Chapter 24: Invitation

Chapter 24: Invitation

Yin Yunxian, male, 30 years old, a renowned investment tycoon in the entertainment industry, founder and actual controller of the Yin Yunxian Group.

Starting from nothing, he built a vast business empire in just a few short years.

Yin Yunxian possessed extraordinary vision; any project he invested in was guaranteed massive returns, earning him the nickname "Investment Bellwether" in the industry.

The fact that "Long Moon Star River" had secured his investment nearly brought Tang Sen to tears of joy. Yet he couldn't fathom why this reclusive magnate had suddenly appeared today, specifically requesting an unknown male college student for the role of the sixth male lead.

Even more astonishing was that this very student was the same person Film Emperor Lu Yuan had recommended!

Tang Sen was now intensely curious—just who exactly was this Yu Lanzhao?

"...You can come sign the contract anytime."

As Tang Sen extended this golden opportunity, he was already mentally preparing to discuss salary, schedule, and other details. But after a brief silence, the voice on the other end replied firmly:

"I refuse."

"?"

Tang Sen had never imagined anyone would turn down such a rare chance. He went on to emphasize the film’s stellar production team and star-studded cast, but no matter how hard he persuaded, Yu Lanzhao remained unmoved. When Tang Sen even mentioned that the male lead was the wildly popular award-winning actor Qi Lian, the atmosphere turned icy.

With no success, Tang Sen could only quickly turn to the tycoon himself, seeking guidance.

Yin Yunxian showed no expression as he silently took the phone from Tang Sen. His thin lips parted, and he spoke just one sentence:

"Do you want to stand above everyone else?"

The deep voice, slightly distorted by the phone, reached Yu Lanzhao with absolute clarity.

Commanding and self-assured, it carried undeniable authority—as if every decision he made was flawless, every choice inevitable. His aloof superiority was dazzling, yet undeniably capable of lifting others to unimaginable heights.

Like lightning striking a tower, Yu Lanzhao’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He unconsciously tightened his grip on the phone.

The answer hovered at the tip of his tongue.

"Ah Zhao, don’t go."

Beside him in the lecture hall, Lin Shenshi shook his head urgently.

Though he couldn’t hear clearly, Lin Shenshi instantly sensed the shift in the caller’s presence. That voice…

It was Yin Yunxian.

In the original novel, it was Yin Yunxian who personally selected Yu Lanzhao for the sixth male lead during auditions. As the investor, he kept the vulnerable young man like a caged bird—appearing gentle on the surface, but the moment the youth showed the slightest resistance, he would ruthlessly tear off his clothes and expose him in broad daylight.

That time, the protagonist spent seven full days trapped in a villa. The floor-to-ceiling windows reflected his trembling figure; mirrors lined the walls, capturing his pale, humiliated face, making the youth burn with shame and rage.

In the end, the boy bit his lip, tears streaming down his cheeks, begging for forgiveness and admitting his mistakes. Only then did Yin Yunxian, satisfied, finally release him.

Moreover, on set, the protagonist would also cross paths with the film’s male lead—Qi Lian.

Compared to the outwardly composed Yin Yunxian, Qi Lian was wilder, more arrogant—especially in bed, where he was rough and unrestrained. Even the resilient protagonist suffered multiple injuries, bleeding and needing days of rest to recover.

The catalyst for these two twisted men entering the story was the protagonist’s audition and entry into the "Long Moon Star River" crew.

This time, Lin Shenshi absolutely could not let Yu Lanzhao follow the path laid out in the original book.

—The role of the sixth male lead in "Long Moon Star River" must be rejected.

Lin Shenshi grabbed Yu Lanzhao’s hand, trying once more to dissuade him.

The classroom buzzed with post-class chatter. Teacher Li had already left, and neither Lin Shenshi nor Yu Lanzhao were in any state to focus.

Students were either laughing or packing up, when suddenly someone nearby snorted mockingly, “Why should he listen to you and refuse?”

Lin Shenshi turned. The speaker was a male student from the next class, with a dark birthmark on the back of his hand. Instantly, Lin Shenshi recognized him.

Zhou Lian—a closeted gay man who lusted after the protagonist in the original novel. A minor side character, all ambition and no courage, never managing to get close. Yet his malicious intentions rivaled those of the original host’s roommate.

Zhou Lian stepped closer, climbing onto the steps to loom over Lin Shenshi. “This is a golden opportunity—maybe even a shot at stardom. Who are you to Yu? Why should he listen to you?”

Lin Shenshi frowned, ignoring him.

His relationship with Ah Zhao was none of Zhou Lian’s business.

Ignored, Zhou Lian flared up. He reached out to grab Lin Shenshi. “Hey! Did you hear me?”

Lin Shenshi shrugged off his hand. “Didn’t hear a word of human speech—just a lot of barking.”

“You!” Zhou Lian seethed, but quickly suppressed his anger, shooting Lin Shenshi a cold, hostile glare. “Hit a nerve? You’re just jealous of Yu! So what if you’re roommates? You can’t stand seeing him succeed before you!”

The venomous words dripped like poison onto fertile soil—enough to wither plants, kill blossoms, leave barrenness behind.

But Lin Shenshi wasn’t worried about Yu misunderstanding. Instead, he realized why Zhou Lian had attacked so suddenly—he mistook Lin Shenshi for a romantic rival.

