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

Lin Yufen nodded slightly and looked at Chen Shouyi as well.

Chen Shouyi did not answer immediately. He picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip slowly.

Cai Yinong's terms were indeed very generous. A tailor-made project, acting alongside his mentor, and him deciding the script and roles—for a newcomer, this was already top-tier treatment.

However, after "Legend of Nine Tails Fox", Sugar Man will make several more dramas, but each one is a flop.

Shishi's contract expired and she left, Nazha couldn't hold onto the top spot, and Sett later completely failed.

The Sugar Man ship is sinking from this moment on, but the people on board don't know it yet.

We definitely can't get on a leaky ship.

But you can't say that directly. You can't just say, "Your sugar figurines aren't doing well anymore, so I'm not coming."

They're still receiving the incense money they gave them.

You can refuse, but the reason must be one that leaves the person speechless.

Chen Shouyi put down his teacup and looked at Cai Yinong: "Benefactor Cai, I appreciate your kindness."

Cai Yinong's expression remained unchanged as she waited for him to continue.

"I am a Taoist priest. Taoist practice emphasizes following the natural way and acting in accordance with the circumstances. If the opportunity arises, I will naturally enter the world; if not, forcing it will only make things worse."

"What does the Taoist priest mean?"

"What I mean is that the signing of this contract is not about what conditions Mr. Cai offers, but about whether I have the right opportunity to pursue a career in the entertainment industry."

Chen Shouyi looked at her with a calm gaze.

"Benefactor Cai is a person who cherishes talent, I understand. But fate is something that cannot be forced."

Cai Yinong was silent for a moment, then she laughed.

"Interesting, isn't this still a rejection from you, Daoist Master?"

"I am not refusing Benefactor Cai," Chen Shouyi smiled. "I am simply saying that the time is not yet right."

"When will the time come?"

"When the time is right, it will come naturally."

Cai Yinong shook her head, smiled, and sighed.

"Alright, I won't force you." She stood up and added, "But if you change your mind later, you can come find me anytime."

Chen Shouyi nodded slightly: "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Cai."

Cai Yinong glanced at him again, her eyes filled with a hint of regret, but even more so with admiration.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Cai Yinong said goodbye and went to the director's team. Lin Yufen was waving to her, probably to discuss today's filming arrangements.

When Chen Shouyi walked out of the director's area, Shouzhuo was squatting next to the prop box not far away, waiting for him.

Upon seeing his master emerge, Shouzhuo immediately stood up, dusted off his trousers, and went to greet him.

"Master, what does Mr. Cai want with you?"

"What do you think? Of course they want to sign me."

Shouzhuo's eyes widened: "Huh? Another one? Did you agree?"

"no."

"Why?" Shouzhuo scratched the back of his head. "The terms offered by President Cai seem pretty good, right?"

"The conditions are good," Chen Shouyi patted the back of his head, "but the boat is no good."

Shouzhuo didn't understand, but he didn't ask further. There's always a reason behind the master's decisions.

The master and apprentice stood under the eaves for a while.

The film set was already in operation, and the first scene was being prepared. The production crew was running around carrying props, and the lighting technician was adjusting the lights.

The actors walked towards the dressing room in twos and threes, preparing to change into their costumes.

Jin Chen ran over from the rest area and called out to Chen Shouyi, "Daoist Master, come join us for the opening banquet tonight!"

Naza followed him over and waved, "Yes, yes, Director Zhao booked a really big place."

Chen Yao walked at the very back, her pace unhurried, her gaze fixed on Chen Shouyi.

Chen Shouyi smiled and waved to them, "Please go ahead, gentlemen. I have other matters to attend to tonight."

Jin Chen's expression fell for a moment, but he quickly recovered: "Okay then, let's reschedule for another day."

Nazha waved and said, "Goodbye, Taoist Priest!"

Chen Yao bowed slightly, said nothing, but lingered on him for a moment longer.

The three of them walked towards the dressing room. After a few steps, Nazha hooked her arm around Chen Yao's shoulder, whispered something in her ear, and Chen Yao blushed again, gently pushing her away.

Chen Shouyi watched them walk away.

Shouzhuo asked quietly from the side, "Master, aren't you going to the opening banquet?"

Chen Shouyi glanced at him and smiled.

"I almost forgot about you." He patted Shouzuo on the shoulder. "You can go with Benefactor Zhao. Eat well, don't embarrass your master."

"Alright!" Shouzhu grinned, then stopped, trying to appear calm. "Master, don't worry, I definitely won't let you down."

