Chapter 31 - Counting Dumplings

The sound of the young mans uniform breathing came from the phone along with the faint noise from the film studio. Yan Ting took his phone and pushed open the door connected to the rest room, taking off his coat and lying down on it. The bed was cold but the breathing sound on the phone was warm.

The silent room, his breathing and Li Zhaos breathing fused together. His noisy brain finally got a moment of serenity. Sleepiness gradually came. He seemed to see fat lambs skipping. It was like Li Zhao was riding on the back of the sheep, dancing in front of him, jumping into his mind.

Li Zhao, Li Zhao! Song Yu found Li Zhao sitting on the chair and sleeping soundly with a coat covering him. He stretched out his feet to kick the chair but in the middle, he took his legs back and poked Li Zhao in the forehead. Surnamed Li, its your scene.

The dazed Li Zhao subconsciously covered the microphone of the phone, not wanting the sound to be conveyed to Yan Ting.

Brother Song? Li opened his eyes. He had just stood up when he s.h.i.+vered from the cold wind. He put his phone to his ear and listened carefully. He could only hear a faint breathing. Ting Ting should be asleep.

He hung up the phone and thanked Song Yu. Thank you for waking me up, Brother Song.

Who would be willing to take care of you if it wasnt for the fact that I have an opponent play with you? Song Yu sneered and casually looked at Zhao Junnan chatting with a few small actors in the distance. Since he joined the crew, the crew has disrupted our schedule. You received the most night shoots.

For three days in a row, shooting night scenes until three or four in the morning, who could last?

Does your team get paid for not working? Why arent they dealing with the crew? Song Yu looked at the black circles on Li Zhaos face. Or do you think your company will wrong you for the sake of this drama?

Li Zhao shook his head without saying a word. Song Yu saw the other person like this and felt like his heart was full of fire. Okay, I wont bother to tell you. Forget it, you idiot!

Zhao Zhao, drink some hot tea first. Da Ke came with Li Zhaos hot tea, followed by the crews make-up artist.

Da Ke, its hard for you. Go back to the hotel and wake me up tomorrow morning. Li Zhao looked at the time and told Da Ke. You have nothing to do for me here. I will go back to sleep after filming.

Its fine Ill lie down in the RV for a while. Da Ke told him. The company heard that you have been filming night scenes for the past two days and are worried your body cant stand it. They specifically arranged an RV for you so it is more convenient for you to rest.

Once the makeup artists heard this, they knew that Strawberry Entertainment wasnt very satisfied with the arrangement of the crew. One of them left and told the crew.

The crew heard the news and suddenly understood that this was the investors euphemistic expression of dissatisfaction. It was just that Director Yang had a status in the TV drama circle and Strawberry Entertainment didnt want to make things too embarra.s.sing for him. They could only use this type of gently means.

Zhao Junnan currently had popularity but it wasnt worth mentioning when compared to the main investors. There had always been no shortage of actors in the entertainment circle. This year there was Zhao Junnan. Next year, there might Li Junnan or Zhang Junnan.

In this circle, it was difficult and not difficult to become popular. Things were easy once they understood the investors meaning. That night, the crew set up a new production schedule and gave several actors half a day off, including Li Zhao.

Brother Nan, this is the crews new schedule. You have two night scenes tonight. The moment the a.s.sistant received the schedule from the crew, he found that something was wrong.

A few days ago, they had communicated with the crew and said that Brother Nan was weak lately and try not to arrange any night scenes for him. The crew was very understanding and soon transferred the night shoots to Li Zhao to let Brother Nan rest. Unexpectedly, they changed their mind so soon.

What did the Sky Song crew mean? Zhao Junnan saw the filming schedule and his expression sank. His scenes were either in the morning or after the evening meal. There was even a new shoot. It took ages just to get into costume. According to this schedule, he would need to wake up early in the morning to do makeup and then do his makeup again the evening.

Zhao Junnan took the schedule from the table and got up, walking out.

Brother Nan, Brother Nan! His a.s.sistants saw this and quickly stopped him. Brother Nan, this is something we can slowly discuss with the crew. Dont be impulsive.

