Chapter 924 Friends
In the eyes of the media and the public, Wen Minglan is actually a rather special figure.
She is very popular. From the beginning of her career, she and Lu Yanhe were regarded as the "twin stars" who would help Chen Ziyan return to the entertainment industry and continue her career as a manager. From then on, her name was linked with Lu Yanhe.
Because Lu Yanhe's career was advancing by leaps and bounds, such a partnership was also a boost for her. For a long time, Chen Ziyan did not stop such voices.
She was an actress who was signed to star in "Friends" when everyone was skeptical of the show, because of Chen Ziyan. Her salary was low (at least lower than her market level at the time), and she didn't even get the best character. She played the original Monica character.
However, she never uttered a single word of dissent. In fact, on set, besides Yan Liang, she was the person Lu Yanhe least needed to consider regarding his emotions. This was because she always gave the impression of being calm, stable, and gentle.
Lu Yanhe had known her for a long time, including Bai Jin. Lu Yanhe even contacted her specifically for the horror movie Muken, afraid that she would miss the opportunity.
But as for Wen Minglan and her career, because Chen Ziyan was her agent, he didn't interfere at all.
Wen Minglan gained immense popularity thanks to "Friends".
After that, Chen Ziyan continued to manage her career in an orderly manner.
Domestic films and television dramas, overseas collaborative projects, and so on.
She has always been very popular and has maintained a good fan base to this day.
Everyone says that the gap between the two rising stars back then is already huge, and no media outlet will ever mention the term "rising stars" again.
But then again, what's wrong with Wen Minglan?
Isn't she popular enough?
As an actress who is only in her early twenties this year, she is already outstanding enough.
It's just that someone else is too extraordinary.
Because of their agent, because of "Friends", and because of their shared work social circle and friends, Lu Yanhe and Wen Minglan often meet and interact more than many of their friends. However, they maintain an unspoken social distance from each other.
This tacit social distancing began very early in the morning.
Lu Yanhe never thought about the reasons behind this; he just felt that it was a good thing.
However, looking back, the reason they kept their distance from each other in the first few years of their acquaintance was not for any other reason than that Wen Minglan and he shared the same agent.
Aside from the two of them, Chen Ziyan's personal manager is Tu Song, who focuses on singers and is not in the same field as them.
Industry insiders, the media... everyone calls them the "golden couple," which stems from their trust in Chen Ziyan.
Intentionally or unintentionally, this created the impression that the two of them would naturally end up together in the future.
It was probably because of that atmosphere that Lu Yanhe and Wen Minglan subconsciously and deliberately distanced themselves from each other.
However, Lu Yanhe actually harbored a deep, subtle admiration for Wen Minglan. This feeling was quite delicate. This admiration stemmed from his accumulated understanding of Wen Minglan over time.
He knew that his success would put tremendous pressure on Wen Minglan. Sometimes, pressure comes from people who started on the same footing.
If you start running a little earlier than me, even if I fall behind you, the pressure won't be as great.
Lu Yanhe's appreciation for Wen Minglan lies in the fact that despite the immense pressure she faces, she never reveals her emotions. In fact, every time she sees Lu Yanhe, whether they are working together or just chatting, she sincerely expresses her congratulations and blessings to him.
It's really difficult to do that.
Jealousy is involuntary. Reason in relation to jealousy is like a person riding a violent horse; you must hold the reins tightly to prevent it from running wild.
Chen Ziyan once told Lu Yanhe that Wen Minglan had wanted to act in a movie for a period of time.
That happened three or four years ago.
"She got caught up in your mess too," Chen Ziyan laughed.
How strong must a person's inner strength and correct, just values be to always choose a righteous path of competition under intense competitive pressure?
In fact, many people don't even think she has the ability to compete with Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe, however, was inexplicably able to understand Wen Minglan's actions.
Li Yuefeng can directly ask him for a role.
Zhan Yun and Bai Jin could joke around and say that if his film and television projects had suitable roles for them in the future, he would definitely reserve them for them.
Many people, even those who aren't that familiar with Lu Yanhe, can say things that she can't say naturally.
Many times, she was probably silently struggling with herself.
For a long time, among all the film and television projects Lu Yanhe had undertaken, both domestic and overseas, and the female characters he had played—from Chen Bige to Jiang Yuqian, from Wang Jing to Yan Lingyu—he had never considered Wen Minglan.
Chen Ziyan only chose one of the three female leads in the movie "Source Code" to give to Wen Minglan.
—That was because Chen Ziyan hoped that Wen Minglan could have a good debut in Hollywood.
Lu Yanhe believed that if Wen Minglan had really spoken to Chen Ziyan, Chen Ziyan would not refuse to help her; and if Wen Minglan herself asked him for help, he would be even more certain to help her.
There will be better roles, or even tailor-made "golden finger" scripts.
But it never happened.
The first French film that Lu Yanhe knew about was introduced to her by Chen Ziyan.
