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

"Mmm," Li Ran responded softly.

He chuckled and said in a relaxed tone, "Still not resting? That trending topic didn't affect your mood, did it?"

Zhang Jingyi shook her head, her hair swaying gently with the movement: "It's alright. My agent told me not to look at Weibo private messages and those negative comments for the next few days, and to focus on preparing for my next job."

She paused, her clear eyes revealing genuine concern, and asked him in return, "Brother Li Ran, did this cause you any trouble? I saw some rather harsh words being said, and they seemed to be directed at you."

Her worries were obvious; she was afraid that she would implicate him.

Li Ran felt a warmth in her heart. Zhang Jingyi was still the same as always. Even though she was the one being scolded, she was still concerned about whether it would affect her.

His tone softened, carrying a reassuring certainty: "What trouble could I possibly have? Don't worry, this little storm is nothing."

He paused, then looked at her and comforted her, "Don't pay attention to those random noises. Most of them are just emotional outbursts. Forget about them after you've heard them, and don't take them to heart."

"Yes," Zhang Jingyi nodded obediently, like a good student, "I won't watch it, that's what my agent told me too."

But her slightly lowered eyelashes still betrayed a hint of sadness that she couldn't completely hide.

Li Ran observed her expression and knew that it was impossible for a newcomer like her to be completely indifferent to such a thing.

He didn't elaborate further, instead saying, "Alright, don't overthink it. I've already posted an explanation on Weibo, and the team will follow up and provide guidance."

"In a couple of days, when a new hot topic emerges, the attention will naturally dissipate. Get some rest and don't let it affect your mood."

"Thank you, Brother Li Ran." Zhang Jingyi looked up and tried to put on a smile.

"Of course, goodnight, Jingyi."

Goodnight, Brother Li Ran.

After the video call ended, Zhang Jingyi held her phone, remaining in the same position for a few seconds. The forced smile on her face gradually faded, eventually turning into a faint sense of loneliness.

Her agent did tell her not to watch it, but she couldn't resist.

Although she doesn't care much about the insults from those extreme fans, now even a simple interaction between the two of them has attracted attacks from netizens.

She wondered what kind of public criticism she would face if she confessed her feelings to Li Ran and they got together!

She's just a new actress just starting out, with no works, no fame, and is practically invisible in the entertainment industry.

Even setting aside his status as a rising celebrity, Li Ran was once a star player on the e-sports stage, a legend with countless fans.

There was an insurmountable chasm between them.

but……

Zhang Jingyi slowly tightened her arms around her knees and rested her chin on her knees.

She recalled that year at the high school New Year's Eve party, when she misspoke due to nervousness, and it was Li Ran who came to her rescue...

Now he called her again, telling her not to worry about it, and even posted a clarification on Weibo for her...

All this care and concern made her feel even more dependent on Li Ran...

Zhang Jingyi slowly raised her head, gazing at the dazzling night view of Beijing outside the window, her eyes gradually becoming resolute.

Now she must work harder to hone her acting skills, seize opportunities, create good works, become a powerful actress, and gain the recognition of the audience.

Perhaps then, she could stand on equal footing with Li Ran and wouldn't be subjected to malicious insults!

Three days later, the crew of "The Young Dragon" held a simple yet warm wrap party.

The director, actors, and staff said goodbye to each other and took photos together, with an atmosphere of relaxation and a touch of melancholy after the project was completed.

Tian Xiwei looked at Li Ran, blinked her bright eyes, and when she smiled, her eyes curved into two cute crescent shapes.

She waved goodbye and said, "Li Ran, see you on set in a few days!"

After speaking, he glanced provocatively at Zhou Ye, who was standing next to Li Ran.

Li Ran waved gently at her, "Okay, be careful on the road."

Zhou Ye watched Tian Xiwei skip away, curled his lip in disdain, and whispered to Li Ran, "What's with the attitude, you little punk!"

She looked directly into Li Ran's eyes and asked seriously, "On the 20th, did you already film scenes with her?"

Li Ran thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes! I won't be able to celebrate your birthday with you this year!"

Zhou Ye didn't seem to care at all. "It's okay, I'll bring Xiao Hu to visit you on set."

Li Ran nodded gently, not refusing her, thinking to himself, "It's Coconut's birthday, Xiao Tian probably won't beat her up anymore!"

The following morning, Li Ran, wearing a mask and hat, arrived at Wajiji Entertainment accompanied by his assistant and agent.

After entering the building, the agent went to handle recent work arrangements, while Li Ran went to Long Danni's office alone.

He knocked lightly on the door, then opened it and went inside.

Long Danni was reviewing a document when she heard the noise, looked up, saw it was him, and showed a look of expectation on her face. She pointed to the sofa opposite her and said, "You're back? Have a seat!"

Li Ran took off his hat and mask, sat down on the sofa, his posture relaxed but not casual, and looked at Long Danni, asking, "Auntie, what did you call me to the company for?"

Long Danni didn't rush to answer his question. "Just stay put for a while and let me finish reading this document."

Seeing this, Li Ran picked up his phone and started looking at it. Actually, he opened the system panel to check the rewards.

[Random Task]

Content: The system has detected a close relationship between the host and the artist "Zhou Ye". Please co-star in a film or television drama with him within one year (completed).

Reward: Random (to be claimed)

Without hesitation, he accepted the reward, wanting to see what the system would randomly give him. If it was some kind of material reward, he wouldn't mind not doing the random task again.

[Reward: A melancholic and颓废 (颓废 is a difficult word to translate directly, but it implies a state of being both melancholic and颓废) outward appearance]

Li Ran was stunned when he saw the reward. He was a sunny and happy young man, so he thought that even a reward of a spirited and dashing demeanor would be nice!

What the hell is this melancholy and dejection?

Just as Li Ran was still complaining about the dog system, Long Danni finished reading the document, stood up, walked around the large solid wood desk, and sat down on the single sofa opposite him. Her posture was relaxed, but she exuded an invisible aura.

Li Ran didn't bother with the system rewards and looked at Long Danni, asking, "Auntie, are you done with your work?"

Long Danni nodded, skipped the pleasantries, and went straight to the point, "After the reshoots for 'So Cute Us' were completed, there's a promising film project proposal here, a resource your mother recommended."

Li Ran sat up straighter, indicating that he was listening attentively.

"The director is Han Yan, who directed 'Go Away Mr. Tumor' and 'Animal World,' both of which received good reviews and performed well commercially."

Long Danni paused, then looked up at Li Ran. "This time it's still a realistic drama, leaning towards a warm and healing tone. The specific script is still being refined. The female lead has basically been decided. She's a newcomer that Zhang Yimou's studio is currently promoting. Her name is Liu Haocun, and her image and talent are well-received."

When Li Ran heard Liu Haocun's name, he was slightly stunned. Wasn't this referring to "A Little Red Flower for You"?

The male lead, Wei Yihang, is a bit melancholic and颓废 (颓废 is a difficult word to translate directly, but it implies a state of being listless, decadent, or dispirited), isn't he? This damn system really knows how to reward you!