November 19th, Friday.

Tomorrow, Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao would be coming to Jingzhou. Since it would be Saturday, a welcome dinner could be arranged at Mingyun Private Kitchen that evening.

Today, Pei Qian took a taxi to look at several real estate properties near the South High-Speed Railway Station, carefully making his selection.

In the end, he settled on a fully furnished apartment of over 140 square meters, with a price that matched his expectations.

Moreover, since Pei Qian was paying the full amount upfront, he received a discount, calculated at 95% of the original price, bringing the total to 1.63 million.

However, the apartment wasn’t yet completed, and the handover wouldn’t be until March of next year.

The past two or three years have been when property prices began to rise, and good properties were all pre-sale homes that were almost all snatched up before completion. If one waited until after completion to buy, they might only be able to buy second-hand properties.

This was unavoidable.

So, after comprehensive consideration, Pei Qian determined this apartment was the most suitable option currently. Although it was a pre-sale property, he still decided to purchase it.

Anyway, Pei Qian wasn’t in a hurry. His parents’ current residence might be a bit small, but they had lived there for so many years, a few more months wouldn’t matter.

Moreover, even after the handover, inspection, furnishing, furniture, and so on would still take a few months. There was no need to rush.

Having bought the house, he had resolved one worry, which brought considerable peace of mind.

The only unpleasant aspect was seeing his assets reduced to just over 200,000 yuan. Pei Qian could only lament that he had returned to square one.

But it didn’t matter. As long as he could lose more money in this settlement cycle, he could earn back the cost of this apartment in no time!

…

After a busy Friday, signing the housing contract, he went back home and rested directly.

Saturday afternoon, Pei Qian had the company driver, Xiao Sun, take him to Mingyun Private Kitchen, where he waited to receive Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

Both of them were arriving on flights this afternoon. Zhang Zuting arrived a bit earlier and had already gone to the hotel to rest. Lu Zhiyao arrived a bit later. Pei Qian had also arranged for someone to pick him up, and after getting settled in the hotel, he would come to Mingyun Private Kitchen for dinner.

Additionally, Zhu Xiaocai, as the director of the film, would certainly be attending as well and had already arrived in advance.

Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaocai were in the private room, eating snacks while waiting.

Pei Qian noticed that Zhu Xiaocai had two printed scripts in his briefcase, presumably prepared for Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

Regarding the script, Pei Qian was a bit troubled.

Earlier, Zhang Zuting had asked to see the script, but Pei Qian had managed to brush him off.

This time, with Lu Zhiyao coming, he would likely also request to see the script.

Pei Qian knew that both were actors who were quite particular about scripts, not the type who would casually film anything as long as they were paid enough. So there was no way to brush off the script issue.

Zhang Zuting might be easier to deal with, given their prior relationship and willingness to collaborate.

Lu Zhiyao had no personal connection with Pei Qian, and he had a certain status. How could he casually accept a film from an unknown director? Even if the money was sufficient, he would still want to review the script before deciding whether to take part.

So, Pei Qian was a bit worried.

But judging by Zhu Xiaocai’s demeanor, he didn’t seem concerned at all. Instead, he appeared confident and self-assured.

Pei Qian felt this was quite absurd. How could Zhu Xiaocai hold such a terrible script as if it were a Nobel Prize-winning literary work?

Pei Qian tentatively asked, “Director Zhu, today, when Lu Zhiyao comes, he’ll likely ask about the film script. At that time…”

Before Pei Qian could finish, Zhu Xiaocai patted his chest, “Don’t worry, Boss Pei, this isn’t an issue!”

“Your script is so well-written that Lu Zhiyao might even like it more and more as he reads it, and voluntarily ask to reduce his fee to join!”

Pei Qian: “…”

Isn’t that a bit too optimistic?

But at this point, Pei Qian didn’t feel it appropriate to probe further. He could only wait until they met and then see how things unfolded.

Not long after, the company’s seven-seater business van arrived. Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao got out of the car and walked towards Mingyun Private Kitchen, guided by the staff.

Each brought one assistant who followed behind them.

It’s very common for celebrities to bring assistants, after all, most celebrities are busy and need someone by their side to help, otherwise, they couldn’t manage everything on their own.

