Chapter 943: Capital’s Grip

The producer, with a face etched with deep lines, stared at Tao Yuanyuan. His gaze reminded her of the stern instructors from military training. Then he laughed, “Such naive insights from a kid!” Turning to the rest, he continued, “Remember this: Xiao Ai is the centerpiece of this movie. We need to generate buzz and boost his popularity.” He pointed his cigar at the director, eyes sharp, “You take the money, you do the job right. Simple as that. Who’s with me?”

Tao Yuanyuan felt a surge of disgust. Because he had the money, it seemed like those who took it were his slaves. It was an ugly, twisted adult attitude.

Everyone nodded submissively. The director said, “Of course, we’ll give Xiao Ai the best shot.”

The producer nodded in satisfaction. Cai Zhengkai, arms crossed, said, “No talent, just hype. All you’ll get is criticism and ridicule.”

“What did you say?” The producer’s eyes flared, and he snapped his cigar in half. “If you don’t want the role, someone else will. Plenty of people would kill for the lead. Know your place, actor!”

“He’s just joking,” the agent interjected quickly. “Zhengkai, apologize!”

With a reluctant expression, Cai Zhengkai muttered, “I drank too much. Sorry.”

“Drank too much?” The producer poured a full glass of liquor, letting it overflow onto the tablecloth. “Cai Zhengkai, you can talk nonsense, but don’t say the wrong thing. Drink this, and I’ll let it go.”

“That’s too much,” the agent laughed nervously. “How about a smaller glass? We have to shoot this afternoon.”

“Who asked you to speak?” The producer glared.

Xiao Ai, wearing a smug grin, picked up the glass, circled the table, and placed it in front of Cai Zhengkai. “Drink it, superstar.”

Cai Zhengkai, nostrils flaring, grabbed the glass and downed it in one go, then rushed to the restroom.

The producer wiped his mouth with a napkin and said, “Alright, everyone, carry on. Order whatever you like.”

He and Xiao Ai left. The atmosphere at the table relaxed, like a classroom after the teacher leaves. It was as if the tense scene had never happened.

Tao Yuanyuan fumed, “I’ve lost my appetite.”

Lin Dongxue excused them and walked out with her. Outside, Tao Yuanyuan said, “People like that are disgusting. They should be arrested!”

Lin Dongxue smiled wryly, “That’s not our job. Police represent justice, not necessarily kindness.”

“I want to find a way to get back at him!”

“Don’t. If you do, the crew will suffer in the end.”

“I don’t get why they work for such people. It’s capital’s tyranny! Disgusting.”

“Let’s rest a bit and watch some TV?”

“No, I want to take a walk.”

Lin Dongxue accompanied her. “I could call your Uncle Chen to look into the financiers, see if their money is clean.”

After walking around, Tao Yuanyuan said, “I don’t see the point of staying here. Let’s go home. I miss Uncle Chen.”

“Thinking of making up?”

Tao Yuanyuan pondered, “If he admits he was wrong.”

“Alright, I’ll talk to him and get him to apologize. Shall we go say goodbye?”

“Let’s watch the afternoon shoot first. It’s a rare chance.”

“You’ll have more opportunities as a cop. See that spot? Your Uncle Chen and I caught a killer there. The one who murdered the Japanese actor… What kind of cop do you want to be?”

“Detective, catching bad guys!” Tao Yuanyuan laughed. “I plan to get my bachelor’s degree at the police academy. Exams are my specialty, so I should use that. It’ll help in the long run.”

Lin Dongxue patted her head. “You’re so adorable when you’re serious. That’s why I love you.”

“I love you too!” Tao Yuanyuan held her hand. “Sometimes I wish you were my mom from the start.”

After a walk, they returned to find many cars outside the hotel. Reporters had arrived. They mingled with the crew, who were paying respects to the statue of Guan Yu. This was a tradition adopted from Hong Kong after its return to China.

Reporters snapped photos, and Tao Yuanyuan spotted a short woman in a red dress among the crew. “Wow, it’s Xia Xiaolou! She’s playing me!”

“Her legs are so long and fair. No wonder she’s a star,” Lin Dongxue admired.

Next was the Q&A session. Lin Dongxue and Tao Yuanyuan sat down, blending in with the audience. The questions were as gossipy as those on TV: “Ms. Xia, how will you balance career and personal life after renewing your contract?” “Mr. Cai, do you plan to have children with your new wife?” “Mr. Cai, playing a serial killer must be challenging. How do you feel?”

Stars, trained in media handling, answered smoothly, with perfect smiles.

The press conference lasted an hour. As reporters left, Cai Zhengkai’s amiable face turned back to its usual gloom. He took a cigarette from his agent and smoked.

Tao Yuanyuan was too nervous to approach. Lin Dongxue encouraged, “Come on!”

Approaching Cai Zhengkai, Lin Dongxue said, “Mr. Cai, we have a small request…”

“A photo?”

“Yes!”

Cai Zhengkai took a deep drag, stubbed out the cigarette in the proffered ashtray, and said, “Sure, let’s do it.”

The agent took the phone. Cai Zhengkai bent down, placing his arms around Lin Dongxue and Tao Yuanyuan. He smiled brightly, but Lin Dongxue noticed his hands hovered, not touching their shoulders—a sign of respect.

“Done,” the agent said. Cai Zhengkai immediately dropped his smile.

“Thank you!” Lin Dongxue said, taking the phone.

Tao Yuanyuan tugged her sleeve, “I saw Xia Xiaolou leave. Let’s get a photo with her too!”

“You don’t even like her.”

“I can show off to my classmates,” Tao Yuanyuan grinned.

“Alright, let’s go.”

They followed, thinking Xia Xiaolou went to the restroom. But in the stairwell, they found her kissing another man. Both were stunned.