By the time Luo Zheng and Han Sanping arrived in Wushang City, the sky had already darkened into evening.
Even though the local government had repeatedly emphasized that the reception would be "simple," Luo Zheng still finally understood what the word "simple" meant inside the system.
The banquet hall wasn't overly luxurious on the surface, but every single detail screamed importance. The seating arrangement alone carried hidden meaning. The tea, the wine, the order in which people entered the room, who sat closer to the center and who took the outer seats—everything followed invisible rules.
In his previous life, Luo Zheng had seen plenty of wealthy banquets and celebrity gatherings, but this atmosphere was completely different. Compared to the entertainment circle's flashy vanity, this place carried genuine authority.
For the first time in a long while, even he felt slightly restrained.
Fortunately, Han Sanping sat beside him the entire evening, casually guiding conversations whenever necessary and occasionally giving him subtle reminders with a glance.
Otherwise, Luo Zheng suspected he really would have looked like Granny Liu stumbling into the Grand View Garden.
The dinner itself wasn't long, but the information hidden between every sentence was enormous.
Nobody directly mentioned "benefits" or "future protection," yet every word carried that implication.
Luo Zheng understood perfectly.
The next morning, the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially began.
The Huadi Derivatives Production Base, jointly established with Disney standards, had already become the biggest industrial project in the region this year.
Outside the factory gates, a long red carpet stretched all the way to the newly paved road. Bright red banners fluttered in the wind. Firecrackers were stacked in rows. Decorative arches covered the entrance while workers and reporters moved around in an orderly fashion.
The atmosphere was lively without appearing chaotic.
The media present were also carefully selected.
There were no gossip tabloids or entertainment paparazzi here. Every outlet allowed inside belonged to official media units at county level or above.
Among the crowd, Luo Zheng even spotted reporters from Yangcheng Radio and Television Station.
That happened to be Liu Yan's former workplace.
When the auspicious hour arrived, Luo Zheng followed the city leaders onto the stage.
Under countless flashing cameras, the ribbon was finally cut.
The instant the scissors closed, deafening firecrackers exploded across the square. Applause erupted from every direction.
Standing amidst the noise and celebration, Luo Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly.
He knew very clearly that this ceremony wasn't merely about a factory.
It was about political significance.
Disney's manufacturing standards entering Wushang represented foreign investment, employment growth, export income, industrial upgrading, and regional development.
And Luo Zheng was one of the key facilitators behind it all.
After the ceremony ended, Han Sanping personally led Luo Zheng around to greet the attending officials.
Handshakes.
Smiles.
Short exchanges.
Even though Luo Zheng knew most of these people would forget him afterward, he still behaved impeccably throughout the process.
Connections weren't built overnight.
Sometimes, all you needed was for people to remember your face.
That alone was enough.
In truth, Luo Zheng didn't actually care much about the money this factory would generate for him.
Compared to Marvel's future profits, this project's dividends were insignificant.
What he valued was something far more important.
Position.
Protection.
Influence.
Attracting investment and participating in public welfare were already enough for ordinary businessmen to earn favorable treatment.
But what Luo Zheng was doing now went far beyond charity.
He was helping increase foreign exchange revenue.
Helping create jobs.
Helping improve local livelihoods.
Helping promote industrial upgrading.
Once these achievements accumulated, they would gradually become a layer of invisible golden armor protecting him.
Perhaps it wouldn't be obvious now.
But years later, when the entertainment industry inevitably descended into waves of scandals, purges, and capital reshuffling, this kind of "golden body" would become priceless.
At the very least…
He definitely wouldn't end up hanging from some metaphorical streetlamp in the future.
That evening, during a private farewell conversation, the city's second-in-command even revealed another piece of information to him.
The leadership was already discussing arranging a position for Luo Zheng within the CPPCC.
The implication behind those words was crystal clear.
The higher-ups had noticed him.
And they were satisfied.
The official even smiled while patting Luo Zheng's shoulder.
"We can't let comrades shed blood and sweat for nothing."
Luo Zheng immediately looked deeply moved.
Almost moved to tears.
—
After settling matters in Wushang, Luo Zheng finally returned to Beijing.
At this point, the premiere date for Saw was getting closer and closer.
Before flying to America, however, he still had one important matter left to deal with.
Recruiting artists for Blue Whale Entertainment.
More specifically—
fulfilling the promise he had made to Huo Wenxi.
Blue Whale Entertainment.
President's office.
"You finally remembered the promise you made to me?"
Huo Wenxi crossed her legs elegantly while touching up her lipstick. Then she shot Luo Zheng a sideways glance filled with dissatisfaction.
Luo Zheng laughed shamelessly and moved closer.
"How could I possibly forget something I promised Sister Wenxi?"