However, Lu Yanhe was also well aware that in France, due to limited domestic box office revenue, even if you were a popular movie star or the absolute lead actor, your salary would likely only be a few hundred thousand US dollars. Not to mention a Chinese actress like Wen Minglan, who might only be known overseas for one show like "Friends." Lu Yanhe didn't ask, but it's very possible that she could earn less for three French films than for one Chinese film.
As for winning awards? Unless you're a big-name director or a director affiliated with a film festival, French cinema has limited influence.
Many Chinese actors who want to break into the international market will not go to France.
However, Wen Minglan filmed two parts in one go.
She is still working hard to forge her own path.
This may be a secluded path, hidden away in a deserted place.
She may not have gained anything, but she still walked on single-mindedly.
Lu Yanhe found it hard to articulate his feelings, but he felt he understood her thoughts.
That's France, not China, and not America.
She is walking a path that few people have taken.
She may not have a smooth journey, but on this competitive path of "not wanting to fall behind," she has not stopped or given up.
-
In fact, Lu Yanhe is not just an actor, screenwriter, and producer in many ways. He finds himself increasingly enjoying—or rather, immersing himself in a state of observing and empathizing with others.
Including my friends.
He initially thought it was an occupational hazard, but later realized it wasn't; he simply had this hobby.
Why?
I don't know.
Lu Yanhe returned to China and rested for two days. He read books and watched TV shows. He felt that he had recovered from the filming rhythm of "Men in Black". He packed his suitcase and went directly to the headquarters of "Jump Up" in Lingyang District.
Chen Siqi usually rests there because it's convenient for her to work.
Because he came back, Chen Siqi has been driving home after get off work these past two days, which is very tiring for her.
He didn't care where he wanted to stay anyway, so he just picked up his suitcase and went to Lingyang District.
In fact, he and Chen Siqi also had a small house there—not rented, but bought by Chen Siqi. If Lu Yanhe wanted to meet and chat with people, he could go to the headquarters of "Jump Up" magazine; he knew all the editors and other staff there. If he didn't want to talk to anyone and just wanted to be alone, he could stay in this small house.
A study, a media room, a swimming pool, a small garden… it has everything. When decorating this area, Chen Siqi fully considered his daily needs. There was even a dedicated space with a spacious walkway, separated from the house by a glass sliding door, but the eaves were still connected.
In seasons like this, Lu Yanhe could lie directly on the spacious walkway, using it as a wooden bed, letting the sunlight stream in through the lush foliage outside the eaves and fall upon him.
Lu Yanhe, an artistic youth.
At such moments, he candidly enjoys the ease and pleasure that comes with this identity, as well as the joy of self-deprecation.
Lin Yu and Xu Zijun would come over sometimes, and of course, Li Pengfei and Chen Qin would also come sometimes, but the latter two didn't stay here for long and came less often.
Besides them, Zhou Mukai also comes often, but he usually doesn't come with them.
When they arrive, there's no need for a formal sitting down to do or talk about anything. We just exchange a few words, share some interesting things that have happened recently, and sometimes we're called away by a work call after only ten minutes. Other times, we might watch a movie together, fall asleep on the sofa, and not leave until the next morning.
Lu Yanhe knew that he thoroughly enjoyed this kind of life.
However, he did not expect that this kind of life would become addictive.
One day, he saw a small patch of soil in the yard that hadn't been planted with anything, so he wandered around the area and found some plants that caught his eye, and transplanted them there.
Li Pengfei happened to be there that day. He had a very loud voice and shouted, "Lu Yanhe, what are you doing, sticking your butt out like a dog peeing!"
Lu Yanhe stood up, his face full of exasperation.
The image of Lu Yanhe, the artistic youth, has been shattered.
Li Pengfei stood on the steps under the eaves, hands on his hips, laughing so hard he leaned back.
Lu Yanhe cursed "idiot" but then laughed.
-
On the day of the gathering with the cast of "Friends," Lu Yanhe drove alone to the place arranged by Yin Xincheng.
Yin Xincheng arrived early by himself.
Lu Yanhe was the second to arrive.
"Oh my, how come you..." Yin Xincheng stared at Lu Yanhe for a long time, "You got a tan?"
Lu Yanhe has been sunbathing every day lately, and he has indeed gotten tanned.
The main reason is that I don't have to join any production crews anymore, so I don't feel that pressure and I've become lax in managing my image.
He shrugged with a smile and said, "I've been digging in the ground lately."
Yin Xincheng looked at Lu Yanhe with disbelief and asked, "You're not like those rich people, growing vegetables in the garden of your villa, are you? Returning to a pastoral life?"
“I’m sick.” Lu Yanhe shook his head. “I’ve just been tidying up the yard lately because I’ve had nothing to do.”
Yin Xincheng nodded, "Okay, I don't understand, but I respect you!"
Lu Yanhe asked, "Have you signed the divorce agreement with Huang Yunlan?"
"It's signed." Yin Xincheng nodded. "It's finally signed."
"So there's no relationship anymore, we can cut ties completely?" Lu Yanhe said.
"I hope so." Yin Xincheng shook his head. "Don't talk about her anymore. Every time I mention her, I feel unlucky."
Lu Yanhe was both amused and exasperated.
"Actually, the things that happened at your wedding would probably be quite interesting if they were written into Friends."
