Listen here
[00:00]
Cheng You
C’mon, quick, quick. Hand in your homework.
Xu Zhaixing
Homework? What homework?
Cheng You
Do you have some misunderstandings about your identity as a high school student?
Xu Zhaixing
Huh?
Xu Zhaixing
Aaaahh! Why did I forget to also add ‘education’ into the plan I was putting together last night?!
Xu Zhaixing
Hey, quick. Lend me your maths paper to copy!
Cheng You
Uh… As the maths class student representative, are you sure you want to copy the paper of the student who’s backwards first in the class rankings?
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? I’m also the maths class student representative? Whatever. Nevermind that nonsense. Gotta survive first!
Xu Zhaixing
Cheng You… Do you want to see your cutie-pie made to stand outside the classroom as punishment?
Cheng You
Hehehe. I do.
Xu Zhaixing
Shush!
Cheng You
Here… Take it. Oh, right! Zhaixing, who’s Cen Feng? Hm? Spill! Are you dating? That why you even forgot to do your homework?
Xu Zhaixing
Cen Feng? How do you know about him?
Cheng You
You’ve been writing his name over and over again these few days. In the mock exam two days ago, you wrote it until you almost wrecked your working out paper! You’ve been absent-minded lately… Are you…dating this Cen Feng?!
Xu Zhaixing
Go away. You don’t know what you’re talking about. I… No way in my life will I date him!
Cheng You
Tch.
Xu Zhaixing
That’s my son! I’m a Mum fan, how could I… It’s inappropriate, right?
Narration
Published on JJWXC. Written by Chun Dao Han. Broadcasted on Manbo App. Recorded by Jiuzi Voice Actor Group. Modern romance audio drama ‘The Entertainment Industry is Mine’ Season One Episode Two – Initial Establishment of Business.
[01:58]
Cheng You
Ha. “No way”? Xu Zhaixing, don’t let it come back slapping you in the face later, yeah? Oh, right. Why’d you run off so fast when school ended yesterday? Zhou Mingyu stopped me at the entrance asking me if you’d gone off on a date with your man.
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? Zhou Mingyu?
Cheng You
Yeah. You shouldn’t have accepted his chocolate the other day! He already considers himself your boyfriend. The way I see it, other than being good-looking he’s got nothing going for him. Doesn’t have a good head either.
Xu Zhaixing
The guy Cheng You’s talking about… I think he was my first crush? The one that ended early because a teacher found out about it in my second year? That won’t do. I have Big Brother now. A fan doesn’t need romance!
Cheng You
Hey? Hey! What’re you looking for? Are you listening to me?
Xu Zhaixing
Chocolate. It’s this one right? Give it back to him for me.
Cheng You
What?
Xu Zhaixing
If you do… I’ll treat you to a month of fried chicken.
Cheng You
Yes, sir! I’ll guarantee I’ll complete the mission! Uh…but why’re you rejecting him all of a sudden? I thought you liked him.
Xu Zhaixing
I only want to study. I’m not in the mood for love!
Cheng You
Not in the mood for love? Ha. As if you’re not in the mood. More like you’ve changed the target of your love. Don’t worry. I’ll definitely return it for you.
[03:30]
Classmates
Class is over!
Classmate A
Let’s go, Yixin.
Classmate B
Oh, okay. Wait a sec, lemme pack up…
Cheng You
Zhaixing! Zhaixing, it’s bad! Zhou Mingyu’s going around to all the classes right now yelling “who’s Cen Feng” to find and pick a fight with him!
Xu Zhaixing
He dares?! Wait, how does he know about Cen Feng?
Cheng You
Er… So, you know how I just went to return the chocolates to him? I accidentally let slip after… B-But that’s not important! What’s important is he wants to pick a fight with Cen Feng!
Xu Zhaixing
Hmph. Zhou Mingyu? You dare to provoke my Big Brother? You’re dead.
[04:15]
Zhou Mingyu
Hey, Zhaixing!
Xu Zhaixing
Zhou Mingyu! What do you want to do?!
Zhou Mingyu
Great, Xu Zhaixing. You usually avoid me, but as soon as I look for that dirty dog Cen Feng you appear?
