Chapter 22

Yan Zhao asked, “You went to country J, who will help you shoot the film?”

“I… um…” Lu Yinnan’s gaze was evasive. “I’m making the most of my time to finish the film—”

“In your current state?” Yan Zhao said coldly, “During the makeup photoshoot, there’s an interview to record. You left after less than five minutes, started shooting for two days, and only acted in two scenes. Can you finish filming this month, or are you planning to continue until next year?”

Lu Yinnan lowered her head, staring at her own shoe tip.

Yan Zhao had played many big roles in his past life and even served as a performance class instructor at the drama school. When he got angry, he had a cool aura, making everyone around him to shiver.

The director smiled awkwardly, “Teacher Lu’s goal is good, it’s just that… we need to be realistic. Zhao Zhao, you must be tired from filming. Have a macaron to replenish your sugar levels. It complements the milk tea that Teacher Lu brought.”

Seeing Lu Yinnan looking embarrassed, Yan Zhao didn’t say anything more. He followed the ladder handed by the director and went down.

Lu Yinnan’s acting skills were somewhat immature to begin with. After being criticized, she felt uneasy. Even a scene of buying snacks could be stuck three times. Yan Zhao now understood why she was held back by Director Guo yesterday.

“Teacher Lu… just buy a bag of potato chips like a regular person; you don’t need to be so nervous.” The director sighed. The female lead, a living person, had been turned into a robot by her acting, her movements as awkward as if she were about to kill a chicken.

Lu Yinnan bit her lip and acted it out again. The director didn’t want to hold up this small scene for too long. Seeing that she didn’t make any major mistakes, he let it pass.

After that, it was Yan Zhao’s scene with her.

The female lead was sent by the club president to promote the freshman welcoming party. It was drizzling at noon, and with other club members absent, she had to move display boards and tables alone in the cold wind. The male lead happened to pass by and lent her a hand. Little did he know that rumors had spread around the campus about the female lead pursuing the male lead after last Christmas night. Her self-esteem exploded.

In the artificial rain set up by the crew, Lu Yinnan, with red eyes from onion fumes, glared at Yan Zhao: “I know you look down on me behind my back, mock me. Is it meaningful for you to pretend to be a good person now? Does playing with me satisfy your vanity?”

The male lead was completely indifferent to these gossips, inexplicably scolded by the female lead, and somewhat displeased.

He was not someone who could endure anger easily. Yan Zhao slightly frowned and said in a low voice, “Huo Panpan, do you have delusional disorder?”

His voice was not mocking, only filled with anger, but Lu Yinnan was still startled, as if her heart had been pricked by a needle.

She stammered, “I… I…”

After a pause, the director said, “Cut, forgot the lines, let’s do it again.”

After several takes, Lu Yinnan either forgot her lines or stood foolishly in place, unable to perform any actions.

She was genuinely nervous. In the previous crews she worked with, everyone was laid-back, and directors didn’t insist on perfecting every scene. However, here, it was a must to meet a certain standard before moving on to the next scene.

She didn’t know that Director Wang was actually a lenient person, but having watched Yan Zhao perform in so many scenes, the standards had unconsciously been raised.

Unable to get through the scene with her, Yan Zhao said, “Take a break and adjust your state.”

The two actors who played as the supporting CP went up to film. Yan Zhao and Lu Yinnan sat together. Seeing the young girl anxiously pulling her hair, he said, “Don’t be too impatient; a performance needs to be refined step by step.”

Lu Yinnan murmured, “But… I’m running out of time.”

Yan Zhao asked, “What are you in a hurry for, taking on so many roles?”

Lu Yinnan fell silent for a moment, then smiled, “I just want to make money, but I don’t have the ability. Teacher Yan, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to burden you all.”

New Year’s Eve arrived quickly. The crew only had a break on the first day of the lunar new year, and there were no plans for shooting that night, allowing everyone to go home and celebrate.

Yan Zhao and Shen Yuanting didn’t go back to the mansion; they stayed at home. Yan Zhao bought a special catnip ball for Wang Zai for the Chinese New Year, and it rolled on the floor in delight.

Yan Zhao took out a roll of red paper from a paper bag, “The crew gave us couplets. Should we put them up?”

