Chapter 132. Becoming a Celebrity? The Fought-Over-by-Big-Shots Kind (8)
“Let’s eat some watermelon to cool off first.”
Shen Wan called for small stools to be brought out and took out a knife to cut the watermelon. She had bought the largest and sweetest variety, which had been chilled in the refrigerator for a while. It would surely be both sweet and refreshing.
She cut the watermelon into small pieces and handed toothpicks to Fu Qingman. “I brought a lot of food for this trip. What would you like to eat? I can have someone prepare it.”
Fu Qingman swallowed, unable to resist eating a piece of watermelon first. Indeed, the chilled watermelon was sweet and refreshing. The weather here was dry and hot, with very harsh conditions. The crew would occasionally have things sent over, but they were bought from a town not far from the desert, and the taste certainly couldn’t compare to what Shen Wan had brought.
Hearing that Shen Wan had brought a lot of food, she asked, “What all did you bring?” Such a large truck must be carrying quite a bit.
“A bit of everything. What would you like to eat?”
Fu Qingman thought for a moment. “Barbecue, do you have any?”
“Yes, I brought all the barbecue tools.”
“Then I’d also like to have hot pot, preferably with medicinal herbs and wild mushroom soup base. Do you have that?” Fu Qingman was just saying whatever came to mind. Even if Shen Wan had brought a lot, surely she wouldn’t have prepared something like this.
To her surprise, Shen Wan nodded casually, “Yes, but the medicinal herbs and wild mushrooms I brought are dried. If you want to eat them, we’ll need to soak them in water today and have the chef prepare the soup base tomorrow.”
“Ch-Chef?” Fu Qingman put a piece of melon in her mouth and nearly bit her tongue when she heard Shen Wan mention bringing a chef. “You even brought a chef?”
“Of course. How else would we prepare all this food? It doesn’t cost much extra, and it’s too troublesome to do it ourselves. We’d end up all sweaty, and all that cooking smoke would ruin my beautiful face.”
Fu Qingman was convinced by this reasoning. She saw that Shen Wan had indeed come well-prepared, estimating that she had probably applied several layers of sunscreen as well.
“You’ve gotten quite tanned,” Shen Wan observed, looking Fu Qingman over and resting her chin on her hand. “Though you’re still beautiful, if this continues, it won’t be good for your skin. It might take a long time to recover when you get back.”
“There’s no helping it. It’s impossible not to get tanned here.” Fu Qingman certainly cared about her appearance, but she also loved acting. Everyone else in the crew was in the same situation, and she wasn’t in the habit of being a diva.
Since coming here, she hadn’t been sleeping well or eating well, and even bathing was a big problem. To avoid smelling bad, she had paid out of pocket to have water brought in so she could stay clean.
As for the small-time artists, they could only wipe themselves down with a bit of water. As for bathing, they probably only managed it once every two days.
This film wasn’t particularly concerned with appearances. When they first arrived, they had to apply makeup to look darker, but now that wasn’t necessary anymore.
Everyone had become quite tanned after a while.
“That’s not a solution either.” Shen Wan took out a tube of sunscreen about as thick as an arm from her bag. Fu Qingman immediately recognized it as sunscreen.
The large tube was snow-white with only the words “Super Sunscreen” printed in large characters, making it very eye-catching.
“This is for you. Although it won’t make you white immediately, if you persist in applying it every day and continue after you return, avoiding the sun, you’ll recover in just a couple of days.”
“That’s amazing.” Fu Qingman believed her. She looked all over the tube but found no information other than those five words.
She didn’t know where Shen Wan had bought it, but she squeezed some out and applied it to her arm. It felt quite moisturizing and seemed like it would be good to use.
The others in the crew knew there was a truck nearby, and earlier, a woman had jumped down from it.
Fu Qingman seemed to know her, and they saw the woman carrying an enormous watermelon. She had small tables set up, and in the dry and somewhat hot desert, she cut open the watermelon, arranging the juicy flesh in slices on plates.
Fu Qingman was sitting there eating, and the taste must have been excellent – they could tell from the blissful expression on her face.
“Isn’t that Shen Wan?” Someone recognized her.
“It seems so. Does she know Actress Fu?”
“They seem to have worked together on a drama before. At that time, Shen Wan played Actress Fu’s little maid. They probably got to know each other then.”
