Chapter 61
Huan Xu answered the phone and was silent for a moment. Then Yan Ze's somewhat low voice came from the other side of the computer: "Well, don't be sad."
Yan Ze spoke seriously, and Huan Xu followed suit, explaining, "I'm fine, don't worry. Zi Buyu is a series of short stories about family, love, and friendship. I'm not as fragile as you think."
"The dead are gone, and I believe that living well and facing life with the memory they left behind is the greatest comfort to our deceased loved ones."
"Of course, I also appreciate everyone's concern for me. Yanze, thank you."
After a brief silence, Yan Ze hummed again and said softly, "I'm glad you're okay."
Huan Xu smiled and deliberately joked, "Haven't you been busy with work lately? How come Mr. Yan still has time to surf the internet today?"
Yan Ze pursed his lips. Paying attention to Huan Xu was not considered slacking off.
Xiao Gu's call came in again. Huan Xu glanced at Yan Ze and smiled, "I still have a call. Let's talk again when we're both done with this busy period."
"Okay." Before hanging up, Yan Ze remembered something and asked hurriedly, "Are you sure you won't be back the day after tomorrow?"
Huan Xu: "Well, the event ends late the day after tomorrow. I'll stay here for one night and then go back. How about that?"
Yan Ze lowered his eyes: "...Nothing."
Huan Xu: "Bye then? See you some other day. By the way, I want to say goodnight in advance."
Yan Ze: "Good night, sweet dreams."
Huan Xu then answered Gu Chen's call and asked with a smile, "Xiao Chen, I just posted a clarification on Xingbo. Did you see it?"
Yes, in the gap between receiving calls, Huan Xu posted a clarification on Xingbo, explaining roughly that although he was grateful that so many people cared about him, he was actually not that fragile, which also reassured his fans.
Across the screen, Gu Chen nodded: "I was a little worried at first, but seeing that you are in good condition, Dad and I can rest assured."
Then Gu Chen changed the subject and talked about something else: "Brother, you really won't be back the day after tomorrow? How about Dad and I go find you?"
Huan Xu was a little slow to react and wondered if he had remembered it wrongly. Was the day after tomorrow an important day? Yan Ze had just mentioned it, and now Xiao Gu also mentioned it.
Gu Chen was also stunned by Huan Xu's expression. He didn't expect that Huan Xu was so busy that he even forgot what day the day after tomorrow was.
Professor Gu, who had just spoken to Huan Xu, also squeezed back into Gu Chen's screen and said with a distressed look on his face, "Xiao Xu, it's your birthday the day after tomorrow."
Huan Xu blinked, and blinked again.
"Brother, you didn't really forget, did you?"
Huan Xu coughed lightly, he really forgot.
The original owner and Huan Xu not only look the same, but also have the same birthday, so Huan Xu thinks that the two are their selves in parallel worlds.
However, birthdays don’t have any special meaning to Huan Xu.
When we were on Blue Star, all the children in the orphanage had their birthdays on the same day. The director would buy a big cake and put candles on it. The children would gather around the candles and make wishes.
Before dividing the cake, the director would touch the heads of each child one by one, giving them blessings and expectations for growing one year older, and telling them with her actions that even if they were abandoned by their parents, they were still children who grew up being loved.
For Huan Xu, the date of birth that was found on a small piece of paper on his body by the director after his parents abandoned him at the door of the orphanage is not as meaningful as the "shared birthday" with his friends.
He never thought that someone would remember his birthday.
"I..." His lips moved, Huan Xu was a little confused. Director Huan, who had remained rational and signed the donation agreement in the face of the plane crash, now met the gazes of Professor Gu and Xiao Gu, and he didn't know what to say.
"Silly child." Professor Gu gave Huan Xu a soothing smile. "Actually, your uncle Wang and everyone at the company were planning to celebrate your birthday. Before you left, they said you'd be back the next day."
"I didn't expect that you guys would add a day of activities at the last minute, and it happened to be on your birthday."
"According to the schedule, it will be late when it ends." If Huan Xu took a flying ship to rush back to the Blue Star, it would probably be early morning when he arrived. Isn't it putting the cart before the horse to let Huan Xu, the birthday boy, run around like this?
Professor Gu smiled and said, "Xiao Xu, Xiao Chen and I will come to see you tomorrow."
