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

At 10 p.m., in the hotel room of the film crew, Li Ran leaned against the headboard, the light from his phone screen reflecting on his face.

He did not end up with Zhang Jingyi.

Last night, it stayed at the top of the trending list for a whole day. Although the popularity has dropped a bit now, it's still on the list.

He opened WeChat and saw several unread messages in his message list.

Zhou Ye sent this in the morning: [Image] is a screenshot of a trending topic, accompanied by a question mark.

Liu Haocun sent this message this morning: 【Li Ran, can you explain this?】

Hu Lianxin and Wang Churan remained silent, not sending a single message.

One of them was on the set of the TV series "Douluo Continent," and the other was studying at school.

On the surface, neither of them seems to care much about Li Ran right now; these two were clearly defined from the beginning.

What's strange is Tian Xiwei.

Given her personality, she should have blown it up long ago.

But not a single message all day today.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

Li Ran thought for a moment and then opened Zhou Ye's video call.

The moment the call connected, Coconut's face filled the entire screen.

Her hair was a little messy, and her eyes were wide open; Li Ran could tell from her gaze.

I need an explanation. I'm very angry!

"Li Ran!"

Zhou Ye raised his voice slightly and directly questioned, "You brought Zhang Jingyi home to meet your aunt?"

Looking at her puffed-up face, Li Ran knew that she was genuinely upset, not just making a scene on purpose.

He nodded slightly: "Um...it just happened to be my mom's birthday, so I went to celebrate it."

Zhou Ye glared at him: "I'm your girlfriend, okay? Why didn't you tell me it was your aunt's birthday?"

Li Ran chuckled awkwardly, "You've met my mom before. Okay, don't be angry."

Zhou Ye snorted coldly: "Why wouldn't I be angry?"

Her voice held a hint of grievance: "I'm the official girlfriend. Why was Zhang Jingyi the first one I brought home?"

Li Ran had already prepared an excuse, and he said in a serious tone, "I just happened to be filming with her in Changsha. It just so happens to be my mom's birthday, it's just a coincidence."

Zhou Ye stared at him: "Then what if your aunt thinks Zhang Jingyi is your real girlfriend if you bring her home?"

Li Ran was stunned for a moment, then he understood.

Coconut is unaware that his mother already knows he's having affairs with multiple women.

What she was worried about was Zhang Jingyi being treated as her future daughter-in-law.

He chuckled awkwardly, "My mom actually knows... about our relationship."

He spoke somewhat vaguely, but he got the point across.

Zhou Ye remained silent for a while.

Then she spoke, her voice calmer than before: "Li Ran, take me to see your uncle and aunt next time."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Also, when are you going to meet my parents?"

Li Ran nodded: "Okay, let's find a time."

Zhou Ye stopped dwelling on it: "Alright, get some rest. Goodnight."

"Good night."

Zhou Ye hung up the video call, thought for a moment, and then sent a message to his strategist, Xiao Hu...

After hanging up the video call, Li Ran dialed Liu Haocun's number.

The reaction of the spore is completely different from that of the coconut.

She squinted her eyes, looked at him with a smile, but didn't say a word.

Li Ran felt a chill run down his spine under her dark gaze and slowly asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"

Liu Haocun slowly spoke, "What did you say? I'm waiting for you to speak first!"

Li Ran chuckled awkwardly, "It's just a coincidence, it's my mom's birthday, nothing more."

Liu Haocun nodded, but didn't continue the question. After a pause, she changed the subject.

"By the way, 'Little Red Flower' is scheduled for release on New Year's Day, so I'll have to do some promotions then."

Li Ran nodded: "I know that, Director Han told me. I just made it in time after I finished filming."

Liu Haocun tilted his head and suddenly asked, "Is the destructive power of a 'white moonlight' really that great?"

Li Ran remained silent for a few seconds.

He spoke sincerely, slowly saying, "Zhang Jingyi is indeed special to me, but that's all. My feelings for her are the same as for all of you."

Liu Haocun smiled, a smile that carried a hint of "Who are you trying to fool?": "Li Ran, what's the point of lying to me?"

Liu Haocun snorted coldly: "Hmph, scumbag."

"Alright, goodnight. See you in Beijing."

Li Ran nodded helplessly: "Good night."

……

After thinking about it, Li Ran still called Tian Xiwei.

He didn't explain anything about Wang Churan and Hu Lianxin. On the surface, these two were completely on his side; there was no need to elaborate.

The phone rang for half a minute before it was answered.

Tian Xiwei's impatient voice came through: "What are you doing? I'm playing a game!"

