Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 35

Ran Lin received the final script of <Sword of Fallen Flowers> in mid-May, on a warm evening. The weather had gradually warmed up, and people were already starting to wear short sleeves during the hottest part of the day. It was also said that the Miya Shampoo advertisement would be aired that day, so Ran Lin had been watching the TV closely after lunch.

The wind, carrying the warmth of the setting sun, blew in through the screen window, lulling him into drowsiness. Amidst his half-asleep state, Wang Xi called to inform him that the final script from the production had arrived. Before he could even rejoice, his own flowing hair finally appeared on TV.

Who says fortune doesn’t come double?

Ran Lin felt as happy as a sunflower in the sun.

The advertisement didn’t use Ran Lin’s original voice; it was dubbed from start to finish. Even the part where he played the guitar only kept the image without the actual guitar melody and singing. Due to time constraints, the guitar scene was only a few seconds long, and since Ran Lin sang someone else’s song, it involved copyright issues. So the advertisement added different BGM for that part. As the scene quickly passed, the screen displayed a close-up of the shampoo bottle, and the narration was the powerful slogan of the ad.

But Ran Lin’s rosy lips and white teeth were still clearly reflected through the camera, so much so that while watching, one would ignore the hair and focus on the face.

Ran Lin regretted not sending a WeChat red packet to the photographer.

“Hello? Are you there?” Wang Xi was puzzled as the call went silent halfway.

The TV had started airing other ads, and Ran Lin, regaining his focus, giggled. “Xi Jie, I saw my own ad.”

Wang Xi was infected by his joy and laughed along. “How does it feel?”

Thinking back to those scenes, Ran Lin was quite sentimental. “They made me look too good…”

Wang Xi was confused, unable to tell if he was boasting or being modest.

“This is just the beginning. You’ll have more and more endorsements in the future, and they’ll be of higher caliber.” Wang Xi got back to business. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll have Liu Wanwan bring the final script to you. As for the contract, I expect it to come in a few days. Our company will check the clauses; you just need to sign it at the end.”

“Okay, Xi Jie.”

Actually, Ran Lin couldn’t wait to see the script, but since Wang Xi said it would be delivered first thing in the morning and there were still more than three months left, one night wouldn’t make much difference.

After hanging up with his agent, Ran Lin no longer had to feign composure and let out an excited shout, diving into the sofa like Nezha, causing havoc in the sea. After feeling like he had stirred up the Dragon Palace enough, the excitement running through his body gradually settled down. Still, his heart thumped wildly, reminiscent of the days he received his university acceptance letter.

It wasn’t Ran Lin’s first time acting in a TV drama, but such a big investment, such a great setup, and such an important role were indeed like a dream come true for him, something he wouldn’t have dared to imagine before.

Although he had confirmed his name on the preliminary list from Lu Yiyao and Wang Xi a few days ago, it was still just “preliminary”, and no one could guarantee it was set in stone. Now that the script had arrived and the contract was soon to follow, everything seemed to be falling into place, bringing an unprecedented sense of reassurance.

Without much thought, Ran Lin dialed his mother’s phone number. At this time, the shop should be less busy, and his mother would likely be cleaning up.

Thinking this, the phone on the other end was already answered, and his mother’s voice was as hearty as ever. “Son, what’s up?”

Ran Lin loved his mom’s directness, going straight to the point. In fact, communication between the three members of their family was always in this style. “Mom, I’m on TV!”

His mom was confused. “You’ve been on TV for a while now. Your dad and I watched all eight episodes.”

“Not that, an advertisement.” Ran Lin, holding back until everything was certain, was now eager to show off. “XX channel, go watch tonight; my shampoo ad is on!”

“Really?!” His mom also got excited. “Which channel did you just say?”

“XX channel.”

“Okay, your dad and I will be watching tonight!”

Ran Lin frowned. “Dad’s not there? Went drinking with Uncle Zhao again?”

His mom: “No…”

Ran Lin: “Then that’s good.”

His mom: “He went fishing with your Uncle Zhang.”

