Ouyang Jun patted Zhuang Rui on the shoulder and led the way inside.
Zhuang Rui stood at the door for a moment, then turned around and followed him inside. In any case, Ouyang Jun had already given him face today, and if he insisted on leaving, it would be a bit too disrespectful to Ouyang Jun.
"Si'er, I haven't eaten either. Shall we eat together tonight?"
A middle-aged man wearing glasses sat in the room and greeted Ouyang Jun in a grand manner, but it was probably just a pretense that he wanted to eat; he was really curious about Zhuang Rui's identity.
"Brother Wu, I have some personal business to attend to today. Let's do it another day, another day we'll all get together."
Ouyang Jun politely declined with a smile. He was still curious. Judging from the conversation between Zhuang Rui and Miao Feifei, the two were obviously familiar with each other. However, given Zhuang Rui's status, it seemed that he had never been able to come into contact with someone of Miao Feifei's level before.
The group left the hall and entered a private room on the second floor. The floor of the room was covered with a red carpet, and in the center was a large round table with a diameter of more than two meters. Some platters of cold dishes had already been set out. Ouyang Jun invited the group to sit down. He noticed that Miao Feifei did not sit next to the big star, but instead sat next to Zhuang Rui, which made him even more curious about his little cousin.
Ouyang Jun whispered a few words to Xu Damingxing, who then stood up and sat down in a chair next to Miao Feifei. She had been instructed by Ouyang Jun to find out how Miao Feifei and Zhuang Rui had gotten to know each other.
The meal proceeded uneventfully. Although many of the dishes were unfamiliar to Zhuang Rui, his mind wasn't on them. With Miao Feifei and Yue Xiaoliu present, Ouyang Jun hesitated to speak, and even Miao Feifei noticed something was amiss. The banquet ended half an hour later.
Seeing that no one was touching their chopsticks, Ouyang Jun stood up and called to the big star, "Take Xiao Liu and Fei Fei downstairs to play. Zhuang Rui and I have something to discuss..."
"Let's go to my office to talk."
Zhuang Rui nodded, and the two went up to the third floor. Ouyang Jun opened a door to a room.
"Fourth Brother, you still like playing with this kind of thing?"
As soon as Zhuang Rui entered the room, his eyes were drawn to a large screen placed in the center of the room.
This is a twelve-panel rosewood screen, about two meters high. In the center of each panel is inlaid a golden phoenix about fifty centimeters long. Although it is carved from bluish-white jade, all twelve phoenixes are carved from a single piece of material, making them quite valuable. Moreover, the value of these large-leaf sandalwood pieces alone is in the tens of millions.
"People gave me this office because they thought it looked a bit empty, but I know nothing about these things..."
Ouyang Jun waved his hand modestly, but his face was full of pride. This screen was originally made by an official stationed in Yunnan at the end of the Qing Dynasty, who intended to present it to Empress Dowager Cixi.
However, this item was very time-consuming to make. By the time it was completed after several years, Empress Dowager Cixi had already passed away. Later, during the chaos of warlordism, this screen was revealed to the public. Coincidentally, the person who collected this screen needed something from Ouyang Jun and used this item as a stepping stone.
"The item is nice, but it's a bit recent and the materials are average. However, such a large item can be worth 30 to 50 million."
Zhuang Rui looked him over and casually made a comment.
"You've also studied this? Oh right, I forgot you used to work at a pawnshop. I'll introduce you to that guy in a few days; he's got quite a collection of good stuff."
Ouyang Jun had already thoroughly investigated Zhuang Rui's past, but he was unaware of Zhuang Rui's later experiences and knew that his younger cousin was no less wealthy than him.
"Alright, Fourth Brother, just tell me who wants to see me..."
There were only the two of them in the room, and Zhuang Rui didn't want to beat around the bush, so he changed the subject and asked directly.
