N-A-A Chapter 185: Those Who Know, Know
Chapter 185: Those Who Know, Know
’She knew for a fact that Riley Perry was obsessed with money!’
’So why was she willing to give them something so valuable? Did she not know the true worth of the tea she had?’
"What should we do? Should we give her a heads-up? It’s not a good idea to just give away something this expensive. I can pay for it," Wendy Carr said urgently.
Samuel Hughes glanced up, then swallowed the words he was about to say.
’That woman is shrewder than anyone. How could she not know how precious the things she brings out are?’
’She’s not running a business. Selling the tea wouldn’t have nearly the same effect as gifting it.’
’Still, she was interesting. When *Immortal Demon Tribulation* wrapped, she was just the second female lead and didn’t prepare any gifts for the cast and crew. But for *Starfire*, I heard almost everyone on set received something from her.’
Also, most guests on *Happy Saturday* prepare gifts for Quentin Quinlan and his co-host.
Why "most"? Well, it has to do with one’s status in the industry.
Those who know, know.
In any case, Samuel Hughes would never prepare a gift for anyone. For any variety show that managed to book him, it was more likely they’d be preparing a gift for *him*—and whether he accepted it or not depended on his mood.
Wendy Carr gave gifts to both Quentin Quinlan and his co-host.
But Riley Perry didn’t.
Others might say she doesn’t understand social etiquette, or that she’s arrogant. But what was the reality?
She had buzz, so weren’t the two hosts perfectly pleasant and friendly to her anyway?
Wendy Carr, on the other hand, did give them gifts, yet their attitude toward her was merely lukewarm.
Sharon Sherman said to the waiter, "Bring us one of all your house specials, and two fresh-squeezed juices. Riley likes strawberry and watermelon, so let’s get those two. Do you guys want any alcohol?"
Wendy Carr refused. "No, thanks. The tea is enough."
’She had already decided she wouldn’t stop until she’d drunk the pot of tea dry, until not a hint of flavor remained.’
Director Miles had already refilled the teapot. The third steeping was not as strong; the liquor was a pale green and the leaves had fully unfurled. It tasted less bitter and had a hint of sweetness. After finishing a cup, a faint fragrance still lingered at the bottom.
By the time Riley Perry returned, the waiter had already gone to place their order. "This is all I have in my car," she said. "Sharon, you all can divide it amongst yourselves."
There were about four liang of tea, a little more than one liang for each of them.
’The more precious something is, the less you should give away. Otherwise, people will start treating it like it’s worthless.’
Director Miles tactfully stayed out of the dividing of the spoils.
’Hehe, the bag he had was at least two or three liang. He had the most!’
Once Sharon and the other two had finished dividing the loot, the waiter began serving the food. Riley Perry ate with gusto; the restaurant’s dishes were quite good. Director Miles brought up the movie again. "Riley Perry, our movie premieres on the fifteenth. Do you have time for the promotional tour? That variety show of yours films every week."
"I’ll do my best. Honestly, with Sharon and Best Actor Hughes there, it doesn’t matter if I’m absent."
Director Miles: ...’This girl really has a way with words. Can’t she just say she doesn’t have time if she doesn’t have time? So insincere!’
Sharon Sherman teased, "You brat. Are you trying to shift all the pressure onto us? Anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re trying to ruin us with praise."
Samuel Hughes didn’t say anything, but he gave Riley Perry a couple more glances.
"How could that be? It’s clear I just have faith in the abilities of you two!"
That was what Director Miles was thinking too. After all, having Samuel Hughes on board was a guarantee at the box office; he had nothing to worry about. "By the way, Samuel, will you be taking on any more projects this year?"
Samuel Hughes shook his head. "There’s too much going on at the company before the year ends. I’m already squeezing to make time for one film a year as it is. So, any new project will probably have to wait until next year."
The group then focused on their meal. Riley Perry noticed that Best Actress Sherman and Wendy Carr were both eating a lot more than they did on set.
Best Actress Sherman noticed her gaze and kindly explained, "I didn’t eat much before because I was afraid of gaining weight. But now, don’t we have that weight-loss medicine you made? Besides, my levels are about the same as a normal person’s now. Not too high, and a far cry from yours, at least."
Riley Perry placed a piece of pigeon meat in her bowl, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "In this world, only good food and beautiful people cannot be let down. I’m not worried about the ’beautiful people’ part—since there are few more beautiful than me anyway—so naturally, I must eat more of the good food."
A burst of laughter filled the private room, with Director Miles’ being the loudest. "You’re really not humble at all, are you?"
Riley Perry: ... ’When you’ve got the goods, there’s no need for humility.’
After a pleasant dinner, the group went downstairs together. Once Wendy Carr was picked up by her driver and Director Miles had also left, Sharon Sherman pulled several large gift bags from her car. They were filled with products from the major brands she endorsed, including cosmetics, jewelry, and a beauty salon gift card.
"Thank you, Sharon! You’re the best to me!" Riley Perry said with a smile as she took the bags.
Sharon Sherman was pleased to hear that. She ruffled Riley Perry’s hair and laughed. "As long as you know. From now on, whenever I get good stuff, I’ll save some for you."
Samuel Hughes also took the opportunity to take out a small box and hand it to Riley Perry. "You accepted Sharon’s gift, you won’t refuse mine, will you?"
Riley Perry: "Oh? I thought Best Actor Hughes was planning to never speak to me again. I never expected to get a gift from you. How could I possibly refuse?" As she spoke, she snatched the box from his hand.
’A gift from the great Top Actor Hughes definitely wouldn’t be cheap. Only a fool would refuse it.’
"My father isn’t in the best of health. His only hobby his entire life has been drinking tea. Thank you for the tea today."
Riley Perry: "You plan on giving it to your father? It’s only one liang."
"I’d love to give him more, but there isn’t any more, is there?"
Riley Perry: ...’You sly dog, trying to play games with me. Don’t you just want more tea?’
She glanced at the box in her hand. It was a carved red sandalwood box. The contents were bound to be expensive.
"How much is ’more’?"
Samuel Hughes asked tentatively, "At least a jin, right?"
Riley Perry: ...
Seeing her silence, Samuel Hughes quickly amended, "If not a full jin, half a jin would be fine too."
"Seeing as it’s for your father, I’ll spare you half a jin. I really don’t have any more than that; I only got a tiny bit of this tea myself. Give me an address, and I’ll mail it to you."
"No need. I’ll come pick it up in person when it’s ready." ’How could he risk mailing something so valuable?’
Riley Perry: ... "Well, let’s exchange contact info then."
Samuel Hughes cleared his throat. The lights outside the hotel were dim, and if you weren’t looking closely, you’d miss the blush creeping up his ears.
"I have your phone number. Let’s just scan codes and add each other as friends."
’Hey, when did this guy secretly get her number? On set, he acted all high and mighty, like he couldn’t be bothered with her. Ha! So this is the real you, Best Actor Hughes!’
"Having my number is enough. We don’t need to add each other as friends, do we?"
Samuel Hughes quickly found an excuse for adding her. "I have no sense of direction. It’s more convenient with location sharing."
After speaking, he turned his head toward the road, looking this way and that, not daring to meet Riley Perry’s eyes.