Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Three hours had passed by the time Wei Ran finished discussing the script with the director and screenwriter.

They weren't even at the script reading stage yet.

Director Chen, buoyed by strong investor support and confident in the team's stability, had contacted the screenwriter. She hoped the screenwriter could enhance the male lead's charisma, tailoring the character to Wei Ran's unique qualities.

Essentially, she wanted the role to be custom-made for Wei Ran.

In truth, just seeing Wei Ran on the video call had captivated the screenwriter.

Wei Ran's recent trending topic had initially made the screenwriter uneasy. The male lead he had crafted was a formidable figure, a true anti-hero.

Despite the plot's dramatic twists and turns, with the male lead starting from a low point, his commanding presence had to remain.

He worried Wei Ran wouldn't be able to embody such a role.

After all, online descriptions of Wei Ran often used terms like "pale and frail," and the entire internet was currently searching for the other father of Wei Ran's child… What a mess!

That was precisely why he had agreed to the video call today.

The screenwriter Director Chen had enlisted was highly respected in the industry.

However, screenwriters in Chinese entertainment often had limited influence. If investors insisted on a male lead who couldn't genuinely portray the character, the screenwriter would have no choice but to revise the script.

But seeing Wei Ran sit upright through the camera, his dark eyes firm and bright, his demeanor as refined as jade and orchids, immediately reassured the screenwriter—

Regardless of whether he physically resembled a rugged military general, he certainly possessed the noble bearing of a high official.

He would undoubtedly look even better in costume!

Later, Wei Ran performed a scene as the male lead.

Without makeup or styling, he transformed on screen. His gentle, handsome face instantly shifted to embody the "sly, lazy, greedy, and slippery" facade of the new script's male lead. Yet, it wasn't unctuous; instead, his eyes conveyed the character's inner resolve, hinting that his outward nonchalance was merely an act.

These simple shifts in expression astonished the screenwriter, who immediately declared Wei Ran perfect for the role and that no script changes were needed!

Director Chen straightened up with pride, yet also felt a pang of embarrassment. She never doubted Wei Ran's abilities, but the recent online drama had caused some team members to waver.

So, she devised this plan to let the rest of the team meet Wei Ran.

On one hand, it was to reassure everyone and validate her judgment; on the other, she could subtly flatter the investors by creating the impression that the drama was tailor-made for Wei Ran, highlighting her team's dedication to him.

However, she hadn't anticipated that after two years, Wei Ran's acting skills had become even more exceptional. He didn't need a "tailor-made" script at all. Her elaborate plan to "revise the script" now felt almost insulting to Wei Ran.

Wei Ran, however, didn't feel disrespected.

He was always kind and easygoing.

When the screenwriter exclaimed that no changes were needed, Wei Ran smiled gently, flipped to a page in the middle of the script, and said, "But, Teacher, I think we could add a small detail here to highlight..."

After that, the group naturally began discussing minor script details. The video conference became productive again, and Director Chen's plan proved worthwhile.

Director Chen glanced gratefully at Wei Ran through the screen and joined the script discussion.

Refining the script was still a substantial task. Even without major changes for Wei Ran, the group spent over two hours just discussing minor plot holes and incorporating interesting details they'd thought of.

And this was only for a few scenes.

The screenwriter was completely energized by Wei Ran.

It was clear that Wei Ran had meticulously studied the script, word by word, and had a profound understanding of the existing plot.

It was rare to have such dedicated and responsible individuals gathered together. If it weren't so late, they would likely have continued talking indefinitely.

Finally, at Director Chen's reminder, they agreed on a time for their next meeting and reluctantly ended the call.

By the time Wei Ran closed the video meeting, half of his body was stiff, but his mind remained exhilarated.

He still loved acting.

The thought of joining such a crew to film in just over a month excited him beyond words.

Of course, he didn't let his excitement get the best of him. After turning off the device, Wei Ran quickly got up and went to the next room to find Dudu.

The room Lin Luochen had booked was a large suite with a living room outside. About an hour earlier, Lin Luochen had brought Dudu back. Not wanting to disturb Wei Ran’s meeting, the pair had gone straight to the inner bedroom.

Wei Ran missed Dudu and was worried about his little one.

Aunt Wang hadn't come with them to W City this time, so Wei Ran was still concerned…

When he opened the door, Wei Ran saw that Dudu was already asleep in the small bed.

It was, after all, a luxury hotel's family suite, and the bed prepared for the child was exceptionally comfortable.

Dudu, with his short limbs, lay on his back in the small bed, not taking up much space. A small blanket covered him, the overhead light was off, and Lin Luochen sat in the dark, using the dim light from a nightlight to look at something on his laptop.

