Chapter 32 : Aren't You Afraid Chen Ran Will Run Away?
Chapter 32 - Aren't You Afraid Chen Ran Will Run Away?
Chen Ran called home to share the good news.
Having left home in a hurry on Saturday, his parents had seen it and were undoubtedly worried about his work situation.
"So, you’re transferring to the Entertainment Channel to produce a program?" Chen Junhai asked.
Chen Ran said, "The transfer order is already down. I'm going to the Entertainment Channel to make a new program."
"That's truly wonderful," Chen Junhai lamented.
He didn't know exactly what this meant, but he knew it was a good thing.
"I’ll be preparing the new program, so I’ll be working overtime for a while. I probably won't be able to go back home for a bit," Chen Ran said somewhat apologetically.
He had rushed back this time and hadn't spent much time with the two elders.
Chen Junhai said, "Work is important. Home is right here and won't run away; come back when you have time. You have to pay more attention when working overtime; whatever you do, don't get sick."
He didn't say anything like "rest if you're tired." Work wasn't something where you could just rest whenever you wanted; he simply instructed Chen Ran to take care of his health.
"I know, Dad. You and Mom should also wear more layers; be careful at home, you two."
"Mm, we will."
He was just about to take a break when his phone rang again.
It was Director Zhang.
The Director asked in a baffled tone, "Where have you run off to? I've looked everywhere for you and couldn't find you!"
Chen Ran said, "I got off work early. I'm on the bus now."
Director Zhang said, "What are you in such a hurry for? I told your Auntie Yun the good news, and she made some food. Let’s enjoy ourselves."
Chen Ran scratched his head. "This is too much trouble for Auntie Yun."
"Saying that makes us sound like strangers. We’re one family; it’s only right to be happy together when something good happens. What’s all this about 'trouble' or 'no trouble'? Hurry up and get off the bus and come over. We’re waiting for you at home."
Director Zhang finished and hung up before Chen Ran could reply.
Chen Ran gave a wry smile. He really didn't want to trouble Auntie Yun.
He hadn't contacted Zhang Fanzhi these past few days, but whenever he went to the Zhang house and saw how well Auntie Yun and Uncle Zhang treated him, he felt a bit guilty.
But since Uncle Zhang had put it that way, he could only go.
When he arrived at the Zhang house, Director Zhang was sitting on the sofa, rarely smoking a cigarette.
This was quite something. Chen Ran had been to the Zhang house more than once or twice, but he really hadn't seen him smoking at home.
Seeing Chen Ran's look, Director Zhang felt a bit uneasy and explained, "Your Auntie Yun said that since we’re happy today, she’d allow me to smoke once."
Chen Ran smiled. Why are you explaining this to me? I didn't tell Auntie Yun you smoke at the TV station.
Of course, this matter certainly couldn't be hidden from Auntie Yun. Director Zhang thought that by tidying himself up and making sure no scent could be smelled before coming home, he was safe, but Chen Ran could smell a scent just by being near him.
People who don't smoke are very sensitive to the smell; how could Auntie Yun not know? She was just turning a blind eye.
"I say, what's wrong with you? For most people, the longer they know each other, the more familiar they get, but I feel like you’ve become much more restrained instead. Given our relationship, I don't think that should be the case." Director Zhang glanced at Chen Ran and said,
"Did you and Zhizhi have a fight?"
Chen Ran hurriedly shook his head. "Uncle, you're overthinking it. There wasn't any fight. It’s just that I’m a bit tired from writing the proposal these last few days and want to rest."
Director Zhang said, "It has indeed been hard work these past few days, but hard work yields rewards, and that makes any effort worth it. Once you’re at the Entertainment Channel, don't be as lukewarm as you were at the Public Channel.
I'm over here, but no one will look after you over there. Fight when you need to fight, speak up when you need to speak up. You should know that kind people get bullied. Since you have the ability, show a bit of a sharp edge; it will be good for you."
