After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH72

Chapter 72

This banquet turned out to be highly rewarding for Gu Xingshi.

Not only did he build solid relationships with some major investors, but he also got the chance to discuss a few promising projects. In particular, he was very interested in a film project that Lan Yongyu mentioned.

Recently, Sheng Yueqing had shown great improvement in his acting skills after refining himself through a series of challenging roles. Gu Xingshi didn’t want him to get typecast, so he’d been searching for a breakthrough role that would showcase Sheng’s versatility. None of the scripts he’d received so far had been satisfactory.

Originally, Gu planned to spend more time looking, but Lan Yongyu’s project immediately caught his attention.

Lan was quite accommodating, even agreeing to let Sheng Yueqing audition. Whether he could secure the role or not would depend on his performance, but that was more than enough.

With one of his two major concerns resolved, Gu’s next focus was on Qin Wen.

Still, he wasn’t overly ambitious. Though Qin Wen hadn’t acted in many films yet, both his acting skills and box office draw had already been well received by the market.

At this stage, what Qin Wen needed most was a high-caliber award, which required an exceptional script—something that couldn’t be rushed and would have to be sought out carefully.

Meanwhile, Zhan Demin, who was clearly enjoying their conversation, offered to take Gu Xingshi fishing next time and introduce him to some of his “old friends.”

The people nearby exchanged glances, looking at Gu with a mix of envy and awe.

Even Wen Yue glanced at him in surprise.

Seeing Gu Xingshi’s puzzlement, Wen Yue leaned in and whispered, “Mr. Zhan’s friends are all heavyweights in the literary world—very influential when it comes to awards and film recognition…”

With just a few words, Gu Xingshi understood: these were industry veterans with award connections. It looked like Qin Wen’s next film would be in good hands.

No wonder people fought so hard to climb up in the film industry. The resources of the upper echelons were beyond the imagination of those below.

Thinking this, he couldn’t help but glance at Wen Yue.

Wen Yue had put considerable effort into organizing this banquet, yet he’d spent nearly the entire time introducing Gu to people and arranging opportunities for him. It was as though he were devoted to fulfilling Gu’s every need.

Gu Xingshi recalled how Wen Yue had been utterly drunk that night but had still insisted on taking care of him. His heart softened at the memory.

Noticing Gu’s gaze, Wen Yue misunderstood, lowering his voice. “If you’re worried, I can go with you.”

Gu Xingshi blinked, then smiled. “Sure.”

His eyes curved in a look of pure trust, and Wen Yue felt his heart flutter in response.

Just then, Lan Yongyu seemed to remember something. “Mr. Gu, I’m hosting a ball in a few days. Would you honor us with your presence?”

Wen Yue’s expression changed slightly.

He knew that these social balls were essentially matchmaking events, and Lan Yongyu, with her fondness for playing matchmaker, definitely had something up her sleeve!

Oblivious to Wen Yue’s reaction, Lan turned to Gu Xingshi with a smile. “My younger relatives are big fans of yours, Mr. Gu. Just think of it as a favor to me and come meet the young ones, hmm?”

The matchmaking intent was getting clearer and clearer!!

Wen Yue’s face darkened.

But with his current relationship with Gu Xingshi, he couldn’t exactly step in and decline on his behalf.

To make matters worse, he had an important negotiation scheduled for that same day, so he couldn’t even accompany Gu.

Gu Xingshi pondered and couldn’t help asking his system: [System, didn’t you once mention a highly skilled music producer with the last name Lan?]

The system quickly picked up on his line of thought: [Yes, he’s a cousin of the Lan family and will likely attend the ball.]

Gu Xingshi nodded. Meng Yuansheng was in the process of preparing his first solo album, and Gu Xingshi had been searching for the right music producer for him.

However, top music producers in the industry were in such high demand that their schedules were booked years in advance, so Gu Xingshi was looking for alternative options.

Seeing Gu’s reaction, Wen Yue’s gaze darkened as he asked, “Do you… like balls?”

