Chapter 12 Yao Li

As Xiao Feng was about to start his car, his phone buzzed with a call. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was Lin Yuyan. Without hesitation, he answered.

"Xiao Feng, you're amazing! I just got a call from Teacher Mu at Golden Film and Television, inviting me for an interview!" Lin Yuyan's excited voice burst through the receiver.

Xiao Feng couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Really? That's fantastic! But honestly, it's not about me. It's your own talent and potential. I only mentioned you casually," he said modestly.

"Don't downplay it. No matter what, I still have to thank you," Lin Yuyan replied, her voice brimming with gratitude. "I'll be flying to the capital tomorrow morning. If everything goes well, Teacher Mu said I could sign the contract by the afternoon!"

"Congratulations, Lin Yuyan! I'm sure it will all go smoothly," Xiao Feng said, his earlier disappointment from Lin Yuyan's rejection fading as he felt genuinely happy for his friend.

"What time is your flight? Send me the details. I'll pick you up from the airport tomorrow," he added.

"Alright, I'll send you the info. See you tomorrow!"

As the call ended, Xiao Feng chuckled to himself, momentarily glancing up at the 10th floor of Zhu Li building. With a sigh, he started the engine of his McLaren Elva and drove off.

---

Meanwhile, Zhu Li unlocked her apartment door and stepped inside, still lost in thought. The day's events had left her feeling conflicted, her heart heavy with both uncertainty and excitement. As she entered the living room, her roommate and best friend, Bai Xu, was lounging on the sofa, eyeing her with an amused smirk.

"What's wrong?" Zhu Li asked nervously, feeling self-conscious under Bai Xu's scrutinizing gaze.

Bai Xu got up and began circling her like a hawk inspecting its prey. "Zhu Li, what's going on with you? You've been out all day, and now you come back looking all flustered with—" her eyes darted to the sofa piled high with luxury handbags "—this!"

Zhu Li's face turned crimson as she fumbled for words. "I… It's not what you think…"

Bai Xu wasn't buying it. "Don't lie to me. I saw a gorgeous sports car drop you off just now. I don't know much about cars, but even I can tell it's ridiculously expensive!"

She reached out and playfully pinched Zhu Li's cheeks. "Spill it! Did some rich guy sweep you off your feet? Come on, confess!"

Unable to escape Bai Xu's interrogation, Zhu Li sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'll tell you."

"Finally!" Bai Xu plopped down beside her, holding her hand and looking at her with gleeful anticipation. "Start from the beginning. Who is he? What does he do? And why is he spending a fortune on you?"

Zhu Li hesitated before answering. "His name is Xiao Feng… And yes, he's a wealthy second generation. But we only just met today. It's nothing like what you're thinking."

Bai Xu's eyes widened with each word, and by the time Zhu Li finished, she was staring at her in disbelief. "Wait… Did you say that he is both rich and handsome. He is the heir to the Qin Consortium? And you've already met his mother?!"

Zhu Li nodded reluctantly, her cheeks flushing again.

"Unbelievable!" Bai Xu exclaimed. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? A guy like that doesn't come along every day! And you're telling me you turned down a car from him? What's wrong with you?!"

"Bai Xu, it's not like that!" Zhu Li protested.

"Not like that? Then what is it?" Bai Xu shot back, her tone exasperated. "Listen to me. A man like him is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do you know how many women would give anything to be in your shoes right now? You need to stop overthinking and call him. Set up a date, go out with him, and for heaven's sake, don't let him slip through your fingers!"

"Stop it, Bai Xu! You're being ridiculous!" Zhu Li's face was now as red as an apple.

"I'm not being ridiculous; I'm being realistic," Bai Xu countered, her tone serious. "You're new to the entertainment industry. Trust me, it's cutthroat out there. If you want to make it big, you need someone powerful in your corner. Romance, love—it's all smoke and mirrors in this line of work. What really matters is having someone who can support you and open doors for you."

Zhu Li frowned, her thoughts swirling. While part of her rejected Bai Xu's cynicism, another part couldn't deny the truth in her words.

"Don't just sit there thinking about it," Bai Xu urged. "Call him tonight. Set something up. If you don't, you'll regret it. When you're off filming and come back, he might have already moved on to someone else."

"I need to think," Zhu Li muttered, standing up abruptly. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Oh, come on! Don't just run off like that," Bai Xu teased. "Fine, wait for me. Let's save water and shower together."

Zhu Li groaned and retreated to her room, shutting the door behind her.

