The Breakup Didn’t Stop Me From Owning the World - Chapter 20

“Who’s there?” Fu Yao spun around abruptly to see a stunning woman walking in—the same one who had claimed to be Lan Muyu’s so-called “sister” at the café last time.

 

Fu Yao glared at Li Ruonan with undisguised hostility, but Li Ruonan didn’t spare her a single glance as she brushed past her.

 

Unlike the gentle, approachable demeanor she had shown while standing beside Lan Muyu before, this time Li Ruonan exuded an icy aura, flanked by two black-suited bodyguards. The commanding presence of someone long accustomed to authority made it impossible for others to meet her gaze directly.

 

Li Ruonan’s arrival instantly drew all eyes, and murmurs spread through the private room:

 

“Who is she? She’s gorgeous—is she an actress too?”

 

“Does she look like an actress to you?”

 

“Look at those bodyguards beside her—she’s clearly not someone to mess with.”

 

“Quick, look! She’s heading toward Lan Muyu. Is she here to back her up?”

 

“Wouldn’t be surprised.”

 

“This is going to be interesting. I’ve had enough of Han Feifei’s antics.”

 

“I wonder if she can stand up to Director Wang. Hope she doesn’t disappoint.”

 

Li Ruonan strode toward Lan Muyu, the sharp clicks of her heels echoing like a drumbeat in everyone’s hearts. She stopped in front of Lan Muyu, scrutinizing her from head to toe before finally relaxing when she confirmed Lan Muyu was unharmed.

 

Lan Muyu flashed an ingratiating smile and reached for Li Ruonan’s wrist, only to have her hand coldly shaken off. Pouting, Lan Muyu shot Li Ruonan a wounded look.

 

Li Ruonan gave her an exasperated glance. “How did they try to push you around?”

 

“Oh, nothing much. They just wanted to kick me out of the production.”

 

“How impressive of you.”

 

Lan Muyu grabbed Li Ruonan’s wrist again, a hint of smugness in her voice. “But I have you, don’t I?”

 

Originally, Li Ruonan had been on her way to a business conference, but the moment she received Xiao Zhang’s message about Lan Muyu possibly being in trouble, she rushed over in a panic, fearing any delay might lead to something bad happening.

 

Yet when she arrived, the scene before her only fueled her anger. The little fox who was always so bold and defiant in front of her—how could she be so… spineless in front of others?

 

Still, Lan Muyu’s words softened Li Ruonan’s irritation somewhat. After all, as long as she was still in Yuncheng, she might as well keep an eye on her.

 

The others in the room, however, were far from calm. Director Wang and Fu Yao had been waiting for Lan Muyu to back down, while Jiang Qianrou had only just begun to bask in the spotlight—until Li Ruonan’s arrival shattered everything.

 

The way Li Ruonan and Lan Muyu interacted as if no one else existed was particularly grating to them, as if their schemes had been rendered completely insignificant. Weren’t they the investors here? So why did this newcomer act with such audacity, stealing the show entirely?

 

Noticing Jiang Qianrou’s displeasure, Fu Yao cleared her throat loudly, drawing the room’s attention. She turned to Li Ming. “Producer, who exactly is in charge here?”

 

Li Ming bowed obsequiously. “Originally, it was me. Then it was Director Wang. But now that Director Wang is withdrawing his investment, naturally, it’s you.”

 

After receiving a satisfactory answer, Fu Yao turned her gaze back to Lan Muyu. Seeing no trace of fear in Lan Muyu’s eyes, she hardened her heart and said, “Then I don’t want to see them here. Producer Li, aren’t you going to escort them out?”

 

As soon as the words left her mouth, the two bodyguards beside Li Ruonan stepped forward, blocking the way and vigilantly watching everyone in the private room. In all the social circles Li Ruonan had attended before, she had always been treated with utmost respect. This was the first time she had been so blatantly disregarded.

 

But this was also Li Ruonan’s first encounter with a film crew, and she wasn’t familiar with their unwritten rules. She could only shield Lan Muyu behind her and demand, “What gives you the right to kick people out?”

 

Jiang Qianrou tugged at Fu Yao’s sleeve. “Yaoyao, let’s not make things difficult for them. Producer Li will handle things according to procedure. After all, Lan Muyu has nothing going for her except her face. If a fight breaks out, it’ll be just like with Han Feifei—how embarrassing would that be?”

