Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 292 I want to borrow some money from you

The costume fitting for the cast of "My Fair Princess" was successfully completed in the presence of numerous reporters.

The rumors about behind-the-scenes manipulation in the casting process were quickly disproven.

The next day, the newspapers published photos of the cast of "Princess Pearl," along with the start date of filming and the approximate broadcast date.

After seeing these photos, people had a surprisingly consistent opinion: Director Cao really only considered suitability when casting actors.

The photos of these actors have made both male viewers who like beautiful women and female viewers who like handsome men eagerly anticipate the show.

After the widely publicized farce ended, those who wanted to see Cao Jian make a fool of himself were left only with disappointment.

In a large building in Yanjing, Cao Jian was inspecting the surroundings.

“This building is nice. We’ll renovate it right after the New Year, and it will become our base in the mainland.”

The building was newly purchased by Cao Jian. It is located outside the East Second Ring Road in Yanjing, not far from Ritan Park, and in a very good location.

Although the building is not expensive now, Cao Jian knows very well that in this location, it will be worth at least twenty or thirty times more in ten years.

"Honey, how about we buy another villa in Yanjing? It'll be more convenient for us to live there in the future."

Chen Hong has been busy these past two days, and together with Wang Jinghua, they have almost finished the company registration process.

She also knew her husband's future plans; he wanted to buy a villa in Yanjing.

“What’s so great about villas? We should find a courtyard house when we have time. We only come back to stay here occasionally.”

Cao Jian wouldn't have wanted to buy property in Yanjing if it weren't for investment purposes.

But out of affection for Chen Hong, he felt that buying a courtyard house would be a good idea, as it could be considered an investment.

"No courtyard house is as good as living in a villa."

"Then buy them all."

Cao Jian is extremely extravagant now. Why make money if not to spend it?
"Husband, you are so kind."

Chen Hong immediately hugged Cao Jian and kissed him.

But just then, she suddenly felt a little uncomfortable, her stomach churned, and she quickly ran to the side and started to vomit.

"You're pregnant?"

Cao Jian immediately ran over and gently patted Chen Hong's back.

I was planning to surprise you for the New Year, but...

Chen Hong gently stroked her lower abdomen with happiness, then asked, "Honey, do you prefer a boy or a girl?"

"Anything is fine, I like any of the children you give birth to."

Although Cao Jian had two daughters, he had quite a few women.

Although it is said that philandering men prefer to have daughters, he felt that as long as there are many children, they can't all be daughters, right?
"I want to have a son for you."

Chen Hong is very determined to have a son, mainly because if she does have a son, he will be her eldest son.

A mother's status can rise depending on her son.

"You're so beautiful, your son will definitely be very handsome."

Cao Jian chuckled, noting that Chen Hong's figure did indeed suggest she had the potential to bear a son, and asked, "How long has it been?"

"I had some when I went abroad last time."

As Chen Hong spoke, she hesitated for a moment, and finally swallowed back the words about wanting to get married.

With the cast of "My Fair Princess" finalized and the Lunar New Year approaching, Cao Jian plans to return to Hong Kong after the holiday.

Moreover, Yang Yuying happens to be in Yanjing these days, participating in the Spring Festival Gala rehearsals.

Cao Jian's song "Come Home Often" was indeed selected by CCTV and sung with two other male singers.

With Chen Hong, Fan Bingbing, Jia Jingwen, Lin Xinru, and Zhang Baizhi all in Yanjing, this Spring Festival is expected to be quite busy.

That day, as a composer, he was invited to the CCTV building to give instructions on the rehearsal of the song "Come Home Often". As soon as he returned to the company, he saw a girl pacing back and forth at the door.

"Wang Yan, isn't the company already on holiday? Why haven't you gone home yet?"

After the last photoshoot, Cao Jian gave the company a holiday so everyone could go home for the Chinese New Year.

When Wang Yan saw her boss return, she hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and said, "Director Cao, I've been waiting for you. I've come several times, but I haven't seen you yet."

"Wait for me? Why would you wait for me on vacation?"

Cao Jian had a deep impression of this girl, especially the dance she performed back then, which he always remembered.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have signed her to the company.

"Director Cao, I haven't been getting enough rest lately because there's something I just can't figure out: where did I fall short compared to Fan Bingbing? I feel like if I were to play Jin Suo, I wouldn't be any worse than her."

"So that's what happened."

Cao Jian wanted to laugh when he heard what Wang Yan said.

The reason you lost to Fan Bingbing is because that girl was bold enough to call you "brother".

For that alone, you've already lost a round.

Of course, more importantly, the girl in front of me will play Qinggege in the second part of "Princess Pearl".

But Wang Yan didn't know the reason. Seeing that Cao Jian didn't give a reason, she said aggrievedly, "Director Cao, Zeng Li and Dong Jie, who were just signed by the company, both have roles. I don't know what I'm lacking. I've been running bit parts for so many years, and I really want a role that I can be proud of."

