Chapter 136: How Did This Person Become So Stubborn? (2/4)

Beijing Film and Television Base.

Su Mu held a bouquet of flowers, basking in the praise and farewells of the crew. Since returning from the Moqiang region, the filming of *Ghost Blowing the Lamp* had been smooth sailing. Moreover, everyone in the crew had developed a profound sense of respect for him. After all, it was common knowledge that Su Mu was a master. To this day, they still could not forget the time he had unearthed an ancient tomb with a single strike of his shovel.

Recently, similar themes had become trendy online, which only made people feel that Su Mu was even more mysterious. This was especially true regarding the web novel *Tomb Exploration Notes*, which had sparked heated discussions among readers immediately upon its release. While the theme was very similar to *Ghost Blowing the Lamp*, the plot was different, yet it felt imbued with a sense of reality. Initially, many believed that Su Mu’s ancestors might have been Tomb Raiders. Now, some even speculated that he was a descendant of the "Old Nine Gates." Regardless, the internet was full of conflicting theories, but whenever this genre was mentioned, it seemed inevitably linked to Su Mu.

"Thank you, everyone. Since we have wrapped up, I would like to say a few words..."
[Speech Proficiency +1]
[Skill Points +0.01...]

In the distance, Xu Jiang watched Su Mu addressing the crew. Being experienced, he did not step forward. Over the past two months, he had been subjected to quite a bit of torture; almost every time he approached Su Mu to discuss the script, he was forced to listen to "a few words." But those few words would inevitably turn into a thirty-minute lecture. Who could endure that? As a result, Xu Jiang had developed a conditioned reflex: whenever he heard Su Mu start to speak, he wanted to flee the scene. He genuinely admired the people on Su Mu’s work team—how on earth did they manage to survive listening to him every single day?

"Yo, you've wrapped up?" A voice came from behind.
Xu Jiang turned around, then paused, "Old Jin, what are you doing here?"
Old Jin smiled, "Nothing, just passing by and thought I’d take a look."
Xu Jiang nodded, "Well, it’s finally wrapped up. Once the post-production team finishes the special effects, it’ll be ready for release. You can withdraw as a partner and be free of this burden."

Old Jin looked ahead, his heart a mix of complicated emotions. In truth, he had been very concerned about the crew’s progress during this time and had seen all the trending topics regarding Su Mu. Given current trends, he understood better than anyone that Xu Jiang was likely about to make a comeback with this film. Currently, the internet was only discussing three things: the box office for the New Year season, the controversy between Lin Haoming and Su Mu, and the rising popularity of the tomb-exploration genre. Su Mu was involved in the latter two.

The popularity of many tomb-exploration works had made people see the direction of the wind. However, there was a saying: the early bird gets the worm. The one who stakes their claim first usually holds a massive advantage. Because Su Mu possessed actual relevant skills, he had already become the public’s go-to person for tomb exploration before the show even aired. From this perspective, paying Su Mu fifty million for the lead role was reasonable. Yet, having already spoken his piece, Old Jin now had to swallow his words. Even though he felt a bit of regret, he didn't know how to bring it up. However, he knew Xu Jiang was a pushover. If he kept pushing, there might be room for a turnaround.

Old Jin sighed, "Old Xu, don't blame me. I actually..."
Xu Jiang shook his head, "Old Jin, we’ve known each other for so many years; there’s no need for that. Actually, I’m grateful you stuck it out for as long as you did. With Su Mu’s help, I’m sure this film will be a huge success. You’ll get your share; I won’t let you leave empty-handed."

"..." Old Jin froze, his expression one of surprise. He thought the first half of that sentence meant Xu Jiang was going to ask him to stay, but the second half had blocked the path and opened the door, effectively telling him where the station was to leave. The old Xu Jiang would never have said such things. Thinking that Xu Jiang might completely revitalize Jianghe Film and Television through this film, Old Jin remained unwilling to let go. "Xu Jiang, after all these years of friendship, I’ve reflected on things these past few days. I shouldn't have doubted you. But I’ve realized now that since I chose to partner with you, I should have trusted you unconditionally. I believe we can achieve even greater development in the future..."

