Actor: Thank you.

They ate and chatted as usual.

With Jiang Zhiqiang acting as a peacemaker, Wang Jiawei naturally had no choice but to adopt a conciliatory attitude, saying very little.

Zhang Yuan, on the other hand, chatted happily with his "foreign friends".

"Zhang, your Korean is very good!"

"That's really impressive." Song Hye-kyo was very surprised to see that he could chat with her in his native language.

"Just a little bit." Zhang Yuan wasn't being modest; he was just telling the truth.

His Korean is far inferior to his Japanese and English, only about the same level as his French. He can have a few stumbling conversations and can understand what the other person is saying, but he has to be a little slow.

They were just being polite and praising him.

In addition, the director asked him to come and "accompany" the guests today.

Despite Song Hye-kyo's considerable fame in both China and South Korea, in South Korea, the employment situation for celebrities is such that unless you are a member of a conglomerate, no matter how beautiful you are, you still have to accompany others to drink.

It's not like in China where if you don't accompany someone, at worst you won't have a job or get any acting opportunities.

They wouldn't dare disobey; that would be a death sentence.

In comparison, the domestic environment is relatively good, but the improvement is still limited.

However, many South Koreans are obsequious in their own country, but become arrogant and haughty when they come to China.

Because everyone knows that Chinese people are foolish and rich.

Jang Nara said it herself: if you don't have money, come to China.

These clients in China are also willing to treat them like "big shots".

Petty people fear power but not virtue, and respect evil but not good.

The more polite you are to them, the less they treat you like a human being. Just look at the behavior and attitude of those Korean artists after they come to China, and you'll understand.

When the Wang family approached Song Hye-kyo, she initially wanted to refuse.

If I can't handle it back home, isn't it easy to refuse your Huaxia Client?
But when he heard that it was Zhang Yuan who wanted to be friends with him, and not some fat, skinny old man, he agreed.

After all, he's more famous and a big star than her, so it's still possible to make friends with him.

Women, it's mainly about looks.

Seeing that Zhang Yuan and she were having a pleasant conversation, Jiang Zhiqiang and Wang Jiawei both breathed a sigh of relief.

Alright, it seems the matter is resolved.

You're really something, going to all this trouble for a woman.

It's only because it's you; if it were anyone else, we would have fallen out long ago.

Of course, that's just what they think.

After finishing their meal, they drank some tea and even said they were going to exercise.

Serious exercise.

Upon arriving at the hotel near the film set, which had its own badminton court, everyone went to play.

Song Hye-kyo maintains her figure by playing ball every day, which also helps her relieve the frustration caused by being tormented by Wong Kar-wai.

"Zhang, your stamina is amazing."

After a long while, Miss Song, with flushed cheeks, panting heavily and sweating profusely, sat down with him on the sidelines to rest.

"is acceptable."

Zhang Yuan glanced at her and saw that her cheeks were flushed, and the sweat had completely washed away the light makeup she had put on before leaving home.

This is her completely bare-faced state.

She looks great and isn't particularly thin.

As for looks... I'd give it an 8 out of 10.

His physique is slightly lacking.

She is about 160 cm tall, her limbs are not slender, and her waist and hips are not very perky.

Her posture was a point deduction.

A person's temperament is something that needs to be cultivated from a young age.

When Yang Mi, Liu Shishi, and Qianqian stand together, you can clearly tell who comes from the best family.

"Have you rested enough? Shall we continue?" Zhang Yuan invited.

“Okay, give me five more minutes,” Song Hye-kyo replied in Korean.

"Alright, I have something to say to the director. You can take a break now."

Zhang Yuan got up and went to Wang Jiawei and Jiang Zhiqiang, who were also sparring together.

Neither of the two old men were very good at fighting.

"You two need to exercise more."

"You've never hit a Korean girl either," Boss Jiang mocked.

"Hehehe..." He chuckled, without answering.

Although he hasn't had much experience with badminton in the past, his athletic foundation, including speed, strength, and dynamic vision, far surpasses that of ordinary people.

If he really used his full strength, he could make Song Hye-kyo cry.

But playing ball with beautiful women isn't like fighting a war.

Of course, you need to find a worthy opponent before they'll be willing to continue playing with you.

"I have something to say." He stopped the two of them as well.

"Thank you for the invitation," Zhang Yuan said politely.

