FLME Ch29

Yu Wen became inexplicably famous.

For several consecutive days, he was a hot topic on the trending list. The “Daily Question” evolved from a fan super topic to a fixed topic, with big shots in the industry leaving messages one after another, practically roasting him on the heat.

His drama hadn’t even aired yet, but he had already become a familiar face to half the entertainment industry.

Yu Wen initially played dead to avoid it, but later he gathered the courage to get on Weibo, silently shedding tears at his skyrocketing follower count, and followed back all the big shots who had followed him.

[Mr. Yu, any gossip today?]

Seeing such topics again, he could now calmly reply: [No.]

[Alright.]

Such bizarre, senseless dialogues occurred once every day.

His fans also enjoyed his plight without mercy:

「Hahaha, Mr. Yu is talking so little, is something on his mind?」

「Let our Xiao Yu go! He’s about to break!」

「Mr. Yu, you’re really famous now… I forgot the middle part… You must be careful with your words and actions!」

On the phone, Xie Jiamao counted on his fingers and, as usual, opened a bottle of champagne halfway, “You are now a third… second-tier star! You can definitely be considered second-tier now! Our Xiao Yu is indeed the best!”

After hanging up the phone, Yu Wen looked at the sunset with a sense of melancholy.

His dream of being a third-tier small-time celebrity… was drifting further away.

It had been over half a month since the filming of “Legend of the Immortal Sect” wrapped up, and finally, the wrap party arrived.

Arriving at the destination hotel, just after getting out of the car, Jian Heng approached, holding a birthday cake crown from who knows where, and solemnly stood in front of him.

Yu Wen swished his sleeves, making a cape-like movement, and condescendingly said, “This must be the gift prepared for me. I accept it, crown me.”

Jian Heng, with utmost reverence and respect, placed the crown on his head.

Yu Wen said, “Xiao Jianzi, lead the way.”

Xiao Jianzi replied, “Yes!”

Passing through the lobby, Jian Heng grabbed a wet towel from a waiter’s tray, shook it open, and draped it over Yu Wen’s shoulders like a cape.

Yu Wen said, “It’s a bit hot.”

Jian Heng immediately responded, “It’s Xiao Jianzi’s burning passion!”

Yu Wen then graciously nodded, allowing the simple white wet towel to rest on his noble shoulders.

He walked into the private room, head held high, like an emperor on a western tour.

He thought the act was over and was about to remove the towel—it was really quite hot—when the door suddenly opened from inside. Zhu Xinyi popped a confetti cannon and enthusiastically announced, “Welcome, Mr. Yu, to our drama guidance! Everyone, applause!”

Thunderous applause erupted, with all the named characters from the drama gathered there.

Yu Wen had no choice but to drape the towel back on, curving his lips into a reserved smile, raising his chin, and waving at the gazes turned towards him, “At ease, at ease.”

The director, holding a cake in the corner, was laughing uproariously.

Jian Heng twisted some paper into a small megaphone, stood on a chair, and loudly proclaimed, “Today we gather here because our best friend, Mr. Yu Wen, during the half month we were filming, became an overnight sensation! Because of him, our ‘Legend of the Immortal Sect’ has gained unbelievable exposure and successfully upgraded from a B-level small production to an A+ major production!”

Even though the filming was complete, the difference between B-grade and A+ recommendations was significant. The director put down the cake, making a point to clap with his hands until his palms turned red.

Yu Wen was slightly surprised, “Really?”

Jian Heng said, “Yes! The director said the platform’s offer is two to three times higher than before.”

Yu Wen said solemnly, “Give me a bonus, thank you.”

The director said, “Sure! Everyone gets a bonus!”

The initial excitement had mostly passed, and after laughing and joking around, everyone settled down. The director began cutting the cake for everyone.

Jian Heng sighed, “I’ve been carefully maintaining relationships with every friend, hoping that one day I’d be lifted up by a brother. And you, Mr. Yu— you didn’t disappoint me. Not only did you rise in fame, but you also brought me up with you!”

Jian Heng thumped his chest twice.

Yu Wen also thumped his chest and gave him a wink, “We’re brothers, no need for such words.”

During the meal, they chatted casually. Jian Heng asked about his upcoming work plans.

Yu Wen pondered, “I’ll rest for a few days… I think I’ll be recording a new variety show in a week.”

The notice from the Battle Royale show had already been released.

Xie Jiamao had indeed secured a regular spot on a nationally popular variety show. Yu Wen couldn’t figure it out and could only attribute it to his boss’s dumb luck.

Regular body management was temporarily abandoned, and Jian Heng, chewing on a cake, mumbled, “Yeah, I heard the director say our drama could be scheduled as early as next month. If the response is good, they might gather us for a vlog or a mini-variety show…”

“Really?” Yu Wen was surprised, “The director is quite ambitious?”

Jian Heng said, “Isn’t it because you’re always giving him a morale boost!”

Yu Wen shrugged innocently.

