Chapter 21: CH 021

TL: Moonlit

Ran Xing’s previous status did not allow him to come into contact with high-level personnel from the Yanshi film industry, let alone Yan Minghui.

Having grown up in the mud, Ran Xing had only heard about the extravagant behavior of wealthy people in various legends and rumors. However, after getting to know Lin Hanchuan, Ran Xing discovered that there wasn’t much difference between wealthy people and ordinary individuals.

They also worked overtime, were busy to the point of skipping meals, and ate box lunches with the rest of the crew… Just when Ran Xing had finally changed his impression of wealthy people, he realized that Lin Hanchuan was the one who was truly exceptional.

A waiter brought a cup of milk tea, and Ran Xing’s eyes lit up as he eagerly took a sip.

Observing his reaction, Yan Minghui furrowed his eyebrows slightly and asked, “Mr. Ran, how do you find it?”

Although it was a question, his tone didn’t imply any inquiry. It seemed as though Yan Minghui was certain that Ran Xing wouldn’t refuse.

“Why do you think I wouldn’t refuse, Mr. Yan?” After satisfying his craving, Ran Xing casually placed the milk tea aside and asked with a smile, “Is it because of my background or because I haven’t seen many good things and have a narrow perspective?”

Before Yan Minghui could respond, Ran Xing interrupted him, “Mr. Yan, you’re a bit too arrogant.”

“If you find the offer inadequate, we can negotiate,” Yan Minghui maintained a composed expression and attempted to discuss with Ran Xing in a calm manner. “I can offer you a COL endorsement…”

As Ran Xing listened, he burst into laughter, “Isn’t COL endorsed by Qiu Hongguang? Did he terminate his contract? Oh… or should I say, you gave up on him?”

Yan Minghui’s expression completely darkened, and he coldly looked at Ran Xing, “Do you think everything will be smooth sailing just because you have gotten close to Yan Weilou? He’s my son, and he will eventually return to the Yan family. Starlight Entertainment is nothing more than a mediocre small company he uses to practice.”

Ran Xing sighed disappointedly, his gaze filled with both regret and satisfaction. “I thought his father would be so impressive. Under your guidance, he has grown into the person he is today… It’s not that you’re impressive, it’s his own brilliance.”

“Old man, find something to do, like fishing or playing chess. If you have nothing to do, go to the square and join a group dance. Older people should act their age and not meddle in the affairs of young people’s careers.” Ran Xing couldn’t be bothered to talk to him anymore. He stood up, picked up the half-empty milk tea from the table, and smiled brightly at Yan Minghui, “You’re getting old and falling behind the times. You should mind your own business when it comes to the affairs of young people.”

After speaking, without even looking at Yan Minghui’s expression, Ran Xing walked straight toward the exit.

After taking a few steps, two bodyguards in black suits appeared from somewhere and blocked Ran Xing at the door. Behind him, came the sound of Yan Minghui’s barely concealed anger.

“Ran Xing, who gave you the courage to speak to me like that?”

Yan Minghui had held a high position for too long. Even if he had enemies and rivals, they were all seasoned veterans of the business world. Everyone spoke in circles and never insulted others so directly.

This kind of unscrupulous street ruffian. Yan Minghui’s eyes blazed with fury. If it weren’t for the fact that this ruffian was his son’s love interest, they would never have any intersection.

“Do you think that by pleasing Yan Weilou, you can act without any restraint?” As a seasoned fox in the business world, Yan Minghui quickly suppressed his anger within a few breaths and sneered, “What’s the difference between you and Qiu Hongguang back then? He brought Qiu Hongguang home, provided him with resources, and protected him along the way… just like you now.”

Ran Xing stopped in his tracks, slowly turned around, and looked at Yan Minghui.

Seeing that Ransheng had finally restrained his disdainful and frivolous attitude, Yan Minghui gained the upper hand. He walked slowly towards Ran Xing and smiled faintly, “The current Qiu Hongguang is your future. Are you more persistent than Qiu Hongguang, or is your shelf life shorter?”

