Chapter 49
When He Tong and Ye Yuze arrived at the teahouse they had agreed to meet, they discovered it was completely booked. Only the young man they had seen in the video was waiting for them alone inside.
The man was wearing formal attire, which concealed some of the banditry in the video, but he still had a hint of ruthlessness.
Seeing He Tong and his two companions enter with their four bodyguards, he said nothing, simply raised his hand and gestured for them to come in. After everyone was seated, he personally poured each of them a cup of tea.
After that, the man did not sit down, but bowed deeply to He Tong.
He Tong reached out and gave him a slight support, saying calmly, "Sir, please sit down and talk."
The man didn't refuse and sat down and said, "My name is Pang Jiu. I'm sorry for taking advantage of Mr. He this time."
He Tong couldn't help but raise his eyebrows when he heard him say "exploit" instead of "wronged".
"You also know that I was wronged?"
Pang Jiu shook his head: "I don't know. But I know that no matter whether it is you or not, this is the only way to catch the criminal as soon as possible."
He Tong listened with a hint of interest. Pang Jiu looked like a rough man, but after meeting him, one could tell he was actually quite calculating.
Pang Jiu bowed again: "I followed the human traffickers to work outside when I was fifteen, and have been working in Country M ever since. I think you all know that people like us who have no education and no skills can only stay there secretly, and it is difficult to contact our families. Eleven years have passed, and I finally made some progress, so I managed to come home to visit. I didn't expect..."
He paused, then continued, "My connections aren't here. If I follow the normal process, I don't know when I'll catch that beast. Someone contacted me and asked for help, so I agreed."
"He and I were using each other. He used me to harm you, and I used his connections to attract attention. But I kept a trick up my sleeve. He didn't expect I had evidence. He just thought that if this matter became public, you wouldn't be able to clear your suspicion and that the investigation wouldn't be able to trace him. So when I mentioned I had a child, he panicked and blocked my account."
Pang Jiu looked at He Tong without flinching, "I'm sorry for what I did to you. But other than this, I don't know what else to do. I did doubt you, but you're a big star, backed by a big company. If I can't produce any evidence, the police may not agree to test your relationship with the child. So I can only take a gamble and let you come forward to prove your innocence."
At this point, he pressed his hand against the table and bowed again. "It was you who provided the clues that allowed us to find that guy so quickly. My family and I are very grateful to you. I know you're not short of money, and I don't think I can offer you a sum that would impress you. I can only ask you to believe that I sincerely want to apologize. If there is anything in the future that is inconvenient for you to deal with yourself and you need someone to take the lead, please feel free to ask. I will never refuse."
He Tong touched his chin. Seeing that Pang Jiu was a perceptive person, he became interested in making friends with him.
"Let's not talk about those unpleasant things. I know you are doing this for your sister. What are your plans for the future?"
When talking about his family, Pang Jiu's expression softened a little.
"Those of us out there are doing pretty well in Continental M. We've bought some land and houses and have accumulated some assets. I plan to take my parents and sister out for a few years. I believe their mood will gradually improve as they get away from the environment here. Then we'll see if they want to stay there or come back and live somewhere else, and then we'll make arrangements."
He Tong nodded: "L Continent, there are quite a lot of Chinese people there."
Pang Jiu took out a business card and handed it over with both hands.
"There's an old castle on the land we bought. Although it's dilapidated, it's still a rare novelty these days. If you're interested, please come anytime and I'll definitely give you a good reception."
He Tong took the business card and chatted with Pang Jiu with great interest for a while before getting up and leaving.
After getting in the car, Ye Yuze suddenly said, "You admire him very much."
The "Brother Ye's emotion detector" in He Tong's body immediately went online and turned red.
"I just think he's able to endure hardships, and even after becoming successful, he never forgets his family. He's also willing to take the trouble to stand up for his sister. He's a man of integrity and loyalty, and worth making friends with."
As he spoke, he pulled up Ye Yuze's hand and squeezed it gently.
"Brother, if you don't like him, I will block him now and never contact him again."
Ye Yuze felt itchy from being pinched, so he held He Tong's hand with his backhand and pressed it on the seat.
"Not really. But don't get too close. He's a dangerous man."
He Tong moved his fingers slightly, interlocked his fingers with Ye Yuze's, then leaned over and kissed him on the face.
"I'll do as you say."
◆◇◆
Two days later, the two flew to Winter City in Country G.
Bei Jiaxiang invited the two to his home and prepared a sumptuous dinner for them with his wife Susan.
After dinner, Bei Jiaxiang told them in detail about the drama they were working on.
"It's been delayed for so long because I'm arguing with the production company about the casting. They want to use the people they selected, but I'm not satisfied with the selection. I want to use you two, but they're not willing to agree, so we're stuck on both sides."
He Tong peeled an orange and stuffed it into Ye Yuze's hand, then asked with a smile, "Have we finally communicated?"
"It's also thanks to the Chinese market. Last year, several foreign films were huge hits, one of which nearly grossed 4 billion yuan, and another recently hit during the Spring Festival. The production company was also very envious, and after much discussion, they finally compromised. However, they want to form a joint venture with your Xingchen, partly to share the risk, and partly to facilitate the release in China. Joint ventures always have advantages over foreign investment."
"Investment is no problem. We originally had this intention, but we were worried that they would seize the good project and want to take it all for themselves, and not be willing to share a piece of the pie."
