“Yo, it's been a long time since I heard from you. It's rare to get a call from you this time."

Xiao He, who had just finished filming *interstellar standoff*, received a call from an old acquaintance.

“Cough, I've indeed been quite busy lately."

Director gave a slight cough. “Oh, by the way, congratulations on winning the best actor! Oh dear, will it be even harder for me to invite you to film in the future?"

Xiao He was speechless: “Yeah, yeah, it's because you didn't seize the opportunity earlier. Look how long it's been since *the thief catcher*? If you don't prepare a new Film Crew yourself, there's nothing I can do."

This guy is just slacking off! With his previous standing, inviting him was never an issue, but now he's risen in status, and this brat still hasn't made a move.

Xiao He almost rolled his eyes: “You better not be calling to ask me to shoot a new ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) film. I'm telling you, my schedule is completely full next, I'm extremely busy!"

“Hey, hey, how can you say that?" Director sounded very wronged. “I genuinely have been busy during this time! My dad dragged me along to be a hired hand! I just finished up."

Although he said that, there wasn't much dissatisfaction in Director's tone.

After all, Director's father was a famous Grand Director in the Shanghai Circle, whose status rivaled Ning Jiaqi. Moreover, according to Xiao He's understanding, this person focused more on the Academic School, meaning he preferred being a teacher. His students included screenwriters, directors, and actors, not just people from the Shanghai Circle; industry professionals from many other regions had received his guidance. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe him as having students everywhere—a famous director worthy of being recorded in the history of Huaguo film and television.

The fact that he was currently taking Director under his wing for guidance, and even having him cooperate with others in his team's Film Crew, certainly indicated his intention for Director to formally take over his team.

Once Director was fully trained, this person was probably preparing to retire peacefully, just like Ning Jiaqi, or dedicate all his energy to education.

“That's pretty good then."

Xiao He comforted Director, “You can learn a lot more by following a big Film Crew. Once you make it, you can take care of us."

“Hmph, I can't take care of you now."

Director was chuckling on the other end, but Xiao He seriously said, “If you call me, I will definitely come."

“Good brother! That's what I expect from you!" Director immediately agreed. “Then come."

“Huh?"

Xiao He was dumbfounded.

“Come to our Film Crew."

Director snickered: “*thief catcher 2*. You promised me before; you won't go back on your word, right?"

Xiao He raised an eyebrow: “You're finally shooting the second installment. Did your family member agree?"

Xiao He had previously guessed that the reason Director's second installment had been delayed was that his mother had suffered a facial injury in her early years and was unwilling to return to filming, which is why *thief catcher 2* had been stagnant.

And now, to hear this familiar name from Director's mouth was truly gratifying.

“Hehe, actually, we could have started filming earlier, but my dad's Film Crew was in more of a rush, so this matter got delayed."

Director chuckled sheepishly, “You and Pu Rong are in the same Film Crew right now, aren't you? When you finish filming, quickly pack up and come over together."

“Oh, did I say I was going to accept?"

Xiao He deliberately teased Director, “I just received an invitation for the *journey through mountains and rivers* variety show, and the pay is eight figures! I'm already preparing for a paid vacation!"

“What?"

Director was wailing on the other side: “No way, don't go! Good brother, you promised to wait for me forever, didn't you? Your 'forever' is a little too short!"

“Who said 'forever' to you? No shipping CP, okay? I politely refuse, goodbye."

“Wait, wait! I boosted a lot of your scenes this time, are you sure you won't take a look?"

“It's the familiar formula this time, absolute carnage. Are you really not going to take a look?"

“Plus, this time we're aiming for theatrical release, not just an online movie anymore. We finally managed to stand up straight, and we're finally going to the theaters. Are you really going to heartlessly refuse?"

“I'll add money! I'll add money! It's just eight figures... Wuwu, I really don't have that much money. How about I give you some movie shares? I'll go cheat some more money from investors later..."

Director was appealing to emotion and reason over the phone, making Xiao He laugh: “Are you really giving me these shares? You're not trying to trick me into investing again, are you?"

“Cough, cough, cough—"

Director lowered his voice, clearly lacking confidence. “Well, not exactly... but if you want to invest, I won't refuse."

Xiao He was so exasperated he laughed.

Asking for both his presence and his money—this bastard really had the nerve.

“Hanging up, hanging up."

“Don't, don't, don't, Brother Xiao!"

Director pleaded for mercy.

After confirming the other party was practically about to cry, Xiao He chuckled: “Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Send me the script. You're lucky, I was genuinely considering the variety show invitation."

Although he might not have accepted it in the end, it was quite a dilemma, and thankfully Director helped him make the choice.

Shen Jue... Xiao He couldn't help but recall Shen Jue from *the thief catcher*.

That was the third work he filmed after entering the industry, and it was considered a rookie piece. Shen Jue's acting didn't actually require much; many times, he simply relied on instinct to release murderous intent. Fortunately, the main highlight at the time was the De-boning Knife Technique, which added many bright spots, bringing bloodshed and slaughter wherever he went. Otherwise, Shen Jue might not have had so many memorable aspects.

But it was certainly satisfying; after all, slaughter is a form of aesthetics.

“Alright, alright, I'll send you the script right away."

After hanging up on Director, Xiao He immediately called Liu Rulan.

“Hello?"

“I'm preparing to accept Director Lin Yipeng's *thief catcher 2*."

Xiao He stated directly, “I won't be going for that *journey through mountains and rivers*."

The other side was silent for a moment, then asked: “Are they both scheduled for the same time?"

“Yes, they both follow right after *interstellar standoff*."

“Then there's truly nothing we can do."

Liu Rulan sighed.

According to Liu Rulan's understanding of Xiao He, if only a high-paying variety show was placed in front of him, he might hesitate.

But if there was also a script involving knife-wielding and killing—especially one like *the thief catcher*, which involves heavy slaughter—then without hesitation, Xiao He would definitely choose that script.

“What did Director Lin say? Why did he suddenly look for you at this specific time?"

“Maybe because the *chronicles of chasing the wind* just finished airing and has momentum, and he just finished up with his dad's Film Crew, so he rushed to find us now."

Xiao He actually understood Director's intentions.

Currently, Xiao He's ancient martial arts roles are Shen Jue from *the thief catcher* and Song Chenye from the currently popular *chronicles of chasing the wind*. Since Song Chenye's character development was so successful, smoothly opening up the market for Xiao He's ancient martial arts dramas, if Director didn't rush to find them sooner, Xiao He might genuinely be invited away by other ancient costume dramas.

By the time *thief catcher 2* started filming, it would be uncertain when that would be.