When Luo Ding heard someone calling his name, he was slightly startled. But his memory was always good; he almost instantly recognized the voice as Duan Xiubo's, so he subconsciously stopped in his tracks.
Gu Yaxing was walking beside him, still busy greeting the surrounding media. Seeing him stop, even before asking the reason, he saw Luo Ding turn his head and reveal a faint smile. "Brother Duan."
Brother Duan?
Gu Yaxing was suddenly shocked, immediately straightened up, and turned around, only to see Duan Xiubo waving towards Luo Ding's direction, his face showing a familiar and gentle smile, then quickly walking towards them.
Luo Ding furrowed his brows slightly. What was wrong with Duan Xiubo? He distinctly remembered that this guy was least patient with interactions with minor celebrities. Although he pretended to be indifferent on the surface, Luo Ding, who shared the same mentality, could empathize even more. So just now, he chose to leave without saying hello and instead of waiting in place to chat with him. In his view, although Duan Xiubo had said a few words to him at Gong Liangguang's banquet, it was just polite interaction. Perhaps the other party didn't even know his name.
But now, not only did Duan Xiubo remember his name, he even stopped him in front of the media-packed red carpet. Luo Ding could almost predict how the media would react to this.
Sure enough, when Luo Ding appeared, those journalists who were excited because they couldn't figure out his background started pressing their shutters even more rapidly. Almost everywhere in the venue, whispers could be heard, everyone discussing who Luo Ding really was. Not only the journalists, even the guests couldn't help but gossip.
Duan Xiubo narrowed his eyes and smiled without showing any signs of discomfort. He felt that indescribable sense of discordance again because behind Luo Ding's seemingly respectful smile, there was a perfect indifference hidden, so subtle yet quite evident. If it weren't for the fact that he often used this trick himself, Duan Xiubo might have overlooked it.
This guy.
Duan Xiubo couldn't describe the feeling. Among the people he usually interacted with, whether they were artists, media workers, or directors, because of his background and status, some respected him, some feared him, and some admired him. Without exception, these people all had some purpose in dealing with him.
Even Gu Yaxing beside Luo Ding was the same. Although he hid it well, Duan Xiubo could sense nervousness deep in his eyes.
Only Luo Ding was different. From the first meeting, Duan Xiubo hadn't felt that the other party paid much attention to him. In the other's eyes, he probably didn't differ much from anyone else. Whether this was genuine or an act, Duan Xiubo could tell.
He was curious about this but not angry. Because although Luo Ding seemed reluctant to interact with him too much, he still showed courtesy on the surface.
Just like now, although Luo Ding was puzzled by his sudden greeting, he didn't show any resistance on the surface. Faced with his approach, his attitude remained gentle with a hint of respect from beginning to end. "There were too many reporters just now, so I didn't greet you. Good evening, Brother Duan."
Duan Xiubo's gaze subtly swept through his eyes, feeling amused by the high-level skill of speaking nonsense with his eyes wide open, then decisively put his arm around Luo Ding's shoulder and turned to wave to the reporters. Then he entered together with him. "It's really fate."
Luo Ding immediately dispersed his gaze, revealing a calm and elegant smile, and in the next second, the flashes that could turn night into day lit up the scene. Although Duan Xiubo was friendly and had a good personality, the entertainment reporters who knew him understood that he didn't like casual contact with people. Over the years, there were few friends captured by the cameras who could get close to him. Who was this suddenly appearing unknown young man?
Whoever he was, just keep shooting!
However, Duan Xiubo's closeness seemed to be just a show of goodwill. After entering, he immediately let go of the arm around Luo Ding's shoulder. The spacious and magnificent hall was brightly lit, far exceeding Gong Liangguang's birthday banquet in scale. Groups of elegantly dressed familiar faces gathered in small groups. Duan Xiubo's appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"I'll go ahead. Have fun." Duan Xiubo casually picked up a glass of champagne from the side and handed it to Luo Ding. With a smile filled with meaning, he said softly, then left without any hesitation.
Luo Ding held the wine glass calmly, his gaze deep as he stared at Duan Xiubo's figure.
After Duan Xiubo left, Gu Yaxing finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Luo Ding, what's going on? Are you close to Duan Xiubo?" Luo Ding's social circle was somewhat unexpected to him.
