Su Shengbai stared at Duan Xiubo with a purposeful gaze. He had heard early on that Duan Xiubo had a very good temper, but due to the disparate status between them in the industry, he had never had the chance to meet him. Now, seeing Duan Xiubo still wearing his usual gentle smile after hearing his self-introduction, he felt reassured. It seemed that rumors sometimes were indeed credible.
He approached Duan Xiubo with a hidden agenda. Duan Xiubo's status in the industry was unparalleled, his charisma and influence unmatched. From the beginning, Su Shengbai had thought about inviting heavyweight guests to the audition, and he had been working hard for this opportunity. He had long coveted Duan Xiubo's popularity, but had been unable to meet him. Today, he finally encountered him. Even though he was already feeling dizzy from the alcohol, he couldn't afford to miss this chance!
Su Shengbai didn't know much about Duan Xiubo, but he had interacted with Cao Dingkun, who was not far from Duan Xiubo in status. He could somewhat grasp the preferences of these industry bigwigs. Having seen countless manipulations and schemes, their hearts had long been corroded by darkness, and the more such people longed for purity and brightness. Initially, Su Shengbai had used his flawless innocence to tightly grasp Cao Dingkun in his hands. Later, Xu Zhen also couldn't escape his gentle trap. Now, encountering Duan Xiubo, even though it might not be as effective, it should still serve as a good stepping stone, right?
As he thought this, he suppressed the urge to drink and his eyes became clearer.
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged as he gazed at the pure smiling face of Su Shengbai, which showed no signs of flaws. This reminded him of the first time he had met Luo Ding, who also had an appearance that seemed untainted. However, Luo Ding seemed to pretend less, although he appeared pure, every move and action did not conceal his calm and concise demeanor. Beneath the facade, there seemed to be some true emotions. For example, if he didn't want to interact with someone, he truly wouldn't.
Comparatively, innocence was slightly better than pretense, and the young man in front of him was slightly superior. At least, from his language to his body movements, he was conveying the message "I know nothing about the world".
But could Duan Xiubo believe that such a person really existed in the entertainment industry? Don't joke around.
Due to being slightly tipsy, Su Shengbai spoke a bit incoherently. Seeing Duan Xiubo still smiling, he, feeling reassured, timidly asked if they could exchange phone numbers.
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged as he suddenly handed him a glass of wine.
"..." Su Shengbai was a little bewildered. "...D-Duan ge?"
Duan Xiubo didn't want to pander to him at all. "Have fun."
Su Shengbai stupidly took the glass. He hadn't had a chance to bring up the topic of the audition yet, so he could only watch Duan Xiubo's retreating figure helplessly. The imposing aura he exuded when he handed over the wine glass made him unable to refuse or speak up.
Instinctively, he drank up the contents of the glass, stood there motionless, feeling the opportunity that he had finally obtained slip away from him.
His gaze followed Duan Xiubo, and he soon knew where Duan Xiubo was heading. In a nearby small circle, Luo Ding, who had made him flee in panic just now, was chatting and laughing with others in a manner he had never seen before.
Clutching the cup's rim so tightly that his fingers turned pale, he covered his mouth and began to look for a place to rest.
In his past life, Luo Ding had worked with Ji Jiahe and had heard many rumors about this fashion editor. He had some knowledge of Ji Jiahe's chaotic private life. But Ji Jiahe was really a decent person, with a good sense of humor and broad knowledge. He was also popular as the center of attention at the party, stirring up the atmosphere with just a few words.
Seeing Ji Jiahe's enthusiasm for Luo Ding, the producers' attitudes towards Luo Ding immediately changed. They began inviting Luo Ding to visit the set when he had time. Gu Yaxing, acting as his agent, skillfully accepted several audition invitations on the sidelines.
"'Tang Chuan'?" Ji Jiahe looked pleasantly surprised. "So you're also going to participate in 'Tang Chuan'? To be honest, I've been looking forward to that drama since the beginning of its production. There aren't many high-quality productions like this in China." He appeared particularly enthusiastic from the moment he entered the small circle, and now, as he spoke, he casually placed his hand on Luo Ding's shoulder, drawing the two closer.
Knowing Ji Jiahe's penchant for this, Luo Ding smiled slightly and skillfully evaded his wandering hand. His attitude was neither humble nor overbearing. "Just lucky. Actually, it's just a small role."
