Huayu: Live a carefree life

September 9, evening.

Hu: Brother, I'm taking the bus to the Changping campus for military training soon! Don't miss me too much if you can't contact me for the next two weeks! (chuckles)

Hu: I love you (kissing). Wait for me to finish my military training, okay? (shyly)

Lu: Okay (smirking) You should also take precautions against heatstroke and cool down, but don't drink too much cold food, it's bad for your health (pats head)

Hu: Mmm, I know. (obediently) Brother is so considerate. (kissing)

Hu: Brother, I'm off! (Bye-bye)

Lu: Okay, go ahead. (Bye)

After settling things off with Xiao Hu, Lu Jie remembered Chen Yao, whom he hadn't seen for a few days. He sent her a message asking if she was busy and if she wasn't, and suggested they call each other. Soon after, Chen Yao called him.

Chen Yao's soft, gentle voice came through the phone, "Honey, sorry to keep you waiting. The crew was just talking about the schedule in the group chat. Did you need something, or do you miss me? Hehe."

"Oh yeah, Yao Yao, I miss you."

"Oh, you... okay, I actually miss you a little too. So, are you coming over tonight or should I come to you?"

"If you don't have any plans tonight, come with me to a dinner party."

After a ten-second silence on the other end of the phone, Chen Yao nervously spoke again, "I...can I? Tonight? I haven't prepared anything, I..."

"Yaoyao, don't be nervous. It's just a private gathering. The other person is a film director. Um, let me make it clear, I'm not introducing you to any resources right away, I'm just introducing you to him." Lu Jie quickly explained, afraid that Chen Yao might misunderstand and get too excited. "Of course, if there's a role that suits you in his new movie, I can put in a good word for you."

After hearing the explanation, Chen Yao calmed down and said, "Okay, I understand. Thank you, honey."

"Are you home? I'll pick you up in a bit. Just dress casually."

"Okay, honey, I'll go get ready now. Let me know when you're leaving, and I'll wait for you in the garage."

"Okay, that's all for now."

…………

An hour and a half later, Lu Jie drove his X6 into the underground parking garage of Chen Yao's residence in Beijing. After making a phone call to inform her, he soon saw her appear wearing a black mask and a baseball cap. Chen Yao wore a black short-sleeved blazer over an apricot-colored short-sleeved top, paired with tight jeans that accentuated her long legs and silver high-heeled sandals.

"Honey." Chen Yao got into the car, took off her mask and baseball cap, and immediately leaned in to kiss Lu Jie for a while. She was a little aroused until she felt her boyfriend's naughty hands starting to unhook her bra. She quickly retreated to the passenger seat and said coquettishly, "You big bad guy."

"Hey, this wasn't your idea." Lu Jie pursed his lips, enjoying Chen Yao's shyness.

Chen Yao took a wet wipe and carefully wiped the remaining lipstick from Lu Jie's lips before touching up her own makeup. "I missed you. Which big director are you planning to introduce me to tonight, honey?"

"Guo Fan, ever heard of him?"

"I've heard of him, and I know he just finished filming a big-budget sci-fi movie, that's all." Chen Yao nodded and then shook her head. "I'm just a TV drama actress; film directing is too far removed from my work. Honey, how did you find out about him?"

"That's a long story." Lu Jie drove the car out of the underground parking lot toward the restaurant. "First of all, I have an investment in this big-budget sci-fi film you mentioned. Specifically..." Lu Jie then explained to Chen Yao how he met director Guo Fan, who was hosting dinner that night, and how he crossed over into film investment.

Back in mid-March, when Guo Fan approached Wang Changtian of Guangxian Media Group to solicit investment, Lu Jie happened to be socializing there and overheard his project to learn more about.

After learning that Guo Fan was filming the science fiction film "The Wandering Earth," Wanda, one of the main investors, was already skeptical about investing in science fiction films. They were even more annoyed by the ever-increasing production budget, so after internal evaluation, they decided to withdraw their investment to cut their losses.

This really worried director Guo Fan. He approached the main investor, China Film Group. Although China Film Group was unhappy that Wanda Group had backed out, it also indicated that it would not increase its investment. So director Guo Fan had to go around asking for money. He had already poured in 30 million yuan himself, and Wang Changtian from Enlight Media was just one of his many targets.

Upon hearing the words "The Wandering Earth," Lu Jie immediately snapped to attention. Although he had no information about future entertainment in his mind, he did know about this movie in his scientific data. The data on China's first space elevator mentioned that the space elevator plan in "The Wandering Earth 2" was the starting point for China's space elevator to move from artistic fantasy to reality.

