Chapter 413 (Combined with 4132)
413:
Ye Qingxi returned home and immediately got back to work on film-related matters.
By the time he's almost finished with his work, his birthday will be approaching.
The film's critical and commercial success is undoubtedly the best gift he received for his 21st birthday.
Ye Qingxi was very happy, and in her happiness, she began to conceive a new script.
His second film is also planned to be a low-budget movie—low-budget is good, because he can invest in it himself, he can keep more if he makes a profit, and he won't feel too bad if he loses money.
However, Ye Qingxi doesn't plan to make another youth film; he intends to make a suspense film instead.
At the same time, he also plans to give his father some scenes in this film.
Since it was a film she directed independently, Ye Qingxi still wanted to include Mu Shaowu's image in it.
Previously, he felt that youth films were not suitable, and it was also his first time trying this genre. He was unsure of himself and was afraid that the audience would not like it and would think that he had not directed well, which would affect his father's reputation.
Now, seeing the audience's praise, he finally dares to include Mu Shaowu in his film.
However, conceiving a script is not an easy task, but Ye Qingxi was not in a hurry. While busy with "Midsummer", she was also thinking about the new script.
Around September, Qin Cheng left again, flying to his school.
This time, however, Pei Liang and Kang Cong did not leave.
They have ended their short trip and returned to where they grew up. They will never leave their families and friends again.
“Come on.” Kang Cong raised his teacup. “Let’s celebrate that our F4 is together again, and that we’ll never be apart again.”
Zhong Yan exclaimed without hesitation, "You really are part of F4?"
"What's wrong? Is it not okay?" Kang Cong asked him.
Zhong Yan picked up her drink cup. "Okay, okay."
Seeing this, Ye Qingxi also picked up the drink in front of her.
He was genuinely happy.
He and his friends were reunited after a brief separation.
From now on, they will be like before, like when they were children, like their grandfathers, forever and always, walking side by side toward the unknown future.
His friend came back, which was the second wonderful birthday gift Ye Qingxi received in her twenty-first year.
In fact, Ye Qingxi's level of affection for him far surpasses the great success of his films.
Ye Qingxi happily clinked glasses with everyone, drank her beverages, and reminisced about the past with a smile.
After the meal, Pei Liang and Zhong Yan were together again, while Kang Cong was responsible for taking Ye Qingxi home.
He didn't even drink alcohol so he could drive.
Kang Cong looked at his childhood friend and said helplessly, "You still don't dare to set off?"
Ye Qingxi: ...
Ye Qingxi was indeed a little hesitant, and in most cases, he had someone to pick him up and drop him off, so he didn't need to force himself to be bold.
Therefore, Ye Qingxi did not make things difficult for herself.
"Then your driver's license was obtained for nothing?" Kang Cong asked.
Ye Qingxi looked at him and said, "It's different. It's better for me to have something than not to have one."
"Besides, I know how to drive. I'm just afraid that if I get nervous, I'll make a mistake and cause a traffic accident."
After all, he died in a traffic accident in his previous life.
Although Ye Qingxi felt it was quite good at the time, and it could be considered as her wish coming true.
But not everyone is like him back then; even he himself has long since changed his mindset.
Therefore, Ye Qingxi was genuinely afraid of causing an accident while driving.
Kang Cong didn't know about his past experiences, so he was unaware of his fear. Therefore, he shook his head and said, "Alright, then I'll continue to be your driver."
Ye Qingxi: ? ? ?
"elder brother?"
Kang Cong smiled, revealing a row of small white teeth. "Yeah, I'm older than you, so I'm your older brother~"
Ye Qingxi chuckled, "Then I'll call my brother and tell him that he has a new younger brother."
Kang Cong: ? ? ?
Kang Cong: ...
Kang Cong was helpless. Wasn't this just a deliberate attempt to get Qin Cheng to teach him a lesson when he came back next time?
He glanced at Ye Qingxi and said, "Are you really planning to continue making movies and not go to your family company?"
Ye Qingxi nodded, "I'm already starting to think about my next movie."
Kang Cong hesitated and asked, "Are you... embarrassed?"
Ye Qingxi shook her head.
