Chapter 809: Team Up and Start a Group? Sister Liu’s Big Gathering of Celebrities!
Xiao He scratched his head and breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Director Hu Pei being pulled away by Liu Rulan. He then turned to look at Shu Han with a smile. "Brother Shu, long time no see. Was the trip abroad fun?"
"Not bad."
Shu Han nodded with a smile. The other regular guests of "Travelogue of Mountains and Rivers" who had followed him also came over enthusiastically to say hello.
Xiao He took a quick glance and realized that almost all the regular guests from the first season of "Travelogue of Mountains and Rivers" were here.
There was Xin Yiran, who had previously claimed to be his little fangirl; the comedic variety stars Zhou Nanye and Liang Cheng; the veteran host Teacher Qiu Hua; and finally, Wu Chuyi, who used to love acting cool but had been soundly put in his place by Xiao He.
Although it was just a special spin-off after the variety show ended, the original cast was all present for this impromptu trip. It was clear that the Program Group had put in a lot of effort; the investors were making money hand over fist, and the guests were doing their best to seize this variety show opportunity, hoping to use the traffic to further their careers.
The first few were easy to deal with; they already had a good relationship with Xiao He and would privately congratulate him during holidays or when he won awards. As for the latter, Wu Chuyi, his attitude had improved significantly this time. It was visibly apparent that his relationship with everyone had gotten much better, and he was no longer just a "B-king" boy.
Xiao He was used to the diverse personalities of people in the industry, so he also nodded and greeted Wu Chuyi in a friendly manner.
"Brother Xiao, are you also participating in the cruise gala this time?"
Xin Yiran looked at her idol with great excitement. "The Program Group told us before that you weren't planning to attend the cruise gala. I was so sad at the time."
Romantic Victoria Harbour, a gentle sea breeze, a dazzling night view... and her own handsome idol!
Just thinking about it made Xin Yiran feel like she was floating with excitement.
However, after the Program Group went to negotiate, they received news that Xiao He would not be attending, and the guest slot was replaced by Shu Han from the same company.
Although Brother Shu was also great and in the same company as her idol, he wasn't the idol himself!
Missing out on such a highlight moment of being on the same cruise ship as her idol, Xin Yiran felt as if she had lost her soul upon hearing the news.
However, she never expected things to take such a turn!
Brother Xiao was suddenly going to attend the event after all!
Did this mean they could record the show together again?
Even though all the originally planned guests had already been invited, given Xiao He's popularity, Xin Yiran believed that if he wanted to participate in the recording of "Travelogue of Mountains and Rivers," the Program Group would definitely agree with both hands and feet, and the investors would send over contracts and appearance fees overnight.
Unfortunately, facing Xin Yiran's expectant face, Xiao He gave a helpless smile and shook his head. "I will indeed be boarding the ship this time, but I'm sorry, I won't be able to record the show with you all."
He had more important things to do and certainly couldn't guarantee that he would be in front of the camera at all times.
A look of regret immediately appeared on Xin Yiran's small face. "Ah, I see..."
Zhou Nanye and Liang Cheng were also somewhat disappointed.
Teacher Qiu Hua, who frequently attended such galas, helped Xiao He out from the side. "Young Teacher Xiao likely has other work arrangements. Such an important gala indeed requires him to handle it more carefully."
As for galas of this nature, Teacher Qiu Hua had long since seen through their essence. People from the entertainment industry like them were, to put it bluntly, just figureheads—tools for promotion and a fig leaf to cover the darkness of the gala.
Xiao He's decision not to participate definitely came from his own considerations.
Teacher Qiu Hua was meticulously attentive and quickly helped Xiao He soothe the others.
Xiao He immediately breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Teacher Qiu Hua. "Thank you, Teacher Qiu."
Teacher Qiu Hua's eyes were deep, as if he could see through people's hearts. In the face of Xiao He's thanks, he only shook his head with a smile and warmly reminded him, "It's nothing. Just watch out for your own safety."