"Please let me go." Yin Xincheng shook his head vigorously. "I just don't want anyone to know that I did such a stupid thing."
Lu Yanhe: "Just kidding, I won't write it into the script, but you really should pay more attention."
"Don't say anymore, my mom already scolded me." Yin Xincheng sighed deeply, feeling extremely distressed.
Just then, Bai Jin and Wen Minglan arrived together.
Why did you all come together?
"My driver took the day off, so I asked Minglan to pick me up." Bai Jin put on sunglasses on her head and carried a box in her hand. As soon as she sat down, she opened the box, which was filled with... pickled chicken feet.
She said, "I tried making it myself, and I even had my friends from the film crew test it for poison, so you can eat it without worry."
"When did you become interested in making this kind of snack?" Yin Xincheng asked in surprise.
Bai Jin said, "I was just doing something fun on set. Filming movies is much slower than filming TV series. Most of the time I was just waiting on set."
Lu Yanhe nodded: "That's true. A movie scene can take two or three days, or even six or seven days to shoot, while a TV series can take two or three scenes a day, or even more."
Bai Jin: "Anyway, after filming this movie, I fulfilled my promise to the company."
"Can you manage your schedule?" Lu Yanhe asked. "Filming for 'The Island of Horrors' starts in September, and 'Friends' starts at the end of November. You also have to study."
Bai Jin: "I have applied for a one-year deferral of enrollment."
Lu Yanhe nodded: "Alright then."
Yin Xincheng said, "Then we should definitely prioritize 'The Island of Horrors,' since Bai Jin isn't going to become a scholar in the future."
“Yes, I didn’t hesitate at all,” Bai Jin said. “Being able to act in director Mu Ken’s new film, what else could I hesitate about? I’m even a little nervous, worried that my English level isn’t good enough. I’ve been taking online classes and improving my spoken English recently.”
Lu Yanhe nodded.
“It’s alright. Muken’s wife is Chinese, and he speaks some Chinese, so you don’t need to feel so much pressure,” Lu Yanhe said with a smile. “But if you can take this opportunity to improve your spoken English, that would be the best.”
Bai Jin nodded, "That's what I think too. Plus, I'm going to study in England later, so it'll be more convenient if I'm fluent in spoken English."
"Have you never filmed abroad before?" Lu Yanhe asked.
Bai Jin shook his head.
“Never.” She shrugged. “I’ve even rarely gone abroad for work. Most of the time I’ve been with you guys and the Friends crew.”
Lu Yanhe: "I've read the script for 'The Island of Horror.' Your character is well-developed. With Muken's abilities, this movie should attract a lot of attention. Now I'm starting to doubt whether you'll be able to enroll normally next year."
Bai Jin: "I originally thought that since I have to film 'Friends' every year, I might as well take this opportunity to go to school and further my studies. If there is such a rare opportunity, I will definitely postpone going to school. I am an artist, not a scholar."
Bai Jin remains the same.
Rational, passionate, and frank.
Lu Yanhe nodded.
He agrees with Bai Jin's view.
Since you don't really want to change careers or switch professions, there must be some things that are at the top of your priorities in life.
Then, at that moment, Yin Xincheng suddenly said, "What do you guys think? Should I go and get a master's degree?"
Bai Jin took a breath and said, "Tell me first, why do you suddenly want to pursue a master's degree?"
“I need to change my current state,” Yin Xincheng said. “I’ve thought about it seriously, and I think that in the past few years, I’ve been doing a lot of things in a daze because I feel like I’m stuck in a rut in life. I need to improve my cognitive level.”
Lu Yanhe: "..."
At that moment, Zhan Yun suddenly walked in.
She rolled her eyes in a way that everyone could see, and bluntly said, "I suggest you make an appointment with a world-class neurosurgeon and have a craniotomy. That way, your cognitive level will improve faster."
Yan Liang followed behind Zhan Yun. When he heard Zhan Yun say these words, his eyes widened instantly. He quickly found an empty seat and sat down, as if he didn't want to be involved at all.
Yin Xincheng opened his mouth after being rebuked by Zhan Yun, but then stopped himself from speaking.
"Are you having a good time laughing at me?" Yin Xincheng asked.
Zhan Yun nodded vigorously.
"Of course!" She slammed her bag on the table, her smile undisguised and radiant. "Seeing you do something so stupid makes me incredibly happy!"
Yin Xincheng pursed his lips.
Zhan Yun raised a hand and covered her mouth, laughing even more exaggeratedly.
Hahahaha—
She laughed as she slapped the table.
She also kept sending "Isn't that right?" signals to the others with her eyes.
Lu Yanhe and the others silently went about their own business.
Some were resting their chins on their hands, while others were turning to look out the window.
Enraged, Yin Xincheng refused to back down.
"If you're so capable, then you'll never be this stupid again."
Zhan Yun unceremoniously took off her coat, her smile vanished, but her tone remained harsh.
"Don't worry, the stupidest thing I ever did was when I was dating you. Thank God it's over."
Yin Xincheng's face turned red.
(End of this chapter)
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