After the Divorce, I Could Hear the Voice of the Future-Chapter 128: Opportunity is Reserved for Those Who Are Prepared
Lu Liang was the main force behind short-selling Tesla, creating diversions and rescuing situations, playing Wall Street institutions like they were in the palm of his hand.
After fermenting for half a day, the news had already spread worldwide, and domestic public opinion was bound to reach boiling point by nightfall.
However, a sudden flurry of news swept the net. Wang Banbi released his eleventh creative music album.
Just minutes after the good news was announced, another report came out: the police in Chaoyang received reports from the public and arrested several drug users in their jurisdiction.
This piece of social news was neither big nor small, and in theory, didn't even qualify for the local legal program on TV.
But famous paparazzo Wei forwarded the message, "Ah, the main cast of 'Prison Tempest 4' has added a few more generals."
As everyone knew, there were only three parts to the 'Prison Tempest' series; the legendary fourth part was entirely performed by stars and artists who had been caught in the past two years, experiencing the law firsthand.
When Wei said this,
It meant that some stars had become legal celebrities.
Fans everywhere felt at risk, fearing their own houses would collapse, and the spectators eagerly guessed who it might be.
Public opinion didn't need to be guided by pity; it started with the 'Guess the star' game, to the ace intelligence operation by the people of Chaoyang, and then to Wang Banbi being unlucky. As long as there was hope to hit the headlines, the entertainment industry would always quake.
Various rumors flew everywhere online, overwhelming the spectators, and gradually, no one inquired about Lu Liang and his minor business affairs.
Wang Xiaocong marveled, holding back his impulse to join the gossip: "Old Meng, that must have cost quite some money."
He was still not in a position to comment publicly, as his lawsuit against Tesla was not long past, and joining the gossip could easily turn the fire back on Lu Liang.
"Not much, just a few million."
Lu Liang smiled dismissively, suggesting the entertainment industry was teeming with snakes and rats, and digging up dirt was hardly costly.
The bulk of the money went to platforms and middlemen, with only a fraction eventually reaching the celebrities' agencies.
Artists with blemishes couldn't go far, and if they couldn't make money for the company, they would end up being used as scapegoats and sold.
This allowed the agency to profit from both ends, earning a break-up fee from the artist and receipt of the exposé fee from the contractor.
There weren't that many altruistic people, maybe some bad luck ones, but usually, they were victims of competition or mere scapegoats.
"I see that girl seems quite eager to advance?" Wang Xiaocong hinted quietly, gesturing for Lu Liang to look towards the front left.
Zhang Tian'ai held a wine glass, seemingly observing when they would finish talking to find an appropriate moment to offer a toast.
Lu Liang looked up, their eyes met, and he nodded slightly, showing a friendly smile.
Zhang Tian'ai joyously approached, bending gracefully and closing the distance to stand before Lu Liang, holding her glass with both hands, her posture very humble, "Mr. Lu, thank you for investing in this drama, giving me the opportunity to play a role."
"I didn't interfere much with the casting. You secured this role through your own efforts."
Lu Liang smiled slightly, meaningfully, "Opportunities are for those who are prepared, and you were ready. Just as the drama needed a female lead, the role naturally became yours."
"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Lu. I toast to you, may you have abundant fortune and may all your wishes come true," Zhang Tian'ai said playfully, twinkling her animated eyes and downing her glass in one gulp.
Lu Liang chuckled lightly, sipping his drink.
To divert attention from the others, Wu Tianzheng, clever as he was, clapped with glee and praised, "Great tolerance for alcohol."
Zhang Tian'ai gave a shy smile and returned to her seat.
Wang Xiaocong, smiling through his eyes, asked quietly, "What about it? Didn't you say it wasn't interesting? Why the change of heart?"
Lu Liang smiled faintly, his expression unchanged, "Young people are too eager for progress, we should give them more opportunities."
"Damn, you've said it all."
Wang Xiaocong scowled, drained his glass, stood up, and patted Lu Liang's shoulder, "I'm off to find my own fun."
Wu Tianzheng was shrewd, seeing the situation, he called to everyone except Zhang Tian'ai, "Let's go see Mr. Wang off."
"Mr. Wang, allow us to escort you."
The screenwriter and director smiled upward, rising from their seats, only the male lead of the web drama frowning tightly.
Without making a sound, just before leaving the box, he gently kicked Zhang Tian'ai's chair.
He had developed feelings for this lively girl through the drama, and he couldn't bear to see her fall into decline.
