Chapter 98: Soul-Entrancing Soup

The contract was signed.

The first change came from the Internet.

Various behind-the-scenes footage, set photos, and exciting trailers of *Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre* swept across major portal websites, making the drama fans who had been looking forward to it for a long time feel itchy, and they asked about the broadcast time one after another.

The *Sui Tang Hero Biography* crew also began to exert force, announcing that Zhao Wenchao and Li Luo were included in the consideration for the male lead.

It caused a burst of exclamation, not understanding why a Lin Pingzhi could receive such favor.

All kinds of news drafts about Li Luo danced all over the sky.

Interestingly.

Zhang Zhizhong also jumped out to join the fun.

He stroked his big beard and praised Li Luo's character and acting skills.

And indicated that *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* was about to be broadcast, welcoming everyone to watch another masterpiece of his after *Xiao Ao Jianghu*.

In this wave of heat.

In the online voting options for *Ping Zong Xia Ying*, the vote count for Li Luo playing Zhang Danfeng also appeared explosive growth.

Actually, in *Xiao Ao Jianghu*.

Lin Pingzhi had already accumulated quite a bit of popularity for Li Luo.

His look before castration still had quite a bit of young hero temperament, otherwise he wouldn't have rushed to eighth place before. Now with the surge in online heat, the people who went to vote for him naturally increased.

There was also Ma Zhongjun's dark box operation, and he successfully squeezed into second place in just one week.

Approaching the first place.

This situation naturally caused dissatisfaction among the fans of the first place, and they quickly called for maintaining Huang Haibing's position, followed by another wave of online scolding.

It's just a pity that the power of fans appeared incomparably fragile in front of the promotion of three film and television companies.

Soon they were scattered.

Behind this matter stood three companies: Changhong Film and Television, Ciwen Media, and Physician Sunshine.

Three executives met and decided to cooperate to promote.

It caused the current situation.

*Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre* was about to be broadcast, Wu Dun originally had to carry out promotional work, and the other two companies had already signed Li Luo's schedule, spending money was equivalent to warming up for the new play.

The more popular the male lead, the more favorable it was for them.

When the Internet was making a lot of noise.

Li Luo was like nothing happened, pushing open the door casually.

"Teacher Huo."

Walking into the messy office, he put the tea leaves in his hand on the table: "What a coincidence, I just picked up a can of good Xinyang Maojian on the ground, hurry up and find you to appreciate it."

"Classmate Li Luo."

Professor Huo Xuan smiled without warmth, shaking out two cigarettes: "I can't remember how many times you've picked up tea."

Taking the cigarette, Li Luo pointed to the dent he had pinched on the tea can and laughed: "Why do you remember that, don't believe it, look here, didn't notice it was knocked broken on it!"

"Say it if you have something."

Striking a match to light the cigarette, Professor Huo Xuan said angrily, handing it forward: "Is it asking for leave again."

Li Luo covered the flame with one hand and brought the cigarette butt over.

The tobacco was soon ignited.

"Teacher still understands me." He took a light drag, holding the cigarette in his hand: "There is something next, need to ask you to help ask for a period of leave."

"How long."

Professor Huo Xuan shook out the match and threw it into the ashtray.

It was already sophomore year.

Students with ability had all started running to the crew one after another. He had been approving leave for people during this period. Others were like this, not to mention this guy who had already shone brightly before entering school.

"About twelve months."

Li Luo shook the cigarette in his hand, stealing

"Cough~"

He choked on a mouthful of smoke.

Professor Huo Xuan grabbed his teacup to moisten his throat, then widened his eyes and asked, "Say it again, how long?"

"One year."

Li Luo answered honestly.

It was quite a long time; he had to ask for leave in advance.

If it were any other school, he would have just been suspended.

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Professor Huo Xuan covered his teacup and said excitedly, "Come, come, tell me, what kind of drama requires filming for a year nowadays?"

"I have to film three in a row."

Li Luo's voice echoed leisurely.

The office became quiet, with only smoke curling upward.

"Are they all male leads?"

After a long while, Professor Huo Xuan asked tentatively.

"Yes."

Li Luo was exceptionally straightforward, scratching his head with a smile: "And the schedule is quite full; I can't wait until winter break, I have to join the crew in January."

He took a deep drag of his cigarette.

Professor Huo Xuan looked at the student sitting across from him with a sigh.

Some time ago, people were still gossiping, saying that Li Luo was actually just so-so and only got a lead role because of good luck.

Now that the filming was over, he had been returned to his original form.

No one was looking for him to continue filming, so he could only obediently return to school for classes.

Now, things were different.

Either he doesn't show up, or when he does, he pulls off something big.

Taking on three male lead roles at once—just based on this momentum of landing roles, he wasn't much worse than that big-eyed girl from the '96 class.

"I've seen your performance during this period."

Professor Huo Xuan nodded, looking at Li Luo with appreciation: "Even without roles to film, you were able to settle your heart and study; this point is commendable. Actually, during this time, I have also been helping you inquire about suitable roles."

