Under the tough repression of the iron-masked instructor, the news that Tao Mu led a group of police students to go to a nightclub was no longer discussed in the police academy. However, outside the police academy, the news of the police students skipping classes to dance in nightclubs still aroused the concern and controversy of the citizens of Hong Kong.
Some people felt that the behavior of the young police students sneaking out to nightclubs was very Hong Kong style, and even reminded them of the past when they skipped class and sneaked out to play in their school days. These people were tolerant of the mischievous behavior of the police students. However, there were also some people who liked to make a big deal out of nothing, and thought that this kind of action was completely smearing the glorious image of the Hong Kong police—if they couldn't strictly abide by the school rules during school, then what would happen when they become official police in the future? As the citizens of Hong Kong, how could they rest assured when their lives and safety were in the hands of these people.
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"The Hong Kong police are here to protect the people of Hong Kong. Being so playful at a young age, how could you handle responsibilities in the future?"
"What the hell. The police going to bars to pick up girls, are they so idle? It's a waste of taxpayers' money."
"Doing this will make us lose confidence in the future of the Hong Kong police."
Faced with this kind of vitriolic remarks, many netizens disagreed. Even the official police have the right to relax in a bar after getting off work, not to mention the younger and more playful police students. If only because of this incident, they would lose confidence in the Hong Kong police. Then the hearts of those citizens were just a little too fragile.
However, in any case, the behavior of the police students skipping classes to go clubbing had caused a lot of negative comments. In the end, even the Hong Kong Police Department was alarmed. The Commissioner of Police personally called the Hong Kong Royal Police Academy to inquire about the cause and effect of the incident.
When the school officials gave Tao Mu a leave of absence, they didn't expect this matter to become so loud and serious. The principal of the police academy was so overwhelmed yet he had to explain the whole thing to his superiors.
—However, whether it was skipping class to go to a nightclub, or taking a leave to go to a nightclub, it was not so pleasant to talk about. In fact, even the latter was more troublesome to speak out. Faced with this embarrassing situation, the Hong Kong Police Department could only severely criticize the practice of the Royal Hong Kong Police Academy. It was believed that the decision of the police academy lacked consideration, which had brought a great negative impact on the glorious image of the Hong Kong police.
The principal of the police academy did not expect things to turn out like this. In fact, he had felt nothing wrong with giving Tao Mu the leave note at the beginning—just like the iron-masked instructor said, it did not violate the school rules, nor the laws of Hong Kong. But now, the behavior of the police students going clubbing at a nightclub had affected the image of the Hong Kong police. When the superiors investigated them, the police academy could only bear the blame.
Inside the school, under the strong suppression of the instructors, no one had discussed the gossip anymore, but in the spare time when the instructors were not aware of it, it was now secretly spread among the police students. The main thing was to complain about Jiang Jingwen's non-compliance with the school's regulations. The matter had become too big and discredited the entire Hong Kong police circle, yet the school actually wanted to cover up the rumors among the police students.
Tao Mu noticed these public opinions immediately. It was he who proposed to ask for leave from the police academy and take the police students to go clubbing. Now that the situation was so serious, although neither the school nor the police students blamed him, Tao Mu was not one to hide and let others clean up the mess when he got into trouble.
Tao Mu immediately contacted Xu Musen, the director of "Black and White". The two discussed in the restaurant for an afternoon and finalized the preliminary crisis public relations plan. Then, Tao Mu took Director Xu Musen to visit the principal of the police academy.
The principal of the police academy had just been scolded by his boss, and he still didn't know how to deal with these vitriolic public opinions. When he saw Tao Mu, he did not bother to put on a good face. He now deeply regretted that he even agreed to let Tao Mu come to the police academy to experience life—without Tao Mu, so many things would not have happened. He didn't have to be scolded by his superiors, and those police students wouldn't have brought shame to the Hong Kong police.
"What are you doing here?" The police academy principal's face was ugly. But then he said, "But you're just in time. I happen to have something to announce to CEO Tao. I believe that CEO Tao should have heard of it. Now the outside world is talking about the matter of the police students skipping class to go clubbing, and they all think that such a move seriously tarnishes the glorious image of the Hong Kong police."
"With such a big incident, I have to admit that the police academy's decision to allow CEO Tao to experience life here was a little ill-considered. Therefore, after careful consideration, our Academic Affairs Office had decided to cancel the qualifications of CEO Tao and another classmate. I hope CEO Tao can understand our decisions and cooperate with our work."
Tao Mu smiled slightly and said, "I understand. The news of the police students skipping class to go clubbing has indeed made some people in Hong Kong feel a little uneasy about the future of the Hong Kong police. I didn't expect those gossip paparazzi to be such sensationalists. Calling the police academy's actions to cooperate with the filming of "Black and White" like this. This was also my ill-consideration."
When the principal of the police academy heard this, he snorted coldly: "It's good that you know—"
But before he could finish speaking, the principal of the police academy suddenly reacted. He raised his eyebrows and asked, "What did you say, the police academy cooperating with the "Black and White" crew to film?"
"That's right." Tao Mu nodded slightly and said meaningfully: "Everyone knows that the reason why I came to Hong Kong Police Academy to experience life is because I play a Hong Kong police officer in the movie "Black and White". But I am from Beijing, I have never been to Hong Kong before, and I have never been in contact with the Hong Kong police. So I was very worried that I would not be able to play this role. Fortunately, the Hong Kong Royal Police Academy was helpful and not only allowed me to come to the academy to experience life, but was also willing to cooperate with the "Black and White" crew to film together. The scene in the bar before was just a rehearsal before we officially started filming."
When Tao Mu said this, he paused slightly. Looking directly at the principal of the police academy, he got straight to the point: "Leading the police students to go clubbing, thus smearing the image of the Hong Kong police. This was my mistake, and I can't shirk the blame. I understand why the school would want to take away my visiting student qualifications half way through and I can leave. But I hope that this matter can be resolved satisfactorily before I do so. I don't want the Hong Kong Royal Police Academy to be accused and questioned by those people in Hong Kong who don't know the truth because of me. At least they should know that the Hong Kong police have always been helpful and dedicated to the people."
The face of the principal of the police academy softened slightly. But he still spoke unforgivingly, and snorted coldly: "You say it lightly. Do you think the people of Hong Kong will believe this explanation? Even if they really believe it, wouldn't it be more absurd if the police academy actually helped a film crew make a movie?"
"On the contrary. I think it's a very rare opportunity to work with the "Black and White" crew to promote the positive image of the Hong Kong police." Tao Mu said with a smile: "Actually, in recent years, Hong Kong has also made many films and television dramas about the city's police. However, these films and television dramas rarely receive the support and technical guidance of the Hong Kong police. This time, Director Xu has invited many A-list superstars from both sides of the strait and Taiwan to film "Black and White". With large investment and large production, if it could be produced with the guidance of the Hong Kong police during the action scenes, the technicality of the film would be higher. I think this is very positive publicity for both of us."
Xu Musen was also persuaded by Tao Mu's words. Hearing this, he took the initiative to take over the conversation and said, "If the police academy agrees, we can gather the cast members and enter the police academy together to receive technical guidance from the instructors before starting the filming."
The principal of the police academy was moved. He had to admit that this inquiry about the police students skipping class and going clubbing had a great negative impact on the police academy. The principal of the police academy was also having a headache about how to resolve this crisis. However, the police academy was not a professional public relations company no matter what was said and done. In the face of such a crisis, the only thing the principal of the police academy could think of besides suspending the visiting student experience was to punish the police students involved. However, such measures have little effect on the current situation of public opinion.
But if, according to Tao Mu's idea, the police academy and the "Black and White" crew do the publicity together, it would be different. No matter how effective this publicity stunt was, at least the crisis of the police students skipping classes to go clubbing could be resolved. Moreover, letting the crew of "Black and White" and many celebrities from across the three lands enter the police academy for training would also bring more people to pay attention to the Royal Hong Kong Police Academy…..