“What’s she doing here, arriving in a truck and bringing a big watermelon?”
Although they wanted to eat, everyone understood that she had probably brought the watermelon for Fu Qingman because they were close.
They didn’t think the truck belonged to Shen Wan, assuming she had hitchhiked and brought the watermelon for herself. This suggested that the two had a good relationship.
Although Shen Wan had encountered Fu Qingman on the mountaintop last time, this crew wasn’t the same as the previous director’s, and almost none of the actors were from the previous crew. It was normal that they didn’t know about Shen Wan and Fu Qingman’s good relationship.
Although they didn’t go over to ask for food, they watched enviously as Fu Qingman slowly ate small pieces of watermelon.
In this hot and dry weather, a piece of chilled watermelon would surely be heavenly.
“I brought a lot of fruit, all kinds. Especially these big watermelons. Why don’t we invite your crew to join us?”
Shen Wan had noticed the burning, hopeful gazes from the others, but everyone was tactful. They knew that in this environment, such a large watermelon was a rare treat, and they didn’t have the nerve to come over and freeload.
Another reason was that Fu Qingman was an award-winning actress from a good family background, and they didn’t want to offend her.
If the food in the truck belonged to Fu Qingman, she would be very willing to invite her crew members to eat. They had all been here for a while and had endured a lot of hardships. Eating some fresh, chilled fruit would certainly be refreshing. But the truck wasn’t hers, and just because Shen Wan was sharing food with her didn’t mean she could decide to share Shen Wan’s things with others.
Hearing Shen Wan bring this up, Fu Qingman hesitated. “Would that be alright? I already feel a bit guilty about you treating me to all this, and there are so many people in the crew.”
“It’s fine. Go ahead and call everyone over. We can’t just let them watch us eat, that would be too embarrassing, wouldn’t it? There are a few sheep in the truck too. Tonight, let’s have a whole roasted lamb.”
Fu Qingman’s hand trembled. She had brought sheep too? She unconsciously glanced at Shen Wan’s stomach, suddenly remembering the weight loss exercises they had done together. Right, with those exercises, Shen Wan couldn’t possibly gain weight no matter how much she ate.
Suddenly, she felt incredibly fortunate and elated. They were even going to have roasted whole lamb!
“We’re all in the same circle, bound to run into each other sooner or later. Who knows when we might meet again? I’d like to make more friends.”
Hearing this, Fu Qingman no longer hesitated. Even if Shen Wan was just playing around in this circle, it didn’t mean she didn’t need to meet more people and make more friends.
Moreover, there were directors and screenwriters here. Anyone here could be considered a connection. If they left a good impression this time, the next time roles were being cast, they might remember the taste of roast lamb and watermelon in the desert and think of Shen Wan.
Shen Wan didn’t care about these things and didn’t know that in such a short time, Fu Qingman had thought so much on her behalf.
Actually, she had come specifically to see her future wife, knowing the conditions here were harsh, and brought food for her. Feeding her wife but not her wife’s crew would only create enemies, wouldn’t it? Although these people wouldn’t say anything openly or dare to do anything, it was better to have fewer conflicts if possible.
It was just a bit of food. She was a big-shot investor with plenty of money. What did this little bit matter? It was a chance to make her wife look good, make her happy, and show off a bit. That made her happy too.
When Fu Qingman told them that Shen Wan wanted to treat them to food, everyone was surprised. Even the director couldn’t help but turn to look. He didn’t know Shen Wan; after all, she was just a small-time artist, and he couldn’t be expected to know everyone. But hearing that the truck belonged to Shen Wan, that she wanted to treat them to chilled watermelon, and later tonight to roasted whole lamb, followed by mushroom and medicinal herb hot pot tomorrow, the director couldn’t help but swallow.
The others hesitated for a moment but still went over.
Shen Wan had already called for many small tables and stools to be set up and was inviting them over.
With such enthusiasm, they couldn’t refuse. That would be disrespectful not only to her but also to Actress Fu.
So, they had to go.
Tasting the cool watermelon, grapes, and other fruits, as well as popsicles, everyone’s somewhat darkened faces were filled with equally blissful smiles. They looked at Shen Wan and Fu Qingman with nothing but goodwill, almost feeling like worshipping Shen Wan as a bodhisattva.
Today was probably their happiest day in the desert.
