31.1 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

Chapter 25: The Little Radish Kid 【Such a gentle and cool older sister, ow...】 【If only the pretty sister could be gentler when drawing the needle.】 【Ow, there goes the pretty sister, uh... so tired, so sleepy... so...】 【Can you give a hint, please? Completely grasping at straws here—how am I supposed to continue your mission like this?】 【Seriously, a hint, please. I can't keep playing if you don't say anything.】 【...Are you Conan? You want me to be Conan, right?】 【Riddler, get lost!】 【Huh? Hey? You fragile-system, get back here!!!】 【Why do you have the same hobbies as my grandma...】 Ran Fanyin, who has attended plenty of wrap parties both big and small, rarely finds herself being dragged to a roadside BBQ stand by the director. She seldom ate at such places when she was young, discovering the joy of these greasy, salty snacks only after moving out and becoming independent. Unfortunately, she had to watch her weight, so she could only indulge once in a long while. Fang Qing ordered a menu for every table, generously announcing that he would treat everyone tonight. Then, he sat down next to Ran Fanyin. “Little Ran, let’s sit together tonight. I don’t want to drink with that group of guys—it’s boring.” Fang Qing gently patted her shoulder. This time, he switched angles, avoiding the sore spot from earlier. Ran Fanyin skillfully scalded the utensils for both of them, arranging them neatly. She chuckled softly, her dimples particularly striking. Fang Qing was somewhat surprised, “I thought a rich girl like you wouldn’t know how to do this.” “Director Fang, you jest. I’ve been living independently for a long time now. I learned these things on my own.” “No support from your family?” Ran Fanyin nodded. “My family didn’t support me either, but they still silently invested in my productions. I can only say they’re all soft-hearted people. See, didn’t your parents end up investing in ‘Double Dreams’?” Ran Fanyin sighed. “They said if ‘Double Dreams’ flops, they'll make me come back home.” “Flop? Impossible! Maybe I wasn't sure at first because I didn’t know you well, but after these past few days, I have no doubts.” Though neither of them had been drinking, Fang Qing spoke as if he was drunk, his words bold and grandiose. But his words were grounded in reason. He had a strict grip on the scripts, and although his shows might not have exploded, they always managed to land smoothly. Seeing the remarkable chemistry between Ning and Ran these past days only filled him with more confidence. If they still lost money with such a setup, now that would be embarrassing. Fang Qing looked at the well-behaved girl beside him, growing fonder by the second. He got up to fetch a bottle of beer and poured them both a glass. Little Ran: Uh, weren’t you just saying you didn’t want to drink with the guys... now this? “Director Fang, I don’t drink.” “Tonight’s a special occasion. Just a little won’t hurt~” No, she can't. She gets drunk easily. But seeing the glass gradually filling up in front of her, Ran Fanyin gritted her teeth and downed it all in one go. Fang Qing was amused. He hadn’t even put down the bottle, and the young girl had already finished her drink, struggling to catch her breath—a rather cute sight. If only she were my daughter, he thought. So adorable. “The dishes haven’t even arrived yet. How could you chug it like that? You’ll feel it soon.” Fang Qing teased. Ran Fanyin looked at her glass, a bit dazed. “I thought if I finished now, I wouldn’t have to drink later.” Fang Qing stifled a laugh. “Alright, you won’t have to drink later. But when the food comes, eat more to cushion your stomach. Otherwise, you’ll feel terrible tonight.” Waiting for the food, they chatted about their roles in ‘Double Dreams’. Ran Fanyin was astonished that Fang Qing had already grasped the entire plot, while Fang Qing was impressed by Ran Fanyin's detailed understanding of her character. By the time the BBQ arrived, they shook hands firmly, united in their enthusiasm. Fang Qing took a bite, wincing from the heat, yet still declared confidently, “Little Ran, you just haven’t had a good team. With your attitude and ability, you should have been famous long ago.” “It’s not just that. It’s all the roles over the past five years that have shaped me into who I am now. Otherwise, Director Fang wouldn't see me as I am today. I was quite clumsy at the start.” Ran Fanyin blew on her BBQ in small puffs, her blush from the heat and a few stray hairs framing her face, adding a touch of sincerity to her otherwise polite words. Fang Qing chuckled. “You’re right. Let me tell you, Ning Songwu was quite the novice at the beginning.” Hearing this, Little Ran quietly put down her BBQ, perked up her ears, and stealthily watched Fang Qing, waiting for him to continue. Fang Qing glanced knowingly at her. “So, you like Ning Songwu?” “Yes, I’ve been her fan for many years.” “Oh, so you liked her since the days of the red-clad heroine?” Ran Fanyin nodded fervently. But Fang Qing wasn’t referring to that kind of liking. He wasn’t the matchmaking type and had no habit of exposing people’s secrets. He just glanced at her and said mildly, “I introduced her to that project.” “Huh?” “That’s where she was a fool. I was casting for a modern drama, and she walked in with her extraordinary-looking face, stood there like a tree...” Little Ran propped her head on her hand, listening intently, sketching a younger, somewhat reckless Ning Songwu in her mind—uninformed about the industry’s rules, bluntly self-promoting, regardless of whether the role suited her or because she had no other choices. “I looked at that face, that figure. Casting her in my third-rate modern drama would’ve been a waste, so I sent her over to try out for a historical drama instead, and, well, she became an instant hit. Pretty good eye, right?” Fang Qing was already somewhat tipsy, his diminishing composure almost gone. He pulled Ran Fanyin closer, whispering, “I saw potential in Ning Songwu, and I see it in you too. You’ll definitely become a big star, I believe in you.” Ran Fanyin always wore a smile, but this time she smiled even more brightly. In her heart, she thought: Actually, I