Since it was someone else’s treat, Jing Li didn’t bring his assistant along. He just told him to order whatever he wanted to eat from the hotel, with the expenses on his tab. As for Wang Lele and Zhang Shuo, they came directly from the filming site. Hearing that it was a private gathering and only the three of them were invited, they also went alone. Now, with the addition of Wu Xiaojun, his two assistants, and his manager, there were a total of seven people.
Just enough to fill up Wu Xiaojun’s nanny car.
However, since they hadn’t interacted much with Wu Xiaojun’s manager and assistants, both sides only greeted each other with polite smiles and didn’t engage in much conversation. Most of the chatting in the car was done by Wu Xiaojun with Jing Li and the other two.
And so, they arrived at the restaurant.
Coincidentally, this restaurant was the same private restaurant where Jing Li and Gu Tingshen had been photographed by paparazzi before. However, this time, Wu Xiaojun had reserved a private room in the back, with windows directly facing a large river, effectively eliminating the possibility of being photographed.
“I checked before, and this is the only place near the studio with the best confidentiality, and the dishes taste great too, so I booked it here,” Wu Xiaojun said with a smile to everyone. Then, he smiled at Jing Li as if casually and said, “I also saw that Jing-laoshi had posted photos of eating here before. It looked so delicious that I’ve been wanting to come and taste it for myself.”
These words seemed casual, but they were subtle flattery to Jing Li in two ways. One was expressing that he often paid attention to Jing Li’s Weibo, and the other was acknowledging Jing Li’s taste in food.
Jing Li still had his previous doubts in his heart, so upon hearing this, he only smiled without saying anything.
Wang Lele, hearing this, also only glanced at Wu Xiaojun and remained silent.
The others, however, echoed in agreement with smiles. Among them, Zhang Shuo, who had recently entered the circle and didn’t detect any ulterior motives and inwardly admired Jing Li, was the most enthusiastic. Almost as soon as Wu Xiaojun finished speaking, he nodded with a solemn expression and said, “Wu-ge’s words hit the nail on the head! Jing-ge’s ability to make people drool is simply amazing!”
“Every time I see those photos he posts, I drool uncontrollably. The most frustrating part is that he always posts them either during meal times or late at night! It makes me drool over the pictures while having to resist hunger and diet to maintain my figure! Only those who have experienced it know how it feels!”
As Zhang Shuo spoke, it seemed as if he recalled his own miserable state at that time. His facial expressions were particularly rich. Coupled with his subconscious action of swallowing saliva, it instantly made the whole room burst into laughter.
Even Wang Lele couldn’t help but be amused by him. “This is the first time I’ve seen someone find an excuse for their own gluttony and describe it so poetically!”
“Well, now you’ve upgraded. You no longer have to drool over pictures; you can directly drool over the real thing!” Jing Li also joked with him.
“Hahaha, then you better eat more later! Wu-ge’s got you covered tonight!” Wu Xiaojun also laughed and responded.
With that, everyone erupted into laughter once again.
After a round of banter, the atmosphere in the room instantly livened up.
As the host of this gathering, Wu Xiaojun warmly invited everyone to take their seats and then informed the waiter that they could start serving the dishes.
“I didn’t know what everyone liked, so I just randomly ordered some dishes first. If there’s anything else you want to eat later, feel free to order more. Don’t hold back,” Wu Xiaojun said with a smile to everyone. Then he added, “Shall we have some drinks?”
“I had someone bring over a bottle of red wine earlier, thinking that since we rarely come out to relax, we could drink a little in moderation.”
With that, Wu Xiaojun looked at Jing Li again and said with a smile, “But Jing-laoshi still has scenes to film tomorrow morning. If you don’t want to drink, I also ordered two freshly squeezed juices. You can try them later.”
Wu Xiaojun’s preferential treatment was too obvious, but because of Jing Li’s status, even if the others knew it in their hearts, they didn’t say much and instead echoed in agreement with a smile.
However, Jing Li clearly detected a different undertone.
Just like what the other party had said earlier at the hotel, in addition to his concern for him, there seemed to be something else.
