Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

I'll save a spot for you in Chapter 117.

After discussing Fan Binbin's matter, Li Zongming took out another document from his briefcase.

"Boss, Binbin's situation is pretty much on track. Now it's your turn."

"Hmm?" Zheng Hui looked up at him.

Li Zongming pushed the document in front of Zheng Hui: "Hunan TV has sent another invitation."

Zheng Hui took the document: "Is it still 'Happy Camp'?"

"Not only that, their station also has a very popular program called 'Music Never Stops Concert,' and they also sent us an invitation."

"Music Never Stops Fan Meeting"

Zheng Hui recognized the name. It was one of the earliest music programs in China that focused on live performances by singers and interaction with fans. In terms of format, it was very similar to the fan meetings of later generations. Singing a few songs and interspersing some interviews and games with the host would be part of the program. It required a high level of singing skills from the singers, but it was also the most effective way to attract fans.

"The idea from their production team is that these two programs can be filmed in one trip, which is very efficient."

Zheng Hui pondered for a moment, and realized that this was indeed a good arrangement.

Hunan TV's influence among young viewers is starting to rise, especially with "Happy Camp," which will become a must-see for all celebrities for promotional purposes.

In the past, it would have been good to promote the show and record both programs at once.

"No problem," Zheng Hui readily agreed. "And the timing? When have they scheduled it?"

"They're available anytime, it mainly depends on our schedule. I've discussed with them that we're tentatively setting it for the 15th of this month." Li Zongming looked at Zheng Hui, awaiting his decision.

"Okay." Zheng Hui nodded and quickly planned out the next part of the trip in his mind: "Then I'll go to Changsha on the 15th to record the show, and after that I'll fly directly from Changsha to Beijing."

"Okay, I'll call Hunan TV tomorrow and set a time." After receiving a positive reply, Li Zongming put the documents back into his briefcase.

After finishing their business, the two didn't discuss work further and had a casual meal at the hotel's Chinese restaurant. During the meal, Li Zongming brought up some minor ideas about recruiting Zheng Hui's assistant and expanding the company, which Zheng Hui told him to go ahead and do.

After finishing his meal, Li Zongming took his leave. He still had to deal with some media relations that night to pave the way for Fan Binbin's audition for "Swordsman".

Zheng Hui returned to his room alone, and the night passed without incident.

The next day, July 12th.

Zheng Hui wore a baseball cap and sunglasses. This outfit was his standard attire when he went out these days.

The Jinbei van stopped at an intersection on Tiyu West Road in Tianhe District. Lin Dashan pulled the handbrake, turned around, and said, "Boss, we're here."

Zheng Hui pushed open the car door and got out, and Chen Jianguo, who was in the passenger seat, quickly jumped out as well.

Before Zheng Hui stood an eight-story detached building. The exterior was covered with gray and white tiles, which reflected a brand-new luster in the sunlight.

The street-facing shops downstairs are spacious, and the glass curtain wall frame has already been erected, just waiting to be installed with glass.

In this rapidly developing new urban area, the building's location is exceptionally advantageous. To the left is the already well-established Tianhe City Plaza, and to the right is the main road, bustling with traffic.

"Boss, this is it." Chen Jianguo pointed to the building.

At this moment, two people were already standing in front of the building: a middle-aged man with a beer belly and a young man who looked like an assistant.

Upon seeing Chen Jianguo approach, the middle-aged man immediately greeted him with a broad smile: "Manager Chen, you've arrived! This is—" He tentatively glanced at Zheng Hui, who was wearing sunglasses.

"This is our company's boss, General Manager Zheng."

Chen Jianguo introduced, "Boss, this is Manager Wang from the Credit Department of the Yuexiu Branch of ICBC, who is in charge of handling the non-performing assets of this building. This is his assistant, Xiao Liu."

"Hello, Mr. Zheng! I've heard so much about you!" Manager Wang warmly extended both hands and shook hands tightly with Zheng Hui.

In 1999, when the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis was still lingering and unfinished buildings and bad debts were everywhere, anyone who could come up with 25 million in cash to buy a building outright was a true cash cow for their bank.

"Manager Wang, you're too kind. Please come in and have a look." Zheng Hui didn't exchange any more pleasantries.

"Alright! Xiao Liu, open the door quickly!"

The young assistant hurriedly took out his keys and opened the door.

The group entered the building. Because it was still in a rough state, the air was filled with the smell of cement and dust.

Zheng Hui's footsteps echoed across the empty hall as he walked on the cement floor. Sunlight streamed in through the open windows, casting beams of light that swirled in the air, with countless tiny dust particles tumbling within them.

"Mr. Zheng, as you can see, this ceiling height is absolutely magnificent. The first floor would be perfect for a lobby or showroom."