Shen Yuanting glanced, “Give it a try.”

They lived in a standalone Western-style house, with hydrangea flowers planted at the entrance. The door, window sills, and even the bricks outside the wall were all in Western style, which didn’t match the couplets.

Yan Zhao held the red paper and reluctantly gave up, “This doesn’t feel festive.”

Shen Yuanting didn’t eat snacks; he couldn’t eat snacks. There were no melon seeds, peanuts, or sweets at home, still as empty as before.

Seeing him staring at the window decorations, Shen Yuanting suggested, “Put it in Wang Zai’s nest.”

Yan Zhao: “…”

“Do you know that you’re so spoiled, Wang Zai?”

Feeling a bit mischievous, Yan Zhao put a “福” (blessing) character on its litter box, and said, “You have to prosper in the new year.”

Wang Zai, holding the catnip ball, looked intoxicated with delight, “Meow.”

Yan Zhao went to help Shen Yuanting prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner. Lately, he had also been making simple dishes like spicy and sour shredded potatoes, so it wouldn’t take half an hour just to chop some vegetables.

After dinner, the cat and the two of them nestled in the living room. Yan Zhao sent blessings to everyone in his contacts and glanced at the TV, learning the phrase, “I miss you guys,” along with it.

“Let’s go set off fireworks,” Yan Zhao leaned on the edge of the sofa, chin resting on the armrest, “It’s so boring.”

There was no one in the game, and he couldn’t find teammates for a long time. Did everyone go to celebrate?

Shen Yuanting looked at the time, “Let’s go.”

Outside the Fifth Ring Road, an ancient town was holding a temple fair, and you could see cartoonish balloons in extravagant colors from afar.

Yan Zhao wore Peking opera mask and strolled with Shen Yuanting. After buying a bag of fireworks from a fireworks store, they found a less crowded place.

One of the streetlights there was broken, making it a bit dark, but you could see bright lights in the distance. There was also a small river nearby, giving off a somewhat otherworldly vibe.

Yan Zhao lit a sparkler, handed one to Shen Yuanting, and quickly drew a circle: “Wang Zai.”

The distorted lines quickly disappeared, and Shen Yuanting asked, “Isn’t that a bun?”

Yan Zhao angrily scribbled in the air, “This is a bun!”

Shen Yuanting turned his head and chuckled.

As the New Year approached, people on the street began counting down.

Yan Zhao closed his eyes, hands clasped together, “Make a wish.”

Shen Yuanting: “I thought Santa Claus had already granted my wish.”

Since that night, flowers appeared in the empty vase at home, changing every week, always with a rose.

“This is different. Santa Claus is human, and humans can’t always make things happen.” Yan Zhao opened his eyes and looked at the night sky. Not long ago, he couldn’t have imagined that he would time travel. “Sometimes, you still need help from the heavens.”

Fireworks burst in the sky, radiating brilliance. His eyes reflected the light, as if there was a galaxy inside.

Shen Yuanting closed his eyes, imitating Yan Zhao to make a wish. Beside him, the New Year countdown had reached ten.

Yan Zhao curious, “What did you wish for?”

Shen Yuanting said lightly, “It won’t come true if I say it.”

Yan Zhao cupped his hands like a trumpet and whispered, “Tell me quietly, something even the heavens won’t know.”

Shen Yuanting glanced at him, and his thin lips parted—

“Three, two, one!” The cheers of the crowd woke up the entire night, and fireworks almost connected into a continuous display, falling like a meteor shower.

The surroundings were so noisy that even their own voices couldn’t be heard clearly. Yan Zhao raised his voice, “What did you say just now?”

Shen Yuanting shook his head.

Yan Zhao: “Well, forget it.”

It was late at night, time to leave. Shen Yuanting threw the leftover fireworks sticks into the trash can after burning them, and his phone in his pocket vibrated.

There was a new message: [Add~me~on~V~X~to~watch~videos~]

Sender: Yan Zhao.

Shen Yuanting: “…” His courage was growing.