Gu Xingshi looked at him, confused. “Not really.”

Wen Yue: “…”

Lan Yongyu, catching on, could barely hold back her laughter. She said mischievously, “Mr. Wen, you must have misunderstood. I invited Mr. Gu as my escort. I wouldn’t let any pesky suitors get near him.”

Wen Yue, however, showed no embarrassment. He replied coolly, “You did mention pesky suitors, and some of them don’t know their place.”

What a jealous streak!!

Lan Yongyu was taken aback, but inwardly she made a note to herself—she’d have to warn the guests attending the ball to behave cautiously and avoid offending the wrong person.

*

On the day of the ball, Gu Xingshi chose a suit suitable for the occasion. While picking out accessories, his eyes landed on a small box.

It was the gift Wen Yue had given him on the day he’d moved his company—a brooch with an orange diamond.

After a moment’s thought, he fastened the brooch to his suit.

Then, driving his second-hand car, he made his way to the venue.

The attendees at Lan Yongyu’s ball were from elite circles, and everyone wanted to be there. The place was bustling with excitement, and the line of luxury cars at the entrance was enough to blind onlookers.

Unsurprisingly, Gu Xingshi got caught in a bit of traffic.

Since the ball hadn’t started yet, he wasn’t in a rush. He rolled down his window for some air.

At that moment, he made eye contact with a man in a flashy sports car beside him.

The man glanced at Gu Xingshi’s car, then at his face.

He was well aware that at events like these, there were always those from declining families hoping to change their fate through a strategic marriage. It was one thing for women to marry into wealth, but men like this one, he thought disdainfully, usually ended up attaching themselves to rich older women or powerful patrons—essentially high-end escorts.

Smirking, he crumpled up a piece of tissue and threw it at Gu’s window, saying flippantly, “Hey, who do you belong to?”

His gaze was invasive and unpleasant.

Gu Xingshi responded coolly, “And who are you?”

Annoyed, the man quickly answered with a touch of pride, “I’m Zhen Yunfei. My father is President Zhen of Qihua Group.”

Before Gu could even think about it, his system jumped in enthusiastically: [Host, this is from the infamous Zhen family! They’ve got a whole batch of illegitimate children, but Zhen Yunfei got lucky—his mother’s status improved, and he was recently recognized as legitimate.]

Gu Xingshi raised an eyebrow. “Ah, so you’re the illegitimate son.”

Zhen Yunfei’s face darkened instantly. “Watch your mouth! You and your broke family—don’t make me get my father to bankrupt you!”

Gu Xingshi, unfazed, clicked his tongue and sighed. “Does your father know you’re out here making enemies for him? How very filial of you! As for going bankrupt, don’t worry—I’ll consider it.”

“Oh, and your father may be short on virtues, but he’s certainly not short on illegitimate children. He deserves every bit of trouble he gets.”

Zhen Yunfei’s face twisted with rage, and he was just about to get out of his car to settle the score with Gu Xingshi.

At that moment, the car in front of Gu Xingshi’s was moved, allowing him to drive forward, leaving only a trail of exhaust behind for Zhen Yunfei.

Zhen Yunfei’s sports car, being oversized, took him quite some effort to park, and by the time he entered the ballroom, the event was about to start.

His mother, who was chatting with a group of socialites, noticed his disheveled appearance and immediately pulled him aside with a displeased look. “What’s going on with you? Showing up at this hour! Your father was just asking about you.”

Zhen Yunfei scowled. “Got into a spat with some pauper on my way in. Wasted a bit of time.”

Mrs. Zhen frowned, warning him, “Everyone at the Lan family’s ball is from a distinguished background. Don’t go causing trouble.”

“I know, I’m not stupid,” Zhen Yunfei scoffed. “The guy was driving an old brick—who knows which fallen young master he was.”