Ran Lin: “…”

The bun shop was jointly run by his parents, but over the years, it had settled into a routine. With a few employees hired, they weren’t as busy as before. So his dad, seemingly trying to recapture his youth, often went out to have fun with his buddies.

Sighing, Ran Lin couldn’t add fuel to the fire and only comforted his mom. “Dad has a lot of friends. Try to understand.”

Instead of calming her down, this made his mom even angrier, and her voice rose an octave. “He has friends? Don’t I have friends? Your Auntie He, Auntie Zhou, Auntie Sun, and Auntie Li have invited me out for trips so many times. If I were heartless like your dad, I would have left the shop behind long ago and disappeared!”

Ran Lin smiled, knowing his mom just needed to vent. And if he guessed right, she would soon bring up their usual topic…

“Son, it’s only because of you that I can spend a lifetime with your dad…”

Right on cue.

Ran Lin had heard this from middle school to high school and from high school to university. As a kid, he used to worry about his parents’ relationship. Now he saw through it, finding it an expression of their love.

“Alright, son, I won’t talk to you anymore. With such great news, I need to tell Auntie He, Auntie Zhou, Auntie Sun, and Auntie Li. They ask about you every day…”

Ran Lin held his forehead, as these aunts were his mom’s close friends who had watched him grow up. The saying goes, “Three women make a drama*”, but in his case, with his mom, it was five women. Now, just hearing these aunts’ names brought back memories of being pinched and pampered by them in his childhood.

*Saying use to describe situations where a small group of women are involved in gossiping, chatting, or engaging in overly dramatic or emotional ways, leading to lively, noisy, or complicated situations akin to a theatrical drama.

Before Ran Lin could respond, his excited mom had already hung up the phone. She was probably either flipping through her phone book looking for her sisters’ numbers or announcing it directly in their WeChat group.

Ran Lin, smiling, thought for a moment, and then called his dad.

His dad answered almost immediately but spoke in a hushed tone, “Son, what’s up? You should choose a better time to call. You scared away the fish.”

Ran Lin rolled his eyes. “What’s more important, your son or the fish?”

Ran Yimin: “…”

Ran Lin: “Do you even need to think about this question!”

Ran Yimin: “Of course, you are more important.”

He seriously pondered before giving an answer…

Ran Lin sighed helplessly, setting aside the advertisement to become the lubricant for his parents’ relationship. “I just called Mom. She’s still busy in the shop. You should be more considerate of her. Don’t keep running out every other day.”

“My going out every other day? Did your mom tell you that?” Ran Lin’s father was indignant, trying to keep his voice down due to the presence of his fishing buddies, but the sense of injustice was evident. “I’ve only been out once this week. Ask Xiao Cai if you don’t believe me.”

Xiao Cai was a long-time helper at the shop. Ran Lin’s father mentioning Xiao Cai proved he was telling the truth. Ran Lin frowned slightly, noting that he should take his mother’s words with a grain of salt in the future.

“Son, it’s only because Dad has you that anyone can spend a lifetime with your mom…”

Ran Lin was struck by how familiar this line sounded.

The other end of the phone continued to narrate a tale of woe. “You have no idea. Your mom’s nagging is unbearable—it’s like torture. Only I can endure it…”

Ran Lin looked up at the sky, facing parents who competed in misery. What should he do?

He decided to stun them with his good news.

“Dad,” Ran Lin interrupted his father. “I filmed an advertisement, for shampoo. You can see it on TV tonight when you get home.”

“Really?!” The voice on the phone exploded, almost sounding like a loudspeaker.

Ran Lin quickly moved the phone away, reminding, “Dad, aren’t you afraid of scaring the fish away?”

“Fish? What fish! Hey, Lao* Zhang, stop fishing. My son’s in an advertisement hahaha—”

*Old (老) When used with a name, it’s a friendly way to address someone, often indicating familiarity, respect, or affection.

Another familiar scene of boasting. Ran Lin looked out the window, where two sparrows were chirping away.

How could parents like them not get along?

They’re a perfect match!

Finally done dealing with his worrisome parents, Ran Lin picked up his phone to message Lu Yiyao on WeChat, wanting to tell him about his advertisement. But halfway through typing, he paused, realizing this act was no different from his mom eagerly sharing the news or his dad calling Uncle Zhang.

