Accompanying Lu Bairan to the Audition

After Secretary Cheng Man turned down Nan Pei’s request, she took a neatly organized file and entered the president’s office again.

“President Huo, I’ve already refused Young Master Nan,” Cheng Man said respectfully, placing the file on the desk. “These are the projects under Xingyao Entertainment, a subsidiary of our group, that are available for investment. Please have a look.”

Huo Yao was reading the global financial report. He lazily lifted his eyelids and said to Cheng Man nonchalantly, “Do you need to come to me for such a small matter?”

“Sorry, President Huo,” Cheng Man replied nervously, “Xingyao Entertainment is a newly established subsidiary of ours, and it’s the first time Huo Group is entering the entertainment industry. The investment amount is huge, so we must be cautious.”

Huo Yao, hearing this, finally shifted his gaze from the financial report, picked up the file, and began skimming through it.

As he read, he marked several projects he found promising with a pen. Huo Yao’s keen eye meant that any project he deemed worthy of investment was rated S-level or higher within Xingyao Entertainment.

In other words, his decision-making and judgment could rival the entire senior management of the subsidiary.

A few minutes later, Huo Yao reached the last page.

His finger paused.

On the last page of the file was an introduction to an idol drama called “Love Meteor Shower.”

Seeing the familiar name, Huo Yao fell into thought.

This drama…

Where had he heard someone mention it before?

Soon, fragments of memory flashed through Huo Yao’s mind.

He remembered that at the high-end club, someone mistook him for a college student working as a host and confidently claimed that this drama would become a phenomenal hit and even help a minor actor become a popular idol.

A hint of interest flashed in Huo Yao’s eyes.

The name of this idol drama seemed like a surefire flop.

But if it appeared in Xingyao’s project book, it must be something special.

Huo Yao’s long fingers tapped the table as he carefully read the project summary.

The more he read, the more intrigued he became.

Cheng Man stood by, unable to guess Huo Yao’s thoughts, as it was the first time the president had spent so long on a project.

Initially, Huo Yao thought it was just a cliché idol drama, but after reading it, he developed high expectations for it.

The project’s final rating by Xingyao Entertainment was S-level.

“I’ve marked the projects to be invested in,” Huo Yao said, handing the file to Cheng Man. “Focus on investing in the last project.”

Cheng Man took the file respectfully, a bit surprised—Xingyao Entertainment had assumed President Huo wouldn’t invest in “Love Meteor Shower” and might even dismiss it at first glance, which is why they placed it last.

“Also, keep an eye on who else is investing in this drama,” Huo Yao said, seemingly casually.

Cheng Man nodded, “Okay.”

On the other side, after being rejected by Huo Yao’s secretary, Nan Pei felt a bit frustrated.

He opened maps and various house rental and buying apps but couldn’t find a place more suitable than Huo Yao’s villa.

Helpless, Nan Pei had to temporarily give up the idea.

“You should get some rest,” the system said, also a bit helpless. “Tomorrow morning, you need to go to the west side of the entertainment industry novel to accompany Lu Bairan for an audition. This task is important, so make sure to be on time.”

An exclamation mark lit up next to the entertainment industry novel task progress on the system panel.

Lujin City was incredibly vast, and with the complex road conditions, if he couldn’t stay in Huo Yao’s villa, it would take a long time to commute.

“Guess that’s the only way,” Nan Pei sighed.

The next day, Nan Pei got up early, first driving to a villa in the west to change clothes, then heading to the residence of entertainment industry male lead Lu Bairan.

When he arrived at Lu Bairan’s old apartment, Nan Pei was stunned—Lu Bairan, as the main character in the entertainment industry, was living in such poor conditions?

“Lu Bairan is the most unfortunate of the three male leads,” the system patiently explained. “Before he became popular, his high self-esteem and refusal to bow down offended many people. Without someone like you, a devoted supporting character, he might never have made a comeback.”

Nan Pei understood and couldn’t help but feel a bit sympathetic towards Lu Bairan. After all, Nan Pei had once been an actor and had experienced tough times.

Nan Pei sighed, “If it weren’t for life’s pressures, who would want to do things they hate?”

“There’s no choice; he has to act in this flop,” the system said. “It’s the only unexpectedly popular idol drama this year and the starting point of Lu Bairan’s career. Without building popularity, he wouldn’t have a chance to become a Film Emperor.”

Nan Pei immediately realized that today’s audition was a turning point in Lu Bairan’s destiny.

Entering the old apartment, Nan Pei followed the system’s information to find Lu Bairan’s apartment and rang the doorbell.

Lu Bairan opened the door, and upon seeing Nan Pei, he visibly frowned, “What are you doing at my place?”

Due to his good looks, Lu Bairan often encountered people who wanted to take advantage of him.

