Chapter 100

“Waiting for you to order,” Gu Ziwei gazed at him with beautiful eyes and said, “We can’t eat too much. Just order two or three dishes.”

Song Haowen looked at the menu, circled three or four dishes with a pen, and then asked Gu Ziwei to make her choices. After reviewing the selected dishes, removing one, adding two desserts, she asked, “I’ll have a drink; do you want alcohol or a beverage?”

Song Haowen replied, “I’ll have a beverage like you. Singers shouldn’t drink too much.”

“That’s fine.” Gu Ziwei waved her hand, signaling the waiter to take the menu. “Tell me some interesting stories about you filming movie.”

Shaking his head, Song Haowen said, “There’s really nothing interesting. Before I started making movies, I used to think that making movies would be fun and romantic. But when I actually started, it was far from that. It’s not only unromantic but also extremely dull. The movie’s plot gets dissected, scenes are arranged haphazardly. Except for the director, all actors can’t clearly understand the connection between different scenes or how they’ll be edited together. Often, several consecutive shots don’t belong to the same storyline, and trying to link them together would drive you crazy.”

“Hehe. So, you mean the exciting fights and emotional scenes in movies are also a combination of different shots?” Gu Ziwei asked curiously.

“Yes, indeed. Regarding my fight scenes, there’s nothing seamless. It’s all composed of multiple shots. When the movie is finished, what you see on the screen, my extraordinary abilities, are actually created afterwards,” Song Haowen explained, thinking about the scenes where he was suspended in the air, looking quite helpless.

Gu Ziwei nodded understandingly. “Can you spoil some details about the movie?”

After thinking for a moment, Song Haowen said, “The movie depicts a story about martial arts at Wudang Mountain. Currently, the title is just provisional, and the release is scheduled around October, depending on the shooting progress. It’s hard to say right now.”

At that moment, their ordered dishes arrived, and they continued chatting while eating.

“Are you the male lead? Who’s the female lead? And who’s the director? Which company is producing it?” Gu Ziwei fired a series of questions.

“You really want to break the news, huh?” Song Haowen chuckled. He didn’t expect the casual dinner to turn into a work interview.

“Of course.” Gu Ziwei took out a pen and an interview notebook from her bag.

“Alright.” Song Haowen proceeded to provide detailed information about the director, male and female leads, tentative title, and production company for the movie.

“Good, wish you a successful shoot!” Gu Ziwei put away her pen and notebook, raised her drink, clinked it with Song Haowen, and took a sip.

The two of them continued their casual chat, enjoying the conversation. Suddenly, a tall and handsome guy walked over from the other side of the lobby, looking at Gu Ziwei and saying, “Isn’t this our Jingda University’s campus belle, Miss Gu? Who are you having a date with?”

Since Song Haowen and Gu Ziwei were facing each other, the guy only saw Song Haowen’s back and didn’t recognize him immediately. As he walked closer and saw his face, he was surprised, “I didn’t expect it to be Celebrity Song.”

Song Haowen glanced at the guy, feeling a bit familiar but not recognizing him. He nodded in acknowledgment and then looked at Gu Ziwei, waiting for her introduction.

Gu Ziwei raised her eyebrows slightly, a bit displeased, and said, “What are you doing here?” She introduced him to Song Haowen, saying, “This is Cui Hai, a student from the political science department.”

Cui Hai casually extended a hand towards Song Haowen. “Celeb, nice to meet you.”

Song Haowen and Cui Hai exchanged smiles and shook hands.

Cui Hai could tell that Song Haowen wasn’t too interested in engaging with him. Internally annoyed, he maintained a gentlemanly demeanor externally.

He and Gu Ziwei were high school classmates, and he had pursued her vigorously during their school days. Unfortunately, she had no interest in him. Despite considering himself outstanding among their peers, with a prestigious background and good looks, he couldn’t get over her.

Now, seeing her alone with the equally outstanding Song Haowen, his feelings of jealousy surged, and he wished he could kick Song Haowen out of the restaurant.

Seeing that Cui Hai showed no intention of leaving, Gu Ziwei controlled her anger and asked, “Is there something else?”

Cui Hai casually said, “Old classmate, can’t we sit down and chat if we have nothing to do?”

“Not interested!” Gu Ziwei coldly replied. “I have things to discuss with Mr. Song. Please find another place to sit.” After saying this, she didn’t look at Cui Hai again and continued talking to Song Haowen.

Cui Hai’s face turned red and then pale. To mask his embarrassment, he acted nonchalant and said, “Alright then. You guys continue. I have a few friends over there. I won’t disturb you.” After that, seeing Song and Gu continuing their conversation as if they hadn’t heard him, he left in frustration.

Song Haowen glanced at the resentful departure of Cui Hai and couldn’t help but ask, “You seem to have a comment against him.”

Gu Ziwei snorted and said, “I’ve seen people with thick skin, but never someone with skin as thick as his. Since high school, this jerk has been like a piece of dogskin plaster, sticking to people relentlessly. No matter how I humiliate him, he refuses to let go. I’m scared of him.”

