Actresses

Chapter 61 Landing

Early in the morning, a knock sounded at the door on time. He Yuran was already dressed and looking energetic as she went to open the door. Xiao Zhao's face appeared behind the door, and he was indeed somewhat surprised.

"Boss, you're up so early? I gave you extra time, thinking you might want to sleep in." Xiao Zhao said a little nervously.

"The time isn't for me, it's for us to pick someone up. Let's go." He Yuran dragged the suitcase out the door, and as she turned to lock the door, Xiao Zhao quickly took the suitcase from her.

"I told you to bring your ID card, did you bring it?" He Yuran said.

"Yes, I brought it. Is there something you need?"

"It's nothing, you'll see when you pick up Jiang Fan."

The two went down to the underground parking garage, got into the car, and Xiao Zhao drove smoothly to Jiang Fan's house.

After all, it wasn't the first time, and now that Xiao Zhao knew Jiang Fan had signed with them, she dared not be negligent, and had already checked the best route in advance. In fact, Xiao Zhao was even the first person in the studio to sense that the boss treated Jiang Fan differently, having witnessed He Yuran personally staking out Jiang Fan downstairs. When had she ever seen such a big star act like a paparazzi? No, compared to that, she was more like a pervert. Oh well, in the boss's eyes, paparazzi are perverts.

Jiang Fan was also very punctual. When Xiao Zhao was on the phone, she saw someone coming out of the building entrance; it was Jiang Fan dragging his luggage, a very small carry-on suitcase.

Compared to his previous appearances, Jiang Fan looked much more refreshed and neat today, but with a mask and sunglasses, he already exuded a star-like aura.

As soon as the car door opened, Xiao Zhao rushed out. Turning around, he saw that his boss had also run down to help him get out.

It seems the boss's enthusiasm for Jiang Fan isn't just temporary. Will it always be like this? Xiao Zhao wondered. Probably not… But why wasn't Sister Jiahe with us today? So many questions.

Xiao Zhao dragged the suitcase over, put it in the trunk, and watched the two celebrities get into the car before returning to the driver's seat.

Seeing that Jiang Fan looked energetic and spirited today, He Yuran was very happy and looked him up and down, saying, "Handsome! I think you're starting to glow, my Fan!"

"Now that I have a company, I can't let my boss down," Jiang Fan said with a smile.

"Why do you call me 'boss'? Just call me Ranran! It feels awkward otherwise. By the way, did Yueming call you? Ding Yi said a car is coming to pick you up, but I think I should still confirm."

"Yes, I sent him a WeChat message before I left."

"So what did he reply?"

"I guess they're not up yet." Jiang Fan's voice unconsciously softened.

He Yuran frowned, but deliberately suppressed her temper, and said in a high-pitched voice, "Fan, let me tell you, when dealing with these people, you can't appear weak anywhere. Do you know why these producers complain about artists all the time, but before a project starts, they still rush to plead with the artists? Because they need you. But conversely, even if they don't need you that much, you can't let them feel like you're too eager. I'm asking for the project, not the person. This balance is extremely important. You can't just tacitly grant them the right not to reply to you with a single WeChat message."

"But how should I bring this up... I just want to tell him that I've set off." Jiang Fan was also a little confused after hearing what she said.

He Yuran grinned for a moment but didn't answer immediately.

Actually, she hadn't encountered something like this in a long time. If she went to say it herself, she might say something too harsh, so she thought for a moment. "Here's what I'll do: create a group chat and add Ding Yi, Xiao Zhao, Yue Ming, and the person picking them up."

Jiang Fan's eyes widened. "How many people are in this group?...?"

"Never mind that. What I need now is for Yueming to take you seriously. I don't care about a few people in a group; I can have a hundred if necessary. I can even ask Ding Yi to buy some fans to pick you up at the airport."

"……no need."

Soon, a WeChat group was created, and Jiang Fan reluctantly added Yue Ming to the group, but Yue Ming still didn't say anything. Under He Yuran's instructions, Ding Yi relayed Jiang Fan's updates after his departure in the group.

As the car approached the airport, He Yuran directed Xiao Zhao to the parking lot, deciding not to take the domestic departure route.

Xiao Zhao couldn't help but exclaim "Ah!"

"You come with us on the plane and leave the car at the airport."

"...Boss, I don't understand?"

"When I asked you to bring your ID card, shouldn't you have thought of this? Otherwise, how can your sister go out without anyone accompanying her?" He Yuran said with a grin.

Xiao Zhao was taken aback at first, but quickly became excited. "Oh... Boss, it's just that the parking fee is a bit expensive."

He Yuran was already getting impatient. "Ugh, it's company reimbursement. Stop dawdling, hurry up and find a parking spot, we still have to go through security later. We're worried we won't have enough time!"

"Okay, okay!" Xiao Zhao agreed verbally.

This was actually Xiao Zhao's first business trip since joining the company, and she hadn't even brought any luggage. She realized this herself. "But, boss, I didn't bring a change of clothes for the trip..."

He Yuran smiled. "Your sister Jiahe insisted that I not tell you. She packed it for you in advance and put it in my luggage."

Xiao Zhao was stunned again.

However, time was indeed limited, and it was best not to talk too much, so we quickly parked the car, grabbed our luggage, and went up to the terminal.

The bustling scene at Beijing Capital International Airport doesn't resemble a typical economic downturn. While many questioned the necessity of Beijing Capital when Daxing International Airport first opened, the past few years have given people a clearer understanding of its distance from the city center. Now, people prefer to travel to the capital for domestic business trips because security checks and customs are faster, and travel time to and from the city is shorter. It's true that comparisons are odious.

