Translated by Eve
Edited by Kara
Thank you Smh136 and Kitty for the kofi!
The opening title had just ended. There were a few seconds of silence before the film started. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Aside from the chief writer and the director, the other people sitting in the first two rows were all investors. From the third row on, there were famous film critics and rather influential reporters. Ever since Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu had arrived, everyone’s attention had been on the middle of that second row.
Sitting behind them was a reporter, who had gone from writing for a tabloid to entertainment news. Since the beginning of Xue Mian and Song Xuanhe’s conversation, his sensitive nose for gossip had sensed that something was off. Therefore, he hadn’t paid any attention to the opening title. He had instead pricked his ears to listen in on the conversation in front of him.
It was just that, although Xue Mian and Huang Cong had been talking about movies, their voices had been hushed. Even though he was sitting behind them, he didn’t hear what they had been saying. He had originally been about to give up and just watch the movie quietly before going back to draft his article. But, who would have expected that Heaven would have mercy on him? Film Emperor Xue had apologized, and then, the man next to Song er shao had embarrassed him without any mercy.
Although the man’s voice wasn’t loud—it was actually pretty quiet—you could still make out the crispness of his voice. Although it was quiet, his voice was very clear. The reporter had heard every single word.
The reporter swallowed, excited. He subconsciously brought his head closer. Several decades working as paparazzi told him that there was a hidden inside story here and that this inside story would make for some good drama.
The next second, he heard Film Emperor Xue say, “I hadn’t realized. I’m really sorry for interrupting your watching experience.”Film Emperor Xue was worthy of his title. He apologized very sincerely since he had been in the wrong. He was just as rumoured. The reporter wondered how the man next to Song shaoye would reply.
The reporter held his breath in anticipation. But, one second passed and then another. The dark movie theatre gradually lit up along with the screen, but the man in front didn’t speak again. From the reporter’s angle, he could faintly make out the cold outline of the other’s face. It looked like the other had no intention of responding.
This…was too arrogant of him.
The reporter thought, although Film Emperor Xue’s background had never been revealed so far, the veteran reporters in this industry all had their own intelligence networks. A previous colleague of this reporter now worked for Zhuangye Entertainment, whom Xue Mian was under. This former colleague knew a bit about Xue Mian’s family. The Xue Family didn’t operate in the Capital. Although the Xue Family could not be compared to the Song Family based on pure influence, they also were not easy pickings for the Song Family either.
There was evidence backing this up. When Xue Mian had just debuted, there had been a film and television company’s boss who had wanted to make him his little lover and had even tried to use indecent methods to do so. Who would have expected that this boss would end up in prison the next day? This boss had had quite a bit of influence behind him in the Capital. However, even he hadn’t been protected. When the power behind him had found out that the situation was related to Xue Mian, they had directly abandoned him. Those who had watched this spectacle had all sighed.
It was obvious that Xue Mian’s powerful background was not unfounded.
So, the reporter hadn’t expected that, Xue Mian, who even the Song Family’s young master would only say a few prickling words to when discontent, would be ignored so mercilessly and left in such an awkward situation.
The first thing the reporter thought about what Xiao Yuanmu’s background was. When Song Xuanhe and the other man had walked in just now, the reporter had also been outside, because he had encountered an old colleague. He had, thus, naturally heard the other reporters’ discussion. In the beginning, he had had his reservations. But now, he kind of believed it.
Perhaps the man next to Song Xuanhe was really more influential.
The reporter sighed. It seemed like Film Emperor Xue had no choice but to just take it. Regardless, Film Emperor Xue wasn’t the type to pick a fight anyway. He probably wouldn’t say anything more. He might even just leave right after the movie ended. After all, no matter how much self-restraint he had, it would be difficult for him to act like nothing had happened after having been embarrassed like this.
Then, the reporter’s face was slapped again.
After the movie showing was a small reception. Not only did Film Emperor Xue not leave, but he also even approached Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu again. He continued to chat with them with a smile on his face.
It was just that the atmosphere around them didn’t seem very happy. This was because only Xue Mian was smiling. As for the other two, one of them had a cold face, and the other had no expression.
“Song shao, I heard that you’re the sole investor for ‘Bathed in Fire.’ Director Huang also said that it was all because of you that this film could be shot, so if new investors want to join, they must first go through you. I was wondering if you’d be willing to let on a new investor.” For the first time, Xue Mian wasn’t looking at Xiao Yuanmu. He was staring at Song Xuanhe earnestly.
