offline events lately?"

From the moment we entered the circle, everything was accelerated.

It seems everyone is busy with their own careers and striving for their future.

Even the radiant Tian Xiwei has her limits.

Gu Jingyi fully understands and supports every decision she makes.

"By the way, why did you send me a little bit of pastry and a big bag of dried meat?"

Tian Xiwei tilted her head and said, "I was really shocked when I went to open the package. I initially thought you had emptied the entire pastry shop."

"Female celebrities also need to manage their figures. If you really send me so many short-shelf-life snacks, I'm going to gain ten pounds, just like with those peanut cheese cookies!"

Gu Jingyi chuckled lightly, "This is a strategy. If I really told you everything from the beginning, wouldn't there be no surprise? Why would I do something so tasteless?"

"Hehe, to be honest, I was really surprised to see so much jerky. I love eating it! How did you know I love this?"

"Of course I know, you probably can't find a meat dish you don't like, right?"

Gu Jingyi was absolutely certain that no one knew Xiaotian's taste in snacks better than him.

He clearly remembered talking to Tian Xiwei on the phone after the show. Her mouth never stopped, chattering away with him.

In the end, Gu Jingyi, who had already lay down to rest, couldn't sleep well either.

Seeing how much he enjoyed his meal, he got out of bed and made himself a bowl of instant noodles.

Male celebrities' disciplined daily routines are so outdated!

"Gu Jingyi, I should be able to come and celebrate your birthday!"

Seeing that Gu Jingyi was somewhat silent, Tian Xiwei added another sentence.

"It's okay, no need. I'll probably be doing a movie promotion tour at that time. If you come with me, it'll be very tiring, and I don't even know where I'll be next."

Gu Jingyi waved his hand in refusal; he didn't like to trouble others.

For him, birthdays are more of a symbol. Being a celebrity means every move is magnified under the spotlight, and he'll most likely spend his birthday with his fans.

Moreover, September 29, 2018 was Gu Jingyi's 20th birthday.

Without a doubt, Huace will definitely celebrate this important day with its fans through a meet-and-greet.

Chris once hosted a paid live stream for fans on his birthday, where fans had to pay to watch the full version.

Gu Jingyi wouldn't do such a thing, but the fan meeting will still be held as scheduled according to the normal procedure.

If Tian Xiwei really comes to celebrate his birthday, it will be tiring for her to travel such a long distance and not be able to give a specific date.

"Why?" Tian Xiwei asked, somewhat unhappy.

"Because the movie 'Take My Brother Away' is about to be released, it has been scheduled for the Mid-Autumn Festival period. Actually, it was originally planned to be released during the National Day period, but Director Zheng took a look at the other movies released at the same time and decided to give it up."

The films released during the 2018 National Day holiday were a battle of titans:
Directed by Chuang Wen-keung and starring Chow Yun-fat and Aaron Kwok, "Project Gutenberg" initially accounted for about 20% of screenings. It grossed 6.8 million yuan during the National Day holiday and has a total box office of 12.7 billion yuan, making it a dark horse of the year.

Meanwhile, comedies like "Li Cha's Aunt," produced by Happy Mama, which are suitable for all ages, also have their own established audience.

Zhang Yimou's "Shadow" was also released during the National Day holiday, and it is expected to gross 4.5 million yuan at the box office during the holiday.

Even among similar campus youth films, there's Guo Jingming's "Cry Me a Sad River." Although its reviews were lukewarm, it still garnered over 100 million yuan at the box office thanks to its novel subject matter (campus setting in the 80s).

"Take My Brother Away" is just a low-budget youth campus movie, and the only thing that can attract audiences to watch the movie is the top star Gu Jingyi.

The key point is that during National Day, a time for family celebration, the decision-making power in choosing a movie often rests with the parents. They either choose films by Zhang Yimou or Chow Yun-fat, or films by Happy Twist.

Want to seize control of the narrative? Wait another decade or so!

Instead of releasing the film during peak season, "Take My Brother Away" could work to expedite the licensing process and secure a release during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

If Xiao Zhan could win the "Mid-Autumn Festival box office champion" with "Jade Dynasty" with Meng Meizhi, there's no reason why the crew of "Take My Brother Away" can't do the same.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, only a few animation IPs, such as "Avatar", were released in the same period.

It's foreseeable that Gu Jingyi's birthday will clash with his roadshow and fan meeting.

However, it is undoubtedly worthwhile to move up the release date by one week and use these promotional events to achieve good results for the male lead in his first film.

"Xiaotian, I'll come over to celebrate your birthday in October."

Gu Jingyi suddenly stopped and called her name. Their eyes met, and he looked at Tian Xiwei.

Tian Xiwei's heart, which had already secretly harbored feelings for someone, suddenly became somewhat out of control. It pounded wildly, as if a beat had been missed.

Honestly, Gu Jingyi, you're so annoying. Why do you have to say things that people can't resist at a time like this...?

Ah, we're too close. No, Gu Jingyi, move away from me...

As Tian Xiwei looked at that aloof and noble face, which was so close to her, her breathing became completely disordered.

