Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

Chapter 174 A gentleman uses words, not fists.

Zhang Qilin looked at Li Bingbing curiously: "Sister Bingbing, what's wrong?"

Li Bingbing smiled and said to Zhang Qilin, "Congratulations on wrapping up filming! When are you leaving the crew?"

"Thank you, Sister Bingbing. I've booked a flight for tomorrow," Zhang Qilin replied politely.

"Tomorrow? That's perfect! Filming's wrapped up, so we should definitely celebrate. I'll treat you to dinner tonight as a farewell dinner," Li Bingbing readily extended the invitation.

Zhang Qilin paused for a moment, instinctively wanting to decline: "Sister Bingbing, there's no need to trouble yourself. You must be tired after filming all day, so why don't you—"

"As one of the co-producers of this film, it's only right that I invite Director Zhang since he's busy," Li Bingbing interrupted Zhang Qilin with a smile. "I'll have my assistant make a reservation for 7 PM tonight, and I'll send you the address later."

Having said that, Zhang Qilin couldn't refuse any longer and could only nod: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Sister Bingbing."

"No trouble at all, it's settled then," Li Bingbing waved to Zhang Qilin, turned and took a few steps, then turned back, "Don't be nervous, we're just having a casual meal."

Zhang Qilin responded and watched her leave before turning around and getting into the car back to the hotel.

Along the way, he leaned against the car window, watching the scenery outside Suzhou slowly recede outside, but his mind began to think about the meal.

He wasn't familiar with Li Bingbing.

To be precise, our paths only crossed during this drama.

There are several group scenes where there are no direct opponents.

We only bumped into each other a few times while waiting on set, exchanged nods and greetings, and that was it.

In the entertainment industry, most people are very pragmatic.

Li Bingbing inviting him to dinner certainly wasn't just to celebrate the wrap-up of filming, especially since Huayi Brothers was standing behind her.

Two days ago, Director Li from Huayi Brothers contacted him again to try and get his opinion.

Given his current situation, he neither wants to sign a contract nor offend Huayi Brothers.

I'll have to be careful how I handle today's dinner.

Around 6:30, my phone rang.

The address was sent by my assistant; it's near the hotel, less than a ten-minute walk away.

Zhang Qilin went out and walked along the stone path.

In Suzhou at this time of year, the evening breeze carries moisture, bringing a gentle coolness to the skin.

Red lanterns hung from the old houses along the street, their reflections shimmering in the river.

Upon arrival, we found ourselves at a hidden gem of a private restaurant tucked away deep in an alley. The storefront was small, but inside it was a hidden gem.

Several stalks of green bamboo grow in the courtyard, and a stone path leads to several private rooms, which are very quiet.

The waiter led him to a private room on the second floor. When he opened the door, Li Bingbing was already sitting inside.

She had also changed into a casual outfit, wearing a loose linen shirt, with her hair down, and was looking down at her phone.

Hearing the door open, he looked up and greeted with a smile, "You've arrived? Have a seat, have a seat. What kind of tea would you like? The Biluochun tea here is quite good, authentic local."

"Sister Bingbing, you decide, I'm fine with anything," Zhang Qilin replied with a smile as he sat down opposite her.

Li Bingbing glanced at him, smiled, and said a few words to the waiter.

The tea was served quickly, and the delicate fragrance of Biluochun tea filled the private room.

Li Bingbing poured him a cup of tea and pushed it towards him: "What would you like to eat? This restaurant's Huaiyang cuisine is pretty good. I asked the kitchen to make a few of their signature dishes."

"I'm fine with anything, I'm not picky about food," Zhang Qilin said respectfully as he accepted the teacup with both hands.

Li Bingbing told the waiter that the food could be served.

The dishes were served one after another.

Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, stir-fried shrimp, pure vegetable and silver fish soup, and osmanthus-scented glutinous rice lotus root—several authentic Suzhou dishes, exquisite yet unpretentious.

"Try it, this place makes authentic squirrel-shaped mandarin fish," Li Bingbing said, picking up his chopsticks and taking a bite.

Zhang Qilin also picked up his chopsticks, took a bite, and nodded: "It's really good."

The two ate and chatted.

During the meal, Li Bingbing chatted about some interesting things in the entertainment industry.

I inquired a bit about Zhang Qilin's previous acting experiences and he also shared some of his insights from his early acting days.

She speaks directly and without beating around the bush, displaying the boldness of a northern girl, yet she knows how to maintain appropriate boundaries and prevent the atmosphere from becoming awkward, playing the role of a senior who extends goodwill very well.

Zhang Qilin listened most of the time and responded when appropriate.

After half an hour.

Li Bingbing looked at Zhang Qilin, her smile now more formal and candid: "Qilin, where is your current management contract?"

coming.

Zhang Qilin's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm: "I haven't signed with a company yet."

"Oh?" Li Bingbing raised an eyebrow. "Going solo? That's quite tiring. You have to take care of everything yourself, from resources and publicity to business."

Zhang Qilin nodded: "But it also offers a high degree of freedom, allowing you to choose the scripts you like."

Li Bingbing's gaze towards Zhang Qilin turned serious: "I don't like beating around the bush. My contract with Huayi Brothers has expired, and I'm not renewing it."

