Huayu97: Starting with Wu Song Fighting the Tiger

Zhang Xueyou was seriously discussing with her the matter of holding a concert in Macau. He was flipping through the prepared song list, his fingertips tapping on the paper, his tone gentle but earnest: "Ms. Su, I'm thinking of holding a solo concert in Macau this summer. The venue is tentatively set at the Macau Forum or the banquet hall of the Lisboa Hotel. Both places have high foot traffic and are well-equipped."

During their conversation, Su Wanyi nodded in agreement, but seemed somewhat distracted.

Zhang Xueyou added, "We'll need you to help us with things like venue arrangements, promotions, and security. You've been working in Macau for many years and are more familiar with the situation there than I am. I've specially added a lot of classic Cantonese songs to the setlist, such as 'Love in the Rain' and 'I Only Want to Walk With You for a Lifetime,' which are popular with Macau audiences. I've also added a few new songs to test the waters."

Su Wanyi held a stemmed red wine glass, the wine swirling in a gentle ripple. Her fingertips traced the cool rim of the glass, her nails painted a vibrant red, gleaming under the lights. "I'll handle the venue. I know the person in charge of the Macau Variety Center, and I can book the banquet hall at the Lisboa Hotel. It's up to you which one you want. I can handle the Macau media and security. You can trust me; there won't be any problems."

At this moment, her gaze kept inadvertently glancing at Liu Xiang through the carved gaps in the wooden wall. She saw Li Binbin constantly serving Liu Xiang food and soup, their heads close together, even chatting happily. When Liu Xiang occasionally laughed, her fingertips would lightly tap the plate, and a hint of jealousy would quietly well up in her eyes. Even the red wine in her glass lost its flavor; she only took a sip, and instantly felt extremely sour.

Shen Qing sat to the side, completely distracted. The Portuguese chicken in front of her smelled delicious, the aroma of coconut milk and curry blending together was incredibly tempting, but she didn't touch it. She gently poked at the rice in her bowl with her spoon, her fingers twisting the tablecloth, her gaze fixed on Liu Xiang as she watched him eat, laugh, and chat with Li Binbin. The grievance in her eyes grew stronger, like a wronged little animal, yet she dared not show it.

Su Wanyi saw this and quietly reached out to pat her thigh with her palm. The warmth of her palm quickly passed through the thin lace dress as she whispered, "Eat your food, don't just stand there daydreaming."

Shen Qing nodded, then shoveled a mouthful of rice into her mouth, but the rice tasted bland.

Zhang Xueyou noticed Su Wanyi's distraction and Shen Qing's slight mood, but didn't say anything. He simply continued to gently talk about the concert details, trying to bring Su Wanyi back to her senses: "In terms of media promotion, I'd like to collaborate with several TV stations and newspapers in Macau to do some pre-concert promotion, taking into account different audience groups, so that more people can come and listen."

Su Wanyi snapped out of her reverie, suppressed her inner turmoil, picked up her wine glass again, took a sip, and, holding back the bitterness in her heart, earnestly discussed the matter with him: "I can handle the promotions in Macau for you. Your team also needs to demonstrate their professionalism. And finally, our beloved singer Zhang needs to put in even more effort!"

The two talked back and forth, gradually getting into the mood, discussing every detail clearly.

Ching Siu-tung and Lee Tim-shing were also enjoying their meal, completely unaffected by the subtle atmosphere at the two tables next to them. While devouring their food, they discussed their new drama, their mouths and hands constantly working, their mouths never stopping.

"Who should we choose for the female lead?" Ching Siu-tung put down the mantis shrimp in his hand, wiped his hands with a tissue, and leaned over to Lee Tim-shing with curiosity in his eyes. "I think Li Binbin is a good choice. She's skilled and has a good image. She would be a good match for Liu Xiang. Besides, she and Liu Xiang seem to get along well. They would look like a perfect couple when they stand together. She would definitely have a good presence on camera."

Li Tiansheng stroked his chin, pondering, "Li Binbin is indeed suitable. Her image and skills are both up to par, and she also has certain connections in the Hong Kong film and television industry. Her father is a veteran producer in Hong Kong, which can be of great help. I just don't know if her schedule is suitable. It seems that she has taken on other roles recently."

As they ate, the two enthusiastically planned their new drama, discussing every detail thoroughly, from the subject matter and plot to the action choreography and casting, from the investment strategy to the filming schedule. They seemed quite engrossed in the conversation. Occasionally glancing at the subtle atmosphere at the next two tables, one could only sigh at the complexities of young people's lives; relationships are too tiring, it's better to focus on one's career – that's the true path to success.

Meanwhile, in Liu Xiang's case, after a bowl of black-boned chicken and fish maw soup, her stomach felt warm and her fatigue dissipated.

He and Li Binbin chatted as they ate. Li Binbin put down his chopsticks, his smile faded, and he looked at him seriously with genuine expectation in his eyes: "Liu Xiang, I have something to tell you. The conflict between Brother Long and me has been resolved. He was very embarrassed and said he shouldn't have been so impulsive last night. He even apologized to me."

Liu Xiang responded that she was fine with it, but couldn't offer any opinion, as it was someone else's business.

Li Binbin continued, "He's currently preparing to film a Hong Kong gangster movie. The investment is quite substantial, and the production team is all veteran Hong Kong teams. There's an important supporting martial arts role in it, which requires exceptional skills and a presentable appearance. The role is also quite significant, not just a cameo. I mentioned you to him and described your skills. He really wants to meet you and invite you to try out for the role."

Liu Xiang's heart skipped a beat. She quickly put down her chopsticks, waved her hand, and said apologetically, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Li and Brother Long. I'm really sorry, I'm not that good. I'm afraid I'll delay Brother Long's film, and I'm also afraid I won't have enough energy to play this role well and let you down. That would be a loss."

"This is a great opportunity, Liu Xiang." Li Binbin wanted to persuade him further, his eyes full of regret, his tone genuinely concerned for him. "Brother Long has an extensive network of connections in the Hong Kong film and television industry and the underworld. He's well-connected in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. Working with him will allow you to meet many seniors and big shots, which will help your future development. It's much better than struggling on your own."

Before she could finish speaking, a cheerful voice interrupted from behind, carrying a hint of the open-mindedness of a江湖人 (jianghu person, someone from the martial arts world).

Everyone looked up and saw Brother Long walking over, followed by an assistant in a black shirt.

He wore a hearty smile, his brows and eyes relaxed, showing none of the coldness and hostility he had displayed on the deck the night before. Instead, he exuded the straightforwardness and candor of a江湖人 (jianghu person, a person of the martial arts world), his eyes bright and devoid of any malice.

He walked to the table, extended his hand to Liu Xiang, his palm broad and strong, and smiled frankly: "You must be Liu Xiang? I've heard so much about you. Binbin told me you're skilled and easy-going, a friend worth having."

Liu Xiang was taken aback, clearly not expecting Brother Long's attitude. She quickly stood up and shook hands with him. Brother Long's hands were broad and strong, with slight calluses on his palms, indicating he had trained. His handshake felt particularly reassuring: "Brother Long, you're too kind!"

"Did Binbin tell you I made the suggestion?" Brother Long didn't stand on ceremony. He pulled over a rattan chair and sat down at the table. He picked up a wine glass on the table, poured himself a glass, and drank it down in one gulp with a very hearty gesture. "I just think you're a good talent. Your action scenes are also very photogenic. I wanted to help you out and give you a chance."