Xu Zhaixing
Who’re you calling a dirty dog?! Who?!
Cheng You
Zhaixing! Zhaixing, let’s not lower ourselves to his level, yeah? Geez, Zhou Mingyu, don’t you have class duty? Go, quick!
Xu Zhaixing
Zhou Mingyu, education is the most important thing in high school life. Stop kicking up all that nonsense all day long! Do it again and I’ll tell your homeroom teacher!
Zhou Mingyu
Wh-What’s going on? When did she become a merit student?
Cheng You
I dunno either. Work it out yourself. All of you scatter. Hey, Zhaixing! Wait for me!
[05:05]
Mother Xu
Zhaixing, did school end? Quickly go and wash your hands. Didn’t you say you didn’t have enough of the sweet and sour ribs last time? I had Auntie Liu make them for you again today.
Xu Zhaixing
Okay! Mum, I’m about to drool. Huh? Where’s Dad?
Mother Xu
He’s upstairs. Old Xu! Dinner’s ready! Your dad just came back from the family home.
Father Xu
Is Zhaixing home? Are you tired? Come, come. Let’s eat dinner first.
Mother Xu
Hey, how are things about the old house going?
Father Xu
Xu Yan took the initiative and gave up the rights to the few houses over at the family home and the land their on. He’s been wronged this time ’round.
Mother Xu
That kid’s been overseas since he was young so we’re not close, but his mother’s taught him well. Last time I saw him I knew he’s a sensible and polite child.
Father Xu
You don’t say. No matter how distant he is with the Xu Family he’s still my big brother’s son. It’s a good thing Xu Yan didn’t argue over it. Otherwise, if this got to the courts, who knows how many people would be watching for a laugh.
Mother Xu
Exactly.
Xu Zhaixing
This is… Cousin Xu Yan made his move? That’s right. Dad already regards camaraderie highly. Now that he’s seen Xu Yan suffer such great grievance he’ll definitely feel guilty. Then if Xu Yan asks him to borrow some money to start a business, nine times out of ten Dad won’t say no. This move in making concessions to advance is ingenious!
Father Xu
Oh, right. Xu Yan, that child, asked to borrow money yesterday…
Mother Xu
Borrow money? What for?
Father Xu
He said he wanted to start his own business.
Mother Xu
Start his own business?
Father Xu
He even showed me his business proposal. He’s got some pretty good ideas and is reliable. I think he’ll do pretty well in the future.
Mother Xu
You’re right about that. He even graduated with a postgraduate from a famous overseas university, right? If you ask me, I think he’s more educated than Old Second. Starting his own business? We should support him. How much did he ask for?
Father Xu
This much…
Mother Xu
How much?!
Xu Zhaixing
*Coughs*
Mother Xu
Eat slower. Take it easy. What’re you eating so fast for?
Xu Zhaixing
He actually dared to ask for that much…
Father Xu
That child asked for three milion first go. Said investment in the early stages in entertainment is quite big. He even put together a forecast graph for me to look at. I think from what he means is, even though he’s asking to borrow money, in actual fact we’ll both hold shares. He’ll be in charge of management, whereas I’ll just receive my dividends. It’ll count as having made an investment. To be honest, it’s not a small figure. If it was before it’s not that I couldn’t have given it to him. He is Big Brother’s only child. How can we not help him? But business isn’t flourishing and just a few days ago, didn’t Second Brother asked me to invest in a venture capital with him? I really don’t have much fluid funds at the moment…
Xu Zhaixing
I’d say investing in Big Cousin is way more reliable than Second Uncle.
Mother Xu
Zhaixing, what’re you butting in when adults are talking for? Eat your dinner.
Xu Zhaixing
I’m just saying as it is. What does Dad understand about Second Uncle’s venture capital investment? He’s never learnt about economics or finance and all that. After he invests, he won’t understand anything and can’t do anything so it’s all up to Second Uncle to run it. Wouldn’t that just be us making benefits off of his efforts for free? No one would mind at the start, but in the long term they won’t be happy about it.