He knew what Kang Cong meant.
“Yes, it used to be,” he said truthfully. “After all, I’m not my grandfather’s biological grandson.”
"But after I had a talk with my grandfather, that was the end of it."
"I just want to play a little longer now. Otherwise, once I join the company, I'll have to work there for the rest of my life, barring any unforeseen circumstances."
Kang Cong: ...That's true.
The thought that he was going to do this job for the rest of his life made Kang Cong feel melancholy.
He still loves flying planes and skydiving, but these can only remain hobbies.
He had played with Pei Liang since childhood, and was even helped by Pei Liang to get into a 985 university. Kang Cong wasn't stupid, so he naturally knew when to make which choice.
He was able to live a carefree life from childhood because his father was President Kang.
Therefore, if he wants his child to live as freely as he pleases, then he must also be President Kang.
Kang Cong started the car and drove Ye Qingxi home.
The return to school for students marks the end of the summer vacation.
The dark horse "Midsummer," which was unknown before its release but immediately broke through the competition and led the summer for a whole year, has finally slowed down and begun to give up its screenings to newer films.
Ye Qingxi was pleasantly surprised when she saw the box office figures so far.
He never imagined that "Midsummer" would achieve such high box office returns, just as he never imagined that his first time directing would earn him both box office success and critical acclaim.
Ye Qingxi waited until "Midsummer" finished its run and received her final share of the profits before giving gifts to everyone around her.
He made a fortune this time, so the gifts he gave were all quite valuable.
However, when facing Huo Zinan and Chen Xiang, he did not give them gifts, but instead gave them money directly.
"Here you go." Ye Qingxi handed the check to the two of them.
Chen Xiang: !!!
Huo Zinan: !!!
Both of them looked at him in surprise.
Ye Qingxi didn't mince words and said directly, "I think you'd be happier if I gave you money."
His family and friends are not short of money, so giving gifts is a token of their appreciation and a pleasant surprise. As for Chen Xiang, since he has lured someone else's son to be his agent, he should at least let the other party's parents see that this job can actually be quite lucrative.
As for Huo Zinan, it's even simpler. He's short of money, he needs money, so giving him money is the easiest option.
Huo Zinan returned the check and said to him, "I don't want this. Let's get something else. I happen to have something I want."
"What?" Ye Qingxi asked in confusion.
"I'd like to borrow a lawyer from your dad," Huo Zinan said.
The immense popularity of "Midsummer" not only brought Huo Zinan countless fans and a surge in popularity, allowing him to make a comeback in the entertainment industry and become a new generation of popular young actor, but also caused his parents to frantically contact him.
Huo Zinan, though not yet a college graduate, is now an adult, so he wants to completely sever ties with his parents.
But this is clearly not something he can do alone; he needs a lawyer, an excellent and capable lawyer.
After thinking it over, Huo Zinan felt that it was more reliable to ask Ye Qingxi than to go looking for someone himself.
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingxi replied without hesitation, "Okay."
“But this doesn’t conflict with this.” He pushed the check back.
Huo Zinan smiled and said to him, "You've already paid me, so there's no need to give me any extra profit sharing."
“I not only got paid for this movie, but I also became famous. Now I have a lot of advertising endorsements coming my way. I have gained far more than I put in, so I definitely can’t accept your check.”
“Next time,” Huo Zinan said. “After I pay back the money I owe you, and then you make another movie, I’ll invest with you. That way, when the movie makes money, I’ll naturally be entitled to a share of the profits.”
Chen Xiang also said, "Yes, I didn't invest in this movie either. It doesn't make sense for me to make money now and take your share of the profits. Let me wait until I invest in the future before taking it."
After he finished speaking, he pushed the check back.
Ye Qingxi had no choice but to replace the gifts with presents and send them over instead.
He was afraid they wouldn't accept them, so he didn't buy anything too expensive and only gave them watches worth a few hundred thousand.
Huo Zinan and Chen Xiang were naturally very happy.
Chen Xiang was wearing the new watch Ye Qingxi had given him, and he kept waving it around in front of his father, until his father said helplessly, "I see it, I see it, Mr. Chen, stop showing off your watch and come eat."
