Chapter 7: First Meeting with Guan Yan

Zhang Yong didn’t expect Old Zhang to suddenly turn critical after just praising Tang Qu a moment ago. Just as he was about to speak up for Tang Qu, Tang Qu beat him to it.

“Although it’s an imitation, it’s still my own work. The first work will inevitably have its shortcomings, but every future piece will be an improvement over the last,” Tang Qu responded to Old Zhang’s sharp gaze with neither humility nor arrogance.

But Zhang Yong was already drenched in cold sweat. Tang Qu, being young and fearless, was different from him. Old Zhang’s status in the industry was no small matter—a single word from him could ruin Tang Qu’s career for life. By defying Old Zhang like this, would he just kick them both out?

However, instead of the expected outburst, Zhang Yong heard Old Zhang laugh.

“Good, good, good! Young man, you’ve got ambition!”

The entertainment industry was full of proud individuals, but what it needed was pride, not arrogance. Tang Qu’s display of just the right amount of pride and ambition struck a chord with Old Zhang. After all, in this industry, without a bit of ambition, one wouldn’t go far.

Curious about Tang Qu, Old Zhang wanted to see him perform on the spot, but just then, a servant arrived.

“Old Zhang, Mr. Guan said he’ll be coming to visit you shortly.”

“Didn’t he say he had no time? What, now that he’s in trouble, he remembers to come to me?” Old Zhang snorted like a child. “What time is he coming?”

“At 3:30.”

Old Zhang checked the time. There was still half an hour left, but it seemed he wouldn’t get to see the young man’s acting today.

“I’m truly sorry. Someone’s coming unexpectedly. He’s usually hard to pin down, so I can’t miss this opportunity.”

“It’s no problem, Old Zhang. We’re already honored that you took the time to meet us despite your busy schedule,” Zhang Yong said, pleasantly surprised by Old Zhang’s unusually amiable attitude. He couldn’t possibly ask for more.

Old Zhang pondered for a moment and said, “Next week. Come back next week, and I’ll personally guide you.” He then instructed the servant, “Go fetch that book from my desk.”

“I can’t let you leave empty-handed today. I have a notebook with some of my own experiences. Take it back and see if it helps.”

“Quick, thank Old Zhang!” Zhang Yong nudged Tang Qu. This kid really didn’t know what kind of luck he had. Everyone knew Old Zhang had never taken on a student before. Letting Tang Qu take his notebook home to study was practically making him half a student!

Tang Qu hadn’t expected things to take this turn either. He solemnly accepted Old Zhang’s notebook. “Thank you.” This was the life’s work of a veteran artist, and it deserved careful handling.

After exchanging a few more words, Zhang Yong and Tang Qu bid farewell to Old Zhang.

As Tang Qu got into Zhang Yong’s car, he saw a sleek Shelby supercar drive into the courtyard. Tang Qu raised an eyebrow. In his previous life, he had always wanted to buy that car, but it was a bit too expensive. Before he could afford it, he had died.

While waiting, Tang Qu saw a tall man in a black trench coat step out of the car. Tang Qu estimated the man to be over 190 cm—a height he envied. In his previous life, he had been 187 cm, but now, in this body, he was only 180 cm. Those ten centimeters made a world of difference.

At that moment, Zhang Yong drove the car out of the courtyard. As they passed by the man, Tang Qu finally caught a glimpse of his face. With just one look, Tang Qu memorized his features.

The man’s sharp, sword-like eyebrows exuded a sense of fierceness, while his peach blossom eyes carried a mesmerizing charm. His high, straight nose bridge gave off an air of aloofness, and his full lips added to his striking appearance. However, what left the deepest impression on Tang Qu was the man’s overall aura. Standing there, he was impossible to ignore, yet he radiated a distant, noble elegance, as if he had isolated himself from the world, looking down upon it from above.

And Tang Qu already knew who this man was—Guan Yan!