Chapter 23: CH 023

TL: Moonlit

After holding Lin Hanchuan tightly, Ran Xing froze in place, awkwardly maintaining the position of being completely enveloped in Lin Hanchuan’s embrace.

Lin Hanchuan understood his excitement and didn’t mind his loss of composure. He casually patted his back.

The two of them embraced each other, and Ran Xing even doubted if Lin Hanchuan could hear the sound of his heartbeat. Reluctantly pulling away from Lin Hanchuan’s embrace, Ran Xing touched his own flushed face and forced himself to appear calm. “I’m so happy.”

As their intertwined body temperatures gradually faded away, Lin Hanchuan lowered his gaze, realizing that Ran Xing was truly too thin.

No one mentioned this matter, as if it had never happened.

Shortly after the completion of «Sword Immortal», it coincided with the selection of the Golden Plum Awards. As the hottest TV drama of the year, «Sword Immortal» received seven nominations, including Best Actor.

The Golden Plum Awards were a prestigious television drama award in the country. The fact that Ran Xing received nominations alone was enough to demonstrate his talent. In preparation for the awards ceremony, Lin Hanchuan specially tailored a suit for Ran Xing.

These awards were extremely important for both Ran Xing and Starlight Entertainment. Lin Hanchuan specifically arranged for Ran Xing to take three days off, allowing him to adjust to the best state and face the media’s cameras.

“Do I really look good in this?” Ran Xing looked at himself in the mirror, feeling conflicted.

Due to his striking features, he was worried that wearing a brightly colored suit would make him appear frivolous. Ran Xing’s suit was entirely dark, with the hope of using the deep dark color to subdue his enchanting appearance. This was the first time he had worn such a conspicuous color.

“It suits you very well.” Lin Hanchuan looked at Ran Xing with pure admiration and praise in his eyes.

The dark red suit jacket matched with a black inner lining, perfectly contouring his body. It was neither loose nor tight, and it complemented the red hair on Ran Xing’s head, radiating a fiery and passionate aura.

Although it was an eye-catching color that could easily overshadow a person’s radiance if not careful, Ran Xing managed to overshadow the color of his clothes. All attention could only be concentrated on his face.

Gorgeous and arrogant, he was truly dazzling.

Ran Xing glanced at Lin Hanchuan’s conservative black suit, then looked at his own red attire.

Unexpectedly, from that glance, Lin Hanchuan seemed to perceive a hint of reproach. Just as he was about to reach for the black tie, he smoothly turned to the side and picked up another dark red tie, perfectly matching the color of Ran Xing’s suit.

“Let’s go.” Lin Hanchuan skillfully tied the tie and made a slight adjustment to the angle. When he noticed that Ran Xing wasn’t moving, he added, “If we don’t leave soon, you’ll miss the award presentation.”

Ran Xing snapped back to reality and quickly followed behind Lin Hanchuan.

The driver had been waiting in the parking lot, and once the two got into the car, he smoothly drove out of the garage.

“Ran Xing is truly a big star, so glamorous.” The secretary sitting in the passenger seat turned around and observed Ran Xing’s appearance, praising him with a clucking sound. When his gaze shifted to Lin Hanchuan, the secretary couldn’t help but reveal a slightly mournful expression. “President Yan, it’s such a huge loss for our company that you didn’t debut!”

Lin Hanchuan glanced at her with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, causing the secretary to immediately fall silent and retreat to the passenger seat, pretending she didn’t exist.

Ran Xing’s gaze fell on the red tie around Lin Hanchuan’s chest, and a curve formed at the corner of his mouth as he teased, “He’s not wrong.”

On ordinary days, Lin Hanchuan also wore suits, but his color choices were mature and cautious, rarely deviating. Today, he suddenly changed to a brightly colored tie, which added a unique temperament to him that was absent on regular days.

To put it nicely, it was alluring, but in reality, it was more like a hidden charm. The secretary secretly scoffed in his heart.

Outside the venue of the Golden Plum Awards, there was already a sea of people. Media personnel and fans crowded around the entrance, rushing forward whenever they spotted a vehicle. Camera flashes incessantly flickered, accompanied by the screams of fans.

When Lin Hanchuan got out of the car, the media and fans, eager to get firsthand information, were all stunned. There was a momentary pause in the air, and whispers could be heard.

“Which new artist is this? So handsome.”

“I don’t think he looks like an artist. With his temperament and physique, he should be a model, right?”

