Chapter 13: VIP Theater Tickets Are Expensive

Crap… just now, did Lu Guifan…

Crap… did Lu Guifan overhear the conversation between him and Lin Lu?

Lu Guifan was so smart, he must have picked up on his veiled sarcasm toward Lin Lu.

Would he think he was putting on an act?

“Ruotang?”

Lin Lu’s voice snapped Jiang Ruotang out of his thoughts.

“Huh? Oh, I’m going to the front gate to grab my takeout.”

“I’ll come too. Mine just arrived as well.”

“Okay.”

As they walked, Lin Lu seemed like he had something to say, hesitating a few times. It wasn’t until Jiang Ruotang had picked up his eel rice that Lin Lu finally couldn’t hold back anymore.

“What about Zhao Yunshu? Don’t tell me you’ve completely let your guard down?”

“Of course not. I had a serious talk with my dad yesterday. After I moved him with emotions and reason, he agreed not to let Zhao Yunshu stay in the finance department anymore.”

Lin Lu’s eyes lit up, his tone involuntarily lifting in excitement. “Really?”

“Of course it’s true.”

“How did you persuade your dad? Uncle Jiang seems a bit love-brained. He really listened to you?”

Lin Lu was still too young at this point—his emotions were poorly masked, and Jiang Ruotang could tell instantly. What Lin Lu truly cared about wasn’t whether Zhao Yunshu might become his stepmother, but whether she, as Jiang Huaiyuan’s most trusted confidante, would gain real control over the finance department.

The one feeding Lin Lu these ideas, coaching him to brainwash Jiang Ruotang, could only be his father, Lin Chengdong.

“I told my dad, if he really wanted to be with Aunt Zhao, then she couldn’t stay in finance, let alone be promoted to deputy general manager. That would give people the impression they were running a husband-and-wife business. It’s better to move her to another department, something more relaxed, to avoid suspicion.”

When he heard the phrase “husband-and-wife business,” Lin Lu burst out laughing and gave Jiang Ruotang a light punch. “How are you this good with words?”

“Found it online.”

Jiang Ruotang carried his eel rice into the classroom.

Lin Lu was clearly in a great mood. He walked beside Jiang Ruotang, chatting and laughing. Even Zhao Changfeng, who was sitting in his usual spot, seemed more pleasing to the eye.

Though the Peppa Pig lunchbox made Zhao Changfeng feel incredibly embarrassed, when he opened it, he was actually quite surprised.

Pan-seared steak and sole fillet, with garlic broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and steamed sweet potato.

Low in oil and high in protein—this was exactly the kind of athlete’s diet Zhao Changfeng had seen in magazines.

Who would’ve thought Sister Juan actually knew this kind of stuff?

To Zhao Changfeng, Jiang Ruotang had always been a haughty young master, but now, thanks to this meal, he even looked a bit delicate and refined.

For senior-year students, lunchtime was a precious moment of relaxation.

The classmates chatted most about who was secretly dating whom in their grade, celebrity gossip, what idol group was holding a concert where, and the plotlines of some TV drama from Hong Kong.

There was also talk about the art film Falling Clouds at Sunset, starring Bai Yingchuan’s mother, Bai Yue. The director was said to be very well-known, but his films always had a slow pace. Although the market response was lukewarm, he was a frequent award winner.

Lin Lu leaned toward Bai Yingchuan, smiling as he asked, “Yingchuan, want to go see Falling Clouds at Sunset together tonight?”

The question was quiet—maybe the front and back rows didn’t hear it, but Jiang Ruotang definitely did.

And this exchange was exactly the same as in his past life. If he remembered correctly, Bai Yingchuan’s response should be: “No, if I get recognized in the theater, I won’t be able to enjoy the movie at all.”

“No, it’s too much trouble if the audience recognizes me,” Bai Yingchuan replied.

“Aww, what a pity. You can’t even watch your own mom’s movie,” Lin Lu said, clearly disappointed.

Hearing that, Jiang Ruotang turned away and sighed softly.

Yeah right—Bai Yingchuan didn’t think it was a pity at all. Even at 28, he was still under Bai Yue’s thumb in his acting career. Deep down, he was full of rebellion.

It wasn’t really about not wanting to be recognized in the theater. More likely, he just didn’t want to hear audiences discussing his mother in front of him.

But Jiang Ruotang figured that even if Bai Yingchuan had zero interest in the movie, Lin Lu would still find a way to drag him into the theater.

Poor Bai Yingchuan—who told your mom to partner with Lin Chengdong? Now you can’t even see a movie without getting pulled in by Lin Lu.

At the end of the day’s classes, Jiang Ruotang got into the car, and Xiao Gao drove him to his art studio.

But just as they arrived downstairs, Jiang Ruotang’s phone rang. It was Lin Lu.

“Ruotang, guess what? I convinced Yingchuan to go see the movie with me tonight! 8:30 p.m. showing of Long Clouds at Sunset at Huacheng Theater! VIP theater with sofa seats!”

Lin Lu’s voice was full of excitement. After finishing, he paused, clearly waiting for Jiang Ruotang’s reaction.

In his past life, Jiang Ruotang would’ve shot upright from the back seat, panicking and begging Xiao Gao to drive to Huacheng Theater, even asking which seats Lin Lu had booked so he could buy the ones right next to them.

