A Divine Farmer

Chapter 260 - A Prodigal Is Not to be Trifled With!

No sooner had Chu Wenwen finished speaking than someone hurried out in a fluster—it was none other than Director Wan Tao.

“Wenwen, you simply can't do this. The concert has reached such a level of success, and we've only had one show. If you bow out now, I'll be crucified by the entire country. People might even think I've mistreated you…” Wan Tao's anxious demeanor instantly amused everyone.

“Don't worry, Director Wan, Wenwen was only kidding,” Zhang Xiaolong reassured him, noting to himself that Director Wan was indeed a decent fellow.

“That's a relief,” Wan Tao said, patting his chest. “But let's avoid such jokes in the future. My heart can't take that kind of shock!”

The group shared another laugh before Wan Tao turned to Zhang Xiaolong with a mix of embarrassment and difficulty. “Xiaolong, there's something I'm not sure how to bring up. But since we know each other well, I'll just come out with it. If you're not interested, just act as if I never mentioned it, okay?”

“Director Wan, you're being too formal. Like you said, we're acquainted, so there's no need for such formality. Go ahead and speak your mind,” Zhang Xiaolong said with an easy smile.

Without further hesitation, Wan Tao spoke up, “Your lighting equipment, I know it's incredibly valuable, but it's also immensely appealing. So I must ask, albeit shamelessly, could I borrow it? As you know, with this concert as a benchmark, if the next one lacks such lighting, I can't begin to imagine the outcome…”

The recent concert's success was undeniable, but that very success had put Wan Tao under immense pressure. To steadily build his reputation with the audience, each performance had to surpass the last. Otherwise, people would start to think he was losing his touch, that he had nothing new to offer.

Yet Wan Tao was aware that the lighting equipment held untapped potential. What had been utilized at the concert barely scratched the surface. With a bit more creativity, he was confident he could achieve even more groundbreaking effects in the future.

“I thought it was going to be something major,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a chuckle after hearing the concern. “They're just a few crystal balls. Director Wan, if you like them, please take them. Don't worry about borrowing them; consider them a gift. After all, your visit has been like a huge advertisement for Clear River Village.”

“Ah? Really? Truly?” Wan Tao was taken aback by such unexpected generosity.

“There's no need to be so astonished, Director Wan. Xiaolong is well-known for his generosity,” Chu Wenwen remarked, not the least bit surprised.

She hadn't seen those crystal balls, but she figured that to Xiaolong, they were probably nothing special. Despite the stunning effect they produced, he likely didn't value them as highly as others might, given his discerning taste, which was always a cut above the rest.

“Wenwen, don't you see? With these crystal balls, our future concerts can be even more spectacular,” Wan Tao said with palpable excitement. “Xiaolong, rest assured, I promise to use them exclusively for Wenwen's concerts and not for personal profit.”

He seemed to have a sense of the unique bond between Chu Wenwen and Zhang Xiaolong. Though they weren't siblings or lovers, Wenwen harbored a special affection for Xiaolong, and it was clear he cared deeply for her, or he wouldn't have gone to such lengths.

“You've got it wrong again, Director Wan,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile. “I'm giving them to you, not Wenwen. That means you're free to use them for anyone's stage effects in the future. They're yours now. But I would suggest not lending them out unless it's absolutely necessary. Think of them as your personal talisman.”

“Haha, you're too kind,” Wan Tao exclaimed, giving his thigh a firm pinch to make sure he wasn't dreaming. “With these at my disposal, I can hardly imagine the level of stage effects we can achieve. And I must say, tonight's concert is bound to be an absolute classic. By the way, I'm still puzzled about how Wenwen seemed to float down from the sky without any visible stage mechanisms.”

Chu Wenwen glanced at Zhang Xiaolong, knowing full well what had happened. Xiaolong had been the one supporting her, but even she was mystified as to how he had managed it.

She was very well-behaved. Until Zhang Xiaolong spoke up, she wouldn't utter a word.

“This… is a secret as well,” Zhang Xiaolong chuckled. “I'll leave you to unravel it in your own time.” He preferred not to reveal the Dragon Controlling True Spell, opting instead for an air of mystery.

Wan Tao didn't press the issue. After all, he had already received the crystal ball—a truly magical prop for stage effects. Besides, Zhang Xiaolong was known for his plethora of unfathomable methods; it wasn't reasonable to expect him to disclose everything.

“By the way, Wenwen, who was it that deceived you? Was the con artist caught?” Wan Tao suddenly remembered he hadn't yet inquired about this crucial detail.

“It was… Fong Zihao!” Chu Wenwen managed to say, clenching her teeth with resentment.

“That wastrel?” Wan Tao was visibly affected by the revelation.

“Director Wan, you're familiar with him?” inquired Zhang Xiaolong.

Wan Tao shook his head. “He's a director too, mostly in film, and has produced some fine works. But his moral character is questionable. Being targeted by him is no small matter. What happened afterward?”

“Nothing much. I gave him a beating, and now he'll be spending the year in a wheelchair,” Zhang Xiaolong replied, a chill in his voice.

“Ah?” Wan Tao was startled and hastily clarified, “Xiaolong, don't get me wrong. I'm not sympathizing with that guy; I'm concerned about the trouble you might attract. He may be insignificant, but his father, Fong Jiancheng of East Sun Film and Television, wields considerable clout in the entertainment industry. He's well-connected with many influential figures. After what you did to Fong Zihao, I fear… Fong Jiancheng will surely come after you.”

Chu Wenwen also expressed her concerns: “Exactly, Xiaolong. That's what I've been saying. With the concert over, I have no regrets. Even if I leave show business, it's not the end of the world. But you have so many ventures to protect. Fong Jiancheng will undoubtedly seek retribution. Please, be careful.”

“Don't worry,” Zhang Xiaolong reassured with a gentle smile. “Trouble doesn't come looking for me that easily. Besides, I'm just a farmer. Can he really make my fields disappear or prevent my crops from growing? If he could, I'd be impressed. If not, he'll just have to live with the consequences of his actions. Besides, it's only a year—it's actually letting Fong Zihao off easy.”

“Rest assured, Elegant Dragon isn't easily swayed by just anyone's words these days,” Chen Yaru declared with pride. “If Xiaolong gets truly upset, we'll just set up our own film company and overshadow all those East Sun and West Sun outfits. Then we'll see what he has left to boast about!”

“That would be amazing!” The first to express her excitement was none other than Chu Wenwen, whom the audience adored as a fairy.