TL: Hua
Because his contract was still with his agency, Lin Yanran needed his company’s permission to accept any job.
Left with no choice, Yingying called Ding Weikang to inform him about the two offers.
Just as she was about to dial, Ding Weikang, as if he could smell the money, showed up on his own.
In stark contrast to their last unpleasant encounter, Ding Weikang seemed exceptionally happy today. Upon seeing Lin Yanran, his eyes narrowed into a smile.
“Yanran, long time no see. You’ve been doing well lately,” he said. He then glanced at Yingying with a hint of surprise. “Oh, Yingying’s here too.”
Yingying was annoyed at the sight of him and just rolled her eyes, ignoring him completely. Ding Weikang didn’t mind and walked straight up to Lin Yanran.
“You’ve been trending a lot lately, haven’t you? I see your Weibo followers have increased by over a million.”
Ding Weikang let out an exaggerated sigh. “*Hiiyah*, I told you before, as long as you focus on your career and stop making that money-losing music, you’ll definitely be a hit. See? Things are looking up now.”
After quietly watching Ding Weikang’s one-man show for a moment, Lin Yanran spoke. “Get to the point.”
After their last falling out, Ding Weikang was now willing to swallow his pride and seek him out. Lin Yanran knew exactly what he wanted.
After all, no one in this world would turn down money.
As expected, Ding Weikang immediately clapped his hands, acting extremely subservient. “I love how direct you are.”
He then pulled up a chair and sat down in front of Lin Yanran, crossing his legs and handing him a list of job offers. “The company has accepted a few gigs for you. The pay is good, so take a look.”
Lin Yanran scanned the list.
– Career’s Helper (Guest Mentor, filming date TBD)
– Master of Antique Treasure Appraisal (Guest Star, filming date TBD)
– Almighty Showdown (Guest Star, two-day filming, leaves tomorrow afternoon)
…
There were more offers, but they were all for strange projects.
Either the professional knowledge was too high to be suitable for celebrities, or it was some obscure program that no one has ever heard of.
The only one that seemed halfway decent was Almighty Showdown, a toxic show with a terrible reputation in the industry.
It was a reality show focused on competition and intelligence, a genre that was usually popular.
However, the production team was terrible. The filming was long and grueling, and they were experts at torturing their guests.
The challenges were often ridiculous and exhausting, and the competition would often turn into ugly bickering over a few points, leaving a very bad impression on the audience.
Due to its poor reputation and ratings, several of the regular cast members who had already signed contracts chose to quit midway.
Yingying saw that Ding Weikang wanted Lin Yanran to participate in this awful show and immediately became upset.
“Can’t we pass on Almighty Showdown? That show treats guests horribly.”
Ding Weikang feigned a difficult expression. “But we’ve already signed the contract… and they’ve already sent the money.”
Yingying held back the urge to curse and continued to argue. “But we’ve already agreed with Director Song that we’d participate in his friend’s show tomorrow. The times conflict.”
Ding Weikang dropped the act and spread his hands. “That’s easy; just turn down the other one. You haven’t signed a contract with them yet.”
Yingying was almost speechless. “We didn’t sign the contract for Almighty Showdown either! You didn’t even consult with us.”
Ding Weikang chuckled. “The company has full authority to act on your behalf. So what if we signed it?”
Yingying took a deep breath, her nails digging into the palms of her hands.
What the hell, you damn idiot, Ding Weikang.
Lin Yanran glanced at a fuming Yingying and gave her a look to calm down.
He then looked down and carefully folded the list of offers before putting it in his pocket.
“I can do all these gigs, but I have a few conditions.”
The first part of Lin Yanran’s sentence pleased Ding Weikang. However, hearing the last part, his expression immediately soured. He looked at Lin Yanran with an expression that said, You dare to make demands of me?
But he was also curious about what Lin Yanran would say, so he nodded, indulging him. “Go ahead, tell me.”
Lin Yanran stated his first request directly. “I want you to put together a new team for me that can guarantee my food, lodging, and transportation while I’m working.”
