“Well, you brat. I was wondering why you booked such a massive private room for just a few of us. So this was the plan all along,” Tang Shang said. His words sounded like a reproach, but he spoke with a wide grin. Anyone with eyes could see how thrilled he was.
The room Zhang Jin’an had reserved was the largest in the restaurant, roughly thirty square meters. It featured two large round tables capable of seating over twenty people, decorated in a traditional Chinese style. To one side, a pair of wooden armchairs served as a lounge area. It was an upscale space, with windows offering a view of the city’s high-rises and bustling streets.
When Tang Shang had first sat down, he’d been suspicious, wondering if Zhang Jin’an simply had more money than sense to book such a place for only six people.
Now he understood.
“Consider this my birthday gift to you, Director Tang,” Zhang Jin’an said, taking a sip of lemon water.
Before Tang Shang could respond, Jiang Mengxin made a ‘time-out’ gesture.
“Wait, wait, Big Brother! How can this count as a birthday gift? It’s not like you bought us,” Jiang Mengxin said, resting her hands on Tang Shang’s shoulders. “When Director Tang’s actual birthday comes around, you can’t skip the gift, and it better not be small. Right, Director?”
Jiang Mengxin was clearly the youngest person in the room. Dressed in a trendy hoodie and a plaid skirt, she looked vibrant and full of life in Tang Shang’s eyes.
Zhang Jin’an let out a snort. “Wild girl.”
Jiang Mengxin ducked behind Tang Shang, laughing. “Director Tang, Big Brother is going to hit me!”
Hearing the nickname ‘wild girl,’ Tang Shang felt a sudden prickle of nostalgia. Looking at the lively scene before him, it felt as if they had traveled back to the days of filming *Plum Blossom Bone*.
*Plum Blossom Bone* was a historical drama. Back then, post-production technology wasn't as advanced as it was now, so they had filmed on location, mostly in the outskirts of the city. Sometimes, when they finished too late to return to the hotel, everyone would sleep in tents. There were many hardships along the way, but they had endured them together. On the day Zhang Jin’an finished his scenes—which was also the day the entire production wrapped—the whole crew had gathered for a barbecue. The sea breeze had stood witness to the experiences they’d shared over those five months.
Jiang Mengxin had been the youngest member of the crew. She was only a sophomore in high school during filming, brimming with natural talent. Everyone had treated her like a little sister, and Tang Shang had looked after her like a daughter. Jiang Mengxin had been most attached to Zhang Jin’an, constantly bickering with him. Zhang Jin’an always played along, and the rest of the crew would just watch them and laugh. At the end of every spat, Zhang Jin’an would always call her a ‘wild girl.’
“Three years have passed, and the wild girl has grown up,” Tang Shang said, sniffing slightly as he patted the back of Jiang Mengxin’s hand with pride. “How is university going?”
“I’m just studying and taking minor roles to learn on the job. Once I graduate, I’m coming to find you, Director Tang,” Jiang Mengxin said with a beaming smile, the two buns on her head bobbing. “Will I be welcome?”
“Of course. You’re welcome anytime, but I’ll still have to check your acting skills.”
Jiang Mengxin plopped down into the chair next to Tang Shang and groaned at the ceiling. “Ugh—I still have to audition?”
The table erupted in laughter. After a moment, Tang Shang waved his hand. “Alright, alright, it’s getting crowded around me. Everyone, sit down.”
They followed his lead and took their seats. Having not seen each other for a long time, there was plenty to talk about, and the room was never silent for a moment.
Su Zhiyang sat down next to Zhang Jin’an and greeted Li Qiang. “Hey, Brother Qiang.”
Li Qiang looked him over. “It’s July. Why are you wearing long sleeves? Aren’t you hot?”
Zhang Jin’an raised his glass, glancing at him while he drank. Su Zhiyang did look hot—he was wearing a red and yellow striped long-sleeved shirt tucked into high-waisted trousers.
Zhang Jin’an knew Su Zhiyang well. He was a slave to fashion; he wore whatever was trending, regardless of the twenty-nine-degree weather outside.
Sure enough, Su Zhiyang replied, “I’m not hot. This is the Hong Kong style; it’s trending right now. The key is to tuck the shirt in, and whether the pants stay up or not, you have to add a belt.”
Zhang Jin’an set his glass down. “Did you drive yourself? Where’s Sister Peng?”
