What Xiulan showed the manager of the director was politeness. His determination was weakened throughout the night and his perception has changed for a time being.

The filming was scheduled for roughly three months with the premiere coming out a year later. Despite being it a B-rank drama, the dedication to make it a good series was there and Xiulan liked that.

"I'm so glad you behaved nicely today." An Ni exhaled with relief after the meeting was over. She was worried that Xiulan would decline the offer on spot and embarrass both of them, but it wasn't that case.

"Excuse you, I'm a mature adult. I'd agreed on the offer and I would have never taken my word back." Wen Xiulan stated as if the yesterday's thoughts never happened. "I liked that manager though, he seemed experienced and put off a respectful vibe. It felt like I've seen him somewhere already." He mentioned while they got into a car.

"You've definitely seen him, he's worked on many successful dramas, such as 'You and Me' or 'My Emperor's smile.'" An Ni reminded him and started the car engine. Xiulan has stopped driving since an accident a few years ago. He still felt anxious and wouldn't let anyone except his manager take him somewhere in the car. Even now, Xiulan was squeezing the handle above him while the car rushed on an almost empty road.

"Really? My Emperor's smile as well? That's impressive. This might not be such a bad job then." He said more to himself than to smiling An Ni.

"You don't have any important appointments for the rest of the week. The rehearsals start the next Monday at 7:30 am, but I'll text you that later anyway and will come to pick you up. Enjoy your few days off before getting busy." She quickly remained him about his upcoming schedule before she pulled over in front of Xiulan's apartment.

He already memorized the plan for the next three weeks with all the times and places he was supposed to be. It was always like this, Xiulan had a very good memory thanks to which he had no problem remembering long scripts and difficult lines.

"Yeah, thanks. I'll see you later." He quickly got out, feeling glad he didn't have to stay in that dangerous machine any longer.

"Bye-bye." She waved him one last time before driving off.

𝘈𝘭𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘸? He wondered while already set on going to a nearby café. Xiulan was addicted to sweet and cold drinks. The weather was so hot it would kill a camel, thus he promptly took out his umbrella to protect himself.

Although it was only a five-minute walk to the shop, he already felt the need to wear a hat, dark sunglasses and long sleeves as prevention. No sun rays could ruin his perfectly white skin.

Xiulan sighed heavily like he just ran a marathon when he entered the small store. It was one of his favorites since it was never too packed and the AC was very strong. Even after he ordered his drink, Xiulan didn't take off his disguise. Wearing a hat and a black sunglasses inside a café seemed a bit weird but it was still better than someone recognizing him.

"Italian soda drink for Wen Lan is ready!" A young employee announced upon which Xiulan stood up from his seat and headed to the counter. Although he altered his name only slightly, it was still better than giving away his full name.

Just as he extended his hand to reach the drink, a young woman passed him and grabbed the cup right in front of his eyes. Xiulan blinked a few times from shock before coming back to his senses.

"Excuse me! I think you took the wrong drink." He promptly pointed out before she exited the store.

The 'thief' walking away stopped and turned around.

"Are you talking to me?" She asked in a surprise. Xiulan was taken aback by her beauty, she resembled a doll. Her skin was porcelain and contrasted well with her big, gray eyes. Reddish lips with a pointy nose only added to the human-doll look. Her brown hair was falling to her stomach and curled a little. She was tall but not taller than Xiulan.

"Yes. The drink in your hand is mine. 'Wen Lan'." He said while he checked the name on the cup to make sure.

"What do you mean? My name is Wen Lan." The woman said while having a confused expression.

"Huh? My name is also Wen Lan... I mean, it's Wen Xiulan, but I used Wen Lan when ordering." Xiulan explained even the unnecessary and revealed his identity. The lady in front of him didn't react at all when he said his real name but he kind of expected it. He wasn't that famous anymore.

"You also ordered Italian soda?" She asked and raised her eyebrows. Xiulan nodded.

"Alright then, you can have it." She handed him the drink and rushed out.

"Huh?" 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵? Xiulan looked around in great confusion. 𝘞𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘬? He searched for someone to jump at him with a hidden camera, but nothing happened even after he returned to his seat.

He checked the drink once again to make sure it was okay. There was a phone number written under his name but otherwise, it looked normal. Since all the employees working on that day were males, only one person could leave her number behind.

𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦...

Even though he proceeded to sit in the café for the next 20 minutes, there wasn't another call for an Italian soda for Wen Lan.

And of course, Xiulan threw away that cup afterward without saving the number. He was staying loyal to his life of a hopeless virgin.

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

𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:

Wen Lan = nickname Wen (Xiu)Lan used to hide his identity

Wen Lan = mysterious girl who claimed it's her name though it wasn't