Mother Xu
She’s right. We can’t just get money for nothing. Old Second, he… Don’t get angry at me for saying this, but his bearing’s so-so. Over time, we’d probably actually have some conflicts with him.
Xu Zhaixing
Plus, what Big Cousin wants to do is entertainment business. It’s within the business scope of Dad’s Xingchen1 company. Worst comes to worst, Dad can even keep an eye on it and help out. I’ve heard the teachers say you can’t put all your eggs in one basket. Dad only has one company right now. If it bankrupts one day then we’d still have Big Cousin’s one, right?
Mother Xu
You little girl. What’s that about going bankrupt? Ptui, ptui, ptui.
Father Xu
Don’t hit her so much. What if you hit her silly?
Xu Zhaixing
I…
Father Xu
That’s my precious daughter. I won’t be done with you if you do.
Mother Xu
Fine. Just spoil her. Hmph!
Father Xu
To be honest, I think what Zhaixing said makes sense. We say we’re lending money to Xu Yan, but it’s also considered investment, right?
Xu Zhaixing
Of course! As they say, help the urgent and not the poor. Second Uncle’s family isn’t poor and he doesn’t need the money urgently. He’s always just got an empty mouth of white teeth. We don’t even see anything of substance. On the other hand, Big Cousin just graduated and is currently in need of money to display his abilities. He even made a business proposal. See how dependable he is? Who do we help if not him? Anyways, that’s what I think.
Mother Xu
If you analyse it like that, it is more reliable to invest in Xu Yan.
Father Xu
Hm… Alright, alright. I will give it some serious thought. You… Little rascal, you’re always everywhere.
Xu Zhaixing
It’s a lot to think on, Dad. Here, have some ribs.
Father Xu
Okay.
[10:15]
Xu Zhaixing
Hello, Cousin? Do you have some good news?
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Of course. The company is named “Chenxing2 Entertainment Pty Ltd” and located in Beijing. In a few days, Third Uncle will come over to sign the agreement and do an inspection while he’s here.
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah! The details?
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Third Uncle will hold 51% of the shares and assume position as Chairman of the Board and legal representative. I’ll invest with know-how, hold 49% of the shares and assume position as CEO. I’ll have highest executive power and complete decision-making power in relation to company affairs.
Xu Zhaixing
Not bad, Cousin. You’ve got some skills.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Of course. I can’t fail to live up to my little cousin’s forethoughts and long-term considerations.
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, right. I’m going to send you a document. Take a look at it. It’s a business plan.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Hold on a sec. I’ve received it.
Xu Zhaixing
The people I’ve listed, you’ve got to do think of whatever you can to get them signed with us. Conditions are negotiable so don’t worry and go ahead and talk with them!
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
These people… How do you know they’ll be popular?
Xu Zhaixing
Because… All of their ophryon glow red and their fates carry the fire of popularity!
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
… I didn’t know you knew how to read fortunes from facial features as well.
Xu Zhaixing
Hehe, regretfully I only know a thing or two.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Alright. I’ll have a good look into everyone you’ve written. If they’re really as you say I’ll definitely think of ways to have them signed with us. Hm… You made a special mark for the name Cen Feng. What does it mean?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh… I originally wanted you to have him signed with us, but…if he’s not willing… If he’s not then don’t worry about it. He’s currently a trainee under Zhongtian with a ten-year contract. The penalty for breaching the contract probably isn’t small.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
……
Xu Zhaixing
Then, Cousin, I’ve said everything I’ve wanted to. See you in Beijing!
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Okay. See you here.
Xu Zhaixing
Yep, bye-bye!
Xu Zhaixing
Cen Feng, this life, I will pave all the paths for you. No one will ever be able to give you a hard time.
Mother Xu
Zhaixing, have you slept?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, come in. I haven’t yet, Mum.
Mother Xu
Zhaixing, what time are we going to the hospital?
Xu Zhaixing
Nine o’clock. We’ll go earlier so we can try to get the examination report earlier then take it to the doctor’s.
Mother Xu
Okay. Then go to sleep earlier. Don’t stay up late. I’ll wake you up tomorrow.
