Pei Jiangmu's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly lowered his head somewhat bashfully, his voice also softening as if he were sharing a little secret.
"My senior comes from a well - off family. In Haicheng, he's a well - known figure. Sometimes he would talk to me about things in that circle..."
"I just happened to overhear it. I'm not sure if it's accurate..."
His attitude of "I just heard about it" and "I'm not certain" actually made his words more believable.
Meng Ruozhao didn't know much about the secrets of the wealthy families.
But seeing Pei Jiangmu talking so vividly and that it was from his "rich second - generation senior",
she didn't think much more. She just secretly decided to stay away from that Young Master Pei in the future.
Meanwhile, in the top - floor meeting room of the Pei Group.
Pei Jingdu, who was listening to his subordinate's report, suddenly sneezed loudly without warning.
The executive who was speaking was so startled that he immediately stopped and nervously looked at him.
The assistant beside him quickly stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Pei, is the air - conditioning temperature too low? I'll turn it up right away."
Pei Jingdu rubbed his nose, waved his hand to signal the report to continue, and muttered to himself:
Damn it. It must be that brat Pei Jiangmu scolding me behind my back!
In the costume room.
Meng Ruozhao and Pei Jiangmu were concentrating on their work.
One was carefully checking the stitches and accessories of the costumes, while the other was quietly helping to organize the ironed clothes beside. The scene was surprisingly harmonious.
Just then, Director Li of *The Old Friends in the Mountains and Seas* rushed in in a hurry, his face full of anxiety and impatience. He was still shouting into the walkie - talkie in his hand.
"Can't find the person? How can you not find the person?! The makeup team is waiting! What are you all doing!"
He nervously ran his hand through his already sparse hair. When he looked up, his eyes suddenly fixed on Pei Jiangmu, who was bending down to organize the hangers.
Although Pei Jiangmu was simply dressed today,
his straight posture, excellent body - to - head ratio, and the clear jawline and focused side profile revealed when he lowered his head.
In the somewhat messy costume room, he seemed to have his own spotlight, making it hard to ignore him.
Director Li's eyes instantly lit up like a searchlight, and the anxiety on his face vanished.
In its place was the excitement of discovering a treasure.
He took a few steps and stood in front of Pei Jiangmu, carefully sizing him up from all angles and clicking his tongue in admiration.
"Perfect! Absolutely perfect! This is exactly the feeling!"
Pei Jiangmu felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze. He frowned slightly, straightened up, and subconsciously took a step closer to Meng Ruozhao.
Only then did Director Li notice Meng Ruozhao beside them. He immediately greeted her warmly.
"Boss Meng, who is this?"
"Director Li, this is an employee from my studio, Xiao Pei. He came with me today to help out since he was free."
Meng Ruozhao quickly explained.
"An employee? Great!"
Director Li slapped his thigh and excitedly said to Pei Jiangmu.
"Kid, are you interested in acting? Make a guest appearance! It's just a few minutes of screen time!"
"The actor originally scheduled for today suddenly had appendicitis and was sent to the hospital. I'm in a real hurry!"
Without even thinking, Pei Jiangmu politely declined.
"Thank you for your kindness, Director, but I can't act, and I'm not interested."
"Don't be in such a hurry to decline!"
Director Li clearly didn't want to let go of this opportunity. He started to persuade Pei Jiangmu, spitting everywhere.
"Listen to me. Although this character has a short appearance, it's definitely the highlight of the highlights!"
"He's a young and promising warlord's young marshal who shoulders the responsibility of the country and the people. In the end, he heroically sacrifices himself to protect the common people and important intelligence."
"He's the eternal white moonlight in the heroine's heart. To a large extent, the revolutionary path she takes later is influenced by this young marshal."
"Even the male lead is jealous of him later on. After all, a deceased white moonlight is even more charming than the real one."
"Really, the character is very well - rounded and likeable."
He pointed at Pei Jiangmu and said with certainty.
"The most important things for this character are temperament and good looks. He has to be handsomely upright, handsome enough to be convincing, and handsome enough to make people fall in love at first sight."
"I think you're very suitable. You're simply born for this role."
"You don't need much acting skills. Just stand there, and the aura will be right!"
Pei Jiangmu frowned more and more tightly as he listened.
He had no interest in showing off in public. If he was recognized by his family or business rivals, it would be a big trouble.
He shook his head firmly again. "Director, I really can't do it. I have no intention of acting at all."
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Pei Jiangmu, Director Li immediately changed his strategy. He looked at Meng Ruozhao and started to play the emotional and interest cards.
"Boss Meng, please help me persuade him! This is really a matter of urgency!"
"And don't worry. I won't let your employee help for free. The payment will be this much!"
He held up five fingers.
"Fifty thousand! For just a few minutes of screen time, this price is definitely the highest among guest - appearance actors! Isn't it enough for your employee to work part - time for several months?"
Fifty thousand yuan?
Meng Ruozhao was also a bit surprised. It was indeed a large sum of money, which was extremely attractive to an ordinary part - time student.
But she didn't immediately agree on Pei Jiangmu's behalf. Instead, she looked at him respectfully and said gently.
"You've heard what Director Li said."
"The opportunity is really rare, and the payment is quite substantial."
"But the final decision is up to you. Do as you like. Don't feel pressured."
She knew that forced things wouldn't work out well. Moreover, Pei Jiangmu really seemed unwilling.
Pei Jiangmu felt annoyed.
This director was really causing trouble!
Fifty thousand yuan? Did he, Pei Jiangmu, lack this fifty thousand yuan?
This was simply an insult to him.
But his current persona was that of a poor student. If he flatly refused such a "huge sum of money", it would seem suspicious and unreasonable.
He casually glanced at Director Li. His gaze was cold and sharp, with an involuntary aura of a superior.
It actually made Director Li, who had been in the industry for many years, feel a sudden chill. He subconsciously took half a step back, and his momentum immediately diminished.
Just then, Yi Mo, who had just finished a scene and came over to rest, heard the commotion and came over.
After figuring out what was going on, she smiled and interrupted.
"Director Li, don't make things difficult for this little guy."
"Okay, I actually know a friend. He has excellent conditions."
"He's tall and has long legs. He's as handsome as a model. He also graduated from a formal film academy, so his acting skills must be good."
"I'll call and ask if he's free to come and save the day?"
As she said this, she winked playfully at Meng Ruozhao and whispered with a smile.
"Moreover, my friend is still single. He has good character and family background. I'll introduce you to each other later?"
"With his figure, he's a natural clothes hanger. He can even be your free model in the future."
Meng Ruozhao was amused by her. She didn't take it seriously and casually replied.
"Sure. If he's really that handsome, it's not bad to get to know him. More friends, more opportunities."
When she said this, she mainly thought Yi Mo was being kind - hearted and didn't want to disappoint her. She didn't think much about it.
But the speaker was innocent, while the listener was alert!
Pei Jiangmu, who was standing beside them, immediately felt alarmed.