Chapter 323: Senior Continues to Sneak Snacks

"August 15th," "Changning City," "tourism."

Could Xu Youyu possibly be unfamiliar with these keywords?

The Wenxue Group writer salon she's invited to next month is precisely scheduled for August 14th to 16th, isn't it?

How could it possibly coincide like this?

Thinking of this, Xu Youyu suddenly felt a jolt—but then she reasoned that Changning City was such a large place; it was unlikely they'd run into each other by chance.

After all, their writer salon events are held inside hotels, while Lin Xiuhong and the others are traveling to Changning—they'd surely go to tourist attractions and such.

Thinking this, Xu Youyu breathed a little easier.

But then she remembered: Li Guohong and Lin Xiuhong chose this exact time to travel to Changning—didn't that perfectly overlap with Li Luo's salon schedule?

"Auntie, why did you decide to go to Changning on the 15th next month?" Xu Youyu asked curiously. "I remember Li Luo mentioned earlier that he's going to attend some kind of salon next month?"

"That's right," Lin Xiuhong smiled and nodded. "Since he's going to Changning anyway, Li Luo suggested we tag along too. Ying Chanxi and her dad are coming as well—it's the perfect chance to travel during summer break."

"Oh~" Hearing this, Xu Youyu suddenly understood, giving Li Luo a knowing glance and letting out a silent huff—she finally knew who was behind this.

"Are you going too, Youyu?" Lin Xiuhong asked. "I see you stay here every day, eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. Your mom's right sometimes—you really should get out and move around. Otherwise, when you're older, your health will suffer."

"Hmm..." Facing Cui Suling, Xu Youyu could still fight back—but with Lin Xiuhong's nagging, she couldn't bring herself to resist, so she nodded obediently. "I know, Auntie. But I won't go on the trip—you all have fun."

Hearing the senior refuse to go, Ying Chanxi finally relaxed slightly.

When Lin Xiuhong had asked if Xu Youyu was coming, Ying Chanxi had been terrified.

Now she slowly uncurled her toes and loosened her grip on the chopsticks.

She'd finally gotten a chance, like Yan Zhusheng's class trip, to travel alone with Li Luo—she didn't want this ruined.

But since Lin Xiuhong had extended the invitation herself, Ying Chanxi couldn't interrupt.

Fortunately, Xu Youyu was lazy enough to refuse outright, letting Ying Chanxi breathe a sigh of relief and silently rejoice.

"What about Zhusheng?" Lin Xiuhong asked next.

At this, Ying Chanxi's heart leapt back to her throat, and she instinctively glanced at Yan Zhusheng beside her.

Fortunately, Yan Zhusheng surprised her by shaking her head: "I'll probably go with my mom."

"Huh?" Li Guohong, hearing about Yuan Wanqing, asked curiously, "What's up with your mom?"

"Mom's going to Hulan next month on the 14th to record the sixth episode's challenger round of 'I Am a Singer,'" Yan Zhusheng said. "I made plans to go with her and cheer her on."

"Oh, right, that's happening," Li Guohong nodded in realization. "I remember that except for the finals, all episodes of 'I Am a Singer' are pre-recorded—so we'll know the results ahead of time?"

Hearing this, Li Guohong grew eager.

"Yes," Yan Zhusheng nodded. "Uncle, do you want to know the results ahead of time?"

"Nah, better not," Li Guohong thought for a moment and shook his head. "Knowing the outcome beforehand would ruin the fun—I'll just watch it when it airs."

"The episode your mom performs in," Li Luo mused, "if I remember right, airs on August 21st?"

"Mm," Yan Zhusheng nodded.

"That's still over a month away," Li Luo calculated, then smiled.

His current 300,000-word draft already reaches the part where Mo Qinghan steps onto the singer stage.

But the actual broadcast schedule for 'I Am a Singer,' starting with Yuan Wanqing's sixth episode on August 21st, will continue until the finals on October 9th—if everything goes smoothly.

A span of one and a half months.

To perfectly synchronize weekly performances in the novel with real-life broadcasts, Li Luo's plotting skills will be severely tested.

Since in reality a song is performed only once per week, and Li Luo updates around six thousand words daily, each song Mo Qinghan sings requires at least thirty to forty thousand words of transitional content.

On one hand, he can weave in progress from other main plotlines; on the other, he can add more sweet interactions between the protagonist and Mo Qinghan.

He could even use this to plant rumors about their relationship and further develop Mo Qinghan's mother's character.

In short, if you're willing to think, solutions always outnumber problems.

"By the way," Lin Xiuhong suddenly remembered, "about your big god contract—should we bring a lawyer along?"

