Chapter 33: Guan Yaoming
At dawn, Guan Yaoming sped through the streets, driving much faster than usual to reach the place where Li Dong now lived.
The moment the door opened, he lunged straight at Li Dong.
This scene, which only appeared in movies, made Li Dong's blood boil too. In this instant, he felt that this was his lover. There was no scumbag, no bullsh*t complications, they were just in love.
“How many people have you lured this way, hmm?” Guan Yaoming pressed in, step by step, until Li Dong had nowhere left to retreat.
“...” Oh my god, the boss's fierce kisses were overwhelming. He was so manly.
But that still did not change the fact that the big boss was a shou. No matter how manly he acted, in the end he lay down obediently.
“I only seduced you, darling,” Li Dong murmured as he found his rhythm and pushed back just as fiercely.
Ever seen a single drop of water fall into a pot of oil at full boil?
Yes, the reaction is very intense and brutal.
This was Li Dong’s turf. He was the boiling oil while Guan Yaoming was the sudden drop of water. It was time to teach the man a lesson.
…
Skip about 30,000 words here and fill in the details yourselves. PS: remember that Li Dong has a fitness routine, graduated from military academy, and has excellent physical conditioning.
At half past noon, the bedroom had gone quiet again.
Guan Yaoming lay flat on his back like a corpse, not even trying to get up.
Li Dong, on the other hand, was hungry. He got up to use the bathroom and ordered takeout along the way.
“Yao-ge.” He nudged the motionless boss. “What do you want to eat? Is takeout okay for lunch today?”
“Could we not eat takeout?” Guan’s voice was thin, like a breath.
“Then go out to eat? Can you even get up?” Li Dong eyed him with open doubt. “And don’t look at me like that. I can’t cook.”
Guan hesitated for a moment, still exhausted. “Then I will get up…”
“Tsk tsk, so pampered,” Li Dong clicked his tongue.
The sharp little jab did not spark a temper at all. Guan Yaoming felt no anger deep inside. He was completely spent now. Any fire he had was thoroughly extinguished during the 300 rounds earlier.
If they did this level of madness every day, he would die young for sure.
“Hurry up, Yao-ge…” Li Dong dressed first, then sprawled on the sofa lazily to wait, idly scrolling through a phone.
Not his own though. He was scrolling through Guan Yaoming’s.
The great boss was too busy drawing ragged breaths to care whose phone it was. “You were too ruthless,” he said between inhales. “My head is spinning… I am seeing stars…”
“Hahahahahaha.” Li Dong burst out laughing. “Serves you right for pouncing on me.”
“You still dare laugh.” Guan raised his hand as if to swat him. “Little wolfdog,” but his face was lit with contentment. He looked very, very pleased with the comfort this little fresh meat brought him. “Come on. Yao-ge will take you somewhere good to eat.”
“I will eat,” Li Dong said, tilting his head, “but you should not eat too much.” He patted Yao-ge’s backside, a shameless little warning. “Keep it light. It is better for you.”
Guan’s smile faded. “Which part of what you say is true?” He did not buy that a supposed newbie knew all this.
“What?” Li Dong asked. “You think I sleep around? Then investigate me. If you find anything, you win.”
“I will,” Guan said. He pinched Li Dong’s chin and leaned in. “If I find out you lied, prepare to die.”
“So scary.”
The little fresh meat rolled his eyes, and Guan found him even more adorable.
“Mwah~” Li Dong pecked the lips that had leaned in. Then he dragged himself up and went out with the big boss to hunt for food.
“Director Yang’s Peerless Patriot is casting. Lin Mo is going to audition for the male lead,” said Jin Dachuan at Star Emperor on Monday, tossing a script onto Liu Hong’s desk. “Pick two good assistants for him. The company assigned him a nanny van. Best to choose two male assistants and make sure they both drive.”
“Okay… okay, Chuan-ge…” Liu Hong was completely dumbfounded.
So who had Lin Mo slept with to get this?
The answer was obvious, but her worldview shattered. Boss Guan was the sugar daddy of Starlight’s top star Zhao Mian. Had Lin Mo used his youth and good looks to steal his senior’s man?
Did Zhao Mian know?
