Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 88
When the second round of videos was released, Lu Yiyao was on his way back to the hotel after finishing a recording. The car’s air conditioner was on, providing cool relief, but the enclosed space still felt somewhat stuffy and oppressive. The weather forecast had predicted a thunderstorm for Beijing today, but messages from his lover indicated it hadn’t started yet—only that there had been strong, ominous winds all day.
“Okay, thank you,” Yao Hong said, putting down her phone after a few minutes of conversation. She handed a bottle of water to Lu Yiyao in the back seat and said, “It’s all sorted out. That ‘Reality Gossip Lane’ is a subsidiary account of Dahlia Studio. XX Magazine is quite unhappy and has already started pressuring them. The heat should die down soon, and it won’t escalate further.”
“Dahlia Studio?” Lu Yiyao was surprised. That was a studio known for its reputable entertainment reporting, deeply rooted in the industry with a good reputation, and was among the few media invited to the party. “They’re doing paparazzi shots now?”
“Legitimate news isn’t profitable anymore. Now it’s the era of sensationalism, extortion, and paid hype,” Yao Hong said, her mouth twisting wryly at the state of affairs, a mix of helplessness and resignation. “But they’ve bitten off more than they can chew this time. Everyone at the party is somewhat connected. Taking unauthorized photos there is like slapping the face of the organizers. Not just XX Magazine but also people from Zhang Beichen’s side have applied pressure, and even more swiftly. If nothing unexpected happens, the second wave of videos will be deleted soon.”
Lu Yiyao was stunned. “Hong Jie, you mean this wasn’t a setup by Zhang Beichen?”
Lu Yiyao had assumed it was at least a cooperative effort with the entertainment studio.
“It shouldn’t be,” Yao Hong replied. “If it were his setup, there’d be no need to involve himself. Plus, that would mean he’s in cahoots with the studio, no need for him to then pressure them using public relations.”
“Why would he deliberately provoke me then?” Lu Yiyao had been baffled by this aspect, especially after calming down and thinking about it. Every word Zhang Beichen said seemed designed to incite him to violence.
“Consider it from another angle,” Yao Hong suggested, lacking the ability to read minds and only able to help Lu Yiyao analyze. “If you hadn’t controlled yourself and hit him, what would the outcome be?”
Lu Yiyao didn’t need to think hard. “I’d be the headline.”
Yao Hong: “And then what?”
“Then…” Lu Yiyao tried to foresee the potential progression, gradually grasping his agent’s point. “Everyone would discuss why I hit him.”
“Right,” Yao Hong finally nodded. “It takes two to tango. If you hit him, you must have had your reasons. Considering your generally positive public image, people will wonder what could have pushed you, Lu Yiyao, to lose control. If it were up to me to handle the PR, I would focus on that angle. Even if I couldn’t completely clear your name, Zhang Beichen wouldn’t come out unscathed either.”
Seeing Lu Yiyao listening attentively, Yao Hong paused before continuing, “You’re both male actors, and the public doesn’t initially take a biased sympathetic stance. They’re more interested in ‘right or wrong’ than the fight itself. The narrative could easily shift to ‘you hit him out of necessity; he had it coming.’ Why would he create trouble for himself?”
“That leaves us with an unsolvable question,” Lu Yiyao noted. “Knowingly provoking me would do him no good. Why still do it? It’s out of character for him.”
No, Lu Yiyao suddenly realized, actually, everything about Zhang Beichen last night was strange.
In Lu Yiyao’s understanding, Zhang Beichen was the kind who could keep a straight face no matter what he did behind the scenes. Many like him in the industry had become predictable to Lu Yiyao. He hadn’t thought much of it in his anger yesterday, but now, he realized that the awful things Zhang Beichen said about Ran Lin actually fit the mindset of “Why do I have to struggle for what you get easily?” It’s a fundamentally twisted logic where one only sees their own struggles and others’ rewards, never acknowledging their own gains or others’ efforts, perpetuating a belief of being the most aggrieved.
Without self-awareness of this flawed perspective, no one can help change it, and Lu Yiyao had no intention of trying. He was more concerned about what had happened to Zhang Beichen to make him so different last night from the person he remembered.
In the past two years, nothing significant seemed to have happened to Zhang Beichen, and his acting career proceeded as usual. If there was anything unusual, it might be what he unexpectedly heard from his lover about “Mr. Qin”…
[Not just XX Magazine but also people from Zhang Beichen’s side have applied pressure, and even more swiftly.]
