LOI Chapter 52

When Yan Zhi came out of the shower, he didn’t find Rong Ke in the bedroom or living room. After looking around again, he found him smoking on the balcony.

Logically, Thomas should have been awaiting their attention, so Rong Ke should not be on the balcony.

Yan Zhi wiped the water droplets on his hair with a towel. He settled into a lounge chair and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“The story outline,” Rong Ke was so engrossed in reading that he failed to notice his cigarette had burned out. He extinguished it in the ashtray and added, “I received a pretty promising script.”

“What genre?” Yan Zhi asked.

Rong Ke summarized Xu Hong’s pitch, then continued, “The one-take approach demands fewer NGs from actors, making it incredibly difficult to shoot. I’m tempted to give it a try.”

“If you want to do it, go for it,” Yan Zhi said nonchalantly, still drying his hair. “When does filming start?”

“Next month,” Rong Ke answered, unsurprised to see Yan Zhi pause. “It conflicts with Director Wen’s new film.”

“Indeed,” Yan Zhi set down his towel.

“What’s the current status with Director Wen?” Rong Ke asked.

Last month, Rong Ke had squeezed in an audition. From a long-suffering illegitimate son to a formidable business tycoon, his character arc wasn’t overly complex, and Wen Cheng seemed pleased with his performance at the time.

However, Wen Cheng explained that due to the large ensemble cast and the extensive casting process, he preferred to finalize all roles before proceeding with contracts. Thus, Rong Ke hadn’t received a definitive answer.

Rong Ke was not a novice in the industry. He understood that Wen Cheng’s stance meant that either he didn’t meet the director’s standards or that other options were still under consideration.

“Still casting,” Yan Zhi replied. “But don’t worry, the Fashion Group’s investment is almost confirmed. You’re the top choice.”

For the first time, Rong Ke became the top choice, not because of his talent but because of his backing, which left him with mixed feelings.

Lighting another cigarette, he hesitantly suggested, “Maybe he should consider other candidates.”

“You don’t want to do it,” Yan Zhi sighed, reaching for a cigarette himself.

“I know Director Wen is a box office guarantee, and he directed both Jiang Si’s and my debut. I have no reason to refuse,” Rong Ke explained. “If Teacher Xu hadn’t approached me, I would have accepted without hesitation.”

Yan Zhi remained silent, tapping ash into the ashtray.

“The Great Train Robbery. Imagine, a two-hour film depicting events that unfold over just two hours. Isn’t that interesting? And judging from the outline, it’s a very exciting story. I feel it would be a shame to pass it up.”

Noticing Yan Zhi’s continued silence, Rong Ke prompted, “What do you think?”

“It would indeed be a shame,” Yan Zhi agreed before changing the topic, “But it would be an even greater shame not to do Wen Cheng’s film.”

“This is the Fashion Group’s first venture into the film industry. You’ll gain significant attention. Plus, the movie will feature many luxury brand elements. As long as you accept this role, your status in the fashion world will far surpass that of traffic stars.”

“I never wanted to compete with them,” Seeing Yan Zhi’s persistence, Rong Ke massaged the back of his neck.

“I want more people to see you,” Yan Zhi said. “Isn’t that the original purpose of our partnership?”

Rong Ke remembered how he had told Yan Zhi he wanted to be famous after being humiliated at Jiang Si’s place. Since then, Yan Zhi had kept his promise, giving Rong Ke the best of everything.

In fact, Rong Ke was quite content with his current status, but it was clear Yan Zhi had even higher expectations for him.

He was torn between not wanting to disappoint Yan Zhi and his reluctance to focus primarily on commercial value.

“Why don’t we stick to our old rule?” Rong Ke suggested.

“Okay,” Yan Zhi agreed.

Both of them put out the cigarettes they barely smoked and, as always, resolved their disagreement with a game of rock-paper-scissors.

The first two rounds resulted in a tie. As they prepared for the third round, Yan Zhi asked, “What are you going to throw?”

Between them, it was understood that only the person who wanted to win would ask this question.

Typically, when one party expressed their desire to win, the other would voluntarily lose. This was the unspoken understanding they’d developed over time.

However, this time, Rong Ke didn’t answer. He simply said, “Don’t ask. Let it be what it will be.”