Tao Mu picked up on the other's good mood and proposed again: "If the school is willing to come forward and coordinate, we can actually invite the instructors of the Flying Tigers to serve as the martial arts and technical guidance to the film. Even in the final action part of the film, we can also invite the Flying Tigers to personally participate in the filming. I think this stunt will definitely attract the attention of the people in Hong Kong. After the film is released, everyone can see with their own eyes how agile and extraordinary the Flying Tigers are in reality. I think the people of Hong Kong will feel more at ease and satisfied with their living environment after seeing the heroic figures of the Hong Kong police with their own eyes. It will also help shape the glorious image of the Hong Kong police in the minds of the people."
The principal of the police academy didn't say a word, but Tao Mu knew he had already successfully persuaded him and was very excited about this suggestion. However, when it came to the mobilization of the Flying Tigers, the principal of the police academy could not make the decision. He could only call the Hong Kong Police Department, and tactfully explain that the whole thing was not what the gossip tabloids wrote—it was just that the Hong Kong Police Academy was cooperating with the crew to film an accurate portrayal of the Hong Kong police.
Of course, the Hong Kong Police Department knew that all this was just an excuse by the principal of the police academy. However, with such a big mistake, things must be resolved in some way. As Tao Mu said, cooperating with the crew to promote the film was the best solution.
Now that the matter had come to this point, there was no suspense as to what decision the Police Dept. would make. The Commissioner of Police personally approved the academy principal's proposal.
On the afternoon of the same day, the Royal Hong Kong Police Academy and the "Black and White" crew jointly held a press conference. Explaining to all the media and the people of Hong Kong that the news that "police students skipping classes to go clubbing" was a misunderstanding. The students of the Hong Kong Royal Police Academy were responsible for protecting the people of Hong Kong, and they would never do anything that violated the school rules. As for the previous news in the gossip papers, it was only the rehearsal of the Hong Kong Police Academy in cooperation with the crew before the actual filming.
And those police students who were filmed were actually all cast members of the cast of "Black and White". They were the image ambassadors sent by the Royal Hong Kong Police Academy in order to cooperate with the crew to promote the image of the police. They were all young police students who performed exceptionally well during classes.
In addition, as the chief director of the "Black and White" crew, Xu Musen also personally announced at the press conference that the crew would hire the instructors of the Hong Kong Flying Tigers as the crew's action and technical guidance, and would gather the main cast of actors to enter the police academy for training before the filming.
After the press conference, the Hong Kong entertainment circle was in an uproar. The people of Hong Kong, who had stirred up a lot of controversy over this matter, no longer struggled with the old news of whether the police students should go to bars or not. One by one, they firmly believe that these gossips were definitely hype and publicity created by the "Black and White" crew and the Hong Kong police.
Of course, there were more people who were looking forward to the cooperation between the "Black and White" crew and the police.
Inside the school, he originally thought that he was about to face a big disaster, but Jiang Jingwen, who was tremblingly waiting for the school's punishment with the police students who went to the club together that night, were instantly stunned.
The police academy in cooperation with the crew to promote the film? We are all police students sent by the police academy to act in the crew? Why didn't we know this kind of thing?
On the other side, Zhong Chengzhi and the others who were still gloating over this incident immediately became indignant. They felt that it was especially unfair. Why did Jiang Jingwen and those who violated the school rules get to participate in the filming on behalf of the police academy? And instead, well-behaved students like them were punished?
All of this must be the scheming of the mastermind Tao Mu. It was just too much that this guy even engaged in these scandalous actions of creating factions within the police academy.
Zhong Chengzhi and the other police students were indignant. They felt that the school was biased. The more they thought about it, the more angry they became, and there were a few impulsive people who couldn't resist it anymore and even questioned the instructors during training.
"It's not fair!" Zhong Chengzhi stared at the instructor with red eyes: "Why are the police officers who get to participate in the filming on behalf of the police academy all those who are usually close to Tao Mu? If the police academy really wants to recommend excellent police students to participate in the filming we can completely hold a competition. If we lose, we can also be convinced of the loss. But now, we are eliminated without even knowing the selection criteria. I am not convinced!"
This was to represent the police academy and even the Hong Kong police, acting together with a group of A-list celebrities from both sides of the strait and Taiwan! Just think of the honor and limelight! But they couldn't even touch the edges of the limelight. How could they be convinced? Why were all the good things taken away by those students who were willing to curry favor with Tao Mu? Everyone was a student of the police academy here, and the selection should be fair.
The iron-masked instructor remained expressionless. He also knew the cause and effect of the whole thing. It was just a stopgap solution to the public relations crisis, how could there be so many whys.
The iron-masked instructor only felt that since Tao Mu and Shen Yu came to experience life at the police academy, the police students, who had already been difficult to teach, became more and more difficult to deal with. He was very unhappy.
The displeased iron-masked instructor simply pushed the pot to Tao Mu: "It was Tao Mu who persuaded the police academy and even the Hong Kong police to join hands with the "Black and White" crew for publicity. The whole plan was also made by Tao Mu. The choice of actors was also suggested by Tao Mu to the school after inspection. Tao Mu believed that the students' acting skills and image were suitable for the film. The school also believed that the candidates Tao Mu gave were excellent and could represent the image of the police academy. If you have any questions, you can ask Tao Mu yourself."
The iron-masked instructor refused to even call Tao Mu's student number, just calling him by his first name. After hearing this, all the police students looked at each other in dismay. The iron-masked instructor was right, no matter how much they questioned the school's decision, they couldn't refute the fact that the police students who skipped class and went clubbing with Tao Mu that day were all outstanding students in the top ten during the daily assessments. If the school determined that these students could represent the image of the police academy. At least in terms of test scores, they have no way to refute it.
As for Tao Mu's recommendation—Tao Mu would of course recommend people who got along well with him. Was there any doubt about this?
They usually didn't get along well with Tao Mu, and they were even jealous of Tao Mu, a visiting student, who actually performed better than them in the daily assessments and training. They also often spoke ill of Tao Mu behind his back. If they were Tao Mu, they would definitely make the same choice.
After a long silence, some people subconsciously looked at Shen Yu.
As for bowing their heads and ingratiating themselves with Tao Mu or something, everyone was young, with strong self-esteem and thin skin, and they would definitely not be able to do such a thing. But Tao Mu was not the only one in the crew of "Black and White". In contrast, Shen Yu even brought capital into the crew.
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Shen Yu's words must be more powerful than that of Tao Mu's who only played a small supporting role. They want to join the crew to film, they want to get in touch with those big names, and maybe even ask for autographs or a group photo. They didn't have to go the way of Tao Mu. They could just beg Shen Yu, they usually treated Shen Yu so well, and Shen Yu would definitely speak for them.
Shen Yu, who had finally recovered from his twisted ankle and was standing obediently in line waiting for training, blinked blankly: Why were they all looking at him?
Because of the cooperation and promotion between the "Black and White" crew and the police, the celebrities who had police scenes in the movie freed a few days out of their body schedule in advance to accept the guidance of the police instructors. Experience police academy life for themselves.
As one of the male protagonists, film king Yan Sheng also rushed over from Shanghai.
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The day Yan Sheng entered the police academy happened to be Saturday. Tao Mu and Shen Yu were training with the police students when they heard a commotion from the other side of the field. Film king Yan Sheng, who was wearing sunglasses and a mask, was surrounded by more than a dozen assistants as he walked towards this side. Following behind him were several reporters taking pictures.
As a super A-list superstar with both popularity and acting skills in the circle, Yan Sheng's aura was of course very sufficient. He walked straight to the instructor, took off his sunglasses and mask, saluted the instructor with a very standard Hong Kong police salute when facing the superior, and said loudly, "Reporting to the instructor, Yan Sheng is here to report in."
The iron-masked instructor, who had been notified long ago, nodded his head expressionlessly and replied, "Line up at the back of the team."