The director had started chatting with Shen Wan, discussing all sorts of topics. Fu Qingman saw that Shen Wan was incredibly talkative and not at all timid, which put her mind at ease. She focused on the food, no longer needing to help smooth over the atmosphere.
“Be careful when you eat, don’t get too full. You might not fit into your clothes later,” the director reminded them.
However, everyone just nodded and continued eating. Who cared? They’d eat first and worry later. They had all lost quite a bit of weight during their time here, and their clothes had become quite loose.
In the evening, Shen Wan indeed had several sheep brought out. The aroma of roasting lamb wafted throughout the desert, incredibly enticing.
That night, everyone in the crew was very happy.
Fu Qingman also had a special feeling in her heart. At the moment, she was lying on a lounge chair next to Shen Wan, looking at the stars.
“You really know how to enjoy yourself, bringing folding lounge chairs even out here,” Fu Qingman glanced at Shen Wan, teasing her.
“People should learn to enjoy themselves. You shouldn’t deprive yourself no matter where you go. Don’t you think that’s the right principle?”
“I suppose so,” Fu Qingman gripped the water glass in her hand, identical to the one Shen Wan was holding. She glanced at the lounge chair again and said, “Why do you always prepare things in pairs?”
“Well…” Shen Wan paused before saying softly, “Because it’s no fun to play alone. I thought I might meet someone like-minded on the road to play with. Who would have thought I’d run into you? Don’t you think it’s fate?”
Fu Qingman chuckled, “It really is. Were you a lucky star in your past life? Ever since I met you, I feel like I’ve become luckier.”
“Whatever I’m lacking, you can produce it.” Fu Qingman said this and suddenly froze, staring at Shen Wan. At that moment, Shen Wan was looking up at the stars in the sky, not knowing if she had heard what she said. Fu Qingman continued, “It’s like you carry a magical bag with you, able to take out whatever is needed.”
Shen Wan: That’s right. If her wife wanted a partner, she could pull one out for her at any time. It had to be said, this old woman was quite easy to please.
Wait, wasn’t she even easier to please??
Shen Wan stayed with Fu Qingman for three days, as her vacation was only a week long.
The remaining four days were used for shopping, traveling, and returning.
During these three days, it was the happiest time for the entire crew. They had never seen anyone come to play in the desert, renting a large truck filled with food. Moreover, the ingredients were extremely rich, and she even brought two chefs specifically to cook for her. She really knew how to enjoy life.
Thanks to Fu Qingman, they enjoyed three days of happiness in the desert.
When Shen Wan left, the large truck was half empty. She left the remaining food for the crew and departed with an empty vehicle.
The entire crew sent her off with tears in their eyes, especially hoping she could stay longer.
In just these three days, the entire crew had gotten Shen Wan’s contact information and became part of her social circle. At the same time, they went to Weibo to find her account, confirmed it, and followed her directly.
Overnight, the entire crew unanimously followed Shen Wan, including several quite famous artists, which confused many fans.
Who was Shen Wan?
Why was she suddenly followed by so many people at once?
Most terrifyingly, it seemed that even the award-winning Actress Fu had followed her.
Shen Wan didn’t know that while she was on her way back, fans were discussing her on Weibo, sending her to the trending topics:
#Who is Shen Wan#
Shen Wan’s agent, Su Jiali, didn’t pay attention at first. Later, while resting, she accidentally discovered that Shen Wan had gained many followers. When she investigated and saw the inexplicable trending topic that had shot up to third place, she was completely baffled.
What on earth had her artist done to inexplicably trend? Now there were all sorts of rumors on Weibo. How did she not know there was anything mysterious about this artist under her management worth digging into?
Shen Wan had just returned when she received a call from Su Jiali. “Sister Jiali, what’s the matter? I just got back. If you have any work, you can arrange it for me.”
Her wife was an award-winning actress; she couldn’t just do nothing and be a slacker. Although she was a big shot, she still had to keep up appearances.
“What did you do? Why are you trending?” Su Jiali said seriously. “You’d better tell me everything.”
Shen Wan blinked and quickly opened Weibo. Sure enough, she saw herself hanging on the trending topics. Her followers had also increased significantly, and she had received many private messages.
“Who are you really?”
“Why are you so mysterious?”
“Woman, I’m suddenly very interested in you. You’ve successfully caught my attention.”
