After watching the movie and seeing Jiang Lin off, Li Qianxing opened Weibo again to check the situation. The negative trending topic about Jiang Lin had disappeared, while the livestream topic still hung around the top ten on the entertainment rankings.
Li Qianxing’s earlier self-deprecation as an “old man” wasn’t far off the mark. He had never paid attention to promotional matters, rarely browsed Weibo, and had no sensitivity to various data. Many internet slang terms, memes, and abbreviations left him half-confused.
In the end, he decided to call his brother directly to save trouble.
Qi Jingnian answered quickly, jokingly complaining, “I thought you’d call right after the livestream, but when I didn’t hear from you, I assumed you had nothing to say. Now after all this time, you’ve suddenly remembered me?”
Li Qianxing lounged comfortably on the sofa. “I was just watching a movie with Jiang Lin.”
Qi Jingnian paused, his voice taking on a subtle tone. “So you’re watching movies together now… I thought you broke your rule to livestream for him just to repay the favor from when he took care of you yesterday.”
Hearing this, Li Qianxing unconsciously placed his hand on his stomach. “That was part of it. Do you know what’s behind that negative trending topic about him? Who’s causing trouble?”
Qi Jingnian replied, “The entertainment hot searches were quite lively today. Two or three big traffic stars had their scandals exposed, including that Li Mingsi. Their companies were busy removing trending topics while also leaking other information, buying negative trends for famous people to divert netizens’ attention. In the end, various negative topics were trending, so it’s hard to say which company is using your story to stir up trouble.”
Li Qianxing fell silent for a moment, then said with disgust, “It’s a mess.”
Qi Jingnian chuckled. “That’s just how things are. But I saw that your livestream was quite successful. Both of your individual data and your CP supertopic saw significant increases.”
Hearing him mention “CP supertopic,” Li Qianxing remembered that Xiao Zhu had mentioned it before. He asked, “Will that CP supertopic have any impact?”
Qi Jingnian thought for a moment. “Not really… If you two don’t like fans pairing you up, it might be annoying to see. If you don’t mind, it won’t affect much. It’s not like you rely on fan support for your careers.”
Li Qianxing didn’t care personally, but he found it curious. “I don’t think I’ve had CP supertopics with anyone else before, have I?”
Qi Jingnian laughed. “Your previous roles didn’t focus much on romance, and they were all subtle. How could they compare to this love story? Actually, after your previous dramas aired, there were some scattered real-person CP fans, but it never gained traction. You’ve never had a second collaboration with anyone, so there was no follow-up. The trend passed quickly.”
Li Qianxing asked, “Will it be the same with this CP supertopic?”
Qi Jingnian replied, “More or less. Once this movie is over and the hype dies down… Oh right, you two have another collaboration coming up, so the CP fans’ enthusiasm might last a bit longer. But trends in this circle fade quickly. Unless you two continue to collaborate or interact personally to keep attracting fans, it’ll eventually cool down sooner or later.”
After hearing his analysis, Li Qianxing felt reassured. They chatted about family matters for a bit before hanging up.
In the next room, Jiang Lin was also on the phone with Yan Yi discussing the matter.
Yan Yi said, “The livestream effect was great. Judging by the number of fans in your CP supertopic, the presale box office data for this film should look pretty when it’s released.”
Jiang Lin laughed. “Yan-jie, are you eyeing the fans’ wallets now? This film has Director He, Li-ge, and me. We don’t lack a general audience. If we can grab an award at WL, we won’t have to worry about the box office at all.”
Yan Yi replied, “I just didn’t expect you to get Li Qianxing to break his rule and livestream for you.”
Jiang Lin said, “Yesterday’s incident was probably a big reason. He’s the type who definitely repays favors owed.”
Yan Yi had always been at ease with Jiang Lin and paid less attention to him, so she didn’t know about yesterday’s events. She quickly asked, and Jiang Lin gave her a brief rundown.
After hearing this, Yan Yi was momentarily speechless. After a while, she said, “Wait, the way I’m hearing it, your situation seems a bit off! Do you remember what you told me when you first accepted the script?”
Jiang Lin leaned against the balcony railing, raising his eyes slightly to look at the jacket hanging out to dry. The corner of his lips curved up as he joked, “What if he falls in love with me?”
Yan Yi exclaimed, “Jiang Lin, Teacher Jiang, I think you’ve really gotten carried away. Your self-perception is too good. I’d thank the heavens if you don’t fall for him!”