Manager Wang enthusiastically explained from the side: "The main structure has passed all inspections, and the best grade cement and rebar were used."

The elevator shaft over there is finished too. The original elevator, owned by the Hong Kong boss, was a Mitsubishi elevator imported directly from Japan; it's still in its packaging.

Following Manager Wang's direction, Zheng Hui saw several large wooden crates piled up near the elevator. He walked along, carefully observing the load-bearing walls and beams. Then, they climbed the stairs to the top floor. Standing on the edge of the eighth floor, where there was no railing, the surrounding scenery was completely visible.

Zheng Hui was very satisfied with the location and the quality of the construction. Using it as the headquarters for his company in Guangzhou, and also hoping for appreciation in value, this deal was definitely a win-win.

"Manager Wang, I'm very satisfied with this building. As for the price, before Jian Guo we discussed it was 25 million for a full payment, right?" Zheng Hui turned around and looked at Manager Wang.

"Yes, yes, yes! Twenty-five million! Mr. Zheng, to be honest, this is the lowest price our branch can offer."

"It's just that the current economic climate isn't good. Two years ago, for this location and this size, you couldn't even think about negotiating without at least 40 million!" Manager Wang patted his chest and assured him.

"Okay, I'm not one to dawdle. Twenty-five million, I'll pay in full at once." Zheng Hui's answer almost made Manager Wang jump up and cheer on the spot.

"However, how long does your approval process typically take?"

Manager Wang quickly explained, "Mr. Zheng, it's like this, the amount of this transaction is quite large. According to our bank's internal regulations, the disposal of assets exceeding 15 million requires approval from the provincial branch."

If it exceeds 30 million, then it needs to be reported to the head office. Your 25 million is right at that point, so it only needs approval from the provincial branch.

He glanced at Zheng Hui's expression and quickly added, "But don't worry, our branch will definitely expedite the approval process for you! The normal process takes about three business days. We signed the letter of intent today, and the approval result will definitely be available by the morning of the 14th at the latest."

"When the time comes, you can come to the bank to transfer the money and sign the formal contract, and the building will be yours!"

"The 14th is fine." Zheng Hui nodded; this timeframe was just before he went to Changsha.

As the two were talking, Xiao Liu, the young assistant who had been silently following behind, kept his eyes fixed on Zheng Hui's profile. From the moment Zheng Hui took off his sunglasses to examine the blueprints, Xiao Liu had been somewhat excited.

"Um—excuse me—" Xiao Liu finally couldn't hold back any longer, his voice stammering with nervousness: "Are you—are you Zheng Hui? The Zheng Hui who sang 'Stubborn' and 'Half a Lifetime'?!"

Manager Wang was startled and quickly grabbed Xiao Liu's arm, scolding him in a low voice, "Xiao Liu! What are you doing! President Zheng is a distinguished guest here to discuss a multi-million dollar business deal. How can you disturb him like this!"

Although Manager Wang was angry, he dared not speak too harshly, much less shout at him.

There's no other reason than that Xiao Liu's parents are major depositors at their branch. Xiao Liu came to work as an assistant in the credit department purely because his family wanted to give him a proper job so he could just coast along.

Manager Wang is usually too busy treating these kinds of rich kids well to dare offend them.

It was precisely because of this background that Xiao Liu dared to speak up without fear of losing his job.

"It's alright, it's me." Zheng Hui smiled and waved his hand, readily admitting it.

"Oh my god! It really is you!" Xiao Liu was so excited he almost jumped up. "Mr. Zheng, I'm your biggest fan! Your songs are so good, I need to listen to 'Chasing Dreams with a Pure Heart' every day to have the energy to go to work! Um, could you please sign something for me?"

Looking at the excited young man in front of him, who was so excited he was almost incoherent, Zheng Hui said kindly, "Signing is no problem, but where should I sign it? Jianguo, go to the car and bring up those unopened albums from my bag."

"No need, no need! Mr. Zheng, please wait a moment! I also have a cassette tape. Please wait a moment, I'll have my family bring it over right away!"

As he spoke, the assistant pulled out a brand-new Ericsson phone from his pocket and dialed a number: "Hey? Uncle Zhang, yes, it's me! Hurry up and go to my room, grab those three Zheng Hui albums from the top of my bookshelf, and drive them to that newly built apartment complex on Tiyu West Road right away! Yes, yes, it's extremely urgent!"

After hanging up the phone, Xiao Liu scratched his head sheepishly: "Mr. Zheng, my driver will be here soon. Please wait a moment."

This action drew sidelong glances from Chen Jianguo, while Manager Wang awkwardly wiped his sweat, inwardly cursing the young master for being so inconsiderate.