The investors of Sky Song were big companies in the circle and making a big scene wasnt good for Brother Nan.

This is their att.i.tude after they invited me to partic.i.p.ate? Zhao Junnan breathed heavily and pushed away his a.s.sistant. He reluctantly calmed down his anger. Go and inquire about Li Zhaos filming time.

After a while, the a.s.sistant came back. Brother Nan, the team said that Li Zhao had night shoots for three consecutive days. Today, they will let him go back to the hotel to rest.

d.a.m.n, theyre playing me! Zhao Junnan kicked at a chair. They are treating me like this for a new person. Dont blame me for not being polite.

It was the next morning when Yan Ting woke up. For the first time in ages, he looked at the suns.h.i.+ne outside the window and didnt hate it as much. The phone had less than 10% power left and his call with Li Zhao was already over. At 5 oclock in the morning, Li Zhao sent him a message.

Zhao Zhao Has Good Luck: Tomorrow I get half a day of rest. I can finally sleep for eight hours. Happy!

The happiness jumped out from the simple words and danced.

Yan Ting put down his phone and went to the bathroom to take a shower. He changed into clean clothes, made an internal phone call and had someone bring breakfast in.

Special a.s.sistant Qin, the boss was at the company for hours. Surely he wasnt awake the whole time? The new a.s.sistant looked sweet, warm and had a lovely personality. Soon after coming to the a.s.sistant department, she became familiar with her colleagues.

Special a.s.sistant Qin held the breakfast tray and looked at the new employee with long black hair. I heard that your results were very good in school?

The little a.s.sistant was modest and shy. It might be good luck that allowed me to get good grades every time.

Now that you are in the a.s.sistant department, you need to understand that it is no use doing anything with luck. Special a.s.sistant Qin removed the smile on his face. He looked very serious when he wasnt smiling. The first thing you need to understand when working for the a.s.sistant department is to not discuss the boss habits in private.

He added, Or do you want to take my place after just entering the a.s.sistant department?

The little a.s.sistances face was white and she shook her head. Special a.s.sistant Qin, I have no special meaning.

If you didnt mean it then learn. Special a.s.sistant Qin raised his wrist to look at the time, his tone cold. What is your name?

The small a.s.sistant looked even more embarra.s.sed. She didnt expect that after coming to the a.s.sistant department for nearly half a month, Special a.s.sistant Qin didnt even know her name. She bowed her head, biting her lips. My name is Wei Tian.

Special a.s.sistant Qin glanced at her and didnt say anything else, turning to walk toward the office. Wei Tian looked at his back with tears in her eyes but no one around her dared to comfort her.

The big boss usually didnt appear in front of employees. Special a.s.sistant Qin was the boss right hand and even the department executives didnt dare to offend him. This new colleague was really powerful to be able to anger Special a.s.sistant Qin to this extent.

After a while, Wei Tian adjusted her mood and reluctantly raised her spirit to continue working.

Tian. The colleague sitting next to her whispered to her, The big boss is worth a lot of money and there are many people who want to come find him every day. Therefore, the big boss schedule is a secret and only Special a.s.sistant Qin is clear about it. This is a taboo in the workplace and you shouldnt do it again.

Thank you. Wei Tian was sweet-faced. I just saw that the office lights were on and asked a sentence. There wasnt any other meaning.

The colleague next to her sent her a look and didnt say anything else. The office was once again quiet, a quiet that made people feel depressed.

The next few days, Zhao Junnan worked very hard for the filming. In any case, he was a guest actor and didnt have too many scenes. After filming all his scenes, the crew held a party for him at a restaurant in the movie and television city.

At first, the atmosphere at the dinner table was very good. This lasted until Zhao Junnan took the initiative to raise a gla.s.s for Li Zhao. Come, Xiao Zhao. Brother Nan will toast you. When you were in the Heroic Ruler drama, you were an actor with no lines and werent seen for a year. Now you are able to play an important role in Director Yangs drama. It is really daunting. Dont forget to guide and support me when you go higher and higher.

Zhao Junnans words sounded good but he was actually implying that Li Zhaos current role wasnt right. As a newcomer who made his popularity through an online drama, what ability did he have to guide and support a first-tier actor?