"Yes, sir." Yan Sheng stood upright and ran to the back of the team to stand.
Several bigwigs who also played senior inspectors in the movie stood on the side and smirked. Because of the plot setting, they didn't have any fight scenes during the filming, so they didn't need to train with the police students.
The police students who never thought they could train with a superstar were immediately excited. Even the instructor, who had always been stern and unsmiling, became more and more energetic when he shouted drills, with cadence. The spirit of the entire Hong Kong Royal Police Academy suddenly became more impassioned.
In order to achieve the best publicity effect, Director Xu Musen also invited several media to enter the police academy for interviews. These reporters stood on the field with cameras in their hands. Since Yan Sheng entered the police academy, they took many pictures of celebrities training with police students and interacting with them during breaks. And then they found something fishy—
For example, there seemed to be some disagreement between Shen Yu and Tao Mu. To be precise, Tao Mu one-sidedly avoided Shen Yu; for example, Tao Mu seemed to be very athletic, and his grades in fighting class were actually higher than some police students; another example was film king Yan Sheng seemed to treat that Shen Yu very well. Because when the break time came, Shen Yu rushed to Yan Sheng's side like a little sparrow fluttering into his arms, and also pulled Yan Sheng to introduce to the surrounding police students.
"I really didn't expect that the relationship between film king Yan Sheng and Shen Yu would be so good." Jiang Jingwen and the others looked enviously at film king Yan Sheng who was surrounded by Zhong Chengzhi and the others asking for autographs and photos. The other still smiled gently like a spring breeze, approachable to the point of not having any superstar airs.
In contrast, the other two who were also superstars in Hong Kong, but because their looks and popularity were not comparable to Yan Sheng, just stood on the side without anyone caring.
However, for professionals like Tao Mu, there were not many opportunities to ask such veteran actors for acting skill tips.
So Tao Mu sidled forward with a smile, put on a standard junior attitude, and said hello with admiration: "Teacher Wang, Teacher Luo, it's the first time we met, my name is Tao Mu. I liked the works of the two teachers very much. During the filming, I hope the two teachers could give me some advice."
After speaking, Tao Mu bowed solemnly to Wang Jinsheng and Luo Daming.
The standard newcomer image. Very good and polite.
The two veteran actors who were watching the excitement looked at each other and smiled. One opened his mouth and said, "Although we are meeting for the first time, we have already heard about CEO Tao's name. Recently, the front page of the Hong Kong newspaper has been nothing but your news."
Tao Mu smiled and said, "The two teachers can just call me by my name. Investing and entrepreneurship is just my hobby. Even if I accidentally became a CEO, it's just a part-time job. Acting is my main career, and I am still a junior and rookie. I hope the seniors could give me some advice."
Hearing these words, the two veteran actors instantly chuckled. They didn't expect that this kid was not only prideful, but also quite humorous.
"It's fine to give you some pointers in regards to acting. But do you know how to play cards?"
Wang Jinsheng and Luo Daming were also humorous and playful people, and they love to play cards. The Hong Kong gossip tabloids often report the news that the two big names would play cards in between filming. After Tao Mu signed with the crew, he collected the temperament and preferences of the actors in the crew in a targeted manner, and combined with his memories of his previous life, it was not difficult to endear himself to them.
"Is it playing mahjong? I only know how to play Beijing style." Tao Mu said calmly.
"Then it's fine. It's playing cards, you can master all the types if you know just one, but the gameplay is just a little bit different. You young people, with a flexible mind and good memory, can easily learn it." Luo Daming said with a smile: "We can play cards together if there's time. If you beat us. We'll not hold back on whatever you want to ask."
While they were talking, Yan Sheng, who was surrounded by a group of people, took the initiative to come over. He first greeted the two veteran actors, and then said to Tao Mu with a smile: "I said before, I look forward to working with you. Having an opportunity this time, I hope we can work together happily."
Tao Mu also looked at Yan Sheng with a smile: "I'm also looking forward to cooperating with film king Yan."
As soon as these words came out, the two veteran actors suddenly felt that something was wrong. Although outside the circle, fans and even gossip paparazzi often call this film king and that film queen, but when people inside the circle meet, they rarely call them that in person. Just like when Tao Mu greeted them before, he just called them teacher respectfully. In contrast, it was like this for Yan Sheng now—seemed rather like a provocation!
Yan Sheng frowned subtly, and asked very lightly, "Have I offended CEO Tao?"
"En."
Originally everyone thought that even if Tao Mu really hated Yan Sheng, he would definitely find an excuse to brush it off, or just find a random reason as a perfunctory answer.
But they didn't expect Tao Mu to nod his head honestly, and admit it with a particularly open attitude: "Although I haven't debuted yet, people always say that my acting style is similar to that of film king Yan, and there are even people who say that I am deliberately imitating film king Yan. These remarks make me uncomfortable. And I have never even met with film king Yan before now, but film king Yan's fans have been chasing after me and scolding me. Idols pay for the actions of their fans. Film king Yan has worked in the circle for so long, you should understand this truth, right?"
Knives out!
The two veteran actors raised their eyebrows secretly and looked at each other. But they could also understand Tao Mu's mentality. Except for those newcomers who deliberately want to gain popularity, no one wanted to be compared with another person, let alone come out as the weaker one himself.
Tao Mu could create a social platform with more than 100 million registered users at the age of nineteen, and was said to be a partner of an investment company. Even if such a person was usually approachable, he would inevitably have a prideful side as well.
Being compared like this, and being chased and scolded by someone's fans, if it was them, even if they didn't say it aloud, they would inevitably have grudges in their hearts.
However, it was surprising to them that Tao Mu would reveal an unhappy attitude when meeting for the first time. After all, Tao Mu was very humble just now with them. Now it seemed that Tao Mu's temper also depended on the person.
Yan Sheng probably didn't expect Tao Mu's attitude towards him to be so cold. In his impression, Tao Mu should be like a mature adult with deep sophistication, tactful methods, and a neutral mask. Now it seemed that he was still very much a temperamental child.
Yan Sheng smiled slightly, with a magnanimous attitude, and even looked at Tao Mu with a slightly doting look: "You're right, idols pay for the actions of their fans. Then let me apologize to you, is that okay?"
Putting on the same tone as one coaxing kindergarten children, it immediately made Tao Mu sick. He subconsciously took a step back, stretched out his hand to rub his arm covered with goosebumps, and reminded expressionlessly, "Film king Yan, I am nineteen years old this year, not nineteen months old!"
"Also, there is no need for film king Yan to apologize for your fans. You just need to do your best during filming."
Even film king Yan, who was always as gentle and refined as a gentleman, couldn't help but feel his smile freeze and crack on his face.
Wang Jinsheng and Luo Daming, who were standing on the side to watch the excitement, almost didn't laugh out loud. They quickly coughed twice to cover it up.
This Tao Mu's mouth was really poisonous. And it was clear that he wanted to get back at the other in terms of acting skills. No wonder he received the training so long in advance and started preparations so early. They heard old Xu say that this kid had practically filled two notebooks just for character biography and action design. It was likely that he was also waiting for this day to sharpen his knives.
Just don't know what the result would be.
Yan Sheng twitched the corners of his mouth subconsciously. He used a smile that he had practiced hundreds of times in the mirror to hide his embarrassment. He hadn't figured out how to respond when Shen Yu, who had been paying attention to the situation, came over and said politely: "Hello, I'm Shen Yu. In this movie, I will play big brother Yan's younger brother, Yan Yu. I hope everyone can give me some advice."
After a pause, Shen Yu looked at Tao Mu again, and complained with slight dissatisfaction: "Mu Mu, can you not do this? I know you hate me, but you don't have to treat my friends like this every time. Before, you rejected Chengzhi and the others, I didn't say anything. But now, big brother Yan is our senior, can't you give him the respect he deserves?"
Big brother Yan? Mu Mu?
The two veteran actors exchanged glances secretly, feeling that the amount of information in these remarks was a bit large.
