Chapter 9: The Peace Hotel

Peace Hotel.

Ji Yu was entering the Peace Hotel for the first time.

In his past life, after watching "Flourishing," he had wanted to come and try President Bao’s porridge, but in the end, he never made it.

The main reason was that it was too expensive. It wouldn’t feel right to order only a bowl of porridge at the Peace Hotel.

If he added some side dishes or ordered the Flourishing set meal, it would easily cost over a thousand yuan.

Eating alone, who could bear to spend so much money?

Money was not so easily earned.

The Peace Hotel’s décor was indeed grand and vintage, exuding a strong charm.

The atmosphere in the restaurant even made one want to speak some foreign language.

But Ji Yu didn’t know any foreign language—he was just a country bumpkin.

Li Xiaoran was also visiting the Peace Hotel for the first time; after all, who from the capital city doesn’t occasionally travel to the Magic City?

After sitting down, she quietly said, “This place is so beautiful. It’s my first time here.”

“Me too,” Ji Yu smiled.

Li Xiaoran looked curious. “You’re not from the Magic City?”

Ji Yu retorted, “Do you live in the Forbidden City?”

“Stop it!” Li Xiaoran rolled her eyes at him, then worriedly said, “The food here must be expensive. Should we go somewhere else?”

“No problem, I’ve got money.” Ji Yu smiled and patted his pocket.

He had brought over a thousand yuan—he was sure it would be enough for a meal!

This was a thousand yuan in the year 2000, equivalent to more than a month’s salary for an ordinary person.

Could he really not afford a meal?

Ji Yu reached out to take the menu from the waiter. After flipping through a few pages casually, he suddenly shut it.

Damn, it really did seem a bit beyond his budget!

Li Xiaoran was also shocked by the prices and looked up at Ji Yu.

Ji Yu immediately smiled and forced himself to say, “Order whatever you like.”

After hesitating for a moment, Li Xiaoran ordered two very cheap dishes, totaling just over a hundred yuan.

She even helped Ji Yu make an excuse, smiling as she explained, “I’m on a diet, so I’m eating vegetarian.”

Ji Yu silently cheered, thinking, “Teacher Li is such a good person! I must make sure she has kids someday!”

Since Li Xiaoran was being so frugal, Ji Yu decided to act generously.

He pointed to a dish priced at 488 yuan and said, “Let’s have one of these, plus a serving of braised pork and lion’s head meatballs, and also a bottle of wine.”

The dishes and wine together came to thirteen hundred yuan—ridiculously expensive!

Ji Yu really felt the pain, wondering how many days of running minor roles he’d have to endure to earn that back.

But treating such a lovely Teacher Li, the thousand-plus yuan was well worth it!

Li Xiaoran tugged his sleeve, glanced at the waiter, and then quietly advised:

“The lobster is too expensive; just the braised pork and lion’s head meatballs will do.”

Ji Yu smiled faintly at her, returned the menu to the waiter, and said, “That’s all, thank you.”

“Certainly, sir, please wait a moment,” the waiter smiled and walked away with the menu.

Only then did Li Xiaoran relax a little, teasing him, “Why order so much? We won’t be able to finish it.”

“The portions here are small. I’m afraid it won’t be enough,” Ji Yu replied.

“Then let’s split the bill, or I’ll feel bad.”

“We agreed I’d treat you,” Ji Yu smiled and changed the subject, “How was your shoot today?”

“Pretty good,” Li Xiaoran suddenly remembered something and asked curiously, “Why didn’t you come today?”

“I’m done with running minor roles. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be worthy to be with Teacher Li.”

“I’m not looking down on you... wait, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Li Xiaoran blushed, feeling a little embarrassed.

Ji Yu couldn’t help but laugh. Teacher Li was really so kind.

“I mean, as friends, you’re a big star and I’m just an extra. How can we be friends?”

“Then what are you planning? Why are you all dressed up so nicely all of a sudden?”

Li Xiaoran truly thought Ji Yu looked handsome today—very fashionable and tasteful!

Ji Yu grinned arrogantly. “Just sprucing myself up, getting ready to sign with a company!”

“Have you found one yet?”

“Not yet. I’ll go tomorrow. Today, I want Teacher Li to be my judge. Do I look handsome?”

“Handsome! Very handsome!” Li Xiaoran answered without hesitation.

“Do you like it?”

“Li... huh? You’re teasing me again! How annoying!”

“Hehe, it’s called ‘a refined lady and a gentleman make a perfect match.’”

“You’re not gentlemanly at all.”

“I just saved a damsel in distress a moment ago!”

The two joked like old friends, though the atmosphere between them grew increasingly flirtatious.

After all, Ji Yu was almost openly declaring his intention to pursue her.

After they finished their meal, they left the Peace Hotel and took a stroll along the Bund.

Watching the cruise ships on the Huangpu River, Ji Yu smiled and said, “Teacher Li, I won’t go to your crew anymore. When I sign with a company, I’ll invite you to ride on the cruise.”

“Sure, good luck with that,” Li Xiaoran said, then took out a photo frame she’d prepared earlier and handed it to him.

“A gift to commemorate the first time you had a line.”

Ji Yu was a little surprised—he hadn’t expected a gift. Looking at the photo, he couldn’t help but smile.

In the photo, Li Xiaoran was gazing up at him, eyes sparkling with a smile—truly beautiful.

“Thank you. This is the best gift I’ve ever received!”

“Keep it up! You’ll definitely become famous!”

“Thanks for the good wishes! Teacher Li, you have to work hard too! Wishing you happiness and fulfillment!”

Li Xiaoran tilted her head and gave him a playful nudge, scolding him for not wishing her great success.

Ji Yu laughed and said, “I can’t promise other blessings, but this one, I guarantee it will come true!”

The Huangpu River breeze was damp, and the red lights from the cruise bathed Li Xiaoran’s cheeks in a warm glow.

She looked at Ji Yu with a complex expression, then after a moment said, “I have to shoot again tomorrow. I’ll go now, bye.”

Ji Yu nodded. “Okay, bye.”

“Mm.” Li Xiaoran walked a few steps, then turned back and said, “Remember to tell me when you sign with a company. I’ll treat you to a meal!”

“Sure! I won’t disappoint you!”

Li Xiaoran bounced away with her bag, looking like a teenager.

Ji Yu couldn’t help but smile. Teacher Li was so adorable.

He must sign with a company! He couldn’t let Teacher Li slip further away!

If he couldn’t catch up, there might really be no chance to be friends anymore.

Ji Yu strolled along the Bund a while longer before heading home.

Early the next morning, after getting ready, he took a taxi to a film and television company in Shanghai with his resume.

Shanghai had many film and television companies, but few lasted long, and even fewer had potential for the future.

He had no chance with large state-owned enterprises; local insiders all had their own networks, and it was hard for him to fit in.

The best targets were those newcomers!

Tangren (Sugar Man) was a good choice.

Its development over the next ten years looked promising; he could ride the wave and break into the circle first.

But that was Ji Yu’s ideal plan—Old Cai might not even notice him.

Still, Ji Yu felt the chance was good enough. At least he looked decent!

Old Cai should take a liking to him.

Ji Yu took a taxi to Tangren and went in with his resume.

The company had just opened, and only the receptionist was there.

Ji Yu struck up a conversation with her, making her smile.

While the boss hadn’t arrived yet, she took him on a quick tour.

Ji Yu didn’t waste any time. He took out a few listening devices from an online marketplace and casually placed them in key spots.

Know your enemy, know yourself, and you’ll win every battle!

This morning was just a preliminary visit; he would come back in the afternoon to formally apply to join.