Oh evil!
"Then it's settled. You all can come over for dinner then... Yeah, you're in for a treat. He's an excellent cook. I asked him to teach me everything. I'll be cooking for him personally on his birthday."
Lu Xinyang proudly weighed the spoon and said, "Yes, next week is his birthday, everyone come, don't come empty-handed."
May 19th is Ji Rongyu’s birthday. As Ji Rongyu’s only designated boyfriend, Lu Xinyang sincerely invites his parents, uncles, cousins and their entire family to attend, and he is determined to let everyone enjoy a delicious night!
"Have you already made such a promise?" His boyfriend scraped two bitter melons and casually took off his apron to put it around Lu Xinyang's neck. "But I still don't trust you to stay alone in my kitchen."
"That's because you care about me too much and are afraid that I might encounter danger in the kitchen," said Lu Xinyang.
Ji Rongyu licked his lips and was about to speak when he was given a piece of icy cold honeydew melon and cheese cube with a playful smile: "Is it delicious?"
The sticky outer skin and the milky inner filling were so soft that they were indistinguishable from each other. When the tip of the tongue licked it apart, the sweet and juicy honeydew melon flesh was revealed, coaxing Ji Rongyu to nod willingly: "Not bad."
"I also feel that my skills have greatly improved," Lu Xinyang said with anticipation. "When my amusement park opens, I'll run a restaurant part-time there and get double the "Three Good Employee" award!"
Lu Xinyang was full of fighting spirit. He lay over the dining table and wrote down the menu he prepared for his boyfriend's birthday: soybean beef brisket pot, pepper crispy chicken, sweet and sour spare ribs, dried bamboo shoots and tomato fish, salted egg yolk shrimp and tofu, corn and kale. The cold dish has not been decided yet, and the dessert should also include an osmanthus mung bean cake.
He was just thinking about creating a few more groundbreaking dishes when the cell phone on the windowsill rang without any hesitation. He touched it a few times without even looking up, and Ji Rongyu reached out and pressed the play button for him.
The message came from Tang Lin, who sounded very happy. "Congratulations on finally being free from Director Gao. I heard you booked a ticket and flew back overnight. Now I'm free too. Just wait, I'll come find you right away! Are you at Teacher Ji's house?"
"Yes, I'm here, but please don't come!" Lu Xinyang felt that the announcement of his retirement wasn't widespread enough. He bent down, put his mouth close to the phone's microphone, and happily announced loudly, "I've changed my career and have been alone together. I don't need an assistant anymore!"
"What???"
The voice from the other side immediately turned dark as if struck by a bolt from the blue: "Are you saying I'm unemployed twice in one day???"
"Oh, congratulations to you too, double happiness," Lu Xinyang said quickly, "I'm busy with the wedding here too, so I won't tell you anymore! Bye!"
Lu Xinyang wiped his hands on his apron and was about to clean up the live shrimps on the table when another call came in.
Oh, why are you so busy today? Lu Xinyang didn't even look at him, pressed the hands-free key and said, "That's right, I'm going to quit the circle. Don't look for me for anything in the future. It's just our own world..."
"I know you want to quit," Chang Xue said slowly, "If you speak any louder, the whole solar system will know."
"Sister Chang, why are you here?" Lu Xinyang asked with concern, not expecting the call to be from his agent. "Are you unemployed too?"
Chang Xue's voice was unusually gentle: "Not yet. I have plenty of stars in my hands. Just don't worry and withdraw."
Of course, the reason she was so gentle was because she had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Lu Xinyang's personality is difficult to manage, and as his agent, she cannot fully plan his career. After careful calculation, in the six months since she took over his management, the money she could have earned but did not earn was much more than what she did earn, so much so that she was too lazy to wear high heels when she went to visit Lu Xinyang on set.
Now that the troublemaker has finally packed up his bags and left, it's something everyone should celebrate.
It's just a pity that not everyone in the industry has such a keen eye as her. There are still a lot of people who are still feeling sorry for Lu Xinyang and insist on digging deep into him as if he were a rough diamond.
"Even though you don't want to do this anymore, you signed a contract with 'The Color of Trapped' that required you to cooperate in filming some promotional ads. Now the investors have an ad that specifically wants you. Come and meet them."
"Now?"
"Yes, right now. They want to plan a theme tailored for you and shoot a mid-roll commercial. It'll be quick. You can come and finish the shoot today."