Xu Zhaixing
I’m about to sleep. Mum, have everything you need ready. Pack it all tonight.
Mother Xu
I know. Why are things the opposite now with you nagging me?
Xu Zhaixing
No matter. Everything’s under my control. I can finally have a good night’s sleep tonight.
[13:15]
Announcement:
The following announcement is for Dr Zhou. Please make your way to the medical examination building for your next consultation. Dr Zhou, please make your way…
Xu Zhaixing
Doctor, how are the results? I saw it said, “suspected thickening of the oesophageal walls with inflammation”. Is it serious?
Doctor
Don’t worry. Let me take a good read.
Mother Xu
What can happen? It’s been the same for so many years.
Xu Zhaixing
Mum! I’m not joking!
Mother Xu
Wh-Why’re you so frantic, Zhaixing…? You scared me.
Xu Zhaixing
Mum, look. All this information I collected are all on pathological changes, the consequence of not placing importance on oesophageal disorders! The thickening of the oesophageal walls and oesophageal inflammation. These are all precursors to oesophageal cancer!
Doctor
They indeed are. There is a certain probability it will grow into cancer. You need to be more careful. Little lady, you’re attentive.
Mother Xu
She is. Doctor, she always warns me to eat slower, but I don’t really pay attention. I didn’t think it was this serious… Do I need to take medicine or anything? Or should I just be careful…?
Doctor
You only have oesophageal inflammation and thickened walls. It’s not too big of a problem. Pay attention to when you take your meals and rest, and just come in to do periodical follow-up check-ups.
Xu Zhaixing
Miracles didn’t happen last life. Not for Mum, not for Dad. Cen Feng… Not even for him… I’m really lucky I still have another chance to start over. This time I absolutely won’t allow the people I love get hurt!
Xu Zhaixing
Thank you Doctor, for explaining.
Mother Xu
Thank you.
Xu Zhaixing
Mum, in order to celebrate your health, let’s go shopping.
Mother Xu
Let’s go.
[15:05]
Xu Zhaixing
I told you we shouldn’t have bought so much. Look, we can’t even carry it all.
Mother Xu
I’m happy today. My daughter’s thoughtful, so of course we need to buy more. Quick, open the door.
Xu Zhaixing
‘Kay. Keys, keys… Aha! Here they are! Dad! We’re home!
Father Xu
You’re home? I was saying I should give you a call. Dinner’s all cold.
Mother Xu
I haven’t walked so much in ages… Ow… Oh! Second Brother, you came.
Xu Zhiwen
Mm.
Mother Xu
Since you’re here, have dinner with us.
Xu Zhiwen
Eat what? I’m full from anger.
Mother Xu
Oh, what’s wrong? We’re family. What can’t we sit down and have a good discuss about?
Xu Zhiwen
Family? You go ask Old Third. Does he consider me family?
Xu Zhaixing
Second Uncle, just what’s happened that’s made you so angry? If I didn’t know better I’d have thought we were living in your house without paying rent.
Father Xu
Nevermind, don’t say any more. It’s all my fault…
Xu Zhaixing
What’s your fault? Dad, even when judges pass their judgement they need to hold a hearing for evidence. If you don’t say it for everyone to hear, how do we know what’s true and what’s not?
Mother Xu
It’s about the investment, isn’t it? What, do you have a problem with it, Second Brother?
Xu Zhiwen
That Xu Yan. He’s left the Xu Family since he was little and thinks just like his mum. Who even knows what kind of bad habit he’s picked up these years overseas? He said he wants you to invest in a company and you really believe him? Who knows what he’s done with the money?
Mother Xu
Second Brother, you can say what you want but you don’t need to smear his integrity.
Xu Zhiwen
Old Third, do you think I’ll harm you? No one in the family wants the best for you more than I do. I’m always thinking of you for everything. But look at you. The moment I turn my head you’ve thrown your money at someone who’s not part of the family and don’t even know about.
Father Xu
I-
Xu Zhiwen
Do you still remember when you were young? Dad and Mum were always out working. It’s me and Big Brother who painstakingly raised you. We supported your education. That’s how your success today came about. You can’t not even give half a care about me.
