“On September 14th, Asian superstar Luo Ding officially wrapped up filming for his new movie The Robot II. It is reported that this film will compete in this year’s domestic Spring Festival box office, and fans have expressed immense anticipation. The Robot I broke domestic box office records two years ago…”
Wu Fangyuan turned off the radio and rolled down the car window to let in some fresh air. He turned to Luo Ding and said, “We’ve got about an hour before we reach the venue. Why don’t you take a nap? I’ll wake you up when we get there.”
“Is Gu Yaxing already there?” Luo Ding yawned. The Robot was a major Hollywood production, and the director, Carmen Clovis, was an old acquaintance. The movie told the story of a robot on Earth, set, of course, in the individualistic United States. The first installment, released two years ago, had set box office records both domestically and internationally. Luo Ding had also won his fourth Feilin Film Award and two top honors at the European Film Festival thanks to that film. The second installment had been in production for nearly a year, and the media had been closely following its progress. As soon as Luo Ding wrapped up his scenes and boarded the plane back to China, the domestic media had caught wind of it.
“He’s there,” Wu Fangyuan replied briefly, adjusting Luo Ding’s seat to a reclining position and pulling down the window shade. He turned the steering wheel, navigating the large roundabout.
From the rearview mirror, he instinctively kept an eye on Luo Ding.
From youthful to mature, from handsome to dignified, time had not taken away this man’s charm but had instead bestowed upon him the treasures that only age could bring. At just under thirty years old, Luo Ding was a massive star both domestically and internationally. For years, he had been steadily climbing toward the pinnacle of his career.
Every time Wu Fangyuan thought Luo Ding had reached a peak that could no longer be surpassed, Luo Ding would prove him wrong with his actions.
His face was still youthful, his skin smooth. Luo Ding’s face showed no signs of wrinkles. Aside from acting, his daily expressions were always restrained—his smiles were warm and gentle, and even the corners of his eyes showed no crow’s feet. The man, now sleeping on his side, couldn’t hide his fatigue. There were faint dark circles under his eyes, and his long, thick lashes cast a shadow over them, masking the exhaustion. His lips were pressed together, pale and colorless, but the natural upward curve of his mouth gave him a perpetual smile. Yet, in his sleep, there was an inexplicable vulnerability that he never showed when awake.
Wu Fangyuan had been by his side for over a decade, but now, when he tried to recall Luo Ding’s youthful appearance, he found it hard to remember.
He could only vaguely recall those particularly difficult times when Luo Ding’s temper was gloomy, often not speaking a word for an entire day. When he was upset, he would lock himself in his room and take a lot of medication.
Back then, Luo Ding didn’t seem as handsome as he was now. There were still voices online claiming that Luo Ding must have had plastic surgery. If Wu Fangyuan hadn’t been by Luo Ding’s side almost every step of the way, even he might have believed those baseless rumors. Watching those old shows that fewer and fewer people mentioned now, Luo Ding’s quiet, reserved demeanor was a far cry from the man now lightly dozing beside him.
It was hard to pinpoint exactly what had changed, but he was undeniably different.
Wu Fangyuan sighed. How had they gotten to this point?
For two months, Luo Ding had been working nonstop, tirelessly. The filming conditions were grueling—wearing thick armor in the sweltering summer heat, yet he had to perform flawlessly. Fame and status weren’t handed out for free; they required hard work.
They were heading to a venue for the 80th birthday celebration of a veteran in the domestic film industry, Zhong Jinjiang. This old-timer wasn’t just a filmmaker. From his early days in the film industry to now, he had built an entertainment company with significant influence. In terms of history and scale, it was on par with, if not larger than, global giants like Universal and Triumph. Although the company’s focus wasn’t on the mainland, over the decades, it had nurtured a considerable number of film talents. More importantly, the old man had deep connections, with close ties to political parties. Both big shots and small fry in the industry had to show him some respect.
Zhong Jinjiang wasn’t in the best of health. In his youth, he had been a fierce competitor, dabbling in both the legal and illegal sides of the business. One of his legs had been crippled, leaving him wheelchair-bound for life. Perhaps his past experiences had shaped his low-key, wealth-accumulating personality. He rarely appeared in public, and when he did, it was usually for charity events. As he grew older, it seemed he was preparing to hand over the reins to his children, which was why he was becoming more active.