---

Back at the Xiao family's residence, Xiao Feng stepped into the sprawling living room, where his mother, Qin Zhen, was seated on a luxurious sofa, chatting animatedly with his aunt. A young man, close to Xiao Feng's age, sat nearby, scrolling through his phone with a bored expression.

"Ah, Feng, you're back!" Qin Zhen greeted him warmly. "Come, join us. Your aunt was just asking about you."

"Mom, Aunt, I'm back," Xiao Feng called out as he walked into the house.

"Ah, Xiao Feng, you're back! Come in, come in. Let me introduce you to someone," Qin Zhen said with a bright smile. "This is your cousin Yao Li."

Yao Li, a young man of similar age to Xiao Feng, stood up with a grin and extended his hand. "Hello, Brother Feng," he greeted him warmly.

Xiao Feng smiled back, shaking his cousin's hand. "Hello, Yao Li."

Qin Zhen beamed with pride at the introduction. "Alright, you two brothers go ahead and chat. Get to know each other better."

Xiao Feng nodded in agreement, and with a friendly gesture, he invited Yao Li to step aside for a private conversation.

Yao Li, familiar with the city's nightlife and always looking for an opportunity to impress, put his arm around Xiao Feng's shoulder as they walked. "Brother Feng, I'll take you to a great spot tonight," he said with an excited tone.

Xiao Feng was intrigued. Despite having been born into wealth and power, he was no stranger to the capital's vibrant nightlife, but he had always been more reserved. Now, however, as he wanted to live a more carefree life and avoid getting too deep into politics, he felt a certain pull to explore this new lifestyle.

"Alright, I'm looking forward to it," Xiao Feng replied, a spark of curiosity in his eyes.

"I've got it all covered," Yao Li said with a confident wink, looking back to ensure his mother and aunt were occupied. "Listen, this place has everything—celebrities, top influencers, and actresses. Whatever you want, I can make it happen for you."

Xiao Feng's interest piqued at the mention of celebrities. Though he had seen the endless media reports about these figures during his previous life, he didn't quite believe they could be so easily accessible.

"Heh, for most people, these stars are out of reach, but not for me," Yao Li boasted with a grin, clearly proud of his connections. "My uncle's in charge of a lot of the film and television industry now, so when I make a call, film and TV companies can't say no."

Xiao Feng recalled his aunt mentioning that her brother had recently taken a prominent role in the entertainment sector. If Yao Li spoke, there was little doubt that his influence would open doors to the highest echelons of the industry.

Yao Li continued, "Of course, first-rate actresses are hard to come by, but second-tier and third-tier stars? No problem at all. As for how things progress, that's up to you, Brother Feng."

Xiao Feng, who had lived a somewhat sheltered life in his previous existence, couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and amusement. He hadn't really considered diving into such extravagant indulgences, but now that it was on the table, he was intrigued.

"Brother, is there a specific star you like? Just tell me, and I'll make it happen," Yao Li pressed further, keen to please.

Xiao Feng's mind wandered as he considered his options. "How about Yang Yue?" he asked casually, knowing that she was one of the most well-known actresses in the country.

Yao Li winced, scratching his head. "Ah, well, Yang Mi is a bit out of reach, Brother Feng. She's a bit too high-profile for me to get involved with."

Xiao Feng raised an eyebrow. "Then how about Liu Xue?"

Yao Li, shaking his head with a grimace, cursed inwardly. He wasn't thrilled about his cousin's choices, as both were mature women. "Liu Tao too? She's also not on the table," he said, clearly frustrated by the requests.

Xiao Feng, suppressing a smile at his cousin's discomfort, feigned disappointment. "Oh well, I guess I'll just go with whatever you arrange," he said, playing along.

Yao Li's face lit up with a confident grin. "Don't worry, Brother Feng. I know what you like, and I promise you'll be more than satisfied with what I can arrange."

Xiao Feng, slightly puzzled, thought to himself, I didn't even realize I had such specific preferences. How does he know what I like? But he shrugged it off, entertained by his cousin's enthusiasm. He was curious about what the night might hold and decided to let Yao Li take the lead.

With a final pat on Xiao Feng's shoulder, Yao Li led the way, confident that his plans for the evening would impress his cousin

Xiao Feng, slightly puzzled, thought to himself, I didn't even realize I had such specific preferences. How does he know what I like? But he shrugged it off, entertained by his cousin's enthusiasm. He was curious about what the night might hold and decided to let Yao Li take the lead.

With a final pat on Xiao Feng's shoulder, Yao Li led the way, confident that his plans for the evening would impress his cousin and give him a glimpse into the world of the capital's elite nightlife.