Father Xu
……
Xu Zhiwen
Third Brother, have a good think on how you should deal with this situation.
Xu Zhaixing
Then you tell us how you want it to be dealt with. What, do you want us to go find Xu Yan and take back our investment before the money’s spent? Then invest it in you?
Father Xu
Zhaixing!
Xu Zhaixing
I’m thinking, the money’s my dad’s right? He can use his money however he wants. What’s it got to do with you? Why’re you starting to meddle with our money? Even when Pangu split the heavens and the earth I don’t think he was so shameless as you!
Xu Zhiwen
You!
Father Xu
Watch how you speak to your Second Uncle. Hurry up and go back to your room!
Mother Xu
Go back to what room? Our child has a hard enough time studying at school every day. Even if your heart doesn’t ache if she starves and gets sick, mine does! Zhaixing, let’s have dinner.
Xu Zhaixing
Dinner! Oh, right. Second Uncle, no matter how angry you are you still need to eat. Don’t let anger ruin your health. Yaaay! There’s sweet and sour ribs again tonight! I love you Auntie Liu!
Xu Zhiwen
I’m not eating. Your family’s dinner? I can’t stomach it!
Father Xu
……!
Xu Zhaixing
He’s gone just like that?
Mother Xu
You little rascal. So cheeky. Out of everyone in the Xu Family, I haven’t seen anyone as spineless as you. He’s already stepped all over your nose and in your face and you’re even scared to fart! If we didn’t come back in time, I’d say you would have been trampled to death by Old Second.
Father Xu
That’s my Second Brother. Now that Big Brother’s not here anymore he’s my only older brother. If I didn’t have both of them looking after me when I was small, even surviving would’ve have been a problem.
Mother Xu
But people change, Old Xu.
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah, Dad. Think about it. He keeps saying he’s doing this for your good and wants to let you earn money, so if you don’t invest it’s your loss. What’s it to do with him? What worth is there in getting furious at you? I’m guessing the only reason he’s so angry is because the fact you won’t invest will end up harming him. He doesn’t want to let you earn money. Instead he needs this money urgently to save the investment. Now that there’s no money, who else would get angry if not him?
Mother Xu
Old Xu, see? Even Zhaixing understands such a simple sense. How can you not?
Father Xu
……
Xu Zhaixing
Daddy, don’t be angry. Eat dinner.
[19:20]
Xu Zhaixing
I remember it is today. How come I can’t find it?
Father Xu
Kiddo, which minor celebrity are you looking for now?
Xu Zhaixing
I’m not so shallow! Here it is. Dad! Quick, look at this.
Father Xu
Look at what?
Xu Zhaixing
Look. This Zhenlin company… Isn’t that the project Second Uncle was trying to get you to invest in? They have written here their partner took all the money and ran, and the company went bankrupt in the end! The headline’s on the front cover too!
Father Xu
What?!
Xu Zhaixing
The company was going fine. How’d it go bankrupt so easily? I’m sure Second Uncle vowed we could make big money.
Father Xu
Hmph! He harboured ill motives!
Xu Zhaixing
Looks like I guessed right. Thank goodness we didn’t invest it with him, otherwise we’d be the ones who would’ve gone bankrupt.
Father Xu
……
Xu Zhaixing
Oh, Dad. How come you’re never home for dinner these days?
Father Xu
Oh, there’s a lot to do at work. After his period I’ll come home every day to have dinner with you, okay?
Xu Zhaixing
Are you tendering for the Winter Olympics?
Father Xu
Hm? How do you know?
Xu Zhaixing
I saw you reading up on related information. Why don’t you talk to me about it?
Father Xu
What’s a kid like you asking about these things for?
Xu Zhaixing
C’mon, school’s too easy. Last time you even praised I was smart. You never know. I might be able to help you come up with an idea.
Father Xu
I am tendering for the Winter Olympics, but there are a few new companies who are fierce. Especially Song Clan Media. I don’t know which relative of theirs is it is, but they’re an official in the Publicity Department. I’m thinking the chances for us are slim this time.