But the current Jiang Ruotang only smiled faintly, quietly watching Lin Lu’s performance.

From the beginning of the semester until now, he had repeated countless times that he wasn’t interested in Bai Yingchuan, but Lin Lu clearly didn’t believe him at all.

Not that he could blame him—after all, Jiang Ruotang had always been the type to latch onto someone and never let go. He was head over heels for Bai Yingchuan last term, and now, after just one summer break, claimed to be over it? Even he wouldn’t believe himself.

Jiang Ruotang felt a headache coming on. How could he get Lin Lu to truly accept the truth?

“Oh, so you’re skipping night study? Better be careful, or you’ll end up on Mr. Wang’s blacklist,” he replied casually.

“Watching a movie with Yingchuan is totally worth skipping class!” Lin Lu began his persuasion campaign. “Think about it—those fangirls online would be so jealous! They used to flame you, remember? They can’t even catch a glimpse of Yingchuan, and here you are, sharing popcorn with him, sitting on a couple’s sofa seat! Yingchuan doesn’t say yes to just anyone’s invitation!”

“Alright then, I respect your choice. I’m heading into the studio now. Enjoy the movie—bye.”

Jiang Ruotang wasn’t moved at all. Just as he was about to hang up, Lin Lu finally panicked.

“Ruotang! Wait!”

“Oh? What now?” In truth, Jiang Ruotang hadn’t even opened the car door yet. He was waiting to see how Lin Lu would continue his act.

“Something came up at home. I probably can’t go to the movie. How about… you go instead!”

Wow, that excuse was painfully clumsy.

Jiang Ruotang asked, “What came up at home? Need any help?”

“No, no… it’s nothing serious. Just… guests at home, and I have to stay to help my dad entertain them. But letting Yingchuan watch the movie alone doesn’t seem right. What if someone recognizes him or stops him for a photo or autograph? He won’t have anyone to protect him…”

Fairy tales have the emperor’s new clothes. Lin Lu’s home has invisible guests.

“Then just tell him something came up. Watch it next time.”

“But the VIP tickets were so expensive! Such a waste!”

Jiang Ruotang had to try really hard not to laugh.

With Lin Lu’s family background and allowance, forget VIP tickets—he could’ve booked the entire theater.

Sigh, Lin Lu’s lies were always full of holes. In his past life, Jiang Ruotang had been so deep in love he let himself be manipulated like a puppet.

Jiang Ruotang checked the time. If he kept arguing, he’d be late for his art class.

“Alright, send me the ticket code. I’ll see what I can do.”

Hearing that, Lin Lu’s tone noticeably relaxed. He spent a while reminding Jiang Ruotang not to be late, to take care of Yingchuan, and so on.

After hanging up, Lin Lu smirked to himself. Jiang Ruotang, I know exactly what kind of person you are.

All that talk about not liking Bai Yingchuan anymore—he was just putting on airs, waiting to be coaxed.

Lin Chengdong had already told Lin Lu that he had to make sure Bai Yingchuan adjusted well to Guangyao High in Beicheng and build a good relationship with him. Bai Yingchuan was a potential goldmine.

But since he became popular through Jiang Huaiyuan’s film, he couldn’t be allowed to get too close to the Jiang family or choose to collaborate with them.

Ideally, Bai Yingchuan would start finding Jiang Ruotang’s behavior annoying and cross the line from fan to creeper.

That way, when Lin Chengdong and Jiang Huaiyuan eventually vied for dominance at Huanyu Entertainment, Bai Yingchuan would stay loyal to Lin Chengdong.

Lin Lu dialed Bai Yingchuan’s number, deliberately putting on a slightly sad and apologetic tone. “Yingchuan, I’m really sorry. I probably can’t go to the movie with you tonight.”

Bai Yingchuan frowned. He had already skipped night study for this, gone home to prep his disguise—mask, thick-rimmed glasses, hat. Honestly, he didn’t even want to go. If it weren’t for the partnership between Bai Yue and Lin Chengdong, and Lin Lu’s relentless pestering, he wouldn’t have agreed at all.

“Really? Then let’s not go,” Bai Yingchuan replied bluntly, catching Lin Lu off guard.

“N-no, actually… it’s just that I accidentally let Ruotang know about our movie plan, and you know how much he likes you. Sitting beside you in the theater—it’s like his dream come true, like you’re his… his friend or something. He kept begging me to let him go instead… We’ve grown up together, and I can never say no to him.”

Lin Lu deliberately changed “boyfriend” to “friend,” knowing this kind of insinuation would definitely make Bai Yingchuan find Jiang Ruotang annoying.

And sure enough, Bai Yingchuan gave a small, mocking laugh. So he pretended not to care all day, but now he wants to watch the movie?

But the thought passed quickly. His experience in the entertainment world made him start to doubt Lin Lu’s story.

“You can’t say no to him, but I can, can’t I?”

While speaking, Bai Yingchuan took off his charcoal-gray coat, opened his wardrobe, and began scanning through it.

“No matter what, he’s still Director Jiang’s son. Think about it—if word got out that you couldn’t even bring yourself to accompany the director’s son to a movie, the investors might think you’re arrogant and immature… Right?”