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

When Li Ran returned to the apartment, Tian Xiwei was sitting cross-legged on the living room carpet, playing with two small dogs with toys.

Ta Xue and Dou Zai were amused and jumped around, their short legs kicking rapidly, their tails wagging into two blurry shadows.

She heard the door open and looked at Li Ran: "The tablet's gone?"

Li Ran changed into slippers, walked over and sat down next to her, casually ruffling Ta Xue's hair: "Okay, let's go."

Tian Xiwei threw the ball far away, and the two puppies immediately pounced on it and started fighting over it.

She turned to look at him: "Is my apartment all set up?"

Li Ran nodded: "Everything is ready. We can go check it out tomorrow and buy anything we need then."

Tian Xiwei responded, then suddenly asked, "Is your movie with Zhang Jingyi about to start filming?"

Li Ran said, "The script reading is the day after tomorrow. She just finished filming this afternoon and will be back in time."

He paused, then added, "Turn on the machine after the reading is finished."

Tian Xiwei looked at him suspiciously: "Did you plan all this out?"

Li Ran raised an eyebrow.

She continued, "I'll rent you a place, so you can move out easily. And you'll have work on your tablet too. You can seamlessly transition to your next project..."

She snorted, "The timing is pretty precise."

Li Ran paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Is this what you call scheming?"

He leaned back on the sofa, a hint of smugness in his voice, "This is called a precise jungle clearing route."

Tian Xiwei rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile slightly.

She stopped dwelling on it and changed the subject: "Who's going to play Jiang Ni? It's not going to be your junior from elementary school again, is it?"

She paused, her tone slightly tentative: "At first I thought it was a tablet."

Li Ran shook his head: "I didn't plan to let you play Jiang Ni. You can audition with the director team later."

Tian Xiwei was taken aback: "Why? It seems like you've already assigned roles to us in 'Snowy Mountain'."

Li Ran looked at her and explained seriously, "If Jiang Ni decides who plays the role, the others won't be happy. It's better to have an audition; that's fair and just."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Besides, this is an ensemble drama; the other female characters are just as outstanding. Yu Youwei, Nangong Pushe, Xuanyuan Qingfeng, Hongshu, Qingniao… aren't they all memorable characters?"

Tian Xiwei nodded thoughtfully.

Li Ran continued, "Also, the director has been decided; it's Zhang Li. Except for me, the male lead, you'll all have to audition."

Tian Xiwei was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "I understand, I will prepare well."

The next morning, Li Ran helped Tian Xiwei move into her new apartment.

It's a two-bedroom apartment with excellent natural light, and the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the community's central garden.

The furniture is all newly purchased, in a natural wood style, simple and cozy. Assistant Xiao Chen is very reliable; he even arranged the curtains and plants.

Tian Xiwei walked around the various rooms, and finally stood in front of the living room's floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the scenery outside. Suddenly, she turned to look at him and said, "It's alright, I can still see your apartment."

Li Ran leaned against the door frame and smiled: "As long as you're satisfied."

He checked the time: "I'm going back now. Let me know if you need anything."

Tian Xiwei nodded and saw him to the door.

As Li Ran changed his shoes and was about to open the door, she suddenly hugged him from behind.

"Li Ran." Her muffled voice came from behind.

"Um?"

"Don't overwork yourself."

Li Ran paused for a moment, then smiled.

He turned around, bent down and kissed her forehead: "Okay."

Zhang Jingyi arrived that evening.

When Li Ran opened the door, she was standing outside, carrying a simple suitcase, her face showing the fatigue of a long journey, but her eyes were bright.

Douzai crawled out from beside Li Ran's legs. Upon seeing its owner, it immediately became excited and spun around on the spot, wagging its little tail like a small motor.

Zhang Jingyi squatted down, hugged it, and rubbed its head: "Douzai, did you miss Mommy?"

Douzi stuck out his tongue and frantically licked her face.

Li Ran stood to the side, watching this scene, and smiled: "Come in first."

Zhang Jingyi walked in carrying Douzai, and Taxue also ran over, tilting her head to look at her.

She freed one hand and ruffled Taxue's hair.

Li Ran took her suitcase. "Aren't you tired? Isn't this too rushed?"

Zhang Jingyi shook her head, a faint smile on her face: "It's okay, Brother Li Ran."

She paused, looked at him, and said, "I want to eat your stir-fried pork with chili peppers."

Li Ran laughed: "Okay, just wait."

The sound of hot oil sizzling came from the kitchen.

Zhang Jingyi sat on the sofa, with her two puppies huddled on either side of her. Ta Xue rested its head on her lap, and Dou Zai lay at her feet, both looking completely content.

She looked down at them and suddenly felt that this quiet moment was truly wonderful.

Half an hour later, the food was served.

Stir-fried pork with chili peppers, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and seaweed and egg drop soup—two simple dishes and a soup.

Zhang Jingyi picked up a piece of stir-fried pork with chili peppers with her chopsticks, put it in her mouth, and squinted her eyes in satisfaction.

