Jing Li squinted slightly, giving Zhang Guolin a once-over, but remained silent.
Although his words sounded pleasing, the probing undertones did not escape Jing Li’s notice.
Especially that last remark, seemingly offering information to curry favor, yet actually distancing himself from any association.
“The commotion you caused last night was too loud, drawing the attention of the demons here.”
“They even approached me to inquire about the situation, but I said nothing.”
“So if you or your friends accidentally get attacked in the future, it has absolutely nothing to do with me. Don’t come looking for me under any circumstances.”
……
He was worthy of being a sly old fox, having lived for so many years!
Jing Li fixed his gaze on the ancient tree spirit before him, staring intently until the other’s smile froze on his face. His expression was uneasy and anxious, as though he were seated on pins and needles. Only then did Jing Li let out a soft laugh, mercifully sparing him.
“Very well, I understand,” Jing Li replied calmly.
Cunning is as cunning does.
As long as he harbors no other ulterior motives.
As for the others he mentioned, they were simply unsavory characters unworthy of attention.
However, he ought to remind Hu Li to be cautious.
With that thought, Jing Li quickly regained his composure as the makeup artist arrived to prepare him. The two naturally ended their conversation.
Zhang Guolin returned to his seat, quietly exhaling in relief, but the lingering glimmer of hope was rapidly extinguished.
With the demons’ inherent sense of danger, a mere glance had revealed Jing Li’s immense power. Zhang Guolin would not foolishly provoke him further.
As for the other spirits, he could not concern himself with them.
*
The conversation with Zhang Guolin was a minor interlude, which Jing Li did not dwell on. However, he found an opportunity to caution Hu Li.
Afterward, life on the set remained unchanged, alternating between filming, eating, resting, and preparation.
Half a month passed peacefully.
Soon, it was time for Hu Li and the actors with minor roles to wrap up their scenes.
Due to the hectic filming schedule, no wrap party was held for the departing actors. After the director presented them with generous red envelopes, the remaining cast members also gave them thoughtful gifts.
Among them, Hu Li’s departure was the most lively.
Whether due to his status in the industry or his charming personality, everyone held great affection for this man whose beauty verged on ethereal. Even many crew members came forward with small gifts for him.
Jing Li also approached and presented his own gift, but instead of handing it directly, he pulled Hu Li into a warm embrace and said softly, “I have nothing grand to give, but I wish you a lifetime of peace, success, and your heart’s desires fulfilled.”
As he spoke, he gently patted Hu Li’s back before releasing him.
However, in the next moment, Hu Li suddenly pulled him back into a forceful embrace, squeezing him so tightly that he nearly lost his breath. Then, with his head resting on Jing Li’s shoulder and his breathing slightly hurried, he said hoarsely, “Thank you, this is the best wish I’ve received.”
He hadn’t expected Jing Li to bless him at this moment, and his emotions welled up indescribably, overwhelmed by surging gratitude.
Hu Li took a moment to compose himself before slowly letting go of Jing Li.
Jing Li smiled, realizing Hu Li had likely noticed his subtle gesture, but said nothing more, only patting his shoulder in response.
The next second, he saw the young man’s eyes were reddened as he flashed a broad smile, “Work hard! I’ll wait for you in the capital to introduce me to your other friends!”
Jing Li smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
After bidding farewell to Hu Li’s group, the set noticeably quieted down. At first, some felt the absence, but they were soon consumed by the hectic filming schedule, leaving no time to dwell on it.
Over a month later, as the heavy snow of winter nearly reached their ankles, the crew of ‘The Last Remnant’ finally approached the last scene before wrapping up.
Amid the swirling snowflakes, the young emperor ascended the steps leading to the palace, passing the kneeling ministers to overlook the prosperous royal city from the altar symbolizing supreme sovereignty. He had finally cleared the decade-long injustice suffered by the Han clan and overthrown the corrupt old regime, ushering in a new era of hope.
And with that, the story came to a perfect conclusion.
“Cut!”
The quiet space was broken when the director’s decisive “Cut!” announced the successful completion of filming. The cast and crew were jolted from their immersion, immediately beaming and cheering to celebrate the wrap.
Even the usually serious director visibly showed delight on his face.
At the wrap party that evening, the director, unusually, talked a lot and shared many heartfelt words. Towards the end, he pulled Jing Li aside for a personal conversation.
“Although this is my first time directing a TV series, I have a feeling it will become another crowning achievement in my directing career.” Perhaps influenced by the alcohol, the director seemed more relaxed and spoke more freely. “I must thank Er Shao for giving me this opportunity. I was too narrow-minded before.”
