Financial freedom starts from graduation

Chapter 267: Good luck in starting the film and the middle school boy
The next day, 9:17 am.

Just on the hillside behind the Baicheng Songlin Banshan Hotel, the main creators of the second season of "Chu Tianyao" gathered to hold a start-up ceremony for the new drama.

Three cameras covered with red cloth are placed in front of the altar, on which are placed offerings such as fruits, drinks, chicken, duck, fish and meat. If it is a film crew from Hong Kong Island, a roasted suckling pig will usually be placed on the altar.

At this time, most of the people have arrived and are waiting for the ceremony to begin.

"Brother Ming, didn't the master say that the time was 9:11? It's almost 9:20..."

A photography apprentice who had just joined the crew looked at the time and couldn't help but ask the master who introduced him to the industry.

"You're the only one who has a watch?"

Photographer Ming rolled his eyes at his apprentice and whispered, "Don't you see who hasn't arrived yet..."

The apprentice took a quick glance and understood immediately, but couldn't help asking, "But wouldn't that mean we've missed the auspicious time? Then what's the point of this ceremony?"

"Are you stupid? Do you think the master has the final say on whether it is auspicious or not?"

Brother Ming sneered and said meaningfully: "If some people haven't arrived yet, then it will never be an auspicious time...You haven't been in society for the first time, how come you don't even understand this principle?"

At this moment, accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps, several people came from the bottom of the mountain, and an apologetic voice was heard from afar:
"Sorry, sorry, I'm late... Is it too late?"

A black linen shirt from Hermès, with a cotton vest of the same color underneath, black jeans, and brown-soled casual shoes. His hairstyle was obviously well-groomed, and he looked casual yet formal.

Seeing the young man striding forward under the guidance of the assistant director, even those who were used to seeing handsome men and beautiful women in the entertainment industry felt a little amazed.

The young man was Zhou Wang. Although he looked refreshed at the moment, that was because Yun Lan and Yun Rou had been playing with him. In fact, he didn’t really wake up until Yun Rou washed his hair...

There was no way, Taijier was too sleepy.

When Zhou Wang returned to his room last night, it was already five in the morning. He had only slept for more than three hours. If he was not the representative of the investor, it would be very inappropriate for him not to attend the opening ceremony. Zhou Wang even didn't want to come.

"Hahaha, bro, I can only say that you came just in time. If you were a minute later, you would have really missed the auspicious time."

Ma Yuan and the new director of the play, Huang Yuming, went up to greet him together. Ma Yuan laughed and Huang Yuming echoed him.

Zhou Wang was about to say something when a light drizzle suddenly fell from the sky. He was startled and said, "It's raining... This won't affect anything, right?"

Director Huang Yuming, who is only in his early thirties, quickly laughed and said, "This is a good sign. Normally, it won't rain when we start filming. This is called 'water brings prosperity'!"

"Yes, it will be prosperous if it meets water!"

Ma Yuan laughed loudly, "Brother, you are here, and the autumn rain has just begun to fall. If this is not an auspicious time, then what is?"

There was a burst of laughter from the crowd. The photography apprentice at the back couldn't help but twitch his mouth when he saw this. Damn it, you guys really said everything...

Anyway, just like Brother Ming said, whatever Zhou Wang does is right!
However, considering that he had also received a red envelope of 800 yuan, which was his salary for two days of hard work, the apprentice also laughed out loud along with his master Brother Ming.

"In that case, let's get started right away, shall we?"

Zhou Wang smiled.

At that moment, the director called all the crew members to gather in front of the altar and start burning incense.

Zhou Wang, who was standing in the front, took a quick look and saw that the leading actress of the crew, Xia Xiwei, had not returned yet, so she probably would not attend the opening ceremony, but everyone else had arrived.

In addition, there are several cooperating media reporters who will report on the opening ceremony, which can be regarded as a kind of publicity warm-up.

