I Want To Retire From the Circle but Become Famous by Acting Poorly

Su Chengyang lost the game and frustratingly pressed her phone against her forehead.

“Su Chengyang, where are you?” shouted an actress whom Lin Yu didn’t recognize.

Su Chengyang frowned and said, “Towards the big tree.”

Actress: “?”

“Direction, direction.”

“I don’t know where it is. Anyway, he’s wearing auspicious clothing and hiding behind the tree.”

Xiao Lu waved her hand and said, “Wait, brother and sisters will avenge you.”

As Su Chengyang tried to approach Xiao Lu to peek at the screen, she noticed a familiar figure from the corner of her eye. Upon closer inspection, it was Lin Yu, who had arrived at some point without her knowledge.

Lin Yu stood motionless by the door, staring at Su Chengyang. When Su Chengyang looked at him, Lin Yu squinted his eyes.

“Manager Lin!”

Su Chengyang, like a child who sees their parents while playing outside with friends, immediately straightened up and looked at him with bright eyes. At the same time, she nudged Xiao Lu, who was immersed in the game, with her elbow.

In the midst of being busy, Xiao Lu lifted her head and said to Lin Yu, “Boss Lin, wait a moment, this game isn’t over yet.”

Lin Yu didn’t say anything. He went over to greet Director Wang and then came to Su Chengyang’s side, saying, “It’s okay, I’ll wait for you.”

Su Chengyang seemed to be having a great time, with a smile lingering at the corners of her eyes. Her face was rosy and looked particularly likable.

“We won!” Xu Hao shouted.

Su Chengyang exclaimed happily: “Haozi, Ah Ling, you’re really amazing.”

Xiao Lu became unhappy, saying, “Am I not good?”

Su Chengyang smiled and rubbed her shoulder with her head, saying, “You’re better than me.”

Xiao Lu huffed, “Of course.”

Xu Hao looked up and greeted Lin Yu, turned off his phone, and said, “Chengyang, you guys can go back first. We can play again next time.”

Xiao Lu proposed excitedly, “Let’s create a group, shall we? We can all play together when we’re free.”

“Sure.”

Lin Yu watched as they added each other to the group, feeling a sense of helplessness.

Finally, when they had added everyone to the group, Lin Yu spoke up, “Shall we go now?”

“Let’s go.”

Su Chengyang waved goodbye to the others and then said something to Director Wang before leaving the private room with Lin Yu.

Once outside, Su Chengyang still seemed a bit unsatisfied and discussed gaming matters with Xiao Lu.

Lin Yu couldn’t understand what they were talking about and didn’t get a chance to say a word.

By the car, Xiao Lu directly climbed into the back seat and leaned against the window, grinning at Lin Yu: “Cousin Brother, I had a few drinks tonight. Can you drive?”

Lin Yu nodded and then took a step ahead of Su Chengyang, opening the passenger door for her.

Su Chengyang originally wanted to sit in the backseat, but seeing the situation, she had no choice but to sit in the passenger seat. If she sat in the backseat, she felt like she was treating Lin Yu as the driver.

The car was driving on the road, and Su Chengyang exchanged a few words with Xiao Lu across the seats. She felt it was not very convenient, so she didn’t say anything else.

Xiao Lu had indeed had two drinks and after a few minutes of silence, she lay down on the seat and fell asleep.

Lin Yu glanced back through the rearview mirror and said, “Chengyang, there’s a blanket in the bag. Cover Lu Yin with it.”

Su Chengyang glanced back and saw a black bag in the corner of the back seat.

Lin Yu parked the car on the side of the road. Su Chengyang unbuckled her seatbelt, knelt on the seat with one knee, and reached over the backrest to take out the blanket and cover it over Xiao Lu’s back.

The weather has been getting colder recently, and sleeping like this will definitely lead to catching a cold.

After Su Chengyang fastened her seatbelt, Lin Yu suddenly placed his jacket in her arms.

Covering Su Chengyang’s legs with the warmth from Lin Yu’s body, she was momentarily stunned.

Before she could react, Lin Yu started the car again and said, “It will take about an hour to get back. You should get some rest too.”

His coat is so warm, with a faint fragrance.

Su Chengyang hesitated to refuse.

“Hmm.”

Su Chengyang lowered her head and softly responded.

She was just borrowing his coat, planning to wash it and return it later.