Peerless Patriot was a recognized top-tier project with a big-name director and a luxury lineup. It was being handed to Lin Mo. Again, did Zhao Mian know?
Her mind galloped with a thousand bullet comments. She phoned Li Dong, speaking as sweetly as possible. “Lin Mo, when are you coming by the company? Chuan-ge says there’s a script and you need to audition right away. Did you know?”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Li Dong said. “I’ll look through it first.”
“Please…” Liu Hong said, nearly hyperventilating. “Take this audition seriously… This is a big production…” A really, really big one.
“Don’t worry, Hong-jie. I will,” Li Dong said. He had no concept of what a big production meant.
He read the e-script on his phone and decided the role Guan had picked for him fit like a glove. Playing this character would be effortless.
That afternoon, Liu Hong went all-out and lined up two young male assistants with experience.
The next morning, A-Assistant and B-Assistant pulled up in the nanny van downstairs. Nervous, they wondered whether their new boss would be easygoing or a nightmare.
“Morning,” Li Dong said cheerfully, demonstrating that they had worried for nothing. Standing before them was the embodiment of easy to work with.
“Mo-ge, we’re headed to Director Yang’s for your audition. Did you eat breakfast?” Assistant A asked. He had worked for a second-tier star and knew how impossible some of them could be.
“No appetite. Let’s eat after the audition. My treat,” Li Dong said, curling up in the back of the van and unwrapping a candy to suck on.
He also pulled out his phone and WeChatted Guan. “Morning, Yao-ge. I’m off to the audition. Wish me luck.”
A moment later, Guan replied, “I’m in a meeting. Good luck.”
“Losing it and yelling at your subordinates?” Li Dong typed.
“With performance this good, why would I yell at anyone?” Guan wrote back.
“Amazing, my Yao-ge,” Li Dong sent. “Get back to your meeting. I won’t distract you.”
Truth was, for now he was just the pretty little lover tucked away in a golden nest. He had no right to demand Guan’s time.
Bullsh*t.
It was not about rights. He simply did not want to push too hard. Like a shou’s first time, it should be gradual, plenty of foreplay.
Why did Star Emperor have a say in casting for Director Yang’s film? Why insist on Star Emperor’s talent?
Because Guan Yaoming was the biggest investor. If Director Yang wanted serious production funds, he had to use the actor Guan designated.
Everyone knew Guan had a good reputation. He did not bully, did not throw his weight around, did not pressure directors, and did not engage in unspoken rule with actors for roles.
Director Yang was genuinely curious. Lin Mo was a complete unknown with no prior work. How had this young man earned Guan’s favor?
Before seeing Lin Mo, Yang had an educated guess. The kid must be someone Zhao Mian wanted to promote.
After all, everyone knew Zhao Mian was Guan Yaoming’s partner and was doted on.
When he met the young man who came to audition, Director Yang felt his previous speculation wasn’t just unreliable, it was completely blind guessing. Zhao Mian would have to be crazy to push someone younger and better-looking than himself, someone who had the edge in everything but seniority.
This newcomer was absolutely not Zhao’s pick. If anything, Zhao probably hated him.
For a moment Yang felt a little melancholic. Guan and Zhao were a much-discussed same-sex couple in the circle. Three years together, and still they could not resist the lure of youth.
Of course, it was only a guess. No one dared say Lin Mo was definitely Guan’s little lover.
“Director Yang, hello. I’m Lin Mo. I’ve long admired your work,” Li Dong said with a bright smile. His open manner and good etiquette made him hard to dislike.
“Hello,” the director said. “I heard you have no acting experience?”
“Yes, but I shot a commercial. The photographer said I had good instincts.”
A dignified big-name director cleared his throat. “Let us try a scene then. I want to see how you understand the role.”
“Okay,” Li Dong said. Liu Hong had briefed him for hours the night before: the role’s definition in the script, what the director would be looking for. He had a basic feel.
“Do this scene. I will walk you through it,” Director Yang said. “Once you read the whole script, you will see…”
He went on and on. Being older, he was quite patient with young people.
“Sorry to interrupt,” an assistant poked in. “Director Yang, Mr. Zhao Mian is here.”
