Chapter Thirteen: Fame Rises, Surrounded by Kind Souls

This drama is a joint production by Tansheng Media and Cloudfly Film of the Imperial Capital. As for the currently announced lead actors, they are Chu Chen and Li Jingjing—one is the hottest male idol of the moment, the other a rising young starlet. Moreover, both the director and screenwriter for this series are Kong Yi, who has produced several acclaimed dramas. The collaboration of Kong Yi and Chu Chen was bound to stir up plenty of buzz from the start.

So far, no other cast members for “Waiting Only for You” have been officially revealed, and even the start of filming was kept low-key. According to information online and public statements, the drama is described as an urban romance centered on a lawyer and a pilot—a legal and aviation medical drama. In recent years, there’s been no shortage of professional-themed series: police officers, special forces, doctors, firefighters, and so on. But a story combining a lawyer and a pilot? This is a first.

This is a golden opportunity. From the director, screenwriter, actors, to the production companies, everything points to an S-tier drama.

“No wonder Sister Dao was so excited,” Lin Xing realized, having read the news for nearly ten minutes and gained a basic understanding of “Waiting Only for You.” Landing even a minor role in an S-tier drama is a rare chance—one that Lin Xing hadn’t had in the past decade.

So, the rampant online negativity at this moment seemed laughable. Lin Xing never intended to cash in for a quick short-term gain. More to the point, having been a career planner in his previous life, Lin Xing knew just how enviable a job being a celebrity could be.

Think about it—which other profession laments having only a million left in their bank account? Or complains that 699 yuan isn’t enough for a pair of socks? More importantly, as a celebrity, you don’t even need to work yourself to the bone; treat it like any other job, and you’ll find yourself showered with praise.

Take this variety show, for example. Lin Xing merely carried out his duties with a professional attitude, but to the production team and the other guests on “Farming Together,” he seemed the epitome of dedication—Mr. Lin, the consummate professional. Can you say being a celebrity isn’t a great deal?

Of course, you need talent, or at least a face like Lin Xing’s. After all, good looks are a form of ability, too. Alternatively, wealth. With money, anything is possible.

The next day arrived. It was Lin Xing and Lin Miaoyin’s final day of recording. Lin Xing changed into fresh clothes and climbed into the harvester. Beside him, the instructor was explaining how to operate the machine, giving directions as they went.

“Let’s begin.”

On his first day officially on the job, Lin Xing felt both excited and a bit nervous—and, admittedly, somewhat awkward. He was worried about applying too much force, yet afraid too little wouldn’t get the job done. After half an hour, Lin Xing was sweating from the effort.

“Don’t be nervous, just use some strength!”

“Yes, put your back into it! How can you get anywhere if you don’t?”

“Speed up!”

The instructor shouted from the field’s edge, but the harvester’s roar made it impossible for Lin Xing to hear clearly. Still, he gradually mastered the controls and had upgraded from novice to seasoned driver in no time.

A seasoned driver is all about speed.

Meanwhile, Duan Hai wasn’t faring so well.

“You fool, you absolute fool!”

“I told you, stop veering left—you keep hitting rocks!”

“Heavens above, I’ve never seen anyone as hopeless as you!”

The contrast between the two harvesters was striking. With contrast and reversal comes entertainment—just what the show needs.

By five in the afternoon, filming wrapped up for the day. Everyone was more exhausted than usual.

Lin Xing and Duan Hai manned the harvesters. Hong Fei and Guan Peng were in charge of transporting wheat to the grain depot for sale. The other lesser-known stars and Lin Miaoyin helped with various tasks.

“Xingxing, you’ve worked hard,” Feng Gang was the first to approach Lin Xing, gripping his hand tightly. “Tonight, I’ll make arrangements—let’s have dinner together. We’ll send you off properly.”

Lin Xing smiled. “Director Feng, you’re too kind. I don’t think it was hard at all. Plus, coming on ‘Farming Together’ and earning a certificate was well worth it.”

“Hahaha, you’re always welcome to come back,” Feng Gang laughed heartily. He truly hoped Lin Xing would return someday. These three days of filming had been one pleasant surprise after another—surprises upon surprises, as if surprise itself had opened the door.

That night, at the State Guesthouse banquet hall, Feng Gang began by raising a glass and saying a few words, expressing his gratitude to Lin Xing, and by extension to Lin Miaoyin, as well as acknowledging the hard work of the other struggling and faded celebrities.

At this point, Feng Gang was brimming with confidence. He figured that if his instincts were off after twenty years in variety show production, he might as well have been working in vain.

After the speech, conversation flowed freely.

Hong Fei asked, “Xingxing, are you heading straight back to the capital tomorrow?”

“Yes, my agent’s already booked tickets for me and Miaoyin for tomorrow morning,” Lin Xing nodded.

“Xingxing, this glass is for you,” Guan Peng suddenly lifted his wine. “At first, I thought you were just here for show, so I didn’t think much of you. My attitude wasn’t great—don’t take it to heart. I’ll down this one first.”

“Brother Guan, you’re too formal,” Lin Xing laughed, waving it off. “I actually like your temperament—straightforward and genuine. Here, I’ll drink with you.”

One toast was enough to dissolve any ill will—though there hadn’t been much to begin with. Really, what’s the big deal?

Everyone in the industry knew better than to hold grudges. Guan Peng, an old hand, had seen Lin Xing’s performance and sensed he was on the verge of regaining popularity. Now was the time—not necessarily to fawn over Lin Xing, but at the very least, not to make an enemy of him.

When you’re back in the limelight, those around you are suddenly all friends.

After several rounds of drinks, Feng Gang was pleasantly tipsy. He smiled at Lin Xing. “Xingxing, this episode will air next Friday, but I’m going to edit these three days into three separate episodes—one each on Friday, with a bonus episode as the sixth.”

Lin Xing wasn’t surprised. “Do you need my cooperation?”

“I’ve cut a preview trailer—it’s basically your personal highlight reel,” Feng Gang said. “It should be out tomorrow. Just repost it on Weibo when you see it—nothing else required.”

Lin Xing nodded. “Of course, no problem.”

“And one more thing...” Feng Gang added, “Xingxing, I know it’s not realistic to have you as a permanent cast member on ‘Farming Together,’ so we’d like to invite you as a recurring guest. What do you think?”

“No problem at all,” Lin Xing replied without hesitation. “But I might not be available for the next month, since I’ll be joining a drama crew once I get back to the capital.”

“All right, I’ll discuss the details with your agent,” Feng Gang grinned. “Don’t worry, I promise you won’t be shortchanged this time.”

“Director Feng, you’re making this too formal,” Lin Xing shook his head. “Back then, you gave me a chance without worrying about your own interests. How could I possibly lose out by recording your show now?”

“Hahaha, I knew I was right about you,” Feng Gang laughed heartily. “Come on, let’s drink!”

Still, Feng Gang remembered Lin Xing’s favor. After all, the entertainment industry is full of people quick to join in your success but few who support you in times of need.

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