Relieved by his answer, Mrs. Zhen didn’t think much of it and continued, “This time, Lan Yongyu invited Mr. Gu from LeShi as well. She emphasized multiple times that no one should disrespect him…”

She hadn’t even finished speaking when she noticed Zhen Yunfei’s eyes widening as he pointed, slack-jawed, at the young man seated at the main table, chatting amiably with Lan Yongyu and Lan Yue.

“H-h-him? Who is that?!”

Mrs. Zhen gave him an exasperated look. “Didn’t I just tell you? That’s Mr. Gu from LeShi! Don’t be fooled by his youth—he’s not someone to be underestimated.”

Zhen Yunfei: “!!!”

He didn’t need his mother to elaborate; he could see it clearly enough.

Most of the younger guests were here for the matchmaking opportunities.

But Gu Xingshi was already seated at the main table beside his father, in a position even higher than his father’s.

As Zhen Yunfei recalled their earlier encounter, his face turned pale, and he felt as if he might faint on the spot.

Unaware, Mrs. Zhen continued, “Rumor has it he’s also Mr. Wen’s partner. When Huanyang Capital went bankrupt, it was apparently Mr. Wen who intervened to defend him…”

Zhen Yunfei: “!!!”

His legs gave out, and he began to sink to the floor.

Mrs. Zhen, alarmed, cried, “Yunfei!! Son!! Are you okay?!”

The commotion below was quickly brought under control, and aside from a visibly troubled Mr. Zhen rushing outside, it didn’t attract much attention at the main table.

Gu Xingshi had just finished sending a message and put away his phone.

Lan Yue, noticing, asked curiously, “Mr. Gu, busy with work?”

Gu Xingshi replied calmly, “No, just dealing with a filial young man who wants to help ease his father’s workload.”

Lan Yue: “?”

However, he didn’t press further, signaling for the ball to begin.

The first dance traditionally opened with the hosts, which, in the Lan family, was always Lan Yongyu and Lan Yue.

But this time, it was Gu Xingshi who invited Lan Yongyu for the opening dance.

The surrounding guests were stunned.

Though Lan Yongyu had given everyone a subtle hint earlier, most people assumed she was only being respectful out of regard for Wen Yue, given the widely known rumors about Wen Yue and Gu Xingshi’s relationship.

But now, with Gu Xingshi replacing Lan Yue in the opening dance—and Lan Yue looking completely unbothered—it was clear that the Lan siblings were making a statement. They were publicly acknowledging Gu Xingshi as one of their own.

Whether this decision was based on Gu Xingshi’s abilities or Wen Yue’s influence was beside the point.

At this moment, Gu Xingshi’s status was clearly on an entirely different level.

Ruan Yi watched in shock, his mouth agape.

He was now immensely relieved that he hadn’t completely alienated Gu Xingshi in the past.

Seizing the moment, he quickly pulled his two daughters aside to give them some earnest advice.

Especially Ruan Xiyin.

After all, Ruan Yi had once entertained the idea of pushing Ruan Wenrou toward Wen Yue, and he worried that Gu Xingshi might still hold a grudge.

Ruan Wenrou’s gaze flickered slightly, but she kept a gentle and obedient smile, agreeing readily.

*

After finishing the opening dance with Lan Yongyu, Gu Xingshi finally had a chance to seek out her cousin, Lan Ledao.

Though a member of the Lan family, Lan Ledao was from a branch line and lived comfortably. He pursued music purely out of passion and had a somewhat prideful attitude.

However, in front of his aunt’s esteemed guest, Lan Ledao restrained his arrogance. He initially thought he was only chatting with Gu to give his aunt face, but the more they talked, the more he found their conversation engaging. Despite lacking professional training, Gu Xingshi’s artistic intuition was astoundingly sharp.

In the midst of their conversation, Gu suddenly heard his system speak up: [Host! The fake heiress is bullying the real heiress again!]

Frowning slightly, Gu excused himself to Lan Ledao and followed the system’s guidance toward the scene.