In this light, the prevailing view at the time that Beijing Capital International Airport would gradually lose passenger traffic was not entirely a misjudgment. Today, passenger traffic at the airport has not declined significantly; on the contrary, it has been recovering year by year, and passenger throughput remains extremely busy.

Of course, He Yuran was just trying to scare Xiao Zhao. When checking in, she processed Xiao Zhao's paperwork as well, including going through security. Then the three of them headed straight to the lounge.

"Boss, I can actually walk by myself. We have enough time," Xiao Zhao said somewhat hastily.

He Yuran patted Xiao Zhao on the shoulder. "Your sister Jiahe told me to. It's rare for you to go on a business trip, so I wanted to show you around. Usually, you're the one waiting for us in the car. Today, your two sisters are taking you out to play."

The three of them ate something in the lounge and then rode together in an electric cart all the way to the boarding gate. Xiao Zhao found everything fascinating and his excited expression pleased He Yuran greatly.

"Thank you, boss, and Sister Jiahe too," Xiao Zhao said, somewhat incoherently. Usually quiet and reserved, even given the chance, he didn't know how to express himself, afraid of saying the wrong thing.

"This trip is just for fun, there's no need to feel pressured, just treat it as a vacation," He Yuran said.

Jiang Fan insisted on holding onto his carry-on suitcase, but Xiao Zhao refused and dragged both of their carry-on suitcases over. Finally, He Yuran said helplessly, "We're first class, there's room for our luggage, so don't fight over it." Only then did Xiao Zhao listen.

I fell asleep immediately after boarding the plane, and we didn't talk for the rest of the journey until the plane landed in Hangzhou.

It's said that Yue Ming chose this location for location scouting because of strong support from the local government. Furthermore, the local cultural and natural environment is very well protected, resulting in a highly distinctive regional identity. The historical period Yue Ming is working on has few successful precedents, but the investors are reportedly determined to create a different version, hence their confidence. Of course, this is only Chen Yue Ming's own version of events.

However, He Yuran also felt refreshed and relaxed as she wandered through the streets and alleys of Hangzhou.

I passed through many old neighborhoods with white walls and black tiles, and along the Qiantang River stood some very modern and brand-new skyscrapers. In the city's parks and greenways, citizens could be seen cycling and strolling everywhere. The everyday life of the city and its cultural heritage intertwined, creating a vibrant atmosphere that was both ancient and modern.

He Yuran had another reason for bringing Xiao Zhao along: she wanted Xiao Zhao to rent a car and take her and Jiang Fan around. Although she had spent time in Zhejiang filming before, she had never seriously gone out to play. She also wanted to visit the legendary Qiandao Lake scenic area and explore it like a tourist.

The only regret is that Shi Jiahe isn't here, but oh well, Jiahe has more important things to do right now.

Because she had escaped from that environment in Beijing, He Yuran was in a good mood the whole way. This time, He Yuran and Xiao Zhao stayed in a double room. She also told Jiang Fan that he could come over anytime he felt lonely.

After checking in and having lunch, it was time to meet Chen Yueming in the afternoon. Xiao Zhao was given free time, while He Yuran accompanied Jiang Fan.

Jiang Fan grew increasingly nervous. "Ranran, do you really want to come with me?"

"Of course! I'm already here, why would I joke with you? Fan, whether it's out of colleagueship or old classmate, I have to say a few words to you today. There's no need for you to be so anxious. We don't absolutely have to do this play; if we don't have this one, there are other plays. Yes, the market isn't good right now, there are fewer plays and fewer roles, but we can't lose heart. Think about it, no matter how hard it gets, can it be harder than when we first started out?"

Jiang Fan sighed first, then shook his head.

"I want you to say your answer. Don't keep it to yourself. Speak it out firmly, and say it loudly!"

Jiang Fan took a deep breath, looked up, and tidied his hair. "It's definitely not as difficult as it was back then."

"Yes, many young actors don't even have the chance to get into the industry, but at least we can come back. Just for that reason alone, we shouldn't scare ourselves unnecessarily. Besides, Mi Tuan also wants to see you acting again. For the sake of the children, for yourself, for me—now I'm your boss, you need to get your fighting spirit back, okay?"

"Okay, Ranran. I'll adjust. Whether I get the role or not, I'll do my best."

"That's more like it." He Yuran tossed his hair casually. "Otherwise, why would I have come all this way in person?"

"Because you worry about me," Jiang Fan said with a smile.

"Wrong, I'm here to supervise you on behalf of Mi Tuan."

"Okay, okay. Let's go now!"

Today they were heading to an office building in Hangzhou's new media hub. Upon arrival, they learned it was a comprehensive industrial complex, complete with hotels and restaurants nearby. It was a hub for film and television professionals, and the chances of bumping into someone from the same industry were comparable to those in Beijing's Chaoyang district. Although Yueming and his friends occasionally went to Beijing, they were practically permanent residents of Hangzhou now.

After getting on the elevator and finding the door number, He Yuran's heart started pounding.

Although she had been used to handling important meetings alone since her debut, she had gotten used to Shi Jiahe's company in recent years. This was the first time she had completely separated from her staff and gone to a completely unknown place to meet someone. However, she absolutely could not lose her composure here, otherwise Jiang Fan would be even less confident.

So, He Yuran took Jiang Fan's hand, checked his makeup again, and after confirming that there was no problem, strode towards the main entrance.