He thought this would ensure a fair outcome, but Yan Zhi countered, “I’m throwing paper. You can choose whatever you want.”

Rong Ke: “…” You’re cheating, damn it.

“Rock, paper, scissors—”

True to his word, Yan Zhi threw paper. Rong Ke had intended to throw scissors, but his hand betrayed him, forming a fist instead.

…Well, fine.

He realized he truly didn’t want to disappoint Yan Zhi, who had stood by him through his lowest moments.

“I knew you loved me,” Yan Zhi said, his mood visibly improved.

“I just want to make money,” Rong Ke lied, then added, “You’d better push Wen Cheng. If he doesn’t sign the contract soon, I’ll join another production.”

–

Rong Ke called Xu Hong back, politely declining the invitation to Jiang Hua’s film.

He was afraid that they might think he looked down on low-budget productions, so he carefully explained his reasons—he had already committed to another project and couldn’t back out.

Xu Hong expressed understanding, merely saying it was indeed a pity.

After Yan Zhi’s urging, Wen Cheng’s side finally responded. However, instead of offering a contract, they invited Rong Ke to a private dinner.

Yes, a dinner with Rong Ke alone, without Yan Zhi, his agent.

Rong Ke felt a vague sense of unease and couldn’t help but think of certain rumors about Wen Cheng.

However, having worked with Wen Cheng on “Inferno Case,” Rong Ke knew him to be a principled man who wouldn’t make unwarranted advances on actors. Moreover, as the investor’s chosen lead, Rong Ke was even less likely to face any impropriety. So, he accepted the invitation to dine alone.

The agreed meeting place was a Chinese restaurant with a private room that was secluded from the main dining area to ensure privacy.

When Rong Ke arrived on time, he found Wen Cheng already there. However, contrary to the promised “private dinner,” another person was present—Jiang Si, who had been absent for a long time.

Rong Ke paused at the doorway, looking at Wen Cheng questioningly. “Director Wen, this is…?”

“Today is a reunion of sorts,” Wen Cheng explained. “Come, have a seat.”

Jiang Si remained silent, fiddling with his utensils, clearly avoiding Rong Ke’s gaze.

Rong Ke was confused but still sat down next to Wen Cheng.

As he removed his baseball cap and mask, Wen Cheng observed and asked, “Does being famous feel very different from before?”

“It’s manageable,” Rong Ke replied. Since the airport incident, he had become extremely protective of his privacy, using VIP channels at airports, and hadn’t experienced any more incidents of being mobbed. “I’ve gotten quite good at disguising myself now. People don’t recognize me on the street.”

Wen Cheng smiled as the waiter entered with their food, and the three of them became quiet.

Rong Ke’s phone buzzed with a WeChat message.

[Darling Husband: What did he want to see you about?]

—A nickname someone had set for themselves.

[Rong Ke: I don’t know]
[Rong Ke: Jiang Si is here too]
[Darling Husband: ?]
[Darling Husband: Oh, I see]

How do you “see”?

Rong Ke wanted to continue asking, but with the food served, it wasn’t appropriate to keep using his phone.

“When we were filming ‘Inferno Case,’ I knew you both had great potential,” Wen Cheng said, sipping his buckwheat tea, as he didn’t drink alcohol. “Rong Ke, you were a bit later, but your accumulated efforts have paid off impressively.”

“You’re too kind, Director Wen,” Rong Ke glanced at the silent Jiang Si, taking it upon himself to respond and not let Wen Cheng’s words go unacknowledged. “Although my time under your guidance was short, it helped me a lot.”

Strictly speaking, Rong Ke had only three days of shooting for “Inferno Case” and hadn’t even exchanged contact information with Wen Cheng at the time.

But this wasn’t mere flattery. Wen Cheng had taught him the art of observation, which had indeed been a huge benefit.

“What about you?” Wen Cheng turned to Jiang Si. “You’ve acted in quite a few movies over the years. Any insights to share?”

Jiang Si remained tense, humbly replying, “I haven’t made much progress.”

“That’s because you haven’t focused on improving your professional skills,” Wen Cheng criticized, then added, “But it’s not too late. If you’re willing to apply yourself, I can still guide you.”

Rong Ke’s confusion grew. Today’s meeting was supposed to be about Wen Cheng’s new film; what did this have to do with Jiang Si?