The people who could sit at this table were the elites of the circle. They could hear that Zhao Junnans tone wasnt right and even his joking tone was low.

Brother Nan, you kidding again. Li Zhao picked up a gla.s.s of wine and drank it in front of the table fill of people with a smile. In my filming path, I am more familiar with playing a small role and running to be a stand-in. It was extremely lucky that I could play such an important role in Director Yangs crew.

Zhao Junnan frowned at the words stand-in. He looked at Li Zhaos innocent smile and guessed that Li Zhao was either speaking casually or deliberately implying something.

Hahaha. Zhao Junnan laughed. This child, you are so serious and dont know how to joke. He picked up the gla.s.s and drank it clean.

The dinner ended and Zhao Junnan was drunk. He placed his hand on Li Zhaos shoulder and said, Xiao Li, can I trouble you to send me to my car. My a.s.sistant had something to do and went down first.

How can I let you trouble Xiao Li? Let my a.s.sistant send you down. Director Yang smiled. I see that Xiao Li drank a lot tonight. Im afraid that if the two of you are seen drunk in the elevator, it will be the hot search on major platforms tomorrow.

That is good. It can help save our crew some publicity fees. Zhao Junnan ignored Director Yangs obstruction and looked at Li Zhao with a smile. Xiao Li, do you want to send me?

Brother Nan, be careful with your feet. Li Zhao smiled and told Director Yang, Director Yang, Ill send Brother Nan back.

Director Yang paused before finally saying, Go early and come back early. If there is something then call me.

Zhao Junnan dragged Li Zhao into the elevator, stretched his neck and leaned against the elevator in an expressionless manner. He glared cold-eyed at Li Zhao. The words I said in the lounge that day, you heard it?

Li Zhao blinked.Brother Nan, what are you saying?

Young man, it isnt easy to be popular. You shouldnt go the wrong way and bury your future. Zhao Junnan lit up a cigarette and slowly blew the smoke at Li Zhao. What to say and what not to say, you should have an idea in your heart.

Li Zhao stared at the cigarette in Zhao Junnans hand with a solemn expression.

What, you arent happy? Zhao Junnan sneered. Say it, how much will it take to buy your silence?

Smoking isnt allowed in the elevator. Li Zhaos expression was serious. For the health of others, please abide by public morality.

Zhao Junnan paused while smoking and he played with the cigarette like he had heard a joke. Morality, are you still a child who hasnt gone to kindergarten? Dont turn the subject around. Make a direct offer.

Just then, the elevator door slowly opened. It revealed Song Yu, his two a.s.sistants and several other crew members.

Mr Zhao hasnt left yet? Song Yu used his hand to fan the smoke and raised his voice. Who is so shameless as to smoke in the elevator? Are they lacking virtue?

The others looked silently at Zhao Junnans hand holding the cigarette and then retracted their gaze like nothing happened. The atmosphere became very awkward.

Im sorry, I forgot to press the floor number. Li Zhao showed an innocent smile and turned to Zhao Junnan. I just drank wine and my brain is somewhat fuzzy. I let Brother Nan see something so funny.

Then he pressed the floor b.u.t.ton and the elevator slowly closed again. It was quiet in the elevator until the door opened again. Zhao Junnan didnt speak.

Zhao Junnan calmly exited the elevator and turned to look at Li Zhao. You and I will speak in the car.

Li Zhao looked at the RV in front of him and sat in it without hesitation.

You are courageous. You actually dare to come in and sit? Zhao Junnan scoffed and placed his leg up on the chair. Is one million enough to buy your silence?

The entire crew saw me send Brother Nan out. What can happen to me? Li Zhao put his hands on his knees, like a child in kindergarten waiting for the teacher to come to cla.s.s, very obedient. Yet in Zhao Junnans eyes, Li Zhao was ugly to the extreme. He wanted to see Li Zhao disappear from the world tonight. It was because only the dead couldnt speak.

Three million?

Li Zhao was still looking at him like a good baby.

Five million?

Li Zhao blinked and smiled innocently.

