Chapter 282: Mom, Listen to Me Explain Myself to You

Mencius has wrapped her part.

But not completely wrapped.

Now she's truly become a "professional freeloader"~

Because this girl has already collected the flowers, taken the group photo, and even the official Joy of Life Weibo posted pictures telling everyone she's wrapped, yet she herself shows absolutely no intention of leaving the crew.

Leave? Why would I leave~

She feels quite comfortable staying with the crew — there's food, there's drink, there's a bed, why on earth would she leave?

But regarding this situation, not a single person in the entire crew raised any objection.

The production company: If she likes staying, then let her stay. Is the crew short on that little room fee, or short on that little meal money?

Meng Jie's boss Jia Shikai even made a special trip to the crew, seemingly prepared to take her away as he left, then left by himself, speechless.

On the surface he looked quite speechless, putting on an act as if he couldn't manage his own artist.

But what he was actually thinking, only he himself knows.

Because this guy didn't even give her one word of scolding — he just came to tell Meng Jie what other engagements she had afterward, as if merely reminding her exactly how much longer she could freeload.

Then he turned around and had a warm chat with Bai Liang, and after the chat, very tactfully, he vanished.

He had a rather odd air of "I'm entrusting Meng Jie to you."

However, Bai Liang didn't really mind this.

Meng Jie's final scene was the one where she escorts Si Lili back to Northern Qi with Fan Xian, and then takes an arrow for her during an ambush on the road.

The pinnacle of her acting career — peak performance!

"At the time I wasn't thinking about taking the arrow, I just watched the arrow float over, and then it was over."

When she said this line, her head was lowered; after saying it she looked up at Bai Liang, and the endless affection and helplessness in those big eyes truly made the director pound the table in admiration.

And she also had a "killer trick"!

Her eyes could hold back tears.

You could clearly see the tears swirling around in her eye sockets, but they just wouldn't fall directly down.

This effect was actually more flavorful.

Even Chen Yao watching from the side couldn't help exclaiming: this classmate she barely had any dealings with back in school — how is her acting this good?!

Her eye acting is absolutely incredible!

Before, she only knew the other girl was good-looking, a bit alluring, and had assumed she was purely a pretty-face contestant.

Meng Jie's screen time in Joy of Life really isn't that much, but it's fair to say every single scene is quite brilliant, fully showcasing the charm and arc of her character.

However, the amazing thing is, although she acted very well, she completely didn't "get into character."

Many scenes that require the actor to summon up emotion need time to wind down after the take.

But she didn't need that.

Just now she was as frail and sorrowful as Sister Lin, but the moment she heard "Cut!" she was bouncing around, wiped her tears, and asked Bai Liang with a grin whether she was awesome.

——

After another day's filming wrapped, Xin Zhilei organized a treat for barbecue~

The so-called name for it: Meng Ziyi's wrap party.

Mm. The problem is Meng Jie has already eaten several days' worth of "wrap parties" at the crew, and feels her face has gotten a bit rounder, her chin not as sharp anymore.

But when it comes to matters of eating, Bai Liang has always been very enthusiastic.

And Meng Jie and Chen Yao naturally responded with equal enthusiasm.

"I'll order! Lei-jie, is there anything you don't eat or any food restrictions?" Meng Ziyi asked casually.

Xin Zhilei thought for a moment, "I don't eat offal."

"Ah? That's too bad, you can't eat chicken hearts then~ I actually quite like eating those."

"I do eat chicken hearts." Xin Zhilei hurriedly tried to recover.

Meng Jie:???

Didn't you just say you don't eat offal?

At this point she raised an eyebrow, as if she'd discovered something fun. "Do you eat grilled fatty intestines?"

"Uh, yes."

"What about grilled kidneys?"

"…Those too."

Chen Yao beside them could no longer hold it in — offal only has five varieties total, three were mentioned and not one was refused; this is called not eating offal?

You're just a picky eater!

"Your Lei-jie is obviously the type who doesn't eat mutton, but eats mutton skewers — just order, don't bother asking her." Bai Liang summed it up.

"Oh~"

Meng Ziyi nodded, then with a swipe of her hand, ordered fifteen skewers of kidneys.

This behavior made people's eyelids twitch. Bai Liang couldn't help asking: "You like eating kidneys that much?"