Professor Gu and Uncle Wang also discussed that everyone in the company could not leave, so they sent Old Gu and Little Gu as representatives to accompany Huan Xu to celebrate his birthday with everyone's blessings. After Huan Xu came back, everyone would hold a birthday party for him.
After hanging up the phone, Huan Xu sat on the chair, looking at the computer in his hand, his expression still a little dazed, and it took him a while to return to normal.
The corners of my lips couldn't help but rise. So this is what it feels like to have family. There is always someone who loves you selflessly and silently. This novel experience... is not bad.
Although Huan Xu didn't let Professor Gu and Xiao Gu come to see him in the end.
The reason he gave to his stepfather and younger brother was: There was no need for them to go through all this trouble. It was enough that he had already received everyone's kindness. He could go back the next day and celebrate his birthday with everyone!
In fact, Huan Xu was just not ready yet.
However, facing Xiao Gu's somewhat disappointed look, Huan Xu also made a promise: "Next year, next year I will be home, and we will celebrate my birthday together."
Huan Xu originally thought that the topic of birthdays had passed, but unexpectedly, there would be a surprise.
On the morning of his birthday, Huan Xu received private messages from everyone in Xinghuo on his address book.
Qin Dongxiao: "Happy birthday, Director Huan! I regret not accepting the work from Haotianxing to accompany you. I guess Director Huan will receive many blessings today, so you don't have to reply to my message. Haha, I will send you the gift tomorrow!"
Following Qin Dongxiao’s message, there were also messages of blessing from Wu Qianying, Lin Yi, Chi Xuanmo and others.
When I opened my personal blog, it was bustling with activity, fireworks were constantly rising into the sky, and fans were leaving warm messages of blessing.
Huan Xu updated a status, which seemed a bit brief, but it was the most authentic reflection of his current inner feelings: "Thank you everyone, I am very happy, and I will continue to work hard in the future."
What he can do is to repay his fans' most sincere expectations and love with more and higher-quality works.
Even when they left the house, the curve of Huan Xu's lips did not lower.
According to the rehearsal the day before, the final promotional live broadcast of the charity event ended successfully. Unexpectedly, the host, who was supposed to take a bow together, held the microphone, put down the inscription card, and looked at Huan Xu with a smile.
"We all know that today is not only the statutory Love Day, but it is also a special day..."
Director Huan was slightly startled, then the host continued, "Because of everyone's enthusiasm for the event, our public welfare promotion had to be extended by one day. However, it was also because of us that Director Huan had to work overtime on his birthday."
The host stood up from his seat and said to Huan Xu sincerely, "Thank you, Director Huan, for your strong support for our event. We at the Animal Protection Institute have also prepared a little surprise for you."
"Happy birthday to you~Happy birthday to you~"
The host and the surrounding staff sang the birthday song together, and the director of the Animal Protection Institute entered the venue from backstage pushing a big cake.
The host smiled and said, "Today we celebrate Director Huan's birthday. Tomorrow, everyone at Xinghuo will celebrate Director Huan's birthday again."
Huan Xu stood up, raised his hands and clasped them together in a gesture of gratitude towards the people in the venue. "Thank you. I'm surprised. I really didn't expect this. Thank you everyone."
The director of the Animal Protection Institute smiled and urged, "Director Huan, come and blow out the candles and make your New Year's wishes."
"Everyone, make a wish with me."
The host was surprised and asked, "Can we do that too?"
Huan Xu smiled and said, "Of course, come and share in the birthday boy's good luck."
"Since Director Huan said so, we really won't be polite." It's good luck, especially Director Huan's good luck. Only a fool would refuse.
…
After sharing the cake with everyone, Huan Xu politely declined the animal protection center's offer to send him back to the hotel, and then left the venue.
Only then did he open his computer and quickly scan the communication information. At this moment, Yan Ze's message jumped into Huan Xu's eyes: "I'll wait for you outside the east gate."
Huan Xu:?
What are you waiting for?
Huan Xu rushed out of the east gate quickly, then paused. The familiar hovercraft stopped quietly. The tall and handsome man standing next to the car attracted the attention of passers-by, but because of the cold aura surrounding him, they did not dare to step forward.
However, due to some unknown reason, the others realized that the other person could also laugh.
Following the other person's gaze, the young man coming towards me was also handsome.
