Chapter 12 Birthday Banquet (2)

Although Xia Zhu was a top-tier celebrity, everyone attending today's event was no ordinary person. She didn't dare display the arrogance typical of a big star and instead appeared approachable and friendly.

Unintentionally, her gaze swept toward the floor-to-ceiling window in the hall. Under the bright lights, she noticed a familiar yet still somewhat unfamiliar face, staring back at her with a half-smile.

From her vantage point, Zhao Yanan was standing close to Wang Long, discussing something with a serious expression, while Chu Yuxuan sat relatively far away, almost like an out-of-place bride.

Even now, Xia Zhu couldn't figure out what Zhao Yanan, the undisputed beauty of Jiang City, saw in Chu Yuxuan. Was it his good looks? Please, Zhao Yanan is the president of an entertainment company; she knows plenty of male stars, many of whom are better looking than Chu Yuxuan. So if it's not his looks, it must be his talent.

But... a DiDi driver, what talent could he possibly have? If he were truly talented, would he be reduced to driving for DiDi? It's utterly absurd!

Beside her, Gao Ning also noticed Chu Yuxuan and immediately started mocking him. "Even if he somehow got to eat swan meat, he's still just a toad! Look at how shameless he is, sitting there while they're discussing serious business. Doesn't he feel embarrassed? Oh, right, someone who lives off others probably doesn't care about pride and wouldn't know what embarrassment is!"

Xia Zhu took a deep breath and said softly, "Let's go inside and greet Director Wang."

Inside, Zhao Yanan had already cornered Wang Long. "Director Wang, it's settled then. I'll bring that new actor to meet you in three days. I'm not asking for a major role, just a chance for her to make an appearance in your film. She's really a good and dedicated actress!"

Wang Long nodded in agreement. "If she's as dedicated as you say, I'll certainly use her. However, Xia Zhu was originally cast as the female lead. Now that I'm considering replacing her, you should know I've already selected someone else... So, there's no need to discuss her further."

"The recent public opinion crisis involving Xia Zhu was indeed mishandled by us. On her behalf, I apologize to you. If you've decided to replace her, I have no objections."

"It's a deal then! Bring the new actor for a screen test in three days."

The two reached an agreement, and Zhao Yanan hurried to serve Wang Long tea.

Just as she lifted the teacup, Xia Zhu's voice echoed from the doorway: "Director Wang, happy birthday!"

Wang Long glanced towards the door, his hand frozen in mid-air with the teacup, then instinctively looked over at Chu Yuxuan, his expression turning awkward. He muttered under his breath, "I sent out a mass invitation and forgot to take her off the list..."

Chu Yuxuan took a sip of tea and responded calmly, "It doesn't matter. You do your thing, don't worry about me."

Zhao Yanan looked at him, an inexplicable hint of amusement in her cold expression.

Although the invitation was unintended, it was still his birthday party. Wang Long didn't want to cause a scene and embarrass himself in front of the guests. He stood up and smiled, "Xia Zhu, you're here."

As he spoke, he intentionally glanced at Gao Ning beside her but didn't greet him.

Xia Zhu hurriedly handed over a rustic-looking gift box and said, "Director Wang, this is a gift my boyfriend and I specially picked out for you. I hope you like it."

Wang Long didn't even glance at the gift box and waved his hand repeatedly, "Xia Zhu, there's no need to be so formal with me. Take the gift back; if others see it, they might start gossiping about me... Besides, I don't know your boyfriend, so it's really inappropriate for me to accept a gift from you two. Just take it back."

Xia Zhu's expression stiffened for a moment. Wang Long had treated her very well in the past, taking care of her on set as if she were family. But now... he was so distant that he wouldn't even accept a gift.

While she was at a loss, Gao Ning stepped forward, glanced mockingly at Chu Yuxuan, and said to Wang Long, "Director Wang, I'm Xia Zhu's boyfriend, Gao Ning. I apologize for coming uninvited. However, Xia Zhu often mentions how well you've treated her, so I thought I should personally come and thank you. I brought a small gift, and I hope you'll accept it."

Wang Long remained calm. "I appreciate the thought, but as for the gift... please take it back. I really don't need it."

Gao Ning smiled and said, "Director Wang, actually... my father is Gao Zhisheng, the chairman of Gao Group. Our chain of cinemas is well-known across the country. Now that I've returned to China, my father is considering having me take over the cinema business. So, I came today to make friends with you, since you're a prominent figure in the industry. I'm sure we'll have many opportunities to collaborate in the future, don't you think?"