The result was she grinned sheepishly, "One skewer for each of us girls, the rest are all for you."

"Pfft!"

This time it was Xin Zhilei's turn to lose composure, she burst out laughing on the spot, but she didn't forget to add: "Sis, don't just focus on ordering kidneys, get him oysters, chives, all of it! But as someone who's been through it, I'll still give you one reminder… exercise moderation."

Bai Liang:.

He had this constant feeling that he was just sitting here eating barbecue, and had somehow been inexplicably insulted.

At times like this he had to save face for himself — even if it meant telling some "little story" between him and Meng Jie, he had to say it!

"No need, no need, I don't need that."

"You need it!" Meng Ziyi insisted firmly.

"Really, you don't."

"Listen to me—just do it!"

Xin Xin Zhilei was laughing so hard she reached over and pinched Bai Liang's arm, then asked, "So toned? That doesn't make sense~"

Just as Bai Liang was thinking about how to regain his dignity in this situation without going too far into crude jokes.

Meng Jie suddenly said, "Tongtong's coming to visit the set in a couple days."

"Huh? She just wrapped up not long ago."

"I let it slip."

Meng Jie's face showed clear regret—she shouldn't have boasted; the moment she remembered this, she wanted to slap herself.

Why on earth had she told him Bai Liang's mother was coming to the set soon?

That evil little kitten had smelled the scent and was about to come running back.

Indeed, even something as absurd as returning to visit after wrapping, she'd do it.

Meng Jie now regretted mentioning that she knew Li Yitong had stolen her back grass.

If she'd pretended not to know, Li Yitong would've at least pretended a little.

Now? She doesn't even bother pretending anymore!

The information in this conversation was overwhelming—Xin Xin Zhilei was left stunned.

Ah? Then even if your body's in great shape, you really should supplement more.

But are all post-90s this strong? Maybe it's not about age.

Right now, Bai Liang really is Tang Sengrou.

Over the past two days, several female friends in the industry had contacted Xin Xin Zhilei, asking if she was filming with Bai Liang, and whether she could give them his contact info.

After all, he's the lead in three films, with a combined box office over ten billion.

Yes, Bai Liang is currently the first hundred-billion-box-office Mr. in the film industry.

Of course, if you insist on counting only lead roles, he isn't always the main lead—but his total lead actor box office is absolutely reasonable.

One solo lead, one dual male lead, one second male lead—only "Wolf Warrior 2" was slightly lacking, almost like he was clinging to Wu Jing's coattails.

But Wu Jing himself hasn't hit a hundred billion yet; Bai Liang has overtaken him on the curve.

Add to that the recent revelation that Bai Liang took profit-sharing in both "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Time Traveler's Wife," and his share wasn't small.

Rich, good-looking, and can carry a film—what the hell kind of six-sided warrior is this?

Honestly, Xin Xin Zhilei thought that if she were a few years younger and single, she probably couldn't resist either.

Never mind confidence—she'd probably just charge forward first, who knows, maybe he likes her type~

Oh no, it might not just be Meng Ziyi and Li Yitong.

She couldn't help glancing at Chen Yao beside her, raising an eyebrow—her gaze clearly said: You're in on this too, right?

Facing the older sister's blatant flirtation, Chen Yao's cheeks flushed slightly, unable to hold up under it.

But her eyes held a touch of helplessness and melancholy—she had no part in this~

Maybe because she just didn't have enough courage.

Now, Meng Jie didn't even pretend anymore on set—she canceled her hotel room and moved straight into Bai Liang's place.

Chen Yao had noticed this all along; she felt a bit envious, but because of it, she'd lost even the chance to muster the courage to knock on his door.

If she knocked, Meng Jie would open it, eyes wide, asking: "What do you want?"

Just imagining it made her embarrassed.

So Chen Yao unexpectedly missed Jin Cheng—if she were still on set, she might've dragged Chen Yao into doing something outrageous.

But if she had to do it herself, she truly couldn't—she lacked the courage.

When they started eating, Bai Liang looked at the grilled kidney and grilled oysters in front of him, his expression equally helpless.

But since he'd ordered it, he might as well eat.

The barbecue here was quite good—the kidney had no strange odor, and the oysters were fresh.