His agent’s earlier words echoed in his mind, giving Lu Yiyao pause.
Yao Hong, unaware her artist was deep in thought, was still contemplating the question of “why provoke me if it does no good?” While Lu Yiyao was delving deeper, Yao Hong was being more direct. “Didn’t you say his entire demeanor was off yesterday, and he seemed emotionally unstable? If that’s true, then his behavior might not follow any logic, and acting out of control wouldn’t be surprising…”
“Hong Jie,” Lu Yiyao suddenly asked, feeling like he was on the verge of understanding something. “Who exactly pressured the studio on Zhang Beichen’s behalf?”
The question caught Yao Hong off guard, but she replied after a moment, “I’m not sure. I only heard it from XX Magazine. Not only was the action swift, but it was also forceful. Even if the magazine hadn’t contacted them, the second round of videos would have been deleted.”
Lu Yiyao looked at his agent and said, “Is it possible it was Mr. Qin…”
“The same Mr. Qin you asked me to investigate?” Yao Hong was surprised and quickly caught on. “You mean he’s involved with Zhang Beichen?”
Lu Yiyao had only mentioned Mr. Qin when asking his agent to investigate and didn’t hide anything now, simply nodding in confirmation.
Yao Hong thought for a moment and said, “If it is him, it wouldn’t be surprising that he has the clout. However…” she frowned, asking Lu Yiyao, “Even if we find out about him and Zhang Beichen, what then? You’re not planning to leak it, are you?”
“I’m not that idle,” Lu Yiyao said with a bitter smile, speaking honestly. “I just want to understand the situation for peace of mind.”
Yao Hong nodded, understanding.
They were all in the same industry; chances were they would meet again. Knowing both sides would help maintain an equilibrium.
After finishing the conversation with his agent, Lu Yiyao looked back at Weibo, only to find, to his surprise, that the trending topics had changed.
“Hong Jie,” Lu Yiyao called his agent, somewhat bewildered. “Tang Xiaoyu and Shen Ying just announced their relationship.”
Yao Hong turned around in surprise. “Now?”
Lu Yiyao swallowed and nodded.
Yao Hong asked, “Is it trending?”
Lu Yiyao confirmed, “It’s all over the trending searches. My issue has been completely squeezed out.”
Yao Hong seemed a bit dazed. “That timing is just too perfect.”
Lu Yiyao had settled from his initial shock and shook his head. “It’s not a coincidence. They chose this moment to divert attention from me and Ran Lin.”
Yao Hong asked, “Did you guys coordinate this beforehand?”
“No, it was entirely his unilateral surprise attack,” Lu Yiyao replied.
Yao Hong was at a loss for words, with mixed feelings swirling within her. She wanted to tap their foreheads one by one with her fingers in frustration at these unpredictable youths.
“Wait a minute,” Yao Hong finally realized. “Who is Tang Xiaoyu with?”
“Shen Ying,” Lu Yiyao replied.
Yao Hong was baffled. “When did they get together?”
“Since kindergarten,” Lu Yiyao answered.
Yao Hong was speechless.
……
“If I had known Tang Xiaoyu was going to steal the spotlight, there would’ve been no need for Mr. Qin to intervene,” Wu Xuefeng said, tossing his phone onto the coffee table in annoyance. “Now I owe another favor.”
Zhang Beichen, sitting on the carpet leaning against the sofa, glanced up at his agent with a trace of mockery. “It’s not like you have to pay it back. Why the frustration?”
“Don’t get too full of yourself,” Wu Xuefeng scolded him, seeing his carefree demeanor but then softened his tone, unusually earnest. “Face is a consumable. Each time you use it, there’s less left. Even if you’ve ended up in bed with him, your standing in his eyes is just a bit more than others, but it’s still limited. Of course, it should be used where it’s worth it.”
“I’ve always wondered.” Zhang Beichen looked at Wu Xuefeng with a rising tone of interest. “They say a broad heart leads to a hefty body. With all the pettiness in your heart, why aren’t you thin?”
Wu Xuefeng thought his artist was about to discuss something serious, only to be met with sarcastic ridicule.
However, he was used to it. Over the past year, Zhang Beichen had become increasingly sardonic. The more seriously you take him, the more he enjoys it, so Wu Xuefeng’s principle was now “ignore him”. He couldn’t provoke him, but he could always avoid him. Zhang Beichen’s whims didn’t hinder his acting or attending events. As long as the money tree kept dropping cash, everything was not a problem.
His agent’s silence made Zhang Beichen lose interest, and he lowered his head to scroll through his phone again.
