Xiao Xun covered her mouth in surprise. "Miss Yu, you truly are an accomplished actress. I almost didn't recognize you with this disguise."
"You're too kind."
After a brief exchange of compliments, Xiao Xun started the car. "Let's not chat here. Let's go somewhere else!"
"Sure, it's all up to you today."
Xiao Xun had initially intended to take Yu Shiwen to the Tianhao Grand Hotel, but it was too crowded. To avoid any repeat of what happened earlier, Xiao Xun brought her to Phoenix Cry Restaurant, the most famous establishment in G City.
Bringing outside beverages was generally not allowed here, but Xiao Xun paid a service fee, and given her status, there was no objection.
"Miss Yu, I apologize for the less-than-ideal setting tonight," Mu Yaochi said with a smile.
"Mr. Xiao, you're too polite. Drinking wine worth tens of thousands of yuan a bottle at G City's most expensive restaurant and still feeling wronged. What would be considered not wronged?"
Xiao Xun was quite fond of Yu Shiwen's demeanor. After so many years in the industry, there were no rumors of her being difficult to work with. The occasional gossip was always insubstantial and went nowhere. "Haha, since you put it that way, I can't be too formal, or you might just leave."
Yu Shiwen replied, "That's more like it."
Xiao Xun found Yu Shiwen increasingly agreeable. They ordered their dishes and then began discussing their potential collaboration.
"The film and television industry has been in decline in recent years, with no good scripts. The main headache is the copyright issues, and most importantly, the current trend of cross-industry ventures."
Yu Shiwen complained, "In the past, being good at singing and acting made someone a multi-talented star. Now, everyone wants to be a director. Whether they've studied it or not, they just jump in and give orders. If they direct well, fine. But if they direct poorly, not only do they ruin their own reputation, but they also tarnish the actors' reputations."
Xiao Xun smiled. "Let's not talk about movies for now. Try this."
He poured half a glass of wine for Yu Shiwen and dismissed the waiter. The service fee was still charged here even if the waiter wasn't actively serving.
"Miss Yu, I won't repeat what I discussed with you online a few days ago. What are your thoughts?"
Yu Shiwen responded, "I've already told you my thoughts online. Since I'm back now, I'll stick to my word. … However, I do have my conditions."
"Funding is absolutely not an issue. Just name your price." Longtan Group lacked nothing more than money. If money could unlock a new field, it was a profitable venture.
Yu Shiwen looked displeased. "Mr. Xiao, why is your mind only on money? Do you think I, Yu Shiwen, would care about the meager funds of your Longtan Group?"
Xiao Xun was taken aback. "This, this…"
Yu Shiwen continued, "Indeed, I don't care about money. If I cooperate with Longtan, I believe Mr. Xiao will offer a reasonable price, so the money is up to you. I will not make any demands regarding finances."
"Then what do you want?"
Yu Shiwen extended her palm and then clenched it tightly. "Autonomy in operations. For the entertainment company we establish, you can only hold shares, provide resources, and receive profits. You cannot interfere in any personnel or operational matters of the company. If you agree, we sign tomorrow. If you don't, we remain good friends, alright?"
Xiao Xun asked curiously, "Why do you have this idea?"
"Before I came, I investigated Longtan Group. It's a company with considerable, no, immense strength. Over the years, it has acquired many companies and entered many fields, but most of them have not thrived. Do you know why?"
Xiao Xun smiled and shook his head. "I'm eager to hear."
Yu Shiwen said with a serious expression, "It's because they let amateurs manage professionals. After acquiring a company, they replace the senior management. Amateurs managing professionals – it's no wonder those companies run into problems."
Xiao Xun nodded. "What you said makes a lot of sense. Alright, we'll do it as you say. How about it?"
"It's a deal."
"Yes! A deal."
After dinner, Xiao Xun asked Yu Shiwen, "How will you get back?"
Yu Shiwen took out her phone. "I've called my assistant. She'll be here shortly. How about you? Shall I find you a designated driver?"
Xiao Xun waved his hand; he was now somewhat traumatized by designated drivers. "Don't worry about me. I have my ways."
Yu Shiwen had had a bit too much to drink, her face already flushed after two bottles of red wine.
Before she lost consciousness, her assistant finally arrived. Xiao Xun handed her over to her assistant, gave a few instructions, and then the assistant left.
Xiao Xun planned to head home. He saw someone staggering towards him and, upon closer inspection, realized it was Zhang Ming.
"Zhang Ming?"
Zhang Ming's eyes were red. He looked at the person in front of him, his vision blurred, and he hesitated. "Who…?"
Xiao Xun looked at Zhang Ming curiously, wondering why he didn't recognize him. "It's Xiao Xun, Xiao Xun! We were college roommates. Do you remember?"
Zhang Ming burst into laughter. "Lao San… Haha, roommate, hahaha… Wuwuwu…"
Seeing Zhang Ming weeping, Xiao Xun grabbed his arm. "What have you been up to lately? I haven't heard from you."
"I… I quit being a cop, a good police officer, to join a company as a director. Is that my place? I just wanted to earn more money. What did I do wrong? Why do people worse than me drive luxury cars, marry beautiful women, and live in mansions, while I have to squeeze into the dormitory building? I'm not satisfied. Why? Where am I worse than them?"
He then vomited. Xiao Xun gently patted his back. "You are not worse than anyone."
"Right, *cough*…"
Xiao Xun looked at Zhang Ming in this state. "Where do you live? I'll take you back."
"Boom…"
As Xiao Xun was comforting Zhang Ming, the car he had arrived in suddenly exploded. This was a commercial street, and the glass of surrounding cars and buildings shattered.
Pedestrians dived for cover, and many let out piercing screams.
The incident happened so suddenly that many people didn't react.
Xiao Xun looked at the source of the flames, which was his own car. A sense of dread washed over him. If he hadn't encountered Zhang Ming, he would have gotten into the car. Given his state of intoxication, at such close proximity, he wouldn't have had time to teleport.
He thought assassins only existed in other worlds, but he never expected this world to have them too.
Soon, fire trucks and ambulances arrived. Many people on the scene were injured, and a stampede also occurred.
The police took Xiao Xun away and took a detailed statement. They told him, "Mr. Xiao, you can request police protection."
"Thank you, I don't need it for now. Just send me home, and catch the culprit as soon as possible."
The police drove Xiao Xun back. The security guard curiously asked what had happened. The police were cold and told the guard to mind his own business.
The incident had a severely negative impact and made the top trending headlines that very day. The police spokesperson promised to solve the case within a specified time.
The villa area was also secretly monitored by the police. They suspected it was an organized and planned assassination attempt. If Xiao Xun, a public figure, were truly assassinated, the impact would be disastrous. Therefore, even though Xiao Xun did not request protection, the police still deployed personnel to set up surveillance.
The killer's initial attempt failed, so they would surely devise other methods. Now, it was a matter of waiting and watching.