I, the number one master of metaphysics, have achieved legendary status in the entertainment industr

Guo Huai came again, this time alone.

"Mr. Yu, how's your decision?" He sat on the sofa, much more relaxed than last time. "The platform is pushing us hard for that spy project, so we need to finalize the co-production partners as soon as possible."

Yu Tinglan sat behind her desk, toying with a pen in her hand, her expression indifferent: "Producer Guo, I'm very curious, what exactly do you see in us that makes you so eager to bring Jiaxing on board?"

"I was drawn to Jiaxing's capabilities and Mr. Yu's vision," Guo Huai said with a smile. "This project involves a large investment and carries significant risks, requiring an experienced and resourceful company like Jiaxing to shoulder the burden. Moreover..."

He leaned forward and lowered his voice: "I heard that the Star Awards judging committee's overall impression of Jaywalk Studio lately... is a bit complicated. If this project succeeds, it will be both a performance achievement and a demonstration of our attitude. It can help Jaywalk Studio salvage a lot of goodwill."

"Impression points?" Yu Tinglan raised an eyebrow. "Because of Lu Fan?"

"President Yu is a sensible person." Guo Huai shrugged. "Some things are understood without being said. The Zhou family has made it clear that anyone who helps Lu Fan is going against them. Everyone has seen how you took care of Lu Fan before, President Yu. Cutting ties now will at least save face."

Yu Tinglan remained silent for a while, twirling the pen between her fingers.

"I've reviewed the project proposal; the budget and team are indeed excellent," she said slowly. "But I need to change one condition."

"Please speak."

"Co-production is fine, but Jiaxing must have the right to recommend the main characters." Yu Tinglan looked at him, "At least two important supporting roles must be played by my people."

Guo Huai's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes flickered: "President Yu, isn't this a bit against the rules? The casting decision usually rests with the production company and the director..."

"Then there's nothing to discuss." Yu Tinglan slammed her pen down on the table, making a crisp sound. "Producer Guo, we're all sensible people. You're not coming to me because you really need Jiaxing's investment; you want me to make a statement and completely sever ties with Lu Fan. I can make a statement, but Jiaxing can't bear this reputation for nothing—there has to be some real benefit."

Guo Huai stared at Yu Tinglan for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled: "President Yu is indeed straightforward. Fine, I can try to get the two supporting role recommendation rights. But President Yu also needs to give me a definite answer—what are your plans regarding Lu Fan?"

"I will issue a formal statement after the studio open day," Yu Tinglan said calmly, "explaining the investigation results of the jade pendant incident and Jiaxing's stance on it. Is that enough?"

"That's enough, that's enough." Guo Huai stood up with satisfaction. "Then it's settled. I'll have someone send the contract over tomorrow."

After seeing Guo Huai off, Yu Tinglan stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, watching Guo Huai get into his car and leave downstairs.

She took out her phone and sent Lu Fan a message: "The fish has taken the bait. The terms are agreed, two supporting roles."

Lu Fan quickly replied: "Received. The open day will proceed as planned."

Yu Tinglan looked at the brief message, her finger hovering over the screen for a moment before typing another line: "Has the crack in the jade pendant gotten a bit bigger?"

This time, almost a minute passed before Lu Fan replied: "It's alright. The deeper the crack, the more severe the backlash."

Yu Tinglan stared at that sentence, took a soft breath, locked her phone, and put it back in her pocket.

……

The third day, evening.

Lu Fan's studio open day is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The location is on the twelfth floor of Boss Han's office building. After several days of renovation and arrangement, the originally bare space has been completely transformed.

The minimalist and modern decor is divided into an office area, a meeting room, a lounge, and a small exhibition area. The exhibition area displays photos of Lu Fan since his debut, award certificates, and some commemorative items—including the jade pendant that is currently at the center of a media storm, placed in a specially made glass display case. Under the light, the fine crack is faintly visible in the warm luster.

At 6:30 p.m., media and invited guests began to arrive one after another.

To many people's surprise, there were more people than expected.

While it couldn't compare to the bustling scene at the opening of a top celebrity's studio, it wasn't exactly deserted either. Several media outlets with good relations with Yu Tinglan came, representatives from several brands she had previously collaborated with were also there, and even two independent film critics known in the industry for their outspokenness.

Boss Han also came in person, dressed in casual clothes, wandering around the exhibition hall with his hands behind his back, occasionally nodding to people he knew, showing no particular attitude.

However, observant individuals noticed that security in the building had been significantly strengthened. Several burly men in black suits and wearing communicators were now stationed at the entrance, eyeing each person entering with wary expressions.

At 6:50, Lu Fan appeared.

He wore a well-tailored dark gray suit, a white shirt, and no tie. He looked a bit thinner, but in good spirits, with his usual calm smile on his face, showing no sign of the dejection or anxiety caused by being besieged by the entire internet.

He greeted Boss Han first, and the two stood in a corner and whispered for a few words. Boss Han patted him on the shoulder and said something. Lu Fan nodded and then walked to the center of the exhibition hall.

The media cameras immediately focused on him.

"Thank you all for coming today." Lu Fan's voice carried through the exhibition hall through the microphone. It wasn't loud, but it was clear and steady. "The studio officially opens today. I hope you will continue to support us in the future."

It was a very standard opening, nothing special.

Next was a brief introduction, during which Lu Fan led everyone on a tour of the studio and answered questions about future plans. Throughout the tour, he remained composed and did not mention any of the recent online controversies.

Until we reached the jade pendant display case.

Finally, a reporter couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Mr. Lu, regarding this jade pendant and the recent accusations made by Mr. Li Chen online, do you have any response to?"

The exhibition hall fell silent instantly.

All cameras and eyes were focused on Lu Fan.

Lu Fan stood beside the display case, looking at the jade pendant inside, and remained silent for a few seconds.

Then, he raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the reporters and guests present, and slowly began to speak:

"This jade pendant was left to me by my master, and I wore it for over ten years. Two years ago, on the night I rescued someone in South Korea, I did accidentally lose it. Later, Mr. Yu found it and returned it to its rightful owner. As for Mr. Li Chen..."

He paused, his tone remaining calm: "I respect everyone who speaks out. But all I can say is that I was the one who saved President Yu. As for the rest, time will tell."

This response was impeccable—it contained neither fierce rebuttal nor weakness, but simply a calm statement of the facts as it was believed to be true.