"Oh, that," Li Luo nodded. "I know. I'll get one."

"You're hiring a lawyer to negotiate your big god contract?" Xu Youyu asked curiously.

"Yeah, some clauses can be negotiated based on needs."

"Then you can ask my dad," Xu Youyu said.

"Aren't you dad a literature professor?" Li Luo asked in surprise. "Does he know law?"

"Of course not," Xu Youyu laughed and shook her head. "But he's still a professor at Qianjiang University—he definitely knows professors from the law school. There are plenty of famous lawyers who graduated from Qianjiang University. Let my dad recommend a few to you."

"That's true," Li Luo nodded in realization. "I'll ask your dad sometime?"

"Leave it to me," Xu Youyu patted her chest. "I'll ask for you."

"Alright."

They ate and chatted at the same time.

After dinner, it was Xu Youyu's turn to wash the dishes.

After eating, Xu Youyu got up immediately and helped Lin Xiuhong clear the table.

The other two had wanted to help too, but Xu Youyu shooed them away, telling them to rest.

As for Li Luo, after dinner he returned to his room, opened his writing software, and found his editor's QQ to send a message.

【Chongran】: There's something I forgot to tell you earlier.

【Chongran】: Do you remember Yuan Wanqing? The one we did the crossover with before.

【Qianzhou】: Of course I do. What's up?

【Chongran】: She's going to appear as a challenger on 'I Am a Singer' next month—you know that show, right?

【Qianzhou】: Of course I know. But what's that got to do with us?

【Chongran】: The song she's performing is a new track from her new album—and I wrote all her songs. You get what I mean, right?

【Qianzhou】: What the hell?!

【Qianzhou】: No… bro, let me catch my breath—I just finished eating and haven't digested it yet.

【Chongran】: Simply put, do you remember last time's "Annual Rings"?

【Chongran】: This new album has nine songs, all written by me, and each will be performed on stage by my female lead, synced with the plot of my novel.

【Chongran】: In reality, these songs will be released as Yuan Wanqing's new album and make their debut on "I Am a Singer."

【Chongran】: If handled well, the cross-media synergy between the novel and the real world should yield excellent results.

【Chongran】: Right now I just want to ask—does Wen Yue still have interest in a joint interview campaign like last time's "Annual Rings"?

After reading Li Luo's message, Qianzhou fell silent for a moment.

Then he immediately said:

【Qianzhou】: Tomorrow at work, I'll talk to the publicity team—last time's synergy worked so well, they probably won't refuse.

【Chongran】: Good. Try to give me news as soon as possible. If possible, let's find a time this month for all three of us to sit down and discuss the details.

【Qianzhou】: No problem!

【Chongran】: Also, since we're talking about collaboration, could you ask the copyright department whether we should also bring up my big-shen contract early?

【Qianzhou】: Sure, no issue—I'll just mention it to the chief editor and copyright team.

After finishing this discussion, Li Luo ended his conversation with the editor and officially entered writing mode.

When Li Luo finished writing late at night, took a shower, and prepared to get into bed,

someone pushed open his bedroom door.

Li Luo looked at Xu Youyu, who sneaked in furtively, and sighed: "Senior, why do you always come to see me at this hour?"

"I need to write too," Xu Youyu rolled her eyes. "Only after finishing my writing do I have time to come see you."

"Then you might as well just sleep after writing—go to bed early, wake up early, and join us for morning runs."

"Heh." Xu Youyu sneered twice, then pounced onto the bed, straddling Li Luo's stomach, gripping his throat with both hands, and growled, "Don't change the subject—I haven't settled accounts with you yet!"

"What… accounts?" Li Luo asked, bewildered.

"How can you even ask?" Xu Youyu gritted her teeth. "We were going to the salon together—why did you bring Xi Xi and Uncle and Auntie too?"

"Didn't the class trip only take Zhusheng? Xi Xi kept throwing tantrums, so I just invited her along for the trip."

"But did you ever think of me?" Xu Youyu snapped. "If they find out I'm there too, how am I supposed to explain it? If my real identity gets exposed, I'll kill you!"

"That's harsh, Senior." Li Luo pried her hands loose and reassured her, "Don't worry—I'll have them book a different hotel. They won't stay with us."

"Besides the salon, you probably just stay in your room the whole time anyway."

"If we're careful, we won't get found out."

"Hmph. Easy for you to say." Xu Youyu sniffed. "But it still increases the risk of me being exposed. So—how are you going to compensate me?"

"Hmm… then I'll reluctantly kiss you as compensation." Li Luo sighed, sounding as if he were suffering a great loss.