don't care about fame. I just want to be by Teacher Ning's side, that's all. To stand on stage with her idol—isn’t that every fan’s big dream? And now she was gradually realizing it. How wonderful. “By the way, back then, Ning Songwu's life was quite hard. Did you know she supported an orphanage?” “I heard about it. So it’s true?” Fang Qing nodded. “Back then, she could barely afford to eat herself, but when I asked her what she would do with her first paycheck, she said she’d donate it to her home, Journeys Welfare Institute. What a fitting name for that place.” Home. So, the welfare institute was her home? Ran Fanyin was stunned. Ning Songwu didn’t like revealing personal life details in public, not even to her company’s contacts or big fans. No one knew her real family situation. Over time, even her fans stopped caring, only occasionally wondering if she was dating, never prying into anything else. As for her love life, Ning Songwu had none, entirely devoted to work. In her downtime, she’d travel around, earning her the title of the safest ‘house.’ No one could imagine someone as aloof as Ning Songwu could ever fall in love with anyone. Maybe it was for the best. But today, having glimpsed her background, Ran Fanyin felt a pang of guilt, quickly swallowed by waves of sympathy. She grabbed the beer bottle, poured herself a full glass, and downed it all, finally steadying her emotions before asking, “So, Teacher Ning’s parents?” “She grew up in the welfare institute. Where would she find parents?” More heartache. No, it felt like her heart actually hurt. She furrowed her brows, raising a hand to rub her chest where she’d just felt a sharp pain. All her actions were noticed by Fang Qing, who chuckled and teased, “Are you heartbroken for Ning Songwu, my loyal fan? It’s all in the past. You need to keep going—standing alongside her if you like her so much.” “Uh-huh, I will.” Fang Qing smiled, “Talking about Ning Songwu is boring. Let’s chat about something else.” Their conversation wandered from one topic to another, from the entertainment industry to other subjects, from serious discussions to showbiz gossip. Ran Fanyin, usually indifferent to gossip, found herself learning quite a bit from Fang Qing’s stories. “There’s a male star, Xie Something-or-other, notorious for being a jerk. Little Ran, stay far away from him.” “Uh-huh, I’m not planning to date anytime soon.” “And never with this guy!” Ran Fanyin laughed and nodded heavily, earning a gentle pat on her cheek. When Li Kuer came to pick her up after a phone call, she found Ran Fanyin slumped over the table, unable to move, while Fang Qing was only a little tipsy, still quite clear-headed. He rubbed Ran Fanyin’s head, thinking how a few glasses had knocked her out—such a lightweight. He’d have to keep an eye on her, not letting her drink recklessly in the future. “Are you her assistant?” Fang Qing asked, tilting his head toward the newcomer. Li Kuer smiled gently, “No, I’m her friend.” “Take care,” Fang Qing waved them off. Ran Fanyin managed to stand up, but after taking just a couple of steps, she held onto her dear friend, asking her to wait. Then, she turned back and, grabbing the hem of her clothes, gave Fang Qing a deep, sincere bow. She almost fell flat on her face. Both onlookers were amused by her disregard for her own image. The two relatively sober individuals made a mental note—to never let this adorable girl touch alcohol again. She could easily be led astray without even realizing it. Once in the car, Li Kuer sensed that her companion had let out a sigh of relief. Tentatively, she asked, “You’re not drunk?” “Huh?” Ran Fanyin turned her head in a dazed manner, her eyes vacant. Okay, she shouldn’t have gotten her hopes up. “Kuer, do you think children from the welfare institute are all very lonely?” “Why are you suddenly thinking about this? Have you automatically activated a compassion skill just because you’re drunk?” Miss Ran slowly shook her head, “It’s just... something that suddenly came to mind.” She suddenly slumped onto Li Kuer, who nearly lost control of the steering wheel, giving her a nudge to lean against the other side of the car door. “I really like her,” Ran Fanyin whispered softly. Though it was obvious whom she was referring to, Li Kuer simply glanced at her without responding. Feeling somewhat neglected and frustrated, Ran Fanyin whimpered a few more times before asking, “Do the welfare kids celebrate Children’s Day?” “Why are you stuck on this welfare institute topic tonight?” There’s no reasoning with a drunk, but Li Kuer couldn’t help but quip. “I’m just thinking, should I bring a really pretty cup on set from now on.” Goodness, she’s really starting to babble nonsense. Suddenly, Ran Fanyin sat up straight, startling the person next to her. She spoke in a solemn tone as if announcing something significant. Li Kuer, genuinely frightened by this drunkard’s antics, quickly found a temporary parking spot to see what more earth-shattering declarations she might make. “I’ve decided, I want to celebrate Children’s Day for Teacher Ning!” “What?” Li Kuer almost bit her tongue. Fortunately, she had parked on the side of the road. Otherwise, she might have been startled into mistaking the gas pedal for the brake. The conversation had been shifting topics so rapidly tonight that, forgive her aging brain, she simply couldn’t keep up with this erratic train of thought. Resigning herself, she crossed her arms, waiting for her to finish. Meanwhile, she casually turned on the voice recorder. You’re welcome ~ 【Master is so pretty even when he’s angry, hehe.】 【Even when angry, Master cares about me. It feels so good.】 【I really like Master.】 【I thought he would be upset that I ran off with Lin Yuxue, hehe, I was overthinking it.】 【I haven’t yet shaken off my modern mindset. This is a world of cultivation, after all—a place where only the strong survive.】 【Indeed, I shouldn’t have saved her.】 【But if it happened again, I can’t promise I would stand by and do nothing.】 【I get it now. No wonder there’s no further mention of Shuangxue. Lin Yuxue must have done something when she got back.】 【So why wasn’t that part written out?】 This site has no pop-up ads, permanent domain.