Excluding certain odd elements, he ate quite heartily.

While stifling her laughter, Xin Xin Zhilei nudged Meng Ziyi with her elbow and whispered something in her ear, making Meng Ziyi's face turn bright red.

Bai Liang didn't hear what the two said, but Chen Yao did.

It was clearly: "Sis~ Will you be able to get out of bed tomorrow?" Meng Ziyi: Oh no! Tongtong hasn't come back yet.

After dinner, back at the hotel, Meng Ziyi only glanced at Bai Liang's smile and immediately fled into Chen Yao's room.

Though she didn't know if kidney and oysters actually worked, Bai Liang didn't even need them—he could still leave her unable to get out of bed.

He was just a bit pale-skinned; otherwise, he could've played a dark-skinned athlete, specially designed to cure girls like her—art students.

Scared, scared—I can't fight him, but I can run away.

Chen Yao said she didn't mind at all—she'd even let Meng Ziyi have her room.

But she couldn't bring herself to say it.

So she just sat on the bed, quietly melancholy, chatting half-heartedly with Meng Ziyi.

"When is Xiao Bai's mom coming?"

"Tomorrow," Meng Ziyi knew perfectly—otherwise, she wouldn't dare go near him.

Tomorrow, she absolutely had to get up, and she had to be in top form!

Chen Yao silently noted this, deciding to dress a bit more intellectual tomorrow—shirt, glasses, pleated skirt, all of it.

One word, one phrase, one detail—perfect!

Absolutely the kind of Miss that elders love—cultured, well-mannered, and refined.

As for Meng Jie,

Chen Yao used to envy her good looks and figure, but she doesn't envy her anymore now.

Those full lips, the flirtatious corners of her eyes — pretty, sure, but she always felt like she was flirting with everyone; she really did have the look of a "bad girl."

—

Meng Jie had slipped away, but when Bai Liang came back from the hotel gym, he saw someone squatting at his door.

The squatting posture was oddly familiar, reminding him of a certain "old friend."

"Eating wall plaster again?"

"Ugh, I stopped that ages ago. Isn't Meng Jie in her room? I knocked for ages and no one answered."

Li Yitong's legs had gone a bit numb from squatting, and she didn't get up, tilting her head back to look at Bai Liang — this angle felt oddly familiar too.

"She seems to have gone to Chen Yao's side. Why'd you rush back to the crew at this hour?" Bai Liang asked, knowing full well.

"I-I came to visit the set~" Li Yitong said, a little guilty.

Bai Liang didn't expose her. He swiped the key card to open the door first, then helped Li Yitong inside.

Her legs really had gone numb from squatting; walking now felt like being pricked by needles.

"Hey hey hey, don't walk off, I rushed back overnight, give me a hug first, I'm exhausted."

Acting cute?

"I just finished working out, I'm covered in stinky sweat, are you sure you want a hug?"

"I wouldn't mind."

Actions speak louder than words — Li Yitong proved with her behavior that she really didn't mind, even telling Bai Liang: his sweat was a bit salty.

Terrifying eating habits. Bai Liang was a little worried she'd stopped eating wall plaster and was now developing an interest in other strange things.

"Stop licking, I'm going to take a shower first."

This time Li Yitong didn't stop him — after all, she wasn't really that hardcore; she still preferred a clean, fresh boy.

Kittens all love cleanliness, and evil kittens are no exception.

She said that the "heavy flavor" lane was Li Xin's turf — how could she steal it, crossing the line would be so rude.

Li Xin: Cut the crap!

So-called "bestie bonds" really are unreliable — when they're together they share everything, but the moment they're apart they sell you out without a second thought.

But Bai Liang couldn't quite figure out what the actual relationship between these few Misses was.

It felt like a total mess — who was in which little clique, completely impossible to tell.

Anyway, on Meng Jie's phone he'd seen three little group chats — yes, the little group chats between these Misses from the "Joy of Life" crew.

Late at night!

After Chen Yao had finally coaxed Mencius to sleep, she herself finally mustered up her courage.

Decided to head over to Bai Liang's place.

Some things, if she didn't say them face-to-face this time, she didn't know when the next chance would come.

Tip-toeing to open and close the door, passing through the corridor, taking the elevator.

Because she was only wearing a single nightgown, the chill from the hotel's central air conditioning raised goosebumps all over her skin.