Lu Xinyang held the still-struggling live shrimp in the plastic bag in his hands, his expression becoming serious: "I'll be there soon."
After hanging up the phone, he turned to look at Ji Rongyu and said, "Now it's time for me and Xia Xia to race for our lives."
"Why are you running? It's so hot," Ji Rongyu pulled him away from the sink. "I'll clean up, you go now. Take a taxi, and remember to ask the driver to drive slowly."
Lu Xinyang stretched himself vigorously, "Don't go too slowly... Actually, I'd rather just ride this shrimp and fly over. The traffic light shouldn't be turned red, and my travel efficiency would be much higher."
"But the temperature outside is 39 degrees now," said Ji Rongyu.
"...I can fly with an ice pack on my head," Lu Xinyang muttered. He washed his hands and found the most versatile route around the small kitchen. While opening the refrigerator to grab a piece of chocolate, he kissed Ji Rongyu three times on the mouth. Only after kissing enough did he finally let go and dressed casually to leave.
If one day he could really ride a prawn into the sky, then in addition to the ice pack on his head, he would definitely have his Ji Rongyu in his mouth.
When they arrived, Chang Xue went downstairs to pick him up. As they walked, she said, "Advertising is stipulated in the contract. Let's see how the filming turns out first. If it's good, they'd like to discuss another endorsement with you. Although the money is low, they said... they see your potential."
When Chang Xue said this, an expression that was hard to describe appeared on her face.
I don't know what those people are thinking. Don't they have any foresight? Someone who wants to quit the industry after just finishing one movie is not likely to be popular. He is clearly a donkey that rushes around recklessly.
The donkey was completely clueless and said shamelessly, "They have good taste, but it's a pity that their sincerity has been wasted by me."
Lu Xinyang, with a little regret of mutual admiration, greeted Party A enthusiastically. Party A responded with the same enthusiasm and started praising Party A by calling him a "talented person" and a "future superstar".
It is hard to say whether he is a superstar or not. Anyway, with the release of trailers and various promotions for "The Trapped", the audience response and expectations are very good. Many people are willing to bet on this drama, and the investors want to maximize their profits, so they first test the waters with their own products.
So after the pleasantries, the other party immediately got straight to the point: "Xiaolu, your appearance is very good. We couldn't be more satisfied. However, we still need to get to know you better."
Lu Xinyang nodded, and carefully stood his last shift before retiring, and was ready to fully display his inner self.
Then he asked the person in front of him solemnly: "Have you ever noticed that you have developed some black fans?"
Lu Xinyang: "? What do you mean? I don't understand."
His future client, standing across from him, slowly revealed a smile filled with anticipation. "If you have it, then you have it. Just say it. We have everything ready now, except for the haters. Having haters means you're prone to violence. Once the fandom gets into a fight a few times, your fame will skyrocket. When the haters see that their criticism of you actually generates resources for you, they'll actively recruit more people to join in and criticize you even more resolutely. And to support you, the fans will also actively buy the products you endorse. That way, we'll both win."
“Is it that complicated?” Lu Xinyang pondered for a moment. “I do have haters. They cursed me in private messages and even found my phone number…”
"So how did you handle it?" Party A pressed the issue. "Are you planning to sue them? Send a lawyer's letter? Are you just trying to hype them up or bully the fans?"
"That's unnecessary. Even though he hates me, he still took the trouble to come to the mountains to deliver food to me and visit me on set. He's a nice guy, kind and hardworking. It's just that his business skills are a little lacking, and his business attitude is not good..." When Lu Xinyang said this, he seemed to be worried about the other person's future.
"Wait a minute," Party A interrupted him in disbelief, "Isn't this a black fan?!"
"Why not? He himself said he's a hater. Boss, don't be so narrow-minded. Haters also take different electives. We should respect people's special interests."
Party A was about to say something else when Lu Xinyang said, "And you don't have to worry too much about him, because I've already retired and I won't have time to cultivate anti-fans in the future. I suggest you try to find another direction for your hype."
"Quit the circle???" Party A's expression became even more incredulous. "Why are you quitting the circle?"
"Quitting the entertainment industry means changing careers," Lu Xinyang said lively, "My new job will be really exciting, and I'll definitely invite you to join me!"
