Actor: Thank you.

beep, beep...

"Brother Hui, I've heard so much about you!"

After knocking, Zhang Yuan stepped into the private room with a smile on his face.

Besides several men and women, a middle-aged man was sitting in the middle of the room.

He has the typical features and build of a southerner, with a slightly high hairline.

With a round face and black-rimmed glasses, he doesn't look fierce at all.

But Sun Honglei, who was kneeling on the ground singing "Conquer," clearly told everyone that appearances are illusions.

"Who are you?" the middle-aged man asked.

"Big brother, he looks like that... movie star."

"Oh." Prince Hui nodded. "Hello, hello."

"Seeing is believing. I was drinking next door when I heard Brother Hui was here, so I thought I'd come and offer him a toast."

"You're welcome." The man smiled and raised his hand, and the waiter immediately poured him a glass.

Sun Honglei glanced at it cautiously, not daring to make a sound.

"And this person, I don't know if you know him."

"Xiao Shenyang!" Prince Hui called out this time.

“You are very famous, but your master is even more famous.”

"I really like Mr. Zhao. Is he here today?"

"Teacher Zhao was hospitalized a while ago and has been recuperating at his hometown."

"Oh, I see. Then we'll have to meet again sometime."

"Then you can drink a cup in place of your master."

He then gestured to his younger brother to pour a glass for Shenyang as well.

Zhang Yuan invited Xiao Shenyang to come along, mainly because Xiao Shenyang is a heavy drinker.

Those who perform Errenzhuan (a traditional Chinese folk art form) can't drink much and basically can't finish a drink.

Each of them is a whirlwind on stage.

Xiao Shenyang used to drink an average of 3 to 40 bottles of beer per show.

If the audience sees you've drunk a lot, they'll reward you with more drinks.

So, the fact that this person could still perform with 3 jin of baijiu (a type of Chinese liquor) is quite impressive.

At the same time, Zhang Yuan also wanted to use the influence of his master, Zhao Benshan.

Teacher Zhao doesn't just eat vegetarian food; he eats both meat and vegetables.

It's related to every path.

So regardless of whether you're in black, white, or gray, everyone who sees him is quite polite.

"I'll toast Brother Hui first, Shenyang."

"Come on, let's do it together." Prince Hui even stood up, and his underlings also stood up.

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. The other person laughed loudly and came to their side.

"Okay, feel free!"

"Northerners are indeed straightforward."

He then lightly kicked Sun Honglei, who was lying on the ground.

Look at their attitude!

"No wonder they're all more famous than you!"

Sun Honglei: ...

That's really hard to refute...

"You're very handsome."

"Sit down and have a few more drinks."

“Not only do I want to drink, I also plan to sing a few songs for Brother Hui.” Zhang Yuan pointed to Xiao Shenyang: “He has a great voice and can help Brother Hui liven things up.”

"That's great, let's sing together."

Zhang Yuan had actually been testing the waters.

Test the other person's emotions.

In retrospect, it wasn't too bad.

And he didn't deliberately put on an air of superiority.

It's clear that Brother Honglei is destined to have bad luck today.

Furthermore, Zhang Yuan never mentioned Sun Honglei, pretending not to see him.

"Shenyang, sing one of your best songs."

Xiao Shenyang touched his nose, unable to figure out this guy's tricks.

Why do you want me to sing?

But when you're out and about, you have no choice but to listen to him.

After all, your master had told you beforehand that they would help you solve the problem, and you weren't allowed to argue with them.

In addition, there was the time when Teacher Zhao was sick before. Shenyang and he had a good relationship. True friendship is revealed in times of trouble.

"That lily... it's blooming!!!"

Before long, he picked up his voice and sang a high octave.

Why don't you take him to the Spring Festival Gala?

Shenyang's experience with the Spring Festival Gala was actually a bit complicated.

Teacher Zhao had prepared a program for him before, but it was rejected by both the Spring Festival Gala and the New Year's Eve Gala.

It's the skit "I Want to Be a Star" by Xiao Shenyang, which is very famous. He also sang while wearing effeminate clothes.

