Chapter 11 Friday, November 19th

Tomorrow, Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao will arrive in Jingzhou. Saturday is the perfect day to host a welcome dinner at Mingyun Private Kitchen.

Today, Pei Qian took a taxi to the high-speed rail south station area and carefully selected several real estate developments.

He finally settled on a fully furnished apartment, over 140 square meters, with a price close to what Pei Qian had expected.

Moreover, because Pei Qian paid the full amount upfront, he received a discount on the price, coming to a total of 1.63 million yuan after a 5% reduction.

However, the apartment is not yet completed and will not be ready for occupancy until March of next year.

With housing prices starting to rise in the past two to three years, good properties are almost always sold off-plan before completion. Waiting until after completion might mean only being able to buy a second-hand apartment.

There's nothing that can be done about it.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Pei Qian decided that this apartment was the most suitable option and bought it despite it being an off-plan property.

Anyway, Pei Qian wasn't in a hurry. His parents' current place was a bit small, but they had lived there for so many years; a few more months wouldn't make much of a difference.

What's more, even after the handover, there would still be several months of work involved in inspection, soft furnishings, furniture, and so on, so there was no need to rush.

Buying the apartment and resolving a concern made him feel much more at ease.

The only downside was seeing his personal assets dwindle to just over 200,000 yuan. Pei Qian couldn't help but sigh, "Back to square one."

But it didn't matter, as long as he could lose more money this settlement cycle, he could earn back the money for this apartment in no time!

...

Pei Qian spent a busy day on Friday, signed the purchase contract, and went straight to rest after returning.

On Saturday afternoon, Pei Qian had the company driver, Xiao Sun, take him to Mingyun Private Kitchen, where he waited to receive Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

Both of them were arriving on flights this afternoon. Zhang Zuting arrived a little earlier and had already gone to the hotel to rest. Lu Zhiyao arrived later, and Pei Qian had also arranged for someone to pick him up and take him to the hotel. After settling in, he would come to Mingyun Private Kitchen for dinner.

In addition, Zhu Xiaoce, as the film's director, was of course required to attend and had arrived in advance.

Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaoce were in the private room, eating snacks and waiting.

Pei Qian noticed that Zhu Xiaoce's briefcase contained two printed copies of the script, which he was probably planning to give to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

Pei Qian was also a bit troubled by the script.

Zhang Zuting had asked to see the script before, but Pei Qian had brushed him off.

This time, with Lu Zhiyao coming, he would most likely make the same request.

Pei Qian knew that both of these actors were picky about scripts and weren't the type to just film anything if the money was right, so he definitely couldn't get away with just making something up.

It would be relatively easier with Lao Zhang, since they had a relationship and he was willing to collaborate.

Lu Zhiyao had no prior connection with Pei Qian and was already somewhat of a star, so how could he casually accept a film directed by an unknown director? Even if the money was right, he would still look at the script before deciding whether to film.

So, Pei Qian was a little worried.

But looking at Zhu Xiaoce, he didn't seem worried at all, but rather confident and self-assured.

Pei Qian felt that this was ridiculous. How could Zhu Xiaoce hold such a terrible script as if it were a Nobel Prize-winning work?

Pei Qian tentatively asked, "Director Zhu, when Lu Zhiyao arrives today, he will most likely ask about the film script. At that time..."

Zhu Xiaoce patted his chest before Pei Qian could finish, "President Pei, don't worry, it's nothing!"

"Your script is so well-written, Lu Zhiyao might like it more and more as he reads it, and even offer to lower his fee to join!"

Pei Qian: "..."

Wasn't that a bit too optimistic?

But as things stood, Pei Qian couldn't ask too much and could only wait and see what happened after they met.

Not long after, the company's seven-seater van arrived. Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao got out of the car and walked towards Mingyun Private Kitchen under the guidance of the waiter.

Each of them brought an assistant, who followed behind.

It was common for celebrities to bring assistants, as most celebrities were busy and needed someone to help them. Otherwise, they simply wouldn't be able to manage on their own.