Ji Jiahe, feeling frustrated by Luo Ding's elusive response, wanted to say something else, but his shoulder was suddenly grabbed by someone.
It was unclear who was so blind.
Ji Jiahe almost blackened his face. Turning his head, he saw Duan Xiubo, who had a gentle smile on his face.
"What are you talking about?" Duan Xiubo naturally squeezed into the gap between Ji Jiahe and Luo Ding, pushing Ji Jiahe aside.
Ji Jiahe staggered back a few steps, feeling incredulous. Damn it, did Duan Xiubo actually start meddling in other people's business? Had he forgotten to take his medication or had he taken too much? He clearly wasn't such a meddlesome person!
Luo Ding also pretended not to understand Duan Xiubo's intentions, smiling and continuing the conversation according to Duan Xiubo's lead. Ji Jiahe, unwilling to give up, wanted to move to the other side to strike up a conversation, but his shoulder was firmly held down by that big hand.
Raising his head, Duan Xiubo's eyes seemed to carry a smile but were actually cold, instantly silencing him.
Four film contracts, two dinner parties, a pile of business cards.
Luo Ding's goal for tonight had been achieved. Watching Ji Jiahe, who had gone to another circle to socialize, he hesitated for a moment, then quietly thanked Duan Xiubo.
In his previous life, he had relied on his strength to make it through, and although it was even harder to survive in the entertainment industry this time around, he didn't want to resort to unspoken rules just to climb up. He had a cleanliness obsession, not only towards his partners but also towards himself. If he really sacrificed himself for this, the psychological pressure he would face would be immense.
Duan Xiubo didn't respond, patting Luo Ding's shoulder before moving away with Ji Jiahe.
Ji Jiahe didn't want to pay attention to him, still feeling extremely frustrated. He muttered to himself when no one was paying attention, "Are you protecting your son? I didn't see you meddling so much before!"
Duan Xiubo completely ignored him, turning to talk to someone else. He had never been one to pity himself, and if he was unhappy, he would do something about it, and once he did, he would be even less likely to regret it.
"Are you so dissatisfied now? You can pick anyone in the whole hall, but Luo Ding is Gong Liangguang's godson, and I call Gong Liangguang 'uncle.' Do you really want to see him being manipulated by you?"
Ji Jiahe snorted softly. "Are you kidding me? You calling Gong Liangguang 'uncle,' are you being polite or are you serious? We both know the truth."
Duan Xiubo completely ignored him, turning his head to talk to someone else. His indifference made Ji Jiahe feel even more frustrated.
After separating from the two most heavyweight figures in the venue, Luo Ding undoubtedly became the third most sought-after person at the party. Duan Xiubo and Ji Jiahe inadvertently bestowed a halo upon him, attracting many people who mingled in the circle. Although no one knew much about Luo Ding's background, there were plenty of people willing to spend time getting to know him.
Luo Ding knew the art of socializing well. He had low visibility now, but as a newcomer, if he showed a bit of humility and talent while also being humorous and witty, many people would find him more likeable.
But because of this, he ended up getting drunk.
Cao Dingkun had a good tolerance for alcohol, but Luo Ding rarely had the opportunity to socialize. His willpower couldn't match his body's capacity. Even though he had eaten before coming and drank milk, he soon felt the slowly rising drunkenness.
He wasn't sure about his alcohol tolerance, so at this moment, he could only retreat to rest first. Otherwise, if he wasn't careful, he might end up making a fool of himself.
He whispered a few words to Gu Yaxing, instructing him to stay and represent him, then with a pained expression, he expressed that he needed to go to the bathroom.
Resting in the lounge was not safe. At times like this, going to a quiet bathroom was the safest option.
After vomiting out the contents of his stomach, Luo Ding washed his face with cold water, staring fixedly at his pale face in the mirror.
He felt that his adaptability was comparable to that of a cockroach. In just a few days, he had completely adapted to this unfamiliar face.
His fingers slid on his cheeks for a moment, and he watched as his eyes gradually cleared up from the confusion.
The sound of the bathroom door locking made Luo Ding pause. Someone knocked on the door from outside. "Luo Ding," the voice paused for a moment, then resounded heavily, "It's me, open the door."
Su Shengbai.
Thinking back to the eye contact they had just made when he deliberately passed by Su Shengbai's position, Luo Ding smiled slightly and took a deep breath. This slightly unsightly complexion was just right, wan and sorrowful.
The moment the door was opened a crack, Su Shengbai squeezed in as if doing something clandestine, quickly reaching back to lock the door.
