PCJ – Chapter 401 Filming a Movie

“What is this?” He Shouye’s face turned serious as he looked intently at something before saying to the man beside him, “Baoying, call Long Wuyi.”

The man next to He Shouye was Zhou Baoying, who had followed He Shouye since childhood. Later, when He Shouye established his business empire in Yanjing, Zhou Baoying accompanied him there. He Shouye had absolute trust in him.

Long Wuyi was an old friend of He Shouye; the two had done numerous business deals together and were considered friends who had been through thick and thin.

Zhou Baoying quickly dialed Long Wuyi’s number. “Fourth Master, the call is connected.”

“Brother Long, long time no see. Did you read today’s China Daily?” He Shouye asked.

Long Wuyi replied casually, “Fourth Brother, don’t mess around with all that nonsense. I’m just a simple guy; I’m not like you, acting like some government official with all those flowery words. I never read that stuff.”

“You really should check today’s paper,” He Shouye said, already used to Long Wuyi’s bluntness.

“Fourth Brother, just say what you mean. Why are you beating around the bush?” Long Wuyi was getting a bit impatient.

“Fine. Come to my shop for tea this afternoon. I managed to get some Red Jade Immortal Brew. You should come give it a try,” He Shouye replied.

“I’m a straightforward man who likes drinking and eating without all the fuss, but since you have Red Jade Immortal Brew—which costs more than gold—I’d better give it a taste,” Long Wuyi said.

When Long Wuyi headed to He Shouye’s shop, Ju Bao Ge, he was driven by his man Lao Yang. Beside Lao Yang in the passenger seat was Long Wuyi’s top enforcer, Yang Jinlong. Lao Yang was simple and dependable, while Yang Jinlong was skilled in martial arts and had a sharp mind—one of the most valued members in Long Wuyi’s circle.

“Boss, there’s someone tailing us again. It’s that annoying young cop. Want me to find a chance to teach him a lesson?” Yang Jinlong asked.

“No need. He’s just a small fry, ignore him,” Long Wuyi replied, shaking his head.

The “small fry” he referred to was Shang Jiuyuan, who had been a low-ranking officer ever since he graduated from the police academy almost thirty years ago. He’d first encountered Long Wuyi on a case back then, and the result was predictable: a rookie was no match for Long Wuyi. Not only did he fail to capture Long, but he also hurt his own chances for promotion. Shang Jiuyuan was straightforward but extremely tenacious, and he had been clinging to Long Wuyi like a shadow ever since. Several times he had disrupted Long Wuyi’s business, much to Long’s frustration. In the past, Long Wuyi might have taken him out, but now he was trying to go clean and didn’t want unnecessary complications.

When Long Wuyi’s car arrived at Ju Bao Ge, Yang Jinlong quickly got out to open the door. Long Wuyi stepped out unhurriedly, glancing at a young man approaching on a motorcycle.

Long waved the young man over—it was Shang Jiuyuan. Taking off his helmet, Shang Jiuyuan looked at Long Wuyi coldly.

“Young man, why do this to yourself? Even if I’ve done some shady business in the past, I’ve washed my hands of it. Why not give me a chance to turn over a new leaf? Why hold a grudge?” Long Wuyi said with a bitter smile.

Shang Jiuyuan smirked. “Justice always prevails, Long Wuyi. Someday you’ll slip up. Even if I never get promoted, I’ll stay on you till the end. Don’t let me find proof—otherwise, you’ll spend your last days in prison. And He Shouye won’t escape either.”

Shang Jiuyuan rode off, leaving Long Wuyi frowning at his retreating figure.

Long Wuyi entered Ju Bao Ge and called out, “Fourth Brother, what’s this big deal you needed me here for?”

“Sit down a moment. I have another guest here,” said He Shouye, as he was showing an antique to a customer. “This is a piece from the Ming dynasty palace, which ended up in the public domain after a war. I only managed to acquire it recently.”

Long Wuyi chuckled loudly, not holding back at all, as though mocking He Shouye’s words. The customer, hearing this, instantly began doubting He Shouye’s story.

“Well, Mr. He, I’ll come another time,” the customer said with a skeptical glance at He Shouye before hurrying off.