Sure enough, less than ten minutes later, a Mercedes-Benz pulled up outside the building. A middle-aged driver ran in and handed a bag to Xiao Liu.

Xiao Liu excitedly opened the bag and carefully took out three items.

A cassette tape of the first edition of "Stubborn" published by Swan Publishing House, a mainland version of "Floating Life" CD also published by Swan Publishing House, and a Hong Kong version of "Half a Lifetime" CD with more exquisite packaging, printed with traditional Chinese characters and the PolyGram logo!

"You've got quite a complete collection here." Zheng Hui took the three items, examined them carefully, and found that they were all genuine. "You really are a die-hard fan."

Xiao Liu chuckled and said, "That Hong Kong version was brought over from the Luohu Port by a relative of mine who frequently travels along Shennan Avenue. The sound quality and packaging are just different!"

Zheng Hui smiled, took out his pen, placed his briefcase on the cement table, and signed his flamboyant artistic signature on the covers of the three albums, adding a sentence next to it: "I don't seek anyone's satisfaction, I only seek to be true to myself."

"Thank you, Mr. Zheng! Thank you, Mr. Zheng!" Xiao Liu accepted the album with both hands, extremely excited.

Just then, Zheng Hui's cell phone vibrated in his pocket.

He took out his phone and glanced at the caller ID; it was Fan Binbin.

"Excuse me, I need to take this call." Zheng Hui walked to the window and pressed the answer button.

Fan Binbin's soft, tired voice immediately came from the other end of the phone: "Zheng Hui—where are you?"

"I'm out running some errands, what's up?" Zheng Hui's voice softened.

"I've finished all the interviews, and Brother Zongming said that the first phase of the mission has been successfully completed."

Fan Binbin's tone was relaxed with relief: "Also, my mother just left for the train station to go back to Shandong."

Zheng Hui raised an eyebrow slightly: "Back so soon?"

"Yes, there's still a business to run at home, and my dad can't manage it all by himself."

Moreover, my mother saw that I had such a professional agency like Zongming taking care of me here, with cars picking me up and dropping me off every day, and such good media resources. She felt that I had completely escaped my misery and was relieved.

Just before she boarded the train, she kept reminding me to listen to the company and not to sign contracts recklessly like before.

At this point, Fan Binbin's voice unconsciously carried a hint of guilt and remorse. If her mother knew that this large company was actually just an empty shell set up for her alone;

If he knew that his daughter had already given herself to the real boss behind this company, I wonder what he would think.

But this guilt lasted only a second before it was replaced by the desire to see Zheng Hui.

For the past few days, she has been wearing the mask of a tragic victim, crying in front of the media. Now, she just wants to hide in that chest and seek some comfort.

"I want to see you. Where are you? I'll take a taxi to find you."

Zheng Hui gave an address: "I live on Tiyu West Road in Tianhe District, near Tianhe City Plaza. There is an unfinished eight-story building there."

Just take a taxi and come straight over. Call me when you get there.

"Okay, I'll be right there!"

After hanging up the phone, Zheng Hui turned to Manager Wang and said, "Manager Wang, that's enough for today. I'm very satisfied with the building. Go back and prepare the letter of intent and the necessary documents as soon as possible. We'll sign the contract on the 14th."

"No problem! Don't worry, Mr. Zheng, I've got it covered!" Manager Wang nodded repeatedly.

About forty minutes later, a taxi stopped in front of the building.

The car door opened, and a woman stepped out. She was wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat, and most of her face was covered by a mask.

She stood in front of the building, looking around. When she saw Zheng Hui standing at the entrance of the lobby on the first floor, her eyes lit up immediately, and she quickly walked in.

Manager Wang had just seen Zheng Hui's tone when she answered the phone, and now he looked at this woman who was wrapped up tightly in her clothes. He could easily guess what was going on.

"Cough cough,"

Manager Wang coughed twice and winked at his assistant, Xiao Liu, who was still in a daze beside him: "Xiao Liu, come with me outside to check the building's footprint and boundary map. Let President Zheng and his friend take a look for themselves first."

After saying that, he pulled Xiao Liu along, and led Chen Jianguo and Lin Dashan out of the building, standing far away on the side of the road, determined not to disturb the boss's private meeting.

In the empty, unfinished hall, only Zheng Hui and Fan Binbin remained.

After confirming that no one was around, Fan Binbin removed her sunglasses and mask. A seductive blush rose on her alluring face due to the heat.

She didn't say anything, but stepped forward and hugged Zheng Hui tightly around the waist, burying her face in his chest and taking a deep breath.

Zheng Hui reached out and put his arm around her waist, gently patting her back: "Why have you become so clingy after just a few days?"

