The red sun rises from the sea.
Countless rays of rosy dawn.
Qiao Shu was awakened. When he opened his eyes, he saw this beautiful sunrise scene over the sea. He stared blankly at it and couldn’t help but praise, “So beautiful.”
The red light spread over the sea, casting a beautiful golden glow on the deep blue waters as the red sun gradually moved up from the sea.
Qiao Shu lay in Gu Chenyan’s arms, wrapped in a fluffy blanket. He rubbed his head back against Gu Chenyan’s shoulder and reached out to circle Gu Chenyan’s neck.
The two of them quietly watched the sunrise.
It wasn’t until the sun completely emerged from the sea horizon that Qiao Shu turned his head to look at the man holding him.
Gu Chenyan happened to lower his head at the same time.
Their eyes met, and then they smiled at each other.
Qiao Shu: “This is the first time I’ve seen a sunrise. A very beautiful sunrise, even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Gu Chenyan: “You can come to see it with me in the future if you like.”
Qiao Shu: “Together?”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes, together.”
Qiao Shu yawned.
Gu Chenyan rubbed Qiao Shu’s head. “Still sleepy? Do you want to sleep a little longer?”
Qiao Shu: “What time did you wake up?”
Gu Chenyan: “Five o’clock.”
It was already very late when last night ended, and Qiao Shu was both tired and sleepy. Afraid he might not wake up to see the sunrise, he set an alarm for five o’clock.
He smiled, “You turned off my alarm.”
Gu Chenyan: “You slept late last night. Get some more sleep; I’ll wait.”
Qiao Shu: “But didn’t you sleep late too?”
Gu Chenyan tilted his head and pondered for a moment, “I have better stamina than you.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Gu Chenyan: “Shall we go back to sleep and then head home later?”
Qiao Shu: “Together?”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes.”
On the deck, the chilly morning breeze blew by. Gu Chenyan pulled the blanket tighter around Qiao Shu, then lifted him up and carried him back to their room.
The ceiling in the room had returned to its original state. Gu Chenyan placed Qiao Shu on the bed, then took off his jacket and lay down beside him.
Qiao Shu snuggled up to Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan reached out and embraced him. They held each other and slowly drifted off to sleep in each other’s embrace.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day for Qiao Shu’s audition. Yu Qiong had been busy lately, and Qiao Shu saw her looking pale and tired when he met her. So, he refused her company outright, telling her to take care of herself, and instead took Lu Yue and Ou Yinan with him to the audition location.
This is a fantasy drama, and Qiao Shu is auditioning for the role of the male lead in this fantasy drama.
He took a number card and sat on the side, waiting. Lu Yue accompanied him, while Ou Yinan went to gather information.
This fantasy drama is adapted from a popular novel. So far, the creative team announced by the crew is quite reliable, and the investors are also quite good. Therefore, there are quite a few people who have come to audition. There are about ten candidates for the male lead alone.
“Qiao Shu?”
Qiao Shu turned around and saw Cheng Yunchuan walking towards him with a surprised expression on his face.
Qiao Shu stood up and smiled, “Cheng Yunchuan, long time no see.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Long time no see. I didn’t expect it to be you. Are you also here for the audition?”
Qiao Shu: “Yes.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Who are you auditioning for?”
Qiao Shu: “The male lead. How about you?”
Cheng Yunchuan was momentarily surprised, then smiled, “Me too.”
“Yunchuan, I’ll go get the number,” Cheng Yunchuan’s agent said.
Cheng Yunchuan: “Okay.”
After the agent left, Cheng Yunchuan sat down next to Qiao Shu directly. “I didn’t expect us to be competitors this time. In the previous drama, we were both leads, one male and one supporting.”
Lu Yue frowned.
Qiao Shu smiled, “Yeah.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “How are you prepared? Honestly, I’m quite nervous.”
Qiao Shu: “I’m nervous too.” He glanced at the script in his hand. “So, I’ve been revising all the time. I’m afraid of failing.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “You still get nervous?”
Qiao Shu was puzzled, “Huh?”
Cheng Yunchuan smiled, “Nothing, since we’re competitors now, I have to work hard too.” He whispered to Qiao Shu, “Let’s hope there are no backdoor deals in this drama. Otherwise, our efforts will be in vain.”
Qiao Shu blinked, “It shouldn’t happen. As far as I know, the candidates for male lead auditions were all invited by the crew’s decision. If there were already chosen ones, there would be no need for this audition.”
