Chapter 92: Wandao Goes Live

An artist’s life, outside of work, is mostly spent networking.

Or rather,

networking is also considered work to them.

In this circle, building connections is extremely important—you never know who you might meet, and who might open a door for you—so cliques and social games easily form.

When Li Luo first arrived at the KTV, he found it strange: why had only a few people booked such a huge private room?

But as time passed,

groups of artists and assistants arrived one after another, quickly filling the large room to capacity.

Some things are more fun the more people there are.

But sometimes,

Li Luo didn’t like too many people.

Especially when he didn’t know most of them—it just felt boring.

After Jia Jingwen had a few drinks, he sat alone in a corner of the room, holding his glass and clumsily texting on the phone Zhang Long had lent him, making endless typos in traditional Chinese input.

He couldn’t help laughing at himself, and Xu Ruo got on him hard about it.

As he sent texts, he kept glancing toward the center of the room.

Luo Zhixiang was witty and charming.

He used all sorts of little tricks to make the girls burst into laughter—being a player isn’t easy; this guy delivered emotional value perfectly, whether the girls were beautiful or average.

He treated them all equally, attending to every detail.

Only then could he sweep them all off their feet!

Li Luo sent a text telling Xu Ruo to come quickly and pick him up.

Just then, the crisp click of high heels approached him; first came a pair of long legs, then the familiar plaid mini-skirt.

“Why are you sitting here drinking alone?”

Fan Wei sat down beside him, holding up her glass: “Aren’t you going to meet some people?”

Her ass sank into the sofa, and her skirt rode up.

Her thighs were blindingly white.

Tonight’s gathering was organized by Heiren and Xiao Zhu; she was Chen Jianzhou’s girlfriend, so naturally she came to join the fun.

She’d just walked in and spotted Li Luo sitting alone in the corner.

So she came over to say hello.

Seeing those pale, creamy thighs, Li Luo remembered the feel of holding her before—he cleared his throat and quickly clinked his glass with hers: “I just can’t remember too many names at once.”

“We’ve got plenty of time.”

“Clang~”

Their glasses clinked, and he couldn’t help adding: “You’re really being unfair.”

“What do you mean?”

Fan Wei took a sip of strong liquor.

“Look at your figure,” Li Luo glanced at her and joked, “and you’re wearing heels—do you even leave any room for other women?”

“Really?”

Fan Wei crossed her legs, letting her high heel sway gently: “That’s my privilege, you know~”

She smiled charmingly, looking like a sweet little girl.

Li Luo couldn’t help recalling the sensational entertainment news that rocked Wandao—this woman and Xu Ruo, who was texting him, were both central figures. He sighed and downed a large gulp of whiskey.

This world,

is always full of shocking contradictions.

“Hi.”

Another greeting—a stylish Taiwanese girl walked over: “What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing much,” Li Luo raised his glass:

“Hello, Second Sister.”

The newcomer was one of the Shining Three Sisters—the same girl who’d played ping pong with him that afternoon.

Now that she’d changed out of her black bikini, she looked completely different.

“Just call me Xiao Zhen!”

She draped an arm over Li Luo’s shoulder and sat beside him, flashing him a flirtatious look: “Brother Li Luo, can I tell you a little secret?”

Seeing this,

Fan Wei smiled and sipped her drink.

Li Luo turned slightly: “I’m all ears.”

“Actually,”

Xiao Zhen leaned close and whispered in his ear: “I just had an off day this afternoon—you get what I mean, right?”

“Of course I do.”

Li Luo raised an eyebrow and replied seriously: “If there’s ever another chance to promote TV’s Three Idiots, I’m looking forward to seeing your performance.”

“What?!” Xiao Zhen looked stunned.

At this point, if he were any normal guy, wouldn’t he say he wanted to play another round with her?

Then they’d go out for late-night snacks!

Looking forward to seeing her performance again?

What the hell is that?!

“What’s the problem?” Li Luo looked confused.

“No problem.”

The Taiwanese girl forced a smile, then stood up: “You two keep chatting—I’m going to say hi to some friends.”

Her short skirt swished as she vanished into the crowd.

“Click~”

Watching her back, Li Luo pulled a cigarette from the pack on the table, lit it, let it pass through his lips, then exhaled slowly.

In this circle, you’re always faced with all kinds of temptations.

You really need self-control!

“What were you two talking about?”

It was clear Xiao Zhen was annoyed—Fan Wei was burning with curiosity.

“She wanted to be friends with me,” Li Luo took another drag, then crushed half the cigarette out: “The kind of friendship that’s very friendly—and meant to go deep.”

“Tsk~”

Women were used to this.

Li Luo winked at her: “I turned down her offer.”