Sister Peng was Su Zhiyang’s manager. Unlike Li Qiang, she was incredibly mellow, likely because raising two children had smoothed out her temper. No one had ever seen her get angry. She was so gentle that Zhang Jin’an had often mistaken Su Zhiyang for her son.
“Oh, Sister Peng said she had something to do,” Su Zhiyang said. “She told me to call her when I’m almost done eating, and she’ll come pick me up.”
Li Qiang spoke up. “Why make it so difficult for her? Just come with us.”
“Yeah, it’s only two streets away,” Zhang Jin’an added.
Su Zhiyang was delighted. “Oh, I didn't want to trouble you guys. But since you’re being so insistent, I’ll humbly accept.”
Zhang Jin’an narrowed his eyes and turned to Li Qiang. “Actually, now that I think about it, two streets is quite a hassle.”
Su Zhiyang: “?”
Li Qiang nodded, rotating his wrist. “True. I’ve been driving all day and I’m tired. I want to get home and rest early.”
Su Zhiyang grabbed Zhang Jin’an’s head and pulled him closer. “No, no, no! Big Brother, I was wrong. I won’t get cocky anymore.”
Just then, a waiter entered and placed several small appetizers on the glass lazy Susan.
“The food is here. Everyone, eat up,” Tang Shang said happily.
“Of course we’re eating! Our Film Emperor is treating us today!” Jiang Mengxin raised her glass of plain water toward Zhang Jin’an. “Thanks, Big Brother. I’ll drink to that!” With that, she downed the water in one go.
Su Zhiyang immediately stood up. “Come on, if we’re doing a toast, everyone should join in. This is basically a *Plum Blossom Bone* reunion!” He raised his glass. “Except for those driving or those who can’t drink, everyone take a few sips!”
“Cheers!” Everyone stood up in unison, clinking glasses in the air before sitting back down.
Zhang Jin’an was about to sit when he was called out again.
It was the veteran actress who had played his eldest sister in the drama. “Oh, Jin’an, you drank way too little. That’s not like you.”
Before Zhang Jin’an could reply, Su Zhiyang chimed in. “Exactly. You’re the one who called us all here. You’re the host and the Film Emperor—is that tiny sip appropriate?”
Everyone turned to Zhang Jin’an, joining Su Zhiyang in heckling him to drink more.
Zhang Jin’an kept a smile on his face, but mentally, he was already debating whether to drop Su Zhiyang off on the side of the road and make him walk home.
Completely unaware that his fate was being rewritten, Su Zhiyang continued to drag him down. “At least one full glass, right? One glass, one glass, one glass!”
“Fine, I’m in a good mood today,” Zhang Jin’an said. He gripped his glass and drained it. “There. Happy?”
“I think one glass is still a bit little,” Su Zhiyang teased.
Zhang Jin’an smiled thinly and leaned into Su Zhiyang’s ear. “I think you’d like to taste what it’s like to walk home.”
Su Zhiyang’s smile slowly stiffened. “…I was wrong. I’ll drink for you. I’ll drink for you.”
Only then did Zhang Jin’an contentedly pick up his chopsticks.
The others didn't hear what Zhang Jin’an had said and kept urging Su Zhiyang to keep the pressure on.
Su Zhiyang shook his head frantically, stealing nervous glances at Zhang Jin’an. Only he knew how much cold sweat he was breaking. “Forget it, forget it. Too much alcohol isn't good anyway. He has things to do tomorrow. Let’s eat, let’s eat.”
Since everyone was reasonable, they stopped pushing and began enjoying the meal.
“Did I do good?” Su Zhiyang whispered.
“Passable,” Zhang Jin’an said, eating a piece of beef.
They chatted and ate for about half an hour. A few people who were busy had to leave early, and many others had slowed down, feeling full.
It was time for more casual conversation. Li Qiang stepped out for a cigarette, and as soon as he left, Jiang Mengxin took his seat.
She smiled and said, “Big Brother, you’re so famous now. All my roommates know you. One of them is even a huge fan.”
Su Zhiyang interrupted, “Hah, what’s so strange about that? When is this guy *not* famous?”
Zhang Jin’an glanced at him. “Talk less, eat more. Play fewer games, read more books.”
Jiang Mengxin giggled, then asked, “Big Brother, I heard in an interview that your next drama is with Sister Gu?”
