"Of course, I know him! Director Lü is my idol!" Zhao Yanan politely greeted Director Lü, saying, "It's truly an honor to meet you here!"
Director Lü had an air of arrogance about him, exuding a sense of invincibility, like someone so self-important that anyone who saw him would want to take him down a peg. But in reality, this renowned director had the credentials to back up his arrogance. Twenty years ago, he directed an art film that not only swept awards domestically but also broke into Hollywood, garnering global attention—a feat rarely achieved by Chinese directors over the decades.
"I've long heard that the president of Qingya Media is the number one beauty of Jiangcheng. Now that I've met you, I see the reputation is well-deserved!" As Director Lü looked at Zhao Yanan, a dirty glint flashed in his arrogant eyes, and he extended his hand.
However, just as Zhao Yanan was suppressing her reluctance to shake his hand out of courtesy, Chu Yuxuan beat her to it.
"Director Lü, is it? A pleasure to meet you!" Chu Yuxuan shook Director Lü's hand with a smirk. "I've heard so much about you!" Director Lü frowned, not bothering to hide his disdain for this younger man, and withdrew his hand, saying, "I don't think I know you."
Although he claimed not to know him, it was impossible that this playboy who had recently brought down Ada Jing had escaped his notice. Chu Yuxuan had initially intended only to help his wife out of an awkward situation, but he hadn't expected to be publicly snubbed in return.
Wang Long felt a chill down his spine. Others might not know what kind of person this playboy was, but he certainly did. Hastily trying to smooth things over, Wang Long said, "Director Lü, this is my nephew..."
But before he could finish, Chu Yuxuan cut him off, "It doesn't matter if you don't know me; I know you! A top director in the country, Lü... Lü something, right? Anyway, Director Lü, I've heard your name so many times."
Wang Long tried to intervene, "Nephew, you..."
Chu Yuxuan shot him a sidelong glance and continued, "Director Lü, I've watched your films too. That one from twenty years ago... what was it called again? Anyway, I've been watching it for twenty years—it's fantastic!"
The subtle jab couldn't have been more skillful. Essentially, Chu Yuxuan was pointing out that Director Lü had only made that one film in the past twenty years, and he couldn't even remember its name.
Director Lü's expression instantly darkened. Known in the entertainment industry for his pettiness and vengefulness, he couldn't possibly tolerate such a direct insult. He sneered, "Kid, don't think you're hot stuff just because your family has some money! You..."
Chu Yuxuan didn't give him the chance to finish, replying indifferently, "I am hot stuff, though."
Director Lü snapped, "Without your father, what are you?"
Chu Yuxuan responded, "Just lucky to be born well. Reincarnation is a skill—want me to teach you?"
Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Zhao Yanan pinched Chu Yuxuan's waist and frantically signaled with her eyes.
Wang Long also tried to diffuse the tension by pushing Director Lü into his seat.
"Yuxuan, you can't act up tonight. We're here to clean up your image, and if you cause more trouble, it'll backfire," Zhao Yanan warned.
Chu Yuxuan shrugged, "Alright, I'll listen to you."
Still worried, Zhao Yanan reminded him again, "Don't cause any trouble... I'm heading backstage now."
"Got it..."
After seeing Zhao Yanan off to the backstage, Chu Yuxuan was led by the usher to his seat.
As a VIP, Director Lü naturally sat in the most prominent spot in the front row. As he took his seat, he glanced to his left and noticed Chu Yuxuan's nameplate on the table next to him.
It made sense—after all, this was Jiangcheng, and the Chu family had more prestige than he, a mere director.
Muttering a curse under his breath, Director Lü looked at his son, who had accompanied him to the event, and sternly said, "Wayne, sit down!" Only after getting his father's permission did the second-generation star dare to sit.
This scene was perfectly captured by Chu Yuxuan, who had just walked over. Seeing Wang Long, who was sitting behind Director Lü, Chu Yuxuan couldn't help but chuckle, "Uncle Wang, is this what they call noble etiquette? Oh wow, impressive!"
Wang Long nearly ground his oversized buckteeth to dust as he whispered, "Nephew, keep it down!"
Chu Yuxuan couldn't hold back his laughter. After a moment, he solemnly said, "Director Wang, please take a seat!"
Wang Long: ...
Seriously? I'm not your son!
"Hahaha..." Chu Yuxuan laughed heartily before taking the seat next to Wang Long. "I'll sit here. The front row is for nobles—I can't afford to sit there."
Wang Long's face turned green. "Keep your voice down! Nephew, I'm supposed to discuss a collaboration with Director Lü tonight. If it goes well, it'll benefit Qingya too! Why are you acting like you hate money?"
Chu Yuxuan didn't lower his volume at all, "Got it... Uncle Wang, just stop introducing shady people to my wife! Don't you know what kind of people are in your circle? Knife God just released a new song, and I think it describes you all perfectly—no matter how much you wash, it's still a dirty circle... and donkeys don't know they're donkeys!"
Wang Long: Please, just destroy me...
In the front row, Director Lü could no longer bear it. He spun around angrily, glaring at Chu Yuxuan, and yelled, "You little b*st*rd, show some respect!"
The commotion immediately drew the attention of many people, and reporters swarmed over. Chu Yuxuan leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and disdainfully said, "Screw you."
The atmosphere instantly froze. Director Lü was furious. Who here tonight wasn't a big name? To be insulted so brazenly by a rich kid—how could he continue in the industry after this?
But before he could explode, Chu Yuxuan smirked and said, "Director Lü, my wife warned me not to cause trouble tonight, so you'd better wise up. Don't forget I just took down a big-name public figure recently. If you keep this up, I'll smash your face in! Who the hell do you think you are?"
Director Lü froze. The recent scandal involving Ada Jing was still fresh in everyone's mind—her reputation was in tatters, and she probably fled to the United States by now.
It all came down to citizenship issues.
And Director Lü's family had long been criticized for their citizenship status. If this playboy decided to make a fuss about it, his reputation could be ruined.
Realizing this, Director Lü lost his nerve. Trying to maintain a facade of magnanimity, he called for a staff member to change his seat.
Chu Yuxuan chuckled, "Director Lü, just a reminder—tell your investors that if you're going to make patriotic films and profit off the public's emotions, then be satisfied with the box office revenue. Aren't tens of billions enough for you bloodsuckers? Charging for online viewing as well—don't be too greedy!"
His words sent shockwaves through the crowd, leaving the entertainment industry insiders speechless. Everyone knew Director Lü was vengeful—who would dare offend him?
But the entrepreneurs of Jiangcheng couldn't care less about some big-shot director and applauded thunderously.
Director Lü's humiliation was complete. He had attended tonight's event mainly to boost his son's image after his recent citizenship change, hoping some charity work would improve his public standing. But things had gone terribly wrong.
Now, with no desire to change seats, he grabbed his son and left the venue in a huff, glaring at Chu Yuxuan one last time as if he could kill with his eyes.
But the playboy simply flipped him the bird and mouthed, "Screw you."
In truth, Chu Yuxuan hadn't planned on causing trouble. He just couldn't stand Director Lü's pretentious act, pretending to be noble and refined while being nothing but a phony.
Putting on such a show fit perfectly with his patriotic image. He figured he'd probably make the news again, which was far more satisfying than donating money.
But poor Wang Long, who had inadvertently offended Director Lü just by being associated with him.
Chu Yuxuan glanced at Wang Long and smirked, "Uncle Wang, next time you have a collaboration, come to me directly. If you keep introducing shady people to Yanan, I won't be as gentle as I was today."