Xu Zhaixing
Song Clan Media? Isn’t that Song Yanan’s family company? In the end, we’re actually rivals? Tut, tut, tut.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad. See, you’re going on a wild goose chase. You know they have a firm support, so what’re you still competing for? Give up early on and go do something else.
Father Xu
My Xingchen’s been in Shanghai for so many years. How can I be willing not to fight for it?
Xu Zhaixing
Humans have to admit when they’ve gotten old. It’s the same with a company. Do you know what blogs are? Do you know about QQ? Do you know their ad operations process and how far their influences reach? My classmates all have a QQ account or blog. No matter the news, it spreads the fastest in QZone. So you need to admit the way Xingchen operates isn’t advantageous in the media industry that’s developing rapidly at present.
Father Xu
Of course I understand…
Xu Zhaixing
Everything’s developing. Whether it’s you or Xingchen, you all need to face and look forward. You need to find another exit.
Father Xu
Then… Where do you think the exit is?
Xu Zhaixing
My classmate’s dad invested in real estate and made a lot of money. He even bought a global limited edition LV handbag for her today! Daddy, I want a global limited edition LV handbag. Is two enough? Yes it is! Thank you Daddy! Daddy, you’re the best!
Father Xu
I just praised you for being mature not long ago, now you’re starting to joke with me. Real estate. It’s an industry that has nothing to do with Xingchen…
Xu Zhaixing
If you can’t make up your mind you can go ask Cousin Xu Yan. He’s studied abroad, seen the world and is doing business in Beijing now. You can listen to his opinion. I’m gonna go sleep now, Dad.
Father Xu
Alright, alright. Hurry up and go.
Xu Zhaixing
Good night!
[22:45]
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
Cuz, quickly put together a report on the development trend in the past five years in real estate. When Dad asks you about it, send it to him.
Xu Yan (Message)
What’re you up to now?
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
Xinchen’s not doing well lately, so I suggested Dad switch to investing in real estate. But what I say now counts for little. It’s not as effective as yours, so I wanted to ask you for help. This is a major transformation opportunity. Seize it! Once it’s done, I’ll have Dad send you a global limited edition LV handbag!
Xu Yan (Message)
Hah. Thanks.
Xu Yan (Message)
I’ll have it ready tomorrow.
Xu Zhaixing (Message)
Kay. Thanks Cuz! Love ya!
[23:35]
Cheng You
Zhaixing, why aren’t you wearing the sneakers from your favourite brand? Is it because you can’t afford it?
Xu Zhaixing
Huh? What’s that about? Don’t think these shoes of mine aren’t famous right now. It’ll be the signature product in every major department store in the future!
Cheng You
But Song Yanan’s spreading rumours saying your family lost the tender and even about you going bankrupt.
Xu Zhaixing
You even believe nonsense like that?
Cheng You
Aren’t you angry about how she’s making up all these rumours about you?
Xu Zhaixing
I only need to endure her, let her do what she wants, avoid her, let her have her way, tolerate her, ignore her. Then we’ll see how she’s doing in a few years.
Cheng You
Huh?
Xu Zhaixing
Does it look good?
Cheng You
Woah, a dress! It looks good! Did you draw it?
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah. I’ll be entering a contest with this.
Cheng You
What contest?
Xu Zhaixing
Paris Fashion Design Grand Prix.
Cheng You
You even know how to do fashion design?!
Xu Zhaixing
Did you think the room full of barbies I collected is for nothing? Alright, move over. I still haven’t finished drawing. The sign-ups for prelims are closing this weekend. I need to make the most of my time.
Cheng You
Send me the link later. I’ll have the whole family vote for you.
Xu Zhaixing
Thanks.
Cheng You
It’s what I should do. Oh, right. Zhaixing… Err… Zhou Mingyu hasn’t bothered you these few days has he?
Xu Zhaixing
He hasn’t. What’s wrong? Oh… Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him in ages. What about him?
Cheng You
Err… Nothing, nothing…
[25:20]
Zhou Mingyu
Cen Feng! You dirty dog, get out here! Just wait until I catch you! It won’t just be a matter of a fair fight! Does your Hongqi Senior High have someone called Cen Feng? If you do, be smart and scram out here! Don’t make me go to every class looking for you!