“But,” Jian Heng added, “I might not be able to make it. I’m about to record a dating show, fully enclosed, can’t even bring my phone.”

He regretted, “Xiao Yu, you won’t see me for over a month.”

Yu Wen gave a token response to his farewell. “Legend of the Immortal Sect” was a typical low-profile drama, with everyone on a similar level, hanging out and having fun together. Their bonds were much deeper than ordinary colleagues. Now that filming was over, they were reluctant to part ways.

The dinner lasted until late at night. Fueled by alcohol, everyone went a bit crazy. Zhu Xinyi hugged the actress playing the Third Senior Sister and wailed, “Third Sister! Don’t go, how will I live without you!”

In the end, the director had the sober ones escort everyone home.

–

Yu Wen didn’t drink much, so the next day he was a bright and energetic Xiao Yu again.

He rode his little electric scooter to the company— the boss said they were filming a vlog today.

With everything settled, Director Gao finally emerged from the corner and returned. Conveniently, all the company members were free today, so the boss planned to shoot a vlog to formally introduce Starlight Media, laying the foundation for future growth and strength.

When Yu Wen arrived, Chu Han was already there, sitting in the reception room, curiously observing the surroundings, and praising, “Your company’s decoration is quite tasteful.”

The furnishings were simple, with a slight metallic tint on a single wall as the highlight, adding a sense of technology and futurism to the otherwise ordinary reception room.

The company logo was on the wall, with slender and fluid fonts in bold contrasting colors.

Yu Wen glanced around and thought, of course, it looks good. Teacher Xie personally painted the walls, and his own efforts were part of it.

“I painted this wall.” He shamelessly pointed to the silver-gray feature wall.

As he spoke, Xi Su emerged from the elevator, entering with headphones on his blue head, and accidentally bumped into the transparent glass, wincing in pain.

Seeing this, Yu Wen thought, “…Can our StarLight Media really grow and strengthen?”

The future seemed uncertain.

Somehow, the boss managed to contact Feng Chengzhou and explained the situation. Xi Su suddenly messaged him one night: [Hey man, I’m not going back to sell barbecue. I can still make it in the entertainment industry.]

Yu Wen didn’t reply, so he kept talking to himself in the chat: [But I’ve decided to invest in a barbecue shop, just in case I can’t make it, so I won’t starve.]

Xi Su: [I’ll still give you a 20% discount. You’re my best friend. Heart gesture.jpg.]

Director Gao arrived late, and seeing him, Yu Wen was shocked and said loudly, “Director Gao, did you become a monkey in the mountains?”

In just over half a month, Gao Kaiyu’s hair had grown significantly, becoming messy and resembling a bird’s nest, only missing a bird. Stubbly facial hair had appeared, his eyes were lifeless, and thick dark circles hung beneath them, making him look like he’d been drained of energy.

He yawned, “Rushing the schedule… haven’t slept well for half a month.”

Xie Jiamao, disliking his unkempt appearance that could tarnish the company’s image, didn’t allow him to be on camera. Gao Kaiyu was happy to be left alone and went to the guest sofa, pulled a blanket from a nearby cabinet, and peacefully slept.

Xie Jiamao spoke with Yu Wen for a couple of minutes. Turning around, he heard soft snoring from the sofa.

“…”

He turned back helplessly, “Let’s stream in another room.”

The company’s six core members should have been together at this moment, but one was driving and the other was asleep next door.

Xie Jiamao had the three of them sit in a row, explaining, “Last night, I posted a preview, but netizens said they wanted a live broadcast, so we switched to live… Mr. Xi, any questions?”

Hearing it was a live broadcast, Xi Su shot up from his seat.

He scratched his messy hair, which was just as disheveled as Gao Kaiyu’s, “I haven’t put on makeup.”

Yu Wen thought, as expected from a talent show contestant, he understood image management. Xiao Yu looked up and said, “I haven’t put on makeup either.”

Xi Su glanced at him, “Your skin is as smooth as a peeled egg, no need for makeup.”

Being praised out of nowhere, Yu Wen blushed, “You’re flattering me…”

Chu Han poked his head out, “Weren’t we supposed to be on camera for the vlog?”

“That’s different,” Xi Su said earnestly after a moment of frustration, “You can edit each frame in a vlog.”

Yu Wen: “…”

Seeing how calmly he said that, it was obvious he’d done it many times before.

Xie Jiamao said, “Our company doesn’t have so many burdens. Even if you look bad, I can still get you resources.”

“Cool.” Xi Su couldn’t help but give him a thumbs up, looking at the boss with admiration.

Right on time, Xie Jiamao started the livestream.

The fill lights and high-definition cameras were already in place, and a phone was set up in front of Yu Wen for them to watch the comments.

As soon as the livestream started, the comments flowed in neatly:

「Greet the Melon King!」

「Greet the Melon King!」

「Greet the Melon King!」

…

Yu Wen: “…”

He had tried hard to accept it, but seeing this joke in person still made him feel a bit… juvenile.