Although Lu Jie had never participated in film investment before, he still had some basic common sense. Since there was going to be "The Wandering Earth 2" in the future, then the current "The Wandering Earth" would definitely not lose money. No one would do a business that loses money, so he simply took over the conversation and asked Guo Fan how much the funding gap was before Wang Changtian, who had no interest in him, could kick him out.

Guo Fan didn't know Lu Jie. When he first saw this handsome guy, he thought he was a signed artist of Enlight Media and was even planning to trick him into playing a cameo role.

Upon hearing Lu Jie's question, Guo Fan belatedly looked to Wang Changtian for help. Seeing that Lu Jie was interested, Wang Changtian familiarly introduced the two parties.

Guo Fan's eyes lit up immediately after learning Lu Jie's identity. Lu Jie was just a low-key person who didn't like to show his face, but his entrepreneurial stories with "Lingmeng Travel" and "Lingdong Cycling" were indeed legendary. He was the youngest person in China to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, the youngest billionaire, and the youngest trillionaire, etc. His many halos were truly dazzling.

After Guangmang left, Guo Fan found a place to give Lu Jie a detailed introduction to the project again, and then gritted his teeth and reported a funding gap of 7000 million yuan.

Lu Jie listened to the introduction very carefully and looked at the project plan and progress report he brought. The content was very detailed and the accounts were very clear. It was clear that he was a serious person. When he heard that there was only a shortfall of 7000 million, he was ready to agree immediately. He then asked Guo Fan for the investment contract and said that he could sign it and transfer the money immediately.

This completely stunned Guo Fan and his companion Gong Geer, who were about to engage in some haggling and bargaining. Good heavens, are all internet capitalists this rich? Then they both wore expressions of regret for not asking for more, which amused Lu Jie. Seeing that Guo Fan hadn't prepared a contract, Lu Jie suggested that they go to the film set in Qingdao the next day to check it out before signing.

The next day, Lu Jie, along with his assistant and two bodyguards, took the same flight to the Qingdao film set as Guo Fan. However, the difference was that Lu Jie and his group traveled in business class, while Guo Fan and his companion could only afford economy class tickets.

The group arrived at the film set in the afternoon. When Lu Jie saw the filming scene, he was truly impressed by the film industry. The futuristic feel of the scene was far more impressive than the traditional filming methods he had seen on Zhang Guoshi's set. He became even more confident in this impromptu investment. Seeing the well-organized filming scene, his appreciation for Guo Fan and Gong Ge'er's abilities also increased.

The appearance of Lu Jie and his three new faces on set attracted considerable attention. After all, everyone knew about Wanda's withdrawal of investment. Although the handsome young man looked young, he had a strong presence and was likely a representative of the new investors. Wu Jing, Qu Chuxiao, Zhao Jinmai, and other main actors and important members of the crew came up to introduce themselves.

After visiting the film set, a dinner party was naturally held. After several rounds of drinks, Lu Jie reiterated his commitment to investing, and Guo Fan took the lead by downing three glasses in a row to express his gratitude. Subsequently, seeing that Lu Jie spoke very kindly to his assistant, everyone began to toast him as well.

The first to speak was the lead actor, Wu Jing, who downed a small pot of Moutai and then jokingly said that he was the first male lead to make a cameo appearance in film and television. Lu Jie immediately looked at him with a puzzled expression, saying, "Although I didn't go to film school, how did you manage to combine the words 'cameo' and 'lead role' so smoothly?" Wu Jing smiled without saying a word and looked at Guo Fan, who was awkwardly scratching his head beside him. Lu Jie instantly understood that he had been taken advantage of by this guy.

The young girl, Zhao Jinmai, was underage and hadn't fully matured, so she naturally wouldn't drink alcohol, but she still clinked her juice glass with Lu Jie's. Her reason for taking the role was also quite interesting; she directly stated that she was tricked into it by Guo Fan. Originally, her mother didn't want her to take the role because she was taking her high school entrance exam this year, but Guo Fan said, "I'm a graduate of a 211 university, and everyone in the crew is a top student in science and engineering. They can tutor Zhao Jinmai on set, so it won't interfere with her high school entrance exam."

So Zhao Jinmai's mother believed Guo Fan's nonsense, but after filming started, she found that although the group of men were all highly educated, they were still at a loss when faced with the current middle school entrance exam question bank. Guo Fan was scratching his head almost every night for the girl's middle school entrance exam review, and exclaimed that he had never been so worried as when he took the college entrance exam and the postgraduate entrance exam.

Seeing that the crew was full of interesting stories and talented individuals, Lu Jie began to actively inquire about everyone's experiences joining the crew. Thus, the banquet turned into a venting session for Guo Fan. Guo Fan, naturally, was also encouraged by Lu Jie and was given quite a bit of alcohol, but it was clear that everyone still respected and admired him as the director. Lu Jie understood this, because if someone truly disliked or hated someone, they would never say it so openly and without restraint.