His eyes were red, his expression like a startled rabbit, staring nervously at Luo Ding. "Why are you here?"
Luo Ding squinted, and the current Su Shengbai was completely different from the clear and pure young man he had interacted with in his previous life, but he truly matched Luo Ding's original memories. Weak, timid, innocent—all these good qualities, coupled with his ambiguous appearance, were enough to evoke the pity of any man.
"Why am I here?" Luo Ding's face was ashen, as if he had suffered a great blow, slowly approaching Su Shengbai, extending his arm to pin him against the wall, making him unable to move.
Su Shengbai stared at the man in front of him, the deep emotions in his eyes that were not hidden instantly overwhelmed him.
Su Shengbai could be said to have feelings for Luo Ding. Although this man had depression and was not good at communication, he was gentle, considerate, and dedicated. Among all the men Su Shengbai had been with, he was the one most willing to sacrifice for him. But what could this kind of affection amount to compared to his future?
Luo Ding's personality meant that he was destined to not achieve much in his career, but Su Shengbai was different. Since entering the entertainment industry, he had been aiming for the top of the pyramid!
Su Shengbai didn't regret breaking up with Luo Ding. He was someone who could control his emotions, and the flourishing of his career after the breakup constantly reminded him that his choices were correct and beyond doubt.
However, at this most critical moment of his career crisis, the man who had been silent for a long time suddenly reappeared! And he came with an attitude that could be said to be completely unfamiliar to him. Su Shengbai dared not be sure what the other party's intentions were. He had to find out. The scene where Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo had been chatting happily just now stung Su Shengbai's eyes. If Luo Ding really had come for revenge, even if it took all his effort, he must stifle his future in the cradle!
With trepidation and a determination to break through no matter what, Su Shengbai approached, but Luo Ding's attitude was beyond all his expectations.
Surrounded by the imposing aura of the man, Su Shengbai couldn't help but feel flustered. He lifted his head, and Luo Ding was looking at him with a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.
Under the dim light, his features, more mature and profound than before, suddenly struck Su Shengbai's heart.
At this moment, this unfamiliar yet familiar man was so perplexing that he found it hard to believe.
Su Shengbai stared at Duan Xiubo with a purposeful gaze. He had heard early on that Duan Xiubo had a very good temper, but due to the disparate status between them in the industry, he had never had the chance to meet him. Now, seeing Duan Xiubo still wearing his usual gentle smile after hearing his self-introduction, he felt reassured. It seemed that rumors sometimes were indeed credible.
He approached Duan Xiubo with a hidden agenda. Duan Xiubo's status in the industry was unparalleled, his charisma and influence unmatched. From the beginning, Su Shengbai had thought about inviting heavyweight guests to the audition, and he had been working hard for this opportunity. He had long coveted Duan Xiubo's popularity, but had been unable to meet him. Today, he finally encountered him. Even though he was already feeling dizzy from the alcohol, he couldn't afford to miss this chance!
Su Shengbai didn't know much about Duan Xiubo, but he had interacted with Cao Dingkun, who was not far from Duan Xiubo in status. He could somewhat grasp the preferences of these industry bigwigs. Having seen countless manipulations and schemes, their hearts had long been corroded by darkness, and the more such people longed for purity and brightness. Initially, Su Shengbai had used his flawless innocence to tightly grasp Cao Dingkun in his hands. Later, Xu Zhen also couldn't escape his gentle trap. Now, encountering Duan Xiubo, even though it might not be as effective, it should still serve as a good stepping stone, right?
As he thought this, he suppressed the urge to drink and his eyes became clearer.
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged as he gazed at the pure smiling face of Su Shengbai, which showed no signs of flaws. This reminded him of the first time he had met Luo Ding, who also had an appearance that seemed untainted. However, Luo Ding seemed to pretend less, although he appeared pure, every move and action did not conceal his calm and concise demeanor. Beneath the facade, there seemed to be some true emotions. For example, if he didn't want to interact with someone, he truly wouldn't.
Comparatively, innocence was slightly better than pretense, and the young man in front of him was slightly superior. At least, from his language to his body movements, he was conveying the message "I know nothing about the world".
But could Duan Xiubo believe that such a person really existed in the entertainment industry? Don't joke around.
Due to being slightly tipsy, Su Shengbai spoke a bit incoherently. Seeing Duan Xiubo still smiling, he, feeling reassured, timidly asked if they could exchange phone numbers.
