He Yining understood his grandmother's meaning and immediately smiled. "Grandson understands."
Only then did the old Madam He smile with satisfaction. She said to Cui Yuelan, who was eagerly trying to please her from the side, "The He family has servants, so we don't need guests to do anything. Miss Cui, please have a seat."
Cui Yuelan, holding the teacup, was left embarrassed.
But she didn't dare to vent her anger at the old Madam He, so she could only put down the teacup resentfully and sit beside He Yining.
The old Madam He gave Cui Yuelan a deep look, growing even more displeased with her.
Shen Qi had no idea that the old Madam He had already taken her side and was plotting on her behalf.
Her life right now was simply too leisurely.
When she had nothing to do, she would set up her easel, find a quiet spot, and start painting.
The filming at the beginning was slow, and most of it involved supporting roles.
The makeup for supporting roles wasn't Shen Qi's responsibility, so she was the most idle stylist on set.
Feng Manlun came over carrying an earthenware pot. Seeing that Shen Qi was almost done painting, he spoke up, "Tired? Try this. The chef just simmered it—an earthenware pot chicken with the freshest bamboo shoots from the grove."
Shen Qi put away her brush and took a deep breath. The aroma was overwhelming!
"I feel like I'm on vacation, not here to help," Shen Qi said, sitting down on the ground with Feng Manlun. Listening to the rustling bamboo and smelling the chicken's fragrance, the experience was absolutely sublime!
"As long as you're happy, that's what matters. A cheerful mood leads to good work," Feng Manlun said with a faint smile. "That suggestion of yours was brilliant. Now our show is gaining popularity even before it airs."
Shen Qi watched as Feng Manlun ladled her a bowl of chicken soup and quickly reached out to take it. "Thank you. It smells amazing."
After taking a sip, Shen Qi felt every pore in her body relax. She then replied, "Since I'm eating and staying for free, I have to contribute something to the crew. Even if I got in through the back door, I can't just freeload!"
"Hahaha!" Feng Manlun laughed heartily. "You..."
The affectionate tone in his voice might have gone unnoticed even by himself.
The scene of the two chatting and eating together was captured by someone on the crew and posted on Weibo.
It quickly drew a crowd of onlookers.
Many exclaimed that the atmosphere was too beautiful, evoking a sense of longing.
Even though it was just a shot from behind, the two sitting side by side on the ground, with an easel nearby, the earthenware pot on the ground, the breeze blowing, and bamboo leaves scattering—the imagery was simply stunning.
The photo went viral across social media, with countless people declaring they wanted to find a paradise-like world to enjoy some quiet time.
Coincidentally, He Yining was scrolling through Shen Qi's Weibo and immediately came across the photo.
Even though it was just a back view, He Yining instantly recognized Shen Qi's silhouette.
What? In just a few days, she dared to take such an intimate photo with another man?
Little thing, just wait until I deal with you!
He Yining made an immediate decision: he would invest and join the crew!
As they left the He residence, Cui Yuelan asked nervously, "Does Grandma like me? Did she say anything about letting me stay for a few days?"
He Yining gave Cui Yuelan a deep look and replied patiently, "Lanlan, only the direct line can stay at the He family mansion."
"Does Shen Qi qualify?" Cui Yuelan asked sharply.
"Yes," He Yining answered without hesitation. "She is the acknowledged granddaughter-in-law of the He family."
He Yining's words struck a nerve with Cui Yuelan.
She gritted her teeth silently.
Shen Qi, if I don't drive you away, I'm not human!
As soon as He Yining returned to Jinghua Manor, he immediately instructed Xiaochun to invest.
And it was a massive investment, securing a controlling stake.
The Feng family, where Feng Manlun came from, wasn't in the film industry professionally either, so they had invested in this drama as a project.
He Yining, like Feng Manlun, wasn't an expert in this field, but that didn't matter—he had experts to handle it.
After all, Fan Sheng and Fan Li's Fan Entertainment was a professional in the entertainment industry!
Through Fan Sheng and Fan Li, He Yining quickly invested 300 million yuan, becoming the largest shareholder.
No one dared to offend Fan Entertainment!
Moreover, with Fan Entertainment's investment and reputation, this web novel adaptation instantly elevated several levels in prestige.
Several major domestic entertainment companies couldn't help but take notice.
Any drama that Fan Entertainment got involved in was definitely not a box-office flop!
And then things got lively.
With Fan Entertainment's involvement, other entertainment companies also expressed interest in investing.
Thus, a xianxia film originally budgeted at only 200 million yuan suddenly raised 1 billion yuan, rivaling even international blockbusters.
International blockbusters often spent a significant portion of their budget on actor salaries.
But the lead actors of this drama were third- or fourth-tier, or even lesser-known newcomers, whose salaries were negligible.
