But didn’t Li Shu say he was working in his senior brother’s lab? How did he end up becoming a star?
No one understands their child better than the parents. With a little thought, Mother Li could figure out a lot of things. Her expression changed, and she barely managed to maintain a smile and asked, “This young man looks gentle. Could you girls tell me more about him?”
Seeing that even this Auntie was fascinated with their idol, the two girls exchanged glances and eagerly began to inform Mother Li about Li Shu’s deeds.
With Li Shu’s increasing popularity, his past events were dug up by netizens with powerful skills. Having debuted two years ago, with few works to his name, he had always been on the fringes of the entertainment industry until Qin Ran had the discerning eyes to sign him. That’s when his career began to take off.
The two girls mostly talked about the present Li Shu, but Mother Li would still understand how difficult her son’s past two years had been from their scattered words.
Two years ago, Father Li was injured and the family underwent significant changes. It was when their son called to say he had joined his senior brother’s lab and no longer needed money sent to him. Furthermore, from then on, their son would send money back every month. Considering the timing, Li Shu must have entered the entertainment industry during that period.
Could they blame him for deceiving them? No, how could they have the qualification. If their son did this, it was because of this family. Because of this, the Li couple felt even more guilty. After all, they were the ones dragging their son down.
For the time being, Li Shu didn’t know that Mother Li and Father Li already knew his true occupation. But he knew this matter couldn’t stay hidden forever; it was only a matter of time before it came out.
Therefore, when Mother Li called to say she wanted to talk about something, he didn’t feel surprised at all.
After finishing class with Teacher Bo, it was already dark outside, and the bodyguard who was also a part-time driver was still the one driving.
Li Shu sent a message to Mo Yanzhi in the car, saying that he would go to the hospital first. When the other party asked anxiously if something was wrong, he explained that he was just visiting his parents.
The Li couple were still living in the hospital. Father Li’s condition wasn’t very stable, so it was best for him to stay under observation. Mother Li initially wanted to take him back to their hometown, but she agreed to stay upon Li Shu and Mo Yanzhi’s repeated persuasion.
After being transferred from the ICU, Father Li stayed in the VIP ward arranged by Mo Yanzhi, along with a specially hired caregiver.
After all, Mother Li was not young anymore, and taking care of an immobile patient was inevitably difficult. It would be much easier with someone assisting nearby.
“You child, you’ve come, but why did you bring so many things?” Mother Li looked at the several bags brought by the bodyguard and scolded.
The bodyguard carried the bags, not letting Mother Li do anything, and placed them on the nearby table.
“I can’t come often, so I have to bring something every time. Otherwise, what if you and dad forget about me?”
“You child.” Mother Li’s tone was helpless, but there was a lot less worry between her brows.
“How’s dad doing lately?” Li Shu asked.
“The doctor said he’s recovering well, and there haven’t been any signs of relapse for the time being. Xiao Shu, I have some questions for you.”
The bodyguard tactfully exited the room and closed the door behind him.
Now, only Li Shu and his mother remained in the room.
“What does mom want to ask?” Li Shu knew it was probably about his career, but he pretended not to know.
“A few days ago, when I took your father downstairs, I overheard two girls talking about you. You’re not working in your senior brother’s lab anymore?” Mother Li asked cautiously, observing Li Shu’s reaction, afraid of upsetting him.
“Mom knows something, right?” Although phrased as a question, Li Shu’s tone was affirmative, no longer hiding the truth.
“The thing about joining your senior brother’s lab was just to ease your and dad’s minds. I was discovered by the talent scout from Mo Lan Entertainment at that time and entered the entertainment industry. It’s been that way ever since.”
After knowing her son was a star, Mother Li inquired about some aspects of the entertainment industry and knew Mo Lan was a big company. She was initially anxious but felt relieved after hearing her son’s affirmative answer.
“What about Mr. Mo…”
Mother Li remembered clearly that they came to this hospital because of Mr. Mo’s arrangement, and Father Li received the best treatment all thanks to Mr. Mo.
“He’s my friend.”
The same answer as before, but now Mother Li wasn’t as naïve as before. The more she knew about the entertainment industry, the more worried she became about Li Shu’s situation.
Not to boast, but Li Shu’s appearance stood out even in the glamorous entertainment industry where handsome men and beautiful women gathered. Just a few days ago, news broke about a certain actress being kept by a big shot. Mother Li couldn’t help but think too much about Li Shu’s situation.
“Is he really just a friend?”
Mr. Mo and they were from completely different worlds. Without Li Shu as a link, they would never have crossed paths. Mother Li was clearly aware of this. Previously, she was worried about Father Li’s condition and didn’t think much about it. After his condition stabilized, she thought about it again, and the more she thought about it, the more something was wrong.
When she has doubts in her mind, she would usually be more attentive than usual. With this attention, Mother Li felt more convinced that something was off about their interaction.
Leaving aside how an ordinary student like Li Shu could know someone like Mr. Mo, just Mr. Mo’s attitude towards Li Shu was not what ordinary friends would have.