But Nan Pei was the first to come directly to his home.

Lu Bairan was wearing a white tank top and black shorts, clothes that were a bit faded from washing. In the morning light, his muscular arms looked strong and attractive, and his legs were long and straight.

Even with messy hair, his high-class and handsome appearance couldn’t be hidden.

Nan Pei admired him in his heart; no wonder he was the male lead, born with a face suited for the big screen.

No surprise, given a chance, he could soar to great heights.

Seeing the big gold chain-wearing president looking at him with a “crush” expression, Lu Bairan’s eyes flashed with disgust. He was about to close the door when Nan Pei stopped him.

“Xiao Ran,” Nan Pei quickly squeezed through the door, “today is the audition for ‘Love Meteor Shower.’ I’m here to take you.”

Lu Bairan was taken aback.

Auditions were not a big deal for a boss.

He had always gone to auditions alone, rarely even with his agent.

But Nan Pei had come personally.

Although Lu Bairan knew Nan Pei had ulterior motives, he pursed his lips and opened the door, his voice cold, “Wait in the living room.”

Nan Pei chuckled foolishly, “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

After Lu Bairan left, Nan Pei put away his silly smile and looked around.

The “living room” was actually a small space filled with many things, including instant noodles and snacks, as well as various daily necessities, all neatly arranged.

On the coffee table were several books related to acting, clearly well-read.

It was evident that Lu Bairan was indeed an ambitious young man.

Unfortunately, Nan Pei played the role of a tasteless nouveau riche and couldn’t directly offer him high-end film resources.

When the main character appears, this hidden gem will shine.

And Nan Pei was just a tool to help him rise to fame.

“Well, at least I’m helping him…” Nan Pei muttered to himself, “At least he can move to a better place.”

Lu Bairan quickly washed up in the bathroom and changed into a brand-name outfit he usually couldn’t bear to wear. Even without makeup, he could easily catch anyone’s eye.

Nan Pei put on a starry-eyed expression, “Wow, Xiao Ran, you look so handsome today. You’ll definitely succeed in the audition.”

He even pulled out his big gold chain, “You’re shinier than my necklace.”

Lu Bairan’s face darkened, and a flash of annoyance crossed his eyes. He said stiffly, “Let’s go.”

Nan Pei happily followed Lu Bairan, playing the role of a lovestruck nouveau riche president to perfection.

Even the system couldn’t stand it, saying, “I’m really afraid Lu Bairan will turn around and punch you in the face.”

Nan Pei: “He wouldn’t dare; I’m his boss now.”

After getting in the car, Lu Bairan sat in the farthest back seat from Nan Pei. Soon, he smelled the aroma of food.

Before he could react, Nan Pei handed him a steaming breakfast with a smile, “I bought this for you on the way.”

Lu Bairan didn’t expect Nan Pei to prepare breakfast for him.

He had been a bit annoyed by Nan Pei’s sudden visit, but at this moment, the aroma of breakfast soothed his irritation.

Lu Bairan pursed his lips, his Adam’s apple moving.

Nan Pei handed him the breakfast, “Eat up; you’ll need energy for the audition.”

Lu Bairan didn’t say anything, and after a while, he quietly replied, “Mm.”

The reason Nan Pei bought breakfast for Lu Bairan was mainly to ensure he was in good condition for the audition, as it could affect his career path.

After all, for a tool like Nan Pei, the male lead’s career was more important than anything.

Lu Bairan sat in the back, munching on bread. Nan Pei glanced at him and, to fit his annoying persona, shyly said, “You look good even when you’re eating.”

Lu Bairan frowned at the comment.

He turned his head to look out the window, pretending not to hear.

Nan Pei felt he was maintaining his persona perfectly.

However, what Nan Pei didn’t know was that Lu Bairan surprisingly didn’t mind his words.

Because he had stayed up late reading the script last night, Lu Bairan felt a bit dazed.

In the past, every time Lu Bairan went to an audition, he had to take the subway, transfer to a bus, and then run to the location.

But now, Lu Bairan found the bread in his hand warm, the milk rich, and the scenery outside the car window beautiful.

In all his years in the industry, it was the first time he felt like a real artist.

Lu Bairan couldn’t help but glance at the driver’s seat.

Nan Pei was focused on driving and didn’t notice his gaze.

Perhaps because of the angle, Lu Bairan suddenly felt that Nan Pei wasn’t as annoying as he had imagined.

Twenty minutes later, the sports car arrived at the set.

After Lu Bairan got out of the car, a group of people approached, startling him.

Nan Pei explained, “These are the assistants I hired for you, mainly for makeup and wardrobe. I had them come early.”

Lu Bairan didn’t like being surrounded by so many people and frowned, “I don’t need so many.”

“We have money, so why not hire more people?” Nan Pei said arrogantly, “We should be the center of attention.”

