Chapter 86: Promotion Trip to Taiwan (Combined Chapter)

Jiang Wen handles things well, and Li Luo doesn’t lag behind.

After several hours of mahjong, with countless big wins, Jiang Wen’s drinking enthusiasm grew even stronger.

He had been banned from directing for years.

He couldn’t do much else—this was one of the few pleasures left.

But not long after, his friends dragged him into acting, which gave many directors headaches.

The reason was simple.

This guy had an overwhelming desire to interfere in filming!

He always wanted to steal the director’s job.

The brand-new used car drove off; the Mercedes G-Class was returned to Xu Qing immediately. Driving a car he’d bought himself felt different—unexplainable pride welled up inside him.

The next day, as he hit the road, the wind rushing into the car sounded sweeter than ever.

【Owned First Luxury Car】

【Indulgence Achieved】

【Reward: Line Experience +30】

Watching the system notification float past, Li Luo grinned and slammed the accelerator; the black Cherokee roared through Beijing’s streets.

Only twenty years old.

In 2002, his bank account already held hundreds of thousands.

In the following period,

he lived in great triumph.

He attended school regularly, and whenever free, he drove around Beijing’s outskirts with women, visiting attractions like Arrow Pass Great Wall, Grand Canyon, and Yunmeng Mountain.

He fully released the fatigue from months of filming.

Autumn gave way to winter.

In mid-November, Li Luo received a call from Wu Dun—this vacation-like state officially ended.

Filming isn’t over once shooting ends.

Post-production promotion is also part of the job.

That day, he got leave from Huo Xuan; the next morning, he kissed the sleeping Xu Qing, then packed his bags and headed to the airport.

The drama aired across the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

Though his fame was still low, as the male lead, he had to attend promotional events before the premiere—it was a prime chance to appear publicly, and he wasn’t about to miss it.

“Li Luo, over here!”

From afar, he spotted the familiar figure—Jia Jingwen waved, dressed fashionably.

Taiwan was her home turf; she naturally wouldn’t miss the promotion.

Besides her assistant, Wu Dun and others were there too.

“Brother Wu.”

Li Luo hurried forward and greeted the others: “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No problem, we just arrived.”

Wu Dun adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and looked at Li Luo with satisfaction: “Post-production is done. I watched it through—very good. You performed excellently.”

With years of experience producing films and TV dramas,

his eye was sharp.

Two “very goods” in a row were rare praise from Wu Dun—whether it would become a hit still depended on market response.

Taiwan’s subsequent broadcast required much direct coordination from him.

So he decided to go along this time.

“Thank you, Brother Wu.”

Li Luo took off his sunglasses and nodded with a smile: “This is the entire crew’s achievement.”

Credit belongs to everyone.

He understood this obvious truth.

After greeting everyone, Li Luo received his flight ticket, pass, and Taiwan entry permit—all visa procedures were handled by the production team for promotional trips.

Normal expenses were fully covered by the crew; actors only needed to cooperate with promotion.

After over three hours of flight, the plane landed slowly in Taipei.

Notably,

many of Jia Jingwen’s fans had come to meet the flight—two years ago, her drama Flying Dragon had exploded in popularity, topping Taiwan’s annual ratings and earning her massive popularity.

Screams and flashbulbs never stopped.

Fans demanding autographs surrounded her completely.

Unfortunately, none of this had anything to do with him; Li Luo watched the scene from the corner, envious.

“Let’s go.”

Wu Dun patted his shoulder and called out as they walked out: “You’ll reach this point soon enough.”

“Aren’t we waiting for her?”

Li Luo tightened his backpack and hurried after them.

“No need to wait.” Wu Dun waved dismissively, cheerfully heading out: “Each to their own home, each to their own mother—A Long will take you to the hotel first, then tonight I’ll show you Taipei’s nightlife.”

“Relax~ Back in Taipei, it’s like coming home.”

They dodged the crowd of fans.

The group parted ways with Jia Jingwen and headed straight to the airport exit.

From afar,

they saw several black luxury vans parked by the roadside.

Men in suits

were smoking and chatting.

Spotting Wu Dun, they immediately tossed away their cigarettes and bowed together:

“Boss!”

Seven or eight men bowed in unison, shouting loudly.

The atmosphere was intimidating.

Nearby travelers quickened their pace, avoiding any pause to watch.

“What boss?!”

Wu Dun’s presence grew even more imposing—he kicked one of them: “Lin Bei has told you countless times—when you’re out, call me boss. We’re all businessmen—can’t you show some dignity?”

