Jing Zejun was scheduled to have dinner with investors today, as previously arranged by the director. She brought her agent along to the dinner.
"Director Li, we had an agreement. I didn't skimp on the budget, so you can't deceive me about Jing Zejun's matter," said a man in his forties at the Yuelai Hotel. Sitting across from him was the director of "Sea Crabapple Still Blooms."
The director's expression held a hint of flattery. Seeing the investor raise his glass, he quickly lifted his own and clinked it with the other's.
"Rest assured, rest assured. However, shouldn't we discuss this with Zejun first? Perhaps she might also be..."
The man across from him chuckled, and the director immediately fell silent.
"Were you about to suggest she might be willing? Director Li, you've been in the entertainment industry for so long, can't you read people yet?"
If he hadn't been so useless, unable to even arrange for someone to enter the hotel, would he have to start taking action at this point?
The investor was bold, but the director didn't have such courage. His eyes darted to the wine beside him – it had been spiked!
Seeing the director's cowardice, the investor took a sip of wine, contempt in his eyes. No wonder he hadn't won a single award in so many years.
If the lead actress of this film wasn't Jing Zejun, he wouldn't have wasted so much money on it. "Just remember, all you need to do is lure the agent away. The rest doesn't concern you."
He swirled the wine in his glass, his cloudy eyes reflecting a determined intent.
"Yes! Yes!" The director wiped away cold sweat. The filming was complete, but every aspect of the subsequent promotion and distribution required money.
He felt sorry for Jing Zejun, but he had placed all his bets on this film. He was almost fifty and still hadn't achieved anything in this industry!
No matter what, "Sea Crabapple Still Blooms" couldn't be ruined by anyone!
"General Xu, Director Li, sorry we're late," Jing Zejun said as she entered the private room with her agent.
"You're finally here. Zejun, come sit here." The director quickly moved a chair, gesturing for Jing Zejun to sit next to the investor.
Jing Zejun nodded slightly, smiling as she sat down, looking confused to see only the two of them there.
"Aren't Yi-ge and the others coming?" Wasn't this supposed to be the wrap party for the crew?
The director laughed awkwardly, "Oh, they all had other work, so they couldn't make it. It's just the four of us today."
Jing Zejun set aside her doubts and, seeing the investor raise his glass, quickly picked up her own.
"It's fine. Even with just four of us, let's toast to the soaring success of our 'Sea Crabapple Still Blooms'!"
"Thank you, General Xu."
Seeing Jing Zejun drink from her glass, a glint appeared in the investor's eyes, while the director grew increasingly uneasy.
At the dinner table, the investor chatted casually with Jing Zejun for a while, during which he gave the director a meaningful look.
The director suddenly clutched his stomach, as if in discomfort.
Jing Zejun looked at him with concern, "Director, are you feeling unwell?"
Still holding his stomach, he complained that he might have drunk too much too quickly.
Jing Zejun was worried, "Should I take you back to rest?"
But the director immediately refused, "No need, no need. I'll just have Little Li accompany me to the restroom. You stay here and keep General Xu company for me."
The agent beside Jing Zejun hesitated. Leaving Jing Zejun alone in this room didn't seem right, especially with another man present.
But Director Li really did look unwell. "Little Li, it's just the restroom next door."
Jing Zejun sighed inwardly and nodded to her agent.
As the two left the room, Jing Zejun felt awkward. She rummaged through her bag under the table, only to realize she had left her phone in the car.
She was about to say something when she suddenly felt dizzy and weak.
Realizing something was wrong, Jing Zejun tried to leave, but the investor was standing at the door, smiling at her.
Meanwhile, tires screeched against the road as Jing Yi arrived at the Yuelai Hotel.
She still couldn't reach Jing Zejun on the phone!
Jing Yi immediately got out of the car and ran towards the private room location Jing Zeyou had sent her.
'Third floor! Third floor!'
"Miss? Miss!" The receptionist watched helplessly as Jing Yi rushed past her into the hotel, frantically calling for security to chase after her.
But Jing Yi was fast. By the time security entered, she was already on the third floor, facing a long corridor.
Which room was the Purple Bamboo Court?!
The hotel was large, and Jing Yi looked extremely anxious, but she still checked each room from the stairway.
She saw two figures leaving a room and instinctively knew that was the place.
"Little Li, why don't you accompany me to buy some pain medication? My stomach is really killing me!" The man being supported looked hesitant.
"Director Li, Zejun is still inside. She's a young woman, it's not appropriate for her to be alone with General Xu..."
"Ah! Little Li, General Xu isn't that kind of person!"
He knew exactly what would happen if Jing Zejun was left inside, but this was the ultimate goal of this dinner. If he couldn't get the agent far away, he might burst into the room and interrupt General Xu's plans.
"I know General Xu isn't that type, but if someone takes a photo, it could still cause misunderstandings."
The agent glanced back at the room. He had thought escorting the director to the restroom would be enough, but now it seemed the director wanted to leave the hotel...
Once they left the hotel, he would lose control over the situation.
"This is a five-star hotel, very discreet. Besides, we're just going downstairs to buy medicine. It won't take long," the director said, growing frustrated as the agent refused to take the bait.
If the agent sensed something was wrong, or if any sound came from inside, how could he possibly control the situation?
As the director was still trying to convince Jing Zejun's agent, preparing to press his advantage, a girl appeared in front of him.
He looked annoyed. General Xu was pressuring him to cooperate, Jing Zejun's agent was being difficult, and now some random person had shown up.
He was about to question her when she spoke first, "Are you the director of 'Sea Crabapple Still Blooms'?"
The director thought she might be paparazzi and looked flustered, trying to maintain composure as he scolded, "So what if I am? Which media outlet are you from? This is a high-class hotel, outsiders aren't allowed. You should quickly..."
Before he could finish, a heavy punch landed on his face. The director's body swayed, and he fell to the ground.
Dizzy, he touched his nose and panicked at the sight of blood on his hand.
The agent, unsure of what was happening, stepped forward to shield the director. "Who are you?! How dare you hit someone like that!"
Seeing Jing Yi's stance, he felt a bit intimidated.
As he hesitated, the sound of a breaking wine glass came from the room. Jing Yi's head snapped up, and she immediately kicked the door open and rushed in.
