Chapter 80: 79.
"Isn't your decision a bit hasty, dad?"
"Boyang has one more year in college, I was the same age when I inherited Chenyu Group from my father. Your uncles want no part of the group for personal reasons so it's left to this generation. He and his mother are set on him inheriting the company. I'm ready to take a step back and focus on my own business. Revealing your identity has little to do with them. The most the older heads can do is rant for a couple of days."
The conversation between father and son was unhurried and relaxed. Chen Huai didn't really care about his current wife and his father knowing about Kai. It was a few days earlier than planned. His nonchalance about the matter comes from the difference in leadership between him and his father.
"I guess there won't be any big upheaval. My identity as the Li family's Patriarch is kept under wraps. I reinforced everything when I took over."
"Are they trustworthy?" Chen Huai knew how far someone's trust can go. Kai was young, a college graduate who inherited a clan that had years of riches and influence. There will be opposition.
Chen Kai gave a dry laugh in response to that question. "Uprooted four of them, investigating one more."
"Be careful. Your position isn't quite stable," his father warned.
"I understand."
"Have fun on the water, I'll see you in a few days, kid."
"Ok. Thanks, dad. See you."
It felt good to have a relative looking out for him. His brother is back by his side and he has a father figure back in his life. Though it was all gained in an unorthodox method, he can recollect some similar feelings of his original life.
This is the reward the system granted him in disguise of retirement.
Knock! Knock!
Two muffled knocks brought him out of his distracted state,
Turning to the direction of the sound, he chuckled at the sight of Su Lian and Lin Fa waving at him from the swimming pool above.
He was alone in the lavish living area of the yacht and the swimming pool was above, there was a glass area as part of the design of the pool to let sunlight enter the living area.
The two were beckoning him to come up. Lin Fa stepped up her devices for her broadcasting career and was filming through the underwater camera at the moment. She was really enjoying the trip and his other friends also.
Putting aside the thoughts of work and memories that made him nostalgic, he made his way outside.
[You have received 3 billion Yuan and 50 million USD. Your monthly monetary compensation has been sent to relevant accounts. You have also received the Heart of the Sea necklace from Star E8947; the Emperor Blood Jade ring from Star B5014 and the Ape King Jewel bracelet from Star 9501. The latter rewards are placed in your subspace.]
"Earning money while lying down, not a bad life."
Nanjing
Witness the filming/auditioning of a drama – Check.
Be scouted by powerhouses in the entertainment circle – Unexpected.
Chen Yan didn't expect his weekend sleepover at Han Shi's house would end up on the set of a recent debut drama. His friend revealed to him that with his mother's fame and connections in the entertainment business, he does little errands for his uncles.
These errands are playing young characters in their dramas or movies.
His only friend is a child actor.
Chen Yan wasn't really familiar with the role of actors in this world. His basic understanding of this occupation is 'entertaining the masses.' The dramas and movies he watched since he arrived can be counted on one hand, so witnessing his friend film his given parts was a good experience as a normal person.
"… You can give it a try. It's not a sure thing but you can interpret it as experiencing Xiao Shi's hobby."
The person who spoke was Han Shi's manager. In the mid-30s, a powerhouse in the most secular industry, Manager Lin became famous as the artist in her company. A blessed beauty in her own right with a sharp eye for talent and in her sight was her little star's new friend.
"This… I don't know….," Chen Yan said softly. He was curious about what his friend was doing but wasn't that interested in rushing for a chance.
Manager Lin looked around her then the child beside her. 'Doesn't he see the makings of the sister and mother fans around him? Isn't it a dream for most kids to become famous?' The kid's light brown eyes and fairy like eastern looks were captivating. His temperament was a bit similar to Han Shi's; putting the two together would create a fantasy for most girls.
Two handsome fellows with unique eye colors, their looks alone can breed lots of stories whether it's a novel or a drama.
'How am I so lucky? I have to take this kid in,' Manager Lin said to herself. She was thinking of catchphrases to lure the kid in when Han Shi trotted over.
"Are you bored, Brother Yan?" he asked, ignoring the existence of his manager. He didn't want his friend's time be taken up with his errands, so he was sincerely concerned.
"Work with ease; its pretty cool seeing everything behind the scenes," Chen Yan replied with a blossoming smile.
Manager Lin dramatically grabbed her chest cursing Chen Yan's parents for their good genetics. One smile from the kid and he caused turbulence.
"Uncle Zhou says it's only these few scenes but the eyes of the screenwriter say another," Han Shi commented with a pout. Chen Yan looked at his friend in his costume of a treasured demon prince. The addition of silver hair and his good looks can definitely stir up creative juices. Chen Yan can definitely understand the screenwriter's thoughts.
"Hmmm. It won't be bad to play a rogue cultivator or quiet yet ruthless noble. The costume basically screams those parts," Chen Yan mumbled for his hearing only but Han Shi and Manager Lin heard.
Han Shi: Don't let them hear you! She might really add that to the show.
Manager Lin: Most likely you'll be pulled in. Ah~ My chance may come.
With her words sent to the skies, Manager Lin's words have taken effect by the numerous females around the set.
"Oh, my word. The gods have truly blessed these kids. Who are their parents? So gorgeous at this age."
"I heard they're both 12 and go to the same school. Isn't this the tiny version of Sons of Heaven."
"I'm suddenly wishing I was younger."
" The brown-eyed cutie! Is he acting too? Someone sign this kid!"
"Is it because they are young that their skin is so perfect?"
"Its either puberty hasn't hit them yet or nature is in their favor."
The idle chatter on the set cannot be contained and as expected Director Zhou heard them all. Who can ignore the gushing of all the females around him? He turned to the direction of his little nephew and noticed the kid beside him for the first time.
"Xiao An! Didn't we need a friend for Prince Mo Fei! It looks like one is found."
Screen Writer Xiao An: "It is done!"
Both looked in Chen Yan's direction, eyes bright when they looked at the uncovered gem. Their entire drama will be a visual feast if one more fairy is added, even if he can't say a few lines.
On the other side, Chen Yan was curiously looking around, naturally ignoring the stares and heart shaped eyes, he was used to it. He was asking Han Shi about the stuff that interested him when a message came in on his phone.
At the same time, Han Shi and Manager Lin saw the director and the screenwriter rushing over but their bright eyes weren't on them but on the person beside them. They knew that look. They were too familiar with those eyes.
Han Shi: Script change. More work.
Manager Lin: How to make a kid agree to become a star?
Chen Yan's focus was on the photos and video his brother sent over WeChat. A voice message came in when he was browsing through the photo.
"Dad left the yacht for my use whenever I'm in Hangzhou. I left permissions for you and your friends whenever you want to play."
Everyone beside him heard Chen Kai's voice message. Han Shi was excited about the prospect of going sailing soon.
Manager Lin instantly remembered that Chen Yan was part of the 10% who was born with a golden spoon.
Screen Writer Xiao An wondered if her work could catch this child's interest.
And Director Zhou contemplated adding another young master to his drama.
"Brother Stone, I will go back to the camper while you talk," Chen Yan voiced when he saw the two new adults portraying a level of restraint.
"Ah, no. Hey kid. I came to talk to you," Director Zhou rushed out when he saw his future gem turning away.
Chen Yan wasn't clear on this uncle's initiative and decided to listen for a while. He had nothing to do anyway.
He nodded his head in agreement and still gave a soft reply of 'ok.'
Director Zhou is a straightforward character and spoke frankly. He shows the same attitude to strangers, not wanting to hide his true self.
"I have a role I want you to play. Can you consider it?"
Chen Yan: ….. Is this how actors are hired?