Huo Zinan, wearing Ye Qingxi's watch and with the lawyer Mu Shaowu had found for him, returned home to make a final break with his parents.
A few days later, Huo Zinan returned victorious.
He went to see Ye Qingxi and told him the final result.
Ye Qingxi said happily, "That's great! You'll be free from now on."
Huo Zinan nodded.
He and Ye Qingxi strolled along the sun-drenched tree-lined path.
The artificial lake not far away shimmered in the sunlight. Huo Zinan looked at it and suddenly said, "Actually, back then, I mean before you came, there was a period when I felt that life was quite meaningless. Once, when I was filming a scene where I was drowning, as I sank, I even thought that dying like this might be a good thing."
Ye Qingxi was shocked.
He looked at Huo Zinan. He had vaguely realized back then that Huo Zinan had some psychological problems, but he never expected that the problems would be even more serious than he thought.
"Of course, I didn't actually let myself die in the water. After all, we were filming a movie. If an actor suddenly dies, the crew will suffer a lot. It's an undeserved disaster."
Huo Zinan turned to look at him, "I'm so glad I didn't die there or at home back then, otherwise I wouldn't be able to see the scenery now."
"Ye Qingxi, thank you." Huo Zinan said solemnly, "Meeting you and being recognized as a friend by you is the luckiest thing in my life."
Ye Qingxi listened and slowly smiled.
He said, "I'm also very lucky to have a good friend who feels very fortunate to have met me."
Upon hearing this, Huo Zinan smiled.
The two walked towards the artificial lake.
After seeing Huo Zinan off, Ye Qingxi began working on the creation of a new script.
This creative process took half a year.
In the warm spring of March, Mu Ge turned one year old.
Ye Qingxi has finally finished writing this script.
He spent a few days playing with his adorable little cousin before starting to select actors and set up the set.
Following the success of "Midsummer", Ye Qingxi is now recruiting actors. As soon as he sent out the training materials, many agents of young actors came to him.
Netizens exclaimed in surprise: "Why is he making another movie?!"
[Yes, didn't "The Summer of Love" just finish its theatrical run?]
[That's so fast! Ye Qingxi, you're really diligent!]
Some people are full of honors at the age of 21, while others are still in school and haven't graduated, having accomplished nothing!
Ugh, please stop talking! I just can't stand people who are talented and work so hard!
He deserves to succeed; someone like him will succeed at anything!
[But why is he making a suspense film instead of a youth film this time?]
Honestly, this is such a huge leap, is it even possible to succeed?
I don't know, but I think it might work. Ye Qingxi seems to be successful at everything she does so far!
That's true, in some ways he's really awesome!
The amazing Ye Qingxi quickly finalized the casting.
Huo Zinan still stars, with Mu Shaowu making a cameo appearance, and another actor named Lü Heng playing the second male lead.
This time, as Zhong Yan wished, Ye Qingxi arranged a cameo role for him as well.
Of course, Zhong Yan is not a professionally trained actor and has not acted in many dramas, so the role Ye Qingxi gave him basically overlapped with his own personality, and he only needed to appear in his true self.
Zhong Yan was very satisfied with this.
Ye Qingxi asked Pei Liang and Kang Cong, "Should we arrange one for you two too?"
“Sure,” Kang Cong said casually.
"It's up to you," Pei Liang said.
Ye Qingxi then assigned them simple roles as well.
After making the arrangements, he thought of Qin Cheng again.
Including this time, Zhong Yan and her team have collaborated with him on two films.
But Qin Cheng has never done it even once.
This was mainly because when Qin Cheng came to visit the set when they were children, they happened to miss Zhong Yan and the others.
Qin Cheng is a very well-behaved kid in a sense. He knows he is not an actor and he can't act, so he won't ask himself to appear next to Ye Qingxi who is acting.
But Zhong Yan is different. He is more true to himself by nature. If he wants something, he will ask for it, and he can usually get it.
Pei Liang and Kang Cong only asked to join Zhong Yan because they saw that she was pregnant.
Qin Cheng missed them and naturally didn't go with them.
Therefore, Ye Qingxi specifically called Qin Cheng to ask him if he wanted to make a cameo appearance.
