Chapter 46: CH 36.1

With Lu Li’s ‘apology’ who would dare blame Xie Jianwei even further?

Not to mention gossiping crew, even the furious Director Li instantly calmed down.

Although Li Dongxing is a tough guy who does not bow to those in power, he does not want to annoy this certain man. It’s not that Lu Li  could do anything to him, but because he’s afraid that the said person wouldn’t do anything for him in the future.

Everyone knows the fineness of Lu Li’s acting skills—there is no role he can’t live up to, and no drama he can’t win an award for! And of course, Li Dongxing is a director who also wanted the latter. Even though he’s currently stuck on making doing dog-blood romance films, his dream is to make Lu Li the leading actor in his future work and take the Best  Director crown in one fell swoop.

So this director, who never bowed to anyone, had to accommodate with the film emperor’s wishes.

Lu Li didn’t say anything more and only called Xie Jianwei to the side.

“Why are you here?” asked Xie Jianwei.

Lu Li took out the phone and gave it to him: “Your phone fell on the car.”

Xie Jianwei was a little disappointed, but he was still very happy. He put away his phone and said: “Thank you so much for today!”

“Pay attention in the future. Don’t drink too much if you have to work the next day.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I can’t help it, especially in occasions where other people pour it for me.” (t/n: sometimes, in gatherings, it’s disrespectful to refuse other’s offered drink, especially ones from your superiors and people more influential than you.)

Lu Li wanted to say ‘The next time someone offers you a drink, find me’ but he swallowed it back while thinking: that’s too intimate. (t/n: when someone drinks an offered drink on your behalf, it means both of you are on a very close terms.)

Xie Jianwei didn’t notice. He looked up at Lu Li and said: “After you come back from city A, I will properly show my gratitude.” He blinked and immediately looked down.

Lu Li’s expression lightened: “Let’s talk again.”

“Be careful on the road.” Xie Jianwei bid him farewell.

“Okay.”

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After Lu Li left, Xie Jianwei was taken away by the makeup artist.

Yan Ke: [Seriously, the Lord Marshal in this dreamscape is the perfect embodiment of the words ‘Gold Master’.] Stacked with money, gentle, and magnanimous; doesn’t go beyond the set rules; all actions without saying sweet words while in bed;  and able to grasp the appropriate distance  so the other party won’t become too fond of him. (

Xie Jianwei: [I, this old man, is also like that.]

Yan Ke: [……]

[We’ve been married for a long time, so there’s no need to only blabber words of love all day long —action is all we need.]

Yan Ke cried out with a “Woof” after being stuffed with another bowl of dog-food.

Xie Jianwei’s bare face was already good, so the make-up artist didn’t have to do much. Before leaving, she even praised Xie Jianwei: “Xiao Xie’s skin is so good. Putting make-up on you was really such a breeze.” (t/n: Xiao Xie= Little Xie. It’s a form of endearment; she’s not talking about the ‘Little’ Xie, so in order to  avoid confusion,  I decided to use Xiao.)

Xie Jianwei smiled at her.

The make-up artist was an amusing person: “Film Emperor Lu  too, his bare face isn’t that different from his face with make-up on.”

Xie Jianwei thought about it and said, “His skin is quite good.” —but the best place is not his face.

The makeup artist glanced at him and grinned: “There’s should be less celebrities like you who doesn’t need cosmetics. Otherwise, us,  make-up artists are going to starve into the streets.”

All the people in this circle are elites, and as far as he knew, this makeup artist wasn’t one to go on casual chitchats. It‘s because he felt that Xie Jianwei was still “favored” by Lu Li based on the earlier commotion, so her attitude and speech were 10,000 points better.

After the makeup artist left, Xie Jianwei’s stayed in the lounge area to kill boredom since scenes were still far.

Yan Ke slipped in for a gossip: “My brother, how did you get Film Emperor Lu to help you?”

Xie Jianwei said: “I left my phone in his car.”

Yan Kè froze, then excitedly asked: “Deliberately?”

Xie Jianwei said: “No. Just wasn’t mindful enough.”

Yan Kè tapped on his shoulders: “This despicable fellow! After being drunk, it seems like you became smarter.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

The real Yan Ke, was weeping inside : [My Lord … That’s  really not me!] I’m not so bold!

Xie Jianwei: [I know.]

But Yan Ke was still crying. Am I such an “unruly” person in the Marshal’s eyes?

Yan Kè was still worried about Xie Jianwei: “My good child, until the time comes when that man finally gets tired of being with, you hold on to him tightly by all means. By that time, it’s not too late for you to go and enjoy yourself with ‘another flavor’. ”

“Understood.” Xie Jianwei easily agreed.

Yan Kè felt relieved, and he happily left after informing Xie Jianwei’s of the next two days’ schedule.

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When it was Xie Jianwei’s turn to shoot, the entire set was very quiet, and no gossiping people could be heard. The lead actress was already there, waiting silently. Seeing Xie Jianwei arrive she smiled at him.