A thought began to form in his mind as Wen Cheng turned back to Rong Ke, saying, “I’d really like to see you two work together again. After all, you debuted in the same film.”

As expected.

Rong Ke realized all this build-up was leading to Wen Cheng wanting them both to star in “The Tempest.”

Admittedly, Wen Cheng proved himself to be a capable commercial director. With Rong Ke now a top-tier actor and Jiang Si still retaining some popularity, having them in the same film would undoubtedly generate buzz.

Rong Ke didn’t answer and focused on his meal.

Wen Cheng seemed to know that he would react this way and continued, “I’m somewhat aware of the history between you two, so I understand why Yan Zhi insisted that if you’re in this film, Jiang Si can’t be. It’s reasonable.”

This was news to Rong Ke.

He didn’t know that Yan Zhi made such a demand behind his back, but if he had to express his position, he would have agreed with it.

“We’re all in the same industry. We’re bound to cross paths,” Wen Cheng was saying when his phone suddenly chimed. Checking the message, he raised an eyebrow. “I need to make a call. You two chat amongst yourselves.”

After Wen Cheng left the room, Rong Ke could finally enjoy his meal. Between bites, he asked Jiang Si, “You really want to be in a film with me?”

“I can do it. I’ve been pursuing this film for a long time. I even took acting classes. Even Director Wen said I’ve improved,” Jiang Si said eagerly, changing from his previous restraint. “The lead is definitely yours, I won’t compete for that. I’d be content with a supporting role.”

“Are you sure?” Rong Ke found it amusing. “Didn’t you once say you’d rather die than play a supporting role? That supporting actors were only fit to shine the lead’s shoes?”

Jiang Si pressed his lips together. “I was too full of myself back then.”

Rong Ke ate a delicious meatball and helped himself to several more. Seeing Rong Ke’s silence, Jiang Si continued, “I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. I’ve done so many terrible things, and I only have myself to blame for where I am now. My biggest regret is not cherishing you. If—”

“Stop right there,” Rong Ke raised his hand, cutting Jiang Si off. “I’m trying to enjoy my meal. Don’t make me lose my appetite.”

Jiang Si wisely dropped the topic of love. “This film is very important for me. It might be my only chance at a comeback.”

“Is that so,” Rong Ke said nonchalantly, sipping his hot soup. “What’s that got to do with me?”

Jiang Si stared at Rong Ke, his expression conflicted.

After a moment’s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and, with a thud, knelt before Rong Ke. “Mr. Zou has been trying to negotiate on my behalf, but Director Wen is unwilling to give up the Fashion Group’s investment. Only Yan Zhi can change this, but he’ll definitely follow your lead, so…”

Rong Ke now understood the purpose of today’s dinner.

Wen Cheng’s delay in finalizing roles wasn’t due to dissatisfaction with him but rather a hope to include Jiang Si as the supporting actor.

This would undoubtedly generate huge buzz for the film. However, Yan Zhi had set a condition: it was either Rong Ke or Jiang Si, not both. That’s why Wen Cheng had arranged this private meeting, hoping to approach Rong Ke directly.

“Get up,” Rong Ke said, his expression neutral as he looked at Jiang Si kneeling on the floor. “It would look bad if Director Wen saw you like this.”

“I won’t get up until you forgive me,” Jiang Si insisted. “Director Wen brought me here to apologize to you. It’s not shameful if he sees.”

Rong Ke couldn’t help but laugh. Putting down his chopsticks, he asked, “I remember Liu Qing was close to Director Wen. Did he secure this role for you?”

“How could that be possible?” Jiang Si immediately showed disgust. “My relationship with him was purely for publicity. He wouldn’t fight for anything on my behalf. Besides, I don’t know what’s going on between him and Director Wen. The director wants me as the supporting actor because he’s seen my improvement. It has nothing to do with Liu Qing.”

“Is it because he saw your improvement or because of your commercial value?” Rong Ke picked up his chopsticks again. “Alright, get up quickly. It’s uncomfortable to look at you like this.”

“Have you forgiven me?” Jiang Si finally returned to his seat. “I know I was terrible before. I’ll do my best to make it up to you. I’m even willing to shine your shoes.”

“Don’t,” Rong Ke said coldly. “I don’t need that.”