Chapter 121 Scammed [VIP]

Chapter Summary: Speechless for a long time, who will save him?

The last time He Zhiyue visited her grandfather on the set of "Back to 17" was a private visit, and she kept a very low profile.

This time, He Zhiyue came as an investor. He arrived in person and in a support vehicle, treating the entire crew to drinks and desserts, and even brought a truckload of watermelons.

Eating watermelon in the hot summer is refreshing and thirst-quenching.

The crew said that anyone who wanted a watermelon that wasn't cut could take it home after filming wrapped.

Many crew members and extras happily laughed, "We received a big watermelon as a Children's Day gift today. We're so happy!"

He Zhiyue prepared energizing coffee, fruit salad, and a bouquet of flowers for the director and the main actors.

Ji Binghe also received a bouquet of the same flowers from her boss.

This was the first time the boss had brought flowers when visiting the film set.

She looked down and carefully examined the flowers in her hand: three sunflowers, two white roses, two champagne roses, along with white lisianthus, pale blue flowers, and green leaves.

This bouquet of flowers is beautifully wrapped.

Feeling that something was off, Ji Binghe curiously took a picture of the flowers with her phone and searched online for the meaning of the flowers.

The search results showed: The direction of love? On the way to see you, even the wind is sweet.

He frowned. What does that mean?

Luke, who had just delivered the flowers and was still standing to the side, smiled and stepped forward to ask, "Director Ji, is there something wrong with this bouquet?"

Ji Binghe put her phone away: "Oh, it's nothing."

He casually asked, "I'm just a little curious, what is the meaning of the flowers that President He sent?"

Luke explained with a smile, "This bouquet was prepared by President He. The florist helped wrap it, saying it represents good wishes for everything to go smoothly. It's for the director and all the lead actors, hoping the filming goes well."

Ji Binghe looked at Luke's upright expression, which didn't seem like he was lying.

That's true; the flower meanings she found through her search were completely unfamiliar to her, very niche.

Unlike red roses, which immediately evoke images of love, some florists combine different types of flowers in their packages simply because they look pretty.

Sending flowers usually represents sending good wishes.

The boss is usually busy at the company, and also has to deal with the power struggles within the wealthy family. It's not like the boss would do something like searching for flower meanings online and then specifically buying bouquets from a florist.

Ji Binghe breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that she had been too sensitive.

Seeing Ji Binghe breathe a sigh of relief, Luke secretly breathed a sigh of relief as well: That was close.

If Director Ji were a little more observant and perceptive, he would have noticed that the bouquet Teacher Mu received was prettier than the others. Every single flower in Teacher Mu's bouquet was personally selected by the owner and was the best blooming in the store.

"Sister Zhizhi, these flowers are blooming so beautifully."

Minmin presented the bouquet she received to Muzhi.

"Yes, every single one of them is blooming beautifully."

Mu Zhi lowered her head to smell the fragrance of the flowers, reached out and touched the champagne-colored rose petals. Looking at the brightly blooming flowers, the fatigue from the previous action scene and the frustration of being trapped in the game's puzzle while immersed in the character's emotions dissipated considerably.

It just so happens that the flowers in her hotel room need to be replaced, so she asked Minmin to remember to take the bouquet back for her when she finished work.

"Okay, I'll take care of it."

Minmin looked down at the flowers in her arms and thought: As far as she knew, since arranging the private doctor before the New Year, the boss had not shown any interest in Sister Zhizhi.

I thought the boss had changed his mind.

So he's still secretly in love with her! She suspects... no, she's pretty sure the boss sent flowers to all the main cast members, just so he could send flowers to Sister Zhizhi.

This subtle, hidden agenda seems to contrast somewhat with the boss's lofty image.

Minmin plans to keep the secret for her boss, not so much for him, but mainly to avoid causing trouble for Muzhi, who is focused on her career. She is also curious about how long her boss's crush will last.

On set, this is a break for the actors while waiting for their scenes to begin.

Director Xu Kuan and producer Wang sat in front of the monitor, reporting to investor He Zhiyue, who had come to visit the set, on the current filming progress and some filming events since the start of production.

This included a discussion of the actors' performances.

Producer Wang praised Mu Zhi and Bian Wu's acting skills and dedication to filming, with a particular focus on Mu Zhi.

"Teacher Mu, this is your second collaboration with Director Xu, and you two have a great rapport. The director never has to worry about her scenes, and we're really grateful to have her mentoring Bian Wu..."

When Producer Wang noticed that He Zhiyue was listening attentively and with great interest when praising Mu Zhi, he became even more enthusiastic in recounting Mu Zhi's various exploits on set.