Song Xuanhe took a sip of wine, and his eyebrows unfurrowed. He turned to look at Xue Mian and raised a brow. “Are you interested in investing in ‘Bathed in Fire?’”
“Yes,” Xue Mian said, “I really like this script. Furthermore, I’ve always liked the character, Lei Huo. After listening to Director Huang talk about how he plans on shooting this film, I’ve become even more confident in this film. That’s why I wanted to talk to you about investing.”
When he heard this, Song Xuanhe’s eyes curved, and he flashed a set of white teeth. “You just admitted that this film is bound to make money. Why should I share the profits? Do you think I’m dumb?”
The smile on Xue Mian’s face didn’t change. With great poise, he said, “I naturally have no intention of fighting with Song shao over the profit. I merely want to invest, because I truly like this script.”
Song Xuanhe raised a brow and widened his eyes in feigned shock, “Are you saying that you don’t want the dividends from the box office?”
The smile on Xue Mian’s face faltered. A while later, he said, “My investment will only make up a tiny portion of the film’s total investment. In the future, when it comes to dividing the box office revenue, I’m willing to give up some of it.”
Song Xuanhe: “Since your investment is going to be small to begin with, why should I let you participate? Do you think I lack money?”
Xue Mian: …..
Song Xuanhe was really the most unconventional and difficult-to-persuade person Xue Mian had ever met. When he had first met Song Xuanhe, he had thought that he was different from the rumours. But after seeing him again, he thought that he was exactly as willful and arrogant as the rumours said.
It was exactly because of this that Xue Mian thought that he could not underestimate Song Xuanhe. The other could change how others perceived him. He could influence someone’s attitude towards him however he liked. His ability to skillfully and easily change personalities was even enough to shock Xue Mian, who had gotten a Best Actor award very early on in his career and whose acting talent was never questioned.
Someone like this…although he may be arrogant, egotistical, and overbearing, he wasn’t the brainless domineering type.
Xue Mian’s gaze subconsciously flitted towards Xiao Yuanmu, whose eyes were lowered and was clearly thinking about something else. In the past, Xue Mian had never understood why someone like Xiao Yuanmu was with Song Xuanhe. When he had asked his assistant to look into it, he heard that Xiao Yuanmu had been forced to agree. Although he didn’t think someone like Xiao Yuanmu could be held back, he couldn’t help but think that it would be good if it was true.
If that was the case, he had hope. He would be able to steal Xiao Yuanmu from Song Xuanhe and then make Xiao Yuanmu fall in love with him.
However, the scene Xue Mian had seen while watching the movie had shattered his delusions.
Halfway through the film, there had been a hilarious scene. When he had heard Song Xuanhe laugh, he didn’t know why, but he had subconsciously turned to glance at Xiao Yuanmu. As a result, he had just so happened to see the other turn towards Song Xuanhe, who had been laughing so hard that he couldn’t breathe. Xue Mian hadn’t been able to make out Xiao Yuanmu’s expression, but he had seen the slight curve of the other’s lips.
It was the first time Xue Mian had ever seen Xiao Yuanmu smile. Even though he hadn’t seen it very clearly in the dark theatre, he had still felt like he had been blinded by the light.
But after recovering from being stunned, Xue Mian’s heart fell. This was because Xiao Yuanmu’s expression told him that his relationship with Song Xuanhe was absolutely not as one-sided as the rumours implied.
Right now, after having realized that Song Xuanhe was not only not like the rumours about him but was also actually more charming than he had imagined, Xue Mian’s already dejected heart fell even lower.
But although he was down in spirit, Xue Mian, who had been able to do what he wanted despite the opposition from his entire family—including the threat of being expelled from the family from his father—at the age of twenty, would never give up easily.
Moreover, so what if Song Xuanhe wasn’t bad? Xue Mian didn’t think that he was any worse off compared to Song Xuanhe. In a fair competition, everyone had to rely on their own abilities.
Neither Song Xuanhe nor Xiao Yuanmu knew just how many thoughts had flitted through Xue Mian’s brain in these few seconds. When he saw that the other wasn’t speaking, Song Xuanhe thought that he had finally managed to anger the Film Emperor, who was rumoured to be impossible to anger. He felt a bit accomplished.