“Him? What for?” the director blurted. Audition for the second male lead? That would be a bloodbath. Guan, really. Courting disaster.
“Uh… he said he is auditioning for the male lead,” the assistant said.
“…” F*ck, this is putting him in an impossible position.
He had worked with Zhao twice, one film and one show. Their relationship was cordial and gentlemanly.
“Mian-ge is here? Let him come in and read with me, okay?” Li Dong said. “I want to see how he does it.”
The kid was still smiling. The director’s favorability shot up another notch.
Zhao Mian opened the door. “Director Yang.” He paused, startled to see Li Dong. No one had told him the kid was here.
“Mian-ge, long time no see,” Li Dong said. “What a coincidence.”
“Yes. You are auditioning?” Zhao asked.
“Right. The male lead. Company arranged it.” Li Dong lifted the script and grinned at the scene Yang had marked. “Since you are here, why don’t we read it together? Teach me how you would play it?”
The director was honestly afraid Li Dong would blow it and ruin his precious project. “Good. Zhao Mian, help the young one. You are a seasoned actor. I trust your craft.”
Zhao wanted to spit blood. He had come to audition for the lead, not to teach Lin Mo. But he could not refuse Director Yang, so he nodded. Maybe he could use the scene to impress the director and steal the role.
“I will read the male lead. Lin Mo, read against me,” Zhao said. He glanced at the script once, found his mark, and settled into the mood.
“Shishu? Chengfeng greets Shishu,” he said, slipping into character in a heartbeat. The manner and movement came easy. The male lead was suddenly alive.
“Polite as always, shizhi. Where are you headed?” Li Dong replied.
Zhao smiled. “General Kou returns at the city gate. We are going to welcome him…”
His acting was on point. Two or three passes through the beat and Director Yang was clapping. “Good. Since Records of Jiangdu, you have sharpened a lot.”
But the male lead in Peerless Patriot was a teenaged boy. In truth, the director preferred Li Dong’s look and energy. The kid’s eyes held a story.
Li Dong was lively and untamed. Zhao was steady and refined. The choice was obvious.
“Lin Mo, did you understand Zhao’s take on the scene?” the director asked, worried all over again. He wanted to honor President Guan’s wishes, but he feared Li Dong might not be able to act.
“I did,” Li Dong said. “Mian-ge, read it once more with me. Same scene. Let us see if I can do it.”
He looked less than confident, studying the lines again.
“Go,” he said, finding his mark and expression. “Shishu? Chengfeng greets Shishu.”
Zhao entered with force. “Shizhi, where are you going?”
Li Dong smiled. “General Kou returns at the city gate. We are going to welcome him…”
Learning and copying on the spot. Zhao sneered inside. Today he would show Lin Mo what real acting looked like.
But Director Yang didn’t think so. He only saw that Li Dong had exceptional learning ability and natural talent.
A naturally gifted kid. Time would do the rest.
When they finished, he clapped his hands. “Good. You pass, Lin Mo. Get ready to join the crew. We start in August.”
“Director Yang, actually I…” Zhao began because he had come to audition for the male lead.
“Thank you for reading with the younger one, Zhao,” the director said, patting his shoulder. He didn’t want to have an unpleasant falling out with Zhao Mian, so he could only play dumb. “He is from your company, yes? With seniors like you, they are lucky.”
“Director Yang overpraises me,” Zhao said tightly. He understood, but that did not stop the fire simmering in his chest.
“Thank you, Director Yang. Thank you, Mian-ge.” With his purpose achieved, Li Dong smiled and excused himself. “It is getting late. I will leave you two to talk.”
Out the door and left, he pulled out his phone and messaged his agent: “Hong-jie, I passed.”
“Happy!” she shot back.
Inside the room, Zhao asked, “Director Yang, do you and Yaoming both think it is better to use a newcomer?” He could not accept it. He had really wanted this part.
The director sighed and took off his glasses. “The world changes too fast now. This year you are Best Actor. Next year someone else is. Staying on top is hard unless you move behind the camera.”
Zhao Mian had no answer. His relationship with Guan was not for outsiders to dissect.
“Mian-ge?” Li Dong stopped, startled to hear Zhao call, “Lin Mo.” At first, he did not realize he meant him.