Chen Ran listened carefully and nodded at the right moments. From the transmigration until now, he had also changed a lot.
Auntie Yun finished making the meal, and the three of them sat together to eat.
Director Zhang looked left and right, then shook his head. "It's a pity Zhizhi and Ruyi aren't here. If those two were here, that would be great."
"Ruyi is still studying; she won't be back for at least two months," Auntie Yun said.
"How about we start a video call with Zhizhi now and let her see Chen Ran?"
Director Zhang said, "What is there for her to see in Chen Ran? They probably have calls in private. It's us—she’s been gone so long and we haven't seen her yet."
Chen Ran gave an embarrassed smile. Video call her? Like hell. He wasn't even friendly when they talked on the phone; if they did a video call, they’d just be staring blankly at each other with nothing to say.
Besides, video calling Zhang Fanzhi while eating—wasn’t that just asking for trouble?
Auntie Yun didn't think that much. She took out her phone, found "Standalone Beauty," and clicked the video call.
The call was picked up, but the person who appeared wasn't Zhang Fanzhi. It was a woman in her thirties, wearing makeup with her hair tied up, looking very capable—it was Zhang Fanzhi's manager, Tao Lin.
Tao Lin had met Zhang Fanzhi's parents before, and her face immediately bloomed into a smile.
"Oh, it's you, Auntie! Xiyun is performing right now and isn't free to take a video call. I'll tell her when she's done. Why don't you call back a bit later?"
It was somewhat noisy around Tao Lin, and Zhang Fanzhi's singing could be heard in the background; she was likely participating in some event.
Auntie Yun's face, which had been full of smiles, stiffened slightly. Then she said, "It's fine, it's fine. I just wanted to see her. Work is more important."
Tao Lin said, "I'll let her know as soon as her performance is over."
Auntie Yun nodded, said goodbye, and hung up the video call.
Seeing that Auntie Yun's spirits were a bit low, Chen Ran said, "When I was chatting with her today, I heard her mention a performance. I forgot about it."
Director Zhang waved his hand and said, "She's a singer; she's always participating in events. We understand. Although, Chen Ran, you’ll have to be more patient and understanding on your end."
The three of them ate for a while, and then Chen Ran's WeChat chimed.
It was from Zhang Fanzhi: "Are you at my house?"
Chen Ran replied: "Eating."
Then his video call rang.
Chen Ran gave a mental "tch." He wondered why she hadn't just called Auntie Yun directly; she was still focused on putting on a show even now.
He answered the call. It was Zhang Fanzhi's face with very little expression. Although she was beautiful, having no smile during a video call felt a bit strange.
"Did my mom try to video call me just now?" Zhang Fanzhi asked.
Chen Ran said, "Auntie Yun wanted to see you just now, but you weren't free."
Zhang Fanzhi: "The performance just ended. Give the phone to my mom."
Auntie Yun took the phone. Zhang Fanzhi explained again: "I couldn't take the call during the performance."
"I know," Auntie Yun asked. "Been very busy lately?"
Zhang Fanzhi nodded. "A little. I'm preparing to release a new song."
Auntie Yun frowned. She knew what releasing a new song meant—Zhang Fanzhi would be unavailable for a long time afterward.
"Come back and visit once you're done with the busy period. Are you really okay with leaving Chen Ran here like this?" Auntie Yun said.
Director Zhang chimed in from the side:
"Chen Ran's performance is excellent. He's transferring to the Entertainment Channel now, and he might even go to Satellite TV after a while. There are lots of beautiful female hosts there. If you don't come back soon, Chen Ran will run away!"
Chen Ran was extremely embarrassed. When you guys talk about me, can you do it behind my back? This is making things very awkward for me.
His current situation made him feel like a complete tool.
Director Zhang and his wife wanted him to tie down Zhang Fanzhi, while Zhang Fanzhi wanted him to keep the two elders steady.
Chen Ran felt quite helpless.
Hearing Director Zhang's words, Zhang Fanzhi blinked, then said, "It's fine. I trust him."