Qin Cheng: ?
Qin Cheng was somewhat puzzled, "I can't act."
“No acting skills are needed,” Ye Qingxi said. “It’s just playing yourself.”
"Of course, if you find it troublesome, then it's not for you. I just asked you because Zhong Yan and the others wanted it."
Qin Cheng then understood why he had suddenly asked him this question.
“I don’t need it,” he said. “You have fun with them.”
“Okay,” Ye Qingxi said.
"By the way, does your movie need investment?" Qin Cheng asked him.
Ye Qingxi smiled. "You want to invest in me?"
"Um."
"No need," Ye Qingxi said. "I have money. I'll invest it myself. That way, if I lose money, I won't feel guilty."
Qin Cheng chuckled at his words, "You're not planning to invest all the time yourself, are you?"
"Of course not," Ye Qingxi said. "If I ever want to make a big-budget film, I'll definitely have to have the producer raise the investment. These days, most films are low-budget."
"Then remember to let me know when the time comes," Qin Cheng said.
“Okay~” Ye Qingxi agreed.
Qin Cheng listened to his voice and then reminded him, "Take care of your health while filming, and don't stay up too late."
"I know," Ye Qingxi said. "You too, go to bed early and don't stay up too late."
"Hmm," Qin Cheng replied.
And so, Ye Qingxi's film held its opening ceremony in early June.
He first focused on filming all of Mu Shaowu's scenes.
"Why?" Chen Xiang asked, puzzled. "Wouldn't that mean we can't film according to the location? We'll have to pay more."
"It's okay," Ye Qingxi said nonchalantly. "It's not like I'm short of money. Besides, my dad isn't an actor anymore; he's now President Mu, so I'm worried he'll get too busy and won't have time."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiang agreed that he was right; this place would cost money every single day it was there.
Chen Xiang asked with concern, "Are you sure you don't need me to contribute points too?"
"No need," Ye Qingxi said. "I earned so much from my last film, it's enough to live on."
Chen Xiang was relieved and quietly put his bank card back into his wallet.
Mu Shaowu is a senior figure in terms of seniority, a former top star, and a movie star.
In terms of status, he is Ye Qingxi's father and Chen Xiang and Huo Zinan's Uncle Mu.
Therefore, he could practically do whatever he wanted on set.
Those he knows call him "Uncle Mu" all the time, while those he doesn't know well call him "Teacher Mu" all the time.
Mu Shaowu smiled broadly, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Sitting next to his beloved son, he deeply felt, "This is what it means for a father to gain status through his son!"
Ye Qingxi smiled at him and said, "Dad, if you like it, you can continue to make cameo appearances in my movies in the future."
"Okay." Mu Shaowu rubbed his head.
Feng Que also remarked, "Your control over the film is much more mature now than it was with the last one."
"Really?" Ye Qingxi asked him.
Feng Que nodded, "Go for it! Daddy believes in you!"
"Dad thinks highly of you too!" Mu Shaowu said.
Filming went on for a month, and Mu Shaowu wrapped up his role, ending his cameo appearance.
It wasn't until filming wrapped that Ye Qingxi finally released stills of Mu Shaowu.
In the still, Mu Shaowu is wearing gold-rimmed glasses and his hair is slightly long. He is leaning back in his chair, reading a book. His attire is very elegant, which makes him look handsome and scholarly.
This still immediately caused a stir upon its release.
Mu Shaowu's fans screamed: [Ahhhhh, it's Shaowu! Shaowu is actually filming again!]
[Mu Shaowu, won't you get old? How come you're still so handsome!]
[I'm totally drooling over this! Xiaoxi, you're such a great photographer!]
[You're such a good son, Xiaoxi! Mommy has wanted to see your dad for so long!]
[Waaaaah, I thought I'd never see Shao Wu act again in my life!]
[I knew it! If anyone could persuade Shao Wu to come, it would definitely be Xiao Xi!]
【That's right, I might not give face to others, but how could I not give face to Xiaoxi?】
So, can't this movie really not be released tomorrow? I really want to see it tomorrow!
Ye Qingxi: ...Of course that won't work.
Before long, #MuShaowu# became a trending topic.
