"Lu Zhiwei, are you stupid? Do you really think you have the power to get anyone to endorse you? His agreement to you was just something he planned long ago, from the very first time you met him." Shen Jingmo stopped in front of Lu Zhiwei.
Han Li glanced at Ruan Jizhou.
The eyes of the two men, of similar build, met, and a silent tension filled the air.
Lu Zhiwei stared intently at Ruan Jizhou.
Ruan Jizhou chuckled, his handsome brows relaxed, and he shrugged: "Shen Jinmo, you're still as stubborn and self-righteous as you were when you were a child."
Fearing the two might start fighting in the banquet hall, Qi Mingli quickly squeezed between them to smooth things over: "It's been a long time, brothers, let's have a drink. Give me some face."
Shen Jinmo and Ruan Jizhou remained motionless.
The atmosphere was extremely awkward. Qi Mingli rubbed his temples, thinking that these two big shots really didn't give him any face at all.
At this moment, the director of the "Yunxi Ji" production team suddenly came on stage with a microphone.
"Distinguished guests and media friends present, I am the director of 'Yunxi Ji.' At this grand banquet tonight, I will be releasing behind-the-scenes photos from the wrap party. Let me give you a sneak peek..."
On a huge electronic screen.
The scrolling screen displays photos of the film crew wrapping up filming.
This is the first time official materials have been released since the production of this drama began. Previously, the entire production team had taken extremely strict measures to keep the secret, and not a single word was leaked, not even a single behind-the-scenes photo.
Ruan Jizhou's "ugly photos" have been revealed to the public.
Disheveled hair, beggar-like makeup, and an ugly birthmark on his face.
The guests present screamed.
"Actor Ruan has made another breakthrough; this time, his appearance is so unrecognizable that he is completely unrecognizable."
"The Best Actor is really going all out. His look is just too eye-catching."
Lu Zhiwei stared at the stills, her breath caught in her throat, and then she suddenly realized.
So... Zhou Yan is actually Ruan Jizhou.
The birthmark on his face was from the makeup for this drama.
Ruan Jizhou solemnly extended his hand to Lu Zhiwei, a bright smile playing on his lips: "Let's get to know each other again. My name is Zhou Yan, and my stage name is Ruan Jizhou."
"As expected of an award-winning actor, your acting skills are superb. You even fooled me." Lu Zhiwei smiled and placed her small hand in Ruan Jizhou's palm.
Ruan Jizhou smiled faintly, his expression filled with apology: "I'm sorry, I'm a bit of a drama queen. I hope you didn't find it funny."
"Two meals in exchange for an endorsement contract, I'm the one who profits either way." Lu Zhiwei curled her lips.
Watching the two of them standing together, hands clasped, chatting and laughing, Shen Jinmo's cold eyes darkened further, and the atmosphere around him plummeted to freezing point.
Cold, gloomy, terrifying, and full of malevolence.
Lu Jingyao, who was standing not far away, was also on the verge of breaking down.
She gripped her wine glass tightly, staring at the ugly stills on the screen, then at Lu Zhiwei's hand in Ruan Jizhou's palm, trembling with anger.
Thinking back to how she had called Zhou Yan an ugly monster that day, she wished she could find a pillar and smash her head against it to her death.
She even personally pushed Zhou Yan into the hands of that bitch Lu Zhiwei.
I'm so annoyed.
She was furious!
Fearing that Shen Jinmo might die, Qi Mingli kindly whispered in his ear to save his brother's life: "Just give the order, and I will do anything for you."
"?" Shen Jinmo glared at him coldly.
"I'll risk getting beaten to death to help you pry their hands apart," Qi Mingli suggested with particular sincerity.
Shen Jinmo ignored Qi Mingli, that idiot, and turned away angrily with his tall and slender figure.
Lu Zhiwei and Ruan Jizhou sat at the same table at the banquet. Ruan Jizhou even introduced Lu Zhiwei to the director and producer of his drama, helping her to expand her network.
After dinner, Lu Zhiwei felt dizzy and nauseous. She didn't know if it was because she had been too busy and tired lately, coupled with the grief of her grandmother's passing, that she was exhausted and felt weak all over.
"I'm going back now. My assistant will follow up on your schedule regarding the endorsement deal." Lu Zhiwei picked up her handbag and prepared to leave.
Seeing that her expression was off, Ruan Jizhou got up to see her off, saying, "I'll send a driver to take you home; it's on the way."
Lu Zhiwei drove herself and didn't want to leave the car at the hotel, so she casually declined, saying, "I can drive back myself."
Ruan Jizhou's gaze swept over her. "Have you never relied on anyone before?"
Her clear and melodious voice was as pleasant as a cello.
Lu Zhiwei's beautiful eyes widened in surprise, and she fell into a long silence.
Yes, from childhood to adulthood, she has always been strong and independent. In order for herself and her mother to survive in a foreign country, she can only rely on herself.
It wasn't that she didn't want to rely on others; it was that she had no one to rely on at all.
During the three years she was married to Shen Jinmo, she tried to be a little woman and depend on him for survival.
In the end, he became a laughing stock.
Later, she realized that only by being her own queen could she radiate light.
Ruan Jizhou had already guessed everything from her story-filled expression, and a trace of heartache welled up in his deep eyes.
He didn't say much.
He quietly and gentlemanly picked up the coat from the back of her chair and took the handbag from her hand. "I'll have the driver bring the car out of the garage. We'll wait at the entrance."
Lu Zhiwei gazed at his handsome, elegant, and noble back.
Like a finely carved piece of jade, it is free of impurities.
I walked to the hotel entrance.
A cold night wind blew in, and Lu Zhiwei shivered.
Ruan Jizhou draped his coat back over her shoulders and was about to help her button it up.
Lu Zhiwei avoided the question, saying, "The media will take pictures."
Ruan Jizhou withdrew his outstretched hand: "I'm not afraid of rumors, but if you mind, I'll be careful."
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