"However, Mr. Jiang, you must have misunderstood me."

“I said I had feelings for the actress playing the female lead, but I wasn’t talking about her.” He pointed back.

Song Hye-kyo is considered one of the leading actresses...

In "Ip Man", the character Zhang Yongcheng is the absolute female lead.

However, in "The Grandmaster", she can only be considered the second female lead.

Gong Er is the female lead.

"Ah, weren't you going to date a Korean girl?" Jiang Zhiqiang's eyes widened.

“If I were to bring home a geisha that a tycoon has already discarded as a treasure, I would be utterly disgracing my Zhang family for eighteen generations,” Zhang Yuan replied mercilessly.

Anyway, Song Hye-kyo doesn't understand Chinese.

Dating?

Only her fans see her as a goddess; to me, she's just a woman.

It's fine to have fun, but I'd rather not date.

Moreover, he wasn't interested in playing all day.

First of all, if they end up sleeping together, how can he cause trouble for the Wang family?

It's wrong to take all the benefits and then turn your back on them.

And look at Song Hye-kyo, she has such a sweet face.

Her name is Qiao Mei, and no matter how old she is, she'll always have a younger sister vibe.

But she's definitely not an innocent, naive girl!
She's with Hyun Bin right now.

He still comes to drink and play ball with me, and we chat about life.

If I cause another big scandal about being a third party in your relationship, it won't be worth it.

Koreans have no bottom line. They would definitely use an artist who can act in Hollywood movies to promote their own stars and raise their value.

Zhang Yuan tightened his belt at the thought of someone he couldn't fully control.

cautious.

"If you weren't looking for her, why were you having so much fun?" Boss Jiang asked with disdain.

"I'm just learning a foreign language from her."

"Moreover, Ms. Song has many unique insights into Chinese history, and we are exchanging ideas."

"opinion?"

“Yes, she believes that South Korea defeated the Tang Dynasty and blinded Li Shimin, and that they were only able to let Erfeng go home because they were merciful.” Zhang Yuan smiled and waved to Song Hye-kyo, who was not far away.

Jiang Zhiqiang: ...

Is this history accurate?

"Don't worry about whether it's right or wrong, just say whether it's unique or not."

After all, they are a powerful nation capable of establishing a country on a moldy base, so it's quite reasonable that they could defeat General Tian Ce.

South Korea has produced more than a dozen historical films and TV series with similar storylines.

People live in their own information cocoons, influenced by packaged history, which leads to differences in public perception.

Besides, why should I argue with her? I can just go along with what the pretty woman says and appease her.

"I'm looking for Zhang Ziyi. Please ask Director Wang to call her here for me," Zhang Yuan revealed his true target.

When Zhang Ziyi arrived, Zhang Yuan was playing badminton with Qiao Mei.

"Oops, I lost again."

"Haha, Zhang, I've discovered that your low post catching is no good."

The two had just finished a round.

"We'll practice together again when we have time."

"Okay, I'm very happy to play with you."

Chinese men are so gentle, not as tough and chauvinistic as the men back home... Song Hye-kyo thought to herself as she drank water.

"Ziyi is here."

"Are you looking for me?"

"Yes, I heard you're on this set. I just happened to have dinner with Director Wang."

"Let's all have fun together, let's get together."

"Okay." Zhang Ziyi hadn't realized there was a problem.

"Has this kid's taste changed?" Jiang Zhiqiang wondered.

Does this mean they've stopped judging by looks and started judging by overall demeanor?
Otherwise, why would Song Hye-kyo choose Zhang Ziyi?

It could also be for the purpose of "collecting" and activating the catalog.

He thought Zhang Yuan wanted to "improve the Pokédex".

Zhang Ziyi picked up her racket, thinking about how she had just seen Zhang Yuan and Song Hye-kyo play tennis.

You're very weak.

Sister, I'll play with you.

I happen to be single lately, so finding someone interesting might be a good idea.

Always thinking good things...

She served, and Zhang Yuan returned the ball gently.

Then, seizing the opportunity, they unleashed a powerful smash, aiming for the corner.

The imagined scene of Zhang Yuan awkwardly catching the ball did not materialize.

As she landed, her eyes looked at the spot where she had hit the ball.

But Zhang Yuan was already in place at some point.

They couldn't even see the other person's movements.