She felt as if she'd trekked over mountains and rivers. When she finally stood at Bai Liang's door, she first looked left and right, confirmed no one was nearby, and instead of knocking, gave Bai Liang a call.

Miraculously, the phone was answered within seconds.

"Yao-mei, still up?"

"Xiao Bai-ge, I'm at your door."

"Huh?!"

That exclamation was genuinely surprised, and then Chen Yao heard a "pop" from the other end of the line, along with a girl's voice.

How could that be. Meng Jie was sleeping drowsily in her own bed at this hour.

Who else from the crew could have snuck over?

"Joy of Life" was about to wrap filming completely, there weren't many female artists left.

Xin Xin Zhilei?

Uh. Surely not~ Although her lips were admittedly pretty sexy too.

But with Meng Jie already having such sexy lips and good looks—

Just as Chen Yao stood frozen at Bai Liang's door lost in wild thoughts, the door opened.

Bai Liang, shirtless, his breathing not yet fully steadied, appeared before her — a faint sheen of fine sweat on his body, plus a... rather peculiar scent.

Chen Yao looked at him with a flushed face. Her first reaction was, of course, the habitual glance down — and her gaze landed on Bai Liang's abs.

Then she hurriedly turned her head away, but instinctively glanced into the room.

Naturally she couldn't see anything — Bai Liang was staying in a suite, there was another door inside.

"Why come find me so late~" Bai Liang asked in a gentle tone.

But today's Chen Yao was clearly a bit different from before. After a moment of hesitation, she asked directly: "Xiao Bai-ge, who's in your room?"

"Uh, you don't know her."

"Then can I meet her?"

Hearing this, Bai Liang thought for a moment. Looking at Chen Yao, who was still as gentle as ever but with a touch more impulsiveness, he figured it wasn't a bad idea.

"Hello~"

Li Yitong, curled up under the blanket, awkwardly greeted Chen Yao.

The two exchanged a glance, both feeling that meeting under these circumstances was hardly a good time for chatting and getting to know each other.

So Chen Yao nodded, "politely" retreated from the room, and a hint of dejection appeared on her face.

Could she not even seize this chance?

"Want me to walk you back to your room to sleep?" Bai Liang had already pulled on a T-shirt by now, thinking that seeing her back would also give him a chance to chat with her for a bit.

He felt that Chen Yao really couldn't stay in his room any longer.

But Chen Yao said nothing, only leaned closer, placed both hands slowly against his chest, then rose on her tiptoes.

Two minutes later, she still wanted to lower her head out of habit, but this time she couldn't.

Because one of Bai Liang's hands was propping up her chin.

"I'm leaving now," Chen Yao said, her breathing somewhat uneven.

"Then will you come again after this?" Bai Liang asked in a serious tone.

At a moment like this, regardless of whether there was still someone else in the room, he couldn't let the Miss down.

Sure enough.

Chen Yao blinked, seeming a little delighted.

"We'll see how it goes."

After saying that, she turned and ran, only to go Thud! right into the door.

But this iron-headed girl didn't seem to feel any pain at all — she opened the door and ran off.

After running out a few steps, she still remembered to come back and close the door properly for Bai Liang.

Pretty cute!

"You fox, you seduced another one?"

At this moment Li Yitong was leaning against the bedroom doorframe, saying in a somewhat helpless tone.

She wasn't even dressed, only hugging a pillow to her chest, though it did cover the important parts.

"Kitten, I knew her way before I knew you — you're the one who came later."

"Hmph~ I know her, Yue Qiluo, right? Her courage isn't as big as the character in the TV drama — quite the contrast."

As Li Yitong said this, she suddenly imagined a strange scene: Chen Yao with a wronged look on her face saying, "Clearly I was here first!"

So she couldn't help laughing out loud.

Bai Liang: Truly an evil little kitten~

He walked over, snatched the pillow away in one go, didn't even go into the room, and simply lifted her up right there at the door, arranging her into a more convenient position.

"Hey! That's revenge."

"Wrong. I'm going to inject you with positive energy and purify you, you evil little kitten."

Yes, when Bai Liang's dear mother came the next morning, that was exactly how he explained it too.

Mom, listen to me explain myself.

(End of chapter)