NOVEL NEXT Chapter 194: Eager Big Shots
After Wei Chuan and Wei Liangxiao left, the room's energy didn't decline at all. Chu Tian was discussing the new program's content with Hu Zhenglun, and those around listened intently, occasionally chiming in with their own thoughts. Lu Yongxin, who had been by Wei Chuan's side since entering and maintaining a calculated distance from Chu Tian and the others, was also growing restless. The moment he heard about this program, he immediately wondered if he could be a part of it. Those unfamiliar with him might not understand, but those close to him knew he was very smart yet also very calculating. In fact, Chu Tian had noticed this about him for a while.
From the moment he entered, bypassing Wei Liangxiao and then forcibly making his way to Wei Chuan's side, it was evident that Lu Yongxin was somewhat arrogant—to put it bluntly, a snob. But he was clever and managed his actions well; even if he revealed this trait, he could smooth it over with words or gestures. Plus, his status as an acting coach naturally gave him networking power. As a film director, even with seniority and fame, Wei Chuan still needed actors. Plainly speaking, Wei Chuan valued Lu Yongxin's connections, thinking that the minor actors he might need someday could very well be Lu Yongxin's students, so he gave him face. But when it came to Chu Tian and the others, Lu Yongxin always emphasized his own status, even deliberately keeping his distance during conversations. To use a common saying, he was putting on airs, waiting for Chu Tian to come fawning over him, only deigning to glance his way when he felt the time was right. However, in his heart, he really did want to build a relationship with Chu Tian. He might be calculating, but he was no fool. Why suck up to Wei Chuan? Isn't it because the man is a big-time director? His teaching status might spread his influence far and wide, gaining him connections. But a director could bring him fame, and with fame comes money. That's what he truly desired.
Unfortunately, Lu Yongxin was proud, but Chu Tian was even more so. As a transmigrator, in my eyes, who is this Lu Yongxin? Is he supposed to be impressive? Chu Tian thought.
So Lu Yongxin waited and waited, only to find that Chu Tian had no intention of connecting with him. This made him angry and simultaneously a bit dejected. He's such a handsome young man, and rich too! Don't I have anything he could possibly want? Never mind anything else, what about all those beautiful female students at the film academy? Isn't that what these young, wealthy heirs usually go for? In the past, everyone tried to get close to me, hoping I'd introduce them to a few. Why isn't it working with Chu Tian?
He then rationalized to himself, Still, although my overtures have failed, I don't really care. After all, Chu Tian is just a minor capitalist with a bit of money. Going by what Wei Liangxiao said, he has a few hundred million at most. That's a lot, sure, but it's a far cry from the major capitalists, whose investments routinely exceed a billion, with ventures valued in the tens or even hundreds of billions. What league is Chu Tian even in? Since he's so unperceptive, there's no need for me to debase myself by currying favor with him—it would be demeaning.
However, this conviction wavered when Chu Tian pitched the program "Where Are We Going, Dad?" After all, fame and popularity were Lu Yongxin's lifelong pursuits. Both he and his wife were celebrities, so their child naturally became a vessel for his ambitions. When his child was three or four, he started looking for acting opportunities for them. By age five or six, they had already participated in several productions and appeared on talk shows. From himself to his child, he had always been desperately seeking opportunities to increase their fame, welcoming any success. The person he had previously dismissed as a trivial entertainment company owner had just casually proposed such a promising program.
"Where Are We Going, Dad?" A parent-child program? Fathers participating with their children? The ideal age is four to six? Isn't this tailor-made for me? My daughter is a bit older, seven this year, but with my influence, it shouldn't be a problem, right? Lu Yongxin thought.
As Chu Tian spoke, Lu Yongxin kept his ears perked, growing more tempted the more he listened. He couldn't help but glance at Chu Tian explaining the program to Hu Zhenglun. He appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly, he was incredibly anxious. This was especially true when he heard Chu Tian mention that selecting celebrities was a challenge, as not all stars wanted their children on camera.
Hearing this, Lu Yongxin even coughed twice, deliberately trying to attract their attention. How could they not notice me? he thought, agitated. Here I am, available and eager! Others might be reluctant, but I'm Willing! Come on, invite me! I'll play hard to get for a moment, then agree.
Unfortunately, this performance was like batting eyelashes at the blind; Chu Tian paid him no mind, and Hu Zhenglun, completely focused on Chu Tian, noticed nothing. Eventually, it was his good friend Chen Sheng who, glancing back inadvertently, instantly understood the situation, leaving Lu Yongxin somewhat embarrassed.
"President Chu, what a coincidence! Isn't there a perfect star right here? Look how suitable Teacher Lu is!" Chen Sheng interjected at an opportune moment during a lull in their conversation.
Chu Tian looked up, his gaze meeting Lu Yongxin's just as Lu Yongxin looked over.
Before Chu Tian could speak, Hu Zhenglun exclaimed, "Oh, yes! I remember Teacher Lu's child isn't too old, right? That seems like a perfect fit!"
Seeing he had finally achieved his goal, Lu Yongxin inwardly sighed in relief, though he knew he still had to maintain his composure and play it cool.