Chapter 293 - 294: Socializing

Chapter 293: Chapter 294: Socializing

Initially, Huilin had kept her head down and dared not raise her gaze much in this unfamiliar place. When someone mentioned she was Yang Chen's girlfriend, she nearly fainted from nervousness. She anxiously clasped her hands together, palms sweaty.

Yang Chen bluntly pushed his hand against Zhao Teng's forehead. "What's wrong with your eyes? Do I look like someone who goes after younger girls?"

"Director, you're not old," Zhao Teng complained, rubbing his sore forehead.

"This is my cousin. She's very talented. After discussing with Director Lin, I've brought her here to receive professional vocal and dance training at our company. I'll leave the arrangements to you," Yang Chen explained.

It suddenly dawned on Zhao Teng. After scrutinizing Huilin, he acknowledged her potential to become a star. Since Lin Ruoxi approved, there must be something extraordinary about her. "No problem. The musicians and choreographers we've hired are all top-notch. We've been needing talented students like her."

With that settled, Yang Chen instructed Huilin to follow Zhao Teng's arrangements, heading straight to Yulei Entertainment's recording studio and dance classroom for assessment. Based on her abilities, they would determine her starting level of training.

Knowing he couldn't accompany Huilin indefinitely, Yang Chen told her, "After you finish your practice, whenever you want to go back, just give me a call."

Huilin hesitated. "Can I call Sister instead?"

Yang Chen felt exasperated. "Am I that unwelcoming? You want your sister to pick you up on the first day?"

"It's not that, I just..."

"Alright, alright, do whatever you want," Yang Chen interrupted, unwilling to hear more reasons. He knew Huilin was sensitive and would probably feel more comfortable with Lin Ruoxi, who was also a woman.

Indeed, Huilin was hesitant to spend too much time with Yang Chen. Especially after Zhao Teng mentioned "girlfriend," she became even more shy and afraid, feeling guilty that others might think she and Yang Chen were a couple, which would upset Lin Ruoxi.

As for Yang Chen's mention of an affair and divorce, Huilin saw it as something distant and wasn't entirely sure about it.

Back in his office, Yang Chen intended to sit down and play games on his computer when Wang Jie knocked and entered with a stack of files. Looking somewhat embarrassed, she asked, "Director, do you have time at noon?"

Shaking his head, Yang Chen replied, "I'm free. What's up?"

Three figures who were seated on the sofa immediately stood up. One was a middle-height man in his early thirties with a slight beard—director Huang Hai. Alongside him were a slightly bald middle-aged man and a woman with striking features and heavy makeup.

"Welcome, Director Yang. I'm pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect you to come personally," Huang Hai greeted warmly, extending his hand for a firm shake with Yang Chen.

Yang Chen understood that Wang Jie had intentionally conveyed that he had insisted on coming, a tactic to show respect and make Huang Hai feel valued.

"No need to be so polite, Director Huang. Since we're discussing cooperation, it's only natural to show sincerity," Yang Chen replied calmly.

Huang Hai agreed enthusiastically and proceeded to introduce the others. "This is my producer, Luo Chang'an, and this lady is my partner, Ai Li. She's also a second-tier actress in the industry, although perhaps not well-known to Director Yang."

Yang Chen nodded knowingly. He speculated that Ai Li had initially bet on Huang Hai's potential when he was less successful, hoping for a breakthrough, which eventually led to their marriage when Huang Hai's career took off.

After exchanging pleasantries with Luo Chang'an and Ai Li, Yang Chen joined them at the table. The waitress served pastries and wine, presenting a unique three-tiered English-style afternoon tea, a creative gesture in hospitality.

"Don't mind the setup, Director Yang. I find traditional lavish meals a bit extravagant and inefficient for discussing film matters among just four of us. That's why I chose this venue. I hope Director Yang understands," Huang Hai explained with a smile.

Such words would appeal to anyone's ears, portraying Huang Hai as efficient and trustworthy, which made a good impression on Yang Chen.

Yang Chen smiled noncommittally. "Director Huang, no need to be so polite. I'm quite casual myself. Let's get down to business."

"Sure, sure. Director Yang is straightforward indeed. However, since it's our first meeting, we should have a drink together. It'd be impolite otherwise," Huang Hai gestured to Ai Li, who was sitting beside him with a smile. "Ai Li, please open the wine and pour us a drink."

Ai Li responded with a sultry voice, acknowledging and giving Yang Chen a slight flirtatious glance before going to open the wine.

Meanwhile, Luo Chang'an retrieved the project proposal and the overall outline of the new film from his folder and handed them to Yang Chen with a fawning smile. "Director Yang, with over twenty years in the industry, I guarantee this film will be a box office hit. With sufficient investment and good results, winning awards like the Golden Horse or Golden Rooster wouldn't be difficult."

Yang Chen took the film proposal and glanced over it. It was a low-budget comedy-action film, fitting the current trend of humorous movies with a touch of life philosophy. However, upon closer inspection, Yang Chen noticed that the projected budget was eighty million, a whole thirty million higher than what Wang Jie had briefed him on.

"Director Huang, the proposal I saw from our manager stated a budget of fifty million for this film. How come there's suddenly an additional thirty million?" Yang Chen fixed his gaze on Huang Hai, not missing any details.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m