What should I say in with this kind of mood? Xie Jianwei was quite happy.  He’d been relying on himself all the time, and been used to being treated the patron, not the other way round.  And now, he’s getting a first-hand experience of being the ‘fox who exploits the tiger’s might’. (t/n: a person who uses powerful connections to intimidate people)

It turned out that relying on another person felt like this: it’s not bad, but rather, sweet.

It’s not that Xie Jianwei didn’t want to rely on Lu Li, it’s just that he grew without the concept of depending on anyone.

Why trouble Lu Li? He wouldn’t bother him on things he himself could easily do.

But now, it seems that relying on others is also fun.

Military Advisor Xie, who is very happy on being a kept man, inadvertently showed a smile like that of a ‘flourishing vile character’. (t/n: an inferior person gets into a position of power, becoming conceited and arrogant)

The crew still felt somewhat unhappy with him, but nobody dared to say anything out loud and they could only hold it in inside.

Li Dongxing on the other hand, felt regretful: How could his fine steed fancy such a flower vase! (t/n: Lu Li= Fine steed= talented/outstanding person ; XJW= flower vase = someone with no merit aside from having a pretty face.)

As a matter of fact, Xie Jianwei did have the skill, but the role he got in Li Dongxing’s film wasn’t suitable for him. With his current situation of being a kept man, asking him to play as a nouveau riche man who could provide for others is somewhat of an overstatement.

Therefore, his performance had been mediocre so far. Li Dongxing did not have much hope for him, as long as his acting gets a passing rate, it would be enough.

But today, Xie Jianwei performed exceptionally well. All his scenes were shot in one take while the lead actress got an NG twice.

Li Dongxing was quite surprised, and his opinion of him rose up a bit: “You did well today. Keep it up.”

“I will work hard.” Xie Jianwei just smiled.

Director Li ‘s small heart froze for a moment. He didn’t know that this flower vase had such a pretty smile.

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In the next two days, Xie Jianwei performed particularly well in the crew, not mentioning his acting skills that had clearly improved, he was gentle and polite to others. When he was shooting, everyone in the crew couldn’t help but watch and even if he wasn’t doing anything, he could still snatch other people’s attention.

It was somewhat indescribable. It’s obvious that everyone sit s on the same simple and crude chairs, but if it was Xie Jianwei, he could sit on those handsomely.  The temperament he was exuding  was particularly different from others— he was quite eye-catching.

Li Dongxing couldn’t help but notice him too, and a ridiculous idea even popped out of his head.

The leading role in my “Sea of Stars” … seemed to be very suitable for Xie Jianwei.

But he quickly thought that he must be going crazy. His male lead for that film is formidable, wise and farsighted—a man who can conquer through the sea and the stars. —How could a man who relies on other’s support interpret such a role!

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Xie Jianwei acting skills had improved recently, so Yan Kè had come once again to praise him: “That’s it, keep it up. We have a backer and resources. As long as you maintain a steady, good performance, and don’t get arrogant because you’re being favored, getting more recognition will be a breeze!”

He was encouraging Xie Jianwei, but the words “favored and arrogant” stirred Xie Jianwei’s thoughts.

Yan Kè continued: “Don’t ask Film Emperor Lu for those cars and houses— they are all meaningless! You better ask for better roles in dramas or movies so that you can establish yourself.”

Xie Jianwei had been in a constant good mood these days that had obviously run off-course.

His character design is that of an ‘avaricious and insatiable goblin’ and now, this picture is clearly wrong.

Why am I being too independent? If I continue with my current performance without Lu Li’s support, I’ll be able to snatch that Film Emperor crown on my own in no time!

Xie Jianwei answered Yan Ke: [Luckily, you reminded me in time.]

Yan Ke whispered: [It- it wasn’t me.]

[Should I send Lu Li a text message or something?] Xie Jianwei asked.

Yan Ke cautiously answered: [If I had to go out for a few days and my girlfriend doesn’t send me a video message, it’s about time we split up.]

Xie Jianwei: […]

Yan Ke thought of something and asked again: [My Lord, you didn’t contact the Marshal when he went to Slir Galaxy last time?]

Xie Jianwei said: [I didn’t want to disturb him since his everyday schedule was filled to brim just so he could come back as soon as possible.] He wasn’t there at that time, but it was still easy to predict the marshal’s itinerary. Lu Li wanted to squeeze a month’s worth of work into seven days,  so he only had a few hours of sleep,. How could he be willing to take up any more of his time…

Yan Ke: […] For seven days,  Military Advisor you …

Xie Jianwei had already realized that he was in the wrong. He sorted out his emotions and said: “It won’t happen again in the future!”

Uhm … don’t say later, you need to change that behavior of yours right now.

Xie Jianwei picked up his phone and selected Lu Li’s name, but he stopped at the SMS interface: “What should I say …”

Yan Ke was dumbfounded:[…Ask him what he’s doing.]

