028 Begging Qian Lang to Return to Star Shine

"Qian Lang! Qian Lang!" Cheng Jie shouted, following close behind.

However, the crowd was noisy, and no one paid any attention to his voice.

"Hey, wait!" Cheng Jie stomped his feet in frustration. But he wasn't at the office anymore; no one here treated his commands as imperial edicts. People went about their business regardless. Knowing this wasn't the time for accusations, Cheng Jie had no choice but to quicken his pace. Perhaps due to his age or a long lack of exercise, he was a step too slow. Qian Lang and his companions had already boarded the Alphard waiting at the entrance.

"Did you hear my order?" Cheng Jie’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.

But the Alphard’s engine was already running. A few seconds later, and he wouldn't even see their shadows. *Fine! I’ll deal with you when you return to Xingyao!* Cheng Jie gritted his teeth and lunged in front of the vehicle.

*Screech!*

A sharp, piercing sound of emergency braking filled the air, followed by a torrent of curses from the driver. "Who’s so blind? You old man! Don't you know how to look where you're walking? I just stepped on the gas and you threw yourself in front! If I’d hit you, you’d have gone to paradise early, but you would’ve ruined someone else’s life!"

Cheng Jie opened his eyes to see the driver leaning out of the window, berating him.

"You... you aren't worthy of speaking to me! I am Qian Lang’s former boss. Tell him to get out here and see me!" Cheng Jie was furious. As a powerful executive at Xingyao, how could he be insulted in public? Even if the driver’s words weren't vulgar, they were deeply humiliating. Don't think he didn't understand the subtext! "Make Qian Lang come down here to see me!" Cheng Jie commanded with an air of arrogance.

"Oh, ho! You’ve got some nerve, old man!" The driver was amused by his brazenness. *Former boss?* He’d seen shameless people before, but never anyone this thick-skinned. Even his current boss wouldn't dare speak to Director Qian like that. After all, he was the young talent now celebrated across the Great Xia! What kind of madness was this old man suffering from?

"Get out of the way!" The driver waved his hand impatiently, as if shooing away a stray dog blocking the road. Cheng Jie was incensed. *Unbelievable!* What kind of bottom-tier trash dared to put on airs with him? "You, you, you!"

Just as he was about to choke on his own rage, Qian Lang stepped out of the Alphard. He hadn't been oblivious to the commotion, but he’d assumed it was just some passerby who had accidentally bumped into the car, so he hadn't interfered. Besides, once inside, Jackie Chan and Lu Guang had been holding his arms firmly, as if afraid he might disappear. He had wanted to get out earlier but couldn't move. Only when he heard his name being shouted did they finally let go, accompanying him out of the vehicle. Naturally, Pei Duoduo and Wang Bo didn't stay behind either.

With Qian Lang in the lead, the group stood before Cheng Jie. Suddenly, Cheng Jie felt a flicker of intimidation. But he quickly reminded himself that he had been a top executive at Xingyao for years; he couldn't lose his composure. Besides, Qian Lang was just a subordinate he used to boss around—what was there to fear? It was only because the Big Boss, Jiang Yan, had issued a strict order that he was acting so anxious.

"Vice President Cheng? It’s you? Is there something you need?" Qian Lang asked, puzzled. Previously, whenever Cheng Jie saw him, he would avoid him like a debt collector. Why was he now staging a scene to block his car? This was gambling with his life! Qian Lang felt a jolt of alarm and instinctively took a few steps toward Cheng Jie, which seemed to provide the latter with some relief.

*Good, the brat knows his place!* It was worth it to come and bring him back to Xingyao personally. Cheng Jie squeezed out a friendly, amiable smile. "Little Lang! Who would have thought we’d run into each other in Hong Kong? Isn't this fate?"

"And then?" Qian Lang was bewildered. Was he risking his life just to say pleasantries? This wasn't the Vice President Cheng he knew.

"Little Lang, how have you been doing since you left Xingyao?" Cheng Jie asked smoothly.

"Not bad," Qian Lang replied, holding his patience. He knew the real topic was coming. *Heh, he’s used to being high and mighty. You can't expect him to keep up this 'man of the people' act for long.*

Sure enough. "Little Lang, you know, it wasn't easy for the company to nurture you! Three consecutive box-office flops—no company would tolerate that! That’s why I asked you to leave back then, so I could plead your case to the Big Boss. If she agrees, you can come back! That’s why I’m here today—for this good news!" Cheng Jie spoke with such earnestness, as if he had suffered great grievances just to advocate for Qian Lang.

But would Qian Lang let him be troubled? Of course not. "Vice President Cheng, I’m truly grateful! Back then, you pointed me toward Galaxy Pictures as a way out, and now you’re pleading with the Big Boss for me! Honestly, I don't know how to..."

