Director Liu thought for a moment. "That’s true. The future, after all, belongs to you young people."

While they were upstairs enjoying scripts and tea, feeling utterly content, President Qi and Director Chen were waiting downstairs with desperate anticipation. President Qi was growing impatient. "When on earth do you think they’re coming out?"

"They’ll come out eventually. It’s just a matter of when." Director Chen was very calm. He and Director Liu were old rivals, but also old friends. Seeing his old rival win an award, he was naturally a bit put out.

Now, seeing his old rival with a new script in hand, Director Chen felt even more anxious. But after so many years in the industry, he had long since mastered the art of maintaining his composure, so he appeared exceptionally calm.

President Qi said, "Director Chen, you’re so calm. I wonder if Tang Li even has any other scripts."

"Oh, she definitely has some," Director Chen mused. "As for how many, that’s hard to say. After all, she’s a maverick genius. She’d never admit it herself, but you can tell how talented she is just by looking at the variety shows she’s come up with."

"It seems Director Liu has a new project lined up," President Qi said, managing to compose himself. Just as he was about to say more, he saw two cars driving out of the complex.

President Qi acted faster than he could think, quickly getting his car in behind Director Liu’s, which was in the lead. Director Liu, of course, saw him in the rearview mirror. Besides, Old Zhou had already told him about the two men when they were heading downstairs earlier.

Thus, after leaving Tan You’s neighborhood, the group gathered at Old Zhou’s place. Director Liu was still holding a script—after all, who comes over without even bringing a bag?

Director Chen was filled with envy. "Got another new script?"

Director Liu was in an excellent mood. "Mm, and I have Little Xie to thank for it."

Xie Yunzhi smiled. "Teacher, have some tea."

Hearing him use the title "Teacher," Director Chen raised an eyebrow. "Thinking of making a transition, Little Xie?"

Xie Yunzhi didn’t deny it. "Yes, I am thinking about a transition. Thankfully, Teacher doesn’t mind that I’m an amateur."

Director Chen sighed. "That’s fine. Other actors in the industry have made that transition. It’s just that your fans might be disappointed they won’t see you on screen as often."

Xie Yunzhi replied, "As long as I’m still in this industry and putting out work, I don’t think they’ll be too upset."

After exchanging a few words with Xie Yunzhi, Director Chen turned back to Director Liu, his eyes full of envy. "Let me see the script?"

Director Liu wasn’t one to be secretive. Though he and Director Chen were rivals, they were also friends. If his old friend wanted to see the script, then why not let him?

This proved that a person with a good eye is the same no matter where you go. Director Chen wisely stopped reading after only two pages. He was worried he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself if he continued; sometimes, you shouldn’t overestimate your own self-control.

"Is Teacher You playing the lead in this?"

You Li was candid. "I specifically asked Tang Li for it. When I saw Little Xie’s trophy, I got envious, too. Tang Li thought this script was a good fit for me and recommended it."

"’This’ script?" Director Chen was a shrewd man. He immediately caught the implication. "So there are other scripts?"

You Li realized his slip of the tongue and refused to say another word. Director Chen’s gaze immediately shifted to Director Liu, who remained perfectly composed. "There is one more, but I’ve already reserved it with Tang Li. As soon as this current one is done filming, we’ll get started on it."

Director Chen was not pleased. "Old Liu, you can’t just hoard them all like this... We’ve been partners for so many years! When have I ever had a good opportunity and not thought of you? And here you are, grabbing one great script after another..."

Director Liu had known this would happen. He thought for a moment before saying, "She has a mind of her own. Besides, it’s not my script, so what say do I have in it?"

"You can’t make the decision, but you can introduce me." Director Chen was not one to give up easily. Now that he knew Tang Li had another script on hand, he absolutely could not let the opportunity slip by.

Director Liu said, "The thing is, I don’t know her that well..."

"Not well? Then why did you just spend so much time at her house?" Director Chen didn’t believe his excuse for a second. He knew this old fox was just trying to hoard everything for himself, which could only mean the other script was exceptionally good.

Xie Yunzhi chose this moment not to interject, and You Li remained utterly silent. ’I was just too excited earlier,’ he thought. ’Who knew a moment of carelessness would cause so much trouble?’

Worn down by Director Chen’s pestering, Director Liu relented. "I can’t make any promises, all right? I can mention it to her, how about that?"

"Call her right now. No time like the present." Director Chen gave him no room for excuses. ’It’s so hard to find a good screenwriter these days!’

Director Liu said, "Fine, fine, I’ll call now. But have you seen the time? It’s almost midnight. It’s rude to bother someone this late."

Despite what he said, he still called Tan You. As it happened, Tan You wasn’t asleep either. She was writing the script for a fluffy romance drama, as she preferred to get things done ahead of schedule rather than have people chasing her for deadlines.

"Director Liu? Still up this late?"

Director Liu chuckled. "You’re still up, too? Busy this late?"

"Just some unfinished work," Tan You said, being deliberately vague. "It sounds like you’re not alone over there?"

You Li cleared his throat. "Director Tang, I’m so sorry. I was so happy that I accidentally let it slip... Director Chen figured out that your friend has an extra script."

That was all he needed to say for Tan You to understand. "I get it. Teacher You, please don’t worry about it. It’s not a big deal."

You Li could finally breathe a sigh of relief. "As long as I haven’t caused you any trouble. Li Zi, I’m really so sorry."

"It’s nothing serious," Tan You said with a laugh. "So, Director Chen has his eye on my friend’s script, too?"

Director Chen finally found an opportunity to speak. "Yes, Director Tang. You may not know me, but I’m—"

"I know who you are. You’re Director Chen Xiaobo. I’ve seen your movies." Tan You was not lacking in social graces. "Your films are exceptionally well-shot. They have a kind of dark humor."

Director Chen took Director Liu’s phone and walked to one side. "Li Zi, I’m not going to beat around the bush..."

’These old foxes are all impossibly shrewd.’ The moment he saw Tan You’s friendly attitude, he started pressing his advantage. Director Liu gestured toward Director Chen’s back. "Hah, never mind him. Just look, he’s smiling so hard his eyes are turning into slits."

You Li sounded a little regretful. "I guess Li Zi’s last script is about to be snapped up, too."

President Qi’s ears twitched. "’Last one’? ’Too’?"

You Li clammed up, determined not to say another word for the rest of the night. ’I’m normally such a cautious person,’ he thought. ’How have I misspoken twice in a row?’

Director Liu shook his head, knowing that You Li was so happy about his good fortune that he couldn’t be bothered with such details.

With that, he smiled and changed the subject. "So, President Qi, you and Old Chen were just waiting outside this whole time?"

President Qi pushed his flicker of suspicion to the back of his mind. "Mm. When you’re asking for a favor, you have to be sincere. When are you planning to start filming?"