Ye Qingxi laughed as she looked at the heated discussion among netizens. She had to admit that her father was really amazing. Even though he hadn't acted for so many years, he could still generate so much discussion with just a single still.
He was either a former top star or he had the physique to be a celebrity.
Just as Mu Shaowu was trending on social media, he received a phone call. There had been a problem with a collaboration project overseas, and he needed to go there.
Mu Shaowu had no choice but to pack his luggage.
It just so happened that Feng Que also needed to go back to the Phoenix Group headquarters, so he decided to leave with him.
Mu Shaowu looked at his precious son and instructed him, "Your dad and I are going on a business trip. You can stay at your grandpa's house for a while. Call me if anything happens."
“Okay,” Ye Qingxi said.
But what could possibly happen?
Ye Qingxi thought, "Besides, with his grandfather around, wouldn't everything be easily solved if he were around?"
Mu Shaowu knew what he was thinking, and then he thought that Mu Shao and Yan Mu Shaoting also lived nearby, so he felt relieved.
He flicked Ye Qingxi's nose, and the next day, he and Feng Que boarded the Mu family's plane and left the country.
Ye Qingxi then returned to Mu Feng's villa.
He had only stayed for two days when Qin Cheng returned.
He graduated.
From now on, he will no longer need to fly abroad.
Ye Qingxi was happy for a long time when she realized this.
He almost hugged Qin Cheng in the car that was picking him up to go home.
"So you're not going to leave again?" he asked happily.
"Yes." Qin Cheng nodded, "Besides the family business needs."
"That's great!" Ye Qingxi exclaimed excitedly.
He felt that the river of his life, after flowing for five years, had finally merged with the small tributaries that had branched off during his growth.
His friends and brothers returned to his side once again.
The brief separation is over; what remains is eternity.
Ye Qingxi looked at Qin Cheng, her smile unable to fade.
Looking at his joyful face, Qin Cheng couldn't help but smile as well.
He didn't expect Ye Qingxi to be so happy.
But he was happy that Ye Qingxi would be pleased that he would not leave again.
They went back to Mu Zheng's house together.
Qin Luan had already prepared dinner.
Ye Qingxi had dinner with Qin Cheng's family and then stayed overnight at Qin Cheng's house.
However, he had to work the next day, so he didn't stay at Mu Zheng's house for too long.
The next morning, he left in Mu Zheng's car.
That day, after filming a night scene, Ye Qingxi rode in Chen Xiang's car home.
He walked to the door, opened it, and went inside, only to see Qin Cheng standing in the entryway.
Ye Qingxi: ? ? ?
Ye Qingxi asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why did you come here?"
He glanced behind Qin Cheng and asked, "Have your uncle and aunt arrived?"
"Mm." Qin Cheng nodded.
Ye Qingxi quickly changed her shoes and went inside.
Sure enough, his uncle and aunt were sitting on the sofa, and his grandfather was sitting on the other sofa.
Seeing him return, Qin Luan smiled and said, "Xiao Xi, you're back! Xiao Cheng was just saying he was going to pick you up."
Ye Qingxi then realized that Qin Cheng was standing in the entryway, preparing to change his shoes and go out to pick her up.
He had returned first, so he didn't change his shoes or go out.
Ye Qingxi turned to look at Qin Cheng.
Qin Cheng's expression remained unchanged.
“Sit down,” he said.
Ye Qingxi nodded and sat down on the sofa.
Qin Cheng then sat down next to him.
"Uncle, what brings you here?" Ye Qingxi asked curiously.
Mu Zheng smiled and said, "I came to see your grandfather and also to give Xiao Cheng a ride."
Sending off Xiao Cheng?
Ye Qingxi was somewhat puzzled.
Perhaps sensing his confusion, Mu Zheng explained, "Your brother grew up by my side since he was little. I've already taught him everything I could, so I want him to stay here for a while so your grandfather can teach him and keep him company."
Ye Qingxi: !!
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingxi's eyes lit up instantly.
In that case, wouldn't he and Qin Cheng be living together?
He turned to look at Qin Cheng.
Qin Cheng smiled at him and replied with his eyes: "Mm."
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