 

Hearing this, Li Ming straightened his collar and took a few steps forward, only to be stopped again by Li Ruonan’s bodyguards. The towering figures of the bodyguards stood like mountains in his path, fueling his irritation. “Whoever invests the most money gets the final say—understand? Lan Muyu, even if you want to act tough, you still have to follow the rules, don’t you? You two, step aside now, or I’ll call security.”

 

“Young people shouldn’t act on impulse. I advise you not to meddle in this,” Director Wang chimed in, his beer belly protruding as he tried to approach Lan Muyu. His lecherous gaze then shifted to Li Ruonan. “Why don’t both of you just come with me? I’ll arrange for you to be the female leads in another production right away.”

 

“Hey, if you can’t speak properly, then shut up!” Lan Muyu could tolerate insults directed at herself, but she wouldn’t stand for anyone harboring such filthy thoughts about Li Ruonan. “Do you really think—”

 

Li Ruonan gently pulled back the bristling little fox, soothing her with a pat on the head before asking, “Do you like this production team, or would you prefer another?”

 

“I don’t like it. Let’s just leave.”

 

Li Ruonan held Lan Muyu back. “Setting these people aside, do you genuinely like the project itself?”

 

After a moment of serious thought, Lan Muyu admitted, “I do like it here, but—”

 

“Alright, I understand.”

 

Director Wang, oblivious to the tension, continued his self-promotion. “If you two follow me, I’ll invest in you. What’s there to hesitate about?”

 

Li Ruonan’s bodyguards blocked his path again. With a hint of curiosity, Li Ruonan asked, “You’re wealthy? You can give me whatever I want?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“And who are you?”

 

Director Wang was about to answer when he glanced at Li Ming, who immediately took the cue. “This is Director Wang from Taiquan Group, a major real estate tycoon in Yuncheng. You must have heard of him.”

 

“Now, now, no need for flattery,” Director Wang said, though his face betrayed his pride. “Lan Muyu, surely you believe me now?”

 

The name struck a chord with Li Ruonan, and after a brief mental search, she finally recalled something.

 

“Taiquan Group. If I’m not mistaken, your company developed that new residential area on the wetland plot. Whether for aesthetics or cost-cutting, when the residential building caught fire last week, the fire hydrants in the complex had no water, delaying critical rescue efforts.”

 

The accident left two people in a coma, along with minor burns. Taiquan tried every means to compensate the residents and suppress the matter, pulling numerous strings to keep it under wraps. The incident was tightly concealed, with no casualties reported to the public, and the reason for the delayed fire response was never disclosed.

 

Taiquan thought they had successfully covered it up, but now Li Ruonan had laid everything bare. With every word she spoke, Director Wang’s face grew paler, until by the end, he was so humiliated and enraged that he wanted to lash out.

 

—Of course, the dutiful bodyguards stopped him.

 

“How could you possibly know about this?”

 

“How I know is none of your concern.” Li Ruonan turned to Lan Muyu, “Did he bully you just now?”

 

“Yes, yes, yes! Besides constantly offering to ‘sponsor’ me, he also threatened to blacklist me.” Lan Muyu’s lips curled slightly as she widened her pitiful eyes, tattling like a schoolgirl. “He even said he wanted to ‘sponsor’ you too!”

 

Li Ruonan shot Lan Muyu a glance—that last part really didn’t need to be said.

 

“Is that so, Director Wang?” Li Ruonan’s sharp gaze pierced through him, sending a chill down his spine. “It’s all a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding! I admire Miss Lan Muyu and merely wanted to invite her to… Well, if you’re interested, I can wait my turn.”

 

But Li Ruonan gave him no room for evasion. “Apologize, and from now on, stay away from Lan Muyu. Otherwise…”

 

Seeing Li Ruonan remain so unyielding, Director Wang’s anger flared again. “You! How dare you speak to me like this? It’s just a fire incident—don’t think I’m afraid of you.”

 

Li Ruonan looked at him as if he were a fool, pulling out her phone to make another call. “We’ll take the Qingyun Pavilion project.”

 

At those words, Director Wang exploded. “Qingyun Pavilion? Who the hell are you?”