“Of course.” Lin Yanran needed to work and make money, so Ding Weikang would definitely provide the necessary support.
He agreed and even found an excuse for disbanding his previous team. “I disbanded the last team because they weren’t good enough. I’ll arrange a better one for you immediately.”
Lin Yanran wasn’t interested in his excuses and continued with his second demand. “Furthermore, all fees for these jobs must be paid immediately.”
Ding Weikang gave an awkward smile. “You make it sound like our company withholds your pay.”
Lin Yanran looked at him, a faint smile on his lips. “The production team for Super Idol paid the final amount to you a while ago, but I haven’t received my share yet.”
How could Ding Weikang have the nerve to say he didn’t withhold money?
If Lin Yanran hadn’t said anything, he would just keep delaying payment.
Seeing Lin Yanran bring this up, Ding Weikang immediately pointed a finger at him, ready to argue. “That’s only because last time you…”
Lin Yanran interrupted him, using his right hand to push Ding Weikang’s finger away. “No need to say anything more. Just transfer my money as soon as possible. And…” He looked at Ding Weikang. “For any future gigs, you must consult with me first.”
Ding Weikang realized that Lin Yanran was, once again, completely out of his control. He looked at him and warned, “Who do you think you are to make demands of me?”
Lin Yanran stood up, threw the list of offers back into Ding Weikang’s hand, and smiled faintly. “Whether you want to make just this little profit or want to invest in the long term and earn more, that’s entirely up to you.”
“You’re learning to threaten people now? You’ve really grown up.”
Ding Weikang jumped up, enraged.
Lin Yanran’s words had obviously hit a nerve. He knew that if he tried to be tough, Lin Yanran would just refuse to do any gigs at all.
Their company had signed Lin Yanran for so many years without any success. Now that he was suddenly popular and Super Idol was still airing, he would likely remain popular for a while.
It was a great opportunity to make money, and Ding Weikang couldn’t bear to let it go.
After stomping his feet to no avail, he had no choice but to agree.
“Fine,” he said. “I’ll transfer the payment for Almighty Showdown and the 200,000 final payment from Super Idol after you finish filming.” He looked at Lin Yanran in frustration. “Satisfied now, my little ancestor?”
Lin Yanran nodded and reminded him, “Remember to pay Yingying’s salary for this month as well.”
Ding Weikang almost fainted from exasperation.
He had come here in high spirits but was now leaving with a stomach full of anger. This time, however, he couldn’t act on it. So, as he left, he could only remind Lin Yanran one more time. “Fine, fine, damn it. After you go, remember to do a good job on the show!”
After Ding Weikang, the “plague god,” finally left, Yingying couldn’t hold back her tears, thinking about all the ridiculous gigs he had arranged for Lin Yanran.
“Why should he get away with this? He completely ignored us before and tried to shelve you, but now that you’re popular, he’s back to leech off you. Not only did he stop us from going on Director Li’s show, but the gigs he lined up for you are just bizarre!”
Seeing Yingying’s face streaked with tears, Lin Yanran handed her a tissue.
“My contract is still with them, so we just have to be patient for now. Once I get it terminated, we’ll be fine.”
With the money from his recent success, he could hire a good lawyer to handle the contract dispute.
—
After seeing off Ding Weikang, Lin Yanran immediately headed back to the set of Super Idol.
Tonight’s filming involved all the mentors visiting the trainees.
Upon arrival, Lin Yanran personally explained the situation with his scheduled appearances to Director Song and requested two days off.
Director Song was very understanding and didn’t blame him, simply saying he could empathize with his situation.
“But Yanran, if you’ll allow me one more word,” Director Song said, lowering his voice slightly as they walked outside. “Your company is not great. If you get the chance, it’s better to jump to a bigger company. Don’t let them ruin your future.”
Lin Yanran nodded. “Thank you, Director Song.”
He looked up and saw Gu Siye appear in front of them.
Director Song, a step ahead of Lin Yanran, laughed and waved to Gu Siye. “Xiao Gu, you’re here!”
