Chapter 128: I Am an Actor

"Indeed," Lin Ze nodded.

"There are also some people who rely entirely on what they accumulated in their past lives."

"Are you saying you're lucky because you built up good karma in your past life?" Ji Chen curled his lip.

This young couple was truly annoying; one was humble-bragging about talent, and the other was humble-bragging about family background.

"So, our lives aren't really any different from others. Back in high school, I would trick my younger brother out of his allowance just because I wanted to buy a pretty hair clip." Su Zitan looked at Lin Ze and chuckled. "It was only later that I realized he didn't not know I was tricking him out of his money..."

"It was just that I also wanted to see that pretty clip in your hair," Lin Ze finished the sentence for her.

"Alright, alright, enough!" Director Zhang couldn't watch anymore. "Hurry up, hurry up and sing. It’s infuriating."

Lin Ze, having eaten his fill of meat, relaxed a little before standing up and taking the guitar handed to him by a staff member.

"Then I’d like to dedicate this next song to my beloved."

Lin Ze took a deep breath.

His fingers played a light, rhythmic melody on the guitar.

"Another quiet evening, curled up in a rocking chair to enjoy the cool air."

"I admit this is truly peaceful, just like the old grandfather downstairs."

"I hear you're still working on original music, but it doesn't seem to be amounting to much."

"Why not take some time to reflect, and ponder how you look~"

As the song went on, everyone began to sway, and smiles appeared on their faces unconsciously.

Looking at Lin Ze's mouth, he seemed a bit hurried, and judging by the lyrics, it felt like this song was meant to be a duet.

"If I look at you one more time, will I still have that feeling?"

"Back then, with a bare face, I was as pure as could be."

"No eyeliner to look mature, no need to smooth out the foundation."

"On rainy days, we’d still go shopping, laughing at others whose makeup had run."

Come to think of it, those years when they didn't feel self-conscious about liking each other, they really did live happily.

It’s just...

Su Zitan narrowed her beautiful eyes.

She felt a faint trace of sadness in the song. What was this kid reminiscing about?

...

Zhang Huai watched Lin Ze on the screen, his gaze drifting into a daze.

If...

If only his own son could be like Lin Ze, that would be great...

Just as he was thinking this, someone passed by the door.

The person paused at the doorway, their expression filled with nostalgia.

Instead of leaving immediately, they reached out, knocked on the door, and walked in.

Zhang Huai snapped back to reality and looked at the person before him, his heart filled with surprise.

Tang Chuan?

"What is it? Planning to come back and mock me before you leave the company?" Zhang Huai sat up straight in his executive chair.

Tang Chuan shook his head and glanced at Zhang Huai’s hair. "Did you... dye your hair?"

Zhang Huai froze. "You... aren't you back here just to mock me?"

Tang Chuan laughed, holding half a bag of roasted chestnuts in his hand. He placed the chestnuts on Zhang Huai’s desk and pulled up the chair opposite to sit down.

Tang Chuan’s contract with Donghuang Entertainment had less than twenty days left; he was effectively a free agent now. Or rather, ever since he fell out with the company and they stopped giving him any resources, leaving him to fend for himself, he had already been in this free-agent state.

"Actually, it was only a matter of time before something like that happened to Zhang Yang," Tang Chuan said calmly. "You love your work, and you love this entertainment industry. Only this industry allows you to realize your own value."

"But you don't love Zhang Yang."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Huai felt as if his tail had been stepped on; he slammed the desk and stood up.

"I don't love Zhang Yang? You say I don't love Zhang Yang!?"

"How else am I supposed to love him? From the time he started school, I gave him everything I could. Everything was the best, and even after he entered the entertainment industry, I pushed him to become an A-list star..."

Tang Chuan took a chestnut from the bag on the desk. He used his nail to score it and then squeezed, the shell splitting into two halves.

"You might want to think about where you were during those days you kept Zhang Yang locked at home, telling him not to go out."

Zhang Huai’s agitated mood became eerily calm.

"I... I was at the office."

"Exactly," Tang Chuan nodded.

There was a moment of silence between the two, and then Tang Chuan continued.

"By the way, since you were the one who promoted me when I first debuted, and I have these last ten days left, do you want me to do you a small favor?"

Zhang Huai’s mind was in chaos, but he still maintained his professional edge.

"What do you mean? Don't tell me you want to renew your contract with the company?"

"Are you crazy?" Tang Chuan smiled. "The company is pushing that Xu Shenshen now, right? I’ll give you a hand, and from now on, we’ll be even."

Zhang Huai understood; Tang Chuan was likely planning to invite Xu Shenshen onto his program.

After weighing his thoughts, Zhang Huai shook his head.

"No, if you really want to help me, have someone else go on your show."

"Oh? Who?"

"Zhang Ya."

Tang Chuan suddenly recalled the person who had been extremely active in the company lately. That woman.

"Fine," Tang Chuan nodded. "It's a deal then..."

With that, Tang Chuan stood up, waved his hand casually, and walked out of the office.

Zhang Huai felt a sudden sense of emptiness. He looked around and saw the bag of chestnuts on the desk. He reached in, took one, and tried to open it just like Tang Chuan had.

Unfortunately, with a squeeze, he crushed the chestnut. He tried to pick at it with his fingers, but only managed to turn the meat into crumbs.

A look of cruelty suddenly flashed across Zhang Huai's face, and he shoved the two halves of the chestnut, shell and all, into his mouth.

...

The program ended, leaving the audience feeling satisfied yet somewhat empty.

They still wanted to watch them...

Lin Ze and Su Zitan slept soundly at home until they woke up naturally.

Waking up at noon the next day, a call came through from Wang Xue.

"Hello, Sister Xue, what's up?"

"What do you mean 'what's up'? Don't you know? You're a hot commodity right now," Wang Xue said with a smile.

"Now that the program is wrapped up and you’re free, there are a few things you need to handle."

"Get a song ready for Li Xiangyu as soon as you can. And as for Phoenix Park, that song 'Moonlight over the Lotus Pond' has been played to death."

Wang Xue continued listing tasks for Lin Ze before changing the subject.

"There are TV dramas, movies, and some variety shows inviting you."

"I've looked through them, and there’s one variety show that is perfect for you right now."

"What is it?" Lin Ze asked.

"I Am an Actor!"