Madam Lu watched the father and son pair, who were both stiff like wood. It really broke her heart. “Tingxiao, did you hear what I said? And what’s going on with Little Treasure? He hasn’t eaten a grain of rice all night. My baby darling is only staring at the cellphone!"
Lu Jingli was still chewing on the sweet and sour ribs, so when he spoke, it was unclear. "Little Treasure is waiting for the pretty auntie's phone call!"
Madam Lu was confused, "What pretty auntie?"
Lu Jingli waved his hand. "Aiya, dad and mom, you don't have to worry. My older brother already found someone he likes!"
Madam Lu was shocked but still disbelieving. "Are you telling the truth? Old Two, don't lie to us!"
Master Lu's expression was serious as he put down his chopsticks to observe Lu Jingli.
"Why would I lie? This is the truth! If you don't believe me, you can ask my older brother!" Lu Jingli said while looking at his brother.
"Tingxiao, is what Jingli said true?" Master Lu asked gruffly.
"Tingxiao, why don't you say something?" Madam Lu urged.
Lu Tingxiao: "Yes."
Madam Lu felt as though she was going to die of impatience; like she had waited half a day to only hear a single 'Yes'. Her stomach was full of anger. "You brat, why can't you say more than one word? Talking to you is such a waste of effort!"
Lu Tingxiao said, "Is that so?"
Great, so he could say more than one word.
Madam Lu still wasn't reassured and asked suspiciously, "Tingxiao, the person that you like… is it a he or she?"
Lu Jingli laughed so hard, he nearly fell off the chair. "Of course it's a woman and a very beautiful one. Our Little Treasure likes her so much that he's even waiting for her call!"
When Madam Lu heard this, she was ecstatic. "The ancestors have blessed us, the ancestors have blessed us! Tingxiao, which family's young miss is this? How old is she? Where did she come from? What does she do? How big is her household? Why didn't you tell us sooner…"
Lu Jingli hurriedly cut her off. “Mom, calm down! Nothing has ever happened between them yet. We didn’t tell you because we were afraid you would intervene and ruin everything!”
If they found out who Ning Xi was, about her less than stellar reputation and the fact that she was currently working in the entertainment industry, their plans would surely go sour.
At this time, Master Lu said, “Since Tingxiao likes this person, then she must be decent. Don’t worry so much.”
“What don’t worry? Aren’t you worried too? Who is it that worries so much that he can't sleep at night and has to go out to the porch to smoke?” Madam Lu mercilessly exposed her own husband.
But after hearing what her husband had to say, she relaxed a lot. “Tingxiao’s standard is so high, the girl he likes must be pretty good. Even Little Treasure likes her!”
After everyone quieted down, the cellphone Little Treasure had been holding all night suddenly rang.
This was Lu Tingxiao’s personal cell phone, so not many people knew the number.
Lu JIngli rushed over to see. Indeed, it was Ning Xi’s phone number
“Is that girl calling?” Madam Lu excitedly asked, rushing over as though she was going to meet her daughter-in-law.
Lu Jingli nodded his head and then helped Little Treasure answer the phone. Little Treasure didn’t know how to use cell phones. Lu Tingxiao had bought him a cell phone before, but he didn't like to use it, and who knows where it went.
At the same time, the entire table of people were focused completely on the cell phone.
Lu Jingli was the most shameless, pressing against the side of the cell phone to eavesdrop.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
16. THE DUO WHO RUSHES MARRIAGE
Starlight Entertainment.
Inside the office, a completely flustered and exasperated Chang Li exclaimed, “Ning Xi auditioned and was cast as the second female lead!”
“Second female lead?” Ning Xueluo creased her forehead at the information. “Wasn’t she playing some random role in an unknown movie? When did she have time to audition for the second female lead?”
“I originally thought it was strange too, but after asking around, I found out it was after the auditions for the first female lead ended; the casting judges were leaving, and it just happened that they ran into Ning Xi. The moment they saw her, they immediately decided she fit the role of the second female lead. They only gave her one glance and it was decided like that! No wonder you feel threatened by her, what a schemer she is! Who knows who she had to seduce to get this role!”