Some jokes never go away, and some embarrassments will follow you for life. As a wise person once said, as long as he remains steadfast, he won’t be easily swayed…

“Pfft—”

Yu Wen’s steadfast heart cracked instantly. He mechanically turned his head to look at Xi Su inquiringly.

Why are you laughing?

Chu Han suppressed the corners of his mouth from turning up, trying hard to recall sad memories. The comments were closer to him, making the impact greater. It took him a lot of effort to suppress his laughter.

“Pfft, I just think the comments are funny…” Xi Su couldn’t understand his feeling of embarrassment and even held up the phone screen to show him, “Look, they’re calling you.”

Yu Wen closed his eyes in despair.

When he opened them again, he had accepted his new identity, “You may rise, my loyal subjects.”

「Thank you, Melon King!」

「Thank you, Melon King!」

「Thank you, Melon King!」

…

「Where’s the Crown Prince? Isn’t the Crown Prince coming today?」

Xie Jiamao went out to take a call, temporarily leaving the livestream to them. Yu Wen resignedly answered, “The Crown Prince isn’t coming today. Today is a small team-building event for our company, only company members are appearing.”

After answering, he glanced at Chu Han out of the corner of his eye. Unexpectedly, Chu Han’s expression was calm; for once, mentioning this person didn’t upset him.

…Actually, Chu Han was just trying hard not to laugh, which made his face expressionless.

「It would be best for the Crown Prince to sit next to you. How can the Melon King go without left and right guardians by his side?」

“Huh?” Yu Wen quickly took out his phone and searched for information on left and right guardians, finding a meme. It was a picture of him saying “You may rise” in a livestream. Netizens had given him a crown, and Feng Chengzhou and Chu Han happened to be looking at the camera with serious faces, so netizens had dressed them in ancient royal guard costumes.

The caption read: The Melon King is here.

The two beside him were honored as the Left and Right Guardians.

After looking at the meme, Yu Wen was silent.

He subtly and tactfully reminded the netizens, “The Crown Prince… is the next chairman of Huiteng Group. Making him my guardian, wouldn’t that be…”

「How dare he not comply?! The Melon King’s favor is a blessing for him!」

「A mere Huiteng Crown Prince, how can he compare to our Melon King?」

「Your Majesty! I don’t covet your melon field, I only covet your beauty. Can this humble woman enter your palace as your queen?!」

「If you become the queen, then I’ll be the imperial concubine.」

「If you’re the imperial concubine, then I’ll be the noble consort.」

「If you’re the noble consort, then I’ll be the favored concubine.」

「Then I’ll be Zhen Huan.」

「This concubine of the Guarjia clan accuses Consort Xi of adultery, causing chaos in the harem, an unforgivable crime!」

Xi Su, who was a bit slow to react, had just finished searching for the left and right guardian meme and craned his neck over, “Are there front and back guardians? I want to be one.”

This really stumped the netizens.

「This concubine of the Guarjia clan… bestows you the title of Mighty General!」

Xi Su solemnly bowed, “Thank you, Lady Guarjia!”

「When did Xi Su join the same company as Xiao Yu?」

「Yeah, now that you mention it, Chu Han is also in this company?」

「Company team-building… Who’s in your company?」

The topic finally returned to the right track, and Yu Wen sighed in relief.

He took on the role of host, formally introducing to the netizens, “This is Xi Su, debuted from a talent show, very handsome with high looks, and will definitely be a traffic star in idol dramas in the future… This is Chu Han, with many works, everyone should be familiar with him. He officially signed with our company not long ago. Although Starlight Media is a new company, a talented actor like Mr. Chu can shine anywhere.”

After the introduction, he clapped proudly like a seal, “Let’s welcome them!”

「Welcome!」

「One is an idol, the other is a talented actor, what about you?」

Yu Wen replied without hesitation, “I’m just a freeloader.”

「My goal is to be taken care of by these two friends after they become superstars.」

「Pfft hahahaha」

「Hasn’t the Melon King’s nonsense-spouting ability grown stronger after a few days?」

「Do not belittle yourself! You are the Melon King!」

「How about this, you can become a paparazzi, always recording the beautiful moments around you, and then use this material to blackmail various entertainment companies.」

Yu Wen subconsciously turned to look at Xi Su. Xi Su had just seen this comment too, and when their eyes met, he sat up a bit straighter, feeling somewhat guilty.

Yu Wen was about to subtly warn him not to do anything illegal, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Xie Heyu walk in with several plastic bags.

“Oh look, our Teacher Xie is here.” Xi Su tried to divert his attention.

Xie Heyu pushed the door open, and the girly wind chime the boss had hung by the glass door jingled. Today, the cool guy was dressed simply in a black T-shirt and long pants, with a small, inconspicuous lip stud, looking very trendy.

Xie Heyu glanced at them and mouthed: Did you have breakfast?