The fact that these two only brought one assistant each was already quite low-key. Some popular actors bring ten or eight assistants whenever they go out, enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention at all times.

This was the first time Pei Qian had met Lu Zhiyao in person; he had only seen his photos and movie clips online before.

Pei Qian's first impression of Lu Zhiyao was: handsome!

Actors are either photogenic or not. Some actors look good on camera, but in reality, some are so beautiful that they seem to glow, far surpassing ordinary handsome men and beautiful women. Others aren't particularly striking in reality, but can be greatly enhanced by makeup when on camera.

Lu Zhiyao was even more special; he was very handsome in reality, but not as handsome in movies...

It had to be said that actors really rely on "audience appeal." Some actors are good-looking, but audiences just don't like them; there's nothing they can do about it.

"President Pei! Long time no see."

Zhang Zuting quickly stepped forward and shook hands with Pei Qian.

"President Pei, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Lu Zhiyao followed closely behind.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Pei Qian led everyone to the private room and they took their seats.

It was still the largest private room on the third floor of the villa. Zhang Zuting looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the afterglow of the sunset shining on the infinity pool outside, and couldn't help but recall his first visit.

This scene truly made one... swallow involuntarily.

Zhang Zuting couldn't help but yearn for the delicious food he had eaten last time, and couldn't wait for the meal to begin.

However, Pei Qian wasn't looking at Zhang Zuting or Lu Zhiyao at this time, but was staring at Zhang Zuting's little assistant.

It was you who remembered the location of Mingyun Private Kitchen last time, bringing all the tycoons in Jingzhou here!

President Pei was angry, but there was nothing he could do. For the sake of the fried pork trotters, he wouldn't hold it against you.

Pei Qian introduced director Zhu Xiaoce to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao. After a round of greetings, the dishes were served one after another.

Although Lu Zhiyao had eaten plenty of good food, he still looked surprised when he saw the dishes here.

He had heard before that there was a very good, unnamed restaurant in Jingzhou, but he didn't have high expectations. After all, he was filming all over the country all year round and had been to all sorts of good restaurants.

But after actually tasting the food, he realized that the dishes here were in no way inferior to the best restaurants he had been to, and the environment and service were even better!

With the delicious food, Lu Zhiyao's recent gloomy mood was relieved a lot.

After his new movie flopped, Lu Zhiyao had been holed up at home for several days and hadn't planned to take on any new movies recently.

The last movie had such a good cast and still flopped, so what if he filmed another one and it flopped again?

He couldn't take it.

Lu Zhiyao hadn't really decided whether to accept this movie. Relatively speaking, he had come to Jingzhou more to relax than to work.

But at this moment, watching the endless stream of delicious dishes being served and feeling the attentive service of the waiters, Lu Zhiyao felt President Pei's high regard for him.

He had originally just wanted to come and take a look casually, but after eating this meal, he suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

As the saying goes, "Eat someone's food and you'll be soft-spoken, take someone's gift and you'll be short-handed." Although Lu Zhiyao hadn't decided whether to film this movie, he should at least talk about it.

With this in mind, Lu Zhiyao took the initiative to say, "President Pei, Director Zhu, let's talk briefly about this movie."

"To be honest, I've been feeling down lately and my condition isn't good. Mr. Zhang must know that an actor's condition has a big impact on their performance. The main reason I've been putting it off is that I'm worried I won't be able to act well in this movie and will cause trouble for everyone."

"Besides, I'm a 'box office poison' now, and I'm afraid I'll drag you down as well."

Lu Zhiyao didn't give a definitive answer, and first adopted a relatively low posture, so that if he refused in the end, both sides could save face.

As for whether to film this movie, he would have to see the script and understand the other party's sincerity before deciding.

If it was a terrible movie, he would politely refuse. If he thought this movie had a chance of becoming a small hit, he could give it a try.

Pei Qian smiled, "Not at all, I think Mr. Lu, your talent has been severely buried!"

"In the eyes of others, you are box office poison, but to me, you are the most suitable candidate for the male lead in this movie!"