Zhao Junnans face became completely gloomy. Do you want 10 million? A poor boy like you who came out from a smelly mountain ditch, have you ever seen so much money in your life? Dont be too ugly! Li Zhao, shedding all pretence of courtesy isnt good for you.

Ive seen it. Li Zhao put up two fingers with a bright smile. My friend has two buildings, two!

The two bent fingers looked very proud.

Zhao Junnan looked at the bent fingers with rage. What do the two buildings have to do with you?

Didnt you ask me if I have ever seen 10 million? Li Zhao had a this person is really unreasonable expression as he looked at Zhao Junnan. Im just seriously answering your questions.

Dont play the fool with me. Zhao Junnan took a deep breath. The fact that you acted as a stand-in for me, never mention it in your entire life. Even if someone asks you about it, you have to deny it. As long as you do this, I can give you six million.

Li Zhao looked at Zhao Junnan sympathetically like he was caring for a fool. So many people in the Heroic Ruler crew knew that I acted as your stand-in. Can you silence all of them?

Its none of your business as long as you shut up. Zhao Junnan lost patience and his expression gradually became ferocious. It doesnt matter if you dont agree. Now you have lost endors.e.m.e.nts and movie resources. As for what happens in the future, dont blame me.

Li Zhao was stunned. Was he being threatened? He was just a stand-in to make money. How did his personal safety become involved?

Tap tap tap. Just then, the window was knocked on.

Zhao Junnan looked over and saw a pale, beautiful man in a suit standing by the window. The man looked into the car at will and Zhao Junnan inexplicably felt that the mans eyes were penetrating the car and could see everything inside.

The a.s.sistant silently sitting in front opened the door, his tone not very good. Sir, my artist doesnt accept any private requests from fans. You should immediately leave here.

The man ignored it and his dark eyes stared into the car. Zhao Zhao, get out of the car.

Ting Ting. Li Zhao squeezed past Zhao Junnans legs and Zhao Junnan almost fell to the ground.

Li Zhao didnt care about the embarra.s.sed Zhao Junnan. He smiled and jumped out the car door, walking to Yan Tings side. How did you come?

I came here to see you. Yan Ting reached out and handed the scarf in his hand to Li Zhao. Lets go.

Wait a minute. Zhao Junnan chased outside the car. LI Zhao, the things I mentioned, think about it. I need a reply before noon tomorrow.

Yan Ting stopped and looked back at Zhao Junnan, his eyes like looking at roadside rubble.

Li Zhao pulled at his sleeve. Ting Ting, lets go.

Seeing that Li Zhao didnt show any reaction, Zhao Junnans face was very ugly. As a star, no matter where he went, someone would secretly take photos of him with their phones or ask for his signature.

This was the first time he had been treated as roadside weed since he became popular.

What did he want with you? Yan Tings pace wasnt fast, like nothing could upset his rhythm.

He wanted to give me six million to make me promise one thing. Li Zhao placed his hands in his pocket. Seeing that I didnt agree, he laughed that I have never seen so much money in my life. I said I saw it and he wasnt happy again. It is really a headache.

Yan Tings footsteps slightly slowed. He is called Zhao Junnan?

Yes. Li Zhao nodded.

I see. Yan Tings eyelids slightly drooped, covering the darkness in his eyes.

Lets not talk about this anymore. When did you get here? Have you eaten? Li Zhao didnt want to let the messy things in the entertainment circle affect his pure and smart friend. He jumped forward and danced next to Yan Ting. What hotel are you staying in? Do you have to go back?

No. Yan Ting looked at the smiling Li Zhao. You go back first, Ill find a place to eat on my own.

How can I do that? We havent seen each other in several days. How can I let you eat alone. Li Zhao reached for Yan Tings neck. Just now, I didnt have enough to eat. Lets find a place to sit down and eat slowly.

Okay. Yan Ting looked at the child hanging off his body and felt the faint scene of wine. Yan Ting let Li Zhao hang off him like a pendant.

Have you been having trouble sleeping lately? The dishes hadnt arrived at the table yet. Li Zhao poured a cup of hot tea for Yan Ting.

Yan Ting looked at the gla.s.s of milk and didnt move.