When Tao Mu saw Shen Yu now, he felt a conditioned migraine coming on. Yan Sheng looked at Shen Yu with a little surprise. He didn't expect that Shen Yu, as a diehard fan of Tao Mu, would actually favor him at this time. Standing forward to help him out even at the expense of himself.
He had been in the circle for so many years, and had always been the one supporting newcomers. This was the first time that he was being supported like this by a newcomer.
"Xiao Yu, don't say anymore." Yan Sheng interrupted Shen Yu's words, and said with a smile: "CEO Tao probably has a misunderstanding about me. It doesn't matter, after spending a longer time together, CEO Tao will understand who I am."
It sounded very much like a senior who doesn't want to quibble with a junior.
Tao Mu smiled, Yan Sheng was right. There was plenty of time later!
There was another commotion on the other side of the field, Tao Mu looked over casually, and was instantly stunned.
A slender figure was walking slowly over surrounded by a crowd. Li Xiaoheng walked to Tao Mu's side and stood still, then said with a smile, "I'm here to visit the set, are you surprised?"
Of course it was a surprise!
Tao Mu politely introduced Li Xiaoheng to everyone, and after a moment of exchanging greetings, he led him to enjoy the shade under the tree and catch up as well.
"Why did you come here at this time?"
The talent show of "National God and Goddess" had reached the stage of the national competition, and the next step was the shooting of the finals and TV series. Xiaoheng Capital would also prepare the online shopping platform and electronic payment function in line with the promotion steps of the TV series. There was also the Skynet system, which also needed to be supervised by Li Xiaoheng himself. In order to do a good job in the preliminary work, Li Xiaoheng often flew to the U.S. and Europe recently to deal with the work. It was the busiest time for him, so how did he have time to visit Hong Kong?
Li Xiaoheng carefully observed Tao Mu's expression and behavior, frowned and said, "I saw the news report from Hong Kong. I'm a little worried about you."
Worried about me?
Tao Mu thought for a while, then asked with a smirk: "What were you worried about? Were you jealous about the scandal between me and film queen Fang? It was all spread by gossip rags—"
"It's not about this." Li Xiaoheng interrupted Tao Mu's words warmly: "I believe in your character. Since you promised me the opportunity to consider our relationship, you would never be half-hearted. I have never doubted your intentions and character. I'm worried about something else."
Li Xiaoheng was referring to taking the police students to a nightclub, being reported by the paparazzi, and finally cooperating with the police: "…..It all seems so troublesome and passive, it's not like your usual style of doing things."
Tao Mu was slightly taken aback. The smile on his face gradually disappeared: "It's not like my usual style of doing things? Then what should I have done?"
Li Xiaoheng looked into Tao Mu's eyes tenderly: "If it was the Tao Mu in my impression, he would try to suppress this news. There would be no fuss if no one reported it. After all, this matter involves the Hong Kong police's overall image. It is related to government departments, and if there was pressure from anyone, the Hong Kong reporters would never dare to publish these reports at will."
But Tao Mu did nothing. Even if he was a newcomer in Hong Kong and had no power over those gossip tabloids. But he didn't even discuss it with the police academy. Afterwards, the public relations crisis solution between the crew and the police did not seem like a problem at first glance, but there were many hidden dangers when you thought about it carefully.
For example, were those police students really able to take on the job of an actor? How many scenes would they have in the movie? Could they really promote the positive image of the Hong Kong police? Would anyone question the private use of the crew's public funds, or the police of grandstanding…..
Li Xiaoheng felt that this kind of behavior was very inconsistent with Tao Mu's previous behavior. He was a little worried that something might have happened to Tao Mu.
With Li Xiaoheng's explanation, Tao Mu's expression slowly darkened. He also realized it as well.
Tao Mu rubbed his face very weakly: "I'm still affected by the halo!"
"…..Huh?" Li Xiaoheng didn't understand Tao Mu's words, but he thought Tao Mu's sullen expression was quite cute, though he still preferred to see Tao Mu looking effortlessly in control.
"If you need my help, just tell me." Li Xiaoheng patted Tao Mu's shoulder with a smile. He actually wanted to touch Tao Mu's hair. It was a pity that there were too many people around, so he didn't dare.
"Also, I really think it's time for you to find a management team. You are focusing too much on things other than acting. If your energy is scattered, some details will not be taken care of. It's not your fault." Li Xiaoheng continued to comfort.
Tao Mu looked transfixed at Li Xiaoheng's face. After only being in contact with Li Xiaoheng for a while, Tao Mu suddenly understood how incompetent he was being before. With a flash of inspiration, he suddenly took out his mobile phone and took a picture of Li Xiaoheng's face. Then set it as the screensaver.
Li Xiaoheng's ears reddened slightly, and he reminded in a low voice, "Won't that be bad?" If someone saw or something.
"The crew has many eyes, so don't set it as a screensaver. If you miss me, just save it in the gallery."
"No. It must be set as the screensaver." Tao Mu stared at the screen of the phone, and even bowed slightly to it: "This is the only way to ward off evil spirits."
Ah? Li Xiaoheng looked at Tao Mu with a bit of confusion. Ward off evil spirits…..What did that mean?
"By the way, do you have time later?" Tao Mu suddenly thought of something and asked.
Although he didn't know what Tao Mu wanted to do, Li Xiaoheng nodded happily.
"Are there any temples or Daoist temples in Hong Kong that are more effective?" Tao Mu asked very seriously: "Let's go burn incense and worship Buddha, and on the way, let's request a few more amulets that have been blessed by masters to ward off evil spirits. If that is really not possible we should at least get some basic Buddhist scriptures and Daoist mantras! That's right, they have that kind of mantra for clearing the mind and refreshing the brain, right? Say, should I copy scriptures or something after filming every day?"
Li Xiaoheng: "….."
Although he didn't quite understand the brain circuit of his future lover.
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However, since CEO Tao proposed the project intention, CEO Li, as a partner, must of course meet the needs of his partner. He nodded and said with a smile, "I'll ask someone to investigate now. If you need it, we'll burn incense and worship Buddha tonight."
AN: Small Skit—
Li Xiaoheng: Our CEO Tao always wants to be a Zen boy, so what can I do, of course I will accompany him _(:з"∠)_
"…..According to the survey, the top ten most effective temples in Hong Kong are Wong Tai Sin Temple, Man Mo Temple, Tin Hau Temple, Causeway Bay, Temple Hill Kwun Yam Buddhist Temple, Chuk Lam Sim Monastery….."
Li Xiaoheng always paid attention to efficiency no matter what he did. Tao Mu had just finished saying that he wanted to burn incense and worship Buddha, when Li Xiaoheng immediately sent someone to inquire about the famous Daoist temples in Hong Kong, and even arranged the driver and tour guide.
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Thinking about warding off evil and keeping safety in mind, Tao Mu didn't even have the mind to train, so he directly asked the instructor for a day off, and took Li Xiaoheng to worship the Buddha according to the tour route.
This was the first time Tao Mu had asked for leave during training time in such a long time. Everyone was suddenly curious about Li Xiaoheng's identity. The iron-masked instructor was still as expressionless as ever, even though his heart was like a bullet screen with words spilling across, as he approved Tao Mu's leave of vacation.
Before leaving, Shen Yu walked over with an expression as if he was going to cry, and asked Tao Mu if he was angry with him: "You have never asked for leave during training time before. Today, big brother Yan and the two teachers have come to experience police academy life, yet you have to ask for leave today. It must be because I made you angry, right?"
There were so many things wrong about these words one simply didn't know where to start. Tao Mu was still thinking about the plot halo on Shen Yu that was invisible and intangible, but could still always make his IQ disappear without a sound. He was anxious to ward off evil spirits and was too lazy to bother with Shen Yu.
In contrast, Li Xiaoheng looked at Shen Yu with a little curiosity. He still remembered this young son of the Shen family with the bizarre brain circuit. Now it seemed that this little young master was not only confused in the head, his ability to mix up right and wrong was also quite powerful.
