PHWM Chapter 46

President Huo agreed immediately.

 

When Liang Xiao gave him the paper umbrellas, he was even considering whether to add something else.

 

For example, cooking a meal for their President Huo, or massaging his shoulders and temples.

 

…Or letting their President Huo lift him up for a bite.

 

But Huo Lan agreed so quickly that he didn’t even have time to raise the price before gaining his new right of residence.

 

Liang Xiao was stunned for two seconds, swallowing back the other conditions he had lined up one by one.

 

Liang Xiao even felt a bit regretful: “Thank you…”

 

Huo Lan shook his head: “I should be the one saying that.”

 

Liang Xiao was taken aback: “What?”

 

“Nothing.” Huo Lan looked up, about to speak, but his gaze hesitated for a while before unconsciously turning to the top of Liang Xiao’s head.

 

Liang Xiao, being under his roof, cooperatively lowered his head: “You can touch it.”

 

Huo Lan: “…”

 

Liang Xiao waited for a while, and seeing him not moving, simply grabbed Huo Lan’s hand and placed it on his own head: “Did you have something else to discuss with me?”

 

Huo Lan nodded, finally unable to resist, gently rubbing the top of his head first: “…There are a few work matters.”

 

The material previews for “Yun Lian” were gradually being released, deservedly gaining more attention day by day. The variety show they filmed had also finished editing, with the first episode set to air online tonight.

 

Weibo had been driving traffic and building momentum these days, already forming a preliminary scale, just waiting for the premiere of “Feng Jun” to be completed.

 

Xingguan had made detailed plans for Liang Xiao, but how to choose specifically still needed to be decided by Liang Xiao himself.

 

“There are three variety shows,” Huo Lan had seen the report and relayed it to him: “The directions are slightly different, but they all mainly promote entertainment-oriented reality shows.”

 

Liang Xiao didn’t even think about it: “Let’s not consider that for now.”

 

Taking on entertainment-oriented reality shows now would indeed be the quickest shortcut to build up popularity, but the backlash would be equally severe.

 

To do this kind of reality show, one must have a persona, and once the audience has a fixed mindset about the persona, the actor’s malleability would be greatly reduced, inversely limiting the types of roles they could choose in the future.

 

Liang Xiao actually still had two variety show resources shared by Jiang Pingchao’s team, but before solidifying his foundation as an actor, he didn’t want to focus on this area.

 

“I finally have the chance to act properly,” Liang Xiao smiled, “I’m so excited about acting that I can’t sleep.”

 

Huo Lan looked at the pure pride in his eyes that couldn’t be suppressed, his pupils moving slightly, and nodded: “Alright.”

 

Huo Lan opened the report and looked at it, pondering for a moment, but still prepared to finish speaking: “The offer–”

 

“Don’t say it,” Liang Xiao quickly interrupted, “If you tell me, I really won’t be able to sleep.”

 

Huo Lan: “…”

 

Liang Xiao narrowly stopped him in time, still feeling a bit shaken, firmly covering his eyes and refusing to look: “You also can’t tell Brother Duan and let him tell me.”

 

Huo Lan lowered his eyes, this time truly unable to suppress the curve of his lips: “Alright.”

 

Liang Xiao cautiously moved his fingers apart a bit: “What about the rest?”

 

Huo Lan put away the report: “Two TV dramas and one movie.”

 

Huo Lan had actually already memorized the contents of the report and didn’t need to check again. He held Liang Xiao’s hand and lowered it: “The cast details aren’t finalized yet, they’re in the process of approaching the lead actors.”

 

Liang Xiao didn’t have experience as a lead actor yet, but with his current momentum and impressive skills, his first lead role in a film would not only bring in viewers but also offer broad potential for character development.

 

It wasn’t just Liang Xiao who needed resources; production teams were equally eager for such a rare potential lead actor.

 

Xingguan’s recent investments were all in “Feng Jun,” and they hadn’t started filming other projects concurrently. But those who approached Xingguan were naturally not just any random production teams.

 

Of the two TV dramas that approached them, one was a historical theme and one was a modern urban theme. The production companies had collaborated with Xingguan more than once, and the quality was guaranteed.

 

The remaining film was also a historical theme, a high-investment, big-budget production aiming for future awards, targeting best art direction and visual effects.