Zhang Jin’an swirled his glass, giving a very PR-friendly answer. “The filming is done. It’s just waiting to be aired, likely in the second half of the year.”
Su Zhiyang grew curious. “I say, are you really not together with Gu Yirou?”
“My relationship with her is strictly a showmance,” Zhang Jin’an clicked his tongue. “That aside, Teacher Gu is a top-tier teammate. If we get the chance, the four of us should play a game of Shuangkou.”
Jiang Mengxin: “?”
Zhang Jin’an: “Match-3 works too.”
Su Zhiyang waved him off. “No thanks.”
Jiang Mengxin laughed, then sighed. “Sigh… I’m not old enough, otherwise I would definitely audition for the second female lead in *Hidden Shadows*.”
Zhang Jin’an arched an eyebrow. “You know *Hidden Shadows* is casting?”
Jiang Mengxin nodded. “Yeah, Director Tang asked me about it. I thought the premise was interesting, so I bought the book. After reading it, I really wanted to play the part. Such a shame.”
“Director Tang asked me too, but I have a schedule conflict,” Su Zhiyang added. “Is the cast finalized?”
“Everyone except the second male lead,” Zhang Jin’an said.
“Cui Chi!” Jiang Mengxin perked up at the mention of the character, then turned serious. “Cui Chi is a hard one to cast. He has to be handsome and have great acting skills, but most importantly, the actor has to accept a low salary. Usually, actors who meet the requirements for Cui Chi are idol-level… but idol acting…”
The three of them fell into a collective silence. When Li Qiang returned and saw them sitting with their heads down, he was puzzled. “Are you three having a staring contest with the floor?”
“Brother Qiang, you’re back.” Jiang Mengxin stood up to give him his seat.
“It’s fine, stay seated. I’m going to the mall downstairs to pick some things up. Keep chatting.” Li Qiang grabbed his wallet and left again.
“Forget it, I’ll look into it later. Let’s talk about something else,” Zhang Jin’an said.
Su Zhiyang leaned in, ears perking up. “Whose gossip are we talking about?”
Jiang Mengxin snapped her fingers. “Is it about that Celebrity A going to a nightclub in secret?”
Su Zhiyang: “I saw that news too. Incredible. He has a partner and still dares to go to a club.”
Jiang Mengxin spat, “What a scumbag.”
The two of them looked at Zhang Jin’an expectantly, hoping for some inside scoop. Instead, they saw him pull out his phone. “Do you guys play Match-3?”
Su Zhiyang: “?”
Jiang Mengxin: “?”
***
By the time they finished dinner, it was nearly eight o’clock.
Everyone headed their separate ways, with those going in the same direction carpooling.
Jiang Mengxin had to return to her university. Since she was a young woman and didn't have a manager with her, Zhang Jin’an offered her a ride. Su Zhiyang and Jiang Mengxin sat in the back; with four people in the car, there was still plenty of room.
Su Zhiyang patted the seat. “Jin’an, why haven't you changed cars? You’ve had this one for years, haven't you?”
“No money,” Zhang Jin’an said.
“You? No money? Are you joking?” Su Zhiyang scoffed.
Zhang Jin’an turned his head slightly toward the back. “Really. My balance is only thirty thousand yuan. If you don't believe me, ask Brother Qiang.”
Li Qiang nodded. “I’m a witness.”
Jiang Mengxin was shocked. “No way! You’re a Film Emperor! How high is your salary per project? Where did all that money go?”
Zhang Jin’an closed his eyes to rest. “I bought a car for personal use, bought a house, and now I’m broke.”
“Wait,” Su Zhiyang was confused again. “Buying a car is one thing, but why buy another house? Isn't your two-story villa enough for you?”
Jiang Mengxin gave a mischievous grin. “Could it be that I’m about to have a sister-in-law? Right, Big Brother?”
Su Zhiyang caught on immediately and patted the back of the passenger seat. “Not bad, Zhang Jin’an. A secret underground romance?”
“Romance my ass,” Zhang Jin’an said, amused by the two of them. “I bought it so I can collect rent and make money after I retire.”
“Retire?” That shocked Su Zhiyang more than a dating announcement. “You… aren't you thinking a bit too far ahead?”
“Who knows what will happen in the entertainment industry? It’s fickle,” Zhang Jin’an said with a faint smile. “Maybe today the news is about someone else, but tomorrow the gossip is about you, and by the day after, you’re forced out of the circle.”
