Encountering Lu Bairan at the Concert Hall Entrance

Duan Heng picked up his watch and walked to the door of the training room. But just before stepping out, he hesitated. His gaze fell on the watch face, noticing a bit of dust and a fingerprint he accidentally left. 

Thinking for a moment, Duan Heng took out a pack of tissues from his pocket and carefully wiped it clean. In the past, he wouldn’t have cared about such things. No matter how expensive, if it belonged to Nan Pei, he didn’t want to touch it too much. It gave him the illusion of a connection with Nan Pei. 

But now, Duan Heng didn’t want to dirty this watch. After all, it was very expensive, reportedly only two in the world, with the other one somewhere in Europe. 

While wiping, Duan Heng’s attention was caught by three letters on the back of the watch—”YAO.” It looked like a pinyin. Duan Heng frowned, knowing the brand wasn’t called “YAO.” It was a top-tier brand that custom-made watches for royalty. 

Puzzled, Duan Heng wondered if it was a name. But based on what he knew about Nan Pei, it didn’t seem like something he’d do. If anything, it should have been “Duan Heng” in pinyin. Maybe it was just a special design? Duan Heng couldn’t figure it out.

Meanwhile, at the club entrance, after bumping into Song Jingchen, Nan Pei instinctively looked up. They were so close they could see each other’s pupils. 

Song Jingchen, despite his arrogance, had striking features—a straight nose and long eyes with a unique aura. At this moment, he was staring at Nan Pei, full of surprise and confusion. 

He hadn’t looked closely before, but now that they were near, he realized Nan Pei looked different today. His hair was neatly combed, revealing a clean forehead, and he wore elegant gold-rimmed glasses, exuding a noble aura. 

Nan Pei widened his eyes in surprise, lips slightly parted, seemingly not expecting to bump into Song Jingchen. Song Jingchen’s Adam’s apple moved up and down. 

Suppressing his emotions, he frowned and instinctively pushed Nan Pei away, stiffly and forcefully, as if pushing away a hot potato. 

Nan Pei quickly reacted, stepping back to distance himself from Song Jingchen, feigning surprise as he asked, “Jingchen Gege… why are you at the club?” 

Song Jingchen looked at him, lips pressed together, masking his discomfort with impatience, and coldly said, “The concert is about to start. Why haven’t you replied to my messages?” 

Knowing Duan Heng would return soon, Nan Pei didn’t have time to explain to Song Jingchen, so he said, “The concert is starting? Let’s go quickly, I’ll explain on the way…” 

With that, he pulled Song Jingchen outside, a hint of urgency in his eyes. Song Jingchen was puzzled, feeling Nan Pei was unusually strange today. 

After leaving the club, Nan Pei quickly got into Song Jingchen’s car and sighed in relief. Sitting in the passenger seat, he turned to see Song Jingchen’s cold expression. 

Song Jingchen looked at Nan Pei and said coldly, “Can you stop trying to take advantage of me?” His tone was full of disdain and contempt. 

Nan Pei was stunned, “Take… advantage of you?” 

Seeing his innocent act, Song Jingchen’s disdain grew more evident. Nan Pei bumping into him, pulling his hand—wasn’t that taking advantage? Did he really think Song Jingchen couldn’t tell? 

“And today isn’t a date with you,” Song Jingchen added with a hint of sarcasm, looking at Nan Pei with sympathy. “You don’t need to dress up like this.” 

He glanced at Nan Pei’s glasses and mocked, “You’re not even nearsighted, why pretend to be refined?” 

Nan Pei: “…” 

He had been wondering how to explain his different look if Song Jingchen asked. Now it seemed there was no need to worry. 

The CEO had a passive skill: a vivid imagination. 

Though Nan Pei couldn’t understand Song Jingchen’s thought process, he pretended to be embarrassed, lowering his head and softly saying, “Jingchen Gege, let’s go quickly, we’re going to be late.” 

Song Jingchen knew Nan Pei must have seen this concert as a date, which was why he was urging him to drive. So, it seemed Nan Pei was really looking forward to the concert. 

Song Jingchen’s disdain grew, thinking, can’t this guy come up with new tricks? So childish. 