He kicked and scolded them, completely shattering their tough-guy aura.

“Cough.”

Seeing Li Luo’s odd expression, the glasses-wearing Zhang Long cleared his throat: “Actually, these are all our company employees—they’re just used to joking like this.”

“Heh.”

Li Luo winked at him: “Don’t worry, I get it.”

These are social types!

They always have some social habits.

He wasn’t unaware of their background—this kind of thing didn’t shock him.

To avoid suspicion,

Wu Dun quickly left with the convoy.

Zhang Long drove one of the remaining vans, taking Li Luo straight to downtown Taipei.

In two lifetimes, this was his first time in Taiwan.

He gazed curiously around.

Zhang Long, driving, didn’t stay silent—he gave a running commentary. Though he always seemed just the driver, his actual authority was significant; he handled most liaison work.

He was always present at important events.

If nothing unexpected happened,

he was undoubtedly Wu Dun’s right-hand man.

“Huh?”

A passing roadside shop made Li Luo’s head turn.

Inside a booth-like store sat a striking Taiwanese girl, wearing a short plaid skirt, her long leg propped up and swaying in midair, a bikini barely covering her thighs.

It looked ready to fall off.

The shop was decorated uniquely, its lights blazing like a makeup room.

Around the front, a circle of glittering colored lights was stuck.

Extremely distinctive.

“Betel nut beauty.”

Zhang Long chuckled and slowed the car: “This is a Taiwan specialty—want to take a look?”

“What do you think?”

Li Luo raised his eyebrows high.

Every time Wu Dun visited the set, this guy never left his side—they’d been to nightclubs together several times.

No need to hide anything.

“Hahaha.”

Zhang Long laughed as he pressed the brake, slowly driving past row after row of betel nut shops, watching the Taiwanese girls in all sorts of sexy outfits—Li Luo felt utterly delighted.

They arrived at a spot, and the minivan came to a complete stop.

“Hello~”

Zhang Long waved at the long-legged girl sitting inside.

“What would you like?”

The long-legged girl stood up, clicked over in high heels, wearing a black bikini top and bottom with a sheer, sensual chiffon skirt draped over it—her large tattoos clearly visible beneath.

“Big brother.”

Seeing Li Luo in the front passenger seat, the betel nut beauty smiled warmly, leaning forward with her elbows resting on the window: “You’re so handsome~”

Two massive thunderbolts struck straight at him.

The lotus tattoo on her chest was right before his eyes.

The overpowering scent hit him, making Li Luo recoil backward.

“Oh?”

The long-legged girl giggled, glancing at Li Luo: “You’re so shy~”

With her laughter,

her chest quivered wildly.

Her soft, sing-song accent made his ears tingle with pleasure.

“Little sister.”

Hearing her sweet, soft voice, Li Luo couldn’t help but laugh back: “You talk like such a machine!”

At this, the long-legged girl’s smile stiffened.

“Sorry!”

Zhang Long stepped in, pulling out two hundred New Taiwan Dollars: “He’s just joking—give me two hundred worth.”

“Thank you, boss.”

Hearing this, the long-legged girl’s expression returned to its earlier cheerfulness.

After taking the bills, she didn’t rush back for the betel nuts—instead, she danced a sultry, captivating routine around the minivan, giving the two men inside a full visual feast, before finally returning inside to fetch the betel nuts.

“Two hundred New Taiwan Dollars.”

Li Luo tore his gaze away, astonished at Zhang Long: “You can buy stuff—and get a dance too?”

“And what was that just now?”

That dance she just did—you’d never see it in a nightclub without spending serious money.

And she danced with such seductive grace.

He just didn’t get it.

Why had the betel nut beauty suddenly changed her expression?

“Not everyone can dance.”

Zhang Long watched the betel nut beauty’s figure, shaking his head: “It’s just how ordinary people survive. But why’d you suddenly say she talks like a machine?”

Less than an hour after landing.

This guy’s already picking up a thick Taiwanese accent.

“What’s wrong?”

Li Luo frowned: “I was complimenting her—she talks interestingly!”

“Interesting.”

Watching Li Luo’s confused face, Zhang Long burst into laughter: “You meant she’s annoying—you think she’s putting on airs!”

Only after explanation did he understand.

Saying “machine” among friends is fine—but with strangers, it’s almost certainly taken as an insult.

No wonder the Taiwanese girl looked upset.

