"Impressive, you've even managed to win over Princess Yan!" Xu Jing found Yan Pei'er's tantrums quite troublesome. The girl couldn't be scolded or hit, and reasoning with her wasn't always effective.
Thanks to Su He, things had become much quieter for her.
Su He chuckled. "How much longer will it be on that end? I'm not exactly a professional filling in temporarily!"
"At the current filming pace, it'll likely take another two months to wrap up," Director Jiang was notoriously meticulous about details, redoing scenes for the slightest imperfection, which was very time-consuming.
"Every one of Director Jiang's films is exceptionally well-made, so a bit of delay is understandable." Since Su He had become close with Ms. Hong, she was often taken around the art circles, meeting many people and gathering information. "Is Yu Tong adapting well over there? No signs of culture shock?"
"She had a bit of a stomach upset when she first arrived, but she's recovered now," Xu Jing replied. "The other artists are in your capable hands, boss! Though, you needn't worry too much. Their schedules are mostly set; as long as filming goes smoothly, that's all that matters."
Su He hummed in acknowledgment.
After a brief exchange, Xu Jing was called away.
Su He then replied to messages from the other artists, experiencing the life of a workaholic intensely.
So, being an agent was this tiring!
Not only did you have to deal with all sorts of people, but you also had to manage the individuals under you. These artists, with their varied personalities and ages, were incredibly difficult to manage. Yan Pei'er was relatively easy; a little spoiled, but with some coaxing, she would at least listen.
The others, however, were seasoned veterans who had been in the industry for years, making communication a real challenge.
Su He felt she was more suited to being Mrs. Lu, at least she wouldn't have to worry about such things.
*
After smoothly seeing Yan Pei'er settled into the film crew and finalizing arrangements with the production company, Su He hurried to her next destination.
A month ago, she had promised to accompany Ms. Hong to a painting exhibition.
It was said to feature works by a renowned foreign artist. These paintings were usually displayed in museums worldwide, making their exhibition in B City a rare opportunity.
Tickets had been scalped at exorbitant prices, making them incredibly hard to obtain.
Ms. Hong, with no daughters and a son who was always unavailable, had invited her beloved disciple to accompany her.
Su He drove to the He family residence to pick up Ms. Hong personally.
"Teacher," Su He wore flat shoes for ease of driving.
Ms. Hong looked at her attire and nodded with satisfaction. "Youth is wonderful; you look good in anything!"
Su He smiled, opened the passenger door, and helped her in. "Teacher, you've looked beautiful for decades! And you have such an elegant aura!"
"Haha... are we engaging in a mutual admiration society?" Ms. Hong laughed heartily.
"I'm telling the truth," Su He winked at her.
They chatted all the way to the exhibition hall.
A considerable crowd had already gathered, queuing to have their tickets checked.
Su He was not only Ms. Hong's disciple but also her goddaughter. Everywhere they went, Ms. Hong introduced her with a beaming smile, garnering Su He much goodwill.
"At the end of the year, she'll be holding her own solo exhibition. I hope everyone will come to support her then." As they concluded their conversation, Ms. Hong didn't forget to promote.
Su He felt a bit embarrassed.
She was just an artist with little fame; how could she possibly invite those master-level figures?
"Your disciple's exhibition? Of course, we wouldn't miss it!"
"I'll bring my own disciple along too, so he can learn more from your Su Su!"
"You flatter me!" Su He waved her hands dismissively.
"No need to be modest! There are very few people whom Hong Yatou praises!"
"Indeed, the last time I saw that sunflower painting at her place, I thought it was an original!"
"Alright, enough of my bragging, and you're all joining in the chorus!" Ms. Hong feigned modesty but was beaming inwardly.
She was notoriously strict in her industry, having taken only two disciples. Her eldest disciple had been out in the world for years, achieving considerable fame domestically and now serving as a visiting professor at an art academy. Her younger disciple was Su He.
"Your disciple is not only talented but also looks radiant. Is she married?" Among her friends were those with unmarried sons, and they never missed an opportunity to ask about a charming young lady.
"Don't you all get any ideas about her," Ms. Hong said, half-jokingly. "She's already taken!"
"The young lady looks so young; how can she be married already?"
"Precisely because she's so exceptional, she was claimed early on." Ms. Hong held Su He's hand like a doting mother.
"Good taste!"
The group continued to view the exhibition, conversing in hushed tones, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Su He had come merely as an accompanying guest, but she was treated with such warmth and care by these seniors that they looked out for her throughout. In return, Su He decided to treat them to dinner after the exhibition.
"How can we let a young lady like you treat us?" the others protested.
Ms. Hong, however, was generous. "Let her treat! This girl runs her own company; she has money!"
Su He knew her teacher was helping her build connections and felt deeply grateful. As the saying goes, "Taking someone's favor makes one feel indebted." If a meal could foster stronger relationships with these masters, why not?
"Who would have thought, so accomplished at such a young age!"
"Much more successful than us!"
"What kind of company does the girl run?"
Some expressed admiration, while others inquired with curiosity.
Su He, slightly embarrassed, tugged at her bag strap. "In cultural and artistic output, I've signed a few artists, and occasionally write scripts..."
"Oh, I didn't realize you had so many talents besides painting!"
"Being a screenwriter is very promising these days!"
"Which dramas have you been involved in? I'll definitely watch them when I get back!"
Despite their usual air of arrogance, these masters had surprisingly down-to-earth sides in private.
They were just as enthusiastic about watching dramas and movies as younger people.
Su He replied with a few humble words and steered the conversation to another topic. They likely wouldn't think much of the shows she'd invested in, so it was best not to embarrass herself.
After the exhibition, Su He fulfilled her promise and treated the seniors to a meal at a nearby restaurant.
To accommodate their tastes, Su He had asked Ms. Hong beforehand and repeatedly communicated with the waitstaff about which dishes should not contain chili, which should omit scallions, ensuring everything was clear.
After ordering, Su He served tea and poured water, attending to them attentively.
"You've been busy running around, little girl. Sit down and rest."
"Yes, you've been standing for so long!"
Ms. Hong also felt a pang of concern for her goddaughter and gestured for her to sit. "You can just leave the teapot on the table; we'll pour our own water."
Only then did Su He relax and take a seat.
The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
After settling the bill and seeing everyone off, Su He rubbed her aching calves before changing back into her flat shoes.
"You must be tired too after a long day; get some rest early." Su He had intended to drive Ms. Hong home, but she declined. "He Shufan is nearby; I'll have him pick me up."
Su He couldn't refuse but still waited with her until He Shufan arrived before driving away.
As she went to get her car, she even encountered an acquaintance.
"Oh, isn't that sister-in-law?"
"Be careful what you say; that's the ex-sister-in-law!"
Lu Yanbei's devotion to his wife was common knowledge in their circle.
To associate Su He with Lu Jingyang now was practically suicidal.
Li Chao nudged Lu Jingyang's arm, a playful smirk on his face. "What, regretting the divorce?"
Lu Jingyang's thin lips were tightly pressed. He looked at Su He, who was completely different from her past self, and remained silent.