Now that you're a top star, can't you enjoy life a little?

In a cheerful mood, Director Wang directed the scene and began filming.

As instructed, the cameraman focused on filming the dilapidated and peeling doors and windows, tables and chairs in Qi Xi's home, as well as the walls blackened by firewood smoke.

And Grandpa Qi's ailing leg, hidden under the blanket, which he was unwilling to show to others.

Qi Xi's grandfather was poor and suffered his whole life, but no matter how poor or suffering he was, he always insisted on being an upright person and doing things with integrity, never stealing or robbing.

Dignity was one of the few precious things he possessed.

He never expected that, at the last minute, a group of people would be carrying cameras and filming his injured leg.

He suppressed the overwhelming sorrow in his heart, forced a smile for the sake of Director Wang's promise to help his granddaughter get ahead, and praised his granddaughter for being sensible.

Qi Xi looked at her grandfather's forced smile, his lips almost bleeding from being bitten.

She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling.

After filming the establishing shot, Director Wang yelled "Cut!" and led the group back into the courtyard.

"Have you got a meal yet?"

Director Wang asked.

"Have you got a meal yet!"

Director Wang shouted loudly.

Qi Xi's small body trembled slightly. She raised her head, wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and said in a barely audible voice, "No...no."

"It's fine if you don't have any." Director Wang looked at the tears on her face but didn't offer any words of comfort. "Go borrow some from your neighbor's grandpa or grandma and eat with your grandpa."

Upon hearing this, Qi Xi quickly shook her head, "No...no need, I can cook, I'll make it for Grandpa myself later."

"We don't want food."

She spoke that last sentence so softly that even the director, who was standing right next to her, couldn't hear it.

Seeing that she wasn't cooperating, Director Wang shook his head, turned around, and called out, "Village Chief Fugui!"

"Yes, Director Wang, what's wrong?"

Village Chief Fugui strode over.

"Go and tell Qi Xi's neighbors to come and bring food to the grandfather and grandson."

"No need, really no need," Qi Xi said.

By the light in the courtyard, Fu Guicun could clearly see Qi Jiamei's red eyes and tear stains on her face.

Under the cover of night, the expression on Village Chief Fugui's dark face was somewhat obscured.

"Grandpa Wang, I...I don't want to film anymore."

Qi Xi raised her head, mustered her courage, and looked directly at Director Wang. "I apologize. Could you please delete the scenes we just filmed of my grandfather?"

Director Wang laughed, "Qi Xi, have you thought this through? Life is long, but the chance to change your destiny may only come once or twice. If you don't seize it when it comes, you may never have another one."

"You're still young, you can wait. But what about your grandfather? He's so old. If he misses this opportunity, he might be trapped in that little house forever."

"No, Director Wang, please don't do this."

Seeing this, Village Chief Fugui quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "The girl is still young and doesn't understand. It's just delivering food. I'll go home right now and bring the food to the grandfather and granddaughter."

"Let's not rush to eat," Director Wang called out to Village Chief Fugui, looking down at Qi Xi. "Now tell me, are you still going to film or not?"

No matter how mature Qi Xi's mind is, she is still just a ten-year-old child. The gloomy Director Wang, wearing sunglasses, put a great sense of pressure on her, making her face turn pale.

"Clatter."

"Clatter."

Footsteps came from behind Director Wang.

[Please complete the advanced task in the XX sales system: Gaining the Recognition of Industry Leaders]

Please complete the advanced task in the XX sales system...

With the system's frantic notifications ringing in his ears, Yu Huai kept walking, silently chanting in his mind: Shut up!

【…】

Please complete the XX sales system...

After only a brief moment of silence, the system notification sounded again.

Yu Huai simply ignored it, letting it make its noise, his steps without faltering.

In the world depicted in the song "Lupin Flower," Teacher Yu, facing unanimous opposition from all the teachers in the school, chose to back down, and A-Ming eventually died in despair.

This time, he doesn't want to back out.

He's just a lousy director, why would I avoid him?

At worst, I'll just retire from the entertainment industry and enjoy life: sunshine, beaches, the sea, and waves!

Feng Fu, who was not far away, had been watching Yu Huai's every move. He had noticed that the guy's expression was off a long time ago.

Seeing him walk towards Director Wang, his heart skipped a beat. He immediately took a step to catch up, wanting to prevent what might happen next, an event that would be devastating to Yu Huai himself and even the entire Xingmeng.

But he was ultimately a step too late.

Yu Huai was standing not far from Director Wang, just a few steps away.

Seeing Yu Huai put his hand on Director Wang's shoulder, he had only one thought in his mind.

It's over, it's over.

Feeling someone gripping his shoulder, Director Wang suddenly turned his head.

"Director Wang, that's enough. She's only ten years old; this isn't right."

"Who are you? Do you have any right to speak here?" Feeling his authority severely challenged, Director Wang roared in fury, "Get back here!"

As he spoke, he shook his shoulders, trying to shake Yu Huai's hand off.

He shook his hand twice, but when that didn't work, he reached out again, trying to take Yu Huai's hand away.

But Yu Huai was faster, grabbing his wrist instantly and squeezing it tightly. "Old Deng! I said, that's enough!"

Director Wang was stunned, and began to doubt whether there was something wrong with his ears.

What did I just hear?

Old Deng?

Call me?

An eerie silence fell over the scene.

Feng Fu closed his eyes, his face calm.

That's great! Now I can start preparing and look for a new job with my extensive work experience.

The system notifications that kept popping up in Yu Huai's ears also quieted down.

"Ah!! Let go of Director Wang!"

Eileen screamed, breaking the silence of the scene, and the other guests and crew members quickly came over to separate the two.

Judging from their posture, if it had been any later, a full-blown fight might have broken out.

Imagine a top domestic director and a top-tier young idol getting into a fight. You'd leave a handprint, I'd leave a black eye—that would be hilarious.

The two were eventually pulled apart.

After Yu Huai's outburst, Director Wang lost interest in filming "Little Phoenix" any further and left with a gloomy face, escorted by a group of staff members.

Before leaving, Eileen turned back and mouthed to Yu Huai: You're finished.

In less than five minutes, only Yu Huai, Bai Zhi, Feng Fu, Village Chief Fu Gui, and Qi Xi remained in the courtyard.

Village Chief Fugui looked at the suddenly empty courtyard, glanced at Qi Xi, then at Yu Huai, his expression complex.

He didn't know whether to thank Yu Huai or hate him.

After a moment, he sighed and said to Qi Xi, "Little sister, if you need anything, come to my house and find me."

Qi Xi nodded, and Village Chief Fu Gui sighed again, then walked away with his back bent.

"Senior Yu Huai, you were so handsome just now!" Bai Zhi's eyes sparkled, her face full of admiration.

Only an idiot like you would think I'm handsome.

Yu Huai looked at her, feeling envious again.

……