Xie Qian had set a trap for Xie Jinghu and returned to Rongcheng with ease. He wasn’t in a hurry about when Xie Jinghu would fall into it. His interest in the film company was mainly for Cangshu, part of a long-term plan for the future adaptation of Cangshu’s works. Since Cangshu’s *Huaxia Nine Cauldrons* series was still in the research phase and not yet started, Xie Qian was in no rush.
He had made his move, and now it was Xie Jinghu’s turn to ponder his intentions. Xie Qian found the situation quite satisfying.
Back in Rongcheng, Xie Qian was in high spirits, treating his three academically challenged friends—Wen Ying, Wang Shuang, and Li Mengjiao—with unusual kindness, which left them uneasy. Was this a pre-exam treat? If they failed, their winter break would be ruined.
“If we don’t pass, our winter break is over,” Wen Ying concluded, causing Wang Shuang and Li Mengjiao to pale.
“I’m supposed to go to Modu for filming during the break!” Li Mengjiao exclaimed.
“I get a winter break?” Wang Shuang groaned, already dreading it.
Li Mengjiao didn’t want to spend her filming breaks doing schoolwork, and both were on the verge of tears. Wen Ying was also nervous; she had plans for the break. Parts of *The Galaxy and You* would be filmed in Modu, and producer Yuan Fenghui wanted her to join the crew. While screenwriters often followed productions, Wen Ying usually stayed away due to school. She could opt out, as her contract with Tianjiao was settled, and they could hire another writer for changes. But Wen Ying, as a creator, hated the idea of others altering her work when she could do it herself.
She recalled how Zhang Guangzhen, with remarkable open-mindedness, allowed a young screenwriter to revise *The Princess’s New Clothes*. With commitments to follow the crew to Modu, write a new novel, and judge a writing competition, Wen Ying’s winter break was already packed. Adding endless schoolwork would be torturous.
The three struggled academically, trembling at the thought. To secure a less stressful break, they threw themselves into studying for the finals.
Xie Qian likely guessed their fears but didn’t let on, amplifying their exam anxiety, which he found amusing.
Wen Ying, aiming for the top 120 in her grade, studied late into the night. Her mother, Chen Ru, brought her milk, pleased with her diligence but increasingly critical of Wen Ying’s father, Wen Dongrong, who couldn’t match his daughter’s drive. Under Chen Ru’s nagging, Wen Dongrong gritted his teeth memorising vocabulary, indirectly harmed by Wen Ying’s academic zeal.
This frustration fuelled his performance at his new job in the provincial capital. His high-quality articles impressed his mentor, who had recommended his transfer. A skilled writer was always in demand, and Wen Dongrong’s prospects looked bright if he maintained this momentum.
At a gathering, Deng Shangwei introduced Wen Dongrong to Qin Xianming and Wang Jun’s circle. Previously, Deng hesitated, fearing Wen Dongrong’s disdain for businessmen might offend them. But Wen Dongrong’s attitude had shifted, showing respect, which Deng appreciated. Wen Dongrong’s polished appearance and eloquence made him a natural fit in social settings.
Wang Jun had met Wen Dongrong when he and Chen Ru bought a house. Despite their children’s close ties, the parents hadn’t connected, partly to respect Wen Dongrong and Chen Ru’s pride. Wang Jun, careful not to overstep, waited patiently. His wife first bonded with Chen Ru, and with Deng Shangwei’s nudge, Wen Dongrong seamlessly joined their circle without seeming forced.
Wang Jun, eager to secure Wen Ying’s loyalty, was warm towards Wen Dongrong. Qin Xianming, whose children were successful, didn’t need to leverage Wen Ying or Xie Qian for his kids but valued Wen Ying highly, especially after Chen Ru insisted on covering expenses during a Macau trip, earning his respect for their integrity. Li Zhentao, with his daughter Li Mengjiao being Wen Ying’s ardent fan, had little choice but to connect with Wen Ying’s father.
Wen Ying had paved the way for Wen Dongrong’s social integration, though he was unaware. He felt genuinely welcomed by the group and regretted not being closer to Deng Shangwei earlier, realising what opportunities he’d missed.
Wen Dongrong wasn’t without ambition. Qin Xianming, Wang Jun, and Li Zhentao were far above his old social circle in his hometown. Their networks and wealth—billions versus millions—were leagues apart. Associating with them marked a step up for Wen Dongrong, making him slightly giddy. Over drinks at a dinner, he asked his new friends for advice: “How do you run a small business?”
Wang Jun almost thought he misheard. “I’m not good at business,” Wen Dongrong admitted.
Wang Jun stifled a laugh, not wanting to offend. “What kind of small business? Tell us, we can offer some advice.”
He wasn’t mocking Wen Dongrong’s ignorance but puzzled why he’d ask them instead of Wen Ying, who had turned the small lobster night market in Rongcheng into a success—a textbook case of a thriving small business.
