Chapter 516: A Familiar Person
“Yes.” Although Zuo Ming said that, he knew deep down that it would be impossible for him to find out. Ordinary people would not know where Third Master Jun had gotten the coffee.
However, the Sixth Master’s attitude seemed to have changed a little. He could even see a hint of complacency in it. To be able to suppress the Third Master and make him praise and respect him, he had gone from being in the same generation as him to being one generation his junior. Wasn’t he proud that he was inferior?
He could only give Third Master Jun a thumbs-up. How admirable. He was definitely ruthless. Look at him. He was an elite favored by the heavens. In the past, his attitude toward the Sixth Master had been very domineering. Now, his attitude toward the Sixth Master was as timid as a feather and as humble as dust.
In order to woo Miss Sheng Sheng and make the Sixth Master relent, he had accepted this huge psychological gap with a clear conscience. He was really a man. He was so impressive!
Before they could go to Chuanjiang Restaurant to eat, Xu Xi knocked on the door. Behind him was a group of waiters, each of them holding an exquisite plate. “The Third Master ordered these to be sent over.”
Huo Ci let out a cold laugh. “Scram! Who wants to eat his food? He must have poisoned me!”
Xu Xi smiled respectfully. “Sixth Master really knows how to joke.”
“Scram! I don’t need this small amount of food!” As soon as Huo Ci finished speaking, he saw a few stray dogs, some big and some small ones.
“Okay.” Xu Xi was still smiling. Since the Third Master had to provide for him, he had to serve him humbly. If he was pleasant, he would help the Third Master please his father-in-law and woo his wife.
“Come back.” Huo Ci stopped him casually and got Zuo Ming to call the stray dogs over. Then, he looked at the waiters and ordered them, “Leave them by the roadside!”
Xu Xi watched as a group of stray dogs surrounded the food Third Master had carefully selected to please him. Then, they finished it in no time.
That was too much!
The Sixth Master knew that he had a reputation for being cynical, but he was really too much. It was fine if he did not eat the food, but if he fed it directly to the dogs, wouldn’t that be a slap to the Third Master’s face?
The corners of Zuo Ming’s eyes twitched, and his forehead darkened. His master really knew how to handle things!
When Xu Xi returned to report this, he was extremely angry. However, he did not dare show it in front of the Third Master. The Third Master nodded and said casually, “I understand. The food might not be to his liking. I’ll switch restaurants tonight.”
Xu Xi was silent for a moment before he replied respectfully, “Okay.”
Oh no!
The Third Master had gone all out to woo his wife.
Didn’t he feel angry? Didn’t he feel like he had been slapped in the face?
At night, Huo Ci went to Yunjiang. The light show on the surface of the lake had already started, so it was quite lively. There were many tourists and many snack sellers on the street. They bought a stick of candied hawthorn and ate as they strolled forward.
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in the crowd. The woman was wearing a red windbreaker, and her hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail. Her pretty face, which was not covered in makeup, had a bright smile on it. She was also holding a huge piece of pink cotton candy.
The expression in his eyes turned cold. He threw away the candied hawthorn, pushed the crowd aside, and chased after her. However, she had already disappeared. It was as though she had suddenly appeared and disappeared on the spot.
As far as the eye could see, there were unfamiliar faces around him. Instantly, he got all flustered and punched the railing beside the river angrily. He was mad! He was simply crazy! Why would he see her?
Besides, why would he chase after her?
When Huo Ci looked over, Chen Mo also saw him. His expression changed to one of fright as he dragged Nangong Lengyu away and boarded a cruise ship with her.
Chapter 517: One Look
“What’s wrong?” Nangong Lengyu looked at him. “You don’t look too good. Are you cold? Why don’t we go back?”
Upon seeing the confused look on her face, Chen Mo felt relieved when he was sure she had not seen Huo Ci. He picked up a piece of cotton candy and put it in his mouth before leaning lazily against the seat. “I’ll swim with you. I said I’d have fun with you for two days.”
Huo Ci had come over. He had heard from James that the brat, Ah Yan, had let him stay in his villa. He did not know how many days he would be staying there. If he did not leave after having fun for half a month, would he continue filming?
