Rong Jin thought that Hao Qing had an overly negative view of him. In an attempt to justify himself, he said, “I understand Qi Ming has had a tough few years, I wouldn’t do something like that to him…”
Hao Qing felt exasperated. “Isn’t the one having the toughest time me?!”
With emotions running high, Hao Qing demanded, “Are you explaining yourself or suppressing your inner demons? Do you dare swear by what you’re saying?”
Rong Jin, after sizing him up, advised, “Watch fewer melodramas. Your speech has started to sound like them. I’m being serious.”
Hao Qing, in a rebellious mood, retorted, “Do you think I’m joking? Just tell me what you’re planning!”
Rong Jin paused before explaining, “I probably can’t play the male lead in this script… Don’t give me that look. I just thought about it, but in the end, my moral compass won. Only saints remain unwavering. I’m human too, you know.”
Hao Qing doubted Rong Jin’s last statement but pushed on, “And then?”
“So, I’m researching the script to see if there’s any room for maneuvering.”
He sneered internally, thinking: the senior brothers come in all shapes and sizes, one more won’t hurt. He couldn’t believe it – if he shared the screen with Qi Feiran, how could any other CP (couple pairing) compete?
Hao Qing, feeling exasperated, clutched his heart and asked, “Have you considered my feelings?”
He wanted to throttle Rong Jin. “Just stop obsessing over CP pairings! You’re his boyfriend, yet you’re still fixated on CP nonsense!”
Rong Jin, with a serious tone, countered, “Imagine if someone said your wife was actually Old Wang’s wife next door. How would you feel? Otherwise, should I give you a raise?”
Hao Qing shouted, “No way! Get lost!”
He wasn’t the kind to bow for money.
Rong Jin, persistent as ever, continued, “I’ve found out that Jiang Haoyun is doing a cameo as a favor. So why can’t I do the same? Announce it as me repaying Director Zheng’s kindness. I even have the headline ready: ‘Willingly Playing a Supporting Role to Repay a Favor.'”
Hao Qing responded swiftly, “Pfft!”
Other cameos might last a few days or scenes, but Hao Qing felt if he wasn’t careful, Rong Jin might end up overshadowing the senior brothers with his split personality act.
Compared to Director Zheng’s still-in-preparation film “Flavor House,” Director Jin’s “Heroic Bones” was currently creating a buzz. The production team had worried about the impact of “Wanrong” winning awards on “Heroic Bones” promotion, but that concern hadn’t materialized. Everything was proceeding as planned.
In early May, the second teaser was released, followed by behind-the-scenes footage.
These releases were strategically timed to pique audience interest in watching the film. The behind-the-scenes clips highlighted the meticulous preparation, the detailed costumes and props, and, importantly, the actors’ dedication.
Female lead Pang Wen endured days in a mud pit without a stunt double, despite developing rashes. Male lead Rong Jin performed wire stunts himself, enduring high temperatures and dehydration in the desert.
These behind-the-scenes revelations made fans empathize with their idols’ hard work, ensuring they’d support the film.
Qi Feiran, focused on learning culinary skills, paid little attention to online buzz. He underestimated the CP fans’ ability to find “sugar” (romantic moments).
Chu Bai, having a minor role in the film, appeared briefly in both trailers. With limited material, fans dug into the behind-the-scenes footage for “sugar.”
They succeeded.
A CP fan account posted a tweet: “What a divine couple! With an attached screenshot.”
The screenshot, from behind-the-scenes footage, showed Qi Feiran and Rong Jin standing together, seemingly talking.
To most, it was just two people conversing. But to CP fans, it was pure romance!
Rong Jin, though fond of CP moments, felt a twinge of amusement seeing fans interpret such scenes as love. His pure-hearted intentions then were unquestionable!
Would the fans switch loyalties once Director Zheng’s film released?
Or could they foresee future love just from their appearance?
Rong Jin’s mind raced until he saw a comment—
“Amazing! Such a perfect couple! Is this the legendary ‘couple look’?”
Rong Jin fixated on the comment, feeling a wave of bashfulness and sentimentality.
Hao Qing, entering the room nervously, almost broke the door handle. “You, you, have something to say? Don’t be shy!”
