Chapter 47: Are You Truly That Hungry?

During the first few days of the lunar new year, Zhou Le remained as busy as ever, visiting various places and friends. There’s a common saying that once the seventh day passes, it’s no longer the New Year, but Zhou Le suspected that was something capitalists came up with to make people work harder like oxen and horses.

Since students don’t generate income, schools typically don’t reopen until after the fifteenth day.

“Sigh, I really don’t want to go to work,” Zhou Le thought as he dressed up and prepared to head to the airport.

The film "Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves" was set to start filming in Shanghai, which was also one of the main shooting locations.

Listening to Zhou Le’s complaints, Su Yingxia couldn’t help but say, “You need to work to earn money, Le Ge. Didn’t you say last night that you want to buy a house? You don’t want to keep living at Uncle Yu Qian’s place, right?”

“Ah, people are really just commodities in the end. Han Han sells books and box office tickets, the breakfast shop downstairs sells food, and I’m just selling myself,” Zhou Le thought as he stepped out the door.

This time, the crew had already purchased his plane tickets well in advance. Upon landing and exiting the airport, Zhou Le was surprised to see several people holding lighted signs with his name on them.

He was stunned. Turning to Su Yingxia, he asked, “When did you secretly arrange this behind my back? Or was it the company?”

Su Yingxia was equally baffled. “No, the company didn’t tell me either.”

Naturally, Zhou Le couldn’t ignore the fans who had come to greet him, so he smiled and walked over.

“Thank you all. How did you know I was coming to Shanghai?” he asked.

“Oh, we have a fan group, all your longtime fans. Last night Han Han posted on Weibo that filming starts today and you’d be here too. We thought, other stars have fans picking them up, so you should have some too. But since many have to work today, just a few of us came,” one replied.

Zhou Le nodded with some relief in his heart. Then he looked at the only long-haired girl in the crowd. “Looks like I do have some female fans after all.”

Just as he said this, the “long-haired girl” stepped forward. “Bro, I’m a guy.”

Zhou Le was puzzled.

The fan quickly smiled shyly. “It’s okay, bro. Tonight I can be a girl, can’t I?”

Zhou Le exclaimed, “WC, a male fan!”

The fan laughed bashfully. “I’m not just a male fan, but I’m willing to be for you... But bro, how did you know my name is Wang Chao?”

“Stop stop stop, are you really hungry? Seeing all of you, I think my life is over—so many here to pick me up, not a single female fan among them. Sigh...” Zhou Le felt hopeless.

At that moment, another short-haired person stepped from the crowd. “Bro, I’m a girl.”

Zhou Le was surprised again. Looking closely, it was true, though this fan was strikingly handsome with an air of dignity.

“Sorry, sorry,” Zhou Le quickly apologized.

“No worries, I’m Lei Si,” she said.

Zhou Le sighed. “Yeah, I’m really done for.”

Everyone laughed heartily. But the fans knew Zhou Le was joking, so no one took offense.

“All right, since we’re all friends here, let’s take a group photo in the corner so we don’t block the way. Otherwise, I’d have to apologize later,” Zhou Le suggested.

The group moved aside and took pictures.

“I didn’t bring any gifts for you this time...” Zhou Le said, asking Su Yingxia to bring over his suitcase and open it.

He pulled out a white short-sleeved shirt and looked at the boy standing in front. “This shirt is brand new, only washed once. You should be able to wear it.”

“No need, bro, why would you bring us gifts? You’re a star, but is this one worn by you?” the boy asked.

Zhou Le was confused.

“Get lost, between being good and bad, you choose pervert, huh?” the boy teased. Seeing Zhou Le’s hesitation, he quickly took the shirt, afraid Zhou Le would change his mind.

Zhou Le then pulled out a black short-sleeved shirt and handed it to another boy. “This one’s for you. It’s also unworn.”

The clothes were all newly bought and quickly handed out.

“No more clothes left. Now I have a few pairs of new socks,” Zhou Le said.

“I-I-I want the socks!” someone shouted.

The socks were soon gone too.

“There’s also a hairdryer, but please don’t take one if you already have it...”

By the end, Zhou Le had nearly emptied his suitcase, leaving only some personal items.

“Bro, what about your underwear...?”

“Get lost, I still need to wear those.”

Finally, Zhou Le sent off the fans, who all left in good spirits.

The crew’s reception staff nearby had watched the whole scene and even took some photos.

After everyone dispersed, they took Zhou Le to the crew.

The hotel was near the filming location and rated five stars.

Though it was in the suburbs and not the most expensive place, it was much better than the remote outskirts where Zhou Le had stayed during the filming of "Sewing Machine Band."

Su Yingxia had a separate room.

Zhou Le first went to greet Han Han, then rested in the hotel for a day while Su Yingxia went out to buy some more daily necessities.

When she returned, Su Yingxia held a handful of receipts and invoices.

“Le Ge, can these be reimbursed?”

Zhou Le thought for a moment. “They should be. You can ask.”

Hearing this, Su Yingxia eagerly took the documents to the crew’s finance department.

The next evening, everyone had gathered.

On his way to the conference room, Zhou Le met Deng Chao.

“Chao Ge, I didn’t expect to meet you in person! I’m your fan. My favorite was your role in 'Young Emperor.' I was in elementary school then. The most memorable was your portrayal of Zhang Wuji. Since then, I’ve wanted to be an actor. I wanted to be Zhang Wuji, but my parents made me study civil engineering. Still, meeting you has me so excited!” Zhou Le said enthusiastically, shaking Deng Chao’s hand.

Deng Chao wasn’t a very introverted person himself, and seeing Zhou Le’s enthusiasm, he thought Zhou Le was a good young man.

“Ha ha, it’s my honor. We can definitely keep in touch.”

“Definitely, as long as Chao Ge doesn’t mind me being annoying.”

Deng Chao then recalled what Zhou Le said earlier.

“You said your parents made you study civil engineering. Do they support you now?”

Zhou Le replied, “They both passed away a few years ago.”

Deng Chao felt a pang of sympathy and said, “I’m sorry, really sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s all in the past.”

“Yes, people must always look forward.”

This exchange instantly brought them closer.

In the conference room, Zhou Le greeted Han Han, Zhao Liying, Dong Zijian, and others.

Then everyone took their seats according to name cards. Zhou Le sat third, after all, he was the male second lead in the movie.

The meeting was dull and uninspired, covering the usual topics.

Zhou Le appeared to listen attentively but was actually observing Zhao Liying.

She was so petite. On TV, her face looked round, but in person her features were very small.

He also sensed her waist might not be in good condition. Beneath her makeup, her complexion didn’t seem very vibrant.

“Sigh, I’m too kindhearted. I hate seeing people unwell. I should find time to help her get back in shape,” he thought.