"What are you kidding about! No, I'm saying, what can you do that compares to being a celebrity? Do you know how much money celebrities make? You, you, you, you...if you quit, what will happen to our endorsements???"
"Is there no one else who can take your place? Then why don't you switch careers and become a celebrity? You can do it yourself," Lu Xinyang suggested again. "Being flexible and adaptable is also a state of mind! Oh, I see them carrying their things over there. Are they filming there?"
He looked left and right, then confirmed with Chang Xue. Chang Xue nodded, and Lu Xinyang waved his hand and left: "Then I'm going to work first! Goodbye!"
Behind him, a desperate voice could be heard struggling: "Since you're so happy at work, why don't you take on a few more? It's very prestigious to be our spokesperson! It's not like we won't pay you!!"
The voice chased after Lu Xinyang frantically, forcing him to walk faster and faster. When they reached a deserted place, they called Ji Rongyu like a thief: "Hello, are you still home? Come and pick me up when I get off work."
"Are you lost?"
"No, they just like me too much. It seems like they don't want to let me leave the circle. Come and claim your sovereignty!"
"...Forget it, I'm a little sleepy and want to take a nap." Ji Rongyu said.
"No need to pay the ransom!" Lu Xinyang's eyes were gleaming and his tone was firm. "Just come over here like a prehistoric giant crocodile and snatch me away. Neither you nor I will lose money!"
Then he changed the subject and said, with a fake sincerity, "Of course, I'm hoping you can scold them, the louder the better, and let them all know without missing a single one. I'm quitting the entertainment industry to live a happy life! It's really unfair that they can't even stop me from doing that!"
Ji Rongyu was silent for a while: "Okay, give me forty minutes."
Lu Xinyang got the assurance from her boyfriend that he would come to pick her up, and she felt very confident. After finishing her styling and walking into the studio, she found that the photographer waiting there was an old colleague from the same crew, which made her feel even more relaxed.
He happily walked over, and the first thing he said when they met was, "Hey, what a coincidence, we meet here again! Let me tell you an even bigger coincidence, someone we both know will be visiting the set later. Can you guess who it is?"
The photographer held up his camera and said without revealing his face, "This is your boyfriend, your lover, your family member, the person you sleep with and kiss... Yes, keep this expression, show the product... Focus a little more, change the angle. Okay, I wish you and Teacher Ji a long and happy life together, and may you love each other forever..."
Lu Xinyang held the unremarkable product in his hands with a happy expression, as if this thing was really his most beloved treasure and the apple of his eye. A hug would cure all his illnesses, and a kiss would bring him immortality.
By the time Lu Xinyang finished filming all his tasks, Ji Rongyu also arrived at the last minute of the preview. The photographer saw him again after more than a month, and felt the novelty of regaining an unfamiliar perspective. He subconsciously moved the camera over to capture his most striking characteristics more specifically in the frame.
Ji Rongyu certainly doesn't look like a crocodile. He has a tall and slender handsome appearance. He walks slowly and leisurely. Even in a crowd, he will never burn anyone's eyes with any extraordinary warmth. He will just stand upright and behave appropriately, acting as an auditor without being too close or too distant.
The seriousness, prudence and composure were particularly profound in him, as if he had been like this since birth. He and Lu Xinyang must be people from completely different worlds.
But at this moment, they moved closer to each other without saying a word, their eyes connected as if no one else was around, and they looked so naturally matched.
The photographer pressed the shutter button with a "click" sound, and only then did he realize when the picture froze that he was already thinking about how to give them gifts.
"Long time no see," Ji Rongyu greeted the photographer. As usual, he pulled away Lu Xinyang's arms, which had been wrapped around him in a hurry, and continued to ask politely, "Is the work finished?"
The photographer smiled and nodded. Lu Xinyang took his hand and held it in his arm. "It's over, it's over. Let's go home." He took two steps and stopped again. "Wait."
Lu Xinyang hunched over and peered out, looking around with a lot of small movements. He came to the conclusion with regret: "Oh no, those Party A guys are still outside. They must still be targeting me!"
He hid behind Ji Rongyu and quickly sent a message to Chang Xue: [Sister, save me!]
Chang Xue quickly replied: [You go, I'll take care of this.]
"Great!" Lu Xinyang cheered and pushed Ji Rongyu away.
In fact, if he had the courage to walk over, he would find that Party A was not so difficult to deal with, because Party A had just taken the opportunity to inquire around and found out that the news that Lu Xinyang was going to quit the circle had spread a long time ago, and many people knew that he was not joking.
