My Wife is a Big Star

Chapter 44 - Getting Old, Getting Old

"Marriage?"

Chen Ran frowned; she truly was drunk!

Zhang Fanzhi didn’t even seem like the type of person who drank.

"Where are you?" Chen Ran asked again.

"Marriage... marriage..." Zhang Fanzhi mumbled incoherently.

"Hey, Zhang Fanzhi, I'm asking you a question. Where are you?!" Chen Ran shouted.

There was no response from Zhang Fanzhi’s end; she seemed to have fallen asleep. Someone else picked up the phone, and a timid female voice came through:

"Hello, is this Brother Chen Ran? I'm Sister Xiyun's assistant, Xiao Qin."

Chen Ran had met Xiao Qin once at the Zhang house and remembered her. He asked,

"What’s wrong with your Sister Xiyun?"

Xiao Qin said, "She and Sister Lin were in a bad mood, so the two of them were here drinking. Sister Lin went to the bathroom to throw up, and Sister Xiyun is drunk."

Chen Ran pinched the bridge of his nose. Two women drinking until they vomited—what kind of mess was this?

"Why is she in a bad mood? Problems with work?" Chen Ran asked.

He had been busy these past few days, and Zhang Fanzhi had been busy as well. They exchanged occasional greetings on WeChat, but Zhang Fanzhi hadn't said much.

Chen Ran wasn't the type to pry; since she hadn't brought it up, she clearly didn't want to talk about it, so he hadn't asked.

Xiao Qin gave an "mm" and said, "A conflict with the company. I can’t go into the details, but anyway, Sister Xiyun’s mood is very bad."

Xiao Qin knew about the relationship between Chen Ran and Zhang Fanzhi—they seemed like boyfriend and girlfriend, yet they didn't quite act like it. She wasn't sure of the situation, so she didn't dare say too much.

Chen Ran didn't make things difficult for her and simply instructed, "Please take care of her and don’t let her catch a cold. Thank you."

Xiao Qin was overwhelmed by the politeness. "No need, no need for thanks. This is all part of my job."

Chen Ran hung up the phone, feeling somewhat speechless.

Zhang Fanzhi didn't seem like she knew how to drink; he remembered her mentioning it.

Just how unhappy must she be to get drunk and call him talking about marriage? This really was...

Chen Ran felt that if he had recorded the call just now and played it back to Zhang Fanzhi later, her expression would likely be quite a sight to behold.

"Did she really have a falling out with the company?"

Chen Ran knew she had gone back this time to settle things with them. From the look of it, the results weren't ideal.

They say "truth comes out after wine," and when Zhang Fanzhi said she didn't want to be a star anymore, it was likely her true feelings. It seemed she was quite heartbroken.

Chen Ran initially wanted to call Director Zhang to ask about it, but then he decided against it. Zhang Fanzhi hadn't spoken up, so if he did, it might not only upset her but also cause unnecessary worry for Uncle Zhang.

"Being a celebrity isn't easy either," Chen Ran sighed, shaking his head.

He glanced at the guitar, picked it up, and began to practice.

……

The next day, as soon as Chen Ran arrived at the TV station, he received a call from Zhang Fanzhi.

"Did I call you last night?" Zhang Fanzhi's voice sounded extremely uncertain.

Chen Ran gave a mental "heh." As expected, she was so drunk she couldn't remember.

Not only did you call me, but you also wanted to marry me.

"You did. You talked about some things at work that weren't going well," Chen Ran kindly chose to hide the truth.

"Is that all?" Zhang Fanzhi felt something was off.

She vaguely remembered saying something else, but she truly wasn't sure if she had said it or not.

Sometimes drinking is like that: while you're talking, you feel exceptionally sober and incredibly capable. But once you wake up, your eyes are blank, and you feel lightheaded and heavy-hearted.

That was her current state; she didn't really remember what she had said, she just felt like something had happened, yet she couldn't be certain.

