Crossover Actors - Chapter 49

Lu Wen first returned to Nanwan, took a shower, changed clothes, and then drove to the company.

 

The Aijian Media building stood tall and beautiful on the west side of the road. Lu Wen took the elevator from the underground parking garage to the 25th floor, where various conference rooms were used for coordinating and negotiating artist work.

 

Sun Xiaojian had been waiting for a while. As he chatted with interns in the cubicles and saw Lu Wen arriving, he hurried over with a folder, “Did you come here on a shared bike with that speed?”

 

Lu Wen, wearing an Eisenhower jacket and a Bvlgari pure black ultra-thin tourbillon watch, checked his watch coolly, “Haven’t been here for a while, so I’m a bit lost.”

 

Sun Xiaojian was in a good mood, “You go to the meeting room first, and I’ll make some coffee!”

 

But Lu Wen was preoccupied, wanting to finish quickly and go home. He hooked his arm around Sun Xiaojian’s neck and walked towards the meeting room, “It’s just a variety show, why are you so excited?”

 

“For whom else?” Sun Xiaojian emphasized, “It’s all for you!”

 

In the meeting room, without calling others yet, Lu Wen sat down and flipped through the program materials. Opening the folder and reading the title, he understood why Sun Xiaojian was excited.

 

The reality show was called “Utopia,” set to be broadcast on a top five national satellite TV channel. The key feature was its new shooting mode: filming and broadcasting in real-time, claiming to be the most “unscripted, uncut, and real” reality show.

 

Highly anticipated even before filming, the show had gained significant attention.

 

The theme was a popular slow-paced variety show, but with a twist. Guests would live in a historic town, learn local traditional crafts, and offset their accommodation and food costs by working as apprentices, similar to earning money while traveling.

 

Lu Wen read a section stating that part of the sponsorship funds would be donated to local preservation of intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts, which he found quite meaningful.

 

Sun Xiaojian said, “Check the production team too.”

 

Lu Wen flipped further, finding two production entities: the TV station’s program center and the Shuyingzhe Foundation.

 

“Shuyingzhe,” founded by Zeng Zhen and Wang Mingyu, was well-regarded in the industry. Sun Xiaojian said, “With a charity organization involved, the show’s purpose and reputation can’t be wrong.”

 

As for the guests, the production team had negotiated with many artists, though official announcements hadn’t been made yet. However, the internet had already exploded with leaks. Lu Wen asked, “Is Jin Yanyu really on the list?”

 

“Absolutely,” Sun Xiaojian said, pleased, “With Jin Yanyu, the show will come with its own marketing team. His fans are the best at hyping things up online.”

 

Lu Wen asked, “Who else is confirmed?”

 

Sun Xiaojian answered, “So far, there’s the Best Actress Tu Ying, international supermodel Yi Chuan, and the reliable Xu Youke. With the top-tier Jin Yanyu and you, it’s two women and three men.”

 

Lu Wen felt overwhelmed. Top actresses, supermodels, and powerful actors—plus a minor celebrity? He diplomatically said, “Don’t you think I’ll be out of place among them?”

 

Sun Xiaojian replied, “Every show needs a less significant presence, like every class needs a hard-working, thankless class monitor.”

 

Lu Wen realized, “So I’m going to be doing the hard work?”

 

“Please,” Sun Xiaojian tapped the table with his knuckles, “Doing the hard work isn’t a shame. You get to meet the Best Actress, connect with major TV networks, and be seen with high-profile celebrities. It’s all profit.”

 

Lu Wen, easily persuaded, nodded in agreement.

 

“Listen to me,” Sun Xiaojian, though sometimes frivolous, was reliable at times, “You’re playing the male lead in Qin’s script, your worth will double. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have the chance to be on such a show. Cherish it, okay?”

 

Upon hearing the name “Qin,” Lu Wen became tense and stammered a response.

 

Noticing something was off, Sun Xiaojian asked again, “Did you hear me?”

 

Lu Wen shook his folder and assured, “I heard you. I’ll definitely embrace the variety show spirit.”

 

Sun Xiaojian shook his head, took the information back, and handed him another document. “You don’t need to embrace anything. Just work hard and don’t steal the spotlight. The goal isn’t to become famous but to be steady. This is your script.”

 

Lu Wen was surprised, “Wasn’t it supposed to be unscripted?”

 

Sun Xiaojian was even more surprised, “You believed that too?”

 

After reading all the program materials, if there were no issues, the company and the production team would follow the process to draft a contract and schedule a signing date. Lu Wen gathered the documents and left, taking Sun Xiaojian home on the way.