"Just exchanged a few words." Luo Ding withdrew his gaze, glanced at him, and then noticed a familiar figure in the crowd, immediately straightened up and looked over.
"He Ge1The person's name is not 'He Ge'. He is only surnamed 'He'. 'Ge' means big brother. Such a brother does not need to be related by blood. The term may also be used flirtaciously, though you would often rather see 'Gege' in such context., stop joking." Su Shengbai tried to maintain a smile while looking at the middle-aged man opposite him with a lecherous gaze. His hands, seemingly absent-mindedly, pressed against the glass of wine handed to him. He had already been poured four or five cups. He came here today with a mission. Getting drunk would ruin everything.
He Ge frowned, his eyes threatening. "Are you giving me face or not? Huh? Didn't you invite me to cheer for your audition? Show some sincerity!"
Su Shengbai's heart trembled, clenched his fists, and ultimately took the glass, downing it in one gulp.
"Cheers!" He Ge laughed heartily, leaning in closer. He seemingly inadvertently placed his hand on Su Shengbai's waist. Before he could say anything, his attention was immediately diverted. "Damn, Duan Xiubo is here!"
Duan Xiubo?
Su Shengbai's head spun, but upon hearing Duan Xiubo's name, he immediately became alert. Everyone in the industry knew Duan Xiubo's status. He was a walking headline. If they could get him to attend the audition, it would undoubtedly greatly increase their chances of getting investment from the production company.
He subconsciously raised his eyes to follow He Liangshan's gaze, but his line of sight was irresistibly drawn to another person.
A tall young man stood calmly at the entrance, his face carrying a slight humble smile as he accepted a glass of wine handed to him by someone else. His outstanding demeanor and appearance attracted everyone's attention without exception. The next moment, Su Shengbai realized that the person who handed him the wine glass was none other than Duan Xiubo.
Who was he? How could he have the ability to make Duan Xiubo bring him a drink?!
Su Shengbai blinked, suppressing the rising drunkenness. It seemed that the other party also noticed his attention and raised his eyes to scan over.
Instant recognition.
Su Shengbai staggered back in shock, almost bumping into He Liangshan's arms, but he abruptly stopped himself when he realized his loss of composure.
Yet he remained stunned.
Even though the person entering underwent a profound transformation in demeanor, he could still recognize him at a glance.
Why was Luo Ding here!?
This was the first time since his rebirth that Luo Ding encountered a true acquaintance. Memories flooded back, some belonging to the original owner, and some to himself.
The distorted face resembling a demon under the lights before the other's death, the shy smile clear as crystal when they first met, those fair and slender legs in Xu Zhenche's car... Luo Ding struggled to break free from the momentary daze, his fingertips trembling. He clenched his hand into a fist, the smile on his face unchanged.
Su Shengbai seemed to have seen a ghost, the color draining from his face. He stared blankly at Luo Ding for a moment before turning and fleeing in panic.
Luo Ding's gaze fell on his retreating figure, raising an eyebrow. It seemed that Su Shengbai's psychological defense line was not as strong as he had initially imagined.
On the other side, as the chief editor of "Fengshang," Ji Jiahe naturally remained in the most heavyweight circles. The commotion caused by Duan Xiubo's arrival immediately gave him a hint. However, when he looked up, to his surprise, his gaze was captivated by another person.
The young man entering alongside Duan Xiubo possessed a perfect nine-head figure. Although the contours of his muscles were not obvious from the curve under his clothes, this slightly slender figure was undoubtedly more popular nowadays. The natural elegance and calmness did not match his age at all, but this unexpected combination endowed him with a new charm. The warm light in the hall illuminated his well-defined face, enhancing the clarity and beauty of his features.
After a brief moment of astonishment, Ji Jiahe immediately noticed that the people around him were also casting occasional glances, seemingly assessing the young man. He told himself that he had seen countless beauties— robust, delicate, enchanting, fresh...
After a brief moment of astonishment, Ji Jiahe immediately noticed that the people around him were also casting occasional glances, seemingly assessing the young man. He told himself that he had seen countless beauties, robust, delicate, enchanting, fresh...
But none of those adjectives could be applied to the young man before him. His aura was contradictory yet complex, but every move, every expression, was like a shining beacon, constantly captivating people's attention.