Gu Siye glanced at Lin Yanran before nodding to the director. “Director Song.”
“I hear you’re preparing for a new album. How’s it coming along?”
“A few of the music videos still need to be shot. We haven’t found the right person yet.”
“Oh, no worries. Take your time and keep looking. Ensuring quality is the most important thing.”
Gu Siye chatted with Director Song for a bit, and when he turned to look for Lin Yanran, he found that a staff member had already called him away.
After Director Song left, he turned to his manager, Zhong Xiao.
“What company is Yanran with?”
“Day and Night Entertainment, I think,” Zhong Xiao said after a moment’s thought, looking at Gu Siye with a puzzled expression. “Why do you ask?”
Gu Siye didn’t explain. He just said, “That company doesn’t seem to have a good reputation.”
Zhong Xiao immediately chimed in. “It’s not just ‘not a good reputation.’ That company loves to exploit artists and often does shady things. Who knows how many young stars they’ve ruined?”
Everyone in the industry knows what those “shady things” are without anyone having to spell it out.
After Zhong Xiao finished, he saw Gu Siye lost in thought. Remembering how the other party had just asked about Lin Yanran, who worked for that company, a strange idea began to form in his mind.
“Why are you so concerned about Yanran lately…?”
Gu Siye stopped, slightly taken aback.
Was he that concerned?
But when he thought about it, ever since he first met Yanran, his gaze did seem to be drawn to him without him even trying.
“I just overheard him say that he wants to terminate his contract.”
Zhong Xiao immediately nodded in approval. “There’s no future at that company. Now that he’s finally made a comeback, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to break his contract and leave.”
Gu Siye didn’t say anything.
Zhong Xiao walked beside him, going over the rest of his schedule.
After a while, Gu Siye suddenly stopped and turned to Zhong Xiao. “Should the studio sign some new artists?”
He had been talking about something else entirely, so Gu Siye’s question came out of nowhere.
Zhong Xiao was startled, but his mind started working at lightning speed. He blurted out a bold guess.
“You’re not thinking of signing Yanran, are you, boss…?”
Gu Siye neither confirmed nor denied it. He simply left the stunned Zhong Xiao and walked to another room.
When Gu Siye pushed open the door to the mentors’ lounge, Lin Yanran had just finished downloading a game.
Since the trainees were still filming their segment where they called or met with their parents and family, the mentors were in the lounge, finding ways to pass the time.
Originally, Tangtang was playing PUBG by herself, but she wasn’t very good at it and didn’t like playing solo, so she asked Lin Yanran to join her.
When Gu Siye entered the lounge, Tangtang quickly waved him over to sit down.
When playing PUBG, the more people joining, the more fun it is. Tangtang really wanted to ask Gu Siye to play, but she didn’t quite have the courage.
“What are you playing?”
Gu Siye walked over to the two of them and looked down to see what they were doing.
Lin Yanran looked up to meet his gaze, then raised his hand slightly to show him his phone screen. He asked in a completely natural way, “We’re playing PUBG. Want to join us, Teacher Gu?”
Tangtang secretly shot a glance at Lin Yanran.
Brother, you’re brave! There’s no way Gu Siye would play a boring game like this with us!
But just as Tangtang was thinking this, she heard Gu Siye’s clear and simple answer from above her. “Sure.”
He sat down on the same couch as Lin Yanran, right next to him.
Gu Siye took out his phone and opened the game but found he couldn’t log in directly. “Hold on, I need to update it first.”
Tangtang was so excited to play a game with her idol that she didn’t mind waiting a few extra minutes.
“Teacher Gu, I can’t believe you play games, too.”
Gu Siye smiled. “Sometimes I need to kill time when waiting for a flight.”
Tangtang was surprised. “I thought you’d spend your free time reading or writing songs.”
Lin Yanran couldn’t help but laugh at Tangtang’s words.
Gu Siye laughed along. “Do I look like I’m too old for video games?”
Tangtang, realizing she had said something wrong, playfully stuck out her tongue. “No, no.”