At this moment, Party A's dream was shattered, and he finally realized that the future superstar he was about to invest in was actually a donkey in human skin. Chang Xue was well prepared, and took advantage of his moment of distraction, and directly brought Xiang Wei over and pushed him in front of him.
"Well... this person has been out of fashion for a long time. I wouldn't have recognized him if you hadn't told me. I don't know if he will be successful if he makes a comeback now..." Party A was picky with dissatisfaction. He felt that whether it was his looks, height, or the star quality in his eyes... alas, they were all far inferior to Lu Xinyang.
"But he's cheap." Chang Xue said.
"Okay," having come to this point, he could only settle for the next best thing. Party A asked the same question again, "Does he have any haters?"
Xiang Wei: “?”
"Don't worry about that. He's full of flaws, especially when it comes to offending people. Otherwise, why do you think he was so popular back then and why he suddenly fell into obscurity?" Chang Xue glanced at him and said calmly, "I'll help him reveal some information later. The haters will come here when they smell it."
"Okay! That's good!" Party A looked at Xiang Wei again, his expression very pleased. He was sensible, sensible, and could handle both the black and white sides. How great!
He kindly reminded her, "Then you should also control yourself and don't create any negative news that would damage the brand's image. We'll observe you for a while. As long as you get enough criticism, we'll confirm you as the spokesperson."
Xiang Wei: “????”
Okay, I knew it. If it wasn’t such a crappy job, you wouldn’t be willing to go around Lu Xinyang to come to me!
He was so angry that he turned around and ran out. The building was full of people who lived to be in front of the camera. There were handsome men and beautiful women everywhere. Some of the famous people were even gathered in the center and walked past the crowd.
Xiang Wei believed that his conditions were no worse than anyone else's. He compared the lively scene around him with himself who had run away alone and in anger, and he felt more and more aggrieved. Just as he reached the door, he saw Lu Xinyang and Ji Rongyu who were looking for a car not far away. He immediately glared at them, wishing he could command his two eyes to pounce on Lu Xinyang and strangle him to death!
Lu Xinyang naturally noticed the burning gaze. He turned his head casually and looked across the small square in front of the building. He just felt... Oh, this person seemed a little familiar, but he didn't know him.
But he looked at me so enthusiastically, he must be my fan!
So Lu Xinyang waved enthusiastically, and then happily walked away with Ji Rongyu on his arm.
The two of them got in the car. Lu Xinyang put his head on the air conditioner, which was turned up high, but was pulled back by Ji Rongyu's ear. Because he was in no hurry to go home, Lu Xinyang turned onto a long road he hadn't taken in a long time. That road was next to the city park, with blue sky and green trees. The scenery was beautiful. He slowed down and was swept into it poetically. The scene suddenly brought back emotions, and the topic he had wanted to brew for a while was also opened at this time: "I wanted to ask you for a love letter before, do you remember?"
"Well, bringing up old things?" Ji Rongyu fiddled with the air-conditioning vent with his fingers, then placed his cold fingertips on Lu Xinyang's neck. After a while, he slowly stroked back and forth along his jawline.
"No, no..." Lu Xinyang was touched so hard that his entire body softened. "I'm here to admit my mistake! I've reflected on it. I should have written you a love letter first, so I wanted to make up for it. Although I didn't know how to write it... But just now, I suddenly had an idea."
"Actually, I don't really want a love letter." Ji Rongyu withdrew his hand, his upper body pressed tightly against the passenger seat, his mood like a skateboard placed on a small open slope, sliding down comfortably.
"If you want, I'll read it to you first," Lu Xinyang collected customer feedback in advance. "I'll write it down when you're satisfied. I'll also practice my calligraphy until you're satisfied."
Ji Rongyu fell silent, only turning to look at him. Lu Xinyang took a deep breath, brewing for a moment, then he sank his energy into his dantian and exhaled, "Shangxie! I wish to share the same basic line with you! I will remain steadfast for a hundred years..."
With a "snap", the sliding skateboard brought Ji Rongyu down headfirst. Ji Rongyu also "snap" and covered Lu Xinyang's broken mouth with his backhand, saying expressionlessly: "Enough, I really don't want a love letter."
Lu Xinyang: “Hmm? Mmm…”
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