Chapter 942: Eavesdropping

Lin Dongxue whispered, “Should we leave?”

Tao Yuanyuan said, “Let’s listen a bit more. It’s not every day you get to hear a star and their agent talking.”

“Haha, so you’re curious too.”

The conversation continued, with the agent saying, “Calm down, it’s not about cutting your scenes to add his. The movie has a set length. Any new scenes for him mean less time for other characters. But you’re still the lead, he’s just the second male lead.”

Cai Zhengkai sighed in frustration, “Why are you defending the financiers? Did they pay you off?”

“I wish I could get some extra cash from them, but do you think they would?”

There was a sound of a lighter flicking. Cai Zhengkai took a drag and said, “I don’t want to act with this guy. Every film he’s been in has flopped. I used to be an A-list actor, and now I’m reduced to working with him?”

“Take it easy. Making money isn’t always pleasant. When that Sino-American co-production starts filming later this year, give it your best shot. Win an award, and everyone will remember that film. The past will be forgotten. That’s how showbiz works.”

“I hate hearing the term ‘showbiz.’ Who are we entertaining? I’m an actor, trained professionally. I want to make my own mark!”

“Okay, okay, don’t be so cynical. Want a drink? Actually, I heard some inside news. Xiao Ai is struggling. The financiers have spent a fortune on him, but he’s still not making it. He might switch to variety shows.”

“Isn’t he well-connected?”

“Even if he’s a favorite, if he keeps wasting money, even his backers will lose patience… Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

The agent stood up and immediately spotted the three eavesdroppers. He returned to Cai Zhengkai, likely to report.

Half a minute later, they approached. The screenwriter smiled apologetically, “Cai Ge, how are your eyes? We didn’t mean to eavesdrop; we were here first.”

Cai Zhengkai, looking grim, said, “This round is on me.”

“We’ve already paid,” the screenwriter said. “We were just leaving.”

“No, stay and chat.”

The agent sat down and addressed Lin Dongxue, “Please don’t repeat what you heard. Cai Zhengkai is a public figure, and his image is our company’s asset.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not a gossip. As a cop, I deal with far more sensitive information.”

The agent turned to Tao Yuanyuan, “And you…”

“That’s enough. Do you think we’re troublemakers?” Lin Dongxue said, irritated.

Cai Zhengkai stared at Tao Yuanyuan, making her nervous. It was daunting to face a famous actor. He suddenly asked, “Do I look like him?”

“Who?” Tao Yuanyuan asked.

“The person who kidnapped you.”

“He… he wasn’t as good-looking as you, and his demeanor was different.”

“So, I don’t look like him at all?”

“Uh, I think acting doesn’t require complete resemblance. You can’t fully imitate him anyway,” Tao Yuanyuan stammered, amazed that she was having a conversation with Cai Zhengkai.

“Can’t imitate? Are you doubting my acting skills?” Cai Zhengkai stood up, frustrated, and walked away.

The agent tried to smooth things over, “Don’t mind him. He’s been trying to get into character. It’s a tough role. He might have his flaws, but his passion for acting is genuine… I’ll go after him.”

The agent followed Cai Zhengkai, and Tao Yuanyuan breathed a sigh of relief, clutching her chest. “That scared me. I thought they were going to silence us.”

Lin Dongxue laughed, “I’ve always thought he’s a good actor, just unlucky with roles.”

“Lin Jie, I… I want…”

“A photo?”

Tao Yuanyuan nodded eagerly. “But he seemed so angry, I didn’t dare ask.”

“I’ll help you later.”

The screenwriter said, “Stars usually don’t mind taking photos. You can just ask.”

“Uncle Screenwriter, where’s the lead actress?” Tao Yuanyuan asked.

“She should be on a flight now, arriving this afternoon. By the way, do you mind being in the spotlight?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, during the ceremony, reporters might ask you questions since you’re the story’s inspiration.”

“I… I do mind!”

Even when her story made the papers, she used a pseudonym. She didn’t want her life disturbed.

“I’ll tell the director you won’t participate.”

“Will that be okay?”

“Of course. The ceremony is mostly promotional. You’re not part of the crew, so it’s not necessary.”

After their drinks, they went straight to the restaurant. As visitors, they just enjoyed the meal. Seeing the enormous steamed crabs, foil-wrapped roasted lamb legs, salted duck feet, and chopped chili fish head, Lin Dongxue knew this was a feast worth attending.

The seating arrangements reflected the relationships. The crew and the director sat together, the director next to the producer, and Xiao Ai on the other side. Across from Xiao Ai were Cai Zhengkai, his agent, and assistant.

There were a few new faces. Some men, seeing Lin Dongxue, were curious about her, asking who she was and being told she was the guardian of the story’s inspiration.

During the meal, everyone toasted each other. Lin Dongxue politely but firmly refused, and they left it at that.

Tao Yuanyuan kept eyeing Cai Zhengkai. He barely ate, then took a pill from a small bottle in his pocket, looking ready to leave at any moment. Lin Dongxue said, “I’ll ask him later for a photo, and I’ll get one too.”

“Let’s take one together.”

The meal was top-notch, reflecting the producer’s deep pockets. The meal alone must have cost thousands.

Soon, everyone had eaten their fill. The producer lit a cigar and said, “Everyone, listen up.”

Xiao Ai amplified his voice, “The producer has something to say. Stop eating and put down your glasses!”

Cai Zhengkai wrinkled his nose in disdain.

The producer took a deep puff of his cigar and said, “This afternoon is the opening ceremony. In front of reporters, don’t say anything wrong. The movie’s budget is fifty million. Remember, fifty million!” He spread his fingers wide, and everyone nodded.

After another puff, he said, “Once filming starts, the funds will come in. I can tell you, it’s more than we originally promised. But the money has to be spent wisely. You know what I mean by wisely, right?” He looked around.

Seeing no one respond, Tao Yuanyuan blurted out, “The story!”

The producer looked her up and down, “What did you say?”

“The most important thing in a movie is the story.” Tao Yuanyuan replied.