Dark Fire chapter 21
White-eyed Wolf
A week later.
Ling Zhuo took a half-day off from the crew to record another new song for his album.
After finishing his morning scenes and removing his makeup and hair, he left the set directly, eating lunch in the nanny van. There was some traffic on the way, and Zhong Yiran sent a message saying they had already arrived. Ling Zhuo replied, “There’s a traffic jam. I might be a bit late, but no more than half an hour.”
Yang Ming was flipping through a magazine beside him. Ling Zhuo put down his phone and glanced over, spotting a full-page photo of Lu Chixie.
He asked, “What are you reading?”
Yang Ming replied, “I bought this morning’s ‘Fashion cicele’ on a whim. There’s an exclusive interview with Teacher Lu in this issue. Wow, his best sport is horse riding, no wonder he’s the heir of a wealthy family.”
Ling Zhuo casually took the magazine, quickly scanning through it. Lu Chixie mentioned enjoying horseback riding, owning his own ranch, and having over a hundred top-tier horses, flaunting his wealth unabashedly.
Lu Chixie also mentioned collecting various horse equipment, sparking an idea in Ling Zhuo’s mind. He had been pondering for almost a week on what to gift Lu Chixie, and suddenly he had inspiration.
“Can you do some research for me on good brands for horse equipment?” Ling Zhuo started to say, then changed his mind. “Forget it, I’ll do it myself.”
Otherwise, if Lu Chixie found out, he would say it lacked sincerity.
He arrived at the recording studio at 1:40 PM, twenty minutes later than planned, and everyone else was already there.
Zhang Xun was present as well. He had agreed to stay until the new album was finished, cooperating fully. Qi Liangli still gave him the cold shoulder, while Zhong Yiran and Deng Lanluo maintained their usual attitudes.
Ling Zhuo didn’t mention it, and greeted everyone with a smile, including Zhang Xun.
Without further ado, they got to work to save time.
An hour later, they paused for a twenty-minute break.
Liu Tao had brought them afternoon tea. The group chatted and laughed while eating, avoiding unpleasant topics.
Liu Tao sat for a while before leaving, calling Deng Lanluo out for a private conversation before he left.
Qi Liangli went to the bathroom, and a few minutes later, those still in the lounge heard his raised voice, questioning Deng Lanluo: “What’s the meaning of this? Why did Liu ge say you’re joining a new crew in December? What about our tour early next year?”
Zhong Yiran went out, finding only Deng Lanluo and Qi Liangli in the corridor, with Liu Tao gone. Qi Liangli glared at Deng Lanluo, speaking harshly: “Answer me!”
Zhong Yiran called their names, “Come inside and talk.”
Deng Lanluo glanced back at him, then turned and entered the lounge.
Qi Liangli followed angrily, and Zhong Yiran closed the door.
Before Deng Lanluo could speak, Qi Liangli demanded, “I just came back from the restroom and heard Liu Tao say your role is confirmed, and you’re joining in December. Our tour starts in January. How will you finish filming in a month, especially with the New Year? Preparing for the tour takes at least a month! What’s your plan?”
Deng Lanluo calmly replied, “Shangxun’s S-level custom drama, the original novel is a major IP, and the role offered is fourth lead. I auditioned, and Deputy Manager Chen hopes I seize the opportunity.”
Qi Liangli’s voice rose again, “What about our tour?!”
Zhong Yiran asked Deng Lanluo, “Is it the ‘Ming Rong Zhuan’ drama?”
Deng Lanluo confirmed, “Yes, Liu Tao said Deputy Manager Chen recommended us to Shangxun. They initially thought you fit the role better, but you declined the audition, right?”
Ling Zhuo, who had been silent, frowned at these words.
Qi Liangli, agitated, said, “So because he turned it down, you auditioned? Why is Zhong Yiran considering our group, but you’re all so selfish? First one jumps ship, then another focuses on acting. Do we even need this group? Might as well disband!”
Zhang Xun murmured, “…Ling Zhuo is also acting. Who wouldn’t want a good opportunity?”
Before Ling Zhuo could respond, Qi Liangli was already furious: “Ling ge didn’t go filming during the tour, and didn’t leave without a word either!”
Deng Lanluo said, “I will balance filming and concerts, and won’t neglect either.”
Qi Liangli sneered, “How will you manage that? Will the crew give you days off? Concerts start with two shows per week nationwide, running around in advance rehearsals—Do you plan to fly in and out on the same day and then just go through the motions on stage? If so, is there any point in holding this concert?”
Deng Lanluo furrowed his brows and his expression turned cold, “The drama was recommended by Deputy Manager Chen, and Liu ge also agreed. Since they both think there’s no problem, then there’s definitely no problem. I said I can manage both, so I definitely can. If you don’t believe me, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Qi Liangli wanted to say more but was interrupted by Zhong Yiran. He then asked Deng Lanluo, “Have you decided?”
Deng Lanluo replied, “Liu ge just said I passed the audition, and I’ll sign the contract in a few days. To be honest, there’s no future for a singing and dancing group in the entertainment industry. Only by pursuing an acting career can one last long. Everyone knows this, and I don’t want to say more. That’s it.”