Ma Yuan was the first to step forward. Zhou Wang, who was given three incense sticks, whispered to Huang Yuming beside him, "Which god are we worshipping?"

"It doesn't matter. After all, we are not really superstitious. We just want good luck. You can worship whoever you want. Respect the heavens, the earth, and your profession. Anyway, just pray for a smooth filming..."

After listening to Huang Yuming's explanation, Zhou Wang understood.

After Ma Yuan finished offering incense, Zhou Wang walked forward in full view of everyone, and imitated what Ma Yuan had done just now, lighting the incense and bowing towards the four directions.

Of course, under Zhou Wang's pious face, what he respected in his heart were naturally the various gods in Summoner's Rift...

After all, Zhou Wang didn’t know whether other gods existed or not, but in a certain dimension, he could actually feel the gods who led him on the road.

“Thank you for your gift!”

Zhou Wang thought silently, then walked forward, inserted three incense sticks into the stove, and then retreated into the crowd.

The opening ceremony was not complicated, and not everyone was qualified to burn incense. Apart from the director, producer, and investors, only a few main actors could pay their respects.

After burning the incense, Ma Yuan, Huang Yuming and Zhou Wang each stood in front of a camera covered with a red cloth. As the countdown ended, they pulled off the red cloth together. Amid the sound of firecrackers and applause, the start-up ceremony was completed.

At this time, the crew will generally give everyone a red envelope. Of course, there isn’t much money in it, but it’s also for good luck.

After taking the photos, Huang Yuming distributed the things on the altar to everyone to eat and drink. Zhou Wang also ate some durian, and the whole process was over.

Only at this time did Zhou Wang have the opportunity to talk to Shen Yutong, who had been looking at him affectionately for a long time.

"Are you leaving today?"

Due to the large number of people around, Shen Yutong was relatively restrained and did not throw herself into Zhou Wang's arms. She just asked in a low voice.

"Originally, the flight was tonight, but now it's hard to say, maybe it will leave tomorrow. Of course, the latest is tomorrow."

Zhou Wang thought about it and answered truthfully.

If he hadn't obtained the unexpected information, Zhou Wang would have definitely left today, but now, he decided to go to the Moon Palace to take a look. It wouldn't be shameful to pick up a bargain, so he might be delayed.

Anyway, he had asked Xu Wenxi to book tickets for both days, so it didn't matter what time it was that was convenient for him.

"Zhou Wang, I want you to leave tomorrow..."

Shen Yutong hesitated for a moment, but still spoke with a blushing face, "In that case, tonight, tonight..."

Zhou Wang was startled, then he understood what she meant. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Little fool, there's no need to be so deliberate. There's no need to rush. Besides, I'm not the kind of person who's impatient."

Of course, what Zhou Wang was thinking was...

Little fool, I slept with your sister yesterday, and now I’m sleeping with you tonight, what kind of person am I?
"But……"

"No buts, just let it go. Hurry up and get ready. Didn't you say that the first scene is yours? I see the makeup artist has been waiting for you for quite some time."

Zhou Wang glanced at the makeup artist who was waiting patiently beside him and smiled at him somewhat embarrassedly.

"Yeah, well, I'm going to go film now."

Shen Yutong looked at Zhou Wang reluctantly and prepared to turn around and leave.

"By the way, why didn't your sister come with you?"

Zhou Wang asked casually at this time.

"My sister said she wasn't feeling well, so I let her rest in the hotel. She seemed like she didn't sleep well last night."

Shen Yutong explained with a little confusion.

After Shen Yutong left in a hurry, Zhou Wang couldn't help but shrug his shoulders. As he expected, it seemed that Shen Yutong really didn't notice anything.

Thinking of the youthful and charming Shen Yurou, Zhou Wang's heart was moved, and he suddenly remembered the system prompt that he had not had time to check last night.

He immersed his mind in the system interface.