"Old Duan!" Ji Jiahe was one of Duan Xiubo's relatively close friends in the industry, and he expressed his curiosity about Luo Ding straightforwardly, "Who's that? From the entertainment industry?" It couldn't be. If someone like him existed in the entertainment industry, as the editor-in-chief of a magazine, he shouldn't be unaware!
Duan Xiubo raised an eyebrow. "Why do you want to know?"
Ji Jiahe clicked his tongue. "Are you going to tell me?"
Duan Xiubo knew Ji Jiahe's quirks. In the past, Ji Jiahe never bothered about things that didn't concern him, but now, seeing his interest in Luo Ding, Duan Xiubo felt oddly uncomfortable. "The kid is a decent person. Don't think too much about it. Gong Liangshu said he might adopt him as his godson.2What nonsense lmao If you mess with him, you're asking for trouble."
"You won't tell me, huh?" Ji Jiahe's eyes remained fixed on Luo Ding, who hadn't moved since entering. Seeing him surrounded by several producers shortly after entering and starting a conversation, Ji Jiahe couldn't sit still. He put his cup aside and adjusted his clothes before leaving. "I'll ask myself. Your mind is too dirty. What do you mean by 'messing with him'?"
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged, but his gaze dimmed slightly as he watched Ji Jiahe's hurried figure. His fingers unconsciously rubbed against each other as he hesitated whether to follow. Suddenly, a timid greeting sounded in his ear. "D-Duan... Duan ge."
He snapped back to attention instantly, his smile flawless, not a single flaw to be found. As he looked down, he saw a young man in a white suit standing beside him, his skin snow-white.
The young man seemed very nervous. After calling out, he fidgeted with his clothes and couldn't speak. His face flushed red. Seeing Duan Xiubo's smiling gaze, he became even more bashful, his expression indescribably pure and obedient. "Hello, I'm Su Shengbai; I'm a big fan."
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged as he looked meaningfully into the young man's eyes.
His mood wasn't great at the moment, and he began to scrutinize people subconsciously. Su Shengbai's shyness was flawless, but no matter how he looked at it, he couldn't shake off the discomfort.
When Luo Ding heard someone calling his name, he was slightly startled. But his memory was always good; he almost instantly recognized the voice as Duan Xiubo's, so he subconsciously stopped in his tracks.
Gu Yaxing was walking beside him, still busy greeting the surrounding media. Seeing him stop, even before asking the reason, he saw Luo Ding turn his head and reveal a faint smile. "Brother Duan."
Brother Duan?
Gu Yaxing was suddenly shocked, immediately straightened up, and turned around, only to see Duan Xiubo waving towards Luo Ding's direction, his face showing a familiar and gentle smile, then quickly walking towards them.
Luo Ding furrowed his brows slightly. What was wrong with Duan Xiubo? He distinctly remembered that this guy was least patient with interactions with minor celebrities. Although he pretended to be indifferent on the surface, Luo Ding, who shared the same mentality, could empathize even more. So just now, he chose to leave without saying hello and instead of waiting in place to chat with him. In his view, although Duan Xiubo had said a few words to him at Gong Liangguang's banquet, it was just polite interaction. Perhaps the other party didn't even know his name.
But now, not only did Duan Xiubo remember his name, he even stopped him in front of the media-packed red carpet. Luo Ding could almost predict how the media would react to this.
Sure enough, when Luo Ding appeared, those journalists who were excited because they couldn't figure out his background started pressing their shutters even more rapidly. Almost everywhere in the venue, whispers could be heard, everyone discussing who Luo Ding really was. Not only the journalists, even the guests couldn't help but gossip.
Duan Xiubo narrowed his eyes and smiled without showing any signs of discomfort. He felt that indescribable sense of discordance again because behind Luo Ding's seemingly respectful smile, there was a perfect indifference hidden, so subtle yet quite evident. If it weren't for the fact that he often used this trick himself, Duan Xiubo might have overlooked it.
This guy.
Duan Xiubo couldn't describe the feeling. Among the people he usually interacted with, whether they were artists, media workers, or directors, because of his background and status, some respected him, some feared him, and some admired him. Without exception, these people all had some purpose in dealing with him.
Even Gu Yaxing beside Luo Ding was the same. Although he hid it well, Duan Xiubo could sense nervousness deep in his eyes.
