Chapter 20: Chapter 20: "You're Such a Liar!"
Would this scandal drag down The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils production? The answer remained unchanged.
With such a significant investment at stake, the producers weren't fools. Audiences cared about the cast and the quality of the series, not the off-screen dramas of a sidelined producer. And to put it bluntly, wasn't all this drama just another form of free publicity? Some outsiders even suspected that Zhang Zhizong orchestrated the chaos himself as part of a marketing ploy.
"Brother Sheng, it's official!" Wang Yaoyang burst into the room, his excitement barely contained as he relayed the call from The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils production team.
"You're signing the contract tomorrow! Three days later, the main cast and crew will meet at Hengdian's Xingye Courtyard for the script reading, followed by training sessions in martial arts, flute-playing, and guqin!"
The pay was set at a modest 30,000 yuan—no room for negotiation. Zhang Zhizong's reputation for tight budgets was no secret in the industry. After all, with a hit production, actors would flock even if it meant working for peanuts.
Du Sheng didn't mind. He knew there'd be plenty of opportunities to make money in the future. What intrigued him more was the prospect of completing the shoot—what rewards might it yield?
The most coveted item from Murong Fu's repertoire had to be the Murong family's signature martial art, "Star Shifting Steps." Most likely a purple-tier skill—what kind of enhancements would it bring?
Of course, this was still far off. The immediate priority was aligning with the crew and getting into the character.
That evening, as neon lights illuminated the bustling city, the familiar glow of the Chance Encounter Bar sign beckoned.
Inside, young women gathered with bright-eyed anticipation, their focus fixed on the stage.
"...
When you look at me
I don't speak, yet you've guessed my thoughts
Love is uncertain,
Or maybe it doesn't meet your expectations…"
Du Sheng's rendition of "The First Time" wasn't particularly soulful, but his magnetic voice and captivating stage presence had the audience swooning. Cheers erupted as the music faded, and the applause was thunderous.
"Xiao Du! Sister loves you! This bottle of Royal Salute is for you!" A sophisticated older woman in the audience shouted, her tone full of enthusiasm.
"Thank you," Du Sheng responded with a polite smile, raising his hand in acknowledgment. The Chance Encounter Bar catered to a mid-to-upper-tier clientele. A bottle of Royal Salute was worth about 500 yuan, and he'd pocket half of that as commission—240 yuan! Not bad at all.
Unfortunately, the woman was over fifty—not his type. After sharing a drink with her, Du Sheng headed to the restroom to splash some water on his face.
Passing through the quiet lounge area reserved for VIP guests, he spotted a familiar figure. Her beauty was both striking and understated. Even with minimal makeup and a simple white off-the-shoulder dress, she was stunning. Under the soft lighting, her elegance exuded a unique allure, understated yet captivating. It was none other than the "Ice Queen" herself—Fan Bingbing.
She appeared to have stepped out with the crew from Famous Detectives of Eastern Pass. A few of her colleagues tried persuading her to join them in a private room, but she smiled politely and declined. When the others left, she casually picked up a book, seemingly indifferent to the curious glances from onlookers.
Du Sheng couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Reading in a bustling bar? Only Fan Bingbing could pull that off. Unsure if she was here for him, he decided to greet her.
"Bingbing Jie, fancy meeting you here." Fan Bingbing looked up, waving at him with a radiant smile.
"It really is a coincidence. You sang beautifully just now." She had, in fact, been drawn to the bar in hopes of running into him again. Tonight, with her crew off-duty, she seized the chance to indulge her curiosity. And there he was.
After some light banter, Fan Bingbing noticed the growing attention from nearby patrons. She discreetly gestured toward their usual hotel rendezvous spot before standing to leave with a playful smile. Du Sheng casually finished his last two songs, then exited the bar. After shaking off a potential tail, he made his way to the hotel.
Fan Bingbing greeted him at the door, her charm dialed up to eleven. Leading him to the table, she said teasingly, "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I ordered us two steaks." Her eyes roamed over him as she spoke.
It had been days since they last met, and she couldn't help but notice how much more handsome and confident he seemed now.
Over dinner, Fan Bingbing relaxed, enjoying the rare opportunity to unwind without pretense. Before long, she had cozied up beside Du Sheng, playfully cutting his steak.
"Why aren't you eating?" he asked, admiring her elegant figure. Dressed in a backless gown, her silhouette was the epitome of grace. Her hair was swept up, revealing a swan-like neck framed by delicate silk straps.
"I'm more interested in you," she replied coyly, leaning closer. Before he could respond, she nestled into his arms with a mischievous smile.
"You've been slacking lately, haven't you? I've been keeping up with my yoga—shall we see if you've fallen behind?" Du Sheng laughed, sweeping her off her feet.
"Perfect timing! Let's settle this tonight—don't think about leaving!"
The night was long, and the "battle" fierce.
As dawn approached, Fan Bingbing lay spent in his arms, her energy entirely drained.
"Life would be simpler if we could just live like this," Du Sheng mused, stroking her shoulder. "Three meals a day, resting at sunset with you by my side—but somehow, that's never possible."
Fan Bingbing rolled her eyes, pinching his waist.
"Liar! You're such a liar!"
Assuming she was upset about their previous paparazzi encounter, Du Sheng started to explain, "That wasn't my fault—the paparazzi were staking you out—"
But she interrupted with a sultry smile.
"No, I meant you said we'd go until sunrise. Are you backing out already?"
It was barely half an hour past midnight. Du Sheng gritted his teeth. "…"
Clearly, she wasn't one to back down.
"Fine," he said,
pulling her closer. "You, my dear, are insatiable!"
And the battle resumed.