Chapter 61 Chapter 61

Pei Zhuo followed Gu Xing back to the company.

Only after the contract was signed did he truly relax.

Immediately afterwards, Gu Xing introduced him to several other main creators: screenwriter Chun Yan, Lin Yuan and Yu Youxia, as well as the actor he had chosen, Qin Wen.

Qin Wen arrived late. When he entered, he saw Pei Zhuo with his hands in his pockets, leaning lazily against a chair, eyes downcast, expressionless, a slender ladies' cigarette dangling from his lips, exuding an air of coldness that kept people at bay.

Chun Yan and the other two were huddled together in the farthest corner from Pei Zhuo.

Qin Wen couldn't help but feel worried.

He knew that Gu Xing had specially put together this crew for him, but the disharmony among the main creators was a major problem.

He tried to ease the tension, but to no avail, only silently hoping for Gu Xing's arrival.

Perhaps his prayer was answered, for soon Gu Xing pushed open the door and entered.

"Hey! Everyone's here." Gu Xing put down what he was holding. "Let's have a brief meeting then."

Qin Wen looked at him in surprise. Shouldn't he say something to break the ice first, given the atmosphere?

Then, as if remembering something, Gu Xing took a delivery box from the pile of things and handed it to Chun Yan: "This is your medal from the Brave Contest in the ghost village. I heard you got the highest score in the history of the competition, but you disappeared after the competition and didn't collect the medal, so the organizers sent it to the company..."

As he finished speaking, everyone looked at Chun Yan in shock, even Pei Zhuo opened his eyes.

Chun Yan took the box, a little embarrassed, and said softly: "Thank you, Mr. Gu, for causing trouble for the company."

"It's okay, it's okay," Gu Xing waved his hand. "I looked it up and I think it's quite interesting. There's a scene in the script set in a dilapidated mountain village, right? I think we could film it in the ghost village..."

Chun Yan's face lit up with joy: "Really?! I didn't expect Mr. Gu to think so too!"

Pei Zhuo didn't speak, but the cigarette in his mouth had been bitten off at some point. He slowly sat up straight, feigning composure and said: "I think we can skip the real-life location for this part. According to the story, this part..."

Chun Yan instinctively wanted to back down when contradicted, but then saw Gu Xing's encouraging smile, so he mustered his courage and argued: "This plot is actually..."

In this back-and-forth, the rift between them was somehow eliminated.

Qin Wen was amazed, but saw Gu Xing looking calm, as if everything was under control.

Such skill, worthy of Mr. Gu.

However, Gu Xing was gossiping with the system: 【Pei Zhuo is really afraid of ghosts! It's such a contrast to his filming style!】

Pei Zhuo and Chun Yan talked more and more deeply, and after realizing each other's abilities, they developed a mutual appreciation.

Pei Zhuo was very satisfied.

A reliable screenwriter and excellent actors made him look forward to this crew more and more.

Thinking of this, he looked at Gu Xing and asked expectantly: "Mr. Gu, will I be building the behind-the-scenes team myself?"

Gu Xing: "..."

He remembered what the system said, about Pei Zhuo's previous team and how everyone in that team had different scandals.

Thinking of this, he patted Pei Zhuo on the shoulder kindly: "Little Pei, you don't need to worry about this. I'll handle the team, you just focus on other preparations."

Pei Zhuo felt a little regretful, but looking at Gu Xing's sincere eyes, and then at the reliable screenwriter and lead actor, he thought that Gu Xing was indeed a million times better at judging people.

He nodded, then asked: "When will the investment be in place?"

Gu Xing fell silent again.

In fact, given the quality and popularity of his previous works, there were many investors eager to cooperate with him.

But it had to be said that Pei Zhuo was a bit unlucky; these investors who approached him all had problems and were rejected.

Thinking of this, his hand unconsciously pressed harder: "Little Pei, listen to me, just focus on directing. These external matters aren't suitable for you."

Pei Zhuo: "???"

-

Wanting to break away from Wen's, Gu Xing didn't want to rely too much on the film center, it was best if his own company had a complete behind-the-scenes team, so that he wouldn't be constrained in the future.

After much searching, and with great effort, he finally assembled this behind-the-scenes team.

But this news also reached Sun Hongfei's ears.