When Wei Ran entered, he looked up.

Wei Ran suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and whispered, "Why didn't you turn on the light?"

He added, "You could've just turned off the light near Dudu. He's not sensitive to light when sleeping."

Wei Ran instinctively didn't want to trouble others or put them out because of his own affairs, which made him feel guilty.

Lin Luochen understood what he meant, and it only made him feel more stifled. He closed the laptop on his knees, still without turning on the light, and stood up to approach Wei Ran.

“Dudu is my child too.”

The glow from the nightlight cast Lin Luochen’s shadow over Wei Ran.

Wei Ran, backed into a corner, lowered his head uncomfortably and fell silent again.

…In his heart, Dudu was probably only his child. Lin Luochen thought.

Yes, from the start, he hadn't been involved in anything.

Lin Luochen still vividly remembered Wei Ran saying just a few days ago, “Even if I could have contacted you back then, I wouldn’t have looked for you.”

But the truth was, Wei Ran had lied.

Wei Ran had no reason to lie. Wei Ran didn’t like lying.

Unless that memory was particularly painful for him—something he wouldn't hesitate to cover up, regardless of honesty.

And Lin Luochen had already verified with his father—Wei Ran had indeed tried to find him. It was when he was four months pregnant with Dudu.

But at that time, Wei Ran had been cruelly turned away by the Lin family.

…

Lin Luochen couldn't picture that scenario.

Just putting himself in that position made his heart ache so much he could hardly breathe.

—Wei Ran was once such a proud man!

"Wei Ran."

Unable to hold back any longer, Lin Luochen wrapped his arms around Wei Ran.

…

Already backed into a corner, Wei Ran couldn't have dodged even if he wanted to, nor did he try to.

He couldn't understand why this person suddenly wanted to hug him.

…After learning about his relationship with Dudu, Lin Luochen had actually become much more proper.

Unless the issues with the Lin family were resolved, he would probably remain this restrained forever.

So whether in the past or now, Lin Luochen had always been such a straight-laced guy. This had always made Wei Ran feel at ease.

Just like now—this was just an embrace.

Though puzzled, Wei Ran didn't resist. He even frowned slightly and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did something upsetting happen?"

Lin Luochen was now his main support in dealing with the Lin family and helping him look after their child. Both personally and professionally, Wei Ran felt he should comfort this person who was, for the time being, on the same team as him.

Wei Ran's voice was barely above a whisper.

Partly because he was afraid of waking Dudu. Partly because they were so close, and the room was so quiet. Even the slightest breath could be heard by the other.

Lin Luochen didn't speak.

But he held him even tighter.

Wei Ran felt the other's breathing become more labored.

It was a suppressed, deep breath, weighted like he was carrying the world.

This only made him even more puzzled.

After what felt like forever, Lin Luochen finally said, "…Brother Ran, back then, I really was in a car accident."

"…"

Wei Ran's expression went rigid: "…Why bring this up again all of a sudden… I already know."

He truly didn’t want to rehash the past.

His bloodless lips trembled as he continued in a low voice, "I said I never blamed you…"

But Lin Luochen said, "If that accident hadn’t happened back then, no one could have bullied you."

Wei Ran: "…"

Lin Luochen wasn’t making up excuses for himself or seeking forgiveness.

He was saying that if he had been there, no one could have messed with Wei Ran.

I don’t think that just because I had an accident and you couldn’t find me, you should forgive me.

I just hurt for you during that time when you couldn’t find me.

He wanted to tell Wei Ran something, to comfort the person who had once worked up the nerve to go back to him, only to be cruelly driven away by his family.

So he dared to hug him.

And here, he solemnly told him: "Wei Ran, I'll always be here for you, as long as I’m still here."

"…………"

Wei Ran’s hands, hanging at his sides, gave a violent shudder.

His long eyelashes fluttered desperately in the dark, trying to stop any damn tears from welling up.

—Lin Luochen knew.

Without either of them saying much, Wei Ran understood—

Lin Luochen knew that he had gone to look for him back then and had been harshly thrown out by the Lin family.

But in truth, it was still just Wei Ran’s cross to bear.

"It’s nothing, just a small thing, forget about it." Wei Ran moved his lips, speaking even more softly.

Speaking for both of them.

In the darkness, a gentle, almost sheepish voice slowly sounded:

"Back then, it really felt quite mortifying, but thinking about it later, I went back to look for you with my tail between my legs, so I had it coming."

"No, it’s not the same…"

Wei Ran patted Lin Luochen. Perhaps because he couldn’t see the other’s expression, or perhaps because, after having his rough edges worn down, he had long shed any elder-brother pride in front of this person, Wei Ran found he actually didn’t mind losing face in front of him.

