Gun, you're quite good in other aspects, but your perspective is a bit narrow.

The 1.5 Billion Celebration Banquet.

It begins.

This is a mid-term celebration, not for the final box office numbers.

But it’s necessary to boost morale, invite some industry peers and friends, announce the rise of a new king, and let everyone mingle, network, and socialize.

After all, they’ll all be working in the same circle from now on.

The big bosses of major media companies will also attend—there’s always room for future collaborations. Who would turn down money?

Especially when there’s no bad blood or grudges between them.

Even if Bald Xu and Cao Cheng had been at each other’s throats, that was purely personal and had nothing to do with their respective media companies.

Including Bald Xu—he’s coming to the banquet today too.

Later, when it’s time for the celebration of Lost in Hong Kong, this crowd will naturally return the favor. They’re all part of the same circle—better to make peace than hold grudges.

Besides, at this level—box office hits in the billions, directors and screenwriters with billion-yuan projects under their belts—their momentum is unstoppable.

Barring any surprises, their next project won’t be a flop either.

Not to mention the backing of Cao Cheng.

There’s no need for anyone to fight to the death here.

The day is lively.

The official Happy Ma Hua Weibo account also announced the 1.5 billion celebration, thanking fans and running online giveaways.

Some candid shots from the banquet were also shared.

A few reporters were invited as well.

Cao Cheng will make time to attend—the banquet’s in Zhonghai, so there’s no excuse not to show up.

8 PM.

Most guests have arrived. The banquet hall is packed, glasses clinking, groups of three or five chatting with smiles all around—the atmosphere couldn’t be more harmonious.

Outside, reporters are still lurking.

They’ve got the guest list and know exactly who’s coming tonight.

Soon.

A van pulls up. The first to step out is Little Bald, followed by Bald Xu.

Both are all smiles. Even though they got roasted online, they still made bank.

As long as the money’s rolling in, who cares about reputation?

Besides,

upon closer inspection, their feud with Cao Cheng actually boosted their publicity, saving them a ton on marketing.

As for the theater scheduling issue, Cao Cheng never deliberately targeted them—he just didn’t sign a box office guarantee deal.

All things considered,

Cao Cheng is pretty fair when it comes to separating business from personal matters.

That’s why tensions between them haven’t escalated further.

And now, with cameras pointed at them, they naturally put on a show of magnanimity.

Reporters snap away.

One asks Bald Xu why he’s attending the Goodbye Mr. Loser celebration, given their supposed feud.

Bald Xu fires back, “What feud? There’s no bad blood between us. The earlier arguments were just because our movies were released around the same time, in the same genre. Misunderstandings happen—it’s normal.”

His words paint him as the bigger person, willing to let bygones be bygones.

Then.

Another car arrives—a flying B!

An Ya steps out.

Right behind her is Cao Cheng.

As soon as they exit, An Ya links arms with Cao Cheng, smiling for the cameras.

Bald Xu glances back, his expression flickering briefly before settling into a neutral smile. He doesn’t move, waiting for Cao Cheng to approach.

At the same time, he sizes up the man.

Gotta admit—he’s got style.

The build, the height, the aura…

Young, filthy rich, and handsome to boot.

Envy-inducing, really.

As for An Ya beside him—she’s a newcomer, but this movie shot her to fame. A leading lady (or co-lead, depending on who you ask) in a billion-yuan hit.

Plus, she’s the quintessential campus beauty.

Now, when people think of a school goddess, who else comes to mind but An Ya? Or Qiu Ya?

Stunning.

And that figure—

Rumor has it she’s got a dance background.

Probably does the splits without breaking a sweat…

Tsk tsk.

No surprise, given she’s Cao Cheng’s protégée. Even without the fame, she holds her own against any A-lister.

Add the star power, and she’s practically glowing.

Kinda thrilling to watch.

Too bad she’s off-limits.

In the blink of an eye,

the two groups cross paths.

Reporters go wild, zooming in on every micro-expression.

As they near each other,

Bald Xu extends a hand. “Director Cao, long time no see. Finally meeting in person.”

Cao Cheng smiles. “Likewise, Director Xu. Our online debates were just a case of ‘no discord, no concord.’ Let’s collaborate sometime.”

“Absolutely, absolutely.”

Not a single spark of conflict.

The reporters deflate.

What a shame.

If only they’d throw punches, pull hair—er, scalps—now that’d be headline material.

Too bad.

Too bad.

Cao Cheng eyes the press and scoffs. “You all look disappointed. Were you hoping we’d brawl?”

The reporters chuckle awkwardly.

Those familiar with Cao Cheng know he doesn’t mince words.

He shrugs. “Sorry to let you down. Let me clarify—if it were ‘Cannon’ here, I’d dropkick him on sight. But Director Xu and I? This was healthy competition. No personal grudges. We might even work together later. So no fight footage for you. My bad.”

His smirk draws exasperated sighs from the crowd.

Bald Xu laughs along.

Just then,

another car pulls up.

It’s Cannon.

Followed by Old Xu.

The press revives instantly. One reporter who knows Cao Cheng shouts, “Kick him! Come on, Cao, prove you’re a man!”

Cao Cheng points at him, grinning. “Get lost. Stirring the pot, huh?”

“Hahaha…”

The crowd erupts in laughter. Reporters start egging him on, chanting for the flying kick.

