Chapter 23: Does Love Fade Away?

Upon hearing Tang Qu’s question, Zhang Yong finally wiped the silly grin off his face and straightened his expression. “It’s normal that you don’t know this person. Does Xiao Du know?”

Du Yan shook her head. “How would someone like me, a small fry, know the people Brother Yong knows?”

Zhang Yong smiled. “Liang Cheng, Yan Lu’s exclusive photographer.”

At the mention of Yan Lu, Du Yan understood. Yan Lu was a high-end domestic perfume brand, an ancient brand that had never gone out of style. Every year, it released four new fragrances, two for men and two for women, which were wildly sought after both domestically and internationally. Many ladies and young women took pride in owning Yan Lu perfumes, and some even boasted about their husbands using the brand.

Yan Lu selected four individuals each year to star in its perfume advertisements, and those chosen were invariably accomplished figures in the entertainment or modeling industries. For a pure newcomer like Tang Qu to receive a photography invitation based on just a few photos—what kind of luck was that?

“Brother Yong, how could someone like that possibly come here to shoot promotional photos?” Du Yan still couldn’t believe it.

“I didn’t believe it either. I heard about it on the way here. The originally scheduled photographer suddenly couldn’t make it for some reason, so Director Chen called Liang Cheng to step in.”

Tang Qu and Du Yan were stunned. The substitute was no small figure.

“Director Chen probably never imagined that this substitution would give our Brother Qu such a huge opportunity.”

Tang Qu remained silent. Many things depended on chance, but some things were more than just a matter of luck.

“Brother Yong, the promotional photos are done. We’re ready to head back.”

“Alright, let’s go back together. Director Chen just notified us that there won’t be any filming this afternoon—it’s martial arts training instead. Xiao Qu, you should go and learn well. Xiao Du, you’ll stick with Xiao Qu this afternoon. Also, this kid can’t cook, so make him something to eat tonight. And don’t let him spend all his time reading novels on his phone—make sure he does something productive.”

Zhang Yong’s barrage of instructions left Tang Qu feeling a bit embarrassed. Was he really that much of a handful?

Du Yan’s expression remained unchanged. “Got it, Brother Yong. I’ll take good care of Brother Qu.”

“Alright, I’ll head off then. Tang Qu is in your hands.”

“Where are you going, Brother Yong?”

Tang Qu remembered that Brother Yong only managed him as an artist. Why had he been so busy lately?

“The higher-ups gave me a new task. Once I finish it, I’ll have some free time.”

Tang Qu watched as Zhang Yong hurriedly drove off.

“Brother Qu, let’s go too. It’s time for lunch.”

Meanwhile, Zhang Yong glanced at the contract on the passenger seat. Wasn’t this the treatment of a favored son?

Du Yan took Tang Qu to a restaurant.

Tang Qu surveyed the decor—elegant, yet it clearly reflected the owner’s taste. The unique vases and the calligraphy and paintings on the walls showed that the owner had a refined sense of style.

“This place is quite secluded, offers good privacy, and the prices are reasonable. Most importantly, the food here is suitable for actors watching their weight, which is perfect for your current situation.” It was clear that Du Yan had done her homework.

Tang Qu was once again impressed by his assistant’s thorough preparation.

Once they entered the private room, Du Yan skillfully ordered a few dishes, and the waiter left.

The two sat on opposite sides of the table—one working on a laptop, the other reading a novel on his phone.

Du Yan took a moment to look up and noticed Tang Qu’s red ears and trembling shoulders. She raised an eyebrow, wondering what novel Brother Qu was reading that had him so excited!

After closing her laptop, Du Yan gently tapped the table: “Brother Qu, Brother Yong said you should read fewer novels. Also, you need to solve a problem—you still don’t have a Weibo account. Open one as soon as possible, and think carefully about what your first post should be. Life needs a bit of ceremony.”

Tang Qu coughed lightly, feeling a bit of regret at being interrupted during the most exciting part.

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll think about it soon.”

After lunch, the two followed the crew’s schedule to attend martial arts training.

In the afternoon, something unexpected happened—Yu Ting became very close to Tang Qu. In just a few hours, the two had become shoulder-to-shoulder buddies.

Yu Ting was the kind of person who was lively, emotionally intelligent, and sweet-talking. Among the group, he had the highest status, and many people wanted to curry favor with him, including the female lead who had a powerful backer. Yet, Yu Ting maintained a normal distance with everyone, except for Tang Qu, whom he grew closer to.

“Xiao Qu, come here. Let’s pair up. I’ll practice with you. After all, we have a lot of scenes together in the movie.”

Tang Qu was puzzled. Wasn’t he supposed to have more scenes with the female lead? Noticing the slight dissatisfaction in the female lead’s eyes, Tang Qu still walked over to Yu Ting. Was he stupid enough to embarrass Yu Ting in such a setting?

“Brother Yu.”

“Hey, no need to be so formal. Just call me by my name. Xiao Qu, your acting is really good. Are you professionally trained?”

Tang Qu, while focusing on his movements, replied, “Yes, I’m currently a sophomore majoring in acting.”

Yu Ting paused: “You’re only a sophomore?!”

Tang Qu nodded with a smile, then swiftly placed the tip of his sword at Yu Ting’s throat.

Yu Ting’s eyes widened as he stared at the sword in front of him. Although it was fake, it still startled him. What he couldn’t believe even more was that he had studied martial arts and fencing for a while—how could he lose so easily!

“Sorry, I got a bit carried away,” Tang Qu withdrew the sword. He had previously starred in a martial arts film and had spent some time learning swordplay. He had even grown somewhat addicted to it and practiced weekly.

“No problem, no problem. You’re really impressive!” Yu Ting’s eyes were filled with admiration, though he internally scoffed at the rumors. Who said Tang Qu was a newcomer riding on others’ coattails? Did someone like him need to rely on others’ fame? Yu Ting might not have many talents, but he was excellent at judging people. He was determined to befriend Tang Qu.

In truth, friendships between men aren’t that complicated. Sometimes, just a glance or a gesture can inexplicably turn two people into friends.

After the martial arts training, the crew began filming daily. Tang Qu was the most relaxed in the entire group. Since he didn’t have much work, he spent most of his time on set, helping out wherever he could.

Within a few days, the entire crew knew that the newcomer Director Chen had found was not only good-looking but also hardworking and talented. His scenes were flawless—he never had to do a retake.

“Tang Qu! Quick, give me some water. Oh my god, I’m so thirsty.” As soon as Director Chen called “cut,” Yu Ting immediately ran over to Tang Qu to ask for water. Du Yan promptly handed a cup of mung bean soup to Yu Ting, while swatting away Yu Ting’s hand that was resting on Tang Qu’s shoulder: “Brother Yu, Brother Qu just got his makeup done, don’t mess it up, or Director Chen will yell at you again.”

Yu Ting quickly withdrew his hand: “Alright, I’ll listen to Sister Du.”

Recently, having gotten closer, Du Yan could even joke around with Yu Ting.

Meanwhile, Yu Ting’s assistant looked at the mung bean soup she had prepared, thinking to herself, “So, love really does fade, huh?”