Cheng Yunchuan smiled, “Let’s hope so.”
The two of them quietly began to review.
Qiao Shu’s number was called before Cheng Yunchuan’s. When Qiao Shu’s number was called, Cheng Yunchuan looked up from his script, “Is it your turn now?”
Qiao Shu: “Yes.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Good luck!”
Qiao Shu: “Thank you.”
Qiao Shu went in.
The audition room was spacious, with the director, screenwriter, and others sitting in a row.
Director: “Qiao Shu?”
Qiao Shu: “Yes. Hello everyone, I’m Qiao Shu from Big Star Entertainment.”
Director: “First, draw a lot.”
A staff member approached with a container of lots, and Qiao Shu casually drew one.
Director: “Perform the content written on it.”
Qiao Shu: “Okay.”
He drew the later plot where the protagonist is wrongly accused. After performing, Qiao Shu looked somewhat nervous at the director and others, but their expressions were well-controlled, and Qiao Shu couldn’t read anything from them.
Director: “Go back and wait for the notification.”
Qiao Shu: “Okay, thank you.”
Leaving the room, Qiao Shu breathed a sigh of relief, regardless of the outcome, he had done his best.
On the other hand, Lu Yue was very nervous. “Qiao Shu, how did it go? What did the director say?”
Qiao Shu: “They asked me to wait for the notification.”
Lu Yue disappointedly exclaimed, “Ah.”
Ou Yinan suddenly said, “So that means there’s still hope for the young master.”
Qiao Shu and Lu Yue both looked at Ou Yinan.
Ouyinian continued, “I just inquired. Several people were directly rejected with acting cards.”
Lu Yue’s eyes lit up.
Qiao Shu’s mood also lightened.
“Qiao Shu, were you selected?” Cheng Yunchuan, who had somehow walked over to the three of them, asked.
Qiao Shu hesitated slightly, “Not yet.”
“The director asked me to wait for the notification.”
Cheng Yunchuan smiled, “I saw you all looking so happy just now, I thought you had already been internally selected. I thought my trip here would be for nothing.”
Lu Yue and Ou Yinan exchanged a glance.
Qiao Shu smiled, “It’s nothing like that. We were just discussing some happy things. By the way, is it your turn now?”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Yes, I’m about to go in.”
Qiao Shu: “Good luck.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Thank you, I’ll borrow your good wishes.”
Watching Cheng Yunchuan go in, Qiao Shu then left with Lu Yue and Ou Yinan.
Lu Yue: “Qiao Shu, did you find Cheng Yunchuan’s words strange?”
Qiao Shu didn’t pay much attention, “Huh? Not really.”
Lu Yue scratched her head.
Qiao Shu smiled, “It’s just a few words, Sister Yue Yue. Don’t worry about it.”
Ou Yinan: “Young master, pay attention.”
Qiao Shu: “Okay.”
As they exited the hotel where the audition took place, Qiao Shu’s phone rang a few times.
Gu Chenyan: Is the audition over?
Gu Chenyan: I’m nearby, coming to pick you up. Shall we have lunch together?
Qiao Shu checked his phone and immediately broke into a bright smile.
Qiao Shu: Sure!
Qiao Shu: The audition just ended.
Qiao Shu: I’ll wait for you outside the hotel.
Qiao Shu: (Piggy happily spins around)
Gu Chenyan: Okay.
Gu Chenyan: I’ll be there in about ten minutes.
Qiao Shu: Okay.
Putting away his phone, Qiao Shu cheerfully said to Lu Yue and Ou Yinan beside him, “You two can go back first. My husband is coming to pick me up for lunch.”
Lu Yue & Ou Yinan: “…”
Suddenly, a warm burst of affection.
Ou Yinan: “Mr. Gu hasn’t arrived yet. I’ll accompany you while waiting, Young Master.”
Lu Yue: “Yeah.”
Qiao Shu: “No need, really. My husband will be here in ten minutes. It’s not too late, and I’m fine waiting alone. You don’t have to worry.”
Ou Yinan: “Young Master, my main task is to protect you.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
“Okay.”
Ten minutes later.
Gu Chenyan arrived on time. His black, understated Maybach stopped in front of Qiao Shu, and then the car door opened.
Qiao Shu’s eyes lit up.
He waved to Lu Yue and Ou Yinan behind him, “You two go back quickly. I’ll leave first.”
He happily climbed into the car, the door closed behind him, and then the car slowly drove away.
