Actor: Thank you.

While pondering matters concerning Zhang Yimou, Zhang Yuan ate dumplings dipped in vinegar.

Zhang Yimou is quite shrewd; otherwise, he wouldn't have been manipulated by Zhang Weiping for so many years.

Among the three great directors in China, he has the highest skill level, but his income is the lowest.

Ironically, the one who made the most money was Chen Shiren, whose film had the worst overall box office.

At the same time, he also came from the best background among the three.

What kind of prince will Xiangning?

This is indeed a question mark in some industries.

The film business is simply about shooting a movie, showing it in theaters, and calling it a day; that's just the most basic way to do it.

There are still many ways to make money.

After watching the skit, he collected the food during the break between the two song and dance performances.

Ordinary people can eat to their heart's content during the Chinese New Year, and gain ten or more pounds afterward.

But he can't.

Self-discipline is also necessary.

Back in front of the TV, it was past midnight, and we had entered a brand new year.

Coincidentally, the Spring Festival Gala featured a song and dance program that he liked.

CCTV invited the veterans of "Super Band" to come.

It's Jonathan Lee, Lo Ta-yu, Emil Chau, and Chang Chen-yue.

These were all top figures and top celebrities in the music industry before the new century.

Before Jay Chou rose to fame, Richie Jen was the top figure in Chinese music.

"The Girl Across the Way," "Too Softhearted," "One Wave"... these songs were incredibly popular back then.

The highest physical album sales record in Taiwan is Richie Jen's "Love Like the Pacific Ocean," which sold 100 million copies.

Later, most of Jay Chou's millions of copies sold were from mainland China; his popularity in Taiwan wasn't as strong.

Because Richie Jen happened to be born at the turn of the century, both his parents and children liked his musical style.

When we go to karaoke, both my dad and son can sing together.

Jay Chou is not popular; the younger generation likes him, but most of the older generation doesn't.

A generation gap has formed between him and two generations.

Before Richie Jen came the era of Emil Chau, which was also a time when the older generation liked it but the younger generation mostly disliked it.

Zhang Yuan is liked by all three generations; he is quite tolerant.

Ok?
I was listening to music when I suddenly heard a slight creaking sound coming from the gate of the courtyard house.

"It sounds like... someone opened the door?"

Zhang Yuan suddenly became alert.

Could it be that because my courtyard is deserted and I live alone, some thieves thought this family had gone on holiday for the New Year and planned to break in?

He deliberately turned up the TV volume to cover up the sound of his footsteps.

"You little thief, you're trying to steal from your grandpa!"

A few days ago, my aunt said that a car in the next alley had its back window smashed in the middle of the night, and a purse on the back seat was stolen.

Many people who don't have money for the Lunar New Year will resort to theft.

"This is like the flood washing away the Dragon King's temple; it's like family members not recognizing their own family."

"As a descendant of the Iron Thieves, I didn't go to the train to fish during the New Year."

"You guys who climb the eaves are trying to mess with me!"

"As Professor Guo was right, there is naked hatred among peers."

He took a step, twisted his waist, and in a flash, he darted out of the house, intending to scare the thief.

"Ouch!"

It really gave me a fright.

But not a petty thief.

"Sing a song?"

Startled by him, Shu Chang dropped the lunchbox she was holding onto the ground.

The white, raw dumplings fell onto the snow-covered, snow-covered floor tiles.

Quickly bend down and help pick it up.

"Forget it, no more."

"It'll get dirty if it falls on the ground," Shu Chang said with some regret.

“That’s true…” Zhang Yuan was about to grab the broom when he paused, then looked up and asked, “Did you wrap these yourself?”

"Yes."

"No need to throw it away. Boiling it in hot water will disinfect it. You can still eat it, it's fine."

"Sigh." Singing, she turned her sorrow into a smile.

After picking everything up, the two went to the kitchen together.

"Have you eaten?"

"There's still room for another piece, have one."

"Okay." Shu Chang immediately helped pour water and assisted.

Then I put the pot back on and boiled water again.

"Let the water simmer slowly, let's chat first." Zhang Yuan deliberately turned down the heat: "Why did you suddenly come, and so sneakily?"

"I was thinking of giving you a surprise."

"It's rare for you to be home on New Year's Eve. In previous years, you were either on a film set or abroad, and we couldn't find you."

"I have the opportunity to spend the Chinese New Year at my uncle's house, which happens to be not far away."

"The whole family made dumplings together, so we thought we'd bring you some."

"I know you're home alone, so I came to keep you company."

"I'd also like to give you, my boss, a briefing on my work." She gestured to the small backpack behind her.

“And…” she leaned closer and whispered in her ear.

"I hope to be the first person you meet this year."

“It’s you.” Zhang Yuan put his arm around her and looked at her closely.

She was wearing a rather festive bright red down jacket.

She was wearing UGG snow boots and black slim-fit pants.