A chill went down his spine.

Ran Lin deleted the half-typed message.

Ah, genetics—an inevitable fate.

……

Lu Yiyao also received the script on the same evening, but unlike Ran Lin, he had two differences: one, Yao Hong personally delivered the script to his home, and two, the final contract came with it.

Evidently, compared to various supporting roles, the production was more urgent about finalizing the male lead. Yao Hong also wanted to settle it quickly because only a signed contract on paper provided security for both parties. But no matter how urgent, she needed to read the final draft first. In recent years, the industry was rife with pitfalls, and a verbally promised male lead role was only concrete when it materialized in the script.

“Read the script first. If there are no issues, we can sign the contract. It will stipulate that the current draft in your hands is the basis, and any future changes must be approved by you.”

“Understood,” Lu Yiyao said, entering a serious and focused work mode.

Yao Hong didn’t linger, standing up to leave. “I’ve also kept a copy of the script. I’ll read it too. Let’s communicate about any issues. We must decide whether to sign the contract by the day after tomorrow.”

Lu Yiyao nodded in acknowledgment.

After Yao Hong left, Lu Yiyao immediately went to his study and began reading the script intently.

He spent the entire night reading the thick script.

Although Yao Hong warned him not to stay up late, there were exceptions. Judging from her tone, the day after tomorrow was the latest deadline, and Lu Yiyao preferred to work ahead of the last moment.

Moreover, the more he read the script, the more things seemed off. When he stepped out of the study at dawn, the first rays of sunlight filled the living room, but amidst this brilliance, Lu Yiyao felt a chill.

The script had changed.

While his role as Tang Jingyu remained largely the same, other characters’ parts had fundamentally shifted.

If related actors didn’t read the script carefully or signed the contract without reading it at all… they would regret it later. The waters of the entertainment industry are deep, and one must be vigilant not to drown.

It was still early, so Lu Yiyao, worried Yao Hong might not be up yet, decided to sit in the living room and watch TV for over an hour.

Initially, just to pass the time, he unexpectedly saw Ran Lin’s advertisement.

On the screen, Ran Lin appeared disheveled, unsuccessfully wooing a goddess, then washing his hair and transforming dramatically, looking incredibly handsome with a guitar.

Lu Yiyao curiously furrowed his brows, trying to discern from the brief footage whether Ran Lin was pretending or actually knew how to play the guitar.

Unfortunately, the scene flashed too quickly, and the loud BGM interfered with Lu Yiyao’s judgment.

After pondering, Lu Yiyao searched for Miya’s latest men’s shampoo on his phone, then sent a screenshot of the bottle to Li Tong—[Buy me a bottle of this shampoo and bring it to me when we go to Shanghai the day after tomorrow.]

There was no reply; the vacationing assistant was probably still sleeping soundly.

Lu Yiyao wasn’t in a hurry and put down his phone, continuing to watch the morning news.

Finally, at 8 a.m., Lu Yiyao muted the TV and called Yao Hong. When she picked up, he got straight to the point. “Hong Jie, there’s a problem with the script.”

Yao Hong had only read a few pages of the script last night before being too tired to continue. She planned to read it this morning but was alarmed by her artist’s call. “What problem?”

Lu Yiyao said, “The part for Fang Xian is not right.”

Yao Hong was startled, thinking she had misheard. “Fang Xian?”

“Yes,” Lu Yiyao said. “Fang Xian and Tang Jingyu are both male leads, so their parts should be roughly equal. But in the final draft you gave me yesterday, Fang Xian’s part is nowhere near Tang Jingyu’s. Judging from this script, Fang Xian is more like a secondary male lead, nowhere close to the primary.”

Yao Hong asked, “Did they change the main storyline? Did they alter the plot?”

Lu Yiyao replied, “The main storyline remains the same, and the plot hasn’t changed, but Tang Jingyu and Zhao Buyao’s romantic scenes are heavily emphasized. Overall, Tang Jingyu is the male lead, Zhao Buyao the female lead, and Fang Xian just comes in third.”