"What happened?" Li Xiaoheng looked down at Tao Mu, and keenly felt that the reason why his little consultant was acting erratically was probably influenced by the person in front of him.
Tao Mu frowned, subconsciously not wanting to mention Shen Yu in front of Li Xiaoheng: "It's fine."
"How can it be fine!" Shen Yu frowned and looked at Li Xiaoheng with an innocent and naive face: "Mu Mu was angry with big brother Yan because big brother Yan's fans scolded him. And said that idols pay for the actions of their fans. I just felt that there is no need for big brother Yan to apologize to Mu Mu for other people's mistakes. Then Mu Mu got angry with me again. Mr. Li, since you are Mu Mu's good friend, can you help me persuade him to not be so stingy? Everyone is colleagues here, we have to work together in the future, why can't we all be happy. Why must we make the atmosphere so tense?"
At first glance, there was nothing wrong with these words. Even Wang Jinsheng and Luo Daming were confused into believing Shen Yu's words. Intuitively feeling that Tao Mu was indeed a little stingy. But deep down, they also felt that something was wrong.
The only one who had a clear idea was Li Xiaoheng: "I'm curious, what position does Mr. Shen say this from?" With Li Xiaoheng's personality, he was too lazy to bother with someone like Shen Yu. In the face of such a troublesome child with brain problems, Li Xiaoheng's solution had always been to have a direct dialogue with the guardian. But things were different now. Tao Mu still had to work with these people for a while. If possible, it was best to be more harmonious with his colleagues. Therefore, Li Xiaoheng didn't allow Shen Yu to sow discord and affect other people's views on Tao Mu.
Shen Yu said confidently: "Of course as Mu Mu's friend. Although Mu Mu doesn't admit that I am his good friend. But I have always felt that he is my friend."
"So Mr. Shen's way of treating friends is to stand on the moral high ground and help another person to accuse your friend whom you have one-sidedly befriended?" Li Xiaoheng logically described Shen Yu's behavior, and then asked Yan Sheng: "Mr. Yan's fans have been criticizing Tao Mu's acting skills online and even attacking Tao Mu personally. Mr. Yan should have heard of this."
Li Xiaoheng used affirmative sentences. Yan Sheng could only say with a wry smile, "I've already apologized to CEO Tao face to face for this."
"Why did you apologize to Tao Mu?" Li Xiaoheng asked back, pointing directly at the heart of the matter: "Tao Mu doesn't know you at all, nor does he know your fans. If Mr. Yan thinks that the behavior of fans has nothing to do with their idols, then there is naturally no need for you to apologize. If you acknowledge that idols should pay for the actions of their fans, shouldn't the correct approach be to restrain your fans from spreading nasty words around?"
"So why did you apologize to Tao Mu?" Li Xiaoheng looked directly at Yan Sheng, and asked in a deep voice, "What position do you apologize from?"
As expected of a fight machine among domineering CEOs, Li Xiaoheng's logic was very clear. In a few words, the matter and the positions of all parties were smoothed out.
The large group of people suddenly realized. Yes, no matter what Yan Sheng thought of his fans' behavior, it was an established fact that his fans maliciously slandered Tao Mu before the two even met. Tao Mu, who was innocently sprayed by vitriol, had a reason to hate Yan Sheng. As an idol with a high degree of restraint on his fans, Yan Sheng could either ignore the behavior of his fans, or strictly prohibit his fans from biting others. But his choice was to apologize to Tao Mu inexplicably—this was a bit like a provocation.
Do you want Tao Mu to forgive you or not? If he didn't forgive, then he was being stingy. If he forgave, then didn't that mean Tao Mu was scolded for half a year for nothing? And then later Yan Sheng could put out the news "film king apologizes magnanimously, CEO Tao shook hands and made peace" to hype it up. If they were Tao Mu, they would all be suffocated to death by the injustice of it all. What was more, the grudge between the two was not only about this matter.
Li Xiaoheng once again turned his attention to Shen Yu: "Speaking of which, the reason why Tao Mu was chased and scolded by Yan Sheng's fans was because Mr. Shen had previously commented that Yan Sheng's acting skills were not as good as Tao Mu's, wasn't it? What, time has passed, and everyone has forgotten the originator that is Mr. Shen, and Mr. Shen and film king Yan have become good brothers?"
The others didn't know about this melon. After all, was only popular in the mainland at the beginning, and it hadn't been that long for Hong Kong to follow along. Wang Jinsheng, Luo Daming, and the other veteran actors and actresses didn't even register accounts, and naturally they didn't pay attention to the past grievances between Shen Yu and Tao Mu.
But if what Li Xiaoheng said was true, then Shen Yu was not ordinary at all. He started the discord, but in the end he hugged Yan Sheng's thigh, and then even teamed up with Yan Sheng to step on Tao Mu. This operation was a bit backstabbing and b*tchy.
Li Xiaoheng solved the matter clearly in just a few words. He nodded at the two veteran actors, Wang Jinsheng and Luo Daming, and said politely, "Our Tao Mu will be acting in a movie for the first time and have no experience before. I also hope that the two seniors will give some advice and take care of him."
Previously, the principal of the police academy gave an introduction to everyone. Everyone knew that Li Xiaoheng was the founder of Xiaoheng Capital. Hong Kong people were very concerned about the financial situation. Everyone had heard the news that Xiaoheng Capital had gone shorting in the international market and made a lot of money. Faced with this level of capital, everyone naturally wanted to make friends with him.
What was more, Tao Mu himself had the potential to attract friends as well. So Wang Jinsheng and Luo Daming just looked at each other and smiled, nodded and said, "CEO Li, don't worry. We two old fellas and Tao Mu hit it off at first glance. We all made an appointment to play mahjong after work."
The implication was that this sentiment of supporting and caring was at least present.
Li Xiaoheng touched on the matter and left it at that without going too far. He smiled reservedly, and then led Tao Mu away.
Tao Mu, who never said a word from beginning to end, until after getting into the car, looked at Li Xiaoheng with a strange expression.
He had lived two lifetimes, and he was used to taking care of things by himself. Even if someone was willing to help him, most of the time they couldn't really hit the nail on the head and instead only made the situation more messy. It was the first time he could feel the protection that Li Xiaoheng provided when he completely pushed Shen Yu's pot back to him with just a few words, and even knocked the bottom of the pot off.
It felt…..a little weird.
"What's wrong?" Noticing Tao Mu's gaze, Li Xiaoheng smiled warmly: "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"No, I just felt like your thinking is very clear." Tao Mu thought about it and added, "I didn't expect you to explain so much."
In Tao Mu's opinion, Li Xiaoheng should be the kind of person who didn't bother to explain anything.
Li Xiaoheng smiled when he heard the words: "No helping it. I had to at least make things clear. Can't let them wrong my Mu Mu."
When Li Xiaoheng said this, his face suddenly changed, and he asked with a displeased expression: "Do you have a nickname?"
"Huh?" Tao Mu didn't expect Li Xiaoheng to veer off topic so suddenly, and almost didn't react.
"A name that only family members can call you." Li Xiaoheng patiently induced: "For example, my parents call me Xiaoheng, how about you?"
Before Tao Mu could speak, he saw Li Xiaoheng subtly take hold of his hand and continued: "Actually, if possible, I hope we can have a name that only we can call each other. For example….."
Li Xiaoheng leaned into Tao Mu's ear and whispered two words. Tao Mu only felt the warm breath spray on his earlobes, and half of his body went numb.
He scratched his ears and glanced at Li Xiaoheng in irritation: "I think it's good to just call each other by name."
"Okay." Li Xiaoheng agreed very succinctly: "Dear, where do you want to go first? I heard that the temple with the most incense in Hong Kong is Wong Tai Sin Temple. Why don't we go there first?"
Tao Mu looked at Li Xiaoheng helplessly, and could only give in: "Then let's go."