 

As he drove out of the underground parking lot, the speed slowed on the slippery snowy road. Lu Wen turned on the music and hummed along with an English song out of habit.

 

Sun Xiaojian’s place was not far from the company, a rented apartment chosen for convenience. As they approached a corner, Sun Xiaojian suddenly asked, “Where did you sleep last night?”

 

The sudden red light caused Lu Wen to brake sharply.

 

As a manager, Sun Xiaojian rarely interfered with Lu Wen’s private life. First, Lu Wen wasn’t famous and had fewer concerns; second, Lu Zhanqing managed things strictly, so there was no need for outsiders to worry.

 

Lu Wen’s hand slipped off the steering wheel, feeling a bit uneasy, like a teenage boy being questioned by a disciplinary teacher. He answered hesitantly, “At home.”

 

“Oh,” Sun Xiaojian tapped on his phone screen, playing a match-three game, “After dinner at the izakaya, how did you get home?”

 

Lu Wen’s tone didn’t change, “I took a car.”

 

Sun Xiaojian cursed, “Of course you took a car. After the party last night, you disappeared while I was in the restroom. My phone was dead, and I waited in the nanny car for half an hour.”

 

As the green light flashed, Lu Wen accelerated through the intersection and casually asked, “What’s the matter?”

 

Sun Xiaojian replied, “Nothing, just asking.”

 

Ahead were several apartment buildings. Lu Wen steered to the side, slowed down, left the engine running, and unlocked the doors. Sun Xiaojian exited the game, turned to him while unbuckling his seatbelt, and asked, “You’re not in a relationship, right?”

 

“Fuck,” Lu Wen frowned, “Are you suggesting I should talk to you about it?”

 

Sun Xiaojian said, “It’s better if you’re not. For now, it’s best to put personal matters aside.”

 

Lu Wen had no romantic partner or even any flirtatious interests, yet he locked the car door with a sense of grievance, as if his precious rights had been violated. “Why?”

 

Sun Xiaojian explained, “You’ve been doing well in the web drama, and the production side is satisfied. The company has recognized your value. The reality show arrangement is coming up, and your drama ‘Wan Nian Qiu’ will also be airing soon. It’s all about maintaining a good public image.”

 

In other words, during this peak period of his acting career, it was not the right time for romance. Being reminded of this after being a minor celebrity for so long felt unreal to Lu Wen.

 

“Of course,” Sun Xiaojian said, “If you really meet someone you like, the company won’t stop you.”

 

A few casual reminders from the manager left Lu Wen feeling unsettled. On his way back to Nanwan, he turned off the music, drove around for a while, and arrived home as dusk fell.

 

Father and son had dinner together. Lu Wen told Lu Zhanqing about the reality show he was going to film, but didn’t receive a positive reaction. They ended up exchanging a few harsh words and parted on bad terms.

 

That night, Lu Wen was in his study, reading through the recording procedures and materials. The first two episodes of the show would be filmed in Lanshui Ancient Town, which he found to be a picturesque location online.

 

His eyes grew tired from reading. Lu Wen put on his headphones, lay down on the chaise longue, and started listening to music. He opened QQ and nervously messaged the anxious little writer: “Have you rested yet?”

 

Having slept poorly the previous night, Qu Yanting was changing the bed linens. After a delay, he replied: “Not yet.”

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “I’ll be busy lately and traveling, so my replies might be delayed. Just letting you know.”

 

Anxious Little Writer: “Okay, no problem. Good luck.”

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “What are you busy with?”

 

Qu Yanting returned to his study, where the computer screen displayed an unfinished script—neither a studio project nor a favor, but a completely independent work of his.

 

Anxious Little Writer: “Writing a story.”

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “Are you really a writer?”

 

Anxious Little Writer: “Otherwise, is my ID just random?”

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “No, I thought there might be some exaggeration.”

 

Anxious Little Writer: “How exaggerated?”

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “I thought you wrote articles for public accounts.”

 

Qu Yanting laughed but wasn’t bothered. It’s normal for people online to be skeptical. Besides, Malloy Sandor once said that literature is more than just a collection of masterpieces.

 

Anxious Little Writer: “Have you exaggerated?”

 

Lu Wen had no intention of misleading anyone. After all, he had been in the music industry and had quite a bit of bad luck. He replied: “I really am… a pop star.”

 

Anxious Little Writer: “What have you sung?”

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “It’s a secret.”

