The restaurant echoed with elegant and soothing piano music.
Compared to the romantic candlelight of the evening, the daytime restaurant was exceptionally warm and refined.
However, among the patrons, there were individuals who starkly contrasted with their surroundings.
Yang Xiaoping's expression was filled with jealousy and resentment, her gaze carrying immense bitterness.
When speaking to others, she was sharp-tongued and unpleasant, as if everyone owed her tens of millions.
Not only was her tone aggressive, but she also gratuitously picked on the waitstaff, complaining about cold food and blood in the steak.
If not for the high wages, the waitstaff would have likely brandished their knives at her long ago.
Yang Xiaoping poured all her anger towards Gao Fei and Yang Lan onto others, not even sparing her husband and son.
Facing Yang Xiaoping, who reveled in making a scene whenever others prospered, Gao Fei and Yang Lan were accustomed to it and simply ignored her.
But the newly arrived Jin Qiqi and Wang He were filled with confusion.
Why did that auntie in the mink coat opposite them seem to have a grudge against them, her gaze unfriendly and her expression mean?
However, as no conflict erupted, they chose not to dwell on it, dismissing it as the auntie having some mental issues.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Gao Fei quickly diverted their attention and asked, "Brother Wang, the day before yesterday, I heard Sister Jin mention that Global Pictures wanted to buy the film and television rights to "The Double Face" novel for ten million, but you refused?"
The novel was only licensed to Wang He's novel website.
Gao Fei retained the decision-making power regarding film and television adaptations.
Now that someone was buying the rights, and Wang He had refused, he wanted to understand the reasons behind it.
"Ten million for the film and television rights to a novel, plus ten percent of the box office revenue, is indeed a high price in the film industry.
But compared to a piece of news I just received, ten million is negligible."
Wang He paused, teasingly, and his gaze subtly swept across the surrounding patrons.
The implication was clear: the news he was about to share was significant and should not be overheard by outsiders.
Gao Fei, having lived two lives, was quite shrewd and immediately understood Wang He's unspoken message. He signaled a waiter to change their private room.
Once they were in the private room, away from the main hall, Wang He began to speak. "I received news that the General Police Department is planning to use a film for promotion during the International Day in April.
In March, the General Department will select films with relevant themes from various film companies. Your novel, "The Double Face," fits the criteria perfectly.
Global Pictures offered a high price of ten million for the film and television rights, and they were willing to give up ten percent of the box office share.
It's likely that Global's higher-ups also received this news, otherwise, they wouldn't be willing to concede so much profit."
If Wang He's news was true, then ten million and the box office share were indeed insignificant.
If the film were selected by the General Department, it would not only receive official promotion but also be given priority by all major cinema chains.
At that point, as long as the plot wasn't trash and the actors didn't just mouth their lines, the box office would be astronomical.
"Brother Wang, has the news been confirmed?"
"Of course, it's confirmed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have refused Global Pictures."
Wang He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table, and continued, "Therefore, I plan to establish a film and television company and adapt your novel into a movie to participate in the film selection in March.
I came here to ask if you're interested in joining me.
If you are willing, we can each hold fifty percent of the shares and split all profits equally!"
"How much capital is needed?"
"Twenty million, plus the film and television rights to your novel.
Time is tight, so the funds need to be in place before the Spring Festival. We're just starting the company and have no existing team. We'll need to spend a lot on actors and the production crew."
Gao Fei had no problem with the novel rights; he could provide them anytime.
However, the twenty million in capital presented a significant challenge.
He had previously spent ten million on simulations, leaving him with only eight million in savings.
Since they needed to start filming the movie early, the twenty million had to be in his account before the Spring Festival.
But the five music platforms would only settle their earnings at the end of January.
With less than ten days remaining until the Spring Festival, where would he find the money in such a short time?
Damn, I wish I hadn't used ten million on simulations, I regret it so much...