"What the heck? You actually dare say that?" Xu Youyu burst out laughing and crying at once.

"Didn't you kiss me before?"

"How can that be the same?"

"You're being discriminatory," Li Luo chuckled. "When a girl kisses a guy, it's a reward or thanks—but when a guy kisses a girl, it's not allowed?"

"You've got a point," Xu Youyu sneered twice, then her eyes shifted, turning sultry. She leaned down, pressing her face close to Li Luo's, smiling: "Since you say so, then kiss me—let me feel what your compensation feels like."

Seeing Xu Youyu's pale, soft cheek so close, Li Luo was suddenly thrown off guard.

He'd just been joking—was she actually serious?

"Maybe we should just skip it?" Li Luo swallowed. "Can we try something else?"

"You're so slow," Xu Youyu laughed. "I'm just gathering material—kissing me won't cost you a thing. Why do you look more scared than I am?"

Feeling the real weight on his body, the faint scent swirling around his nose and mouth, and the stray strands of her hair brushing his face, Li Luo's breathing quickened.

Li Luo raised one hand and gently touched Xu Youyu's cheek, feeling the texture beneath his fingers. He drew a slow breath, finally unable to resist—he lifted his head slightly and brushed his lips against her cheek.

Unlike Xu Youyu's previous surprise attack,

this time both were mentally prepared.

As their lips met, Xu Youyu felt a jolt, like electricity coursing through her, her body trembling slightly.

But Li Luo held back—he kissed her like a dragonfly skimming water, then immediately pulled away.

Xu Youyu turned her head, locking eyes with him, her gaze tangled with countless unspoken emotions.

They stared at each other for several seconds, both breathing faster.

Xu Youyu braced her hands on the bed, fingers instinctively gripping the sheets, then whispered: "I said I was gathering material—just one quick kiss? I didn't even get to feel anything."

"Then… what do you want?"

"Try again?" Xu Youyu's cheeks flushed. She tilted her face slightly, drawing closer to Li Luo. "I didn't even react yet—you should… kiss me longer."

Faced with such temptation, Li Luo could no longer resist. He touched her other cheek, gently pressing down, then lifted his head again and kissed her.

This time, it lasted longer.

So long that a few seconds felt like centuries.

In that kiss, both unconsciously savored the gentle friction of lips against skin.

Neither noticed as Xu Youyu's face slowly turned back, and Li Luo gradually kissed her lip corner.

But at that moment, Xu Youyu suddenly came to her senses. She lifted her head, raised a finger to block Li Luo's mouth, and smiled blushing: "What are you trying to do? You kissed my cheek—now you don't want to let go of my lips?"

Li Luo snapped back to reality, his gaze still dazed—he thought Xu Youyu looked especially beautiful now, his mind foggy.

Seeing his adorable reaction, Xu Youyu couldn't resist teasing further. She traced her own rosy lips with her other hand, leaned in, and whispered: "Actually… if Little Junior really wants to try, it's not impossible."

"Senior…" Li Luo felt his mouth dry, her lips like a tempting spring—he felt he could be quenched just by drawing near.

But the next second, someone knocked on the bedroom door.

It instantly shattered the tender atmosphere between the two.

Xu Youyu rolled off Li Luo's body, quickly slipped on her slippers, and tidied her pajamas and hair.

Outside the door, Yan Zhusheng's voice came through: "Li Luo, I'm coming in."

Saying this, she pushed open the bedroom door.

When she saw Xu Youyu standing by the bed and Li Luo lying on it, she froze: "Senior is here too?"

"Mm." Xu Youyu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then walked toward the bedroom door, smiling, "I came to ask him about finding a lawyer. I'm going back to sleep now."

"Oh." Yan Zhusheng nodded, watched Xu Youyu leave the room, then closed the bedroom door.

At this point, Li Luo had regained his composure, sat up on the bed, and asked Yan Zhusheng: "What's up?"

"Hmm…" Yan Zhusheng walked to the bed, naturally kicked off her slippers, and climbed onto Li Luo's bed, "I have something to ask you—do you know which hotel you're staying at for the salon in Changning next month?"

"Ask all you want, but can you not climb up?" Li Luo said helplessly.

"Didn't Senior just climb up?" Yan Zhusheng tilted her head.

At this, Li Luo was speechless.

Yan Zhusheng reached for his pillow, picked up a strand of hair, and said: "It's Senior's."

Saying this, she顺势 climbed onto Li Luo's body and continued: "So, have you booked the hotel yet?"

"For the salon…" Li Luo sighed resignedly, then said, "They've booked the Changning Jinjiang Hotel. But why are you asking?"

