Future Film Emperor

Cao Cheng accompanied Lingling during her rehearsal.

He also had his bodyguards, drivers, and undercover security help out by fetching hot drinks from nearby.

If you’re visiting the set, you might as well do it right.

Coffee, milk tea, fresh juice—soon, every staff member on set had a cup in hand.

Given Cao Cheng’s current status, even without these small gestures, no one would dare give his people a hard time, let alone raise their voice at Lingling.

But,

It’s all about social graces!

Later, he ran into a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces among the rehearsal crew.

Among the musical performances was a song by Little Chensheng.

After a brief chat, he spotted another singer, Huang Bo.

The moment they locked eyes, Huang Bo visibly tensed up.

But he quickly greeted, "Mr. Cao, long time no see!"

"Bo-ge! It’s been a while," Cao Cheng replied warmly.

"Ah, no no no—Mr. Cao, just call me Xiao Bo, please."

"Not a chance. I’m a fan of your films. How about an autograph?" Cao Cheng said politely.

For one, they were acquaintances.

Secondly, there was no real animosity—in fact, they might even collaborate in the future, so there was no need to sour the relationship.

The previous conflict hadn’t been between him and Cao Cheng anyway.

The issue stemmed from Lost in Thailand.

The Fourth had been in smooth negotiations for the film, only for Cao Cheng to abruptly call it off, later slashing its screenings to almost nothing.

In the end, Lost in Thailand lost at least 300 million at the box office.

Bald Xu nearly sued Miracle Media over it.

The fallout sparked a heated war of words online.

Huang Bo’s fans, rallying behind him, accused Miracle Media of sabotaging the film out of spite for not being an investor.

Hence the awkwardness now.

Huang Bo didn’t dare act aloof, unsure of Cao Cheng’s intentions, but he still carefully signed the autograph as requested.

Cao Cheng pocketed it and asked, "How about dinner after rehearsal?"

Huang Bo hesitated. "Uh—"

"Don’t say no. I’ve got a proposal for you—a collaboration."

"W-well, alright then. I appreciate the invitation, Mr. Cao."

"No need for formalities. We’re all friends here."

Truth be told,

In his century-long dream, Cao Cheng hadn’t been big on variety shows, but Go Fighting! had been one of his early favorites.

So he had a bit of a soft spot for Huang Bo.

Not that he was starstruck.

Cao Cheng knew celebrities were entirely different on and off camera.

But that didn’t stop him from admiring the man’s acting chops and comedic timing.

Forget EQ—at least the guy knew how to handle himself.

That alone made collaboration feasible.

And since the opportunity was there, why not keep the show running?

So,

He could let others have Running Man.

But Go Fighting!? Never.

Especially since this world didn’t even have Go Fighting!—making Cao Cheng an accidental variety show importer.

Later, he ran into two more people.

Technically, they were his own artists.

Cao Cheng wasn’t just the head of Miracle Media; he’d also invested in countless agencies, including TF Entertainment, the company behind the rising boy band TF Boys.

Meanwhile, Wang Yue, An Ya, and Jiang Mengqi—three dancers from his troupe—had been sent to hone their skills at Mahua Theater.

Backstage, he bumped into Shen Teng and Mary.

Right now, these two were absolute rookies.

They were contracted members of a theater troupe, with only one notable work to their name and little recognition outside their circle.

This year’s skit, titled "To Help or Not to Help," was expected to make a splash, but they remained minor actors.

It wasn’t until later, with the success of "Goodbye Mr. Loser," that their lives took a dramatic turn.

They transitioned from stage actors to film stars—an extraordinary leap.

A resounding success!

"Mr. Cao."

Upon meeting, the two stood up to greet him.

Cao Cheng smiled. "I know you two. I’ve watched your play many times..."

Mary’s face lit up with joy.

Shen Teng, equally delighted, blurted out humbly, "Then, Mr. Cao, what areas do you think we could improve?"

Cao Cheng shot him a look. "Can’t you tell when someone’s being polite?"

"..."

"..."

The two were stunned into silence.

"Pfft—" Lingling burst out laughing beside them before quickly apologizing. "Sorry, sorry."

Mary and Shen Teng gave awkward smiles.

Cao Cheng sighed and patted Shen Teng’s shoulder. "No sense of humor? I was just teasing you."

Only then did the two relax.

Shen Teng laughed. "Mr. Cao, you’re quite the joker."

"That compliment was painfully awkward. You’d have been better off not saying anything," Cao Cheng scoffed.

"..."

The unfamiliarity between them made the interaction uncomfortable.

But then again, it made sense. At this point, the two had no fame to speak of, while Cao Cheng was not only a major shareholder in their company but also the wealthiest man around.

The gap in status was vast. Who’d expect someone like him to joke around with them?

They were on completely different wavelengths—no wonder they couldn’t sync up.

After settling down, Cao Cheng asked, "By the way, last year—or was it the year before?—the troupe had a new play, 'Goodbye Mr. Loser,' right?"

"Yes, Mr. Cao. You actually watched it?" Shen Teng was surprised.

"Of course. I think it’d make a great movie. Polish it up, and when the time comes, I’ll provide funding, resources, and screen allocations—whatever you need." Cao Cheng dangled the carrot.

Shen Teng and Mary’s eyes sparkled. "Mr. Cao, are you saying you want to adapt it into a film?"