“Why?” Fan Wei was surprised, and couldn’t help adding: “I mean, Xiao Zhen’s body is amazing—shouldn’t that be exactly the type men like?”

That night, this guy had gone out for late-night snacks with Xu Ruo.

His orientation must be normal.

So Fan Wei was genuinely curious.

In response to the question, Li Luo only smiled, offering no answer.

This circle is full of vice and indulgence.

Any celebrity with even a little fame can’t possibly lack these kinds of opportunities if they want them.

He hadn’t suddenly changed his personality!

He’d always,

followed one principle:

If a super-friendship is going to happen, it should be with someone who already has some fame.

Not because he had a celebrity-collecting obsession.

As long as he didn’t want to get dragged down by scandal later, this was the right choice—in his view, when both sides have something to lose, these things stay mutual and voluntary, never ending in ruin.

“Ding~” His phone chimed.

“I’m leaving.”

He glanced at the message, drained his glass in one gulp, and smiled at the woman with a puzzled expression: “Glad to see you again—have a great night.”

Watching Li Luo say goodbye to others,

Fan Wei suppressed her curiosity and quickly typed on her phone: “Xuan, are you done yet?”

“Done.”

The reply came instantly.

She typed smoothly: “Come drink—lots of friends are here.”

“No, I’ve got stuff to do!”

“?”

“Haha.”

“?”

“Fine! Last time we went wild—I’m not wasting time drinking with you when that guy’s finally free!”

“Is he really that awesome!!!”

“I’ll be a dog if I’m lying to you.”

“Who? Where did you meet them?”

“You know them too.”

“Who???”

“The mainland guy who acted with Jingwen.”

Looking at the last text message he received, Fan Weiqi suddenly looked up just as Li Luo was saying goodbye to his boyfriend; surrounded by cheering onlookers, they downed a full large cup of beer.

“Pfft, men.”

Fan Weiqi thought he’d found the answer: no one could resist Xu Ruo’s invitation.

But as he looked at Li Luo’s profile,

he couldn’t help wondering: could he really be that awesome?

He hurried down the stairs, but Li Luo hadn’t even had time to call when a Lexus roared up.

“Whoosh!”

The screech of brakes rang out.

“Get in.”

The woman behind the wheel removed her oversized aviator sunglasses, revealing a delicate face lit by a smile.

“Where to?”

As soon as he fastened his seatbelt, Xu Ruo swiftly accelerated.

“How about your place?”

Looking at Xu Ruo, Li Luo thought of another face, strikingly similar; he rubbed his stomach: “I’ve eaten too greasy these past two days. Let me have some plain porridge at your place to clear my stomach.”

“No problem.”

Xu Ruo picked up the phone beside her and threw him a sultry glance: “But don’t make too much noise—my sister’s home.”

“Say that again?”

Li Luo’s eyes lit up, then he sneered: “Who’s making the noise?”

“Hahaha.”

The woman’s crisp laughter echoed through the night.

The Lexus tires spun rapidly, bringing them back to the same old residential area as before.

But this time, it was different.

Lights were on in the second-floor apartment.

After a few minutes of tender moments in the car, the two walked upstairs with solemn expressions.

“Sister, is the porridge ready?”

Xu Ruo stepped lightly into the second-floor living room, peering into the kitchen: “I told you earlier—I’m bringing a good friend back. You’ve got to let him taste your cooking.”

“Almost done~”

The voice from inside trembled slightly.

A shadow flashed—Xu Peiyu appeared at the kitchen doorway.

Seeing Li Luo smiling broadly, she gripped the spatula tighter.

“Hello.”

Li Luo stepped forward, smiling and extending his hand: “I’m Li Luo. Sorry to trouble you on our first meeting—it’s truly a bother!”

Unlike last time.

Xu Peiyu was now dressed casually at home.

Wearing a light blue pajama set, she looked utterly feminine.

Their hands met.

Li Luo quickly scratched her palm with his fingers.

“No trouble.”

Xu Peiyu steadied her breath and feigned calm: “I’m Peiyu. You two rest for a bit—I’ll just stir-fry two more dishes and we can eat.”

After what happened last time,

she didn’t know how to handle the situation, so she chose to hide.

But hiding,

she couldn’t stop reliving that feeling.

As a result, these past two days she’d been inexplicably staying home, not sure what she was waiting for; every time she saw her sister return alone, a pang of disappointment would strike her.

Just now, she got a call from Ruoxuan saying she’d bring a friend over for a late snack.

Her heart was both eager

and panicked.

“I’m going to shower.” Xu Ruo tossed her coat onto the sofa and stretched: “Li Luo, relax—my sister’s easy to get along with.”

“Act like it’s your own home. Don’t be shy.”

She’d brought guys home before—no need to explain anything to her sister.