The fact that these two only brought one assistant each when going out already showed a considerably low-profile behavior. Some popular actors would bring ten or eight assistants when going out, constantly enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by admirers.

This was Pei Qian’s first time seeing Lu Zhiyao in person; previously, he had only seen his photos and film clips online.

Pei Qian’s first impression of Lu Zhiyao was: handsome!

Actors could be photogenic or not. Some actors looked good on camera, and in reality, they were beautiful as if their entire body was glowing, far beyond what ordinary handsome men or beautiful women could compare to. Others might not be particularly eye-catching in reality, but with makeup, they could score big points on camera.

Lu Zhiyao was somewhat more special; he was extremely handsome in person, but on film, he wasn’t as handsome…

It must be said that actors indeed rely heavily on “audience rapport.” Some actors are very good-looking but just don’t appeal to audiences, and there’s nothing to be done about that.

“Boss Pei! Long time no see.”

Zhang Zuting stepped forward quickly and shook hands with Pei Qian.

“Boss Pei, pleased to meet you.”

Lu Zhiyao followed closely.

After some brief greetings, Pei Qian led everyone to the private room where they all took their seats.

It was still the largest private room on the third floor of the villa. Zhang Zuting looked through the floor-to-ceiling window at the sunset’s glow spreading over the infinity pool outside, recalling the scene from his first visit.

This scene truly made one… unable to stop salivating.

Just thinking about the delicious food he had eaten last time, Zhang Zuting couldn’t help but yearn for it, eagerly waiting for the meal to begin.

However, at this moment, Boss Pei was looking neither at Zhang Zuting nor at Lu Zhiyao, but at Zhang Zuting’s young assistant.

Last time, it was you who noted down the location of Mingyun Private Kitchen and brought all the wealthy people of Jingzhou over!

Boss Pei was quite angry, but there was nothing he could do. For the sake of Fried Pork Knuckle, he wouldn’t hold it against him.

Pei Qian introduced Director Zhu Xiaocai to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao. After everyone exchanged pleasantries, dishes began to be served one after another.

Although Lu Zhiyao had eaten plenty of good food before, seeing the dishes here, his face still showed an expression of surprise.

Before coming, he had heard that there was a very good nameless restaurant in Jingzhou, but he hadn’t had high expectations. After all, having filmed all over the country for years, what good restaurants hadn’t he been to?

But once he tasted the food, he discovered that the dishes here were completely on par with the best restaurants he had visited, and the environment and service were even better!

With delicious food in his mouth, Lu Zhiyao’s gloomy mood from the past period was largely dispelled.

After his new film flopped, Lu Zhiyao had secluded himself at home for several days and hadn’t planned to accept any new films in the near future.

If such a good cast in the last film still flopped, what if he made another one and it flopped again?

He couldn’t handle it.

Regarding whether to accept this film or not, Lu Zhiyao hadn’t made up his mind. Relatively speaking, he had come to Jingzhou more to relax than to work.

However, now, watching one delicious dish after another being served, feeling the attentive and thoughtful service of the waitstaff, Lu Zhiyao sensed Boss Pei’s high regard for him.

Originally, just planning to casually take a look, after this meal, he suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

As the saying goes, “soft is the mouth that eats, and short is the hand that takes.” Although Lu Zhiyao hadn’t decided whether to take part in this film, he should at least actively engage in a conversation.

With this in mind, Lu Zhiyao took the initiative and said, “Boss Pei, Director Zhu. Let’s briefly discuss this film.”

“To be frank, recently my emotions have been low, and my state is not good. Mr. Zhang certainly knows that an actor’s state greatly affects their performance. I kept declining earlier mainly because I was worried I couldn’t perform well in this film and would cause trouble for everyone.”

“Besides, I’m now ‘box office poison,’ and I’m afraid I’ll drag you down.”

Lu Zhiyao’s words weren’t definitive. He first adopted a relatively humble stance, so that even if he ultimately declined, both parties could save face.

As for whether he would actually film this movie, that would depend on reading the script and understanding the other party’s sincerity.

If it were a bad film, he would politely decline; if he felt the film had a chance to become moderately successful, he could give it a try.

Pei Qian smiled, “Not at all, I think your talent has been severely buried!”

