Huayu: Returned Overseas Chinese

Upon hearing Chen Jingming's words, Liu Xiaoli immediately turned her gaze to Chen Jinfei. Chen Jinfei, however, frowned slightly. He held some sway in the real estate industry, and aside from his substantial wealth, he had virtually no resources or connections in the film and television industry.

Knowing his own shortcomings, Chen Jinfei's expression darkened slightly. After a brief moment of thought, he casually took out a cigarette and offered one to Chen Jingming. After they both lit their cigarettes, he slowly asked:

"Mr. Chen, as you said, without strong connections and resources, wouldn't it be very difficult to establish oneself in this industry?"

Hearing this, Chen Jingming slowly exhaled a puff of white mist, his gaze sweeping over the tense expressions of Liu Xiaoli and her daughter Liu Yifei beside him, and he spoke in a softer tone:

"Uncle Chen, just call me Jingming. The situation is indeed as you think. Unless you're willing to spend a lot of money to promote her and specifically help Yifei secure roles and resources, and the investment has to be far above the market price, even then, the money you put in might not even make a ripple in the end."

After hearing these realistic words, Chen Jinfei smiled calmly and then suggested:

"Jingming, since we'll have to spend money to pave the way sooner or later, why not put this investment in your company? You're currently producing your own TV series, and you'll inevitably get involved in the film industry in the future. With you as our backer, we'll feel more at ease."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingming gently shook his head:

"Uncle Chen, I think I'll pass on this. It's not that I'm unwilling to help Yifei; to be honest, I've already prepared several tailor-made scripts for her. But Yifei is still young and hasn't received systematic and professional acting training, so it's really not suitable for her."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei's face immediately fell. Without a word, she grabbed Chen Jingming's waist and twisted it hard. The sudden pain made Chen Jingming's face turn red instantly. Seeing this, Liu Xiaoli immediately slapped her daughter's hand and scolded her impatiently:

"You're so old, yet you still act like a child, never knowing how to hold back."

Liu Yifei was hit by her mother, but she didn't seem to care. She snorted and retorted defiantly:

"It's because Brother Jingming bullied me. My acting skills have improved a lot recently, and my professional teachers all say that I have a natural talent for acting."

While rubbing his aching side, Chen Jingming thought to himself that this teacher must have received a lot of benefits to utter such insincere praise.

Chen Jinfei, watching the two playfully bickering, didn't think much of it. They'd known each other for four or five years and were close; a little playful banter was perfectly normal. After hearing Chen Jingming's concerns and refusal, he slowly nodded:

"In that case, we'll take matters into our own hands and build a separate management team for Yifei. We hope you'll take good care of her when she enters the entertainment industry in the future."

"Don't worry, Uncle Chen. Even if you don't say anything, I will do my best to protect Yifei."

Chen Jingming smiled and agreed. The business at the table was settled, and the group then chatted about everyday things. The atmosphere became more relaxed, and the dinner lasted until after 8 p.m.

Outside the courtyard gate, Liu Yifei glanced at the time, then turned to Liu Xiaoli and Chen Jinfei and pouted sweetly:

"Mom, Godfather, a new fantasy blockbuster called 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' has just come out. I'd like to see it before going home, is that okay?"

Seeing the expectant look in her daughter's eyes, Liu Xiaoli softened and nodded, then smiled and instructed Chen Jingming:

"Jingming, after you finish watching the movie, could you please give Yifei a ride home on your way?"

"Don't worry, Auntie, I'll make sure Yifei gets home safely after I finish watching."

Chen Jingming was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and agreed. He hadn't expected the girl to suddenly suggest going to the movies with him alone.

"Very good!"

Liu Yifei cheered instantly, a bright smile spreading across her face. The two watched Chen Jinfei and Liu Xiaoli leave in their car, then got in together and drove to the Shan Hai Jing Cinema.

After a moment of silence in the carriage, Liu Yifei suddenly remembered the conversation at the dinner table, turned to stare intently at Chen Jingming, and asked curiously:

"Jingming, you just said you prepared several scripts for me, is that true?"

Chen Jingming turned to look at the expectant girl beside him and teased her:

"Whether it's specially prepared for you or not depends entirely on your performance in your professional courses at the Beijing Film Academy. If your acting skills are not up to par or your basic skills are not solid, I won't hesitate to replace you in the role."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei immediately raised her hand to launch a sneak attack. Chen Jingming, who was already prepared, quickly raised his hand to block, and seeing the cunning in her eyes, he spoke with a half-smile:

"What, you've gotten addicted to sneak attacks?"

Her sneak attack thwarted, Liu Yifei huffed angrily, pouting and turning away in a huff. Seeing this, Chen Jingming slowly released his grip, just about to withdraw his arm, when a sharp pain suddenly shot through his side. Liu Yifei, who had been looking out the window, abruptly turned back, her eyes gleaming with cunning:

"Heh heh, so what if I blocked you once? You can't be on guard against me all the time."

Chen Jingming reached out and slapped away her mischievous little hand, replying irritably:

"You just wait, don't fall into my hands. Otherwise, I'll let you taste what it's like to be twisted."

Liu Yifei immediately moved closer to the car door, deliberately creating distance between herself and him. The two bickered and laughed along the way, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere. They soon arrived at the cinema. Chen Jingming had only made a casual threat and wasn't really angry at all.

At this time, the Classic of Mountains and Seas Cinema had been open for several months. With its top-notch projection equipment and comfortable viewing environment, its reputation was rising and attracting a large number of citizens to watch movies.

The two randomly chose a screening room and sat in a corner at the back, watching the film quietly. Chen Jingming had watched this movie countless times in his previous life, and even after so many years, he still found it to be of outstanding quality.

This fantasy blockbuster ultimately grossed 56 million yuan at the domestic box office in 2002. Had it not been for the unexpected release of "Hero" at the end of the year, it would have been the highest-grossing film of the year.

As the film ended and night deepened, Chen Jingming kept his promise and steadily escorted Liu Yifei back to her residence. The two casually agreed to meet up during the Chinese New Year, thus concluding their time together that evening.

The next morning.

Carrying the complete script of "Plowing the Court and Sweeping the Cave," Chen Jingming went straight to Wu Bing's office and gently knocked on the door. After receiving permission from inside, he pushed the door open and slowly walked in.

Wu Bing was organizing materials for the final exams when she looked up and saw Chen Jingming. She immediately closed the documents on her desk, smiled, and said:

"Why did you suddenly come here? Is something the matter?"

"Mr. Wu, I have a new script that I brought here specifically to ask for your help in reviewing and giving me your guidance."

Chen Jingming placed the script he had been carrying under his arm on the desk, speaking in a humble tone.

Wu Bing paused slightly, picked up the script, glanced at the cover title, then gently put it down, asking in confusion:

"Isn't Wang Shuo working at your company now? His eye for scripts is far superior to mine. Why didn't you let him review your new work first, instead of coming all the way here to give it to me?"

"Hehe." Chen Jingming chuckled awkwardly, pulled up a chair and sat opposite Wu Bing, took out a cigarette and offered it to her, then calmly began:

"Teacher Wu, this is not only my opinion, but my senior also thinks that this script must be reviewed by you first."

Upon hearing this, Wu Bing frowned slightly, took the cigarette, lit it, and his gaze fell on the four powerful characters on the script cover. A few guesses were already forming in his mind.