This handsome guy looks familiar. Where have I seen him before?
Before the passersby could react, the indifferent gentleman seemed to notice the gaze in this direction, and slightly turned sideways, blocking the passersby's sight with his taller silhouette.
The atmosphere on the hovercraft was a bit weird.
Eerily quiet.
The secretary was driving in the front, and in the back, Huan Xu tilted his head to look at Yan Ze, and what he saw was Yan Ze's taut jawline.
After a while, Huan Xu was the first to break the silence.
Huan Xu: "Why did you come here suddenly?"
Yan Ze tightened his hands slightly on his legs: "I asked you before, and you said you would not return to Cangtian today."
Huan Xu: "...If I don't go back, you will come directly here?" So if I don't go to the mountain, the mountain will come to me?
Huan Xu: "Just because today is my birthday? Why didn't you tell me before you came?"
Yan Ze corrected himself slightly: "I wanted to tell you, but Secretary Gao asked me to give you a surprise, which I think makes sense."
Secretary Gao who was driving in front: "..." What I mean is, President, should you be so frank? It seems that you are not surprised at all when you say that.
"Pfft." Huan Xu couldn't help laughing when he heard that. Very good, this answer was very Yan Ze.
Yan Ze also wanted to interview Huan Xu about his feelings: "So... a surprise?"
Secretary Gao was about to wear a mask of pain. She really didn't expect that the CEO who was vigorous and decisive in business was actually such a fool in private.
Secretary Gao then heard his idol, Director Huan, reply: "It's unexpected and very surprising, but I'm also very happy to meet you."
"Yan Ze, thank you for coming to see me."
Although Huan Xu was used to celebrating his birthday alone, and because he was timid, he didn't let Professor Gu and Xiao Gu come to see him.
But when he saw Yan Ze coming across the stars to find him just to celebrate his birthday with him, his first feeling was still happiness.
Hearing Huan Xu say he was happy and seeing the smile on Huan Xu's face, Yan Ze couldn't help but raise the corner of his lip: "As long as you are happy."
Secretary Gao breathed a sigh of relief: Come on, everyone has their own preferences, as long as these two are happy.
However, before going on a business trip with her boss, Secretary Gao really didn't expect that the two people who were rumored to have personal conflicts actually had a very good relationship in private, and were good friends who flew out of the planet just to celebrate each other's birthdays!
Secretary Gao secretly wiped away tears of emotion. It was great that one of them was a great boss at work, and the other was his idol director in life. They were good friends. It was great, and the happiness would be doubled!
As for why Secretary Gao appeared in the car, of course he not only acted as a driver, but was also responsible for helping the boss share the work during the journey.
The company happened to have a big project to prepare these days, and in order to make time to meet with Director Huan, the boss had to sacrifice more of his personal time.
Director Huan was also curious at this moment and asked, "Didn't you say that you're busy with a project recently and need your personal attention? You came to me and you're done with the work?"
Secretary Gao heard her boss say casually, "Not too busy."
Secretary Gao: “…” So it’s not you who has been working intensively for three consecutive days, worked overtime all night last night, and only had time to catch up on three hours of sleep on the spaceship today.
Although Yan Ze said he was not busy, Huan Xu saw the dark circles under his eyes and knew that he was not as relaxed as Yan Ze said. Huan Xu did not expose Yan Ze's lie, but said:
"Secretary Gao is driving. I checked the navigation and it's still more than half an hour to get to your hotel. Why don't you take a short break first?"
Secretary Gao quickly echoed, "With my ten years of driving experience, I guarantee a smooth and steady ride. Director Huan, Boss, you two can rest assured."
Yan Ze still wanted to argue: "I'm not tired, I don't need to rest..."
Huan Xu smiled and said, "I got up early this morning, went out for a walk, and then recorded a program. If you're not tired, I am."
Yan Ze's tone immediately changed, and he nodded seriously without any principles: "Then take a break, I seem to be a little tired again."
Yan Ze must have grown up eating cuteness. Huan Xu held back his laughter and leaned back on the soft back seat of the hover car, closing his eyes to hide the smile that could not be concealed.
Seeing Huan Xu leaning back in the chair and taking a rest, Yan Ze also relaxed, leaned back and slowly closed his eyes.