At the window on the third floor of the hotel.
Cheng Yunchuan stood by the window, taking in everything Qiao Shu did, his face heavy, his hand hanging by his side tightly clenched.
Agent: “Why did you stop?”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Do you think Qiao Shu and Gu Chenyan are married?”
The agent had naturally seen the trending topic and immediately denied without much thought, “How could that be possible? Why would Gu Chenyan marry an actor? You’re overthinking it, it’s just a coincidence of names.”
Cheng Yunchuan’s hand clenched tighter, “When we were filming on set before, I accidentally saw Qiao Shu and Gu Chenyan kissing in the car.”
Agent: “Really?”
Cheng Yunchuan: “Yes.”
The agent frowned.
Cheng Yunchuan continued, “If they’re not married, how do you explain the internal selection this time?”
He recalled after his audition, the director of the crew told him, “Your performance was excellent, but it’s not the feeling I wanted, I’m sorry.”
He was directly rejected!
But not Qiao Shu.
Cheng Yunchuan didn’t think his acting was worse than Qiao Shu’s, but he was rejected. After thinking it over, he couldn’t find any other explanation except that Qiao Shu was internally selected.
He wasn’t inferior to Qiao Shu.
The agent still didn’t believe, “When you were filming ‘Sword of the Martial World’, I roughly understood the people in your crew.”
This was the agent’s job. When their artists joined a crew, they needed to have a basic understanding of the members of the crew, so as not to accidentally offend someone they shouldn’t offend, which could potentially ruin their careers.
After all, there are too many people nowadays playing around in the entertainment industry.
Agent: “From what I gathered, Qiao Shu is just an orphan with deceased parents, and his parents were just ordinary workers. There’s no way he could have any connection with the Gu family.”
“You’re really overthinking it.”
Cheng Yunchuan: “But I really saw it. I’m sure it was them in the car, and I also…”
Agent: “Maybe it’s a sponsorship relationship. Nowadays, rich people often have a quirk or two. Maybe our city’s richest man just likes people with the name Qiao Shu.”
“And besides, if they were married, would Qiao Shu still come to audition for the male lead in such an average crew?”
“In the past, when stars married into wealthy families, they either retired from the industry or took on consecutive big productions.”
Cheng Yunchuan hesitated.
Could it really be a sponsorship relationship?
Otherwise, shouldn’t the partner of the richest man have better resources? Only in a sponsorship relationship would they not care about casually giving out some resources, like the male lead role in this crew.
A gleam flashed in Cheng Yunchuan’s eyes.
Unaware of the discussions about him, Qiao Shu sat in the car, happily sharing his joy with Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu: “The director asked me to wait for the notification. Ou Yinan said those the director was unsatisfied with were directly rejected, so I might have a good chance of getting this role.”
“Hehe.”
Gu Chenyan praised, “You’re very talented, Little Mr. Qiao.”
Qiao Shu blushed shyly.
Qiao Shu: “If I get this role, I’ll have a lot of money.”
“The pay for the main role is higher than for the supporting roles.”
He looked up at Gu Chenyan, his amber eyes shining brightly. “Then let’s go on a trip abroad? How about Venice?”
“Back when I was studying, I learned about Venice, the city of water. I always wanted to visit there. It must be very romantic. We can find a time when we’re both free, and I’ll treat you to a trip.”
Gu Chenyan smiled, “Sure.”
“Then I’ll thank my Little Mr. Qiao in advance.”
The two of them had dinner outside together. In the afternoon, Qiao Shu followed Gu Chenyan to the company.
In the office.
Gu Chenyan worked while Qiao Shu played games and snacked. The scene was surprisingly harmonious.
Mid-March.
Qiao Shu received a call from the audition crew, informing him that he passed the audition and asking him to come to the crew in two days to sign the contract.
“Ah! Ah!”
Qiao Shu danced with excitement. The lead role! His first lead role!
And lots of money! Money! Money!
Yu Qiong also received the news and called to congratulate Qiao Shu happily.
Yu Qiong: “Qiao Shu, do your best in filming. You’ll only get better and better in the future.”
Qiao Shu smiled, “Okay.”
“Sister Qiong, don’t worry, I’ll work hard.”
Yu Qiong hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell Qiao Shu something to make him even happier, “Do you know about the variety show ‘Working People, Working Spirit’?”
Qiao Shu was taken aback.
He did know about this variety show.
In the original story, Jiang Jiayu and Chu Chisheng became a couple because of this show.