“In others’ eyes, you may be box office poison, but to me, you are the most suitable male lead candidate for this film!”

“I have high hopes for you.”

Lu Zhiyao knew that Boss Pei’s words were likely just pleasantries.

But seeing Boss Pei’s sincere gaze, he was still touched.

It seemed that Boss Pei was genuinely sincere!

A kindred spirit is truly hard to find.

“Boss Pei, your trust in me makes me feel somewhat ashamed.”

“Boss Pei, Director Zhu, I can feel your sincerity. However, could I see the script first?”

Sure enough, he asked for the script.

Pei Qian also knew that without letting him see the script, Lu Zhiyao would likely not agree to participate. He could only look at Zhu Xiaocai, signaling him to distribute the two scripts to Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

Lu Zhiyao wiped his hands with the hot towel provided by the waiter, solemnly accepted the script, and carefully examined it.

Pei Qian watched as Lu Zhiyao’s expression changed from expectation to confusion, then to shock, and finally to a daze, feeling that something was amiss.

And after briefly flipping through the script, Lu Zhiyao didn’t know what to say for a moment.

This kind of script was truly rare!

Of course, it couldn’t be said that he had never seen anything like it. Some European and American art films had somewhat similar plots, but in China, he hadn’t seen anything filmed this way…

In Lu Zhiyao’s acting career, he had never portrayed such a male lead.

Wasn’t this a bit too miserable?

Starting as a lovesick fool, unable to win the girl even when trying to take over, finally getting rich only to abandon his old love, and then being schemed against and becoming penniless again.

When had Lu Zhiyao ever endured such humiliation?

In the past, the male leads he played were all winners in life, surrounded by beautiful women, with smooth-sailing careers.

Even in tragedies, they died in grand, spectacular ways.

What about playing a supporting role? Often, they were lovable and charming villainous characters.

This film was something else. He was told he would play the male lead, but this male lead was too miserable! Neither lovable nor pitiful, hearing the story made one feel nauseated.

Lu Zhiyao looked at Pei Qian, “Boss Pei… this script…”

He didn’t know how to describe it at the moment.

Seeing Lu Zhiyao’s expression, Pei Qian sensed trouble. Sure enough, this supremely toxic script had produced a deterrent effect even on this “box office poison”…

Come to think of it, though his previous films might have flopped, in those films, he either played heroes or domineering CEOs, or at worst, carefree rich kids or workplace elites.

Now asking him to play a penniless person, and a lovesick fool, an ungrateful person, and ultimately being fooled thoroughly—how could he be willing?

Pei Qian looked at Zhu Xiaocai, indicating that it was time for Director Zhu to step in.

No matter what you say, first hype up this script and stabilize Lu Zhiyao’s mindset!

However, before Zhu Xiaocai could speak, Zhang Zuting had already slapped his thigh, “Good script! This script is fantastic!”

“In all my years of filming, I’ve never seen a script with such profound intentions!”

“This is a sharp satirical drama. It criticizes the excessive consumer mentality, social impulsiveness, and the alienation of people by money. This script has deep meaning, worthy of careful appreciation!”

“Boss Pei, where did you find the screenwriter? The level is truly high!”

Zhu Xiaocai answered at the appropriate moment, “The script was personally written by Boss Pei.”

Zhang Zuting rose in respect, “I wouldn’t have guessed that Boss Pei is so multi-talented! Indeed, the capable have many burdens!”

“But wait, Boss Pei, the script was already written. So when I asked you on the phone earlier, why did you avoid the topic?”

“Oh… I understand now, it was due to modesty and a low-profile attitude!”

“Boss Pei, modesty is fine, but too much modesty isn’t good. This is okay because our relationship is solid. If it were another actor, hearing there was no script, they might not have come. What a pity that would be!”

“Just for this script, forget about a friendship price, even if there were no remuneration, I would come to film it!”

Pei Qian looked somewhat confusedly at Zhu Xiaocai, then at Zhang Zuting. The development of events had completely exceeded his expectations.

What’s going on…

Originally, he had only prepared Zhu Xiaocai as one shill, intending to use him to trick both Zhang Zuting and Lu Zhiyao.

But Zhang Zuting was too cooperative, actively becoming a shill himself. The three of them were now collectively trying to convince Lu Zhiyao!