Zhou Mingyu
Cen Feng! Cen Feng! I’ll give you one more chance. If you come out here yourself I’ll respect you as a man!
Zhou Mingyu
Hello? Testing, testing. The whole school can hear me, right? Does your school have anyone called Cen Feng? If you’re a man then come out for a one-on-one fight. I refuse to believe you can be more handsome than this young master, me!
Student
It’s him who’s making a fuss, sir!
Teacher
Quick, quick, turn off the PA system. Student, what’s your class? Hurry up and call your parents here. This is absolutely outrageous!
Zhou Mingyu
Cen Feng! Hey, get outta my way. If you have the guts come out for a fight! I know you’re here in Thirty-one High! This young master’s already overturned the whole city! Get out here!
[26:25]
Cheng You
Oh, he hasn’t done anything major. He’s just…gone around to all the senior highs in our city shouting he wants to fight Cen Feng… I think he’s been given a big warning…? Oh, it’s nothing big.
Xu Zhaixing
Zhou Mingyu? Is he crazy? This won’t do. At this rate, how will he get into a 2213 university? I need to sort him out.
Cheng You
H-Hey, wait! Zhaixing, you’re not really going to go look for him now, are you?
Xu Zhaixing
Yeah.
Cheng You
Err… Be gentle and talk, yeah? We’re all schoolmates. Don’t act on impulse. Um…err… Don’t say I told you, okay Zhaixing?
Xu Zhaixing
Excuse me, can you call Zhou Mingyu over for me?
Student A
Zhou Mingyu! Someone’s looking for you.
Student B
Man, Zhou Mingyu. She’s looking for you. Shoot over there.
Student C
Hey, make the most of the chance. You got it, bro.
Student D
Your hard times are finally over and the good times are here. Just need to give it little more effort. Go get her!
Zhou Mingyu
Go, go, go. Go away.
Xu Zhaixing
He’s pretending he didn’t hear me? You’re pulling that cold shoulder act on me? How childish. Fine. If you’re not coming out, then I’ll go to you.
Xu Zhaixing
What did you skip class for?
Zhou Mingyu
Wh-What’s it to you?
Xu Zhaixing
Zhou Mingyue, what exactly do you want?! Haven’t I made myself clear enough? If you keep going on like this, you’ll only ruin yourself!
Zhou Mingyue
You made yourself really clear! It’s because you were too clear…so I’m definitely going to find that person and see just how he’s better than me?!
Xu Zhaixing
Who? Cen Feng?
Zhou Mingyu
Hmph.
Xu Zhaixing
I’m not dating him. I never will in this life.
Zhou Mingyu
Huh?
Xu Zhaixing
I won’t date you either because I only want to study well and get into a good university. Do you understand? That’s all I have to say. Give it some thought. You’re fifteen and not a kid anymore. Don’t do the wrong things in the heat of the moment, otherwise you won’t be able to regret even if you wanted to in the future.
Zhou Mingyu
You… She sound like my mum…
Student B
Then what’re you suffering for every day?
Student C
Cool. The girl of your dreams has reached an understanding with your mum.
Student D
Scatter, guys. Focus on study.
Father Xu
Yeah. Xu Yan, that child, is a good kid. I called him a few days ago asking him about the real estate. That child, without even asking anything h-
Xu Zhaixing
Dad, Mum, I’m home!
Father Xu
Oh, you’re back from school.
Mother Xu
Come, come. Quick, sit down and rest a bit.
Xu Zhaixing
What about Cousin Xu Yan are you talking about?
Father Xu
You know how about the real estate thing. I just asked Xu Yan about it. I didn’t think he immediately put together a statistical report on the past five years in the real estate industry. He saved me from my desperate situation.
Mother Xu
Really? But what’re you asking around about the real estate industry for?
Father Xu
It’s our daughter who enlightened me. Yeah, there’s no need to stay hanging on one tree until death.
Xu Zhaixing
Dad, so have you found a project to invest in?
