Chapter 47

The filming of “Tian Yuan” is complete.

In the final scene, it happens to be the moment when Gu Bailing raises the trophy. After five years, he finally stands on the field again, blocking all the past glory, overcoming obstacles, and creating a myth once more—five years, 1,800 days and nights, he never slackened for a single second.

The extras in the audience seats erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Yan Zhao looked at the audience below with a calm demeanor, but the reddened eye sockets revealed his true emotions.

Yu Youyi said, “It’s over.”

Yan Zhao put down the trophy, “This is the best ending.”

Gu Bailing’s journey has come to an end, and so has the journey of the “Tian Yuan” crew.

Yu Youyi felt a bit emotional. She had also acted in other films, but compared to “Tian Yuan,” the time and effort invested were incomparable.

The young girl wiped away her tears, “Time flies so fast. When we started filming, it was still late spring, and the flowers hadn’t even bloomed. But now it’s already autumn, and the flowers have long fallen.”

Yan Zhao said, “It’s a wrap, you should be happy.”

Yu Youyi looked up at Yan Zhao, and in the frame, his eyes still faintly showed tears. Once out of the frame, his emotions, belonging to Gu Bailing, all dissipated.

Yu Youyi said, “Zhao Zhao, you are the fastest actor I’ve ever seen to get into and out of character.”

Yan Zhao replied, “How many actors have you seen? A hundred?”

“If you count the extras…” Yu Youyi started counting on her fingers, “If we only consider lead actors and supporting roles, then it’s really… Are you going to say there are even better ones out there? Don’t be so modest!”

Yan Zhao responded, “No, what I meant was, the more actors you see, the more you realize I’m the best actor in the world.”

Yu Youyi said, “…No, you should still be more modest.”

Yan Zhao smiled at her, “Just kidding.”

Yu Youyi tiptoed and patted his shoulder, “Zhao Zhao, I believe in you! Come on, whether my work can have a Best Actor award depends on you!”

Meanwhile, other crew members gathered together, chattering about where to go to celebrate—after working tirelessly day and night for so long, they were now as excited as unrestrained wild dogs upon their liberation.

Producer Zhao suggested, “I think we should go to a restaurant for a wrap-up banquet—”

Production Designer: “I know there’s a hidden bar on South Street with good security. Many celebrities go there to hang out, and there’s usually not much trouble.”

Producer Zhao: “I’ve been to that restaurant a few times, and the food is really good—”

Production Designer: “Hot bartenders? Oh yes, there are, but they work in shifts. The one you see might not be a lady but a muscular guy with tattoos!”

Producer Zhao: “I understand everyone’s mood—”

Production Designer: “Let’s settle on that then. I’ll call the owner to make a reservation. You guys wait!”

Producer Zhao was speechless, silently wiped his face, thinking, “You guys are the worst crew I’ve ever led!”

Yan Zhao smiled and said, “Just let them order whatever they want later. Everyone has been busy for months, and it’s not easy.”

Since the main investor had spoken, Producer Zhao had to give in, “Alright then…”

The “Tian Yuan” crew moved to a high-end bar in high spirits. As the Production Designer said, this place was indeed a hangout spot for many celebrities. On the wall hung calligraphy written by Lin Fei, the famous actress, and the menu even had recommendations like “Emperor Zhao’s Favorite, Must Order for Single Dogs.”

The night was still young, and the busiest moments at the bar had yet to arrive, but the sounds of clinking glasses and cheers for drinking games were gradually filling the air.

Yan Zhao pondered over the drinks menu, lacking confidence in his alcohol tolerance, but since everyone around was from the crew, getting a bit tipsy shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Xiao Dou, on the other hand, was straightforward and ordered a bottle of soy milk. He said, “I still have the mission of taking Brother Yan home, so I’ll stick to milk.”

Zhong Ling chimed in, “If you order alcohol, I’ll drive.”

Xiao Dou replied, “That’s even more dangerous than me driving drunk.”

Zhong Ling, “???”

As the drinks flowed, the atmosphere picked up, with some crew members hitting the dance floor while others played games.

Yan Zhao and his group played a game of “Truth or Dare”, adding punishments and rewards to satisfy everyone’s mischievous desires.

Knowing his luck with cards, Yan Zhao prepared himself for all sorts of gossip from the very beginning of the game.

Yu Youyi asked, “Do you have a girlfriend now?” She cautiously added, “It’s not me asking, they’re all forcing me to ask!”

Yan Zhao answered bluntly, “No.”

The makeup artist exclaimed, “Director Yu, you can’t ask like that! What if he has a boyfriend?”

Yu Youyi: “But I already asked…”

The makeup artist waved her hand dismissively, “It’s okay, Teacher Yan will get targeted again in a moment.”

Yan Zhao: “…”

Not long after, the question of “Do you have a boyfriend?” fell on Yan Zhao’s head again.

Yan Zhao answered once more: “No.”

No boyfriend, only husband in the red book.

“Eh—” The makeup artist rubbed her chin, “That shouldn’t be right. Our Teacher Yan, such a high-quality young man, should have many admirers. Are you being picky, or just happened to be single?”

Yan Zhao smiled, “Let’s wait for the next question.”

“Do you have someone you like?”

“Yes.”

“When was the last time you kissed someone?”

“…Can I not answer that?”

