The full name of the Director Wu mentioned by Gu Xuanze is Wu Liyi, who is about the same age as Lu Lihai, appearing to be in his forties or fifties. However, he has a baby face, making him look like he’s in his thirties.

At this moment, he was angrily pointing at the dessert on the table and scolding the waiter. However, because of his baby face, even though his voice was imposing, it didn’t seem intimidating at all.

“Mr. Wu, I’m truly sorry for the unpleasant experience,” the restaurant manager approached, asking the waiter to step aside. Then he apologized to Wu Liyi, “But your request is quite unreasonable. Our pastry chef thinks that this request is somewhat… well, in any case, we are truly sorry. The restaurant will compensate you for all your losses.”

“Hmph, who cares about your compensation? If you couldn’t do it, just say it earlier, I’ll go to another place. You’re just wasting my time.”

Wu Liyi said, preparing to leave.

At this moment, Gu Xuanze naturally walked up and spoke to Wu Liyi, “Director Wu, what a coincidence to meet here. If you have time, let’s sit down and chat.”

Wu Liyi didn’t even look at Gu Xuanze. With a disgruntled expression, he mumbled something under his breath and continued walking.

Gu Xuanze wasn’t in a hurry. He simply sat at the spot Wu Liyi had been occupying, glancing at the desserts on the table with an understanding look.

“Director Wu,” Lu Youze, although knowing Gu Xuanze had things figured out, still stepped in first to block Wu Liyi, “I’ve seen your movies, and I believe I can meet the standards you have for actors.”

Wu Liyi had already noticed Lu Youze. His scandals had already become street gossip, and even an old-timer like him, who had stopped paying attention to the entertainment industry, had heard of it. Initially, he had thought of mocking Lu Lihai, whose son had become the laughingstock of the whole entertainment world. But after watching Lu Youze’s movie, the one that almost broke his box office record, Wu Liyi decided not to mock him.

“The Beginning of You” was his representative work, with the best actors and production team. He was confident that no one would surpass it in the next thirty years. However, people kept comparing two films, and more and more people regretted that the record wasn’t broken. Wu Liyi felt insulted and decided to watch Lu Youze’s critically acclaimed film. He initially intended to find flaws but was increasingly drawn to Lu Youze’s acting, realizing the media wasn’t exaggerating. Lu Youze had something to offer, unlike those who only relied on their popularity. If he had a knowledgeable director to refine his skills, perhaps he could even surpass his mother, Wan Renni.

It was probably due to this realization that he refrained from mocking Lu Lihai’s son.

Wu Liyi didn’t comment on Lu Youze’s scandals. Though he despised Lu Lihai, he believed the man couldn’t have raised Renni’s child to be like that.

Of course, he wasn’t interested in the truth.

Even though he acknowledged Lu Youze’s acting skills, Wu Liyi still disliked the man. After all, Lu Youze looked too much like Lu Lihai, constantly reminding him of how his dream lover, his muse, had been stolen by that meddling Lu Lihai.

Thinking of this, Wu Liyi felt enraged, that bastard promised to treat Renni well for life and make her happy, but she died young due to difficult childbirth.

After Wan Renni died, Wu Liyi lost interest in creation. He could no longer feel the passion he once had, and now, the actors seemed to be just showing off, unable to inspire or stimulate him. He couldn’t create anything greater than his past works. Making garbage films that even he couldn’t stand was meaningless, especially since he didn’t need the money.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Wu Liyi completely ignored Lu Youze, acting as though the man wasn’t even there, and walked out.

Though Gu Xuanze showed no expression, his eyes darkened a little. He glanced at the two by the door and quietly made up his mind.

He would leave this matter for later; he’d get back at them eventually.

For a big company CEO, when did he become so petty?

If Ye Xing were here, he’d probably make some sarcastic remarks about it.

“Young master, you’re so capable, why don’t you go after Yu Li?”

Unfortunately, Ye Xing wasn’t here, and no one knew exactly what Gu Xuanze’s intentions were towards Yu Li.

Gu Xuanze surveyed his surroundings. It was still early, and there were no other customers in the restaurant except for the three of them. He glanced at Lu Youze, noticing something familiar in his eyes. He couldn’t help but smile, a smile that was brief and fleeting, probably unnoticed by anyone.