“It’s my father. He said your mother, who might be my aunt, is someone he wants to meet…”
Seeing that Zhuang Rui was about to speak, Ouyang Jun waved his hand and continued, "Don't ask me what happened. I don't know a thing. The older generation never mentions this. If you want to know the reason, you'll have to meet my old man tomorrow. I'm just a messenger..."
After Ouyang Jun finished speaking, he looked at Zhuang Rui, also wanting to know what had happened before.
"Okay, I'll go!"
Zhuang Rui remained silent for a while, then nodded heavily. He also wanted to know what the reason was that his mother had not had any contact with her family for decades.
Chapter 279 Care
“Zhuang… Brother, listen to your fourth brother. Whatever conflicts or difficulties the elders may have, that has nothing to do with us younger generation. If your mother is my aunt, then you are my cousin. We should visit each other more often in the future and not be so distant.”
When Zhuang Rui nodded in agreement to meet his father, Ouyang Jun was very happy. It wasn't that he had completed his mission, but rather that he was the youngest in his generation. Now that he had a younger brother, he would no longer be called the youngest at family gatherings.
"Yes, I understand, Fourth Brother, but there are some things I still need to consult Mother about..."
Zhuang Rui saw that Ouyang Jun's attitude was very sincere, and after these two meetings, he felt that Ouyang Jun did not have the habits of those spoiled brats, and his words had become much warmer. Zhuang Rui was also very happy to have a cousin now that he had grown up in a family of three.
Ouyang Jun nodded and said, "That's only right. I'm busy preparing to film a few movies right now, so I don't have time for a while. Otherwise, I would have gone back to Pengcheng with you to see my aunt. By the way, brother, I have a movie that's about to start filming, but I haven't chosen a producer yet. How about you come and help me out?"
"Producer? I'll do that?"
Zhuang Rui was bewildered by Ouyang Jun's wildly imaginative ideas. He rarely went to the cinema, and knew absolutely nothing about the film industry. Asking him to be a producer was just a joke.
"Fourth Brother, I can't do this, no, no..."
Zhuang Rui was taken aback for a moment, then quickly declined.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Jun curled his lip and said nonchalantly, "What can't you do? You studied finance, so you just need to manage the investors' money. I'm the investor, so you're basically managing the money for me. Let me tell you, this producer has a lot of power. Even the director has to listen to you, not to mention the actors. If you tell them to go east, they won't dare to go west. If you tell them to do that... In short, this job is very sought after."
Ouyang Jun winked at Zhuang Rui ambiguously, thinking that his younger cousin looked quite inexperienced and would definitely be very popular with the female celebrities on set.
In fact, the job of a producer is not as simple as Ouyang Jun said. A producer must understand film art creation, know audience psychology and market information, be good at raising funds, and be familiar with business management.
Most films nowadays are commercial films, and the producer is the master of a film. They have the right to decide everything about making a film, including what kind of script to use, hiring directors, cinematographers, actors, and sending a film supervisor to manage the production funds, review the shooting budget, and control the entire filming process.
After the film is completed, the producer still needs to process the film, promote and market it. Therefore, the producer of a film has already determined the success or failure of the film in advance.
In regions where commercial films are thriving, many experienced and successful producers can decide the direction and style of a film, even surpassing the director to become the dominant force in the film's content, wielding the most power during the filming process.
The reason Ouyang Jun appointed Zhuang Rui as producer was largely to take care of his younger cousin. Judging from Zhuang Rui's clothes and resume, his family background was probably not good. Ouyang Jun wanted to help Zhuang Rui out. As long as he became the producer, he could earn several hundred thousand yuan from each film.
As for the responsibilities of a producer, I can just find an experienced assistant producer. "Forget it, Fourth Brother, please spare me. I don't know how and I'm not interested in doing that. If you want to help me, just introduce me to the person who gave you this screen when you have time."