Jing Li even had a feeling that the other party wasn’t actually afraid of him delaying the next day’s filming but was simply afraid of him getting drunk.
The feeling of doubt from before became even more apparent. Jing Li glanced at Wu Xiaojun again but didn’t respond.
“It’s okay if I drink less,” Jing Li said with a smile. “But everyone should also control themselves. Don’t we all have scenes to film tomorrow afternoon? Don’t affect your condition.”
Seeing him say this, Wu Xiaojun pursed his lips and looked at him, but didn’t say anything further. He responded with a smile and then had the waiter bring up the decanted red wine, personally pouring it for everyone at the table.
He then took the lead in raising his glass to toast everyone present.
The others naturally also raised their glasses and drank with him to show respect.
Putting down the glass, the dishes on the table were also served. While inviting everyone to eat, Wu Xiaojun stood up again with his wine glass in hand.
“I’d like to give a separate toast to Jing-laoshi,” Wu Xiaojun said with a sincere smile. “Thank you, Jing-laoshi, for your help and care in the crew, which has benefited me greatly.”
Jing Li glanced at him and also stood up with a smile, raising his glass.
“Jing-laoshi, please remain seated.”
Wu Xiaojun hurriedly called out, but Jing Li still stood up. Seeing that his dissuasion was in vain, Wu Xiaojun didn’t stop him further and continued his unfinished words, “Jing-laoshi, you may not know, but I’ve always been particularly fond of you.”
When saying this, Wu Xiaojun looked straight into Jing Li’s eyes, his tone especially serious, taking the opportunity to express his feelings. The look in his eyes was also somewhat complex at the moment.
But that was the extent of it. He didn’t dare reveal too much. After finishing his words, he quickly added, “Whether it’s Jing-laoshi’s dedication to acting or his gentle and gentlemanly conduct in daily life, I feel there are many aspects worthy of my learning.”
“I also know that I actually have many shortcomings and many areas where I don’t do well. I hope Jing-laoshi can be more tolerant.”
These words were spoken sincerely, and the others indeed only thought he was expressing his admiration without any suspicion.
But only Wu Xiaojun himself knew that these words were not merely an expression of admiration but also a confession of his inner feelings. It was also an obscure way of taking the opportunity to express the guilt in his heart and desperately hoping from the bottom of his heart that the other party wouldn’t be completely disappointed in him after learning the truth.
Faced with his emotional outburst and obvious attempts to make a good impression, Jing Li was also quite touched.
Not because he was moved, but because he intuitively felt that Wu Xiaojun’s words seemed to be hinting at something. Coupled with the previous events, Jing Li vaguely sensed that Wu Xiaojun indeed wanted to convey something to him but didn’t dare to be too explicit due to some misgivings in his heart.
But his ambiguous attitude made it difficult for Jing Li to discern his intentions for the time being, instead making him even more suspicious of Wu Xiaojun’s behavior and even starting to doubt the purpose of him organizing this gathering.
However, without conclusive evidence, all of this was merely his speculation.
Therefore, even though he had already become vigilant, in order not to startle the snake, Jing Li’s expression remained calm, pretending to know nothing.
“No one is born perfect, but those who strive for their dreams and goals should be respected,” Jing Li thought for a moment and said, “Even if there are flaws and shortcomings, they are part of growing self-awareness and motivation for improvement.”
“And I think you’ve already done very well.” Saying that, Jing Li took the initiative to raise his glass towards Wu Xiaojun. “May you have a promising future.”
Those who strive for their dreams and goals should be respected…
So even if they occasionally do something at all costs, it can be forgiven?
Wu Xiaojun was stunned for a moment, thinking he had realized something in his mind. When he raised his eyes again, he instantly smiled with relief and pleasure. “Thank you, Jing-laoshi.”
“I’ll finish this drink. You take your time.”
With that, Wu Xiaojun tilted his head back and downed the wine in one go.
Jing Li also smiled and took a sip.
Then he sat down.
Just as Wu Xiaojun was about to speak again, he suddenly heard his phone ring.
He apologized to everyone and took out his phone to take a look.