 

Qingyun Pavilion was a municipal project in Yuncheng, pivotal to the city’s film and tourism industries for the next few years. Taiquan had exhausted countless connections just to barely squeeze into the final evaluation phase alongside a few other companies. Yet this project, which they had fought tooth and nail for, was effortlessly claimed by Li Ruonan with a single call.

 

Realizing this, Director Wang panicked. He didn’t know Li Ruonan’s background, but it was clear now—she was someone he couldn’t afford to cross.

 

“Who I am doesn’t matter. What matters is that if you don’t leave now, you might lose another project.” Li Ruonan’s tone was icy. “I assume Taiquan is preparing for the upcoming land auction?”

 

“You—you—you!”

 

“I’ll count to three. If you’re still here, face the consequences.”

 

“Three…

 

Two…”

 

Director Wang scrambled toward the exit, reaching the door before Li Ruonan could even say “one,” terrified she might actually snatch the land from him.

 

Li Ming hurried after him, grabbing his arm. “Director Wang, what are you doing? Are you really leaving just like that?”

 

Director Wang glared at him viciously. “I’m pulling my investment. I must be cursed to have ever funded your damn production.”

 

“What about Han Feifei? Director Wang, won’t you at least consider her—” Desperate, Li Ming dragged a now-recovered Han Feifei in front of him.

 

Han Feifei looked timidly at Director Wang, having long lost her initial arrogance. In Director Wang’s eyes, she was nothing more than a plaything. Once her beautiful facade was ruined, what right did Han Feifei have to negotiate terms with Director Wang?

 

Now that Director Wang had been humiliated here, all because of Han Feifei, he could only blame everything on her.

 

Director Wang shoved Li Ming aside, “Get out, get out! Don’t ever show your face in front of me again.”

 

After saying that, he grabbed Han Feifei and left without a backward glance.

 

With Director Wang gone, Li Ming was left standing there, utterly at a loss.

 

Li Ming had always carried himself with an air of arrogance, treating investors and others with completely different attitudes. The crew members in the private room, rarely getting to see the high-and-mighty producer Li humiliated, couldn’t help but laugh.

 

All of this was observed by Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou. Their families’ industries had no overlap with Director Wang’s, so they simply dismissed his retreat as a sign of his own weakness.

 

“Producer Li, why that expression? Just because Director Wang left doesn’t mean we’re gone too.”

 

Li Ming had initially sided with Director Wang and Fu Yao against Lan Muyu. If the crew were now under Li Ruonan’s control, he knew he wouldn’t fare well. With Director Wang gone, he could only turn his gaze to Fu Yao. “Director Fu, now that Director Wang has withdrawn, what about the investment…?”

 

Jiang Qianrou cut in before Fu Yao could respond, “We’ll cover whatever investment Director Wang pulled out. Right, Yaoyao?”

 

Fu Yao wasn’t entirely sure about the funding needs of the crew, but since Jiang Qianrou had spoken up, she didn’t want to embarrass her. Based on her prior understanding of the “Limited Sale” project, the budget shouldn’t be too large. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Yes, I can cover it.”

 

Fu Yao’s words eased Li Ming’s worries slightly. The instigator who had driven Director Wang away was still present, so Li Ming smugly turned to Lan Muyu. “Lan Muyu, we can’t afford to keep someone of your stature. Please leave.”

 

At that moment, Gu Yan, who had been absent for a long time, finally returned. The smile on his face vanished the moment he saw the scene in the private room. He demanded, “Li Ming, what’s going on here?”

 

Li Ming stepped forward to explain, “Director Wang just withdrew his investment, but I’ve secured another one. Look, this is Fu Yao, Director of Tianhao Entertainment. She’s willing to invest in our project.”

 

However, instead of the pleased reaction Li Ming had expected, Gu Yan greeted Fu Yao politely before outright refusing, “Director Fu, I’m truly sorry, but our project no longer requires additional investment. If you’re interested, I can recommend other, more suitable projects to you.”

 

“Gu Yan, have you lost your mind?” Li Ming pulled Gu Yan aside and whispered urgently, “Don’t be reckless! What are we supposed to do now that Director Wang has withdrawn? This is Tianhao we’re talking about—do you know how much money they have? With their support, what could we possibly lack?”

