Chapter 18

"Brother Scar, who is that guy?" In the dimly lit office on the second floor of the Imperial Nightclub, the bald man looked at his most respected and admired boss, and asked with a pained heart.

The scar-faced man, holding a beautiful and flirtatious woman, was not focused on her. Instead, he kept drinking bottle after bottle of Budweiser without a break.

The bald man, growing anxious, said, "I know that guy isn't simple. The punch Tiesi landed on his stomach was fast, accurate, and fierce, clearly the work of a trained fighter. But we have more brothers, so why should we be afraid of him?"

"It's not about being afraid or not," the scar-faced man finally put down the Budweiser, "but whether it's worth it. We have more people, and we won't lose in a fight, but it will be a Pyrrhic victory with heavy losses. Think about the damage to the club, the medical bills for the brothers, and the police raids. Have you calculated the losses?"

"Then we can ambush him halfway."

"Shut up!" The scar-faced man slapped the bald man's head, "Didn't you hear me? It's not worth it to fight him! Baldy, I'm doing this for your own good. You've been following me since you got out, and I don't want you to go back in. Do you know how I ended up in there a few years ago?"

"Did he do it? Is he a cop?"

"When have I ever been afraid of cops!"

"He's not a cop... a black sheep?"

The scar-faced man was speechless and drank another bottle of Budweiser in frustration, "You used to mix in Tongzhou, where the level was low and you were far away, so you don't know much about the city. Have you heard of the 'Nine Gates Duo'?"

"The Nine Gates Duo!" The bald man almost jumped up, "The boss I used to follow was taken down by them. I remember that year he went shopping in the city with his wife, and got a bit itchy and stole something. It turned out that guy was the Nine Gates Duo?"

The scar-faced man nodded.

"But didn't they split up? I heard one died and the other disappeared."

"That's what's most terrifying. They were ruthless before, but at least they followed the law. Now, they're just like us, treating the law the same way. Unless you're sure you can kill him, why would you provoke such a ruthless person?"

In the luxurious private room downstairs, Director Sun was also asking the same question.

"Who are you?"

Director Sun was a well-known director in the entertainment industry, having directed several TV series. Although none of them were major hits, he was prolific, obedient, and perceptive, which made many tycoons willing to invest in his TV series. Fame, profit, and ratings were secondary; the main goal was to date young stars.

Yesterday afternoon, Liu Lei received a letter. Inside was a clear photo of him and Liu Lei engaging in a homosexual act, which terrified them. Liu Lei had a family, and if the photo were to circulate, he would be ruined.

Shortly after, Liu Lei received a call from Mai Xiaoyu. Director Sun arranged a meeting at the Imperial Nightclub and sought out the scar-faced man, hoping to use his influence to force Mai Xiaoyu to submit and hand over all the photos and negatives.

Who would have thought it would end like this? Mai Xiaoyu injured two people and, with just a few words, scared the scar-faced man away!

"Does it matter who I am?"

"Despicable!"

Am I despicable?

Liu Lei used his influence to bully Liu Tao, why don't you call him despicable?

When he couldn't win openly, he resorted to underhanded tactics, bribing Yao Dong and inciting members to cause trouble, why don't you call him despicable?

I'm just repaying despicable actions with despicable actions. Are you saying I'm despicable?

So what if I'm despicable!

When it comes to underhanded tactics, I'm your grandpa!

"I always repay kindness with kindness and enmity with enmity. I will return what others do to me in full."

Realizing he had been caught in the crossfire, Director Sun glared at Liu Lei and asked Mai Xiaoyu, "How much money do you want?"

"Money? If I wanted money, it would be extortion. Don't play legal games with me; you can't win."

"Then what do you want?"

Now we're getting to the point.

Mai Xiaoyu believed in repaying kindness with kindness and enmity with enmity, and never forgave his enemies. He originally planned to ruin Liu Lei, but after recognizing Director Sun, he changed his mind. Liu Lei deserved it, but Director Sun had never wronged him, and he didn't discriminate against homosexuality, so there was no need to ruin his career and family.

This meeting with Liu Lei and Director Sun had two purposes.

First, to warn Liu Lei: if you want to fight me, do it openly. If you play dirty, be prepared for the consequences. This time, for Director Sun's sake, I won't pursue it, but if it happens again, it will be to the death!

Second, Director Sun was currently preparing to shoot a historical drama, and Mai Xiaoyu wanted to secure a few roles.

"Think again!" Director Sun angrily refused.

The female leads and second leads in the historical drama were the mistresses of the investors, who spent a fortune to make them happy.

The male lead was hired with a large sum of money to support the female leads and ensure the show's ratings; the second and third male leads were recommended by influential people, and they had some popularity and talent; the fourth male lead had paid him money; the third and fourth female leads had been to his bed... These people could not be replaced!

"Director Sun, you misunderstand. I don't have such grand ambitions."

Mai Xiaoyu only wanted a few minor roles, such as maids, servants, or villains. A few scenes with substantial lines and close-ups that wouldn't be cut in post-production, that's all.

After all, most of the company's members lack acting skills, and they couldn't handle lead roles.

"Is it that simple?"

Director Sun couldn't believe it.

After all this trouble, with偷拍, fighting, and bloodshed, you only want a few minor roles? Are you sure you're not messing with me?

"Of course, there are conditions. My people will work with you, and if they make mistakes, they can be criticized, but if anyone takes out their anger on them or uses so-called industry rules to deliberately cause trouble, I won't be lenient."

Director Sun hesitated for a long time, then picked up the negatives, "How can I trust you?"

"That scar-faced man should know me. You can ask him about my character."

"Alright, today we've met through conflict, and I'll consider you a friend. In the future, if I need actors for new projects, I'll prioritize your company's members!"

How did this turn into a friendship through conflict?

Liu Lei was completely baffled and couldn't understand, but Director Sun had his own plans.

The entertainment industry is a mix of good and bad, and as a director with a reputation, he often encounters unsavory problems that require help from friends on the street. Just like today, he spent 100,000 yuan to get the scar-faced man to handle the situation, but the problem wasn't resolved.

Tonight's events clearly demonstrated two points: first, Mai Xiaoyu > the scar-faced man; second, Mai Xiaoyu is principled and leaves room for maneuver, not going to extremes, making him a trustworthy friend.

In the future, if he encounters any unsavory problems, he can ask Mai Xiaoyu for help, which would be more effective than the scar-faced man.

"Do you understand now?"

Liu Lei nodded, seeming to grasp something, "But I've offended him badly, what should I do?"

"Are you stupid? Mengren Film is a talent scouting company focused on discovering new talent. Do I need to teach you how to handle it?"

"Oh, I see. Tomorrow... no, I'll call right now to see if there are any suitable ads for the company..."

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