At the end of August, the sun was still scorching, especially these days. The temperature was so high that it was impossible to stay outside for a minute, and touching the concrete ground would burn the skin.
When Xu Zhuo received the message, he was in the office enjoying the air conditioning.
Taking a look, it was Wu Dao, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. Today, he came to shoot a film for Bingyou.
The two of them occasionally chatted a few words on social media, but they could only be considered acquaintances. However, they had a good impression of each other.
Wu Dao had abundant connections in the film and television industry. This time, they were able to smoothly invite Lin Gaohan, which was all thanks to William asking for his help. Therefore, both publicly and privately, Xu Zhuo should personally receive him.
Xu Zhuo replied to him with a message, then returned to the main interface and glanced at the pinned message box. There was no red dot indicating an unread message. The most recent one was when they both exchanged morning greetings this morning.
He was itching to send a message, but he was worried that Du Ziyu was working and it wouldn't be good to disturb him.
Just wait, it'll be fine to message him after lunch.
For now, he should focus on work. He went down to the studio, and Luo Yuanshan, who was in charge of this project, saw him and was somewhat surprised. "Boss, why are you here?"
"Just coming to take a look," Xu Zhuo looked around, "Where's Wu Dao? Are all the staff here?"
Luo Yuanshan didn't know that he knew Wu Dao, as he had never mentioned it before. But upon hearing this, she became excited.
"Wu Dao is in the rest room, chatting with my little brother," her eyes gleamed, "Do you need to find them for something?"
Xu Zhuo smiled and said, "Yes, I need to find him. No, I can't take you with me."
Luo Yuanshan's expression deflated like a leaking balloon.
Xu Zhuo knocked on the door, and through the crack, a normal-looking face with a ponytail, Wu Dao's assistant, could be seen. She had a questioning look in her eyes, to which Xu Zhuo said, "I am the manager of Bingyou, looking for Wu Dao, thank you."
"Ah, Manager Xu, please come in quickly!" Wu Dao's enthusiastic booming voice came from inside the room. The assistant took two steps back and opened the door.
As soon as Xu Zhuo entered, he saw Lin Gaohan sitting on the sofa, the star was always the most dazzling in the crowd, even if his face on the big screen was not perfect, in real life, he was still radiant.
It was the first time Xu Zhuo had seen Lin Gaohan in person. His face was smaller than on television, with a sharp jawline and well-defined features. His gaze when looking directly at someone was appraising.
Lin Gaohan was in his early thirties and adhered to the gentle and refined gentleman route. Xu Zhuo knew that a star on the screen and a star in real life were completely different, so he didn't act too casual.
"Wu Dao," he greeted as he sat down on the sofa next to them, "Is this Mr. Lin, whom I've heard so much about?" He then stood up and shook hands with Lin Gaohan, who nodded in response.
Wu Dao patted Xu Zhuo on the shoulder and said, "You've come at the right time. We were just talking about you."
Xu Zhuo waved it off, "There's nothing worth mentioning about me, just an ordinary person. It's you, Wu Dao, who has seen a lot of things. Weren't you still abroad not long ago? Why did you come back so soon?"
"Just went to help a friend, won't take long," Wu Dao looked at him, "I told Ah Han about our last conversation, he's very interested in you."
He was referring to the duet Xu Zhuo and Du Ziyu did together.
Xu Zhuo hadn't felt anything before, but now, recalling it, a wave of sweetness washed over him.
He met Lin Gaohan's gaze, and the expression on his face was mild, with a slight smile. His countenance appeared amiable and friendly, but his sharp eyes seemed to be able to see through Xu Zhuo's thoughts deep in his mind.
Xu Zhuo felt a little guilty and tried to remain composed as he said, "Mr. Lin is gracious to collaborate with our company, and we are deeply honored."
Lin Gaohan chuckled and said, "Even without considering Wu Dao's influence, I would agree based on the terms you offered." He then changed the subject and looked at Xu Zhuo, "Manager Xu, you look very young."
Xu Zhuo couldn't quite grasp his meaning and vague replied, "It's been several years since I graduated, I've been working in this field, and there are always some achievements."
Lin Gaohan scrutinized him meaningfully and said, "Don't be modest. You are well-suited for this. Although young, you are mature and energetic," he then turned his gaze to Xu Zhuo's eyes, "Very rare qualities, keep it up."
"Hey! Why are you saying all this?" Wu Dao interrupted, standing up, "Isn't it time? Let's get moving, everyone hurry, let's try to finish early, I have an appointment this afternoon."
Xu Zhuo also stood up and went back to the shooting location with them, helping to organize his colleagues and prepare for the shoot.
"Boss," Luo Yuanshan stood beside him, looking at him, "I can handle it here, you can take a break."
"Alright, don't mumble. Do you want an autograph or a photo?" Xu Zhuo said.
