Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two: Xu Lai

In the evening, Tang Zhichu was in his room working on an arrangement when his phone buzzed. Zhu Yiyang had sent over some materials.

"Brother Tang, I’ve found some reference materials for you."

Opening them, he saw information regarding the background of "Night Rain in the Jianghu." Xu Huaijin, now in his early seventies, had spent his entire life directing martial arts films. He had intended to retire at sixty, but he had come out of retirement for the sake of his son.

The materials Zhu Yiyang provided hinted at a clear reality: it was highly likely that Xu Huaijin’s son was calling the shots this time. While Xu Huaijin was the director of record, his son was credited as the assistant director. Judging by the documents, his son had likely directed more than half of the film. The materials also noted the son’s personality: he had a penchant for high-concept, pretentious content.

"No wonder they paid such a high price to get on the show; he's paving the way for his son," Tang Zhichu muttered.

Although the information was useful, Tang Zhichu wouldn't admit it. He replied, "You guys have to look up this much stuff just to write a song? You're way too intense."

Zhu Yiyang: "."

After the ellipsis, Zhu Yiyang sent over a few photos—a thick stack of physical files and various digital documents. These were all the materials he had researched for his own documentary theme song.

Tang Zhichu replied again, "Fair point. Creating alongside so many veterans really is high pressure."

This time, Zhu Yiyang didn't reply. Who exactly was the most intense person here? He knew better than anyone.

On the 17th, a black business van drove into the estate. An elderly man with half-white hair sat in the passenger seat, while the driver was a man with long hair—or rather, shoulder-length.

"Pu Jingshi and Guo Jinglong are both my friends. They aren't just great at writing songs; they are masters of film scoring. These are the people who will be able to help you in the future," Xu Huaijin emphasized once again.

Xu Lai simply grunted.

"Don't just grunt, pay attention. When you're working, you need to look the part. If you can't establish yourself, who is going to respect you? Especially those veteran experts—they are assets to your career and a guarantee of quality."

Xu Lai offered another "Oh."

Xu Huaijin stopped talking. He took a deep breath and looked out the window. That was how the father and son always were; they didn't really argue, but they either ignored each other or stayed silent. Xu Lai didn't consider himself rebellious; he just felt his father kept treating him like a child.

Pu Jingshi is great? Didn't he still lose to Tang Zhichu? The guy had come in, picked up the project, and finished it in a single night, defeating both Pu Jingshi and Liu Xingyun. Xu Lai didn't think he would even dare to film like that.

But he couldn't say that to his father. His father was an old-school traditionalist who probably didn't even know who Tang Zhichu was.

Just like his desire to film movies—his father insisted he start with television, claiming it was more familiar, and then handed over his own team under the guise of this project. It was well-intentioned, but it only added to the pressure. It wasn't fear; it just felt meaningless. There was no sense of building something for himself. Even if he succeeded, it would just be seen as coasting on his father’s reputation.

Xu Huaijin had arrived early to coordinate with the staff, all in the name of paving the way for his son. How much Xu Lai could gain from this project would depend on his own luck.

With the famous director arriving, those with nothing to do gathered in front of the creation building. As soon as the car stopped, everyone surrounded it. Pu Jingshi and Guo Jinglong flanked the elder Xu, chatting away, while the younger Xu stood aside, playing the part of the obedient son. When introduced, the younger Xu wore a polite, submissive smile.

Xu Huaijin smiled constantly. Although his son had been going through a late-blooming rebellious phase, he was at least still capable of reading the room. Even if it was just a mask, the objective was met. Xu Huaijin felt his old reputation still held some weight.

"The last time I saw Xu Lai, he was still in school. I can't believe it's been a few years and he’s already behind the lens. A promising young man! You'll have to look after us old uncles in the future! Hahaha..."

"He’ll definitely come to me first, since I work with Director Xu the most! I’ve seen Xu Lai’s graduation project; the future is bright."

Perhaps sensing Xu Huaijin’s intentions, Guo Jinglong and Pu Jingshi were very accommodating, pulling Xu Lai into the conversation effortlessly. Xu Lai, however, was curiously looking around, slightly disappointed that he didn't see the person he was looking for.

Not far away, Tang Zhichu and Zhu Yiyang were lying on the grass watching the scene. They hadn't joined the crowd, instead whispering to each other.

"Old Xu is truly dedicated. Coming out of retirement for his son—he’s literally paving the path for him step by step," Zhu Yiyang sighed. He thought of his own father, who was the complete opposite, leaving him to fend for himself.

"What do you think of young Xu?" Tang Zhichu suddenly asked.

Zhu Yiyang looked at Tang Zhichu, stunned for a moment, then said, "Forget it. He’s got the perfect pedigree. If he hangs out with us, his dad will be furious."

Tang Zhichu nodded. It wasn't that he agreed with Zhu Yiyang, but he felt that after hanging out with him for a few days, Zhu Yiyang had actually grown sharper. He understood exactly what Tang Zhichu was implying.

So what if he had a perfect pedigree? Tang Zhichu loved dealing with flowers grown in greenhouses—they usually had good temperaments, stable moods, and were less calculating.

"What are you talking about? I just think he looks like someone I could get along with; I want to make a friend. And don't sell yourself short—what’s wrong with us?"

Zhu Yiyang threw up his hands. "Look at him. He’s a total daddy’s boy. We have nothing to offer him, and his dad won't let him go."

"No, I can see a rebellious soul in that flowing long hair of his. His father won't be able to keep him on a leash."

Not far away, two others were also sitting on the grass. Sig watched Tang Zhichu’s group every so often. Finally, he couldn't help but ask Luo Xiujie, who was sitting next to him, "Who is that guy? When did he start hanging out with little Tang?"

Luo Xiujie sighed deeply. "I don't know. It seems like in the blink of an eye, they just hit it off."

Sig looked at Luo Xiujie and interrupted, "Don't talk nonsense, making it sound like little Tang is a pushover. I think this is definitely a strategy by the Stellar Alliance to stop little Tang from targeting them."

Luo Xiujie shook his head and smiled. "Brother Xi, if that were the case, they should have sent Yue Ruoxi. Look at Sister Wei—little Tang doesn't target them either."

"Sister Wei is different. She’s the nation's goddess. If it were you, you wouldn't target her either."

In the crowd, Pu Jingshi and Guo Jinglong led the elder and younger Xu into the building. They headed upstairs to the creation floor. Xu Huaijin had arrived under the pretense of exchanging ideas with the creators, which was important given the significance of the theme song.

Today was the third day of creation, and Qiu Zhen was in the third-floor recording studio working on his track. Upon learning of Xu Huaijin's arrival, he specifically came out to greet him.

While the two were talking, Xu Lai turned to Guo Jinglong, who was standing beside him. "Teacher Guo, didn't you say there was one more person involved in this project?"

Guo Jinglong smiled. "You mean Tang Zhichu? Ha, that guy is a freak. He even finished the rehearsal yesterday. But don't worry, he’s like that with everyone—writing a song in a single night. It’s absurd."

A spark of interest appeared in Xu Lai's eyes. He muttered, "I knew it..."

"What was that?"

"Nothing. I know him. I’ve seen the dating show he was on."