099 The Predicament of the Passionate Warriors!

Seated in the elongated Lincoln business car, Lu Yuanhang attended to the Fifth Elder like a humble attendant. As he spoke, he cast furtive glances at Su Yunjin from the corner of his eye.

Steam rose from the freshly brewed tea, filling the air with fragrance. The Fifth Elder took a delicate sip and set the cup down. “Not bad. Far superior to the dried twigs we have back home.”

“If you enjoy it, Elder, I can send you a pound or so when you return. I happen to have some in stock,” Lu Yuanhang offered, his tone ingratiating.

Yet the Fifth Elder shook his head calmly. “Let’s not. I’m accustomed to rough teas. Drinking these refined ones, I’d be like a cow savoring peonies.”

“Ah, you’re too modest. Everyone knows you’re a true connoisseur of tea, Elder. These leaves barely merit your attention.” Lu Yuanhang dared not presume before the Fifth Elder. “Please, Elder, have some more.”

In the Lu family’s hall, the Fifth Elder whom Su Yunjin awaited was presently sitting with Lu Yuanhang. Fu Lin continued to feign innocence.

Su Yunjin felt as if she might suffocate; what did he mean by being polite? Did he not understand? Who would believe it! Even ordinary people understood such things—how could the only son of the Fu family not? Of course, perhaps a foolish woman could be deceived, but not Su Yunjin. She had grown up among the Seven Sects, exposed to every kind of calculating face. She understood human nature all too well.

Often, the deceiver was not another, but oneself.

If Fu Lin acted like this, a Mary Sue heroine might believe the big boy needed guidance. But in reality, no one needs to teach anyone. The basic rules apply to all.

“Boss, what should we do now? Several big names who could draw traffic aren't willing to come,” said Xu Zhang’s assistant director, anxious.

The authorities had already given their approval. If they couldn’t find stars to uphold the show, wouldn’t it become a farce? How would they salvage the situation?

“Have you put the word out?” Xu Zhang was so anxious he clenched his teeth. But the entertainment industry was always like this. Unless you had an exceptionally powerful background, these celebrities were all more arrogant than the last. On camera, they acted dignified, but off camera, they’d flaunt their status to the heavens.

With no big names available, they could only hope some lesser-known celebrities would accept. Though “Blood and Valor” was a military-themed variety show, it had official backing.

Moreover, such a platform offered tainted stars a chance to redeem themselves. If they couldn’t find the traffic magnets, they could at least recruit some low-profile participants.

“We put the word out, but lately, hardly anyone has submitted a résumé. Some have called to inquire, but nothing came of it,” replied the assistant director.

Xu Zhang gritted his teeth, but there was nothing more he could do. At last, he sighed, “Let’s leave it for today and continue tomorrow. I refuse to believe no one wants to join this show! Also, send out another message: say that the officer this time is a dual-certified military man with both family background and looks.”

The assistant director was momentarily stunned, then caught on. Many actresses in the industry aspired to marry into wealthy families, but a ‘Red Gate’ family was even more coveted. While such families may not have outstanding financial advantages, their connections were unrivaled. Many were aristocratic clans, meaning their lineage was impeccable. To marry in as a young mistress was far more honorable than joining any so-called wealthy family.

“I understand, Director Xu.” With that, the assistant director departed.

Xu Zhang, now idle, returned to the hotel, but he didn’t rest. With only a month left and no cast finalized, it was a major crisis. He started to check the backstage résumé submissions, as the assistant director suggested.

He opened his laptop, lit a cigarette, and began reviewing the résumés one by one. As the assistant director had said, their inbox looked lively, but most teams lacked sincerity. Some were willing to let newcomers try for exposure, but the conditions were convoluted, requiring major changes to accommodate them.

Pass! Pass! Pass!

After several failed negotiations, Xu Zhang felt tempted to give up.

“Isn’t there anyone who can draw traffic?”

Just as he was mired in frustration, a résumé suddenly caught his eye.

[Su Yunjin’s Personal Résumé Submission; ‘Blood and Valor’ Guest Candidate]

“Hm? Su Yunjin? Is that the Su Yunjin?”

The moment he saw the name, Xu Zhang jolted upright from his half-reclined position. He immediately opened Su Yunjin’s résumé on his laptop. Upon seeing her photo, he drew a sharp breath—“It’s really her.”

Xu Zhang had heard of Su Yunjin. Debuted as the centerpiece of a girl group, her vocal prowess was undeniable, and she once rescued someone using a single bamboo raft—each incident making her stand out in the entertainment world. She had started as an ordinary person, with plenty of negative rumors circulating outside.

“Su Yunjin actually applied. That guarantees traffic!” Delighted, Xu Zhang instinctively wanted to invite her for an interview. But a thought struck him, so he called the assistant director.

“Director Xu.”

“You already sent out the message?” Xu Zhang’s voice was low, tinged with disdain as he looked at Su Yunjin’s résumé. As expected, this woman liked to curry favor. He’d just released the news, and she rushed over—contrary to rumors about her having a wealthy sponsor. Clearly, she was just another woman looking for a powerful backer, albeit with an innocent face.

His internal criticism was interrupted when the assistant director hesitated, “Director Xu, so urgent? It’s so late—I thought to send the message tomorrow.”

The assistant director had already taken off his jacket, but hearing Xu Zhang’s tone, he grew nervous. Would he have to work through the night? Even if he wanted to, the other side needed rest; it wasn’t possible to operate as he pleased.

Xu Zhang was surprised. “You didn’t send the message?”

The assistant director was even more bewildered. “No, Director Xu. It’s late—would it be good to send it now?”

Clearly, he didn’t want to work overtime.

Unbeknownst to him, while he was trying to avoid overtime, Xu Zhang broke into a cold sweat. He was grateful he’d asked first; otherwise, if he’d met Su Yunjin in person and revealed his earlier contempt, he’d have offended her over a misunderstanding—digging a hole for himself.

Taking a deep drag on his cigarette, Xu Zhang said, “You’re right, don’t send it. Tomorrow we’ll proceed as usual. I’ve found a guest who can draw traffic.”

“Found one? Who, Director Xu?” The assistant director’s eyes lit up, eagerly asking.

Xu Zhang smiled smugly and slowly uttered three words, “Su Yunjin.”