The next day, although Guo Fan was a little listless due to a hangover, he still mustered his energy to continue showing the tour to investor Lu Jie. The first thing he did was take him to visit the special effects team. Lu Jie, who was involved with computers, knew a little bit about everything, so Guo Fan, the director, couldn't get a word in edgewise during the conversation with the special effects company.

Upon learning that Guo Fan not only owed tens of millions in special effects fees but had also nearly bankrupted several special effects companies, Lu Jie rolled his eyes at Guo Fan, making the latter uneasy. Fearing that Guo Fan would get angry and stop investing, Lu Jie quickly said that he had already agreed with the special effects companies that this part of the money would be considered as the special effects team's investment, and they could receive a share of the profits after the movie was released.

Lu Jie said to Guo Fan, "Although you have thick eyebrows and big eyes and don't look like a bad person, how can you be so sure that the movie will make money? Making empty promises is irresponsible." He then said that he was willing to invest more money to help the special effects company get out of its financial difficulties. As for whether he was willing, he told Guo Fan to ask several special effects companies for their opinions. It turned out that these special effects companies did not want to eat the future promises. Knowing that an internet tycoon was willing to help them out of their predicament, they were all eager to accept it, and some even cried tears of joy.

When the contract was finally signed, Lu Jie invested a total of 150 million yuan, taking 40% of the "Wandering Earth" project. This was a win-win investment for all parties. Guo Fan could use more funds to continue filming the next space station storyline. Wu Jing received the salary that the lead actor deserved. Although it was still a friendly price, at least she was not being taken advantage of. Several domestic special effects companies were saved from bankruptcy. Everyone was grateful to Lu Jie.

Especially when Lu Jie clearly stated that this was his first time venturing into the film and television business and that he only assigned financial oversight of fund movements and would not participate in on-set management, Guo Fan wanted nothing more than to hug and kiss him. Where did he find such an obedient and sensible investor? Oh, I just picked him up casually. Never mind then, that's me for you!

Back to the present, Guo Fan came to Beijing to finalize the release date and publicity strategy, so naturally he wanted to get closer to Lu Jie, his "sugar daddy".

"Director Guo, Brother Gong, long time no see." Lu Jie put his arm around Chen Yao and, led by a beautiful woman in a cheongsam, entered the private room of the restaurant. Seeing that Guo Fan and Gong Geer were already waiting, he warmly reached out and shook hands with them. "This is my girlfriend, Chen Yao. We're both in the industry; she's a contracted actress with Sugar Man."

"Oh, Ms. Chen, hello." Lu Jie had told Guo Fan that he would be bringing someone today, so Guo Fan wasn't surprised. "I'm director Guo Fan, and this is my good friend and film producer, Gong Ge'er."

Chen Yao immediately bowed in greeting, as was her habit, "Hello Director Guo, hello Producer Gong, I'm actress Chen Yao, it's a pleasure to meet you both. Ouch... Old... Ah Jie, why did you hit me..."

"Old Guo and Brother Gong are my friends. Don't I have any dignity if you're acting so humble?" Lu Jie joked, half-jokingly. "Also, what does it mean that you call me A-Jie? Are you trying to distance yourself from me?"

"I didn't..." Chen Yao rubbed her head, which had been hit, and stuck out her tongue. "Honey, I know I was wrong. This isn't the first time I've come out with you, I just didn't have much experience..."

"Haha, Miss Chen, please don't be so formal." Guo Fan chuckled and poured tea for Lu Jie and Chen Yao. "Mr. Lu, Miss Chen, please have some tea."

Lu Jie smiled, raised his cup to Guo Fangonger, and said, "Hmm, good tea. It's sweet on the palate, with a long-lasting aftertaste and a refreshing feeling in the throat." As he spoke, Lu Jie gently sniffed the lingering fragrance in the teacup. "The tea has a faint orchid fragrance. Lao Guo, you must have bought genuine Lao Zhai tea this time."

"Alright, you've covered all my lines." Guo Fan shook his head and chuckled. "And, that was genuine Icelandic stuff last time too!"

Lu Jie shrugged indifferently, "Whatever you say, it's not like I wasted my money."

"..."

Gonger slapped his thigh with amusement as he watched his eloquent friend repeatedly get the short end of the stick. "Haha, it seems only President Lu can make our Director Guo speechless with frustration. We usually can't out-argue him."

Chen Yao was initially a little nervous, but after hearing this conversation and seeing Guo Fan's frustrated expression, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

Seeing her like this, Lu Jie leaned close to her ear and whispered reassuringly, "Aren't you nervous now? Don't be afraid, I'm behind you, so be calm, okay?"

