When members of the cast and crew had been chatting with Ning Yang, they had asked him why he had chosen those actors and actresses. At that time, Ning Yang had answered with an enigmatic look that the producer had specially designated those actors and actresses for the movie. He hadn’t intervened in this selection at all. He also said the producer believed in everyone’s acting skills and abilities, but his lips were sealed when it came to saying the producer’s name.

  Everyone was curious about the identity of the producer. When they were idle, they would go back and forth trying to guess by going down the list of well-known producers.

  They were shocked that the producer was actually Ye Zhen!

  Guan Ming was speechless and had a stunned expression.

  When Qin Zhiyin had contacted him, he had asked her who was the person interested in him, but she had remained mysterious. After joining the cast, he had chatted with Ning Yang and guessed that the producer had chosen him for this part. He further asked Ning Yang who the producer was, but he didn’t tell him.

  The producer was Ye Zhen? So Ye Zhen was the one interested in him for this role?

  In the midst of his astonishment, Guan Ming had complicated feelings.

  Like the others in the cast and crew, he had also secretly tried guessing who the producer was. His guesses included internationally famous producers to people outside the entertainment industry and without any reputation, but it had never occurred to him that the producer could be Ye Zhen.

  He thought of the words that Ning Yang had said to him when they were chatting; the producer had great expectations for him, hadn’t contacted any other actors for this role, and had unreserved trust in him.

  Guan Ming knew his value. He had been treading water in the entertainment industry for ten years without success. On what basis was he able to get someone to believe in him so much to hand him the role of the male lead in such a big production?

  Knowing the truth, Guan Ming looked at Ye Zhen with a different gaze.

  Lu Beichuan noticed this change and furrowed his brow. He was displeased with how Guan Ming was looking at Ye Zhen.

  “Sorry, I’m the producer of this movie, but I wasn’t able to show myself to the cast and crew for certain reasons. Although today is my first time visiting the set, I had a clear understanding of everyone’s performances since the filming began. Everyone’s hard work confirmed that my original vision and selection was right. Thank you for your hard work.” After saying that, Ye Zhen smiled and looked at Ning Yang. “Of course, I’m also especially appreciative of Director Ning’s hard work in directing the filming of this movie.”


  There was another round of applause.

  Zhouzhou, who was being held by his dad, looked around with his astonishingly bright eyes. He followed everyone in clapping too. He wasn’t scared at all by this unfamiliar environment and was happily moving his hands and feet. He even kicked his feet in excitement to indicate that he wanted to be put down.

  Lu Beichuan put Zhouzhou down. The little guy stood next to his dad, clutching his dad’s pants. He looked up, trying to identify the people around him with great difficulty.

  Meng Jie looked at the child, who needed to hold onto his dad’s pants in order to stand firm. With a gentle expression, she asked, “Mrs. Lu, this is Zhouzhou, right?”


  “En, his nickname is Zhouzhou, and his full name is Lu Zhifei.” Ye Zhen picked Zhouzhou up. “Zhouzhou, this is Aunty Meng Jie. She’s Mom’s friend.”


  Perhaps, Zhouzhou figured something out because Ye Zhen introduced Meng Jie as her friend. The little guy stretched his hand out towards Meng Jie and grinned. He vaguely vocalized short words, “Aunty, hug…… play……”


  Meng Jie rarely interacted with kids, and her heart was extremely soft as she looked at Zhouzhou. She easily took Zhouzhou from Ye Zhen’s arms and pointed at the historical film set built by the crew. “Zhouzhou, do you want to go look at that? Want Aunty to bring you over there?”


  Zhouzhou repeatedly nodded, looking excited.

  Meng Jie looked at Ye Zhen. After getting approval from Ye Zhen, she carried Zhouzhou over there. Many of the crew followed Meng Jie. They smiled and teased Zhouzhou.

  Ye Zhen signaled for the nanny to follow them before listening with Lu Beichuan as Ning Yang explained the progress of the movie.

  One of the crew members took out his phone to take photos and was pulled to the side by Lu Beichuan’s bodyguard.

  Hearing the sound of Meng Jie’s happy laughter, Ye Zhen knew that Zhouzhou wasn’t scared of strangers. And yet, she was still a bit worried. She looked over to check and saw that the little guy was actually hugging Meng Jie’s neck. He kissed Meng Jie’s face from the side.

  Who did this kid take after?!

