During the few days Xia Weiliang rested at home, visitors flocked to her door.
No Mi blocked as many as she could, from platform executives to company high-ups.
"Director Du?"
No Mi was also stunned when she opened the door.
Director Du entered, carrying large bags and packages, sweat beading on his forehead from exertion. He frequently pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his brow. "These are all good for your health. Make sure she eats them. Oh, and this too..."
He took out several thick stacks of large red envelopes from his chest. "These are red envelopes from the 'Old Gentlemen' in 'My Grandpa'. That girl likes money, so I specifically asked them to pack cash. He then took out an even larger one. "This one is from me."
No Mi's jaw practically dropped in surprise. "Director Du... did you... did you get plucked?!"
"You little girl, what are you talking about!" Director Du glared at her, then put on a distressed face. "I've peeled off a layer of skin for this~"
As they spoke, his phone kept ringing.
"Alright, I have to leave quickly. Those gentlemen will start arguing if one of them isn't watching them, and no one can keep them in line. Have her eat these tonics first, and I'll buy more when they're gone."
As he reached the door, he added, "I'll wire her the payment for 'My Grandpa' in a few days. She's a great contributor, so it will be more than enough!"
"Thank you! Director Du, take care!"
When No Mi gave the red envelopes to Xia Weiliang, she used the phrase "transformed and reborn" to describe Director Du.
Xia Weiliang looked at the red envelopes, her eyes nearly disappearing as she smiled.
"The Old Gentlemen are truly generous!"
Soon, a photo of Xia Weiliang holding the red envelopes appeared on Weibo, accompanied by the caption: "I'm so old, and I'm still receiving red envelopes. Thank you to the gentlemen from 'I Am Your Grandpa'! And my little Director Du!"
She had posted it casually, but the trending topic once again locked onto her.
Seeing the trending topic, Xia Yiran was so angry she almost threw her phone. "Why is she always so lucky! She only donated a tiny amount of money, and so many people are rushing to help her donate! What do they see in her? She's clearly a fraud! A fraud!"
Zhang Peng, sitting opposite her, looked up helplessly. "Yiran, I advise you to stop opposing her. Honestly, you... you're no match for her..."
"Brother Zhang! What are you saying?" Xia Yiran stared at him in disbelief. "You're my agent!"
"Sigh, it's precisely because I'm your agent that I need to advise you. Look at who Xia Weiliang has behind her. Two companies have become famous because of her, their brand sales have soared. And by following her lead, they're not only building roads and schools but also donating money and goods. Now, they've all become national brands due to her positive image! Tell me, if you insult their endorser, can they just sit idly by? Do you understand the meaning of 'lips and teeth'? If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold!"
Xia Yiran gritted her teeth. "Just a couple of companies! My Xia family isn't a pushover either!"
"Okay, let's talk about the Xia family. Your great-aunt, with one move, donated ten million. She's clearly on Xia Weiliang's side! You can't even manage your own family, how can you manage Xia Weiliang?"
"I..."
"Let's talk about Master Gu. Do you know who he is?"
"Who?" Xia Yiran scoffed. "Perhaps some old pervert who wants to exploit her! He's just trying to win favor by taking this opportunity!"
Zhang Peng was amused to the point of laughter. "Master Gu, he once dominated both the underworld and the legal world. After washing his hands of that life, he became an antique dealer. The people he interacts with are beyond your imagination! A mere ten million might be the cost of a breakfast tea in Paris for him!"
Xia Yiran's expression changed when she heard this. She said with unconcealed jealousy and resentment, "How did Xia Weiliang get involved with him?"
"Heh, you'll have to ask the one who donated fifty million for her. For someone of Master Gu's caliber, only he is worthy!"
"Are you saying..."
There were no secrets in this circle. Everyone had been secretly guessing that this person was Film Emperor Xiao.
Zhang Peng said earnestly, "Yiran, you must understand that this circle is full of hidden talents! Film Emperor Xiao's background has never been exposed since his debut, which tells you how unfathomable he is! You're provoking his woman; aren't you seeking death! The company announced a long leave for you last time; you should know who was pulling the strings behind it. How can you still... still be so stubborn!"
Sigh, if it weren't for the fact that the Xia family had treated him well, he truly wouldn't want to bother anymore!
Xia Yiran bit her lip, unwillingly saying, "Even if I don't want to compete with her, do you think those people outside will let me off? We are destined to be compared. For ratings, they'll praise one and trample the other! Is it wrong for me not to want to be trampled underfoot?"
"While that may be true, based on the current situation, you... you can't do anything about it!"
Xia Yiran sneered, "In the end, it's because I haven't latched onto a powerful patron or found a backer!"
Zhang Peng fell silent. The entertainment industry was indeed cruel at times.
Xia Yiran took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes, slowly saying, "Brother Zhang, if there are any more dinner parties, arrange for me."
Zhang Peng was taken aback. "But Mr. and Mrs. Xia..."
Her gaze gradually turned cold. "Don't bother with them. Since they can't help me, then don't hinder me!"
——
Haoting Clubhouse.
Two tall, attractive women were supporting a middle-aged, oily man as they came out.
"Heh heh... Little Fourth Master, we must have another... another drink sometime!"
"Alright."
Xiao Yi, with a smile playing on his lips, stood by the car. The two women helped the middle-aged man into the car and glanced at Xiao Yi, nodding slightly before closing the car door.
Until the car disappeared, the smile on Xiao Yi's face vanished.
He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and placed it between his lips.
He didn't go in immediately but took out his phone and opened WeChat.
Half an hour ago, Xia Weiliang had sent a message: [When I become famous, I'll return the fifty million to you!]
He chuckled.
He was pleased that she had immediately realized the money was a donation from him.
[You don't necessarily have to repay the money; other ways are also possible.]
A reply came back quickly: [Don't even think about it!]
He smiled. [I mean signing with my studio and working for me... So, what were you thinking?]
[...Teacher Xiao, you're tricking me.]
He took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling a smoke ring, his lips still curved upwards.
[Does your leg still hurt?]
[It stopped hurting long ago. The doctor praised me as 'iron-boned'!]
[Mhm, a true man.]
[Bomb.jpg]
[I've been a bit busy lately. Stay put at home, and I'll come to see you in a few days.]
[Got it~ Teacher Xiao is busy dedicating himself to art~ I understand, I understand!]
Xiao Yi narrowed his dark eyes, then looked up at the opulent, dazzling high-end clubhouse opposite him and gave a self-deprecating laugh.
[Yes, dedicating myself.]
At this moment, the person curled up in bed saw these words and blushed deeply.
Was this driving on the highway?
Her skin felt hot, and she quickly replied: [I'm sleepy, going to bed.]
[Mhm, good night.]
Putting down her phone, her heart was still pounding, like a maiden in love.
What the books said was indeed true; a woman's feelings for love grow with each passing day until she is deeply ensnared.
Although she didn't like becoming a prisoner of love and losing herself, if the object was God Yi...
It seemed not bad.
She rolled over in bed, burying her face in the pillow, smiling like a fool.