When Zheng Youcai was in university, he was the teacher’s favorite. He was the top student in his grade. In the eyes of girls, he was a talented genius. But what about Wu Yu? He was fat, ugly, and his grades were mediocre. He did not get any attention at all. But so what? He was doing well and making a lot of money. In the past, Zheng Youcai could only live in the basement. He smashed his head against the wall with his lousy literary script, but he couldn’t even get a single cent of investment.
“I want to try again.” Zheng Youcai smiled bitterly. It wasn’t that he didn’t sense the malice of Wu Yu. He had heard all kinds of sarcastic remarks over the years. He was getting use to being rejected by the investors. The script that he had spent so much effort to write was scorned by people. His old classmates were doing well, but he was eating instant noodles and couldn’t even afford to rent a basement.
Thinking of the phone call from his home a few days ago, Zheng Youcai’s eyes dimmed. If he still couldn’t get the investment this time, he might really… He sighed, that pair of melancholic eyes became more and more depressed. “We’re all classmates. Let me give you a piece of advice. You can’t keep filming those films…”
After a pause, Zheng Youcai continued to persuade him. “We’re all students of the arts. We can’t let those lousy films enter the market. This is destroying the future of the film and television industry.”
“Don’t talk about such grand principles!” Wu Yu’s expression changed, and he no longer hid his disdain. He said mockingly, “You still haven’t your old habit of lecturing people. Unbelievable. If your script is good, why hasn’t anyone invested in it? You despise my lousy films, but the market is willing to watch them. My movies sell well every time, but what about you?
He was disdainful and contemptuous. He patted Zheng Youcai’s face, which was close to an insult. “Have you filmed your movie? Is it on? What’s its name? I’ll help you promote it.”
Zheng Youcai smiled bitterly. He could barely afford to buy food for himself, so how could he start filming now?
“Humph, I’ll give you some face for old time’s sake. Do you really think that you have the qualifications to lecture people? Know your place!” Wu Yu said arrogantly.
At this moment, Ji Mei came over with the ladies. Wu Yu’s expression instantly changed. He revealed a flattering smile. “Hello, ladies. Look, my old classmate is here to solicit investment again. Everyone should be familiar with him, right? He was fighting to the death against an art film and was even asking for money. Ladies, please don’t fall for his tricks. These few years, the art film industry is not doing well. The market is not buying it.”
The noblewomen were familiar with Zheng Youcai. In order to solicit investment, he begged people everywhere. He had participated in this tea party many times. Every time, he came with hope but always returned disappointed.
“We are classmates. Why do you have to humiliate me?” Zheng Youcai’s face was flushed red. He gritted his teeth in shame.
“Humiliate? How can this be called humiliation? I’m just giving the ladies a reminder. Besides, take a look for yourself. Is there anyone willing to invest money in you? Even if it’s just a dime.” Wu Yu laughed arrogantly.
Ji Mei and the other noblewomen did not feel that something was wrong either. All of them stood at the side in a bright and beautiful manner with polite and arrogant smiles on their faces. Their attitudes were cold and distant. They were even wearing a similar smile, as if they were masks painted on their faces.
Zheng Youcai felt that the world before his eyes had become absurd and ridiculous. He held on tightly to the script that he had painstakingly created, and his heart was filled with despair. At this moment, a cool female voice suddenly sounded. “Can I take a look at your script? If it’s not bad, I’ll consider investing.”
This female voice was not loud, but it was extremely penetrating. Her tone was slow and elegant, causing people to unconsciously focus their attention on her.
Zheng Youcai, who was already disheartened, suddenly had his eyes light up. He subconsciously looked towards the source of the voice and saw a beautiful girl with a graceful figure standing not far away. Her gaze was a little casual, as if she was not serious at all.
The light in Zheng Youcai’s eyes gradually dimmed, and his heart felt bitter. However, he still nodded. “Miss, of course you can look at it if you want. It’s just that my script is an art film. I’m afraid it doesn’t suit your taste…” He lowered his head and said dejectedly, “Moreover, the investment for an art film is huge because of the shooting scenes and personal requirements. I’ve tried for a long time, but no one is willing to invest in my script.”
Even if he was very short of money, even if he really wanted to shoot the film, Zheng Youcai could not go against his conscience and deceive a little girl who did not know anything.