It was indeed the most prosperous Daoist temple in Hong Kong. When Tao Mu and Li Xiaoheng arrived at the place, there were already a lot of visitors there. Because it was Saturday, many people even came with the whole family. According to legend, the "Wong Tai Sin" enshrined in the temple was responsive and particularly effective. And it was the only Daoist temple in Hong Kong that could hold Daoist weddings.
"It grants every wish, and blesses all marriages as well. I think we've come to the right place." Li Xiaoheng said with a smile, "What do you want? I want to ask for a marriage."
Li Xiaoheng's gaze was too hot, and Tao Mu couldn't ignore it even with his eyes closed, so he could only say, "You can ask for what you want by sincerely offering incense, what are you always looking at me for?"
"Because I think instead of asking God it is better to ask you." Li Xiaoheng smiled warmly, looked at Tao Mu with dazzling eyes, and said warmly: "My marriage is in your hands. If you are willing to bless me so that I will be able to stay and grow old together with my love. Then my religion is you."
Tao Mu respectfully inserted the three sticks of incense, and bowed again, only then did he have the heart to speak to Li Xiaoheng: "Don't fool around anymore, okay? I'm being serious."
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"I'm not fooling around." Li Xiaoheng stared at Tao Mu with extremely tender eyes: "I'm very sincere and pious. Don't you have the confidence to bless me and the person I love to grow old together?"
Tao Mu's expression paused slightly.
Li Xiaoheng smiled and said, "If you don't have confidence in yourself, then believe in me."
"I have."
The heart thumped, as if a mallet had hit the drum, making a loud bang. The shock made Tao Mu's vision dizzy and his ears ring, as if his body resonated with the vibrations.
The buzzing sound continued until Li Xiaoheng handed the cylindrical container of inscribed bamboo sticks to him: "I heard that Wong Tai Sin's predictions are very effective. Shake one out, and we'll ask the master to help decipher it."
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Tao Mu subconsciously took over the cylindrical container. He had also heard that the predictions here were particularly effective. When he came to Hong Kong for filming in his last life, he actually asked about his blood relatives. It was a pity that his luck was not good in his last life, and all he got was an inferior fortune stick. However, Wong Tai Sin's predictions were really effective. Finding oneself utterly betrayed and isolated, seeking the road to disaster and death, all of it had been fulfilled.
Tao Mu held the cylindrical container and stood still. He wasn't sure what he would draw for this life. Wong Tai Sin's golden statue sat on the altar. The incense was lingering, and the aloof immortal loomed in and out of view behind the swirling incense, making it difficult to see its expression.
Li Xiaoheng looked at Tao Mu's nervous countenance, his hands trembling slightly while holding the container, and urged with a chuckle, "Go on."
"Yeah." Tao Mu replied in a low voice. When he looked down at the container, he was surprised to find that there were only half of the bamboo sticks inside. There should have been a hundred bamboo sticks numbered, but now there were only twenty or thirty sticks left. No wonder he felt it sounded very loud when he shook it just now.
"You—" Tao Mu looked at Li Xiaoheng instinctively, and intuitively believed that a certain someone was doing something again.
Li Xiaoheng smiled and said: "People in the world believe in ghosts and gods, mostly because they want what they want, but they are worried that they can't accomplish it. So they have to rely on a higher power. But I am different. I am confident that I can get what I want, and I believe I have the ability to protect what I want to protect. If you are not confident, then it is useless to ask God. So why not ask God for half and ask me for the other half."
The gentle but firm eyes stared straight at Tao Mu, neither dodging nor wandering, just like the feeling that Li Xiaoheng had always given people.
Tao Mu subconsciously clenched the container in his hand, his palms sweating slightly in nervousness: "The bamboo sticks inside are all superior fortunes?"
"Your luck is not bad." Li Xiaoheng did not answer Tao Mu's words directly, but smiled: "I just had a discussion with God. I will protect you and keep the base, and the rest is entirely up to you to ask for your fortune."
So this was half asking God and half relying on you?
Tao Mu looked down at the container. How could there be such a person, when asking for a fortune, they insist on taking out the inferior and mediocre bamboo sticks first. It was clear that he did not believe in a higher power, how could there be such a domineering person.
"You're too unruly, God will be angry."
"God won't." Li Xiaoheng replied with a smile: "God is originally there to bless the world. That's why his predictions are very effective. Then he must know that I have the ability to protect you. So you just need to ask him for peace of mind."
Tao Mu looked hesitant.
Li Xiaoheng asked, "You don't believe me?"
He stretched out his hand, took the container from Tao Mu's hand, got up and put the dozens of bamboo sticks he had pulled out one by one. He then went to Wong Tai Sin's golden statue and knelt down: "I, Li Xiaoheng, have not believed in a higher power all my life. But today, I ask you to bless Tao Mu so that he could be safe and happy and have a smooth life."
After finishing speaking, before Tao Mu could react, Li Xiaoheng had already closed his eyes and shook the container. When a bamboo stick fell out, Li Xiaoheng picked up the bamboo stick and asked the monk responsible for explaining the fortune—it was a superior fortune.
"Look." Li Xiaoheng looked at Tao Mu with a warm smile: "Wong Tai Sin also believes that I can keep you safe and happy and guarantee you a smooth life."
At this time, it was noon, and the warm sunlight of early summer, shining in from the outside, enveloped the outline of Li Xiaoheng with a layer of light. It reflected in Tao Mu's eyes, causing them to feel too hot. Tao Mu then lowered his head, took the superior fortune that Li Xiaoheng asked for in his hand, and looked at it over and over for a long time. Li Xiaoheng said with a smile: "The predictions here are indeed effective, why don't you ask for one too."
"No need." Tao Mu held the bamboo stick, raised his head and looked into Li Xiaoheng's eyes: "I believe it."
Seemingly aware of Tao Mu's intentions, Li Xiaoheng smiled slightly, and reached out to hold the other half of the bamboo stick: "It's good that you believe me. At least I won't let you be disappointed."
Then, he slowly took the bamboo stick from Tao Mu's hand. It was as if Tao Mu's heart was pulled out of his chest as well. A big warm hand wrapped Tao Mu's right hand within, which was clenched into a fist. Li Xiaoheng asked the priest: "This is the first time I've asked for a fortune in my life. The fortune is very good, and I think it's very meaningful. I dare to ask the master, could you give me this bamboo stick?"
The incense of Wong Tai Sin Temple was strong, and the fortune-telling was effective. There were often pious men and women coming in to ask for their fortunes. However, it was rare to see people who wanted to take the bamboo stick with them after asking for a fortune like Li Xiaoheng.
However, when people in the world pray to God and worship Buddha, they were originally seeking peace of mind. Although Wong Tai Sin was effective, after all, he could not bless all the pious men and women in the world. Just like Tao Mu, he was clearly a person who had an untied knot in his heart, and was unable to free himself from the demons in his heart. But if someone was willing to give everything to protect his safety and happiness, even high-ranking immortals were willing to fulfill the wish of a person with such a sincere heart.
So earlier, when Li Xiaoheng proposed to him that he wanted to resolve his companion's worries with a good fortune, the priest did not stick to the formality, but agreed with a smile. Now Li Xiaoheng wanted to keep the bamboo stick, the monk thought about it and agreed as well.
However, the priest did not expect that a person like Li Xiaoheng, who clearly did not believe in higher powers, actually proposed to donate one million yuan worth of incense money after asking to keep the bamboo stick. The priest glanced at Li Xiaoheng with some surprise, and then looked at Tao Mu. Immediately, he realized that even people who don't believe in higher powers in this world would rather believe in it when it involves the person they care about the most.
Just now he had teased others for asking for peace of mind from a higher power. Now he himself was feeling worried about gains and losses.
The priest secretly ate a melon, but did not point it out.
Tao Mu also asked for a heart-purifying talisman and a scripture copied by the head Daoist priest of Wong Tai Sin Temple himself. As for Li Xiaoheng, he took Tao Mu and the bamboo stick he kept as a souvenir, and the two left the Wong Tai Sin Temple contentedly.
