58: Forever Daddy

The director of blazing fire was surnamed Zhao, named Director Zhao.

The reason Director Zhao could show the script to Hu Kailan was, to put it bluntly, because he had taken a fancy to Shen Lian's face.

It was exquisite to the point of being gorgeous, perfectly matching the role of Lu Xiaokai in his heart.

There was originally an audition phase, but Director Zhao unexpectedly received a call from Dai Tong.

“Just use Shen Lian; there will definitely be surprises.”

Dai Tong was a veteran director in the industry with a sharp eye; if he said someone was usable, as long as Shen Lian agreed, the role was as good as settled.

Later, Director Zhao heard rumors that the Time of Our Lives crew had extended an invitation to Shen Lian to play a very popular and gentle second male lead.

Director Zhao sighed, prepared to look for someone else, only for Hu Kailan to reply that Shen Lian had accepted blazing fire.

To restore the script's content to the greatest extent, the filming location was truly chosen in a place that had only recently gained access to water, electricity, and transportation. Ordinary people might find it hard to imagine, but on this vast land, there are actually many such people who were born and raised guarding a barren corner of the world.

Shen Lian checked the route; starting from Qudu, it would take over four hours just driving on the highway, and after a series of twists and turns, they would arrive at dark if they left in the morning.

Chu Yilan stared at the enlarged map on the tablet without saying a word.

“Stop working, I'll support you.” Those words weren't hard to say.

But what was hard was saying them to Shen Lian.

And Chu Yilan didn't have that intention at all.

Although Shen Lian had never grandiosely stated his career plans, Chu Yilan could see the sparks burning in the depths of his eyes.

Chu Yilan had an extreme temperament, but seeing Shen Lian's happy expression when he received a script he liked, he instantly understood that “clipping wings” couldn't be used on Shen Lian; what he needed to do was provide upward support and let this person spread his wings and fly high.

Recently, Shen Lian had been drinking various tonic soups made by Aunt Fen while packing his luggage; blazing fire was almost ready, and the notice came to depart in three days.

On the night before departure, as soon as the sound of the door opening echoed in the entryway, Shen Lian sat up from the sofa with a “whoosh.” Even from a distance, he could smell the alcohol and frowned as he put on his shoes.

Shen Lian stepped forward to take Chu Yilan's coat, tossed it onto a nearby cabinet, and asked with arms crossed, “Been drinking?”

Chu Yilan's cold features immediately softened, filling with a smile, as he replied in a compromising and helpless tone, “It couldn't be helped; some things are unavoidable.”

Shen Lian could understand that.

“Meow~”

The black-and-white furball scurried over from the corner of the sofa.

Chu Yilan leaned down and picked it up. “See that, Zhu Mi? Your Second Dad is angry.”

Shen Lian: “Why am I Second Dad?”

“Because I'm Big Dad.” Chu Yilan held Chu Zhumi up in front of Shen Lian and said firmly, “I am his forever Big Dad.”

Shen Lian: “...” Fine then.

At the same time, the entire directing team of blazing fire and several advertising investors all came out of the hotel leaning against the walls.

Director Zhao hadn't expected that just as filming was about to start, they would receive a huge investment!

A massive investment!

The CEO of Hengtai personally hosted a banquet and invited them to the scene. The wine served was a fine seventy-year vintage, and the food was a table of astronomical six-figure dishes. Even though everyone present was well-traveled, they couldn't help but be thoroughly intimidated.

At that time, that CEO Chu, who had a slight scar on his face but a terrifying aura, opened his mouth and blurted out a shocking investment amount.

Director Zhao was well-educated and known for showing off his knowledge, but facing Chu Yilan, he was stunned and speechless for a long time, finally whispering, “CEO Chu... we're filming a social theme, not a sci-fi one.”

Damn it, this investment would be enough even for a sci-fi theme!

“You're a good director. After finishing this one, you can try a sci-fi theme for the next one,” Chu Yilan said nonchalantly.

Director Zhao felt light-headed and didn't know what to say for a moment, so he toasted Chu Yilan. Although he usually thought alcohol damaged the brain, he drained his glass this time.

After three rounds of drinks, Director Zhao was invited by Sun Binghe to Chu Yilan's side. Chu Yilan only said one sentence: “Director Zhao, please take good care of Shen Lian, and there's no need to tell him anything.”

Now, what was there that Director Zhao didn't understand?

Chu Yilan left as things were wrapping up, but the remaining people couldn't bear to let the food and wine go to waste, so they indulged and finished it all.

“Director Zhao, if there are any issues with follow-up funds, feel free to contact me at any time.” Sun Binghe stood tall and spoke gently.

Director Zhao couldn't speak and just nodded.

Watching the group leave like wobbly tumblers, Sun Binghe's pace faltered as the energy he had been holding up dissipated. His fingertips trembled as he pulled out his phone.

Sun Binghe's contact list was very long, filled with various veteran general managers and investors. After searching for a long time, he still called Yang Bin.

Yang Bin was on vacation and picked up when he saw the caller ID: “What's up, Dui?”

“In front of Dingfeng Hotel, come pick me up.”

Yang Bin was surprised: “Where's your car? You still need me to pick you up?”

“Can't drive.” Sun Binghe said in a transcendent tone, “CEO Chu really is splurging a fortune for a male beauty. I drank until I threw up today.”

Yang Bin gloated while changing clothes. “Call me 'Foster Father' and I'll be there in ten minutes.”

Sun Binghe: “Really? Foster Father.”

Yang Bin: “...” It was hard to expect this person to have any sense of shame.

Shen Lian looked after Chu Yilan until he fell asleep, then read the script for a while longer, finally making sure everything in the suitcase was packed.

Early the next morning, just as it hit six o'clock, Shen Lian's body twitched as if he were about to wake up. Chu Yilan pulled him closer into his arms: “It's still early.”

Shen Lian mumbled: “Are you about to go to work?”

“No rush, I'll sleep with you for a bit.” Chu Yilan gently patted Shen Lian's back, their calves pressed together under the covers.

Shen Lian wasn't wrong; it was very warm.

At seven-thirty, no matter how unwilling they were, they had to get up.

Fortunately, Director Zhao wasn't like Dai Tong; it wasn't a closed filming set. If he finished his scenes, he could leave for a while or depart early.

The two acted no differently than usual. After breakfast, Li Yi and Jiang You happened to drive over. It was worth mentioning that the nanny car had been replaced with a new one, and the interior fittings were much better than the previous one.

“Call me when you arrive,” Chu Yilan instructed.

Shen Lian kissed him deeply before opening the door, then said in a raspy voice: “Mm, wait for me obediently at home.”

Chu Yilan leaned against the wall with a faint smile.

No need to be anxious, Chu Yilan told himself; he had to learn to become a normal person.

Meeting at the designated spot, Shen Lian finally saw Director Zhao. The image of a calm, steady, and scholarly director from the records was completely gone. Director Zhao was by the car door, leaning against the backrest looking half-dead. Shen Lian glanced inside—good grief, the whole directing team was slumped over in all directions.

What did they do last night?

“Shen Lian?” Director Zhao barely opened one eye.

“Hello, Director Zhao, it's me.”

Director Zhao struggled to muster some energy to look at Shen Lian seriously, very satisfied with his physical appearance. “Alright, Lin Fu and the others will be a bit late; let's head out first.”