  Chapter 269 – They weren’t willing to believe that the big boss, who was so influential in the business world, could be so petty! (1)

  Zhouzhou was one and a half years old. He had grown taller in that time. His facial features had gradually opened up too. His brows and eyes resemble his mother’s, and the shape of his face resembled his father’s. When he looked at people with his limpid eyes and batted his long and thick eyelashes like little fans, he looked so cute and pitiful, making it difficult for anyone to refuse his requests.

  Moreover, this little guy seemed to innately know his advantages and repeatedly made use of them. Everything went smoothly for him.

  Holding Meng Jie’s neck, he pouted and kissed her cheek.

  Acting cutely spoiled, he rubbed his soft and tender face that still had baby fat against Meng Jie’s cheek. Mumbling short phrases along with calling her aunty in a soft voice, he thoroughly won Meng Jie over.

  Meng Jie liked children a lot. As she held the toddler in her arms, he didn’t cry or fuss. He was so well-behaved. He was trying his best to speak. Occasionally, he couldn’t hold himself back and babbled while gesticulating with his hands and feet.

  Hearing the giggles and laughter on Meng Jie’s side, Ye Zhen was relieved and withdrew her gaze from there. She glanced over at Lu Beichuan.

  Ye Zhen had a headache.

  The father had a boring and dull personality while the son used honeyed gestures and sweet behavior to win people over. She didn’t know who Zhouzhou took after.

  People’s personalities and characters were formed early on. Ye Zhen was worried that the Zhouzhou would remain this way when he grew up.

  Lu Beichuan was listening to Ning Yang report about the progress of the movie as well as its future prospects. When he got that look from Ye Zhen, he raised his eyebrow and questioningly looked at her.

  Ye Zhen looked away and struck up a conversation with Guan Ming about the details of the movie’s plot in a low voice.

  Guan Ming naturally wouldn’t slight her and quietly chatted with Ye Zhen about his insights and thoughts on the male lead role.

  The male protagonist was a rich young master whose life had gone smoothly from childhood. He was dedicated to serving his country, but he was reprimanded by his family. He fell in love with a fallen woman from a riverside brothel. The young master, who had always followed the rules, didn’t dare to make his relationship with the female protagonist public and only secretly met with her. Due to the barrier of their social statuses, they never took that step.

  When the city was finally enveloped in the flames and chaos of war, the citizens of the city were displaced from their homes and had to flee elsewhere. The young master’s sister was part of the resistance and had possessions of an important plan. When the Japanese troops came searching for her, she fled to a place that she once despised, the riverside brothel. When the Japanese troops surrounded the brothel, the female protagonist disguised herself as the young master’s sister. With her head held high and her back straight, she walked out of the brothel with the male protagonist.

  For Guan Ming’s role in this movie, he had to express the most intense change in his emotions. This required that he take a lot of trouble to analyze and fathom his character in the movie. An actor with shallow acting skills might not be able to express those emotions.

  Ye Zhen attentively listened to Guan Ming as he explained his understanding of the role. Her expression was serious, and she nodded from time to time. As the producer, there was a lot she had to learn, including the perceptions of the movie’s characters.

  Guan Ming paused after he shared his detailed analysis. His tone was hesitant. It seemed as if there was something he wanted to say to Ye Zhen.

  The look that was holding back on what he wanted to say made one anxious. Ye Zhen smiled. “If there’s something you want to say, feel free to say it.”


  Guan Ming was silent for a moment. “Mrs. Lu, I want to know why you chose me to play the male protagonist in this movie.”


  Guan Ming’s acting skills were good, and his looks were very suitable for the image of the young master in this movie. However, there were plenty of actors like Guan Ming in the entertainment industry.

  Whether Ye Zhen chose Guan Ming or someone else, it would have about the same effect on the movie. Or to put it another way, if she had chosen another actor, the box office might do better.

  However, under the situation, a more talented actor wouldn’t have agreed to play this role.

  This was Ning Yang’s first time as a director, Meng Jie had been blacklisted for over four years, and this was Lu Corporation’s first time stepping into the entertainment industry. There were too many risks. An actor with power wouldn’t have risked his acting career on a movie.

  “The reason I chose you is very simple actually.” Ye Zhen smiled. “I happened to see a TV show that you acted in. I thought your acting skills are pretty good, but you haven’t been able to get a break. I think if you’re given a chance to shine, you won’t be worse than others.”