Luo Yuanshan replied with a playful smile, "I haven't had the chance to do either so far - I want both an autograph and a photo."
Xu Zhuo agreed, and then she asked curiously, "Do you know Wu Dao? Why didn't you mention it before?" Wu Dao had visited Bingyou not long ago, and Xu Zhuo hadn't come down specifically for that.
Xu Zhuo replied, "Not very well."
Luo Yuanshan felt awkward and said, somewhat reluctantly, "Oh, I see. If it's not possible, I won't force you for an autograph or anything..." Bingyou prohibited its employees from disturbing artists during work hours, and Xu Zhuo could only help her with a personal excuse.
"Don't worry, it's just a small matter." Besides, he would have to find him later.
Xu Zhuo looked at Lin Gaohan, who had been directed by Wu Dao to make a chewing motion, and wondered about what he had said earlier. He could try asking him about it later.
The shoot was at noon, almost at its end. Lin Gaohan went with the makeup artist to remove his makeup, Wu Dao reviewed the overall shooting results, and Luo Yuanshan, like the others, was busy with her own work.
Xu Zhuo hid in a corner, took out his phone, and sent a message to Du Ziyu, "Are you at the company? Have you had lunch?"
He continued typing, but before he could send it, he received a response, "Yes, I'm here and I haven't had lunch yet."
Shortly after, another message came, as if he felt his previous response was too brief and needed further explanation, "I'm just about to eat."
Xu Zhuo: "Go to the restaurant? Or should the secretary buy it?"
If he goes to the restaurant, he still has a chance to bump into him; otherwise, he can only look at the blurry silhouette photo of him all day, and he's about to burst.
This time, he didn't receive an immediate reply. Xu Zhuo waited anxiously. In reality, it was only about twenty seconds, and Du Ziyu finally sent a message: "Go to the restaurant."
A joyous melody played in Xu Zhuo's ear, and his fingers flew across the keyboard: "I just happened to be going down too. What time will you be there approximately?"
"Manager Xu?" a voice came from beside him. Xu Zhuo reflexively put his phone away and saw that it was Lin Gaohan, who had already removed his makeup and was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, looking at him calmly. "Chatting with your girlfriend, huh? You're smiling so happily."
Xu Zhuo didn't deny it and said, "Mr. Lin, you've worked hard. According to the director of action, the shooting effect is very good. I hope we can cooperate again in the future."
Lin Gaohan tilted his head and his sharp eyes stared at him.
He is half a head shorter than Xu Zhuo, but the age gap is there, and he's an actor. Fortunately, Xu Zhuo has strong mental resilience. If it were someone else, they would probably be frightened.
"Are you and Du Ziyu friends?" Lin Gaohan suddenly asked, "I mean real friends, not just... friends." He emphasized the last two words with a disdainful tone.
Xu Zhuo wanted to evade the question but also wanted to draw him out, so he answered lightly, "Mr. Du is a good person."
Lin Gaohan sneered and said, "Nine out of ten people say the same thing," he narrowed his eyes, "but you do seem sincere."
Xu Zhuo's heart skipped a beat, thinking that Lin Gaohan had figured something out, but quickly realized that he was referring to his comment on Du Ziyu.
"What do you think of the action director?" Lin Gaohan changed the subject too quickly, enough to make one feel dizzy.
Xu Zhuo smiled, "The director is righteous and talented. There's nothing to fault whether as a friend or a working colleague."
Lin Gaohan nodded and continued to challenge, "What about me?"
Xu Zhuo's intelligence showed in his skill at not showing off his intelligence excessively. "I don't know Mr. Lin very well. Just from the few hours of interaction, I can say that you are diligent in your work and have a strong professionalism. You are a good partner to work with."
Lin Gaohan asked again, "Can you see any commonalities among the three of us?"
Xu Zhuo paused. Du Ziyu had said that Lin Gaohan used to be part of their circle, indicating that he also came from a prominent family. But if he answered like this, wouldn't it reveal that he had privately investigated the other's background, which would seem impolite.
He had no choice but to say, "You are all outstanding in your respective fields."
Lin Gaohan fixed his gaze on him, silent.
Xu Zhuo felt that he was somewhat strange, and then heard him say, "You're different," he paused, nodded as if affirming his words, "You're a good person."
He unexpectedly received a "Good Person" card.
"It's nothing," Lin Gaohan straightened up and patted Xu Zhuo's shoulder lightly, "Just doing a good deed every day."
Xu Zhuo put on a big smile, "In that case, why not let Mr. Lin do another good deed?"
Then he called Luo Yuanshan over.
Lin Gaohan was then pestered by Luo Yuanshan for a photo, while Xu Zhuo took out his phone and saw Du Ziyu's reply of "Five minutes later." He quickly greeted the action director and dashed towards the elevator.
Lin Gaohan may be eccentric, but he definitely couldn't be more appealing than Du Ziyu from my family!