Since discovering the cold war between Mr. Gu and Mr. Wen, he had been trying to get them together, including but not limited to repeatedly mentioning each other's names in front of them, and trying to create chance encounters.

He even persuaded Tang Ling to help protect Mr. Gu and Mr. Wen's love.

Earlier, he heard that Meng Yuansheng and the others wanted to throw a birthday party for Gu Xing, so he suggested that private restaurant, conveniently, Mr. Wen was also dining there that night.

In Sun Hongfei's view, on a special occasion like a birthday, they wouldn't continue the cold war, maybe they could reconcile.

Afterwards, Tang Ling told Sun Hongfei that when Mr. Wen met Mr. Gu that night, Mr. Gu didn't avoid him but greeted him, and Mr. Wen also wished him a happy birthday, and even had him deliver a birthday gift the next day.

Sun Hongfei heard this, and thought it was settled!

But before he could be happy for two days, he heard that Mr. Gu had signed a group of screenwriters and was going independent.

Now he had even assembled the entire creative team and was looking for outside investment!

Sun Hongfei panicked.

This cold war was getting serious!

Building his own team was understandable, after all, most companies did this.

But not seeking investment from them was a bit outrageous!

Could it be that after Mr. Gu's birthday, they didn't reconcile, but had a bigger conflict?

So that Mr. Gu was now showing signs of wanting to cut ties with Mr. Wen.

Sun Hongfei felt that he couldn't sit idly by, so he went out to investigate.

He unexpectedly found that many companies had approached, but were rejected by Mr. Gu.

What did this mean!!

It meant that Mr. Gu hadn't wanted to seek investment from them at all, he was playing hard to get!

His efforts in finding investment were all for Mr. Wen, to make him feel insecure!

Sun Hongfei suddenly understood.

This was a clever move!

It seemed that Mr. Gu had feelings for Mr. Wen, but was too proud to admit it.

If Mr. Wen took the initiative, they would definitely reconcile.

Thinking of this, he was no longer anxious, and under the pretext of reporting work, called Wen Yue.

He casually said: "Mr. Wen, I heard that Mr. Gu has assembled a creative team and has been looking for investment recently!"

Wen Yue on the other end of the phone paused when he heard Gu Xing's name.

Lately, he had been feeling strange.

He had only met Gu Xing a few times, but he often found himself thinking about him for no reason.

One night, he even dreamt of being in that air restaurant, Gu Xing leaning in, his slender waist close at hand, and he was mesmerized, placing his hand on it.

His large hand almost covered half his waist, and the warmth of his body through the shirt felt as if it burned against his chest.

At that moment, it felt as if a beast had awakened in his heart.

Tearing through his outwardly respectable human shell, pressing the beautiful young man beneath him.

Sharp canines pressed against his long, fair neck, the pulse throbbing, the creaminess of sweetness and the decay of berries mixed together, as if evoking his most primitive desires.

Wen Yue suddenly woke from his dream.

His heart was still beating violently, sweat flowing down his temples, but a faint scent wafted past his nose.

It was a slightly sweet, green orange scent, hidden deep within.

From that day on, he seemed off.

Every morning, the maid would prepare his clothes and matching cufflinks.

But seeing the ruby, he would think of his crimson lips after eating the cream cake.

Seeing the cat's eye stone, he would think of his cunning and clear eyes.

Seeing the nephrite jade, he would think of his fair and smooth skin.

…

He retreated in a panic from the dressing room, for the first time not wearing cufflinks.

Wen Yue's parents were a marriage of convenience, with no feelings for each other. After giving birth to him, they seemed to have completed their task and went their separate ways.

They didn't shy away from showing this in front of their son.

Wen Yue had seen his father with different women on various occasions, flirting unabashedly.

Wen Yue coldly watched all this, thinking coldly that he would never become like his father, dominated by his instincts.

He was intelligent, calm, and controlled from a young age.

He was ambitious but never let his emotions affect him, always rational and indifferent.

Therefore, at a young age, he controlled the entire Wen family, trampling his uncles and aunts underfoot.

He had heard them say behind his back that he was an inhuman robot, but he didn't care.

Rationality was his benchmark.

He would never succumb to desire.

But now, his rational boundary was in danger.

His benchmark seemed about to be broken.

His eyes darkened slightly, and he said softly: "Is that so?"

Hearing his indifferent question, Sun Hongfei was stunned. This reaction was wrong!