Ran Xing finally spoke. He chuckled coldly, “Qiu Hongguang? Is he even worthy of being compared to me?”

Before formally meeting, Ran Xing had heard about the relationship between Yan Weilou and Qiu Hongguang.

Qiu Hongguang was originally an insignificant figure in the industry but somehow caught Yan Weilou’s attention and found himself a sugar daddy. From then on, his path to stardom went smoothly, and there was always someone to smooth out any ripples for him.

There were plenty of people in the industry who had benefactors, but Ran Xing despised Qiu Hongguang for being a hypocrite. He claimed to rely on his own abilities to rise to the top, even though it was all thanks to Yan Weilou’s support. He said that Yan Weilou didn’t understand him and portrayed him as a heartless scumbag. He was Yan Weilou’s person, but when there was a conflict between Yan Weilou and the Yan family, he chose the Yan family.

“I have a clear conscience with my boss. He has a discerning eye and recognized my acting skills, providing me with resources. I will give my best performance to repay him with my finest acting.” Ran Xing said, his fiery red hair swaying with his movements, resembling fervent flames. “From beginning to end, I know who gave me a chance at a second life, who my benefactor is.”

“I may not be well-educated, but I’ve learned the simplest principle of repaying kindness.”

Ran Xing grinned at Yan Minghui, his gaze both passionate and stubborn. For a moment, Yan Minghui was speechless, as if he were witnessing someone with such a simple mind for the first time.

After hesitating for a while, Yan Minghui finally said, “Even if you trust him, if he finds out about our meeting, he won’t believe you.”

“Oh,” Ran Xing smirked cunningly. “I recorded the audio. I’ll let him listen to it, and then he’ll know what’s going on.”

“Since you’ve made up your mind, why did you come to the appointment?” Yan Minghui asked.

Ran Xing rubbed his chin and looked at Yan Minghui with a strange look in his eyes. “I just came to see what kind of person his father is – it seems he’s not that great.”

The two locked eyes. Yan Minghui’s gaze was dark and stormy, while Ran Xing had a relaxed expression with flickering flames in his eyes.

“You can leave now,” Yan Minghui finally waved his hand, and the bodyguard who was blocking Ran Xing’s way stepped back upon hearing the command.

“Do you know what sets you apart from him?” Ran Xing took a sip of his milk tea, casually threw the remaining half cup into the trash bin, and continued, “He is tolerant and magnanimous. He trusts his subordinates and is willing to give every person with ideas a chance. But you… you’re narrow-minded and petty. You want to control everything, even those closest to you can’t go against your will. The world is so big, are your hands big enough?”

After finishing his words, Ran Xing turned around and left. He had given Yan Minghui a piece of advice, but whether he would realize his own mistakes or not… it depended on whether he loved his family more or himself more.

Still fully armed, Ran Xing walked out of the coffee shop and squinted at the person standing in front of him.

The other person, also fully armed, met his gaze. Both of them wore sunglasses, so they couldn’t see each other’s eyes, but they instinctively recognized each other.

“You… you betrayed Brother Lou,” Qiu Hongguang murmured. After saying it, he realized what he had just said and his whole demeanor changed dramatically. He seemed ecstatic, as if he had gone mad. “You met with Yan Minghui, you also betrayed him! You betrayed him too!”

Idiot. Ran Xing cursed inwardly. He didn’t want to argue with him on the street. He tried to walk around him, but Qiu Hongguang grabbed his sleeve.

“I’m going to tell him about this! He will forgive me because you betrayed him too!”

“I didn’t betray him. Even if there’s something between us, it’s our business. You’ve been out of the picture a long time ago, and even if it wasn’t me, it wouldn’t be your turn,” Ran Xing rudely brushed off Qiu Hongguang’s hand. “Where did you find out about Yan Minghui’s whereabouts to seek his help?”

Seeing Qiu Hongguang freeze, Ran Xing knew he had guessed correctly. He sneered, “You are never satisfied. You want everything, but you won’t get anything.”