"It still tastes the same."

Looking at her expression, Li Ran couldn't help but laugh: "Eat more."

After dinner, the two snuggled up on the sofa.

The TV was on, but no one was watching it. Ta Xue and Dou Zai were rolling around on the carpet, occasionally letting out soft whimpers.

Li Ran turned his head to look at the girl beside him.

She leaned back on the sofa, hugging a cushion, her eyelashes drooping slightly, her face showing a hint of languor after a good meal.

Are you going back tonight?

Zhang Jingyi turned to look at him, thought for a moment, and then shook her head: "I don't want to go back. That way I can go directly to the reading session tomorrow."

Li Ran smiled and lowered her voice a little: "Shall we sleep together tonight?"

Zhang Jingyi was stunned for a moment.

Then, her face turned red from her cheeks to her ears at a speed visible to the naked eye.

She lowered her head, her voice barely audible, like a mosquito's hum: "These past few days...no...I...came..."

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

"What are you thinking about?" He reached out and ruffled her hair. "Just go to sleep normally."

Zhang Jingyi looked up at him, her face turning even redder.

She muttered under her breath, "Li Ran, you're so annoying..."

But the corners of her mouth subtly curved upwards.

The next morning, Li Ran drove Zhang Jingyi to the script reading session.

It's a small building in a cultural industrial park, and there are already quite a few cars parked in front of it.

The two walked in. The lights in the conference room were on, and there were already quite a few people sitting inside.

Director Liu Junjie saw them first and stood up to greet them.

Liu Junjie is a Taiwanese director who has directed a number of hit urban romance dramas such as "My Sunshine" and "Boss & Me" and has a very good reputation in the industry.

And she also shares the same birthday as Li Ran.

When he saw Li Ran, a warm smile spread across his face: "Li Ran! I've heard so much about you!"

Li Ran quickly reached out and shook hands: "Hello Director Liu, I'm Li Ran."

Liu Junjie then looked at Zhang Jingyi, his eyes lighting up: "Jingyi! You're even prettier in person than on camera!"

Zhang Jingyi smiled politely and said, "Hello, Director Liu."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, people started coming over to say hello.

Li Ran recognized some of the producers, screenwriters, and several main supporting actors, but didn't recognize others at all. However, he politely nodded and greeted them.

Once everyone has arrived, the reading session officially begins.

Screenwriter Zhou Yong flipped through the script in his hand, looked at Li Ran, and suddenly smiled: "Li Ran, this role is perfect, we really found the right person for you."

Li Ran looked up at him.

Zhou Yong continued, "The character Li Xun is a programming genius, arrogant, stubborn, but also deeply affectionate. You are an e-sports legend who transitioned to acting, and your spirit is a perfect match for Li Xun."

Li Ran chuckled and said modestly, "Teacher Zhou, you flatter me. I'm just playing games; I'm still far from being a technical expert."

Director Liu Junjie chimed in from the side, his tone laced with amusement: "Hey, they're both computer experts. One's a programmer, the other's an e-sports player—different paths, same destination."

He paused, then chuckled, "Besides, could you find someone more suitable than you in the entertainment industry?"

A burst of good-natured laughter filled the conference room.

Li Ran smiled along with him, but didn't say anything more.

……

The script readings lasted for three days.

Every day from morning till night, I go through the script page by page and scrutinize the lines line by line.

Director Liu Junjie is very meticulous, with requirements for emotions, rhythm, and tone, but he is very gentle and never gets angry.

Zhang Jingyi sat next to Li Ran, occasionally jotting something down in her notebook, sometimes glancing at him before quickly looking away.

On the afternoon of the day the reading session ended, the official photos were taken.

In the dressing room, the stylist worked on Li Ran's hair for more than two hours.

His original black hair had turned into a dazzling head of gold.

Zhang Jingyi was sitting on the sofa next to her waiting when she saw the effect and was stunned for a second.

Then she stood up, her eyes shining brightly: "Brother Li Ran!"

She took two steps closer, staring at his hair for a long time: "You look great with blonde hair! You look even more handsome with it!"

Li Ran touched her hair, feeling a little uncomfortable: "You like it?"

Zhang Jingyi nodded vigorously: "If you had dyed your hair blonde when you were competing, I don't know how many female fans you would have charmed!"

Li Ran smiled and suddenly remembered someone: Little Peanut, Han Wanghu.

Another jungler who amazed everyone upon his debut on the field.

Unfortunately, throughout his ten-year professional career, he moved between multiple teams and participated in seven World Championships, but he never managed to touch the Summoner's Cup.

Not every player has the same story as Deft, who spends ten years honing his skills.

More than anything, it's a pity. Peanut's experience is exactly the same as Li Ran's in his previous life, and the two are also about the same age.

Li Ran chuckled and said, "Peanut is the one with silver hair who overpowers the Demon King, while Burn is the one with blonde hair who overpowers the Demon King."

Zhang Jingyi paused for a moment, then laughed.

