Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 289 Liu Yan's Thoughts

When Fu Yibai walked out of the private restaurant, a cold wind hit him in the face.

Guo Zhenni waited by the roadside, leaning against the car door, a corner of her black wool coat lifted by the wind.

When she saw him come out, she went to greet him and opened the car door.

"Mr. Fu, where are we going?"

Fu Yibai sat in the back seat, leaned back, and closed his eyes to think for a moment.

"Go to Liu Yan's place."

"OK."

The car drove into the night.

Fu Yibai looked at the chair, pondering whether today's decision was correct.

Although many people don't want to be too closely tied to the government, in this land and in this industry, there are some things that can't be bypassed.

This connection with China Film Group might become an unexpected trump card at a crucial moment.

He doesn't need to control China Film Group Corporation, nor does he need to make a fortune from its stock.

All he wanted was a position, a position that would allow Chenxi to safely navigate the fringes of the system.

Han Shanping is a sensible man; he understands Fu Yibai's value and also his boundaries.

The car stopped at the entrance of Liu Yan's residential complex, and Fu Yibai got out and walked into the building.

The doorbell rang once and then the door was opened.

Liu Yan stood behind the door, wearing a silk nightgown.

"Come in quickly, it must be cold outside."

Fu Yibai changed into slippers and walked into the living room.

The aroma of lotus root and pork rib soup wafted in the air.

"You made soup again?"

"You've been working too hard lately, you should eat something nourishing."

Liu Yan walked up behind him, took his coat and hung it on the hanger, then naturally leaned into his arms and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Fu Yibai put his arm around her and rested his chin on the top of her head.

Her hair had a faint shampoo scent, which, combined with her body heat, created a comforting aroma.

The two of them stood there in the entryway, neither of them speaking. The sound of the wind outside the window, the distant sound of cars, and the ticking of the clock on the wall filled the air.

All the sounds seemed distant; only the warmth of my embrace felt real.

After a long time, Liu Yan lifted her head from his embrace and met his gaze.

"The soup is getting cold."

"Then let's have some soup first."

Liu Yan smiled, broke free from his embrace, and walked towards the kitchen.

Fu Yibai followed behind, leaning against the kitchen doorway, watching her back as she ladled soup.

Liu Yan served two bowls, pushed one in front of him, and held the other in her own hands before sitting down opposite him.

Drink it while it's hot.

Fu Yibai scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth. The fragrance of lotus root and the umami flavor of pork ribs mingled together, sliding down his throat and warming him up.

"It tastes good."

Liu Yan's eyes curved into a smile as she lowered her head to sip her soup, glancing up at him every now and then with an undisguised smile on her lips.

"What are you looking at?"

"It's up to you."

Liu Yan put down her bowl, rested her chin on her hands, and looked at his face.

"You must be very tired."

"What?"

Liu Yan stood up, walked around behind him, placed her hands on his shoulders, and gently massaged them.

With just the right amount of pressure, my fingertips pierced through the fabric of his shirt, finding a few sore spots on his stiff shoulders and neck, and slowly massaging them away.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

"Why are you still so busy when you've already achieved so much success?"

"Whether in Los Angeles or Beijing, they never know how to rest."

Her voice came down from above, soft, with a hint of reproach, but mostly with heartache.

"How long can you stay this time?"

"Wait until the end of April."

"That's two months left."

Her fingers moved from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her thumb pressing on his Fengchi acupoint, applying pressure slowly.

That's enough.

Fu Yibai reached out, took her hand that was resting on his shoulder, and gently pulled it away.

Following his lead, Liu Yan walked around from behind the chair and sat down on his lap.

She didn't say anything, but leaned into his arms, her face pressed against his chest.

His arms were around her waist, and his chin rested on the top of her head.

The sound of the wind outside the window, the faint sound of cars in the distance, and the ticking of the clock on the wall.

"Yi Bai."

"Um?"

"I don't want to be an actor anymore."

"Why? Don't you like acting?"

"No, it's just that after becoming an actor, I'm away for months at a time."

If the timing isn't right, it might be a long time before I can see you again.

Liu Yan's fingers fiddled with the buttons on Fu Yi's white shirt.

I know I'm being silly.

You have your career, and I have my job. It's impossible for us to be together every day like ordinary couples.

But I just can't help it... I can't help wanting to see you.

Fu Yibai didn't reply. His palm gently caressed her lower back, as if soothing a restless cat.

"So I don't want to be an actor anymore."

Liu Yan lifted her face from his chest and met his gaze.

Her eyes were glistening with tears, but her gaze was earnest.

"I want to go back to being your assistant."

Fu Yibai looked at her, and the corners of his mouth slowly curved up.

Do you even know what level of fame you have right now?

Liu Yan was stunned for a moment.

Fu Yibai's voice was tinged with laughter.

"Running Man has aired for three seasons now, you're no longer that unknown newcomer you were back then."

"If I were to ask a top-tier actress like you to be my assistant, your fans would tear me apart."

Liu Yan's face flushed red instantly.

"I...I wasn't doing this for anyone else..."

"I understand that you don't want to be away for months at a time."

I don't want you to be too tired either.

Liu Yan's eyes lit up.

"I have a compromise solution."

"What plan?"

"Learn to be a producer."

Liu Yan blinked.

"Producer?"

"Um.

The working cycle of producers is different from that of actors. Actors stay on set for several months after joining the production, while producers do not need to be on set every day.

The pre-production phase is busy, and during filming, you only need to check on the progress every few days. Post-production can also be done in Beijing.

"Moreover, you have a foundation in the path of becoming a producer."

You were my assistant for so long before you became an actress.

They have a basic understanding of film crew operations, script evaluation, and budget control.

What's lacking is only professional production knowledge and connections.

Liu Yan didn't speak, but something slowly lit up in her eyes.

"You can start with small projects within the company."

The company's preliminary preparations for this year's projects have already been underway for some time.

Let's wait until next year.

"After the new project starts next year, I'll let you in to learn."

Liu Yan lowered her head, drawing circles on his chest with her fingers, as if she was thinking seriously.

After a while, she raised her head, met his gaze, and the corners of her mouth slowly curved into a smile.

"it is good."

"Are you really sure?"

"I've made up my mind."

Liu Yan nodded.

"Being a producer allows me to continue working in this industry while also having more time... to be by your side."

Fu Yibai reached out and pulled her back into his arms.

Liu Yan leaned against his chest and closed her eyes.