But he still said stubbornly: "Actually, many people want to invest in Mr. Gu, but he refused..."

He had made it clear enough.

Mr. Wen, you should understand what I mean!

But Wen Yue remained unmoved: "Anything else?"

Sun Hongfei: "!!!"

He wanted to say something more, but Wen Yue had already hung up.

Wen Yue held his phone, closed his eyes, and slowly calmed himself down.

Reason was like a whip, fiercely whipping the beast of desire, forcing it to subside and retreat.

The veins on the back of his hand bulged, and the sound of blood flowing seemed clearly audible.

But in the end, the long-standing self-control won, and the beast was unwillingly suppressed in his heart.

Wen Yue opened his eyes, once again the Wen family head who terrified countless people.

On the other hand, Sun Hongfei was anxiously pacing back and forth in his office.

Big trouble!

He thought it was Mr. Gu and Mr. Wen being childish, but now it seemed that Mr. Wen had a bigger problem!

Mr. Gu had given him an opening, essentially taking a step back, if Mr. Wen didn't accept it, he would definitely be angry!

Then it wouldn't just be a cold war anymore!

They… wouldn't break up, would they?

Just as Sun Hongfei was worried, he suddenly heard news.

Gu Xing had connected with Mrs. Bello, the founder of Bello Capital.

Bello Capital wasn't a large capital, but it had been around for many years, with extensive contacts.

Mr. Gu could use her to enter the investment circle, but wasn't this clearly showing that he wanted to completely separate from Mr. Wen?

Mrs. Bello was teasing Gu Xing about this.

Mrs. Bello's real name was Yao Hui. She and her husband, Conrad Bello, founded Bello Capital many years ago. Now that her husband had passed away, she ran the company alone.

She was about fifty years old, but looked good, with smooth skin, appearing to be only in her thirties.

Gu Xing met her at a banquet a few days ago and helped her with a small matter.

Afterwards, she took the initiative to get to know Gu Xing.

Knowing that Gu Xing wanted to find investors, she smiled and said: "Everyone in the investment circle knows that Mr. Wen has the best judgment and invests generously. Mr. Gu already has such a big fish, why are you interested in us little shrimps?"

Gu Xing was a little embarrassed, and couldn't help but complain to the system: 【Didn't you say only half of the entertainment industry knew about this rumor?】

System: 【Times change! The fact that you two aren't married is already very good, host, just be content!】

Gu Xing: 【…】

But Yao Hui didn't say it clearly, so Gu Xing couldn't explain, lest he be accused of trying to cover it up, so he could only chuckle: "Mrs. Bello is joking."

Yao Hui didn't tease him any further: "I can introduce Mr. Gu, but whether you can convince them depends on your skills."

Gu Xing smiled: "That's more than enough, thank you."

So Yao Hui set up a meeting at a top-class club in the suburbs of Beijing.

The club was huge, with everything imaginable. There was nothing they couldn't do.

Upon entering the club, there were dedicated staff who would take you to your destination in a golf cart.

Yao Hui had never seen Gu Xing at these clubs before, and worried that he might be intimidated on his first visit, so she came to pick him up.

However, upon picking him up, she found that although he was curious, he behaved naturally and confidently, without any hint of being unsophisticated.

Yao Hui increasingly believed the rumors were true; he must have been to even more luxurious places with Mr. Wen, which is why he was unmoved by all this.

She didn't know that Gu Xing was happily gossiping with the system: 【Wow! There's even a racetrack! It's like my old workplace! I haven't ridden a horse in a long time. Did I tell you? The person who taught me how to ride was a world champion...】

System: 【… So you've really returned to your happy home!】

Yao Hui introduced the people present to Gu Xing. Although they weren't the top capitals, there were many people there, which was exactly what Gu Xing needed.

When they reached their destination, Yao Hui suddenly changed her expression: "Why is he here!"

At the same time, the system's gloating voice sounded: 【Host, do you see that man with the sullen face? He's Yu Qiyang, the boss of Huan Yang Capital, one of your enemies.】

Gu Xing: 【?】

The system knew he didn't usually remember these things, so it helpfully reminded him: 【Do you remember the traffic star Jiang Sinian? He tried to discredit Qin Wen and "Six Doors Secrets," but you turned the tables on him and sent him to jail. His company, Southern Film and Television, was backed by Huan Yang Capital.】

【Of course, Jiang Sinian isn't the point, the point is that Wen Yue used this opportunity to target Southern Film and Television and Huan Yang Capital, you two acted in concert, resulting in Yu Qiyang focusing on you and being exploited by Wen Yue. He suffered a significant blow.】

【After Yu Qiyang found out about the rumor between you two, he believed you were working together against him, so he held a grudge against you both.】

Gu Xing: 【…】

He was speechless!