 

Li Ruonan’s investment hadn’t been made in her own name. Instead, she had Ling Shan use another entertainment company under the Li Group to handle it. Li Ming, seeing it was a film company, assumed they were interested in the script—how could he have guessed it was all for Lan Muyu?

 

As for Li Ruonan personally announcing how much she had invested—that was something she simply couldn’t bring herself to do. So before arriving, she had called Ling Shan.

 

Gu Yan had just received a call and rushed over to handle the situation after dealing with his own matters.

 

Jiang Qianrou stepped forward, “Director Gu, you might not know this, but I’m a screenwriter, and my grandfather is Director Jiang Yu. If you’re willing, I can even introduce you to him—just as long as you kick Lan Muyu out.”

 

Seeing Gu Yan remain silent, Jiang Qianrou pressed on, “You’re still new to this industry, and there are plenty of unwritten rules here. You could use a guide, couldn’t you?”

 

Jiang Yu indeed held a prestigious position in the industry, having directed many classic films. However, in recent years, to cater to the capital market, his movies had become overly commercialized, losing their former subtlety.

 

For the general audience, Jiang Yu’s films were still worth watching, whether for nostalgia or to follow his reputation. But for someone like Gu Yan, who had studied filmmaking in depth, even if he had once admired Jiang Yu, he could now see the lack of sincerity in Jiang Yu’s recent works.

 

All he wanted was to make good films.

 

Lan Muyu spoke up, “Director Gu—”

 

While Gu Yan and Li Ming were at odds, Lan Muyu took the opportunity to quietly ask Li Ruonan how much she had invested in this production.

 

After Li Ruonan told her the exact amount, Lan Muyu, who had initially wanted to avoid conflict, decided she had to reclaim her dignity.

 

If things followed their natural course, Limited Edition would surely be profitable. But if the script fell into Jiang Qianrou’s hands, Lan Muyu couldn’t be certain anymore.

 

Moreover, with Li Ruonan investing so much money, there was no way Lan Muyu would let Fu Yao take the benefits!

 

Li Ruonan shot a glare at Lan Muyu, who had been about to speak, and Lan Muyu obediently stepped back. Li Ruonan then turned around, sweeping her gaze over everyone present. Her tone was perfectly calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: “Director Gu, how about I add another 100 million? What do you think?”

 

The room erupted into murmurs, voices growing louder as people whispered among themselves. “A hundred million? That’s insane!”

 

“Didn’t you hear her say another 100 million? That means she’s already invested more than that.”

 

“I heard Director Wang only put in 30 million.”

 

“Oh my god, our ragtag crew is about to hit the big time!”

 

“She’s so young and gorgeous—wonder if she’s single?”

 

“Didn’t you see Lan Muyu standing right next to her? Stop dreaming.”

 

Jiang Qianrou, who had thought victory was within her grasp, paled at these words. Her offer to introduce Gu Yan to her grandfather had been nothing but a bluff—she could always make up excuses later. Besides, even if Jiang Yu personally directed the film, it wouldn’t be worth 100 million.

 

Yet this person standing up for Lan Muyu had casually thrown out an offer of 100 million in cash.

 

Jiang Qianrou turned to Fu Yao, only to find her wearing the same stunned expression. Her heart sank, but she still looked at Fu Yao pleadingly, hoping she could turn the tables just as Li Ruonan had—with a bold investment. “Yaoyao, we—”

 

But Fu Yao, due to the recent incident with Fu Yiming, had already seen her father allocate funds to appease Old Mrs. Fu. How could Fu Yao possibly have that much money on hand?

 

“Miss Fu?” Li Ruonan spoke up, “If I recall correctly, Tianhao doesn’t have that much liquid capital recently. The Fu family seems to be considering expanding into new film and television bases. Perhaps you should reconsider?”

 

These words struck right at Fu Yao’s heart. The Fu family’s new ventures naturally weren’t theirs, but her father would definitely borrow money. As for this film crew, Fu Yao choosing not to invest was one thing, but being publicly exposed for lacking funds and forced to withdraw was another matter entirely.

 

Fu Yao clenched her fists. She didn’t understand why everything had started changing since Old Mrs. Fu’s birthday banquet, or why Lan Muyu had such good fortune to quickly cozy up to this person.

 

Li Ruonan’s power… terrified her.