After a few minutes of updating, Gu Siye logged into the game and said to Lin Yanran, “Yanran, send me an invite.”
Tangtang was just about to ask Gu Siye for his ID to add him as a friend when she realized something was off.
Wait, had Lin Yanran and Gu Siye already added each other on WeChat?
Lin Yanran obediently sent Gu Siye an invitation to join the party.
Then Tangtang saw something even more surprising.
Lin Yanran’s ID was: yyyyyan
Gu Siye’s ID was: yyyyyee
“Why do your names look so much like a couple’s names…?”
Hearing Tangtang’s question, Lin Yanran finally noticed the names above his and Gu Siye’s characters.
He had just downloaded this game, so the name was new. He had simply typed a few letters out of convenience, never thinking it would end up so similar to Gu Siye’s…
But she was right—at a glance, they really did look like a pair of matching couple names.
Lin Yanran awkwardly glanced at Gu Siye, ready to explain that it wasn’t intentional.
But Gu Siye just smiled and broke the tension for him. “They really do look similar. Maybe we just didn’t want to put in the effort of coming up with names.”
Tangtang looked at their two names, which were clearly made with no effort, and nodded in full agreement.
A few seconds later, Lin Yanran and Gu Siye entered the game with their very similar “couple names.”
Because Tangtang was afraid of getting eliminated right after landing, they chose a less crowded area.
Naturally, less crowded areas have fewer resources.
After searching one building, Lin Yanran still hadn’t found a good gun, only a shotgun.
Feeling unsafe without a decent weapon, he decided to search the building across the street.
He had only taken a couple of steps when he heard a low, pleasant voice. “Yanran, come here.”
Then, a character in the game jumped in front of him.
Gu Siye threw the level three helmet, a med kit, and a fully kitted-out M416 he had just painstakingly collected.
“Just use these for now.”
Lin Yanran glanced at Gu Siye’s AKM and felt a little embarrassed. “I’ll just use the AK.”
Gu Siye had given him all the gear he had spent so long collecting, and Lin Yanran felt too awkward to take it.
Seeing that Lin Yanran hadn’t moved, Gu Siye spoke again. “I’m not used to playing with this one.”
After that, he threw the corresponding ammo on the ground and walked away.
Tangtang, still struggling to find resources nearby, saw Gu Siye drop the gun for Lin Yanran. Thinking he wasn’t good at the game, she started giving him pointers while she played.
But to her surprise, Lin Yanran was a beast at the game! He and Gu Siye worked together and carried her all the way to the final circle.
Tangtang happily looted a supply crate while talking to Lin Yanran.
“Wow, Yanran, you’re amazing! How did you get so good so fast?”
“I used to play. I uninstalled it a while ago,” Lin Yanran said, throwing a smoke grenade to assist Gu Siye.
Before Tangtang could figure out what was happening, the last enemy was taken down by the very same M416 that the self-proclaimed “not-used-to-it” Gu Siye was using.
Lin Yanran silently gave Gu Siye a thumbs-up and smiled at the person next to him. “You’re still better, Teacher Gu.”
Gu Siye met his gaze and smiled softly in return.
“I don’t usually get ten kills. I guess I must have overperformed because I was playing with you.”
After playing for a bit longer, a staff member came to let them know it was time to go.
Tangtang had to use the restroom, so Lin Yanran and Gu Siye went ahead to where the trainees were filming.
Some trainees hadn’t finished their segments yet. When they arrived, they saw one trainee sobbing uncontrollably on the phone with his parents.
The trainees had been in a closed training environment for almost two months, and their phones had been confiscated. With little to no contact with the outside world and under immense pressure, talking to their closest family members easily brought out their most vulnerable emotions.
Lin Yanran watched the trainee’s tears on camera, listening to him call out “Mom” over and over. He couldn’t help but think of his own mother.
Not just his mom, but also his dad, his brother, and his other family members…
He had always been quite independent and had gotten used to his parents not being around since he was young.
But no matter how independent he was, during all those years of studying abroad, there were moments when he missed his parents dearly.