"Mmm, thank you, honey."

…………

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Guo Fan brought up the film's release date. "President Lu, our film is tentatively scheduled for release this Chinese New Year, on February 5th, the first day of the Lunar New Year. China Film Group will handle the publicity and distribution. What do you think?"

Lu Jie immediately waved his hand, "No, no, no, I already said that I only invest and do not participate in the specific affairs. As long as the accounts in my hands are clear and without loopholes, that's enough. The rest I'll just wait for the film to be released and for the money to be distributed."

"That's right, that's right. Mr. Lu is the most generous investor I've ever met. I'll drink this, you can drink as you please!" Guo Fan raised the decanter and downed his drink in one gulp.

Lu Jie didn't stop him and drank a pot with him. "Old Guo, drink slowly. I'm willing to have dinner with you privately because I consider you a friend. There's no need for friends to do this." Chen Yao didn't drink, but kept putting food into Lu Jie's bowl.

"Mr. Lu, you are the best!" Gonger raised his small cup and gave Lu Jie a thumbs up.

Lu Jie clinked glasses with Gong Geer again and downed his drink in one gulp. "You guys probably know that I started my business during my freshman summer vacation, right? My first angel investor was Lei Jun. He later patted me on the shoulder and said that he invested in me because he felt I had a knack for success, so even if my first project failed, he would continue to invest. It turns out that Mr. Lei was a very good judge of character, right?"

"That's right, Mr. Lei's judgment is impeccable. Mr. Lu, your character and conduct are impeccable!" Guo Fan and Gong Ge'er immediately showered him with compliments.

"So, when I heard about your passion for science fiction films, I had the idea of ​​investing in you. Later, when I visited the filming location in Qingdao, my determination to invest in you was further strengthened. I'll say this without any shame: I share the same feeling as Mr. Lei, that is, I think you, Brother Guo Fan, are the kind of person who can get things done. So, I not only invested but also helped you clean up some of the mess, voluntarily taking on greater risks." Lu Jie's success naturally involved emotional appeals, and unsurprisingly, he made Guo Fan's eyes redden.

Seeing that Guo Fan seemed a little envious after being praised, Gong Geer quickly picked up the decanter, stood up, and drank it all in one gulp. "President Lu, I must toast you with this!"

Guo Fan calmed himself down a bit, refilled the decanter, and stood up. "President Lu, I must also toast you. Enough said, it's all in the drink!"

"Hey, I told you there's no need for this, let's all drink together." One of the reasons Lu Jie has been able to get to where he is today without falling out with anyone from either of the two project startup teams is that he is generous enough and never tries to take advantage of anyone, whether it's drinking or anything else.

Chen Yao, who was watching from the sidelines, recalled her experiences with Lu Jie and had many feelings. At first, she could clearly feel that he only used her as a tool to satisfy his lust. But now he treats her as his woman and even brings her to meet his friends. Although she doesn't have the title of girlfriend, she receives the same treatment as everyone else.

After finishing their drinks and eating a few bites, Lu Jie gently put his arm around the shoulders of the somewhat distracted Chen Yao and said with a smile, "Old Guo, Brother Gong, don't worry, our movie will definitely be a success. So you can start thinking about making a sequel now. I've read the outline of your sequel script, and I've got the female lead for Yao Yao."

"Since President Lu says our movie will be a success, then the box office is definitely not a problem!" Guo Fan and Gong Geer exchanged a glance. They hadn't expected Lu Jie to be so confident, but they figured that if it succeeded, they certainly wouldn't refuse his continued investment in a sequel, and giving him a female lead wouldn't be a problem. As for if it failed, well, if it failed, there wouldn't be a sequel, so giving it away wouldn't matter at all.

Guo Fan carefully observed Chen Yao's features. "Miss Chen is a graduate of the Film Academy. Although she has a youthful appearance, her face shape is very good, so playing the female lead is no problem. However, the female lead in our sequel is a soldier, so she needs to cut her hair short, and later in the plot, she may need to shave her head..."

Lu Jie shook Chen Yao, who was still in a daze, and she snapped out of it. "Ah? No problem! Thank you, Director Guo, thank you, Producer Gong, thank you for giving me this opportunity!" If Lu Jie hadn't held her down, she would have stood up and bowed again.

Gonger chuckled and interjected, "Haha, how could we refuse since President Lu has spoken? Even Chairman La wouldn't say anything."

"Old La, you're such a weak drinker. Last time you got me drunk and you were practically under the table. You can't get an erection in front of me." Lu Jie joked at the right moment.

Everyone continued the banquet chatting and laughing, and eventually all three men drank a bit too much.