……

Ding!
[The character "Shen Yurou" has been included in the item "Evelyn's Desire Manual"]

【Manual Characters: 2】

[Devil's Wheel Draw Times: 1]

……

When Zhou Wang saw this prompt, he was actually confused.

According to past experience, if it is the first time for a woman of relatively high quality, there should be a separate reward mechanism, such as a "wish list" or something.

Shen Yurou definitely meets the "high quality" standard, but somehow, she did not trigger a separate reward mechanism. Instead, she was included in the permanent props obtained by Wang Xiaoxiao that time.

Of course, it cannot be said that the system did not reward him.

Although it is a turntable provided by the demons, there are a lot of good things inside.

It just feels weird.

But Zhou Wang thought about it and then felt relieved.

Perhaps it was because although Shen Yurou had not obtained a marriage certificate, she was already a married woman. Or perhaps it was because she had used toys before and did not meet the system's definition of "first time"?

In any case, there seems to be no need to worry too much.

What Zhou Wang was really dissatisfied with was that he clearly felt that he still had some feelings for Shen Yurou, whether it was pity or love for her, but being included in this prop meant that the system judged it as "only desire"...

This is a slander against him!
There is no need to rush for this lottery. The "Outlaw's Beret" I got last time has not been used yet. I will try my luck on the wheel when I need it later...

"Mr. Zhou, Mr. Zhou?"

A cautious greeting from the side brought Zhou Wang back to reality.

He turned around and saw Chen He, with a smile on his face, handing him a cigarette.

Chen He must have wanted to find him last night, but he just didn't have the right opportunity.

Zhou Wang looked down and saw that Chen He handed him a Zhonghua cigarette. He waved his hand and said, "I'm not used to this cigarette. I'll smoke my own."

Chen He's smile froze until Zhou Wang put his cigarette in his mouth and then handed him the lighter. Then he realized that Zhou Wang was just targeting the cigarette and had no opinion on him personally. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

They each lit up a cigarette, and Zhou Wang asked in surprise, "Are you not going to quit smoking now?"

"There's no need for that..."

Chen He laughed dryly, but both of them knew the implication of his words.

Originally, Chen He's "quitting smoking" was just because Ji Xiaoxi couldn't get used to the smell of cigarettes. Now that his relationship with Ji Xiaoxi is dead in name only, there is really no need for this...

"Did you sleep well last night?"

Zhou Wang smiled meaningfully.

"Uh……"

Chen He was startled at first, then he remembered the horror of "Zhou Wang is everywhere" before. He changed his mind and laughed: "Thank you, Mr. Zhou. Sister Hongni is my childhood goddess. I never thought that one day I would be able to taste her."

"You kid..."

Zhou Wangshi nodded at him with a smile, then asked curiously, "What about you and that Sister Yan?"

"I have already submitted a request to terminate the contract with my original company. Of course, that old woman still won't let me go. Damn it, I guess there will be more disputes later."

Mentioning his former sponsor, Chen He immediately cursed, "Well, Mr. Zhou, she still has some influence in the circles of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. I am a little worried..."

Zhou Wang then understood why he came to see him. After thinking for a while, he said with some reservation: "If you have any questions, come to me again. I will help you according to the situation."

"Okay, Mr. Zhou, thank you in advance..."

Actually, Chen He just wanted to test Zhou Wang's attitude. Seeing this, he felt relieved. Then, he took the initiative to report Ji Xiaoxi's recent situation.

According to Chen He, Ji Xiaoxi doesn't have much contact with him now. On the one hand, it's because Ji Xiaoxi, who just signed with Wuyou Media, is in the rising period of her career and is busy with work. On the other hand, it's because Ji Xiaoxi seems to have noticed something...

"Mr. Zhou, it's very difficult for me. I have to maintain my concern for her, but I can't really cross the line. Xiaoxi is actually very smart. She may have noticed something wrong, but she didn't expect that I would be in such a mess with you... uh, have a connection with you."

