LOI Chapter 25 — Just Appreciation

The studio license was quickly issued, with the words “Cough Syrup” prominently printed on the solemn document. No matter how Rong Ke looked at it, he found it comical.

However, after a while, he grew accustomed to it. Whether it was “Cough Syrup” or “Rong Yan Forever,” these external forms weren’t important. What mattered was that from now on, Rong Ke could finally film freely.

The director of “Patchwork Family” was called Luo Bi. He had produced a hit suspense drama two years ago, and many people were eagerly awaiting his new work.

He arranged to meet Rong Ke at a private tea room on the weekend. Yan Zhi had no schedule planned, so he said he would accompany Rong Ke to the appointment.

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t interfere with my acting career?” Rong Ke stood in front of the full-length mirror, allowing Yan Zhi to choose his outerwear.

“I’m not interfering,” Yan Zhi said, standing behind Rong Ke and looking at him through the mirror. “I’m going for tea.”

Considering that Yan Zhi was, after all, his unofficial manager, Rong Ke brought him along despite knowing he was just tagging along out of curiosity.

Apart from Director Luo Bi, the producer, Chen Xi, and Teacher Zheng were also present.

After meeting in the tea room, Rong Ke intended to introduce Yan Zhi, but Chen Xi took the initiative to shake hands with him, saying, “The advertising sponsorship is progressing. Thank you for your connections.”

“No need for thanks,” Yan Zhi replied. “I see this drama requires many special effects, which must need substantial funding.”

“Indeed,” Chen Xi said warmly. “We’re seeking high-quality partners.”

Chen Xi was a renowned gold medal producer in the industry, with a background in the state system. No wonder she could secure the country’s first weekly drama.

Her mention of high-quality partners indicated that the drama had certain thresholds for sponsorship, and ordinary small brands might not catch her eye.

While the server was brewing tea for everyone, Rong Ke asked Yan Zhi with his eyes: What are you up to now?

Yan Zhi replied via WeChat: Letting you bring money into the production¹.

For big productions like “Patchwork Family,” investors actually had little room for intervention. Moreover, advertising sponsors weren’t considered investors, only having a bit of say, but not much.

[Rong Ke: Stop pretending to be my sugar daddy]
[Yan Zhi: You can call me daddy too ^_^]

Rong Ke: “…”

“Xiao Ke,” Teacher Zheng spoke first after the server left, “What’s this about you helping the police solve a case?”

The official announcement had intentionally obscured the details about the drug production den, as it was indeed dangerous to disclose.

Naturally, Rong Ke wouldn’t be too specific either. He simply said, “I just happened to encounter some criminals while working part-time.”

“I heard from your teacher that you’ve had quite a few occupations over the years?” Luo Bi chimed in.

“Yes,” Rong Ke nodded. “Before filming ‘Legal Elite,’ I did work as a construction laborer.”

“No wonder the audience said you were pulled straight from a construction site,” Chen Xi laughed. “It’s actually true.”

After the small talk, Luo Bi handed Rong Ke a stack of documents and got down to business. “These are the main characters of ‘Patchwork Family’. Take a look first.”

Previously, Rong Ke only knew the story outline. Now, flipping through the detailed character biographies, he realized the show’s premise was far more complex than he had imagined.

The main cast consisted of five orphans. The eldest brother and second sister were the brain and deputy, already working. The third brother was positioned as the rebel, disobeying the eldest two, currently in university. The fourth brother and fifth sister were the protected ones, in middle school and elementary school respectively.

The five harbored a big secret in their backgrounds. The first season’s plot involved them being discovered and hunted by a mysterious organization with special abilities.

“I’ve discussed with your teacher. Your acting skills shouldn’t be a problem, but to join the main cast, your current experience is still insufficient.”

Luo Bi spoke both directly and tactfully, plainly telling Rong Ke his status wasn’t enough, but phrasing it diplomatically.

“The roles of the eldest and third are tentatively set for Zhou Lin and Liu Qing. Both have a certain fan base and fit the characters well. If we were to replace either with you, the drama would face a bloodbath of criticism before even starting production. I don’t want to see that happen.”

Zhou Lin was also a top young actor with several hit dramas. He was on the same level as Jiang Si, perfectly suited for the lead male role.

As for Liu Qing, he was between first and second-tier, with passable acting skills. There was no reason to replace him with Rong Ke without cause.

“We were thinking, take a look at this character,” Teacher Zheng flipped to a page in the documents and said, “This is the third brother’s university classmate. He has significant screen time, appearing in every episode as the main cast’s helper. It’ll be a very likable character.”

While Rong Ke was reading the character biography, Yan Zhi was also looking. Before Rong Ke finished, he asked, “No special abilities?”

“No,” Luo Bi said. “It’s an ordinary character.”

Rong Ke didn’t immediately respond, flipping back and forth through the pages.

Actually, the most appealing character in this drama should be the third brother. His personality was distinct, with the ability to control fire. Initially problematic, he would play a crucial role in the final battle.

Moreover, he had a romantic storyline, and his character growth arc was very evident.

If Rong Ke could choose, he would lean towards the third brother’s role, but—

He was self-aware enough to know that casting decisions weren’t based solely on acting skills, and his experience truly wasn’t sufficient for this role.

