Chapter 42.1 - F**** and your mom are flying together
The shooting for the Spirit Road spokesperson advertis.e.m.e.nt was booked in for the week after.
And the film was trying to rush before the Golden Flower awards were on, so Tang Xiao and Mu Cheng were rushing with their schedules.
They rushed with no concept of day or night and adding on to the Qiao Yijingâs occasional poison tongue, Tang Xiao felt like she was like a dead dog.
After a super busy afternoon of filming, the a.s.sistant director rushed around trying to find Tang Xiao.
âAh? Mu Cheng, have you seen Tang Xiao?â The a.s.sistant director held onto his phone in one hand and was jogging to keep up.
âSheâs probably changing her costume for the next scene, what is it?â Mu Cheng asked.
âDirector Ji just contacted me and said that there was a film that he wanted to collaborate with Tang Xiao on so he wanted to see if they could meet up at a coffee shop.â
Mu Chengâs brows furrowed, âDirector Ji? Which director Ji?â
âJi Mingxiu, ah. Apparently heâd been trying to contact Tang Xiaoâs agent but he kept getting refused. Iâd worked with him before so when he heard Tang Xiao was filming here, I thought that Iâd act as a middleman and help them communicate.â
Mu Cheng thought for a bit, Ji Mingxiu.
A few years ago, heâd worked with him on two films, it wasnât bad.
But his personal matters were a different story.
âI heard that director Jiâs been busy trying to get famous overseas. If Tang Xiao can work with him here, maybe she could reach a new peak. Iâll go find her first.â The a.s.sistant directorâs eyes were filled with excitement.
âWait a moment.â Mu Cheng called out after him.
âDonât tell her about this first. What coffee shop did director Ji tell her to meet him at?â
âEn? Just the one about a street away.â
âYou should take a rest. Iâll go.â Mu Cheng didnât even take the time to take off his suit before putting his hand on his shoulder.
The a.s.sistant director was a bit stunned.
Didnât he hear that Tang Xiao and Chief Ning had a little something going on?
Why would Mu Cheng step in the middle?
He clicked his tongue.
There were a lot of films nearby so Mu Cheng just put on a face mask and left.
The server recognised him but wasnât too shocked, she just quietly asked for a signature and Mu Cheng --- amicably agreed.
Director Ji had obviously been waiting for a while so when he saw the person that had come was Mu Cheng, was visibly shocked.
âTang Xiao suddenly had to do another scene so she couldnât come, she let me come instead.â Mu Cheng sat opposite to him.
Director Ji looked Mu Cheng up and down, unable to guess his motives, âYou and Tang Xiao are âŠâ
âChief Ningâs a bit busier than usual so he asked me to take care of her for him. Last time, because I worked with you, I got a popular male artist award so I wanted to thank you for that as well.â Mu Cheng didnât answer his question properly.
Director Ji couldnât confirm what he wanted so he started beating around the bus.
Seeing that Mu Cheng was just thanking him and probably only doing Tang Xiaoâs request on the side, maybe he was just here because heâd been asked by Chief Ning?
Director Ji was a bit interested in Tang Xiao and seeing that Mu Cheng wasnât in a rush to leave, casually spoke with him a bit before getting to the main topic.
âI heard youâve been filming with Tang Xiao recently?â
Mu Chengâs eyes narrowed, looking at him questioningly. âRight, itâs for director Qiaoâs new film. Tang Xiao is the second female lead.â
âFantastic. Iâve seen a few of her films recently and even though her acting is really average, sheâs quite unforgettable. You know how the actresses in the circle tend to come and go, but the only other one whoâs really reached that peak in these few years, is Su Bai. But I feel like Tang Xiaoâs different. Sheâs even more cleaner than Su Bai so Iâve always wanted to get in touch with her.â Director Ji licked his lips.
Mu Cheng patiently waited for the second part.
Director Ji looked at him and continued, âI wonât hide it from you but recently, Iâve got a very popular IP on my hands and Iâm ready to film something. There are a lot of people auditioning and even Su Bai asked about it, but I think the female lead should definitely be Tang Xiao. But I just canât get in touch with her, do you think you could help me out? In this circle, it doesnât seem like anyoneâs been able to get in touch with her.â
Director Ji spoke so bluntly that Mu Cheng was able to quickly understand his meaning.
He drank a mouthful of coffee before looking up.
His eyes coldened, his gaze freezing. âHow could you not be able to get in touch with her? Tang Xiao was really free before so you could go through her agentâs company or even her agent. Sheâs still taking filming offers.â
Director Jiâs head hurt. âOf course I know about that and Iâve tried to get in touch with her agent but who knew that it was Chief Ning whoâs been taking her under his wing. But Chief Ningâs too busy and probably doesnât care too much about Tang Xiao so after I tried contacting her a few times, I got cut off. Previously, Su Bai was filming with me and Chief Ning even came on set to take a look. Even though Tang Xiaoâs not as famous as Su Bai, but isnât Chief Ningâs att.i.tude to careless towards her? So do you think you could do me a favour and get me in touch with Tang Xiao, I really want to see her face to face.â
Mu Cheng lightly laughed, his face was still a bit cold.
Even though Mu Cheng had collaborated with him for a brief period, the current Mu Cheng did make director Ji feel a bit respectful of him.
âIf Chief Ning is able to personally take on Tang Xiao amidst his hundred busy things, then he definitely wonât be careless with her. Sheâd only be able to take a filming offer through the company so even if Tang Xiao agreed, Chief Ning might not agree and that would be useless.â
Director Jiâs brows furrowed, thinking it through. âI understand Wanyu Mediaâs rules and Iâm pretty confused about why Chief Ning would personally take Tang Xiao under his wing. Even if afterwards she canât take my offer, itâd be fine if we just got to know each other. You know, just knowing an extra person would be good for her development. Mu Cheng, you and Tang Xiao have been working together so an you âŠ. Of course, if you just introduce her to me, thatâs fine, I can do the rest. I definitely wonât pull you in.â Director Ji spoke very confidently.
Mu Cheng rubbed his forehead, the hand gripping his cup grew tighter. âI donât fully understand director Jiâs words.â
Director Ji smiled a bit ambiguous. âIn this circle before, your big sister helped paved the road for you, so of course you wonât understand this side of the circle. Right now, in the entertainment circle, there are actresses for miles. If Tang Xiao doesnât take the opportunity in these few years, once she gets older, itâd be harder for her to stand out. Some things, you just have to understand, you donât have to be so clear about it.â
Mu Cheng coldly laughed, holding in his anger.
When he looked up again, it was his normally gentle and warm expression, but his eyes were icy cold. âBefore director Ji had this thought, did you investigate anything else?â
Director Ji had never seen him like this before.
Mu Cheng was famous for his good temper so he was gracious even in front of the paparazzi.
But right now, those eyes were full of fury, and it frightened him.
In a moment, he couldnât process it.
Mu Cheng stood up and grabbed the coffee in front of director Ji.
He stirred it a bit before knocking the spoon against the cup and throwing it on the table.
Then he took the coffee and splashed it on his face.
*
TL note:
Director Ji is sleeeeeazy. Weâre moving more deeply into the entertainment side of the novel.
This chapter was nearly 4k words so I split it in 3.