Zhang Qilin looked at Li Bingbing with some surprise. He had assumed the other party was a lobbyist from Huayi Brothers, but he hadn't expected this—

Li Bingbing continued, "I've set up a studio, and it will be the focus of my work for the next two years. I'll also be investing in some dramas and projects that I think are valuable. Are you interested in joining me?"

She spoke directly and without beating around the bush.

Zhang Qilin hasn't thought about signing a contract yet.

He already has enough acting contracts to last him for several years, so whether he has an agency or not makes no difference to him.

Furthermore, he relies on divination to avoid risks. If he signs with a brokerage firm, conflicts are bound to arise if the divination results differ from the firm's opinion.

Rather than risk an unpleasant situation, he'd rather go it alone and enjoy the freedom.

"Sister Bingbing," Zhang Qilin carefully chose his words, "I am very grateful for your invitation, but this matter is quite important to me, and I need time to consider it."

This answer was exactly what Li Bingbing expected.

Her smile became more genuine, and she nodded: "Of course, you don't need to rush to reply to me. My studio door is always open to a promising young person like you. If you have any ideas, or simply want to talk about acting, feel free to contact me anytime."

As she spoke, she raised the teacup beside her, using tea instead of wine: "Whether the cooperation succeeds or not, let's keep in touch."

Zhang Qilin immediately picked up his teacup and gently clinked it against hers: "Thank you, Sister Bingbing, of course. Thank you for your hospitality tonight."

The atmosphere at the dinner party became much more relaxed afterward.

Li Bingbing did not mention the studio again.

After finishing their meal, the two left the restaurant.

"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Li Bingbing asked.

"10:00 AM."

"Then I won't see you off. Be careful on the road," she said, extending her hand. "Let's keep in touch."

Zhang Qilin grasped her hand and gently shook it: "Thank you for your hospitality, Sister Bingbing. You've gone to so much trouble today."

The next afternoon, Zhang Qilin returned to the small courtyard he had been away from for many days.

As soon as I opened the door, a familiar scent wafted out.

He went inside, put his luggage aside, and tidied up briefly.

Then, he moved a chair into the yard and placed it under the jujube tree in the center of the yard.

He was half-lying down, with his legs stretched out and resting on the stone platform in front of him.

He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

Occasionally, the sound of bicycle bells could be heard outside the courtyard wall, and further away, someone's radio was playing Beijing-style drum ballads.

"When my grandfather was young—"

This familiar yet somewhat leisurely melody instantly pulled him from the tense and busy life on set back to this peaceful little courtyard full of everyday life.

In this small courtyard, his tense nerves finally relaxed completely.

Zhang Qilin was immersed in this peaceful atmosphere.

The shadow of the jujube tree fell on his face, and when the wind blew, the light and shadow swayed.

He didn't want to move, nor did he want to think about tomorrow.

At this moment, not thinking about anything is the best rest.

Zhang Qilin enjoyed the tranquility and comfort, as if time had stood still.

After an unknown amount of time, a telephone ring broke the silence.

Zhang Qilin reluctantly opened his eyes and reached into his pocket to take out his phone.

I glanced at the screen; it was Shen Ya calling.

Zhang Qilin frowned. He didn't want to answer the phone and break the silence, but he knew he still had a lot to do.

Zhang Qilin sighed and pressed the answer button.

Before he could even speak, Dong Qiyu's irritable voice came through the phone: "How much longer do you need to come back? If Shen Ya hadn't stopped me, I would have beaten those old bastards to a pulp."

Zhang Qilin patiently said, "How many times have I told you? Impulsiveness solves nothing. A gentleman uses words, not fists—"

"I'm not a gentleman, I don't have that much patience. If you don't come back, I'll really take action," Dong Qiyu practically shouted on the other end of the phone.

The sound penetrated the phone, causing Zhang Qilin to pull it far away from his ear.

Once Dong Qiyu had calmed down a bit, Zhang Qilin put the phone back to his ear: "I'm arriving in Kyoto tonight. When is your next interview?"

Hearing that Zhang Qilin had returned, Dong Qiyu lowered her voice: "Don't be late the day after tomorrow morning."

Hang up when you're done.

Zhang Qilin shook his head, and the peaceful moment was thus interrupted.

There's no way around it; you're beholden to someone who pays you a price.

However, those historians who could make Dong Qiyu so angry were truly something else—

Just to be on the safe side, he decided to consult the oracle.

He focused his mind and concentrated.

I silently asked myself, "Daily fortune telling, is there anything I should avoid in the interview the day after tomorrow?"

As a result, a notification appeared: "Daily limit exceeded —"

Zhang Qilin couldn't help but frown. Did he really need to use luck points for an interview?

Although he has over 3000 luck points, he doesn't waste them on such things.

He was about to give up and let things take their course.

But I felt a sudden unease in my heart for no reason.

The idea of ​​dumping him is getting stronger and stronger.

Zhang Qilin had no choice but to return to his room, sit cross-legged on the bed, and place his hands in the Zi-Wu Mudra in front of his abdomen.

He chanted an incantation: "The four words of Heavenly Evolution, one of them vanishes—"

"When opening a forum to ask for directions, are there any things to avoid during a job interview?"

"7

As the fortune-telling container started spinning, the luck value dropped rapidly.

Seeing his luck value steadily decreasing, Zhang Qilin couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

The luck value kept decreasing until it reached 2000 before stopping.

Zhang Qilin's heart sank. Using up so much luck value was not a good sign.

When the sticks were shaken, several sticks flew out of the stick container.