Yao Hong asked, “Are you sure?”

Lu Yiyao confirmed. “I spent all night reading the script; there’s no mistake.”

There was a pause on the other end before Yao Hong slowly said, “Yu Dong won’t play a supporting role to you, let alone a tertiary character.”

“That’s what worries me.” Lu Yiyao sighed. “Yu Dong will explode seeing this script. He’ll either refuse to act and won’t sign the contract, leaving the production to find someone else, or he’ll force them to revert to the original double male lead setup.”

On the surface, these changes didn’t seem to affect Lu Yiyao, who played Tang Jingyu, much. His scenes weren’t reduced, nor was he the one demoted from first to third. But Yu Dong’s uncertainty would lead to script uncertainty, which in turn would affect the overall production. Lu Yiyao had to be extra cautious. Yao Hong was even more prudent than Lu Yiyao in this regard.

“Here’s what we’ll do.” Yao Hong deliberated for a moment before telling Lu Yiyao. “I’ll find out what’s going on as soon as possible. I’ll have news for you by this afternoon.”

Lu Yiyao trusted Yao Hong’s connections. “Okay.”

With his mind preoccupied, Lu Yiyao had no interest in anything else and buried himself in the script again. Though Yao Hong said she’d contact him in the afternoon, she actually called just after noon.

“The script change was ordered by the investors?” Lu Yiyao wasn’t too surprised, having met the art-loving investor. It made sense for someone who had spent money wanting a say in the creative process. He just didn’t expect the changes to be so drastic.

“Yes, the investor wanted to highlight the love story, so the script you see now emphasizes the male and female leads, shifting away from the double male lead concept,” Yao Hong said, accustomed to such industry maneuvers.

Lu Yiyao still felt the changes were too arbitrary, considering the collective effort that went into the script. “Did the director and screenwriter have no say? With Director Chen’s and Song Mang’s experience, they should have some influence, right?”

“Director Chen is a seasoned veteran at this; he sees right through these things. Song Meng did make a fuss; he even slammed the table with the investors, but it was no use. Art always has to bow to capital, so in the end, they had to revise the script as told.”

“So, the script we have now is definitely the final version?” Lu Yiyao’s primary concern remained this issue.

“Definitely the final version.” Yao Hong assured him, then added with a nuanced tone, “So, Yu Dong has definitely decided not to act.”

“Of course.” Lu Yiyao sighed. “If I were Yu Dong, I’d be furious seeing such a script.”

Before finishing his sentence, Lu Yiyao suddenly remembered Ran Lin mentioning seeing Zhang Beichen during the audition and asked Yao Hong, “Since Yu Dong’s out, who’s playing Fang Xian. Zhang Beichen?”

“How did you know Zhang Beichen wanted that role… Oh right, you guys have a WeChat group.” Yao Hong answered her own question, not thinking much of it. “Zhang Beichen definitely won’t get the role; he just signed another drama and doesn’t have the schedule.”

“Just signed?”

“Yes, just a few days off. If he had signed a bit later, he might have had a chance. It’s just bad luck.”

Yao Hong and Lu Yiyao both understood that no matter how much worse the other drama was compared to <Sword of Fallen Flowers> Zhang Beichen couldn’t possibly breach his contract for this one. No production would work with an actor with a history of contract violations. Zhang Beichen, no matter how regretful, had no choice but to accept it. To put it nicely, it was just a matter of not being destined for the role.

“Anyway, I might as well tell you.” Yao Hong initially didn’t want to mention it, but considering the two might communicate privately, she didn’t see the need to be secretive with her own artist. “The director and screenwriter are leaning towards having Ran Lin take over Fang Xian. The investors haven’t agreed yet; it depends on whether Ran Lin’s team can do a good job.”

Caught off guard by this unexpected development, Lu Yiyao was at a loss. “Ran Lin playing Fang Xian? Then who’s playing Xu Chongfei?”

“That’s for the production to worry about. It’s definitely easier to find a male third lead than a second, especially with just over three months to shooting. Most well-known actors with a bit of popularity are already booked,” Yao Hong said, then, sensing something odd in Lu Yiyao’s tone, asked, “You’re not happy with Ran Lin playing Fang Xian?”