After that, He Tong politely thanked him again: "Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, the box office giant, even if an Asian lead was needed, a nobody like me would definitely not get the chance."
Bei Jiaxiang smiled and waved his hand. "When I choose actors, I only consider whether they're suitable. Whether their acting skills are up to par or not, fame is not a factor for me. I chose you because I think you can deliver the effect I want. Don't think that just because you've made me happy now, I'll relax my expectations during filming."
He Tong raised his head and chest: "That can't be possible. I'm very strict with myself."
Bei Jiaxiang looked him up and down several times and said, "My first requirement is that you lose weight. You have to lose at least 10 kilograms, and 15 is even better."
After he finished speaking, he took out the script and handed it to the two of them: "You can take a look at it tonight. While we are here for the next few days, let's go over the script."
He Tong took the script but didn't rush to read it. They already knew the plot of the film; it was based on a popular fantasy novel series from a few years ago, and they both had read the original.
The production company wanted to hype up the entire series, so they attached great importance to this first film. He Tong also had some impression of this film; it had caused quite a stir in his previous life.
The director at the time was also Bei Jiaxiang, and the lead actor was also a rising star who had just debuted. However, during filming, it was revealed that the actor had made inappropriate public remarks, which angered Bei Jiaxiang. Although the actor later apologized, because the production company was unwilling to replace him, Bei Jiaxiang simply terminated the contract and left, forcing the crew to temporarily change the director.
Although the film was finally released, the change of director not only increased costs, but also caused the film to be less than satisfactory. It also encountered some boycotts due to the leading actor. In the end, the box office was mediocre, and the entire subsequent series was shelved.
Thinking of this, He Tong casually asked about the other actors and found that the leading actor from the previous life was not there. He couldn't help but feel a little relieved.
At this time, Ye Yuze, who had been listening quietly, asked, "Director Bei, when are you planning to start filming? How much time will He Tong have to lose weight?"
Speaking of this, Bei Jiaxiang showed an embarrassed look.
"Alas, we haven't decided on a location yet. I had my eye on an old castle in Continent L. The surrounding woods are perfect, and they could accommodate most of the plot's needs. But the crew has contacted everyone there several times, and they've refused to let us rent it."
Hearing this, He Tong couldn't help but look at Ye Yuze.
An ancient castle in Europe? What a coincidence.
After comparing the locations, they found that it was indeed the place Pang Jiu mentioned two days ago.
He Tong smiled immediately: "The owner of that place owes me a favor. I'll go talk to him, it should work."
Bei Jiaxiang clapped his hands in delight, "You guys are truly my lucky stars! As long as this can be finalized, we can start filming by early April at the latest. With two months left, it shouldn't be difficult for you to lose a dozen kilograms. I want that skinny feeling you get when a young person's body is stretched thin due to lack of nutrition, you know?"
He Tong responded with a smile: "Don't worry, I will find a nutritionist and a body trainer to study it as soon as I return to China."
After making an appointment to discuss the script tomorrow, He Tong and Ye Yuze stood up to say goodbye.
It was not too late when the two left Bei Jiaxiang's house. This area was close to the center of Dongcheng, and there was a busy square not far away.
He Tong was interested at the moment, so he took Ye Yuze for a walk.
There were many people performing their talents in the square, some playing the trumpet, some playing the violin, some dancing, some doing juggling, etc. The two walked slowly hand in hand, stopping to look at anything they saw that interested them.
It was still very cold in the winter city in early February. As the two walked, they noticed that fine snowflakes were falling from the sky.
Ye Yuze turned around and gestured to the bodyguard, who immediately handed him an umbrella. He opened the umbrella and turned back to see He Tong holding out his hand to catch snowflakes.
Ye Yuze raised his eyebrows: "Although it doesn't snow much in Yancheng, it's not something you should be surprised about."
He Tong brushed off the snowflakes in his hand, took the umbrella, and held it high. He smiled and said, "I just suddenly remembered a fanfiction I read before. There was a scene in it that described the two of us taking a walk in the snow, and walking all the way until we are old and gray. I think the metaphor is quite good."
Ye Yuze was silent for a moment, then looked up at the falling snow and said, "If you walk around without a hat or an umbrella, you might get white hair, but you're sure to catch a cold."
He Tong laughed heartily, hugged his brother Ye into his arms and covered him with an umbrella.
"Then to avoid catching a cold, let's get back to the hotel. In this kind of weather, the best thing to do is stay inside and take a hot bath!"
The next day, Tongze fans were pleasantly surprised to find that He Tong, who had not been active for a long time, had posted new photos.
@贺同V: The snow is so light, I had to sweep the snow from the entire balcony to make a pile. [Praise me now]
The picture shows two miniature snowmen, one taller and one shorter. They not only hold a small paper umbrella together, but also wear a small scarf made of a rolled-up handkerchief.
Fans: Praise! Summon Master Ze to come and warm Tongtong’s hands!
The author has something to say: Thanks to the little angel "Ya Xi" for the mine~~
Thanks to the little angel "Red Bean Paste Xiao Yuanyuan" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "Rongrong" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "Yan Guilai" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "a big abdominal muscle" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "32446311" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "Qingxiao" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "Su Ci" for the nutrient solution~~
Thanks to the little angel "Yao Xiang" for the nutrient solution~~
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