A top star in the Chinese entertainment industry, but also a Taoist priest.

"What have you been busy with?"

"I'm making money to support my family." Chen Shouyi watched as Old Zhou straightened the incense burner before turning his gaze away.

There was silence on the other end of the phone, then Xiang Hanzhi burst out laughing, a particularly hearty laugh:

"Didn't you say you wanted to stay in your Taoist temple and lie there for the rest of your life? Why did you suddenly change your mind?"

Chen Shouyi smiled slightly, but maintained his unhurried demeanor.

"The patriarch required that one must engage in worldly practice."

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore." As expected, Xiang Hanzhi didn't pick up on the topic. She never listened to his talk about such things. "You just talk about things I don't understand."

She cleared her throat and said earnestly, "I'm going back to Beijing to compete in a tournament. There's a National Junior Tennis Open next month, and I've already taken leave. After that, it'll be summer vacation, hehehehe, remember to pick me up!"

Upon hearing that it was a serious matter, Chen Shouyi thought for a moment.

He knew about her playing tennis. Xiang Hanzhi had been training since she was a child and had played for several years in the United States, where she played quite well. Returning to China to play in junior open tournaments was indeed something she was capable of doing.

"Okay, I understand. We'll talk about it when you get back."

"Okay! Sure!" Xiang Hanzhi's voice rose a half-octave, clearly satisfied. "Then I'm going to sleep now. Make lots of money, then take me out to play!"

"You wish," Chen Shouyi retorted immediately. "The money I earn is all for good. Besides, I'm here to pick you up; shouldn't you be the one treating me?"

"Hey! Chen Shouyi!" Xiang Hanzhi shouted angrily from the other end of the line, "I'm going to tell Auntie when I get back that you're bullying her!"

"Go ahead." Chen Shouyi said without changing his expression. "That's all for now. Go to sleep early."

"Chen Shouyi, you—"

Chen Shouyi hung up the voice call before the other party could finish speaking.

He could almost picture Xiang Hanzhi stamping her feet in frustration on the other side of the ocean.

This girl has always had this temper. She may complain a lot, but she's actually very easy to coax. Just take her out for a nice meal next time you see her and everything will be fine.

Shouzhuo had somehow walked to the side. He glanced at his master's expression and cautiously began to speak:

"Master, is it... Benefactor Xiang?"

"Hmm." Chen Shouyi put his phone back in his sleeve, his face expressionless.

Shouzhuo simply said "oh" and didn't dare to ask any further questions.

He had heard his master mention the name Xiang Hanzhi a few times, and each time his master would give him a look of disdain, but he would still answer the phone and reply to WeChat messages as usual.

Shouzhuo pondered for a moment and thought that this was probably what they meant by saying no.

The master and apprentice stood outside the tent for another hour, watching the staff arrange the offering table, incense, candles, and ritual implements according to the rules.

Chen Shouyi checked it three times to make sure nothing was missed before telling Lao Zhou to have someone watch over it that night to prevent the cats and dogs from touching the offering table.

Just then, Zhao Mingyuan came running over from the shed area, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

He leaned closer to Chen Shou and lowered his voice: "Daoist Master, there's a dinner party tonight, and I'd like to invite you to join us."

Chen Shouyi glanced at him: "What kind of dinner party?"

Zhao Mingyuan rubbed his hands together, lowering his voice even further: "It's Mr. Fang, Fang Xu, from Juku Media. He's the one from the studio this morning. He asked me to invite you to dinner tonight, saying he'd like to have a private talk with you."

Chen Shouyi's eyebrows twitched slightly, but he didn't reply immediately.

Zhao Mingyuan quickly added, "I've dealt with President Fang a few times. He has a decent reputation in the industry and isn't the kind of person who's difficult to deal with. He must have something to say to me about inviting you."

Chen Shouyi was silent for two seconds, then nodded: "Okay."

Zhao Mingyuan breathed a sigh of relief and immediately beamed, "Then I'll send the address to your phone later. It's a private restaurant, not in the town center, so it's quiet."

After saying a few more words like "Taoist Master, please rest first," he turned and left.

Shouzhuo waited until Zhao Mingyuan was far away before leaning over and whispering a question:

"Master, that Mr. Fang... is he the one who glanced at you a little this morning?"

"Hmm," Chen Shouyi responded thoughtfully.

Zhao Mingyuan had already mentioned it to him in the car that afternoon: Fang Xu was no ordinary person; he was the deputy director of the film and television production department at Juku Media.

More importantly, he is the vice president of Huace Croton and the younger brother of Fang Ying, the general manager of Juku.

The name Fang Ying is familiar to anyone who loves watching TV dramas. She is behind a string of hit shows such as "Eternal Love," "Go Go Squid!", and "Love O2O".

Juku Media is a subsidiary of Huace Croton specializing in the investment and production of TV dramas, and has produced hit dramas such as "My Sunshine" and "Love O2O".

Fang Xu came to Hengdian specifically to discuss "Love O2O" with Lin Yufen, ostensibly to talk to her about it. As for his private meeting with her...

Shouzhuo gave a thoughtful "oh," and then very sensibly added:

"Master, I'll go with you tonight. I won't say anything, I'll just stand by your side."

Chen Shouyi glanced at him and said, "What are you going there for? They invited me."

Shouzhu chuckled awkwardly, "I just wanted to freeload a meal. I'll wait for you at the hotel."

7 PM.

The private restaurant is hidden deep in an alley outside Hengdian Town. Push open the wooden door and you'll find a hidden gem inside.

A small courtyard with a few clumps of bamboo. There are only four private rooms in total, far apart from each other, so that the sound of talking cannot be heard outside.

The waitress, a woman in her forties, smiled and led us to the innermost room. After serving the tea, she left and closed the door behind her.

The private room wasn't big, with a square table and four chairs. Outside the window was a clump of bamboo, and the light reflected off the bamboo leaves, making them appear a dark, almost green.

Fang Xu sat opposite Chen Shouyi, smiling as he poured him a cup of tea.

He changed into casual clothes, no longer wearing the dark blue casual suit he had in the morning, but a dark gray polo shirt, making him look much more relaxed.

But he still maintained a proper posture, with his back straight, a habit he had developed over the years in formal settings.

Chen Shouyi took the teacup, but didn't drink from it; he just placed it in front of him.

The two sat facing each other, and the private room was quiet for a while.

"What brings you to me this afternoon, Mr. Fang, through Director Zhao?"

Fang Xu paused slightly in his teacup, then smiled.

He put down his teacup, his fingers circling the rim as if considering how to begin.

Chen Shouyi didn't urge him. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea was good, pre-Qingming Longjing, but it was a little over-brewed.

"Master Daoist," Fang Xu finally spoke, his voice low, "I have taken the liberty of inviting you here today because I have a favor to ask."