"That was in the past. This place has an owner now, understand?" Yuan Gang said coldly.
"Since you say this place has an owner, I'd like to know who this so-called owner is, and whether you have a property deed," said the director's Mr. Zhang, his voice laced with insinuation. He was implying that without a property deed, they couldn't prove ownership. In Great Xia, property ownership was confirmed by the deed.
Yuan Gang nodded. "Since you want to see the property deed, we'll show you." He turned and went inside, emerging a few minutes later with a red property deed, which he tossed in front of them. "I told you, this is a private residence!"
"I'd like to ask, since my employer did not agree to your filming here, what legal authority do you have? Furthermore, I can state clearly that four months ago, this became a private residence. So, I'd like to know where your so-called legal authority comes from?"
The director took the property deed, glanced at it, and respectfully handed it to Zhang Xuanxuan. The deed indeed indicated it was transferred four months prior. By that time, the uniform of the Three-Army Commander had just been revealed. This meant the Commander's Mansion had been transferred to Ye Longlin's name.
The director's face paled as he looked at it. He took a deep breath. "Mr. Zhang, this is indeed their private residence." With the property deed presented, no one could argue. But who could have imagined this place was a private residence? If they filmed without the owner's permission, it would be a huge problem. Moreover, the director, being from the Beijing circle, knew the significance of the Commander's Mansion and its status in the capital. He was now sweating profusely. The owner of the Commander's Mansion must have an extraordinary identity!
"I'm making a call." The director realized he had caused trouble. He had thought his status would allow him to move freely in the capital, but today he had misstepped.
"Actually, if you leave now and promise not to come here again, it's not a big deal," Yuan Gang said calmly.
"Do you know that because you won't let us film here, all our previous efforts will go to waste? Do you know that because of your words, the efforts of our entire crew for the past four months will be overturned? Our television series has already aired, and do you know how much effort it takes to reshoot? My coming here to film is an honor for you; you should be grateful and let us finish this series!"
"I see you've redecorated. My suggestion is, throw away everything you bought and restore it to how it was before we filmed!" Zhang Xuanxuan pointed at Yuan Gang's nose, his arrogance reaching its peak.
Yuan Gang's gaze fell on Zhang Xuanxuan's face, and he let out a sneer. The man had more makeup and powder on him than a woman, and he pointed with a delicate, effeminate gesture. This was a sissy! As a soldier, he couldn't stand such unmanly individuals.
"And who do you think you are, pointing fingers at me here? Believe me, if you point at me one more time, I'll break your finger right off!" Yuan Gang grinned sinisterly, his expression icy.
"Sir, sir, please calm down. How about this? We'll pay more. As long as you let us finish, you can name the price." The director rushed over. He hadn't been able to get through to the investor and had tried several numbers with no success. Seeing the tense situation escalating, he quickly intervened.
Their television series had become a hit, the first major success of the year. Delaying filming by a day meant a day's delay in progress, which was a serious issue. Furthermore, they were filming and broadcasting concurrently, making it even more problematic. The schedules of the young heartthrob male lead and the popular male lead were incredibly tight. Even if the crew could afford delays, the actors couldn't. Beyond scheduling conflicts, these actors were relying on this series to advance their careers. The film companies behind them were also counting on this series to make money.
Yuan Gang put his hands in his pockets. "How much do you think this house is worth?"
The director's face was grim. The fact that someone could live here and obtain the property deed indicated immense backing. They clearly weren't short on money and wouldn't be impressed by paltry sums. The implication was that they had no shortage of money and certainly not of their money.
"I'm telling you, you will lend us this place, whether you want to or not!"
"Don't you know who I am? It's an honor for me to be here playing the role of the commander. Only the words 'Commander's Mansion' are worthy of my status." It was remarkable how a man could affect such a high-pitched, feminine voice.
The crew could tolerate it, but Yuan Gang couldn't. He slapped Zhang Xuanxuan, sending him flying, and cursed, "A man should act like a man! If you want to be a woman, I don't mind performing a vasectomy on you here. Damn it, what a disgrace!" As a pure soldier, Yuan Gang truly couldn't stand it, feeling disgusted by the man's behavior.
This slap made Zhang Xuanxuan feel the power of a man! Though, this power came with a significant amount of pain.
"Ahhh! I'm dying, I'm dying! It hurts so much, it hurts so much! Quick, quick, take me to the hospital! How dare he hit my face? Don't they know I make a living with my face? My face, sob sob sob!"
"Assistant director, assistant director, I'm bleeding, I'm bleeding! I'm dying, take me to the hospital quickly, I'm dying!"
Yuan Gang: "......"
His exclamation drew the attention of Ye Longlin in the room upstairs. He opened the door and stood on the balcony, looking down. Below, a crowd was gathered, with Yuan Gang standing in the center, radiating an imposing aura.
"Should I continue playing with them?" Yuan Gang heard the voice and turned to look at Ye Longlin, chuckling. He didn't say much more and returned to his room to write.
The director instinctively looked up and happened to catch a glimpse of Ye Longlin turning expressionlessly. That fleeting moment of unintentional authority and dignity sent a tremor through the director. He swallowed, feeling a surge of dread.
"May I ask, who is the owner of this place?"