As she landed, before she could even stand firmly, she heard a sharp gust of wind whistling past her ear.

Have you ever heard a badminton shuttlecock make a sonic boom?
Today, she heard it.

I felt a crackling sound in my right ear, and my eardrum hurt.

I felt a burning sensation on the entire right side of my face.

The shuttlecock grazed her cheek, touched her skin, and flew straight towards the wire fence not far behind her.

After hitting the metal net, the ball spun in mid-air for almost a second before crashing to the ground.

There's no skill involved, just sheer force. Zhang Ziyi touched her ear.

It is already red and swollen.

The phrases "Special Beam Cannon" and "Crashing Star Roaring Cannon" flashed through my mind, sounding like cringeworthy chuunibyou (adolescent delusions of grandeur).

"Ziyi, you're too slow to react." Zhang Yuan smiled and waved the racket: "Let's go again."

Song Hye-kyo, who was watching the game and resting, choked on the water she was drinking.

What was that sound just now?
Someone cracked a whip?

If he had attacked like that, wouldn't I be dead by now?

A dozen minutes later, Zhang Ziyi slumped down on a nearby chair, looking utterly defeated.

His entire sportswear was soaked with sweat.

This woman is strong-willed and initially refused to admit defeat.

But in the end, he didn't get a single point.

Friendship ball?
nonexistent!

We don't have much of a friendship.

And you're not beautiful enough for me to be gentle with.

"Zhang, you went easy on me just now, didn't you?" Qiao Mei stepped forward at this moment.

"I'm just afraid of hurting you."

Zhang Ziyi: ...

Aren't you afraid of hurting me?
She stubbornly raised her neck and looked up.

The plastic court was barely visible, but Zhang Yuan's spikes left several dents.

"You can't discriminate."

"I've known you for so many years."

"You're so polite to a foreign woman, but you beat me like a madman."

"You've forgotten your friends because of a pretty face!" Zhang Ziyi jokingly accused him.

But what he got in return was Zhang Yuan's cold reply.

"are we friends?"

“What you’re saying…” Zhang Ziyi struggled to sit up.

"Aren't you being too hurtful to her by saying that?" Jiang Zhiqiang whispered.

"Director Wang, President Jiang." Zhang Yuan turned to look at the two men.

"You are all aware of what's going on now."

"I know you want to reconcile and focus on making the film."

"sure, no problem."

"But I have one condition." Zhang Yuan didn't even glance at Zhang Ziyi.

Regarding the role of the female lead in this film.

"I'm not talking about Zhang Yongcheng, but the female lead in terms of actual screen time."

"This role must be played by one of my artists!"

Wang Jiawei opened his mouth wide, and then he understood what the other party meant.

Regardless of whether she was tired or not, Zhang Ziyi suddenly stood up.

"Zhang Yuan, what do you mean?"

"literal meaning."

"I called you here so that you would know what I mean in person."

"What grudge do I have against you?" Zhang Ziyi still couldn't figure it out.

She just felt like she'd had the worst luck lately!
They were already being suppressed by two forces, and now a third party has appeared.

"Oh...it's my brother." She suddenly remembered.

"I'll have him come right now..."

"No need," Zhang Yuan said, raising his hand in refusal.

"If I had any remorse, I would have come long ago."

"It's really too late to say that now."

"You should know that making mistakes comes at a price."

"You've paid a heavy price lately, but clearly you still haven't learned it."

"You're being too petty over such a small thing..." Zhang Ziyi began to speak, but when she saw Zhang Yuan looking at her, her voice gradually softened.

Who?
Who's being petty?
Don't talk nonsense!
I'm going to sue you for defamation.

"Zhang Yuan, this is going a bit too far," Jiang Zhiqiang said, still trying to play peacemaker.

“President Jiang,” Zhang Yuan replied steadily.

"We are talking business right now, we are working."

"Please use your job title when you are at work."

"I am the general manager of Cross-Strait Film Industry."

It's clear they're not backing down and there's no room for negotiation.

“Impossible.” At this moment, Wong Kar-wai also spoke up, clearly refusing.

“This role is perfect for Ziyi; only she is suitable to play it.”

"And she has been training for this role for a long time."

"If we replace the actor at the last minute, the film can't be shot."

"Well, you've all seen it."