 

Producer Li urged, “President Fu? President Fu?”

 

Fu Yao turned with a bleak expression, looking helplessly at Jiang Qianrou, “How about we find another production? My family really is planning to expand into other industries recently. I can’t go against the family’s wishes. I’ll make it up to you later, okay?”

 

Jiang Qianrou remained silent for a few seconds, her eyes revealing unwillingness, but ultimately she nodded understandingly, “Whatever you say.”

 

Seeing Fu Yao’s predicament, Li Ming tried to argue, “A hundred million? You say a hundred million just like that? Do you take me for a fool?”

 

Li Ruonan responded softly, “Hmm.”

 

“Pfft—hahaha…” Lan Muyu, who had been holding it in for a while, finally couldn’t contain her laughter.

 

Perhaps her laughter set off the other crew members in the private room, making the situation even more humiliating for Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou.

 

Li Ruonan, never one to beat around the bush, immediately asked, “Director Gu, with an additional hundred million, I’m now in charge here, correct?”

 

Gu Yan wasn’t skilled in social niceties. His collaboration with Li Ming was solely because Li Ming was good at securing investments, but he had long been dissatisfied with Li Ming’s behavior on set. Now with Li Ruonan’s investment and Lan Muyu having left an excellent impression during auditions, he was naturally pleased.

 

Gu Yan nodded quickly with a smile, “Yes, yes, you’re absolutely in charge.”

 

“The investment will be transferred immediately, and I won’t interfere during filming. When the movie is completed, I can also provide some theater screening allocations.”

 

Listening to Li Ruonan’s words, Gu Yan felt overwhelmed by these successive benefits. He had originally planned to make a web movie, content with just breaking even by selling it to a platform. Yet Li Ruonan was directly proposing theatrical release.

 

What director wouldn’t want their work to be perfected? With Li Ruonan’s investment, he could make everything as perfect as possible, even potentially entering award competitions.

 

—This was temptation no rookie director could resist.

 

Gu Yan responded, “No rush, no rush. Your initial investment alone will keep us going for quite some time.”

 

Li Ruonan turned to look at Lan Muyu behind her, “Do you have any requests?”

 

Lan Muyu, who had been playing with Li Ruonan’s long hair, smiled brightly upon hearing this, “So now in this production team, anyone can be replaced?”

 

Li Ruonan looked at Gu Yan.

 

Gu Yan answered, “Of course, just… preferably don’t replace me, right?”

 

Lan Muyu was amused by Gu Yan’s words. “Director, I wouldn’t dare. It’s just that the producer has always had strong opinions about me. I feel it’s really difficult to get along with him. What do you think…”

 

Gu Yan laughed. “Change him, change him immediately!”

 

“Gu Yan, don’t you dare be so ungrateful.” Li Ming never expected the replacement to fall on him. He protested, “I’ve contributed so much to this production team. How can you just discard me like this? You’re utterly heartless!”

 

Li Ming’s speech was nearly tearful, as if he had indeed rendered outstanding service to this yet-to-start production.

 

“Contributed so much? Li Ming, have you no shame?”

 

“Haven’t I done enough for the production team? I…”

 

Gu Yan’s face immediately turned cold. “Li Ming, don’t think I don’t know about the kickbacks you took after securing Director Wang’s investment, nor about the inappropriate demands you’ve been making on actresses in the crew. I’ve warned you multiple times to keep your hands clean, but you never listened. To prevent you from causing trouble that might implicate the entire production later, I suggest you find another project.”

 

“Just you wait, Gu Yan. Don’t act all high and mighty. Let’s see what kind of garbage you can produce,” Li Ming cursed as he glared at Gu Yan.

 

The rest of the crew began discussing loudly: “No matter what, Director Gu is at least a professional. Isn’t that better than someone who’s all talk and only knows how to pimp people out?”

 

“Exactly! Have you ever seen Li Ming actually do anything?”

 

“He should leave already. The other day, he deliberately bumped into me. If Han Feifei hadn’t been nearby, I’d have been afraid he’d drag me away.”

 

“What? Han Feifei is involved with Li Ming too?”

 

“You think she’s just Director Wang’s person? Without Li Ming, she wouldn’t even be in this crew.”