Wu Xuefeng, sitting on the sofa, could see Zhang Beichen’s phone screen.
He was still looking at the headline about Tang Xiaoyu’s relationship announcement. Understandable, given how sudden and unexpected it was. The internet had gone wild, digging up everything about Tang Xiaoyu and Shen Ying’s past and present. The contents compiled could almost make up a “Memoir of Performing Careers”.
Suddenly, a familiar name popped up on Zhang Beichen’s phone, cutting off the photo he was fixated on.
Zhang Beichen remained in his previous posture, staring at the phone but not picking up.
“What are you doing? Answer the phone—” Wu Xuefeng prompted his client.
But Zhang Beichen was unresponsive.
Out of options, Wu Xuefeng snatched the phone from his hand, swiftly answered, and said with a voice full of deference, “Mr. Qin, it’s me…”
……
Ran Lin, feeling overwhelmed by Tang Xiaoyu’s news, decided to seek comfort from his lover.
Just as he was about to message, a new message came in first—[Are you and Lu Yiyao together?]
Ran Lin stiffened.
He didn’t know if the person deduced this from the video or had some other source of information, but either way, it chilled him to the bone, making even his fingertips cold in the middle of August.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Ran Lin responded with a symbol—[?]
Perhaps to avoid being recorded over the phone or leaving a voice print, the person had been texting all along.
Ran Lin thought he should learn from the person’s cautiousness.
1111:—[I won’t tell anyone. Just tell me yes or no.]
Ran Lin—[No.]
1111—[Aren’t you denying it too quickly?]
Ran Lin—[If I replied slowly, wouldn’t you think I’m being evasive?]
1111—[I told you I won’t tell anyone, and I mean it.]
Ran Lin—[But you can’t force me to confess to something that’s not true.]
1111—[I don’t know whether to say you’re stubborn or loyal.]
1111—[Listen to me, don’t date within the industry. Always walking by the river, one day you’ll get your shoes wet, and it’ll ruin both of you.]
Ran Lin was puzzled. Ding Kai didn’t seem to be probing or threatening, more like genuinely trying to warn him…
1111—[Also, avoid Zhang Beichen if you see him again; he’s got problems now.]
Ran Lin—[What do you mean?]
1111—[Exactly what it says.]
Ding Kai put down his phone, relieved that Ran Lin had been called away by that phone call at the venue. Otherwise, in the heat of the moment, he might have revealed Lao Qin’s affair.
Now, thinking about it, he felt he had done enough by warning Ran Lin. After all, it’s personal privacy. If Ran Lin were to spread it further, Lao Qin would be furious.
While Ding Kai was unwilling to elaborate further, Ran Lin didn’t pursue the matter either. And as if Lu Yiyao had timed it, he sent over a video call, knowing his partner would be resting at home, preparing for the next day’s shoot.
As soon as the video connected, Ran Lin promptly reported his chat with Ding Kai, including the vague warning at the end.
“I’ve already asked Hong Jie to help investigate,” Lu Yiyao said. “I’ll tell you as soon as I get any results.”
Ran Lin was surprised at how quick his lover acted and was just about to express his admiration when he heard Lu Yiyao say, “Let’s discuss the ‘always walking by the river; one day you’ll get your shoes wet’ issue.”
Ran Lin, seeing his lover’s displeased face on the screen, smiled and leaned closer to the camera, whispering, “You know how hard I resisted not saying, ‘I’ve got a big boss boyfriend now. I’m taken care of. You don’t need to worry.'”
Lu Yiyao, whose jealousy had been stirred up, was immediately pacified by a can of sweet words. “The company registration has been moved up. It should be done by October. Then I’ll transfer some of the studio’s business there and get the company up and running.”
“So soon?” Although Ran Lin knew Lu Yiyao was working on it, the reality of it happening soon feels surreal.
“It has to be. If it’s any later, Lao Huo won’t have time to be my helper; he’s getting married next May,” Lu Yiyao said with a smile.
Ran Lin was surprised and then nostalgic. “Finally getting married.”
Lu Yiyao laughed. “You sound just like his mom.”
Ran Lin: “…Neither Huo Yuntao nor Mrs. Huo would appreciate that comparison.”
“After Lao Huo’s wedding, once your contract situation is sorted out…” Lu Yiyao’s voice suddenly dropped almost to a whisper, intimate through the speaker. “I want to introduce you to my family.”
Ran Lin’s heart fluttered, deeply moved, yet he asked, “Will I get beaten up?”