-
On the other side, upon hearing that Xiao He was boarding the ship but not participating in the variety show, Director Hu Pei was stunned. "Huh? Not participating in the recording?!"
With such a great opportunity, how could your Xiao He not go?
"Why not participate? Manager Liu, don't worry. As long as your Xiao He can come, we will definitely have a guest slot for him. The appearance fee isn't an issue either; you can name your price!"
Before Liu Rulan could explain further, Director Hu Pei had already started rattling off his bargaining chips, practically wearing "Please, Xiao He, join us" on his face.
Liu Rulan:...Why are you making my heart ache like this?
But considering Xiao He's plans, Liu Rulan helplessly declined Director Hu Pei's invitation. "Sorry, Director Hu. Xiao He has been invited to a business banquet this time. It's not convenient for him to record the show with you, and he doesn't have the time."
Liu Rulan's words were actually quite blunt.
Director Hu Pei also fell silent upon hearing this.
Indeed, from the moment Xiao He operated that drone, Director Hu Pei knew that Xiao He was definitely more than just a simple actor; he would have many more achievements in other fields and might even go much further.
But... but...
Wuwu, I'm so unwilling!
The little person in Director Hu Pei's heart shed tears as wide as noodles, but he could only say, "Ah ha ha, then there's really no other way. However, if there's a chance, I still hope you can give us half an hour to let Xiao He make a brief appearance in our recording, is that okay?"
To prevent Liu Rulan from continuing to refuse, Director Hu Pei immediately added, "It won't take long! Just a brief appearance is fine! Even just letting us take a few photos would work! As for the fee..."
He glanced at the people from the Program Group and directly offered a sky-high price: "The treatment will be the same as the other guests."
Liu Rulan: "..."
What kind of magic does Xiao He have? What kind of potion did he give you that you'd even make such a bottom-line-less request?
"Deal!"
Liu Rulan smiled and again shook Director Hu Pei's hand without hesitation, only this time, her grip was much gentler.
Earning a full appearance fee just for showing his face—it would be a waste not to take this money!
Director Hu Pei was also overjoyed, a wide grin spreading across his face that he couldn't hold back.
The two looked at each other, both very satisfied with this cooperation.
-
Xiao He didn't yet know that Liu Rulan had already been successfully persuaded by Director Hu Pei.
Even if he did, he would probably say, "Sister Liu, well done."
At this moment, Xiao He was walking with Shu Han, telling him about some recent events in the Film Crew, including the arrangements for the upcoming cruise gala.
At the same time, he remembered something else.
"Brother Shu, once we get to the hotel, there's another person who will be coming."
Xiao He reminded him with a smile.
"Oh? Someone I know?"
Shu Han was somewhat surprised by Xiao He's special reminder.
"You'll know when we get there."
Thinking of Tong Junhui, Xiao He spoke meaningfully.
Shu Han was puzzled but didn't look into it too deeply, instead continuing to chat with Xiao He about Hong Kong's metaphysical urban legends.
Soon, the group arrived at the hotel.
When he saw Tong Junhui in the room, Shu Han was also very surprised, but he quickly regained his composure.
Although the two of them had never officially met, because of Liu Rulan, they had both more or less silently followed each other's subsequent development.
As for Tong Junhui's final choice, Shu Han could only express regret.
This sudden meeting was somewhat unexpected for Shu Han.
However, this surprise soon turned into another special emotion.
"Eh? We're going to form a party on the cruise ship?"
Shu Han rested his chin on his hand, looking very expectant. "That sounds quite interesting."
Liu Rulan crossed her arms and rolled her eyes speechlessly. "...I told you, they'd hit it off immediately!"
These three artists of hers were all the type who loved to join in on the excitement and didn't mind making things bigger.
And Shu Han's current actual Agent, He Wenming: "...Perhaps one of you could have asked for my opinion?"