Liu Xiaoli stood still for a moment, watching Luo Zheng and Xixi walk ahead, her thoughts in complete disarray.
Only after a few seconds did she snap out of it and hurriedly follow behind them.
No matter what, her precious daughter was still with Luo Zheng.
As they approached the reception line, a middle-aged man in a neat Zhongshan suit stepped forward with a composed smile. His posture was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
"President Luo, you must be tired after such a long journey."
Han Sanping personally extended his hand.
Luo Zheng released Xixi's hand and immediately stepped forward with both hands outstretched, shaking him with great respect.
"Chairman Han, you're too kind. I'm already deeply honored that you came here in person to receive me."
Han Sanping laughed warmly.
"President Luo, your way of speaking doesn't sound American at all. If anything, it feels as though you've spent years immersed in the mainland."
Luo Zheng smiled without the slightest hesitation.
"No matter where I live, I am still Chinese. Some traditions should never be forgotten."
His words were polite, natural, and perfectly measured.
Han Sanping's smile widened.
The surrounding crowd had already begun gathering, curious about who exactly deserved such a grand reception.
Sensing the growing attention, Luo Zheng quickly introduced Liu Xiaoli and Liu Xixi before everyone entered the waiting car together.
Once the car started moving, Liu Xiaoli was still unable to recover from the earlier shock.
Luo Zheng… hadn't lied to her.
That really was Han Sanping.
Vice Chairman of China Film Group.
Which meant Luo Zheng truly had come to discuss a film collaboration.
For a moment, the resentment and suspicion in her heart began to shake.
Soon, however, her thoughts returned to the one person who mattered most.
Xixi.
If Luo Zheng truly had this level of influence, then perhaps… he could really help her daughter.
Along the way, Luo Zheng and Han Sanping spoke continuously.
The more Han Sanping listened, the more astonished he became.
Luo Zheng spoke fluently about China's current development, its cultural industry, future economic growth, and the importance of domestic storytelling.
His tone was passionate yet rational.
He spoke of the nation's rise as if it were already written into destiny.
By the time the car arrived at China Film Group, Han Sanping's impression of him had completely transformed.
This was no longer merely a talented young businessman.
This was someone with vision.
Inside the VIP reception room, Han Sanping finished reading the script.
The admiration on his face was impossible to hide.
He slowly put the script down and looked at Luo Zheng.
"President Luo… words can be fabricated, but a script cannot lie."
He sighed deeply.
"After reading this, I now completely believe everything you said on the way here. I was too narrow-minded before."
Luo Zheng smiled modestly.
"You flatter me, Chairman Han."
But Han Sanping suddenly stood up, emotions clearly rising.
"No, you don't understand."
His voice grew heavier.
"There are too many directors in this country who only know how to chase awards. In order to cater to foreign judges, they exaggerate the flaws of our country, even smear it outright."
His tone carried obvious dissatisfaction.
"They would rather fail domestic release than send their films abroad for prizes. Yes, our country still has shortcomings, but those who have benefited from it the most are often the first to criticize it mercilessly."
The room fell silent.
Even Liu Xiaoli was startled by the sudden emotional outburst.
After a moment, Han Sanping took a deep breath and sat back down.
"My apologies. I got carried away."
Luo Zheng leaned forward slightly, his expression calm.
"Every country has flaws, Chairman Han. What matters is whether we try to improve it."
His voice was steady.
"As someone working in film and culture, I'm willing to shoulder the responsibility of bringing Chinese stories to the world."
"Excellent!"
Han Sanping couldn't help but clap.
The sudden applause startled Liu Xixi, who had been secretly eating snacks in the corner.
Not understanding what was happening but sensing that it was something important, she quickly joined in, clapping enthusiastically as well.
In her heart, only one thought remained.
Cousin is amazing.
Liu Xiaoli stared at Luo Zheng, completely stunned.
For the first time, she felt as though she truly did not know this young man.
Was this really the same Luo Zheng she once dismissed as reckless, indulgent, and unreliable?
Or had everything she believed about him been wrong from the start?
For the first time, doubt appeared in her judgment.
The contract signing went smoothly.
Both sides agreed to split the investment and profits equally.
The total budget was four million dollars.
To China Film Group, this was not yet considered a major project, but it was enough to establish future cooperation.
More importantly, this collaboration was a beginning.
Before leaving, Luo Zheng also transferred the mainland screening rights of The Man from Earth to China Film Group for one million yuan.
The price was almost symbolic.
Han Sanping was overjoyed.
He praised Luo Zheng repeatedly, clearly seeing this as both a favor and a sign of goodwill.
Just after getting into the special vehicle arranged by China Film Group, Liu Xiaoli was about to ask about Xixi's audition opportunity when Luo Zheng's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and smiled faintly.
"Director Feng."
On the other end, Feng Xiaogang's hearty voice rang out.
"Boss Luo, I heard you've arrived in Beijing. Since you're here, you must give me the chance to host you."
Luo Zheng instantly understood.
This was definitely not just Feng Xiaogang's personal invitation.
Huayi Brothers was involved.
"Director Feng, I truly appreciate it, but I have important matters to attend to in Hong Kong tomorrow. Let's meet after I return."
There was a brief pause before Feng Xiaogang laughed.
"No problem at all. Just let me know when you're back."
After ending the call, Luo Zheng placed the phone aside.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Beijing, the reactions were far less calm.
At Huayi Brothers, Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei were already discussing ways to understand Luo Zheng's preferences.
At New Pictures, Zhang Weiping was practically furious after learning that Zhang Yimou intended to contact Luo Zheng directly.
The film circle was already beginning to stir around this young chairman.
That evening, at the Hilton Hotel family suite.
The serious atmosphere of the day completely disappeared.
Luo Zheng sat on the sofa, currently engaged in an intense battle with Xixi over a bag of snacks.
"Hand them over!"
Xixi lunged at him.
"No chance!"
Luo Zheng laughed and dodged.
The next second, he intentionally let out a dramatic cry and collapsed onto the carpet.
Xixi immediately climbed on top of him triumphantly, her cold little hands slipping into his collar as she searched for hidden snacks.
"Stinky cousin! Where did you hide them?"
"In a place you'll never find."
For once, Luo Zheng looked completely his age.
Young.
Relaxed.
Alive.
Then suddenly—
"Xixi! Get down right now!"
Liu Xiaoli's stern voice cut through the room.
Xixi froze instantly.
With a pout, she reluctantly climbed down and adjusted her skirt.
Luo Zheng also stood up, brushing the dust from his clothes.
Seeing Liu Xiaoli walking over, his expression shifted.
Almost instinctively, he stepped in front of Xixi.
"Aunt, it was my fault. Don't blame her."
The word Aunt made Liu Xiaoli stop in her tracks.
Her expression changed instantly.
He knew.
He knew she had already signed the divorce papers.
He knew she was no longer his aunt by law.
Yet he still called her that.
Her thoughts immediately raced.
He's doing this for Xixi.
He doesn't want her to know yet.
He's protecting her feelings.
At that moment, all the anger in Liu Xiaoli's heart suddenly softened into something far more complicated.
For the first time, she began to truly reconsider Luo Zheng.
And standing there, watching her shifting expression, even Luo Zheng himself was slightly confused.
He had no idea what conclusion she had just reached.
But one thing was certain.
Something between them had quietly begun to change.