It was just that he ended up seeing Xue Mian smile a second later. “I obviously don’t think that Song shao lacks money. It’s just that I’ve been thinking about investing recently. I also really like ‘Bathed in Fire.’ That’s why I mentioned it. If Song shao wishes to be the sole investor, I won’t insist.”
Xue Mian was very good at speaking. Like this, he had given both himself and Song Xuanhe enough face. Therefore, Song Xuanhe lost interest in provoking him. As such, he only smiled silently. Xue Mian also didn’t continue to ask for punishment. He glanced at Xiao Yuanmu again and then left.
“Bathed in Fire?” Xiao Yuanmu, who hadn’t spoken up all this time, asked, “You’re planning on investing in movies?”
Song Xuanhe glanced around the bustling wine reception and suddenly felt bored. He absentmindedly nodded.
Xiao Yuanmu’s expression changed slightly. He hadn’t paid much attention to movies or television in his previous life, but he did know about the really popular films. One of them had been “Bathed in Fire.” Back then, the film had been a typical success story of a small-budget film reaching incredible box office success. He had heard a business partner of his, who worked in the film and television industry, speak about it. That partner had used it as a model case of “throwing a sprat to catch a herring” in movie investment. That was why Xiao Yuanmu remembered it so clearly. This film’s budget had been less than ten million yuan. Furthermore, the investor in his last life had not been Song Xuanhe.
Moreover, he remembered that this film wasn’t supposed to begin filming until three years from now. That was because Huang Cong hadn’t been a very accomplished director in the beginning. He had been an assistant director for commercial films the whole time. It hadn’t been until two years later that he had finally found someone willing to become an investor for “Bathed in Fire” and became an independent director.
The reason why he had come with Song Xuanhe to this reception was because he had heard that Huang Cong was the assistant director of this film. He had wanted to get in touch with Huang Cong about investing in that film so that he could use it as the starting point for his future endeavours into film investment.
He hadn’t expected for Song Xuanhe to beat him to it.
There was a veiled look of inquiry in Xiao Yuanmu’s gaze as he looked at Song Xuanhe. He asked, “Why did you decide to invest in movies?”
“Thought it’d be fine, ah,” Song Xuanhe said off-handedly.
“Why ‘Bathed in Fire?’” Xiao Yuanmu’s pure, serene eyes were fixed on Song Xuanhe as if he wanted to find clues from the other’s face.
“Because, Huang Cong is talented and pretty interesting.” Song Xuanhe didn’t think much about it. Recently, the film and television industry was booming. It was common for those with keen eyesight to earn huge profits after investing. There were already many people who had set their gaze onto movie and television investment. Therefore, he didn’t think it was odd that Xiao Yuanmu was interested.
However, he really hadn’t thought much about the return the movie would bring or whether to step into the world of film and TV. He would return to his original world in two years’ time, so all that money would be useless in the end. So, there was no point in walking down that line. There was only one reason he had decided to invest in Huang Cong’s films—Huang Cong was really just too good at conversing. Song Xuanhe had been delighted by the other’s praises, so he had thought that Huang Cong was interesting. Therefore, he had decided to invest.
So when Xiao Yuanmu had asked him this, although Song Xuanhe’s tone was casual, he had meant every word. He hadn’t lied.
“What’s so interesting about Huang Cong?” Xiao Yuanmu’s gaze shifted to the social butterfly himself. When he saw the other chatting with people all around him, he looked away.
Xiao Yuanmu genuinely wanted to know.
“How could he not be interesting?” Song Xuanhe gestured at Huang Cong, who was saying something with a flattering smile on his face. “Look, he’s so sincere, exaggerated, and amusing when he compliments people. If he’s amusing, wouldn’t you say he’s interesting?”
Incidentally, Huang Cong had just walked over to an investor not far from where the two of them were standing. Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu, thus, saw the other beam at the investor and heard him say, “Mr. Zhang! I was wondering why I haven’t seen you around. But, it’s because you’re simply…glowing! I almost couldn’t recognize you. I heard that the missus gave birth to another child recently. Do you work out for the sake of holding your child? This body…tsk, your body is looking almost as good as the boxer in my film.”
Xiao Yuanmu’s gaze fell on the obese, balding “Mr. Zhang,” who had bags under his eyes and was obviously in bad health. His eyes then shifted to Song Xuanhe.