Drinking milk is good for sleep. No one will see you drink it except for me. Li Zhao also poured himself a gla.s.s. Ill accompany you to drink and no one will suspect that we arent men.

His cheeks had a light red halo and the effect of the wine hadnt completely faded yet.

Yan Ting took a sip of milk and the taste spread in his mouth. I cant sleep.

Li Zhao held his cup and drank most of it in one breath. Hearing Yan Ting say that he still couldnt sleep, Li Zhao looked up. Counting sheep is useless?

Yan Ting shook his head slightly.

Some people say that counting sheep isnt in line with your countrys habits. It is more useful to count dumplings when you cant sleep. Li Zhao put down his cup of milk and touched his chin thoughtfully. Why dont you count dumplings? Im just afraid that the more you count, the hungrier you will become.

Yan Ting looked at Li Zhao. That night, your counting of the sheep was very useful.

Really? Li Zhao raised his spirit. I also feel that my speaking skills are really good and are particularly magnetic. You are worthy of being my good friend. You know how to appreciate me.

He was very excited. Although Yan Ting didnt praise his speaking skills from beginning to end, this didnt stop Li Zhao from interpreting Yan Tings meaning. Wait, Ill record an audio of counting sheep and dumplings for you. If you cant sleep at night, you can listen to it. Maybe it will be useful.

Okay. Yan Ting didnt hesitate to agree like he had been waiting for Li Zhao to say so.

After dinner, Li Zhao sat in Yan Tings car and counted the sheep and dumplings. Then he said goodbye to Yan Ting. Ting Ting, come to the crew tomorrow if you have time.

Okay.

One dumpling fell into a bowl, two dumplings fell into a bowl one hundred dumplings are finished. Ting Ting, sleep obediently. Ill tell you good night.

The boys voice was clear and clean. Yan Ting was standing in front of a huge floor to ceiling window as he listened to dumplings falling into the bowl. He reached out to turn on the light at the head of the bed, pulling the audio progress bar forward.

Ting Ting, sleep well. Ill tell you good night

Ting Ting, sleep well. Ill tell you good night

The bedside lights went out and the room was dark again.

Good night.

At 4 oclock in the morning when everyone was sleeping, Zhao Junnans work team was. .h.i.t by bad news. They had been talking to a world-renowned luxury brand to have Zhao Junnan act as the Asian spokesperson for this seasons new products. The print photos would appear in the major squares.

Facing the envy of other compet.i.tors, Zhao Junnans team had been very proud and even told the news to some big fans in advance. They would reveal the news to other fans to strengthen their pursuit of the artist.

However, just before the official announcement, the brand suddenly called to say that Zhao Junnans image wasnt suitable for their products and cooperation would be discussed later. What else would be discussed later? This was clearly a lie by the brands side. The team felt urgent and angry but they couldnt offend a big brand. They could only hold an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.

In order to raise Zhao Junnans value, a few days ago they had arranged a water army to spread speculation about Zhao Junnan cooperating with a luxury brand through the major forums and public platforms. Zhao Junnan had also forward a Weibo post from the brand yesterday.

Now the brand side suddenly backtracked and they would become a joke in the eyes of other compet.i.tors. Nevertheless, they didnt dare fall out with the brand side and could only hold an emergency meeting to find a way to minimize their loss.

Just as they were discussing a solution, two more brands talking about cooperation called and cancelled the plans.

It could be considered a coincidence for one brand to cancel the cooperation but overnight, three brands cancelled it. In other words, someone is getting in the way. Zhao Junnans company held an emergency meeting overnight to discuss coping strategies. Now we must find out who is going against us.

Luxury endors.e.m.e.nts were very important for first-tier artists. It was something for the fans to be proud of. Now that the endors.e.m.e.nts were flying away like ducks, the company was naturally anxious.

Zhao Junnan had blocked many first-tier male artists when he first became popular. From the point of view of his company, the male artists in compet.i.tion with Zhao Junnan were very suspicious.

However, who had so much ability?

The author has something to say:

One Zhao Zhao jumped over, two Zhao Zhao jumped over, all of them end up carried in Ting Tings pocket.