Lu Yiyao thought seriously for a moment. “Probably not, because the first stop is my mother and sister. Even if they’re angry, they won’t hit you. Maybe just scratch a little.”
Ran Lin: “…So I’ll go meet your dad with a scratched face?”
Lu Yiyao raised an eyebrow. “Scared?”
Ran Lin sighed. “I’m worried for your dad.”
Looking at his partner’s beaming eyes, Ran Lin suddenly felt that all the hesitations, conflicts, and pressures about understanding his own sexual orientation were unnecessary. When you have that someone you want to walk with, even if the path is on the edge of a cliff and only ten centimeters wide, you both can stick to the cliff and cross it.
“After visiting your family, if I still have breath.” Ran Lin quietly watched Lu Yiyao. “I’ll take you straight to meet my family.”
Lu Yiyao nodded. “Your parents will definitely like me.”
Ran Lin looked at him sideways. “Who gave you that confidence?”
Lu Yiyao: “My face.”
Ran Lin: “…The standard answer should be me!”
……
The next day, Ran Lin headed off to the set.
If Weibo felt like an alternate world, then the set felt like a utopia. Once immersed in filming, there was no need to worry about the outside world. He focused on building his character and ensuring the shooting schedule, ignoring all external turmoil.
But from late August to the end of November, the entertainment circle remained remarkably quiet. Except for the variety show featuring Tang Xiaoyu and Shen Ying after their relationship announcement, no other news created much buzz. Even the summer dramas and movies were lackluster, failing to ignite much interest in discussions.
On the day of the wrap for <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms>, coinciding with the male lead’s birthday, the wrap party turned into a birthday celebration, and the whole crew had a blast.
Truthfully, Ran Lin wasn’t very optimistic about the show’s prospects. The director had insisted on a flamboyant and joyful approach throughout the shooting, coupled with a lackluster script. He anticipated it to be a filler drama, not requiring much thought for logic or plot, just something to watch for fun.
However, looking back at the three months spent on the set without considering the script’s quality, it had been a happy time. Maybe because of the script’s lighthearted nature, the atmosphere was always cheerful, and everyone was carefree both on and off the camera. These three months felt like an extended summer camp.
When he left Beijing, it was the end of summer. When he returned, the trees were tinged with yellow and the leaves were dangling, as if waiting for an autumn wind to let them fall and become nourishment for next year’s growth.
The day after Ran Lin returned home, the company’s boss called him to discuss the contract, just as Wang Xi had predicted. The boss presented a new contract for him to consider, promising room for negotiation if he finds any terms unsatisfactory.
Although the new contract offered some improvements, they were limited and lacked sincerity. Ran Lin had no intention of renewing and didn’t say much, just mentioning he needed more time to consider, following Wang Xi’s advice.
The boss seemed more anxious, hoping to finalize the contract as soon as possible.
“Because once your two films are released next year, your worth will change,” Wang Xi explained back in her office.
Ran Lin understood, ready to leave and discuss further with Wang Xi, but Liu Wanwan interrupted, whispering, “Wang Xi, Deng Minru just entered the boss’s office with a handsome guy.”
Wang Xi nodded, acknowledging the information.
But Ran Lin was confused, looking at Liu Wanwan. “What handsome guy?”
Deng Minru was promoted to head of the brokerage department last month. Now, Dream Without Limits agency department effectively had two heads, but the company’s official statement reasoned it out well—due to the need for business structural adjustment, Wang Xi would now manage brokerage operations while Deng Minru would oversee brokerage development. In other words, one manages internal affairs while the other focuses on external growth. Clearly, one role is more significant than the other.
But Ran Lin, busy with his filming schedule, only knew this much, and the rest he heard from the gossip Liu Wanwan relayed from Wang Xi.
“Ran Ge, don’t look at me,” Liu Wanwan, who had just returned from the set with Ran Lin, said with a shrug. “Xi Jie just had me keep an eye out, so I did.”
Ran Lin turned to his agent for a clearer picture.
Wang Xi didn’t hold back and shared openly. “I heard she’s been scouting for new talents for the company. She might bring someone to the boss today, so I had Wanwan stay alert.”
“New talent?” Ran Lin was surprised. “What about Han Ze?”
“Han Ze hardly gets any new gigs now. I’ve heard even previous commitments are being canceled.” Liu Wanwan, unaware of the company’s new talent hunt, had heard quite a bit about Han Ze from internal company chats. “The whole thing with Cui Yanyan has damaged his image severely. It seems Deng Minru doesn’t want to clean up his mess, so he’s pretty much been left to fend for himself.”