Makeup artist chuckled, “Sure, but as a trade-off, you have to call the person you last talked to and confess your feelings. So, what will it be? Answer this irrelevant question or risk your integrity?”

Yan Zhao replied, “I’ll confess.”

The makeup artist paused, astounded by his lack of integrity.

Suspiciously, she asked, “The person you’re calling isn’t the one you like, is it?”

Yan Zhao raised an eyebrow, “How did you know?”

“Oops, my bad,” the makeup artist exclaimed. “We were expecting a comedy where you confess to a friend or your agent, but confessing to a crush? That’s even more thrilling!!! Nice!!!”

Rubbing her hands together eagerly, the makeup artist continued, “If your crush accepts, I’ll be your matchmaker!”

Facing her enthusiastic gaze, Yan Zhao struggled to say, “I’m afraid your wish won’t come true.”

“Why? Are they married?!”

“…Yes.”

Instantly, the makeup artist was met with disapproving glares from everyone: “How could you expose Teacher Yan’s wound? Who understands the pain of falling for someone who’s already married?!”

The makeup artist patted Yan Zhao’s shoulder sympathetically, “Sometimes, learning to let go is also a form of growth…”

Yan Zhao: “…”

Shen Yuanting answered Yan Zhao’s call.

Yan Zhao had told him earlier that he would be attending the crew’s wrap-up party today and would be returning later.

During their conversation, he heard Yan Zhao say, “I like you.”

Shen Yuanting: “…”

Despite the background noise, resembling a singer wailing, he could easily distinguish Yan Zhao’s voice amidst the chaos.

Shen Yuanting asked, “Are you drunk?”

Yan Zhao replied, “I’ve had a bit of cocktail.” After a hiccup, he quickly covered up, “That was a mistake just now.”

His speech was slightly slurred, not as clear as usual, but rather alluring in a peculiar way.

He must be intoxicated, but not deeply.

Not enough to put his mind at ease.

Shen Yuanting picked up the coat draped over the chair back, “…Give me your address, I’ll come pick you up.”

Yan Zhao: “But I haven’t had enough fun yet?”

Shen Yuanting lowered his gaze, “Then I’ll join you.”

Yan Zhao: “Sounds good!”

Yan Zhao hung up the phone and addressed the crowd, “All set.”

The crowd: “…This isn’t the development we were expecting! Wasn’t it a confession? Why did the focus shift to drinking?”

However, from the speaker Yan Zhao had just used, they caught some clues.

For example, Teacher Yan’s crush is a guy! His voice is particularly pleasing! Although there might be some differences between his voice on the phone and his usual one, the deep-voiced dream guy is definitely not going anywhere!

The makeup artist cleared her throat, “Although it’s unethical to say this, but…” She nudged Yan Zhao’s shoulder, “I think Teacher Yan has a chance.”

The crowd chimed in, “Yes, he’s coming over to hang out with you, at least he sees you as a friend!”

“Isn’t being seen as a friend even worse?”

“Have you heard of the saying ‘more than friends but not yet lovers’?”

There were also dissenting voices:

“Zhao Zhao, don’t listen to these playboys. If someone likes you but is married to someone else, he’s scum. You must not be with him!”

“Yeah, if you’re going to date him, make sure he divorces first! Then make him propose with 999 roses and a diamond ring!”

“And he needs our family’s approval!”

“Since when did you become Zhao Zhao’s family?!”

“I’ve appointed myself in my heart, I have to protect Teacher Yan!”

As they went further and further off track, Yan Zhao helplessly interrupted their thoughts, “We don’t have the kind of relationship you’re thinking of.”

“What other kind of relationship could it be?” The makeup artist looked at him, “…Don’t tell me the ‘like’ you mentioned isn’t the same ‘like’ I asked about.”

Yan Zhao vaguely replied, “You asked me to call the most recent contact. Regardless of whether this ‘like’ is what you wanted, I’ve fulfilled your request.”

Makeup artist: “Wow, Teacher Yan, you’re quite slick. So, the person you just called is just a regular friend?! You deceived our feelings. Brothers and sisters, let’s make him drink!”

Yan Zhao was attacked by the crowd and drank quite a bit of alcohol. They finished the drinks they had ordered and went straight for a large bottle to share. Various types of alcohol mixed together quickly made Yan Zhao feel dizzy.

Yan Zhao’s stomach felt uncomfortable: “I need to use the restroom.”

Xiao Dou wanted to go with him: “I’ll accompany you, bro!”

Yan Zhao waved to the three blurry figures of Xiao Dou: “It’s fine, you guys stay here, I’ll be right back.”

Xiao Dou: “…” Since when were there multiples of him?!

Yan Zhao went to the restroom, vomited a rainbow, washed his face, and felt a bit more sober. After tidying himself up, he blankly stared at himself in the mirror when suddenly he heard a coquettish voice from a nearby stall.

“Damn it, scared me! It’s all because of Mr. Han!”

Yan Zhao: “…” Can you even hook up in the restroom?!

Before he could ponder further, another somewhat familiar voice chimed in, “You curse me verbally, yet you’re quite passionate, little devil, aren’t you?!”

Ignoring the content of his words, just based on his voice, it was quite magnetic.

But wait, shouldn’t Han Yuxuan be accompanying Ning Yunfan?! Why is he here flirting around in the bar?!

Revoke his official position as the main gong!