Bidding results would be announced three days later.
However, for those present, the outcome was already apparent. The official representatives showed clear interest in the proposals from Qin's and Gu's, though they were temporarily undecided.
As Qin He left the venue, she overheard someone muttering, "Sigh, I knew it would be like this, but we still couldn't help but try."
"Yeah, old city renovation, how much money can be made from this? The government has always been willing to spend!"
Qin He's lips curved upwards slightly.
She stood by the door for only a few seconds before Gu Qichen walked up from behind.
He stopped beside Qin He.
"Miss Qin, who do you think between our two families will win the bid?"
Qin He glanced at him. "I trust Qin's strength."
Gu Qichen's lips curved slightly for a moment. The young woman's sharp demeanor was captivating.
"I think so too. Then, we shall wait and see."
Gu Qichen left.
Qin He stood in place, feeling a bit bewildered. Annoyed, she turned to Zhou Yang. "Did he come here specifically to provoke me? How annoying!"
Zhou Yang: "..."
He actually seemed more like he came to strike up a conversation, but for Mr. Gu to do that? Unlikely...
With the bidding results due in three days, Qin's had been busy. Qin He generously gave everyone a day off, letting the two departments take turns.
She, on the other hand, received an important call and immediately drove to Qingcheng Film City.
Qingcheng Film City was located in the suburbs and was one of the top film cities in the country.
From the entrance onwards, there were various filming bases, and one could see many people dressed in period costumes.
From ancient to modern times, people in armor were seen drinking water by the roadside.
She didn't encounter any celebrities. The film base was large, and the roads were complex. Qin He had to ask several times before she slowly drove to a large compound.
The compound was filled with ancient-style architecture, with rows of eaves and swaying palace lanterns, as if one had suddenly time-traveled.
After Qin He's car drove in, not far away, the RV window in front of another compound opened.
Song Nuan lowered the window. "Was that Qin He who just drove in?"
The assistant beside her said, "It looks like it, Sister Nuan Nuan, but I didn't get a clear look."
"What crew is next door?" Song Nuan asked, frowning.
"It's... 'Willows in Bloom'," the assistant replied softly.
'Willows in Bloom'!
This was a sore spot for Song Nuan. Her expression instantly darkened. "I remember the male lead of 'Willows in Bloom' is Ming Chi, right?"
"Yes."
"Let's go take a look!"
Song Nuan narrowed her eyes. Qin He wouldn't have come to a film crew to see just anyone. Although 'Willows in Bloom' was invested in by the Qin family, it was still company business. What was she doing here?
Since she was here, she must be here to see someone important, either Director Li Feng'an or Ming Chi!
During the cast change for 'Willows in Bloom' last time, she had claimed online that the investors made the change. Things were going well, but then that bitch Qin He posted on Weibo.
And Ming Chi actually brought his friends to like Qin He's post. That's when she thought Qin He and Ming Chi had an unusual relationship.
Male celebrities in the entertainment industry loved to get involved with rich young ladies! Not much better than female celebrities, and perhaps even more shameless!
Song Nuan cursed inwardly, found a mask and sunglasses, put on a hat, and quietly entered the 'Willows in Bloom' crew with her assistant.
...
When Qin He arrived at the film set, Li Feng'an was filming a crucial scene.
She crept around to the back and watched him intently as he looked at the camera. "Director Li."
Li Feng'an was startled and turned to see Qin He. "Miss Qin."
Li Feng'an vaguely remembered that when this Miss Qin first started her live streams, no one knew her identity. At that time, he had also noticed Diligent Little Qin and wanted her to be the female lead in 'Willows in Bloom'.
Unfortunately, she had directly replied that she wasn't interested.
Now he understood why she wasn't interested; she had become an investor instead.
"Mhm," Qin He said with a smile.
Li Feng'an looked at Qin He. As a director, his first reaction upon seeing someone was to consider what roles they would be suitable for.
Miss Qin was truly a rare beauty in the entertainment industry, even more stunning in person than on her live streams.
But Li Feng'an knew Qin He's identity. A young lady from a prominent family wouldn't likely become an actress. So, he said calmly, "Miss Qin, are you here for an inspection?"
As an investor, it was normal for Qin's to send a few people to supervise daily.
Moreover, the liaison for this film was originally the eldest daughter of the Qin family. When she wasn't involved recently, Li Feng'an was happy to film according to his own vision.
Now that she was here, he didn't feel any resentment.
Qin He shook her head and sat on the chair beside Li Feng'an, watching the scene being filmed on the camera.
In the footage, the male lead, dressed in a brocade robe, performed a sword flourish, then sheathed his sword with sharp precision.
Ming Chi seemed to embody whatever he played. While other actors looked like they were showing off, he exuded a sense of sharp, powerful energy.
"I came to visit," Qin He said, pointing at Ming Chi. "To visit him."
Li Feng'an was a little surprised but didn't think too much of it. "Ming Chi will be free after this scene. Miss Qin, please wait."
While waiting, Qin He chatted with Li Feng'an.
They mostly discussed the drama 'Willows in Bloom', and Li Feng'an's expression gradually brightened.
"Miss Qin, it seems you've read the novel 'Willows in Bloom' as well. Your understanding of the characters is very unique, and you've resolved many points that were confusing to me!"
Qin He smiled.
In a short while, Ming Chi finished filming and walked towards the director.
"Xiao He, have you been waiting long?"
"Not at all."
Qin He stood up and walked with Ming Chi, laughing and chatting. The crew members watched with gossip in their eyes.
"Ming Chi has been famous for so many years and has never had a girlfriend. Is it possible this time—"
"He just patted Miss Qin's head. They seem so intimate, it must be confirmed!"
Everyone watched with keen interest as Qin He followed Ming Chi onto his RV.
"Doesn't Ming Chi have a germophobia? I heard that no one is allowed in his RV except him and his assistant driver!"
"Yes, last time he was filming a modern drama, an actress wanted to get in his car and he almost threw her out!"
Amidst the buzz of gossip, Song Nuan stood behind an artificial banyan tree not far away, a sinister smile on her face, holding her phone.
"I knew it, that bitch Qin He must have come for Ming Chi!"
Song Nuan's assistant cautiously tugged at her. "Sister Nuan Nuan, you've already taken your photos. Let's go back. Don't get discovered."
"No, words are not enough. I need more evidence!"
...
On Ming Chi's RV, Qin He lounged in the back seat, leaning back. "You insisted I come all this way. What exactly do you want?"
"I only have three days left in Qingcheng. The day after tomorrow, 'Willows in Bloom' is going to the grasslands for location shooting, and it'll be months before we return." Ming Chi took out a box from a large bag beside him and handed it to Qin He. "An early birthday present for you."
Qin He took the box and said insincerely, "Not sincere enough. I have to come here to pick up my gift."
Ming Chi laughed heartily and patted her head. "Take a look. Do you like it?"
Qin He put the box into her bag and said playfully at the end, "I won't look. I'll open it on my birthday~"