There were some things Cheng Li didn’t dare say. Ning Xi’s looks were her best weapon; the fact that the casting judges decided on her with just one glance was not strange at all.
She thought back to when she had first signed Ning Xi as an artist. She had been prepared to nurture heer, but out of nowhere came Ning Xueluo.
On one hand, a new artist with no power or backing; on the other hand, an already famous celebrity with a strong and powerful family background. Anyone would know how to choose.
The entertainment industry was not a place where you could survive on beauty alone.
Ning Xueluo was displeased. “Even though she's not the first female lead, this is still a huge production!”
Chang Li could hear in her tone that she did not want Ning Xi to be cast in this role.
She felt conflicted. “I’m afraid it’ll be difficult to remove her. Our company invested a lot of money into this drama, and the boss is really happy after being able to secure the first and second female leads. If there was someone from our company who could replace her, that would be fine; however, everyone else has already failed the auditions. So there’s no good reason to remove her.”
Who knew what Ning Xueluo was thinking, but she suddenly calmed down and began filing her nails. She laughed. “Never mind. Since she wants to play the role of a fox demon, then let her! Playing a seductress who brings disaster really suits her!”
…
Ning Xi soon received a phone call from Chang Li notifying her that her casting in <The World> as the second female lead was confirmed. She was also told to properly prepare for the part.
In the movie <The World>, the first female lead was righteous, brilliant and courageous, and would help the male protagonist ascend the throne. Meanwhile, the second female lead brought calamity to the country and the people. She was treacherous and cunning, and was spurned by all. To everyone’s satisfaction, she would ultimately meet her end with the first female lead making her jump off a cliff.
Because it was such a character, it was unsurprising that Ning Xueluo wasn’t bothered to interfere with the casting.
Although Ning Xi had landed the role of second female lead, she still needed to complete her existing work. Today, she still needed to complete her existing work. Today, she still had a production she needed to run to. Her role was a husband-stealing vixen, and she only needed to film the last five minutes. Under the blistering sun, she would be surrounded by angry people and beaten violently for five minutes.
However, the reality of the film was that these five minutes actually took a little over two hours to complete, because the group of actors was inexperienced. Their expressions were not in sync, so she had to be hit repeatedly.
Returning home, Ning Xi turned on the television as she lay on the sofa, completely exhausted.
A new broadcast was on, and then a familiar person appeared on the screen.
Such flourishing beauty; such broad shoulders, a slim butt and long legs; such height and such ascetic temperament… who else could it be but Little Treasure’s father, Lu Tingxiao!
Lu Tingxiao appeared to be in the middle of a signing ceremony, and was shaking hands with several foreigners.
The host sounded very enthusiastic when introducing the successful collaboration between Lu Corporation and the Italian DR brand; entering the European market would possibly double the company’s stock value.
After watching for a while, Ning Xi finally realized that she had forgotten to give Little Treasure a call!
…
At the Platinum Palace.
The two elders of the Lu family had returned from overseas and the family of five were having dinner together.
The business deal the Lu Corporation had pursued for three years was finally sealed, making the old master very happy. He praised Lu Tingxiao very highly; even Lu Jingli got some compliments.
After he was finished, however, he brought up the most crucial issue.
That while work was important, his precious grandson took even more priority!
Master Lu: “Tingxiao, work is very important but you can’t just neglect Little Treasure. Since you will be less busy in the upcoming days, spend more time with Little Treasure!”
Madam Lu: “But if you’re really busy, then find someone to help you take care of him! Little Treasure is already so big, you should really consider finding someone!”
Master Lu: “Your mother is right!”
Lu Jingli gave his brother a meaningful glance. Look, our parents are starting again.
Lu Tingxiao focused on eating dinner, not uttering a single word.
Little Treasure held his father’s cellphone, not moving at all.
Inside the office, a completely flustered and exasperated Chang Li exclaimed, “Ning Xi auditioned and was cast as the second female lead!”
