Chapter 94: Just Seventy Thousand

“Zhang Wuji?”

“Li Luo?”

Both spoke at the same time.

Li Sipin glanced sideways, then quickly turned back to Wu Dun: “Old Wu, you’re not kidding me, right? The actor who played Zhang Wuji doesn’t have a single project lined up now? How is that possible?”

Everyone in the room was no fool.

Wu Dun had made it so obvious, they could instantly guess who he meant.

The earlier talk of a breakout hit now made perfect sense.

They were all in this industry—they knew what it meant for a drama to hit a 5% viewership rating after only a few episodes. They simply didn’t believe the lead actor could fail to rise to fame.

Landing a project deal at this moment was truly a huge advantage.

Even paying a top-tier rate upfront wouldn’t be a loss—it was all about riding the wave of a hot drama’s popularity.

For a moment, everyone in the room looked tempted.

Sometimes landing the male lead depends on connections—but the greatest connection is the ability to make money!

That’s market value.

That’s why popular actors never run out of offers—scripts line up at their doors. Helping your boss make money is the most solid connection of all.

“Zhongjun, do you know Li Luo?”

Wu Dun ignored Li Sipin and turned to the bald man beside him.

It was this man who had blurted out Li Luo’s name just now, so Wu Dun was curious—by all logic, that guy shouldn’t even be on his radar right now.

“Mm.”

Ma Zhongjun scratched his bald head, then lit a cigarette: “I’m investing in a new drama with online voting for the male and female leads. Li Luo is currently eighth in the votes.”

“So I have a bit of a memory of him.”

“Old Ma, stop interrupting.”

Li Sipin snatched up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp, holding up the empty glass: “Wu Ge, I’ve drunk mine—was what you just said true?”

“What interruption?”

Ma Zhongjun also drained his glass: “You think you’re the only one who can drink? I’m looking for a male lead too!”

“Hahaha!!!”

The two men’s playful banter sent the entire room into fits of laughter.

Outside, the assistants waiting in the hallway exchanged glances, wondering what could possibly make these powerful figures in the entertainment industry laugh so hard.

“He really doesn’t have any projects lined up.”

Wu Dun laughed until tears streamed down his face, wiping his gold-rimmed glasses: “Li Luo is straightforward and smart.”

“He works extremely hard on set—always does his own stunts, never uses a double.”

“He can also patiently wait for the right opportunity.”

As people at the top of the food chain, they spoke plainly and objectively about actors. Even Ma Zhongjun, who had just been joking, was thoroughly convinced by these few compliments.

“But let me be clear!”

Wu Dun added a warning: “I’m hiring him for a drama by the end of next year—don’t try to steal this slot from me.”

Got it.

Now all doubts were completely gone.

It wasn’t just talk—they planned to keep working with him. This wasn’t ordinary satisfaction.

“Li Zong.”

After a pause, Ma Zhongjun turned to Li Sipin: “When does your historical drama start filming?”

“Around May.”

Li Sipin thought for a moment and gave the date.

“Mine’s in January.”

Ma Zhongjun’s face lit up. He turned back to Wu Dun: “If we shoot fast, we can wrap in about three months—no scheduling conflicts. Why don’t you, Wu Ge, take some time to set up a meeting with him?”

Hearing there was no conflict, Li Sipin had no objection.

If there’s a leak, we all scoop it up together.

“I’m flying to Jingcheng tomorrow—I’ll mention the new drama to Li Luo on the way.”

Wu Dun put his gold-rimmed glasses back on, lifting his glass: “If you’re free, come along. If not, I’ll just leave you my number.”

“We’ll come, we’ll come.”

Li Sipin poured more wine and raised his glass.

“Let’s go together!”

Ma Zhongjun didn’t hesitate either.

Having someone familiar along made everything easier to discuss.

Whether they were satisfied or not—they’d decide after meeting him.

They were used to this. Not just for a lead role—any good script could launch a whole production after a single drinking session.

That’s the whole point of gathering together.

Everyone shares what they have.

In Jingcheng, inside a villa.

Li Luo lay on the couch, staring at the TV, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.

“What’s wrong?”