“Sigh… that’s true,” Su Zhiyang muttered, scratching his head.
“Why?” Jiang Mengxin didn't understand. “As long as you don't do the things people criticize, wouldn't it be fine?”
Zhang Jin’an opened one eye, glanced at the rearview mirror, and then closed it again.
Su Zhiyang explained to her, “Girl, you think that way because your social circle is still just our crew. You haven't met others yet. When you graduate and start taking roles in movies or TV shows, you’ll have to socialize. Sometimes it’s because you want to, but more often, it’s because you have to. And not everyone in this industry has a good attitude like us or will teach you the right way to do things. The water in this circle is very deep.”
“Then just ignore those people?” Jiang Mengxin was still puzzled.
Zhang Jin’an spoke up slowly. “What if that person is the director of your next project? Or the actor you’re playing opposite? If you don't interact with them, they might not say anything to your face, but if outsiders see it, they’ll say you’re disrespectful. The netizens will tear you apart.”
“Exactly,” Su Zhiyang agreed.
Jiang Mengxin frowned. “Then what should I do?”
“What can you do? You still have to acknowledge people when you meet them, just don't be too quick to make friends,” Su Zhiyang said, patting her shoulder. “Some people will do anything to get famous. I’ve seen several people who sacrifice others just to build up their own public persona. Sigh… personas are a real pain. You only see the truth after you’ve interacted with someone, but if you get too close and choose the wrong friend, you’ll be out of the industry tomorrow.”
Jiang Mengxin asked, “Then do you have a persona, Brother Su?”
“My persona… Sigh, Zhang Jin’an, do you remember when I first started getting popular?” Su Zhiyang patted Zhang Jin’an’s shoulder.
Zhang Jin’an kept his eyes closed, a small smile playing on his lips. “How could I forget? I almost died back then.”
“Sorry, sorry,” Su Zhiyang said, rubbing his hands together.
Jiang Mengxin was curious. “What happened?”
Su Zhiyang began, “It’s a very, very long story…”
Jiang Mengxin nodded. “Oh, never mind then. I don't like long stories.”
Su Zhiyang: “?”
“Pfft…”
Ignoring the two people laughing in the front, Su Zhiyang refused to give up. “Don't be like that, little sister. Let your big brother tell you…”
Jiang Mengxin turned her head away. “No need.”
“Just listen… this is insider info that’s never been revealed…”
Zhang Jin’an cut in, “Su Zhiyang, you sound like a creep right now.”
After a short drive, they reached Jiang Mengxin’s university. After watching her go inside, the car continued on, making a loop until they reached Su Zhiyang’s residential complex.
“I’m heading out then,” Su Zhiyang waved to Zhang Jin’an through the window. “Thanks!”
“Bye.” Zhang Jin’an waved back and rolled up the window.
Zhang Jin’an loved the night. It was as if the darkness came with its own Bluetooth speaker; the sound of tires rolling over the pavement became exceptionally clear. He also liked the dim streetlights because they obscured people’s faces, allowing him to do what he wanted.
Like walking slowly down the street listening to music, or stumbling upon a barbecue stall and ordering enough skewers to fill his stomach.
As he watched the pedestrians outside, he knew that everything came with a price. If he wanted fame, he had to lose his freedom. He had chosen this path himself, and he had no regrets.
However, how long had it been since he had walked the streets alone without any disguise? It must have been six or seven years.
“There’s an event at the mall tomorrow. Are you interested in checking it out?” Li Qiang’s voice pulled Zhang Jin’an back to reality.
“Which mall?” Zhang Jin’an turned his head.
“Do you know Peter?” Li Qiang asked.
Zhang Jin’an remembered it. “Yeah. It’s only ten minutes from my place. What kind of event?”
“It seems to be an offline event for a perfume brand. They’ve invited several artists and actors.” Li Qiang glanced at him. “Going? If you are, I’ll tell the organizer to save a seat for you.”
Zhang Jin’an scratched the corner of his eye and gave a hum of affirmation. “Sure. I don't have anything to do tomorrow anyway.”
“Then I’ll let them know,” Li Qiang said. “You really do need to get out more. Don't just stay cooped up at home.”
***
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Unable to be Arrogant [Entertainment Circle] | Chapter 8 | A Nostalgic Gathering | Novela.app | Novela.app
