In the blink of an eye, it was the day An Juexiao wrapped up filming. As was customary, the crew presented her with flowers and a cake to celebrate, and she happily took photos with the cast as a keepsake.
After saying goodbye to the cast, An Juexiao got into a business van and left the film studio under the night sky.
On the way out, she looked back at the brightly lit pavilions and grand ancient-style buildings behind her. She felt as if she had just woken from a dream. For the past few months, she had been immersed in that vast historical set. Now, returning to modern life felt like time travel.
“It feels like Sister Lanxue is more polite to me than before.” An Juexiao looked at the photos on her phone, picking a few to post online. “The smile is the same, the way she speaks is the same, but there is a bit more distance. Am I imagining it?”
Zhang Xiaowan, already used to such things, said, “It is not your imagination. This is normal. You know how in fandom there is the term ‘three-month fan’? In film crews, there is something similar, called ‘three-month feelings.’”
“Three-month feelings?”
“When artists gather to film and spend time together day and night, if they get along well, their bond naturally grows. But once they leave the set, work schedules might mean they do not see each other for a whole year, so the relationship gradually fades.” Zhang Xiaowan tried to prepare her mentally. “You will encounter this often in the future, so take it in stride.”
“Besides, you are both actresses. Comparisons are inevitable, and there is competition. At first, it may not matter, but over time, small gaps can form.”
An Juexiao nodded in understanding. She knew all this already. Besides, she was no longer at an age where she would cry over parting from friends. Apart from a slight sense of regret, she did not dwell on it.
Many things in life cannot be forced, they can only follow fate.
Just like how she, Peng Chenglang, and Su Lanxue had met at the same time. She had even been closer to Su Lanxue, yet in the end, she became closer with Peng Chenglang, while she and Su Lanxue would gradually drift apart.
According to the schedule Zhang Xiaowan had arranged, she would next go to City C to film a commercial for self-heating hot pot. At the same time, she would cooperate with the promotion of “Three Realms,” which was about to be broadcast on Dolphin TV and Blueberry Video. In addition, there were three variety shows and five production teams that had sent invitations.
Looking at the packed schedule, An Juexiao took a deep breath. It felt like a dream. Who would have thought that half a year ago, she had been begging for even a small role and constantly hitting walls.
“Among these three variety shows, one invites you as a guest, while the other two want you as a regular cast member…” Zhang Xiaowan explained the recording schedules, platforms, and production teams, then analyzed the types, advantages, disadvantages, and most importantly, the pay.
Regular cast members earned more than guest appearances, sometimes even more than acting roles. They also provided strong exposure and were a quick way to gain popularity. However, after thinking for a while, An Juexiao spoke her mind, “I want to act more.”
Zhang Xiaowan smiled, “When I discussed this with Sister Xi earlier, I guessed you would say that. So we think the show that invites you as a guest suits you better. You only need to record two episodes. As for the five scripts, I have sent them to you. Take a look over the next few days.”
Hearing that, An Juexiao felt relieved and nodded happily, “Okay.”
After all, many managers, once their artists gained some popularity, would push them into various variety shows, prioritizing high pay over quality roles, all to maximize profit.
The result might be financial gain, but it would overuse their popularity and potentially shorten their career.
She was fortunate to have met Li Xi and Zhang Xiaowan.
In City C, winter brought a damp cold that seeped into the bones, which was why people there loved hot pot in winter to drive away the chill.
Zhen Meiwei self-heating hot pot belonged to the Zhen Meiwei Group, a well-known seasoning company nationwide. Their distribution network covered the entire country, even reaching areas with less developed transportation. The reason Li Xi agreed to let An Juexiao take this advertisement was precisely because of the brand’s reputation.
Early that morning, An Juexiao set out for the Zhen Meiwei company. This advertisement was a studio shoot located inside the company, so it was not particularly difficult.
As soon as she entered the lobby, she smelled a rich aroma of spices. “This smell has awakened my appetite.”
She took another deep breath and described vividly, “I feel like I can smell spicy skewers, see the glossy braised pork knuckle, oh my, and even the scent of lotus root pork rib soup.”
