OSM Chapter 23: I won’t interfere

Xu Sui couldn’t help but think that if he really analyzed this relationship, he’d uncover a lot of issues.

But he wasn’t the type to pry into other people’s matters, nor did he have the time to dig into it.

Besides, if the person involved was fine with it, why bother digging deeper? He was more surprised and, at the same time, started thinking about how to plan He Zhiqiu’s future development.

After all, with Li Yuze suddenly backing He Zhiqiu, no matter how much Xu Sui planned, it couldn’t compare to the push Li Yuze could give him from behind.

He brought up the issue with Li Yuze, but Li Yuze didn’t want to interfere with He Zhiqiu’s career.

“He’s a completely independent individual, talented and capable, and willing to work hard.”

“Even though we’re in the same industry, he doesn’t need to rely on me to achieve success.”

“I can only teach him some acting skills as someone with experience. That’s all I can offer.”

“Besides, he’s an artist under your company now. Whatever you decide for his work, it’s up to you.”

“I won’t interfere.”

Xu Sui thought back to what Li Yuze had said. He felt relieved. If He Zhiqiu had such a solid backing, it would be hard for him to get involved with every little thing. It was a good thing he didn’t have to worry too much about it.

That afternoon.

The “Pingsha” film crew called to inform He Zhiqiu that he had passed the audition and was to report to the set at 9 AM the day after tomorrow.

The online controversy about the “changing of the male lead” had finally been resolved.

The official announcement was made that Gao Kui would replace Wei Sheng as the male lead, and the female lead would be played by the popular actress Zheng Zike.

It couldn’t be said that Li Yuze was completely responsible for Gao Kui landing this role, but he definitely played a part in pushing things along.

After all, there were many actors in the industry who had won the Best Actor or Best Actress titles.

But there were only a handful of actors who had both the Best Actor and Best Actress titles. If any such actors existed, they were all senior, highly respected artists.

Gao Kui was still under thirty.

With such a big opportunity in front of him, how could he not want it? It would be impossible to turn it down.

After all, who doesn’t want more awards? So even though it was tough, Gao Kui still gave it a shot.

However, after joining the set, he didn’t expect to run into He Zhiqiu. He felt like they had some sort of connection and asked He Zhiqiu to join him for a meal sometime.

For He Zhiqiu, joining the “Pingsha” film crew was an entirely new experience. Compared to the casual attitude of the web drama shoots, everything here, from the costumes to the set details, was meticulously crafted.

The dedication of the actors was also evident. Even the smallest roles, those not visible on camera, were focused and engaged.

The director was famously strict and demanding.

Only Gao Kui could exchange a few words with him. Anyone else who passed by him would dare not even breathe loudly.

Although the director was tough, He Zhiqiu really enjoyed working in this environment. Even though he didn’t have many scenes and was still inexperienced, often getting his script slammed in his face by the director, it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. Every day, he was happily “stealing” acting techniques from Gao Kui.

After He Zhiqiu joined the set, Li Yuze also began his new work. His schedule was kept private, and no one knew where he had flown off to.

However, he occasionally sent He Zhiqiu text messages.

Sometimes asking how to cook fish porridge.

Other times, asking how to use a thermal clay pot.

Thermal clay pot?

He Zhiqiu had just finished work and was sitting on the hotel bed reading his script when he received the message. He glanced at it and replied, What kind of thermal clay pot?

Li Yuze replied: The one at home.

He Zhiqiu blinked: Did your work end?

Li Yuze: Not yet.

He Zhiqiu: Then the clay pot…

Li Yuze: I brought it to the set.

…

Li Yuze: You know how bad the catering food is on set. My stomach’s not doing well, so I had Meng Lin bring the clay pot for me.

He Zhiqiu immediately asked: What’s wrong with your stomach?

Li Yuze avoided the question: It’s nothing.

He Zhiqiu got a little anxious: What’s really going on? Did you eat something bad?

Li Yuze: It’s fine. Just tell me how to use the pot.

He sent a picture, showing a small white clay pot. The pot had a touch screen displaying convenient functions like soup making, porridge cooking, reservation, and keeping warm.

He Zhiqiu glanced at the picture and noticed the power light wasn’t on, so he replied: You need to plug it in.

Two minutes later, Li Yuze sent another photo, telling him he had plugged it in.

But the power light still didn’t turn on.

He Zhiqiu studied it for a while, then said: Can you take a video call? I’ll help you check it out.

After Li Yuze confirmed, He Zhiqiu sent the video call.

Li Yuze immediately picked up, his handsome face full of worry.

“Could it be broken?” he asked.

“It shouldn’t be,” He Zhiqiu said. “I’ve only used it once. Maybe the power cable at the back isn’t connected properly? As long as the light on the touch screen turns on, there should be no problem.” 

Li Yuze replied with a sound, and the camera view swayed as he moved to adjust the power cable.

After a while, the clay pot’s power light still didn’t light up.

Could it really be broken? He Zhiqiu was a bit doubtful.

Li Yuze asked, “Where did you buy it?”

He Zhiqiu answered, “At a farmer’s market. It opens early, and when I went to buy fish that day, a little grocery store opened nearby, so I bought this pot on a whim. After a moment, he added, “It might really be a quality issue. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t use it. If your stomach hurts, you can eat something…”

“Next time, don’t go buy fish so early.”

“Huh?”

Li Yuze angled the camera back to himself and said, “I didn’t mean for you to thank me like this.”

He said it seriously, his eyes soft, almost as if they were filled with water.

He Zhiqiu froze for a moment, lifting his not-so-delicate fingers to gently touch his face.

“It’s me who wants to thank you in this way.”

Then next time, don’t do that, Li Yuze said. “Even if you want to make porridge for me, wait until after sunrise to buy the ingredients.”

He Zhiqiu replied softly, “Okay.”

Li Yuze silently abandoned the clay pot and naturally switched the subject, asking, “How’s life on set?”

“Pretty good. The director is really strict…” Before He Zhiqiu could finish his sentence, he heard a loud noise of a door opening. Immediately after, someone rushed in excitedly, shouting, “Ge! GeI found the reason! I know why the clay pot isn’t working!”

Li Yuze’s expression changed immediately. His previously soft eyes suddenly hardened like ice, and he shot a chilling glance behind him before hanging up the video call.

Meng Lin rushed in, holding up a circuit board, but when he saw Li Yuze’s terrifying expression, he slunk back out, dejected.

He Zhiqiu, still holding the phone, didn’t understand what had just happened. After a while, he sent a message asking, ”Is the clay pot working now?”

Ten minutes later, Li Yuze replied: It’s working.