As long as he’s a good friend, that’s enough.

Everyone’s an adult—they’ll understand.

“Got it.”

Li Luo had no intention of being polite; he cheerfully rolled up his sleeves: “I can cook too. You go shower—I’ll help your sister.”

Before Peiyu could refuse, he strode into the kitchen.

He grabbed the large block of preserved mustard greens and began slicing them swiftly with the knife.

Xu Ruo watched with a beaming smile.

Soon, she went to shower.

As soon as the bathroom door clicked shut, Xu Peiyu’s breathing quickened; she stirred the vegetables in the pot, her mind in chaos, unsure what to do or say.

In the kitchen, the sound of chopping never stopped.

After slicing the mustard greens,

Li Luo picked up the lean pork beside them and cut it into even strips.

On the gas stove, the clay pot of white porridge bubbled gently, sending up wisps of steam.

The quiet atmosphere soon calmed Peiyu’s nerves; she stole glances sideways, unable to suppress a faint smile.

The tranquil atmosphere quickly calmed Peiyu’s agitated heart; she stole a glance sideways, unable to suppress a faint smile.

He plated the pork strips, then sprinkled on starch, soy sauce, peanut oil, and pepper.

The shredded meat was plated; Li Luo sprinkled on some cornstarch, soy sauce, peanut oil, and pepper.

Peiyu denied it outright.

“Wearing pajamas at this hour.”

Li Luo stirred the pork strips with his chopsticks, speaking slowly: “If you’re not waiting for me, why did you put on makeup?”

Li Luo stirred the shredded meat with his chopsticks and said calmly, “If you weren’t waiting for me, why bother putting on makeup?”

Peiyu stirred the pot fiercely and snapped:

“I’m definitely not waiting for you!”

No rebuttal came. Li Luo set down the seasoned pork strips and walked calmly behind her. Hearing the footsteps, Xu Peiyu increased her stirring speed.

No rebuttal came; Li Luo set down the seasoned shredded meat and walked with steady steps to behind him. Hearing the sound, Xu Peiyu quickened her stir-frying.

Most oppressive.

A faint breath sounded behind her.

She didn’t know how long it lasted.

Warm, moist air brushed lightly against her neck, swirling upward.

Wherever the breath touched,

goosebumps rippled across her skin.

An unfamiliar sensation—tingling, numbing—as if the air had blown straight into her skull. Xu Peiyu couldn’t help but roll her eyes upward.

When the breath reached the top of her neck, she shuddered involuntarily.

She dropped the spatula and spun around sharply.

Seeing Li Luo’s mischievous grin, she gritted her teeth and lunged at him like a madwoman.

The busy, exhausting promotional tour for Wanwan ended quickly.

Unlike when she arrived,

Li Luo boarded the plane alone, carrying a full suitcase of local specialties and several phone numbers.

What remained were the promotional videos.

In the following weeks, these videos and highlights from The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber aired repeatedly on major programs; the quirky skits and thrilling clips drew countless viewers.

All kinds of news reports emerged endlessly.

After just ten days of hype,

on December 1, 2002, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, a co-production across the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong, premiered on China Television.

By December 1, 2002, the joint production of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber from the two shores and Hong Kong premiered on China Television.

7:55 p.m.

After a long day of work, Xu Ruo stepped wearily into her home.

She was surprised to find her sister, who rarely watched TV, sitting on the sofa with a large bowl of popcorn, happily munching as she watched the program previews.

“Sis.”

She shrugged off her coat and bounced onto the sofa: “Aren’t you usually not into soap operas?”

“That’s usually.”

Xu Peici grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved it into her mouth, her eyes glinting: “Look, isn’t that your good friend? I just caught him on the channel—let’s see how he’s doing.”

On the TV screen appeared a vast grassland.

Tents stood in rows, horses galloping back and forth.

The scene quickly shifted as a man with a face like a jade mask slowly turned his head.

His eyebrows were sharp and straight.

His eyes gleamed with vitality.

An ancient-style character “Yi” drifted across the left side of the screen, complementing him perfectly!

“Li Luo?”

Xu Ruo swallowed the popcorn and instantly became interested.

She knew he was promoting a drama, but with work keeping her busy, she hadn’t even known when it would air.

The scenes on screen continued to change.

Amid a melodious musical prelude, Jia Jing replaced the character “Yi,” Li Luo faded from the right, and the ancient character “Tian” drifted in.

Yi, Tian, Tu, Long, Ji.

Whenever a major character appeared, a corresponding character floated beside them.

This debut style was utterly fresh.

The two sisters leaned against each other, laughing as they fed each other popcorn, their eyes fixed on the TV.

“Drunk in the Spring Breeze~”

With a grand drumbeat, a low chant echoed through every household on Wandao.