So his tone grew even lighter: "Really, it’s fine, it’s all in the past. What about you… How’s your recovery from the car accident?"

Wei Ran realized he had never asked this question.

Though he had asked Ji Yangyun to look into it, how could someone like him possibly access the medical records of the Lin family’s eldest grandson?

So he really should have asked personally.

Lin Luochen grabbed his hand.

Distracted by Wei Ran’s light tone, Lin Luochen didn’t know what to say. But the heartache of the night wouldn’t just dissipate. He held him, gripping his hand, feeling how thin and bony the slender body beneath his palm was, without an ounce of flesh, and he was even more unwilling to let go.

"Wei Ran, I’m willing to accept anything you do to me."

"Huh?"

"You can break up with me, come back to me, I’m willing. As long as it makes you happy."

"…"

Lin Luochen didn’t know what he was saying. Maybe the aftereffects of the car accident were still there, his mind hadn’t fully recovered. He rambled: "Whatever you do is fine, but don’t blame yourself. I’m willing to accept anything you do…"

"Lin Luochen."

The other party reverted to the tone of a young wolfdog from years ago, and Wei Ran felt deeply unsettled. Especially in such a dark environment, for a moment, he couldn't distinguish between the past and reality.

But Wei Ran was no longer the type to indulge in dwelling on the past.

Taking a sharp, barely noticeable breath, he patted the other again, this time gently pushing him away. Wei Ran said, "No need to pity me. Did you forget? I was the one who broke up with you."

Lin Luochen replied, "Alright, then let me ask you again: at the very beginning, did you really willingly break up with me?"

"Yes."

"Not lying?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I didn’t want to be in a relationship," Wei Ran said.

"Alright, then I don’t need to hear more," Lin Luochen said.

Wei Ran: "..."

Lin Luochen then asked out of the blue, "Then, Wei Ran, do you want to be in a relationship now?"

Wei Ran: "..."

Whether he wanted to be in a relationship now—Wei Ran never ended up answering that question.

Lin Luochen didn’t press further.

It seemed they had both moved past the point of romantic relationships; saying more would just feel overly sentimental.

That night, Lin Yuanzheng boarded a flight back to Melbourne.

It was Lin Luochen who personally arranged it and had someone "escort" him onto the plane.

"Once things are settled here, I’ll go back and give the old man an explanation," he told his father.

Lin Yuanzheng realized that his son had changed completely since returning to the country.

The old Lin Luochen had been distant and sharp, especially when making important decisions. He never relied on or sought closeness with anyone, always decisive and effective.

But geniuses were often emotionally detached.

In the past, Lin Yuanzheng had actually been quite satisfied with Lin Luochen’s cold, unapproachable demeanor.

But now, Lin Luochen seemed even colder—it wasn’t that he no longer cared about familial bonds, but rather that he harbored a kind of hostility, a cold determination that felt unfamiliar even to his own father.

And how long had it been since Lin Luochen returned? Already, the entire domestic market situation, the Lin family’s connections, and even the people Lin Yuanzheng could once rely on had all been "taken over" and were now under Lin Luochen’s control!

...His son had grown stronger.

So strong that even his own father felt apprehensive upon realizing it.

There was nothing Lin Yuanzheng could do once he realized this, so he followed Lin Luochen’s arrangements and returned to Melbourne first.

Early the next morning, Wei Ran took Dudu to the hospital to visit Ms. Bai.

After her surgery the previous day, Ms. Bai had been asleep for a while. Later, the anesthesia hadn't fully worn off, and she wasn't clear-headed enough to say more than a few words to Wei Ran and the others.

But after a night’s rest, Ms. Bai was noticeably better today.

Wei Ran carried Dudu to the bedside to talk to his grandmother, then pointed to the sofa, indicating that Lin Luochen should sit there. He himself pulled up a chair and sat by the bed.

Ms. Bai had seen Lin Luochen briefly the day before, but she’d been too groggy to remember. Now, seeing this tall, youthful man following Wei Ran so closely, she asked, "A Ran, who is this?"

"Auntie, I’m Wei Ran’s friend."

Without waiting for Wei Ran to answer, Lin Luochen had already interjected.

Lin Luochen wasn’t wearing a suit today; like Wei Ran, he was dressed in simple activewear and jeans, looking much more youthful than usual.

Ms. Bai smiled, about to say that Wei Ran rarely brought friends home to see her these years, but then she suddenly remembered that Wei Ran himself hardly ever came home these days.

...

As his adoptive mother, she always felt indebted to Wei Ran, so she said nothing and asked nothing, simply offered Lin Luochen some fruit.