A slender finger gently pressed against his head; a soft voice spoke: “You got a text message—why are you so happy, like you just won the lottery?”

“Pretty much.”

He kissed the thigh supporting his head, then looked up happily: “I just heard from a co-star—my drama’s viewership broke five percent. Do you know what that means?”

“Over a million people are watching my show.”

“My lead drama!”

“Isn’t more people watching ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’?” Yu Feihong quickly replied, kissing his forehead: “But this is your first time as lead—breaking five percent on Wandao is already impressive.”

A brilliant silver glimmer danced on her earlobe.

It was the earring he’d bought for her on Wandao—she wore it every time they met. Clearly, she loved the gift.

Li Luo couldn’t resist reaching out to gently flick it, watching the hollowed-out dolphin sway.

The item was small, but exquisitely made.

Of course.

The price was exquisite too.

A tiny pair of Cartier silver earrings had cost over ten thousand yuan.

Plus the bracelet he’d given Xu Qing.

These thirty thousand yuan were his biggest expense on Wandao. Huang Sheng and Bian Xiaoxiao each received small accessories too—cheaper, but still finely crafted.

Women always need a little spending to be pleased.

You can’t just live off free meals forever.

Just now, kneeling behind her and seeing the little dolphin leap and dance, he felt every yuan was worth it.

“By the way.”

The motion reminded Yu Feihong.

She signaled Li Luo to move aside, rolled over toward the bedside table, and quickly returned with a small box: “You’ll be on set often—I bought you something practical.”

“Comrade Yu Feihong.”

Looking at what she held, Li Luo propped his hands behind his head: “You’re giving me a gift because you expect me to return one?”

“Of course not.”

She crawled onto him, hurriedly explaining: “Li Luo, I’ve already accepted your gifts—won’t you at least wear mine?”

Her soft chest pressed flat against him.

She wriggled her waist, pouting: “Just take it, don’t ruin the mood.”

In this state—

Where was the composed, cool woman from before?

“Fine.”

He couldn’t resist this look. Curious, he asked: “What is it?”

“Surprise~”

Yu Feihong smiled sweetly and opened the box.

A flash of silver gleamed inside.

“A watch?”

Li Luo sat up.

“Exactly.”

She curled her legs beneath her, smiling as she lifted the watch from the box and gently fastened it to his wrist: “I know you hate flashy things.”

“So I picked this Yacht-Master model.”

“Now you can check the time easily on set—do you like it?”

A silver metal bracelet, a gray-black dial.

The design was extremely simple.

It was exactly the kind I liked.

But the ROLEX logo and silver crown on the dial instantly made the watch anything but simple.

I bought a Rolex just to check the time easily.

Li Luo didn’t know what to say.

“How much?”

He shook his wrist—the size and weight were perfect.

“Mmm~”

Yu Feihong shook her head with a soft hum, smiling.

“I really like your gift,” Li Luo said, gripping her hand seriously. “But if it’s too expensive, I can’t wear it outside—it’s too flashy.”

“Alright then.”

The woman finally relented, smiling and gesturing: “It’s not expensive—just seventy thousand.”

“You can afford it. Wear it proudly.”

He truly could afford it.

The total fee for The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber was six hundred thousand; after paying 180,000 in taxes, 150,000 for a car, he had 270,000 left. After subtracting gift expenses and other costs, he sent several ten thousand back to his family.

Now he had just over two hundred thousand on hand.

Only a fool would spend over a third of his fortune on a watch.

But if you count it up, it's still within budget.

He wasn’t worried about others seeing him wear it.

Fortunately, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber wouldn’t air on the mainland for another two or three months; its strong ratings in Wandao proved the drama’s quality. Once it aired, his fee would jump significantly.

He wouldn’t be too scared to go home.

Li Luo wasn’t a stingy man—he was willing to build a building for his alma mater if he could afford it.

Doing charity had its benefits.

It could gold-plate your reputation.

But rumors back home kept growing wilder—from him earning hundreds of thousands to millions, and by the time the drama aired, they’d likely claim he’d made tens of millions.

So this year, he’d still have to stay away during the New Year.

“Then thank you.”