Chen He, who was complaining, spoke smoothly for a while, but when Zhou Wang looked at him expressionlessly, he realized that something was wrong and quickly changed his words.

"I know it's not easy. Thank you for your hard work. Don't worry, I never treat my own people unfairly."

Zhou Wang just patted his shoulder and smiled faintly. After Chen He showed his gratitude at the right time, Zhou Wang finally reminded him: "In the future, on the crew, you help me keep an eye on Shen Yutong. She has a personality that sometimes she may endure even if she is wronged, but I don't want to see this happen, do you understand?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhou, I will do it even if you don't mention it!"

Chen He, who had long understood the relationship between the two, quickly patted his chest and said.

After chatting with Chen He, Zhou Wang heard Ma Yuan calling him, threw the cigarette butt into the Coke can handed to him by Chen He, and then turned and left.

At this time, next to Chen He, the other two young actors who played the second male lead and the fourth male lead came over.

"Brother Chen, you seem to be very familiar with Mr. Zhou?"

"Yeah, I feel like Mr. Zhou may seem easygoing, but he's actually not that easy to get close to. You two were able to chat for so long, did you know each other before..."

Listening to the two people's indirect inquiries, Chen He just smiled faintly and did not respond directly.

Since yesterday, the attitude of everyone in the crew towards me has changed drastically. Even the new director is polite to me...

Just this morning, when Chen He woke up from the big bed and looked at the still charming teacher Yang Hongni in his arms, he sighed in his heart.

The life of "superior" that he had always dreamed of finally began to take shape.

And all this is thanks to this man.

At that second, Chen He's thoughts finally came to light.

Ji Xiaoxi, Zhong Xiaoxi, and Wang Xiaoxi, they are all passing clouds to her. Only the wealth and honor that she can grasp right in front of her is real.

So even if he could do it all over again, Chen He would not regret getting on Zhou Wang's boat. Let alone a mere girlfriend, even if they got married in the future, as long as Zhou Wang needed him, what would be wrong with letting him be the groom?

He is a villain, but he wants to be a villain who lives better than anyone else...

Chen He has already decided that holding on to Zhou Wang's thigh tightly is the only rule of his life from now on.

"sorry to bother you."

Chen He casually threw the cigarette butt in his hand into the mineral water bottle, handed it to the young actor next to him, and turned away in a cool manner.

……

"Action!"

At 10:30 in the morning, after everything was ready, the script supervisor hit the board and the first scene and first shot of "Chu Tianyao" finally started shooting.

Generally speaking, in order to get a good omen, the crew would try to choose a simple first scene to ensure smooth filming, so this first scene was very boring in Zhou Wang's eyes anyway.

The plot is also rather vulgar. It is about the third female character, played by Shen Yutong, who, after coming down the mountain from the Immortal Gate, meets the second male character who is molesting a decent woman, and then she stands up for justice.

However, this scene has no dialogue, no acting, just pure fighting scenes.

Because I had walked through the position many times beforehand and there were no particularly difficult moves, the shooting was extremely fast.

What made Zhou Wang laugh and cry was that although Shen Yutong had some moves such as somersaults, they were all completed with the help of wires, and she only needed to keep the movements from being deformed.

Most of the time, she was floating in the air, waving her arms foolishly.

Of course, this is what happens in the camera. When the filming is finished, a lot of cheap special effects will be added. When it is displayed on the screen, Shen Yutong will wave his hand and a large number of fancy energy waves will fly out...

After more than an hour of shooting, it was time for lunch.

Normally speaking, the quality of the crew's meals would plummet starting from this day, but because Zhou Wang was still there today, the crew still had lunch at the hotel, and the meal was unusually sumptuous.

While having lunch, the leading actress Xia Xiwei, who had rushed back from Shanghai, also showed up.

When she appeared, Zhou Wang finally felt what a big-name actor was.