“Second female lead?” Ning Xueluo creased her forehead at the information. “Wasn’t she playing some random role in an unknown movie? When did she have time to audition for the second female lead?”
“I originally thought it was strange too, but after asking around, I found out it was after the auditions for the first female lead ended; the casting judges were leaving, and it just happened that they ran into Ning Xi. The moment they saw her, they immediately decided she fit the role of the second female lead. They only gave her one glance and it was decided like that! No wonder you feel threatened by her, what a schemer she is! Who knows who she had to seduce to get this role!”
There were some things Cheng Li didn’t dare say. Ning Xi’s looks were her best weapon; the fact that the casting judges decided on her with just one glance was not strange at all.
She thought back to when she had first signed Ning Xi as an artist. She had been prepared to nurture heer, but out of nowhere came Ning Xueluo.
On one hand, a new artist with no power or backing; on the other hand, an already famous celebrity with a strong and powerful family background. Anyone would know how to choose.
The entertainment industry was not a place where you could survive on beauty alone.
Ning Xueluo was displeased. “Even though she's not the first female lead, this is still a huge production!”
Chang Li could hear in her tone that she did not want Ning Xi to be cast in this role.
She felt conflicted. “I’m afraid it’ll be difficult to remove her. Our company invested a lot of money into this drama, and the boss is really happy after being able to secure the first and second female leads. If there was someone from our company who could replace her, that would be fine; however, everyone else has already failed the auditions. So there’s no good reason to remove her.”
Who knew what Ning Xueluo was thinking, but she suddenly calmed down and began filing her nails. She laughed. “Never mind. Since she wants to play the role of a fox demon, then let her! Playing a seductress who brings disaster really suits her!”
…
Ning Xi soon received a phone call from Chang Li notifying her that her casting in <The World> as the second female lead was confirmed. She was also told to properly prepare for the part.
In the movie <The World>, the first female lead was righteous, brilliant and courageous, and would help the male protagonist ascend the throne. Meanwhile, the second female lead brought calamity to the country and the people. She was treacherous and cunning, and was spurned by all. To everyone’s satisfaction, she would ultimately meet her end with the first female lead making her jump off a cliff.
Because it was such a character, it was unsurprising that Ning Xueluo wasn’t bothered to interfere with the casting.
Although Ning Xi had landed the role of second female lead, she still needed to complete her existing work. Today, she still needed to complete her existing work. Today, she still had a production she needed to run to. Her role was a husband-stealing vixen, and she only needed to film the last five minutes. Under the blistering sun, she would be surrounded by angry people and beaten violently for five minutes.
However, the reality of the film was that these five minutes actually took a little over two hours to complete, because the group of actors was inexperienced. Their expressions were not in sync, so she had to be hit repeatedly.
Returning home, Ning Xi turned on the television as she lay on the sofa, completely exhausted.
A new broadcast was on, and then a familiar person appeared on the screen.
Such flourishing beauty; such broad shoulders, a slim butt and long legs; such height and such ascetic temperament… who else could it be but Little Treasure’s father, Lu Tingxiao!
Lu Tingxiao appeared to be in the middle of a signing ceremony, and was shaking hands with several foreigners.
The host sounded very enthusiastic when introducing the successful collaboration between Lu Corporation and the Italian DR brand; entering the European market would possibly double the company’s stock value.
After watching for a while, Ning Xi finally realized that she had forgotten to give Little Treasure a call!
…
At the Platinum Palace.
The two elders of the Lu family had returned from overseas and the family of five were having dinner together.
The business deal the Lu Corporation had pursued for three years was finally sealed, making the old master very happy. He praised Lu Tingxiao very highly; even Lu Jingli got some compliments.
After he was finished, however, he brought up the most crucial issue.
That while work was important, his precious grandson took even more priority!
Master Lu: “Tingxiao, work is very important but you can’t just neglect Little Treasure. Since you will be less busy in the upcoming days, spend more time with Little Treasure!”
Madam Lu: “But if you’re really busy, then find someone to help you take care of him! Little Treasure is already so big, you should really consider finding someone!”
Master Lu: “Your mother is right!”