Su Chengyang draped his coat over her shoulders, just enough to cover her upper body and knees. She turned her head to look outside the window, where the traffic was busy and the crowds were bustling, yet the car window isolated all the sounds from the outside.

The world was busy, but the car was quiet, as if she could hear her own heartbeat.

Although it wasn’t the first time she felt this way, Su Chengyang still marveled in her heart, “This world is truly wonderful.”

She realized that she was easily satisfied, even with just sitting quietly next to Lin Yu without saying a word, she didn’t want anything else.

At this moment, she even had a thought: If she didn’t terminate her contract with the company next year and continued to stay in Starlight Entertainment, could she stay by his side forever?

However, this idea only appeared for a moment before Su Chengyang mercilessly extinguished it.

Lin Yu accompanied them to the front door of their house, and Su Chengyang softly woke Xiao Lu up, then said to Lin Yu, “Brother Lin, I’ll return the coat to you after I wash it.”

Lin Yu shook his head: “No need.”

Saying that, he took the coat from Su Chengyang’s hand.

“Rest early. What would you like to eat tomorrow morning?”

Xiao Lu rubbed her eyes and sat up from the backseat, “Can we order food?”

Lin Yu nodded without expressing agreement or disagreement, then looked at Su Chengyang.

At that moment, Su Chengyang suddenly felt a bit nervous and immediately looked at Xiao Lu in the backseat, “What would you like to eat?”

The three of them formed a strange scene.

Lin Yu, who was driving, calmly looked at Su Chengyang, while Su Chengyang nervously looked at Xiao Lu. Xiao Lu looked at them both with a bewildered expression, her eyes shifting between Su Chengyang and Lin Yu.

Xiao Lu hesitated, “Western cuisine? Steak? How about that?”

Su Chengyang nodded, “Let’s have that. Thank you, Manager Lin.”

After speaking, Su Chengyang opened the car door and got out.

Su Chengyang’s nervous expression was mixed with a hint of shyness. Lin Yu felt an indescribable itch in his chest. He felt like he had grasped something, but he didn’t dare to confirm it, let alone show it.

Su Chengyang hurriedly said goodbye and led the way into the house.

After closing the front door, Su Chengyang’s burning cheeks finally cooled down.

She was unsure about what had happened to herself. Lin Yu’s gaze made her inexplicably flustered. She didn’t dare to meet his eyes, fearing that her hidden emotions would be easily discovered.

At least for now, with nine months left until the contract expires, Su Chengyang didn’t want him to find out.

“Why did you run so fast? Is there a ghost out there?”

Xiao Lu hasn’t fully woken up yet, looking a bit confused.

Su Chengyang sighed and said, “There’s no ghost outside.” But I have ghosts in my heart.

After returning to the room, Su Chengyang took some clean clothes and walked into the bathroom, took a shower, and only then did she manage to calm down her boiling brain.

. . . . .

The next day everything returned to normal.

Early in the morning, Lin Yu arrived with their breakfast and a rose in hand. After replacing the withered flowers in the vase, he went to the company by himself.

Su Chengyang couldn’t stay idle either. In the afternoon, she was going to take promotional photos of Chunlin Mountain with Qi Fu.

In the morning, Su Chengyang stayed in bed and chatted with Han Songxue in the group.

According to her, everyone else had a lot of activities in their hands these past few days. They were so busy that they couldn’t catch a break. She greatly missed the time when she was just a little-known figure. Nowadays, even when she went out to buy something, she might be chased for autographs.

The program <Travel> has already become the number one variety show in terms of views on Cat&Dog Video. They have only aired three episodes so far, which means the show has become a huge hit. All the guests who participated in the recording of the show have become hot actors in the industry. Any program they participate in receives high viewership.

After lunch, Lin Yu drove them to the airport to go to Chunlin Mountain for the promotional photo shoot.

Upon arrival at the airport, the sides of the exit were crowded with fans. When Su Chengyang appeared, their screams almost lifted the roof.

Su Chengyang greeted them and then got into the car prepared by the person in charge.

After arriving at Chunlin Mountain, the person in charge took Su Chengyang to a room to change clothes. It was a traditional costume. When Su Chengyang was almost done tidying up, Qi Fu also came out from another room.

“Chengyang,” Qi Fu waved at her, dressed like a hero.

“You look great in this outfit,” Su Chengyang exclaimed.