Zhong Yiran lowered his head, silent for a moment, then softly uttered, “Hm.”
Qi Liangli exclaimed angrily, “Who said you must become an actor? What did you say before? You were a vocalist, you wanted to be a singer. What about now? None of us have a professional background in acting. How many of us can succeed in acting all of a sudden? And even if you want to become an actor, do you have to rush it? Can’t you wait until after the concert, wait a few months?”
Deng Lanluo didn’t explain further, not wanting to talk to him anymore.
Zhang Xun chimed in, “The music industry isn’t thriving either, and opportunities won’t wait for anyone. Concerts can be held anytime. If you miss out on good roles, you might not get another chance.”
Qi Liangli glared at him furiously,”You’re not even planning to participate in the concert and yet you’re here making cynical remarks?”
Zhang Xun might have been provoked by Qi Liangli’s attitude during this time and didn’t want to endure anymore, “Could you please not be so aggressive in your speech? Are you a child who doesn’t consider reality when doing things? My contract is expiring, and leaving is normal. The company asked me to cooperate with the promotion of this album before leaving, and I agreed. What else do you want me to do? Our company’s resources are limited. If there are too many of us, but too few opportunities, what can I do if I’m not in the spotlight? Everyone aims for higher positions. Can you stay in this group forever?”
“And,” he glanced at Ling Zhuo who hadn’t spoken from start to finish, and continued, “Ling Zhuo has the support of Zhou Jing’s team. There’s already a big production male lead waiting for him. Why don’t you mention that? Yes, he’s more famous than us, and even after three years as a group, outsiders say Deng Lanluo stole his spotlight. But it’s clear to everyone that Deng Lanluo’s position was decided when the five of us started training together. Isn’t Deng Lanluo suffering? He and Ling Zhuo are both vocalists. Why did the company send Ling Zhuo to that competition in the first place and not Deng Lanluo?”
Qi Liangli snapped, “Do you have any conscience? If it weren’t for Zhuo ge’s overnight fame back then, you and I might not have had the chance to debut till today. Now you’re here saying the company favors him over you. Aren’t you being ungrateful?”
Zhang Xun wanted to argue further, but Zhong Yiran coldly reminded him, “There were limited slots for the competition at that time, and Ling Zhuo was personally selected by Zhou Jing. Even if someone else went instead, anyone among us, can you guarantee they would have won first place and become famous overnight like Ling Zhuo? Ling Zhuo’s success today is due to his own efforts and abilities. We indeed benefited from his success, can you deny that?”
After being reprimanded by Zhong Yiran, Zhang Xun’s face turned red, his lips moved, and he stuttered, “I didn’t mean it that way…”
Deng Lanluo interrupted them, “Let’s not argue about this. I really don’t want to fight over this matter. What’s the point of arguing over such things?”
The staff came to remind them to continue, but no one moved. After a moment, Ling Zhuo stood up first and calmly said, “Let’s go, let’s continue recording.”
He walked out first, followed by Zhong Yiran, and then the others followed one by one.
At four thirty, the recording ended, and everyone dispersed.
Ling Zhuo didn’t hurry to leave. He bought a drink from the vending machine in the corridor.
Zhong Yiran exchanged a few words with the staff and came out a bit later. There was only Ling Zhuo standing in front of the vending machine, lost in thought. He walked up and handed him the cola that had dropped, placing it in his hand, “You bought it, why don’t you take it?”
Ling Zhuo snapped out of his reverie, reached out to take it, but didn’t open it. He looked down at it for a moment, sighed lightly, and asked the person beside him, “Captain, why did you decline the audition opportunity? Because it clashed with the concert schedule?”
Zhong Yiran also bought a drink, took a sip, and said slowly, “Let it go, I don’t want to act, I’m not very interested.”
Ling Zhuo raised his eyes.
Zhong Yiran smiled at him, and Ling Zhuo didn’t say anything more, “Would you like to have dinner together?”
Zhong Yiran nodded, “Sure.”
…
On set, Lu Chixie finished shooting a scene and went back to the rest area to have dinner.
Xiao Qian came in and casually informed him, “I just heard that Zhang Xun has already signed a contract with Shangxun, the transfer is settled. Also, about the drama ‘Ming Rong Zhuan’, Zong Yiran didn’t take the role, but his teammate Deng Lanluo did.”
Lu Chixie raised an eyebrow, “Why didn’t Zhong Yiran take it?”
Xiao Qian shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe he’s afraid it’ll interfere with the concert.”
Lu Chixie nonchalantly continued eating, then after a moment, he asked, “Is Zhong Yiran the dance leader?”
Xiao Qian nodded, “Yes.”
Lu Chixie said, “He probably doesn’t care much about TV dramas. Shangxun is planning to host a street dance competition next quarter, maybe we should send someone to talk to him about being a mentor.”
Xiao Qian said, “Lu ge, are you feeding their entire group with resources?!”
Lu Chixie chuckled nonchalantly, “It’s fine. With Ling’s teammates all having bright futures, he should be grateful to me.”