Wrong target.

He and Ah Zhao were just friends—sworn to be best friends for life.

What Lin Shenshi didn’t know was that a threesome fan art image circulating in the Performance Class One WeChat group had been seen by Zhou Lian. While some classmates squealed over the pairing, Zhou Lian despised it.

Why was it that as classmates, Lin Shenshi could sit beside Yu Lanzhao, have people ship them, create fan art—while he stood in the shadows, biting his fingers in jealousy?

Was he not worthy?

Zhou Lian refused to accept it!

He sneered, escalating: “So what if you’re jealous? Yu is simply better than you. Don’t think just because you can’t have him, no one else should. You pretend to be good brothers, but who knows what filthy thoughts you hide inside? With someone like you as a roommate, how can anyone sleep soundly? Who knows what disgusting things you might do in the middle of the night?”

Lin Shenshi frowned. This man was crossing the line.

Yu Lanzhao’s expression shifted.

Zhou Lian noticed immediately, thinking he’d struck a nerve. Smugly, he pressed on: “Yu, why listen to someone so two-faced? Take the role!”

Lin Shenshi snapped, “Ah Zhao, you can’t accept it!”

Caught between them, Yu Lanzhao still held the phone, silent on the other end waiting for his reply. He should listen to Xiao Shi and refuse Tang Sen—but…

[Do you want to stand above everyone else?]

The man’s deep voice echoed in his mind like a spell, lingering endlessly, intoxicating him like the bloom of a poppy.

Suddenly, an image flashed through his mind.

A pain he could never erase. A fury he could never let go.

In the water-damaged bathroom, the person he had longed for day and night was pinned under a man, his soft lips bitten into a bruised, vivid red, bleeding and radiating vulnerability. Those amber eyes, which should have been filled with nothing but him, were instead glistening with a hazy moisture under the man's touch.

Yu Lanzhao seethed with resentment!

Rage flooded his chest; he wanted to kill that man! Slice him piece by piece, cut by cut, until he could never touch Xiao Shi again! Then take Xiao Shi out of the man's reach!

But... he couldn't do it.

With no family, power, or connections, he was nothing but a lamb led to slaughter...

Yu Lanzhao wanted to become strong.

Stronger than Lu Yuan! So strong that no one could ever stand between him and Xiao Shi again!

He wanted to rise to the top!

He must rise to the top!

Yu Lanzhao's gaze deepened, turbulent emotions raging in his chest. Under the gaze of both of them, he slowly spoke:

"I accept the role."

Almost as soon as the words were out, Lin Shenshi exclaimed in disbelief, "...Ah Zhao?!"

How could he agree? If he accepted, wouldn't he be heading back to the tragic harem (NP) ending written in the original book?!

Lin Shenshi was so anxious he wished he could refuse for him, reaching out to grab the phone, but the call had already ended, and the screen was locked.

Lin Shenshi's voice was urgent, his tone rising uncontrollably, "Ah Zhao, unlock it, now!"

Yu Lanzhao's lips parted, wanting to explain but ultimately staying silent. The difference in their status made him sensitive and proud, unwilling to let the one he loved see him stuck in the mud, dirtied and disheveled.

Once he entered the entertainment industry and rose to the top, seizing the top crown, he could openly declare his love.

For now, the young man only smiled and said, "Xiao Shi, I want to do this."

"You can't go!" Lin Shenshi stood up in urgency, holding out the lock screen, but Yu Lanzhao didn't move.

Nearby, Zhou Lian sneered coldly, "Hey! Lin Shenshi, you're going too far. What are you to Yu Lanzhao? Why should he listen to you?"

Lin Shenshi shouted angrily, "We're friends for life! Our business is not your business!"

"Friends for life?" Zhou Lian laughed mockingly. "But from where I stand, it looks like nothing but your own wishful thinking."

Like a sharp nail piercing his heart, Lin Shenshi felt a sharp pain in his chest. He recalled how someone else had once vowed to be his best friend for life, but in the end, they just gradually faded away, lost to time.

Was his choice to trust Yu Lanzhao just another case of his own wishful thinking...

Maybe years later, after they had both graduated, he would be nothing but a brief footnote in the young man's long life.

Insignificant.

Dispensable.

Like withered yellow leaves in late autumn, when the time came, it would be time to exit.

Winter is the season of snow-covered landscapes.

Fallen leaves are out of place.

Lin Shenshi slowly lowered his hand.

Yu Lanzhao sensed the tension and hurriedly spoke up to refute Zhou Lian, but before he could finish, a sudden exclamation came from the back of the classroom.

A few classmates were huddled together looking at a fashion magazine. They seemed to have discovered something, holding up an inner page and looking in their direction.

"Hey, look, isn't this..."

Someone trailed off hesitantly.

Lin Shenshi instinctively looked over.

On the glossy, high-quality paper was printed a colorful photo—the latest model shot for a light luxury brand in "VOUGE NOW."

The bold color combinations, paired with the youth's pure and fresh vibe, made the originally outlandish outfits appear elegant and unique, carrying a refreshing and distinctive charm.

And in the entire promotional image, the sparkling deer-like eyes, black as obsidian, served as the finishing touch, adding an irresistible allure to the overall lively style.

A tear mole under the corner of the eye added a touch of innocent allure.

Innocent yet seductive, utterly captivating.

Lin Shenshi stood frozen in place.