  Chapter 270 – They weren’t willing to believe that the big boss, who was so influential in the business world, could be so petty! (2)

  Guan Ming’s tone wasn’t steady when he asked, “You believe in me that much? To give me the male lead role?”


  “Of course, I believe in you.” Ye Zhen looked at him with a smile. “You don’t have to be nervous. It’s already a done deal. We’re on the same boat now and can’t escape. Instead of worrying about this, it would be better to spend your time thinking about how to act well. That’s the key.”


  Guan Ming stared at Ye Zhen, trying to see if there was any regret on her face. Ye Zhen’s gaze was steadfast and her expression was serious. She didn’t look as if she was joking at all.

  “Thank you.” Guan Ming couldn’t be more sincere. “Rest assured, I won’t drag this movie down.”


  Ye Zhen looked at Guan Ming with equal sincerity. “That’s great. I look forward to seeing your performance on the big screen.”


  Right after she said these words, the other actors and actresses came over to greet Ye Zhen. These were people good enough to appear on the big screen, and their figures and appearances were different from average people. If these people were put in a crowd of other stars, they weren’t eye-catching, but if they were placed with a group of ordinary people, then they would be noticeably superior in appearance like cranes in a flock of chickens.

  As Ye Zhen actively communicated with the other cast members, the sound of their laughter reached Lu Beichuan from time to time. The sight of Ye Zhen being surrounded by those people was displeasing when it fell into Lu Beichuan’s eyes.

  The aura of unwarranted hostility towards strangers radiating from Lu Beichuan made Ning Yang shudder. Puzzled, Ning Yang looked up, saw Ye Zhen happily chatting with others, and figured it out.

  “The filming will be finished in about half a month. Will you come to our party for it?”


  “I probably won’t have time.”


  Ning Yang continued to say, “At a conservative estimate, the time for the post-production as well as going through the review process, being ready for theaters, etc, will take at least a year. Under normal circumstances, it should take about 15 months, so……”


  “You can check on the post-production. The company will take care of the issue of passing the review process.” Lu Beichuan’s tone was so cold that those words were said like falling icicles.

  Ning Yang smiled and raised his voice to call out, “Mrs. Lu.”


  Ye Zhen looked over. “Director Ning, is something the matter?”


  There wasn’t anything wrong, but if she continued happily chatting with others, there would be a problem sooner or later.

  Ning Yang attempted to redirect her attention. “I can’t easily solve the issue of the review process for the movie. Some of the scenes might not pass review……”


  The era that the movie took place was special, the subject matter was sensitive, and some images were truly daring. Ning Yang had strong self-awareness.

  “You don’t have to worry about that at all. Leave the issue of the review process to me. I’ll handle it. If any of the scenes need to be edited, we can discuss it at that time.”


  Ning Yang exhaled in relief. “Sure, no problem.”


  Ye Zhen turned her gaze over to Lu Beichuan. She didn’t know why his expression looked so bad. She guessed that it might have to do with the movie or maybe the cast for whatever reason. Could it be that some aspect of either those things had displeased this big boss?

  Ye Zhen furrowed her brow, walked over to his side, and quietly asked, “What’s wrong?”


  And yet, Lu Beichuan was very happy to hear these words from her. Since she asked him what was wrong, it meant that she was concerned about his feelings.

  Lu Beichuan suppressed his lips from quirking up. He coldly looked at the nearby actors and actresses and nonchalantly said, “Nothing.”


  The actors and actresses, who had gotten a warning glance from the big boss, cast their gaze down and remained silent.

  They had been in the entertainment industry for so many years. It was an industry where you were at the mercy of your superiors’ moods. They immediately understood the meaning of that gaze, but why did the big boss grimace for seemingly no reason?

  Was it because they had an extended chat with Mrs. Lu?

  But…… Boss, do you need to feel jealous over that?!

  Everyone’s moods were complicated. They weren’t willing to believe that the big boss, who was so influential in the business world, could be so petty!

  Still, one after another, they looked away. As a producer, Ye Zhen would have many opportunities to come into contact with actors and actresses. There would be plenty of people for this big boss to glare at in the future.

  Lu Beichuan’s schedule was tight. After Ye Zhen had gotten an understanding of the filming progress and current situation, she had achieved her purpose in visiting the set. As for Lu Beichuan, he had just come here to spend time with her and help keep her role hidden from the public. Although a lot of money had been invested into this movie, this movie wasn’t a key investment for the boss of a conglomerate. For him to visit the set, it was such an honor for the cast and crew.