“It’s an honor to have a workaholic like you abandon his job and have fun with me.” Nangong Lengyu smiled. Her slightly-narrowed eyes were as vast and dazzling as the Milky Way. She suddenly approached him. “Speak! What are you afraid of?”
Chen Mo pretended to be calm and asked her repeatedly, “Why should I be afraid? Why should I be afraid?”
“Is it because he’s here?” Nangong Lengyu’s eyes turned cold. “If I’m not afraid of him, why are you afraid of him?”
Chen Mo argued stubbornly. “Who said I’m afraid of him?”
How could Nangong Lengyu not know what he was thinking? As she fed him cotton candy, she said casually, “If you’re not afraid of him, why did you ignore your work and not go to the filming site?”
Her younger brother was a workaholic, especially during filming. Even if the sky collapsed, he would not leave the filming site. Huo Ci was indeed capable. Look at how much he had scared the child.
Chen Mo, who had been exposed, asked carefully, “Sister, did you see that?”
“You’re talking about Huo Ci!” Nangong Lengyu nodded and pointed in the direction of the shore. Under the lights of thousands of houses, he was standing in the sea of people and watching a light show.
Chen Mo looked in the direction she was pointing at. There were too many people, and he could only recognize Huo Ci based on his temperament and height. He gave her a secret look with a complicated expression in his eyes. It had been so many years, so how could she have recognized him among so many people?
“By the way, I want to see Ling Sheng. When will you arrange for us to meet? I’ll apply for a day off for her and have her show me around!” It had been a long time since Nangong Lengyu had felt the urge to see someone.
She had fallen in love with her the moment she had seen her photo and confirmed that it was her.
After looking through her photos and watching her variety show, she now liked her even more. The young lady was really interesting. She would definitely be compatible with her personality, so she would be able to have fun with her.
“I’ll let you see her now.” Chen Mo video called his assistant and said, “Has Ling Sheng finished filming? Let her talk to me.”
The junior assistant called Ling Sheng over. Ling Sheng had yet to remove her makeup, so her pure, pretty, lady-like appearance was very eye-catching. She took the phone and smiled at the camera. “Director Chen, what can I do for you?”
Chen Mo did not speak. He did not know where the camera was facing. There was water behind them and colorful lights. He could not see anyone, so he pointed Ling Sheng at Nangong Lengyu.
“Sheng…” Nangong Lengyu’s eyes lit up. She had yet to finish shouting Sheng Sheng’s name.
Chen Mo hung up the video call immediately and disconnected it. The screen froze on Ling Sheng’s smiling face for two seconds before the image disappeared.
Nangong Lengyu had just seen him hang up. She pointed at him angrily. “Why did you do that?”
Chen Mo smiled. “Didn’t you say you wanted to meet her? I’ve already let you meet her. During filming, all my actors have to listen to my arrangements. I definitely won’t allow her to go out and have fun!”
Chapter 518: An Official Meeting
Nangong Lengyu said, “Fine, you’re impressive!”
When Ling Sheng saw that he had hung up on her, she frowned. What did he want? What did he want? He had video called and hung up without saying a word.
Besides, she had seemed to see her father’s figure in the crowd in the background. Had he gone out with Director Chen?
That was not possible. Director Chen had been hiding from him. He had been quite scared that day.
Chen Mo said, “Sister, her drama will end at the end of the month. She’s supposed to be filming an advertisement in the Maldives. Why don’t the two of you go over there to have fun?”
Nangong Lengyu thought about it and agreed. She really could not wait to see her, but since her younger brother had said so, she could not delay their work. She nodded. “What about Huo Ci? I heard that he’s staying next door to you. If he doesn’t leave, do you plan on not going to the film site again?”
Chen Mo did not say anything. What else could he do? It was impossible for him to not go to the film site all the time. How could he continue filming? He could only get people to keep watch outside. If Huo Ci went to the film site, he would find an excuse to hide.
Nangong Lengyu was very sure. “What are you worried about? Huo Ci definitely won’t recognize you. He’s not that kind of person.”
Chen Mo finally believed her. Two people had already told him this, so Huo Ci would definitely not recognize him. The next day, he went to the film site without any worries.
Upon hearing that Chen Mo had gone to the film set, Huo Ci got ready to pay him a visit. He would be returning to the capital in the afternoon and he had been admiring Director Chen’s reputation for a long time.