Secretary Gao in the front seat operated the driving interface, lowered the sunshade on the window, reduced the brightness in the car to suit light sleep, and slightly raised the temperature by two degrees. Then the car audio played soothing light music to help people sleep and relax.
Not even a minute later, the sound of steady breathing could be heard in the car.
Huan Xu slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head to look at Yan Ze. Yan Ze, who was sleeping with his eyes closed, no longer had the coldness in his narrow eyes, and his whole person was less sharp. His slightly long eyelashes drooped quietly, adding a touch of softness.
Huan Xu couldn't help but sigh again that Yan Ze's face was really suitable for the big screen. Not only did it conform to the public's aesthetic taste, but his facial features also suited Huan Xu's aesthetic taste.
If Yan Ze was an actor, Director Huan would probably hire him as his exclusive actor no matter how high the pay was.
Even if he has no acting skills, just because of this face, I'm afraid people would be willing to make him a movie emperor. Well, just kidding.
Perhaps the hover car was too stable, or perhaps Yan Ze was really too tired.
Yan Ze was still asleep until the hovercraft stopped outside the private kitchen.
Secretary Gao turned to look at Huan Xu, with a conflicted look on his face, unsure whether to wake up Yan Ze immediately.
"Shh." Huan Xu raised his finger to his lips and made a gesture to keep quiet. Secretary Gao nodded to show that he understood.
Secretary Gao turned on the computer and began to organize the documents. Huan Xu was also quietly organizing his thoughts. After returning to Cangtian Star, Zi Buyu's second story was about to begin filming.
After more than an hour, Yan Ze slowly opened his eyes: "Not here yet?"
Yan Ze took out his pocket watch from his jacket pocket and checked the time. He tilted his head to look out the window and immediately understood what was going on.
Huan Xu noticed the pocket watch in Yan Ze's hand, which looked familiar, as if it was the one he gave to Yan Ze.
Looking at Yan Ze's skillful operation, it was probably not his first time to use a pocket watch to check the time.
Do you like this retro way of timing?
In this way, he can pay more attention to the Mother Star pocket watches when he has the chance in the future. If Yan Ze likes them, he can give him a few more so that he can wear them alternately. It would also be meaningful to put them away as a collection if he doesn't like them anymore.
While Huan Xu was thinking, Yan Ze looked at Secretary Gao with a somewhat reproachful look: "Why didn't you wake me up?"
Secretary Gao: "Uh..."
Without waiting for Secretary Gao to explain, Huan Xu took the initiative to speak: "Don't blame Secretary Gao, I told him not to wake you up."
Yan Ze pursed his lips and looked at Huan Xu. He rarely showed his emotions and said sullenly, "It's already eight o'clock."
"What's wrong with eight o'clock?" Huan Xu thought Yan Ze was worried that the restaurant would close if it was too late. "This restaurant is open until eleven, so we'll make it in time."
It's not a question of business hours.
Yan Ze pursed his lips again, then lowered his voice and said, "Sorry, you must be hungry. I will set the alarm next time." This way, even if no one calls him, he won't oversleep.
Huan Xu was stunned for a moment before realizing that Yan Ze was worried that it was too late and he would be hungry.
How can a domineering boss be so considerate?
Huan Xu: "Actually, I've shared a cake with everyone from the Animal Protection Institute before." He doesn't really feel particularly hungry now.
"But you must be hungry, let's go and eat."
Yan Ze continued to be stubborn: "I'm not hungry either."
The next second, a grunting sound was heard in the car.
Yan Ze: “…”
Huan Xu: “…”
Professional secretary Xiao Gao stepped forward at the critical moment and rescued his boss: "Ahem, that's my stomach growling. I'm hungry, hahahaha."
Huan Xu suppressed his laughter, not looking at Yan Bazong, whose ears were already red, and said, "Well, Secretary Gao is hungry, let's go."
With that, Huan Xu directly opened the car door, and Secretary Gao quickly got out of the car. The two looked at each other and spontaneously left the brief space in the car for a certain domineering CEO to sort out his emotions.
A minute later, Yan Ba Zong got out of the car. He seemed to have sorted himself out, although the heat in his ears still seemed to have not subsided.
In the private room, in order to avoid further embarrassment, Huan Xu also took the menu and directly ordered a few dishes that were served the fastest.