"I have high hopes for you."

Lu Zhiyao knew that President Pei's words were mostly just polite remarks.

But seeing President Pei's sincere eyes, he was still moved.

It seemed that President Pei was being sincere!

It was so hard to find a kindred spirit.

"President Pei, I'm a little ashamed that you trust me so much."

"President Pei, Director Zhu, I can feel your sincerity. However, can I take a look at the script first?"

Sure enough, he still wanted the script.

Pei Qian knew that Lu Zhiyao would most likely not agree to participate without seeing the script. He had no choice but to look at Zhu Xiaoce and have him hand the two copies of the script to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao respectively.

Lu Zhiyao wiped his hands with the hot towel handed over by the waiter, solemnly took the script, and carefully read through it.

Pei Qian watched Lu Zhiyao's expression change from anticipation to confusion, then to shock, and finally to blankness, and felt that something was not right.

And after Lu Zhiyao briefly finished reading the script, he didn't know what to say for a moment.

This kind of script was really rare!

Of course, it wasn't that he had never seen anything like it before. Many European and American art films also had somewhat vague plots, but in China, he didn't seem to have ever seen a film made like this...

Lu Zhiyao had also never played this kind of male lead in his acting career.

Wasn't this a bit too miserable?

He started out as a simp, but couldn't even get a second chance. He finally became successful, but turned around and abandoned his old love, and was eventually schemed against and became poor again.

When had Lu Zhiyao ever suffered such grievances!

The male leads he had played in the past were all winners in life, surrounded by beautiful women and with smooth careers.

Even if it was a tragedy, it had to be heroic and die a spectacular death.

Even if he played a supporting role, it was often a lovable and charming villain.

But this movie was different. It was said that he was playing the male lead, but the male lead was too miserable! He was neither lovable nor pitiful. After hearing the story, it made people feel disgusted.

Lu Zhiyao looked at Pei Qian, "President Pei... this script..."

He didn't know how to describe it for a moment.

Seeing Lu Zhiyao's expression, Pei Qian felt that something was not right. Sure enough, this script, capable of deterring all comers, had dissuaded this "box office poison"...

Thinking about it, it made sense. The movies he had filmed before might have flopped, but in the movies, he played either a hero, a domineering CEO, or at least a carefree rich kid or a career elite.

Now, they were asking him to play a poor guy, a simp, a heartless person, who was eventually played for a fool. How could he be happy about that?

Pei Qian looked at Zhu Xiaoce, signaling that it was Director Zhu's turn to step up.

No matter what you say, you have to hype up this script first and stabilize Lu Zhiyao's mentality!

However, before Zhu Xiaoce could speak, Zhang Zuting had already slapped his thigh, "Great script! This script is fantastic!"

"I've been making movies for so many years, and I've never seen a script with such profound themes!"

"This is a scathing satire that criticizes the mentality of excessive consumerism, the浮躁fú zào (frivolousness) of society, and the alienation of people by money. This script is very meaningful and worth savoring!"

"President Pei, where did you find the screenwriter? Their level is really high!"

Zhu Xiaoce replied in a timely manner, "President Pei wrote this script himself."

Zhang Zuting was awed and said respectfully, "I didn't realize that President Pei was so versatile! As expected, capable people are often busy!"

"That's not right, President Pei, the script has clearly already been written. Then why did you avoid talking about it when I asked you on the phone before?"

"Oh... I understand, it's because of modesty and keeping a low profile!"

"President Pei, it's good to be modest, but being too modest is not good. It's only because we have a good relationship. If it were another actor, they might not have come if they heard there was no script, which would have been a great pity!"

"For the sake of this script alone, I'll definitely come and film it, even if it's for a friendship price, or even for no pay!"

Pei Qian looked at Zhu Xiaoce and then at Zhang Zuting in confusion. The development of the situation was completely beyond his expectations.

What was going on...

He had only prepared Zhu Xiaoce as a shill to deceive Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

But Zhang Zuting was too cooperative, actively acting as a shill, and the three of them were deceiving Lu Zhiyao together!