The sports car engine roared to life, quickly leaving the club. 

Just then, Duan Heng arrived at the door with the watch, looking for Nan Pei. But the next second, he saw a black sports car speeding away, kicking up dust. 

Duan Heng froze. 

Then his phone buzzed with a message from Nan Pei: 

[Xiao Duan, my business partner picked me up, so I left first. Keep the watch for now.] 

Duan Heng’s fingers tightened around the watch. The freshly cleaned watch was now smudged with his fingerprints again. 

Was he… ignored by Nan Pei again? 

Duan Heng watched the sports car, frowning, eyes full of frustration. 

The concert was held at the largest public performance hall in Lujin City. It was a personal concert by internationally renowned musician Alvin. 

Alvin was a genius performer, and his concerts were always hard to get tickets for. Lujin City’s citizens, especially art workers, were eager to attend. 

The VIP seats had long been bought by the city’s wealthy. For the upper class, it wasn’t just a concert but a symbol of taste and status. 

Lu Bairan was a typical art enthusiast, having admired Alvin for nearly ten years but never having the chance to attend a live concert. 

When Alvin came to Lujin City, Lu Bairan was too slow to grab a ticket. Later, he found out many tickets were resold at exorbitant prices. 

Though Lu Bairan had joined a crew, he still lived on his company’s salary, with no paychecks yet. So, he had to give up on this concert. 

On the concert day, Lu Bairan spent the day filming with the “Love Meteor Shower” crew. 

Though his attitude towards Nan Pei wasn’t great, he was a gentle actor, popular and well-liked in the crew. 

Some who envied him for landing the lead role didn’t dare speak out due to Nan Pei’s status. 

In a few days, Lu Bairan’s outstanding acting had won over the director and silenced those who looked down on him. 

“Cut,” the director called to Lu Bairan, “that’s a wrap.” 

This scene was a solo for Lu Bairan, dressed in formal attire, performing brilliantly in one take. 

After filming, the director praised Lu Bairan, “When Nan Ge said you’d be a future Film Emperor, I thought he was just cheering you on. Now, I see he was spot on.” 

The director admired Lu Bairan’s acting, making him stand out in this idol drama. 

Hearing Nan Pei’s name, Lu Bairan’s expression subtly changed. 

Recently, Nan Pei rarely visited the set, and even when he did, he left quickly. 

Without Nan Pei’s “harassment,” Lu Bairan felt at ease, yet strangely unaccustomed. 

After all, besides Nan Pei, no one else would earnestly tell him, “You’ll definitely become a Film Emperor.” 

“Keep it up. Once this show airs, you’ll be famous,” the director encouraged. 

Lu Bairan smiled slightly, “Thank you, director.” 

“By the way, Nan Ge hasn’t visited much lately,” the director teased, “Did he forget about you?” 

Hitting a sore spot. 

Lu Bairan pressed his lips, speaking slowly, “It doesn’t matter if he comes or not.” 

But the curve of his lips was forcibly suppressed. 

“Well, Nan Ge is the company boss,” the director waved, with an “I get it” look, “He can’t just focus on you. He’ll have to promote others too. But don’t worry, you have talent. Keep working hard, and you’ll get more opportunities…” 

The director’s implication was clear—reminding Lu Bairan that someone like Nan Pei would eventually fancy other fresh faces. Only by improving his skills could he have a lasting career in the industry. 

Hearing this, Lu Bairan’s fingers tightened, suddenly saying, “Whether he promotes others or not has nothing to do with me.” 

Seeing his cold expression, the director wisely changed the topic, awkwardly smiling, “Let’s not talk about that. By the way, Xiao Lu, are you free now?” 

Lu Bairan nodded. 

“A few days ago, a celebrity gave me a ticket to Alvin’s concert,” the director took out a ticket from his pocket, handing it to Lu Bairan with a smile, “I can’t make it tonight, and I heard you like Alvin. It’d be a waste to throw it away, so I’m giving it to you.” 

Lu Bairan was stunned, “This ticket… is expensive.” 