  Chapter 271 – They weren’t willing to believe that the big boss, who was so influential in the business world, could be so petty! (3)

  Ning Yang, the cast, and a few other staff members sent Ye Zhen and the others to the entrance. Meng Jie was holding Zhouzhou. The little guy was holding Meng Jie’s neck and babbling in excitement. He was having too much fun to remember his parents. He didn’t look like he was looking for his mom at all.

  Ye Zhen looked on without saying a word.

  It was only when Ning Yang shook hands with Lu Beichuan and said goodbye that Meng Jie brought Zhouzhou over to Ye Zhen. “Mrs. Lu, it’s already that time of the day. Why not eat a meal with us before going?”


  Food was the primary necessity. Chinese people paid particular attention to this. It was only polite for her to ask.

  Ye Zhen said with a smile, “That’s okay. Zhouzhou has been playing all day and he’s getting tired. This little ancestor will make a huge fuss when he’s tired.”


  Holding Zhouzhou, Meng Jie responded with a smile, “Zhouzhou is so well-behaved. I want to take him home with me.”


  “Sure, he looks like he forgot who his mom is. This kid had no conscience. You can take him home. It’ll save me from having to worry about him all day.”


  Meng Jie laughed and shook her head. She suddenly thought of something, and her expression gradually looked lonely. She handed Zhouzhou over to Ye Zhen.

  “If I really bring him home, you won’t be able to bear parting from him.”


  Ye Zhen joked, “There’s no hurry. The future is long. If you have a daughter in the future, you’ll be able to bring home my Zhouzhou as a son-in-law.”


  “I would have had a daughter…… four years ago……” Meng Jie looked lonely. She sighed and forced herself to smile. “Never mind, let’s not talk about that.”


  Lu Beichuan was done saying goodbye with Ning Yang. He walked over, put his arm around Ye Zhen, and said, “Let’s go.”


  Ye Zhen was still pondering over Meng Jie’s words. As soon as Lu Beichuan came over, her train of thought was interrupted. Her attention shifted from Meng Jie to Lu Beichuan. She instinctively followed Lu Beichuan to the car and got in.

  Ye Zhen put Zhouzhou into the infant safety seat. She looked at Zhouzhou, who was looking out the car window in a gaze that showed he was reluctant to part from Meng Jue. It was obvious that he didn’t want to go home.

  She asked Lu Beichuan, “Who do you think this kid takes after?”


  Lu Beichuan raised his eyebrows. He could hear a hint of something unusual in Ye Zhen’s words. He didn’t give her a concrete answer. Instead, he cautiously responded with a vague question, “Who do you think our son takes after?”


  Seeing her son’s delighted grin and how he was utterly absorbed with looking at Meng Jie, who was waving goodbye to them, Ye Zhen couldn’t resist gently pinching her son’s chubby cheek. She deeply sighed. “Yeah, that’s true. Your son naturally takes after you. Look at how happy he is just from seeing a pretty woman.”


  Lu Beichuan’s gaze turned to Zhouzhou. He loudly coughed and said in a stern voice, “Lu Zhifei!”


  Lu Zhifei always had a sense of fear when it came to his dad. Such a stern shout made him tremble in fear. He looked at his dad’s solemn and unhappy expression with his bright and limpid eyes. He didn’t know what he had done wrong and felt very wronged. His lips wobbled and tears filled his eyes. He quietly sniffled, not daring to speak.

  “Why are you so fierce?!” Ye Zhen gently patted Zhouzhou’s back to comfort him and angrily looked at Lu Beichuan. Her gaze was full of accusation.

  Lu Beichuan had gotten used to being looked at with this gaze recently. As long as he slightly reprimanded their son, Ye Zhen would look at him with a gaze of a mother protecting her child.

  Who was the one that once solemnly said that they shouldn’t spoil their child again?

  The driver started the car and slowly drove out of the film studio.

  A crowd of reporters, who had been waiting outside of the film studio, rushed to the car and took photos nonstop, blocking the car from leaving.

  The employees of the film studio came over and ushered the reporters to the side to make way for the car.

  However, it was at this moment that someone came out from a corner and broke through the security guards. That person stopped in front of Lu Beichuan’s car.

  “Zhenzhen, it’s me! Your dad!” The man was wearing a gray jacket and a baseball cap. He looked grubby and in dire straits.