Huayu: Starting from retirement, sweeping across the domestic entertainment industry

Chapter 216 Dinner Party

Li Ran arrived at Liu Haocun's apartment.

The doorbell rang once, and the door opened, as if she had been waiting all along.

Liu Haocun stood at the door, wearing a milky white pajamas, his hair loose, without makeup, but his skin was so white it glowed, and his doe eyes were bright and sparkling. The moment he saw her, she seemed to be lit up.

"Li Ran————"

She pounced on him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and hung herself on him, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her voice muffled and slightly coquettish.

"I miss you so much----"

Li Ran was jolted back half a step by her sudden lunge, steadied himself, reached out to support her waist, and picked her up.

She clung to him like a koala, refusing to get down.

"Alright, alright," he patted her back and said helplessly, "Go and get ready. Don't you have an appointment with Director Zhang? It's not good to be late."

Liu Haocun lifted his head from the crook of his neck, pouted, and said with a hint of dissatisfaction in his doe eyes, feigning grievance, "Give me a kiss first. It's been so long since I've seen you."

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a long, drawn-out ending, like a strand of maltose.

Without waiting for his response, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

It wasn't a kiss, it was a nibble, with a hint of retaliatory force, like a sulking kitten gently biting his cheek before letting go, leaving a slightly damp mark.

Li Ran helplessly reached out and wiped his face, his fingertips glistening with saliva.

"It's all saliva." His tone was slightly disgusted, but the smile on his lips was impossible to hide.

"What, you're disgusted with me?" Liu Haocun glared at him with dissatisfaction, his doe eyes carrying a hint of "you're dead if you dare say so," and his lips pouted even more, like a pufferfish puffing up.

"How could that be?" Li Ran smiled, reaching out to pinch her cheek. "But aren't we going out later? Let's talk about it tonight—"

His voice lowered, carrying a hint of ambiguity that made hearts race, and a mischievous smile curved his lips.

Liu Haocun's face flushed slightly. She got off him, straightened her ruffled collar, and glared at him.

"I'll go change my clothes, wait for me a moment." After she finished speaking, she turned and walked towards the bedroom, her steps light and quick, like a bouncy little deer.

Li Ran leaned back on the sofa, relaxed, and casually picked up a magazine from the coffee table and flipped through it. It was a fashion magazine with Liu Haocun on the cover, wearing a red dress, smiling brightly, his eyes curving into crescents.

He glanced at it for two seconds, then put it down and took out his phone to check his messages.

Zhou Ye posted a photo from the film set with the caption "Finished work." He liked the photo, then logged out.

Lu Yuxiao posted a photo of Lina Belle on his WeChat Moments with the caption "New friend" —

The bedroom door opened, and Liu Haocun came out wearing a light blue dress with a beige coat over it. Her hair was loose, and she wore light makeup. She looked fresh and clean, like a spring breeze.

She walked up to him, twirled around, and her skirt billowed up like a blooming flower.

"Is it pretty?"

Li Ran looked up at her, sized her up and down, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"nice."

"Is it that good-looking?"

"They all look good."

"Are the clothes more attractive, or the person?"

"If you're good-looking, you'll look good in anything."

Liu Haocun smiled with satisfaction, then suddenly coughed lightly twice.

It wasn't the kind of cough that comes from genuine discomfort; it was the kind of cough that was deliberate, feigned, as if it were trying to remind someone of something.

Li Ran raised his head and looked at her, his brows furrowing slightly. What did this mean?

"Have you caught a cold?"

Liu Haocun shook his head, looked at him with a smile, and there was a hint of cunning in his doe eyes. "No, I was just coughing for fun."

Li Ran couldn't help but laugh when he saw her funny expression.

He stood up, put his phone in his pocket, walked up to her, and gently flicked her forehead.

"Let's go, don't keep Director Zhang waiting."

Liu Haocun covered his forehead, pouted, glared at him, and said, "I know, I know."

As she spoke, she picked up her bag from the entryway, took his arm, and the two of them went out together.

When Li Ran and Liu Haocun arrived at the restaurant, it was already completely dark.

The restaurant is located in an old alley in the eastern part of Beijing. The storefront is not large, but once inside, it is a hidden gem—with blue bricks and gray tiles, flowing water and bamboo groves.

The waiter led them through a long corridor lined with ink paintings of landscapes on both sides, the ink colors light and the artistic conception profound.

Liu Haocun linked arms with Li Ran and walked very slowly.

Pushing open the door to the private room, Long Danshi was already there, sitting next to the head of the table.

She looked up and saw the two of them come in. Her gaze first fell on Li Ran, paused for a moment, and then moved to Liu Haocun's face, and the corners of her mouth curved up.

"Come on, Haocun, sit here." She patted the chair next to her, her tone warm, as if she were greeting a junior she hadn't seen in a long time.