Lu Jingli gave his brother a meaningful glance. Look, our parents are starting again.
Lu Tingxiao focused on eating dinner, not uttering a single word.
Little Treasure held his father’s cellphone, not moving at all.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
15. YOU REALLY ARE MY SON
The next morning, Ning Xi was awakened by a low male voice coming from the living room.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Lu Tingxiao lowered his phone, and asked in a gentle tone, “Did I wake you?”
Ning Xi stared at the man in front of her, her eyes wide like copper bells.
Lu Tingxiao wasn’t wearing a shirt, so when she opened the door, the first thing she saw was his bare skin. The impact was too much.
She rubbed her nose. Thankfully, she hadn't embarrassed herself.
Lu Tingxiao didn't seem to have noticed her strange behavior, and calmly picked his shirt up from the sofa. As he buttoned it on, he said, "There's an emergency at work, I have to go. I'll have to trouble you to wake Little Treasure up."
"Oh, okay!" Ning Xi nodded and quickly went to do so.
But she didn't have to; when she turned around, she saw a soft and cute little Pikachu standing in the doorway. His eyes were staring intently at his father, Lu Tingxiao, and he appeared displeased.
"Little Treasure, go change your clothes," Lu Tingxiao ordered his son as he put on his coat.
The reply he received was the loud bang of the bedroom door being slammed shut.
Ever so merciless.
Lu Tingxiao: "..."
Ning Xi: "..."
Lu Tingxiao went to turn the doorknob, but it was locked. He looked at Ning Xi. "Do you have the key?"
Ning Xi awkwardly shook her head. "I do have one, but the key is also inside the room!"
Lu Tingxiao pinched the skin between his eyebrows, and said in cold, unfathomable tone, "I'll give you three minutes. If you don't come out, don't think you'll ever get to come here again."
Three minutes later, there was still no sound or motion behind the door.
"Get out here! If you're waiting for me to force you out, I won't be as nice as I am right now!"
There was still no movement.
That Little Treasure was really not giving his father any face.
Watching from the airlines, Ning Xi wanted to laugh, but didn't dare to. "I have work later, but it's no big deal if Little Treasure stays to play for a while."
Lu Tingxiao's expression was irritated and displeased as he took out his phone to make a call.
Ning Xi took a sneaky peek, and saw that he was calling a psychiatrist. She was at a loss for words. Wasn't it too extreme to call a psychiatrist for such a small matter like this?
Ning Xi coughed as she urged. "How about letting me try?"
Lu Tingxiao hesitated slightly before nodding.
Ning Xi pressed against the door and used a gentle, soothing voice. "Little Treasure, Auntie has to go to work so I can't take care of you. Follow your father home first, okay?"
There was still no sound from inside.
"How about this, we can exchange phone numbers so we can instantly contact each other? We can even video chat!"
Sounds of footsteps approached the other side of the door.
"If Auntie is late, the director will yell at me, our director is really mean. Auntie is so pitiful... wu..."
The door unlocked with a kachi sound and then opened.
Lu Tingxiao, who was already prepared to fight a long war, felt that he was dreaming. He stared at the woman standing beside him in bewilderment.
With just three statements, she had managed to coax Little Treasure into obediently coming out by himself.
If only he had known her when Little Treasure had locked himself in the attic the last time this happened. His entire family of four, all the butlers and servants, the psychiatrist, even a negotiation expert who had been hired as a last resort, had all been useless despite spending an entire afternoon trying to talk him out of the art. In the end, they broke the door down and the little kid ignored everyone for a whole month.
Ning Xi of course didn't know about any of this, and only thought the child was really obedient despite his tragic air. She picked Little Treasure up. Seeing his depressed expression, she was unwilling to scold him, and praised him instead. "Little Treasure is so obedient. Thanks, darling!"
Little Treasure appeared happier with the praise, and he silently gave her a note. On the paper, there was a string of numbers.
Ning Xi accepted the note. "Ah, is this your phone number? Alright, I'll save it, and when I'm not busy, I will definitely give you a call!"
Lu Tingxiao felt it a bit strange; Little Treasure didn't have a cellphone, so what phone number did he give her?