Qi Fu felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head, “Thank you, you look beautiful too.”

“Oh, by the way, Mingan entrusted me to give this to you,” Qi Fu said.

He turned around and brought two tickets.

“What is this?” Su Chengyang asked, a little confused.

Qi Fu said, “These are theater tickets for ‘A Chinese Ghost Story.’ It’s playing this Thursday at the West Second Theater in the capital city. He gave us both two tickets.”

Su Chengyang took the tickets and asked in surprise, “Is he playing the scholar again?”

Qi Fu smiled and shook his head, “No.”

“Then what is he playing?”

“Xiao Qian1.”

Su Chengyang: “…”

Xiao Lu laughed heartily beside him, “What is he playing? Xiao Qian?!”

Su Chengyang couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, “Mingan has delicate features. With some proper makeup, it’s indeed hard to tell the gender.”

Qi Fu joined in the laughter, “Last week, I sent him a skirt. He took a video and sent it to the director, originally intending to audition for Xiao Qian’s grandma. But the theater director insisted on having him play Xiao Qian.”

Xiao Lu’s eyes twinkled, “Do you have the video? I want to see!”

Su Chengyang immediately said, “I want to see it too.”

Qi Fu nodded, “Sure, let me send it to the group.”

Qi Fu turned around and went back to his room to get his phone and sent Song Mingan’s cross-dressing video to the group.

“Hahaha…”

“Mingan, hahaha…”

The staff passing by looked at them with puzzled expressions.

Su Chengyang and Xiao Lu laughed so hard that their bodies trembled.

The originally quiet WeChat group suddenly became filled with people due to Song Mingan’s video:

Song Mingan:【@Qi Fu??】

Han Songxue:【Oh my god, hahaha!】

Jiang Shanqi:【Work is really tiring, but the video is really refreshing.】

Tan Qi:【[Thumbs up.jpg] Mingan is amazing, brave to try new things. I’ll make Ding Ding learn from you.】

He Xu:【…Condolences.】

Qin You:【Brother Mingan is amazing! I must work even harder to learn from everyone!】

Shen Fu:【@Song Mingan, thank you. I’m inspired.】

Song Mingan:【Give me the tickets back!!!】

Han Songxue:【No way, I postponed my work on Thursday just to come and see what kind of performance you can put on.】

【Keep it up.】

【Keep it up.】

. . . . .

Song Mingan:【@Qi Fu, come out!!! Tonight, I’m going to kill you!】

Han Songxue: 【I’ll protect Qi Fu tonight!】

【And me.】

【Me.】

. . . . .

Su Chengyang was amused by the messages in the group, laughing out loud.

Qi Fu replied in the group:【Mingan, don’t worry, it’s not embarrassing. We are all sisters.】

Song Mingan: 【…】

In the next moment, the group of ten suddenly became nine.

Su Chengyang saw that Song Mingan was angry and had left the group, so she quickly pulled him back.

Su Chengyang:【Everyone, stop laughing. @Qi Fu, how could you share the video in the group?】

Han Songxue:【Chengyang is right. Such good stuff should be shared on Weibo for everyone to enjoy together.】

Song Mingan:【Hehe.】

Immediately after, he posted over a dozen embarrassing photos of other guests, and even Su Chengyang was not spared.

But compared to others, Su Chengyang’s photo was even somewhat attractive.

After laughing at Song Mingan, Su Chengyang intercepted a few chat records and posted them on Weibo with the caption, 【A day of Song Mingan was besieged and beaten, looking forward to meeting little brother Xiao Qian on Thursday at the West Second Theater in the capital city~】

After Su Chengyang posted on Weibo, other people in the group successively forwarded and promoted it, while also arranging a dinner. After the performance on Thursday, Song Mingan invited everyone to have a meal together.

After a moment, the person in charge found Su Chengyang and the two of them. The photographer was ready, so they were asked to go for the shoot.

The shooting process went smoothly. Su Chengyang and Qi Fu cooperated well, and they had a good grasp of the shooting angles. They finished by dusk.

Back at the hotel arranged by the scenic area, Su Chengyang finished bathing and came out. Half an hour ago, Lin Yu had messaged her to ask about her progress. Su Chengyang replied that she had already finished work.

Lin Yu replied almost instantly, telling her to rest early because they would be returning to the capital tomorrow.

After Su Chengyang’s reply, she closed the chat box and saw a message from Du Senyu below.