Yu Qiong: “This is a new variety show introduced by Apple TV. Although it’s the first season, Apple TV values it highly. I’ve researched this show and think it has great potential. Currently, Chu Chisheng has been confirmed for the show.”
“Qiao Shu, what I want to tell you is that you are also on the list of potential invites for this program.”
Qiao Shu: “!!!”
Yu Qiong: “Moreover, the likelihood of you appearing on this show is over 90%.”
Not only that, once it’s confirmed, this resource cannot be taken away by the agency.
During this time, Yu Qiong felt quite stifled. She had three artists under her, but due to the company’s suppression, many of her resources had been intercepted. Especially recently, for some reason, all the resources belonging to Qiao Shu, big or small, were intercepted without exception.
Yu Qiong believed she had caused trouble for Qiao Shu. So, after receiving this news, she did her best to negotiate, trying to secure this resource for Qiao Shu.
And just the day before, she received the news that Qiao Shu’s slot had been secured.
However, when she told Qiao Shu, she still kept some reservations. After all, the contract had not been signed yet.
When Qiao Shu hung up the phone, he felt like he was floating on air.
To be on “Working People, Working Spirit”!
Ah, ah, ah!
In the novel, this variety show wasn’t initially well-regarded, and there weren’t any big stars participating. The reason Chu Chisheng joined was to repay a favor.
But this resource was still pretty good. After all, it’s a program highly valued by Apple TV, so many mid-tier and lower-tier celebrities are vying for it.
And in the novel, this variety show exploded!
Everyone who participated saw a significant increase in their popularity. They even landed a top luxury endorsement, except for the cannon fodder constantly targeting Jiang Jiayu on the show.
Qiao Shu happily spun around in circles.
Two days later.
Before going to the drama crew to sign the contract, Qiao Shu was taken by Yu Qiong to sign the contract for the “Working People, Working Spirit” variety show.
While signing the contract, Qiao Shu saw a list with Jiang Jiayu’s name on it.
He couldn’t help but ask softly, “Will Jiang Jiayu also be coming?”
The other party: “Yes, he just signed the contract yesterday.”
Qiao Shu let out a relaxed smile.
Fortunately, his appearance as a butterfly effect didn’t remove Jiang Jiayu.
After signing a contract to join the variety show and another confidentiality agreement, Qiao Shu left with Yu Qiong. In the afternoon, they still had to go to the drama crew of the fantasy drama to sign contracts.
Worried about wasting time, Qiao Shu didn’t go to have lunch with Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu: I can’t come for lunch today.
Qiao Shu: Make sure to eat well by yourself. I’ll find you after I finish signing the contract.
Qiao Shu: (Piggy rub)
Gu Chenyan replied quickly: Okay.
Gu Chenyan: Make sure you eat well too.
Gu Chenyan: (Piggy hug)
Qiao Shu smiled.
For lunch, Qiao Shu ate with Yu Qiong. During the meal, Qiao Shu took a photo and sent it to Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu: My lunch.
Gu Chenyan: [Photo]
Gu Chenyan: My lunch.
Qiao Shu: Hehe, we both have braised eggplant.
Qiao Shu: Brother, are we on the same wavelength?
Gu Chenyan smiled: Yes.
Throughout the meal, Qiao Shu’s face was filled with smiles, while Yu Qiong, sitting across from him, couldn’t bear to watch but had no choice.
Yet she remained silent and continued eating.
Until Qiao Shu finished his third bowl of rice.
Yu Qiong: “!!!”
Yu Qiong: “When did your appetite become so big?”
Qiao Shu: “Huh?”
“Will it really make a difference?”
He’s been eating so much these past few days.
Yu Qiong: “You still have filming to do, so eat less. Even though you have a body that doesn’t gain weight easily, you still need to control yourself.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Silently, he reluctantly put down his chopsticks, but his eyes still lingered on the dishes on the table.
His mouth watered.
Yu Qiong: “…”
“Forget it. One more bowl of rice won’t hurt. Starting from tomorrow, you can eat less.”
Facing Qiao Shu’s pitiful and aggrieved look, Yu Qiong couldn’t resist.
Qiao Shu immediately picked up his chopsticks with joy and gave Yu Qiong an overly obedient smile. “Thank you, Sister Qiong. I’ll definitely eat less from tomorrow onwards and film in the best condition. You can trust me.”
Yu Qiong: “Hmm.”
After finishing their meal, they rested for a while before driving to the fantasy drama crew to sign the contract.
