Chapter 31

The set was bustling with busy staff preparing for the next scene.

In a split second, something clicked in Zuo Mingran's mind, causing her to quickly look in the direction Angel was gesturing.

A middle-aged man in a black coat emerged from Ren Luning's exclusive dressing room. Though his face wasn't visible, it was apparent he wasn't tall and had a slightly overweight figure.

If Angel hadn't mentioned it, Zuo Mingran would have never connected him to the ruthless character from the original book's plot.

Hot ginger tea spilled all over her, but Zuo Mingran had no time to think about it. Her mind was consumed by the three words Angel had just mentioned.

— Wen Shikai.

Unconsciously biting her lip, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing a worried expression on her face.

Wen Shikai was not an ordinary passerby; he was an incredibly crucial character in the original book's plot. In the middle of the original book's plotline, Zuo Mingran, who had provided help to Tang Wenbin, fell from grace. With no support, Tang Wenbin swiftly found a new backer to secure his position, and that backer was none other than the legendary and decisive talent agent, Wen Shikai.

Zuo Mingran sighed. She had originally thought that she could deviate from the plot without consequences, but she never expected there to be compulsory elements in the storyline. Although it wouldn't force her to follow the original book's plot, all the people connected to her in the book were appearing before her one by one.

Shi Shuangxia and Mao Mao, of course, as they were the two people closest to her.

Apart from them, first was Tang Wenbin, the biggest antagonist in the entire book. However, because the host body had changed, Tang Wenbin's earlier setbacks caused all subsequent plotlines to wither.

Following that was Zhang Lizhi, the second male lead. However, he was only limited to that one event, and they didn't even have basic contact information, let alone a relationship.

Then there was Fan Zhenzhen, the malicious supporting female character who colluded with Zuo Mingran in the original plot. Thinking of her, Zuo Mingran's eyelids twitched. Zuo Mingran never anticipated that Fan Zhenzhen would become her love rival. This was a plot development that completely deviated from the original book's storyline, something the world automatically completed to maintain balance.

Now, Wen Shikai, who should have appeared in the later stages of the original book's plot, suddenly appeared, still as the current popular actor Ren Luning's manager.

Regardless of the compulsory nature of the plot's development or any other reason, the successive appearances of people who should have had connections with "Zuo Mingran" implied that, apart from the male and female leads from the original book, she had essentially gathered all these individuals before her.

Half-jokingly, Zuo Mingran thought that she would probably encounter the male and female leads from the original book soon, and once she gathered all the main characters, she could summon the Divine Dragon and make a wish.

Angel handed her a towel to wipe off the water stains on her body. Looking at her expression and recalling her previous reactions, Angel hesitated before speaking softly, "Ran, do you have a conflict with someone?"

Zuo Mingran was still lost in her thoughts and casually replied, "Who?"

Lowering her voice, Angel said, "Of course, I mean Wen Shikai! I heard he's really powerful! Should we tell Shixia and ask her to come over?"

Zuo Mingran snapped back to reality and took the towel from her hand. "What are you thinking? I don't even know him."

Angel chuckled. It was clear the water stains on her body couldn't be cleaned off completely. Fortunately, it was cold and an outdoor scene, so she was wearing thick clothes.

Zuo Mingran lifted her collar and checked. Her inner clothes were clean, and the ginger tea hadn't seeped through. She casually threw the towel aside and said, "Forget it, no need to wipe."

Meanwhile, the scene with the male lead and the supporting actress was being filmed. Zuo Mingran held the script and rehearsed lines with Angel.

With something on her mind, Zuo Mingran stumbled through her lines, frustrating Angel who scratched her head. "Ran, weren't you supposed to be focused today? What's going on?"

Zuo Mingran sighed, her brows furrowing. "It's just... Wen Shikai. He's been causing trouble on set, picking fights with everyone. I accidentally bumped into him earlier and he threatened me. I don't want to involve Shixia in this mess."

Angel's eyes widened with concern. "Threatened you? That's unacceptable! We can't let him get away with this. We need to tell someone."

Zuo Mingran shook her head. "No, I don't want to create more drama. Let's just focus on our own work and try to avoid him as much as possible."

Angel hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but if things get out of hand, promise me you'll let me know. We're a team, remember?"

Zuo Mingran smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Angel. I promise I won't keep it to myself if things escalate."