 

Liang Xiao listened intently for a while: “I’d like to hear your opinion.”

 

Huo Lan was slightly surprised: “Mine?”

 

Liang Xiao actually had his own idea in mind, but still wanted to hear Huo Lan’s thoughts. He smiled: “Aren’t you going to manage me?”

 

“It’s not that,” Huo Lan frowned, afraid of misunderstanding, “You–”

 

Huo Lan paused, looking at Liang Xiao’s slightly flushed ears, was silent for a while, and finally understood without being taught.

 

Huo Lan stroked his hair: “I will manage you.”

 

Liang Xiao’s glands jumped, almost letting out a muffled groan.

 

…Probably an aftereffect of the heat.

 

Liang Xiao tried his best to clear his mind of distractions and sat up straight: “You speak, I’ll listen.”

 

Huo Lan nodded slightly: “The big-budget historical film aiming for art awards usually tends to suppress the actor’s expressiveness.”

 

“The reviews would be very good,” Liang Xiao nodded, “but to create atmosphere, the background and character settings would definitely be intricate.”

 

Liang Xiao even remembered to use “intricate,” kindly adding an explanation: “That is… strange and unpredictable.”

 

Huo Lan’s voice was slightly hoarse: “Mm.”

 

“It can enhance the film’s expressiveness and impact, and it’s also suitable for actors to showcase their skills,” Liang Xiao continued, thinking as he spoke. “But if the character design is suppressed by the atmosphere, it’s bound to feel thin, and many logical aspects of the character’s behavior will inevitably fall apart.”

 

Huo Lan nodded.

 

It wasn’t just that the character design would feel thin. For films aiming at major awards, unless they are truly groundbreaking enough to become legendary, the actors’ personal achievements often stop at nominations.

 

Huo Lan didn’t deny it—he had his own biases in this matter.

 

“This kind of project is more suitable for seasoned industry veterans,” Liang Xiao concluded. “I won’t join the crowd.”

 

Huo Lan unconsciously relaxed, nodded, and continued: “Between the two dramas, you can choose either. I lean toward *Yun Qi*.”

 

Liang Xiao perked up with curiosity: “Did Director Song report his new drama to you?”

 

Huo Lan froze: “What?”

 

“Logically speaking, since I’ve already filmed a Republican-era drama, transitioning to a modern urban drama would be smoother.”

 

Liang Xiao added, “If you want me to take on a historical drama, it means you’re trying to delay my start in modern dramas.”

 

Rarely having a chance to talk about his craft so freely, Liang Xiao took advantage of the moment with no outsiders around and spoke his thoughts aloud as they came: “For an actor aiming for awards, you can’t rely on films with strong cultural elements. You need to start with modern themes that have a broad perspective. Director Song happened to mention to me that there’s a project planned for late this year or early next year.”

 

Liang Xiao pieced everything together and confidently analyzed: “Director Song must have reported a film to you that has potential for winning Best Actor. You’ve seen it, think it’s very promising, and want to give me a surprise.”

 

“…” Huo Lan felt slightly unsettled and even considered checking the nearly finalized transfer contract he had prepared as a birthday surprise for Liang Xiao.

 

Liang Xiao’s eyes lit up: “What’s the theme?”

 

Huo Lan looked at him for a long moment, then shook his head with a faint smile lifting at the corners of his lips: “It’s a surprise.”

 

Liang Xiao: “…”

 

Their President Huo truly had extraordinary talent.

 

With this impressive learning speed, by the time Liang Xiao finished filming one drama and came back, Huo Lan might just pin him against the door by his waist and kiss him.

 

Liang Xiao quickly extinguished his wild thoughts. Seeing the subtle smile in Huo Lan’s eyes, he couldn’t help but feel happy too and smiled back: “Alright, I’ll wait then.”

 

Since they’d already received the script, sooner or later there would be discussions. Starting early would benefit both sides in making appropriate decisions.

 

Liang Xiao didn’t plan to wait anymore: “Has the production team been finalized? Can I go take a look today?”

 

Huo Lan nodded slightly: “The car is waiting at the door.”

 

He stood up, grabbed Liang Xiao’s coat, and handed it to him.

 

Liang Xiao walked around the room a few times, efficiently packing his things, then picked up his phone to check the battery level.