“It’s not that I’m unwilling to reconcile, it’s that I offered conditions, and you didn’t meet them.” Zhang Yuan spread his hands.

"That's settled then. It was a pleasure having dinner with you all today."

He then said goodbye to Song Hye-kyo in Korean, and the two exchanged contact information.

Jiang Zhiqiang rarely saw him so stubborn and unyielding.

"Jiang Sheng, he really went too far. We can't do this." Wang Jiawei said angrily after he left.

But Boss Jiang remembered that the last time Zhang Yuan was so resolute and refused to back down was when he was on the opposing side.

"You all had better be careful."

"Jiawei, please seriously consider what he said."

"At least ask him for a list to find out who he wants to recommend."

"I don't want anyone." He clearly supported Zhang Ziyi.

"Uh...you probably don't know."

"I can't explain it to you either, anyway, be careful, be careful."

Even Boss Jiang had no idea what kind of trouble he was going to cause, and he only felt a chill.

"Just hope nothing serious happens."

After spending one night at a hotel, Zhang Yuan returned home.

During this time, Zhang Ziyi called him many times, but he didn't answer any of them.

Do things thoroughly, otherwise it's pointless.

Then, this woman had a plan.

If no one answers her, she'll look for someone else.

He received calls from Yuan Quan and Zeng Li, both of whom were his classmates.

Teacher Yuan is married and doing very well.

She also helped Xia Yu's divorced parents reconcile, after they had been estranged for life.

Therefore, he is highly regarded by the man's family.

Don't bother them.

Zhang Yuan simply chatted with her about everyday things and said that this was a matter between him and Ziyi, and he would handle it himself.

Zeng Li doesn't have any plans to get married, but she does have a boyfriend.

So they couldn't rekindle their romance, and after a brief chat, they hung up.

Seeing that neither of them had it, this person, through some roundabout means, somehow obtained Cheng Hao's phone number.

What exactly are you doing?

Of course, the good older sister was on his side, and she also knew about the guy's swearing.

"A little lesson learned."

"It's not a small matter; it's caused quite a stir."

"Besides Ziyi calling me, I've also heard some colleagues from the south talking about this."

"Everyone says you're too domineering."

“Will it have a bad impact?”

"It's alright, I know what I'm doing," Zhang Yuan reassured her, afraid she would worry.

"I have another purpose; you'll understand in a while."

"They always treat me like an outsider, never telling me anything," the older sister complained.

"Alright, I'll go tell her and let her think it over herself."

"She was wrong to begin with. She's had it too easy these past few years and can't tell the difference between the king and the queen."

"No, she can distinguish between the two kings, so she has never offended either of Huayi's kings."

"They just never treated me like a king or queen."

Zhang Yuan said in a deep voice, "Not only her, but many others are the same."

"I understand. Be careful too."

Zhang Yuan has no intention of communicating with Zhang Ziyi privately; he wants to handle things strictly by official channels.

Fan Bingbing sent him a message saying that Zhang Ziyi had also contacted her to reconcile.

This person is more sensible; knowing that he is always firm in his decisions and would definitely not listen, he doesn't bother him.

But you also need to tell him that Zhang Ziyi contacted her, that's enough.

"It's a bit too late to be in a hurry now."

The more anxious she became, the less anxious she was; she simply let things cool down because the time wasn't right.

Moreover, the other party only wants to talk to him now, not beg him, which shows that their mindset has not been corrected yet.

After staying at home for a short while, a bunch of people came to "harass" me.

They were either delivering a message or trying to find out something.

After all, Wong Ka-wai is a famous director who has worked with many people.

Everyone wants to know what happened and whether it will affect them.

Many people even came to him with a gloating attitude, offering "encouragement."

It would be best if he also took action and destroyed Zhang Ziyi, forcing her to leave the entertainment industry!
Perhaps I can get a share of those extra resources.

His agents, Yang Siwei and Zeng Jia, also called him to ask which actress he wanted to replace Zhang Ziyi.

Others may not understand, but the two of them certainly do.

My boss is trying to harm me... no, he's capable of getting things done, and there's basically nothing he can't accomplish.

Wong Kar-wai's film is a big production; whoever stars in it will become famous. Both of them want to give their subordinates opportunities.

Zhang Yuan told them to wait a moment and not to rush.

Zeng Jia, however, also chatted with him about Yang Mi's contract... (End of Chapter)