Xie Jianwei:  [Of course he must be at work.] He rarely asked Lu Li what he was doing, because if he wanted to know, he could just do so by linking his light brain.

[Just say “Hello, greetings!”] Yan Ke helplessly said.

Xie Jianwei: [… Okay.]

Xie Jianwei typed a few words: What are you doing?

Yan Ke: [You should add an expression.]

Xie Jianwei:

Goodness! Even in this ancient era, this expression is considered dirt, Yan Ke thought to himself.

After sending the text message, he didn’t receive a reply instantly. Xie Jianwei was not in a hurry. This time was definitely when he was busy. He estimated that Lu Li’s phone wasn’t with him.

""

The text message was sent, and Xie Jianwei picked up the book and started reading again

After thirty minutes, the Military Advisor still wasn’t anxious, but Yan Ke already was: [My Lord?]

[What’s the matter?]

[Send something again!]

Xie Jianwei said: [Even though he hadn’t replied yet?]

Yan Ke never thought there would come a time when he would become a ‘teacher’ to their Empire’s Military Advisor: [If you don’t receive a reply, then you have to send another one. You’re too perfunctory with your approach! Be more enthusiastic and talk about yourself! Even if the Marshal is busy right now, he would be very happy to see so much information after reading it later!]

Xie Jianwei paused: [Understood.]

Sometimes, people should not be so reasonable. Indeed, one should be clear of the distinction between right and wrong, but now is not the appropriate time for such rigid views. Busy is busy, but the other party’s busy-ness has nothing to do with you— it’s important to consider yourself too. The feelings of ‘missing someone’ needs to be expressed as soon as possible, and the other party wouldn’t know of your feelings if you keep it hidden in your heart.

Xie Jianwei sent another message: Followed by a pitiful emoticon.

Yan Ke applauded: [Yes, that’s it!]

Still no response after a few minute. Xie Jianwei sent a text again:

Yan Ke looked at the sticky-sweet string of text messages and realized that his ability was still lacking to be a ‘teacher’.

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Lu Li came out of the conference room and the assistant handed him his private phone: “Sir, there are a few private messages.”

Lu Li nodded and took his phone from the assistant.

After unlocking his phone, he paused.

There were nearly ten messages, all from the same person—Xie Jianwei.

His heart tightened and he became a little worried if there was some kind of accident, but after reading the content, his tight heart suddenly relaxed.

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Lu Li subconsciously clenched his phone. After staring at these meaningless SMS for a long time, he gently raised his mouth and whispered, “What time is the return flight?”

The assistant said, “Three o’clock in the afternoon.”

“Check if there is any for this morning.”

The assistant quickly checked the scheduled flights.“The latest is only two o’clock in the afternoon.”

“Then two o’clock it is.”

Three o’clock and two o’clock… There is only one hour difference. Is there any need to change the flight… the assistant mumbled in his heart but the boss said so. He can only listen and obey unconditionally.

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No one answered his texts all morning, but Xie Jianwei was still rather happy. Thinking that the busy Lu Li would be happy to see those messages, he couldn’t stop the arc forming at his mouth.

How about sending some more? Xie Jianwei picked up the phone again.

Yan Ke peeked a few times, and looking at the amount of messages sent, he thought that Military Advisor Xie was really thorough:

Xie Jianwei had to shoot some scenes therefore, he sent Lu Li another text before putting down his phone:  

For him to not inadvertently snatch Lu Li’s title of being the Film Emperor, Xie Jianwei began to deliberately make mistakes one after another, and pretended to be out form all the way.

Li Dongxing was so angry his liver started aching. He felt that he was so blind yesterday for having thought that Xie Jianwei was quite talented. Fortunately, he hadn’t mentioned it to anyone; otherwise his efforts would have been completely destroyed!

Xie Jianwei had NG-ed for seven to eight times, but because of his good attitude plus Film Emperor Lu’s backing, everyone was able to endure. Not only did they not dare speak coldly to him, but also advised him patiently: “Take it slow. This role’s psychology is not very easy to grasp.”

Thinking that what he did was already enough, Xie Jianwei acted properly this time, finally letting this group of people off.

After watching the scenes’ playback, Li Dongxing got affected once again— thoughts about Xie Jianwei being an unpolished gem started to circle his mind for the second time; that although his skills were unstable, he’s  able to glow. albeit dimly——

NO NO NO! Li Dongxing quickly dismissed those thoughts. The white moonlight in his heart must not be defiled!

(t/n: It wasn’t exactly specified, but I think the white moonlight here is Lu Li, since Director Li had always wanted for Lu Li to act in this certain film of his, but he couldn’t invite him for another unspecified reason. Lu Li is basically beyond the current Li Dongxing’s reach, so perhaps that’s the reason why he’s calling him his white moonlight = refers to the person or thing in someone’s heart that is beyond reach —usually an unforgettable first love. )