Seeing Huan Xu put down the menu and ordered a round of home-cooked dishes, but did not order the most important thing, Yan Ze looked at Huan Xu helplessly and sighed.
Huan Xu: What’s going on?
Yan Ze said to the waiter, "Please tell the boss that we've made an appointment before, and the birthday person can have an extra serving of longevity noodles with a fried egg."
"Yes, sir."
Secretary Gao explained to Huan Xu in a low voice, "The owner of this restaurant is also the head chef. His specialty is a longevity noodle dish handed down from his ancestors. Well-known food connoisseurs have commented that it has a warm, childhood flavor."
The president of this shop carefully investigated each of the several candidates one by one to make sure there was no false advertising and that the boss really had the skills, so he chose this shop.
Huan Xu: Okay, that’s it, Yan Ze, just continue.
Yan Ze gave him a puzzled look: "What?"
Huan Xu smiled: "It's okay." He wanted to see how many close friends Boss Yan had. He couldn't imagine it!
A fried egg, green leafy vegetables, and fragrant longevity noodles were served. Huan Xu looked at Yan Ze with a smile: "I didn't feel hungry just now, but now that I smell the aroma of the noodles, I'm suddenly hungry again."
"Wish me a happy birthday now, and then I'll start eating noodles."
Facing the smile on Huan Xu's face, Yan Ze also curved his eyes: "Happy birthday, happy every day."
Secretary Gao also said, "Happy birthday to Director Huan. May you achieve greater success in your career and all the best in your life in the coming year."
Whether it was Yan Ze's short, straightforward but sincere blessing or Secretary Gao's congratulations, Huan Xu accepted them all: "Thank you."
Huan Xu picked up the long noodles with chopsticks and slurped them, not forgetting to give a thumbs-up and mumbling, "It really tastes like when I was a kid. So good."
In the steam of the longevity noodles, Huan Xu blinked his eyes, which were slightly reddened by the heat, and said to the director's grandmother in his heart:
I am living very well in the new place. I have a good family, have met some great friends, and every day is fulfilling and happy. You don't have to worry about me anymore.
…
After returning to Cangtian Star and having another birthday dinner with family and friends, Huan Xu returned to work again. In the director's system, the filming of the new chapter of Zi Buyu began.
Online dramas have lower requirements on actors' acting skills, so Huan Xu once again mobilized new actors in the company, and the filming process was also a training and guidance for these actors.
Ning Miaomiao and Ming An, who were previously signed to the company by agent Fan Yang, were lucky enough to get the leading role in the second part of Zi Buyu.
After finishing the filming of a scene, Ning Miaomiao and Ming An got together during the break. Ming An is one year older than Ning Miaomiao, so Ning Miaomiao calls Ming An "brother".
Ning Miaomiao held the water cup in her hand and asked curiously, "Brother Ming'an, when you were on the set with Director Huan before, was Director Huan also this... uh, this strict?"
Ming An scratched his head. "You know I was an extra at the time. Although I was lucky enough to be chosen by Director Huan to play a small role with lines, I actually only spent one day with the crew."
"As for your question just now, I can only answer you that Director Huan has very high standards for shots. If you keep acting poorly or can't show the effect Director Huan wants, even if it's just a few seconds, Director Huan will really keep calling cut."
"But I think this is a good thing." Ming An smiled. "It's precisely because of Director Huan's professionalism that his dramas have become the epitome of quality and acclaim. The high ratings for the first three episodes of Zi Buyu are not only due to the wonderful plot itself, but also to the exquisite camerawork that rivals that of a movie."
Ning Miaomiao nodded quickly and agreed, "That's right, I saw it too. The price of the web series, the quality of the movie, the audience made a lot of money, and Director Huan went bankrupt."
Ming An: "Director Huan's success is not just due to his talent as seen by netizens, but also because he is very serious about filming his works."
"Although Director Huan in filming mode is super serious compared to his daily self, it is this seriousness that makes people feel at ease. Following Director Huan's pace and putting in the effort, both the actors and the other crew members can learn a lot."
Following Ming An's gaze, in addition to the filming crew of "Zi Buyu", other people from Xinghuo can also be seen in the crew.
That area seemed to have turned into a battlefield at this moment, filled with smoke. In order to compete for the best position, everyone fought each other with eyes for eight hundred rounds.
The story begins with the new assistant director who joined Xinghuo.
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