Liu Haocun released Li Ran's arm, walked over, and sat down next to Long Danni, his movements gentle and his posture obedient. "Thank you, President Long."

Her voice was soft but clear, with just the right amount of politeness.

Long Danni smiled and patted the back of her hand. "Why be so polite? Just call her 'Auntie' like Li Ran does."

Li Ran also sat down next to Liu Haocun. He didn't say anything, but picked up the teapot on the table, poured himself a cup of tea, and took a sip.

The tea is Tieguanyin, with a refreshing aroma and a lingering sweet aftertaste.

He put down his teacup, leaned back in his chair, and waited quietly with a relaxed posture.

Long Danni and Liu Haocun started chatting casually.

Liu Haocun spoke softly, occasionally chuckling, appearing very well-behaved. Long Danni listened, nodding occasionally, her movements natural and affectionate.

Li Ran sat beside them, listening to their conversation without interrupting, only occasionally taking a sip of tea and glancing at her phone.

It didn't take long.

The moment the door to the private room was pushed open, Li Ran subconsciously looked up.

Two people entered. The one in front was Zhang Yimou, wearing a dark jacket, with gray hair, but he looked very energetic.

He saw Li Ran, nodded slightly, and smiled a little.

Li Ran's gaze passed over Zhang Yimou and landed on the person behind him—he paused for a moment.

"Mom, what brings you here?" His voice carried a hint of surprise.

Li's mother had her hair neatly styled and her makeup exquisite, making her look elegant and composed.

She glanced at Li Ran, a slight smile playing on her lips. "What, can't I come?"

Li Ran opened his mouth, as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.

He stood up, pulled out the chair next to him, and sat down again only after Li's mother had sat down.

Liu Haocun also stood up and obediently called out "Auntie" in a soft but sweet voice.

Li's mother smiled at her, patted her shoulder, and gestured for her to sit down.

Today's dinner was actually quite simple.

On one hand, they discussed Liu Haocun's establishment of a personal studio, and on the other hand, Li Ran and Zhang Yimou talked about the progress of their e-sports-themed collaborative project.

The two things came together and that's how this meal came about.

The talks with Liu Haocun went very smoothly.

The operational plan for her independent studio has been basically finalized. Zhang Yimou's studio will still enjoy the corresponding agency contract, but the operational rights will be transferred to Wajijiwa Entertainment.

The dinner only covered the general outline; the specific details, procedures, and division of labor will be handled by the staff below.

Li's mother acted as a mediator, smoothing over the differences between the two sides with just a few words, speaking casually as if it were a trivial matter.

Long Danxuan added a few words from the side, listing Wajiji's resources and advantages in a clear and concise manner.

Zhang Yimou listened, occasionally nodding, occasionally frowning, occasionally taking a sip of his wine, and finally saying, "Okay, let's do it this way."

A hammer is fixed.

Li Ran didn't interrupt.

He simply sat quietly to the side, occasionally pouring tea for Li's mother and occasionally serving food to Liu Haocun.

His gaze swept over the faces of the group, finally settling on Zhang Yimou, waiting for him to speak.

Sure enough, Zhang Yimou put down his wine glass and turned to look at him.

"Li Ran, have you read the final script?"

Li Ran nodded. "I've seen it."

He put down his chopsticks, leaned forward slightly, and became serious. "This version of the script doesn't have any major problems. As for some minor flaws, they can be fixed as we film."

Zhang Yimou nodded, picked up his wine glass, took another sip, put it down, and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table.

"Do you have any ideas about the name?" His eyes were fixed on Li Ran, waiting for his answer.

Li Ran thought for a moment, his brows furrowed slightly, then relaxed.

"Glory is better, Legend is a bit too big."

Zhang Yimou glanced at him, smiled, and said, "Okay, then let's go with 'Glory'."

"But 'Legend' can afford it! You're called a legend in the esports world, aren't you?"

Li Ran waved his hand, "Director Zhang, you flatter me. Now netizens all call me 'Ran Dog' —"

It was almost 10 o'clock when the dinner ended.

Zhang Yimou had drunk quite a bit of alcohol; his face was slightly flushed, but his eyes remained clear.

He was helped away by his assistant and left first. When he reached the door, he looked back at Li Ran, waved his hand, said "Let's talk next time," and then pushed the door open and went out.

Li's mother looked at Li Ran and asked, "How did you get here?"

"Drive." Li Ran paused, as if knowing what she was going to say, and quickly added, "Mom, don't worry about me, Cunzi can drive."

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Liu Haocun.

Liu Haocun nodded quickly, his doe-like eyes filled with seriousness, and said obediently, "Auntie, don't worry, I will take good care of Li Ran."