Wei Ran had already automatically picked up a knife to peel an apple.

Ms. Bai was too uncomfortable to ask about Wei Ran’s personal life, so she could only chat with him about her own family: "The Second Child is talking about divorce again. This time, with my injury, I can’t manage their problems anymore."

Wei Ran could do nothing about Cao Hui’s situation either.

He brought up how Lin Luochen could help Ms. Bai return to Canada.

Her leg injury would require several months of healing. Staying here wouldn’t just mean she couldn’t help look after the children anymore—she might even become a burden.

Wei Ran knew his adoptive mother wanted to go back to recuperate, so he volunteered the information proactively.

Ms. Bai hadn’t expected Wei Ran’s friend to be so well-connected.

"If that’s the case, that would be wonderful. A Ran, don’t let your friend cover the expenses; our family will cover the costs."

"Auntie, please don’t stand on ceremony," Lin Luochen said calmly from the sofa. Despite the distance from the bed, his tone felt warm and intimate. "You’re Dudu’s grandmother. Dudu is my son, so you’re my auntie too."

Ms. Bai was momentarily confused.

But she didn’t miss the key point—his relationship with Dudu. She looked at Wei Ran in shock. To be honest, she had never known who Dudu’s other father was.

No matter how much they had questioned Wei Ran back then, he never said.

At the time, Wei Ran had only revealed to his adoptive parents about being pregnant with Dudu because he had no other choice—his main concern had been finding a discreet hospital for the abortion procedure.

Of course, the procedure never happened, but when he gave birth to Dudu, he relied entirely on his adoptive parents’ care.

Wei Ran was extremely grateful for this, but even then, he never revealed the identity of the child’s other father.

And in the end, Ms. Bai and her husband hadn’t pressed Wei Ran too hard.

They had asked about the man’s identity out of concern that Wei Ran had been deceived or mistreated, but ultimately, Ms. Bai felt guilty for not taking better care of Wei Ran.

Now, someone claiming to be Dudu’s father was standing before her.

"A Ran..."

"No, that's not it," Wei Ran denied without hesitation in front of his adoptive mother. "He’s just Dudu’s Godfather."

Wei Ran had once complained to Ms. Bai about Dudu’s habit of calling men "godfather."

Recalling this, Ms. Bai relaxed again and smiled once more.

Sitting at his grandmother's bedside, Dudu, bewildered, blinked his big, grape-like eyes.

Lin Luochen: "..."

Lin Luochen didn’t make a sound. He wasn’t really surprised that Wei Ran denied his identity, so it was nothing.

…Really, nothing.

He just furrowed his brows slightly as he sat curled on the sofa.

Ironically, among everyone present, it was Wei Ran—the one who had categorically denied Lin Luochen—who seemed the most uncomfortable.

But Wei Ran didn’t say anything more. He simply lowered his head and continued peeling the apple in silence.

Seeing his actions, Ms. Bai remarked with surprise and curiosity, “A Ran, you’ve grown up. You used to be terrible at this kind of meticulous task.”

Wei Ran never liked peeling apples or eating the skin, so he rarely ate apples at all.

Looking back, the time he ate the most apples was when Lin Luochen would peel them for him.

…As for how he became so skilled at peeling apples now, it was because he had practiced on set for a scene while filming, back when he was still a supporting actor.

…

Wei Ran lowered his head even further.

Actually, Lin Luochen never liked peeling apples either.

Or rather, the young master had never paid attention to such things—Lin Luochen had no concept of peeling fruit.

So how and when did he start doing it?

Wei Ran realized he hadn’t even noticed.

…In the end, he still felt he owed Lin Luochen.

It wasn’t just because he had agreed to be with him, only to break up two days later.

But even earlier… from the very beginning, he shouldn’t have let Lin Luochen get close to him.

…

Perhaps it was because he was near Ms. Bai, who had given him maternal love and care, that Wei Ran kept subconsciously thinking of another person’s face today.

…It was a face equally gentle, smiling at him with deep acceptance, one that also made him feel a maternal kindness.

That face closely resembled Lin Luochen’s—it was Lin Luochen’s mother, Wei Ran’s teacher.

In his memory, that face had eventually become pale and weak.

Wei Ran remembered his teacher sitting on the hospital bed that day, telling him during his visit, “Teacher has a terminal illness and won’t live much longer.”

But the memory that made Wei Ran most mortified was when his teacher suddenly grasped his hand tightly and asked, “A Ran, be honest with me—are you and Luochen together?”

…

-----------------------

Author’s note: Hoping to finish all the backstory tomorrow [please][please][pleading]