Chapter 274: Chapter 273 Sudden Surprise
After Walker made his announcement on stage, he publicly took Luo Ling’s side.
Once the movie press conference concluded, Walker summoned several of the veteran stars.
"I didn’t call you here for any particular reason," Walker began. "I just wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk."
Although the atmosphere seemed calm and Walker appeared emotionless, the actors were filled with fear and apprehension. At this moment, Walker was undoubtedly a terrifying figure.
He continued, "What I want is a cohesive team. I didn’t sign you to see infighting; I signed you to see unity! But from what I’ve seen so far, you have all been a great disappointment."
Upon hearing this, the actors were terrified. It seems the situation is even worse than we imagined.
Walker then declared, "You will all be suspended for two years. After those two years, I will decide whether or not to give you work again!"
With those words, they were plunged into despair. In this fast-paced era, a two-year hiatus was more than they could bear. After two years, their popularity would be gone. Furthermore, with no income for two years, they might be forced to find menial jobs.
Instantly, the veteran stars knelt before Walker, begging him not to blacklist them. But once Walker made a decision, he would never go back on it.
Walker remained unmoved. If he didn’t handle this matter decisively, he would have a hard time answering to Ye Fan.
Just as they were succumbing to heartbreak and despair, Luo Ling returned.
She approached Walker and said, "President Walker, this whole affair started because of me. Please don’t ban them; they’ve already realized their mistake. A ban would destroy an artist’s future, and they have worked so hard to get where they are. President Walker, please reconsider! Besides, the movie is about to be released. If the main cast is blacklisted, shooting a sequel will become a serious problem!"
Luo Ling demonstrated great, broad-minded magnanimity, and her words moved Walker.
After a long moment of consideration, Walker replied, "Miss Luo Ling, I had thought there was no hope for harmony among artists, but your actions have convinced me otherwise! I will grant your request!"
Immediately, the actors thanked him profusely, expressing their gratitude to both Luo Ling and Walker. More than anything, however, they felt a deep sense of guilt toward Luo Ling. They had ostracized her, yet she had forgiven them. In this regard, they could never hope to surpass her. One by one, they offered her their sincere apologies.
Walker then said, "I will not ban you. However, for the next two years, your salary will be halved for any film you appear in!"
"Yes, yes, of course!" they stammered, thanking him again and again. A fifty percent pay cut was a small price to pay. Their salaries were so high that the impact wouldn’t be devastating, but being blacklisted by Huayu would have been disastrous.
Luo Ling nodded, showing her approval of Walker’s new plan.
When everything was settled, Luo Ling left the company building.
Ye Fan had been waiting for her for a long time. In the car, he said, "I let you have your way this time, but don’t be so willful from now on."
"I refuse!" Luo Ling said stubbornly. Now that she had finally tied their fates together, she had no intention of jumping ship.
Ye Fan felt helpless. Why are the women around me always so rebellious? Can’t they make things just a little easier for me?
He relented and tried a different tactic. "I’m your Brother Ye!"
He played the "big brother" card, hoping it would be a shield to make Luo Ling back down.
But Luo Ling replied, "I’ve never once thought of you as a brother!"
Ye Fan was at a complete loss for words. What else can I even say? He felt profoundly helpless.
"Today is Valentine’s Day, and I want to go on a date with you!" Luo Ling grew bolder. Ever since she started rebelling against Ye Fan, she had discovered just how exhilarating and liberating it could be. She wanted to keep rebelling forever, unless one day she could become Ye Fan’s true woman.
"How about another day? It’s getting late," Ye Fan said wearily.
"No way! If you dare refuse me, I’ll call the police and tell them you assaulted me!" Luo Ling threatened.
"Alright! Where are we going for this date?" Ye Fan conceded.
With a mischievous smile, Luo Ling said, "Follow me!"
Ye Fan followed her to a villa that was the very definition of high-end luxury. This was the residence Huayu Film Industry had provided for her.
Just as they opened the door...
SPLAT!
A large cake was splattered right in Ye Fan’s face. He froze, a wave of embarrassment, speechlessness, and finally, a sense of profound grievance washing over him. This surprise is a little too exciting!
"Happy Birthday!" a group of women suddenly shouted.
Ye Fan looked and saw not only Luo Ling but also Chen Zihan, Qin Mengyao, Mu Wanxin, and even Tang Yurou, who had flown in from overseas.
Seeing them all here, Ye Fan felt overwhelmed but was also deeply touched that they had remembered his birthday. His birthday just so happened to fall on Valentine’s Day. He had completely forgotten about it himself, and this sudden surprise moved him.
"We were just kidding," Qin Mengyao said with a laugh. "Come on, this is the real birthday cake we got for you. Make a wish and blow out the candles!"
A delicate and beautiful cake appeared before him, and it was impossible for Ye Fan not to feel moved. He immediately made a wish and blew out the candles in a single breath. But just at that moment, the exquisite cake was suddenly shoved right into his face.
It was all so sudden and unexpected.
Ye Fan wanted to cry. This prank has layers! he thought. And the most tragic part is, I didn’t see either of them coming! As the King of Heaven, he felt truly aggrieved at this moment.
"I want revenge!"
Ye Fan immediately grabbed a handful of cream and launched his counterattack. The women scattered, shrieking with laughter, but alas, none could escape his creamy clutches.
Tonight was wild—exactly how a birthday should be celebrated, full of chaotic fun.
Once everyone had more or less worn themselves out, they finally caught their breath.
Ye Fan then started drinking with the women. His capacity for alcohol was immense. First, he drank Chen Zihan under the table. Next, he did the same to Qin Mengyao. As for Tang Yurou, Luo Ling, and Mu Wanxin, they were lightweights and were drunk after just a few drinks.
Ye Fan sighed inwardly. What a group of stunners. If I wanted to do something shameful right now, they probably don’t even have the strength to resist. He gazed at the alluring figures before him, but he was not the kind of man to take advantage of someone’s vulnerability. He constantly reminded himself to be an upright gentleman in this moment—a man of noble character and integrity.