"There's a drama called 'Amazing Detective Di Renjie' that's quite good."

"Looking at it now."

He flicked the ash off his cigarette and said with a smile, "I've saved myself a favor."

Having worked in the education industry for many years, Professor Huo Xuan might not have any famous works, but his network of relationships was extraordinary. When he encountered a student he appreciated, he wouldn't hesitate to use his connections to help find suitable opportunities.

He had intended.

To give Li Luo a surprise.

He didn't expect to be the one amazed instead.

"Thank you, Master."

Hearing this, Li Luo solemnly expressed his thanks.

Although he didn't need the help.

He had to acknowledge the gesture.

Being able to name the drama was enough to prove the other party wasn't just saying it for show.

"Alright."

Professor Huo Xuan waved his hand and tapped the tea canister placed to the side: "A teacher can't drink your tea for nothing."

"When you have the leave request form ready, bring it over."

"I'll go find the department leadership."

"You got it."

Li Luo didn't say another word, grinning as he took the leave request form from his pocket and handed it over: "Then I'll trouble you, Master."

"You kid~"

Looking at that leave request form, Professor Huo Xuan felt a surge of exasperation.

After getting the leave approved and saying goodbye to his classmates.

Li Luo took his things and walked leisurely back to the Beijing Film Academy residential area.

Although the start date wasn't that soon, early preparations were still necessary. Besides reading the script thoroughly, he would also take this time to rest well, treating it as a vacation for himself before filming began.

Just as he opened the script for 'Ping Zong Xia Ying'.

His phone let out a crisp sound.

"When are you done with class? Come over to Jiang Wen's place."

Looking at the text message from Xu Qing, Li Luo quickly replied: "No playing cards during this time, I need to stay home and read the script."

"Did you ask for leave?"

"Yeah."

"Come over, I'll introduce you to some new friends; reading the script can wait a little while."

"Okay."

Scratching his head, he had no choice but to close the script.

Jiang Wen was idle at home, often calling friends to play cards and drink. Only when he occasionally had free time would Li Luo go over to join the fun. Although everyone who associated with that director of character had some weight in the industry.

But Li Luo always felt that to forge iron, one must be strong oneself.

As long as he achieved results.

Friends would come naturally.

If he just shamelessly hung around without any achievements, others would only treat him as a hanger-on.

Half an hour later.

He walked into the courtyard facing the afternoon sun.

He knocked on the door.

The sound of light footsteps rang out, and it was quickly opened from the inside.

"Sister Zhou."

Seeing the gentle-looking Zhou Yun, Li Luo raised his hand to greet her.

She and Jiang Wen were currently at the height of their passion.

They had already started living together.

"Come in quickly."

Zhou Yun stepped aside, wrapping her shawl tighter: "They were just talking about you?"

"Oh, really."

Li Luo tidied his clothes and strode into the courtyard: "Is Brother Wen bad-mouthing me again? Sister-in-law, you have to stand up for me!"

This 'Sister-in-law' made Zhou Yun's heart tremble.

At this time, Jiang Wen was still in a marriage, and everyone knew what their situation was, but no one had ever made it explicit. Now, this accidental 'Sister-in-law' made her heart bloom with joy.

"Don't worry, I'm here."

She closed the courtyard door with a brilliant smile and said with the air of a mistress of the house: "No one dares to bully you."

Alright then.

Li Luo shrugged.

He had inexplicably won someone over.

"Kong."

Just as he approached the sunroom, he heard the sound of playing cards, followed immediately by a tease: "Yo, yo, yo, long time no see, Mr. Male Lead, did you forget your brothers once you got a role!"

"Teasing him is teasing me."

Xu Qing threw out a useless card and glared at Jiang Wen.

"How are you talking?"

Yu Feihong tapped the table and reached out to draw a card.

Zhou Yun was as good as her word; after walking into the sunroom, she also added: "Why are you being so sharp-tongued?"

"Hey!!!"

Suddenly attacked by several women, Jiang Wen blinked his bull-like eyes: "What's going on here? What kind of love potion did Li Luo feed you?"

One side of the sunroom was a large expanse of glass.

The winter sun spilled into the room, landing on the mahjong table.

Besides Xu Qing and Yu Feihong, there was also a man with a baby face playing cards with them.

On the heated brick bed to the side sat a woman with short hair.

She had a melon-seed face.

She looked just like a vixen.

That wasn't an insult; the woman was extremely beautiful.

Li Luo recognized her at a glance as the Peacock Princess from 'Journey to the West' and the Second Dragon Princess from 'Chun Guang Can Lan Zhu Ba Jie'.

"What love potion."

Xu Qing said nonchalantly: "He's my sworn younger brother; if you pick on him, isn't that the same as picking on me?"

"That's right." Yu Feihong's earrings swayed gently, her expression equally calm: "Xu Qing's sworn younger brother is my sworn younger brother; you are not allowed to bully him."