As they continued rehearsing their lines, Zuo Mingran couldn't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the back of her mind. She knew she had to stay strong and focused, but the presence of Wen Shikai on set was proving to be a constant distraction.

Wen Shikai is not an ordinary agent. He has been in the industry for over a decade, and even search engines have information about him. In just a few lines, his reputation is quite impressive.

Zuo Mingran rested her chin on her hand, swiping her finger across the screen of her phone.

In the original book, there was no mention of Zhang Lizhi and Wen Shikai knowing each other. Also, there was a mention of some conflict between her and Ren Luning's manager that was brought up by Shixia Shuangxia last time. These were all additions made by the world to fill in the gaps of the original book's plot.

As the original male second lead, Zhang Lizhi's character was almost perfect. He was gentle and deeply affectionate in relationships, talented and dedicated in his career. Even though he knew the female lead didn't love him, he didn't forcefully turn to the dark side for love. Instead, he played countless supporting roles for the development of the main couple's relationship. Added to that, his extraordinary family background and exceptional looks made him almost the perfect male supporting character.

Moreover, Zhang Lizhi chose to withdraw from the TV series when he found out that the female lead was her, while Wen Shikai, on the other hand, would probably start a fight on the spot.

Thinking of Wen Shikai in the original book's plot, Zuo Mingran sighed softly.

Wen Shikai was not just a famous agent. He was backed by StarJoy, a well-known domestic film and television company. He didn't have many artists under his wing, but each one of them was a famous figure in the industry. It was because of this that in the original book's plot, when this person was entirely moved to the later part of the story, it caused such a big commotion.

Regardless, now she was the Zuo Mingran in the book. Even if something happened that deviated from the original book's plot, life still had to go on day by day. If she couldn't handle it, then who could? She could always face difficulties head-on and find ways to overcome them. After all, she wouldn't let herself fall into the same situation as in the original book's plot.

The planned shooting period was only a little over half a month, and the entire shooting process would be completed in the film and television city. The lease was about to expire, and the entire crew was speeding up the shooting process visibly.

There were a few night scenes planned for the evening, and Ren Luning this time had obediently stayed behind, sitting next to the director, listening to the rehearsal.

Wen Feifei always wore her emotions on her face. Whether it was her previous animosity towards Zuo Mingran or now encountering Ren Luning, she naturally had a displeased expression.

Director Wang briefly explained the few scenes they would be shooting in the evening. "That's about it. We'll see how things go and adjust accordingly when we officially start shooting."

In this small area, even though Wen Feifei chose the farthest position from Ren Luning, it wasn't too far away. Upon hearing Director Wang's words, she immediately bounced up from her chair. "Okay, okay, I'm starving. I wonder if there are any boxed meals left."

Her mischievous remark caused laughs from everyone, breaking the previously silent atmosphere. Even Director Wang pointed at her and laughed, saying, "You, oh you. While everyone else is losing weight when entering the crew, you can't control your mouth once we start filming. Look at Xiaofei, she's worried sick."

Wen Feifei and Director Wang had known each other before, and their relationship was good. Upon hearing this, she even jokingly said that she had lost two pounds on the scale this morning.

After joking around for a while, the group of people dispersed. 

Zuo Mingran returned to her own resting room, where Angie and Zhuang Bai sat facing each other, staring intently at the lunch boxes on the table. 

Zuo Mingran was startled by this strange scene and asked, "What are you doing?" 

Angie, with her hands cupping her face, turned her head stiffly and said, "We're considering whether or not to eat." 

Zuo Mingran took off her scarf and asked, "Why? Don't you like the food?" 

"It's not that we don't like it, it's just too good," Zhuang Bai replied. "The dishes from Wei Mingju are so delicious that every bite is a treat." 

"Food from Wei Mingju? Someone treated you?" Zuo Mingran asked. 

"It was sent by Ren Luning's manager," Angie answered. 

Zuo Mingran paused for a moment and said, "You mean Wen Shikai?" 

Angie nodded solemnly. Just half an hour ago, she opened the door and was unsure of how she felt when she saw Wen Shikai. With the two artists at odds with each other and online battles raging, Angie couldn't help but suspect if he was trying to poison them. 

Wei Mingju was a famous private restaurant in City B. It usually required a reservation half a month in advance, and it was rare that they offered delivery services. 

Zuo Mingran glanced at the table and smiled, "Just eat it. Can he really poison the food?" 

Angie thought to herself, "That's exactly what I'm worried about." 

