Chapter 9 Set Tensions and Visitor
The face before me, full of flattery and sweet words, gradually turns into Lu Xiao's.
It makes me nauseous.
I force professional courtesy, smile faintly, brush him off with a few words, then follow the staff to the private workspace prepared for me.
Outside the door, the Director scolds Lu Xiao.
"What the hell are you? No star power, but already acting like a diva."
Then he praises Shao Ming pleasantly.
"Good job, kid. You have potential__SEMI__ let's collaborate more."
I lower my eyes.
Can't say if it's satisfying or pitiful.
The company's concerns are not unfounded.
In just a few days, the crew repeatedly hits overspending alerts.
I handle it officially, sync the data and opinions to company finance.
The company holds several meetings to discuss.
They decide to strictly follow the contract and disburse by progress.
This puts the crew in a bind.
Progress lags, funds about to cut off.
The Director doesn't dare vent at me.
But he notices I treat Lu Xiao differently from others, avoiding him like the plague.
Every day, he curses Lu Xiao vigorously.
"NG again! Do you know how much equipment rental costs per day?"
"Male lead, are you playing a blind man? Emotions, understand?"
"F***, you offend the investor, the whole crew suffers with you!"
Under pressure, the entire crew is shrouded in gloom.
My office door knocks.
Lu Xiao walks in.
"Su Mo, you've changed."
"I didn't expect you'd do something shameful like abusing power for personal gain."
I don't lift my eyelids, don't turn my head.
"Get out."
The indifferent attitude provokes Lu Xiao.
He strides over, turns my chair, forces eye contact.
"Aren't you just trying to get revenge? Want me to bow and lick you, so you deliberately choke the crew with funding?"
"Fine, you win. Isn't it just licking you? It's not like I haven't before."
Lu Xiao kneels on the ground, hands on the armrests beside my legs.
He lowers his head.
"Slap!"
The crisp slap sounds very loud.
Lu Xiao's movement freezes instantly.
A red palm print appears on his cheek, turned to one side.
Some disbelief, some self-mockery, his tone carries self-debasement.
"Heh, you're not the first investor to slap me."
"Satisfied? If not enough, do the other side."
Lu Xiao turns his head, offers the other cheek.
"Don't like me servicing you in the office? Change places? Anywhere works—outdoors? Bathroom? Hotel—"
"Thud!"
I bend my knee, kick Lu Xiao away with one foot.
He falls backward on the ground in disarray.
"Lu Xiao, don't think because you're rotten, everyone else is too."
"I dumped you__SEMI__ what do I have to revenge? How could I affect my work because of you?"
"The funding is handled officially__SEMI__ I have a clear conscience."
"Instead of scheming crooked paths, better study your acting. Like you, it's rotten through."
Lu Xiao leaves empty-handed.
Gets another round of blame and curses from the Director.
He numbly forces a smile, like a puppet, lifeless.
To catch up and save costs.
The crew shoots a big scene overnight.
Someone comes to visit.
It's Shen Yining.
She runs to Lu Xiao's side, intimately links her arm with his.
"I guessed you were busy__SEMI__ you didn't even reply to my messages, humph."
Boredom appears on Lu Xiao's numb face. He pulls back his arm, attitude cold.
"Why are you here?"