Luo Chen naturally had no idea that Shen Yuelan, or rather the Shen family, were already preparing to bring him back to Yanjing.
He was even less aware that, in order to secure his return, Shen Yuelan had handed over hundreds of billions in assets, leaving herself completely penniless.
Just then, his phone rang one after another.
First came a call from Lan Beier, asking if Luo Chen had time to hang out, as she happened to be heading to Hong Kong.
After all, it had been so long since they last met. Lan Beier was growing impatient and directly asked if Luo Chen had found another woman.
As soon as Luo Chen hung up, Li Zhihua called as well, asking him to go to Hong Kong.
They were not backing out of the payment. Rather, moving such a massive sum of assets required Luo Chen to be present in person for certain notarisation procedures.
If he received over four hundred billion US dollars, combined with his assets in Haidong, he would practically be the wealthiest man in the country.
Luo Chen did not actually care much for money, but he still wanted his parents to live comfortably, so he decided to make the trip.
“Are you heading back to Hong Kong?” Luo Chen asked as he approached Xu Shuiyao to greet her.
This startled Xu Shuiyao.
After all, she had just witnessed his capabilities. He could rightly be called a celestial master.
The thought of previously offering him fifty thousand a month to work as her assistant now seemed utterly ridiculous.
Who in this world could possibly afford to hire Luo Chen as an assistant?
Xu Shuiyao stood there, her face flushing crimson. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
Thinking back to their journey together, she realised she must have said countless inappropriate things. The fact that she was still alive felt like nothing short of a miracle.
Nevertheless, Luo Chen initiating conversation with her left her pleasantly overwhelmed.
She replied with a hint of panic.
“Yes, I am getting ready to head back.”
“Then let us go together. I happen to need to handle some business there as well,” Luo Chen said.
Xu Shuiyao, of course, was more than willing.
Lin Hualong hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward to apologise profusely to Luo Chen. He would need to report this matter up the chain of command.
After all, Luo Chen defeating a foreign supernatural adept was a major merit.
He might even receive a promotion.
On the bustling streets of Hong Kong, Luo Chen and Xu Shuiyao walked side by side. Xu Shuiyao, however, was bundled up tightly to avoid being recognised.
They were currently heading to a rather distinctive restaurant. Since they were in Hong Kong, Xu Shuiyao naturally wanted to play the host.
Near Tsim Sha Tsui, there was a particularly stylish and elegant restaurant. It was a frequent haunt for people in the entertainment industry, so spotting celebrities there was quite common.
Of course, Xu Shuiyao was merely a leading young actress and not a true top tier star.
In this regard, she was far behind Lan Beier.
Lan Beier was genuinely a first rate celebrity. However, as a native of Tongzhou who had grown up wandering around there, her presence did not generate much of a star effect in the city.
After all, if you see the same celebrity on the street every day, you might ask for a photo or an autograph once or twice. But seeing them daily makes you realise they are just ordinary people, and the novelty quickly fades.
Naturally, a top tier star like Lan Beier could never wander around casually in other cities, or she would undoubtedly be mobbed.
Although Xu Shuiyao had some influence, it was not yet massive. Nevertheless, she certainly carried herself with considerable flair.
It was only after entering the restaurant that she removed her face mask, sunglasses, and hat.
Barely had she taken them off when she ran into someone she knew.
“Sister Shuiyao, what brings you here for dinner?” Suddenly, a whole table turned to look at her.
The group consisted of both men and women, mostly handsome and beautiful. In particular, one girl was just as striking as Xu Shuiyao.
“I will just go say hello. They are from my film crew,” Xu Shuiyao said with an awkward smile. Luo Chen did not mind.
Luo Chen requested three sets of bowls and chopsticks and took a seat.
After exchanging greetings, Xu Shuiyao returned to Luo Chen. Just as their dishes were being served, a man from the other table walked over and plonked himself down right next to her.
The two tables were not actually far apart, with only one empty table between them.
“Are you also in the industry, brother?” The man, who wore glasses, was the producer for their current project.
A producer held considerable authority on a set, sometimes even more than the director. Xu Shuiyao naturally dared not offend him.
Luo Chen, however, was not part of the entertainment circle, so he merely gave a slight shake of his head.
The producer did not seem inclined to say much to Luo Chen anyway. Instead, he leaned closer to Xu Shuiyao once more.
Xu Shuiyao awkwardly shifted to the side.
This was rather rude. After all, Xu Shuiyao was treating Luo Chen to dinner. To sit over without even a greeting was certainly overstepping.
But Xu Shuiyao simply could not afford to offend him.
Do not let her status as a popular young actress fool you. That was in the past. She had previously offended a director over some matter and faced a minor blacklist. Securing the second female lead role in this series had been a struggle, so she was already counting her blessings.
“Xiao Yao, I heard you went travelling in the Tibetan region recently?” the producer asked, looking at her.
Xu Shuiyao nodded, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
“How can that be acceptable? Filming for your scenes is about to start. Have you memorised your lines? Have you studied the script carefully?” The producer had been drinking and reeked of alcohol.
“Mostly,” Xu Shuiyao replied with a nod. Anyone who becomes a star usually has some backing. Xu Shuiyao had a fiery figure, long fair legs, and a delicate face, making her exceptionally attractive.
“What do you mean, mostly?” The producer gave a cold sneer, while the people at the other table looked at Xu Shuiyao with faint pity.
“Tell you what. Bring the script to my room tonight, and we can discuss it together,” the producer suggested.
His implication was now entirely clear.
“Mr Zhang, I am sorry, but I need to accompany my friend tonight,” Xu Shuiyao refused outright.
“Accompany what friend?”
“Xiao Yao, you need to understand. This series is a massive production. The investors behind it are highly influential, and Director Yan takes it very seriously. As the producer, I have a duty to oversee you all!” The producer leaned in closer again.
“You have not had a chance to work on a heavily funded project like this in a long time. If you do not grasp it, there are plenty of others waiting in line,” the producer added with a smile.
The threat was practically spelled out.
“But Mr Zhang, I really must stay with my friend tonight. Could we perhaps do it tomorrow?” Xu Shuiyao did not want to fall victim to the industry unspoken rules, but she also did not want to lose this opportunity.
After all, the investment was huge, the series was major, and it was guaranteed to be a hit.
“Xiao Yao, why are you so”
Splash! A bowl of hot soup was thrown directly onto the producer face.
“Ah!” A scream rang out. “Get out!” Luo Chen placed the soup bowl back onto the table.