"I'm tired." Fan Binbin's voice carried a hint of coquetry: "These past few days I've been acting pitiful in front of reporters every day, and my eyes hurt from crying."

When my mom was alive, I had to be on edge even when I slept, afraid I'd talk in my sleep and give myself away. Now, finally, it's just the two of us.

Zheng Hui chuckled: "You acted quite well. People all over the country are now overflowing with sympathy for you."

Zongming has gotten you an audition for Yue Lingshan in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer." Go to the capital later to audition and make an impression on the production team. Zongming will help you get the role.

"Okay, I'll do whatever you say." Fan Binbin snuggled closer to Zheng Hui.

After a while, she lifted her head from Zheng Hui's arms, curiously looking around at the cement walls, and asked in confusion, "What are you doing in this unfinished building? It's filthy, and there's not even a place to sit."

"Buy a house."

"Buy the building?" Fan Binbin was taken aback. "Buy this unfinished building?"

"Those two people were from the bank. This building, including the ground floor, is an eight-story structure, and the full payment is 25 million. I'm coming here on the 14th to sign the contract and pay."

Fan Binbin stared wide-eyed at Zheng Hui in disbelief. Twenty-five million? In full?

She knew Zheng Hui was famous, a big singer, and had even seen him spend two million to get the lead role in "Young Justice Bao." But buying a building for twenty-five million in cash was still far beyond her imagination.

This was in 1999! Twenty-five million—that was a mountain of gold that could crush the imagination of ordinary people!

She swallowed hard, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and asked half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Why did you spend so much money to buy this building? Are you planning to switch careers to real estate?"

"As the location of the Guangzhou company, my tapes and CDs need to have a proper distribution headquarters."

By the way, converting your cash into fixed assets can not only offset some taxes, but also allow you to sit back and wait for them to appreciate in value.

If you just keep your money in the bank to earn interest, it's essentially losing value and is a waste.

Fan Binbin didn't understand business operations like tax deductions or appreciation, but she keenly noticed the words "the company's location".

Fan Binbin's eyes sparkled as she leaned close to Zheng Hui's ear and whispered jokingly, "Really? Then...which floor will I be working on from now on?"

This question was both a joke and a test.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hui shook his head. He looked at Fan Binbin with a serious expression and said, "What are you thinking? This company is only responsible for selling cassette tapes. They may sell other things in the future."

Your career focus isn't here; the center of the domestic arts and culture scene is in Beijing, and so is yours.

Fan Binbin's smile faltered slightly, and a sense of disappointment swept through his heart.

So, it wasn't prepared for her after all.

Zheng Hui looked at her eyes, which dimmed instantly, and he knew exactly what she was thinking.

After thinking for a moment, Zheng Hui said, "Your company? Well then—why don't you go and choose?"

"Me?" Fan Binbin was stunned and didn't react.

"Yes, you." Zheng Hui looked at her and continued, "After you finish dealing with things here, aren't you going to Beijing for auditions? When you do, just look around Beijing and tell me which office building or piece of land you like."

"I'll buy it then."

"Whether it's used as an office building, a residence, or both, it's all suitable."

Anyway, I'll save you a spot.

Fan Binbin's mind went blank; she stared blankly at Zheng Hui.

What does he mean by that?

Is he promising me a future?

When he said he wanted to reserve a place for me, did he mean he wanted to have a home with me?

Or—or was he just rich and said it offhand, not taking it seriously at all?

Or is this another way of saying that rich people keep canaries?

Should I say yes?

If I agree, what kind of relationship would we have?

Countless questions flooded Fan Binbin's mind, causing her brain to shut down.

Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest, a jumble of emotions—excitement, elation, unease, fear—churning within her.

She wanted to ask him clearly, to ask if he was serious, and to ask him what he really meant.

However, she couldn't utter a single word.

She was afraid—afraid that if she opened her mouth, everything would vanish like bubbles. Afraid that the answer she received wouldn't be the one she wanted.

Finally, under Zheng Hui's questioning gaze, Fan Binbin simply nodded slowly.

"Um.

"6

A syllable was squeezed out of the throat.

Seeing that she nodded in agreement, Zheng Hui didn't say anything more. In his opinion, it was just a trivial matter.

"Okay, it's settled then." He turned around and continued, "Let's go, let's go take another look at my future warehouse."

The two strolled around the building, but Fan Binbin was somewhat absent-minded the whole time. She didn't listen to a word Zheng Hui said about the location's advantages and appreciation potential.

That one sentence kept echoing in her mind.

"Whether it's an office or a residence, we'll reserve a place for you."

After viewing the building, the two returned to the hotel. Throughout the journey, Fan Binbin remained unusually quiet, simply staying close to Zheng Hui like a docile shadow.