Wang Zhou looked at the two of them with a smile, "I thought you two wouldn't come."
"Director Wang, your words are a bit confusing. I don't quite understand what you mean," Fang Miaomiao also smiled faintly, "Director Wang's warm invitation, how could we possibly not come? Moreover, we truly admire your film 'Hui Wang'."
Wang Zhou's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Ah, 'Hui Wang'. It was indeed a good film back then, but looking at it now, it's not quite the same. I wonder if it would have become a classic by now if the ending had been different."
Cui Mantong frowned slightly, her gaze imperceptibly flicking towards Fang Miaomiao.
Fang Miaomiao shook her head, signaling Cui Mantong to remain silent.
"Oh, don't you feel it's a pity?" Wang Zhou pressed on, seeing their silence.
"Pity for what?" Fang Miaomiao feigned confusion, blinking. "Some films exist for a reason. When we look at them now, we feel dissatisfied, thinking they don't align with current society or our perspectives."
"Miss Fang is truly eloquent. I thought you two might have heard some gossip recently," Wang Zhou stated the purpose of his visit directly.
Cui Mantong let out a light laugh at this. "Gossip? Director Wang, you must have forgotten that there's a whole lot of gossip in the entertainment industry. Why are you so interested in this particular matter?"
Wang Zhou's smile stiffened. He quickly said, "It just came to mind. By the way, I heard that Mantong Studio has a new screenwriter recently. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to get to know him?"
Cui Mantong blinked. "Director Wang wants to make friends?"
Wang Zhou nodded. "Yes. As you know, every industry needs fresh blood. The last time I passed through Hengdian, I happened to notice that young man, and I thought he was quite good. I just don't know if Ms. Cui would be willing to introduce me so I could have a chat with him."
Cui Mantong was initially delighted, then shrugged helplessly. "It might not be possible. Director Wang, you wouldn't know, but the person I've signed is very young, yet extremely stubborn. I've tried several times to get him to go out with me and network, but he always refuses, believing that directors and screenwriters should solely focus on their scripts."
"Ah, this child is so headstrong, I don't even know what to say," Cui Mantong said with a feigned look of dismay, though her eyes sparkled with joy. "However, as you can see, the child truly has talent. That short film he made last time garnered tens of millions of views online. I just let him be. After all, as you said, the film industry needs new blood, and we can't stifle a child's abilities or prevent them from soaring. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes, Ms. Cui is right. Talents like that certainly need to be protected. Otherwise, who knows how their wings will be clipped," Wang Zhou said with a forced smile. "This society is quite brutal. Even with great talent, some people may not be able to soar like an eagle in the sky."
"Misses, you two might not know, but the film industry is very deep. Without someone to escort you, without a guide to lead the way, it's not easy to have a smooth journey," Wang Zhou said, pouring each of them a cup of tea. "What do you two think?"
Fang Miaomiao smiled at Wang Zhou. "I trust that child. As long as he stays true to his original intention, our families will give him opportunities. We can't help it; we're willful with our money. If there's no path ahead, we'll use our money to pave one for him."
"Miss Fang is truly willful with her wealth. I wonder if Master Wen shares the same sentiment."
"Oh my." Fang Miaomiao shyly burrowed into Cui Mantong's embrace. "Isn't this normal? My husband dotes on me. He said I can do whatever I want, and he'll handle any troubles. I don't need to worry. Sister Mantong, why is my husband so good to me?"
"There, there, because our Miaomiao is worth it."
Seeing their affectionate display, Wang Zhou could no longer maintain his act. "Well, ladies, I just remembered I have something urgent to attend to. I'll take my leave now. We can get together again when we have time."
Without waiting for their response, Wang Zhou stood up and left.
After a while, Cui Mantong couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Wang Zhou is too funny! Was he trying to warn me just now?"
"Not just warning you, but me too, and even Wang Hui," Fang Miaomiao said calmly, looking at the tea in her cup before pouring it away. "He's truly an old fox. There wasn't a single useful word out of his mouth, and yet my recording was wasted."
"You recorded it?"
"Of course. Every moment spent with Wang Zhou now requires preparation."
"I think you're right," Cui Mantong found Fang Miaomiao's words increasingly sensible. "We should notify Wang Hui too. Who knows if Wang Zhou will contact Wang Hui behind our backs?"
"Don't worry. After everything he's been through, Wang Hui isn't an innocent fool."
"Wuwuwu, Miaomiao, how can you be so smart?"
"I think so too," Fang Miaomiao said proudly. "Now we just have to wait and see when Wang Zhou will jump the wall in desperation. Wang Hui is becoming more and more famous, and Wang Zhou can't stand it the most."
"Then I must have Cui Tong find someone to protect Wang Hui. What if this person gets desperate and jumps too far, injuring Wang Hui?"
"Your idea is sound. Looking at Wang Zhou's eyes, he won't give up."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Cui Mantong became anxious upon hearing this. "Let's go notify Wang Hui immediately."
"Why the hurry?" Fang Miaomiao said with some helplessness. "Wang Zhou isn't a fool. Unless it's a last resort, he won't touch Wang Hui. We'll take our time."
As she spoke, her text messages were almost sent. "Alright, let's go."
"Go where?"
"To find Wang Hui, to look at the script."
Cui Mantong followed Fang Miaomiao, feeling a bit lost.
When the two arrived at the film set, Wang Hui was speaking with some staff members. He nodded slightly when he caught sight of them, then returned to his work.
Cui Mantong nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Working diligently, even when the bosses arrive, you should finish your work first."
Fang Miaomiao couldn't help but laugh. "Aren't you afraid he's doing that deliberately to be seen?"
"How could that be? It's real, and I can tell the difference between real and fake. After all, I was an outstanding actress once," Cui Mantong said seriously after glancing at Wang Hui who was working.
Fang Miaomiao didn't reply and pulled Cui Mantong towards the set.
"Hello, two bosses."
"It seems you really like this job," Cui Mantong said with a smile. "You look so energetic and young."