“Why would a model come to the Golden Plum Awards… Could it be another case of crossing industries to make money?”

“With his appearance and physique, as long as his acting skills aren’t so bad that it’s unbearable to watch, he’s definitely going to be popular. Sisters, let’s take photos first to show our support!”

Lin Hanchuan paid no attention to it and, in the next second, the opposite car door opened again, and Ran Xing walked out.

The scene fell silent for a few seconds, then erupted into deafening cheers and applause.

“Ran Xing!”

“Ran Xing!”

“Ran Xing!”

The voices were in perfect unison, accompanied by small flags bearing his name waving rhythmically. Media personnel continuously asked him to look at the cameras, and camera flashes clicked incessantly.

Ran Xing’s pupils contracted for a moment, then slowly returned to normal. He looked around, and wherever his gaze landed, it caused countless screams of excitement.

In that instant, Ran Xing finally felt the reality of his popularity. He subconsciously glanced at Lin Hanchuan beside him and met his gentle gaze.

“Let’s go, big star.” Amidst the constant cheers, Ran Xing saw Lin Hanchuan mouth these words.

In a daze, Ran Xing followed Lin Hanchuan as they walked the red carpet together, left their names on the autograph wall, and entered the venue together. At that moment, Ran Xing turned around and saw his fans outside.

“Are you happy?” Lin Hanchuan asked.

Actors are naturally meant to stand on stage and be scrutinized by the audience. It’s normal for some to like them while others dislike them, but every actor hopes to be acknowledged by the audience, and Ran Xing was no exception.

At this moment, Ran Xing truly felt it. He was no longer the infamous Ran Xing who almost got kicked out of the entertainment industry.

“I’m happy,” Ran Xing answered, his voice dry. His throat and the tip of his nose felt a slight sourness, and he repeated, “I’m happy.”

And all of this was thanks to him. Ran Xing’s gaze lingered on Lin Hanchuan’s profile, as focused as he would be while acting.

On the live streaming page, due to Ran Xing’s appearance, the entire interface was filled with a flurry of barrage comments.

“Ah, my baby looks so radiant today, so beautiful! I need artificial respiration!”

“Indeed, fame does wonders. Ran Xing didn’t seem this good-looking before, but now, he’s stunning.”

“Did no one notice the little brother next to him? Does anyone know who he is?”

“Raise my hand, I’m also interested in the little brother. He’s handsome in a completely different way from Ran Xing, so charming.”

“He seems to be the crown prince of Yanshi Film Industry, the boss of Starlight Entertainment.”

“? Wasn’t he described as a short, fat, greasy middle-aged man? How is it possible? There’s no connection between the little brother and the short, fat, greasy man.”

“It’s just brainwashing from the internet, probably spread by Qiu Hongguang’s fans, claiming he had ulterior motives for Qiu Hongguang…”

“I remember now, there might be something like that. This handsome little brother, he hit the jackpot being with Qiu Hongguang.”

“Just for today, right now, I want a fan fiction about the entertainment industry’s overlord and the rising star! If you don’t deliver, I’ll kneel and beg you!”

“I’ve already become a fan, they match so well, one handsome and one beautiful, a perfect match made in heaven.”

Amidst the audience’s eager anticipation, the award ceremony finally began.

Ran Xing sat together with Lin Hanchuan, and next to him was Tong Zhao, the director of «Sword Immortal». Tong Zhao was restless, constantly changing his posture, nervously watching the stage.

“Why are you so nervous?” Ran Xing frowned.

“This is my first TV series,” Tong Zhao took a deep breath, his tone fluctuating as he said, “The first TV series completely under my control… Now the audience approves of this TV series, but I don’t know if the professional judges will approve.”

Ran Xing lowered his gaze, realizing a bit late that his heartbeat had quickened. He leaned slightly toward Lin Hanchuan.

Someone approached from the side, and Lin Hanchuan turned his gaze away from the stage and looked at Ran Xing.

“Don’t worry,” Lin Hanchuan raised his hand, wanting to ruffle his hair but remembered his carefully styled hair and patted his shoulder instead. He rarely used such a gentle tone of reassurance, “Being nominated means the judges recognize your talent. You’re still young, and you have a bright future ahead.”

Ran Xing replied softly, his heartbeat calming down a bit. Even he found it miraculous.

On the stage, the awards were proceeding smoothly, and soon it came to the Best New Director category. The host held the microphone and announced the winner word by word.

