Chapter 50

This was not the first time Deng Lijun had refused. Initially, when Guan Weihua relayed Li Xu's suggestion, she did not agree. When Li Xu proposed it personally over the phone, she still chose to decline politely.

As for the reason, it was quite simple: she did not want people to know that she was being kept by a powerful figure. Establishing a record company just to produce her own records, without caring about costs or sales, was indeed a good idea, but it would also expose her current situation to the public. Being kept was not a glorious thing, and even if Li Xu could suppress media discussions through the news bureau, people would still talk privately. She was well aware of the power of public opinion, especially since she had a family. Even if the matter would eventually be known over time, she hoped it could be delayed as long as possible.

Li Xu knew Deng Lijun's thoughts, so he did not bring it up again after being refused. Instead, he stopped the hand that was moving underwater and changed the topic, making the woman in his arms giggle with just a few words.

"Oh no, trouble!" After glancing at the small clock on the washbasin, Deng Lijun suddenly exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" Li Xu also looked over; it was already 9:30.

"Forget it, it's over." She then said with some frustration and disappointment.

"What's over, Theresa?" Li Xu asked curiously.

"A TV drama, from Hong Kong, it's very good." Deng Lijun sighed and leaned back into him.

"What kind of TV drama?" Li Xu quickly ran through the possible popular TV dramas in Taiwan in the 80s in his mind.

"It's called 'The Bund.' I watch it whenever I have time, but... I missed it today." Deng Lijun pouted, looking a bit depressed.

"Oh?" Li Xu raised an eyebrow, surprised that it was a Hong Kong TV drama, and specifically that one.

"Is it the one with Chow Yun-fat, Lu Liangwei, and Chao Ya-zhi?" he asked again.

"You've seen it too?" Deng Lijun was a bit surprised.

"Of course, I'm not completely ignorant about Hong Kong and Taiwan," Li Xu pinched her chin, "You have good taste, Theresa. It's indeed a classic TV drama. Chow Yun-fat and Lu Liangwei are very handsome, and Chao Ya-zhi is very beautiful."

At this, he showed a keen interest, "Hey, if we have the chance to go to Hong Kong, how about inviting her for a cup of coffee?"

"She... she's already married," Deng Lijun said softly.

"Where are you going with this? It's just a cup of coffee." Li Xu's tone was serious, but his face was playful.

Deng Lijun fell silent, burying her head even lower.

"Alright, if you want to watch it, I can ask someone to find a way to get the film or videotape from the TV station. If they have it, I'll get it for you to watch at your leisure." Li Xu changed the topic.

"I won't watch it. I'll just rest and prepare for the last two concerts." Deng Lijun said with a lack of enthusiasm.

"Hey, I was just teasing you a bit, and you dare to give me a cold shoulder?" Li Xu raised an eyebrow, "Looks like I need to give you a little lesson, Theresa."

As he spoke, the sound of splashing water and the woman's screams, laughter, and pleas for mercy filled the air.

After such a playful and intimate moment, it finally stopped with Deng Lijun's coquettish complaint, "Alright, stop it, please." The original resentment was swept away, leaving only a blush.

"By the way, the concert is still the day after tomorrow, right?" Li Xu kissed her, "So, if I make your voice a little hoarse tonight, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Deng Lijun almost immediately understood his meaning, her already flushed face turning even redder, but she did not say no.

So, Li Xu made a splash, got out of the bathtub, and sat on the edge.

---

In the following days, the two sides, who had initially had preliminary talks, finally began formal negotiations, but they were still talking past each other. This was normal, as mutual probing was necessary, even if both sides had set their own bottom lines. Why not try to gain an advantage?

As for Li Xu... he played no role at all. Despite attending most of the meetings, he rarely spoke or gave opinions, just listening like a puppet.

The only thing that made him reflect was the resolution of the televisions of this era. He had thought this before, but the American TV shows of the 60s and 70s were not worth watching, and he had no memorable ones, like the fat Batman.

But 'The Bund' was different. When he watched it in his previous life, he was young and didn't remember much, but the scene where Xu Wenqiang was beaten to a pulp outside the restaurant was still clear in his mind.

Over time, people tend to idealize their memories, which gradually turns into nostalgia.

But watching it again, especially on a TV with poor color and resolution, made the contrast quite frustrating for Li Xu, who had experienced high-definition visuals.

However, Chao Ya-zhi was indeed still very beautiful and charming, which was why she became a bus in the entertainment industry of his previous life. So, if there was a chance, as the protagonist of this world, inviting her for a cup of coffee was completely acceptable.