"Exactly. You can’t stay theater actors forever. Your stage should be bigger. The Spring Festival Gala might boost your visibility, but real influence and income come from movies," Cao Cheng said.

Then he went on selling dreams and currying favor.

He knew they’d make it big—and stay big—so why not invest a little goodwill in advance?

It cost him nothing.

A few kind words wouldn’t hurt.

In short, Cao Cheng was sold on their on-screen chemistry. Any film they starred in together? He’d back it unconditionally.

The two were deeply moved.

It felt like the ancient saying: "A scholar would die for one who appreciates him."

For the first time, they understood why so many in history were willing to lay down their lives for a true patron—why some would die content after hearing a single profound truth.

The excitement was indescribable.

"Don’t rush off after the rehearsal. Join me for dinner. I’ve also invited an award-winning actor—we’ll all get acquainted," Cao Cheng said.

They nodded eagerly.

He then exchanged phone numbers with them, leaving them practically giddy.

Before leaving, Cao Cheng added, "Oh, and keep this under wraps for now. Don’t mention it to the troupe—just work on it quietly. Understand?"

After a brief pause, they caught his drift.

Mary quickly nodded, "Understood, President Cao. We’ll definitely keep it confidential."

...

Then they left.

Shen Teng frowned, "What did President Cao mean by that last remark?"

Mary gave him a light smack, "Are you dumb? It means we keep it to ourselves, practice in secret, and later we’ll be the leads when we shoot some movies. If others find out, it could stir up trouble. Haven’t you heard the saying: ‘Success comes from secrecy’?"

Shen Teng suddenly realized, "Oh, right. I knew that—I just got too excited and didn’t think of it at the moment."

"Cut the crap," Mary scoffed. "I know you too well."

Changing the subject,

Mary beamed with joy, "But seriously, I never expected President Cao to be not only young and accomplished but also so handsome and kind. What a shame—I have a boyfriend, otherwise..."

Shen Teng smirked, "What’s the big deal? Wouldn’t that make it even more exciting?"

"Get lost!" Mary kicked him.

Shen Teng yelped, "Ow, my kneecap! My hip joint!... You owe me compensation!"

"That’s my line."

"Pfft, whoever says it first owns it."

...

By dinnertime,

In a private dining room at a members-only restaurant,

Cao Cheng met with a few people.

After introductions, they became somewhat familiar—all part of the same circle.

However,

The group still seemed a bit reserved, given Cao Cheng’s immense wealth and the stunning presence of Lingling, a renowned female pianist.

They were clearly out of their league.

After a few sips of medicinal wine, the atmosphere loosened up.

Cao Cheng finally got down to business.

"Brother Bo."

"Yes, President Cao? Just say the word." Huang Bo didn’t bother correcting the title—after all, he was over a decade older.

"So, this year, let’s put together a variety show."

"Huh? Me?" Huang Bo was taken aback.

He’d never done variety shows before.

His background was in films and TV dramas—

Like Soldier and His Commander, Design of Death, Crazy Stone... and last year’s Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons.

He’d won plenty of Best Actor awards.

But variety shows? Never crossed his mind.

And he certainly never expected Cao Cheng to suddenly invite him.

To be blunt, from a relational standpoint, there was still some tension between them.

At the very least, as a friend, he’d naturally side with Bald Xu.

Still,

Everyone present knew that any variety show under Young Master Cao’s banner was bound to be a massive hit—not a single one had ever flopped. Even the lowest-rated still topped viewership charts.

Huang Bo’s eyes darted, "I—uh, I can sing decently... but variety shows? I’m not sure I’d be any good."

He assumed it was a singing competition.

Nearby, Mary and Shen Teng watched enviously. This was the perk of fame—getting personally invited by the big boss to join a show.

Even without knowing the details, they could tell it wouldn’t be some low-budget project.

After all, they were recruiting an award-winning actor.

The hype alone spoke volumes.

This was clearly a power move.

And everyone knew Cao Cheng’s personality—if he wasn’t stirring the pot, he probably wasn’t happy.

Cao Cheng clarified, "Not a singing show. It’s a brand-new outdoor variety program. I plan to invite six fixed cast members—you’re one of them."

"Ah..." Huang Bo hesitated.

Cao Cheng pressed, "Is this still about that past issue? You don’t want to join because of Lost in Thailand?"

"No, no, no," Old Huang quickly shook his head. "This has nothing to do with me. I’m just worried that if it doesn’t go well, it might delay your project, Mr. Cao. That’d be a real shame."

"Good or not, we won’t know until we try. As for Lost in Thailand..." Cao Cheng paused for a few seconds before continuing, "The reason I’m holding back on Lost in Thailand isn’t because I have some grudge against you actors or against Bald Xu. That’s what everyone outside is guessing, but that’s not the case at all."

"If I really had a problem with someone, I’d just go straight for the USB drive—one hit, and they’re done. Why bother dragging it out?"

"Who doesn’t know I’m the ‘USB Drive King’?"

"And honestly, is Bald Xu even on my level? Is he worth the effort of me suppressing him?"

"..."

His words left the group unsure whether to laugh or applaud.

But thinking about it, he had a point.

Everyone in the village had been online for years—who hadn’t heard of Young Master Cao’s methods?

No one believed Bald Xu’s side was completely clean either.

Besides, they really weren’t on the same level. If Cao Cheng wanted to crush someone, he wouldn’t do it like this.