Song Haowen chuckled, “His behavior, viewed from another perspective, also shows that he has loved you consistently, unwaveringly. He’s a devoted man.”

“Pah! Devoted? You don’t understand him. He’s a typical hypocrite, a playboy. He’s had more than ten public girlfriends, and who knows how many in private. In the first year of high school, he almost got expelled for getting a female classmate pregnant.” Gu Ziwei expressed disdain.

Song Haowen was surprised. “Ah, this handsome and decent guy is so dirty behind the scenes? People can be deceiving.”

“Never mind, let’s not talk about him. Just mentioning him makes me sick. Have we finished eating? Okay, let’s go,” Gu Ziwei waved her hand, signaling the waiter to bring the bill.

Song Haowen couldn’t let Gu Ziwei pay, so he quickly settled the bill. After leaving the restaurant, realizing there was still some time, she suggested strolling around, and he had no objections.

They walked along the street aimlessly, and unknowingly arrived at Song Haowen’s electronics repair shop. Gu Ziwei had been there once before and was interested in going in for another look.

However, when Song Haowen saw the entrance to his store, he felt a twinge of anxiety. He suddenly realized that under normal circumstances, Zhu Hongyu and Ren Hua would be staying there.

If they were just working late, it would be fine, but if they were already asleep, things could get awkward, and certain matters might be difficult to explain.

But Gu Ziwei had already reached the door, and it wouldn’t be right to stop her from going in. Song Haowen had no choice but to reluctantly knock on the door.

At this point, he could only hope for no response from inside and pray that nobody would answer. After a few knocks and no sound from within, he nervously opened the door.

Luckily, Zhu Hongyu and Ren Hua were indeed inside, but they were in his room, working on a recording device, which gave him an excuse.

When Zhu Hongyu and Ren Hua saw Song Haowen return with a beautiful girl, they were quite surprised.

Similarly, Gu Ziwei was astonished to find two girls in the store. To avoid misunderstandings, Song Haowen quickly introduced both parties.

Although Zhu Hongyu and Ren Hua didn’t know Gu Ziwei, they had read articles she wrote for Song Haowen and felt a favorable impression toward her.

After a brief introduction, the three girls quickly became enthusiastic with each other, leaving Song Haowen somewhat speechless. Taking advantage of the situation, Song Haowen brought Gu Ziwei around his house, showing her various areas, and even opened the warehouse for her to see the porcelain and furniture he had acquired.

Since her last visit had been hurried and focused on taking photos, she hadn’t had the chance to explore. After seeing everything, Gu Ziwei couldn’t help but praise him, making Song Haowen feel quite proud.

Due to Gu Ziwei’s visit, Zhu Hongyu and Ren Hua couldn’t stay overnight. Seeing them off, the two accompanied Gu Ziwei back to the university dormitory.

Only after the three girls left did Song Haowen’s heart finally settle down. He took a shower, went to the yard for a quick workout, and then began his cultivation practice. Once the true energy in his dantian was replenished, he returned to his room to rest.

The next day, after two classes, Song Haowen was surprised to find that Cui Hai had brought a group of classmates to look for him. Cui Hai claimed that he and Gu Ziwei had been in a relationship for several years, being a perfect match from a suitable background, and warned Song Haowen not to interfere. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be spared lightly.

Song Haowen and Gu Ziwei were just friends, and there was no romantic involvement between them. However, irritated by Cui Hai’s accusation, Song Haowen disregarded the warning and coldly replied, “Who Gu Ziwei chooses to associate with is her right. You coming to warn me, I’m afraid it’s unnecessary.”

One of the tough guys who came with Cui Hai threatened Song Haowen, “Miss Gu is the woman our boss has set his eyes on. Are you trying to provoke our boss by stealing his woman? Do you have a death wish?”

Enraged, Song Haowen retorted, “Who are you guys? What qualifications do you have to dictate terms in front of me? Where you come from and where you go, don’t provoke me for no reason!”

Cui Hai stared at Song Haowen with hostility and said, “Don’t forget your identity as a celebrity. If you persist, be prepared for the consequences of ruining your reputation and career.”

“Get lost!” Song Haowen waved his fist at Cui Hai. When Cui Hai and his group were about to retaliate, they saw a crowd of students approaching. Reluctantly holding back, they left cursing.

After they were gone, Song Haowen sighed, realizing he had unknowingly gotten himself into trouble. Later, Zhu Hongyu asked what those people wanted. Not wanting to reveal the truth, Song Haowen simply said they had heard he was skilled in martial arts and wanted to challenge him.

Zhu Hongyu’s face changed immediately, denying, “Those boring guys, you mustn’t pay them any attention. Fighting with them, if you lose, your reputation will be ruined; if you win, you’ll be accused of unsportsmanlike conduct.”

Song Haowen agreed, but deep down, he had a different plan. If they dared to provoke him, he wouldn’t mind sending them to the hospital for a year or so.