Except for him and Ma Yuan who were still sitting upright, the rest, whether directors or older actors, took the initiative to stand up and greet Xia Xiwei, calling her "Teacher Xia" enthusiastically.

What surprised Zhou Wang a little was that Xia Xiwei did not come back alone.

In addition to her assistant and agent who always stayed with her, there was also a young man dressed in luxury goods and looking sloppy, who was following her. Judging from his casual appearance, he seemed to be quite familiar with Xia Xiwei.

The young man should be about the same age as Zhou Wang, or even a little younger. Ma Yuan seemed to know him. After seeing the young man, he stood up and said with a polite smile:

"It's Yisen. Long time no see. Why are you here too?"

"You are……"

But the young man looked at Ma Yuan in confusion, as if he couldn't remember who he was.

"Last year, I was invited to attend your brother's birthday party. Yisen, you may not remember me..."

Ma Yuan was a little embarrassed.

The young man still looked confused. Xia Xiwei rolled her eyes and said, "Uncle Ma, ignore him. With his brain, it's a miracle that he can remember you!"

"Sister-in-law, I don't agree with you if you say that. My memory is not bad, but not everyone is worth me using my brain to remember."

As he spoke, the young man raised his chin slightly, and actually looked a little proud.

"How many times have I told you not to call me 'sister-in-law'? If you do that again, you'll have to play alone in White City!"

Xia Xiwei threatened the young man with bared fangs and claws.

Zhou Wang couldn't help laughing. This guy seemed a little abnormal. But the way he addressed Xia Xiwei made Zhou Wang a little puzzled.

At this time, Xia Xiwei had brought the young man to Zhou Wang. She smiled sweetly at Zhou Wang and then introduced him, "Zhou Wang, let me introduce him to you. His name is Jiang Yisen. I think he is my younger brother."

"Yi Sen, say hello, he is a very good friend of mine, Zhou Wang."

Xia Xiwei spoke to the young man behind her again.

The young man walked a little closer, frowned and glanced at Zhou Wang, then suddenly pointed at Zhou Wang and said, "Oh, I know you. You are the internet celebrity who does marketing on Douyin, right?"

"Yisen, how can you talk like that? Zhou Wang is not an internet celebrity, he is a real billionaire!"

Xia Xiwei immediately slapped Jiang Yisen angrily.

"What's the difference?"

Jiang Yisen said with disdain, and then said disdainfully: "Besides, if getting some shares makes you a billionaire, then I am one too!"

"Can a shell company like yours be compared to Wuyou Media?"

Xia Xiwei refuted first, then looked at Zhou Wang helplessly, "I'm sorry, Zhou Wang, his brain doesn't work very well sometimes, don't argue with him..."

"will not."

Zhou Wang just smiled.

He also noticed that this young man named Jiang Yisen seemed to be mentally immature and could not be compared with Shao Xiaoqi. With his current tolerance, he naturally would not get angry over such a small matter.

After hearing Xia Xiwei say that she was not smart, Jiang Yisen wanted to say something, but after being warned by Xia Xiwei's eyes, he could only hold it in depressedly.

"Go find a seat over there first. You're already hungry, so go eat!"

Xia Xiwei pushed Jiang Yisen away first, then turned back. She didn't say anything polite and directly took Ma Yuan's previous seat and sat next to Zhou Wang.

"I met him when I was attending an event in Shanghai. He insisted on following me to Baicheng. My flight was delayed, so I came here with him..."

Xia Xiwei was still explaining at this time, as if she was afraid that Jiang Yisen's appearance would leave Zhou Wang with a bad impression.

Zhou Wang actually didn't quite understand what Xia Xiwei's flight delay had to do with this, but he didn't explore it, and just asked jokingly: "I heard him call you sister-in-law, are you married?"

"Bullshit, I've been single since I was born and I haven't even had a relationship yet!"

Xia Xiwei first grumbled, then explained: "We grew up in the same courtyard. His brother and I were engaged as children before, but that was all wishful thinking on the part of our elders. I never agreed to it anyway..."