Lu Zhiyao was still confused. He had only briefly read through the script and hadn’t properly grasped the points within it.

Zhang Zuting continued flipping through the script, sighing, “Boss Pei, if I’m not mistaken, this script was specially tailored for Brother Lu, wasn’t it?”

Pei Qian:?

Tailored?

Thinking too much, I didn’t even know who Lu Zhiyao was when I wrote this script…

But Pei Qian couldn’t possibly tell the truth, could he?

He could only display a mysterious smile, neither confirming nor denying.

Seeing this smile, Zhang Zuting became even more certain. He looked at Lu Zhiyao beside him, “Brother Lu, can you see it?”

Lu Zhiyao was dazed.

What the hell am I supposed to see?

Tailored for me?

Do I look that much like a lovesick fool?

Seeing Lu Zhiyao’s confused expression, Zhang Zuting explained, “Brother Lu, do you know what you lack most right now?”

“It’s not just a good script or a good role.”

“More importantly, you lack a good persona!”

Lu Zhiyao’s expression remained puzzled.

Zhang Zuting continued, “A good persona doesn’t refer to perfect characters in films. You’ve played many such ‘successful people’ in films, yet the response has always been mediocre. Have you considered why?”

“A good persona isn’t a flawless character, but one that maximally highlights your characteristics, makes the audience empathize, and makes them remember your character!”

“Like when I was young, I won Best Actor by playing a mentally ill person.”

“And the male protagonist in this script, seemingly worthless, is an undoubtedly good character, complex and rich.”

“This kind of role is an all-around test of your acting skills, and it can also help you thoroughly break free from the audience’s stereotypical impressions.”

“Why didn’t your previous roles have audience rapport? In my personal opinion, it’s mainly because you’re too handsome!”

“Because you’re too handsome, audiences find it distracting, unrealistic, and hard to relate to, making it difficult for them to immerse themselves in the film.”

“I think your looks have, to some extent, become your burden, and because you’re unwilling to let go of this burden, it’s difficult for you to break through your mindset when playing these roles.”

“You always play people without flaws. How can you leave a deep impression on the audience?”

“So, this role is simply tailor-made for you, it’s too perfect!”

“To be honest, if I were ten years younger, I would play this male lead. But now, I’m old, so this opportunity can only be given to you.”

Listening to Zhang Zuting’s words, Lu Zhiyao fell silent.

Pei Qian and Zhu Xiaocai were also silent.

However, the three people’s silence wasn’t for the same reason…

Lu Zhiyao’s silence was because he felt these were the heartfelt words of an award-winning actor, which he found very valuable.

Regardless of Zhang Zuting’s current popularity, he was ultimately a senior predecessor whose achievements far surpassed his own.

If Zhang Zuting thought this role was good, then it meant the role was truly good.

Zhu Xiaocai was reflecting on how Zhang Zuting was indeed a seasoned actor, someone who truly understood film.

Just from the reactions of the two actors upon seeing the script, one could tell that Zhang Zuting’s level was much higher than Lu Zhiyao’s!

And Pei Qian was in confusion.

He had originally thought that Zhang Zuting would, like Lu Zhiyao, have significant objections to the script, requiring him and Zhu Xiaocai to join forces to persuade them.

However, Zhang Zuting liked this script!

Not only did he like it himself, but he also helped to convince Lu Zhiyao, even coming up with such bold statements as “this script was tailor-made for Lu Zhiyao”…

Pei Qian now just wanted to know whether Old Zhang’s words came from the heart or if he was simply trying to trick Lu Zhiyao.

The former?

That shouldn’t be likely, right? I deliberately wrote this script to be supremely toxic, how could it possibly appeal to Old Zhang, a seasoned actor who had been in many films?

Well, this is probably because I am Zhu Xiaocai’s boss and Zhang Zuting’s financial backer, so these two would find it hard to objectively evaluate this script, hence their excessive praise.

Look, Lu Zhiyao, who doesn’t know me, did not react to this script!

So, Old Zhang and Zhu Xiaocai must be helping to trick Lu Zhiyao.

Well done!

These two have done a great job today. If they can bring the “box office poison” into the crew, they deserve a bonus!