She handed over a large bundle of fresh betel nuts wrapped in leaves and several disposable plastic cups. As Li Luo apologized, the betel nut beauty beamed, swaying her full hips back to her shop.

Zhang Long was right—everyone was just trying to make a living.

Just to put food on the table.

Who’d willingly do this job otherwise? So when an apology was due, he didn’t hold back.

Curious, he picked up a fresh betel nut and chewed a few bites.

He immediately spat it out.

Couldn’t stand the taste—it was too harsh.

Zhang Long, however, chewed it with relish, humming a Minnan folk tune as he drove toward the hotel.

The production team had treated Li Luo well.

They’d booked him a business suite at a five-star hotel—anything he wanted to eat or drink, he could just order from room service, with zero concern for money.

After giving a few instructions, Zhang Long closed the door and left.

Just reminders not to wander off, and to call him if he went out.

Li Luo naturally promised enthusiastically.

He was here to work—he shouldn’t cause trouble.

Things weren’t as convenient as in the future.

In an unfamiliar place, he could easily get lost.

According to the schedule, today and tomorrow were rest days; after that, intense promotion would begin—holding the “Eternal Love” fan meeting, giving media interviews, and recording for variety shows couldn’t be skipped.

Everything was packed tightly into the itinerary.

Using the phone Zhang Long had left him, Li Luo called his family and friends to let them know he was safe, then ordered the hotel to fry him a ribeye steak.

After eating his fill, he collapsed onto the bed to rest.

He didn’t know how long had passed.

Half-asleep, he was jolted awake by a ringing phone.

“Hello.”

Looking out at the night sky now lit with neon lights, he yawned into his hand: “Who is this?”

“It’s Ah Long.”

Zhang Long’s voice came through the phone: “Get up, wash up—I’ll be at the hotel in an hour.”

He rubbed his eyes.

Li Luo snapped back to reality—he was in Taipei now.

“Huh?”

He shook his head, trying to wake himself up:

“Where are we going?”

“A nightclub.”

Zhang Long shouted into the phone: “I’m taking you to experience Taipei’s nightlife—get up now!”

He hung up with a click.

Taipei nightlife!

Li Luo instantly snapped awake, tossed the phone aside, and hurried to the bathroom to wash up—every time he went out with Wu Dun, he always got reward points.

You couldn’t miss this.

Arriving at the lobby right on time, he ran straight into Zhang Long, whom he hadn’t seen in hours.

“You’re wearing this?”

Zhang Long circled Li Luo twice, then shook his head: “Honestly, you’re the most casually dressed celebrity I’ve ever met!”

He’d met plenty of entertainers—from both sides of the strait and Hong Kong.

Not to mention TV actors.

Even some Taiwanese variety show stars dressed in flashy, over-the-top outfits, desperate to show off their star aura.

But this guy?

His entire outfit, besides black and white, had no third color.

Yet strangely,

Zhang Long found this outfit oddly pleasing to the eye.

“What’s wrong?”

Li Luo shook his black thin jacket, smiling as he slung an arm around Zhang Long’s shoulder: “I’m just an actor, not some star. Brother Long, go easy on the drinks tonight!”

“Hey.”

Zhang Long nearly jumped: “When was the last time I poured for you?”

Their banter faded as they left the hotel lobby, and soon the engine roared loudly.

Taipei’s night was dazzling.

Multicolored neon lights flowed across the glossy car body, radiating the brilliance of a metropolis.

The glittering streetscape made Li Luo feel as if he’d returned to the future.

For now—

It certainly seems more prosperous than Jingcheng.

Smoking intermittently from a stubby cigarette, the two chatted about everything under the sun; just as Li Luo was thoroughly bewildered, the car finally stopped.

“Whoa~”

Looking at the long line of people, Li Luo slammed the car door and shook his head: “Damn, how long will we have to wait?”

At any time, there are always those who chase the trend.

Dressed in revealing, stylish urban attire, men and women lined up from the nightclub entrance nearby all the way to the end of the street.

At least a couple hundred people!

These people weren’t even cold—among the queue, tight skirts and little dresses exposed dazzling white flesh, making Li Luo’s eyes spin.

“This is the hottest nightclub in Ximen.”

Tossing the car keys to a valet approaching, Zhang Long strode forward confidently: “Waiting in line? Not happening. Let’s go—Wu Zong is already inside!”

“We’re going to treat you right tonight.”

Scratching his American-style undercut, Li Luo followed him into the dazzling glow of neon and liquor.

Thank you to Brother Who Met an Old Friend in a Foreign Land for the 100 coins tip, thanks!