After being driven out of the Yan family, Qiu Hongguang returned to his own home. He was sidelined by Yanshi Film Industry and couldn’t appear in public. His small home couldn’t compare to the spacious and comfortable Yan family villa, and Qiu Hongguang couldn’t bear this stark contrast. He went to great lengths to find out about Yan Minghui’s schedule and finally chose a suitable opportunity to seek forgiveness.

Little did he know, he encountered Ran Xing.

Stung by Ran Xing’s words, Qiu Hongguang’s already fragile nerves completely shattered. He raised his voice, his sharp tone piercing the eardrums, “What makes you so special? I want him, don’t you want him too?”

His hidden emotions were exposed, and Ran Xing’s face turned dark.

“I like the moon. I won’t delude myself into thinking that the moon will come to me,” Ran Xing suddenly chuckled briefly. He spoke calmly, “Unlike you, even if you embrace the moon, you’ll only find it too cold, lacking the warmth of the sun.”

Ran Xing had nothing, but he had self-awareness.

Qiu Hongguang gritted his teeth. “If you were in my position, being mocked openly and secretly, relying on selling yourself for advancement, and having countless people look at you with colored glasses, and that person being cold and distant towards you… I don’t believe you could still maintain your enthusiasm.”

Selfish and greedy, only wanting to gain without giving. Ran Xing didn’t want to waste his breath on such a person. No matter how much he said, it would be in vain. Besides, he didn’t have a hobby of educating his romantic rivals.

Ran Xing turned to leave, but when he turned around, he saw that the production team’s vehicle parked by the street had disappeared. In its place was a familiar black Maybach.

Lin Hanchuan walked out of the car and met Ran Xing, who was wrapped up tightly and couldn’t show his expression. “Let’s go.”

“You, how…” Ran Xing, who could usually eloquently mock and taunt even when facing Yan Minghui, stuttered and couldn’t complete a sentence. “I’m not… I just wanted to see what your family is like.”

A flash of insight crossed his mind, and Ran Xing suddenly raised his phone. “I was just curious. This is my phone! I recorded it!”

Lin Hanchuan gently pressed down on Ran Xing’s hand, amused. “He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”

Knowing Lin Hanchuan’s understanding of Yan Minghui, he wouldn’t let Ran Xing leave easily. Coercion and temptation, he had plenty of ways to deal with impulsive youngsters like Ran Xing.

“No, I scolded him.” Seeing that Lin Hanchuan didn’t seem angry, the eyes beneath Ran Xing’s sunglasses formed two curved arcs. He was elated as he claimed credit. “I made him angry.”

Ran Xing always knew that Lin Hanchuan was not a suspicious and petty person. He kept the recording as a backup plan to deal with Yan Minghui, not because he was genuinely afraid of being misunderstood by Lin Hanchuan.

But even with a premonition in his heart, when he truly realized that he was trusted, Ran Xing couldn’t help but feel happy.

Ruffling the hair of the delighted youngster, Lin Hanchuan’s eyes also carried a faint smile. He walked towards the car with Ran Xing, and a hoarse voice came from behind.

“Brother Lou.”

Qiu Hongguang watched their interaction, his eyes turning red. He recalled that he had also been silently and tenderly looked at like this before, but he only saw the person’s calm expression and overlooked the gentle gaze and everything that person had done for him.

A bitter and astringent feeling welled up in his heart, and even the two words he spoke were filled with bitterness.

Lin Hanchuan glanced back at him, somewhat puzzled. “Who are you?”

Just two simple words, but they were like a wintry blade, stabbing Qiu Hongguang’s heart, causing him pain. He bit his lip, unable to speak due to the pain.

Out of Lin Hanchuan’s line of sight, Ran Xing took off his sunglasses and smiled at Qiu Hongguang. His beautiful eyes sparkled with triumphant light. The little person had achieved success.

Ran Xing affectionately linked his arm with Lin Hanchuan’s, silently saying a word to Qiu Hongguang: Thank you.

Thank you for being blind, thank you for not cherishing, thank you for being greedy and arrogant, which gave me the opportunity.