Li Ran was taken aback: "Why didn't you ask?"

Tian Xiwei knew what he was talking about and snorted coldly, "Oh. When you brought Zhang Jingyi home the day before yesterday, Auntie told me about it."

Li Ran: "..."

"Alright, I'm playing games, I'm hanging up."

After saying that, she hung up immediately.

Li Ran stared at the phone screen for several seconds, then burst out laughing.

It turns out my mom had informed me beforehand.

He leaned against the headboard, staring at the ceiling, and suddenly remembered what his mother had said that day.

When he brought Zhang Jingyi home this time, his mother gave him a reminder: even if the girls didn't object to his behavior, what about their parents?

Not every family can accept this kind of thing.

He sighed and put his phone aside.

……

Time flies, and it's December 22nd.

Filming for "Lighter and Princess Dress" has officially wrapped.

When the last scene was filmed and director Liu Junjie shouted "Filming wrapped," the entire crew erupted in cheers.

Li Ran and Zhang Jingyi were pulled aside to take many photos together. Some people gave them flowers, some hugged them, and some said with red eyes that they couldn't bear to part.

On the afternoon of the 23rd, the two flew back to Beijing together.

In the evening, Li Ran returned to his apartment alone, put his suitcase in the entryway, and went out.

Upon arriving at Xiaotian's apartment, he simply opened the door and went inside.

Tian Xiwei was curled up on the sofa playing games, while Ta Xue chased Hua Hua all over the house.

The Maine Coon is already quite large; when it runs, it looks like a moving ball of fur. Tread Snow follows behind, its short legs kicking incredibly fast.

Upon hearing the door open, Ta Xue immediately abandoned Hua Hua and ran happily to Li Ran's feet, wagging its tail.

Tian Xiwei looked up at him: "When did you get back?"

"My flight was this afternoon; I just arrived a little while ago."

Tian Xiwei nodded: "Wait until I finish this game, then I'll heat up the pig's trotters I cooked this afternoon for you."

Li Ran walked over and took her phone: "I'm hungry now, I'll call for you."

Tian Xiwei pouted and stood up: "Okay."

……

After dinner, the two snuggled up on the sofa.

Tian Xiwei began by saying, "The show 'So Cute Us' will air on the 15th of next month, and we'll be promoting it via Weibo live stream."

Li Ran nodded: "My agent told me."

Oda then asked, "When will 'Snowy Landscape' be filmed?"

Li Ran thought for a moment about the approximate timeframe and said, "Casting will begin next month, and filming will start in March."

Tian Xiwei smiled, very happy, "It's just in time for the New Year."

Li Ran looked at her: "Have you even read the original novel? You haven't just been playing games, have you?"

Tian Xiwei glared at him: "I've seen it, I've seen it twice."

She paused for a moment: "It seems like Yu Youwei doesn't have many scenes."

Li Ran looked at her face, reached out and pinched it, and laughed, "Sister, Yu Youwei had quite a few scenes in the first season. Besides, this is a male-oriented drama. Although it's an ensemble piece, most of the female characters are just supporting roles."

Tian Xiwei then asked, "How come Wang Churan's 'Nangong Pu She' is present throughout the entire story?"

Li Ran explained, "In the first season, she only had a small opening scene, not even as much as you."

Tian Xiwei paused for a second, then suddenly asked, "Who do you plan to cast as Jiang Ni? Liu Haocun?"

Li Ran shook his head: "I mentioned the audition. Liu Haocun isn't acting; she's going to film Director Zhang's new movie."

Tian Xiwei frowned, looking puzzled, and tentatively asked, "What's Liu Haocun's background?"

"She debuted with Zhang Yimou's 'One Second,' and now she's filming a new movie. Not long ago, she was a newcomer and was able to participate in a variety show like 'National Treasure.'"

She paused, then continued, "And for your first movie, she directly cast you as the female lead; you were even competing with the four-character actor."

Li Ran smiled, recalling the controversies surrounding Cunzi in his previous life, and explained, "He's just a child from an ordinary family. His parents run a dance class in a small county town in Northeast China."

Tian Xiwei's eyes widened: "So she's really just lucky? The chosen one from novels?"

Li Ran shook his head, offering no further explanation, and instead asked, "Why are you asking so many questions?"

Tian Xiwei glanced at him and said matter-of-factly, "Just curious! It's also a way of understanding the opponent."

"If she really does have powerful connections, then I'd better leave you as soon as possible, lest I get killed to silence her."

Li Ran chuckled and looked into her eyes.