“Congratulations, Tong Zhao!”

Tong Zhao stood up abruptly, his eyes red with excitement. Witnessing this, Ran Xing felt a slight disdain. If it were him, he wouldn’t be so excited.

The camera panned to Lin Hanchuan’s face, who showed a polite, faint smile—calm and composed. Compared to Tong Zhao’s overwhelming excitement, he appeared excessively serene.

The barrage of comments in the live chat burst into laughter.

“Director: Thanks, Boss. Boss: Don’t thank me, apathy.jpg”

“Hahaha, I thought the director of «Sword Immortal» would be a cool guy, but he turns out to be an emotional boy.”

“This boss has quite a good eye. None of the staff from «Sword Immortal» are famous, yet it became so popular. His taste is really something.”

“Not many bosses in the industry know how to mind their own business and give instructions to professionals. I love this kind of boss. Can I still apply to Starlight Entertainment now?”

Ran Xing had no idea that his boss had become a highly sought-after figure, coveted by countless people. He looked sourly at Tong Zhao on stage. “He’s just a new director, not the best director. Why is he so excited?”

Lin Hanchuan glanced at Ran Xing with an amused expression and didn’t bother with his sour remarks.

“If I win the award, I can stand on the stage and openly read out your name.” Ran Xing hummed again and continued, “I’m sure my thank-you speech will be more perfect than his, with more genuine emotions.”

Author’s Note:

Ran Xing: Just like a lemon.jpg

…

The next upcoming story will focus on metaphysical cultivation, titled “The Cannon Fodder Young Master Turns Out to be a Metaphysical Master.” Please bookmark it!

In this urban metaphysical story, the male lead, who pretends to be a young master, relies on plundering the bloodline of the real young master’s family to reach the pinnacle of life and become a legendary dragon king, with a confidante by his side.

Li Bufan is the unfortunate cannon fodder young master.

After returning from the cultivation world, Li Bufan learned about the original plot of the novel. Not only would he be killed by bloodletting, but his soul would also be suppressed by the male lead, preventing him from reincarnating. It could be said that his fate was miserable.

Li Bufan: What family love? My own life is more important.

So he decisively packed his things and ran away.

Everyone believed that Li Bufan left the family because he couldn’t cultivate and felt ashamed.

When they saw him taking out tattered talismans and selling poorly-made pills stored in mineral water bottles, they couldn’t help but laugh.

Onlookers: This person must be crazy for money. How could anyone buy such trash at such a high price!

Later on…

The young master of a wealthy family followed him, calling him “big brother,” just to ask for a protective talisman.

A famous actress treated him with the utmost respect, buying an expensive beauty pill from him.

A business tycoon personally dragged a suitcase full of cash, begging the master to help him exorcise evil spirits.

And someone saw the aloof and noble number one metaphysical figure being intimate with him and smiling.

Onlookers: Help, help! Where did this weirdo come from!

·

[Part 2]

The powerful male lead suffered a serious injury and had no choice but to seek help from this divine doctor. When he knelt outside the door begging, he looked up and saw a familiar face—it turned out to be that useless young master!

In an instant, his blood surged, and he spat out a mouthful of blood on the ground.

Li Bufan furrowed his brows. “Cleaning fee: 5 million. Thank you for your patronage. Will you pay by card or cash?”

He watched with his own eyes as the despised real young master rose to the top, laughing and talking with those unattainable wealthy tycoons. He wanted to make his biological parents, who wanted him to bring prosperity to the family, speechless and regretful, their intestines turning green.

·

[Part 3]

Gu Dongting, with extraordinary talent and outstanding appearance, was the revered number one metaphysical figure… and also the antagonist boss used to slap the male lead’s face.

In the end, his family was destroyed, his loved ones perished, his fiancée and sister were taken into the male lead’s harem, and he ended up sacrificing himself alongside the male lead in the final showdown.

After reincarnation, Gu Dongting held a sword in his hand and coldly laughed at the rising male lead, who hadn’t yet reached his peak. “Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west. Now it’s my turn.”

Before he could even turn evil, he was pulled into an embrace by someone and received a deep kiss.

Gu Dongting: ?

Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?

#Interrupting the (dark) transformation#

Important Note: 1. This story features an eccentric cannon fodder young master as the dominant protagonist and a cold, reborn boss with a special constitution as the submissive. It’s a 1v1 story with mutual pampering, and the dominant role is the focus.