Huayu Chunqiu, starting from being adopted by a fairy mother

Chapter 403 Sleep? Get up and go to work!

There are no ghosts in this world, and there aren't any in Liu Jing's house anyway. There are only three people with guilty consciences.

The person outside knocked on the door for a while, but couldn't wake the two people inside who were pretending to be asleep.

She muttered a few words under her breath, then turned and went back into the house.

Only after hearing the door to Shu Chang's room close did Liu Jing dare to breathe heavily.

Shu Chang, covered in sweat, crawled out of bed. "Why is this brat awake?"

"Silly girl, didn't you used to like this cousin the most? Why do you seem to dislike her a little?"

There was no one else in the room, so we could speak freely.

"Sigh..." Shu Chang sighed, "Such a cute little girl, I like her more than enough. It's not that I dislike her, I'm just a little annoyed by her mother."

"Your matchmaker?" Liu Jing frowned. On his way here, he had already learned some information from Qianqian.

Xixi knew more about Shu Chang's family situation than he did. Shu Chang would tell Xixi about even the most trivial things.

As for blind dates, all Xixi knew was that they existed; she didn't know much else, and Shuchang hadn't told her about it yet.

"Yeah! It's all her doing. I don't know how much she got paid. She's even more enthusiastic than my own father," Shu Chang complained.

“Even a relative would be more proactive than your own father; they don’t care.”

In her teens, Shu Chang became famous for her role as Consort Dong'e.

At this time, her father came to her door, but Shu Chang did not acknowledge him; she had no father in her life.

Some things happened in between, and we eventually accepted it, but that was all; we didn't have much contact afterward.

"What right does he have to be so enthusiastic?" Shu Chang asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Liu Jing quickly hugged it to his arms. Oh no, this is a sensitive topic, we can't bring it up. Uh, it doesn't seem like I brought it up first.

After a long silence, Shu Chang sighed, "The prequel to 'The Legend of Nezha' is about to air, and many people are praising Juanjuan's performance. As the praise continued, my aunt had other ideas. On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, I went to my uncle's house as a guest. My uncle and I discussed wanting Juanjuan to sign with Chunqiu."

"Signed so early?"

"Yes, I didn't agree."

If you're going to sign a contract, sign with the best company; Spring Airlines is notoriously difficult to sign with.

Spring and Autumn has abundant film and television resources, offers generous commission rates for agents, and, more importantly, has no shortage of business resources.

Signing a contract with Spring and Autumn is difficult for others, but for Shu Chang, it's just a matter of a word. Even if she didn't go to Liu Jing, if she went to Bai Bing, the latter would still have to give her face.

Firstly, they have a connection; Bai Bing and Xixi have a good relationship.

Secondly, Bai Bing still owes her a favor. Last year, when the filming of "The Myth" started, she was willing to play a supporting role because Bai Bing was the female lead.

Despite having such convenient conditions, Shu Chang didn't want her younger cousin to sign a contract.

She's an insider in the industry and a representative of child stars. Being popular as a child star isn't necessarily a good thing; no one can maintain their popularity forever.

Transitioning from child star to adult actor is very difficult; nine out of ten fail. Shu Chang is familiar with several well-known child stars in China, such as Cao Jun, Shi Xiaolong, Liu Jing, and Yang Zi, and they are all friends.

Cao Jun and Shi Xiaolong are already facing various problems. They have been filming for a long time and have not had time to lay a solid foundation, so their foundation is gradually drying up.

New talents emerge in every generation, and they have gradually been surpassed by the new generation of actors.

When filming a production, production companies may choose more cost-effective alternatives due to issues such as actor fees, fame, and preconceived notions.

Leaving the industry to study is not an option, nor is not studying; many find themselves in a dilemma.

In 2006, Cao Jun applied to art schools but was rejected by all three major institutions because his performance style was too rigid and the schools preferred a blank slate.

From then on, Shu Chang, this good friend, completely fell behind.

Shu Chang didn't fall behind because she didn't act in many films during her childhood, far fewer than the other two, so she had more time to study.