Although Lanxing Media's investment in the movie "Escape from the Game" ranked third, a total of four actors participated, including Mu Zhi, Bian Wu, Mr. Feng Zhongxian, and another male actor.

The investment money arrived quickly and readily after only a few days of filming.

If a film faces a funding shortage during post-production or distribution, Producer Wang believes that seeking additional investment from Lanxing Media has the highest success rate.

Therefore, we must treat this investor, the big spender, with utmost care.

After chatting with Director Xu Kuan and Producer Wang for more than ten minutes, He Zhiyue got up and left, not wanting to disturb the director's preparations for the next scene.

They came to find their maternal grandfather, Feng Chongxian.

Few people know about his kinship with Feng Chongxian.

Since his maternal grandfather was a contracted artist with the company, it was perfectly legitimate for him to come and see his maternal grandfather.

Mr. Feng has been on set for almost half a month, and filming will wrap up tomorrow.

He Zhiyue came to visit the set today, Children's Day, and will stay in Qingdao for one night. They will return to Beicheng together after Grandpa finishes filming his scenes tomorrow.

When her grandson arrived at the film set, he brought her some food, chatted with her for a few minutes, and then went to find the director and producer.

Now that he's back, the old man can finally have a proper talk with his grandson.

He Zhiyue listened patiently as her grandfather recounted some interesting stories that happened while filming on set.

He knew that his grandfather, like his mother, loved performing.

However, the original intention of getting my grandfather to sign with Lanxing Media was mainly to use his fame to endorse the company. Now, considering that my grandfather is over 70 years old, he can only take on one or two roles a year at most.

We also need to inform the production crew in advance and make sure the filming schedule is arranged in a way that suits the elderly person's health so that they won't get too tired.

As he spoke, the old man sighed with lingering enthusiasm, "I didn't get to enjoy the performance this time."

I've only been on set for half a month, and I'm really enjoying filming. I've just started to get along well with the actors and crew, and filming is wrapping up tomorrow.

He Zhiyue coaxed her grandfather, "When we make a sequel to this movie, we'll ask you to act in it again."

The old man nodded happily. He had read the novel "Escape from the Game" before joining the crew, wearing his reading glasses.

When the second movie is filmed, his role will have more screen time.

When the topic of acting came up, Grandpa Feng asked He Zhiyue curiously, "Xiaozhi really didn't study acting professionally? I think her acting style is quite orthodox, but when it comes to empathizing with characters, she uses an method acting approach..."

When He Zhiyue first visited the set of "The Bell Ringer," starring Mu Zhi, she was amazed by Mu Zhi's performance in her first scene.

Upon returning, Luke, the special assistant, checked again whether Mu Zhi had received any systematic training in acting. The answer was: no.

Mu Zhi was mysterious, but he didn't want to delve too deeply into it.

Grandpa Feng didn't dwell on the answer too much. He just kept praising Mu Zhi, saying that as long as she stayed true to her original aspirations and continued to act diligently, she would definitely become a good actress remembered by the audience.

He instructed his grandson: "If your company wants to thrive, you must retain your employees."

He Zhiyue: "...Understood."

He will work hard in both his career and his life.

When his grandfather mentioned Mu Zhi, he had a bad feeling, wondering if his grandfather was going to...

Grandpa Feng silently observed his grandson, noticing that his grandson always refused when the topic of dating came up during his time on set.

A bad feeling crept into his mind, and he tentatively asked, "I remember when Xiaozhi filmed 'Back to 17,' it was her first time acting in a movie, right? I heard that Bian Wu, who's playing the male lead this time, is also making his film debut?"

What was Grandpa trying to say? I was completely baffled.

He Zhiyue nodded: "Bian Wu is a newly signed actor in the company. He just graduated last year. 'Escape from the Game' can be said to be his first official role and his first movie."

"Little Zhi's acting in her first movie was really good, but Bian Wu was a bit lacking, he was a bit slow."

He Zhiyue smiled and said, "There's only one Mu Zhi. Give Bian Wu some time, let him act in more dramas to hone his acting skills, and I believe he will grow up quickly."

Grandpa Feng thought that when his grandson arrived on set, the first thing he saw wasn't his grandfather, but rather the direction in which the film was being shot.

Now they're actually protecting me? My heart sank.

Grandpa Feng said anxiously, "That kid Bian Wu calls me Grandpa Feng every day on set. When he hears others mention you, he smiles like a fool and says, 'Boss is my mentor. Thank you for signing me.'"