If Zhao's skit hadn't been rejected in 09 and replaced with "Not Short of Money," he wouldn't know when he would have been able to appear on the Spring Festival Gala.

But that's how people are; when luck comes, you can't stop it.

But the prerequisite is that you have to have the ability to catch your luck.

With his voice, not only is his vocal range wide, but he can also reach high notes without sounding harsh or shrill.

It's not the kind of song that hits high notes and is unpleasant to listen to.

His high notes weren't harsh, which means they weren't forced.

Moreover, judging from later generations, his voice was still so bright even in his forties, with no obvious signs of decline.

This is what we are born with.

Just like Chen Long, who can still act even at 70, his physical condition is enviable.

As soon as the song ended, Prince Hui and his underlings clapped their hands.

"Well done, a great teacher produces great students."

Zhang Yuan gave Shen Yang a wink.

The other person picked up a bottle of beer from the table.

"I'll perform a tornado for Brother Hui."

He tilted his head back, and then suddenly, his whole body shuddered.

A large whirlpool suddenly appeared in the beer bottle that was already stuck in his mouth.

In just three or four seconds, the entire bottle was completely swallowed.

"Great, great, that's wonderful!" Prince Hui was even happier.

These two younger celebrities not only came to greet us, but also performed for us.

I have so much face!
After finishing a song, Zhang Yuan sat down at the other person's invitation.

Since we've started off politely, let's get down to business.

Zhang Yuan understood that being polite was useless when dealing with this kind of person.

"What brings Brother Hui to Beijing this time?"

"Let's talk some business and make some friends along the way," the other party said casually.

"I've heard of you before. It seems you've collaborated quite a bit with those people in Hong Kong?" Prince Hui said, crossing his legs.

"I'm just trying to make a living, how can I compare to Brother Hui?" Zhang Yuan lowered his tone.

"Hehe, I'd be happy if all my friends in the North were as sensible as you."

Zhang Yuan smiled outwardly, but cursed inwardly.

You're just a nobody in Dongguan.

Even a random second-generation rich kid in Beijing can make you suffer.

I really don't know what it means to "not realize how low your official rank is until you go to the capital."

Judging from his words, he's probably here to pull strings.

He then praised himself for being sensible... I guess his journey wasn't going too smoothly.

It seems Sun Honglei has run into trouble again. He just happened to be having a bad time, and you refused to listen to his offer of help.

After exchanging greetings, it's time to move on to the "talk therapy" phase.

“Brother Hui, I just heard someone mention what happened between you and the Ren family in the south back then.”

"Hmm?" Prince Hui narrowed one eye.

Why are you bringing this up when you're from the North?
I want to stand up for my old rival.

That loser has already retired.

He was well aware that there were currently no influential figures in the entire capital.

"That guy bullied a lot of people in the capital, and his underlings also engaged in bullying and monopolistic practices."

"He was recently arrested, have you heard?"

"If that fat guy is incompetent, he shouldn't cause trouble." Prince Hui clearly looked down on Fatty Zang.

"Speaking of which, we are destined to meet."

"That person suffered a loss at your hands."

"Hehehe."

Hearing him say that, the other person's expression relaxed a little.

He suffered a loss, while I benefited.

"He's retired, you've probably heard that."

"know."

"Have you heard how he retired?"

"You understand?"

Prince Hui became interested when this was mentioned.

There are many rumors circulating in the underworld that his old rival has retired from the criminal world.

However, there is no accurate statement.

This is very strange.

He wasn't arrested, nor was he convicted.

It suddenly logged out for no apparent reason.

He works in this industry, so he knows there's definitely something wrong with it.

“Not only do I know,” Zhang Yuan nodded with a smile, “this matter is also related to me.”

"You?" Prince Hui looked incredulous.

You're just an actor, what are you anyway?

What does it matter to you if this kind of person falls from grace?

I couldn't get rid of him.

"A few years ago, I dated a woman..."

He started by talking about Da Bai and Boss Sun.

"That night, Boss Sun and that guy hired someone to mess with me," Zhang Yuan said calmly.

