He patted Liu on the shoulder. "Our capabilities are limited. If we're busy with other things, we won't be able to handle everything. So, the most crucial task is entrusted to you. Come on!"
Shen Yanshan was seriously spouting nonsense, which left Liu dazed. Liu's eyes grew brighter. He was just an insignificant figure beside Director Wen. He never expected that he was so important in the eyes of these two people.
A feeling of "a gentleman will lay down his life for his bosom friend" welled up in Liu's heart. He nodded heavily. "Okay, you can go with confidence. I'll take care of things here."
He would surely not let them down!
After arranging Liu, the two of them mingled among the crowd. There were all kinds of people around, constantly shouting, and on the stage were girls in revealing outfits.
Li Chuchu whispered, "Do you really believe Liu can catch the person?"
Shen Yanshan smiled and whispered back, his tone teasing. "Why not give it a try? After all, we've spent twenty yuan on the entrance fee. We can't let the money go to waste."
Since they were already here, they might as well make some contribution in terms of human resources.
Liu was tricked into coming to the entertainment city after having a bowl of rice noodles with goose legs. For the twenty - yuan entrance fee, Liu was coaxed into working for them whole - heartedly. At this moment, even if he was sold, he would still be happily counting the money for others.
The two of them exchanged a look.
Under the bright lights and amidst the clinking of glasses, they both saw a sly look in each other's eyes, like that of a thousand - year - old fox.
"What should we do next? Wait for the prey in the lobby?"
Shen Yanshan's eyes glinted slightly. "The night show has just started. The main event is yet to come. Later, we'll find an opportunity to get behind the scenes."
Although he had never seen Jiang Wen, he remembered the looks of Li Xiaguang and that aunt. He planned to start with these two people.
Li Chuchu nodded. "Then let's act separately."
Shen Yanshan was skeptical. "Can you do it?"
"Of course. Don't underestimate me."
Li Chuchu noticed a woman in a cheongsam who had lifted a secret curtain on one side of the stage and went in. She immediately followed.
...
This place was completely different from the brightly - lit area outside.
The lights were dim and flickering. There was a wooden staircase underfoot, and in front was a narrow path partitioned by wooden boards, so narrow that only two people could walk side by side.
Li Chuchu tentatively walked forward.
Suddenly, she heard a burst of footsteps not far ahead. A figure appeared at the turn of the path, scolding angrily, "Who brought you? What are you doing here alone?"
Li Chuchu was stunned for a moment. She immediately realized that this person had mistaken her for a staff member here. She reacted quickly. "I'm new here. I got lost." "Damn it! Those people keep bringing in unreliable newbies to cause trouble every day! This is not a place for you. Come with me quickly!"
The man stepped forward cursing and grabbed Li Chuchu's wrist. She almost fell due to his sudden force.
What an attitude!
Li Chuchu felt annoyed. She suddenly broke free from his hand by grabbing the collar of his clothes. "Let go! I can walk by myself! I was recruited at a high price. If you make me fall and hurt my face, can you afford it?"
Her tone was rather coquettish, relying on her looks.
The man looked at Li Chuchu in surprise.
Who was this? So bold?
Even in their territory, she didn't know who was in charge?
The light was too dim before, and he couldn't see clearly. Now that they were closer, he finally saw Li Chuchu's appearance. Even a man who had seen countless women would be greatly surprised by this stunning face.
She was really a good catch!
She was both pure and charming, with skin as white and smooth as creamy fat. Her temperament was also very dignified and elegant. Her slender eyebrows were slightly raised, and the corners of her eyes were like a blush spreading on rice paper. Even when she was angry, there was a beauty of a charming woman getting angry.
Many dignitaries didn't like those flashy women. They preferred women with a scholarly air and a bit of pride. No wonder those in charge didn't try to tame her. With this face, any personality would be an added bonus.
He subconsciously let go. "Okay, walk by yourself."
Li Chuchu smoothly entered the backstage.
...
After walking through the winding paths partitioned by boards, she finally saw the real face of the basement of this entertainment city. As soon as she entered, a stench of sweat mixed with the smell of spoiled food hit her nostrils, making her take a few steps back.
It felt more like coming to a sewer in the city than to the Dongtai Entertainment City.
In the stuffy and humid shed, all kinds of cheap cosmetics were scattered on the tables.
Costumes for performances were hanging on the clips. The girls in the shed had sallow and slightly swollen faces. They were squatting on the ground, tidying up the clothes and cosmetics that had been casually discarded.
The man who had led Li Chuchu in spoke like a leader. He pointed at these solitary girls and said, "The others have all gone out to serve guests and perform. They are new and haven't learned the rules here yet, so they are doing the work here. Normally, you should also be doing this work, but considering your good qualities, I'll arrange you directly on the second floor. You should learn your skills quickly and try to make an appearance in a week."
The training time and intensity on the second floor were much higher than on the first floor.
He spoke in a condescending tone.
Li Chuchu's gaze swept over those numb - looking girls. The light was a bit dim, and she couldn't see their faces clearly at all. Moreover, she had only seen Jiang Wen once. It would be extremely difficult to find her in the crowd.
She felt a bit headache. Where should she start looking?
It would be great if she could stay here a bit longer.
The man walking in front suddenly turned around. "By the way, what's your name?"
She replied casually, "Li Mei."
The leader frowned slightly upon hearing this. What a strange name for a nice girl! Probably from the countryside. Her parents had little education. "No, you must change your name. The guests on the second floor like something more elegant. 'The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold.' From now on, your name is Han Xiang."
Li Chuchu: …
What was so elegant about these two characters compared to Li Mei?
The man was quite satisfied with showing off his knowledge in front of these people. He led Li Chuchu upstairs and talked with the security guard at the door of the second floor for a while. From his expression, it seemed that things weren't going smoothly.
Sure enough, he came back and said to Li Chuchu, "There's an important guest upstairs who is in high spirits today. You stay here for a while. I'll call you when it's time to go up."
Li Chuchu actually wanted to stay on the first floor!
Wasn't this just like having a pillow when you were sleepy?
She returned to the small shed on the first floor.
As soon as she entered, the girls looked at her with envy and jealousy in their eyes.
Li Chuchu silently opened the "Sycophant Mall" and spent fifty cents to buy a big bag of White Rabbit toffees. Then she looked up with a bright and sunny smile. "I'm new here today. I don't know many rules. I'll have to ask all you sisters for advice in the future. Here are some toffees. Everyone come and share them!"
She was holding a full bag of candies in her hand and speaking politely. With that smiling face, it was hard to dislike her.