Zhang Tian'ai remained unmoved, focusing on picking dishes.
Opportunities are for the prepared, relying on years of experience climbing up from the bottom, she had become the female lead of the web drama.
This time, she was lucky and well-prepared, and naturally became the leading actress in the web series due to her acting skills.
But next time?
And the time after that?
A senior once told her that extras who aspire to be famous actors are plentiful, but even after decades of honing their craft, they often leave the industry with disappointment.
Grassroots stories of conquering the market with acting skills exist, but they are one in a million, and most of them are male.
Female stars are even rarer, and she didn't want to rely on ephemeral luck or wait for ephemeral opportunities.
"Come for a walk with me outside."
Lu Liang smiled, picked up a hot towel to wipe his mouth, and got up to leave the private room.
He knew those people wouldn't be coming back.
Zhang Tian'ai hastened her steps and hugged Lu Liang's arm, smiling, "Mr. Lu, watch your step, be careful of the stairs."
The two left Jiangpan Restaurant and strolled along Pujiang, walking more than two hundred meters quite naturally to Jiangjing Hotel.
With the man willing and the lady eager, there was no need for roundabout ways, Lu Liang booked a luxurious suite.
Entering the room, Zhang Tian'ai's cheeks were flushed, but she took the initiative to help Lu Liang remove his coat and whispered in his ear, "Mr. Lu, let's shower first."
"Not in a hurry," Lu Liang sat on the sofa, legs crossed, watching with interest Zhang Tian'ai's striptease.
He always felt that women undressing had a particular charm and allure, provided it was done slowly and gracefully.
Just like peeling a boiled egg,
bit by bit,
it's very stress-relieving and healing.
Sensing Lu Liang's gaze, Zhang Tian'ai blushed shyly, deliberately slowing her movements and becoming more graceful.
She slowly unfastened the little belt around her waist and the button and zipper, letting the loose jeans fall naturally.
Her waistline was perfect, and her long thin legs had a proportionate waist-to-leg ratio, presenting a softly graceful figure.
Her coat also gradually fell, revealing a pure cotton white tank top that displayed her beautifully slender swan neck.
Lu Liang stepped forward, encircling her 'ant waist' that seemed to be a handful, estimating that three hands could wrap around it.
He shook his head with a smile, stopping Zhang Tian'ai's next move, suddenly wanting to play something different like a wet clothing tease.
In the bathroom, steam was hazy, the damp tank top hinted at a concealed landscape, far more captivating than nudity.
…
Zhang Tian'ai was a hardworking girl; she knew her family background was ordinary and she wasn't a graduate of prestigious academies.
She wasn't particularly talented in acting, singing, or dancing, telling herself repeatedly that she must work extra hard.
"Mr. Lu, I've always felt very lucky…"
Zhang Tian'ai spoke softly, sharing her past with Lu Liang, while also subtly indicating that she didn't expect immediate resources and didn't need him to care, but hoped that Lu Liang would remember her when appropriate and necessary.
"Little Love, you're a very clever girl," Lu Liang's lips curved upwards, filled with emotion, softly caressing her soft hair.
He thought of Wen Shanshan, who was desperate for resources; their relationship resembled a straightforward transaction.
So, he didn't force her to act in 'Crown Princess Consort,' a drama destined to be a hit, but allowed her to choose for herself and then dismissed her.
Zhang Tian'ai was wiser, understanding the value of perseverance, and trusting Lu Liang's judgment, and even let him make the decision.
"Mr. Lu, I might be foolish, but I believe what you say makes sense, opportunities are for those who are prepared."
Zhang Tian'ai was earnest, her idea of preparation involving time to accumulate, then to burst forth with thin effort.
Skill in acting is like that, so is building relationships; direct transactions can turn one into a mere commodity.
"You already being aware of this makes you smarter than most people," Lu Liang couldn't help but grin, a girl so sweet, understanding, and ambitious was hard not to love.
He stroked Zhang Tian'ai's earlobe, whispering softly, "If you ever like a boy, remember to tell me; I'll help you screen him to prevent any deception."
The sourc𝗲 of this content is frёeωebɳovel.com.
Zhang Tian'ai was silent for a while, softly hmm'd, shrinking her head under the covers, rustling sounds followed.
This concern also served as a reminder; their relationship should remain as it is, without unrealistic expectations.
She might meet boys as a single woman, but once a romantic relationship is confirmed, their arrangement would automatically end.