“Long Wuyi, I was closing a sale, and you just had to laugh! Do you know how hard it is for me to close a deal?” He Shouye complained.

“Your business is important, but mine isn’t? I dropped everything to come here, and you’re still wheeling and dealing. If that’s the case, I’m leaving,” Long Wuyi replied.

“Alright, alright, don’t go. Baoying, bring the tea.” He Shouye led Long Wuyi inside.

“Fourth Brother, what’s got you so worried?” Long Wuyi asked.

“Here, see for yourself.” He Shouye handed him the newspaper.

“What’s this?” Long Wuyi glanced at it, and his face turned serious too.

A few months later, Yidushui Middle School was about to go on summer break, and students were packing their things.

“Jiaohua, are you going to the county or back to Meizi’ao for the summer?” Qi Xia asked.

“I’ll go to the county first, then head back to Meizi’ao. After the tea fair, my mom will be managing the tea plantations there, so I’ll be spending more time in Meizi’ao.”

Just then, Mute burst into the room excitedly. “Jiaohua, big news, big news!”

“What big news?” Zhang Jiaohua asked, puzzled.

“A film crew is coming to Meizi’ao to shoot a movie. There’ll be a lot of famous actors!” Mute said excitedly.

“Where did you hear that?” Zhang Jiaohua asked, curious.

“The newspaper! It’s in the paper!” Mute replied.

Soon, Zhang Yuanbao’s voice rang from outside. “Jiaohua, they’re filming a movie, they’re filming a movie!”

Zhang Yuanbao ran in. “It’s true, they’re coming to our village to make a movie!”

“You look so excited, it’s not like you’re going to be in the movie,” Zhang Jiaohua joked.

“You never know! They’ll need extras; they can’t bring those with them. I might even get a cameo!” Zhang Yuanbao said hopefully.

That day, Zhang Jiaohua went to the county and confirmed that a film crew was indeed planning to shoot in Meizi’ao.

“But I heard from your dad that the crew is interested in the scenery at Luo’a Ridge. Your Uncle Luo thinks this could really boost tourism,” Liu Qiaoye said, clearly excited. For ordinary people, the idea of a movie being filmed nearby was irresistible.

“Luo’a Ridge? That’s not safe. If something happens there, it could backfire,” Zhang Jiaohua said with concern.

“Your dad told Uncle Luo about the risks, but he doesn’t want to miss this chance. They’re negotiating with the crew to ensure safety during the shoot,” Liu Qiaoye replied.

“Guarantee? How? Luo’a Ridge is truly dangerous. No one can guarantee nothing will happen there,” Zhang Jiaohua said, worried.

“Don’t dwell on it. What happened in the past wasn’t your fault. It was just an accident. I hoped you’d let it go over time. Don’t dwell on it,” Liu Qiaoye said, starting to cry as she worried about her son.

“Mom, I’m serious. I went back to Luo’a Ridge and noticed some strange things there. When I’m stronger, I’ll go back and clear out the threats once and for all,” Zhang Jiaohua replied, trying to reassure her.

“I don’t want you to worry about that place. Just live like a normal kid, alright?” Liu Qiaoye said, wishing her son could live a simple, ordinary life.

“Mom, don’t worry. I’m strong,” Zhang Jiaohua said, thumping his chest proudly.

“Qiaoye, pour some tea, we have guests!” Zhang Youping’s voice came from outside.

Looking out, they saw Luo Changjun walking in with Zhang Youping.

“Jiaohua!” Luo Changjun greeted him warmly.

“Uncle Luo,” Zhang Jiaohua smiled back.

“Got any Red Jade Immortal Brew today? Ever since I had some, no other tea tastes as good,” Luo Changjun joked.

“My dad tried to give you some, but you wouldn’t take it,” Zhang Jiaohua said, puzzled.

“That’s different. If I drink tea here, it’s fine, but accepting tea from you would be something else entirely. Red Jade Immortal Brew costs more than gold—accepting it would be like taking a bribe!” Luo Changjun said with a wry smile.

“Oh, I see,” Zhang Jiaohua nodded.

“Jiaohua, want to be in a movie? Famous director Lin Jianming is making a big production. If you take a role, you could become a star,” Luo Changjun said.

“I don’t want to be a movie star,” Zhang Jiaohua replied flatly.