Using his height to his advantage, he looked at the note. That was his phone number.
You really are my son!
Hearing footsteps behind him, Lu Tingxiao lowered his phone, and asked in a gentle tone, “Did I wake you?”
Ning Xi stared at the man in front of her, her eyes wide like copper bells.
Lu Tingxiao wasn’t wearing a shirt, so when she opened the door, the first thing she saw was his bare skin. The impact was too much.
She rubbed her nose. Thankfully, she hadn't embarrassed herself.
Lu Tingxiao didn't seem to have noticed her strange behavior, and calmly picked his shirt up from the sofa. As he buttoned it on, he said, "There's an emergency at work, I have to go. I'll have to trouble you to wake Little Treasure up."
"Oh, okay!" Ning Xi nodded and quickly went to do so.
But she didn't have to; when she turned around, she saw a soft and cute little Pikachu standing in the doorway. His eyes were staring intently at his father, Lu Tingxiao, and he appeared displeased.
"Little Treasure, go change your clothes," Lu Tingxiao ordered his son as he put on his coat.
The reply he received was the loud bang of the bedroom door being slammed shut.
Ever so merciless.
Lu Tingxiao: "..."
Ning Xi: "..."
Lu Tingxiao went to turn the doorknob, but it was locked. He looked at Ning Xi. "Do you have the key?"
Ning Xi awkwardly shook her head. "I do have one, but the key is also inside the room!"
Lu Tingxiao pinched the skin between his eyebrows, and said in cold, unfathomable tone, "I'll give you three minutes. If you don't come out, don't think you'll ever get to come here again."
Three minutes later, there was still no sound or motion behind the door.
"Get out here! If you're waiting for me to force you out, I won't be as nice as I am right now!"
There was still no movement.
That Little Treasure was really not giving his father any face.
Watching from the airlines, Ning Xi wanted to laugh, but didn't dare to. "I have work later, but it's no big deal if Little Treasure stays to play for a while."
Lu Tingxiao's expression was irritated and displeased as he took out his phone to make a call.
Ning Xi took a sneaky peek, and saw that he was calling a psychiatrist. She was at a loss for words. Wasn't it too extreme to call a psychiatrist for such a small matter like this?
Ning Xi coughed as she urged. "How about letting me try?"
Lu Tingxiao hesitated slightly before nodding.
Ning Xi pressed against the door and used a gentle, soothing voice. "Little Treasure, Auntie has to go to work so I can't take care of you. Follow your father home first, okay?"
There was still no sound from inside.
"How about this, we can exchange phone numbers so we can instantly contact each other? We can even video chat!"
Sounds of footsteps approached the other side of the door.
"If Auntie is late, the director will yell at me, our director is really mean. Auntie is so pitiful... wu..."
The door unlocked with a kachi sound and then opened.
Lu Tingxiao, who was already prepared to fight a long war, felt that he was dreaming. He stared at the woman standing beside him in bewilderment.
With just three statements, she had managed to coax Little Treasure into obediently coming out by himself.
If only he had known her when Little Treasure had locked himself in the attic the last time this happened. His entire family of four, all the butlers and servants, the psychiatrist, even a negotiation expert who had been hired as a last resort, had all been useless despite spending an entire afternoon trying to talk him out of the art. In the end, they broke the door down and the little kid ignored everyone for a whole month.
Ning Xi of course didn't know about any of this, and only thought the child was really obedient despite his tragic air. She picked Little Treasure up. Seeing his depressed expression, she was unwilling to scold him, and praised him instead. "Little Treasure is so obedient. Thanks, darling!"
Little Treasure appeared happier with the praise, and he silently gave her a note. On the paper, there was a string of numbers.
Ning Xi accepted the note. "Ah, is this your phone number? Alright, I'll save it, and when I'm not busy, I will definitely give you a call!"
Lu Tingxiao felt it a bit strange; Little Treasure didn't have a cellphone, so what phone number did he give her?
Using his height to his advantage, he looked at the note. That was his phone number.
You really are my son!
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