Before Qian Lang could finish, Pei Duoduo darted to the front. "Oh! So you were the one who suggested Qian Lang come to our Galaxy Pictures? Thank you so much!" She smiled with genuine sincerity. She had known Qian Lang was fired, but she hadn't realized Cheng Jie had suggested Galaxy Pictures. *What a teammate!*

"No thanks needed, no thanks needed!" Cheng Jie’s smile didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you for taking Qian Lang in during this time. Xingyao will remember your hard work!"

"What does that mean?" Pei Duoduo’s smile faltered.

"Qian Lang, tell the folks at Galaxy Pictures. You’re returning to Xingyao as soon as possible," Cheng Jie said, his tone arrogant as he looked at Qian Lang with absolute certainty.

"But I don't want to go back," Qian Lang laughed, a glint of amusement in his eyes. *Heh, you kicked me out, and now you want me back? What do you take me for? And do you really think I’m that fool of an original owner who doesn't know your true intentions?*

"Exactly, Qian Lang isn't going back with you!" Pei Duoduo was both angry and relieved. She had finally poached this talent; how could he be snatched away so easily? Did he think she was just some idle rich girl? One phone call and she could make him regret this! Her gaze toward Cheng Jie was no longer polite; it was filled with warning. Lifting her chin, she said haughtily: "Director Qian is a key minister of our Galaxy Pictures. Do you really think you can just snatch him away with a few empty words?"

Cheng Jie sneered. "Do you believe me if I say one phone call could make your Galaxy Pictures disappear?"

"Haha!" Pei Duoduo was amused. "Then do you believe me if I say one phone call could make Xingyao a subsidiary of Galaxy Pictures?" Saying this, she took out her phone and dialed.

Cheng Jie scoffed, thinking the girl was just putting on a show to intimidate him. But before he could enjoy his triumph for more than a few seconds, his own phone rang. He pulled it out to see it was a call from Jiang Yan.

"What have you done now? Why is Galaxy Pictures threatening to acquire Xingyao?" Jiang Yan’s rage was palpable through the phone.

Cheng Jie hurriedly lowered his voice. "Big Boss, that’s absolutely not the case! Don't listen to that woman from Galaxy Pictures—she’s just bluffing!"

"Heh, you think she’s bluffing? It seems you’ve wasted all these years in the entertainment industry! Apologize to them immediately and beg for their forgiveness, or else, all those 'good deeds' of yours..." Jiang Yan didn't finish, but Cheng Jie knew the subtext perfectly.

Listening to the dial tone, he felt a chill down his spine. *No way. What kind of melodramatic plot is this?* Cheng Jie was skeptical, but he had to obey the Big Boss. Besides, this way he didn't have to beg Qian Lang to return to Xingyao. Only an idiot wouldn't take this opportunity to step down from the ledge! After all, he didn't want to be fired just yet.

"Qian Lang, you’re the middleman, you judge! It was just a misunderstanding, no need for knives and guns! Please, put in a good word for me with your boss! Tell her not to be so hot-tempered!" Cheng Jie looked heartbroken, like a lonely old man who had suffered a great injustice—even though he was only forty-nine.

Qian Lang looked at him, the corners of his mouth curling up. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Vice President Cheng, you really are flexible."

"Qian Lang, what do you mean by that?" Cheng Jie snapped, a bad feeling rising in his gut. He couldn't maintain his calm facade anymore.

"Vice President Cheng, don't be so tense!" Qian Lang smiled with a hint of mockery. "You once helped me secure my 'final benefit,' and now, I’ll do the same for you. I can ask our boss to back down, but an apology from you wouldn't be too much to ask, right? After all, the young lady is sensitive."

"What?" Cheng Jie nearly broke down. Why did everyone want him to apologize to Pei Duoduo? Who exactly was this girl? Despite his reluctance, Cheng Jie was a man who knew when to bend. He really couldn't afford to be kicked out of Xingyao.

"I’m sorry!" he said to Pei Duoduo, taking a deep breath and trying to make his voice sound gentle. He put on the air of an elder who didn't hold grudges against the younger generation.

"Since Director Qian has interceded, I’ll let you go!" Pei Duoduo didn't bother looking at Cheng Jie again. "Director Qian, let’s go!" She took Qian Lang’s arm and turned back to the Alphard. *Phew! That was close! My Zhuge Liang was almost snatched away! Hmph, anyone who dares to target him—I don't mind showing my claws!*

"Such a domineering aura!" Lu Guang muttered to himself. The sudden turn of events had left him and Jackie Chan stunned. As industry leaders, they had heard of Xingyao even in Hong Kong, yet Pei Duoduo had made them back down with a single phone call. Just how deep were the connections of Galaxy Pictures? They had been too busy sucking up to Qian Lang to notice if they’d offended this goddess of wealth. But it didn't matter. No matter how powerful the background, this goddess seemed to listen to Qian Lang. *Heh, not only have we latched onto a big shot, but a sturdy one at that!*

The two of them climbed into the Alphard with wide grins.

"Please stop blocking the way!" Wang Bo and the driver shoved Cheng Jie aside and hopped into the car.

*Beep!*

The Alphard sped away, leaving nothing for Cheng Jie but a cloud of exhaust.