She didn't realize it then, but now Shu Chang is incredibly grateful. If she hadn't gotten into the Central Academy of Drama, even with Liu Jing's help, she probably would have fallen behind.

Going to school is definitely more than just going to school; things outside of learning are even more important than learning itself.

If you can get good results, that would be even more impressive.

Liu Jing also debuted as a child star. When he was ten years old, Teacher An had an in-depth conversation with him. "Your family doesn't need you to work so hard to earn money. After acting for so many years, it's time for you to take a break. Just stay in school for a few years; I'll be in Yandu during those years anyway. After a few years, whatever career you choose, whatever kind of life you want to live, I won't interfere."

During those years, Liu Jing retired from the entertainment industry, working with Teacher An to write "Those Things About the Qin Dynasty" while diligently attending school.

Upon his return from retirement, the entertainment industry had become a completely different place, and he returned in a different guise.

Shu Chang had heard about Liu Jing's situation from Sister Li, which confirmed one of her points.

"They refused outright?" Liu Jing asked curiously.

"Yes! I told my uncle that Juanjuan should focus on her studies right now, and acting is secondary. Signing with a company now would be putting the cart before the horse and wouldn't be good for her future development. She should concentrate on her studies now, and if she really wants to act, she should go to an art academy for further studies. With me around, I can introduce her to any company she wants to sign with then." Shu Chang said with a wistful expression.

"It's the truth, but they may not be willing to listen."

“Yes. My uncle agreed at the time, after all, I was an example to follow. But my uncle is easily influenced, and I don’t know what my aunt said. A few days later, he brought it up with me again.” Shu Chang said, rubbing her hair in distress. “I told him directly that Yan Huai has her own agency, and Bai Bing is in charge. She has a powerful background, and my relationship with her is just so-so. She won’t give me any face.”

"That's how rumors start," Liu Jing muttered, as the stories about Bai Bing's family background became increasingly exaggerated.

Before the Lunar New Year, Bai Bing forwarded a post to Liu Jing, the content of which was even more bizarre. It was presented in a serious, logical, and well-reasoned manner, digging into Bai Bing's background. It mentioned which general was surnamed Bai, which high-ranking official was surnamed Bai, and which prominent family was surnamed Bai, offering several possibilities.

Bai Bing's surname is Chen, yet she got the most basic things wrong. The more confident she is, the more nonsense she's spouting.

Liu Jing replied directly below the post, saying that Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi, was surnamed Bai, and his home was not far from Xi'an.

Fortunately, the poster didn't know that Xiaobai's surname was Chen, otherwise there would have been a lot of deductions. Marshals, generals, and national-level officials all have the surname Chen. Among meritorious officials, Chen is the most common surname.

"This time, my uncle didn't say anything, but my aunt came to me directly. She came up with another great idea, wanting Juanjuan to sign with Red Star Studio and even talking about releasing an album." Shu Chang sighed, wondering why she hadn't told Qianqian about this; she was too embarrassed to complain.

"An album released at eleven? Heh, it's not unprecedented. Last year, there was a girl in Taiwan named Hsu Ya-han who released an album at ten years old." Liu Jing clicked his tongue in amazement, his desire for his daughter to succeed was somewhat heavy.

"Sigh! I talked to her for two hours to dissuade her from that idea. But as soon as it died down, it came back. You're going to film 'The Myth 2' with Jackie Chan, right? She asked me to arrange for Juanjuan to play the second female lead." Shu Chang was both amused and exasperated. She knew her place and didn't directly ask for the lead role. I think even getting a second female lead role isn't easy, how can she be so confident?
"..." Liu Jing had seen it all; there are always oddballs every year, but this year there seem to be more than usual.

"That's not even the weirdest thing. She heard from somewhere that opening a beauty salon like Kaiyang is profitable. Then she got the idea and wanted me to introduce her to Sister Min."

"If she wants to drive, let her drive. After all, she's your aunt, so let her drive for your sake..."

"Don't give me face. She doesn't have much money and still wants to borrow from me. I'm heavily in debt right now. I even gave myself to you two siblings as collateral. Where am I supposed to find money to lend her? I told her directly that day that my relationship with Liu Jing is just so-so, and I don't even know President Min. I can't introduce Juanjuan to Chunqiu, and I can't introduce President Min to you either." Shu Chang looked like she was about to collapse.