 

Listening to these remarks, veins bulged on Li Ming’s forehead. Finally unable to take it anymore, he stormed out of the private room, cursing under his breath.

 

After Li Ming left, attention shifted to Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou. Just as the two were about to leave, Lan Muyu’s voice called out from behind them, “Um… have you two eaten yet? Would you like to join us for a bit more?”

 

Jiang Qianrou paused at the door and turned back to glare at Lan Muyu resentfully. “Lan Muyu, don’t think just because you have a backer now, you can do whatever you want. Those who play by the river will eventually get wet. I’ll be waiting for the day you get dumped.”

 

Lan Muyu nodded cheerfully. “Sure, I’ll be waiting too.”

 

Once all the unpleasant people had left, the remaining crew members cautiously eyed Lan Muyu, mentally reviewing whether they had ever offended her, afraid they might be the next to be kicked out.

 

To their surprise, Lan Muyu showed no airs. She apologized to everyone present for the disruption while also giving Gu Yan ample face, showering him with praise. She humbly asked for his guidance on her acting in the future, with Li Ruonan quietly standing by her side.

 

Gu Yan readily agreed and then asked, “Lan Muyu, during your audition, I already thought your acting was excellent and perfectly suited for the role I envisioned. At the time, I couldn’t adjust the casting due to the influence behind Han Feifei. But now I’d like to ask—would you be willing to take on the female lead role?”

 

“She’ll do it,” Li Ruonan answered first, shooting Lan Muyu a sidelong glance and adding disdainfully, “After all, she was over the moon just getting that supporting role before.”

 

Lan Muyu thought for a few seconds before asking, “Director Gu, please don’t offer this just because of the investment. Do you truly think I’m right for this role?”

 

Lan Muyu’s words surprised not only Gu Yan but everyone present. An actor’s billing in a film directly impacts their professional achievements and future opportunities, including endorsements and resources.

 

Despite Gu Yan practically handing her the lead role, Lan Muyu questioned whether she was suitable rather than leveraging her position as an investor. This earned her even more admiration from those around her. It seemed Lan Muyu might not be so difficult to work with on set after all.

 

Gu Yan smiled, “I don’t want to joke about my own work anymore. You’re suitable, very suitable. Besides, President Li has invested so much money, I must deliver a satisfactory work so she’ll patronize us more in the future?”

 

Lan Muyu extended her hand, “My acting still has many shortcomings. I’ll need Director Gu’s guidance in the future.”

 

Gu Yan shook Lan Muyu’s hand politely before letting go, “Happy cooperation.”

 

With everything settled, Lan Muyu quietly moved closer to Li Ruonan and asked, “Have you eaten?”

 

Li Ruonan gave Lan Muyu a displeased look—clearly indicating she hadn’t.

 

Lan Muyu glanced at the dishes on the table. She couldn’t let Li Ruonan eat here, so she coaxed, “Let me accompany you for another meal, okay?”

 

Li Ruonan pretended indifference but started walking toward the door, “Hmm.”

 

After bidding farewell to the crew, Lan Muyu caught up with Li Ruonan, “Where to?”

 

“Where do you want to eat?”

 

“Minglaige’s food is quite good, and there aren’t many decent places nearby, but…”

 

“Hmm? What’s wrong?” Li Ruonan stopped and turned to look at Lan Muyu.

 

Lan Muyu tugged at Li Ruonan, “But they require reservations in advance and limit the number of tables daily.”

 

“Maybe there’s an opening today?”

 

“But I heard the owner is particularly unreasonable and eccentric. They won’t accommodate even one extra table, let alone without a reservation.”

 

“Shall we try our luck?”

 

Lan Muyu hesitated, “I wanted to take you to try their signature dishes someday, but it’s so late now. They probably can’t prepare them anymore.”

 

Li Ruonan walked ahead, “Trust me, I’ve always had good luck.”

 

Soon after, a waiter enthusiastically guided them inside. Lan Muyu, still dazed, followed Li Ruonan upstairs.

 

They arrived at a much more exquisite private room than those downstairs. The waiter asked, “Is this room alright? We can change if you’d prefer.”

 

Li Ruonan turned to Lan Muyu, boasting, “See? My luck is always good. There are quite a few empty tables.”

 

Lan Muyu nodded and followed Li Ruonan into a random room. After Li Ruonan gave some instructions, the waiter left.