But if it was just playing an ordinary person…

Rong Ke didn’t see the necessity in taking on this drama.

The third brother’s university classmate would provide a lot of help to the main cast, but essentially, he was just a plot device. The character lacked depth and offered no acting challenge.

Rong Ke flipped further back and pointed at the main antagonist, asking, “Has this role been cast yet?”

“You want to play the villain?” Luo Bi was somewhat surprised. “Given your image, it might be more suitable for you to play a positive role.”

Rong Ke knew Luo Bi was referring to his official commendation, but he didn’t want to be typecast like this.

Teacher Zheng seemed to understand his thoughts and added, “About this character, I originally had a few candidates in mind, but either their schedules didn’t align, or they were unwilling to play a villain, so we haven’t finalized it. We’re considering having the writers increase the character’s age, which would broaden our options.”

“Can I audition for it, Teacher Zheng?” Rong Ke said. “If I’m suitable, you won’t need to change the script.”

Teacher Zheng and Luo Bi both pondered, unable to decide immediately.

It was the influential producer Chen Xi who spoke up, “I think we can. It takes time for writers to revise the script. If he’s suitable, we can start filming sooner.”

The audition was scheduled for two days later. Rong Ke received a more detailed script featuring a scene where the villain Sha Ya self-mutilates.

“You seem to enjoy challenging roles,” Yan Zhi remarked after dinner, flipping through Rong Ke’s script on the sofa. “Though this special ability isn’t bad either. Super-regeneration – can’t even die if you want to.”

“That’s why his hobby is self-harm. He’s a psycho,” Rong Ke said, checking his email on his laptop. Without a dedicated manager to handle his work, he had to do it himself.

Endorsements, endorsements, endorsements… Too many endorsement offers, which Rong Ke politely declined one by one.

It wasn’t because he looked down on these brands, but rather his desire for money wasn’t strong. He preferred taking roles he wanted to play over making quick cash.

He picked out a few scripts, replying that he’d consider them, then asked Yan Zhi, “Several media outlets want to interview me. Do you think I should accept?”

“Interview?” Yan Zhi looked up from the script towards Rong Ke.

“It’s more like a talk show. They probably want to ask how I assisted the police,” Rong Ke explained.

“Reject them all,” Yan Zhi continued browsing the script. “MQ’s March issue will feature your exclusive report. I’ve already got people working on the outline.”

“…Huh?” Rong Ke was slightly taken aback.

“You don’t want to be in my magazine?” Yan Zhi raised an eyebrow.

“It’s not that,” Rong Ke scratched his cheek with his index finger. “Isn’t the March issue about to be published?”

“That’s why I’m having them urgently adjust the content.”

Cover photo, then an exclusive interview – Yan Zhi was indeed giving Rong Ke everything he could, just as he said.

But still…

Rong Ke shook his head and sighed, “Your employees’ lives matter too, you know.”

“Haven’t you seen me working overtime lately?” Yan Zhi said in a plaintive tone. “I don’t see you showing concern for me.”

“I’ll make you Squirrel Mandarin Fish tomorrow,” Rong Ke said as he stood up from the sofa. “Take your time working. I’m going to shower first.”

As the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, Yan Zhi put the script aside and looked at the interview outline sent by Luo Fei. Not long after, he received a call from Yan Fei.

“I heard you pulled the Asian ambassador for CVV?”

Yan Zhi knew his mother would ask about this. He grabbed his cigarette box and went to the balcony, treating it as a break from overtime work.

“Mm,” he lit a cigarette and exhaled a puff of smoke. “I don’t like that person.”

“Did he offend you?”

“Not really.”

“I thought so,” Yan Fei’s tone turned gossipy. “I’ve heard some rumors that you’re standing up for someone else.”

Yan Zhi openly admitted, “It’s the mermaid from MQ’s New Year cover.”

Hearing this, Yan Fei laughed, “I saw that photo shoot. It was quite good. Who is he?”

“Rong Ke.” As Yan Zhi said this, the sound of a door opening was heard. Rong Ke had finished his shower and walked out of the bathroom.

How many times had he told him not to wander around the house in just his underwear? But someone just wouldn’t listen.

Yan Zhi leaned back against the railing, quietly watching from the balcony as Rong Ke shuffled to the kitchen in his slippers.

“What,” Yan Fei asked, “you’ve taken a liking to him?”

Yan Zhi bit his cigarette and thought for a moment.

“No, it’s just appreciation,” Yan Zhi said. “He’s a person with an incredibly strong and interesting core.”

“Can you imagine him going undercover for the police when he’s not acting?”

“Tsk,” Yan Fei clicked her tongue, “For you to find someone interesting, that’s a high praise.”

“Mm.” Yan Zhi’s gaze followed Rong Ke as he went to the laundry area, opened the washing machine, and bent over, sticking his butt out as he tossed clothes in.

“Maybe it’s a bit more than just appreciation,” Yan Zhi added.

“What?” Yan Fei asked.

Want to fuck him.

He desperately wanted to pin him against the washing machine right now and teach him to wear proper clothes at home.

“Nothing,” Yan Zhi restrained himself and looked away. “I’m busy. I’ll hang up now.”

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