Jiang Lin laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, Yan-jie. I know what I’m doing.”
Then he changed the subject, “Who’s behind that negative trending topic about me? Li Mingsi?”
Yan Yi couldn’t do anything about him, so she just said, “We can’t trace it. That marketing account works for multiple parties.”
Jiang Lin just wanted to change the subject, so he didn’t care much. “If it really is him, he must be furious now. Not only did he boost my popularity, but he was also openly mocked by Li-ge, and he can’t even confront Xingyi.”
Yan Yi’s voice carried a tone of exasperation. “Why do you sound like you’re living off someone else’s success… Look how pleased you are with yourself!”
Jiang Lin raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting even higher.
◇◆
Li Qianxing had a regular work and rest schedule. Unless filming late at night, he always went to bed early and woke up early. He didn’t linger in the hotel, heading straight to the set if he had nothing else to do.
This was his habit. After all, he had a trailer on set where he could rest. Waiting there made it convenient for the director to make last-minute adjustments in case of unexpected situations.
Today was no different.
Of course, the crew was always busy early on set. Li Qianxing walked around, checking if the lighting stand-ins were sufficient or if he needed to stand in himself. After confirming the day’s shooting schedule with He Zhanpeng, he went to find the makeup artist.
The makeup artist greeted him but said, “Teacher Li, please rest in your trailer first. We can do your makeup closer to your scene. No need to be in makeup so early.”
Li Qianxing replied, “It’s fine. I only have one scene early on, so this bit of time doesn’t matter. If we do it now and touch up before filming, we’ll save time.”
Unexpectedly, as soon as he said this, the makeup artist and two assistants’ expressions became somewhat awkward.
Although Li Qianxing wasn’t great with social niceties, he was observant. One glance told him something was probably up.
But he didn’t push it, simply saying, “If it’s inconvenient, I’ll go back to my trailer to rest. Just call me whenever it’s a good time for makeup.”
The makeup artist naturally agreed profusely, sending him out of the makeup room with a forced smile.
Back in his trailer, Li Qianxing asked Xiao Zhu, who was preparing lunch ingredients, “Did something happen on set? Teacher Zhang told me not to rush for makeup and to come back and rest first.”
Xiao Zhu looked up, bewildered. “Nothing happened as far as I know… I didn’t see anything mentioned in the group chat.”
Just then, there was a knock on the trailer door, and Jiang Lin’s voice came through. “Li-ge.”
Li Qianxing called out “Come in,” and Jiang Lin opened the door and climbed in. He nodded to Xiao Zhu and sat down with Li Qianxing on the sofa.
Li Qianxing asked, “Why are you here so early? Your scene isn’t until the afternoon.”
Jiang Lin smiled, “I’ve got nothing else to do, so I came to observe. I just walked around and saw they’re still preparing. My ‘brother’ hasn’t arrived yet, so I thought I’d come chat with you.”
The “brother” he referred to was Xiang Xiaohu, the university student playing Cheng Yue’s younger brother. He graduated this year, wrote his thesis in May, defended it in early June, and only joined the crew yesterday.
Jiang Lin then naturally complained, “That kid, it’s his first scene, yet he’s arriving later than us.”
Li Qianxing leaned back on the sofa, checking his phone. “There’s still ten minutes before the scheduled arrival time. He’s not really late.”
Jiang Lin replied, “That’s true, but as a complete newcomer, cutting it so close seems a bit off. Besides, if he came earlier, he could have hitched a ride with the crew and saved a lot on taxi fare.”
Li Qianxing remembered the makeup artist’s odd behavior and mentioned it to Jiang Lin, asking if he’d heard anything.
However, Jiang Lin shook his head. “I didn’t notice anything unusual on set earlier. Director He and Assistant Director Zhao were as usual.”
Xiao Zhu, having finished with the vegetables, poked her head over. “Li-ge, Teacher Jiang, shall I go and investigate around the set?”
Jiang Lin turned to her. “I’m so close with Li-ge now, Xiao Zhu. Why are you still so formal with me?”
Xiao Zhu blinked, glanced at Li Qianxing, and seeing his nod, said, “Then… I’ll follow Xiao Ding’s lead and call you Lin-ge. You’re just a year older than me.”
Jiang Lin said “Okay,” and watched her leave the trailer before turning back to Li Qianxing. “Li-ge, look at our Xiao Ding…”
Li Qianxing was a bit amused. “Weren’t you the one who didn’t let him change how he addresses me earlier?”