Ran Lin looked at Wang Xi for confirmation.
She nodded slightly and added, “If Deng Minru’s hunt for new talents goes well, the company might shift Han Ze to Kang Hui’s management. This way, Deng Minru can focus entirely on the new talent.”
Ran Lin was stunned. Would Han Ze agree to such a move?
But then, what if he doesn’t? With his declining popularity and the recent controversy, not to mention the lackluster performance of <Chronicles of Winter>, turning his career around seemed like a tall order. The entertainment industry moves fast, and Dream Without Limits clearly wouldn’t fret over his departure.
Once a golden duo, Wang Xi and Han Ze now seemed like remnants of the past. Having followed Wang Xi for three years, Ran Lin felt like time had just zipped by. Yet, looking back, so much had changed.
Leaving the company, Ran Lin felt a breeze.
He tightened his coat and got into the company car to head home. On the way, he sent a message to a friend—[I remember someone saying they could consult on buying a car?]
Before a reply could come, a call buzzed through. It was Gu Jie, sounding as loud and cheerful as when they first met. “Back in Beijing?”
“Yeah,” Ran Lin replied, feeling grounded. “I wrapped up yesterday.”
Gu Jie: “Perfect timing. I’m free these days. Whenever you want to go, just tell me.”
Ran Lin smiled. “I’ll call you once it’s set.”
Gu Jie: “Can’t set it now?”
Ran Lin: “I need to ask Teacher Lu first.”
Gu Jie: “Don’t trust my eye?”
Ran Lin: “I miss Teacher Lu.”
Gu Jie: “Alright, I know you two are close. I’ll check with Boss Xia.”
Ran Lin: “Boss Xia?”
Gu Jie: “His studio officially launched last week. Now he’s his own boss.”
Ran Lin: “We should celebrate for him, then.”
Gu Jie: “A car party. How about it?”
Ran Lin: “……”
Feeling somewhat out of his depth with such a trendy plan, Ran Lin left arranging the celebration for Xia Xinran to Gu Jie, while he took on arranging a meeting with Lu Yiyao.
Lu Yiyao’s company had launched last month, and he was knee-deep in getting everything off the ground. Not just the operations, but the first project of the company demanded his direct attention. He had even formed a team to scout for promising scripts. Amidst all this, he was toggling between overwhelming company affairs and an ocean of scripts.
After getting home, Ran Lin called Lu Yiyao, but the call rang several times before being answered by Li Tong. “Ran Ge?”
Understanding immediately, Ran Lin asked, “Busy?”
Li Tong replied, “He’s in a meeting.”
Ran Lin chuckled internally, feeling like he’s truly dealing with a busy executive. “Tell him I called when it’s over.”
“Sure thing, Ran Ge,” Li Tong assured before hanging up.
Ran Lin settled back into his couch. Despite just returning from the tiring filming, he felt secure. Many things and people change, but just as many stay the same or even get better…
Ran Lin didn’t realize he had dozed off until a video call alert jolted him awake. The room was still bright, and he couldn’t tell the time.
To Lu Yiyao’s surprise, the call connected to a groggy Ran Lin, causing him to pause momentarily before his tension from the day’s troubles melted away at the sight.
As Ran Lin’s focus returned fully from his nap, his eyes finally cleared. “Why aren’t you talking?”
Because staying silent means getting to watch you in that adorable dazed state for a little longer.
But Lu Yiyao couldn’t say that. Instead, he thought of a future where they could live together, where he could wake up a few minutes earlier every day just to watch Ran Lin, in all sorts of ways, to his heart’s content…
Ran Lin, sensing something off in his lover’s gaze, decided to cut in. “I called earlier. Li Tong said you were in a meeting.”
“Yes, the company is just starting, so there’s a lot to do. I’ve been tied up with schedules these past few days, so everything piled up today.” Lu Yiyao explained, then added, “I was planning to visit you in a few days to let you rest, but I guess you missed me too much.”
“Indeed, I particularly missed…” Ran Lin, eyes fixed on the screen and the bright face of Lu Yiyao from his “confession”, finished with a mischievous smile. “Buying a car.”
Lu Yiyao’s heart, which hadn’t even started soaring, crashed down.
“Buying a car?”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for a while but never had the time.”
“So you want my help to pick one?”
“The car selection I’ve left to Gu Jie.”
Ran Lin: “He said to call Xia Xinran for a car party, as a celebration of Xia Xinran’s studio setup.”
