Chapter 0163

The next day, the wrap-up ceremony was held by a riverside in the suburbs, surrounded by mountains and scenic views—the final filming location for the short drama. After shooting concluded, they went straight into the wrap-up celebration.

The crew, big and small, numbered in the dozens, with over a dozen actors in attendance.

At dusk, when Lin Ran arrived with Luo Yao, the entire crowd gasped in surprise.

Wu Zhishang hadn’t told anyone Lin Ran would be coming—he’d been waiting for this exact moment of shock. It was a psychological indulgence for him.

The heiress of the top financial conglomerate, gracing their humble short drama’s wrap-up banquet? How impressive was he?

Wu Zhishang hurried over to greet Lin Ran and Luo Yao. As for Luo Yao, he held an immense amount of respect for her—after all, she was the woman who had once gifted him a check.

That kind of money? Even his own parents couldn’t have given him that, no matter how much they wanted to.

But she could. All thanks to sticking close to Brother Lin.

When Chen Qingtian saw Luo Yao, stars practically sparkled in her eyes, her admiration impossible to hide.

She truly wanted to become a woman like Luo Yao—and then achieve her ultimate life goal.

Keeping ten young, doting boyfriends.

One to pour tea, one to fetch water, one to massage her feet, one to knead her legs, one to flatter her, one to run errands, one to cuddle, and one to fawn over her.

The last two would take turns whispering in her ears, "I love you like mice love rice."

How perfect would that life be?

But for now, it wasn’t possible. She had to focus on making money first.

"Sis-in-law, please teach me how to get rich!"

Luo Yao: "You’re short on money?"

"Desperately. I need a lot of it to raise—mmph!"

Pei Qianqian, you always stop me. One of these days, I’m firing you.

Luo Yao glanced at Lin Ran.

"Ah Ran, wasn’t I right? Other women are all playgirls—only I truly love you."

Chen Qingtian: ???

Me, a playgirl? I just want to give every man a home.

Okay, fine, that mindset was admittedly a bit shameless. But she hadn’t actually done anything yet!

Lin Ran had come to understand Chen Qingtian’s personality somewhat by now.

Honestly, if he hadn’t interacted with her, who would’ve guessed a top-tier celebrity could be like this?

Soon, the wrap-up ceremony officially ended, and the evening banquet kicked off in full swing.

But gradually, everyone noticed a serious problem.

Lin Ran, their boss, didn’t seem to be here for the wrap-up—he was here to force-feed them dog food.

Originally, the crew had planned an elaborate post-wrap celebration: a camping barbecue party by the riverside, with an all-night rager.

But the moment the party started, Lin Ran stopped acting human.

"Brother Lin, I saw that skewer first."

"My wife gets first taste. Besides, isn’t this a first-come-first-served situation?" Without hesitation, Lin Ran snatched the skewer Wu Zhishang had been eyeing and handed it to Luo Yao.

"Here, eat this. Chew slowly—it’s not easy to digest."

Chen Qingtian had just finished performing for the group. When she returned to her seat, she stared blankly at her empty plate.

"Where’s the abalone I grilled?"

A quick glance to the side revealed it had already been shelled and placed on Luo Yao’s plate.

"Oh, just letting my wife try it," Lin Ran said, the picture of a devoted husband.

"Damn it, Brother Lin! Have some decency! Is this lamb kidney for Sis-in-law too?" Wu Zhishang was finally reaching his limit.

"Huh? No, this one’s for me." Shamelessly, Lin Ran popped the skewer into his own mouth.

Between bites, he added, "Cousin, great performance earlier. Next time, maybe don’t."

As the night wore on, the lively party devolved into a chorus of howls from the "starving dogs."

Luo Yao showed no sympathy for their plight, instead basking in the fact that Lin Ran’s world revolved entirely around her.

Lin Ran finally looked up and noticed the mood had shifted.

"Why’s everyone staring at me?"

"Haha, no reason! You’re the boss—it’s only logical we’d watch your every move," one employee explained.

Another chimed in, "Senior, a friend of mine wanted me to ask—which is more important, pride or your wife?"

Lin Ran: "A man who can’t make his wife happy is the one with no dignity."

His answer left everyone speechless.

Alright, alright, we get it. You win.

Wu Zhishang, now in full food-guarding mode, finally managed to snag a plate for himself.

He immediately turned and set it in front of Chen Qingtian.

She glanced at it. "I don’t eat lamb."

"Ah… then, what do you want? I’ll get you something else."

"I’m not really into meat. At least, none of the kinds I’ve tried. Maybe something I haven’t had before—like human flesh. Can you grill that?"

Wu Zhishang lowered his head shyly and whispered,

"If you want… I could."

Chen Qingtian froze. Then she grabbed him by the collar.

"Get those dirty thoughts out of your head right now."

Wu Zhishang blinked. Wait, wasn’t she the one who brought it up?

Why’s she mad now?

Watching this, Lin Ran couldn’t help but wonder.

Could Old Wu actually have a shot with Chen Qingtian?

If so, wouldn’t that make him my brother-in-law?

Well, well. I treat you like a brother, and you’re out here trying to level up. Fine, have it your way.

Still, Lin Ran had no intention of interfering. Whatever happened would happen.

Love wasn’t something you could force together—or tear apart.

"Yao Yao, what else do you want to eat?"

Luo Yao: "I’m good for now."

Only then did Lin Ran feel satisfied. Feeding his little demon was more rewarding than eating himself.

He glanced up at the sky, and his mood lifted even further.

"The sky’s so clear here. Let’s go stargazing."

"Okay. But only if Ah Ran stays with me."

"Of course."

Everyone else: ??? Can you two just disappear already?

As if answering their silent prayers, Lin Ran and Luo Yao finally left.

They lay down on the grass by the riverside tent, Luo Yao resting her head on Lin Ran’s stomach, forming a "T" shape together.

"The stars are so bright tonight," Lin Ran mused.

"Because we’re away from the city lights," Luo Yao agreed, enjoying the view.

"So, should we go home or stay here tonight? You decide."

Luo Yao: "Where doesn’t matter. My world is divided into places with you and places without you. Wherever you are is my home."

What did sweetness feel like? Lin Ran knew—it was an addiction.

He hadn’t understood it before. Now, he cherished it.

"Let’s not measure our days anymore. Let’s count every minute instead."

"Okay."

Lin Ran glanced back at the tent.

"It’s a bit small."

Luo Yao gave a subtle signal to a nearby bodyguard, who immediately left.

Soon after, a luxurious RV pulled up, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

Once again, Lin Ran was awed by Luo Yao’s extravagance.

"Yao Yao, how about we watch the stars from the roof of the RV?"