Chen Shouyi waved his hand, and Shouzhuo then ran off towards Zhao Mingyuan.

The sky was already starting to turn yellow.

Evening in Hengdian arrives slowly, as if someone is slowly mixing colors on the horizon, layering them from pale gold to orange-red.

Chen Shouyi exited the scenic area through a side gate.

A black minivan was already parked under the shade of a tree by the roadside. When he came out, the car door was pushed open from the inside, and Fang Xu leaned out halfway and waved to him.

"Master, this way."

Chen Shouyi got into the car, and Fang Xu moved aside, his smile even warmer than when they last met.

"Have you bought all the medicinal herbs?" Chen Shouyi asked.

"Everything's ready." Fang Xu patted a tote bag at his feet. "Just like your prescription, nothing's missing. Cordyceps, seahorse, and placenta are all the best."

"good."

After driving out of Hengdian town, the car traveled along a road lined with sycamore trees for about twenty minutes before stopping in front of a hotel.

Fang Xu led the way, taking Chen Shouyi up to the third floor. At the end of the corridor was a private room with the door half-open.

"Taoist Master, please."

Fang Xu pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Chen Shouyi go in first.

Chen Shouyi stepped inside, then paused for a moment.

Fang Xu wasn't the only one in the private room.

A woman, around forty years old, was sitting at the dining table. She was wearing a well-tailored black suit, her hair pulled back, revealing a clean-cut jawline.

His facial features are somewhat similar to Fang Xu's, but his eyes and brows have an added layer of sharpness from someone who has been through many battles.

She was looking at her phone when she heard the door open and looked up.

His gaze fell on Chen Shouyi, and he slowly and deliberately looked him over.

Then she stood up and extended her hand.

"Master Qingquan, I've long admired you. I am Fang Ying, Fang Xu's older sister."

Chen Shouyi reached out and shook her hand, nodding slightly: "May the Heavenly Venerable grant you boundless blessings, Benefactor Fang."

"Please sit down, Daoist Master." Fang Ying withdrew his hand and sat down again.

Fang Xu pulled out a chair and greeted him warmly, "Taoist Master, please sit down, please sit down."

After Chen Shouyi sat down, the three of them sat around the table. The atmosphere wasn't exactly cold, but it lacked the warmth of the last time Fang Xu had treated them to a meal alone.

Fang Ying's gaze lingered on Chen Shouyi for a long time. She had come tonight to see for herself just how capable this man, whom her younger brother trusted so much, really was.

"You must be tired from your journey, Daoist Master." Fang Ying picked up the teapot and poured Chen Shouyi a cup of tea, speaking politely and courteously. "The weather here in Hengdian is much more humid than in the capital. Are you getting used to it?"

"It's acceptable." Chen Shouyi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down.

Fang Ying exchanged a few more pleasantries about what had happened on the road. Fang Xu sat beside her, glancing at his sister and then at the Taoist priest, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, wanting to speak but not daring to speak before his sister.

Chen Shou put down his teacup. He knew very well that Fang Ying had come in person tonight not for a contract, as she could sign such a thing anytime.

What she feared was that her younger brother would be deceived. So many hospitals couldn't cure his illness, yet it fell into the hands of a young Taoist priest. Anyone would have doubts in their mind.

It's perfectly normal that she doesn't trust him.

However, there was no point in saying more, so Chen Shouyi turned directly to Fang Xu:

"Mr. Fang, have all the medicinal herbs been prepared?"

Fang Xu nodded hurriedly, as if granted a pardon, and picked up the handbag at his feet:

"It's all there! I followed your prescription exactly, without missing a single ingredient. The cordyceps, seahorse, and placenta are all the best quality."

Chen Shouyi untied the bag and inspected each item.

The medicinal materials are indeed of good quality. The cordyceps are golden in color and plump, the seahorse is dried and intact, and the placenta is clean.

He nodded, picked out a few packets, and set them aside: "Take these packets and brew them; we'll need them tonight. The rest, I'll keep for now."

Fang Ying glanced at her younger brother, and Fang Xu immediately stood up: "I'll go arrange for the kitchen to prepare the medicine."

He carried the bags of medicinal herbs out of the private room, leaving only the two of them inside.

After a period of quiet.

"Master, as you know, my brother has been to many hospitals, but none of them have been effective."

Fang Ying paused, then looked directly at Chen Shouyi: "He said you can cure him, and I'm not afraid to tell you the truth. I don't really believe it."