Gao Fei sighed inwardly, pondering how to raise the funds, while simultaneously discussing aspects of filmmaking with Wang He.
Meanwhile, inside the private room, a multi-million dollar deal was being discussed.
Back in the main hall, after the people had left, Yang Xiaoping's expression relaxed, and her mood instantly improved.
She glanced at the closed door of the private room and let out a contemptuous snort, "With Gao Fei's character, how could he possibly befriend a super rich second-generation like Young Master Wang? His ancestors must have had a really good day when they were buried."
"Xiaoping, just say a few less words. At least Gao Fei can still connect with Wang He, whereas we don't even have the资格 to talk to him!"
Yin Zhiping was quite vexed by his wife's disposition of begrudging others' good fortune and sincerely advised her.
But his words only made Yang Xiaoping's face darken. "Weren't you all puffed up before we came, wanting to put that little brat Gao Fei in his place?
Now, seeing him, you're too scared to say a word, and you're even defending him.
I must have been blind to have fallen for a wimp like you."
Yin Zhiping's head throbbed. Seeing the surrounding patrons frowning at their family, he quickly scooped some foie gras onto his wife's plate.
"Alright, alright, eat your food and talk less!"
"Eat what? I'm so angry, how can I eat anything."
Yin Hui, seeing his mother starting to throw a tantrum again, quickly tried to comfort her. "Mom, don't be angry.
Young Master Wang is notoriously flirtatious, changing girlfriends like clothes, and his reputation outside isn't great.
Since he can associate with Gao Fei, they probably share similar tastes.
After all, what kind of person makes what kind of friends. Gao Fei's character has always been questionable, and Young Master Wang is likely the same."
This art of belittling others immediately made Yang Xiaoping feel much better.
She gently pinched her son's shoulder and smiled, "Our son is right, what kind of person makes what kind of friends.
Gao Fei has been up to no good since he was a child, and his friends are all small-time hooligans. It seems Young Master Wang isn't much better.
My son truly understands me, unlike your heartless father, who always takes the other side."
Seeing his wife happily belittling others, Yin Zhiping wasn't particularly pleased, but rather frowned.
However, noticing that the surrounding patrons were no longer paying attention to their family, he didn't say much more and quietly ate his food.
Yang Xiaoping stopped spewing profanities, and the restaurant finally quieted down.
As the patrons were enjoying their meals and conversations, a man in a blue casual suit suddenly entered the restaurant.
The patrons didn't notice him, but the manager at the front desk hurried forward. "Teacher Lang."
"Didn't you say he arrived? Why don't I see him?"
"Mr. Gao and his party went to a private room just now after paying extra. They are in room 321."
"Didn't I tell you that Mr. Gao's expenses here are all complimentary? Why did you still charge them?"
"Teacher Lang, I only made a nominal record and didn't collect any money. I've kept your instructions in mind."
The man in the blue casual suit was none other than the renowned pianist of Long Country, Lang Yuan, Teacher Lang.
Boway Piano Restaurant was also a chain store under his catering company.
His sudden appearance was because he had previously instructed the restaurant manager to notify him whenever Gao Fei visited.
Because this was someone the boss had specifically asked to pay attention to.
Therefore, as soon as Gao Fei arrived at the restaurant, the manager immediately called to inform him.
As the two were speaking, nearby patrons noticed Lang Yuan's sudden arrival.
"Teacher Lang Yuan!"
"Teacher Lang!"
Patrons stood up and greeted him.
Some rushed forward, pulling out paper, pens, and phones to request autographs and photos.
Lang Yuan did not refuse the patrons' requests.
As the owner of the restaurant, he knew that many guests came specifically for him, so he satisfied each one.
After signing autographs and taking photos,
Lang Yuan even performed a live rendition of "Für Elise," which finally satisfied the customers, who then returned to their tables to dine.
Yin Hui, who received an autograph and photo, was extremely excited and immediately uploaded it to his social media circle, showing off that he had met the piano master Lang Yuan.