Zhuang Rui knew that Ouyang Jun meant well, but he really had no interest in that line of work. Besides, he didn't care about that little bit of money. He could use that time to find an acquaintance to take him for a stroll around Liulichang and maybe earn more than that.
"Whatever you want. How many more days can you stay in the capital?"
Ouyang Jun didn't force him. Anyway, now that he had recognized this cousin, he wouldn't let him suffer any losses. If there was anything to make money in the future, he would just lend him a hand.
Ouyang Jun stood up, took out a pack of cigarettes from his executive desk, opened it, handed one to Zhuang Rui, and after thinking for a moment, stuffed the entire pack into Zhuang Rui's hand.
"Let's talk about it next time. I'll be going back to Pengcheng in a few days. Fourth Brother, what kind of cigarettes are these?"
Zhuang Rui took the cigarette and glanced at it. Goodness, the filter tip took up two-thirds of the cigarette, and there was a panda logo on it. Looking at the packaging of the cigarette box, it was white with no pictures or designs. He took out a lighter, lit it, and took a puff. The taste was quite unusual, a faint flavor that invigorated him.
"Not bad, right? Giant panda cigarettes are reserved for ministerial-level leaders and above; even city-level leaders aren't eligible to smoke them..."
Even ministerial-level leaders don't have access to cigarettes that are readily available. He had to beg his father for this pack of cigarettes. Ouyang Jun felt that he had never felt superior to his younger cousin, but now a single cigarette had stunned him, and he couldn't help but feel a little smug.
Zhuang Rui couldn't help but chuckle at his cousin's expression. He stood up, took the special cigarette pack in his hand, and said, "Fourth Brother, give me these cigarettes. I can show them off when I get back."
"That won't do. I can only give you half at most. Fine, I'll give you six packs."
Ouyang Jun was surprised that Zhuang Rui was going to take all his stock, so he quickly snatched it away and carefully separated four packages from it. After thinking for a moment, he took out another package and placed it on the table.
"Hehe, then six packs it is. I'll give you something nice to give you when I have the chance."
Zhuang Rui smiled and went deeper down. He felt that his cousin was a good person, without any airs. Actually, it depends on the person. If it were one of those people who came to ask for favors, Young Master Ouyang would have acted like a big shot.
"Brother, wait a minute, let me call the old man. If he's home, let's go over now."
Ouyang Jun dared not let Zhuang Rui stay here any longer. He had many good things in his room, and if Zhuang Rui took a fancy to that bottle of 1916 Lafite, he would truly be devastated.
Ouyang Jun made the phone call in front of Zhuang Rui, briefly explained the situation, said a few "uh-huhs" and hung up. After checking the time on his phone, he said to Zhuang Rui, "The old man is about to go home. Let's go over there. We'll be home around the same time."
"Alright, if I can resolve this today, I'll head back to Pengcheng tomorrow."
Zhuang Rui nodded, looked around, found an empty gift box, and put the packs of cigarettes inside. Zhuang Rui acted very naturally, as if he were at home, which made Ouyang Jun's eyes twitch. This little cousin of his really doesn't treat him like an outsider.
"Let's go, don't keep the old man waiting."
Ouyang Jun quickly opened the door, worried that if Zhuang Rui stayed any longer, he might take a fancy to something else in the room. These were all items he had painstakingly collected; he needed to get him out as soon as possible to put his mind at ease.
Finding Miao Feifei chatting with the big star, Zhuang Rui said somewhat apologetically, "Officer Miao, I don't have time to keep you company today, I have some things to take care of..."
"It's okay, I'll make an appointment with you another day."
Miao Feifei was very understanding. She pulled Yue Xiaoliu along, indicating that he should take her home. Poor Yue Jing rarely came to Building No. 1. He was chatting enthusiastically with that female celebrity who was known for her pure image. He was quite depressed and walked towards the lobby on the first floor with Zhuang Rui and the others.
It was already around 10 p.m., and there were more people on the first floor. As soon as the group came downstairs, they saw seven or eight people gathered together, talking loudly about something.
