The road to Hengdian is quite long, so Shen Lang chats with Ye Yinan about his upcoming business plans.
"So, you're going to Hengdian to find actors? You want to direct a movie?"
"Yeah, something like that. But I don't have any connections, so I'll just have to rely on luck to find a few budget actors."
Shen Lang notices Ye Yinan might not understand, so he clarifies, "Budget actors are the ones who get paid around 200 bucks a day."
"Oh, got it."
Ye Yinan thinks for a moment and then offers, "My dad knows some directors in the film industry. I can ask him to help you find good actors."
"Oh? Is that possible?"
Shen Lang tentatively asks, "Will it be a bother to your dad?"
"It's fine. I'll call him right now."
Ye Yinan pulls out her silver phone and dials the number of Ye Hai, the richest person in Jianghai City.
"Hey, you're calling him right now? Maybe you should just forget it!"
Shen Lang feels awkward and tense, worried about asking for help from someone so influential right after meeting their daughter.
"It's okay. You're my friend. I should help you with this."
Ye Yinan smiles at Shen Lang, and soon a slightly weathered male voice comes through the phone, seeming to purposely speak louder.
"Hello, Yinan. How are things with this Shen Lang guy?"
Shen Lang quickly realizes that Ye Hai is mentioning his name on purpose, probably as a warning. Bringing his daughter to Hengdian without any security is something any normal parent, especially someone like Ye Hai, would be concerned about.
"We're on the way. We'll be there in about 34 minutes."
Ye Yinan glances at the navigation system and then straightforwardly says, "Dad, Shen Lang wants to make a movie. I remember you know some directors. Can you help him find good actors?"
"Uh..."
There's a pause on the other end of the line, and Shen Lang feels increasingly awkward, toes curling up in discomfort.
He just casually mentioned needing help, and now it's become so blatant.
Ye Hai, being a shrewd businessman, might suspect that Shen Lang is just using his daughter to get something done.
"Sure."
Ye Hai's voice sounds more relaxed now, "Director Zhang is filming in Hengdian right now. You can go find him. I'll give him a heads-up for you."
The father-daughter duo exchanges a few more words before hanging up.
"Geez, can you not be so straightforward like that in the future?"
Shen Lang gives a wry smile.
"I've just met you, and you're already asking your dad for such a big favor. He's going to think I'm with you for some ulterior motive."
Ye Yinan thinks for a moment, "Will he?"
"Sigh..."
Shen Lang doesn't want to explain too much. Maybe people like her don't care about such social niceties.
...
On the busy main road of Jianghai City, Shen Lang stops at a traffic light with other cars.
Using this brief moment, Shen Lang looks at Ye Yinan sitting next to him.
The daughter of the richest person in Jianghai, who's frequently in financial news and is a national goddess the paparazzi dare not spread rumors about, is sitting right next to him?
What's more, she even called her father to help find actors for his small project?
It feels surreal, like something out of a fantasy.
"Is there something on my face?"
Ye Yinan looks at Shen Lang calmly, still with her cool demeanor.
But if you observe closely, there's a hint of joy and excitement in her eyes.
Ye Yinan sits very straight, her back perfectly aligned against the seat, hands resting on the edge of her fitted dress, giving her an air of refinement.
It's a cultivated manner from her upbringing, though Shen Lang finds it a bit excessive.
"No, it's just that you seem a bit unreal."
The green light comes on, and Shen Lang presses the gas pedal, "By the way, how did your parents react when you went out today?"
Since even the bodyguards knew Ye Yinan was with him, her parents must be aware as well.
Otherwise, Ye Hai wouldn't have mentioned Shen Lang by name.
To be honest, Shen Lang is pretty sure his background has been thoroughly investigated by her parents.
"They were happy. I haven't mentioned wanting to go out since I got back."
Ye Yinan smooths a strand of hair behind her ear and laughs softly.
"And I'm really happy to be out with you. It feels like being with you lifts my mood."
"Staying home all the time can be mentally draining."
Shen Lang smiles, "You're feeling down; going out more will help."
Ye Yinan eagerly asks, "Can I come visit you like this again?"
"Of course. As long as I'm free, you can come by anytime."
Since this young lady has been so helpful, Shen Lang won't refuse her help or her generosity.
"Thank you."
Ye Yinan smiles brightly, her smile as radiant as the stars, both sweet and charming.
"That's right, smiling makes you look even better."
Shen Lang feels happier, "Don't always keep a straight face. People might think you're aloof."
"By the way, who's Director Zhang that your dad mentioned?"
"Not sure. He said there'd be someone to meet us in Hengdian. We'll find out then."
"Oh, okay..."
...
Arriving in Hengdian, a famous filming location, it's a place where countless dreams and perseverance are embodied.
Hengdian is the cradle of China's film industry, known for its historical buildings and scenic spots, making it a popular spot for both film crews and tourists.
Just then, a lean man in a baseball cap strides toward them.
Shen Lang squints at the man, feeling a bit uneasy.
He's just making a short video based on a novel—there's no need for such a big shot, right?
...
Don't get confused by the cities—whether it's Shanghai, Beijing, or Zhejiang.
I've mixed many famous landmarks from different cities into this story.
This is truly: The story is purely fictional.