Song Xuanhe was laughing so hard that his shoulders shook. When he noticed Xiao Yuanmu’s gaze, he looked up and asked him, “Don’t you think that it’s really funny that he’s able to utter nonsense like that? The way he says it actually makes you believe him. Don’t you think that’s a talent?”
Xiao Yuanmu had thought when Song Xuanhe had said Huang Cong was talented, he had been referring to the other’s skill in shooting films. He hadn’t expected that he had been referring to this. Regardless, when his eyes took in Song Xuanhe’s radiant smile, the corners of his lips involuntarily curled up.
There were some people who were like this. They innately had the ability to make others like them. When he laughed, it made you want to laugh with him. When he ate delicious food, it made the appetites of others’ grow. Even when he put on a haughty, arrogant attitude, it was hard to hate him.
It was really weird. Obviously, Song Xuanhe was the same person in all three of his lives. But in his previous two lives, he’d never thought that Song Xuanhe was likeable. It was only in this world with this Song Xuanhe that he thought that. He didn’t know if it was because Song Xuanhe seemed to have completely changed or because of his memories prior to rebirth, but although Song Xuanhe was still as icily arrogant and domineering as he had been in his previous lives, he didn’t loathe him or hate him at all.
When Song Xuanhe saw Xiao Yuanmu smile, he raised a brow, feeling a bit pleased with himself. He was about to say something when he saw Huang Cong come over. The other said, “Song shao, Liu Xu asked me if you are free just now. She said that she had something to talk to you about.”
“Talk about what?” The person who replied hadn’t been Song Xuanhe but rather Xiao Yuanmu. He remembered Liu Xu. In his pre-rebirth self’s memories, he had disliked this female celebrity a lot.
Huang Cong glanced at Xiao Yuanmu and said, “I don’t really know. She just said that she wanted to see Song shao.”
Song Xuanhe looked at the corridor that led to the balcony pensively. “Why did she ask you to come find me if she was the one who wanted to see me?”
“She…” Huang Cong furrowed his brows, feeling awkward. He mulled over it before coming in close to Song Xuanhe. He whispered, “She probably offended someone and is now being shut out by the people on top. She’s probably looking for you because of this. But, no one knows who the person shutting her out is. Song shao, listen to me, it’d be best if you didn’t get involved.”
Song Xuanhe hadn’t expected that Huang Cong, who would never offend anyone and was very keen on self-preservation, would actually warn him like this. He looked at Huang Cong in surprise.
Huang Cong noticed Song Xuanhe’s gaze. He knew what kind of impression he gave off. Therefore, he laughed bitterly. “I know that I may offend someone badly by saying this, but Song shao, you have always shown me great kindness. I can’t simply stand to the side and watch as you, oblivious, walk into a trap. All I’m doing is telling you this. It is up to you whether or not you decide to go.”
The gaze Xiao Yuanmu directed towards Huang Cong was a little strange. He had heard about Huang Cong in his last life. His reputation was not to be outdone by the popularity of his film. That business partner back then had talked about Huang Cong’s movies the most. At the same time, the partner had also talked about Huang Cong himself. He had heard that Huang Cong had betrayed a partner who he had cooperated with for many years and benefited from. At that time, that business partner, who had been talking to Xiao Yuanmu, had said that Huang Cong was truly talented, but his character wasn’t very good.
Today, when Xiao Yuanmu saw the slick and sly Huang Cong, who could lie without batting an eye, although he had no prejudice against the other man, he couldn’t help but recall his old business partner’s words. Therefore, he was indeed shocked to hear Huang Cong say such things.
“I obviously have to go.”
When he heard Song Xuanhe speak, Xiao Yuanmu suddenly looked towards him. The memory of the scandal he had seen abruptly arose in his mind, and darkness flickered through his eyes.
Huang Cong hadn’t expected Song Xuanhe to still want to go despite his warning. But when he thought about his own reputation, Huang Cong couldn’t help but let out a melancholic laugh. He said, “Since Song shao wants to go, Liu Xu is waiting by the balcony.”
Song Xuanhe didn’t notice Huang Cong’s expression. He glanced at the balcony before patting Huang Cong on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. I have a sense of propriety. I know who shut out Liu Xu. She won’t be able to scheme against me.”