Also, Grandpa has acted in so many movies, and you've never brought me flowers when you visited the set, nor have I ever seen you give flowers to any girl. Tell me, what's the deal with the flowers you brought today?

He even used his cane, tapping it on the floor as he spoke.

When He Zhiyue heard her grandfather mention flowers, she coughed lightly, feeling a little guilty.

Wait a minute, something seems off about what Grandpa meant.

Seeing that He Zhiyue's reaction was not right, Old Master Feng became agitated and questioned him directly: "He Zhiyue, you are 30 years old this year! I have told you to find a woman to date and marry, but you never say a word."

Tell your grandfather if you like men? Like... that Bian Wu?

He Zhiyue looked like she'd been struck by lightning, speechless for a long time before rubbing her forehead.

Who will save him?

The next second they were relieved that they were in their grandfather's RV, which had good sound insulation.

He Zhiyue explained helplessly, "Grandpa, I don't like men, why would you think that?"

Grandpa Feng listened with skepticism, and said with exasperation, "You don't like Bian Wu, so do you like Xiao Zhi? The men who are pursuing Xiao Zhi could line up from Qingdao all the way back to Beicheng!"

She's been signed to the company for years. If you're interested in her, why haven't you made a move at all? Sending her flowers discreetly—what good does that do?

He Zhiyue: "......"

In the evening, after the film crew finished work.

Boss He Zhiyue proposed to treat the three team members who were filming in Qingdao to a meal together.

The filming in Qingdao will wrap up in a few days.

For the past two months, the team members have been cooped up in the green tent, and this week they even worked three all-nighters. They have all really worked hard.

When Mu Zhi saw that her team members' eyes lit up when they heard that several teams were having a meal together, which would be more lively with more people, they readily agreed to join in.

The restaurant we visited is famous for its shrimp feasts, and it's difficult to get a reservation.

Ji Binghe asked Lu Ke, "Before the boss came to Qingdao, did he have Lu Te help you book a table in advance?"

Luke: "...Yes."

He added, "Old Master Feng mentioned some time ago that he wanted to try the shrimp at this restaurant."

Ji Binghe nodded thoughtfully and did not ask any further questions.

Mr. Feng rarely eats seafood, but did he suddenly crave shrimp while filming in Qingdao?

She remembered that Mu Zhi liked to eat shrimp.

Is it really such a coincidence that the restaurant the boss asked Luke to book in advance was a shrimp feast restaurant?

Once a seed of doubt is planted in your mind, many of the subtle clues from the past will gradually disappear under the microscope.

He Zhiyue, Grandpa Feng Chongxian, Ji Binghe, Mu Zhi, Bian Wu, and four team members including Lu Ke and Minmin sat together at a table in the private room.

During the meal, He Zhiyue felt Ji Binghe's gaze subtly drifting towards her.

He had heard Luke report that Ji Binghe had inquired about the meaning of flowers.

It's likely that Director Ji has some doubts.

During the meal, he didn't dare to glance in Mu Zhi's direction even once.

After the dinner, the group returned to the hotel.

He Zhiyue escorted her grandfather back to his room. After her grandfather finished washing up, it was getting late, and he needed to lie down and rest.

He Zhiyue only left after being told to go away, and went back to her own room.

He didn't tell his grandfather that he liked Mu Zhi, worried that if his grandfather found out, he would definitely try to match them up, which would put pressure on Mu Zhi and also put pressure on himself.

Regarding the flowers, He Zhiyue explained that a friend in Qingdao opened a flower shop today, so she ordered a few bouquets to support her friend's business.

Perhaps it was a misunderstanding that his grandson had explained that he didn't like men, and Grandpa Feng breathed a sigh of relief, tentatively believing He Zhiyue's explanation.

Back in her room, He Zhiyue sat on the sofa and had just taken off her watch and put it away.

The phone on the coffee table vibrated; the caller ID showed Ji Binghe.

What important thing is happening so late?

He Zhiyue reached out and swiped the answer button with a puzzled expression.

Upon hearing Ji Binghe's anxious voice on the other end of the phone, she said that Mu Zhiyi had been feeling unwell and in severe pain since returning home, and needed to be taken to the hospital immediately.

"I'm coming right away."

He Zhiyue hurriedly hung up the call and walked out the door with her phone in her hand.

As soon as the door opened, she found Ji Binghe standing at the door of her room, holding her phone and looking at her with her arms crossed, without a trace of anxiety or worry on her face.

He was scammed.

[Author's Note]

Oh no! (pointing and gesturing) Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 00:22:02 on August 16, 2022 and 00:31:18 on August 17, 2022!

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Ye Zhirou and Jiu (1 bottle);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!