So the crew suddenly had money, upgrading their equipment and resources rapidly.
The director and producer were grinning so much their eyes were nearly squeezed shut.
The logistical funding was incredibly generous!
At lunchtime, Shen Qi held her boxed lunch and couldn't help asking, "Has our food budget gone up recently? Meat with every meal!"
The lead actress, Xiao Meng, replied, "Yeah, for some reason, several big investors have suddenly taken an interest in our show and poured money in. Now we're rich, so we can eat well."
What? Wasn't this just a web novel adaptation?
Where did the big production come from?
This drama would only air domestically, rake in some fan money, and that was it—no chance of winning international awards.
Were those investors so loaded they had money to burn?
Xiao Meng continued, "I heard all the big bosses are coming today. It's weird—they're all showing up to oversee the filming. I feel so pressured! I've never met such big bosses before!"
Shen Qi was speechless.
This was the first time she'd heard of bosses showing up during filming.
Shen Qi said to Xiao Meng, "Just focus on your acting. They're probably not here for you."
Shen Qi's words turned out to be prophetic!
They weren't there for the lead actress at all—they were there for the stylist of the lead actors!
When Shen Qi saw the investing bosses, she was completely stunned.
Why were all the bosses familiar faces?
He Yining always wore a cold, aloof expression in public, keeping people at a distance.
But Fan Sheng and Fan Li, the twins, were much more approachable.
As soon as they saw Shen Qi, Fan Sheng and Fan Li greeted her first: "Xiao Qi, long time no see! You said you liked those snacks last time, so we brought you another batch. Don't get too excited, hahaha!"
What the hell was with that "hahaha"?
And seriously, Fan Sheng and Fan Li, as the young masters of Fan Entertainment, what were you doing here?
Don't tell me you're also investors!
He Yining walked toward Shen Qi.
In that moment, the surroundings fell silent.
The man, regal as an emperor, seemed to see no one else, only the woman with a helpless expression.
Shen Qi hadn't expected He Yining to come either.
Wasn't he supposed to be with Cui Yuelan right now?
Why was he here?
Had he invested too?
"Xiao Qi," He Yining said, his voice low and resonant like a cello, so beautiful it could make ears melt. "I'm here."
Shen Qi's expression froze for a moment before she forced a bitter smile. "Mm."
If He Yining was here, would Cui Yuelan follow?
She had come here specifically to avoid Cui Yuelan.
She hadn't expected them to chase after her.
They really were relentless.
As if reading Shen Qi's thoughts, He Yining's lips curled upward. "Lanlan didn't come."
Shen Qi let out a huge sigh of relief at that.
Thank goodness!
He Yining stood in front of Shen Qi, reached out, and ruffled her hair, his eyes filled with deep helplessness. "Grandma misses you. She told me to bring you home when you have time."
Shen Qi looked ashamed. "Mm."
The people around them were completely stunned by the scene.
Wait a minute!
Excuse me!
Um...
Was that man of noble bearing just now He Yining, the president of the He Corporation?
Right? We didn't missee it, did we?
And that designer he called Xiao Qi...
Oh my god... this is insane!
Their stylist was actually the wife of the He Corporation's president!
Oh my god, life suddenly had so much meaning!
The dignified wife of the He Corporation's president had been living and eating with them for days, doing their makeup!
Heavens! This was too shocking for words!
Where was the noble lady they expected?
Where was the overbearing aura?
Why was the wife of the He Corporation's president so gentle, kind, and approachable?
The entire crew was frozen in shock, and before they could recover, another wave hit!
"Since you like this story so much, I've already transferred all my shares to you," He Yining said softly, laughing. "You're now one of the bosses of this drama!"
The entire crew collectively thought: Boss, do you need any hangers-on for your thigh?
Feng Manlun arrived at that moment, seemingly unsurprised. He nodded casually at the group. "You're all here."
Fan Sheng and Fan Li smiled and nodded. "Feng Shao, long time no see."
"Just a few days, actually. You've screwed me over twice," Feng Manlun replied nonchalantly.
Indeed.
Last time, Fan Sheng and Fan Li were the main culprits in tricking Feng Manlun.
Feng Manlun hadn't caught on at the time but figured it out later.
Without Yi Bo, Fan Sheng, and Fan Li's help, He Yining's escape wouldn't have gone so smoothly.
"Since everyone's here, let's give the crew the day off. Everyone rest up," Feng Manlun announced as the temporary head.
With the changes in investment ratios, it seemed they'd need to discuss who would take charge.
Shen Qi raised her hand. "I don't like dealing with these things. I'm here to relax and work."
He Yining said, "I'm not interested in managing this mess."
Fan Sheng and Fan Li added, "We have enough to worry about with our own productions. We're just investing, not managing."
So, management authority was handed back to Feng Manlun.