Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Before Xie Yezhou could discuss the milk matter with the director in the afternoon, the director, brimming with excitement, gathered them to announce something.

"We've secured a new major sponsor."

"Sponsorships ended ages ago; how can we add another?" Luo Bin looked incredulous.

"Well, it depends on how 'golden' our sponsor really is," Liu Tiancheng, also a director, remarked with a deeper understanding.

"It seems this sponsor has deep pockets then," Zhuang Rong commented as she touched up her lipstick to a bean-paste shade.

"Absolutely! It's an investment from the Fan Group," the director exclaimed, grinning ear to ear. "By the way, we need to promote their new milk product. They've already delivered a truckload for advertisement purposes. We'll need to reshoot some of yesterday's scenes."

Upon hearing about the reshoot, Luo Bin and others looked dispirited. After muttering their acknowledgment, they dispersed.

Only Ning Yuyi and Xie Yezhou remained, listening to the director discuss some important points.

Xie Yezhou felt that this move wasn't typical of Fan Zhongchuan. He pondered for a moment, resting his chin on his hand, then texted Xie Yinan about the day's events.

—— Fan Zhongchuan invested in "Old Friends". Did you know?

Upon reading the message, Xie Yinan leaned back in his plush office chair, frowning in deep thought.

He quickly responded to Xie Yezhou's message.

——I wasn't aware.

——It's unlike him.

Fan Zhongchuan isn't one for futile efforts. Fenghua has already secured the largest share of benefits in the entertainment industry. Logically, Fan Zhongchuan shouldn't be interested in such marginal profits.

The only reason he invested in "Jiandao" was that it was based on a novel written by a cousin of his—a gesture of support.

Why would he invest in "Old Friends," a variety show that seems to promise even less return?

Especially when Fenghua is already the major investor for the show, any additional funding from Fan Zhongchuan wouldn't bring significant advantages.

Promoting their new milk product doesn't seem like a plausible reason either. Other products under the same brand have received excellent feedback, so there's no need for such a convoluted and seemingly ineffective promotional strategy.

Xie Yinan tapped the table with his pen, his thoughts drifting to Ning Yuyi.

Could it be... because of him?

After completing the bamboo shoot task last night, many were left over. Ning Yuyi stored two fresh ones in the fridge and decided to dry the rest, as dried bamboo shoots are easier to preserve.

The five of them sat in a circle in the yard, peeling the bamboo shoots. Ning Yuyi was responsible for slicing the cleaned bamboo and placing them in a basket to dry.

The phone, specially designated for guests, rang inside. Zhuang Rong washed her hands and went in to answer it.

Ten minutes later, Zhuang Rong emerged, her expression suggesting mixed feelings.

"Who is it? Is someone coming?"

"Not entirely sure, but there's a high chance it's Old Zhang."

"Didn't he just finish shooting? Shouldn't he be monitored closely?" Liu Tiancheng cast a glance towards the VJ teacher behind the camera, trying to discern any hints from their expressions.

But clearly, they were professional in masking their thoughts.

"I believe it's him," Zhuang Rong said coolly. "Otherwise, who else would order a Dongpo Pork Knuckle and a Spicy Boiled Fish?"

"…" Luo Bin sighed, "It probably is him."

"Pork knuckle, fish," Liu Tiancheng lamented dramatically. "He really knows how to tease us."

Zhuang Rong: "If you were in his shoes, what would you order?"

Liu Tiancheng: "Definitely Buddha Jumps Over the Wall."

Zhuang Rong: "…"

So, don't blame others for being excessive; it's clear you're truly friends.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Upon hearing about the two dishes, Ning Yuyi was taken aback, estimating he'd be trapped in the kitchen all afternoon.

"Fish and pork knuckle, it sounds like another task." Luo Bin, having peeled the last bamboo shoot, stood up, "Let's go."

"Right." Liu Tiancheng followed Luo Bin to wash his hands, both intending to discuss ingredient substitutions with the director.

After what seemed like a lengthy discussion, the duo returned as Ning Yuyi finished slicing the bamboo shoots.

"You can find fish in the nearby farmland, but you'll need to catch them. As for the pork knuckle, you'll have to trade."

Xie Yezhou, ever composed, asked, "Trade for what?"

"Three hundred bundles of sugarcane for one pork knuckle."

Silence enveloped the group.

For a moment, they all shared the same thought: they wished they could gang up and give the director a piece of their mind.

After what felt like an eternity, Zhuang Rong sighed deeply.

The others silently shared her sentiment, lamenting the hard work awaiting them.

Due to the massive task at hand, both Ning Yuyi and Zhuang Rong helped harvest the sugarcane.

They tied them in bundles of ten for easier transportation.

By noon, as the hungry group returned, they saw Zhang Xueyong with Zhang Yang, pointing and discussing the surrounding scenery.

Frustration ignited within them.

Liu Tiancheng, abandoning any facade of his age, dashed at Zhang Xueyong, pinning him down, "Did you set this up deliberately? Did you?"

"Absolutely!" Zhang Xueyong replied with an unwavering smile.

"My fists are clenched," Liu Tiancheng released him, struggling to his feet, "My back aches and legs are sore. You better join us in the sugarcane field this afternoon."

"Want the pork knuckle? Fine, prove your worth and earn it!"

For lunch, Ning Yuyi prepared simple noodle soup with a few beaten eggs. The group relished the meal.

Except for Zhang Yang.

Exhausted, Ning Yuyi slumped in his chair after eating, wishing to move no more.

"Ning Ning, take the afternoon off," Zhuang Rong said, stretching her arms, "This afternoon, Xie and I will go fishing. Liu, you lead the rest in harvesting sugarcane."

Liu Tiancheng: "Alright..."

Zhang Xueyong said, "Hey, I haven't agreed yet."

"Ha! Two able-bodied men, we shouldn't waste this opportunity." Luo Bin slammed the empty bowl on the table, "You're definitely taking me with you."

Zhang Yang suddenly spoke up, "I want to go too."

"Nonsense." Liu Tiancheng glanced at the untouched noodles in front of Zhang Yang, sizing him up.

"I... alright." Zhang Yang was about to refuse, but then he remembered the heads-up from his agent before he left.

The director, after reviewing the playback, wasn't entirely satisfied. However, considering that everyone was exhausted and not keen on reshooting, he didn't call them back.

He just gestured to his assistant, saying, "Cut all of Zhang Yang's parts during editing; they're too lackluster."

"All of it?"

"Yes. His segments are hardly broadcast-worthy. If it weren't for Old Zhang promoting his new drama, I wouldn't even want him here."

"Understood, Director."

Author's Note: (Second update)

I'm so hungry, ugh.