"Is this aunt a concubine?" Liu Jing asked with a strange expression.

"Exactly." Shu Chang snorted and patted Liu Jing's chest. "When she saw that there was no chance at all, she started busying herself with introducing me to potential partners again. She's found seven or eight in a row. She must be in a real hurry to marry me off. And my uncle is the same. He's even helping out by saying things like, 'This one is so-and-so's friend,' or 'That one is introduced by some kind of relative.' I'm so annoyed."

"No wonder you seemed a little disgusted with Juanjuan." Liu Jing finally understood and made a mental note: Helping my woman go on blind dates means you can forget about signing with Chunqiu.

“I don’t dislike Juanjuan, I just don’t like this aunt. A mother is a mother, and a daughter is a daughter. I won’t project my feelings about her mother onto Juanjuan. Juanjuan is a promising child, and she is indeed very talented. But with a mother like this, Juanjuan will be ruined by her sooner or later,” Shu Chang explained.

"Mind your own business instead of others." Liu Jing mounted his horse. The night was too short to dwell on unpleasant things.

"What you're saying is bullshit. She calls my uncle 'Dad,' and I have to worry about her. Without my uncle, I wouldn't be where I am today..."

Outside the door, Little Nezha pressed his ear against the door, listening intently.

At such a young age, he let out a soft sigh, but it was unclear what he was sighing about.

"It's haunted again," the little girl muttered softly, tiptoeing as she gently opened and closed the door.

The door did close, but she didn't go in. If she didn't make some noise going back inside, how would she have a chance to eavesdrop?

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Shu Chang and Liu Jing emerged from their respective rooms.

Liu Jing was doing his morning exercise. He usually does it whenever he has free time.

Last night, after the two of them caught the ghost, Shu Chang took a shower and went straight back to her room.

Liu Jing doesn't need to do morning exercises; he has time to practice in the morning.

"Why are you up so early? Is the sun going to rise in the west?" Liu Jing asked in surprise.

When he wasn't filming, all his women were the ones who slept in longer than anyone else.

Only Zeng Li, Little Lion, and Little Knife are diligent. The first two do it because of their morning exercises, while the last one is genuinely diligent.

Shu Chang doesn't film movies, she never gets out of bed before 11 a.m., and she doesn't eat three meals a day.

I not only got up early today, but I was also dressed neatly, not like I was going to do morning exercise.

"I'll go buy breakfast." Shu Chang looked a little uncomfortable.

Liu Jing didn't notice, "It's only the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, and many breakfast shops haven't opened yet."

“I know a place that’s definitely open. Give me the keys to the white car, I’m going out for a bit,” Shu Chang said with a grin.

"Go find it yourself." Liu Jing was practicing Tai Chi and didn't want to go back inside.

Bai Yujing has Shu Chang's room; she often stays here and knows exactly where the car keys are.

A short while later, Shu Chang ran out of the house, "Help me take care of the child. When I get back, I'll thank you properly."

"Where are you going to buy breakfast? And why are you carrying a bag?" Liu Jing asked, somewhat puzzled.

"I'm going to buy some hot dry noodles and deliver some things to a friend on the way. The breakfast will definitely taste like home. Don't be too touched, just keep practicing your Tai Chi." Shu Chang went into the garage and quickly drove off.

Liu Jing practiced for a while longer, took a shower, and by then it was already broad daylight.

Thinking that Shu Chang would buy breakfast, he didn't cook, waiting to eat what was ready.

He waited until the little girl rubbed her eyes and got up, but breakfast still hadn't arrived.

"Brother Liu Jing, your house is haunted at night." Juanjuan asked seriously, with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"You watched too many horror movies yesterday. What you think about during the day, you dream about at night," Liu Jing explained with a smile.

"Judging from the voice, it's a female ghost, and she's crying so pitifully." Juanjuan laughed.

"There's nothing ghostly here. Here's a toothbrush and toothpaste. Go brush your teeth and wash your face." Liu Jing felt rather awkward, so he took out a set of toiletries from the drawer and quickly sent the girl away.