“… ” Zhang Xiaowan said, half amused, half exasperated, “Wake up.”
While they were talking, a commotion arose at the entrance. An Juexiao looked over curiously.
A group of seven or eight people entered the building in an imposing manner. Leading them was a strikingly beautiful woman. She walked in with her head held high. As soon as she entered the lobby, she took off her Burberry coat and tossed it to her assistant. Her hair became slightly messy in the process, and another assistant immediately stepped forward to fix it, holding up a mirror for her to check her appearance.
What left the deepest impression was not her beauty, but the air of arrogance she carried.
An Juexiao said, “This person looks a bit familiar.”
Zhang Xiaowan replied, “Bei Xinning.”
Hearing the name, An Juexiao finally remembered. “Isn’t she a regular cast member on that food variety show I’m going to join?”
“Yes.” Zhang Xiaowan said, “Zhen Meiwei is an investor in that show. She is probably here because of that. She is known for having a difficult personality.”
An Juexiao lowered her voice. “I can tell.”
Very soon, An Juexiao did not just see it, she experienced it firsthand. The elevator she and Zhang Xiaowan had been waiting for arrived, and just as she was about to step in, Bei Xinning cut her off.
“Take the next one.” Bei Xinning’s arrogance was as strong as her perfume, unpleasant and overbearing.
The commanding tone made An Juexiao find it amusing. Not only did this woman act like she was above everyone, even the way she spoke carried a condescending air.
Out of politeness, An Juexiao responded, “This elevator should be able to fit all of us.”
Bei Xinning lifted her chin and looked at her through flared nostrils. “I know, but I don’t want to share an elevator with you.”
“… ” An Juexiao let out a soft scoff. Since courtesy was wasted on her, there was no need to keep it. Moving as fast as lightning, she stepped into the elevator first. As soon as she entered, Zhang Xiaowan followed right behind.
Bei Xinning stared at her in disbelief. “What are you doing?!”
Standing inside the elevator, An Juexiao looked at her calmly. “Sorry, miss. First come, first served, such a simple principle. You should have learned that in elementary school.”
“You!”
An Juexiao pressed the floor button, smiling as she added, “If you don’t understand, I can teach you today for free. And coincidentally, I also don’t want to share an elevator with you.”
As the elevator doors closed, Bei Xinning’s furious shout was shut outside.
An Juexiao laughed. “Did you see her expression just now? So dark even her foundation couldn’t cover it. I really have to thank the ‘Shengtang Huange’ crew. Because of all the action scenes and training with the stunt coordinators, my reflexes have improved a lot.”
Zhang Xiaowan smiled faintly. “She gets away with everything because she has a powerful father.”
An Juexiao said meaningfully, “Oh.”
Zhang Xiaowan added seriously, “Don’t misunderstand, it’s her biological father, not a sugar daddy.”
Only a biological father could protect and indulge her like that. A sugar daddy, on the other hand, could always replace his girl.
“… ” An Juexiao gave Zhang Xiaowan a helpless look. She had not misunderstood at all.
When they arrived at the shooting area, the commercial director said politely, “Juexiao, when we shoot later, you just need to act like you’re eating and show that it’s delicious. No need to actually eat.”
In general, whether filming dramas or food commercials, actors usually fake eating. There are many reasons, for visual appeal, diet control, or simply because the food tastes bad.
An Juexiao waved her hand boldly. “How can that be? I have to really eat!”
Zhang Xiaowan: “…” Why did she feel like An Juexiao had ulterior motives?
During filming, because An Juexiao performed with genuine enthusiasm, and since she was the only actor in the shot, the studio commercial was completed in just one hour.
That evening, the official account of Zhen Meiwei Hot Pot posted a promotional update.
Zhen Meiwei Self-Heating Hot Pot: A whole day setting up, one hour filming @An Juexiao. Sister Xiao’s dedication and speed amazed even the director [behind-the-scenes photos]. To celebrate Sister Xiao becoming our spokesperson, the Double Twelve promotion starts early. The video ad will be released on Double Twelve, stay tuned!
