Chapter 81: Approaching

Jasmine Restaurant, Beijing.

This establishment, famous for its celebrity clientele, sits beside the artificial lake at the Workers’ Stadium. For most of the year, the grass is lush and green. There’s a rooftop garden and a lakeside terrace, with sunlight streaming through, fresh and bright.

The owner of Jasmine was a classmate of Wang Fei, so the diva and her circle of friends frequented the place, attracting more people from the entertainment industry over time.

Gu Zhi had long heard of Jasmine’s reputation, and today, taking advantage of the opportunity for a meal, he visited for the first time.

After taking Tang Wei to a tea restaurant a few days ago, gossip news about the two of them began to circulate. The paparazzi, even with the New Year approaching, wouldn’t take a break, and frequently harassed them both. Tang Wei had complained to Gu Zhi several times.

So he blacklisted that restaurant and vowed never to return.

At 11:40 a.m., Gao Yuanyuan arrived at Jasmine twenty minutes early; Gu Zhi had gotten there ten minutes before her.

The scenery outside was beautiful, though winter made dining outdoors less appealing. They chose a table by the window and ordered three signature dishes: Imperial Eggplant with Aged Vinegar, Smoked Lamb with Fermented Black Beans and Bitter Melon, and Salt-Baked Garlic Perilla Fish.

“Just a few days ago, I invited you to dinner, but you seemed reluctant. Why are you in the mood to ask me out today? Aren’t you afraid of the cold?” Gao Yuanyuan brushed her hair from her forehead, her clear, watery eyes sizing Gu Zhi up as she asked.

She actually had another question in mind, but didn’t voice it.

“Beijing’s getting colder by the day. If it weren’t for business, I’d rather spend every day basking in the warmth.” Gu Zhi met her gaze for a moment, then pretended to turn his head casually, as if admiring the scenery outside.

In truth, he was embarrassed to hold her gaze. There was no helping it—Gao Yuanyuan’s beauty was formidable, and her big eyes so close made his heart race.

“What’s the matter?” Gao Yuanyuan seemed to see through Gu Zhi’s thoughts, secretly smiled, and asked offhandedly.

Like Liu Qi, she was a Beijing local, with a similarly straightforward personality. Yet as a newcomer to the entertainment industry, Gao Yuanyuan tended to speak more tactfully. Liu Qi had no such reservations—she was a producer at China Film, backed by Han Sanping's influence, and never concealed her boldness, even if she tempered her tone slightly in Han’s presence.

Of course, with Gu Zhi, Gao Yuanyuan had no need for pretenses—they were familiar, and she knew Gu Zhi preferred to go straight to the point, detesting meaningless delays.

“After the New Year, I’m opening a film company in Beijing. Liu Qi has decided to leave China Film and help me. Today, I wanted to ask if you’d like to sign on with us.”

“Sister Qi is leaving China Film?” Gao Yuanyuan was stunned, thinking this sounded even less plausible than Gu Zhi starting a company. She remembered Liu Qi had just become a producer at China Film, her future bright—why would she quit now?

“Yes. I went to see San Ye at China Film today, and he agreed. From now on, she’s with me.”

“So, will you come?”

Gao Yuanyuan bit her lip gently, her eyes darting as she studied Gu Zhi. She pondered for a while before replying, “Wait a moment, let me call Sister Qi and ask her opinion.”

“No problem.”

With that, Gao Yuanyuan took her Motorola from her bag and walked outside, dialing as she went.

“Hello… Sister Qi, are you free to talk now? Gu says he’s opening a film company and that you’re quitting to help him. Is it true…”

Her voice faded into the distance, no longer clear.

Through the glass, Gu Zhi could see Gao Yuanyuan’s elegant figure, her straight, glossy black hair almost reaching her waist.

With Beijing’s rare blue skies and bright sunshine, it was truly a sight to delight the heart.

Fifteen minutes later, Gao Yuanyuan returned, looking thoughtful and moving slowly.

The dishes had been served, but Gu Zhi hadn’t touched his chopsticks. Seeing her return, he said nothing, resting his hands on the table, patiently waiting for her to speak.

After a while, as the food cooled, Gao Yuanyuan finally snapped out of it and said, “So… if I join, who will be the top star—Tang Wei or me?”

She gazed at Gu Zhi, not even glancing at the colorful array of dishes before her.

Among female artists, there was always a struggle for ranking—not only between companies, but even within the same company, everyone vied for the title of top star.

Even if the artists themselves didn’t compete, their fans would, fearing their idol might be treated unfairly.

Gu Zhi hadn’t expected that the competition would start before she even joined.

“I can guarantee the company’s resources will be distributed equally. Whether it’s you or Tang Wei, as long as there’s a suitable role, you’ll get it. We can put that in the contract.

As for who’s the top star, that depends on your fanbase. Whoever’s more popular gets the title—it’s not for me to decide, right?”

Gao Yuanyuan nodded, gave Gu Zhi a meaningful look, then said, “Alright, I agree. Please take care of me in the future, Boss Gu.”

She reached out across the table to shake his hand.

“Boss, this meal’s on you, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then can I order two more dishes? These three have huge plates but so little food…”

…

January 15th, nine days before the Lunar New Year.

That afternoon, Ning Hao and Xing Aina flew back to Beijing.

A few days earlier, Liu Qi had called to ask if they could attend the celebration banquet for “Butterfly Effect” before the New Year. If not, they’d wait until after the holiday.

At the time, Ning Hao’s new film “Incense” was almost finished. After the call, he rushed the filming schedule, working overtime for several days, finally wrapping up all scenes the day before.

Though the crew endured a tough few days, everyone was glad to go home early for the holiday.

Upon arriving in Beijing, Gu Zhi had Ning Hao and Xing Aina come straight to his house, where he gave them a 150,000 yuan bonus.

He didn’t even give Ning Hao a chance to protest, directly handing the thick envelope to Xing Aina. Ning Hao could only smile wryly and let her keep it.

Then Gu Zhi discussed his plans for the company in detail, inviting both to join.

Xing Aina was already an outstanding editor, and in Ning Hao’s “Incense,” she had also served as producer. Gu Zhi appreciated her abilities, which was why he invited her—though admittedly, there was a bit of favoritism involved.

They spent the afternoon talking with Gu Zhi about the company, future plans, and his motivations for starting the business, covering everything in depth.

In the end, Ning Hao and Xing Aina agreed to join as co-founders.

That evening, the “Butterfly Effect” crew held their celebration banquet at Xinhao Hotel. All the main cast, including Zhang Yishan and Yang Zi, attended, along with over ninety crew members.

Unexpectedly, Liu Ye brought along a surprise guest—Xie Na.

According to Liu Ye, before he went to Hong Kong, Director Yingda had asked him to join the TV drama “Happiness Street,” but because of “Lan Yu,” he declined.

To show his sincerity, he personally visited the “Happiness Street” set, met Yingda, and apologized for turning down the role.

By coincidence, he met Xie Na on set. The two hit it off, and after Liu Ye returned from Hong Kong, they officially became a couple.

This time, Liu Ye brought Xie Na to the banquet mainly to introduce her to Gu Zhi—not to ask for a role, but to become familiar.

Gu Zhi hadn’t expected that after all the twists and turns, they would end up together—it was certainly fate.

That night, Gu Zhi handed out all the bonuses; the extra was distributed as well. Everyone was excited, and the banquet was lively until one o’clock in the morning.

Finally, it was time to go home.