Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

Zhang Ze smiled.

This girl really dares to think of anything.

However, he genuinely felt that, given Yang Mi's personality, this might actually work out.

The following decade or so saw a boom in the celebrity economy, during which many artists and celebrities opened their own shops.

There are countless examples, such as Xue Zhiqian's hot pot restaurant, Zhang Yishan's grilled fish restaurant, and Guo Degang's stir-fry restaurant.

It wouldn't hurt to have Yang Mi, and as a foodie, I imagine Yang Mi's restaurant would be better than those celebrity-owned restaurants that rely solely on their fame for hype.

The key point is that Zhang Ze had never heard of Yang Mi opening a shop before. She has always had a successful career in the entertainment industry, so he probably gave up on the idea.

"Sure, I'll definitely come and support you when you open your shop."

"It's a deal!" Yang Mi raised an eyebrow at him and smiled slyly. "Since you gave me some pointers today, I'll treat you to dinner tomorrow! We'll go to that Chongqing hot pot place and show you what real spiciness is!"

"I'm treating you. This meal is on you. I can't let you always pay. I'll treat you next time," Zhang Ze waved his hand.

"Don't be so polite with me!" Yang Mi said readily. "It's settled then!"

After finishing the meal, she rushed to the counter to pay the bill, generously stating that it was on her behalf.

Zhang Ze didn't argue with her.

After finishing his meal, Zhang Ze asked the restaurant owner to pack two more dishes to go.

Yang Mi looked at the stainless steel insulated lunchbox he had suddenly acquired and asked curiously, "Are you bringing it for someone else?"

"Yeah, give it to a friend."

"A woman?" Yang Mi's fox-like eyes narrowed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Zhang Ze simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying, and said goodbye to her while carrying his lunchbox.

This girl has a really sharp eye for observation.

Zhang Ze muttered to himself, but remained outwardly calm.

"A friend of mine is filming a night scene at a nearby movie set and hasn't eaten yet."

His answer was watertight, both truthful and perfectly avoiding the sensitive issue of his identity.

"Oh..." Yang Mi drawled out the last syllable, giving an "I understand" look, but didn't ask any further questions.

Zhang Ze carried the bag of still-steaming food and walked out of the noisy little restaurant.

The night breeze, cool to the touch, dispelled the heat of the restaurant.

He was carrying a plastic bag, and the stainless steel lunchbox inside swayed gently with his steps, feeling warm to the touch.

He glanced back and saw Yang Mi still standing at the door, looking thoughtfully at his back.

Without much thought, he turned and disappeared into the dazzling nightscape of Hengdian.

……

In the film crew, the lead actors are filming their final scene, and Zhang Ze, a special guest star, also dies a violent death.

As the last shot of the final scene of "The Dream of the Past" was filmed, director Dong Zhi stood up from behind the monitor, picked up a megaphone, and shouted in a strong voice.

"I hereby announce that filming for the entire series 'The Dream of the Past' has wrapped!"

The entire set fell silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous cheers.

The props staff, stagehands, lighting crew, actors—everyone was hugging and cheering, celebrating the end of more than two months of hard work.

Zhang Ze stood on the periphery of the crowd, a calm smile on his face.

[Reputation +14]

This is the fame I've gained by constantly exploiting the production crew during this period.

There should be another wave after this show airs!

"Teacher Zhang Ze!"

Chen Kun walked through the crowded throng, went straight to him, and gave him a tight hug.

"Thank you so much this time, not only in the play, but also in real life."

Chen Kun was referring to the calming talismans Zhang Ze had given him earlier. Although Zhang Ze himself felt that they were purely for psychological comfort, they seemed to have really worked for Chen Kun, who was under immense mental pressure.

"Teacher Chen, you're too kind," Zhang Ze said, patting him on the back.

"Don't call me teacher, it sounds too formal. Just call me Chen Kun or Kunzi from now on." Chen Kun released him, his face showing genuine appreciation.

Zhang Ze smiled broadly, "Then don't call me teacher anymore, just call me A-Ze or Zhang Ze!"

The two looked at each other and smiled.

"With your acting skills and this talent, you're definitely destined for great things. Here's my phone number; contact me anytime when you're back in Beijing."

As Chen Kun spoke, he slipped a business card into Zhang Ze's pocket.

At this moment, director Dong Zhi also came over.

He looked Zhang Ze up and down, his fat face full of approval.

"Zhang Ze acted well, he has a lot of talent."

Zhang Ze simply smiled modestly.

"We can cooperate again when there's an opportunity in the future." Dong Zhi knew that it wasn't the right time to build a relationship. Although he wanted to keep Zhang Ze by his side, he also knew that he couldn't rush things, especially with someone as capable as Zhang Ze.

So he handed me a business card in return, saying, "Let's stay in touch."

Looking at the two personal business cards in his hand, Zhang Ze couldn't help but think that it was so easy to get the private contact information of the lead actor and director. If this got out, he wondered how many actors struggling in Hengdian would be envious.

After that, actors and crew members of all ranks would call Zhang Ze "Brother Zhang" or "Brother Ze" whenever they came to him.

It seems that getting to know people on set over the past two months has been somewhat useful.

As Zhang Ze pondered his next move, he followed the large group to the hotel's banquet hall.

The wrap party was held at a hotel in Hengdian that wasn't the most upscale, but it was still quite decent. The atmosphere was lively and bustling with people and drinks.

Zhang Ze had just found a seat when a glass of red wine was handed to him.

"Zhang Ze, I salute you."

Li Xiaoran held her wine glass, her cheeks flushed with a beautiful rosy hue from the alcohol.

She dressed up specially for today, wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress that made her skin look even whiter and her neck longer.

"Sister Xiaoran, you're too kind." Zhang Ze stood up and clinked glasses with her.

"Of course." Li Xiaoran downed her drink in one gulp, then poured herself a full glass. "If it weren't for you, I don't know what I would have done."

Her presence immediately attracted the attention of many people at the same table.

During the meal, Li Xiaoran sat next to Zhang Ze, staying almost constantly by his side.

When someone comes over to toast Zhang Ze, she will skillfully deflect some of them.

When someone came over to chat with her, she seemed distracted, her attention mostly on Zhang Ze.

This undisguised intimacy made those around them feel ambiguous about their relationship.

Zhang Ze didn't seem to mind, calmly eating his food and occasionally chatting with her.

He could sense that this woman was a little different today.

The banquet lasted until late at night, and many people drank too much, staggering and helping each other leave.

Zhang Ze also prepared to get up and say goodbye.

"etc."

Li Xiaoran suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Her palms were very hot.

"What's wrong, Xiaoran?"

"Have another drink with me." Li Xiaoran raised her face, her beautiful eyes glistening under the light, carrying a hint of pleading. "Just one."

Most of the people in the banquet hall had already left, leaving only a few still drunkenly playing drinking games.

"Want to drink here?"

"Let's go to my room."