LOI Chapter 10 — You Represent Me

The ferry docked, and the filming crew headed straight to the airport.

Jiang Si’s destination was also the airport. He arrived by taxi shortly after the team, his burning gaze following Rong Ke constantly, noticeable even through his sunglasses.

However, Jiang Si always used the VIP channel and was flying to a different city, so Rong Ke lost sight of that lingering presence after entering the terminal.

Hours later, the plane landed smoothly.

The MQ team dispersed at the exit. Most took taxis, while Rong Ke and Yan Zhi’s group went to retrieve their cars from the parking lot.

The airport parking lot was vast. Rong Ke’s car was parked far out, and it took several minutes to reach it.

Just as he was about to get in, the roar of an engine approached. A flash of crimson appeared around the corner. Rong Ke knew without looking it had to be Yan Zhi.

Yan Zhi clearly spotted Rong Ke too. Passing by, he honked once in greeting. In the empty lot, it echoed like a million reverberations, nearly deafening Rong Ke.

“…Showoff,” Rong Ke muttered, frowning.

He started his electric car and followed Yan Zhi onto the airport expressway.

Traffic was heavy on the highway. Despite the 120 km/h limit, they barely reached 100.

The Mustang’s V8 engine was wasted in the sea of vehicles, forced to maintain a steady pace.

Perhaps due to its eye-catching red, Yan Zhi’s car remained in Rong Ke’s sight. Even when Rong Ke thought he’d lost him, that vibrant streak would reappear from behind another vehicle.

The roads finally cleared after exiting the Third Ring Road.

Unexpectedly, Yan Zhi headed in the same direction as Rong Ke. At a long red light, their cars stopped side by side, barely a car length apart.

Rong Ke’s phone pinged with WeChat messages.

[Yan Zhi: Following me?]
[Rong Ke: As if I have nothing better to do?]
[Yan Zhi: Don’t text while driving :)]
[Rong Ke: …It’s a red light]

After the light, Yan Zhi noticeably slowed down, occasionally falling behind Rong Ke, as if saying, “Let’s see how long you’ll follow.”

Thus, the two cars drove into Tianxi Yunwan, one after the other.

Only then did Rong Ke realize why the SF90 seemed familiar—he’d seen it in the underground garage before.

Surprising as it was, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. The neighborhood had tight security and housed many celebrities. Yan Zhi choosing to live here made sense.

The two cars parked on the second basement level, separated by a few dozen meters and several pillars.

Yan Zhi was clearly more surprised than Rong Ke. “You live here too?”

“Not for much longer,” Rong Ke replied.

They entered the same building, pressing buttons for the sixth and seventh floors. The complex had one apartment per floor. Rong Ke suddenly realized the person playing opera upstairs recently was Yan Zhi.

“Why are you moving?” Yan Zhi asked.

“This is Jiang Si’s rented apartment.”

Rong Ke had found a new place and packed his belongings days ago. The shoot had delayed his move by two days, so he was just returning to collect his things.

“Where are you moving to?” Yan Zhi inquired.

Rong Ke answered, “Somewhere closer to the film and TV base.”

Yan Zhi pondered, “The suburbs?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Doesn’t seem very convenient.”

“It’s cheaper.” Less than a tenth of Tianxi Yunwan’s rent.

Yan Zhi paused, seemingly realizing Rong Ke was just a D-list celebrity struggling to make ends meet. He began, “So your company…”

The elevator chimed, reaching the sixth floor and interrupting Yan Zhi.

“This is me,” Rong Ke said, stepping out.

Yan Zhi didn’t press further, only saying, “Remember to come by in a few days to see the photos.”

Rong Ke replied with a simple “Okay.”

His new rental, Fuxin Garden, was an older complex of over twenty years. Rong Ke had rented a one-bedroom apartment for 2000 yuan per month, which was within his budget.

The area had many supermarkets and restaurants nearby, solving food concerns. Though public transport wasn’t ideal, Rong Ke had a car, so it wouldn’t affect him much.

After unpacking, Rong Ke bought some necessities downstairs and had dinner at a noodle shop. He then confirmed one thing—

Nobody recognized him.

Rong Ke had topped the entertainment charts twice with Yan Zhi, which seemed like a big deal online. In reality, few people cared.

After all, the entertainment chart wasn’t the main ranking. It was mostly followed by young people. Some youths did glance at Rong Ke twice, but he recognized those looks—merely “spotting a handsome guy” rather than “that handsome guy looks familiar.”

Or perhaps some found him familiar, but no one would believe a celebrity would appear on the street.

This reassured Rong Ke.

He had two years left before he could openly act in films. If many recognized him, finding odd jobs would be difficult, potentially leaving him to starve.

The following week, Rong Ke left early, spent two hours in traffic, and arrived at MQ’s office just in time.

Editor-in-Chief Chen Wen personally escorted him to the conference room. Yan Zhi was already seated, examining printed photos. He wore gold-framed chain glasses, looking even more refined than usual and somewhat scholarly.