"Have you been reading too many novels lately?"

He paused for a moment, then gave a brief explanation: "She did indeed make some capital investments later on."

"Just like you, don't you also have someone with the surname Gong behind you? Zhou Ye has the Ice and Snow Sisters behind him, and Zhang Jingyi has the big flower Zhou Gongzi behind her."

"Who among you doesn't have someone backing you? The entertainment industry is all about profit."

Tian Xiwei snorted coldly: "Your mother is behind me now, so you'd better not mess with me, or else..."

Li Ran was stunned for a moment: "You... why are you swearing at me?"

Tian Xiwei glared at him, a mischievous smile on her face, and said slowly, "Am I telling the truth? How is that swearing? Your mother is indeed behind me right now."

She paused, then explained with a smile, "My aunt talked to the CEO a while ago, and I'll be joining Wajiji in a couple of days."

Li Ran was stunned: "How come I didn't know?"

"You didn't even ask!"

Tian Xiwei shrugged innocently and then asked, "Who's behind Wang Churan and Hu Lianxin?"

Li Ran rolled her eyes at her. "Xiao Hu is at Wajiji. Who do you think it is?"

"As for Wang Churan... I really don't know."

Tian Xiwei reached out and slapped him, "How did you learn to roll your eyes from Wang Churan?"

Wang Churan signed with quite a few companies in her early career, but her career only started to improve after she signed with Yuekai. This is why she was able to play the role of Sister Baizhou.

But now that Li Ran is here, he can just sign into Wajijiwa directly.

Tian Xiwei smiled and continued, "Actually, in the end, it should be you who's behind us now."

Li Ran chuckled awkwardly, "Aren't you afraid I'll dump you someday?"

Tian Xiwei smiled brightly: "They might be scared, but I'm not. After all, I have your mother backing me up!"

Li Ran said speechlessly, "I have a feeling you're insulting me."

"You're overthinking it. By the way, are you free tomorrow?"

"Go to the company tomorrow."

"I'll go too, to familiarize myself with the environment beforehand."

……

The next day, Li Ran brought Tian Xiwei to Wajijiwa.

Pushing open the door to Long Danni's office, Tian Xiwei was not as reserved as Hu Lianxin had been last time.

She walked straight up to Long Danni, bowed, and smiled sweetly: "Hello, Auntie! I'm Tian Xiwei, Li Ran's girlfriend."

She walked straight up to Long Danni, bowed, and smiled sweetly: "Hello, Auntie! I'm Tian Xiwei, Li Ran's girlfriend."

Long Danni smiled and looked her up and down.

My sister was right, this girl is indeed likable.

"Xiaotian, don't be shy, please sit down."

The three of them took their seats.

Tian Xiwei was very perceptive; she immediately started boiling water and brewing tea, her movements practiced and her demeanor natural, as if this wasn't her first time there.

Long Danni was even more satisfied with her.

She looked at Xiaotian: "The negotiations with Haohan are almost complete. We can just come and sign the contract in a few days."

Tian Xiwei smiled sweetly: "Thank you, Auntie."

Long Danni waved her hand: "From now on, we're all family, no need to be so polite."

Li Ran listened from the side, silently thinking to himself: What do you mean we're family now? Did you even ask for my opinion?

But he didn't say anything.

He turned to Long Danni: "By the way, Auntie, what did Tencent say?"

Long Danni's smile faded: "Tencent has agreed. However, the final casting will depend on the audition results."

Li Ran nodded: "That's for sure. I also want to do a good job in this drama, after all, it's such a big IP."

Long Danni glanced at Tian Xiwei and slowly said, "However, if the situation is similar in the end, we'll still use our own people."

She turned to Li Ran: "But according to your idea, the investment will have to increase."

Li Ran said bluntly, "We can just have Wajiji fill in the gaps."

Long Danni smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about that. Tencent isn't worried at all, after all, the screenwriter is Wang Juan, who wrote 'Joy of Life,' and the director is Zhang Li. They even wanted to fully fund it."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "But this pie is too big. It wasn't enough to go around before, but now with increased investment, it's just the right amount to share."

"Of course, some benefits have been given up, but don't worry, the roles you wanted have all been reserved for you."

Li Ran nodded: "That's normal. Even a penguin wouldn't hog all the benefits; in this industry, hoarding things makes you an easy target."

Long Danni looked at him with a hint of satisfaction in her eyes: "It seems that you've only been in this industry for less than a year, but you've already seen through a lot of its true nature."

……

In the afternoon, I returned to the apartment.