Lu Yiyao was taken aback and quickly clarified, “No, I’m just… surprised.”

Yao Hong understood. “Looks like he didn’t tell you either.”

Lu Yiyao had no response.

Yao Hong didn’t know what to say. She had always thought of Lu Yiyao as a smart and insightful artist, but whenever Ran Lin was involved, his IQ and EQ seemed to plummet off a cliff. That airport banner must have been dipped in a magic potion.

“Anyway, that’s the situation. The script won’t change anymore. You’re firmly the male lead, which is good for you. If you see no problem, I’ll arrange to sign the contract tomorrow. They’ve been waiting for confirmation.”

“I have no issues,” Lu Yiyao said about the script and contract, but regarding Ran Lin…

After hanging up, Lu Yiyao immediately called Ran Lin. Ran Lin was also reading the script at the time, mainly focusing on Xu Chongfei. He noted the significant increase in the romantic storyline between Tang Jingyu and Zhao Buyao and the quiet reduction in Fang Xian’s part, but it didn’t deeply impact him.

Then, the phone rang.

It was noon, and Ran Lin was still ordering takeout, but a hunch made him check the caller ID. Sure enough, it was “Teacher Lu”.

“Hello?” Ran Lin didn’t think he sounded different, but to others, his voice already seemed to be floating with excitement.

“It’s me, Lu Yiyao.” Teacher Lu had also learned to introduce himself first.

Ran Lin chuckled. “Yeah, I know. Although you still picked a time when I’m ordering food, I checked the caller ID this time.”

Lu Yiyao was exasperated with his timing, but he wasn’t in the mood for jokes. He quickly became serious, with a hint of complaint only he was aware of. “I’m here to congratulate you again on Fang Xian.”

Ran Lin was confused. “Ah? What about Fang Xian?”

Lu Yiyao frowned, feeling doubly hurt by the other’s feigned ignorance. “Aren’t you changing from Xu Chongfei to Fang Xian?”

Ran Lin was baffled. “Who told you that? How do I not know about this? Besides, isn’t Yu Dong playing Fang Xian? I can’t possibly displace him even if I struggle for another five years.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Something seemed off again.

Lu Yiyao swallowed nervously, losing confidence. “You don’t know that the script changed from double male leads to a male and female lead, and that Yu Dong has already refused the role?”

Ran Lin: “I just received the script yesterday and am still reading it. Indeed, there are changes to Fang Xian’s role, but it doesn’t concern me much, so I didn’t pay much attention.”

Lu Yiyao: “So you’re also unaware of the director and screenwriter’s intention to have you play Fang Xian?”

Ran Lin: “Really, me, play, Fang, Xian?!”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Clearly, Ran Lin was truly unaware.

Lu Yiyao silently sighed, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

First, Ran Lin had no idea about Yu Dong rejecting the role.

Second, Ran Lin was also unaware of the director and screenwriter’s preference for him to play Fang Xian.

Third, as the male lead of the drama, he again recklessly made a call, leading to another awkward situation. What should he do now?

“Why do you always bring me good news these days? Are you a harbinger of joy?”

“……Yes, we’re friends, after all. I must inform you of any news immediately!”

Ran Lin, the little dove of love and peace!

“Now I understand why my agent has been stalling on the contract. She was worried about any unforeseen changes. So, that’s the reason.” Combining the information provided by Lu Yiyao, Ran Lin was finally able to piece everything together. However, he then asked, “Are you sure the director and screenwriter prefer me? What about Zhang Beichen? He auditioned for Fang Xian.”

“He has already signed another drama,” Lu Yiyao informed truthfully.

Ran Lin, as surprised as Lu Yiyao had been earlier, responded, “That was quick?”

Lu Yiyao: “We earn our money daily. An open schedule even for a day is a loss.”

Ran Lin: “We…we?”

Lu Yiyao: “Cough. A slip of the tongue. I meant ‘us’, yes, ‘us.’”

Ran Lin laughed. “Alright, as a small-time actor, I won’t pretend to be a big shot in front of Teacher Lu.” After saying this, he sighed softly.