Sure enough, all eyes were on Lu Bairan, with various expressions, mostly mocking.

“Is he a newbie? Such a big show.”

“Is he here to audition or show off?”

“He really looks like a nouveau riche…”

The little bit of goodwill Lu Bairan had accumulated for Nan Pei in the car quickly dissipated, and he wished he could leave immediately.

Nan Pei, however, didn’t mind and led Lu Bairan to the lounge, where a group of people helped him with makeup and wardrobe.

“I hired the most expensive makeup artists for you, and the stylists are very professional. You don’t even need to look at the script. When you walk out of this lounge, you’ll be the undisputed male lead…”

Lu Bairan couldn’t take Nan Pei’s nouveau riche behavior anymore and frowned, “Can you let me have some peace?”

Nan Pei successfully annoyed Lu Bairan, and with a hurt expression, he left the room.

After leaving the room, Nan Pei sat comfortably on a chair, crossed his legs, and started munching on sunflower seeds.

Persona maintained perfectly, plot direction perfect.

He just needed to wait for the audition to end to wrap up.

Half an hour later, the audition officially began.

There were many actors competing for the male lead role with Lu Bairan, but most weren’t as good-looking as him.

Although Lu Bairan didn’t like Nan Pei’s nouveau riche behavior, he had to admit that professional makeup artists and stylists made a difference.

When he walked out of the lounge, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Even though Nan Pei’s infatuation was all an act, he was genuinely amazed.

Lu Bairan entered the audition room, and Nan Pei quietly followed, watching his performance from a corner.

The directors’ eyes lit up when they saw Lu Bairan because his looks were too striking.

However, they also knew he was someone forced into the role by the investors.

“Probably just a pretty face?” one director whispered, glancing at Nan Pei in the corner. “Looks like someone the nouveau riche forced in. Money really talks.”

“I’ve seen plenty of these nouveau riche types, willing to spend money to promote someone, but they can’t really make them famous.”

“Sigh, that’s just how this industry is…”

However, once Lu Bairan’s performance began, the room fell silent, and everyone was captivated.

Even though it was an idol drama, he grasped the character’s emotions accurately, and his acting was powerful, with every detail from his eyes to micro-expressions well-executed.

After the performance, those who had doubted him completely forgot their prejudices and applauded in amazement.

Nan Pei also breathed a sigh of relief; he had been worried Lu Bairan might throw a tantrum and refuse to act, but his performance was impeccable.

Standing in the center of the room, Lu Bairan was in disbelief as he received thunderous applause.

Although he had always believed in his acting skills, this was the first time he had received such recognition from so many directors.

And he was auditioning for the male lead.

Even though it was a flop, the current scene was enough to move Lu Bairan—after all, he had only seen such a scene in his dreams.

“Very good, you’re perfect for this role,” the head director said with satisfaction. “The person who recommended you for this drama must be your mentor.”

Hearing this, Lu Bairan was momentarily stunned and involuntarily turned to look at Nan Pei, who was gazing at him with affection.

Lu Bairan pursed his lips and quickly looked away.

After Lu Bairan left, the director team discussed briefly and almost immediately decided on the male lead.

The subsequent auditions were just for show.

Because they were sure there was no one more suitable for the role than Lu Bairan in the entire entertainment industry.

The news spread quickly.

The people who came for the audition looked at Lu Bairan with strange eyes.

Whispers reached Lu Bairan’s ears:

“Is he the predetermined male lead?”

“Just because his sponsor is rich? Impressive.”

“Isn’t that how the entertainment industry works, ignoring acting skills and talent?”

Lu Bairan’s expression stiffened.

He looked at Nan Pei, frowning, “Did you make the director team choose me?”

“I didn’t…” Nan Pei quickly said, “You became the male lead because of your acting skills.”

After all, Lu Bairan was the future Film Emperor, of course, the director team would notice him.

“The results aren’t out yet,” Lu Bairan gritted his teeth, questioning, “How do you know I’m the male lead?”

Lu Bairan didn’t like idol dramas, and coming to the audition was already a compromise. If Nan Pei predetermined him as the male lead, it would be a huge humiliation for him.

He could rely on his talent, but now he was seen as someone who got the role through connections.

Nan Pei was taken aback; he couldn’t say he knew the plot, so he stammered, “I just… just thought… you’d definitely be the male lead…” trying to explain but making it worse.

Just then, someone from the crew came to call Lu Bairan to another room to wait for the results.

Lu Bairan frowned, pursed his lips, and followed the crew to the room.

As everyone said, he indeed got the male lead role.

After leaving the room, Lu Bairan’s expression wasn’t good; there was no joy from successfully auditioning.

Nan Pei approached him and said, “Cheer up, your career is about to take off…”

“With an idol drama?” Lu Bairan looked at Nan Pei, sneering, his tone mocking, “Or with your money?”

