In an instant, all curious gazes turned towards Wang Shen. The director revealed a suggestive smile, saying, “Mr. Lu, don’t worry, we absolutely won’t let him touch a drop of alcohol.”
Wang Shen knew what these people were thinking; nothing was surprising in the murky entertainment industry. He should have been angry, but instead felt a bit flustered, as if his thoughts had been laid bare.
As for what was revealed, it was merely his one-sided wishful thinking.
Shuai Chang tossed the menu onto the table, saying, “You all decide; I can eat anything.”
Others hesitated, eventually managing to order three dishes, and when the food arrived, the table was piled high, with one dish not even fitting.
The director instructed the waiter to place it on a small table beside them.
After a while, the group began clinking glasses and exchanging toasts.
Not long after the dishes were served, General Yan arrived late, followed by a tall and slender figure—upon closer inspection, it was the popular young star Liu Qingyi.
General Yan poured himself three drinks as he pulled Liu Qingyi towards Shuai Chang, saying, “Qingyi, this is Mr. Lu. You two should know each other.”
As General Yan approached, the person who had originally been sitting beside Shuai Chang immediately made way. General Yan plopped down heavily, causing his belly to shake three times. “Mr. Lu, Qingyi is my nephew. I brought him here today to thank you for your care the other day. Qingyi, come over and toast Mr. Lu.”
Liu Qingyi stepped forward with a glass, and a few drunken onlookers started to cheer, causing Liu Qingyi’s face to flush and pale in alternating shades as he forced a smile, “Mr. Lu, I toast to you.” With that, he downed his drink in one go.
Probably in his hurry to drink, Liu Qingyi choked, stepping aside as his face turned bright red from coughing.
After a while, he finally recovered and poured another glass. “Mr. Lu, thank you for last time; it was Qingyi’s fault for not knowing better.” He consumed it all at once.
Shuai Chang held his drink, neither sipping nor speaking, his expression inscrutable. General Yan secretly signaled to Liu Qingyi, who blushed and held back tears, “Mr. Lu, this third drink expresses my admiration for you.”
“Cheers!” the crowd applauded.
Just as Shuai Chang finished recalling what Liu Qingyi had said, he realized that Lu Ming Shen had indeed “helped” him, albeit with impure motives.
The last entertainment headline was about Liu Qingyi being photographed in a drunken incident, where he had rushed out of a private room and stumbled into Lu Ming Shen’s arms, quietly pleading for help. Lu Ming Shen had then held him and walked outside; given his status, no one dared to stop them. Liu Qingyi had expressed thanks and quickly pushed him away before running off.
Why did he run? Because Lu Ming Shen had touched his rear!
Having just escaped from the wolf’s den, Liu Qingyi dared not return to the tiger’s lair, so frightened that cold sweat poured down him. The alcohol had worn off significantly, and after a few steps, he caught a taxi and hurried home.
Today, General Yan brought him to express gratitude and to amend the error of pushing Lu Ming Shen away.
Being pushed into a corner by his uncle, Liu Qingyi had it hard.
Shuai Chang didn’t want to make things difficult for him and joined in, drinking three glasses to express his stance. “Director Fu says your acting is quite good. Just focus on acting well, and winning an award for Best Actor shouldn’t be a problem.”
General Yan noticed Liu Qingyi standing still and pushed him lightly, “Qingyi, Mr. Lu says you can win Best Actor. Aren’t you going to toast him?”
Shuai Chang waved his hand. “No need; this drinking could go on forever. I’m fine, but Qingyi still has to study the script for his Oscar, so he shouldn’t get drunk. General Yan, if you want to drink, let’s toast together and celebrate the big box office success in advance.”
General Yan eagerly filled his and Shuai Chang’s glasses, and as their glasses clinked, they both downed their drinks, shouting, “To the success of the box office!”
After three rounds of drinks, aside from the sober Wang Shen and the lightly tipsy Liu Qingyi, Shuai Chang was the only one still clear-headed among those present. He and General Yan had each consumed a bottle of baijiu, successfully laying General Yan flat.
Shuai Chang glanced at the time; it was exactly five o’clock. He first called Qi Sheng, saying, “Xiao Sheng, I’ll pick you up in about half an hour.”
“Aren’t you at the company?” Qi Sheng asked.
If Shuai Chang were in the company, it wouldn’t take him that long.
“Uh-huh, I’m out for a drinking party. I’ve knocked them all down. Impressive, right?” Shuai Chang couldn’t resist boasting.
Qi Sheng chose not to respond to that question. “…Did you find a designated driver?”
“No, my assistant is driving. I didn’t let him drink.”
“Hmm.”
The two suddenly found themselves at a loss for words, and a silence filled the air.
“You hang up first; I don’t want to end your call.” Shuai Chang’s voice was slightly hoarse from the alcohol.
“…Uh-huh.” Qi Sheng promptly hung up.
Shuai Chang thought to himself that he must have embarrassed Qi Sheng.
Shuai Chang stood up, and Wang Shen hurried over to support him. Shuai Chang said, “I’m not drunk yet; you go pay the tab and wait for me in the car outside.”
Wang Shen had just witnessed Shuai Chang drink two bottles of baijiu without rejecting anyone, but when he stepped in front of him, he realized Shuai Chang’s eyes were still clear; he wasn’t drunk at all.
Wang Shen felt relieved and went out to settle the bill.
Shuai Chang put on his jacket and headed outside when Liu Qingyi suddenly stepped in front of him and bowed deeply, “Mr. Lu, thank you.” He knew that if it weren’t for Lu Ming Shen letting him off the hook, he couldn’t possibly step out safely today.
“You’re still young. Focus on acting and don’t get mixed up in the mess your uncle is trying to pull you into,” Shuai Chang encouraged, patting Liu Qingyi’s bony shoulder. “Whether ‘Changchun Palace’ can make money all depends on you.”
With that, he stepped around Liu Qingyi and strode away. Liu Qingyi watched his back, feeling a fire ignite in his heart.
Shuai Chang got into the car and rubbed his temples.
Wang Shen, with concern in his eyes, asked, “Mr. Lu, should I drive you home?”
Shuai Chang shook his head. “First, head to Lan Shi Jewelry.”
Wang Shen paused, thinking he wanted to buy jewelry for someone, and nodded as he started the car.
However, in his heart, he felt a strange sorrow. When Lu Ming Shen pursued him, he felt troubled, but now that Lu Ming Shen had stopped, he found himself developing other feelings for Lu Ming Shen. Men, oh men.
Shuai Chang closed his eyes, wondering whether Qi Sheng would be willing to accompany him to the evening banquet. If Qi Sheng didn’t want to go, he needed to come up with a plan.
Wang Shen drove to the entrance of Lan Shi Jewelry, where two receptionists were excited.
They were supposed to finish work at five but hadn’t left because Qi Sheng was still there. They made the conscious choice to stay late just to catch another glimpse of the magnificent red Bentley. The clueless manager even praised them for their dedication.