Lu Zhiyao was still confused. He had only roughly read the script and hadn't really grasped its points.

Zhang Zuting continued to flip through the script and said with emotion, "President Pei, if I'm not mistaken, this script must have been specially tailored for Brother Lu, right?"

Pei Qian: ?

Tailored?

You're overthinking it. When I wrote this script, I didn't even know who Lu Zhiyao was...

However, Pei Qian couldn't tell the truth, could he?

He could only give a mysterious smile, neither admitting nor denying it.

Seeing this smile, Zhang Zuting became even more certain. He looked at Lu Zhiyao next to him, "Brother Lu, did you see it?"

Lu Zhiyao was dizzy.

See what, a hairball!

Tailored for me?

Do I look so much like a simp?

Seeing Lu Zhiyao's puzzled expression, Zhang Zuting explained, "Brother Lu, do you know what you're missing most right now?"

"It's not just a good script and a good role."

"More importantly, you're missing a good persona!"

Lu Zhiyao's expression remained confused.

Zhang Zuting continued, "A good persona doesn't mean a perfect character in the movie. You've played a lot of these 'successful people' in movies, but they've always been mediocre. Have you ever thought about why?"

"A good persona doesn't mean a flawless character, but rather one that can maximize your own characteristics, allow the audience to empathize, and remember your character!"

"Just like when I was young, I won the Best Actor award by playing a mental patient."

"And the male lead in this script, although he seems to be useless, is an out-and-out good character, complex and rich."

"This kind of role is a comprehensive exercise for your acting skills, and it can also completely rid you of the audience's stereotypes."

"Why haven't the characters you've played before resonated with the audience? I personally think it's mainly because you're too handsome!"

"Because you're too handsome, it makes the audience feel out of place, detached, and unrealistic, making it difficult to get into the show."

"I think that looks have become a burden to some extent, and you're unwilling to let go of this burden. When you're playing these roles, it's difficult to break through your original mindset."

"You always play people without flaws, so how can you leave a deep impression on the audience?"

"So, this role is simply tailored for you, it's so suitable!"

"To be honest, if I were ten years younger, I would definitely play this male lead. But now, I'm old, so I can only give this opportunity to you."

Listening to Zhang Zuting's words, Lu Zhiyao was silent.

Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaoce were also silent.

However, the silence of the three people was not for the same reason...

Lu Zhiyao's silence was because he felt that these were the heartfelt words of a movie star, which were very useful.

No matter how popular Zhang Zuting was now, he was ultimately a senior who had achieved much more than him.

If Zhang Zuting thought this role was good, then it meant that this role was really good.

Zhu Xiaoce sighed, as expected, Zhang Zuting was an experienced actor, someone who truly understood movies.

Just from the reactions of the two actors after seeing the script, it could be seen that Zhang Zuting's level was much higher than Lu Zhiyao's!

And Pei Qian was confused.

He had originally thought that Zhang Zuting would have a lot of objections to the script, just like Lu Zhiyao, and that he and Zhu Xiaoce would have to work together to deceive them.

However, Zhang Zuting actually liked this script!

Not only did he like it himself, but he also helped to deceive Lu Zhiyao, and even said nonsense like "This script is tailored for Lu Zhiyao"...

Pei Qian now wanted to know, were Lao Zhang's words from the bottom of his heart, or was he simply deceiving Lu Zhiyao?

The former?

That shouldn't be possible. I wrote this script with the intention of being capable of deterring all comers, so how could Lao Zhang, an experienced actor who had acted in many plays, like it?

Well, it's probably because I'm Zhu Xiaoce's boss and Zhang Zuting's sugar daddy. These two are unlikely to objectively evaluate this script, so they're praising it so much.

See, Lu Zhiyao, who doesn't know me, has no reaction to this script!

Therefore, Lao Zhang and Zhu Xiaoce must be helping to deceive Lu Zhiyao.

Well done!

These two have made a great contribution today. As long as they can pull the "box office poison" into the crew, they must be given a raise!