“Mom, where are you going with this?” Li Shu helped her sit down, “Have you heard anyone say anything in the past few days, what can be between us? Didn’t I say it before? It just happened. I was in a hurry to record the show, so I had to ask him for help. He just has a strong sense of responsibility, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to manage a big company, right? “
The worry between Mother Li’s brow continued, “I know it has not been easy for you these past few years, and it is our fault that you have to bear such a heavy burden at such a young age…”
“Mom, what are you talking about?” Li Shu interrupted her, “Alright, don’t overthink it. My career is getting better and better now, isn’t that something to be happy about? I’ve rented a house here. When dad’s health improves a bit, you can move in. Don’t worry about other things, I’m here.”
“Mom, I’m actually very happy,” Li Shu squatted in front of his mother and looked into her eyes, “Everything I have now is my own choice. I really like my current job. It’s a completely new field for me and a fresh start. Don’t feel like you owe me anything. To be honest, I’m more satisfied with my current life than I would have been with the conventional path of studying and working.”
Li Shu’s eyes were sincere, and Mother Li believed what he said unconsciously.
“Do what you want to do. Since it’s what you like, your dad and I will support you.”
Seeing Mother Li relax, Li Shu breathed a sigh of relief. Most of the reason for the death of the original owner’s parents was because they felt they were a burden to their son. They made it impossible for their son to finish college, leading him to enter the entertainment industry prematurely and encounter everything that followed. To change the tragedy in the original plot, he had to change the Li couple’s mindset.
As the city lights came on, the whole city was shrouded in light. The ZERE office was brightly lit, and everyone was making final preparations for the shoot of the new issue of the magazine.
Zhu Jinghe tapped the desk with a pen. Under her calm appearance, there was a strong sense of unease. This was a gamble. If they won, they would rise to great heights; if they lost, they would face an even deeper abyss.
Early in the morning, Qin Ran came to pick up Li Shu in his car.
It was only when Li Shu got in the car that he realized there was someone else driving. He was wearing a mask, sunglasses, and a beige trench coat. His back looked familiar.
Qin Ran got into the passenger seat and the man who was tightly wrapped up asked in a low voice, “Are you settled in?”
The car window rolled up slowly, and the man took off his sunglasses. Sure enough, he was someone familiar.
“Brother Fu?” Li Shu pretended to be surprised.
“I’ll give you guys a ride.” Fu Xilan’s voice was lazy. He squinted his eyes and glanced back, like a big satisfied lion.
Li Shu glanced at Qin Ran, who looked a bit depressed after getting in the car, and understood. No wonder Fu Xilan had shown some hostility when they first met.
These two…
Li Shu just pretended that he hadn’t seen anything.
After pulling himself together, Qin Ran talked to Li Shu about some precautions. He had already mentioned them in an email, but he felt uneasy, so he repeated them now.
During this time, Fu Xilan clicked his tongue impatiently. He was glared at fiercely by Qin Ran, and he drove obediently
After getting out of the car, Qin Ran reverted to his usual elite demeanor, and the slump on his face was driven away. Fu Xilan stayed in the car; if he got out, it would surely cause a sensation.
The car window was specially treated, so people outside couldn’t see inside. Li Shu glanced back and asked in a low voice, “Brother Qin, is it okay to leave Brother Fu alone here?”
“It’s okay, let him wait here.”
Although Qin Ran’s tone was calm, Li Shu felt like there was a gnashing of teeth as he spoke.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, Fu Xilan watched the two figures recede, his eyes gradually deepening.
The chief editor of ZERE personally welcomed them. She attached great importance to today’s shoot. Whether ZERE could turn the tide depended on today.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two parties got straight to the point. ZERE had a dedicated photographer. He was called Jonathan. He hailed from the United States, a handsome uncle with blond hair and blue eyes.
Jonathan was very satisfied with Li Shu’s appearance. Upon seeing him in person, he exclaimed, “Oh Li, you’re even more beautiful than in the photos!”
“Thank you for the compliment, Jonathan.”
Li Shu had a strong sense of the camera. After styling, he could pose effortlessly and made Jonathan take several photos with good results at any random stop.
For a photographer, working with someone who had a good sense of the camera was very comfortable. The originally planned one-day shoot ended in half a day with their cooperation.
After it was over, Jonathan seemed reluctant to part with Li Shu. “Li, are you interested in being my model?”
Li Shu: “Of course, I’m interested, but I’m about to join a crew soon, so in terms of time…”
“That’s okay. I’m tentatively scheduling it for the end of December. I’ll email you when it’s confirmed.”
Jonathan raised his glass. Under the light, the bright red liquid in the glass was blurry and alluring.
Li Shu lightly tapped his glass. “Well then, happy collaboration.”
Jonathan: “Happy collaboration.”
There was a slight clicking sound. Li Shu glanced in the direction of the sound and casually looked away.
Jonathan: “What’s wrong, Li?”
Li Shu shook his head. “Nothing.”
It was just that some people couldn’t resist making a move after a few days of silence.
That evening, a photo of Li Shu and Jonathan smiling and clinking glasses appeared in Mo Yanzhi’s computer in the form of an anonymous email.
The angle chosen by the photographer was excellent. In the photo, there are only two people smiling and looking at each other. Under the misty light, there is an inexplicable ambiguity.
As the man looked at the people in the photo, his eyes gradually darkened.