He opened WeChat, and Yan Zhao sent him several emoji stickers, all featuring Wang Zai’s chubby face, with captions like [Your little cutie suddenly appeared], [Dad, where’s my 8L Wang Zai milk?] and [Am I still your little kitty?]

Shen Yuanting smiled and sent Yan Zhao a big red envelope, with just one word written: [Yes.]

Yan Zhao thought for a moment before realizing it was a response to the last emoji sticker.

Who is your little kitty?!

When they  returned home, Yan Zhao was already asleep.

When he was shaken awake, Yan Zhao was still drowsy, closing his eyes and leaning on Shen Yuanting’s shoulder, relying on him to walk.

Shen Yuanting helplessly put his arm around Yan Zhao’s shoulder and directed him, “We’re going upstairs, lift your feet.”

Yan Zhao plunged into the bed, flopping around like a fish, and said, “Help me turn off the lights.”

Shen Yuanting: “I know.”

The switch was pressed, and the room dimmed, with only a blurry silhouette visible.

Shen Yuanting gently closed the door.

In the new year, you’ll have a bit more luck.

Wang Zai’s routine had been forcibly corrected by Shen Yuanting, breaking free from the night owl club, and he was now sound asleep.

However, Shen Yuanting didn’t go to sleep. Instead, he poured a glass of water and entered the study.

After taking his medicine, he turned on the computer and began to work on documents.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the entertainment industry’s first news headline—

“Younger generation insults senior to tears, does having high popularity mean no need for manners?” with a picture of crying Lu Yinnan and the back view of Yan Zhao.

Yan Zhao: “…” WCNM^[1]It’s similar to CNM, The meaning is “F*ck Your Mother”

Just woke up and saw this push notification, you paparazzi don’t take a break for the Lunar New Year? I’ll show you what real insults are!

Yan Zhao, with a spirited demeanor, entered the post using a pseudonym. After taking a glance, he realized something was off – the author wasn’t targeting him.

The article seemed to criticize him, but in reality, it clearly detailed Lu Yinnan’s bad behavior, continuing to take on variety shows despite a packed schedule, and how her acting skills were hindering the progress of the entire crew…

Lu Yinnan was a minor celebrity with modest popularity, nowhere near Yan Zhao’s level of fame and influence. It was evident that the author was using his name as a decoy to enhance the article’s impact. Adding some salty drama fueled by anger would make it even better.

As expected, there were already fans leaving unfriendly comments below.

—You’re borrowing my fans as weapons, treating me like I’m dead?

Yan Zhao raised his eyebrow and called Song Jing.

Ten minutes later, Jia Qin received a group join request. She had been informed by the official team and directly approved it.

This was Yan Zhao’s fan group for the old fans. After the welcoming flower shower for the new member, someone asked, [What’s your Weibo account, Yanyan?]^[2]Yanyan , they called him Yanyan because the name I Have Salt (我有鹽啊=Wo You Yan A) contains the word Yan(Salt).

[I Have Salt] replied Yanyan.^[3]I Have Salt is Yan Zhao’s Weibo trumpet account.

Jia Qin browsed through and, although there were no merchandising posts, the likes and follows indicated it was Salt Soda. She took a screenshot: [Yanyan, a serious question for you, is this true? [Image].]

In the image, there was a blue gender symbol.

[I Have Salt, yeah, what’s up?] replied Yanyan.

The group fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly erupted with bubbles.

Jia Ge: [Oh my, @Sweetie, come out and see, you have a companion!]

Sweetie: [Oh my, am I not alone anymore??]

I Choose Zhaojun as My King: [A rare creature has appeared! Quickly capture it!]

Zhao Bao’s Macarons: [Another male fan! Zhao Bao’s charm is growing!]

Zhao Like the Sun and Moon: [Expose! Expose! Expose!]

The group buzzed for a while. When they calmed down a bit, Yanyan posted a link, which was the garbage news that appeared this morning.

Jia Qin took a glance and exclaimed: [What kind of rubbish article is this? Can’t they be reasonable? Anyone can see that Lu Yinnan is at fault, right?!] and prepared to roll up her sleeves.

But Yanyan said: [In the future, when you encounter such articles, just ignore them. Xingren’s team will handle it, and everyone just enjoy chasing stars happily.]