Her hair was still her usual long, straight, black hair, and it smelled faintly of flowers, so she must have just washed it.

There was some slightly melted snow on the shoulders and the hood of the down jacket.

Judging from the looks of it, they must have come on foot.

My nose turned red from the cold all the way, but it also made my face look even whiter.

Zhang Yuan recalled the time when they fell into an ice hole while filming "Liancheng Jue" together.

Her appearance hasn't changed much since then.

Her eyes were still so bright.

"I think you're not here to be the first person to see me, but rather to offer the first incense." Zhang Yuan gently smoothed the ends of her hair with his fingers.

"Burning incense?"

"You also have the habit of being the first to offer incense?"

"Going now would be too late."

"Moreover, the first incense is always obtained through connections; ordinary people can't get to burn it."

That's... Zhang Yuan nodded.

In the capital city, places like Yonghe Temple, Tuotan Temple, and Hongluo Temple offer the first incense offering of the year, which isn't something money can buy.

Those are all prepared for people who, in theory, shouldn't go to temples to burn incense.

However, Shu Chang misunderstood her own meaning.

"I didn't mean I wanted to be the first to offer incense."

"But you have to be the first to offer incense."

"What's the first incense offering?" Changchang looked around but couldn't find any incense burner or ritual implements. "Where can I find incense?"

"Yes, I brought it with me," Zhang Yuan said, hugging her even tighter.

Shu Chang: ...

The fox, Xiaoyu, sensed the "first fragrance".

The incense sticks used by the lead actors were longer and thicker than usual when the film crew started shooting.

"And as you just said, the first incense offering is only available through connections..."

The two of them cuddled together, embracing, twisting, intertwining, and losing themselves in each other.

And then... he just stood there dumbfounded!

Zhang Yuan suddenly noticed out of the corner of his eye that there was another person next to them.

A short person wearing a red woolen coat.

Wearing a hair clip decorated with pink butterflies and a pair of brand-new snow boots, the same style as Shu Chang's.

A child with big eyes, a small nose, and a pointed chin, who was much more handsome than his peers, was standing not far from the two.

He just stared blankly, mouth agape, clearly astonished by what he saw.

"My God!" Zhang Yuan was startled.

I almost jumped up from the ground!

"Ah..." Shu Chang also let out a strange cry.

At the same time, he hurriedly gathered up his clothes, which had been pulled into pieces.

"Juanjuan, what brings you here?"

Despite the adults yelling and shouting, the child maintained a wide-eyed, open-mouthed expression. She was bearing something she shouldn't have to endure at her age.

Zhang Yuan slapped his forehead. He had been so engrossed in his own world that he hadn't even noticed the little tail.

Kids are so annoying!

Whether it's Fan Xiaopang's younger brother.

Let's sing about this cousin who isn't related by blood!

Nezha is just as clever and mischievous both on and off screen.

When I met my famous cousin who was visiting for the Chinese New Year, I told my parents that I had to go out to report on my work just before the New Year's Eve.

My family is complaining.

What kind of unethical boss makes people report on their work on New Year's Eve?

This person is sure to have sores on their head and pus oozing from the soles of their feet!
Startled, Shu Chang quickly explained that she had a new role to discuss, and that if she hesitated for even a moment, the role might be snatched away by someone else.

She couldn't bear to see Zhang Yuan subjected to such curses.

My uncle said that you actors are too busy, you don't have a moment to spare all year round, it's outrageous.

After complaining a few times, he had no choice but to let her leave after being persuaded by Shu Chang.

But Nezha, with his sharp eyes, noticed that his older sister had secretly hidden a box of uncooked dumplings.

Her eyes darted around, and she knew perfectly well that she was going to find someone.

Then I remembered my mom always saying that my cousin had a boyfriend who was a big star.

Despite his young age, he's quite quick-witted.

I thought to myself that my cousin must have gone off to meet her lover.

I need to ask for a red envelope!
Shu Chang spoiled him rotten. She gave him a 2000 yuan red envelope for Chinese New Year and bought him a whole new set of clothes, shoes, and a schoolbag.

He made an excuse that he wanted to go downstairs to play with the kids and secretly followed them.

It was the dead of winter, pitch black, in the middle of the night.

She dared to stalk him like that.

Not only are they incredibly bold, but they also have very good ideas.

With that kind of guts, he's either going to achieve great things or committing great crimes.

Seeing Shu Chang enter the courtyard, she also pushed open the door and slid in sideways.

Upon entering the courtyard, I curiously looked around for a while before sneaking towards the brightly lit kitchen.

Then, I saw Zhang Yuan and her cousin massaging each other.

Fortunately, Zhang Yuan didn't plan to hold the main competition in the kitchen.

It's best to avoid doing anything underhanded in a dining area, lest you anger the Kitchen God.

So we've only just reached the stage of measuring the body with our hands.

But this has already stunned a child who is around 10 years old.

I've never seen this before. What are you two doing?