Duan Xiubo's smile remained unchanged as he suddenly handed him a glass of wine.
"..." Su Shengbai was a little bewildered. "...D-Duan ge?"
Duan Xiubo didn't want to pander to him at all. "Have fun."
Su Shengbai stupidly took the glass. He hadn't had a chance to bring up the topic of the audition yet, so he could only watch Duan Xiubo's retreating figure helplessly. The imposing aura he exuded when he handed over the wine glass made him unable to refuse or speak up.
Instinctively, he drank up the contents of the glass, stood there motionless, feeling the opportunity that he had finally obtained slip away from him.
His gaze followed Duan Xiubo, and he soon knew where Duan Xiubo was heading. In a nearby small circle, Luo Ding, who had made him flee in panic just now, was chatting and laughing with others in a manner he had never seen before.
Clutching the cup's rim so tightly that his fingers turned pale, he covered his mouth and began to look for a place to rest.
In his past life, Luo Ding had worked with Ji Jiahe and had heard many rumors about this fashion editor. He had some knowledge of Ji Jiahe's chaotic private life. But Ji Jiahe was really a decent person, with a good sense of humor and broad knowledge. He was also popular as the center of attention at the party, stirring up the atmosphere with just a few words.
Seeing Ji Jiahe's enthusiasm for Luo Ding, the producers' attitudes towards Luo Ding immediately changed. They began inviting Luo Ding to visit the set when he had time. Gu Yaxing, acting as his agent, skillfully accepted several audition invitations on the sidelines.
"'Tang Chuan'?" Ji Jiahe looked pleasantly surprised. "So you're also going to participate in 'Tang Chuan'? To be honest, I've been looking forward to that drama since the beginning of its production. There aren't many high-quality productions like this in China." He appeared particularly enthusiastic from the moment he entered the small circle, and now, as he spoke, he casually placed his hand on Luo Ding's shoulder, drawing the two closer.
Knowing Ji Jiahe's penchant for this, Luo Ding smiled slightly and skillfully evaded his wandering hand. His attitude was neither humble nor overbearing. "Just lucky. Actually, it's just a small role."
Ji Jiahe, feeling frustrated by Luo Ding's elusive response, wanted to say something else, but his shoulder was suddenly grabbed by someone.
It was unclear who was so blind.
Ji Jiahe almost blackened his face. Turning his head, he saw Duan Xiubo, who had a gentle smile on his face.
"What are you talking about?" Duan Xiubo naturally squeezed into the gap between Ji Jiahe and Luo Ding, pushing Ji Jiahe aside.
Ji Jiahe staggered back a few steps, feeling incredulous. Damn it, did Duan Xiubo actually start meddling in other people's business? Had he forgotten to take his medication or had he taken too much? He clearly wasn't such a meddlesome person!
Luo Ding also pretended not to understand Duan Xiubo's intentions, smiling and continuing the conversation according to Duan Xiubo's lead. Ji Jiahe, unwilling to give up, wanted to move to the other side to strike up a conversation, but his shoulder was firmly held down by that big hand.
Raising his head, Duan Xiubo's eyes seemed to carry a smile but were actually cold, instantly silencing him.
Four film contracts, two dinner parties, a pile of business cards.
Luo Ding's goal for tonight had been achieved. Watching Ji Jiahe, who had gone to another circle to socialize, he hesitated for a moment, then quietly thanked Duan Xiubo.
In his previous life, he had relied on his strength to make it through, and although it was even harder to survive in the entertainment industry this time around, he didn't want to resort to unspoken rules just to climb up. He had a cleanliness obsession, not only towards his partners but also towards himself. If he really sacrificed himself for this, the psychological pressure he would face would be immense.
Duan Xiubo didn't respond, patting Luo Ding's shoulder before moving away with Ji Jiahe.
Ji Jiahe didn't want to pay attention to him, still feeling extremely frustrated. He muttered to himself when no one was paying attention, "Are you protecting your son? I didn't see you meddling so much before!"
Duan Xiubo completely ignored him, turning to talk to someone else. He had never been one to pity himself, and if he was unhappy, he would do something about it, and once he did, he would be even less likely to regret it.
"Are you so dissatisfied now? You can pick anyone in the whole hall, but Luo Ding is Gong Liangguang's godson, and I call Gong Liangguang 'uncle.' Do you really want to see him being manipulated by you?"
