Chapter 78: There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

After a two-hour drive, they finally arrived at the restaurant.

When she saw the man across from her, Wang Zifan couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, he’s so handsome! Is he an actor? If he ever appeared on screen, he’d be a nationwide sensation.”

Mu Ruo touched her bag.

Great.

The anti-wolf spray was pointless.

She had never thought she’d need to be wary of a benefactor.

It was a bit chilly today, and Fu Jianzhi was wearing a black trench coat. He was very tall and stood out among the producer, investors, and others, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Song Chu was momentarily stunned.

He hadn’t expected the investor to have such wide connections, even knowing someone like Fu Jianzhi.

Fu Jianzhi was just about to leave the restaurant. Having previously seen him at a banquet, the investor, Mr. Xia, couldn’t miss the chance to get closer, and eagerly approached him with a smile.

This was the first time the producer had met Fu Jianzhi. He had heard of him before but had never seen him in person.

Realizing the situation, the producer quickly pulled out his business card and handed it to Fu Jianzhi. Even Wu Tong and Song Chu moved forward to greet him.

As small-time actors, Wang Zifan and Mu Ruo didn’t dare to make a sound in front of the investors and producer. This wasn’t the kind of occasion where they could mingle.

Mr. Xia smiled broadly, “Mr. Fu, I met you at a banquet six months ago. My name is Xia Jian. Do you remember?”

Fu Jianzhi didn’t remember him at all. He had attended so many banquets, and this person hadn’t even spoken to him, so he had no impression of him. But his ingrained politeness made him respond warmly, “Hello.”

He also accepted the business cards from the producer and Song Chu.

Mr. Xia hadn’t expected Fu Jianzhi to be so approachable in private.

Back then, he had seen Fu Jianzhi surrounded by powerful figures, and he hadn’t even dared to approach him.

“We’re about to have dinner. Would you care to join us?” Mr. Xia asked, not really expecting a positive response.

To his surprise, Fu Jianzhi agreed.

Song Chu quickly gathered the actors to greet and introduce themselves to Fu Jianzhi: “This is Mr. Fu of the Fu Group.”

Wang Zifan had never heard of him before and initially thought that someone with such looks and demeanor must be an actor.

It turned out he was the boss of all bosses, even those the stars had to curry favor with.

Celebrities often had to socialize outside of acting, bowing when necessary. Otherwise, they could easily be blacklisted for any misstep.

“Mr. Fu, hello! My name is Wei Ze, pleased to meet you!”

“Mr. Fu, nice to meet you, I’m Wang Zifan.”

“…”

Mu Ruo had the least fame, which was practically nonexistent—well, she had some notoriety, but it was all negative press.

Naturally, she was the last to introduce herself, but the situation was incredibly awkward.

In her previous world, as a minor actress, Mu Ruo had been bold enough to reject the casting couch. However, when it came to bosses and investors who didn’t intend to exploit her, she was always polite and handled interactions with ease.

Now, standing before Fu Jianzhi, Mu Ruo found herself in a staring contest with him.

Fu Jianzhi chuckled softly and extended his hand, “Nice to meet you.”

Mu Ruo didn’t say a word, just lightly shook his fingertips.

Mr. Xia and the producer then escorted Fu Jianzhi to a private room.

Wang Zifan sighed with a hint of envy, “It’s true, beauties get the best treatment. He didn’t shake hands with anyone else but offered to shake yours.”

Mu Ruo: “Uh…”

Wang Zifan continued, “But he’s so impressive. How come I’ve never seen him in the news before? Ruo Ruo, who do you think is more powerful—this Mr. Fu or Mr. Lu, the one backing Xia Wanwan?”

Mu Ruo: “…They’re both powerful.”

One is the shark, the ruler of the sea, and the other is the sea monster, the overlord of the ocean. Each one is a force to be reckoned with.

With Fu Jianzhi around, and given the appropriate interest he showed in Mu Ruo during their meeting, even if Mr. Xia was a fool, he wouldn’t dare to impose any inappropriate rules in front of Fu Jianzhi.

The previously planned party games, like drinking wine mouth-to-mouth or sitting on laps, were all canceled.

Fu Jianzhi was famous for his gentlemanly demeanor. Mr. Xia, afraid of leaving a lecherous impression on him, didn’t even dare to let the two pretty actresses serve tea or play maid. Instead, he stuck to talking business and offering flattery.

Fu Jianzhi had been in a position of power since childhood and was long accustomed to flattery. He remained as calm and composed as ever, his expression unchanged.

Wang Zifan let out a sigh of relief and whispered to Mu Ruo, “Thank goodness Mr. Fu is here. Otherwise, we’d probably be getting harassed tonight, and I might’ve actually needed that spray you gave me. Do you know, the last time I met Mr. Xia at a banquet, he made some really disgusting jokes.”

As the two beauties whispered to each other, Fu Jianzhi cast a cold glance at Mu Ruo and then looked toward the door.

Mu Ruo: “…”

Three minutes later, Mu Ruo went to the restroom.

Fu Jianzhi immediately stood up.

Everyone else in the room, being seasoned individuals, pretended not to notice anything.

Wang Zifan was shocked: Could it be that this boss, who’s even more handsome than a male star, is planning to take advantage of her friend?

Mu Ruo washed her face with warm water and applied some moisturizer.

The weather here was extremely dry, and she had to spend a lot of time on skincare every night when she returned to the hotel.

Suddenly, the restroom door opened.

Fu Jianzhi smiled, “Socializing is part of your job too?”

It was warm in the private room, so Mu Ruo had taken off her coat when she entered. She was wearing an oatmeal-colored cashmere sweater and a white long skirt, with her straight black hair falling over her shoulders. Compared to the last time they met, she looked even thinner.

Mu Ruo: “Of course. An actor’s job isn’t just about acting; it’s also about networking. You never know, you might land your next role through a friend.”

Although she encountered unsavory people along the way, she could always deal with them with some clever thinking.

“Getting resources is simple,” Fu Jianzhi said, pinching her cheek. “Why don’t you come to me for help?”

Mu Ruo’s eyes lit up instantly. “Mr. Fu, are you going to support me?”

Fu Jianzhi: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch. If you want something, you have to pay the price.”

Mu Ruo: “I figured as much.”

Doing business with a capitalist meant she’d likely end up on the losing end. Fu Jianzhi, being so shrewd, might even make her sign some sort of agreement where, if she failed, she’d have to work for him for the rest of her life.

Mu Ruo raised an eyebrow, “I don’t need anyone’s support. I can succeed on my own.”

A thought crossed Fu Jianzhi’s mind as his gaze lingered on her. He placed his large hand on her head and ruffled her hair.

Mu Ruo grumbled, “My hair…”