Huang Cong widened his eyes in shock. Instantly, a desire for gossip arose in his eyes. Actually, someone who was able to make things go their way had a good ability to gather information. Adding onto that, those who were good at gathering information were typically people who loved to gossip. Huang Cong was no exception. The reason why he knew so much deeply hidden information within the circles was because he loved to hear about gossip and dig for gossip.
When he noticed Huang Cong’s expression, Song Xuanhe knew what the other was thinking. But, he didn’t intend to hide things, so he whispered, “The one who wants to cut off all her resources is Song Guochao. It’s fine if you know it. Don’t spread it around.”
Huang Cong nodded. He wouldn’t dare to spread rumours about an executive of the Song Group.
Xiao Yuanmu also looked away. He realized that the relationship between Song Xuanhe and Song Guochao in this world was even more strained than it had been in the last two worlds. Father and son had practically become enemies. Although Song Xuanhe and Song Guochao had indeed become enemies later on in his previous life, it had been a year from now. It had only happened after the Song Family had abandoned Song Xuanhe and had expelled him from the family.
He wondered just what had happened in this year to make the relationship between them this strained.
When Xiao Yuanmu thought of this, the Song Family’s eldest son, Song Xuanhe’s older brother, Song Xuanlin, suddenly came to mind. He was a decisive man who was the type to have a clear view on the situation. The Song Family had chosen him as the successor, and he was indeed more suitable than Song Xuanhe.
Song Xuanhe’s silhouette slowly disappeared down the corridor. Xiao Yuanmu looked up and no longer hid the chill in his eyes. He gazed at Huang Cong and asked, “You should know that the person who is shutting Liu Xu out is Song Guochao, so why did you specifically come tell Song Xuanhe that?”
Huang Cong was taken aback. He parted his lips, about to refute this. However, after meeting eyes with Xiao Yuanmu, it felt like the lies were stuck in his throat. His mouth was open for a long time, but no words came out.
A long time later, he nervously took a step back and explained, “I mean no harm.”
Xiao Yuanmu didn’t say anything. He only narrowed his ice-cold eyes, causing the other to feel a nearly tangible cold.
“I’m telling the truth!” Huang Cong swallowed nervously. In one breath, he said everything on his mind. “I was afraid that Song shao didn’t know about this, so I said this to sound him out. I was afraid that he would unknowingly get into a dispute with his father over Liu Xu. A lot had happened with the Song Family. Everyone knew that Mr. Song and Song shao didn’t get along. But, Mr. Song is still Song shao’s father. Moreover, I heard that Liu Xu and Mr. Song used to…. If a scandal were to erupt between Song shao and Liu Xu right now, everyone would think Song shao is in the wrong. That’s why I wanted to warn him.”
Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes lightened up slightly. He asked, “Then, why didn’t you stop him from going just now?”
Huang Cong laughed bitterly. “Although everyone says that Song shao doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions, even if I haven’t known him for long, I know that he’s not as the rumours say. He has a grasp of everything he does. I believe that since he has decided to face this head-on despite knowing the person behind this, he must certainly be sure of himself.”
Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes darkened slightly. With an unclear meaning to his voice, he said, “You treat him quite well.”
When Huang Cong heard this, he smiled. “I know what my reputation is like. I will admit that I’m not a good person. Most of the rumours about me are true. But even if I’m not a good person, I’m still a normal person. Song shao is the first person to not look at me oddly in all these years. He has also never judged me based on what others have said about me. Based on just this, I think that he’s much more deserving of being liked and respected than most other people. My heart is still made of flesh. Even if I’m a bad person, I will not hurt someone who treats me well.”
“You like him?” Compared to his chilly voice earlier, Xiao Yuanmu’s voice was much more serene and relaxed compared to before.
But, Huang Cong couldn’t help but wipe off the cold sweat that had formed on his forehead. He shook his head at once. “No, I don’t dare. I only respect Song shao, I don’t dare like him. Even if I do like him, it’s only the kind of fondness an older person would have for the younger generation or a platonic fondness. I absolutely do not have any other kind of feelings for him!”
Xiao Yuanmu finally looked away. In his emotionless voice, he said, “It’s enough to just respect him.”
The author has something to say:
Xiao Yuanmu: There’s no need to like him.
Eve: That’s right XM, you stand no chance against my baby. And MuMu’s jealousy strikes again. I love how lowkey his jealousy is. Just a bit of a glare. A bit of repressed sulking.