Zhou Wang, who already vaguely knew Xia Xiwei's background, suddenly understood what she said.

If it were in that class, such a marriage would be normal.

"Given your family background, how did you convince your family to let you enter the entertainment industry?"

Zhou Wang asked curiously again.

"They didn't agree, but I insisted on going in. Can they still tie me up?"

Xia Xiwei laughed and said, "My current mother can't control me, and my father doesn't have time to take care of me, so this is it... But it's also because of this that my marriage with brother Jiang Yisen fell through, so it can be considered a blessing in disguise."

My mother now...

Zhou Wang didn't know what to say for a moment. He only knew about Xia Xiwei's "illegitimate daughter" background after reading the intelligence, but from Xia Xiwei's tone, she didn't shy away from these things, or she didn't seem to have any intention of hiding anything from Zhou Wang.

This made Zhou Wang even more puzzled. Why was Xia Xiwei's attitude towards him so different?
The only thing that was certain was that it might have something to do with Ding Yi, although it was strange that Xia Xiwei had not mentioned Ding Yi on her own initiative...

Later, Zhou Wang also sent a message to Ding Yi, but Ding Yi obviously didn't want to talk more about Xia Xiwei, so Zhou Wang had to give up.

Because of Xia Xiwei's sudden interruption, Shen Yutong, who originally wanted to talk more with Zhou Wang during the meal, could only become silent. She looked at Xia Xiwei who had "occupied" Zhou Wang the whole time with a slightly melancholy look, and kept talking and laughing with Zhou Wang...

In fact, it wasn't just Shen Yutong. Everyone at the table noticed that Xia Xiwei's attitude towards Zhou Wang was not simple.

Although Xia Xiwei's external image is that of a "sweet girl" who occasionally acts cool, she is a big star after all, and is not so afraid of Zhou Wang's identity as an investor. However, now, Xia Xiwei even takes the initiative to help Zhou Wang pick up food...

This scene also made Chen He's eyelids twitch. Brother, how many things are you hiding from me?
Originally, he still had some thoughts about Xia Xiwei, who was said to have a mysterious background, but now he can completely give up.

……

The meal was finished in the lingering fragrance of the breeze. It was already past one o'clock in the afternoon. Zhou Wang looked at his watch and decided to go back to his room for a short rest before setting off for the Moon Palace.

At this time, Xia Xiwei called him again.

"Zhou Wang..."

"Ok?"

"Are you busy this afternoon?"

Xia Xiwei, wearing a sleeveless white T-shirt and a short skirt, stood with her hands behind her back. When she smiled, obvious dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth, showing the cuteness of a girl next door. It was hard to tell that she was actually three years older than Zhou Wang.

“A little bit.”

"Oh, well, I told you that if you're free, you can go somewhere with me..."

Xia Xiwei seemed a little disappointed.

"Is this an invitation for a date?" Zhou Wang asked with a smile.

Xia Xiwei blinked, "Half... I'm going to visit a teacher, well, I should say an artist. I studied dance with her for a while."

"Teacher Yang Liping?" Zhou Wang was stunned.

"Well, you also know that she has a house in White City..."

Xia Xiwei was not surprised that Zhou Wang could guess it.

"That's a coincidence. That's what I'm talking about. We can go together then."

Zhou Wang wondered if Xia Xiwei was also worried about selling the house, and smiled.

"That's great!"

Xia Xiwei's eyes suddenly lit up, "Then I'll go back to my room and change my clothes, I'll wait for you in the lobby later!"

As Xia Xiwei spoke, she walked away humming a song, leaving Zhou Wang with only a beautiful and charming back.

After Zhou Wang shook his head, he looked at Shen Yutong who had already left in another direction to hurriedly prepare for the next scene. After a little thought, he changed direction and walked towards Shen Yutong's room.

(End of this chapter)