On the way,
Yu Qiong was driving. Qiao Shu chatted with Jiang Jiayu when he had nothing else to do.
Qiao Shu: I signed a contract this morning. Can you guess what it is?
Jiang Jiayu: I can’t guess.
Qiao Shu: Let me give you a hint.
Qiao Shu: It’s the same contract you signed yesterday.
Jiang Jiayu: !!!
Jiang Jiayu: Is it “Working People, Working Spirit”?
Jiang Jiayu: Oh my god! Oh my god!
Qiao Shu: That’s right.
Jiang Jiayu: Ahhhh! My dear Qiao Shu, we’re teaming up again!
Jiang Jiayu: Muah! Muah!
Jiang Jiayu: Actually, I really wanted to share this with you yesterday, but I signed a confidentiality agreement. But now it’s different, I can say it, hahaha!
Qiao shu: (adorable piggy)
Jiang Jiayu: Oh, by the way, you must have seen Senior Chu’s name too!
Jiang Jiayu: (shy) Senior Chu will also participate!
Jiang Jiayu: Ahhhh! So excited!
Qiao Shu: “…”
Miscalculated!
Forgot this variety show is a dog food central!
The phone suddenly rang, and Qiao Shu followed the sound to see Yu Qiong pressing the Bluetooth next to her ear.
Yu Qiong: “Hello.”
Yu Qiong: “What?”
Yu Qiong’s face turned ugly, and after saying a few more words, she reluctantly said, “Okay, we got it here.”
She hung up the phone and stopped the car to the side with a grim expression.
There was a heavy silence in the car.
After a few seconds, Qiao Shu couldn’t help but ask, “Sister Qiong, what happened?”
Yu Qiong clenched her fingers, closed her eyes, and finally said, “Sorry.”
Qiao Shu: ???
Yu Qiong: “It was just a call from the fantasy drama crew.”
Qiao Shu suddenly had a bad feeling.
Sure enough.
Yu Qiong: “They said they found a more suitable candidate for the male lead.”
Qiao Shu: “!!!”
Yu Qiong: “We don’t need to go sign the contract anymore.”
Qiao Shu was at a loss for words for a moment, feeling confused, disappointed, and somewhat angry.
Yu Qiong: “This time it’s my fault for implicating you.”
Qiao Shu: “???”
Yu Qiong: “The company has been suppressing me recently. As a result, many of your resources have been intercepted. During this time, almost all of yours have been taken away. I didn’t expect them to even target this fantasy drama.”
Qiao Shu blinked.
He was shocked because he didn’t know about this. During this period when he wasn’t working, Qiao Shu thought it was just a normal process, especially since he had been preparing for the audition for this fantasy drama.
Yu Qiong: “I just found out that the original first choice for the male lead in this drama was Jiao Anshi.”
Jiao Anshi was a big shot at Big Star Entertainment. Naturally, he didn’t think much of this fantasy drama. He had already rejected it early on. But just now, Yu Qiong received a call informing her that Jiao Anshi suddenly agreed to take on this drama.
Yu Qiong could figure out even if she were foolish that this was the company’s doing.
But what she didn’t expect was that the company would be willing to sacrifice Jiao Anshi, a top star, just to suppress her. After all, this fantasy drama’s resources were only mediocre, and even if it did well, Jiao Anshi’s share of the profits would be limited.
Yu Qiong’s expression was grim.
However, Qiao Shu keenly picked up on the underlying message.
He hesitantly asked, “Sister Qiong, recently, have my resources been intercepted the most?”
Yu Qiong, feeling guilty, replied, “Yes.”
“I’ve caused trouble for you,” Qiao Shu said remorsefully.
“Indeed!” Qiao Shu admitted.
Yu Qiong was puzzled. “???”
Qiao Shu hesitated before saying, “There’s something I forgot to tell you.”
“I got into a fight with the Vice-President recently.”
Author’s note:
Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated me with nutrient solution between 2021-02-16 23:58:33~2021-02-17 23:53:36~
Thanks to the angels who irrigated me with nutrient solution: Bae, Super Cute Me (10 bottles); Night Snow Spirit, Cold Sprout, Qingyuan (5 bottles); Xinen nn (3 bottles); Little Stone (2 bottles); Wendy, Purple, Grape Soda, This account has been logged out (1 bottle);
Thank you all very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!
⌈Weekend chapters: 0⌉ ⌊Progress: 1/2 ⌋