Li Xiaoheng also said: "…..After I go back, I will keep this top fortune with the crab crackers together. They are all very meaningful."
Tao Mu was too lazy to complain about Li Xiaoheng's bizarre hoarding habit. Don't know if it was psychological or something else. He felt that after coming out of the Wong Tai Sin Temple, his whole person was indeed much more energetic. Refreshed.
"…..If we want to visit all these temples, this evening might not be enough." Back in the car, Li Xiaoheng looked seriously at the temporary temple tour guide made by his assistant, smiled and said, "But you want to visit them, we can take it slow."
Tao Mu held the Daoist scriptures and the heart-purifying talisman that he had asked for from the Daoist priest, and placed them in the safe with great piety and care: "Let's go buy a brush and ink first. From tomorrow onwards, I will copy the scriptures every day and become pious bishounen."
What the hell was a pious bishounen?
Li Xiaoheng chuckled, and had the driver drive to an antique shop where one could buy brush, ink, paper and inkstone: "Did you learn calligraphy from Mr. Song?"
Tao Mu nodded. In fact, what he learned from Mr. Song was not only cooking and calligraphy. Mr. Song loved to play when he was young, and he also liked engraving with gold and precious stones, so Tao Mu also learned a little as well. He was just not very good at it.
There was also a photo studio opposite the antique shop. When Tao Mu came out, he saw the sign of the photo studio, and his heart moved. Immediately, he dragged Li Xiaoheng into the door of the photo studio.
Li Xiaoheng was pressed against the chair by Tao Mu with a dumbfounded face, and looked at Tao Mu who was standing behind the camera, not knowing whether to laugh or cry: "Didn't you already take a picture with your phone?"
"It's not always good to bring a cell phone when filming." Tao Mu explained seriously: "I have to carry an actual photo with me."
Warding off evil spirits again?!
Li Xiaoheng sighed helplessly, and was about to speak when he heard Tao Mu say, "Didn't you tell me to believe in you? Why, do you want to go back on your words?"
"Of course not." Li Xiaoheng explained patiently: "I'm just worried that your crew has too many eyes. Seeing that you are carrying my pictures around, it will lead to bad guesses. It's not good for your image."
If there was room for explanation for mobile phone photos and screensavers, then carrying around a picture of him as a talisman when filming was too weird and intimate. Although Li Xiaoheng also wanted to display his affection in an open and honest manner, he had to consider Tao Mu's status as an actor after all.
"I know very well in my heart." Tao Mu replied while playing with the camera. Since he had promised Li Xiaoheng that he would seriously consider this relationship, he never thought of hiding it for the sake of his career. He's not the kind of person who hides. Not in the previous life, and not in this life.
Without waiting for Li Xiaoheng to say anything more, Tao Mu solemnly assured: "I will put the photo in my shirt pocket."
Wasn't that the position closest to the heart?
Li Xiaoheng suddenly stopped talking. After Tao Mu finished taking pictures of him, he immediately stood up and took a picture of Tao Mu. He also wanted to put the other in the place closest to his heart.
"You also want to ward off evil spirits?" When he came out of the photo studio, Tao Mu's slender phoenix eyes squinted at Li Xiaoheng.
The sight had Li Xiaoheng's heart trembling, he said solemnly, "It's to keep warm."
Tao Mu was stunned for a moment: What the hell was keeping warm?
However, Li Xiaoheng did not have the intention to explain. He took Tao Mu back to the antique shop again, bought a jar of cinnabar, dipped it with a brush, and wrote the words "to ward off evil spirits" on the back of his photo.
"This way it's easier for you to explain. Some people worship Buddha and others believe in Jesus. But you believe in capital." Truly, our bigshot CEO Li has suffered. For fear that Tao Mu would be misunderstood, he actually came up with such an excuse.
Tao Mu was simply too defeated to even make fun of the othet.
Li Xiaoheng smiled and looked at Tao Mu, who was obviously much livelier than before, and told the driver to continue to the next stop at Kwun Yam Buddhist Temple.
Having become familiar with the routine, this time, big brother Li, who claimed to have only believed in himself in his entire life, was even more skillful than Tao Mu in his actions of praying to Buddha and asking for a fortune-telling.
Tao Mu watched Li Xiaoheng kneeling on the cushion with transfixed eyes, as he closed his eyes and put his hands together, praying solemnly in a low voice that only the two of them could hear: "Goddess of Mercy, I ask you to bless the person I love so that he could love me back, and accept my pursuit as soon as possible, and let me protect him for the rest of my life. Growing old together, our hearts connecting forever and always—"
"Yes!"
Li Xiaoheng suddenly opened his eyes and turned to look at Tao Mu: "I asked the Goddess of Mercy to bless the person I love to love me too, and accept my pursuit as soon as possible."
Tao Mu looked at Li Xiaoheng with a smile, and said softly but firmly, "I said yes."
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"The person you love also loves you back, and is willing to accept your pursuit. I will keep you safe and happy all my life, and help you grow rich and prosperous." Tao Mu thought about it and said, "And grow old together."
It seemed that he seldom spoke such sappy words. Tao Mu pursed his lips uncomfortably, and said, "Although I am not the Goddess of Mercy. But do you believe me?"
Li Xiaoheng smiled and looked at Tao Mu firmly: "I believe you."
After coming out of the Kwun Yam Buddhist Temple, Li Xiaoheng insisted on having a candlelight dinner. Tao Mu simply didn't want to speak to him anymore: "It's noon, have what candlelight dinner. Besides, I don't like western food either."
"Then what do you like to eat?" Li Xiaoheng just felt that Tao Mu finally agreed to his pursuit, so he should spend some effort on making some romantic gestures. Only in this way could he express how much he cherishes Tao Mu.
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Tao Mu had always been particular with food, and was very picky about what he ate. Since they have come to Hong Kong, of course they must eat authentic Hong Kong food: "Let's go to a Cantonese restaurant."
The first meal after the official relationship was to be at a Cantonese restaurant? Li Xiaoheng raised his eyebrows and was not satisfied.
"Isn't that too casual?" At this moment, Li Xiaoheng even had a sense of accomplishment that was even more satisfying than when he signed a business deal worth tens of billions in his senior year all by himself. In order to match this mood, Li Xiaoheng even wanted to rent a luxury cruise ship to have candlelight dinner out at sea, and stop at Victoria Harbour to watch the fireworks at night. After dinner, he also wanted to reserve an entire amusement park, ride the ferris wheel with Tao Mu, and stop at the highest point to enjoy the night view of Hong Kong.
"How cheesy!" Tao Mu couldn't help laughing. He felt that the corners of his mouth never stopped twitching in laughter since Li Xiaoheng began speaking: "Mr. Li, you should think about changing your career to be a comedian."
"If you are interested, I could learn." Li Xiaoheng looked at Tao Mu with a warm smile. He never took his eyes off Tao Mu's figure: "Do you think I should learn to be the leading role or the supporting role in the comic dialog?"
"You should learn stand-up comedy." Tao Mu stood in front of the Kwan Yum Buddhist Temple and looked around: "Is there any delicious Cantonese restaurant nearby?"
Li Xiaoheng stretched out his hand, and the assistant who had been waiting in the car immediately handed over a tablet with the travel guide they just made, including the most famous hotels, restaurants, western restaurants and Cantonese restaurants around Kowloon. The types of Cantonese restaurants were also divided below what kinds of famous dishes each one was good at.
"These are all good, what do you want to eat?" Li Xiaoheng handed the tablet to Tao Mu.
Tao Mu smiled and said, "How about the sorrowful rice?" (TN: sorrowful rice= basically bbq pork on rice)
"It's unlucky." Li Xiaoheng shook his head and vetoed: "Let's eat claypot rice. We don't have any children anyway." (TN: claypot rice=steamed rice with dried duck
"Claypot rice isn't referring to cooking a young child….." Tao Mu was speechless: "What's up with you. I think you are the auspicious one."
