Huayu: This director is so eager to improve.

Chapter 98 Going to see Li Shaohong

She looked into Li Qing's eyes, which instantly filled with tears, and softened her tone slightly, but remained resolute:

"Qing'er, I know you think highly of Qi Yue. Yes, I admit he has some talent and good luck, producing two hit web series and even winning an award. But there are plenty of talented people in this industry who have had a bit of luck! He's just tasted success in television and now he's getting arrogant and wants to jump into the film industry?"

"Over the years, how many examples like this have I seen? They're successful in TV dramas, but their true colors are revealed when they make movies, resulting in both box office and critical failure, and even the actors suffer as a result! Making movies with them won't lead to anything; it will only waste your prime years and squander the audience goodwill you've worked so hard to build!"

She patiently and earnestly tried to persuade Li Qing with her experience and reality:

"Your current image is great, the 'pure and resilient' type. Audiences love that, and your popularity is rising. A movie's production cycle is very long, and it might not even be released even after filming. You want me to play a murderer? The image contrast is too great, the risk is too high! If you mess it up, or the movie itself fails, all your previous efforts might be wasted! Listen to Aunt Hong, you can't go wrong."

Li Qing lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

She understood Aunt Hong's good intentions towards her. Li Shaohong was also the one who guided her into the entertainment industry. Without her, she might still be singing female roles in the opera troupe.

She didn't want to disappoint Aunt Hong, but... a longing grew wildly within her like weeds.

"Aunt Hong, I..."

"Alright, that's settled then." Li Shaohong sat back down in her chair, her tone regaining its usual decisiveness.

"Have the studio issue a statement later, saying it's a scheduling conflict and they regretfully cannot participate in Director Qi's new film. The attitude needs to be sincere, and they need to distance themselves from it. Didn't you also turn down 'Nirvana in Fire' due to scheduling issues last time? Just do the same."

Li Qing kept her head down and didn't say a word, only her shoulders twitched slightly.

Looking at the girl in front of her, whom she had nurtured and treated like a niece, and seeing her aggrieved and sad expression, Li Shaohong sighed inwardly.

She wasn't heartless; it's just that after decades in this industry, having witnessed too many ups and downs, she had to choose the safest path for Li Qing's sake and for the company's interests.

Just as she was about to soften her tone and say something more, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in."

The secretary pushed open the door and entered, a hint of nervousness and strangeness on her face. She quickly walked to Li Shaohong's side.

"Mr. Li, we received a message from the front desk downstairs that a Mr. Qi Yue wants to see you. He says... it's about collaborating on Ms. Li Qing's new film."

Although the secretary's voice was very low, it was enough for Li Shaohong and Li Qing to hear clearly in the quiet office.

Li Shaohong's expression froze instantly. Li Qing also abruptly raised his head, his face filled with astonishment.

Qi Yue... he actually came directly to our door?!

The air in the office seemed to become even more stagnant with the arrival of this name.

"Good, very good. I didn't go looking for him, but he came to me instead. Invite him in. I want to hear how he plans to trick Qing'er out of my hands."

"..."

The lobby of the building where Rongxinda is located is bright and spacious, exuding the calm and composed atmosphere of a long-established film and television company.

Qi Yue gave his name and purpose at the front desk, and the receptionist politely asked him to wait a moment to confirm.

While waiting, another receptionist brought over a glass of warm water and gently placed it on the coffee table next to Qi Yue.

"Sir, please have some water." The voice was gentle.

Qi Yue looked up and sized her up.

The girl was in her early twenties, with delicate makeup, bright features, a slender figure, and a well-fitting business suit.

He was somewhat surprised. As expected of Rong Xinda, even the receptionist's looks and demeanor were almost on par with some newly debuted celebrities.

"Thank you." Qi Yue took the water glass and thanked him.

The girl didn't leave immediately. Instead, she blinked her big eyes, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in her voice, and asked timidly in a low voice:

"Um...excuse me, are you...Director Qi Yue?"

"Yes, I am Qi Yue."

The girl's eyes lit up instantly, as if starlight had flashed within them.

"It really is you! I... I've seen your 'Day and Night,' it's so good! I even follow you on Weibo! I never expected to see you here! I... I'm your fan..." She became more and more excited as she spoke, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Thanks."

"Um, could you... could you sign my autograph?"

Qi Yue was taken aback for a moment, then smiled slightly:

"Can."

The girl was overjoyed and quickly pulled out a rolled-up poster from under the reception desk, carefully unfolding it.

It's actually the official promotional poster for the yet-to-be-released drama "Nirvana in Fire"! Right in the center is Mei Changsu, played by Qi Yue.

"Director Qi, may I sign here?" She pointed to the blank space next to Mei Changsu on the poster, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Okay." Qi Yue took the pen she handed him, the nib just about to fall—

"Director Qi!"

"It really is Director Qi!"

Three more girls suddenly appeared from some corner, each holding a notebook or a small card, their faces full of anticipation.

"Director Qi, could you sign one for me too?"

"Me too! I absolutely love 'Yu Zui'!"

In an instant, Qi Yue was surrounded by three young and beautiful receptionists, as if the scene had turned into a mini autograph session. The girls chattered excitedly, their enthusiasm palpable.

"Cough cough cough."

A clear cough came from not far away.

The group looked in the direction of the sound and saw the elevator doors open, and Li Shaohong's capable female secretary walked out.

She first coughed lightly, her expression slightly serious, and then glanced at the receptionists surrounding Qi Yue, her eyes carrying a hint of warning.

The girls immediately seemed to be muted, stuck out their tongues, quickly straightened up, and resumed their professional posture, but their eyes still couldn't help but glance at Qi Yue.

The secretary then turned to Qi Yue, her face displaying a polite, professional smile.

"Director Qi, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. President Li is already waiting for you in his office. Please come with me."

"Okay, thank you." Qi Yue nodded to the girls, returned the signed posters and notebooks to them, then picked up the barely touched glass of water and followed his secretary toward the elevator.

Behind them, they could still faintly hear the girls' suppressed excitement in low voices:

Wow! He's even more handsome in person than in the poster!

"I got the autograph! That's great!"

"He has such a refined air about him..."

"I wonder what brings you here to see Mr. Li..."

The elevator doors slowly closed, shutting out the subtle noise from the lobby.

Qi Yue straightened his collar and calmly watched the floor numbers rise.

The little incident just now was like an unexpected gentle breeze before the storm. But what we're about to face is the real tough battle.