"Brother Liu Jing, where's Cousin Changchang? Is she still asleep? It's getting late." Juanjuan looked around, especially glancing into Liu Jing's bedroom, but couldn't find her cousin.

"What's so late? Your cousin has been kidnapped by a ghost." Liu Jing had a headache. "My child is only one year old, and now you want me to take care of an eleven-year-old? This is a bit of a challenge."

"You're lying, don't think I don't know. You and my cousin disappeared last night, and she wasn't taken away by a ghost. You two went to eat behind my back." The little girl pouted, "You really think you can fool me like a child?"

Liu Jing's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard. This kid is something else.

"Tell me, did you two sneak off to Quanjude or Donglaishun last night?" the girl questioned.

"Hot dry noodles, hurry up and brush your teeth." Liu Jingsong sighed. This guy sneaked a bite, I thought something was wrong.

Juanjuan turned and left, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "Heh, so what a big shot you are."

Liu Jing looked suspicious as he stared at the girl's retreating figure, sensing that something was amiss.

When he was eleven years old, he knew everything because he was a prodigy, a genius.

When Sisi was eleven years old, she was exceptionally intelligent and matured early. This was due to her family education and the excellent teaching she received.

This little girl is different from Sisi; she exudes a kind of bewitching charm.

Liu Jing immediately called Shu Chang, but the other party hung up the phone immediately.

The sun came out, warm and pleasant. Liu Jing carried his armchair and continued his daily routine of basking in the sun.

"The grape trellis isn't finished being pruned yet, and it'll be a few more days before Xixi comes back, so there's no rush." ​​Liu Jing sat under the grape trellis, feeling a little guilty. He had a different woman every day, but he had forgotten the task Xixi had given him.

"Brother Liu Jing, I'm hungry." Juanjuan ran over after washing up.

"Wait a little longer, your cousin went to buy us breakfast." Liu Jing said lazily, wanting to sleep.

"Didn't she go to Jiangcheng?" Juanjuan asked, puzzled.

Liu Jing was no longer sleepy. "What did you say?"

"She flew to Jiangcheng this morning to visit Sister Qianqian. I was worried she might miss her flight because I thought she hadn't woken up yet," Juanjuan explained.

Liu Jing was furious and made a call to Shu Chang, who answered this time.

Before he could even speak, he heard the airport announcement about flights coming from the other end of the phone.

"Well, my godmother needs to see me, so I'm going to Jiangcheng." Shu Chang didn't argue; she had already passed through security, so there was no need to.

"Oh, you didn't go to buy breakfast?"

"When it comes to hot dry noodles, you have to go for the authentic Jiangcheng style, the real taste of my hometown," Shu Chang said with a smile.

"Shu Chang, you're really something now, huh? You even dare to fool me." Liu Jing was furious.

"Hey! Let me make this clear, I'm not lying to you. Didn't Juanjuan say yesterday that I'm going to Jiangcheng today? Didn't you hear me?" Shu Chang quickly reminded her.

Liu Jing grunted. Of course I heard that. I thought you were making excuses to reject someone's date.

"Can you look after Juanjuan for a few days? Mwah!" Shu Chang hurriedly hung up the phone, finally getting rid of the burden and enjoying some peace and quiet.

Snapped!
After hanging up the phone, Liu Jing remained silent.

Last night they treated me like a tool, today they want me to be their caregiver. An eighty-year-old mother trying to control her child—I've fallen into Shu Chang's trap.

"Brother Liu Jing, I'm hungry." Juanjuan rubbed her stomach, showing no fear of the older brother in front of her at this moment.

"Let's wait and see."

"Oh."

"This is a remote control. You can watch any disc you want, and it'll keep you from getting hungry."

Juanjuan was stunned. Is this grown-up even speaking human language?

Just as he was about to retort, Liu Jing's phone rang; it was his assistant calling.

"Boss, where are you now? I've arrived in Yandu."

"sleep."

"Sleep? Get up and go to work!"

It's ridiculous! How come everyone's become so much more awesome in just the time it takes to celebrate the New Year?

(End of this chapter)