Over there, Lu Youze was arguing with Wu Liyi, but Gu Xuanze didn’t mind. He raised his hand and spoke to the confused restaurant manager, “Manager, I’m taking over this restaurant today. Please make the necessary arrangements.”

“Mr. Gu,” the manager looked a bit troubled, “We operate on a VIP system, and as you know, many customers are hard to offend. Some have even made reservations in advance. This… this will be difficult for us.”

“I believe you can find a way to resolve this.” Gu Xuanze glanced at the two people who were already engaged in an intense argument, his brow not furrowing as he spoke to the manager, “I’ll cover all the losses for the restaurant today. Hurry and make arrangements. If it’s really impossible, you can contact your boss. I think at least he’ll give me some face.”

When it comes to doing business, no one would turn down money. As long as the price is right, there’s no difficulty. Besides, Gu Xuanze and their boss were old acquaintances, and their relationship was reportedly quite good, so they still had to give the big boss some face.

“Since Mr. Gu has said so, I’ll go arrange it now.” The manager glanced at Lu Youze and the others, then quietly asked, “Mr. Gu, are you sure you don’t want to get involved with them?”

“No need.” Gu Xuanze thought for a moment and then added, “We don’t need any more waitstaff. You can let your employees leave early. Don’t worry, I won’t really destroy Bai Yi’s restaurant. I’ll pay for everything, every penny. If you can’t make the decision, I can speak to Bai Yi personally.”

“No, no need,” the manager smiled. “Mr. Gu, I know what to do.”

After speaking, the manager left.

In fact, Gu Xuanze knew he didn’t have to stay here. He could easily discuss matters at another location, and he’d still end up sending a large amount of money to Bai Yi, the money-hungry owner. But when he looked at Lu Youze, who was arguing red-faced with Wu Liyi, he felt that spending this small amount of money wasn’t much of an issue. Furthermore, what attracted him from the start was the restaurant’s security. No unrelated person could get in, and it was impossible for anyone to secretly film the events inside.

No matter how Lu Youze and Wu Liyi made a scene inside, it wouldn’t get out. If even a single photo of them here was leaked online, the restaurant would have to pay for it. Bai Yi, being as greedy as he was, would never allow something like that to happen.

After pulling his gaze away from Lu Youze, Gu Xuanze called Ye Xing, asking him to send the family chef over.

Although Ye Xing found it strange, he seemed to be busy with other things, so he didn’t ask any more questions. He just said he understood and hung up.

Once everything was arranged, Gu Xuanze focused his attention on Lu Youze. For certain reasons, he hadn’t interacted with Lu Youze many times, but that didn’t prevent him from understanding the person. Besides, Ah Hao had mentioned more than once that Lu Youze had changed a lot after losing his memory.

From what he observed now, that seemed to be true.

The Lu Youze before his memory loss would never have been so direct in a public setting, arguing with someone like this, no matter how much he liked a particular work.

“Director Wu,” Lu Youze’s face turned bright red with anger. He respected Wu Liyi’s talent, but he couldn’t agree with many of his views. “Existence is reason. Since the audience likes it, there will be people making it. I don’t believe the actors and directors who make those works are any less capable.”

“Hmph,” Wu Liyi snorted dismissively. “Then you go find the directors who are willing to shoot that kind of thing. I’m not interested.”

“Director Wu,” Lu Youze called out as Wu Liyi was about to leave, confidently saying, “If you miss this show, I guarantee you’ll regret it. Even though it’s a TV series, I promise it will surpass your ‘From the Beginning.’”

Gu Xuanze’s lips curled upward again. His personality had indeed changed a lot, but in this new form, he was even more charismatic. This kind of confidence had become increasingly rare in him after Lu Youze met Yu Li.

Wu Liyi stopped in his tracks when he heard that. He turned around, squinting and sizing up Lu Youze. “You’re quite confident for someone so young? Is this how Lu Lihai raised his son? You think just a few boastful words will make me believe you?”

“Whether I’m boasting or not, you’ll find out if you try. I believe I can surpass my father and rekindle your interest in creation.”