“It’s not in the VIP section, just the last few rows, not that pricey,” the director said, putting the ticket in Lu Bairan’s pocket, “If you don’t mind, go watch it. You’ve been working hard, so it’s good to relax.” 

Lu Bairan was pleasantly surprised, gratefully saying, “Thank you for the ticket, director.” 

The director waved it off, “Your boss invested a lot in the crew. I’m just giving you a ticket, no big deal. The concert’s starting soon, you should go.” 

Lu Bairan nodded, turning to find his manager, Chen Zixiao, to take him to the public performance hall. 

Lujin City’s public performance hall was luxurious, located in the city center. As dusk fell, the white shell-shaped building was bathed in a golden hue. 

Song Jingchen drove Nan Pei to the hall entrance, saying, “You go in first, I’ll find parking.” 

Nan Pei nodded, “I’ll wait for you at the concert hall entrance, Jingchen Gege.” 

Dressed as a high-class elite, Nan Pei’s sweet words were still the same, making Song Jingchen a bit uncomfortable. 

He pressed his lips, awkwardly saying, “Okay. Give me five minutes.” 

After getting out, Nan Pei entered the lavishly decorated hall. 

As the sun set, the hall lights came on, and people dressed formally came and went. 

Nan Pei stood out among them. 

Already good-looking, his character in the e-sports novel was superior, and his noble aura attracted many glances. 

Holding his ticket, Nan Pei arrived at the concert hall entrance. 

Confirming it was Alvin’s concert hall, he leaned lazily against the wall, playing on his phone. 

At the hall entrance, after Song Jingchen’s car left, another car slowly pulled up. 

Chen Zixiao drove Lu Bairan to the entrance, saying, “After the concert, head back early, don’t make Nan Ge worry.” 

Hearing this, Lu Bairan replied sarcastically, “Worry about me? He hasn’t visited the set much lately, has he?” 

After saying it, Lu Bairan was surprised at himself. 

Maybe it was the director’s words, making him feel like he was just a dispensable toy to Nan Pei. 

There would come a day when he’d grow tired of him. 

This thought left Lu Bairan feeling frustrated. 

Chen Zixiao was stunned, sensing Lu Bairan’s displeasure. 

“I’m off, thanks for the ride,” Lu Bairan said, getting out with a polite yet distant tone. 

Looking at the artistic hall, Lu Bairan’s mood gradually calmed. 

He should be happy Nan Pei wasn’t visiting. 

After all, his life shouldn’t intersect with such a nouveau riche. 

Like the hall before him— 

A place like this, someone as vulgar and tasteless as Nan Pei could never step foot in. 

Lu Bairan thought, that’s the difference between him and Nan Pei. 

They were worlds apart. 

At the concert hall entrance, about four minutes passed. 

Nan Pei checked the time, thinking Song Jingchen should be back soon. 

Then, footsteps approached from his right. 

The sound of crisp leather shoes, walking leisurely. 

The next moment, the footsteps stopped abruptly. 

Not far from Nan Pei. 

Thinking it was Song Jingchen, Nan Pei instinctively smiled, looking over and calling, “Jingchen…” 

But the word “Gege” got stuck in his throat. 

Standing a few steps away was the male lead of the entertainment novel—Lu Bairan. 

Nan Pei’s smile froze. 

Lu Bairan, entering the hall, headed straight for Alvin’s concert. 

But as he reached the entrance, a familiar yet unfamiliar figure unexpectedly caught his eye, capturing all his attention. 

Lu Bairan looked at the tall figure under the lights, somewhat dazed— 

Dressed in understated luxury, hair meticulously styled, skin glowing under the lights, exuding an aura like a cool pine tree. 

Initially, the young man leaned lazily against the wall, casually playing on his phone, occasionally smiling. Lu Bairan thought he resembled Nan Pei, so he glanced a few more times. 

But when the man looked up, Lu Bairan’s eyes widened. 

Seeing his face, Lu Bairan was completely stunned. 

His gaze held not only surprise and shock but also a fleeting hint of amazement. 

Author’s Note: 

Severe writer’s block QAQ 

Thank you all for your support! 

Please keep the love coming~ Love you all!!