Father Xu
I’m already in touch with some. I’ve been talking to a few of my friends who are in construction materials. They also thing the outlook is good, but mainly because they don’t understand much so they don’t dare to invest so easily.
Xu Zhaixing
I heard someone at school say they’re building an amusement park up in the north of the city.
Father Xu
The north? Isn’t that a bit too far? Will anyone go there?
Xu Zhaixing
Who knows in the future? Once there’s an amusement park, more people will go and it’ll stimulate spending. If there’s spending then business will set up there and gradually become a business district.
Xu Zhaixing
The north is the main district for Shanghai development plan a few years later. No matter the price of land or buildings, they’ll all surge crazily overnight. Who knows how many people became nouveau riche because of that in those two years?
Father Xu
Hm… But real estate investment isn’t a small sum.
Xu Zhaixing
Oh. It’s pretty deserted over there right now. The land should be quite cheap. Sure, the places that are included in the development plan aren’t risky but they’re expensive. You won’t necessarily be able to win against those veteran real estate companies.
Father Xu
Hm. You’re quite right.
Mother Xu
Every day you don’t focus on your studies. What’re you mulling about adult things for? You even sound like you know what you’re talking about. If I didn’t know better I would have thought you were Shen Fangsan4 in your last life.
Xu Zhaixing
I can’t say if I was Shen Fangsan in my last life, but if you gave birth to me a few years earlier we should be the richest family in Shanghai right now.
Mother Xu
Hear that? You really know how to take advantage of any praise.
Xu Zhaixing
It’s all because you taught me well.
Mother Xu
Tch.
Xu Zhaixing
Mum, I might need a bit more pocket money lately…
Mother Xu
You already get a lot. What do you need more for?
Xu Zhaixing
Oh. I passed through the preliminaries for the Paris Fashion Design Grand Prix, but they’re categorised as high-end luxury and haute couture. I need to start preparing the materials needed to sew my work. It’s definitely not enough just depending on the pocket money I get now.
Mother Xu
You were able to pass just with your rough designs? It’s not something some amateur troupe made up to scam money is it?
Xu Zhaixing
Of course not. Look. This is the letter of invitation from the organisers for the semifinals. You can look up this contest online too. Oh, if that’s not good enough then you can ask Cousin Xu Yan. He definitely knows.
Father Xu
We don’t understand any of this, but from what she’s done recently… You know she definitely won’t mess around. Why don’t we ask Xu Yan?
Mother Xu
Alright.
Xu Zhaixing
Call him now!
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
Hello, Third Uncle. Did you need something?
Father Xu
Oh, I just wanted to ask. Zhaixing participated in a… What’s it called?
Mother Xu
Paris Fashion Design Grand Prix.
Father Xu
Oh yeah, that’s right. Paris Fashion Design Grand Prix and needs to go to Beijing for the semi-finals. We don’t understand any of this so we wanted to ask if this contest is reliable.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
What…? That’s an extremely famous international grand prix. Being able to get through to the semi-finals is already considered great recognition as a designer. Third Uncle, Zhaixing is really amazing.
Mother Xu
Really? Oh, that’s good. That’s good.
Father Xu
Alright, alright. I get it. Thank you, Xu Yan.
Xu Yan (Phone Call)
It’s what I should do. Then I’ll pick her up when she comes over to Beijing for the semi-finals.
Father
That’s great. Thank you in advance.
Xu Zhaixing
So? Now you believe me, right?
Mother Xu
Alright. Go ahead and tell me how much you need.
Xu Zhaixing
Thanks Mum, Dad!
Xu Zhaixing
We’re finally going to meet, Big Brother.
1 The characters are 星 (xing) and 辰 (chen) meaning ‘stars’ and often associated with larger clusters of them forming a sea.
2 The characters are 辰星, the name of Father Xu’s company flipped. It’s the old Chinese name for Mercury, but the reference isn’t made. ‘Chen’ is a near-homophone for ‘Cen’.
3 221 is short for ‘21st Century’s 100 selective tertiary schools.’
4 Shen Fangsan, real name Shen Fu, was the son of an ordinary man who later became the richest man of his time.
Moonlight Osmanthus 