But turning back wasn't an option.

This circle was one that bullied the weak, if he really backed down, the people present would turn into sharks and devour him.

So, he calmed down and comforted Yao Hui: "It's okay, we'll face it calmly."

Yao Hui was actually comforted by someone much younger than herself, she couldn't help but look at Gu Xing again: "Mr. Gu has great courage, it reminds me of Mr. Wen when he first entered the capital market."

Gu Xing: "..."

Yao Hui led Gu Xing to the front, smiling and chatting with everyone.

Everyone present was shrewd, and they had originally come to give face to Yao Hui, and to meet this famous Mr. Gu, but since Yu Qiyang arrived, the atmosphere changed.

Everyone looked at Yu Qiyang, waiting for him to speak.

Yao Hui's face was unsightly for a moment, but she quickly recovered, and approached: "Mr. Yu's presence is a surprise, but I haven't prepared enough. Next time, I'll host you again."

This implied that Yu Qiyang had come uninvited, and that this was her party, implying he should give her some face.

Yu Qiyang remained unsmiling: "Why wait until next time? We meet by chance. Mrs. Bello wouldn't want to chase me away, right?"

Their conversation was full of veiled meanings, opening Gu Xing's eyes, and he couldn't help but complain to the system: 【Do you have to speak like this in this circle?】

System: 【Not necessarily, if you're strong enough, directly offending someone is fine, for example…】

But before he finished speaking, Yu Qiyang had lost patience and turned his attention to Gu Xing, and said with a false smile: "Mr. Gu, you and Mr. Wen taught me a lesson. Now that Mr. Gu wants to join our circle, shouldn't you learn the rules?"

Sun Hongfei, knowing that Yao Hui had set up the meeting for Gu Xing, sensed something bad. He managed to get help to enter the club, and just arrived to see someone bullying Gu Xing.

Sun Hongfei panicked and immediately called Tang Ling, telling him what happened, asking him to inform Mr. Wen.

Tang Ling hesitated.

They were on a private plane back to China, Wen Yue had just finished a difficult negotiation and hadn't rested properly for days, and had just fallen asleep.

But this concerned Mr. Gu, so he worried about delaying matters.

Just as he was hesitating, Wen Yue woke up, glanced at him, and asked: "Whose call was that just now?"

Tang Ling, seeing this, told him exactly what Sun Hongfei had said.

"Yu Qiyang!!" Wen Yue's expression immediately turned serious, and he asked, "How long until we land?"

Tang Ling quickly replied: "Half an hour."

Wen Yue spoke faster: "Prepare the car, head there as soon as we land."

Tang Ling: "Yes."

Wen Yue's face was gloomy, he looked at the clouds outside the window, but his fingers unconsciously clenched.

He knew Yu Qiyang's nature, he couldn't touch him, so he targeted the easy prey. He deliberately appeared there to humiliate Gu Xing, perhaps with even more underhanded methods.

Thinking of this, his heart tightened.

Although rationally, he told himself that he was going to help Gu Xing because he was innocently involved, and he should do this, logically and emotionally.

But deep down, he knew what his worry and panic were about.

…

Gu Xing knew that Yu Qiyang wanted revenge, and was prepared to meet whatever came his way, but seeing that Yu Qiyang took them to the racetrack, his expression finally became strange.

Yu Qiyang saw Gu Xing bowing his head, and thought he was scared, and smiled: "Mr. Gu, let's have a race. If you win, we'll call it even, but if you lose, you'll grant me one request. How about that?"

This was his carefully thought-out way to humiliate Gu Xing.

After all, Yao Hui personally introduced them, and he had Wen Yue behind him, if he went too far, he would definitely offend them both.

But this kind of gambling through a game was common in the circle, he proposed it openly, and they couldn't say anything.

If Gu Xing refused, it would be a refusal of the rules, and he would never be able to enter again.