 

Anxious Little Writer: “Alright, wish your album sells well.”

 

Lu Wen switched from QQ to his music app. He had officially released only three songs, and the play count for the lead track barely exceeded ten thousand. His past grand ambitions and passionate dreams surged back into his mind with the other person’s blessing.

 

Unlucky Pop Star: “When I have a concert at the Bird’s Nest, please come!”

 

Qu Yanting, moved by the online acquaintance he had never met, rested his fingers on the keyboard, longing to use these hands to outline storyboards, draw schedules, debug machines, and command with authority.

 

He solemnly replied with a “good.”

 

Two days later, Lu Wen arrived at the company early in the morning to officially sign the contract with the production team. His sports car had been repaired, but its flashy red color was too eye-catching, so he opted for a more subdued dark outfit.

 

In the meeting room, with legal counsel present, they finalized the contract details. The terms weren’t too detailed since television shows are full of uncertainties.

 

Among the prominent guests, Lu Wen was expected to get minimal screen time and was not expected to drive the ratings. The company’s stance was to shoot steadily, with Lu Wen’s good looks leaving a cool impression on the audience.

 

After signing the contract, Lu Wen and the production team’s agreement was finalized, and the company would handle the specifics.

 

With the work done and people leaving, Lu Wen smiled until his face ached. He popped a couple of xylitol candies to relax his facial muscles. Sun Xiaojian, in a suit and clearly agitated, loosened his tie and said, “Let’s celebrate lunch, it’s on you.”

 

Lu Wen rolled his eyes, “Got to stay in shape for the camera.”

 

Sun Xiaojian’s attitude shifted, “Right, even though we’re not famous, we can’t lose out.”

 

Lu Wen pulled out his phone, searching for Jin Yanyu’s height and weight. Official data listed him as 1.81 meters tall. Lu Wen then stumbled upon a photo of Jin Yanyu and Ruan Feng from an event last year.

 

He chuckled, feeling like a classmate revealing others’ shortcomings, “Not taller than Ruan Feng, this guy’s height is exaggerated.”

 

“Hey, focus,” Sun Xiaojian said, “Follow the program’s official Weibo and other guests.”

 

Lu Wen logged onto Weibo, searching for “Utopia.” The first post was from the show’s official account, with a lengthy caption introducing the five guests. He clicked follow for each.

 

“Wow,” Lu Wen slowly realized, staring at the post with tens of thousands of retweets and comments, “Is this… the official announcement?”

 

The program’s publicity had been planned well in advance. Not only the production team’s Weibo but also the TV station’s official account, major media, and marketing accounts had all released the news. Within a short time, “Utopia” quickly rose from the internship hot search list.

 

For the first time, Lu Wen was overwhelmed by tens of thousands of posts. Although most were from fans of other guests and his name was barely mentioned in the comments, he couldn’t help but feel excited.

 

A few messages popped up from friends offering congratulations or teasing him. Lu Wen held his phone, replying to each message. Looking up, he saw that Sun Xiaojian had already left, and he was alone in the meeting room.

 

With the surroundings quiet, Lu Wen’s excitement gradually subsided. He exited Weibo and WeChat, wishing to share this news with one person the most.

 

Lu Wen called Qu Yanting.

 

After a few rings, he heard the familiar breathing. Ignoring the awkwardness from that day, Lu Wen awkwardly began, “Teacher Qu, the car is repaired.”

 

Qu Yanting asked, “How much is the cost?”

 

Lu Wen replied, “You really want to pay? It’s not necessary.”

 

“Of course I do,” Qu Yanting insisted. “Tell me the amount, and I’ll transfer it to you.”

 

Lu Wen joked, “520(I Love You).”

 

Qu Yanting paused for a second, “I’ll give you 250(Idiot), which is about right.”

 

Lu Wen said, “Oh, I only asked my dad for money before. I’m not good at this.”

 

“Then send me a WeChat message,” Qu Yanting said. “Why are you being so hesitant? Why call me?”

 

Lu Wen finally got to the point, worried Qu Yanting might think he was making a fuss, and backpedaled, “I’m going to participate in a reality show.”

 

Qu Yanting had already seen the news and recognized it as a good opportunity. He guessed Lu Wen was excited and hopeful. After a moment of thought, he asked, “Is Jin Yanyu one of the guests?”

 

Lu Wen felt unexpectedly alert, “Do you admire him?”

 

“I—”

 

“He’s exaggerating his height!”

 

Qu Yanting was confused, “I just wanted to remind you, don’t provoke him.”