125: Edited by Chen Mu (You can reread the end)

Hengtai employees had a week-long holiday. Sun Binghe couldn't sit still and reported for duty on the fourth day of the lunar new year. Yang Bin reported on the eighth, while Chu Yilan's return was nowhere in sight.

Until after the Lantern Festival, Chu Yilan hadn't contacted his two special assistants to inquire about work.

Sun Binghe: "Does Boss still know he has a company? He knows, right?"

Yang Bin: "He probably hasn't forgotten..."

Chu Yilan and Shen Lian slept until eight or nine every day. If they had been too wild the previous night, they'd sleep until noon. Afternoons were spent either watching movies together or reminiscing about old times.

Shen Lian bought two jigsaw puzzles, both enough to keep them occupied for most of the day.

Chu Yilan felt this was the most wonderful dream, one he wished he'd never wake from.

He could, but Hu Kailan couldn't.

Brother Hu was practically fuming at the Hengtai. A pile of collaborators had flooded his inbox. Hu Kailan had filtered out many good resources and held them tightly, afraid Shen Lian would miss out.

blazing fire became the dark horse that stood out during the winter holiday season. Lead actor Lin Fu's popularity soared, and Shen Lian, without overshadowing his co-star's halo, also became a hot topic.

When Hu Kailan first took over Shen Lian, he thought that if this person achieved something, it could erase those dark histories. Now, this favorable wind had arrived!

Now, when Shen Lian was mentioned again, the haters would jump and leap, but even dragging out Zhou Tangsi didn't hold much meaning.

As netizens put it: "Okay, okay, we get it. Shen Lian once had a crush on that Director So-and-so. So what? Can a person only have one spring in their life? He's now clean-living, no hype, no scandals. Yet some fans of a certain 'Ge' still jump out saying Shen Lian wronged their 'Ge.' Honestly, your 'Ge' and Shen Lian are not even on the same level anymore."

Indeed, Shen Lian now outperformed Zheng Ge in every aspect, and it wasn't an overnight rise. He had quietly, with data and achievements, crushed his way to the top.

When Hu Kailan's third call came, Shen Lian knew it was time to go back to work.

The weather was still cold, but the warm sunshine lasted longer and longer. The forsythia on the roadside had already begun to bud.

After much coaxing, Chu Yilan finally relented, but with a strict condition: "If you prioritize work over your life, be prepared to leave the industry."

Shen Lian nodded repeatedly.

He wasn't a rookie; no matter how bumpy the road, he had walked it in his previous life. All his unique skills were forged through real-world experience. Starting over, all he lacked was opportunity. And when Hu Kailan presented a pile of resources and information on the table like treasures, Shen Lian was delighted.

These weren't found by Sun Binghe. The period before and after the New Year was his busiest time at Hengtai. He was like a human-machine constantly organizing code, rushing in and out with documents, leaving chaos in his wake.

These were all accumulated by Shen Lian himself.

Hu Kailan looked excited, his gaze on Shen Lian no different from looking at a money tree: "Choose."

Shen Lian: "Alright, let's open a blind box."

He landed a luxury brand endorsement, but before that, Shen Lian needed to attend a business conference. His entire outfit was supported by the brand. Those present were entertainment company bosses and some actors and artists. According to Hu Kailan, there were also many big-name directors. The spots were limited, and the organizers specifically invited Shen Lian, indicating their high regard for him.

Shen Lian didn't refuse. That afternoon, after finishing his styling at the studio, Li Yi and Bodyguard drove him there.

At the entrance, he met his first patron, Dai Tong, the director of silent no more. The two shook hands warmly and then walked up the steps side by side.

Dai Tong had a look of "I knew this day would come" and laughed, "The blazing fire drama really made you. I'm just waiting to see how many awards you'll bring back in the future. Then we'll collaborate again, don't you dare look down on me."

"Nonsense," Shen Lian said decisively. "I'll take your next play for free."

Dai Tong's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"

"Serious."

They entered the hall. Looking around, eight or nine tenths were familiar faces. Noticing a gloomy gaze, Shen Lian turned and saw Zheng Ge.

This little bastard, Shen Lian chuckled smugly, thinking Zhou Tangsi was quite capable to still get Zheng Ge in here.

But it was still that same saying, "Being bad is the original sin."

With terrible acting and a lack of resources, Zheng Ge was now like a fish in a dried-up pond, unable to swim much. Others spoke to him with official pleasantries, but when they chatted with Shen Lian, they practically wanted to sign a contract with him.

Knowing this would happen, Hu Kailan personally accompanied him today. For anyone interested, he would handle the discussions; they had to queue up.

Shen Lian held a specially mixed drink as if it were alcohol, blending into the crowd. Dressed in a white suit, he stood out brightly among the dark figures, his profile aloof and refined.

"Brother Hu, I'm going outside for a bit; it's a bit stuffy. Call me if anything comes up." Shen Lian patted Hu Kailan's shoulder.

Hu Kailan held a handful of business cards. "Alright, go ahead, but don't go too far."

On the small terrace, the evening breeze wasn't as chilly. The sun had just set, and the night spread over the lingering afterglow, appearing desolate.

"Chen Mu, you actually came? You're about to be kicked out of Luminous, aren't you?"

"You're truly living up to your name, like a block of wood."

Shen Lian rested his arms on the railing. The light didn't reach him here, and he made no sound, so the others didn't notice him.

There were two people, surrounding the one in the middle, their tones sarcastic and mocking, making one's eardrums uncomfortable.

Finally, under the shoves of the other two, the person in the middle sighed softly and said, "I came with the manager; I just want to finish my work on time."

"Without Song Yuan's help, you've fallen this far? Not acting, but running around as an attendant, sleeping with that manager?"

Shen Lian heard this and thought, 'What a sharp tongue.'

"But it doesn't matter. As Song Yuan's brothers, we're warning you: since you've broken up, don't play these games of feigned indifference to entice him?"

Chen Mu's voice was steady and pleasant, with a helpless, powerless tone like coaxing a child. "No problem, don't worry."

"You damn..."

The lights on the second floor came on, allowing Shen Lian to see Chen Mu's appearance.

He had an impression of him; the other person had played minor roles (male six, seven, eight) in many web dramas and even TV series. Shen Lian had seen him when he was skimming through shows. Normally, he'd just glance and move on, but Chen Mu's acting was good. Shen Lian could even clearly recall two specific characters he had played.

Chen Mu's appearance was a slight disadvantage in the entertainment industry because he wasn't exquisite enough, not striking enough, but what was rare was that he was very enduring to look at.

Healthy wheat-colored skin, well-defined brows and eyes, yet due to his experiences, there was a hint of calm and smoothness at the corners of his eyes.

Even now, being subjected to harassment and humiliation, Chen Mu didn't show anger or tearful shame. He just stood there, letting the cold wind ruffle his hair, his eyes dark and unperturbed.

"Get lost!" One of them pushed Chen Mu. "Song Yuan will be here soon; don't be an eyesore."

Chen Mu staggered and regained his footing. Just as he was about to say something, he heard a clear, smiling voice: "Oh, are we bullying now?"

Shen Lian walked out of the darkness and met Chen Mu face-to-face.