“Let us talk,” Zhao said, sliding on sunglasses and walking ahead.
The attitude was high and mighty. Li Dong hesitated, debating whether to bother.
He thought of the revenge smoldering in Zhao’s heart. If pushed too hard, the man might strike early. So Li Dong followed.
“What is it, Mian-ge?” They stepped into a quiet corner.
Zhao whirled and punched him without warning.
“Ugh…” Caught off guard, Li Dong went down. He pressed a hand to his face and stared up at Zhao. “What gives you the right to hit me?”
“Because you seduced Yaoming,” Zhao said from above. “How could you do that? Do you not know what my relationship with him is?”
Li Dong spat a mouthful of blood. “I really do not know. Did you two get a certificate or move in together? And which f*cking eye did you see me seduce him with? Ever heard of flies not biting eggs without cracks?”
Zhao grabbed his collar and hauled him up. “What do you want? Is it fame and money? Or what?”
He had once believed Lin Mo approached Guan out of hatred, to ruin him. Now it looked like this bastard just wanted to climb.
“I do not want anything,” Li Dong said through clenched teeth. He could not say the truth. He could not hit back. “Let go. I am joining a crew in August. If you mess up my face, expect headlines.”
“You ungrateful little sh*t.” Zhao shoved him hard. Li Dong hit the wall. “Stay away from Yaoming. If you do not, your little homewrecker act will be in the papers tomorrow. And I do not care if I make the news for hitting you. I would do it for him.”
He tossed down the threat and swaggered off.
Li Dong took out his phone and immediately blocked every way Guan could contact him. be it phone, WeChat, everything. F*ck this.
“Xiao Jia, Xiao Yi, let us go eat,” he said after a while, picking himself up and finding his assistants.
“How did the audition go, Mo-ge?” Assistant A asked nervously.
Though his lip was split, Li Dong still smiled. “It went fine. I passed.” He added, “Pick a good restaurant around here. Eat whatever you want. My treat.”
Assistant A and Assistant B, internally: Boss is so generous~~
Star Emperor Entertainment.
Guan Yaoming had no dinner engagements today. So he ate lunch delivered from a hotel alone in his office.
He remembered Li Dong saying he would audition in the morning. Whatever the result, there should be news by now.
He opened WeChat. No new messages.
He exited the app and tried calling. No connection.
Back to WeChat, he typed, “Lin Mo?”
Guan Yaoming saw a red exclamation mark next to the message. He frowned, switched to network settings, and checked the signal. No problem.
He snapped a screenshot and sent it to subordinate Liang Gou. “What is this?”
Holy sh*t, Liang replied. “Who dares block my boss?”
“Calls are not going through either. Blocked?” Guan asked.
“P-probably…” Liang typed, stunned. Who the hell was this Lin Mo? Ballsy.
No wait, seeking death.
Guan put the phone away, set down his half-eaten lunch, grabbed his keys and wallet, and headed out.
“Director Yang, how did the audition go?” he asked over the car’s Bluetooth.
“The kid is good. He passed,” the director said. “We start in August. Will the funds arrive on time?”
“As long as he did not embarrass me, I am satisfied. Do not worry about the money,” Guan said. He hung up and let out a short, incredulous laugh. So he got the role and immediately blocked him. Was that stupidity, dramatics, or confidence with backup?
“Open the door!” He did not know if Li Dong was home, but that did not stop him from kicking at it.
Li Dong was inside rolling an egg on his face. Hearing this, he was furious. He put down the egg and came to open the door. “My door is expensive! If you break it, you're paying!”
As soon as Guan Yaoming entered, he grabbed Li Dong's neck. “Why did you block me? Who gave you the nerve?! Are you looking for death?!” Only then did he notice something wrong with Li Dong’s face. The corner of his mouth was swollen and bruised all over. He let go. “Who hit you?”
Li Dong’s eyes were cold as ice. “Your lover.” Then he scoffed and went inside to continue rolling the egg.
“...” Guan Yaoming froze at the door. He cursed silently. So Zhao Mian knew.
IsitRo: It was the author who said skip about 30,000 words here and fill in the details yourselves. I too want the detailed version.😿
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