Jing Li saw his hand holding the phone instantly tighten, and his peripheral vision seemed to glance in his direction. But before he could see clearly, he saw the other party already take his phone and stand up to go outside the private room to answer the call.
Jing Li also withdrew his gaze.
A moment later, Wu Xiaojun came in from outside, his face showing a bit of embarrassment as he looked at Jing Li and the other two. “Sorry everyone, um, I have a friend who said he came to the studio and wants to come find me to catch up. Would you mind having one more person?”
Without waiting for anyone to speak, he added, “He’s also in the entertainment industry and just happened to come here to shoot a movie.”
He paused, looked at Jing Li, hesitated for a moment, but still said, “He also heard that Jing-laoshi is here with me and wants to come over to get acquainted with you first.”
Hearing him deliberately mention Jing Li, the others who were still thinking about it also looked at Jing Li in unison.
Jing Li also raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Me?”
“Yes, he said that he coincidentally plays a role in ‘Immortal Path’ with you, the one who plays the second male lead, Zhang Weixi.”
Jing Li thought for a moment. It seemed there was indeed such a person. Since the other party had already said so, it wasn’t good for him to say too much.
Moreover, he had a hunch that all of Wu Xiaojun’s abnormalities tonight and the purpose of this gathering were perhaps paving the way for this person’s arrival.
And he was never one to avoid things. Since someone had set their sights on him, naturally there was no reason not to meet them.
So, he smiled slightly and indicated that he had no issue with it.
Wang Lele, on the other hand, frowned and glanced at Jing Li. After receiving Jing Li’s reassuring gaze, he also didn’t say anything.
The others naturally wouldn’t have any objections since Jing Li had already said so.
Wu Xiaojun then apologized again with a smile, calling the waiter to add a chair while taking out his phone to make a show of calling the other person, and then went out of the private room again.
Since someone was coming, it naturally wasn’t good for the people at the table to start eating. The others simply started chatting idly.
Fortunately, the guest came quickly, arriving in just over ten minutes.
As Wu Xiaojun pushed open the door of the private room again, there was an additional person behind him.
Wu Xiaojun had an apologetic smile on his face, apologizing to everyone while stepping aside to fully reveal the person behind him to everyone’s eyes, and took the initiative to introduce the other party’s name.
Zhang Weixi’s face had appeared on the screen quite often, and his fame was not low. Even if the people present were not familiar with him, they had seen him before, so they all greeted him with a smile.
Wu Xiaojun led Zhang Weixi to his seat while introducing everyone present to him.
As the person with the highest status here, Jing Li was naturally the first to be introduced.
And in the face of Jing Li, Zhang Weixi’s attitude was also the most enthusiastic, even to the point of being a bit excessive.
“Jing-laoshi, I’ve long admired your great name!” Zhang Weixi smiled sincerely and extended both hands towards him, as if he couldn’t wait to shake hands with him.
However, Jing Li didn’t extend his hand. Instead, he clenched one hand into a fist and placed the other on top, shaking it up and down towards him as a greeting. His smile was gentle as he said, “I’m far away on this side, so I won’t bother stretching over. Welcome, and I hope we’ll have a pleasant collaboration in the future.”
His words and actions all seemed normal, as if he hadn’t noticed anything unusual, let alone the dense black fog-like substance enveloping the other party’s body, especially his hands.
Zhang Weixi quietly observed his expression for a few seconds, not detecting anything unusual, and then smiled and said it was alright, turning to look at the others as Wu Xiaojun introduced them.
But Jing Li clearly saw that on his retracted hand, the originally dense black fog instantly faded, and eventually, even the black fog surrounding his body receded, leaving only a small patch on top of his head.
It was also because of this that he saw that not only was Zhang Weixi’s head surrounded by black fog, but there was also a layer of pure yet thin spiritual energy wrapped in the middle. However, the two were not compatible, repelling and devouring each other.
In just a moment, the spiritual energy was consumed a little by the dense black fog, becoming even thinner.
Jing Li lowered his eyes, concealing the look in them, but in his heart, he became even more vigilant towards the person in front of him.
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