Only Luo Ding was different. From the first meeting, Duan Xiubo hadn't felt that the other party paid much attention to him. In the other's eyes, he probably didn't differ much from anyone else. Whether this was genuine or an act, Duan Xiubo could tell.
He was curious about this but not angry. Because although Luo Ding seemed reluctant to interact with him too much, he still showed courtesy on the surface.
Just like now, although Luo Ding was puzzled by his sudden greeting, he didn't show any resistance on the surface. Faced with his approach, his attitude remained gentle with a hint of respect from beginning to end. "There were too many reporters just now, so I didn't greet you. Good evening, Brother Duan."
Duan Xiubo's gaze subtly swept through his eyes, feeling amused by the high-level skill of speaking nonsense with his eyes wide open, then decisively put his arm around Luo Ding's shoulder and turned to wave to the reporters. Then he entered together with him. "It's really fate."
Luo Ding immediately dispersed his gaze, revealing a calm and elegant smile, and in the next second, the flashes that could turn night into day lit up the scene. Although Duan Xiubo was friendly and had a good personality, the entertainment reporters who knew him understood that he didn't like casual contact with people. Over the years, there were few friends captured by the cameras who could get close to him. Who was this suddenly appearing unknown young man?
Whoever he was, just keep shooting!
However, Duan Xiubo's closeness seemed to be just a show of goodwill. After entering, he immediately let go of the arm around Luo Ding's shoulder. The spacious and magnificent hall was brightly lit, far exceeding Gong Liangguang's birthday banquet in scale. Groups of elegantly dressed familiar faces gathered in small groups. Duan Xiubo's appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"I'll go ahead. Have fun." Duan Xiubo casually picked up a glass of champagne from the side and handed it to Luo Ding. With a smile filled with meaning, he said softly, then left without any hesitation.
Luo Ding held the wine glass calmly, his gaze deep as he stared at Duan Xiubo's figure.
After Duan Xiubo left, Gu Yaxing finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Luo Ding, what's going on? Are you close to Duan Xiubo?" Luo Ding's social circle was somewhat unexpected to him.
"Just exchanged a few words." Luo Ding withdrew his gaze, glanced at him, and then noticed a familiar figure in the crowd, immediately straightened up and looked over.
"He Ge1The person's name is not 'He Ge'. He is only surnamed 'He'. 'Ge' means big brother. Such a brother does not need to be related by blood. The term may also be used flirtaciously, though you would often rather see 'Gege' in such context., stop joking." Su Shengbai tried to maintain a smile while looking at the middle-aged man opposite him with a lecherous gaze. His hands, seemingly absent-mindedly, pressed against the glass of wine handed to him. He had already been poured four or five cups. He came here today with a mission. Getting drunk would ruin everything.
He Ge frowned, his eyes threatening. "Are you giving me face or not? Huh? Didn't you invite me to cheer for your audition? Show some sincerity!"
Su Shengbai's heart trembled, clenched his fists, and ultimately took the glass, downing it in one gulp.
"Cheers!" He Ge laughed heartily, leaning in closer. He seemingly inadvertently placed his hand on Su Shengbai's waist. Before he could say anything, his attention was immediately diverted. "Damn, Duan Xiubo is here!"
Duan Xiubo?
Su Shengbai's head spun, but upon hearing Duan Xiubo's name, he immediately became alert. Everyone in the industry knew Duan Xiubo's status. He was a walking headline. If they could get him to attend the audition, it would undoubtedly greatly increase their chances of getting investment from the production company.
He subconsciously raised his eyes to follow He Liangshan's gaze, but his line of sight was irresistibly drawn to another person.
A tall young man stood calmly at the entrance, his face carrying a slight humble smile as he accepted a glass of wine handed to him by someone else. His outstanding demeanor and appearance attracted everyone's attention without exception. The next moment, Su Shengbai realized that the person who handed him the wine glass was none other than Duan Xiubo.
Who was he? How could he have the ability to make Duan Xiubo bring him a drink?!
Su Shengbai blinked, suppressing the rising drunkenness. It seemed that the other party also noticed his attention and raised his eyes to scan over.
Instant recognition.