Zhang Yuan tugged at the hem of his sweater to hide the first incense stick.

He then let out a long sigh of relief.

Oh shit!

It's considered unlucky if the first incense stick is broken in half.

Seeing you brings me bad luck!

"Who sent you?" he asked sternly, crouching down.

"I……"

"Juanjuan, you're here to see your sister, right?" Changchang used the back of her hand to cool her flushed cheeks. "How about I take you to watch TV?"

Little Nezha shook his head: "I don't watch TV, I watch you two."

Zhang Yuan: …

I didn't set off any firecrackers during the Chinese New Year, but I want to give you one now!
Shu Chang was observant and noticed that he was unhappy.

They quickly pulled Nezha away from the kitchen and took him to the living room.

Even though it's just a few steps, her little mouth keeps chattering.

"Sister, why did you bite his ear just now?"

Why is his hand inside your clothes?

Why did you make that sound?

"Sister, were you bullied?"

"Where's my food processor..." Zhang Yuan got angry when he heard this, and even wanted to turn her into lotus root starch.

"Juanjuan, can you keep this a secret for your sister? Just say you didn't see anything." After sitting down, Changchang's face turned as red as if it were dripping blood from the question, and she asked her.

"No way." The little girl put her hands on her hips, speaking with an air of maturity: "I can't keep this a secret for nothing."

"I want a red envelope!" She recovered from her brief shock and remembered her business.

Zhang Yuanxin said to himself, "I fought my way from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean Sea."

So you got extorted by a young girl during the Chinese New Year?

“Singing, saplings need to be cut down, and children need to be cared for.” Zhang Yuan crossed his arms.

“She’s still just a child,” Shu Chang said, turning around.

"I'll sell them all one day, and then there'll be the kids..." Zhang Yuan shook his head, thinking that with him around, this guy wouldn't be able to cheat Shu Chang.

“I wasn’t paying attention and she followed me, so I’m also at fault.”

Seeing her protective attitude, Zhang Yuan felt a headache coming on and rubbed his forehead.

With her biological father gone and her biological mother deceased, she cherishes her family all the more.

Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, Zhang Yuan softened.

Turn around and leave.

Not long after, he returned carrying a stack of red bills.

He crouched down and handed it to Little Nezha.

"Red envelope."

The sight of ten thousand yuan in cash brought back the same expression the other person had when watching his live stream with Shu Chang.

The little girl reached out her hand, but he quickly withdrew it.

Despite his young age, he's incredibly audacious; he really dares to ask for it!

"I can give you a red envelope, what should I do?"

Nezha's eyes cleared instantly, and he ran his finger across his mouth, making a zipping motion.

She was acting, but her mother controlled all the money, and she couldn't get any of it.

Shu Chang actually meant well but did something wrong.

Because Nezha started acting, her mother became rich by collecting her earnings.

She gradually came to look down on Shu Chang's uncle, and they divorced a few years later.

Human desires are insatiable, and Nezha's later problems were also related to his mother.

"Don't say anything. If you can do it, come back next year, and there will be another one," Zhang Yuan continued.

The girl smiled, opened her eyes wide, and nodded vigorously.

Then he rolled his eyes, glanced at Shu Chang, his mind racing, and finally spoke.

"Okay, brother-in-law."

Zhang Yuan: …

You...

They'll change their tune if you give them money, and they're really good at currying favor.

They're born for this line of work.

But Zhang Yuan still didn't like her.

Changchang was trying not to laugh, but when she saw Zhang Yuan squinting at her, she calmed down a little.

"Don't call me that, call me brother." Shu Chang quickly corrected him, afraid he would get angry.

"Brother, can I have some of your autographs?"

I've seen the movies you've acted in.

"Could you please get Liu Qianqian's autograph for me?"

"Can you have Fan Bingbing come to my birthday party?"

"How much do you usually get paid for acting roles...?"

Her little mouth, which had just quieted down, started chattering again.

Zhang Yuan wanted to find sleeping pills and give her half a bottle.

"Go home, take them home!" Zhang Yuan said angrily, trying to shoo them away.

“She’s a child, she shouldn’t run around. I’ll take her home.” Shu Chang took her hand.

“I’ll take her back.”

"Alright then." Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "With Nezha around, nothing can be accomplished, so it's better to send him away."

"I'll come back in a bit..." Shu Chang said softly.

Oh!
It seems there's still a chance to burn the first incense.

"If you come any further, give me my money back." He saw that the little girl's eyes lit up with a sly glint when she heard this, and he gave her a serious look.

She made a zipping motion with her fingers to indicate that she was paid to do something and would keep it confidential.

Watching them leave along the moonlit alley, hand in hand, was quite a heartwarming scene.

But nothing lasts forever; people grow and change.

I only wish that those I love and those who love me will never get hurt.

"I hope my arrival can change everyone's fate," Zhang Yuan murmured, leaning against the courtyard gate. (End of Chapter)