When the assistant told Chen Mo that Best Actor Huo had come, Chen Mo was resting. Upon seeing the many workers and actors surrounding him and chatting with him, one could imagine how popular and well-liked he was.
Besides Ling Sheng, everyone had gone to see Best Actor Huo. She was still sitting there and scrolling through her phone. When someone walked past her, he suddenly lowered his head and whispered in her ear, “Your boss is here. Aren’t you going to welcome him?”
Ling Sheng took a look at the tightly-packed crowd and shrugged. “I’m afraid I can’t squeeze in. He’s here for you, Director Chen. Aren’t you afraid?”
Chen Mo frowned, his voice getting louder as he denied it. “Nonsense. Why would I be afraid of him?”
Ling Sheng took a look at him. Why are you so loud if you aren’t afraid? Why are you acting so heroic? When she saw him straighten his chest as though he was about to fight, she tugged at him and lowered her voice. “Relax, you’re not afraid.”
Chen Mo let out a low cough and glared at her. Why did this little girl have to spout the truth? He did not know why, but he was a little nervous. His sister had told him that Huo Ci would not recognize him.
Sheng Xichen smiled and nodded slightly at Chen Mo. “Brother Ci, Director Chen is here.”
Huo Ci greeted him with a smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the brat, who was sitting there scrolling through her phone, suddenly stand up. She smiled at him and waved at him with all her might. Her lips moved silently. Father. He sneered in his heart. Look at her. She got angry when she saw him. She didn’t even know how to welcome him.
“Mr. Huo.” Chen Mo encouraged himself a million times inwardly, hoping that he would not recognize him. He smiled and extended his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hi, Director Chen.” Huo Ci shook his hand in a gentlemanly manner. However, a probing look flashed across the depths of his eyes before his lips curled up in understanding. “I’ve long heard of your great name, Director Chen. Now that I’ve met you, you live up to your reputation.”
Chapter 519: Long Time No See
Chen Mo finally heaved a sigh of relief. He really had not recognized him. If he had known, he would not have avoided him. He had caused him to not come to the film site to guide his actors the entire day. He smiled and made an inviting gesture, chatting as he walked.
Upon hearing him invite him to stay, Huo Ci explained, “I really can’t spare time for your invitation, Director Chen. It clashes with my schedule. I hope we’ll have a chance to work together next time!”
“About the invitation… Your agent contacted me personally to explain the situation. I hope we can work together. It would be my honor to film a movie with Best Actor Huo.” Chen Mo finally relaxed.
Actually, there were some things that he had exaggerated in his heart, including the consequences. When he really did it, it was much easier than he had imagined.
He had not seen him in more than 20 years, but he had changed completely. He was elegant and gentlemanly, and he was no longer the young, frivolous, high-spirited man he remembered.
Ling Sheng saw that the duo was chatting quite nicely, but she had a bad feeling. Her father’s gaze was strange. However, when he was in public, his acting skills were really good. Ordinary people could not tell if he was in or out of character.
However, she was different. She knew her father’s temper the best. When they were in public, his smile was light and his eyes were deep, which meant that he was suppressing something.
However, Director Chen looked confident and did not notice that anything was amiss with her father.
Until…
Huo Ci’s lips curled up as he said, “Director Chen, it’s a little noisy here. Let’s find a quieter place to talk alone. I have something to tell you in private.”
Chen Mo did not sense anything and nodded. “Okay.”
Upon seeing the duo leave one after another, Ling Sheng got up and followed them quietly. She had a feeling that there was definitely an unspeakable secret between the two of them. She was not spying on their privacy. That was her father, not just anyone.
She was afraid that her father would get angry and make a move.
Right.
That was it.
Ling Sheng found an excuse for her actions. However, when she saw the duo enter Director Chen’s office, she did not dare eavesdrop. She just stood at the end of the corridor.
The door closed.
Huo Ci’s back was facing Chen Mo. Suddenly, he turned around and looked at him. “Ah Mo, it’s been a long time since we last met. How have you been?”
The smile on Chen Mo’s face froze as he looked at the gentlemanly and warm-looking man in front of him. The scene in front of him seemed to suddenly sneak on him and give him a punch, causing his blood to rush to his head.
His sister had said, “Huo Ci won’t recognize you. He’s not that kind of person.”