Tian Xiwei looked at Li Ran: "Will Liu Haocun be here later?"

Li Ran nodded and said with a smile, "Alright, don't keep a straight face or start fighting right away."

Tian Xiwei snorted coldly, looking at him with displeasure, "What do you mean? Do you think I'm that kind of violent person?"

Li Ran didn't speak, he just looked at her calmly.

No one knows who hit Wang Churan. Although Wang Churan rolled her eyes in provocation first, that punch was real.

And coconuts, they've been beaten up countless times.

Tian Xiwei felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and said coldly, "If she doesn't start trouble, I absolutely won't lay a hand on her. Is that alright?"

Li Ran shook his head.

That would be difficult. Given Liu Haocun's tea-making skills, it would be strange if he didn't cause some trouble.

3 PM.

Li Ran and Tian Xiwei were snuggled on the sofa playing PUBG, with Tian Xiwei's head resting on his lap, intently staring at the screen.

At this moment, Liu Haocun opened the door and walked in.

She stood in the entryway, looked at the two people on the sofa, and paused for a moment.

Although she already knew about Li Ran's relationship with the others and had seen Tian Xiwei's photos online, Li Ran had just specifically told her that Tian Xiwei was there.

But when she entered the room and saw Tian Xiwei lying in Li Ran's arms, their intimate actions still gave her a sharp pang in her heart.

Li Ran looked up at her and smiled, "You're here? Have a seat."

Tian Xiwei didn't even look up, continuing to stare at the screen, her fingers flying across the phone.

Liu Haocun didn't pay any attention. She bent down and picked up Taxue, who was spinning around her feet: "Taxue, did you miss Mommy?"

She walked to the sofa and sat down on the other side of Li Ran.

Ta Xue snuggled against her, making a comfortable purring sound.

Liu Haocun looked at Li Ran: "We're going to be at a preview screening the day after tomorrow, you know that, right?"

Li Ran nodded: "I know."

"Then you just play games without even thinking of making any preparations."

Li Ran smiled and said, "It's just a preview screening, answering some questions, what else do we need to prepare?"

Liu Haocun looked at him with a grin.

"Of course, it's to help me plan how to create some sweet moments! I've seen your interactions with Zhang Jingyi at the start of filming."

Tian Xiwei raised her eyes, glanced at her, snorted coldly, and then lowered her head to continue playing the game.

Li Ran said somewhat helplessly, "This is a cancer-fighting story, isn't it inappropriate?"

Liu Haocun blinked, then said with dissatisfaction, "Why is it inappropriate? Doesn't it include a love story?"

Li Ran reluctantly conceded and slowly said, "Fine, I'll finish this game, and then we'll discuss it."

He nudged Tian Xiwei, who was resting on his head, with his leg.

Xiao Tian pursed her lips and sat up, but she still ignored Liu Haocun.

Liu Haocun looked at her, his doe-like eyes slightly narrowed.

This sweet girl doesn't seem that sweet!

She smiled and took the initiative to speak: "Hello, Sister Xiaotian. I'm Liu Haocun."

Tian Xiwei then looked up at her and slowly said, "I know you. The last one, you know."

Li Ran rubbed his forehead.

It's not that she doesn't cause trouble, but you deliberately let her cause trouble, right?

Sure enough, Liu Haocun's doe eyes crinkled into a smile: "Oh? Then what number are you, sister? I remember Zhou Ye from Hesong was the first, right?"

At this moment, Tian Xiwei and Li Ran finished playing the game.

Liu Haocun narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a calm tone, "Since my sister said the order doesn't matter, then why are you the boss? Why can't it be someone else?"

She paused, then smiled more broadly: "Zhang Jingyi seems to be more favored by Li Ran than you are."

Li Ran awkwardly said, "Cunzi, don't talk nonsense. I never said that..."

"I treat each and every one of you the same."

Both women looked at him at the same time.

Their eyes seemed to say, "Are you sure?" and "Keep making things up."

Li Ran felt a little uncomfortable and shrank back into the sofa.

Ta Xue jumped down from Liu Haocun's arms, ran to his feet, and looked up at him.

Li Ran picked it up casually and said slowly, "You two chat! I'll go cook!"

Liu Haocun nodded, then smiled and said, "I want braised pork!"

Tian Xiwei didn't look at him or say anything.

Li Ran nodded, put down Ta Xue, and left the living room.

However, he kept a close eye on the situation. Although Oda had promised not to make a move, what if he did?

Moreover, Liu Haocun is no pushover either; last time, he slapped me across the face without saying a word...