 

Minglaige served the dishes quickly. To Lan Muyu’s surprise, all the signature dishes she had lamented missing earlier were brought out in full.

 

Seeing Lan Muyu still frozen in her seat, Li Ruonan tapped her bowl with clean chopsticks, “Eat a bit more with me?”

 

“Ah… okay.” As she ate, Lan Muyu couldn’t shake her confusion, “Do you know Minglaige’s owner?”

 

“No.”

 

“Oh… Then how is your luck so good? There just happened to be a table, and you could order all the limited signature dishes?”

 

The corners of Li Ruonan’s lips curled slightly, “Because… Minglaige is under the Li Corporation.”

 

“Oh, it’s under the Li Corp— Wait! Say that again?”

 

“I said, I’m that particularly unreasonable and eccentric owner you mentioned.”

 

Lan Muyu’s chopsticks clattered onto the table as she froze in shock.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“I even spent money to get a membership card.” Lan Muyu reached out to Li Ruonan, “I don’t care, you have to reimburse me for this.”

 

“Sure.”

 

Li Ruonan agreed so readily that it made Lan Muyu suspicious, “There’s something wrong with you. You’re acting strange.”

 

“Since we’re exchanging favors, how about you reimburse me for the extra hundred million I just added?”

 

Lan Muyu’s eyes darted around, “That was your own decision to add, I never said anything.”

 

Li Ruonan pinched Lan Muyu’s cheek, “You ungrateful little thing, who did I do this for anyway?”

 

“Ow!” Lan Muyu swatted Li Ruonan’s hand away.

 

Li Ruonan started tallying grievances: “Speaking of which, if I hadn’t come today, how were you planning to handle it? Cowering in a corner like a quail, too scared to even breathe—Lan Muyu, you’re really something.”

 

“What do you mean I didn’t do anything? I was using strategy, strategy! I was breaking them from within. Not a single loss on my side.” Lan Muyu lifted her chin proudly.

 

Li Ruonan asked coolly, “Oh, and then you got honorably kicked off the set?”

 

Lan Muyu took a sip from her water glass, “I’d rather die than yield.”

 

Li Ruonan mocked, “If you actually could yield to that Director Wang, I’d buy fireworks and cannons to celebrate for you.”

 

“Oh, maybe I’ll try next time.”

 

“You dare!”

 

Lan Muyu ladled another bowl of soup for Li Ruonan and grinned, “Guess whether I dare or not?”

 

Li Ruonan nodded, took out her phone, and made a call right in front of Lan Muyu, “Spread the word about Taiquan. Yes, the residential property’s failed fire inspection. Help that family demand compensation. Latest by tomorrow. Yes, good.”

 

Lan Muyu snickered, “With this, that Director Wang is going to be invited for tea.”

 

“Better than you being invited by him, no?”

 

Lan Muyu stuck out her tongue, “Stingy.”

 

“Mm, remember to pay the monthly utilities and internet bills on time, Miss Lan.”

 

“The food here is pretty good. I was thinking of asking if they do takeout, maybe bring some back for you. See how nice I am?”

 

“Lan Muyu, don’t change the subject.”

 

Lan Muyu tilted her head and blinked at Li Ruonan, “Oh come on, what’s our relationship? You’re going to nitpick over such small sums?”

 

“I’m the landlord, you’re the tenant. Problem?”

 

“But that’s my parents’ house!”

 

“At least it’s in my hands now. Ah, you reminded me—you still owe rent.”

 

“I don’t care, I’m broke.”

 

“Since you’re such a grown-up, setting a curfew seems unnecessary. So from now on, just pay a fine for coming home late. A hundred per time. I casually asked Ling Shan about your acting fees—you can definitely afford it.”

 

To stop Li Ruonan from listing more ways to settle accounts, Lan Muyu quickly cut in, “Fine, fine, I’ll pay, okay? I’ll pay!”

 

“Good.” Having gotten the upper hand, Li Ruonan’s mood improved considerably, and she finally showed some concern, “When does your movie start filming?”

 

“Probably this month. Shouldn’t take too long. The casting was already done, but we’re still missing a supporting actress.”

 

“Mm, let me know if anything comes up.”

 

“What could possibly happen? The crew is mostly fresh graduates—they all seem nice.”