"Old Jin," Xu Jiang interrupted.
See? He must be softening up, Old Jin thought excitedly, "Ah Jiang!"
Xu Jiang continued, "Old Jin, it’s time to go. I’ve already found a new partner."
Old Jin: "...!?"
He was stunned. Damn it, he was pouring his heart out, and Xu Jiang told him he had found a new lover? Who! Who on earth was it?! Old Jin was filled with resentment; he wanted to ask who the shameless person was that had replaced him.

Just then, Su Mu finished his speech and walked over with his bouquet.
Su Mu: "Yo, chatting?"
Xu Jiang smiled, "Oh, congratulations on the wrap-up, Su Mu. By the way, let me introduce you. This is Old Jin, the former partner of Jianghe Film and Television." As he spoke, Xu Jiang turned to Old Jin, "Old Jin, this is Su Mu."
Old Jin smiled broadly, "We’ve met, we’ve met! Don't you remember? I was there the first time he came to the company."
Xu Jiang: "Oh, I know. But he has another identity: my new partner."
Old Jin: "Huh? He..."
Looking at Su Mu, Old Jin was speechless. He never expected Xu Jiang to take on a celebrity as a partner, especially one as red-hot as Su Mu. Wouldn’t Jianghe Film and Television soar like a phoenix on this tree?
Old Jin: "Xu Jiang, I haven't officially withdrawn yet. I can choose to stay at any time."
Xu Jiang: "Oh, then you stay. I'm withdrawing."
Old Jin: "..."

At that moment, the look Old Jin gave Xu Jiang was filled with question marks. Why did Xu Jiang seem so different now? Wasn't he supposed to be a pushover? Why had he become so firm? It felt as though Xu Jiang hadn't listened to a word he said; otherwise, he surely would have been moved.

In reality, Old Jin was right. Xu Jiang hadn't listened. His ears were calloused from Su Mu’s speeches, and he didn't want to listen to anyone anymore.
Su Mu: "Director Xu, I’ve been thinking, regarding the partnership proposal I mentioned last time, let me elaborate a bit more... this..."
Xu Jiang: "..."
Old Jin: "???"

...

After *Ghost Blowing the Lamp* wrapped up, Su Mu returned to his hotel after a simple farewell. He would be staying in Beijing for a while longer because there was still the promotional work for the show, and he needed to follow up on the New Year film project with Zhang Huaimou. As for being Xu Jiang's partner, that was something Su Mu had proposed a long time ago. He had asked Xu Jiang about his understanding of idol dramas, and to his surprise, Xu Jiang’s answer had been concise: "Pretentiousness." This impressed Su Mu; he hadn't expected someone as seasoned as Xu Jiang to have such deep insights into idol dramas. To be precise, Su Mu didn't just want to partner with Xu Jiang; he wanted to collaborate and see if they could try their hand at filming an idol drama. Xu Jiang had naturally agreed. If there was a show to be made and he didn't have to worry about securing investments, why not?

Back at the hotel, Qian Jida held his phone with an indignant look.
Su Mu: "Director Qian, what’s wrong?"
Qian Jida: "You haven't checked Weibo yet, have you? Lin Haoming posted a status. He’s clearly gloating after taking advantage of the situation."
Su Mu smiled, "So what?"
Qian Jida: "He’s taking shots at you. Can you tolerate that?"

Su Mu took out his phone and checked Weibo.
[Lin Haoming V: A small harvest this year, though I feel it lacks the passion and drive of previous years. The 500 million is the result of everyone's hard work, but it is not my destination. I hope those who follow will work harder and put some pressure on those of us in the front; that is the only way to find the motivation to reach the peak.]

Su Mu laughed after reading it. Lin Haoming was truly arrogant. The post was filled with the attitude of a victor, clearly aimed at Su Mu, implying he didn't believe Su Mu had the ability to threaten him. Su Mu had no intention of responding on Weibo. In his view, such long-distance trash talk was meaningless; it was better to confront someone face-to-face. However, since someone was being so arrogant right in front of him, there was no need to hold back.

He took out his phone and sent a WeChat message to Zhang Huaimou...