Luo Ding had crossed paths with him in his past life. Although they were merely acquaintances, Luo Ding had received considerable support from his company. When he heard that Zhong Jinjiang, who usually kept a low profile, was throwing a grand birthday celebration, Luo Ding immediately agreed to attend.
That was why he had rushed back from abroad today, even skipping the wrap party.
Luxury cars lined up outside the hotel. When Wu Fangyuan drove the van into the parking area, it was completely overshadowed by the surrounding supercars. The hotel was brightly lit, and the staff seemed busy with other guests. Someone glanced at the van, assuming it was some minor celebrity, and didn’t bother to approach.
Wu Fangyuan hurriedly got out of the car, his blond hair gleaming under the night lights. He quickly opened the door on Luo Ding’s side.
Luo Ding yawned, checked his appearance in the mirror, and stepped out with Wu Fangyuan’s assistance.
A staff member holding a guest list in the distance widened his eyes in shock, stomped his foot in frustration, and quickly handed the list to an assistant before rushing over.
“Mr. Luo! Mr. Luo…” The man wiped his sweat and bowed apologetically. “We’re swamped with guests and didn’t notice you earlier. Our apologies, our apologies.”
“No worries,” Luo Ding said, glancing at Wu Fangyuan, who promptly slipped a tip into the man’s pocket. Luo Ding then asked, “Could you tell me where Gu Yaxing from Yaxing Entertainment is seated?”
This was a VIP guest, and the earlier oversight could have been a major mistake. The staff member was still trembling with fear, but Luo Ding’s gentle demeanor eased his anxiety. The tip only added to his relief, and he couldn’t help but admire Luo Ding’s tact.
Guided respectfully into the venue, Luo Ding smiled and nodded at the guests who recognized him and came over to chat and network. The first floor was a chaotic mix of celebrities, but as he took the elevator to the second floor, the atmosphere changed dramatically.
It was much quieter here, and only the big shots were present.
Luo Ding was familiar with most of them, and a simple wave was enough to acknowledge their presence.
Gu Yaxing was chatting with someone when he noticed Luo Ding’s arrival. He immediately put down his glass and hurried over. “You’re here? Did you get some rest on the way?”
“I took a nap,” Luo Ding said, letting Gu Yaxing adjust his suit collar and tie pin. He glanced around. “Lots of familiar faces.”
“Hmph,” Gu Yaxing responded, though it wasn’t clear if it was a laugh or a scoff. His expression wasn’t exactly pleasant when the topic came up. Luo Ding was momentarily puzzled, but when he spotted a certain persistent figure in the crowd, he understood.
He put on a smile, and Jiang Changfeng smiled back, saying something to the group he had been chatting with before taking two glasses of wine from a passing waiter and heading toward Luo Ding.
“Busy as always. How did the new movie go?” Jiang Changfeng, though visibly middle-aged, didn’t look old. At first glance, he appeared to be in his thirties, the picture of an elite. However, his eyes always carried a hint of mischief.
“Thanks to Mr. Jiang’s support,” Luo Ding replied with a smile, subtly moving Gu Yaxing behind him.
Jiang Changfeng’s eyes darkened as he handed over a glass of wine, the golden liquid bubbling with fragrant foam. The glass was no bigger than two fingers wide.
Wu Fangyuan, with perfect timing, intercepted the glass, his demeanor humble. “Mr. Jiang, please don’t take it the wrong way. Luo Ding has never been much of a drinker, and he rarely drinks outside. We have an interview later, so please understand.”
Jiang Changfeng’s expression finally faltered. He had faced more rejections from Luo Ding and Gu Yaxing than from anyone else in over a decade. These two seemed to have no intention of giving him any face, always refusing this and that. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
He couldn’t help but sneer. “What a shame. Back then, Duan Xiubo would help block for you, so we could at least share a drink indirectly. How can you have fun without drinking? How about… Mr. Gu?”
As soon as his gaze shifted to Gu Yaxing, Luo Ding cut in with a fabricated excuse. “Mr. Gu had a stomach perforation a few years ago from drinking and was hospitalized for a long time. The doctor advised him to avoid alcohol as much as possible.”
Jiang Changfeng’s expression shifted several times, and the coercion he had been about to deliver was swallowed back.
In the distance, several directors spotted Luo Ding and, like excited children, waved him over.
Luo Ding smiled and waved back, then asked Gu Yaxing, “Shall we go over together?”
Gu Yaxing shook his head. “It’s not appropriate for me to be there. You go ahead, just don’t drink.”
