Ji Lanruo ran back to the hotel in one breath.
There was an unspeakable sense of fear in her heart. She was afraid that Song Xingjia would leave without saying goodbye.
Watching the elevator numbers ascend one by one.
Ji Lanruo's mind was in a jumble.
With a "ding," Ji Lanruo exited the elevator and ran towards the room door.
She knocked hard on the door, "Song Xingjia!!"
"Who said you could just leave?!"
The door suddenly opened, and Ji Lanruo stumbled into a warm embrace.
A familiar scent enveloped her.
Ji Lanruo's face instantly turned crimson, and she calmed her breathing in his arms.
Song Xingjia looked down in confusion, "Who said I was leaving?"
Ji Lanruo stammered, "Mianmian said you were returning to Hong Kong today."
"I am returning to Hong Kong."
Ji Lanruo's head shot up, wanting to speak but hesitating.
What could she say? What right did she have?
Song Xingjia said unhurriedly, "But not today. Something came up, so it's postponed."
Ji Lanruo's face lit up. "Then, shall we go for hot pot tonight? The audition is over, and I think I did quite well. To express my gratitude, let me treat you to a meal first!"
"Okay, I'll go change," Song Xingjia gazed at her.
"You go, I'll wait for you."
"Then let go of me first," Song Xingjia chuckled lightly.
With a "boom," a tingly, ticklish sensation exploded in Ji Lanruo's ears.
She quickly let go of Song Xingjia's arm, feigning composure. "Hurry, I'll wait for you outside."
Seeing her face flushed to the roots of her ears, Song Xingjia didn't suggest she wait inside.
The door was left half-open.
Ji Lanruo's face was flushed.
She secretly thought that Song Xingjia had been too good to her lately.
It had given her a false impression.
She let out a sigh. It was good to be friends.
Song Xingjia changed his clothes quickly.
Seeing him come out, Ji Lanruo said simultaneously, "I've already booked a table."
As they got into the car, Ji Lanruo belatedly realized, "What about Song Yan? Isn't he with us today?"
"He's on leave."
Ji Lanruo didn't ask further.
They arrived at the hot pot restaurant.
Ji Lanruo was in a good mood. She eagerly went to mix her dipping sauce.
When she returned, she handed a portion to Song Xingjia. "I mixed one for you according to my taste. I don't know if you'll like it."
Saying this, she tilted her chin slightly. "If you don't like it, then forget it. It's your honor that this young lady has deigned to mix dipping sauce for you."
A smile flickered in Song Xingjia's eyes. "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Ji."
When he said this nickname, Ji Lanruo always felt a sense of being teased.
Her eyes, filled with a watery gaze, darted a glance at him. "You've worked hard too. Let's both eat more today!"
Song Xingjia hummed and handed her a hair tie. "Tie your hair up."
Ji Lanruo's hair was a chestnut brown with large waves.
If Song Xingjia hadn't mentioned it, she would have forgotten.
Letting her hair down while eating hot pot would hinder her appetite.
Ji Lanruo took it without hesitation, her tone carrying a hint of sourness she hadn't noticed herself. "Where did you get that from?"
"I asked the waiter."
Ji Lanruo said "Oh" and nothing more.
They had a very enjoyable meal.
Song Xingjia liked eating with Ji Lanruo; she had a certain vitality about her.
No matter when, watching her eat heartily was a pleasure.
She didn't eat ravenously, but her genuine love for food was evident on her face.
Unlike some actresses who deliberately dieted, refusing this and that, which was quite a killjoy.
Ji Lanruo was a delight to watch when she ate.
When Song Xingjia was busy, it was common for him to go without eating for a whole day.
Over time, his body no longer felt hunger.
Later, under Song Yan's nagging, he saw a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for treatment.
But by then, he had lost interest in eating.
When he did, it was only a pitiful amount.
Eating with Ji Lanruo, his appetite subconsciously increased.
After the meal, they returned to the hotel together.
Ji Lanruo wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, she decided against it.
Song Xingjia escorted her to her door. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Ten days later.
Director Ye called Ji Lanruo.
When she saw the call, Ji Lanruo had a premonition.
Her little heart pounded. Upon hearing Director Ye say she had passed the audition,
Ji Lanruo couldn't help but roll on the bed.
She suppressed the urge to shout to the heavens and listened to Director Ye chatter on the other end.
"Did someone specially teach you this time? Your progress is incredibly fast."
"But don't get arrogant. Your audition was an extraordinary performance. I hope you can maintain this level once you join the crew."
"Oh, and if you have time, let's discuss the contract and go through the procedures."
Ji Lanruo could only nod. "Okay, okay, okay."
She was too happy!
Ji Lanruo shared the news with Song Xingjia immediately.
Song Xingjia replied with a song.
Ji Lanruo listened to it.
It was a cheerful, sweet love song.
She pondered it for a long time, not understanding its meaning.
Was Song Xingjia congratulating her on getting the role of Jiang Yuer?
What a secretly passionate old man.
The following days passed quickly.
As soon as Jiang Yuer's promotional photos were released, Weibo exploded.
Yusheng: [Help! Did this sister really not spend money? Or was Director Ye possessed?]
Qiao Yi: [Director Ye's female leads always have both beauty and talent. Why would he choose a vase this time?]
Shan Hai Cang Yi Shen: [Can I say I can't accept this? My fantasy is shattered. I have no anticipation at all!!]
Dudu: [I want to go crazy. The male lead is still my favorite actor. Poor him, he's too tragic!]
The comments were overwhelmingly negative, with everyone questioning Ji Lanruo's acting skills.
Even the male lead of this drama was currently looking for Director Ye.
Ren Zijun's expression was complicated. "Director Ye, I only signed this drama with you because I trust you, and I've pushed back all my other schedules. As for this female lead... I'm sorry, I can't accept it."
Because of Ji Lanruo, fans even started a war of words on Weibo.
Director Ye waved his hand. "Sit down first. Everything is within my control."
Ren Zijun sat down. "What do you mean?"
Director Ye found Ji Lanruo's audition clip and said, "You'll understand why I cast her after you watch this."
Ten minutes later.
Ren Zijun reacted even more strongly than he did. He muttered to himself, "Has this Miss Ji been possessed? Her acting is like a different person."
Director Ye nodded. "See? Her acting isn't beyond saving. And there's another reason I chose her. Besides, this girl is genuinely good, and she's willing to endure hardship. Apart from her acting skills, she has no other flaws. In other aspects, she's a perfect fit for Jiang Yuer. At worst, I'll just teach her more once we're on set."
Ren Zijun asked, puzzled, "The internet is questioning your casting choice. Why don't you release this video?"
Director Ye was much calmer. "What's the rush? Let's generate some buzz first."
Let them be deeply impressed, and they'll pay attention later.
Director Ye was well aware of the power of trending topics.
This matter caused a huge stir.
Her three elder brothers called Ji Lanruo one after another:
"Little sister, if it's really impossible, just come home!"
"Did you really bribe the director? Do you need more money? Your brother still has some."
"How about you just don't film it? Your brother can't bear to see you being scolded."