Ji Jiahe snorted softly. "Are you kidding me? You calling Gong Liangguang 'uncle,' are you being polite or are you serious? We both know the truth."
Duan Xiubo completely ignored him, turning his head to talk to someone else. His indifference made Ji Jiahe feel even more frustrated.
After separating from the two most heavyweight figures in the venue, Luo Ding undoubtedly became the third most sought-after person at the party. Duan Xiubo and Ji Jiahe inadvertently bestowed a halo upon him, attracting many people who mingled in the circle. Although no one knew much about Luo Ding's background, there were plenty of people willing to spend time getting to know him.
Luo Ding knew the art of socializing well. He had low visibility now, but as a newcomer, if he showed a bit of humility and talent while also being humorous and witty, many people would find him more likeable.
But because of this, he ended up getting drunk.
Cao Dingkun had a good tolerance for alcohol, but Luo Ding rarely had the opportunity to socialize. His willpower couldn't match his body's capacity. Even though he had eaten before coming and drank milk, he soon felt the slowly rising drunkenness.
He wasn't sure about his alcohol tolerance, so at this moment, he could only retreat to rest first. Otherwise, if he wasn't careful, he might end up making a fool of himself.
He whispered a few words to Gu Yaxing, instructing him to stay and represent him, then with a pained expression, he expressed that he needed to go to the bathroom.
Resting in the lounge was not safe. At times like this, going to a quiet bathroom was the safest option.
After vomiting out the contents of his stomach, Luo Ding washed his face with cold water, staring fixedly at his pale face in the mirror.
He felt that his adaptability was comparable to that of a cockroach. In just a few days, he had completely adapted to this unfamiliar face.
His fingers slid on his cheeks for a moment, and he watched as his eyes gradually cleared up from the confusion.
The sound of the bathroom door locking made Luo Ding pause. Someone knocked on the door from outside. "Luo Ding," the voice paused for a moment, then resounded heavily, "It's me, open the door."
Su Shengbai.
Thinking back to the eye contact they had just made when he deliberately passed by Su Shengbai's position, Luo Ding smiled slightly and took a deep breath. This slightly unsightly complexion was just right, wan and sorrowful.
The moment the door was opened a crack, Su Shengbai squeezed in as if doing something clandestine, quickly reaching back to lock the door.
His eyes were red, his expression like a startled rabbit, staring nervously at Luo Ding. "Why are you here?"
Luo Ding squinted, and the current Su Shengbai was completely different from the clear and pure young man he had interacted with in his previous life, but he truly matched Luo Ding's original memories. Weak, timid, innocent—all these good qualities, coupled with his ambiguous appearance, were enough to evoke the pity of any man.
"Why am I here?" Luo Ding's face was ashen, as if he had suffered a great blow, slowly approaching Su Shengbai, extending his arm to pin him against the wall, making him unable to move.
Su Shengbai stared at the man in front of him, the deep emotions in his eyes that were not hidden instantly overwhelmed him.
Su Shengbai could be said to have feelings for Luo Ding. Although this man had depression and was not good at communication, he was gentle, considerate, and dedicated. Among all the men Su Shengbai had been with, he was the one most willing to sacrifice for him. But what could this kind of affection amount to compared to his future?
Luo Ding's personality meant that he was destined to not achieve much in his career, but Su Shengbai was different. Since entering the entertainment industry, he had been aiming for the top of the pyramid!
Su Shengbai didn't regret breaking up with Luo Ding. He was someone who could control his emotions, and the flourishing of his career after the breakup constantly reminded him that his choices were correct and beyond doubt.
However, at this most critical moment of his career crisis, the man who had been silent for a long time suddenly reappeared! And he came with an attitude that could be said to be completely unfamiliar to him. Su Shengbai dared not be sure what the other party's intentions were. He had to find out. The scene where Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo had been chatting happily just now stung Su Shengbai's eyes. If Luo Ding really had come for revenge, even if it took all his effort, he must stifle his future in the cradle!
With trepidation and a determination to break through no matter what, Su Shengbai approached, but Luo Ding's attitude was beyond all his expectations.
Surrounded by the imposing aura of the man, Su Shengbai couldn't help but feel flustered. He lifted his head, and Luo Ding was looking at him with a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.
Under the dim light, his features, more mature and profound than before, suddenly struck Su Shengbai's heart.
At this moment, this unfamiliar yet familiar man was so perplexing that he found it hard to believe.
