At the wrap party that evening, Xu Zheng announced, "Mr. Zhou saw how hard everyone's been working and arranged a travel agency to treat you all to a three-day trip. Relax and enjoy yourselves. Eat and drink well tonight, and tomorrow we start vacation mode."
The crew erupted in cheers.
"Thank you, Director Xu!" "Mr. Zhou is the best!"
During dinner, Zhou You received special attention as people came to toast him. He kept it moderate, given the crowd, only drinking a bit more with the main cast. But everyone's excitement was palpable. Beyond the seasoned veterans, some newcomers were crying and hugging, having formed bonds over months of living and working together.
Xu Zheng, a bit unsteady, raised his glass to Zhou You. "Mr. Zhou, thank you, truly. You're generous and impressive. If it weren't for you, I'd have been bankrupt and desperate. I'll finish mine, you do as you please."
"You're too kind, Director Xu. With your dedication, I'm sure this film will be great. If you ever need my investment, just say the word, and I'll help if I can." Zhou You returned the praise, knowing Xu's later films made money despite mixed reviews. But it depended on Xu's attitude—after this hit, he probably wouldn't lack investors. Zhou You didn't mind; he preferred to help when it mattered most, earning gratitude and avoiding pitfalls. Invest if possible, skip if not—money was endless, and he had enough.
"Absolutely. Investors like you are rare—generous and straightforward. I hope you'll keep supporting me next time." Xu Zheng, lacking confidence, knew he had to cling to this lifeline.
Zhou You smiled. "Just say the word if you need anything."
Time reveals true character. Zhou You wasn't sure if Xu Zheng might have other motives.
After a hearty meal, they returned to the hotel for some exercise.
"Is everything for tomorrow arranged?" Zhou You asked while enjoying He Mei's massage.
"All set. Two buses are enough—not too many people, and it's a familiar route." He Mei, though tired, perked up at the topic.
"Take plenty of photos for future promotion, focusing on the main cast. Get a group shot before departure tomorrow, with your travel agency's name in the background. Snap pictures at every scenic spot," Zhou You emphasized repeatedly. This was a golden opportunity to accelerate growth and expand rapidly.
Despite her confusion at his insistence, He Mei noted it down, determined to follow through.
Since the next day would be busy, Zhou You, being considerate, turned in early.
Day one, everyone rose early. Travelers rarely sleep in—time is precious.
A chaotic crowd gathered in the lobby as He Mei and a few guides explained the rules. Each person donned a little yellow hat with the company name printed on it, the classic tourist look. Zhou You was pleased—this made advertising easy.
Day one: Old City of Chiang Mai (half day) → Wat Chedi Luang (1 hour) → Tha Phae Gate (1 hour). Day two: Doi Suthep (2 hours) → Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (1 hour) → Phuping Palace (1 hour) → Chiang Mai University (1 hour) → Nimman Road (1 hour). Day three: Maewang Elephant Camp (half day) → Chiang Mai Women's Prison Massage (2 hours) → Chiang Mai Night Safari (3 hours).
There was also a ladyboy show that had everyone cheering—though the crew had a cameo actor, watching a whole group was far more thrilling. Especially the photo session afterward.
Being in the entertainment industry, they were well-traveled, but even they felt a bit shy facing such direct offerings. 10 baht for a photo, 100 baht for a touch—almost everyone opted for the latter.
Some activities were new to Zhou You too. Group tours had their own charm, especially with familiar faces to joke around with.
Wang Baoqiang teased Xu Zheng: "You tricked me into coming to Thailand for fun, but we ended up filming the whole time. If not for Mr. Zhou, this trip would've been a waste."
Huang Bo chimed in: "You said there'd be massages, but it was Wang Baoqiang giving me one. Look at my neck—now that's a real professional massage."
Xu Zheng shot back: "Did you have fun or not? The timing just wasn't right. Besides, with limited funds, priority had to go to filming. Can't waste the investor's money." He glanced at Zhou You as he spoke.
Zhou You found their banter amusing. Traveling alone offers peace, but it lacks a different kind of joy. Each has its merits.
For everyone, this trip was a chance to unwind. From the start of production, tension had hung in the air. If the director is stressed, how can the crew be fine?
Xu Zheng relaxed a bit, even dozing off on the bus occasionally. Post-production was already arranged—no major issues—but until the final release, he couldn't shake his worry. If it flopped, would he get another chance? Yet not trying would leave him with regrets.
In the entertainment world, unless you're a star, you're just a small player, bossed around. Xu Zheng rubbed his face, his mind swirling. He'd had a benefactor; otherwise, it would've been tough.
Shi Wenxiu was also experiencing her first full production. Before, she'd only film her scenes and leave, always in a rush. The more she interacted, the more curious she grew about Zhou You. She'd been in touch with Wang Le more often, hoping to learn more about him.
Why would someone so accomplished still pursue a PhD? If it were her, she'd never study—too exhausting. And the field didn't seem promising. Her father had spent his whole career as a professor, earning little with few research projects. That's why she wanted to be an actress—quick money!
But now, at the end of his career, her father had taken on a PhD student with such immense influence. She'd heard of his other students, but most became teachers or government workers, with little connection to her.
Wang Le's information was limited. Before graduating, Zhou You was just an ordinary student, not wealthy. Then, after graduation, it was like he'd hit the jackpot—buying a house, a car, claiming lottery winnings, then investing in films and making a fortune.
Wang Le also said his father couldn't quite figure out this student anymore. The change seemed drastic—maybe maturity came after graduation. But his core was still good, the same honest, kind student who treated their family well and remembered favors. He'd recently set up a documentary fund that visited their school, and Wang Le had learned a lot from it.
Shi Wenxiu and Wang Le talked for ages, only to realize how little they knew about Zhou You. The more they learned, the more mysterious he seemed. But that was fine—there was plenty of time ahead to figure it all out.
She noticed He Mei sticking close to Zhou You all day, with intimate gestures and ambiguous attitudes. She didn't know much else, but at least his love life seemed eventful.
Less knowledge brings fewer worries; more acquaintances invite more trouble.