And if Gu Xing agreed…

He had checked, this kid was unknown, and Le Shi was almost bankrupt, if it weren't for Wen Yue, how could he have his current success?

Equestrianism, this elegant and expensive sport, he probably had never even seen it before.

If he made a fool of himself on horseback, or accidentally fell and broke a hand or leg, he couldn't be blamed.

The crowd began to whisper.

Yao Hui frowned: "Mr. Yu, this is a bit excessive. Horse riding is so dangerous, if Mr. Gu..."

Yu Qiyang said: "This is between me and Mr. Gu." Then, he looked at Gu Xing, "Mr. Gu wouldn't be afraid, would you?"

"Not at all," Gu Xing raised his head, slowly saying, "It's just that it's unfair, why do you get to make a request if you win, but I get nothing if I win? But it's fine, I respect my elders, let you win."

Yu Qiyang angrily said: "...You're quick-witted."

Gu Xing: "Thank you for the compliment."

Yu Qiyang was so angry he almost died, only muttering viciously in his heart, you're just showing off now, don't cry when you're on the horse later.

They both went to change into riding gear and choose horses.

When Gu Xing came out, wearing a black and white riding outfit, highlighting his slender waist and long legs, the close-fitting pants outlined the muscular lines of his long thighs.

Many people in the audience gasped softly.

Yu Qiyang glared at him viciously, then saw the horse he was leading, and couldn't help but laugh: "Mr. Gu, this horse has a bad temper, for safety's sake, I suggest you change horses."

Gu Xing gently stroked the horse's neck, his eyes filled with admiration.

Wuwuwu… not only can I ride a horse, but such a beautiful horse, it's so happy.

Yu Qiyang didn't get a response, his face became even more unpleasant, he muttered a curse under his breath, mounted his horse, and looked down at Gu Xing.

He wanted to mock him for not being able to mount the horse, but he saw him step on the stirrup, flip over, and neatly sit on the horse.

Applause and whistles immediately erupted.

Yu Qiyang felt a little panicked, but could only comfort himself, maybe he just knows how to mount a horse. Didn't his artist act in period dramas? Maybe he learned it on set.

But he was different, he was an equestrian enthusiast, and had even won prizes in amateur competitions. He was much better than this half-baked guy.

With the referee waving the flag.

Yu Qiyang dashed off first, but before he finished a lap, a black and white figure passed him.

Gu Xing was leaning over the horse's back, controlling the reins, like an arrow whistling through the air.

Yu Qiyang: "!!!"

How is that possible!!!

But Gu Xing ignored him, he had already adjusted to the horse, now he could finally let go of his speed and enjoy the thrill of riding.

At this time, Wen Yue's plane landed.

He didn't call a driver, instead driving his own sports car, speeding towards the club.

The drive which usually took almost an hour was shortened by half, when he arrived at the club, the staff had already received notification from Tang Ling and quickly opened the gate.

The sports car didn't slow down, driving directly into the club and towards the racetrack.

At this time, Gu Xing was on his last lap, Yu Qiyang was riding desperately, but he was still a lap behind.

But as his horse passed Yu Qiyang, Yu Qiyang's eyes flashed with ruthlessness, feigning carelessness, and threw the whip at Gu Xing.

The horse was startled, neighed, and reared.

Wen Yue got out of the car just in time to see this scene, his eyes widening in disbelief.

But the next second, he saw Gu Xing's legs clamping the horse's belly tightly, his waist leaning back, his hands holding the reins, while softly calming the horse and controlling its head.

His hands skillfully pulled the reins, his knuckles were slightly white, and with the horse's movements, the muscles in his thighs also fluctuated.

But his beautiful face was calm, without the slightest panic.

The horse struggled to throw him off, it was purely instinctual, chaotic, impulsive, and aggressive.

But no matter what it did, it couldn't escape Gu Xing's control, and finally, exhausted, it submitted to his control.

The onlookers breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that Gu Xing would dismount to rest, but he raised the reins again and rushed towards the finish line.

At the moment he crossed the finish line, a satisfied and happy smile appeared on his face.

Such a sharp contrast, at that moment it hit Wen Yue's heart hard.

A current of electricity surged from his tailbone to his brain, making his body seem to lose control.

The beast roared, breaking the shackles of reason, and desire poured out.

His eyes were no longer indifferent, but like burning lava, firmly fixed on the person on the horse.

He had tamed the horse, and tamed him.