Chapter 10#

Chapter 10: The Wrap Party#

In the final half month, although there was no need to rush the schedule, everything proceeded at a brisk pace. From the director down to every crew member, no one slackened, especially since the boss had promised to reward everyone well after filming wrapped.

Sure enough, as soon as the final scene was shot, Director Li immediately announced that the company would hold a wrap party in three days, asking all cast and crew to attend if possible. He also had the assistant director contact those who had already left the set early after finishing their scenes.

Lu Yan was among those notified. He had completed all his scenes a week earlier, said his goodbyes, and left the set ahead of schedule.

Because he had taken on this drama, Lu Yan had received special permission from the school administration to complete his graduation defense early. He hadn’t even attended the graduation ceremony, let alone receive his diploma. In performing arts schools, there were plenty of students like him every year—it was nothing unusual.

Naturally, he had also given up his school apartment, so the first thing upon returning was to find a place to stay. Fortunately, Lu Yan had already rented a place through an agency beforehand, so he wasn’t left homeless the moment he got back. It was a small bachelor apartment of about thirty square meters—not great, not terrible. He signed a six-month lease with a deposit of one month’s rent and three months’ payment upfront. He had no idea how long he’d actually stay. If he got lucky and signed with a management company soon, they might even provide accommodation. Then he could sublet it or give it up.

After tidying up his new place, Lu Yan spent two days back at school handling some paperwork he hadn’t had time for earlier. Then he spent another day auditioning for a drama that Gu Yang had recommended last time. The results weren’t bad. After that, he contacted some old classmates and arranged a meal with a few close friends. While he had been on set, he kept his phone off to avoid distractions, since there wasn’t anything urgent anyway.

Xu Yongzhou didn’t show up for the meal. After some teasing from a few close buddies, Lu Yan learned that Xu Yongzhou had landed the role of the male lead’s second in an idol drama. Apparently, he had originally auditioned for a minor role, but the director took one look at him and decided he was a perfect fit for the second male lead, casting him on the spot. What incredible luck.

Chen Yiming had drunk a bit too much, his tongue loosening, but he still kept gulping down more as he patted Lu Yan’s shoulder and shouted, “I knew it all along—you and Yongzhou are the ones with the brightest futures. Once you become big stars, don’t you dare forget us!”

Lu Yan had also drunk quite a bit, but he could hold his liquor well, so he was still clear-headed. He smiled faintly, patted Chen Yiming’s hand, and said nothing. Inwardly, he felt a bit gloomy. He really couldn’t afford to let his guard down—that guy’s luck was as good as ever. He just hoped that in this life, they could stay out of each other’s way. Otherwise… Lu Yan’s eyes darkened.

The next day, he woke up a little late. He had just fixed something to fill his empty stomach when he got a call from the assistant director, notifying him about the wrap party in three days. After Lu Yan confirmed he would attend, they hung up.

Three days passed quickly.

The party was held at a fairly upscale hotel in the city. As expected of a big company, they spared no expense.

Lu Yan wore a suit he had bought specifically a couple of days earlier—not a particularly expensive brand, but the style and fabric were youthful, making him stand out even more.

Lu Yan arrived right on time. Shortly after he got there, the party began. After a few speeches from the higher-ups, everyone moved on to free dining. The buffet offered a wide variety of dishes, blending Chinese and Western cuisines—a dazzling array that filled the eyes before the stomach. Attendees included a few company executives and the entire crew. Having worked together for over three months, everyone was familiar with each other. There were no outsiders, so the atmosphere was casual.

The party had a great vibe. People gathered in small groups, chatting and drinking, very relaxed. Naturally, the most crowded spots were around the company executives and Director Li. Almost everyone held a glass and approached to say a few words, especially toward the top brass, Su Jue and Su Mo.

Honestly, Su Jue’s presence was expected, but Su Mo’s appearance genuinely surprised Lu Yan. From his previous life, Lu Yan knew that after Su Mo founded Starry Sky and got it on track, he handed all business over to Su Jue. Except for major decisions, he basically stopped meddling in the company’s affairs, let alone attending small events like this.

Surprised as he was, Lu Yan didn’t approach. He already had his own plans and didn’t need anything, so there was no reason to curry favor. Besides, given the current sensitive period, he wished Su Jue would just forget about someone like him. He certainly wasn’t about to walk right into the lion’s den.

After quietly filling his stomach and exchanging a few pleasantries with a couple of acquaintances, Lu Yan grabbed his glass and found a dimly lit corner to sit in. Before coming, he had planned to confirm with Gu Yang about joining Universal Pictures and that movie Gu Yang had mentioned last time. But Gu Yang had something come up and couldn’t make it, so Lu Yan would have to find another opportunity later. Not in the best mood, he had little interest in socializing.