System: [Earlier, the young ladies were taking turns displaying their talents, like playing the piano. The fake heiress goaded her friends into egging on the real heiress to play. Since she doesn’t know much about piano, they all started mocking her…]

When Gu Xingshi arrived, he saw Ruan Xiyin standing to the side, pale-faced and gripping her dress hem uncomfortably. Around her, several girls clustered near Ruan Wenrou, their malicious comments anything but subtle.

“I can’t believe someone could play the piano that poorly. My six-year-old cousin plays better than her!”

“A wild girl is still just a wild girl. Standing near someone so low-class, the whole room feels cheap.”

“No wonder her family never brings her out in public. With skills like that, she’d only embarrass them!”

Ruan Wenrou appeared delicate and meek, as if she were defending Ruan Xiyin. “Please don’t say such things about my sister. She’s been trying her best to learn… She may not be good at piano, but she does sing well. She used to sing at a bar…”

As she spoke, she covered her mouth in feigned panic. “Oh, I’m sorry, Sister! I didn’t mean to reveal your secret…”

Immediately, the people around began exchanging knowing looks and murmurs.

“Oh dear, she looked so innocent, but she’s been singing in bars?”

“Bars are such chaotic places. A girl performing there—tsk, tsk…”

“A girl like that must have a complicated background…”

A hint of satisfaction appeared on Ruan Wenrou’s face.

Ruan Yi’s face darkened, and he was about to scold Ruan Xiyin.

But just then, a clear, cheerful voice broke in from behind. “What a coincidence! I used to play piano in a bar too!”

All conversation stopped abruptly.

Ruan Xiyin looked up in surprise to see a handsome, refined young man walking toward her with a warm smile.

He sat down at the piano without hesitation, his fingers dancing over the keys, producing a series of beautiful notes that flowed effortlessly from his fingertips.

With a warm smile, Gu Xingshi looked at Ruan Xiyin. “Would I have the honor of a duet with Miss Ruan?”

His gaze was clear and sincere, completely devoid of any hint of mockery or disdain.

Ruan Xiyin nodded instinctively.

After asking her for her best song, Gu quickly glanced at the sheet music on his phone and gave her an encouraging nod.

As his fingers pressed down on the keys, a beautiful melody flowed from the piano, filling the room with an enchanting sound.

Ruan Xiyin began to sing, her unique voice intertwining with the piano notes, reverberating throughout the banquet hall.

The crowd fell silent, quietly listening to the unexpected performance.

Even Lan Yongyu and her companions, who had been chatting nearby, found themselves captivated.

When the song ended, Lan Ledao was the first to applaud. “That was incredible! Mr. Gu’s piano playing and Miss Ruan’s singing are a perfect match—truly flawless, a real work of art!”

Lan Yongyu chuckled, teasing, “It’s rare to see Gu Xingshi and Miss Ruan share such a moment of leisure and treat us to such a performance!”

Lan Yue, who usually said very little, even chimed in, “I’ve long heard that Xingshi is quite talented. Thanks to Miss Ruan, we were able to witness it today.”

With the influential figures setting the tone, the atmosphere in the room shifted accordingly.

“Mr. Gu plays beautifully, and Miss Ruan sings wonderfully.”

“Performing in bars is perfectly normal! I wanted to do that myself when I was younger.”

“Self-reliance, truly admirable!”

Ruan Wenrou hadn’t expected the situation to turn out this way, and her expression froze in disbelief.

But in the next moment, she saw Gu Xingshi turn his gaze toward her, a smile playing on his lips—a smile that sent a chill down her spine.

“As they say, ‘what’s real can’t be faked, and what’s fake can’t be made real.’ You’ve occupied the true heiress’s place for so many years, but no matter how hard you try, you’ll never truly become her, isn’t that right?”

The room erupted in murmurs.

Ruan Wenrou’s face turned ghostly pale.

“Oh dear,” Gu Xingshi continued, feigning surprise, “did I accidentally let your secret slip out…?”