“I’m grateful for Er Shao’s generosity and hope we have a chance to collaborate again in the future.”
Jing Li smiled, gently clinking glasses with him. “Certainly,” he replied modestly.
*
After the wrap party came farewells.
But the actors’ busyness allowed little time for lingering sentiment.
Those who had to rush for their next schedules had their assistants pack up and depart soon after dinner.
Though Jing Li had no immediate plans, he didn’t wish to linger either, so he instructed his assistant to pack so they could head back to the capital overnight.
After all, home and his comfortable bed awaited.
As he was packing, a knock sounded at the door. Jing Li opened it to find Wang Lele standing there with a suitcase.
“I’m all packed up, so I came to see you,” Wang Lele said with a smile.
Having heard Jing Li was leaving too, he booked the same flight to travel back together.
“Come in and have a seat. I’ll be ready soon,” Jing Li stepped aside to let him enter, closing the door behind him. “How long will you be shooting that commercial? The New Year is coming up. Any plans?”
“This one is a location shoot overseas. The details depend on their arrangements there,” Wang Lele set his luggage against the wall and turned. “But it’s just a commercial. I estimate a week at most.”
He shrugged helplessly. “But who has holidays as an entertainer? Work calls, and we have to go wherever.”
He glanced at Jing Li, a teasing smile crossing his lips. “Not everyone can be like you. Not only are you blessed with good looks, but you also have talent. If your fans knew how lax you were about promoting yourself, they’d scold you for wasting your gifts!”
Although the words were more teasing, Jing Li could still hear the slightest trace of envy hidden in his tone.
Jing Li remained silent for a few seconds before suddenly asking, “Have you considered terminating your contract and finding a new environment?”
“You’re a person, not a work machine. Everyone gets exhausted sometimes. If you keep pushing yourself relentlessly like this, your body will eventually break down.”
Wang Lele was briefly taken aback before brushing it off with a laugh. “It’s just about making a living. Might as well work hard while I’m young. Plus, I’m alone, so it’s just me to feed. There’s no need to worry.”
“And whether I terminate the contract or not, it’ll just be jumping from one pit to another. They’re all the same, so I can’t be bothered with the hassle anymore.”
He made a fair point. Entertainment companies may appear glamorous on the surface, but who knows what lies beneath until you’re in too deep, potentially an even harder and darker pit.
Jing Li understood his perspective but didn’t push further. Some issues couldn’t be resolved with mere words or empty promises.
Besides, his intention in asking was simply to gauge Wang Lele’s attitude and have a sense of where he stood.
By the time their conversation ended, the assistant had finished packing, and they headed straight to the airport.
Jing Li and Wang Lele had adjacent seats, while the assistant sat in economy with the crew.
Just before takeoff, Wang Lele turned to Jing Li. “Earlier, you asked about my New Year plans. Do you have any yourself?”
“Nothing much. I just thought, since you’re alone, you could come to my place, and we could celebrate together.” Jing Li looked at him. “It’ll just be my brother and me, so it’ll be livelier with you there.”
“Plus, didn’t the director say this show is scheduled to premiere on New Year’s Eve? We can watch it together then.”
Perhaps the picture Jing Li painted was too idyllic, as Wang Lele seemed momentarily dazed.
He couldn’t recall the last time he had company to spend the holidays, having been alone in the entertainment world since his parents passed away. He had grown accustomed to the solitude.
Yet hearing Jing Li’s invitation, he realized how much he still yearned for companionship.
Unfortunately, it seemed not possible this year.
“Looks like I’ll have to disappoint you.” Wang Lele smiled, his expression radiating warmth. “Maybe next time. If my schedule isn’t too hectic, I’ll definitely come spend the New Year at your place.”
Aware of Wang Lele’s circumstances, Jing Li simply smiled in acknowledgment. “Then it’s a promise.”
The flight soon took off, and the two stopped talking. The fatigue from consecutive days of filming quickly caught up to them, and they fell asleep shortly after closing their eyes.
When they reopened their eyes, the plane had already landed.
It was quite late, so without saying much, they collected their luggage and parted ways.
As soon as Jing Li exited the airport, he noticed a familiar license plate, though it didn’t belong to his family’s car.
Assuming it was a coincidence, he intended to simply greet the owner and continue on his way. However, after taking just a few steps, he saw someone exit the driver’s side door.
The person smiled at Jing Li’s approach and said, “You’re here? Get in first, the others are in the car behind.”
Jing Li: “……?!”
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