Cao Jian deliberately laughed and said, "But all the roles have already been decided, and there's no way to change them."

"Director Cao, is there really no other way?" Wang Yan has been in the entertainment industry for many years and has witnessed all sorts of strange phenomena.

She regretted not following Boss Cao like Li Xiaoran did, otherwise she wouldn't be in such a miserable state now.

However, it's not too late to follow this celebrity director you admire now.

Cao Jian hadn't had lunch yet. He glanced at his watch and deliberately said, "If you could treat me to a meal, maybe there'd be another chance."

"Would you like to have dinner?"

Wang Yan has been playing minor roles for the past two years, and her pay isn't high, so she doesn't have much money.

The man in front of me is already a very wealthy tycoon. What should I treat him to?

"Let's go."

After Cao Jian finished speaking, he got into the car.

Wang Yan wanted to make a phone call to borrow some money from a friend, but she didn't have a cell phone and there wasn't time to find a phone booth, so she had no choice but to bite the bullet and get into Cao Jian's car, while secretly praying that they wouldn't eat anything too expensive.

But things didn't go as planned. The two arrived at a high-end hotel, and Cao Jian ordered all the dishes that looked expensive.

Dishes like ginseng black chicken, roasted pigeon, and sea cucumber with garlic, all look expensive.

"Eat up, the dishes at this hotel are quite good."

Cao Jian noticed the girl's slightly embarrassed expression, so he picked up a roast pigeon for her and deliberately said, "And the price isn't high either; this meal only costs a little over two thousand yuan."

"This isn't expensive?"

Wang Yan was at a loss for words.

He only earns about three thousand yuan a month as an extra in a movie, and he doesn't get to act in movies often.

I also have to go dancing to earn some extra money so that I can make a living in Yanjing.

But you ate almost the entire income of my movie in one meal.

I only have a little over 500 yuan on me right now, which is what I'm saving for going home for the Chinese New Year.

How to do?
The roasted pigeon smelled wonderful, but Wang Yan couldn't taste any flavor in it.

"Wang Yan, who are the members of your family?"

Cao Jian ate a sea cucumber, savoring its fresh and tender texture, and said to Wang Yan, who was having an uncomfortable time eating.

"Dad, Mom, and Grandma."

"Oh."

In her previous life, Qiong Yao was preparing for "Princess Pearl". Ziwei's first choice was Chen Derong, but she had scheduling conflicts and could not participate.

Qiong Yao could only use Wang Yan as her second choice, after all, this girl had been with her for many years but had never taken on a major role.

As it turned out, Wang Yan's grandmother was about to undergo heart bypass surgery, and she had to decline the opportunity in order to take care of her family.

This is why the role of Ziwei fell to Lin Xinru, and it made her an overnight sensation because of this drama.

But Qiong Yao still liked Wang Yan quite a bit, and insisted on having her play Qing Gege in the second installment.

To be honest, Wang Yan brought the character of Qing Gege to life.

"I swear on Xiao Jian's life."

Cao Jian had a very deep impression of this line.

Moreover, this girl gave up the opportunity to play Ziwei in order to take care of her grandmother, which shows that she is very filial and kind.

This is also why Cao Jian didn't flirt with this pretty girl before.

Cao Jian accompanied Wang Yan to dinner this time, intending to reveal his plans later to put the young woman at ease.

As they ate, the two chatted about various interesting things that happened on set. Cao Jian was naturally eloquent, and he made Wang Yan smile from time to time, but she would soon look worried again.

"Never mind, I won't tease her anymore."

Cao Jian was afraid of making the girl anxious, so he excused himself to go to the restroom and paid the bill directly.

"Your forehead is practically scrunched up like a Sichuan character, what are you thinking about?"

When Cao Jian returned, he saw Wang Yan frowning and lost in thought, and laughed, "Are you still upset about not having a role?"

Wang Yan said, "It's not that I'm holding a grudge, it's just that I really want to make money. The years I spent learning dance cost my family a lot of money, and I don't want my parents to work so hard."

"Good girl."

Cao Jian couldn't help but praise you, and said with a smile, "To tell you the truth, I never intended for you to act in the first part of 'Princess Pearl,' because there is a very important role in the second part that is very suitable for you. Moreover, after the New Year, I will arrange other roles for you. As long as you are willing to work hard, you will never run out of roles to play."

"Director Cao, really?"

Wang Yan stared wide-eyed at Cao Jian.

It turned out that this man had already made arrangements for her.

"Have you finished eating? If not, let's go."

Cao Jian stood up, asked the waiter to pack up the remaining food, and then said, "I'll take you home. Get some rest early tonight; you have to catch your train tomorrow."

Wang Yan was surprised that the dignified Boss Cao would pack up the leftovers; it was a bit unbelievable.

But thinking about paying the bill, she still hesitated and said, "Director Cao, I...I...I want to borrow some money from you."

(End of this chapter)