 

“One must always be wary of others.” Li Ruonan swallowed a bite of food and casually asked, “Is that drama of yours a romance or a yuri one?”

 

“This time it’s a romance.”

 

“Then with the male lead…”

 

Lan Muyu’s eyes rolled playfully. Limited Edition was a rather innocent film with no intimate scenes, but since Li Ruonan had brought it up, she might as well…

 

Lan Muyu tugged at her collar and drawled, “There might be some intimate scenes, like kissing or bed scenes, taking off clothes, and then some touching here and there.”

 

“Kissing and bed scenes?” Li Ruonan’s chopsticks slammed onto the table with a loud thud. Her previously indifferent expression shattered as she stared at Lan Muyu in disbelief. “What kind of messy production is this? Why would they even film that?”

 

Lan Muyu replied leisurely, “That’s how romance dramas are made. Did you think it was like same-s3x themes where this isn’t allowed and that isn’t permitted?”

 

“Even if you film it, it won’t pass censorship.”

 

“That’s the director’s problem.”

 

“You’re not allowed to film it! Even if you do, I’ll make sure it never gets released!” Seeing Lan Muyu frown, Li Ruonan realized she had overreacted and softened her tone to placate her. “You’re still young. How can you film such scenes? As an actor, you should be down-to-earth. Don’t use those kinds of scenes to grab attention.”

 

“Pfft…” Lan Muyu couldn’t help but laugh at Li Ruonan’s flustered expression.

 

Li Ruonan pinched Lan Muyu’s chin and growled, “No filming, got it?”

 

“Hmm… If not with a guy, then next time with a pretty girl—would that be okay?”

 

Li Ruonan shot her a glance, suppressing her irritation as she sneered, “I forgot to mention something. One of the air conditioners at home has a faulty circuit. Seems like it’s the one in your room.”

 

Lan Muyu: “…”

 

When it came to sheer ruthlessness, she was no match for Li Ruonan.

 

For the rest of the meal, Li Ruonan ate in high spirits, while Lan Muyu deliberately provoked her. Whatever dish Li Ruonan reached for, Lan Muyu would snatch it first, forcing Li Ruonan to overcome her usual fastidiousness and fight back, grabbing food right from under Lan Muyu’s chopsticks.

 

The meal passed quickly nonetheless.

 

 

That night, the villa’s power went out right on schedule.

 

Lan Muyu didn’t believe for a second that her air conditioner’s circuit was actually broken. As the saying went, “Heaven helps those who help themselves,” and Lan Muyu wasn’t one to sit idle. She had already scoped out the main circuit breaker while Li Ruonan was out.

 

What was one air conditioner? Once she restored the power, she was going to party all night!

 

She’d show Li Ruonan just how wild this untamed horse named Lan Muyu could be!

 

So hard to tame!

 

The main circuit breaker was locked, and Lan Muyu had searched the entire house during the day without finding the key. That meant… the key must be on Li Ruonan’s person.

 

Lan Muyu swallowed hard, pacing outside Li Ruonan’s door under cover of darkness, her earlier determination to fight to the bitter end completely gone.

 

As time ticked by, Lan Muyu noted how even the corridor temperature was cooler than her room thanks to the air conditioning. Finally steeling herself, she pressed her ear to the door. Hearing no movement inside, she gently turned the doorknob.

 

The room was pitch black, not even a sliver of light coming through the curtains.

 

Following her memory of the layout, Lan Muyu closed the door behind her and tiptoed toward the bed.

 

Just as she opened the bedside drawer, Li Ruonan turned over on the bed, facing away. This made Lan Muyu breathe a sigh of relief, emboldening her search.

 

The bedside drawer was nearly empty. Lan Muyu had to scan the entire bedroom surface, feeling around here and there, but still couldn’t find the key.

 

If it wasn’t in these places, then… could it be on Li Ruonan herself?

 

After all, the power was always cut late at night when Li Ruonan would be in her pajamas.

 

Lan Muyu slowly turned, fixing her gaze on Li Ruonan as she approached step by step.

 

Gently lifting a corner of the blanket, she gathered her courage and reached her hand inside…

 

But before she could feel anything, a cold, mocking voice cut through the darkness:

 

“What are you doing groping me in the middle of the night?