For the past few days, Du Senyu would send a message every evening to greet her, never disturbing Su Chengyang. Occasionally, he would complain about how strict his father was with him, and Su Chengyang would console him with a few messages, after which the chat box would quiet down.

The next day, after returning to the capital, Su Chengyang and Xiao Lu went to the company to meet a director.

When they arrived at the company and entered Lin Yu’s office, Lin Yu was having a conversation with a young director.

Upon seeing Su Chengyang walk in, Lin Yu waved at her and stood up with the director.

“This is Director Hu.”

Su Chengyang nodded towards him and gently shook the hand he extended, “Hello, Director Hu. I’m Su Chengyang.”

“I have heard your great name for a long time.”

Su Chengyang shook her head, “Director Hu, you’re too kind.”

“Please have a seat,” Lin Yu said to both of them and then asked Xiao Lu to bring some water.

Director Hu glanced at Su Chengyang and said, “Miss Su, I wonder if you have any thoughts on scripts adapted from comics?”

To which Su Chengyang replied, “It doesn’t make much difference to me.”

Director Hu nodded and continued, “To be honest, I have a script in my hands and would like to discuss it with you.”

Su Chengyang smiled and said, “Please go ahead.”

Although Lin Yu had previously mentioned that he wouldn’t give her a script for the time being, the program <Travel> only lasted for two episodes. As long as she used her time wisely, there shouldn’t be a problem joining the production team for filming.

Director Hu said, “We would like to invite you to act in a costume drama. It is based on a web novel that was later adapted into a comic. The script is a remake based on the comic.”

Su Chengyang listened attentively and nodded occasionally in response.

Although Su Chengyang had participated in adaptations from comics before, most of the time, the live-action version could never surpass the comic version, and actors and production teams were bound to face criticism.

“Regarding the issue of remuneration, I have already discussed it with Mr. Lin. If you need, I can repeat it again.”

Su Chengyang glanced at Lin Yu, who smiled back at her.

Since Lin Yu had no objections and Su Chengyang had no other thoughts, she shook her head and said, “No need, as long as Mr. Lin knows.”

Director Hu nodded and continued, “Because it is an adaptation based on the comic, after the news spreads, the original novel fans and comic fans may criticize the actors and production team. I hope you are aware of this.”

Su Chengyang smiled and said, “It’s okay, I’m not afraid of criticism.”

“So, um…”

Director Hu looked at Lin Yu, thinking if they could directly sign the contract since Su Chengyang’s intentions were quite clear.

In the past, Su Chengyang would definitely need to review the script beforehand, but now she needed to create value for Lin Yu. As long as he agreed, Su Chengyang could accept any script.

Lin Yu glanced at Su Chengyang and then said to Director Hu, “Let her take a look at the script first.”

Director Hu nodded, “Right, I’ll send the script to Miss Su.”

Su Chengyang opened WeChat and added contact information with Director Hu.

After receiving the script, Lin Yu asked Su Chengyang to go to the lounge and have a detailed discussion with Director Hu about the signing. If both parties felt there were no issues, they could directly sign the contract.

Su Chengyang leaned back on the couch in the lounge and opened the script Director Hu had sent. The script’s title was not yet determined and was represented by a string of code.

Su Chengyang quickly glanced through it.

The story was about a marriage-first-then-love theme. The female lead was named Xie Keyang, from a prestigious family, with a proud and arrogant personality but a soft heart. Due to her playful nature, she had not found a suitable husband at the age when she should have married. The male lead was a prince from a different surname newly appointed by the emperor. He had secretly loved the female lead since childhood, and his first task upon arriving in the capital was to have the emperor arrange their marriage.

The overall story is relatively heartwarming and light-hearted, which is a popular theme in the market in recent years.

The script doesn’t have many issues, but the character portrayal is a bit challenging. If the balance of “arrogance” isn’t handled well, it can come across as haughty and dismissive.

However, Su Chengyang has always been confident in her acting skills and believes she can handle this role.

When they returned to the office, Lin Yu and Director Hu had finished their conversation.

“How?” Lin Yu asked.

Su Chengyang nodded, “No problem.”

“Then let’s sign. The production will start in November, right after the filming of <Travel> is completed.”

After signing the contract, Assistant Xu escorted Director Hu out, leaving only Su Chengyang and Lin Yu in the office.