Of course, in the negotiations with Northrop, he was not entirely useless. At least, he was a very qualified translator.

During a meeting, a member of the Taiwanese negotiation team, frustrated by the lack of progress, said a crude remark. Mars, after receiving a small note from Li Xu, immediately asked the other party to explain what it meant, putting them in a difficult position.

After that, the Taiwanese negotiation team no longer spoke loudly in Chinese in front of them.

However, despite many discussions and meetings, and even a cursory tour of some places, no agreement had been reached even after a week.

Knock, knock, knock. Li Xu put down the videotape, walked to the door, looked through the peephole, and opened it.

"Hello, Mr. Li, I hope I'm not disturbing..." Wang Chuanpu's words trailed off when he saw Deng Lijun sitting in the living room of the suite.

"No, not at all," Li Xu smiled, looked back, and gestured for him to come in, "Please come in, Mr. Wang. I was just about to find you."

"I'm honored." Wang Chuanpu immediately relaxed.

As he entered, Deng Lijun stood up, but Li Xu waved his hand, "No need, Theresa. You can stay in the living room and watch TV. I'll go to the balcony with Mr. Wang, but could you please make us some tea?"

The two went to the balcony, and Deng Lijun quickly followed with the teapot. Wang Chuanpu, who had just sat down, immediately stood up, smiling and taking the teapot, "Oh, to have Miss Lijun personally make tea, this is a first for me."

Deng Lijun smiled, "You flatter me, Mr. Wang."

"Thank you, Theresa," Li Xu nodded, "Remember to note the time of the videotape, I'll need it later."

"Got it." Deng Lijun coquettishly replied and returned to the living room.

"Mr. Li is still watching 'The Bund'?" Wang Chuanpu asked tactfully.

"Yes, I'm watching it slowly, waiting for Theresa." Li Xu smiled, "It's rare to find a TV drama we both like, so we're enjoying it slowly. Oh, by the way, thank you for your help."

"Just call me Chuanpu." Wang Chuanpu smiled broadly.

"Alright, my Chinese name, Theresa should have told you. So, you can call me Ah Xu, following your custom." Li Xu said after a moment's thought.

This made Wang Chuanpu even more pleased. They had always addressed each other as "Mr. Li" and "Mr. Wang," which showed respect but also a distance.

Now, with the change in address, it meant the distance was closing, and with the distance closing, it suggested that the current negotiations might make progress.

However, Wang Chuanpu did not directly bring up the topic but instead chatted about TV dramas. "The Bund' is indeed a good TV drama. The people in Hong Kong are bolder in their productions..."

The two of them chatted about the entertainment industry, with Wang Chuanpu showing a good knowledge of music, movies, and TV dramas.

When Li Xu mentioned investing in 'Star Wars,' Wang Chuanpu said that space operas were very imaginative. When Li Xu said they had many topics to film, Wang Chuanpu said they could indeed film them, but many people couldn't, unlike Hollywood with its technology and resources. When Li Xu said he might invest in a film one day, Wang Chuanpu promised to find the best filmmakers on the island if needed.

This flattery was subtle and clearly well-prepared.

Finally, after a while, as the red sun was about to set, Wang Chuanpu cautiously asked, "By the way, Ah Xu, could you give me a hint about how Mr. Johnson and the others are thinking?"

"I don't know. I'm just here to listen on behalf of my grandfather. Generally, I can't give opinions," Li Xu smiled, lying with a straight face.

"But, I heard Mr. Baomu say that during your first meeting, you mentioned considering inviting us... to collaborate on development." Wang Chuanpu hesitated but still asked carefully.

"Yes, I did say that," Li Xu did not deny it, "But I can't represent the entire will of Northrop alone."

"But..." Wang Chuanpu helplessly pinched his nose, unable to say what he wanted to say.

During the week, in the final stages of the negotiations, Johnson, Mars, and the others would always look at Li Xu. Unless he nodded, no resolution could be passed.

People who had tried to build private relationships also reported back, saying that everything depended on the young Edward Li. This was why Wang Chuanpu had come here.

"Don't worry, Brother Chuanpu," Li Xu suddenly smiled, "In a while, two guests will arrive. They represent my father and Intel, and they are here to inspect."

Wang Chuanpu was a bit stunned. The term "Brother Chuanpu" made him shiver, but he didn't understand why Li Xu suddenly mentioned this.

"Could Brother Chuanpu contact the Ministry of Economic Affairs or the Executive Yuan and ask them to visit the industrial park in Zhubei?" Li Xu continued, "I'll be there too. Would you be interested in accompanying me and explaining things? After all, I only know you here."

Wang Chuanpu's eyes lit up.