"It depends on how you understand it." Li Xiaoheng spoke nonsense with a particularly clear logical thinking: "Claypot rice, the homophonic sound is to cook a young child/animal. Do you like kittens or puppies?"
"You want to raise one?" Tao Mu raised his eyebrows: "I like both very much. But I don't have time to take care of it."
Of course Li Xiaoheng knew that Tao Mu liked small animals. He knew everything Tao Mu liked. So asking this question was not to make Tao Mu have to make a choice.
"Then we'll get one of each." Li Xiaoheng said with a smile: "We now have both son and daughter all at once."
"You are a bit fast-paced." Tao Mu laughed. After a pause, he asked again, "What type are you going to raise?"
Li Xiaoheng said with a particularly strong desire to survive: "I listen to you."
"How about a husky and a ragdoll?"
An angel and a devil! Li Xiaoheng agreed without hesitation: "No problem. When you return to Beijing on Monday, we will go to the pet store to choose a son and daughter."
"We have to buy a dog kennel and cat climbing frame." Tao Mu was feeling quite eager. He actually quite liked cats and dogs. But he never had the chance to raise one in his last life. Because Mrs. Shen was allergic to fur, the Shen family never raised them. Later, Tao Mu was kicked out of the Shen family and lived with Zhuo Yan. Zhuo Yan was scratched by a cat and bitten by a dog when he was a child, so he hated them, and Tao Mu was not allowed to keep one. At that time, Tao Mu also joked that Zhuo Yan was a person who was hated by cats and dogs.
Noticing that the corners of Tao Mu's mouth fell slightly, Li Xiaoheng raised his brows with keen awareness: "What did you think of, why are you unhappy?"
"Did you put an emotion recognition feelers on my face?" Tao Mu looked at Li Xiaoheng in disbelief: "It's that obvious?"
"It's called being attentive." Li Xiaoheng first held up two fingers in front of Tao Mu, and then pointed them at his own eyes: "These are called piercing eyes, and at the negotiating table, I rely on these eyes to judge what the opponent's thinking."
Li Xiaoheng's assistant sat in the co-pilot's seat, watching their boss and their boss's wife stand on the street and chat for half an hour. He couldn't help but exchange looks with the driver.
When was it going to be over! Before they even had lunch, they were already stuffed with dog food, and their stomachs were almost bursting now.
And you want to raise a cat and dog like this, that's just animal cruelty!
He was complaining secretly to himself, when he heard their boss continue to coax: "Don't worry about not having time to walk the dog. I will have Ah Zhe go to the house every night and take our son and daughter out to get some fresh air."
Jiang *all-round handy assistant* Zhe stuck his head out of the car window with an expressionless face, looked at their boss who now disregarded the lives of his subordinates now that he had a wife, and said faintly, "I want a raise."
Li Xiaoheng directly agreed: "Double the salary."
Assistant Jiang immediately smiled like a flower: "Boss, don't worry, you just entrust the young master and young lady to me, and I will take care of them like I do my ancestors."
Tao Mu immediately shook his head: "No need. You just need to take care of them like you would take care of your own son." These days, people are not as careful when taking care of ancestors as taking care of sons.
Li Xiaoheng smiled lightly: "Don't fool around anymore. Let's go eat."
As a result, the first meal after the two formally established their relationship was a Cantonese restaurant. Tao Mu ordered a bowl of claypot rice, a bowl of steamed noodles, two roasted pigeons, and finally a bowl of coconut milk sago. Li Xiaoheng's order was similar to that of Tao Mu. Just replaced the sago with jelly.
After lunch, the two went to worship at a few more temples. That night, Tao Mu still ended up letting Li Xiaoheng rent a yacht to go out to sea, and Li Xiaoheng personally made a candlelight dinner, consisting of fried heart-shaped steak with poached eggs, and even the pizza was made into a heart-shaped model. It was truly cheesy to the extreme.
But before eating, Tao Mu still took advantage of Li Xiaoheng's inattentiveness and took several photos with his mobile phone. A new folder was also created to save these photos.
In truth, Li Xiaoheng noticed Tao Mu's sneaky movements, but he didn't break the illusion. He just thought their Tao Mu looked so awkward and cute. Extremely cute.
After the two of them finished their meal, they stayed at sea to watch the fireworks. The night was full of stars, the sky and the surface of the water was the same color. The small yacht was left floating between the sea and sky, swaying with the waves of the seawater. The splendid fireworks exploded overhead, reflecting between the water and the sky, the whole world was full of brilliance, and even the night appeared to be washed in beautiful color. The yacht that floated between the sea and the sky, from a distance, seemed to be enveloped in a glass cover.
Li Xiaoheng was inspired, and he held Tao Mu's hand and said with a smile, "I think we should make a custom crystal ball after we go back."
The fireworks that bloomed, the rolling sea water, the yacht floating on top, and the two people sitting on the deck.
"Your collecting habit is really becoming to my tastes more and more." Tao Mu smiled.
Li Xiaoheng pretended to give a gentleman's bow: "My pleasure."
After watching the fireworks, the two drove the yacht back. After landing, they went to the amusement park to ride the ferris wheel. The night view of Hong Kong was really beautiful, especially near Victoria Harbour.
When the ferris wheel reached the highest point, Li Xiaoheng sat next to Tao Mu, took out his mobile phone and took a photo of the two of them.
"I propose that we take a photo together every day and save it. When the two of us are old, we will have a lot of memories. When we get bored in the future, we can take out these photos and look at them together. Compare to see who has the better memory. What do you think?"
Tao Mu imagined the scene following Li Xiaoheng's words. Two old men with silver white temples sat side by side in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows that fully let in the sunlight, basking in the warm rays, looking at photos and competing on memory power. The sun shone down warmly on the body, and the warm heat made one sleepy. So the two of them lay on the rocking chair and fell asleep.
Tao Mu came back to his senses, looked at the silhouette reflected on the glass window, and said with a smile, "Okay."
After a pause, Tao Mu recalled one thing: "But we are so busy right now that we don't have time to take pictures together every day."
Li Xiaoheng said, "You could photoshop it. Your photography skills are so good that they have even become popular in the entertainment industry. You must remember to photoshop me to look more handsome."
Tao Mu laughed and suddenly said, "You're so clingy."
"We've only been together for less than a day, yet you already dislike me?" Li Xiaoheng leaned over to Tao Mu, and his dark eyes stared into Tao Mu's eyes softly: "Mr. Tao, we are now legal boyfriends. So I have to ask for one thing."
"Every night, we have to make a phone call for at least an hour." Li Xiaoheng listed one by one: "And it has to be a video chat, you have to say goodnight before hanging up, and blow an air kiss. This is my right as your boyfriend."
Tao Mu lowered his head and chuckled, agreeing to each one.
Seeing this, Li Xiaoheng took another mile: "Whenever you are free, send me a text and say you miss me. Okay?"
Tao Mu nodded: "Okay."
Li Xiaoheng: "If there's a chance to wear couple's clothes together, we should, okay?"
Tao Mu continued to nod: "Okay."
Li Xiaoheng: "If there is any misunderstanding, don't hold a cold war, you must discuss it with me immediately. No matter what happens, you must believe me. Is that okay?"
Tao Mu nodded repeatedly: "Yes."
Li Xiaoheng: "We will grow old together."
Tao Mu's eyes felt a little hot, and he repeated, "We will grow old together."
Li Xiaoheng chuckled lightly and held Tao Mu's hand: "In the business world, everyone must talk about the spirit of the contract. Since you have agreed, you must not regret it."
You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e ir on tr ee bl oo ms. c o m )
Tao Mu didn't say a word this time, leaning forward and wrapping the other in a bear hug.
Li Xiaoheng chuckled and hugged back his lover who had just thrown himself into his arms willingly, and said warmly, "I will also do all the things you just promised me."
"Tao Mu, our contract is established."