Nan Pei was momentarily stunned, then said, “Of course, it’s because of your talent. You’re going to be a Film Emperor…”

“Enough,” Lu Bairan’s tone was unpleasant, “Stop flattering me.”

After Lu Bairan’s audition, all the other male lead candidates were eliminated, and the directors were very perfunctory with them, almost putting “the male lead has been chosen” on their foreheads.

As a result, some unpleasant comments came from around:

“Definitely a connection hire.”

“Looks like he has no acting skills, just a pretty face?”

“That nouveau riche next to him is his sponsor, right?”

“Tsk tsk, it’s obvious what their relationship is…”

Lu Bairan’s expression worsened, and the annoyance in his eyes grew stronger.

Nan Pei was afraid this guy would suddenly quit, so he had to do something to protect Lu Bairan’s dignity.

“It’s just a flop, does he think he’s some Triple Crown Film Emperor?” a small actor in the crowd rolled his eyes and said.

Nan Pei looked at the small actor and suddenly strode over, staring coldly at him, “What did you say?”

The small actor was surprised; he knew Nan Pei was definitely someone with capital, and he was a bit nervous.

But he still pretended to be calm, “I said, it’s just a flop, what’s there to be proud of.”

“You came to audition for a flop,” Nan Pei smirked, “So what are you, a flop yourself?”

“You…” the small actor was furious and wanted to push Nan Pei.

The next second, Nan Pei threw a handful of sunflower seeds at his face and coldly scolded:

“Our Lu Bairan got the role fair and square with his acting skills. If you have any doubts, go ask the director team for the audition tapes!”

Every word from Nan Pei was powerful, silencing the entire audition room.

“Also, I think this drama is great and will definitely be a hit,” Nan Pei confidently said, “Our Xiao Ran will soon become a popular star, and whether he can win the Triple Crown Film Emperor is uncertain.”

The small actor was intimidated by Nan Pei’s aura and didn’t dare to speak.

He thought Nan Pei was just a fool, but didn’t expect him to be so imposing when angry.

Although Nan Pei dressed like a nouveau riche, the good thing was that everyone knew he was really rich.

No one dared to say anything for a while.

Nan Pei turned around elegantly, his big gold chain swinging in the air, almost hitting the small actor’s face, scaring him.

Lu Bairan watched Nan Pei’s actions and didn’t seem surprised.

After all, Nan Pei usually had a loud personality, completely unlike a president.

Nan Pei looked at Lu Bairan and said, “Xiao Ran, don’t mind what others say… No matter what, I really like this idol drama and want to see you act in it. You must do well.”

Lu Bairan didn’t say anything.

Nan Pei took him away from the set and back to the car.

Lu Bairan sat in the passenger seat, buckled his seatbelt.

After a moment of silence, he glanced at Nan Pei, pursed his lips, and asked, “So you really didn’t make the director team choose me?”

“Of course not,” Nan Pei replied without hesitation, handing him a bottle of water, “I just got you the audition opportunity, and many people were fighting for it.”

“Besides, your performance today was perfect, every emotion in your eyes layered from start to finish, giving me goosebumps, and your positioning in front of the camera…”

Lu Bairan paused his drinking, frowning slightly—

When did Nan Pei understand acting?

“In short, you were recognized by the directors purely on your talent,” Nan Pei said seriously.

Lu Bairan glanced at Nan Pei, put down the water bottle.

After a while, he looked out the window and quietly said, “Mm,” and added a “thank you.”

The “thank you” was almost drowned out by the car’s engine, barely audible.

Nan Pei was surprised, “Thank you? Thank me for what?”

Please don’t thank me!

I’m just an annoying supporting character!

“For speaking up for me earlier,” Lu Bairan frowned, his tone a bit stiff, “I saw you almost hit him with your gold chain.”

So that’s what it was.

Actually, the reason Nan Pei stood up for Lu Bairan was purely out of fear he wouldn’t want to act in this idol drama and wanted to boost his confidence.

“Of course, because I care about you. You dressed so handsomely today and performed so well…”

Nan Pei switched to his lovestruck mode, looking at Lu Bairan with starry eyes.

Lu Bairan got goosebumps, regretting his words, thinking, Nan Pei really gets carried away with a little encouragement.

“Forget it,” Lu Bairan pouted, “Pretend I didn’t say anything,” his tone a bit disdainful.

Nan Pei finally breathed a sigh of relief—the annoying nouveau riche image couldn’t collapse.

Focused on driving, he didn’t notice Lu Bairan looking out the window, recalling the earlier scene, seemingly in a good mood.

Author’s Note:

Sorry, everyone! It took so long!

Comments on this chapter will get a red envelope! Valid for one day!