The crew members arriving behind them immediately began setting up the stage and equipment.
"Hey! This is our rented space, you can't shoot here!" K&S staff members promptly stepped forward to negotiate.
"What do you mean 'your rented space'? It isn't anymore!" the other party's attitude was extremely arrogant.
"We have a rental contract here. If you continue like this, we'll call the police!"
"What's there to call the police about? Whatever you paid, we'll double it," the head of the opposing filming crew walked over, adopting a condescending tone. "Does such a trivial matter really require involving the police? Director Xu and Director Lin are quite busy; we just had drinks together last night."
Seeing the other party's attitude, the K&S employees' brows furrowed.
"Tell them we only have a few more shots to finish. If they absolutely must have this location, they can wait until we're done," the K&S filming director instructed the translator. He was also out working and didn't want trouble, preferring things to proceed smoothly.
"We can't wait!" Upon hearing the translator relay the message, the opposing director scoffed. "Tell that foreigner, I need to shoot here urgently today. I'll compensate you triple the venue fee. Don't push your luck! You have 10 minutes to get out."
"It's better to avoid trouble than create it. If necessary, we can continue tomorrow. Today has been quite smooth," Amiya also didn't want to stir up issues. This was not Paris, after all, and the safety of the staff was the top priority.
"Then we'll continue tomorrow," the director sighed heavily upon hearing this, instructing the translator to convey: "We're only yielding today. You must return the venue tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? We're shooting tomorrow too, we can't yield!" The opposing director, seeing K&S backing down, knew they were foreigners who feared trouble, and thus became even more brazen. "You can come back next week. We'll be using this place for the next few days!"
The translator's face darkened upon hearing this.
The entire shoot was only scheduled for two days, and this project had to move to the next phase on the 17th. The French team's flight to leave China was also on the 17th.
How could they possibly wait until next week?
Moreover, they had originally rented the venue. Wasn't this deliberately causing trouble?
No matter what, they shouldn't be bullied like this!
Hearing the translator relay the message, the K&S director was no longer willing to back down and immediately ordered the on-site staff to call the police.
As both sides' staff were about to come to blows, the opposing director received a phone call. After a period of fawning and nodding, he immediately said with a dark expression, "If you want to shoot today, that's fine too. There's no need to call the police. We can discuss it, but you have to let us shoot first! Our big boss is arriving soon, and we need to finish this segment before anything else!"
"You people have no credibility whatsoever. We have a rental contract, so why should we let you shoot first? Time and lighting are crucial resources for us!" K&S was completely fed up.
"We are shooting the new product promotional campaign for Yue Shi Jewelry! Do you know Yue Shi Jewelry! People from Yue Shi Jewelry will be here shortly. If you offend them, do you think you'll be able to leave China alive?" the director threatened, hands on his hips, spittle flying.
It seemed they were indeed in a hurry, eager to perform well in front of their client. However, their haste made them appear ridiculous, like a jackal impersonating a tiger and a dog relying on human power. Their words were akin to those of street thugs.
Xia Qingtian had initially intended not to get involved. She was just a model cooperating today, and her attitude was to follow the director's lead. However, upon hearing the name "Yue Shi Jewelry," Xia Qingtian's heart sank. She immediately recalled the mastermind behind her kidnapping by a black-hearted hospital, who had intended to harvest her heart for organ donation: someone from the Yue family.
The Yue family.
Why did it have to be the Yue family?
Xia Qingtian narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Let's wait and see. I'm curious to know what extraordinary capabilities the Yue family possesses."
Hearing Xia Qingtian's words, the opposing director's brow furrowed, and he was about to lash out, wondering who dared to be so ignorant.
Upon taking a closer look, he realized it was the celebrity who had been making headlines one after another recently. He immediately became a bit more subdued.
"I haven't seen you yet, but Teacher Xia is also here." The man immediately put on a smiling face. "I also know some high-level executives at Gu Shi Entertainment. We've had several collaborations, and there's another advertisement we're scheduled to shoot together next month."
"Is that so?" Xia Qingtian raised her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and gave Li Mengxiao a look.
Li Mengxiao immediately pulled over a chair. Xia Qingtian lifted her skirt and sat down, crossing her long legs. Her tone was cold and distant, possessing a hint of Mr. Gu's demeanor: "Which advertisement is it? It would be better to cancel it as soon as possible if there's still time."
Collaborating with someone like that for an advertisement might be fine if nothing went wrong, but if something did happen, Gu Shi Entertainment's reputation would likely be tarnished in the end.
What a despicable opportunist.
Upon hearing Xia Qingtian's words, the director's expression shifted several times. Seeing that Xia Qingtian wasn't giving him any face at all, the director replied resentfully, "Gu Shi Entertainment's projects are decided by their senior management. Calling you Teacher Xia is out of respect for Wen Ning; do you really think you have a say?"
"Besides, this is L City, not Z City! I advise you to restrain yourself. Whether it's Gu Shi or Xia Shi, they can't control things here."
"That's quite a statement. If they're cracking down on crime, how did you slip through? Those who know understand that this is a society governed by law. Those who don't might think L City has a local emperor." Xia Qingtian retorted sarcastically, "Come on, I'd like to see how unique the customs of L City are." Xia Qingtian raised an eyebrow and scoffed.
Seeing that Xia Qingtian was unyielding, a hint of malice flashed in the man's eyes. The flesh on his face twitched as he ordered, "Smash all their stuff! Let's show Teacher Xia the customs of L City!"
Hearing his words, they immediately prepared to start smashing.
At this moment, a black private car drove over. Upon seeing the car, the director's expression changed several times. Then, he didn't forget to quickly warn them, "I'm telling you all, behave yourselves when they get here. Anyone who dares to speak out of turn won't be leaving L City alive!"
As the car stopped, the director's demeanor changed instantly. He bowed and respectfully invited the person out of the car.
The car door opened, and a handsome man in a suit stepped out. He appeared to be in his early thirties, about 1.82 meters tall, wearing a dark tie. His features were sharp and his expression was cold. A mole under his narrow, almond-shaped eyes added a touch of softness to his stern demeanor.
"Manager Yue," the director said with a bow and a smile. "We're currently filming. Why don't you return to the hotel to rest for a while? We can personally deliver the rough cuts to you tonight."
"No need," the man scanned the surroundings, his gaze settling on Xia Qingtian. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Why was she here?