"But he didn't know that I was working for Mr. Huo."

"Mr. Ho?" Upon hearing this address, Prince Hui stopped shaking his crossed legs.

"Who is this Mr. Ho?"

"It's the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou..."

"Ah." The person immediately understood.

It's not because of you, it's because I offended the people behind you.

Zhang Yuan's statement is exaggerated, he has reversed the facts, and he has removed several important figures from his list.

But it's generally fine.

Prince Hui re-examined him.

It turns out he's the younger brother of the Huo family.

That's too polite.

The shadow of a tree is the name of a person; he is from the South.

In this southern region, there are many people who are very successful in business.

But there are only a handful of companies that dare to openly admit that they are doing business with government support.

"You also taught him a lesson; we are practically enemies."

Let me toast you.

Zhang Yuan raised his glass; when they drank together before, the other person only allowed him to touch the bottom of the glass.

He doesn't even consider an actor a threat.

Now it's different; he only raised it by about one centimeter.

You can use anyone's name to claim your status when you're out in the world; it's all up to you how you present it.

Prince Hui found it reasonable after hearing this, which explained why his old rival had suddenly retired.

I messed with the wrong person.

But the person who offended them wasn't a core member, nor was he backed by government officials; rather, he was a businessman involved in corruption.

The treatment and the results are both satisfactory.

Zhang Yuan first started with "addition," finding a common ground while subtly hinting at it to the other party.

Don't treat me like an ordinary actor.

Actually, the two have more in common than just that.

We should also include Jia Dai; all three of them have something in common.

Jia Daida had previously worked with Hua Shen.

Two years ago, Prince Hui was beaten up by Xiang You, who caused trouble at his place.

Just like Xiang Zuo's own brother. After the beating, the Xiang family remained silent.

Moreover, he seems to have a short memory and will cause trouble in Hong Kong again in a few months, where he was arrested and detained for a long time.

Every time something goes wrong, he shouts, "My dad is XXX!"

You need to have a clear understanding of your family's current situation.

Xiang Huaqiang is really useless; he doesn't have much influence.

This also shows that the Xiang family has offended quite a few people. If they hadn't humbled themselves early on, they would be finished by now.

He wasn't afraid of the Xiang family, the owners of the film and television company, so Prince Hui didn't take the actors seriously.

Unless you have connections.

"Brother Hui, I've actually heard about you before."

“Last time I went to the south on business, I wanted to visit you, but I left in a hurry, otherwise we would have known each other long ago.” He changed the subject again.

"Doing something for Mr. Huo?"

"No, I went to Shenzhen and had some dealings with Ms. Zhao."

"Who is Miss Zhao?"

Zhang Yuan whispered who this man was.

Prince Hui put his legs down.

He's from the south, mainly in Guangdong province.

How could he not know who the first Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi was and what his family situation was?
The county magistrate is not as good as taking charge now.

If the Huo family tries to mess with him, he will be in great pain.

However, he knew that the Huo family was now on the right path and wouldn't even bother to look at him.

At most, we'll keep to ourselves. I respect you, and I'll just avoid offending you.

But this one is different.

In the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, people used to think that the ceiling was someone else's.

Just like in the village, when the US and the Soviet Union were mentioned, many men were indignant and resentful.

"What's there to be afraid of? One day we'll fight our way to Washington, and each of us will take on a blonde old lady."

But as soon as the village chief was mentioned, the man who had just been saying that imperialism was a paper tiger and acted all high and mighty immediately bowed down.

Since imperialism can't reach the village, the village chief can easily deal with himself.

Prince Hui almost reacted instinctively, sitting up straighter considerably.

“You have dealings with their family.”

“Yes, economic exchanges, but not much, just over 100 million,” Zhang Yuan said casually.

That's absolutely right. He would say that to anyone, in front of anyone.

Even if you tie a lie detector to his hands, he won't jump.

Owing someone over 100 million, isn't that an economic transaction?

More than one hundred million... Prince Hui thought to himself, this number is not much, but it is not small either.

This person is very rich, but most of his money is not publicly displayed.

