Yang Function and the others didn’t expect the refined Hu Ge to be so stubborn, even in the face of such a lucrative offer. Everyone looked at Hu Ge in disbelief. Faced with their glances, Hu Ge remained unfazed and exchanged a look with Gu Bai. Honestly, Gu Bai didn’t expect Hu Ge to reject such favorable terms. However, Gu Bai’s first reaction wasn’t anger, but admiration. In such a restless and fame-driven entertainment industry, Hu Ge’s ability to keep his integrity and refuse such temptation was truly extraordinary. If this opportunity was given to someone else, they wouldn’t just refuse, they’d eagerly make Gu Bai their godfather. "Since you aren’t willing, I won’t insist. I’ll give you some time to consider." Upon hearing Gu Bai’s words, Hu Ge wanted to say something, but Gu Bai interrupted him. "There’s no need to hastily refuse. If you still decide to reject it after I finish, I’ll respect your decision." With those words, Hu Ge quietly watched Gu Bai. "It’s true that Tangren Film has done you favors and remained loyal to you, but have you considered how much you’ve earned for them over the years? Isn’t this favor already repaid? The ancients said, ’Man strives upwards.’ Tangren can no longer offer you much development. Even if you stay for a lifetime, it’ll just be about exploiting your remaining value. Surely you understand this, even if I don’t say it? Besides, you’ve worked hard studying abroad, participating in plays, and honing your acting skills. You must have aspirations, right? Are you really content to linger at this level forever? When you retire years later, will people’s only impression of you be: Hu Ge, oh, I know him, the lead from Immortal Sword, Mei Changsu from Langya List, and nothing more? "As I’ve said, I’m not asking for you to bring in business value. I purely admire your charisma. I’ve also contacted your parents, and according to their response, they support your decisions. That’s all I have to say, think it over carefully." After hearing Gu Bai, Hu Ge’s eyes were full of complex emotions. Every word Gu Bai said hit him where it hurt. He’s worked so hard to improve himself, wasn’t it to achieve bigger dreams? And Tangren indeed can no longer help him much. To say Zhang Ruoyun isn’t jealous would be a lie. If he rejects Gu Bai, he’s sure there won’t be a second invitation, nor will Gu Bai persuade him as kindly as he did with Hu Ge. However, there’s always a difference between people. Being able to join Gu Bai’s company and receive his promise is something many in the industry can only dream of. "Alright, let’s not talk about work. Let’s eat in peace, and don’t forget the university anniversary in three days." Gu Bai promptly changed the topic. Soon after, Gu Yi’s enormous frame returned to the private room, carrying four bottles of 50-year-old Maotai. "Good food deserves good wine, let’s drink first." As expected of top-notch 50-year-old Maotai, its aroma was mellow, its fragrance pure, subtle but not bland, and with decades of aging, it had an added depth. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮※𝓷𝓮𝓽 Although Gu Bai’s status is now much higher than before, facing his childhood idol, Gu Bai became chatty, frequently toasting. In response, neither Hu Ge nor Yang Function dared to refuse his toasts. A meal lasted nearly two hours, and all four 50-year-old Maotais were polished off. Everyone was tipsy, and Gu Bai was no exception. Once the gathering ended, Hu Ge, Yang Function, Zhang Ruoyun, and director Yang Wenjun’s assistants each took their drunken charges away. They kept it low-key. After all, in a place like Hengdian, paparazzi are everywhere. If caught on camera, one doesn’t know what gossip column they’d land in the next day. Though it wouldn’t be anything severe, it’s better to avoid trouble when possible. Gu Yi helped the thoroughly intoxicated Gu Bai into a Rolls-Royce Phantom and headed to a previously booked hotel. Hengdian Fengjing Jiali Hotel is one of Hengdian’s most luxurious hotels and also among the top lodging choices for celebrities there. The Rolls-Royce stopped at the hotel’s entrance, and the valet rushed over. Seeing the two-meter-tall, expressionless Gu Yi, although a bit apprehensive, as a service worker, he took the embarrassingly drunk Gu Bai from his hands. Just entering the hotel, they saw Deng Bo and Yi Yiyi approaching. Before returning, Gu Bai had called them and informed them he was drunk, so they came from their rooms to the lobby to wait. The group looked at the practically limp Gu Bai, exchanging glances. In their minds, Gu Bai was always the epitome of elegance and sophistication. It was the first time they saw him in such a state. Wen Cunming even took out his phone to take a picture, but Gu Yi gave him a stern look, making him quickly put it away. "Let’s not linger in the lobby, let’s take him back to the room." Following Deng Bo’s suggestion, it was Gu Yi who helped Gu Bai back to the room. Despite his rugged appearance, Gu Yi carefully placed Gu Bai onto the hotel bed.