The steam in the private room enveloped with the aroma of food, and the sounds of toasting gradually quieted down.
Zhang Fuqiang leisurely used a fork to slice through the roast lamb, the sizzling of the oil audible on the bone china plate.
Seeing that everyone had nearly finished eating, he suddenly tapped his knuckle on the table's edge, then cleared his throat. The deep coughing sounded like a stone thrown into a lake, scattering all discussion at the table.
Everyone simultaneously put down their bowls and chopsticks, their gazes focused on the slightly raised brows at the head of the table, even lowering the volu of their chewing subconsciously.
It was evident that Zhang Fuqiang seed about to announce sothing important.
Zhang Fuqiang reclined back into his chair, his suit complenting his increasingly slick appearance.
He turned the ring on his left ring finger, his gaze sweeping over everyone's tense expressions, a satisfied curve at the corner of his mouth.
He spoke slowly: "Speaking of which, gathering everyone here today..."
When the words paused, soone quietly straightened up, and even the server's tea pouring beca gentler.
"So of you might know, but others might not be clear.
In fact, today is my birthday."
As the words fell, the assistant director's hand, which was picking food, slightly shook, the sauce spreading on the plate's edge.
His expression slightly changed, his gaze behind the glasses quickly sweeping over Zhang Fuqiang's half-smiling expression as he montarily couldn't fathom the intent behind the sudden announcent of the birthday.
"So, it's Teacher Zhang's birthday..."
He pulled at his tie, squeezing out a smile, his deliberately slowed tone with a bit of deliberation, "I should've prepared a present ahead, just as a token of our regard."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fuqiang casually waved at the assistant director, a generous smile hanging on his face:
"Just a small birthday, gifts aren't necessary. I'm not that kind of person to fuss over things."
He turned the high-end watch on his wrist, grinning: "In fact, I just enjoy a lively atmosphere. Tonight, I specially booked a friend's estate villa, complete with a large swimming pool, invited renowned DJs from the circle, and prepared a pool party."
He deliberately paused, letting the words "pool party" fernt in the air, "By then, quite a few friends from the film and television industry will be present, who knows, maybe I can help so of you make connections."
"Pool party?" These two words caused everyone's expressions to subtly change.
Several n in the room instinctively touched their noses, secretly turning their heads to observe others' reactions;
While the several actresses, except for Yang Xiaoxiu who kept drinking soup, slightly trembled their chopsticks in hand.
The lights shone on their ticulously applied makeup but couldn't conceal the trace of panic in their eyes.
Everyone present knew that Zhang Fuqiang's private parties were never just simple social gatherings; the rumors circulating in the tea room were transforming into an oppressive atmosphere now.
Zhang Fuqiang sipped from his red wine glass lightly, looking at everyone's stiff expressions, the smile not reaching his eyes: "I don't usually invite outsiders to my birthday, but inviting you all ans I consider you one of us. What? You won't even give this courtesy?"
He slowly put down the wine glass, its base colliding with the table with a dull sound, raising an eyebrow:
"Am I not even considered a friend in your hearts?"
Upon hearing this, the assistant director seed sowhat uneasy, his gaze shifting between Zhang Fuqiang and Yang Xiaoxiu.
At this mont, he realized the sche behind this dinner: the so-called birthday banquet was just a cover, the pool party was an intricately laid trap.
What Zhang Fuqiang truly coveted, perhaps, was Yang Xiaoxiu at the table.
As for the rest of them, they were re supporting characters in this drama.
"Teacher Zhang, unfortunately, I have to accompany the investors to review the new script tonight..."
He was the first to break the deadlock, his face plastered with a flattering smile, "But I happen to have two junior sisters, just graduated from film school, young, beautiful, and playful. If Teacher Zhang doesn't mind, I can introduce them to liven up the atmosphere?"
Zhang Fuqiang's originally furrowed brows imdiately smoothed out, reaching out to pat his shoulder: "Director Liu really gets it, just make sure these friends of yours don't stand up."
Saying this, his gaze swept over the others at the table, his tone carrying an indisputable pressure: "I understand Director Liu is busy, but surely the rest of you won't deny this bit of respect?
I heard that Xiao Wang ntioned last week wanting to et so producers? Hasn't Xiaoli always wanted to get a lead role?"
His words, delivered with a half-smile, precisely hit everyone's vulnerable spots.
In this almost coercive atmosphere, Old Li from the props group was the first to break the silence, forcing a smile that was worse than crying: "On Teacher Zhang's birthday, how could I not show up? Send the address in the group chat, I'll be there on ti!"
The other n, as if soone pressed a button, nodded in agreent, the table echoed with a chorus of "I'll be there" and "I have to be there".
Zhang Fuqiang, satisfied, rubbed his chin, his gaze again locking precisely onto the two actresses sitting at the end.
These two girls, who had not been in the industry long, played supporting roles in the crew and were invited by Zhang Fuqiang to the dinner for their bright looks, now felt a chill under his burning gaze.
The girl in the light blue dress bit her lip, looking mortified, while the other clenched the hem of her skirt, fingers whitened, ultimately could only chanically nod, voices trembling: "We...we'll go too."
The crystal chandelier in the room buzzed, as everyone gradually agreed, Zhang Fuqiang propped his elbows on the table, fingers interlaced supporting his chin, his aningful gaze finally landing on the consistently silent Yang Xiaoxiu.
She continued to leisurely stir the soup with a porcelain spoon, her eyelids never fluttering.
The cold air from the air-conditioning vent brushed her hair neatly pinned behind the ears, and she seed to build an invisible barrier around herself, isolating the surrounding undercurrents outside.
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