Su Shengbai staggered back in shock, almost bumping into He Liangshan's arms, but he abruptly stopped himself when he realized his loss of composure.
Yet he remained stunned.
Even though the person entering underwent a profound transformation in demeanor, he could still recognize him at a glance.
Why was Luo Ding here!?
This was the first time since his rebirth that Luo Ding encountered a true acquaintance. Memories flooded back, some belonging to the original owner, and some to himself.
The distorted face resembling a demon under the lights before the other's death, the shy smile clear as crystal when they first met, those fair and slender legs in Xu Zhenche's car... Luo Ding struggled to break free from the momentary daze, his fingertips trembling. He clenched his hand into a fist, the smile on his face unchanged.
Su Shengbai seemed to have seen a ghost, the color draining from his face. He stared blankly at Luo Ding for a moment before turning and fleeing in panic.
Luo Ding's gaze fell on his retreating figure, raising an eyebrow. It seemed that Su Shengbai's psychological defense line was not as strong as he had initially imagined.
On the other side, as the chief editor of "Fengshang," Ji Jiahe naturally remained in the most heavyweight circles. The commotion caused by Duan Xiubo's arrival immediately gave him a hint. However, when he looked up, to his surprise, his gaze was captivated by another person.
The young man entering alongside Duan Xiubo possessed a perfect nine-head figure. Although the contours of his muscles were not obvious from the curve under his clothes, this slightly slender figure was undoubtedly more popular nowadays. The natural elegance and calmness did not match his age at all, but this unexpected combination endowed him with a new charm. The warm light in the hall illuminated his well-defined face, enhancing the clarity and beauty of his features.
After a brief moment of astonishment, Ji Jiahe immediately noticed that the people around him were also casting occasional glances, seemingly assessing the young man. He told himself that he had seen countless beauties— robust, delicate, enchanting, fresh...
After a brief moment of astonishment, Ji Jiahe immediately noticed that the people around him were also casting occasional glances, seemingly assessing the young man. He told himself that he had seen countless beauties, robust, delicate, enchanting, fresh...
But none of those adjectives could be applied to the young man before him. His aura was contradictory yet complex, but every move, every expression, was like a shining beacon, constantly captivating people's attention.
"Old Duan!" Ji Jiahe was one of Duan Xiubo's relatively close friends in the industry, and he expressed his curiosity about Luo Ding straightforwardly, "Who's that? From the entertainment industry?" It couldn't be. If someone like him existed in the entertainment industry, as the editor-in-chief of a magazine, he shouldn't be unaware!
Duan Xiubo raised an eyebrow. "Why do you want to know?"
Ji Jiahe clicked his tongue. "Are you going to tell me?"
Duan Xiubo knew Ji Jiahe's quirks. In the past, Ji Jiahe never bothered about things that didn't concern him, but now, seeing his interest in Luo Ding, Duan Xiubo felt oddly uncomfortable. "The kid is a decent person. Don't think too much about it. Gong Liangshu said he might adopt him as his godson.2What nonsense lmao If you mess with him, you're asking for trouble."
"You won't tell me, huh?" Ji Jiahe's eyes remained fixed on Luo Ding, who hadn't moved since entering. Seeing him surrounded by several producers shortly after entering and starting a conversation, Ji Jiahe couldn't sit still. He put his cup aside and adjusted his clothes before leaving. "I'll ask myself. Your mind is too dirty. What do you mean by 'messing with him'?"
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged, but his gaze dimmed slightly as he watched Ji Jiahe's hurried figure. His fingers unconsciously rubbed against each other as he hesitated whether to follow. Suddenly, a timid greeting sounded in his ear. "D-Duan... Duan ge."
He snapped back to attention instantly, his smile flawless, not a single flaw to be found. As he looked down, he saw a young man in a white suit standing beside him, his skin snow-white.
The young man seemed very nervous. After calling out, he fidgeted with his clothes and couldn't speak. His face flushed red. Seeing Duan Xiubo's smiling gaze, he became even more bashful, his expression indescribably pure and obedient. "Hello, I'm Su Shengbai; I'm a big fan."
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged as he looked meaningfully into the young man's eyes.
His mood wasn't great at the moment, and he began to scrutinize people subconsciously. Su Shengbai's shyness was flawless, but no matter how he looked at it, he couldn't shake off the discomfort.