"Fine, fine, fine."

Before Zhou Yun could speak, Jiang Wen raised his hands, laughing and crying: "It's my sharp tongue, okay?"

"It's my fault."

Li Luo walked into the sunroom with his hands cupped, saying cheerfully: "It has been a while since I came to hang out with Brother Wen; it's mainly because there are too many classes at school lately, and now I have to memorize scripts, so time is a bit tight."

"Did you really land two roles?"

A flash of envy crossed Jiang Wen's eyes; others saw him as comfortable and carefree.

But he knew he was bored to death.

"Three."

Li Luo stopped beside the mahjong table: "The script for one of them isn't out yet, but the schedule is already set."

"Damn."

Jiang Wen cursed and threw out the mahjong tile he had just drawn:

"I need to find a movie to act in too!"

The way he said that.

It was truly imposing.

But with his ability, finding a movie to act in really wasn't difficult; it just depended on whether he wanted to or not.

Hearing this, the others all showed joy.

Everyone was friends.

They didn't want to see Jiang Wen become decadent because of the directing ban, so they often came over to keep him company and kill time. They didn't expect that Li Luo's stimulation would actually make him pull himself together!

Zhou Yun, to the side, quickly cast a grateful look at Li Luo.

"Acting is good."

Xu Qing tapped the table and pressed the advantage: "You should have gone out to act long ago; what's the point of sitting here all day eating away your savings."

"Yeah."

Jiang Wen sighed softly: "It really is a bit boring."

"Enough talk!"

He reached out and patted forward: "Let's get acquainted; Yu Dong and Jin Qiao are friends, and they are also your senior and senior sister."

"Hello, Junior."

As soon as Jiang Wen finished introducing them, Yu Dong revealed a smile full of affinity: "I've heard quite a bit about you just now; not bad, a hero emerges from the youth. When shall we have a couple of drinks?"

"Hello, Brother Dong."

Li Luo picked up the Er Guo Tou placed to the side: "There's no need to pick a time for drinking; I'll toast you right now, Senior."

The face was familiar, but he didn't know him.

However, since Xu Qing could call him over, it surely wasn't for the Peacock Princess next to him.

Although he didn't know the other party, he was a senior nonetheless.

Facing the bottle.

He gulped down a large mouthful.

"Good!"

Yu Dong's polite smile from just a moment ago suddenly became sincere, and he also raised his own cup: "You've got a straightforward temper; I'll return the toast to my junior."

With two taels of white liquor down his throat, this guy didn't change his expression.

Seeing the two of them doing this.

Jiang Wen couldn't help but reach for his cup, only to be slapped away by Zhou Yun.

Li Luo didn't leave out Jin Qiao and greeted her as well.

Since Yu Dong wasn't introduced as to what he did, he couldn't be bothered to ask. Anyway, anyone who could come here should be treated as a friend. After finishing the greetings, he stood to the side to watch the mahjong game.

Soon, the round of mahjong ended with Jiang Wen discarding the winning tile.

"Qiao, you come play."

Yu Feihong pressed down on the mahjong tiles and stood up, saying: "I have something to discuss with Li Luo."

"You got it."

Jin Qiao stepped forward and shuffled the tiles skillfully.

Amidst the clattering, her fingers brushed against Yu Dong's; the latter glanced at her and quickly withdrew his gaze.

The people playing mahjong chatted casually.

With a hint of confusion, Li Luo followed Feihong to the side of the heated brick bed and sat up on it.

A fire was burning inside.

As soon as he sat down, he felt warm and cozy.

"Xiao Luo."

Yu Feihong took a thin script out of her bag, her eyes bright and piercing:

"Can you accept a bald image?"

"Of course I can." Li Luo placed his palm on the thigh she had tucked up next to him, stroking it as he said softly: "But my schedule is already booked until 2004; you don't need to introduce roles to me."

Having already filled up next year's work, he really didn't want to take on too many roles at once.

His expression appeared somewhat troubled.

The hand rubbing her plump thigh also used a bit of force.

In the middle was a low square table.

The tablecloth perfectly blocked the view, so there was no need to fear others seeing.

"Be serious."

Startled by his actions, Yu Feihong looked hurriedly at the lively mahjong table, then placed the script in her hand on the square table: "It's not someone else's drama, it's my drama."

"The script has been polished for two years, but I just haven't encountered a suitable male lead."

Looking at the script cover.

Li Luo met the woman's eyes, which were full of affection.

"Now I have."

Yu Feihong's expression was somewhat shy as she continued: "So I plan to film it. Can you see if this story is okay? Don't worry about the schedule; I still need a lot of preparation time."

"Even if filming starts, it will be 2004."

"You want to direct it yourself?"

Li Luo's fingers scraped lightly over the four large characters 'Ai You Lai Sheng'.

"Yeah."

Yu Feihong's expression was firm.