Chapter 93: I Have No Interest in That Silly Game!

The two veteran fans in the support group, whose expressions and gestures gradually became identical, were a small episode in the evening. After everyone had a laugh, their attention shifted back to the small theater that Li Shixin had mentioned.

Everyone chimed in with ideas, offering suggestions from all directions. But when it came to pooling funds for sponsorship, Li Shixin refused. He wasn't short on money; even if he needed more, it wouldn't help. Though organizing a theater was complex—requiring a venue, stage, props, and more—he could manage all that himself. Li Shixin preferred not to let fans bear the expenses, as not everyone in the support group was a wealthy patron like Old Liu Feng. If some contributed and others did not, it would only create awkwardness.

However, his view met unanimous criticism. After much lively debate, they settled on a preliminary plan: those with money would contribute financially, those with strength would help with labor. The support group would combine their efforts to launch the small theater as soon as possible.

When the discussion was nearly concluded, Old Liu Feng, trembling slightly, raised a glass of soda and stood up. "Shixin is willing to devote his own time for us old fans, which proves this old man hasn't misjudged him! Come, everyone, take a sip—let's celebrate in advance the success of our small theater!"

"Old Liu is right!" As the president of the fan support group, Wu Ming also stood up. "I propose we give this small theater project a name. Since it's meant to provide cultural entertainment for seniors during winter, how about 'Wintering Project'?"

"That's no good—sounds like we're hibernating animals! Brother Shixin is a star, spending his own money to lead us all, so we should show some spirit. Let's call it the 'Joyful Motion Project'! These old bones of ours will be lively through the harsh winter!"

"Yes! That's a good name—the Joyful Motion Project!"

While everyone was enthusiastically discussing the prospects of the small theater, at the other side of the restaurant, a group of young people were dining together.

"Brothers, come on, let's down this glass! Next year, we'll take a loan and drive to Alashan, it's settled!"

"Settled! Damn it, let's do it! Every year we say it, every year we don't, and in the blink of an eye, we're getting old. If we don't go wild now, we'll never get the chance!"

"Settled! My great sword is itching for action!"

Hearing the commotion from the other side, the group of old fans blinked and stood up one by one.

"Come on, old friends, let's do it! If we don't go wild, we'll die!"

And so, the matter of the small theater was settled.

...

It was only after ten o'clock that everyone was finally persuaded by their children to disperse. Outside the restaurant, Li Shixin watched his old fans depart one by one before climbing onto his three-wheeled scooter.

Just as he started the engine, he spotted Zhao Jin Zhi standing at the restaurant entrance, smiling, wrapped in an army coat.

"Oh," Li Shixin slapped his forehead. "Zhao, your car's still parked near the stadium. How are you getting back?"

Zhao Jin Zhi pointed at the scooter with a smile. "Old brother, you brought me here, shouldn't you be responsible for taking me back?"

You drive a Maybach, and now you're hooked on riding a scooter?

Li Shixin chuckled. "But I'm not heading to the stadium."

Zhao Jin Zhi ignored his polite refusal and climbed into the cargo bed of the three-wheeler, smiling at him. "Then just drop me at the 98 Gongti Square. I'll walk the rest of the way myself."

Alright then! Seeing that she was already seated, Li Shixin's mouth twitched as he twisted the throttle.

The winter night wind rushed in as the scooter picked up speed, biting at Li Shixin's face. He dared not drive fast. Zhao Jin Zhi, wrapped in her army coat, looked at the vegetable-seller image Li Shixin presented and shouted loudly, "Old brother, I saw the fan group messages—your career is going well lately?"

"Yes!" Li Shixin grinned into the cold wind. "Not just well—it's going exceedingly well!"

Faced with Li Shixin's bravado, Zhao Jin Zhi laughed and called out, "Do you have any plans for the future? I mean... in terms of your career. I heard that actors your age don't have many roles, and often go without any work all year."

Plans?

Hearing that word, Li Shixin snorted coldly.

To hell with plans!

He had once been a proper idol trainee, with a perfect plan for a center-stage debut. But just when he was striving full of passion toward that goal—

Bang!

He was hit by a car.

And ended up like this.

Is that the kind of thing anyone could foresee?

So what use are plans!

"Plans never keep up with changes—I'll take one day at a time."

Hearing his answer, Zhao Jin Zhi nodded quietly. A cliché reply, but that's just how things are.

"By the way, Zhao, you said your home isn't in Rongdian, that you're here to recuperate. How long will you stay this time?"

Li Shixin interrupted her pondering. She brushed her hair from her face, "My original plan was to leave the day after tomorrow."

"What do you mean, original?"

"Didn't you just say plans never keep up with changes? So I changed my mind just now."

...

Feeling as though he'd been flirted with by a rich woman, Li Shixin grimaced.

Ha.

Little sister, don't waste your efforts.

He knew she was wealthy.

But he possessed talent and would not stoop to seeking easy money.

In front of 98 Gongti Square.

After waving goodbye to Li Shixin, Zhao Jin Zhi stood on the sidewalk.

Barely had the scooter disappeared into the distance than her Maybach slowly pulled up beside her.

"Director Zhao, it's so cold—take care of yourself!"

Her assistant, carrying a blanket from the car, hurried over as Zhao Jin Zhi wrapped her army coat tighter and waved off the offer before getting into the car.

Inside, watching the streetlights recede as the car moved forward, Zhao Jin Zhi gently kicked the passenger seat.

"Director Zhao."

The assistant immediately turned around.

Tapping rhythmically on the wide armrest of the Maybach's executive cabin, Zhao Jin Zhi spoke slowly. "Tomorrow, gather information on this actor, Li Shixin. Get it to the company before the artist contract meeting, and have them sign him."

"Director Zhao? You haven't handled artist contracts yourself for years—General Manager Meng has always managed that. Should we... inform the company in advance?"

"That's not your concern."

"I'm sorry, Director Zhao, I spoke out of turn. I just wondered—might someone object to your sudden involvement in operations? If..."

Hearing the assistant's worried tone, Zhao Jin Zhi smiled faintly.

"No need to worry. Just send it through. I want to see, who agrees, and who opposes my decision."

...