Chapter 146 Street Performance

Upon hearing the fat man’s domineering statement, everyone gasped, finding it far too arrogant.

Director Zhang and Director Gang were two of the country's top-tier, prominent directors who had long achieved fame and success. They were now wholly dedicated to shooting melodramas in pursuit of an Oscar. Although they no longer cared about box office numbers, their projects commanded immense attention; securing even a minor role in their films guaranteed instant stardom.

Although Tang Shiya was currently at the height of her popularity, who would ever complain about being too famous? Becoming exceptionally popular was always better.

Moreover, with just a single word from the fat man, she would directly become the female lead. Such arrogance and dominance were breathtaking. Yet, no one dared to take his words as a joke, given his background and financial standing. It was entirely possible that even directors like Zhang and Gang would have to court him for sponsorships.

What surprised people even more was Liu Jingye. This unknown man, who had never been seen in any high-society circle, turned out to be sworn brothers with the third young master of the Tan family. He clearly possessed formidable connections, prompting everyone to immediately look at him in a new light.

Tang Shiya was naturally astounded as well. Just as she was about to refuse, the fat man actually pulled out his phone and made a direct call. "Hey, Big-Teeth Gang, it's me, Third Master Tan. Cut the pleasantries. I heard you're preparing a new film recently. I'm getting you a female lead. Right... what's her name again?"

"Tang Shiya," Liu Jingye supplied with a smile.

The fat man said, "Right, it's Tang Shiya. She's going to be your female lead directly. What? You've already cast Big-Eye Wei? Tell her to go home and babysit, and tell her I said so. What? The salary is only eight million? No way. At the very least, it should match the standard of domestic top-tier stars—no less than twenty million. Good, it's settled."

Afterward, the fat man turned to Tang Shiya and said, "Director Zhang is currently attending a film festival abroad. I'll contact him when he gets back, and you can pick whichever one you want."

"Mr. Tan, isn't this a bit inappropriate?" Tang Shiya said, looking troubled. Replacing an A-list female lead with a single phone call without giving the director any room to speak—how was she supposed to survive in the industry after this?

"Sister-in-law, don't stand on ceremony with me. When I, Third Master Tan, speak, they all have to give me some face. No one will ever dare to cause trouble for you in the future," the fat man said with absolute dominance. "Besides, once this phone call of mine spreads through the entire circle, absolutely no one will ever dare to target you with unwritten rules again. That way, my brother can have peace of mind, right?"

Tang Shiya's cheeks flushed red. The entertainment industry was immensely complicated, but having such a powerful backer would ensure smooth sailing. She glanced sideways at Liu Jingye, feeling that this man had grown increasingly mysterious.

Yet, the deeper and more sophisticated leaders and bosses surrounding them viewed his actions as excessively ostentatious. In their eyes, he was merely a spoiled heir basking in the glory of his ancestors, destined to achieve nothing of significance. Compared to Young Master Feng, he was worlds apart.

Meanwhile, while Liu Jingye wore a smile on his face, his heart was on high alert. *Why is this wretched fat man suddenly showing me such intense hospitality? Sworn brothers—he talks as if it's the real deal, and he's helping Tang Shiya so conspicuously, shifting the favor entirely onto me. Is he expressing his sincerity to win me over?*

*That must be it. Since I can see through his act of playing the pig to eat the tiger, he must surely recognize my uniqueness as well. If that's the case, this fat man can be considered a kindred spirit.*

Liu Jingye's smile grew even brighter. He appreciated the fat man's sincerity because it was obvious the fat man was at odds with Young Master Feng. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is a friend.

At that moment, Young Master Feng suddenly spoke to Liu Jingye, "Brother Liu, the bond between you and my third brother is truly profound. If Brother Liu doesn't mind, this younger brother would like to interact and get closer to you more often in the future."

"Since you've already called me brother, what reason do I have to refuse?" Liu Jingye smiled.

Young Master Feng also smiled and nodded, appearing entirely sincere.

"Hmph, this bastard is truly vicious," Liu Jingye thought to himself. "The fat man is boisterous, and even if he's acting, others would just write it off as the arrogant behavior of a spoiled heir. But Young Master Feng calling me 'Brother Liu' has invisibly elevated my status significantly. Someone whom even he feels the need to butter up will inevitably attract the attention of others. Before long, people will start digging into my background. He's actively making enemies for me!"

"Alright, dear guests, the little program we have prepared for you is about to begin. Please take your seats," the female host announced enthusiastically from the stage.

"Brother Liu, please take the seat of honor," Young Master Feng suddenly invited. Surrounding them were provincial and municipal leaders, numerous billionaires with fortunes in the hundreds of millions, and even his own cousin, yet he was inviting Liu Jingye.

*This damned bastard is trying to push me to the very peak so that the higher I am lifted, the harder I fall,* Liu Jingye thought, keeping a steady smile on his face. Just as he was about to find an excuse to decline, Tang Shiya by his side suddenly spoke, "I'm sorry, Young Master Feng. I just ran into an old friend, and we agreed to sit together and catch up. I'm truly sorry."

Tang Shiya spoke with poise and grace. Young Master Feng raised an eyebrow and said, "In that case, I won't press the matter. Please go ahead."

"Hey, brother, I'll come find you for a couple of drinks when I have a moment later," the fat man called out enthusiastically.