When Wang Long heard "Gao Group," his attitude towards Gao Ning subtly changed. While he wasn't exactly in awe, he was no longer as distant.

Xia Zhu quietly breathed a sigh of relief and looked sideways at Gao Ning, unable to hide the pride in her eyes.

"Oh, so you're old Gao's son? I was wondering why you looked so distinguished," Wang Long said, sneaking a glance at Chu Yuxuan, who was absorbed in his phone, before continuing, "Why don't you and Xia Zhu go inside and join the dance?"

As an experienced person, Wang Long knew better than to offend someone he shouldn't. Besides, judging by Chu Yuxuan's demeanor, he didn't seem to care about this couple. So, it wouldn't hurt to show them some respect; after all, it's better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Xia Zhu happily agreed and then greeted Zhao Yanan, "President Zhao, you're here too."

Zhao Yanan responded with a slight nod and glanced at the silent Chu Yuxuan with inexplicable amusement. This scoundrel must feel like he's eaten something foul… Serves him right!

Originally, this little episode could have ended quietly, but Gao Ning, feeling emboldened, decided to push further. He extended his hand to Zhao Yanan and smiled, "President Zhao, we meet again so soon. It's a pleasure."

Out of courtesy, Zhao Yanan shook his hand. "A pleasure."

Gao Ning then pulled out a chair and sat next to Zhao Yanan, completely oblivious to Wang Long's sudden frown. He spoke with a slight air of arrogance, "President Zhao, my father recently collaborated with a certain platform on a variety show, which is still in the planning stages. You have so many artists under your management; I think we should discuss it."

When it came to work, Zhao Yanan was always professional. "Sure, may I know which platform it is? Can you share that?"

Gao Ning raised his hand, about to speak, but then deliberately looked at Chu Yuxuan, mockingly adding, "President Zhao, you know some topics are rather private, and certain irrelevant people might not be suited to hear them, don't you think?"

Zhao Yanan was sharp enough to catch the implication in Gao Ning's words; he was pretending to discuss business when, in reality, he was just trying to humiliate Chu Yuxuan. However, she had no interest in standing up for Chu Yuxuan, whom she found utterly displeasing, so she just looked at him with a half-smile.

Chu Yuxuan remained indifferent, sliding his chair back a bit and shrugging. "Go on, just don't consider me human."

He then lowered his head and continued fiddling with his phone, sending a message to Lao Wu: "It's settled then. Report to Qingya Media at 9 AM tomorrow."

Wang Long suppressed his anger and, trying to ease the tension, said to the slightly embarrassed Xia Zhu, "Xia Zhu, why don't you take Mr. Gao for a dance?"

Xia Zhu didn't want to cause a scene, so she quickly tugged at Gao Ning. "Ning, how about we go dance?"

Gao Ning sighed, got up, and glared at Chu Yuxuan before saying to Zhao Yanan, "President Zhao, why don't we exchange WeChat contacts? I'll treat you to a meal another day, and we can discuss it in detail."

He paused and added, "And by the way, I hope you don't bring that pretty boy along. Just the sight of him makes me sick!"

Xia Zhu hurriedly tried to calm him down. "Alright, Ning, today is Director Wang's birthday. Please don't make a scene!"

Gao Ning patted her hand, smiling softly, "Xiao Zhuzi, I just want to stand up for you. Honestly, if it weren't for Director Wang's sake, I'd beat him up right now!"

This young man, who believed he could act arrogantly just because his father had his back, probably thought he could do whatever he wanted here. After all, what director would dare offend a cinema chain? They wouldn't want to risk losing their screenings!Insulting Chu Yuxuan outright wasn't enough to vent Gao Ning's anger; asking Zhao Yanan for her WeChat in front of him was the real dagger to the heart! He wanted Chu Yuxuan to clearly see the gap between people.

Chu Yuxuan felt helpless and said with a wry smile, "Honestly, I've never liked bullying others. Be careful, and don't bring trouble to your Gao family."

Gao Ning seemed to completely misunderstand Chu Yuxuan's mention of "bullying." It was as if he had heard the biggest joke of the century. He sneered, "What nonsense are you spouting? Huh? Bring trouble to the Gao family? Hahaha... Listen up, Chu! You're nothing but a toad!"

When he said this, Gao Ning's arrogant demeanor clearly showed that he didn't take Wang Long or Zhao Yanan seriously, let alone the seemingly worthless Chu Yuxuan.

Little did he know, the way the three of them were looking at him right now was like they were watching a brainless clown making a fool of himself.