"A spirited and energetic young man!"

She said that when she looked at him, her eyes held a dazed longing.

"I can already picture you with your blond hair on the court."

Li Ran looked at her and suddenly said, "You might not be able to see her on the field."

"However, you might have seen from the commentary booth that I was invited to be a guest commentator for this year's finals."

Zhang Jingyi's eyes lit up again: "Then, can I go watch it with you?"

Li Ran thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "We were filming in Shanghai back then. I'll get you an inside ticket."

He looked at her and smiled: "But we'll have to see if the director will give you time off then."

Zhang Jingyi smiled and nodded: "The last time I saw someone live was at the S7 Bird's Nest!"

……

The production team officially announced the filming on Weibo that very night after the costume photos were taken.

A carefully edited Weibo post, accompanied by a nine-grid photo, appeared precisely at 7 PM on the official account of "Lighter and Princess Dress".

#Lighter and Princess Dress Officially Announced#

"Let love melt the frozen winter, and let youthful passion accompany you. Li Xun and Zhu Yun, hand in hand, interpret winter romance, loving one person and running towards them with unwavering devotion."

Li Xun @Li Ran

Zhu Yun @ Zhang Jingyi

The first on-screen pairing of senior and junior students, the "Fateful Melody" couple, is highly anticipated.

Of the nine photos, the most eye-catching is a photo of two people together.

Li Ran has blond hair, wears a simple white T-shirt and black trousers, has a cool gaze, but a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. It is Li Xun's unique arrogance, and also the youthful spirit that Li Ran has in his bones.

Zhang Jingyi stood next to him, wearing a top of the same color, her long hair loose, her head slightly turned to look at the camera, a faint smile on her lips.

The two stood together, creating a strange harmony, like Li Xun and Zhu Yun stepping out of a book.

The comment section exploded within ten minutes of the Weibo post being published.

The trending topics list was instantly flooded with comments:

#Li Ran and Zhang Jingyi officially announced their relationship#, trending at number one on Weibo.

#Lighter and Princess Dress Officially Announced#, third on the trending topics list

#Li Ran's blonde hair#, fifth on the trending searches

#Senior and Junior Rekindle Their Romance#, trending at number eight

#MyShippingCPIsRealized#, trending at number ten.

Netizens who clicked on the top trending topic rushed in full of anticipation, only to find... they'd been tricked!

It turns out it was an official announcement for a new drama.

Even knowing it was a publicity stunt, netizens couldn't contain their enthusiasm.

The fans of the couple Li Ran and Zhang Jingyi went completely crazy:

"Aaaaaaah, Destiny's Ring!! Who came up with this CP name? They're so good at it!"

"Blonde Li Ran is killing me!! What kind of divine casting is this?!"

"They look so good together! The chemistry between them is amazing!"

"I've been shipping this ever since 'Yearning,' and now the senior and junior have finally collaborated! It's a dream come true!"

"Li Xun in the novel has blond hair, right? He's a perfect match!"

"Zhang Jingyi is so beautiful! That cool yet gentle feeling is exactly like Zhu Yun!"

Li Ran's die-hard fans, known as "Little Flames," were busy controlling the comments section:

"It's just promotion for the new drama, please don't overinterpret it."

Looking forward to actress Li Ran's new work!

"Don't even try to get involved. No female celebrity in the Chinese entertainment industry is worthy of Li Ran. He's the only handsome one."

"Last time, Zhou Ye hugged me and took a picture while I was walking in the snow, but wasn't that just a promotion for his new drama? It's the same this time."

The "Wildfire CP" fans, who had built up their following after Zhou Ye trended on social media last time, were not to be outdone:

"We're the real Wildfire team; this is just a work-related matter."

"Treading Snow Baby has been accompanying Zhou Ye in place of Li Ran all along, that's the real proof of their CP."

"Didn't the paparazzi reveal that Li Ran and Zhou Ye were classmates at Beijing Film Academy and got together during their university years?"

"Work is work, life is life, those who know, know."

There's also a group of esports fans with a unique style:

"Holy crap, the Burning God's blond hair is so handsome, he's almost three times as handsome as me."

"The idiot upstairs is posting pictures; stop just talking the talk."

"Ah! Burn's blonde hair, it brought tears to my eyes... I mean, my eyes!"

"With looks like that, it's a shame he's not a professional player."

"Upstairs, the mixing is becoming quite obvious."

Weibo is once again abuzz with excitement because of Li Ran.

Although he currently only has one drama, "The Dragon Boy," and is not the lead actor, his popularity is already on par with top celebrities.

That evening, Zhang Jingyi returned to her apartment after taking her official photos.

She's flying to Shanghai the day after tomorrow, and she needs to go back to pack her things.

Li Ran came out of the shower with her hair still wet, leaned against the headboard and picked up her phone.

The screen lit up, and it was already overflowing with messages.

He replied to each message one by one.

Tian Tian asks: [I'm coming to find you now. Is anyone home?]

The older brother stopped there: "Come on!"