Cannon spots Cao Cheng and scowls.

But he keeps walking toward them.

And so, the three parties from the online feud finally converge in person.

Cao Cheng spreads his arms wide, beaming. “Long time no see. Missed you guys.”

Cannon’s face darkens.

This kid, acting like they’re old pals.

What a performance.

Ugh.

Whatever.

Gotta save face in public. Play along, then.

Cannon opens his arms for a hug.

But Cao Cheng sidesteps him—

and goes straight for Old Xu, pulling her into an embrace.

Cannon freezes.

The hell?

He turns just in time to see Cao Cheng whisper something in Old Xu’s ear, making her giggle.

Cannon’s face turns stormy. He yanks Cao Cheng back. “Hands off.”

Bald Xu watches, thoroughly entertained.

Cao Cheng releases Old Xu, deadpan. “Cannon, you’re so petty. Sis Xu and I haven’t met in ages—can’t we catch up? Honestly…”

Cannon sputters. “You two know each other?”

“None of your business.” Cao Cheng turns to Old Xu. “Sis Xu, let’s head in. The banquet’s about to start.”

Old Xu nods, then rolls her eyes at Cannon. “Come on, can’t you take a joke? Grow up.”

“…”

Cannon is speechless. How is this his fault now?

While the scene didn’t escalate into a full-blown scandal, the reporters leave satisfied.

They’ve got plenty of shots—three feuding parties in one frame. The photos alone will spawn endless gossip.

Especially that moment when Cao Cheng dodged Cannon and hugged Old Xu instead.

It looked like just an ordinary friendly hug, but... you could always spin a story.

Bald Xu also greeted Little Cannon, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, the three groups walked inside together.

Given Cao Cheng’s status, he naturally took the center position.

After all, it was his victory banquet.

Little Cannon and Bald Xu knew better than to steal the spotlight.

Once the three groups entered, the celebration officially began.

The atmosphere was lively.

The main creators gave speeches, thanking the investors and all the staff, both on and off screen.

They also fielded questions from reporters, sharing amusing anecdotes from filming.

There was even some gossip about the relationship between the two female leads, An Ya and Mary.

After the chatter died down,

Cao Cheng and Little Cannon sat together, with Old Xu keeping them company.

Cao Cheng said, "When are you going to honor that bet? Just write ‘I’m invincible’ in the credits of your December film, ‘Old Cannon.’ Stop dragging your feet."

"..."

Little Cannon snapped, "What’s the rush? It’s not over yet. You’ve got another project coming out in December, don’t you? Besides, how do you know my movie won’t outgross your ‘Goodbye Mr. Loser’?"

Cao Cheng feigned surprise. "If you could surpass it, wouldn’t you have done it already? It’s been five years—what are you waiting for? A last-second buzzer-beater? Going for the dramatic finish?"

"Pfft—" Old Xu burst out laughing.

He couldn’t help it.

Before, when he’d seen Cao Cheng and Little Cannon trading barbs online, he’d only noticed how aggressive Cao Cheng was.

But in person… some of the things he said actually had a touch of humor.

Little Cannon flushed with anger and shot Old Xu a glare. Whose side are you on?

What’s so funny?

You think this is a joke?

Old Xu pressed his lips together and turned his head away.

Okay, maybe laughing wasn’t appropriate.

But… he just couldn’t hold it in.

"Look at you," Cao Cheng sighed. "You’re the one who can’t measure up, and now you’re taking it out on a woman? Old Xu has put up with your nonsense for years, and now you’re mad because he laughed? If you can’t make your own woman laugh, but another man can, maybe you should take a long look in the mirror."

"..."

Little Cannon was seething.

What kind of bullshit was that?

He’d always known Cao Cheng had a sharp tongue, but online, it was only a fraction of the real thing. Face-to-face, the guy was downright infuriating.

Old Xu kept his head turned, shoulders shaking—honestly, it felt a little satisfying.

Little Cannon stood up to leave.

Cao Cheng called out, "Hey, hey, don’t storm off. Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. You’re too old to be this hot-headed. Don’t you know your condition gets worse when you’re angry? You’re aware I own a medical company, right? We can cure cancer—your little problem is a walk in the park."

Little Cannon immediately sat back down.

Just like that, the mood improved.

Cao Cheng continued, "Later, I’ll get you into a club. We’ve been at each other’s throats for years, but it’s not like we’re sworn enemies. Especially now, with the market becoming more commercialized, I’m seeing some worrying trends. Veterans like you still have value. I don’t want domestic films to turn into cheap knockoffs."

"So, compared to the bigger picture of cultural influence, our little grudges can take a back seat. We should unite against the real competition..."

"But from now on, cut the ‘Old Cannon’ nonsense—glorifying hoodlums. Let’s be honest, your movie romanticizes street thugs. Don’t give me that look. They’re just aging delinquents, neighborhood troublemakers suddenly turning over a new leaf? Acting all noble? Please. Spare me the act."

"Anyway, let’s drop this for now."

"We’ll talk more later. We should bring in more veteran directors and think bigger. Did you really think all my talk about soft power was just hot air?"

"You’re decent in most ways—just a little short-sighted."

"..."

Little Cannon had no words.

If it weren’t for the promise of treatment, he would’ve walked out right then.