Liu Jingye smiled and nodded, walking hand in hand with Tang Shiya toward a table in the furthest corner. There was no old friend whatsoever, but a peerless beauty could find friends anywhere.

At the same time, the banquet's performances began. Although Young Master Feng had referred to them as minor programs, the first act was a singer whom everyone knew very well—the Sweet Song Queen who had swept across the country twenty years ago. Her grace remained undiminished, and her lingering rendition of a classic love song left everyone present completely intoxicated.

Accustomed to bugle calls and battle anthems, Liu Jingye had no interest in such decadent melodies and simply focused on eating. Tonight's buffet was of an equally high standard.

Beside him, Tang Shiya sighed, "This is the fate of a female celebrity! No matter how glorious you were back in the day, there will always come a day when you fade out. She used to be so famous, the dream lover of countless people, yet now she has to perform at places like this."

"Places like this are actually the best," Liu Jingye remarked. "If you combined the total net worth of everyone present here, it would probably rival the country's entire GDP for a year. If anyone was her fan back then and still loves her now, spending a fortune to keep her as a mistress or even pursue her is entirely possible."

"You really think through every angle," Tang Shiya said, holding her wine glass with elegance.

"Women, after all, always need to find a man to rely on," Liu Jingye said. "Beautiful women have an innate advantage; naturally, they should find a wealthy husband and trade their beauty for a life free of worries."

"Can't a beautiful woman live a simple life of plain tea and simple fare, raising children and supporting her husband?" Tang Shiya asked with dissatisfaction.

"Of course she can," Liu Jingye replied earnestly. "If I were to marry a beautiful woman like you, I would work exceptionally hard to become a wealthy man myself, ensuring you a lifetime free of worries. A woman's beauty can also become a man's driving force."

"Heh, you really know how with words," Tang Shiya said in surprise. "You must have sweet-talked many young girls with that mouth of yours."

Liu Jingye modestly replied, "Not many, just four so far. But I do more with actions than with words."

"Scoundrel!" Tang Shiya murmured softly, raising her wine glass to her lips to signal that she would stop talking.

Liu Jingye returned to concentrating on his food. Suddenly, he handed a large sea snail to Tang Shiya and said, "Have a sea snail. Everyone should eat sea snails; they are beneficial to women throughout their lives."

"Really?" Tang Shiya asked, puzzled. "What good are these things for women?"

"Look..." Liu Jingye ate one right in front of her and then explained, "Eating this requires great skill; miss by even a little, and you won't get it out completely. First, you have to suck the snail meat out a little bit, then gently bite it with your teeth, suck outward again, gently wrap your tongue around it, and bring it out bit by bit..."

"What kind of benefit is that?" Tang Shiya asked suspiciously. Suddenly realizing something, her face flushed red, and she scolded, "Stinking scoundrel!"

Liu Jingye spread his hands in an expression of absolute innocence. "Why are you scolding me again? I hadn't finished. My point is that through this motion, you extract the entire piece of snail meat. Complete snail meat is rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements. Furthermore, it's high in protein, low in fat, and high in calcium. Eating it regularly nourishes the yin, reinforces the kidneys, and preserves youth and beauty."

Tang Shiya kept a gloomy face and said nothing. The performance continued, this time featuring two unknown crosstalk comedians. Although not major stars, they were familiar faces, and their material was quite humorous, repeatedly drawing roaring laughter from the crowd.

"Banquets in upper-class society are truly wonderful—food, drinks, and performances, just like a cultural gala. It's fantastic!" Liu Jingye mumbled with his mouth full of oil, grinning broadly and hiccuping from the alcohol while still praising the event.

Tang Shiya shot him an exasperated look and said, "You're the textbook definition of someone who reaps the benefits while still complaining."

Liu Jingye chuckled and said, "They aren't going to make you go up on stage to perform a show later, are they?"

"I'm not a performing artist."

"Then what are you selling?"

"I'm selling..." Tang Shiya stopped herself in time, glared at him, and said, "Selling your head!"

"Respected guests, we have arranged many wonderful performances for you today, and the next one is our grand finale," the female host announced. "Please join me in welcoming, with the warmest applause, the world-renowned illusionist, Mr. Big Nose. Let us witness a miracle together!"

Thunderous applause rang out. Just as the female host stepped off the stage, a burst of smoke suddenly erupted in the center of the stage. The crowd jumped in surprise. When the smoke cleared, a young man wearing a tuxedo, with long hair and a prominent nose, appeared in the center of the arena—sudden and mysterious, drawing continuous shrieks of delight from the audience.

The illusionist placed one hand over his chest and bowed in greeting. When he straightened up, blooming flowers suddenly sprouted from the air right in front of him. In an instant, it transformed into a gorgeous scene of flowers blooming in full splendor, resembling the miraculous sight of golden lotuses rising from the earth, leaving everyone utterly breathless.

"Wow, how beautiful," Tang Shiya exclaimed. Even someone as well-traveled and knowledgeable as her was startled, expressing heartfelt admiration.

Without uttering a single word, the illusionist successfully captured everyone's attention and won roaring applause. Liu Jingye also offered his applause. Artists had a hard life, making a living through their craft, and deserved respect—especially artists who sold their art rather than their bodies.