Jiang Lin raised an eyebrow. “Xiao Ding is very meticulous but a bit timid. Since your assistant hadn’t changed how she addressed me, he didn’t dare to change first. Besides, I heard Xiao Zhu has been with you for many years. I was worried she might be older than me, and it would be impolite to ask her to call me ‘Ge’. I didn’t expect Xiao Zhu to be younger than me.”
Li Qianxing explained, “She comes from a poor family and started working early. When I met her on set, she was only sixteen. Young, small, and being bullied. I felt sorry for her, and seeing she was efficient, I hired her as an assistant to my previous assistant. When my previous assistant transferred, she stayed on with me.”
Jiang Lin praised, “Li-ge is kind-hearted, and Xiao Zhu is grateful and repays the kindness.”
After chatting casually for a while, Li Qianxing suddenly remembered what Qi Jingnian said about the CP supertopic last night. He mentioned, “Did you know that fans created a CP supertopic for us?”
Jiang Lin’s eyes flickered as he lowered his gaze to pour water. “I know. We’re starring in a romance, so it’s inevitable that fans will ship us for a while. It’s still early before the film’s release. Once yesterday’s hype dies down, the supertopic will quiet down. It’ll get lively again when the film is released. Does it bother you?”
Li Qianxing replied, “I don’t mind. I don’t pay much attention to the internet, so online matters hardly affect me. But my brother said that when our second collaboration airs, the CP supertopic might heat up again. That’s quite a long span of time, and I’m worried it might affect you.”
Jiang Lin looked at him, smiling gently. “I considered all this when I took the role. Being a public figure in this industry, we have to endure some sacrifices. Besides, having you as my first on-screen CP is my great fortune. How could it have any negative impact?”
Li Qianxing said, “For instance, if you start dating during this time, your partner would certainly be unhappy seeing this.”
Jiang Lin’s drinking motion paused almost imperceptibly before he finished and replied, “About that… Yan-jie says I’m at a career upswing and shouldn’t date right now.”
Li Qianxing asked curiously, “Is there a big conflict between your career and dating?”
Jiang Lin smiled, “I’ve never dated, so I wouldn’t know.”
Li Qianxing advised, “You’ve already won an international Best Actor award. I suggest focusing on quality now. From my experience, it’s best not to start new projects immediately. You need enough rest and transition time to detach from old roles and better immerse yourself in new ones. This time could be used for dating, to regain your pure self, so I don’t see much conflict.”
Jiang Lin casually said, “I remember you saying you’ve never dated. May I ask why? With your qualities, Li-ge, you must have many pursuers. From what you just said, it doesn’t seem like you’re too busy to date.”
Li Qianxing paused, “I… never met the right person.”
Jiang Lin probed, “Then what do you think would be suitable?”
Li Qianxing frowned slightly, silent for a moment before replying, “I’ve never thought about it. According to my mother, you’ll know when the time is right. There’s no need to imagine it beforehand. Besides, I think being single is fine. I don’t yearn for romance.”
Jiang Lin asked, “After portraying Ji Ming’an and Cheng Yue’s love story, don’t you want to experience your own romance?”
Li Qianxing had a different perspective. “I’ve already experienced love in the drama, so whether I date in real life isn’t that important.”
Jiang Lin was speechless, “You’ve got a full defense system… No wonder no one can pursue you successfully.”
Li Qianxing chuckled, “How did we start talking about me? Weren’t we discussing you earlier?”
Jiang Lin’s expression became complex, “I envy Cheng Yue now.”
Li Qianxing asked curiously, “Why?”
Jiang Lin explained, “Cheng Yue and Ji Ming’an met early, in college. They were energetic and simple-minded then, so they got together quickly. If they had met at 27, without the hormones of youth, it wouldn’t be easy to win someone over.”
Li Qianxing laughed, “Isn’t that kind of fairytale love called a match made in heaven?”
Then he suddenly realized, “Are you saying you have someone you like now, but they’re hard to pursue?”
Jiang Lin stared into his eyes, “Do you have anything you want to say to me?”
Li Qianxing replied, “Good luck.”
Jiang Lin: “…”
Jiang Lin poured another half glass of water and drank it before saying, “I admit I’m attracted to someone, but I’m not entirely sure yet. With your experience in portraying emotions, what do you think can be used to determine if it’s love?”