 

Huo Lan watched him walk to the door and suddenly spoke: “Liang Xiao.”

 

Liang Xiao paused and turned around.

 

Huo Lan had practiced all morning, but actually saying it out loud still felt intrusive. He couldn’t help frowning slightly: “…Sorry.”

 

Huo Lan corrected himself: “Liang—”

 

“I’m here,” Liang Xiao said. “What’s wrong?”

 

Huo Lan looked up at him.

 

This kind of simple, almost mundane yet particularly relaxed atmosphere could easily give rise to an illusion—a sense of comfort one shouldn’t indulge in.

 

Huo Lan looked at him for a moment, then closed his eyes, instinctively trying to suppress countless thoughts.

 

…

 

He couldn’t suppress them.

 

Huo Lan opened his eyes again and glanced at the two slightly rough paper umbrellas in his hand.

 

“How long…” Huo Lan tried to make his tone lighter, “…do you want to stay?”

 

Liang Xiao was easygoing: “You decide.”

 

Huo Lan was slightly taken aback.

 

Liang Xiao pointed at the rent: “If it’s not enough, let me know in advance, and I’ll add more.”

 

Caught off guard, Huo Lan’s chest rose and fell a few times. He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted when Liang Xiao tugged on his sleeve.

 

“Tonight,” Liang Xiao coughed lightly, his breath also a bit unsteady, “Read to me, okay?”

 

“……”

 

Duan Ming listened to him recount the entire sequence of events with great interest: “That’s it?”

 

Liang Xiao was confused: “Was there supposed to be more?”

 

As for what happened next… well, there was a little more.

 

For example, President Huo held the two small paper umbrellas and wandered around the room for a while before finally returning to the bookshelf and carefully placing them on a shelf too high for Liang Xiao to reach.

 

For example, President Huo followed him around for half the day and finally stopped him just as he was about to leave.

 

For example, President Huo held him tightly, staying completely still with his face quietly buried in Liang Xiao’s neck.

 

When Liang Xiao finally couldn’t hold back anymore and was about to tell their President Huo that this position wasn’t quite right, he heard Huo Lan earnestly and softly say: “Thank you.”

 

…

 

But Liang Xiao felt he had the right to keep some privacy and firmly said, “That’s all.”

 

Duan Ming hesitated for a long time before sighing.

 

Liang Xiao was baffled: “What’s wrong?”

 

“You don’t know,” Duan Ming patted his shoulder. “In the half-day you were out, everyone in the Huo residence learned one thing in different ways.”

 

“…” Liang Xiao suddenly had a bad feeling. “What?”

 

Duan Ming: “Mr. Liang has already paid all the rent and food expenses, so he has the right to stay here as long as he wants.”

 

Liang Xiao: “…”

 

Duan Ming, who had just been part of the team subtly nudging things along, coughed and tried to cover for Huo Lan: “It wasn’t President Huo who said it.”

 

“It wasn’t President Huo.”

 

Liang Xiao stared blankly: “So was it the broken heating system that somehow spilled out a receipt showing I paid all my rent?”

 

Duan Ming thought about it and decided that was plausible: “You… can convince yourself with that explanation for now.”

 

Duan Ming added, “When the heating pipes were leaking your receipt, they also refused to tell anyone how you paid your bill.”

 

Liang Xiao felt dizzy: “…”

 

Judging by the timeline, as soon as he left the villa, their President Huo probably held a meeting with the household staff.

 

The main topic of discussion? Mr. Liang suddenly settling all his rent.

 

“It’s not the heating system’s fault,” Duan Ming tried his best to patch things up. “He just wanted to let everyone know that from now on, you have full authority in the villa.”

 

But in the world of the clueless heating system, this kind of announcement was far too suggestive.

 

The entire Huo residence unanimously concluded that Mr. Liang must have used his body to pay off his debts to President Huo. When they heard Liang Xiao was heading out for work today, they were so concerned that they escorted him all the way to the villa gates.

 

Duan Ming didn’t fully believe it himself but was insanely curious.

 

Liang Xiao had been sent off to discuss the script for *Yun Qi*. The director hit it off with him immediately, chatted for half a day, and even had him do a quick screen test. As a result, Liang Xiao didn’t return to the villa all day.

 

Unable to wait any longer, Duan Ming took Xiao Gong along to pick him up.