To be honest, Gu Jingyi is really handsome. His eyebrows are exceptionally handsome, a rarity among male celebrities, and his captivating eyes are full of affection. When he looks down at someone, he seems to want to say something but doesn't.

His hairstyle is also very cool; dyeing his hair black hasn't affected his good looks at all. Although he's lost the signature smoky gray hair from the draft days, he looks even more genuinely handsome.

Just like the high school crush that everyone had in high school. The moon remains aloof, yet it's now at a level where passersby dare to harbor fantasies.

Everything about Gu Jingyi was perfect in her eyes. Even a glance or a tone of voice made Tian Xiwei willing to offer her heart and dedicate her love and loyalty.

"It seems you have a different opinion," Gu Jingyi said with a hint of a smile.

"Since Oda-kun has other plans for his birthday, then I'll just..."

Before Gu Jingyi could finish speaking, he sensed a murderous aura.

The next second, Tian Xiwei bit his hand.

"Hey, Xiaotian. That's not fair! A gentleman uses words, not fists. Why bite someone when you can't win an argument?"

Gu Jingyi tried to shake his arm, but it didn't budge.

I simply put my finger in her mouth, like turning a key. With a burst of strength, I easily broke free.

"Because I... really hope you can come!"

Tian Xiwei looked up at Gu Jingyi with her little face upturned.

Her small face, no bigger than the palm of a hand, was covered with facial features.

"Alright, since you're so eager to do this, then I'll play matchmaker for you today and grant your little wish."

Gu Jingyi pointed to the crescent moon hanging in mid-air and smiled.

"Then, may I make another wish?"

"It might not work. The Old Man Under the Moon doesn't like greedy children. You've already made one wish; you can't make a second one."

Gu Jingyi shook his head and softly refused.

"Okay... then I won't make a wish to the Old Man Under the Moon. I'll make a wish to Gu Jingyi, okay?"

Tian Xiwei clung to Gu Jingyi's arm, refusing to let go, her two soft mounds sinking into it.

Under the influence of a beautiful woman, most men would find it difficult to say "no".

Gu Jingyi, being a normal man, smiled and nodded. He patted Tian Xiwei's head and said generously, "Then make one more wish, really the last one for today."

"Didi"

Lin Ze's Chevrolet had arrived; it was the car Gu Jingyi had bought for him.

His own Bentley limousine is rather ostentatious; its license plate and interior have never been a secret.

Gu Jingyi only allowed Lin Ze to drive that car to some public events.

This Chevrolet has an understated exterior and is comfortable to sit in.

He had already bought it and allowed Lin Ze to hold events in private settings.

"Get in the car first," Gu Jingyi said, withdrawing his large hand from Tian Xiwei's head.

"But..." Tian Xiwei was somewhat displeased.

“It’s okay, the promise still stands. You can make your promise slowly in the van. And I will always be there.”

Gu Jingyi's eyes were filled with her image, and Tian Xiwei was helped into the car by him as if in a dream.

Sitting in the comfortable leather seat, Tian Xiwei suddenly felt a little scared that everything tonight would be like Cinderella's pumpkin carriage.

After midnight, when the church bells rang, Cinderella had to part ways with the prince, and everything returned to square one.

What's more heartbreaking than two parallel lines that never existed is an intersecting line that briefly crossed and then separated.

From the moment they intersect, they drift apart an infinite number of times.

But she didn't want it to be like this.

Gu Jingyi

"Ok?"

After his brief response, Tian Xiwei, sitting next to him, blinked her large eyes beneath her long eyelashes.

Her eyes seemed to hold countless tiny hooks, and she tilted her head to look at Gu Jingyi with a flirtatious gaze.

"I have another wish. Do you want to know what it is?"

"What is it?"

Tian Xiwei leaned on his shoulder as if approving of Gu Jingyi's cooperation. Then she leaned close to Gu Jingyi's ear.

He said in a very soft voice, "I want to be your girlfriend... so my second wish is to go home with you tonight..."

Tian Xiwei's voice was slightly hoarse, but upon closer inspection, one could sense that she was trembling.

But the tone of her voice was very sweet and extremely captivating. In addition, the two of them were very close, and the breath she blew when she spoke made my ears itch.

"........."

Gu Jingyi turned his head to look into Tian Xiwei's eyes; the two were already very close.

They were face to face, close enough that he could kiss her anytime he wanted.

Tian Xiwei blushed and her heart pounded under his gaze, as if she were melting in front of him.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Jingyi suddenly pursed his lips and smiled.

Whispering into Tian Xiwei's ear, he said, "It's really unfortunate, I guess I'll be going home today."

Before the other person's smile could fade, he looked into Tian Xiwei's eyes and added:
"Of course, with you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Tian Xiwei cut him off. She wrapped her arms around Gu Jingyi's neck and kissed him passionately, as if asserting her ownership.

Lin Ze silently sped up and drove Gu Jingyi to her hotel.

The two were almost touching in the same room when the door was slammed shut.

Clothes fell to the ground one by one, and the air was filled with the smell of hormones.

A young couple leaned against each other, having a deep conversation.

Gu Jingyi pressed Tian Xiwei's smooth back against the bed, and his mind played electronic fireworks all night long.

(End of this chapter)