Rong Ke couldn’t tell if Yan Zhi was truly nearsighted or wore glasses purely for aesthetics.

“Let’s get straight to the point,” Chen Wen told Rong Ke. “We think these two photos are perfect for the cover and inside flap.”

Chen Wen slid two A4 prints to Rong Ke. One was a close-up: Rong Ke lying on a white beach, surrounded by sparkling water, a bloody pearl between his lips, brow slightly furrowed, eyes narrowed—an expression inviting sympathy.

The other was a full-body shot: Rong Ke leaning against a rock, his massive fishtail elongating his proportions unrealistically, making him appear otherworldly.

Rong Ke immediately understood why these were chosen for the cover and flap.

The close-up didn’t reveal the tail. At first glance, people would focus on Rong Ke’s face. Upon opening the flap, they’d be stunned by the reveal.

“However,” Chen Wen paused, then continued, “We sent these to your agent. The feedback was that the pearl in your mouth could have negative implications, possibly affecting future roles. The tail photo suggests gender ambiguity, which might impact your image.”

Rong Ke: “…”

So that was it.

Yan Zhi must have anticipated the agent’s objections, hence inviting Rong Ke personally.

“What do you think?” Yan Zhi adjusted his glasses, asking Rong Ke.

Undoubtedly, MQ’s aesthetic was on point. Rong Ke knew these photos were ideal for the cover and flap.

But his company didn’t want him in the spotlight.

If Rong Ke defied the company, Zou Wei might pursue the contract violation. They could end up in court, and Rong Ke couldn’t afford a lawsuit.

Moreover, this MQ issue would boost Rong Ke’s fame, potentially jeopardizing his ability to find odd jobs…

Many thoughts flashed through his mind. A voice urged him to obey the company—just two more years.

But considering this was the team’s collective effort, Rong Ke hesitated. He didn’t want to waste others’ hard work.

Besides, this was Yan Zhi’s first “creation” at MQ.

“You represent me,” Rong Ke sighed softly to Yan Zhi. “If my agent gives you trouble, tell her it was my decision.”

Yan Zhi’s lips curled slightly, “She wouldn’t dare trouble me.”

—But she’ll trouble me, Rong Ke thought.

Rong Ke kept that thought to himself.

Leaving MQ’s office, Rong Ke felt his decision might have been rash. He could genuinely end up starving.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have impulsively accepted this cover shoot. It wouldn’t be so troublesome now.

Lost in complex thoughts, he reached the elevators. Someone already pressed the down button. It was Yan Zhi who followed.

“If your agent gives you trouble, come to me,” Yan Zhi said.

Rong Ke’s headache persisted, “How would that help?”

Yan Zhi tilted his head, scratching his temple thoughtfully. “It should be useful somehow.”

Rong Ke paid little attention. The elevator arrived, and he said, “I’ll go first,” but Yan Zhi joined him.

His destination was the second basement parking garage, apparently heading out.

“What are your plans now?” Yan Zhi asked.

“Rest,” Rong Ke replied offhandedly.

It was natural for actors to rest near year-end.

But Rong Ke couldn’t afford to. With limited funds and he still had to pay six months’ rent, he needed work quickly.

With no film crews available near year-end, Rong Ke hadn’t decided on an odd job yet.

He didn’t want just any job. His past choices allowed him to interact with diverse people—like hotel reception, where he learned even 70-year-olds sought prostitutes, or shelter cafeteria work, where he discovered some prefer homelessness to returning home.

If possible, Rong Ke hoped for a job with maximum human interaction, benefiting his acting.

The elevator stopped, and a young man with a trolley entered.

Despite November’s chill, he wore a black tank top, sweat visible on his neck. His thick jacket was tied around his waist. Rong Ke glimpsed the text on his back—a water delivery worker.

Entering the building earlier, Rong Ke had noticed various companies: education, trade, e-commerce, law firms. If they all ordered water, delivery workers could legitimately enter their offices and observe their work environments.

…Not bad.

An idea took root in Rong Ke’s mind. He moved closer to the man and asked warmly, “Water delivery must be tough, right?”

Surprised by Rong Ke’s approach, the man hesitated, “It’s okay, not tiring.”

“Your clothes are soaked with sweat,” Rong Ke noted. “How many bottles do you deliver daily?”

“Depends. Sometimes, we’re busy all day when there are many orders.”

“Do you deliver to all companies in this building?” Rong Ke inquired.

“Not all. Some have their own water purifiers.”

Rong Ke nodded. MQ was like that.

He silently made up his mind to check the water delivery station later, unaware of Yan Zhi’s peculiar gaze.

Knowing Rong Ke, Yan Zhi knew he wasn’t one for casual conversation.

The young delivery man, with his tanned skin, bulging muscles, and sweat-beaded forehead, exuded masculinity.

Listening to their back-and-forth, Yan Zhi thought, How did Rong Ke’s tastes change so drastically after their breakup?