Chen Ran said, "What else?"

Zhang Fanzhi opened her mouth but decided she couldn't very well ask herself—that would be too embarrassing. She chose silence.

Chen Ran asked, "Are you coming back today?"

"An afternoon flight," Zhang Fanzhi said.

"Alright, then I’ll go to your house tonight," Chen Ran said.

He originally wanted to say he would go to the airport, but he didn't have a car. Reality was just that awkward; he could only go to Uncle Zhang's house in the evening.

The two of them spoke until they hung up the phone, yet Chen Ran never asked Zhang Fanzhi why she had been drinking or what specifically was going wrong at work.

While it was fine to show concern as a friend, many things were difficult to communicate over the phone; it would feel more natural to discuss them in person.

In the afternoon, Chen Ran received news that the program had passed review and was officially scheduled. As expected, it was set for next Friday.

Boundless Joy still had one episode left to wrap things up; even though it was a failure, it needed a proper conclusion.

More importantly, this gave I Love Remembering Lyrics enough time for promotion.

During the meeting called by the Director earlier, it was mentioned that the Channel Director had watched the edited final cut and was quite optimistic about the show, likely planning a major promotional push.

Promotion matters didn't require Chen Ran’s involvement; there was a professional team for that. As a program planner, his job was simply to make the show well. Back at Zhaonan Focus, he had only mentioned promotion in passing.

“Since it’s scheduled, let’s hurry and record the second episode,” Director Wu Jin said happily.

Although the program hadn't aired yet and the ratings were unknown, the higher-ups were optimistic and providing a lot of promotional support, which was an excellent start.

Chen Ran had spent a lot of time discussing the program flow with Lin Fan and the others, so there basically wouldn't be any mistakes; the recording of the second episode wouldn't have any issues either.

“I won't be working overtime tonight; I have some things to do,” Chen Ran told Director Wu Jin.

“Alright, I’ll call you if anything comes up,” Director Wu Jin nodded.

In truth, there wasn't much going on; even if they were to record the second episode, it wouldn't happen today.

When he got off work, Chen Ran stepped out of the elevator and saw Director Zhang waiting there, chewing gum. As Chen Ran walked up to him, he could smell a faint scent of smoke.

“I knew you wouldn't be working overtime today,” Director Zhang smiled. His daughter was back, so Chen Ran was definitely going over.

Chen Ran felt slightly embarrassed; it sounded as if he were constantly pining for Zhang Fanzhi.

In the car, Director Zhang asked, “I heard the higher-ups take your program very seriously and are going to ramp up the promotion?”

“That's what they say. It's scheduled for next Friday, so we’re busy recording the second episode these next two days.”

“It seems the program is quite good then; you’ve had a very good start.” Director Zhang was quite happy. Since he was the one who recommended Chen Ran, he naturally hoped Chen Ran would shine over there.

Chen Ran said, “We won't know for sure until it airs and the ratings come in.”

Director Zhang shook his head. “A pity I can’t see the final cut, otherwise I’d have a better idea of what to expect. I'll make sure to watch it with your Auntie Yun when the time comes.”

“The program is aimed at a younger demographic; you might not enjoy it, Uncle,” Chen Ran said.

“Oh? You mean I’m old?” Director Zhang said displeasedly.

Chen Ran hurriedly added, “That's not what I mean, Uncle. The program targets a different audience. Your personal preference is more toward news, so you wouldn't like this variety show...”

“You’re still saying I’m old in a roundabout way!” Director Zhang laughed.

“But I have to admit I’m getting on in years. Once you and Zhizhi get married, I’ll practically be a grandfather. Thinking back to when I first joined the TV station, I wasn't even thirty. Time really does...”

Chen Ran wanted to laugh but couldn't quite bring himself to. Uncle Zhang’s train of thought moved a bit too fast for him to keep up.

The relationship was still a sham, so talking about marriage was a bit of an exaggeration—let alone wanting to be a grandfather.