Fan 1: She looks so happy eating in the behind-the-scenes clips. I feel like she is using work as an excuse to eat.
Fan 2: No doubt about it, absolutely.
Fan 3: An Juexiao, openly eating without getting scolded by her manager. Give her more ads like this!
After finishing filming and returning to the hotel, An Juexiao lay on the bed, scrolling through social media with the TV playing in the background. Her phone suddenly rang. It was Gu Zhanran.
“You’re in City C?”
“Yeah, here to shoot an ad. Ow.” An Juexiao rubbed her stomach with her warm palm and sucked in a breath.
Although her voice was soft, Gu Zhanran caught it immediately. “Not feeling well?”
“I ate too much hot pot today.”
Gu Zhanran frowned. “Other people fake eating in ads, only you foolishly eat for real. If the spice upset your stomach, go to the hospital. Don’t tough it out.”
“Actually, I just wanted to take the chance to enjoy some food while working. And it’s not spicy stomach pain, um…” After hesitating for a moment, she said awkwardly, “I… I just ate too much!”
Gu Zhanran: “…”
“Mr. Gu? Are you still there?” An Juexiao checked her phone. The call was still connected, so why had he suddenly gone silent?
Just as she was wondering, she heard a soft laugh from the other end. It was light, like a dragonfly skimming water, fleeting yet leaving ripples behind.
His deep, magnetic voice lingered in her ears, making them feel warm.
After the brief laugh, Gu Zhanran said calmly, “Call me by my name.”
“Huh?” An Juexiao was stunned. The topic had changed too abruptly for her to catch up. “Your name?”
“Mm.”
She did not know what had suddenly prompted this request on a winter night, but since he had asked, she decided to oblige.
“Gu… Gu Zhanran?”
The only response she received was his faint breathing.
It seemed Mr. Gu was not very satisfied. An Juexiao’s bright eyes shifted slightly. After hesitating for a few seconds, she tried again, “Zhanran?”
“Mm.” Gu Zhanran was very satisfied this time.
An Juexiao: “…”
After that, Gu Zhanran chatted with her for a bit longer before ending the call.
Leaning against the soft pillow, An Juexiao rubbed her stomach and thought it over. No matter how she tried, she could not figure out what that last request from Gu Zhanran was about.
“Today, the Future Life Smart City Technology Expo opened successfully in our city. The smart living experience zone in Hall 3 has become one of the most popular areas. At the scene, we can see long lines forming at Gu’s Technology VR experience zone…”
The TV camera swept past briefly, and An Juexiao caught sight of Gu Zhanran. Her heart stirred.
So Gu Zhanran was in City C?
The scene on the television changed again, showing a technology forum being held in City C. As a corporate representative, Gu Zhanran took the stage to speak. Tall and well-built, with thick hair, he stood among a group of executives who were either balding or pot-bellied, making him stand out strikingly.
In another part of City C, Gu Zhanran stood by the window, gazing at the night view outside.
“Has this year’s company Christmas gift been decided?”
Hearing this, his assistant was deeply moved. The high-ranking President Gu was already thinking about employee welfare so early. The Gu Corporation had always had good benefits, small gifts for minor holidays and bonuses for major ones. Of course, this year’s gift had not been decided yet. However, saying that directly would sound incompetent, so the assistant replied tactfully, “In previous years, the administration department only finalizes the plan around mid-December.”
In other words, it was still a bit early.
Gu Zhanran pondered for a moment. “Then let’s give Zhen Meiwei hot pot.”
Assistant: “???”
President Gu, is this gift choice a bit… unusual?
Naturally, for the sake of his year-end bonus, the assistant only dared complain internally. After leaving Gu Zhanran’s room, he immediately opened Taobao and searched for Zhen Meiwei hot pot. He wanted to see what kind of delicacy had caught his boss’s attention.
Then the large promotional image of An Juexiao suddenly appeared on the flagship store page.
Assistant: “…”
What kind of level of idol-chasing is this?