Could it be that this actor is actually a middleman behind the scenes, acting as a middleman for a large family and running some shady businesses?
Or could he use acting to do some financial laundering?
He had this suspicion.

No matter how I think about it, I've become much more cautious.

We definitely can't treat Zhang Yuan like an ordinary celebrity anymore.

Even if it's just a middleman or a front man, as long as the power behind him is strong enough, he's not someone to mess with.

"Come on, Brother Hui, let's have another drink." Zhang Yuan poured the wine himself.

Xiao Shenyang, watching everything from the side, swallowed hard.

My master told me to listen to him.

Now, looking at the two drinking together, the rim of their cups is already up to their shoulders.

In just a few words, the relationship and positions between the two underwent a huge change.

Shenyang didn't dare to breathe too loudly, just watched quietly from the sidelines.

He now feels that this person handles things somewhat like his mentor.

They look gentle and don't say anything harsh, but they're actually quite tough.

"Brother Hui has a good capacity for alcohol," Zhang Yuan praised, giving him a thumbs up.

"It's an honor to meet you. I have a favor to ask."

“This guy…” He pointed to Sun Honglei, who was still kneeling in the corner: “He came to this place today to hang out with me and Shenyang.”

"So I also bear responsibility for him offending Brother Hui."

"However, you are genuinely injured and ill, the doctor forbids you from drinking alcohol, and you are about to go to film a movie directed by Zhang Yimou."

He also brought in Zhang Yimou, a big name in the industry.

"How about this, Shenyang and I will drink and sing with Brother Hui."

"Can we take his place?"

Prince Hui curled his lip, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the group.

On the other side, much later.

"He hasn't come back for so long, I hope something's happened to him?" The eagle circled around the room.

"This kid isn't arrogant, he's just trying to settle things."

"Let him go."

"Stop making sarcastic remarks." Host Li Jing nudged Yang Kun, who was standing next to her.

Zhang Yuan had been on "Super Interview" and knew her and Dai Jun. They had a good impression of each other, so her older sister's words were fair.

"Let's go and have a look."

"Well, in the end, it still comes down to our Sister Na taking action."

"Why are some people showing off?"

So he mustered up his courage and got up.

"Fei, aren't you going?"

"He's done, I don't need to go."

"If he can't do it, it's no use me going either," Old Wang said calmly. "I'm too lazy to get involved."

"Your temper is making me anxious." The eagle ignored her and went out the door on its own.

He strode confidently down the corridor, but his steps became more cautious as he approached the private room.

It was as if they were afraid of making too much noise and disturbing someone.

Those behind me were either slowing down, stopping, or even backing away while clinging to the wall, ready to run at any moment.

These guys, even if you pile them up, they're useless; all they can do is talk big.

"Are you going in?"

"Go inside."

"You go first."

They were even being polite to each other, I don't know who they were being so courteous to.

"Hey, this is your place, after all," the last person spoke up.

"Alas!" The eagle sighed deeply, as if it had made a tremendous decision.

"When we go inside, I, I, I'll lead the way, and everyone will greet us together."

"Hold on, everyone."

"Have."

"Hey."

"understood."

He answered without any enthusiasm.

He's usually so arrogant, but this time he took several deep breaths before raising his hand to knock on the door.

Three knocks later, he tiptoed and slowly turned the doorknob, only daring to push it open a crack.

As soon as the door was opened a crack, bursts of singing drifted in from inside.

The eagle and the people behind it were all stunned.

Shouldn't we be calling for war and killing?
Why are you singing?

If you sing, is it less dangerous?
Only then did I dare to push the door open forcefully.

"Hello, Brother Hui..." they greeted each other after pushing the door open.

But what they saw before them was unbelievable.

Prince Hui was in the middle, with his left arm around Zhang Yuan and his right arm around Xiao Shenyang. The three of them raised their glasses and sang loudly.

Sun Honglei, holding up his disabled hand, awkwardly clapped along for the three of them while laughing awkwardly.

The key is that the songs they sang were okay.

"We sing 'The East Is Red'!"

"Stand up and take charge."