Still, back then, no matter how far away they were, he knew he would eventually get to go home and see his family.
Unlike now, he had come to this world in a book, and he didn’t know if he would ever have the chance to go back and see them again.
Lin Yanran looked at the phone in the trainee’s hand, feeling a sudden pang of envy.
If he could, he would love to make a call to his family and ask them how they were doing.
Standing nearby, Gu Siye took in Lin Yanran’s expression.
He noticed that the person who had been smiling just a second ago while watching the trainee’s call was now looking down, appearing dejected. Gu Siye leaned in and whispered in his ear, “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Lin Yanran didn’t hide it and told him the truth. “Watching them made me think of my parents…”
Lin Yanran himself didn’t realize that his voice was a little hoarse, as if he had been crying.
It was the first time Gu Siye had seen Lin Yanran so vulnerable and despondent. For a moment, it felt like his heart was being squeezed.
He remembered what Zhong Xiao had said about Lin Yanran’s company exploiting artists. He thought Lin Yanran’s sadness was due to an overwhelming workload and not seeing his family for a long time.
He lowered his voice and consoled him. “If you’re too busy to see them, you can call them more often. I’m sure your parents won’t blame you.”
Lin Yanran nodded, remaining silent for a while before saying, “But I don’t have that chance anymore…”
Those words landed heavily in Gu Siye’s ears.
Don’t have the chance anymore?
Lin Yanran saw the worried look on Gu Siye’s face and realized he was losing control of his emotions. He quickly pulled himself together.
Gu Siye was about to say something else when a staff member interrupted them.
They were assigned different filming tasks and went to visit the trainees separately.
Xuan Yihan chose not to film on camera and instead went backstage to find his parents.
Xuan Hongwei and Qiu Yayu had been waiting backstage for a while. When they finally saw their son, they immediately asked him about his well-being.
“You’ve lost weight, baby. Are you not eating enough lately?” Qiu Yayu said, her heart aching as she looked at her son.
Xuan Yihan shook his head at his mom. “I’m fine. The training is okay, and my friends take good care of me. Everything’s great; it’s just…”
Xuan Hongwei saw that Xuan Yihan was hesitating and immediately had a hunch. “Is Xuan Yanran giving you a hard time again?”
Xuan Yihan deliberately hesitated, looking as if he were about to nod, then finally said, “Not really, but I just feel like he’s still upset about me coming back…”
Tears then began to stream down his face. “Mom, Dad, maybe I shouldn’t have gone back to his house for tutoring. That way, he would still be your son, and he wouldn’t hate me so much.”
Xuan Yihan looked down, his expression full of injustice. “Ever since I found out he was a mentor, I’ve been scared to see him alone in case he gets mad. But we have to see each other for the show, and he just seems to hate me so much…”
Seeing her son cry, Qiu Yayu felt even more heartache. She hugged him and comforted him. “Don’t say such silly things. He was never our child to begin with. Why do you feel guilty?”
Xuan Hongwei also patted his shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. It’s not your fault. He’s just small-minded.”
The couple had been keeping up with everything on the show because of their son.
They knew about the previous tension between them, how Lin Yanran deliberately didn’t give him an ‘A’, and how he had defended the other trainees, making Xuan Yihan the target of public criticism.
They also knew that because of this, Xuan Yihan’s ranking had dropped significantly, and a lot of people were now scolding him.
Seeing her son so wronged, Qiu Yayu wasn’t about to just let it go. While wiping away Xuan Yihan’s tears, she whispered to him.
“Your dad and I came today to help you with this. Don’t worry, baby. Mom and Dad are going to teach him a lesson right now.”
Xuan Yihan squeezed a few tears from the corners of his eyes and nodded pitifully. “Mom and Dad, you don’t have to… maybe he didn’t think that much of it.”
Xuan Hongwei shook his head. “You’re just too soft-hearted and kind. You don’t know how wicked people can be. Xuan Yanran is not a good person.”
Just as Xuan Hongwei said this, Lin Yanran, who had finished filming, happened to be walking past…