Lu Yiyao, hearing the truth in his tone, asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”

Ran Lin pondered for a moment, then said honestly, “While it’s indeed good news, I’ve been immersing myself in the character of Xu Chongfei ever since I started fighting for this role. Suddenly being told I might switch to Fang Xian…”

Lu Yiyao chuckled. “This is the first time I’ve seen someone worried about going from a third lead to a second lead.”

Ran Lin tried to explain his thoughts and concerns. “It’s not that. It’s just that Fang Xian is more unruly and has a stronger personality compared to Xu Chongfei. He has more inner conflicts, and I worry I might not be able to handle it.”

Lu Yiyao understood but didn’t fully relate. “It’s all acting. Whether you play Xu Chongfei or Fang Xian, just adapt accordingly. The role is a role; more screen time is what truly matters. I know the character of the third lead is more likable, but no matter how likable, with less screen time and fewer scenes, your presence will always be overshadowed. That’s why everyone fights to be the lead.”

Ran Lin: “But I’m already in character. Sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I feel like I am Xu Chongfei. It’s hard to detach from that emotional investment in a role.”

Lu Yiyao: “Is it really that magical…?”

“Don’t you ever feel that way?” Ran Lin earnestly described. “When you’re deeply invested in a character, you feel like you are them, and they are you. It’s hard to completely separate the two.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

He hadn’t experienced such a phenomenon and felt it was too complex. But admitting that seemed unprofessional.

Why does he always end up in these tricky situations during calls with Ran Lin?

The mainland star was puzzled.

Fortunately, Ran Lin, entangled in various worries, didn’t demand a professional response from his friend and continued, “And if I end up playing Fang Xian, what about Zhang Beichen…”

Lu Yiyao clarified. “You don’t need to worry about that. If Zhang Beichen hadn’t signed another drama, the role might have been his. But since he did, you have this opportunity. It’s fair competition. No one owes anyone anything.”

Ran Lin was silent for a while, then sincerely said, “Yeah, I understand. Thank you.”

Lu Yiyao felt a sense of guilt as if he was wielding a big sword, and the other welcomed him with a warm face, offering tea and even making a sheath for his sword, snugly fitting it in.

“No need to thank me. We’re friends.” Lu Yiyao couldn’t think of anything new to say and had to use the line again.

Ran Lin, feeling warmth in his heart, responded, “Yeah, friends.”

With different emotions, the two hung up the phone.

Lu Yiyao leaned back in his chair, covered his face with the thick script, and vowed to think thrice… no, thirty times before calling Ran Lin again!

Ran Lin, holding his still-warm phone, immediately contacted Wang Xi.

When Wang Xi received Ran Lin’s call, she was eating watermelon, cutting it into pieces with a fork. Hearing that Ran Lin might play Fang Xian, the fork dropped back into the bowl with a clang.

“Really? Is the news reliable?” Wang Xi asked in shock.

“Lu Yiyao told me, so it should be.” Ran Lin wasn’t sure either, which was why he reached out to Wang Xi.

Wang Xi quickly realized it must be news from Yao Hong.

This was almost certain, given Yao Hong’s extensive network in the industry, deeper and stronger than hers. And with Lu Yiyao being the lead actor of the drama, Yao Hong would certainly pay more attention to major role changes.

However, having her artist bring her the news was slightly annoying.

And Lu Yiyao was too quick to speak; if Yao Hong knew, she would be worried too.

“Focus on the script for now, whether it’s Xu Chongfei or Fang Xian. Just read both if you have time. If there’s really a role change, there should be news in the next few days.”

“Alright.”

………

As it turned out, Yao Hong’s information was reliable. Within a couple of days, Wang Xi confirmed the news through various channels. However, the reason the production team hadn’t informed them was that the investor hadn’t given the green light yet.

Fang Xian, though not the male lead, was still an important character, and the investor wasn’t confident in letting Ran Lin play the role.

Money always comes first, even for those who pursue art.

Not one to sit idly by, Wang Xi immediately leveraged all her connections upon confirming the intentions of the director and screenwriter, eventually securing a dinner meeting with the investor.

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