Li Qianxing looked troubled, “Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to ask someone with actual dating experience about this?”
Jiang Lin casually fabricated, “I’ve asked, but the answers were all vague. You analyze theories for your acting, so I want to hear your theory.”
Li Qianxing thought carefully and slowly said, “I think it’s about double standards.”
Jiang Lin echoed, “Double standards…”
Li Qianxing continued, “Having double standards indicates something special, and special can develop into love. Especially the double standards there.”
Jiang Lin asked, confused, “There?”
Li Qianxing looked at him, then his gaze slid downwards.
Jiang Lin followed his gaze down… then coughed.
Li Qianxing calmly withdrew his gaze and continued, “I remember a line from a drama – ‘If it feels different only when thinking of him, what else could it be?’”
Jiang Lin widened his eyes in surprise. “You’ve actually played such a role!”
Just from hearing the line, it seemed completely at odds with Li Qianxing’s usual demeanor.
Indeed, Li Qianxing waved his hand. “I didn’t play it. I just found the line interesting, a very simple perspective, so I remembered it.”
Jiang Lin looked at him, leaned back on the sofa and sighed, “At times like this, I have to admit you’re indeed the older one.”
Li Qianxing: “?”
Just then, there was another knock on the trailer door.
An unfamiliar male voice came through, “Teacher Li, may I disturb you for a moment?”
Li Qianxing, assuming it was someone from the crew with a message, called out, “Come in.”
Unexpectedly, two unfamiliar men entered. One was a slightly chubby middle-aged man in a casual suit, the other a young man wearing a skull T-shirt and ripped jeans.
The middle-aged man, with a broad smile, noticed Jiang Lin and quickly greeted him: “Teacher Jiang is here too, what perfect timing. I’m from Nanchao Entertainment, my surname is Chen.”
As he spoke, he handed both of them his business card, then pulled the young man forward. “This is my company’s artist, Dong Zibin. He’s here to play the role of Teacher Jiang’s character’s brother, Cheng Fei. He just graduated this year and has no experience, so I hope both of you can guide him.”
He then patted the young man’s back. “Zibin, quickly greet the two teachers.”
Dong Zibin’s gaze swept over Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin, quickly bowing and straightening up, his face expressionless as he greeted, “Hello, Teacher Li. Hello, Teacher Jiang.”
Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin exchanged a glance. Though puzzled, neither showed it on their faces.
Jiang Lin returned the greeting and asked, “There were scenes scheduled for Cheng Fei yesterday. Did you join the crew yesterday?”
Manager Chen quickly responded, “Yes, yes. Xiang Xiaohu is also signed with our company. He recently had an accident and broke his leg, so he really couldn’t come. To avoid delaying the shoot, we switched to Zibin to try out. It’s his first time acting, so he’s a bit nervous. Please be understanding, teachers.”
Li Qianxing said, “His first scene is today, you should hurry over.”
Manager Chen agreed repeatedly, but then took out his phone and stepped forward, “Teachers, would it be convenient to add each other on WeChat?”
It was common courtesy to exchange contacts within the same crew. Jiang Lin glanced at Li Qianxing, then took out his phone and added Manager Chen as a friend.
Li Qianxing, however, said, “My phone is with my assistant. I’m sorry.”
Manager Chen quickly said it was fine, then left the trailer with Dong Zibin.
As soon as the door closed, Li Qianxing’s expression darkened. “Changing actors last minute, is that something their company can decide?”
Jiang Lin: “They’re obviously trying to promote this Dong Zibin, acting first and reporting later. Otherwise, how could there have been no news about a broken leg, keeping it hidden all this time? Some crews might compromise to save time and avoid stopping production.”
Li Qianxing: “I never make compromises in the films I star in.”
Jiang Lin reassured him, “Of course, if this person can’t act, Director He and the producers will replace him.”
Then he suddenly changed the subject. “By the way, since you’re not in the crew’s group chat, I haven’t added you on WeChat yet. Shall we add each other?”
Li Qianxing was taken aback, his attention diverted. He took out his phone and pulled up his QR code.
Jiang Lin scanned the code and sent a friend request.
Li Qianxing accepted it, then noticed something odd. “Your profile picture seems different from the one Manager Chen added earlier?”
Jiang Lin smiled, “That’s my work account. This is for personal friends.”
Li Qianxing nodded and added a note to Jiang Lin’s contact.
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