"I'm going too," Yan Zhusheng said without hiding it.

"Wait… you didn't say that at dinner just now," Li Luo asked, puzzled. "Aren't you going to accompany your mom on a show?"

"That's right," Yan Zhusheng nodded. "But the recording is on the 14th. After that, my mom is flying to Changning for another event, and I'll go with her."

Li Luo: "?"

"Changning Jinjiang Hotel," Yan Zhusheng muttered twice, noted it down, then nodded, "I'll have my mom's assistant book it there."

Li Luo: "... Don't you think it'd be better if you booked somewhere else nearby?"

"What's the difference?" Yan Zhusheng asked, confused. "Did your website book the whole hotel?"

"Not at all…"

It was a five-star hotel—Wenxue Group's tiny salon event couldn't possibly book the entire place.

"Then it's settled," Yan Zhusheng nodded happily. "Don't worry—I'll only come to see you at night. The rest of the time, you can hang out with Chanxi."

After saying this, Yan Zhusheng obediently slid off Li Luo, gave him no chance to refuse, slipped on her slippers, and walked out of the room, waving goodbye warmly: "Goodnight."

…

The next day, Monday, the seven-person study group gathered again, continuing to steadily advance their summer study plan.

Meanwhile, Qianzhou the editor sent word that the publicity department was very interested in this kind of content linkage and wanted to discuss details with Li Luo and Yuan Wanqing.

After Li Luo told Yuan Wanqing, Ying Zhicheng also received the news and said they could set a time for a detailed talk.

Xu Youyu told Xu Rongsheng about Li Luo's contract negotiation with the big author.

Through Xu Rongsheng's introduction, a professor from the Law School recommended a lawyer specializing in author copyright contracts to Li Luo.

The meeting time among the three parties was then set for early August.

However, at the end of July, Li Guohong was the first to bring good news.

"The storefront for that hot pot restaurant has been confirmed for sale," Li Guohong said at lunch on the weekend.

Lately, because he frequently traveled to Xijie near Qianjiang University, Li Guohong had been eating mostly at Bihai Lanting.

Now that the deal had finally come through, he immediately reported the news to his son.

Li Luo raised an eyebrow, then smiled: "Has the contract been signed?"

"Already signed. Just waiting for the loan approval," Li Guohong took two bites of rice and added, "The price was even a bit lower than before."

"Originally, since another hot pot restaurant was still operating, there was a slight premium."

"Now that the restaurant closed, no one's come to inquire about renting, so I negotiated the price down a bit."

"But the landlord bought it at seven or eight thousand per square meter anyway—he's still making a profit. The contract was signed quickly."

"Good," Li Luo nodded, deeply satisfied.

After all, on Xijie Street, the most advantageous future locations were, besides Lin Xiu's milk tea shop next to Qianjiang University's west gate, this hot pot restaurant near the future subway entrance.

Add to that the fruit shop in the middle, and with these three storefronts in hand, once the subway opens, the Li family's assets will surge again.

But for Li Luo now, even if the storefront prices rise later, he doesn't necessarily need to sell them for cash flow.

After "I Am Really Not a Star" takes off, he's no longer short on money—keeping the storefronts idle after purchase is perfectly fine.

Thinking of this, Li Luo said: "Dad, if you're bored at home, why not buy the hot pot restaurant too?"

"Huh? What do you mean? Isn't the building already bought?"

"I mean the restaurant itself," Li Luo emphasized. "The owner isn't renewing the lease—doesn't that mean he's selling off the equipment to recoup funds? Why not just take over the whole place?"

"Can that even work?" Li Guohong frowned. "He quit because he wasn't making money."

"That's only because the rent was too high," Li Luo reminded him. "If he didn't have to pay rent, would he still not make money? At least he'd make a small profit."

"And just because he's not making money now doesn't mean he won't later."

"Once the subway opens, foot traffic might pick up."

"You're free now anyway—why not run a hot pot restaurant for fun?"

"You don't even need to cook—just stroll by every day. Leave everything else to the staff."

Hearing this, Li Guohong was somewhat tempted.

After all, these days, besides sitting in the office with Lin Xiuhong blowing air conditioning, he'd been running around Xijie negotiating property contracts.

Now that the contracts were done, he suddenly had nothing to do.

Lin Xiuhong could still come over to cook and keep herself busy.

Li Guohong was terribly bored by himself.

Thinking of this, he nodded: "Perfect, I'll go over there this afternoon."

"I'll go with you," Li Luo said. "I might as well check on how Uncle's milk tea shop is doing."