Luo Ding frowned slightly and glanced at him, his eyes signaling the persistent nuisance behind them.
Gu Yaxing couldn’t help but laugh. He smoothed out Luo Ding’s shirt collar and patted his shoulder gently. “Go on, I’ll be fine.” Luo Ding seemed to have some misconception about his relationship with Jiang Changfeng, always subtly protective when Jiang was around. But Gu Yaxing wasn’t someone who needed protection. He was a man, after all, and in terms of physical strength, Jiang Changfeng was no match for him. That said, it was still heartwarming to be looked after by Luo Ding occasionally.
Luo Ding still wasn’t entirely reassured and left Wu Fangyuan behind to help. As soon as Luo Ding left, Jiang Changfeng immediately turned cold and sneered, “Mr. Gu, you and your artist have such a close relationship.”
Gu Yaxing simply smiled. “Yes.”
Recalling the tenderness in Gu Yaxing’s eyes as he adjusted Luo Ding’s collar earlier, compared to the indifference now, Jiang Changfeng’s gaze darkened. He let out a long breath and sneered again.
“Your wings have really hardened. Riding on Luo Ding’s coattails to success, do you even remember your own name?”
Wu Fangyuan frowned and was about to speak, but Gu Yaxing stopped him.
Gu Yaxing shook his head and looked at Jiang Changfeng with a pitying gaze, his tone light and devoid of anger. “Jiang Changfeng, you’re pathetic.”
Jiang Changfeng was taken aback, his eyes widening in anger.
But Gu Yaxing wasn’t afraid of him. After all these years, with Luo Ding’s influence, Yaxing Studio had firmly established itself in the domestic industry. Moreover, Gu Yaxing had connections with Tianmei Entertainment and Triumph Entertainment. Universal Entertainment was no longer something he needed to tread carefully around.
“How long have you been chasing after me like a rabid dog?” Gu Yaxing asked with a smile, his voice low as he leaned closer to Jiang Changfeng, making it seem like they were having an intimate conversation. “How empty must your life be? You look at my relationship with Luo Ding through your filthy lens. It’s pathetic. You must have never had a true friend in your life.”
Jiang Changfeng’s fingers trembled, his face contorted with rage. “Say that again?!”
“Are you looking for a fight?” Gu Yaxing smiled, his teeth white and even. He placed a hand on Jiang Changfeng’s shoulder and squeezed hard, causing the man to wince in pain.
“I’m not afraid of you,” Gu Yaxing said, tilting his head and meeting Jiang Changfeng’s furious gaze with a provocative look. “The one who got beaten to the ground and cried for help last time wasn’t me.”
Being provoked like this, it would be a miracle if Jiang Changfeng didn’t lose his temper. Seeing the man’s eyes redden with anger, Gu Yaxing knew that even if Jiang Changfeng lost his mind, he wouldn’t dare start a fight in such a public setting. Smiling, he patted Wu Fangyuan’s shoulder, bid Jiang Changfeng farewell, and walked away without a second glance.
Luo Ding kept glancing over, only relaxing when he saw Gu Yaxing and Wu Fangyuan leave. The director in front of him asked, “After The Robot II, do you have any free time? There are a few films that would be perfect for you…”
“There’s still The Robot III,” Luo Ding replied tactfully, not wanting to offend the renowned director who had won numerous awards. “I’ll be quite busy in the near future. If it’s a leading role, I really won’t have the time. I’d love to collaborate with you someday, Director Liu. We’ve been mutual admirers for so long, just waiting for the right opportunity.”
The director laughed heartily.
The room was filled with the clinking of glasses and lively conversation. Luo Ding’s head was spinning from all the socializing. He checked the time—it had been nearly half an hour since he arrived.
When he got off the plane, he had tried calling Duan Xiubo, but the phone was off. During their last call, Duan Xiubo had mentioned he was in Sydney. Luo Ding wondered how he was doing now.
As he was thinking this, a familiar figure caught his eye.
Two tall men walked through the entrance, one slightly ahead of the other. The one in front was dressed in a sharp black suit, his hair cut very short. Every detail of his outfit, from his coat to his watch and cufflinks, was meticulously chosen.
The man behind him was slightly shorter, wearing frameless glasses and with a less noticeable presence. The first thing he did upon entering was scan the room, as if weighing his options.
As if sensing something, the man in front looked in Luo Ding’s direction.
Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile.
R : Iykyk like smile ??? hahaha
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