Just as Zhuang Rui stepped downstairs, a gap suddenly appeared in the crowd, and a golden shadow pounced on him.
"Golden Lion, come back..."
A familiar voice rang out, but the golden figure did not obey its master's command. Instead, it pounced on Zhuang Rui and stuck out its tongue to kiss him affectionately.
"Holy crap, that scared me to death! I thought this guy had gone crazy."
Following the sound, Song Jun parted the crowd and walked over with a dog leash in his hand. When he saw Zhuang Rui playing with the golden lion, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. If the golden lion had bitten someone here, even with his background, it would have been difficult to resolve the situation.
"Hey kid, what are you doing here?"
After Song Jun put the golden lion on a dog leash and pulled it to his side, he realized that Zhuang Rui was there.
"Brother Song, you...you know each other too?"
Ouyang Jun found that his brain was becoming increasingly inadequate; Zhuang Rui's range of characters was far too wide.
It goes without saying that Zhuang Rui and Yue Xiaoliu are classmates, and it's understandable that he met Miao Feifei in Zhonghai. But Song Jun and these two are different. Ouyang Jun is very familiar with Song Jun. He debuted more than ten years earlier than him, and his influence in the business world is unmatched. Moreover, his father is still alive, and he is not to be underestimated in the political arena.
Song Jun glanced at Ouyang Jun and said, "Hmm, Zhuang Rui is your guest? Si'er, this is my little brother, don't you dare bully him."
"How could I dare, Brother Song? I'll find you for tea later and we can have a good chat. I have other things to do today, so I can't make it up to you."
Ouyang Jun gave a wry smile. He was completely outmaneuvered by Zhuang Rui today, and he didn't even know who was bullying whom. His curiosity about Zhuang Rui was growing, and he planned to ask Song Jun about his little cousin's background tomorrow.
"Go ahead and get busy. Brother Zhuang, stay and play for a while. Let me tell you, this Tibetan Mastiff of mine was found by Brother Zhuang from Tibet. He has quite a few purebred Tibetan Mastiffs there, and they can have puppies this year. If you need any, please reserve them first."
Song Jun casually waved to Ouyang Jun, but then pulled Zhuang Rui aside and started promoting his mastiff kennel.
Chapter 280 Past Events
Although Ouyang Jun was somewhat curious about Zhuang Rui's dog kennel, now was not the time to listen to stories. He quickly said, "Brother Song, let's talk about this later. Zhuang Rui has some things to take care of with me."
Song Jun turned to Zhuang Rui and asked, "What time is it? Are you still on business?"
Zhuang Rui nodded and said, "Brother Song, there is something I need to take care of. I'll be going to Beijing frequently during this period. We'll have plenty of time to talk later."
After Zhuang Rui finished speaking, he pulled Song Jun aside and took a few steps, whispering, "Brother Song, I don't really like dealing with these people. I'll have Da Chuan come to Beijing later and leave this to him. By the way, don't tell these people about my jade gambling."
Zhuang Rui genuinely disliked this circle. Besides, these people were very knowledgeable, and if someone gleaned something from his rise to power and started eyeing him, that would be incredibly troublesome.
"You're so low-key, you don't seem like a young man in his twenties at all. Alright, I got it, you can go now."
Song Jun nodded, not asking Zhuang Rui what he was going to do. Having been in this circle for a long time, he naturally knew what to ask and what not to ask.
"Brother, what brings you to Tibetan Mastiffs? Oh, right, I forgot who told me the other day, but someone owns a Tibetan Mastiff worth forty or fifty million."
As Ouyang Jun drove, he casually asked Zhuang Rui, "Judging from Song Jun's attitude towards Zhuang Rui, Zhuang Rui shouldn't be in such a poor state. Even if Boss Song were to squeeze every last penny out of him, Zhuang Rui could make a fortune."