Huayu: Don't force me to be a master

It was almost 11 o'clock when I came out of the China Film Studio.

Qian Lang drove his car out of Xinjiekou.

The sunlight was stronger than in the morning, and it was a bit dazzling when it shone on the windshield.

He pulled down the sun visor, took out his phone, made a call, and put it on speakerphone.

"Where is the mouse?"

It was noisy on the other end of the phone, like it was on the street.

Ning Hao's voice came through.

"What happened to the rented apartment?"

"Are you free at noon? I'd like to treat you to lunch."

"Have a meal?"

Ning Hao paused for a moment.

"Prodigal son, are you alright? Tell me if something's wrong!"

"Can't I invite you to dinner if there's nothing wrong? Tell me where, I'll come pick you up."

"No, no, no, just tell me the place, I'll go there myself."

"Remember that Sichuan restaurant behind the school? The one we used to go to all the time when we were in school."

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That Sichuan restaurant is still in the same old spot.

Fifty meters east of the back gate of Beijing Film Academy, there is an inconspicuous little storefront with an old, faded sign that reads "Chongqing Restaurant," but two strokes are missing, making it difficult to recognize without careful observation.

Qian Lang parked the car on the side of the road and went inside.

The store was not crowded after the Lunar New Year, but it was already open for business.

As soon as Qian Lang entered, he smelled a familiar aroma; this restaurant's pickled fish was exceptionally authentic.

The proprietress was still the same proprietress, in her forties, plump, wearing a greasy apron, standing behind the counter doing the accounting.

He looked up and saw Qian Lang, paused for a moment, and then smiled.

"Oh, Xiao Qian? It's been a long time!"

"Boss lady, you're getting more and more beautiful! How about a 20% discount today?"

Qian Lang spoke in the same tone he used in his previous life.

"Go to hell, I'll break your bones."

The proprietress said this in an annoyed tone.

"Hey, Xiao Qian, I heard you've become a big star!"

At this moment, the boss also came out.

"Haha, we still need to eat. Same spot as usual, bring out some cucumber salad and two bottles of Erguotou first, the other dishes will be served later."

"Okay~~"

As they were talking, Qian Lang walked to the table by the window and sat down.

This is where they often sat when they went to school; they could see the street outside and the door that led them in.

Ning Hao arrived in less than ten minutes.

This guy almost made Qian Lang not recognize him.

The more dejected Ning Hao was that day, the more energetic he is today.

He was dressed in a sharp jacket.

She also had hair gel on.

The reason?

This guy also brought a girl with him.

"Why are you suddenly inviting me to dinner? Well, let me introduce you."

Ning Hao led the girl to sit opposite Qian Lang.

"This is my girlfriend, Xing Aina, from the Literature Department of our school. Nana, this is Qian Lang, my classmate."

Wow, a celebrity!

Qian Lang smiled inwardly.

The gears of fate have begun to turn.

If we mess these two up...

Haha, he's not that bad.

Qian Lang greeted the two of them, and then ordered a few more dishes from the proprietress.

"Pickled cabbage fish, black carp, Mapo tofu, Kung Pao chicken, and twice-cooked pork!"

Then he poured Ning Hao another glass of wine.

He himself didn't drink it.

Not drinking and driving should be a habit!

Because Xing Aina was there, Qian Lang didn't get straight to the point, but instead told some interesting stories about school.

For example, things like Ning Hao buying a high-powered camera to secretly film girls' dormitories...

After the first dish was served, Qian Lang finally got down to business.

"Mouse, I went to China Film Studio this morning!"

Ning Hao was taken aback and put down his wine glass.

"You have a notebook? How's the situation?"

"Yes, there is one. China Film Group has agreed to invest in it."

"Really?"

Ning Hao spoke with wide eyes, his voice rising slightly.

Xing Aina listened quietly without saying a word.

"Why are you yelling like that? Be quiet."

Qian Lang said with disdain.

"No, no... why did I vote for it? I..."

Ning Hao said with a wry smile.

No wonder Qian Lang had to treat everyone.

This definitely deserves a celebration.

However, this is rubbing salt into his wounds.

Ning Hao couldn't even think of his girlfriend for a moment, and his heart was filled with bitterness.

Qian Lang found Ning Hao's expression somewhat amusing.

He continued speaking normally.

"I'm going to let you photograph this book!"

"What?"

Ning Hao was so shocked that he stood up immediately, and his voice was so loud that people outside the restaurant could probably hear it.

The other diners in the restaurant all looked over.

Xing Aina tugged at Ning Hao's sleeve.

Qian Lang, however, was completely disgusted.

He said it in an annoyed tone.

"Sit down. If you keep making a fuss, I'm going to find someone else."

"No, no, you prodigal son, why don't you film it yourself?"

Ning Hao sat down and spoke softly.

Qian Lang rolled his eyes.

He just wanted to accumulate more Fate Points!

Otherwise, even dogs wouldn't make movies!

"Don't ask, or I won't contact you anymore."

Qian Lang said with a smile.

Okay, Ning Hao shut up.

"Did you bring that notebook with you?"

However, he wanted to see the script now.

"Let's eat first, then we'll find a coffee shop where you can look around at your leisure. This place isn't suitable."

. . . . . .

The meal was finished in less than ten minutes.

The three of them quickly found a coffee shop near the school.

"You talented woman, you take a look first, you'll drive him crazy!"

After the three of them sat down, Qian Lang handed the script to Xing Aina first.

This almost drove Ning Hao crazy with worry.

However, Xing Aina's eyes lit up, and she quickly took it and started reading.

Then, Ning Hao shamelessly stretched his head out like a turtle.

Xing Aina smiled at Qian Lang, then placed the script between herself and Ning Hao.

Qian Lang was unexpectedly fed a dose of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection).

With nothing to do, he took out his phone and went outside to check it.

Have you eaten yet?

An unread text message from Liu Tao.

Qian Lang felt a little annoyed.

Knowing there's no future, why act like you're really in a relationship?

Wouldn't it be good if the two of them had some chemistry?

Just as I was about to delete it, a new one arrived.

I bought your favorite pork ribs today, and I'm learning how to make sweet and sour pork ribs.

Qian Lang frowned.

But my heart softened again.

After thinking about it, I replied anyway.

Okay, I'll be back for dinner tonight!

Liu Tao replied even faster.

Okay, I'll wait for you!

Qian Lang sighed and placed his phone face down on the table.

At this moment, Ning Hao raised his head.

"You're making a commercial film, aren't you, Prodigal Son?"

"Hmm! What's wrong? Is it strange?"

Qian Lang said, sipping his coffee.

However, he did not go to see Ning Hao.

The afternoon sunlight streamed obliquely through the glass windows of the café, falling on the dark wood-grained tabletop like a piece of melted butter, slowly spreading out.

In that ray of sunlight, he seemed to see Liu Tao smiling!

He knew it was time to put an end to his relationship with Liu Tao.

I just don't know what Liu Tao will choose.

Qian Lang's lips slowly curled up as he thought about it.

Knowing the outcome, he still wanted to try.

"Prodigal Son, I have no experience with commercial films."

Ning Hao was still talking.

Qian Lang said calmly.

"You have absolutely no experience with any films!"