Li Luo snapped out of his thoughts, gently pushed forward with both hands, and laid Yu Feihong down: “Just like when I gave you a gift, now that I’ve received one, I must show my gratitude.”

“No, you’re doing it again!!!”

She gripped the sheets tightly with both hands, fingers digging in, wrinkling the fabric.

“You’re terrible.”

She glared up at the man above her, gritting her teeth: “I wanted to tell you a story.”

“What story?”

Li Luo pulled her up again.

He became an ancient tree.

“Ajiu. Bandit monk ghost.”

Yu Feihong’s voice came in fragments, then her eyes rolled back: “You’re too cruel… I’ll tell you another day… ahh~~~”

The next afternoon.

Li Luo shook his hand and opened the book.

It wasn’t showing off.

To a man, a watch was like a toy.

Just gotten it.

Naturally, it still felt fresh.

“You bought a watch?”

Huang Shengyi noticed the watch on his wrist, leaned over, and said enviously: “It’s a Rolex!”

She knew luxury brands inside out.

“It’s just a watch.”

Li Luo replied indifferently: “You’ll be able to afford one too.”

“I don’t know when that’ll be.”

Huang Shengyi sat beside Li Luo in the back of the lecture hall, frowning at the sparse seats: “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber will air soon, right? Jia Nailiang went to shoot a drama.”

“Xiao Xiao was chosen as the female lead, and I’ve accomplished nothing.”

Jia Nailiang had landed a decent supporting role in a modern drama; Huang Shengyi hadn’t thought much of it then.

But recently,

Xiao Xiao was also selected by a film crew scouting students.

She landed the female lead in a movie.

Though it was a low-budget indie film, unlikely to even get a theatrical release, it was enough to stir envy and frustration in her.

“Don’t rush.”

Seeing the teacher enter, Li Luo lowered his voice: “Everyone’s path is different. Just think of their filming as an internship—you can still practice acting here.”

“You say that easily, but I want an internship too.”

Huang Shengyi propped her chin on her hands and sighed: “Even if I never make it on screen, at least it’s experience.”

“Mm.”

Li Luo picked up his pen and scribbled on the textbook: “That makes sense.”

“Wait until next year.”

He looked up at the lecturing teacher and whispered: “If I land a role next year, I’ll try to get you one too—I can’t promise screen time.”

Consider it reciprocation.

This girl was genuinely helpful—she’d boosted my experience a lot.

A small named role.

Should be doable.

“Really?”

Huang Shengyi’s eyes lit up.

She’d been building up to this exact line.

Dramas differed—some never got aired, some aired but made no splash, while others were guaranteed media attention.

A minor supporting role in a major drama was more impressive than a major role in an obscure one.

The dramas Li Luo appeared in were highly likely to be major ones.

“I’ll do my best.”

Li Luo nodded slightly: “No guarantees.”

“That’s enough.”

Huang Shengyi grinned, showing her white teeth. She glanced quickly around at the sparse seats, then leaned closer: “Li Luo, want some rewards?”

Before he could answer, the girl quietly lowered one hand.

Then,

The zipper was gently tugged.

Li Luo first felt a chill, then slowly sensed her small hand skillfully pulling.

He exhaled softly, eyes scanning, ears alert.

You should’ve said there were rewards earlier!

Why waste time talking? Just hand over the reward already~

The lecture echoed through the classroom.

Li Luo’s pen darted back and forth across the textbook, growing wider and wider, until it traced the shape of an ECG.

The timing was right.

Huang Shengyi’s pencil slipped to the floor.

She took a deep breath.

Quickly buried her head.

When the girl retrieved her pencil, Li Luo kindly offered her a tissue.

[Balancing study and pleasure—life never betrays the hardworking.]

[Indulge in success.]

[Reward: Immune Body (Beginner)]

Li Luo immediately focused on his new skill—his eyes gleamed. The new attribute granted immunity to common minor illnesses like colds and fevers.

If so, then if it upgraded to Intermediate or Advanced…

Oh my~

That meant he’d never have to worry again.

A divine attribute!

"Relax."

Li Luo was in high spirits and pinched Huang Sheng’s cheek: "I said it, and I’ll do it!"

The latter swallowed hard.

He shyly wiped the corner of his mouth with a tissue.