However, Zhuang Bai was much faster than her. Right after Zuo Mingran finished speaking, he reached under the table and took out a pair of chopsticks, astonishingly swift. 

Angie shouted, "Leave some for me!" 

As a female celebrity, Zuo Mingran usually tried to eat as little as possible for dinner. Angie handed her a plate of vegetable salad, but before she could say anything, the door to the resting room was pushed open with a bang. Wen Feifei, dressed in a military green coat, rushed in. "Ran Jie, Xiao Fei is abusing me!" 

Zuo Mingran looked at a embarrassed Xiao Fei standing at the door, smiled gently at him, then turned to Wen Feifei and asked, "What happened?" 

Wen Feifei angrily showed her the vegetable salad in her hand and complained, "With so many delicious options, he only gave me this!" 

Zuo Mingran chuckled and raised the lunchbox in her hand, saying, "What a coincidence, I'm eating the exact same thing."

"..."

Wen Feifei looked at Zhuang Bai, who was happily eating, with a pitiful expression. Zhuang Bai, sensing her gaze, shivered and subtly moved behind Angie.

Zuo Mingran playfully ruffled Wen Feifei's hair. "Alright, alright, after we finish filming this movie, I'll treat you to a meal. Whatever you want, I'll get it for you."

Wen Feifei's eyes lit up. "Deal! I won't let you go back on your word."

Zuo Mingran nodded. "Don't worry, with Xiaofei and Angie as witnesses, I won't be able to deceive you."

Wen Feifei contentedly followed Xiaofei out, and Zuo Mingran flopped onto the sofa, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Filming night scenes was always more exhausting than daytime shoots. It was easier in the summer when the temperature dropped at night, but during winter, the nighttime temperatures reached below freezing. The clothes they wore for filming were thin, and they had to endure the cold with sheer willpower.

After finishing a scene, Ren Luning's face turned pale from the cold. His assistant quickly handed him a hot water bottle, and Ren Luning couldn't help but complain, "Why do I have to endure this cold weather for a scene like this? Couldn't they use a stunt double? No one would be able to tell the difference with post-production editing."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Shikai emerged from the shadows. Upon seeing him, Ren Luning's face turned even paler, and he awkwardly greeted, "Boss Wen."

He cast a sideways glance at his assistant.

Ren Luning assumed that Wen Shikai had already left, which was why he felt safe making those remarks. Little did he know that Wen Shikai had stayed behind. If his assistant had warned him earlier, he wouldn't have been caught off guard.

Wen Shikai glanced at him without saying a word, pulled a chair and sat down, watching the busy crew.

Ren Luning, who always dreaded his manager, knew all too well about his methods. He could lift you up to heaven with one hand and drag you down to hell just as easily.

Ren Luning offered his hot water bottle, trying to please him. "Boss Wen, it's cold outside. Don't catch a cold."

Wen Shikai didn't accept the offer. Instead, he took off his gloves and picked up the script that Ren Luning had casually tossed aside. He said indifferently, "Seems like you're not satisfied with the job the company has given you."

Ren Luning nearly stumbled over his feet and quickly replied, "No... no, Boss Wen. I was just speaking idly. Please don't take it seriously."

Wen Shikai flipped through the script, noticing the fluorescent markings that indicated lines to memorize. It was clear that they weren't made by Ren Luning but rather his assistant.

Putting down the script, Wen Shikai put on his gloves again and said expressionlessly, "After this film is finished, I'll connect you with a reality show."

Ren Luning, who was originally nervous, didn't expect such a big opportunity to come his way. He stood there dumbfounded for a moment before quickly bowing and saying, "Really? Thank you, Wen Ge! Thank you, Wen Ge!"

In today's society, compared to films and TV shows, variety shows, especially reality shows, have a larger fan base. Ren Luning, who had started his career through a talent show, was obviously more familiar with participating in a reality show.

Wen Shikai smiled faintly, neither accepting nor rejecting Ren Luning's gratitude.

He coughed twice, got up from his chair, and said, "I still have work in S City tomorrow and won't be here for the next few days. If you have any issues, call me."

Ren Luning, who had just tasted success, naturally had plenty of questions to ask. He hurriedly replied, "Of course, Wen Ge, please take care on your journey and stay safe."

Wen Shikai waved his hand at him and left with big strides.

Their conversation seemed light, but their actions couldn't hide from others.