Li's mother looked at her, smiled, and patted the back of her hand.

"Then I'll have to trouble Cunzi." Her tone was gentle, carrying the natural trust of an elder towards a younger person.

"It's no trouble at all, Auntie." Liu Haocun shook his head, his lips and eyes curving into a smile, looking obedient and sensible.

Li's mother turned her head and looked at Long Danni.

"Little sister, want to go sing karaoke?" Her tone was light and cheerful, as if she were inviting an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time.

Long Danni paused for a moment, her brows furrowing slightly before relaxing. "Aren't you busy?"

"It's a rare day off, and Xiaotian just happened to invite me to go singing," Li's mother said casually.

Li Ran was stunned.

He looked at Li's mother, his expression somewhat bewildered, as if he hadn't understood, or perhaps he understood but couldn't believe it. "Mom, Xiaotian asked you out?"

Li's mother nodded, looked at him, and a slight smile curved her lips. "What, didn't she tell you this afternoon?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Haocun's heart skipped a beat.

She didn't show it on her face, but the hand holding Li Ran's arm tightened slightly.

Tian Xiwei left way too fast! She invited her aunt to go singing? When did she invite her? How did she invite her? What was the purpose of the invitation?

These questions swirled in her mind, but she didn't ask them. She just sat quietly to the side, a smile on her face.

Li's mother asked again, "Would you like to come along?"

Li Ran shook his head, about to refuse, when Liu Haocun gently nudged him with the hand that was holding his arm.

The blow wasn't heavy, but it carried a hint of "don't refuse."

He turned his head and glanced at her. She was looking at him, her doe eyes filled with a hint of expectation, a hint of pleading, and a hint of coquettishness, as if saying, "Just say yes."

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Let's go together then."

Of course, Li's mother noticed Liu Haocun's little action.

She smiled, her eyes lingering on Liu Haocun's face for a moment before moving to Li Ran's, with a hint of mischievousness in her expression, as if to say, "You're quite obedient, kid."

"Okay, I'll send the address to Haocun on WeChat." She said, taking out her phone, tapping a few times, and then looking up at Liu Haocun.

Liu Haocun smiled and nodded, his doe-like eyes sparkling with joy.

"Okay, Auntie." Her voice was soft but sweet.

Several people stood up, packed their things, and walked out.

Long Danni walked ahead, her steps unhurried, her high heels clicking silently on the carpet.

Li's mother walked in the middle, with Li Ran and Liu Haocun following behind.

Stepping out of the restaurant, a night breeze blew by, carrying the coolness of early autumn and the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms.

Li Ran raised his head and glanced at the sky.

The moon was round and bright, hanging in the deep blue sky like a giant lamp, illuminating the entire alley.

He looked away, opened the car door, and got into the passenger seat.

Liu Haocun walked to the other side and became Li Ran's driver.

Li's mother got into Long Danshi's car and let her assistant go home by herself.

When Li Ran arrived at the KTV room and pushed open the door, only a few wall lamps were lit, casting a warm, ambiguous light that enveloped the entire space in a soft, warm hue.

-

Tian Xiwei and Li Yitong sat on the sofa, very close together, knees touching, sharing a drink. The straw was covered with lipstick marks from both of them, piled together, making it impossible to tell whose was whose.

The moment the door opened, Tian Xiwei looked up, her gaze passing over Li's mother and landing on Li Ran's face. Then her eyes lit up instantly, like two stars that had been lit up.

She stood up, moving as fast as the wind, rushed over, hugged Li's mother's arm, and leaned her whole body on her shoulder like a spoiled kitten.

"Mom! Auntie!" Her voice was sweet and soft, with a childlike joy, as if she had seen a long-lost relative.

Li's mother reached out and patted the back of her hand, a smile playing on her lips, a look of a senior's doting affection for a junior. "Alright, alright, how old are you to still be acting like a child."

Tian Xiwei chuckled, but instead of letting go, she hugged him even tighter.

She looked up, and the light passed over Li's mother, landing on Li Ran and Liu Haocun behind her.

"What are you two doing here?"

Li Ran scoffed, "What's it to you?"

He spoke with an air of self-righteousness, then reached out and grabbed Liu Haocun's wrist, pulling her to the sofa and plopping down on it.

Liu Haocun was pulled to sit down by him. He didn't say anything, but just sat quietly next to him. His gaze swept between Tian Xiwei and Li Yitong before returning to his seat.

Tian Xiwei snorted coldly and turned to look at Li's mother.

"Mom, look, Li Ran is bullying me." Her voice was soft and sweet, as if she were complaining or being coquettish.

Li's mother smiled and patted her head. "Alright, aren't you going to introduce her to me?"

As she spoke, her gaze passed over Tian Xiwei and landed on Li Yitong, who was standing next to the sofa.