Watching Lang Yuan, whom the patrons called "Teacher Lang" even as he walked around the restaurant, Yang Xiaoping said with genuine admiration, "Son, a master like Teacher Lang is the kind of friend worth befriending!
We are not short of money, so there's no need to associate with those second-generation heirs who are just eating and waiting to die.
In the future, you should make more friends who are talented and have good character. Perhaps one day they will become celebrities like Teacher Lang, respected wherever they go, and you can benefit from it."
Yin Zhiping did not refute Yang Xiaoping's statement.
He knew his son's capabilities and agreed, saying, "Xiao Hui, your mother is right. Now that you're studying at Yunnan Province Art Academy, you should make more connections with potential stars.
When you graduate and take over the family business, perhaps the friends you've made will become minor celebrities, and you and the company will benefit."
"Oh, I get it, I get it!"
Yin Hui replied impatiently. He was currently bragging with his friends, and his parents' words went in one ear and out the other.
Besides, what stars could come out of their school? At best, they'd become teachers after graduation.
Seeing her son's indifferent demeanor, Yang Xiaoping sighed wordlessly and said no more.
As she looked up, she saw Lang Yuan walking towards them, holding a bottle of vintage red wine.
Glancing around, Yang Xiaoping noticed that there were no other guests nearby.
Could Teacher Lang be coming for them?
"Son, Teacher Lang is coming over, sit up straight!"
"Huh?"
Yin Hui, who was bragging in the group chat, also noticed Teacher Lang approaching and immediately sat up straight.
"Lang..."
Before he could finish speaking,
Lang Yuan, walking with purpose, completely ignored them and headed straight for private room 321.
Seeing Teacher Lang enter the private room, and hearing occasional laughter from inside.
The faces of the family of three turned extremely ugly.
"Teacher Lang must be Young Master Wang's friend. He couldn't possibly know Gao Fei!"
Yang Xiaoping reassured herself, and also her husband and son.
After all, Wang He was a super rich second-generation heir. She couldn't believe that Gao Fei could know the respected Teacher Lang.
Not long after, Gao Fei and his group walked out of the private room, chatting and laughing.
Lang Yuan, holding the wine bottle, walked beside them, instructing the restaurant manager. "This bottle of wine is a gift for Teacher Xiao Gao. Keep it safe. Also, from now on, whenever Teacher Xiao Gao visits, serve him from my vintage collection."
"Ah, Teacher Lang, you're too kind. I can't accept such a generous gift for nothing!"
"Teacher Xiao Gao is too kind. The piano piece you taught me is a world-renowned masterpiece. A few bottles of wine are just a small token!"
Watching Lang Yuan show utmost respect to Gao Fei.
Yang Xiaoping, Yin Zhiping, and Yin Hui, who were still trying to convince themselves.
The entire family of three's mentality completely collapsed!
As Gao Fei and his group walked past the family of three, they didn't even bat an eye, treating them as if they were air.
Even Yang Lan, who felt indebted to her sister, had a completely changed attitude towards her sister after learning that her son had been publicly called a bastard by his aunt.
As they passed, she merely cast a brief glance, without any further interaction.
After they left, the restaurant manager suddenly brought a bank card and placed it on the family of three's table.
Yang Xiaoping stared at the card, stunned. Before she could speak, the manager directly stated, "Mr. Gao asked me to pass on a message.
He said this two hundred thousand yuan is considered the dowry money that my mother owes you. From today onwards, if you dare to bully my mother again when we meet, I will spare no expense to ruin your Yin family's breeding company. Using Sun Yao Guo as an example, feel free to test me."
After speaking, the manager turned and left without another word.
At this moment, Yang Xiaoping's family of three finally realized that the current Gao Fei was no longer the petty brat they could arbitrarily scold and bully.
The family of three and Gao Fei, along with Yang Lan and her son, had finally severed their past grievances.