The party was a swirl of light and shadow, laughter and clinking glasses. The more boisterous it grew, the quieter this secluded corner seemed. Lu Yan swirled his red wine glass absently, letting his mind wander. The wine tasted good—must have been aged a few years. It seemed the company was indeed generous, or maybe just flush with cash. This was a bit boring. Maybe he should slip out early when he got a chance…

At some point, someone sat down next to him. Lu Yan was lost in thought and vaguely sensed it but didn’t pay attention—until a low voice sounded by his ear: “Mr. Lu, why are you sitting here all alone?”

Lu Yan was slightly surprised and snapped out of his daze. He had thought it might be Su Jue, but it turned out to be Su Mo. Could it be that he was acting as a spokesperson for his brother? How brotherly and caring, how interesting. But Lu Yan would soon realize he was mistaken.

“It’s quiet here,” Lu Yan tapped his head and glanced toward the lively crowd. “I’m still not used to it.”

“There will be plenty more social events like this in the future. You’ll get used to it,” Su Mo said calmly.

Lu Yan turned his head to look at him. Sitting with his back to the light, Su Mo’s face was half-shadowed, softening his otherwise sharp features, but his eyes remained resolute.

Lu Yan curled his lips into a faint, ambiguous smile. “Mr. Su isn’t used to it either, is he?”

“I rarely attend such banquets,” Su Mo said, lowering his eyelids slightly. Lu Yan noticed that his eyelashes were quite long and thick, casting a shadow under his eyes. Fortunately, they weren’t curly, so they didn’t give a soft, misleading impression.

Right. With Su Mo’s status and position, no one could force him to do what he didn’t want to. As for parties or banquets, as long as he didn’t want to go, no one could make him.

Feeling a bit awkward, Lu Yan said casually, “Then why did you show up today?”

“For you,” Su Mo replied without beating around the bush, looking straight at him. The warmth in his eyes made even the usually unflappable Lu Yan’s heart skip a beat.

Lu Yan quickly realized he had been completely wrong. Su Mo hadn’t come for Su Jue—he had come for himself. Once again, Lu Yan was taken aback. But this surprise didn’t improve his mood; instead, it made him angrier. What did these Su brothers think he was? Of course, they had the right not to take him seriously. Maybe in their eyes, he was just a plaything—someone they could buy and toy with at will.

That thought made Lu Yan furious, almost disgusted. He laughed in anger. “What do you mean, Mr. Su?”

Unfazed by his attitude, Su Mo replied calmly, “Your acting is very good. Not only that, but your abilities and how you handle things don’t seem like those of a newcomer. I believe that if you’re given a chance, given time, you’ll carve out a place for yourself in the entertainment industry.”

“So, Mr. Su is offering me that chance?” Lu Yan’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

“Of course, if you want it,” Su Mo replied earnestly, as if he didn’t notice the sarcasm.

“And what’s the price? There’s no such thing as a free lunch. What do I have to pay? Myself?”

“Isn’t that fair?” Su Mo countered.

“Fair, perfectly fair.” Lu Yan let out a few dry laughs. “Business is business. Mr. Su is indeed a successful businessman. I suppose I’d be getting the better end of the deal.”

“So, you agree?” Su Mo’s eyes brightened.

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow and smiled. He took a small sip of his wine, then slowly leaned in, savoring the slight tension in Su Mo’s breathing. He whispered in Su Mo’s ear, “I didn’t realize I was so attractive. But things don’t always go as one wishes. The buyer is willing, but the seller isn’t. So my answer is—” He paused briefly, straightened up, and said firmly, “No.”

Without waiting for Su Mo’s response, Lu Yan stood up, smoothed his nearly wrinkle-free jacket, and said politely, “Sorry, I’m a bit tipsy. I’ll take my leave now.”

Once outside the hotel, the night wind cleared his fuzzy head and also dissipated much of the anger and disgust weighing on his heart.

Oddly enough, he hadn’t drunk much, yet he felt a little drunk. His reaction earlier had been a bit over the top, not in line with the way he usually handled things. He couldn’t quite explain why, but at that moment, he just had to vent his frustration. Maybe it was because Su Mo had once been someone he admired, so the disappointment stung a little more.

Lu Yan gave a wry smile. He could only hope that Su Mo’s magnanimity was as great as his achievements and that he wouldn’t bother settling scores with a nobody like him.

Back at his place, he received a call from Gu Yang. Gu Yang told him that the role he had auditioned for earlier was confirmed—he got it. The production team would call to confirm in a few days. Gu Yang wanted to share the good news early. Also, the contract with Universal Pictures was ready. Whenever Lu Yan had time, he could go sign it. Gu Yang had reviewed the terms—not great, not bad, standard for newcomers. With Lu Yan’s talent, he might be able to negotiate a better contract soon.

Lu Yan thanked him, hung up, and smiled softly. At least not all the news was bad, was it?