The set was empty and without air conditioning. The cast members relied on small suns for warmth. Wen Feifei moved her things next to Zuo Mingran, with two small suns on either side, trying to get evenly heated.

Noticing the commotion from Ren Luning, Wen Feifei, holding a hot water bottle, gently tugged at Zuo Mingran, whispering, "Ran Jie, Ren Luning seems really scared of his manager."

Zuo Mingran didn't even lift his head as he replied, "His manager is his boss, unlike you, who is the boss of your manager."

Wen Feifei said, "Oh," and thought for a moment before continuing, "I thought Ren Luning was an artist under Star Yue."

"It's almost the same." Zuo Mingran closed the script, silently reciting his lines in his mind before speaking again, "Wen Shikai's studio is affiliated with Star Yue, so it's not wrong to say that he's an artist from Star Yue."

Wen Feifei nodded, not entirely understanding, and said, "Speaking of which, I almost signed with Star Yue back then."

"You?" Zuo Mingran asked.

"Yep, they approached me a few times, but my parents strongly opposed it when they found out. So in the end, I started my own studio and became my own boss." Wen Feifei leaned back, lying on the chair with her feet swinging, saying, "Now it seems much more comfortable being my own boss."

Zuo Mingran had a rough guess in his mind. Being from an entertainment family, Wen Feifei's parents and relatives were mostly artists, so they naturally wouldn't allow her to sign with Star Yue.

However, there are certain things that you know I know, but absolutely cannot be said out loud. Zuo Mingran casually agreed and opened the script, saying, "Let's go over the lines together. There are a few that I still can't grasp."

*

It had been nearly half a month since the last ankle sprain incident, and the filming of the crew was coming to an end. However, Zuo Mingran had still not seen Yan Yunyang.

The filming schedule of the crew was almost like a regular work schedule, with occasional night scenes that felt like overtime. Every day, they would leave early and return late, as if their timing never matched with Yan Yunyang's, and they never had a chance to meet.

Although Yan Yunyang hadn't appeared, his presence was still felt. At least, the increase in weight of An Qi proved that the food sent to the set was indeed real.

The weather was getting colder, with several heavy snowfalls. The first task for the staff members every day was to clear the snow.

The recent weather had been fine, but the weather forecast predicted a heavy snowfall the day after tomorrow. In order to capture the desired effect, the director added a few scenes last minute and rearranged the order of the remaining scenes.

Zuo Mingran descended from the camera, breathing out hot air. An Qi ran over and handed him a padded coat, whispering, "Ran Jie, um, Chairman Yan is here, waiting for you in the car."

Zuo Mingran was about to take a sip of water when he paused at the words. "Yan Yunyang, why is he here?"

Despite his words, he wasted no time and walked straight towards the nanny car.

The winter nights came early, and the filming city was not small. By evening, most of the crews had already left, with only a few lights still on.

The nanny car was parked alone in a corner, without the lights on. From the outside, it didn't look like anyone was inside.

Zuo Mingran handed his cup to An Qi and walked quickly over. Just as he approached, before he could even raise his hand, the car door was pulled open from the inside, and a pair of hands extended out. Zuo Mingran hesitated for a second before reaching out his hand.

The car door blocked the cold air from outside, but the heater wasn't turned on, so it still wasn't warm. Without the lights on, it was pitch black once the door closed. Zuo Mingran felt around for a moment and took out his phone from his pocket, lighting it up. "Why didn't you turn on the lights?"

Yan Yunyang, wearing a black windbreaker, was curled up with slender legs. The sudden brightness made him instinctively raise his arms to shield his eyes, so Zuo Mingran quickly adjusted the direction of his phone.

"It's nothing." Yan Yunyang sighed.

It had been a few days since they last saw each other, and Yan Yunyang seemed to have become a lot more haggard. However, in the blink of an eye, it seemed like that haggardness was just an illusion. The person in front of him still had the same appearance as before, calm and composed, without any changes.

As Zuo Mingran turned on the heater in the car, he asked, "Why did you come now? Didn't you bring your keys?"

"Mhmm," Yan Yunyang responded, looking at Zuo Mingran sitting opposite him. "There's something I need to discuss with you."

"Now?" Zuo Mingran exclaimed, surprised. "What's so urgent?"

"I need you to accompany me to a banquet," Yan Yunyang paused, furrowing his brow. "It's an invitation from the Fan family. Our company has a collaboration with them, so it's not easy to refuse."