Shen Wan scrolled through the messages while answering, “I just went to play in the desert for a bit and happened to run into Actress Fu’s crew. I got to know everyone and made some friends. Other than that, nothing much happened.”
Su Jiali: “…” In this day and age, in this circle, were friends so easy to make?
Shen Wan: What’s not easy about it? She was wealthy, had food, was good-looking and cute. Everyone liked her quite a bit, even sending her off with tears in their eyes when she left.
Su Jiali was about to say something, but Shen Wan said, “Sister Jiali, I have a very important call coming in. I’ll hang up first. Don’t worry, I haven’t caused you any trouble.”
Su Jiali: “…”
“Qingman, why are you calling me at this time?”
Yes, that’s right. After knowing each other for so long, she no longer called Fu Qingman “Actress Fu” but “Qingman.” In a while, she estimated she’d be able to call her “Qing” or “Man.”
188: It’s sickening.
“Are you home?”
“Just got back. By the way, I had someone send you a truckload of food and hired two chefs to go with it. Remember to receive it when it arrives.”
Fu Qingman was stunned. “Isn’t that too much?”
“What’s too much about it? I’ll be relying on you in this circle in the future. I met so many people through you earlier, and I’m sure I’ll do better and better. Sending you some food is really nothing.”
Fu Qingman thought about it. She’d have to take better care of Shen Wan in the future, since she was showing such sincerity.
“Alright, when I start my next drama, if there’s a suitable role for you, I’ll introduce you,” Fu Qingman said. She couldn’t just take without giving back. Although she felt that Shen Wan didn’t really care about these connections, if she truly wanted a role, as she had said before, she could just throw money at it. With enough money, she could invite even the biggest stars to support her as supporting actors.
But Fu Qingman took this matter to heart.
After hanging up the phone, Shen Wan confirmed that 188 was helping her with investments. She said gleefully, “Maybe before long, I’ll be able to act alongside Qingman.”
[188: “Congratulations, Wan Wan. You’ve successfully lured her in again. Soon you’ll be able to earn high bonuses by being all sweet and lovey-dovey…”]
“188, you’re really a system full of colorful garbage. When we finish this world, I’ll send you for a virus scan. We can’t skimp on that expense.”
[188: “Forget about the virus scan. Wan Wan, just buy a couple more skin sets for my partner. I’m earning you so much money now. In this lifetime, I’ll help you earn more money than you could ever spend. How about that?”]
“Deal.”
“By the way, 188, you and your partner are both systems. What do you do when you’re together? How do you do intimate things?”
[188 said very seriously, “Wan Wan, we systems are very pure, unlike you humans. Don’t use your trash-filled thoughts to speculate about our pure systems.”]
“So you don’t do anything at all?”
[188: “Not exactly. We often play games together, watch movies, and things like that…”]
“Then what’s the difference between being together and not being together?”
[188: “The difference is huge. I can go out and say she’s my partner, and my partner can say I’m her partner. When we weren’t together, we couldn’t say that.”]
That still doesn’t seem like much of a difference.
A few days later, Fu Qingman received the truck Shen Wan had sent her, indeed full of food she had purchased.
The entire crew looked at her enviously. “Actress Fu, you and Wan Wan have such a good relationship. She even selected and sent so much delicious food for you.”
“Yes, we’re so envious that you know Wan Wan and have such a good relationship with her.”
“If I were also Wan Wan’s good friend, I wonder if she would treat me like this,” a female artist said hopefully.
Fu Qingman tried to imagine Shen Wan being so caring towards this female artist, and felt a bit uncomfortable.
“Actress Fu, Shen Wan doesn’t have a boyfriend, right? What do you think of me? You have such a good relationship with her, can you see if I’m her type?” a good-looking male artist asked expectantly.
Fu Qingman looked him over and said very seriously, “You might not be her type.”
“Is that so? Really?”
“Really. We have such a good relationship, why would I lie to you?”
After saying this, Fu Qingman glanced at the female artist who had wanted to be good friends with Shen Wan earlier. With an unchanged expression, she lied, “My relationship with Wan Wan isn’t something that happened overnight. We’ve known each other for a long time and have been through a lot together. We’re very compatible in all aspects, that’s why we have such a good relationship.”
“That’s right. Just think about it, who else would rent a truck to send you food without a second thought? So envious…”