“…” Great, he’s ranked third now.
Sighing, Lu Yiyao complained in a low voice, “He’s starting a studio, but I’ve also established a company.”
“Let’s celebrate both.” Ran Lin leaned closer to the screen, seriously asking, “Do you like car parties?”
Lu Yiyao thought about it seriously and shook his head. Racing to the sixth ring road and beyond was enough for a lifetime.
However, the car party ended up missing one person, as Lu Yiyao was called back to the company on his way there—the head of Pentium Times happened to be near his company and decided to visit.
Lu Yiyao started his career at Pentium Times and continued to be affiliated with them even after establishing his studio. Essentially, he had always been under Pentium Times’ care. When he mentioned wanting to establish his own company, the head of Pentium Times was quite supportive. Lu Yiyao remembered this favor, so he couldn’t neglect the rare visit.
Despite the absence, a car was still bought—a black SUV. Although Xia Xinran thought black wasn’t flashy enough, Ran Lin found the low-profile practicality perfect, ideally blending into the flow of traffic.
Unfortunately, the car didn’t see much use after the purchase, as Ran Lin got busy again from late December, first with post-production dubbing for <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms>, then with various promotional shoots for <Chronicles of Winter>, and the kickoff for <Dyeing Fire>. Although <Dyeing Fire> couldn’t make the Spring Festival slot, the production still aimed for late February or early March to catch the tail of the holiday movie surge.
One thing led to another, and not only was seeing Lu Yiyao unlikely, even returning home for the New Year seemed impossible. With <Chronicles of Winter> premiering on the first day of the lunar new year, promotional activities would span from before and continue after the festival, so Ran Lin had to spend a few days with his parents in January as an early celebration.
Returning to Beijing from home, the official Weibo for <Chronicles of Winter> released the first teaser trailer that evening.
[Mystical fog envelops the nine heavens! <Chronicles of Winter> teaser trailer first drop is here to shock and awe! [Video link]]
The one-minute teaser was watched back and forth several times by Ran Lin until every frame was etched into his mind. Not until then did he stop replaying it, sitting with a stillness in his heart…
The production team had indeed invested in post-production!
Despite acting in every scene, the replacement of green screens and addition of special effects made everything seem completely new. So new that at certain scenes, Ran Lin wondered if he had actually acted them.
What was more commendable was the one-minute teaser, mainly showcasing the beautiful scenery seen by a character upon ascending to the nine heavens, already exuded a strong sense of Eastern charm. This was evident in the comments under the official Weibo post—
[The effects style is unique and doesn’t remind me of Western fantasy or 3D MMORPGs, which is so rare… 😭]
[Finally, a special effects team that understands Eastern charm. The beauty of Chinese landscape paintings lies in the art of leaving blank spaces—so hard to find in a world of overly busy effects… 😔]
[Left wanting more, which is good. Hoping the full movie maintains this standard.]
[Beautiful and ethereal.]
[As a reader of the original novel, I must say, as beautiful as it is, this is the domain of the villain, which will eventually be destroyed by the male lead. 😂]
Alongside the praise for the effects were compliments for the actors. Because the teaser had limited conflict scenes and was mostly a showcase of the actors, the positive comments were largely attributed to the stylists, who flawlessly highlighted each actor’s peak appearance—
[This is the first time I’ve truly gotten Ran Lin’s appeal; before, I just thought he was delicate. 🫣]
[Ran Lin’s face is really full of collagen, making him perfectly fit the role of a teenager 😣]
[Am I the only one obsessed with the Wine Officer… Lao Wang, my idol!]
[Obsessed with Lao Wang, take me with you! I’ve liked him since his role in <Reluctant Bridge> [Crazy call.jpg]]
[No one wants the Emperor of the North? I’ll take him.]
[The female lead only has two shots, but she’s stunning!]
With praises, admirations, cautious speculations, and light criticism, some even remembered the failed drama adaptation—
[Given the drama version… um, I think I’ll wait for the reviews before deciding whether to watch.]
[The visual is already leagues beyond the drama. Just hope all the essence isn’t just in the trailer.]
With the production willing to invest in promotion, the trailer was quickly picked up by marketing accounts and comments flooded in, climbing up the trending topics fast. When Ran Lin opened the trending list to see how high it had risen, he unexpectedly saw the word <Split Moon> ranking second.
Upon clicking, he discovered that <Split Moon>, starring Lu Yiyao and not yet released domestically, had become the only Chinese film to enter the main competition at a prestigious international film festival this year!
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