Chapter 18: You're Not My Guardian

Gu Bin chuckled teasingly, “They wear long pants, and they can even tie up the legs to use as floats and drift on the water.”

“Is that really possible?”

Li Yan found this incredibly novel and couldn’t wait to see it for herself. “Director Du, why don’t we go right now? It’s the hottest part of the day—there might be someone swimming in the pool.”

“It’s almost lunchtime,” Director Du hesitated. “Anyone swimming would probably be heading home for a meal by now.”

“But we still have our beautiful young lady here,” Li Yan said, winking at Lin Xiyu. She was just about to persuade her when Gu Bin interrupted, blunt as ever.

“She can’t swim!”

“Why not?” Li Yan was so taken aback she almost lost her breath.

Gu Bin replied without hesitation, “Didn’t you already witness her swimming skills when she was saving someone? There’s no need for a repeat performance.”

“Xiao Bin, that’s not fair,” Li Yan said, half-amused, half-exasperated. “When we negotiated the contract, it was agreed that Xiyu, as a special guest of ‘Springwater Folk,’ had the obligation to cooperate with the documentary’s filming. Besides, we secured her a fee of ten thousand yuan. If she doesn’t film, how can we explain that to the station chief?”

“I’ll talk to the chief myself,” Gu Bin insisted, not willing to back down. “There’s plenty she can do besides swimming—she could be the ambassador for Spring City, introduce the seventy-two springs, the local customs, history and culture, culinary specialties, and so on...”

Li Yan looked over at Director Du, holding his gaze for a few seconds before finally giving in and tossing the problem to her superior.

“What Xiao Bin said makes sense,” Director Du, always shrewd, completely changed his stance after listening to his staff. “If the documentary only captures courtyard life, it’s far too one-dimensional. Including customs, cuisine, history, and culture will add depth, make it more appealing to visitors from outside, and benefit local tourism as well.”

“Director Du, how about this…” The assistant director seized the moment to offer a suggestion. “Let’s coordinate with the Bureau of Culture and Tourism. While filming the documentary, we can also shoot a promotional film to highlight the unique features of the area.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” Director Du’s eyes brightened, giving the assistant a look of approval.

“Then there’s no rush to film at the Prince’s Pool just yet,” the assistant director said, quite pleased with his own quick thinking. “Let’s coordinate with the tourism bureau first and wait until there’s a concrete plan.”

“All right, that’s settled,” Director Du assigned the task, “You’ll be responsible for negotiating with the bureau and, while you’re at it, try to secure more sponsorships.”

“Understood,” the assistant director grinned, exchanging a knowing glance with him.

—

After the interview, Lin Xiyu benefited from her connection and tagged along with Gu Bin for a staff meal, leaving the TV station in high spirits.

“From now on, no matter what they ask, don’t agree to anything on your own unless I approve it,” Gu Bin reminded her on the taxi ride home.

“Why?” Lin Xiyu looked puzzled, muttering under her breath, “You’re not my guardian, are you?”

Her muttering wasn’t as quiet as she thought, and everyone in the taxi could hear it clearly.

The driver glanced back at them in the rearview mirror, clearly amused.

“Silly girl…” Gu Bin laughed, half exasperated. “Without me looking out for you, do you really think, with your pitiful bit of smarts, you wouldn’t get taken advantage of?”

“I have a question…” Lin Xiyu protested, just about to ask him where exactly he thought she was so clueless.