PCJ – Chapter 440 It’s Over

“Where are those people?” Luo Changjun asked.

“They’re all in there. By now, they should have turned to ashes,” Zhang Jiaohua said, looking at the raging fire naturally burning in the main tomb.

Luo Changjun glanced over and felt his scalp tingle. So many living people had all perished inside. Faced with such a significant incident, Luo Changjun didn’t know how to clean up the aftermath.

“All gone?” Luo Changhai couldn’t help but ask.

“If we weren’t lucky, we’d have been killed by them too,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

“As long as you’re okay. They brought this on themselves. Jiaohua, hurry up and go. If you don’t go up now, your parents will come barging in,” Luo Changjun urged.

Zhang Jiaohua nodded and walked out quickly.

“Let’s head up first. With such a big fire, the oxygen in the tomb will soon be depleted, and staying here is dangerous. Everything else can wait until the fire is out,” Luo Changjun said with some concern.

When Zhang Jiaohua emerged from the tomb, he saw the blue skies of Meizi’ao once again. The sky seemed purer than ever, and the mountains and waters of Meizi’ao appeared even more beautiful. Zhang Jiaohua felt the scenery seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

Because of the major incident in the tomb, the filming of The Tomb Saga had to be temporarily halted. Moreover, with two of the main investors gone, the production faced financial problems. Without subsequent funding, the crew was left worrying about how to proceed.

Lin Jianming hoped that Biyu Xianyin (Jade Elixir Beverage) would take over. For the wealthy Biyu Xianyin, money wasn’t an issue. However, the theme of The Tomb Saga clashed with Biyu Xianyin’s refined corporate image.

“I hope President Zhang and President Liu will seriously consider my suggestion. The Tomb Saga has a meticulously crafted script and an impressive cast. From an investment perspective, it’s absolutely worth it. Furthermore, if the movie becomes a hit, it could be a great promotional opportunity for Biyu Xianyin as it expands into the domestic high-end market,” Lin Jianming argued persuasively.

Liu Qiaoye shook her head. “But The Tomb Saga is ultimately about tomb raiding, which doesn’t align with our company’s culture. If Director Lin works on a different film, we’d be more than happy to invest. Besides, with such a major incident during production, taking over The Tomb Saga might harm Biyu Xianyin’s reputation. Right now, as we expand domestically, we can’t afford any missteps.”

With that, the possibility of Biyu Xianyin taking over The Tomb Saga vanished completely.

Lin Jianming found himself in a difficult situation. Even though he was merely unlucky to be involved in He Shouye and Long Wuyi’s criminal schemes, he couldn’t fully clear his name. The saying goes, “mud in your pants—it’s hard to explain away.” Lin Jianming knew that finding another investor was nearly impossible. No matter how brilliant the movie might be, its release could still spark public backlash.

Zhang Jiaohua couldn’t star in the movie anymore. However, after this ordeal, he lost all interest in acting. Instead, he formed a deep bond with Chen Dianzi, a friendship forged in adversity. The two became close despite their age difference. Chen Dianzi often invited Zhang Jiaohua over for meals.

“Jiaohua, my wife wants you to come over for dinner,” Chen Dianzi said as he cheerfully arrived at Zhang Jiaohua’s house.

“Why do you always invite Jiaohua over for meals, Uncle Chen?” Liu Qiaoye asked, somewhat embarrassed.

“Chen Cheng is heading back to the city. We wanted Jiaohua to join us for a gathering. Qiaoye, is Yueping home? My wife told me to invite your whole family, but I got sidetracked by Jiaohua and almost forgot,” Chen Dianzi said, clearly not a skilled liar.

“Thanks so much, Uncle and Auntie. Yueping went to the county today, and I can’t leave here. Let Jiaohua go. Jiaohua, take a box of tea leaves for your Auntie Chen Cheng,” Liu Qiaoye instructed.

The tea leaves she referred to were actually Hongyu Xianyin (Ruby Elixir Tea). It wasn’t in retail packaging but was packed simply, making it impossible to guess its worth, which exceeded gold. These tea leaves were rarely gifted. Liu Qiaoye wanted to show respect to Chen Dianzi for risking his life to help Jiaohua during the crisis in the tomb.

“Alright,” Zhang Jiaohua said cheerfully and ran inside to grab two boxes of tea.

Liu Qiaoye smiled without saying much.

Anyone else might feign politeness, but not Chen Dianzi. “Jiaohua, your family is so shrewd in business. Just a tiny box of tea leaves sold at such a high price,” he quipped.

Zhang Jiaohua stopped abruptly. “If you keep talking like that, I’ll take these tea leaves back and get two big tins instead.”

“Okay, okay, forget it. A little is fine. Too much and I can’t finish it anyway,” Chen Dianzi quickly took the tea boxes from Zhang Jiaohua.

“Jiaohua, I’m leaving tomorrow. It’s a shame we couldn’t make a movie together,” Chen Cheng said regretfully.

“We should’ve done something like Shaolin Kid. I’d play the young monk, and you’d be the child bride,” Zhang Jiaohua joked.

Chen Dianzi slapped him on the head. “You little rascal, always taking advantage of my daughter!”

“I was talking about acting, okay? What were you thinking? And last year, weren’t you always spending the night at Widow Ma’s house near the racetrack?” Zhang Jiaohua shot back.

Chen Dianzi jumped up. “Jiaohua, just because you’re a kid doesn’t mean you can make things up. You’ve caused me trouble so many times. Wife, you’ve got to believe me this time. This rascal is just spouting nonsense.”

“Sorry, sorry, I was just joking. Auntie, don’t believe me,” Zhang Jiaohua said, flashing a mischievous smile at Chen Dianzi.