 

Taking advantage of the ride back, Duan Ming pressed him for details and finally managed to squeeze out the truth bit by bit.

 

He hadn’t expected it to be so simple.

 

Duan Ming sighed: “I thought at least you’d be wrapped around President Huo while he held you up and took a bite.”

 

Liang Xiao had thought about it before.

 

But at the time, President Huo agreed so quickly that he didn’t even have a chance to raise the price.

 

Once again, things spiraled completely out of control into a strangely familiar situation. Feeling a bit world-weary, Liang Xiao slumped in the back seat, slowly melting: “Life is unpredictable…”

 

Duan Ming didn’t catch it: “What?”

 

“If this keeps up,” Liang Xiao sighed, “it might end up with only me and President Huo knowing we’re innocent.”

 

In truth, all he wanted was to find an excuse to stay at the villa. Folding two paper umbrellas was just his way of trying to make Huo Lan happy.

 

He was about to get busy again and wouldn’t necessarily be able to return every day. Over the past few days, Huo Lan had been helping him with temporary marks, and his pheromones had stabilized enough that the frequency of marking could be reduced.

 

Liang Xiao just wanted to leave something behind so that when Huo Lan saw it, it might lift his mood a little.

 

But one misstep…

 

Liang Xiao vaguely regretted it. He covered his eyes and sighed.

 

Why bother with rent?

 

He should’ve just shamelessly stayed at the villa, freeloading food and shelter without a second thought.

 

“President Huo didn’t do it on purpose,” Duan Ming said softly, observing Liang Xiao’s reaction. “I think he just… couldn’t help himself.”

 

Duan Ming continued: “The butler has worked at the Huo residence for so many years and has never seen President Huo like this.”

 

When all the staff at the Huo residence were forced to attend a meeting where they were informed that Mr. Liang would now also be living in the villa, Duan Ming managed to sneak in and listen.

 

From start to finish, Huo Lan didn’t say anything disrespectful about Liang Xiao.

 

Every word was serious and meticulous, delivered with absolute sincerity.

 

“President Huo said,” Duan Ming patted Liang Xiao’s arm and whispered, relaying what he’d heard: “All the keys to the villa must be given to you as well.”

 

“…” Liang Xiao murmured in a daze: “Then President Huo’s bedside note must be worth a fortune.”

 

Originally, Liang Xiao had planned to fold one paper umbrella for President Huo every day as a way of settling accounts daily.

 

And yet somehow, he ended up with all the keys.

 

Liang Xiao couldn’t help but start worrying about how Huo Lan had managed to lead Xingguan to the top of the industry all these years: “Didn’t President Huo say anything like paying three months’ rent upfront or me having to settle rent later?”

 

“He didn’t,” Duan Ming replied. “President Huo said the keys are yours.”

 

“And President Huo also said…”

 

Duan Ming repeated it to him word for word: “From now on, Mr. Liang may come and go freely.”

 

Liang Xiao froze for a moment.

 

Instinctively, he didn’t want to get emotional in a situation like this. He took a deep breath and quickly rubbed his face with both hands.

 

Straightening up, Liang Xiao sat upright and reached out to Duan Ming.

 

Duan Ming slapped his palm lightly: “What do you want?”

 

“The keys, of course.” Liang Xiao suppressed the flutter in his heart, but he couldn’t completely hold it back. He even felt a little tempted to indulge in some romance. “Didn’t President Huo say they’re mine?”

 

He imagined carrying them with him everywhere, maybe even tying them to a red string and wearing them around his neck.

 

Whenever he missed President Huo, he could count the keys.

 

Liang Xiao got carried away with his own thoughts, and before he could stop himself, his face turned slightly red with embarrassment.

 

Duan Ming looked at him with a somewhat strange expression: “You want them now?”

 

Liang Xiao nodded despite his embarrassment: “Yes.”

 

Duan Ming tried to reason with him: “You can wait until we get home.”

 

Liang Xiao was impatient: “Why not now?”

 

“You can,” Duan Ming said. “Just be prepared.”

 

Liang Xiao frowned slightly: “Prepared for what?”

 

“Over three hundred keys,” Duan Ming said with a loud clatter. “You’ll need a plastic bag.”

 

Liang Xiao: “…”

 

 

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