Entering the Huang family's gate, the snow in the yard had been cleared to create a clean path. Festive red lanterns hung on the trees were fluttering in the wind. The youngest son, Huang Shao, was already waiting in the yard:
"Master Zhang, what brings you here?"
"Master Shao Si has returned from the south? I came to wish Uncle Huang a happy new year and meet your little girl."
"Meet my little girl? What does that mean?" Huang Shao asked in confusion.
Zhang Chengli patted Huang Shao's arm and said, "Let's talk inside."
---
The living room was abuzz with activity. Bright red couplets and golden characters for "Fu" adorned the walls, exuding a rich festive atmosphere. A roaring fire lit the room, its warmth bringing a sense of peace and comfort. Several family members were busy making dumplings, their faces beaming with festive joy, their voices filled with laughter. The coffee table was filled with a variety of snacks: nuts, candies, and fruits, all emitting a fragrant aroma.
After Zhang Chengli entered, his eyes quickly swept across the crowd and finally landed on Huang Wenrong. She was sitting at the dining table, wearing a light pink sweater, with long hair gently draped over her shoulders, looking particularly pure and charming.
"Uncle Huang, Aunt Huang, Happy New Year! I'm here to pay my respects to you two."
He respectfully handed the gift to the nanny, then turned to face the elders in the living room.
"Zhang boy, are your parents in good health?" asked the second grandfather.
"Everything is fine, Uncle Huang. I came here today to ask for a favor." Zhang Chengli's eyes fell on Huang Wenrong again and continued,
"Everyone knows I'm a director. I recently took on a music video for a Hong Kong and Taiwan superstar and need a female lead. I think your daughter is perfect for the job, so I took the liberty of visiting you."
The atmosphere in the living room suddenly froze for a few seconds, and everyone looked at Huang Wenrong.
"Zhang boy, this is my great-niece, and she is still studying in my hometown. I don't understand what you are saying. Her biological father and biological grandmother are here, so I can't make the decision on this matter." The second grandfather said.
"When it comes to children's affairs, they always make their own decisions. Wenrong, what do you think?" said Huang's father.
Huang Wenrong was obviously stunned by the news and was at a loss. She looked at Xu Mengyao for help, and the latter immediately walked to her side and gave her support.
"Hello, whose MV is this? What is the content of the filming? Are there any intimate scenes? Can you show us the contract?" Xu Mengyao asked calmly.
Zhang Chengli was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting a young girl to ask these questions.
"Young man from the Zhang family," Second Grandma said gently, "please sit down first and talk slowly. Explain it to us clearly."
"Okay, Aunt Huang, I'm shooting the music video for the latest single by Hong Kong and Taiwan superstar, Monsoon, and I'm looking for a woman with oriental classical beauty to be the female lead.
The content is primarily aesthetically pleasing, depicting the protagonist's memories of his first love. There will be some hand-holding and hugging, with a focus on emotional exchange, without any overly dramatic scenes. After all, first love is all about the innocent feeling. I can share the preliminary script and contract with you now, so you can get an idea of what the project entails."
As he spoke, Zhang Chengli took out a script from his handbag and handed it to Huang Wenrong, adding:
"There are some dance moves in here. If you'd like, we can arrange for a professional dance teacher to teach you. If you have any questions or need any modifications, we can discuss it with you."
Huang Wenrong took the script and began flipping through it with nervous curiosity, occasionally looking up at Zhang Chengli, his eyes gleaming with curiosity about the unknown world. Xu Mengyao stood nearby, also reading the script with her head down, whispering to Huang Wenrong from time to time, both of their faces expressing a mixture of excitement and caution.
"Uncle Zhang, where is the filming location for this MV? How long will it take? Also, if we sign the contract, how much will the specific remuneration be?" Huang Wenrong finally raised his head, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Zhang Chengli patiently replied, "The filming locations will primarily be at some famous local attractions, with some indoor scenes as well. The estimated filming period is about a week. As for the remuneration, it's certainly not very high for a newcomer, but if you're willing to act, I can help you apply for a 2,000 yuan salary and sign a contract."
Hearing this, Auntie San said excitedly, "Is it the Ji Feng from the movie? A lot of people like him."
Zhang Chengli nodded: "Yes, sister-in-law, this is his first single to enter the mainland, and he attaches great importance to it, so he wants to find a girl from the mainland for the heroine."
"Oh, that's a great opportunity." Aunt San said happily.
However, the second grandmother was a little worried:
"But Wenrong is still a child after all. It's not appropriate for him to hold hands and hug a strange man."
Huang Nai also agreed: "Yes, it's better to focus on your studies. My eyes are healed now, and I should go home soon."
"Aunts, this is a great opportunity. Your daughter is so beautiful, she should be shown her talents to the public. I promise that the whole process will be safe and comfortable for her."
Zhang Chengli hurriedly tried to help, his eyes constantly glancing at the youngest son of the Huang family, hoping that he could help him.
"Yes, Mom, it's a different era now. Foreigners hug and kiss when they meet. It's polite. We can't be so feudal. Auntie, are you unhappy living in my house? Why are you in such a hurry to leave? This New Year's holiday is the first time our house has been so lively. You should stay for a while."
Huang Shao received Zhang Chengli's signal and tried to smooth things over.
"Besides, our little girl hasn't expressed her feelings yet. Why don't you go back first? Today is New Year's Eve. You really can make a scene. Let's spend the New Year peacefully first. When my niece has made up her mind, I'll call you tomorrow morning."
Zhang Chengli knew that this was a way for him to get out of trouble, so he had to get up and say goodbye. Huang Shao saw him out, and the two of them walked in the yard. Zhang Chengli put his arm around Huang Shao's shoulder and begged Huang Shao,
"Master Shao Si, please help your brother this time. I'm counting on this MV to win an award!"
"I want your pair of white jade teacups." Huang Shao said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"Hey, you kid are taking advantage of others' misfortune. You are still thinking about it after so many years." Zhang Chengli glared angrily.
"Hmph, just tell me whether it's possible or not." Huang Shao looked indifferent.
Zhang Chengli gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, as long as you bring your little girl to me to be the heroine."
"You can be the heroine, but you have to watch me carefully. If anything goes wrong in your hands, my old man will skin both of us."
"Don't worry, I know what's going on. I won't let your little girl see those messy things. I'll pick her up and drop her off personally. I'll send her back to you after the photoshoot every day."
"I don't need you. My family is full of men. They will take turns being her bodyguards."
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