Rong Jin, still feeling emotional, replied, “This must be fate…”
Hao Qing, thinking Rong Jin had lost his mind, wanted to run but knew leaving now could lead to a major scandal. So, he asked, “What madness is this time?”
Rong Jin, eager to share, handed Hao Qing his phone, showing the screenshot and comment he had liked and saved.
Hao Qing examined the comment, thinking, “I really believed your nonsense…”
Resisting the urge to throw the phone at Rong Jin’s face, Hao Qing, with some restraint, slammed a contract on the table. “Look at this!”
Rong Jin calmly reviewed the contract, noting all his requirements were met, then signed his name without hesitation.
Hao Qing, unsure whether to feel relieved or concerned, mused that love indeed seemed to motivate Rong Jin.
Rong Jin, handing back the signed contract, said, “Now, leave and close the door. It’s my video call time.”
Hao Qing: “…”
Chi Feiran’s video call arrived right on time. Recently, he has been staying at home, focusing on his studies, and his days have become quite routine.
After seeing Rong Jin, he first showed him the fruits of his efforts from today’s lessons. Compared to the beginning, what he can cut out now is much more presentable.
In fact, according to general filming requirements, Chi Feiran’s current skill level would be sufficient. Usually, when filming hand close-ups, professionals are used as stand-ins.
But clearly, this wasn’t the level Chi Feiran was striving for. He hoped to be more professional, to better understand and embody the inner world of the character he was to portray.
Learning culinary skills is inherently a tough and monotonous task. In summer, the heat from the stove is unbearable, while in winter, the water for washing vegetables is freezing cold. Despite these conditions, one has to remain focused on cutting techniques, controlling the heat, and the precise amount of seasoning—all of which require meticulous attention.
So, in the beginning, this young master Ji Yunsheng was always lazy and half-hearted in his learning. It wasn’t until he saw his senior brothers’ dishes making it to the table that he started to develop a sense of competitiveness and put in more effort. Later, after losing his parents, his master, and his senior brothers, all he had left was the culinary skills he had honed.
As Chi Feiran showed Rong Jin his progress, he analyzed the character with him: “His entire growth process is driven by events. The emotional trajectory of the character is actually quite easy to grasp. It’s just that performing while multitasking is a bit challenging.”
Playing a character with a professional trait like this is particularly difficult. The kitchen is a crucial filming location, requiring simultaneous cooking and acting, which Chi Feiran found genuinely hard.
Rong Jin didn’t have any better solution for this issue other than practicing more.
Seeing the uncleaned cutting board with the day’s practice materials, which had noticeably increased compared to before, Rong Jin knew that Chi Feiran had had a tiring day. He asked, “Why don’t you take a break?”
Chi Feiran smiled at the camera, “Talking to you isn’t tiring.”
For Chi Feiran, the physical exhaustion from learning culinary skills was manageable—his stamina was decent. The main challenge was initially adapting to the standing, the high-intensity wrist movements, and maintaining steady handwork. These were the more difficult aspects.
But these difficulties were surmountable, and he hoped to do better.
Hearing Chi Feiran’s straightforward words made Rong Jin’s heart naturally swell with sweetness. He thought of the CP fans’ term “couple look” and felt it was spot on!
Then, looking at Chi Feiran in the video, still wearing his apron, Rong Jin’s imagination ran wild…
If this weren’t for a movie, but for love…
Rong Jin was lost in his thoughts, forgetting his earlier advice to Chang Haoqing about not watching melodramas. In his mind, the big headline was probably something like “My Culinary God Lover”…
Chi Feiran, noticing Rong Jin’s sudden silence, called out to him, “Rong Ge?”
Rong Jin snapped back to reality, coughed, and said, “I wasn’t thinking about anything just now.”
Chi Feiran: “…”
That sounded really suspicious…
Rong Jin changed the subject, coughed lightly again, and said, “I was just thinking that originally, I should be the one cooking at home. But at this rate, your culinary skills will definitely surpass mine…”
When he said “at home,” it felt incredibly sweet.
Chi Feiran also started to daydream because of his words. Yes, if they could live together in the future…
However, there was something else at the moment.
Chi Feiran suddenly said, “Rong Ge, my dad… wants to meet you.”