His Eldest Brother had said, “Even if you stand in front of Sixth Brother, he will definitely not recognize you!”
He…
Had he been conned just like that?
Who had said that Huo Ci would not recognize him? Huo Ci was not a fool. Why would he not recognize him?
“You…” Chen Mo paused for a long time, his expression changing again and again. He did not know what to say. In the end, his face reddened and his neck stiffened. “Mr. Huo, you’ve got the wrong person!”
Huo Ci approached him step by step. He was slightly taller than him, but his aura was very oppressive. When he forced him into a corner, he finally punched the wall above his head. There was a dangerous look in his eyes as his lips curled up into a smile. “You are Nangong Lengmo.”
He thought he had mistaken him for someone else?
What a joke!
He had never gotten the wrong person in his life!
Okay!
Great!
He was back. Third Master Jun must have known, but he had kept it from him. Were they brothers?
So what he had seen last night had not been some bullsh*t illusion. It had been real. He was back!
Chapter 520: Crazy
“Brother Ci.” Chen Mo closed his eyes in fright and covered his face. He then stuttered, “Speak nicely. Don’t hit my face!”
He had to go out to work later, so it would be difficult to explain if he was seen like that.
Huo Ci retreated, his lips curling up coldly and his eyes full of mockery. “Useless thing.”
Why was he as timid as he had been as a young man? He had not done anything to him. Besides, had he beaten him up? He had threatened him at most.
Chen Mo had always admired and feared him. After all, he used to be known as the invincible Huo Ci in the capital. He had been famous for being the devil incarnate. There had been no young master in the capital who was not afraid of him.
In addition, he’d had a few close brothers backing him up. He had basically been able to do anything he wanted.
At the time, he had just returned to the capital with his sister. He had been frequently bullied at school. When he had first encountered him while being beaten up, he had not helped. He had just stood by.
Later, after he’d started getting along with his sister, he had started forcing him to fight with others. He had brought him along no matter where they went. To be honest, that had been the most unrestrained and unlawful period of his life.
“When did you find out?” Chen Mo felt that he had concealed it well. There was no way he would recognize him given how he looked now.
“Just now.” Huo Ci had never cared much about Hollywood, especially about directors and actors. He knew that there was a genius director called Chen Mo, but he had not bothered to find out what he looked like.
Chen Mo frowned. Impossible!
“You think I’m lying?” Huo Ci’s lips curled up dangerously as he gave him a cold look. “If I had known you were Chen Mo, do you think I would have asked Ling Sheng to act in your drama?”
Dream on!
Chen Mo’s eyes constricted suddenly. When he heard him mention Ling Sheng, he was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. His whole body pricked up. “She’s just an artist managed by you. Even though you’re her boss, you can’t stop her from taking on a script. Artists and companies can terminate their contracts at any time.”
Huo Ci laughed out loud with a look of disdain. “Terminate their contracts? She can forget about terminating her contract in this lifetime. She has to film whatever I ask her to film. If she dares to film something I don’t want her to film, I’ll put her out of commission forever and ban her from China! You’ll see!”
Chen Mo pointed at him. “You’re a tyrant. You’re bullying her. She’s not your personal property. I believe China has laws!”
“You’re wrong. She is my personal property.” Huo Ci did not want to continue talking about this topic, so he asked directly, “Who else knows about your return?”
Upon seeing his expression, Chen Mo knew that he would not let the matter rest. He might even do something when he got back. He hurriedly said, “No one knows that I came back in secret. Eldest Brother and the others don’t know.”
“Oh, Rong Yin.” Huo Ci nodded and smiled at him. “There’s also Lu Shihao, right? Both of them know.”
Then, he turned around and left. When he reached the door, he stopped and turned around again. “Thank you for telling me.”
Chen Mo panicked. “Sister… Brother Ci, this has nothing to do with them. Come at me if anything happens!”
Huo Ci sneered, “You’re not worthy!”
Upon seeing him leave, Chen Mo broke out in a cold sweat. He had nearly called him brother-in-law out of anxiety. If his sister found out, she would tear him apart.
Huo Ci used to be a lunatic who did not act according to common sense. He was capable of doing anything. He hurriedly warned Rong Yin and the others. I’ve been discovered. Huo Ci will be returning to the capital today.