Chapter 941: Money Talks

After a while, Cai Zhengkai’s assistant, a slightly chubby girl with braided hair, came back with a big bag of eye drops. His agent and assistant took him to his room to rinse his eyes.

The screenwriter introduced everyone, “This is Officer Lin and Tao Yuanyuan…”

“This is our director, Hai Dao, who directed ‘Trash Film’ and ‘Money Laundering Storm.’ We’ve collaborated many times.”

The bearded director nodded.

“This is the production manager, an old hand in our crew.”

The production manager was an older woman with dyed brown hair.

“And this is the producer, the financier. Without him, we wouldn’t have this movie.”

The gloomy middle-aged man, leaning back and filing his nails, glanced up briefly.

“This is Xiao Ai, also an actor. He plays a very unique young cop in the movie.”

When Lin Dongxue heard “a very unique young cop,” she thought of Xu Xiaodong. However, all the cops in the film were original characters, not based on real people.

“Nice to meet you!” Xiao Ai said with a grin. “I’m curious, how come you look so young? Are you really her mother?”

“I don’t have to answer that,” Lin Dongxue replied.

“Haha, are all cops this serious?”

“Xiao Ai!” the producer barked. “Stop talking nonsense and go get my massager from the car.”

“Oh, okay.” Xiao Ai hurried off, clearly just a lackey for the producer.

The director said in a businesslike tone, “We’ll have a meal together and then hold our opening ceremony. We’ll start filming this afternoon.”

“I thought you said filming starts tomorrow?” Lin Dongxue asked.

“We have a scene scheduled for this evening. With all the equipment rentals and labor costs, each day costs a fortune. We have to move as fast as possible. Even at this pace, it’ll take two months to finish,” the director yawned. “I’m going to rest. I didn’t sleep well last night. See you downstairs later. Producer, I’m heading out.”

The producer nodded, and Lin Dongxue got the impression that he was the one in charge. Money talks, after all.

Lin Dongxue whispered to Tao Yuanyuan, “Do you want to join the meal? If not, we can find an excuse to eat alone.”

Tao Yuanyuan thought for a moment, “It might be awkward eating with strangers, but the food will probably be good. Let’s go.”

“Haha, I’m just here to accompany you. You’re the star.”

The screenwriter pulled them aside and whispered, “You can tell the producer has a big presence here. Even the director is polite to him.”

Tao Yuanyuan said, “Is he the reason the script is such a mess?”

“Yeah, he’s the culprit… just kidding. He funds the movie, and we’re just employees. When he says change, we change. It’s like customizing a product. By the way, Xiao Ai is from the financier’s side. I don’t like to gossip, but his acting is terrible. They’ve been trying to make him a star for years with no success.”

“Honestly, I’ve never heard of him,” Lin Dongxue said.

“Well, it’s still early for lunch. Want me to show you around? The hotel has a gym and a bar. Interested?”

“Sure!” Tao Yuanyuan agreed eagerly.

The bar was quiet during the day. Lin Dongxue liked the environment: private booths with buttons to call for drinks and detailed menus that avoided awkwardness when ordering cocktails with strange names.

She hadn’t been much of a bar-goer before, thinking the patrons were up to no good. But after Chen Shi took her a few times post-marriage, she found it interesting. Bars offered a variety of cocktails, each place with its own unique flavors.

As they sat down, the screenwriter said, “We sometimes come here after shooting, usually ordering a bottle of Red Label to sip. By the way, I have half a bottle left. Want to try?”

“I don’t drink that,” Lin Dongxue smiled. She didn’t want to drink with someone she’d just met, no matter how friendly he seemed. “Let’s just order a few non-alcoholic drinks.”

“Lin Jie, these drink names are so funny! Can I try this eggnog?” Tao Yuanyuan asked, studying the menu.

“That has alcohol. How about a non-alcoholic mojito?”

“I’m not in school today. What’s wrong with a little drink?”

“You’re underage!”

Tao Yuanyuan stuck out her tongue, and they ordered three soft drinks. The screenwriter was about to pay with his phone when Lin Dongxue stopped him. “I’ll pay. You worked hard writing every word. I can’t let you pay.”

“It’s fine. You’re our guests.”

After some back and forth, Lin Dongxue paid the bill. Tao Yuanyuan took a sip and said, “It tastes okay, but fifty bucks for one drink is too much. I’m not coming back.”

“Haha, when did you become so frugal?”

“I’ve always been frugal!”

The screenwriter said, “You two seem to get along well. I know Yuanyuan’s story. Finding a home like this is very lucky for her.”

“How old is your daughter?” Lin Dongxue asked.

“She should be almost grown up by now.”

“I’m curious, as a screenwriter, why do you stick with the crew?”

The screenwriter sighed. “You don’t know my situation. I’m divorced, and my ex has custody. I see my daughter once a week. I have a studio with several writers. Being with the crew helps me network with producers and directors to get more work. Plus, I’m familiar with Hai Dao.”

“I see.”

Just then, they overheard a conversation from nearby.

“Damn it, my eyes still hurt. Get my lawyer. I’m suing that maniac!”

“He’s just a nutcase. You’re taking him seriously? If a dog bites you, do you bite back? Many fans saw what happened. It’ll spread online. Show some grace, boost your exposure, and gain fans.”

“I know who’s behind this. It’s definitely Xiao Ai. That bastard has the financier backing him, acting all high and mighty. That psycho must have been his doing!”

“Come on, where’s your proof? You’re being paranoid.”

“I have proof! I heard him laugh as I came in, saying, ‘Big star, how could you be so careless?'”

“He was gloating. You know what he’s like. Xiao Ai’s fan base isn’t even a fraction of yours. Engaging with him lowers your status. Ignore him.”

“He’s a nobody… but why cut my scenes to add his!!!” Cai Zhengkai suddenly banged the table in anger.