Before he could get any further, Huo Wenxi immediately stood up and dodged him.
"Don't touch me. I just finished my makeup."
She only lowered her guard for a second, yet one of her shirt buttons had already somehow come undone.
This little bastard's hands were getting faster and faster.
Just as Luo Zheng prepared to continue teasing her, his phone suddenly rang.
Unknown number.
Very few people possessed his private number, so this clearly wasn't an ordinary call.
After answering, a familiar voice came through.
"President Luo? This is Zhou Xun."
Luo Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly.
He immediately guessed the reason for her call.
Sure enough, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Xun directly asked about the casting for A World Without Thieves.
She was extremely smart.
Before calling him, she had already contacted Feng Xiaogang. From his vague responses, she had sensed that the major roles were likely already internally decided.
The so-called public auditions were mostly for hype and promotion.
Luo Zheng didn't beat around the bush either.
"I'm sorry, Teacher Zhou Xun. The two main female roles have already been finalized."
The moment she heard that, Zhou Xun understood completely.
But unlike others, she didn't continue pestering him.
Instead, she laughed casually.
"Then remember me for your next project."
"And don't call me Teacher Zhou anymore. It makes me sound old."
Her free-spirited personality instantly increased Luo Zheng's favorable impression of her.
He smiled.
"Then I'll call you Brother Xun."
"I'm also looking forward to working with a Paris Best Actress winner."
"Haha!"
Zhou Xun burst into laughter over the phone.
"President Luo, you're pretty straightforward. I feel like we could become friends."
"Friends don't call each other President Luo."
"Fine then," Zhou Xun replied lazily. "I'm older than you, so I'll call you Brother Zheng. You don't mind, right?"
"Not at all."
Hearing this conversation from the side, Huo Wenxi's expression gradually became strange.
Something felt off.
Luo Zheng's tone didn't sound flirtatious.
It sounded genuinely friendly.
Could it be…
He really wasn't interested in Zhou Xun?
That didn't make sense.
She was famous, talented, and even carried the prestige of an international Best Actress.
Any normal man would be tempted.
If Luo Zheng knew what Huo Wenxi was thinking, he would only respond with one sentence:
"I really can't handle a pair of Aces."
After hanging up, Liu Yan knocked and entered the office.
"President Luo, President Huo, the people you asked for have arrived. They're waiting in the VIP room."
"Good."
Luo Zheng stood up immediately.
"Let's go."
Inside the VIP room, Huang Bo sat beside a nervous-looking young man.
The atmosphere between them was awkward yet excited.
Ever since receiving Blue Whale Entertainment's invitation yesterday, Huang Bo still felt like he was dreaming.
Blue Whale Entertainment!
One of the hottest entertainment companies in the country right now!
And he had actually been scouted personally.
To him, it felt like a pie had fallen directly from heaven.
Meanwhile, the timid-looking young man sitting beside him was even more unbelievable.
Yesterday, he had still been standing outside the Beijing Film Studio waiting for temporary acting jobs.
Today, he was already sitting inside Blue Whale Entertainment's VIP room.
That young man was naturally Wang Baoqiang.
During their short conversation earlier, Huang Bo had already learned quite a bit about him.
The more he learned, the stranger he felt.
This kid truly knew nothing.
No background.
No resources.
No connections.
His appearance was also… difficult to describe.
To be honest, Huang Bo had always felt somewhat insecure about his own looks.
But after seeing Wang Baoqiang, his confidence suddenly rose dramatically.
At least he had acting experience.
He could also sing and dance.
Compared to this pure grassroots newcomer, Huang Bo felt incredibly accomplished.
At that moment, the VIP room door opened.
Luo Zheng walked in first with Huo Wenxi following behind him.
The two immediately shot to their feet.
"P-President Luo!"
Even their nervous stuttering sounded identical.
Luo Zheng smiled warmly.
"Sit down. No need to be nervous."
Only after he spoke did the two cautiously sit back down.
"I believe HR has already explained the situation to you," Luo Zheng said directly after sitting.
"So I'll keep things simple."
"Are you willing to join Blue Whale Entertainment?"
"Yes!"
Huang Bo stood up instantly and nodded so hard it looked like his neck might break.
Wang Baoqiang hurriedly followed.
"I'm willing too!"
"Good."
Luo Zheng nodded with satisfaction.
"Liu Yan, take them to sign the contracts."
The two men immediately bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
"Thank you, President Luo!"
"Thank you!"
After they left the room, the office suddenly became quiet again.
Luo Zheng turned toward Huo Wenxi with a smile.
Meanwhile, Huo Wenxi stared back at him expressionlessly.
Her eyes practically said:
You'd better give me a proper explanation for these two.