"We tell the story of spring, how reform and opening up made us rich."

"A leader who carries on the legacy and opens up new paths."

"Leading us into that new era..."

"Raise the banner high and create...the future!"

That eagle and his large group felt a strange mix of emotions watching the biggest chicken in the south sing such a positive song.

"Good, good, good." Despite the pain in his arm, Brother Honglei gritted his teeth and clapped his hands.

"Hong Lei, is it the wine that's good, or the singing?" Prince Hui asked, glancing sideways.

"The wine, the singing, everything is good, everything is good!"

"Hahahaha... I, Liang, have traveled all over the country, relying on my literary and martial skills, loyalty to the emperor and love for the country."

"Brother Hui's demeanor this time is just like a strong wind rising and the clouds flying," Zhang Yuan said, nodding and flattering.

"Why don't you compose a poem, brother?"

“Alright, when I write poetry, I need Brother Hui and some wine.” Zhang Yuan said, glancing at the eagle at the door, Yang Kun and the others: “I also need birds and donkeys.”

"Hahahaha..." Everyone laughed heartily.

"Let me introduce you to my friends."

These guys outside never expected that in just a short while, you'd become such close friends, like brothers.

Wasn't Sun Honglei kneeling?
Are you standing up now?

"Gentlemen, let's drink and sing together."

"Brother Hui, how about we sing 'The Story of Spring' next?"

"Sister, come on over."

"Brother Hui, I'll have them accompany you. Shenyang, Honglei, and I have some personal matters to attend to, so we'll come over later."

"Alright, you go first!" Prince Hui sang and saluted at the same time.

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle, Zhang Yuan led the two to a secluded spot.

"Brother Honglei, are you alright?"

"Ah...ah, it's nothing." Sun Honglei's mind was still blank.

When Zhang Yuan came, he was afraid that things would escalate into a fight.

After all, I've heard that this kid is quite a fighter.

Unexpectedly, he "subdued the enemy without fighting".

It was all done with just words.

Moreover, Brother Honglei noticed that there was a technique involved!
Upon entering, instead of stating their purpose directly, they exchanged pleasantries and began to "talk things over".

The so-called "pandao" refers to people in the martial arts world testing each other's backgrounds.

After we'd covered most of the basics, we started to get down to business.

Let's get to the point first, then I'll mention who's behind me.

The other party will then feel threatened.

Are you trying to scare me?

Prince Hui is the kind of person who will definitely make a scene to save face before he'll stop.

But let's get to the bottom of things first, so you know who I am, before we talk business.

This is called achieving twice the result with half the effort.

The other party will weigh the gains and losses and take the initiative to consider whether to fight or make peace.

Even if a settlement is desired, one can assert that "it was my own initiative to settle, not something I was forced to do."

It's enough to save face.

People who live in the underworld value their reputation the most.

Sun Honglei realized what was happening and looked again at the younger brother who had played a supporting role for him back then.

I had raised my expectations for him several times, but I still underestimated him in the end. Today, I was surprised again.

"It's good that you're alright." Zhang Yuan checked himself over and found that he hadn't been hit.

I thought he was a seasoned veteran.

The manager who came to ask about something just now got slapped.

Sun Honglei offended people but wasn't beaten; he just had to kneel.

"It's nothing, let's get down to business."

"I invited you two here today to talk about the conflict between you."

"Now let's talk about it, do you still have any conflicts?"

Zhang Yuan looked at the two of them, and they looked at him in return, before exchanging glances.

What other conflicts are there?

You've taken care of everything for Prince Hui, so how could we dare to have any conflicts with you in front of him?

Besides, Xiao Shenyang put in a lot of effort to get Sun Honglei out of trouble.

Shenyang only realized it now.

"No wonder you dragged me along..."

“Come on, brother, we were just joking before.” Brother Honglei offered his arms.

"Yeah, bro, it's just a little argument, we drank too much, don't take it seriously."

They embraced each other.

Zhang Yuan nodded with considerable satisfaction. This way, I could give Teacher Zhao a satisfactory explanation… (End of Chapter)