Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Good Parent

Today, Mao Ziyang felt exhausted after being scrutinized by so many people. She was never that good at socializing, and there were many online trolls to deal with. Plus, being in Hengdian, where almost everyone lived online, facing these people was really embarrassing for her.

As soon as she returned, she hid behind Mu Ran.

With Director Mu around, the sense of security was maxed out.

Yang Yingying also talked about what to eat for dinner, “It’s already too late, we’ll just have something simple tonight, and the kids should go to bed.”

The kids were traveling by plane and running around all day, and Yang Yingying didn’t want to tire the little ones out.

Everyone cheered in unison.

Only the netizens kept tagging the director, asking her to extend the shoot time. They wanted to see what Director Mu, Director Chen, Li Liujiu, and the others were going to eat.

[Director Mu’s fans be quiet, my brother definitely won’t like Mu Ran!]

[Hilarious, someone actually said Director Mu was riding on Li Liujiu’s popularity. Even if Li Liujiu is indeed super popular, it doesn’t change the fact that Director Mu was his benefactor. Fans are just ungrateful, always cursing Director Mu for fear that someone might think Li Liujiu is being kept by Director Mu.]

[Is being kept by Director Mu so bad?]

[Li Liujiu’s fans step aside, as a bystander, I just want to check out the buzz.]

…

Netizens were really trying their best to persuade the director to extend the time, but unfortunately—Yang Yingying couldn’t do it!

By nine o’clock, the screen went black.

Mu Ran stretched and immediately changed her clothes; the period costume was really heavy.

After taking a shower back at the guest house, Mu Ran put on her casual clothes and was ready to go out. At the door, Chu Xijin looked at her eagerly, “Aunt, can I go?”

“You need to grow strong, sleep more.” Mu Ran turned his head away, “You haven’t showered yet, go take a bath.”

“I want to go.” Chu Xijin tugged at her clothes, looking pitiful, his dark eyes full of grievance, “You don’t want to take me out anymore.”

Mu Ran put her hand to her forehead, “We’re going to drink later — it’ll be past midnight, not suitable for you.”

“We have to record the program tomorrow. You’ll feel bad staying up late. If I go, you’ll come back sooner, and will not need to stay out all night.” Chu Xijin shook her clothes, “Aunt, I’m begging you.”

“Why do you want to go?” Mu Ran didn’t understand his intention.

“To join in the fun.”

“Haha.”

Mu Ran wouldn’t believe such a childish reason.

This kid, whose schedule is packed, would never give up his study tasks and morning workout for a dinner party.

“Alright, alright, come along then.”

“Yay, Aunt, you’re the best.” Chu Xijin held her hand, happily following her to the barbecue restaurant Li Liujiu invested in.

The barbecue restaurant was decorated in a distinctly Hong Kong style, with bright yellow, red, and green colors, yet the sign was baffling in its H factor theme.

Li Liujiu had been waiting at the barbecue restaurant and rushed forward when Mu Ran arrived, “Director Mu.”

Mu Ran nodded slightly and noticed the restaurant was bustling, “Your business is doing well.”

“It’s okay, all thanks to fan support. Many guessed we’d be coming here, so there are even more people tonight.” Li Liujiu considered the ten people Mu Ran invited, including newly graduated amateur actors, online content creators, and a child star accompanied by a parent, making it unsuitable to go to an overly fancy place.

It was perfect timing as his barbecue restaurant had just opened, so he invited everyone to come and eat.

By sheer luck, it ended up being an advertisement for the barbecue place.

“Alright, let’s go.” Mu Ran saw the banner her fans were holding up and waved them off, “Let’s just eat and go back early.”

The scene instantly sparked a wave of screams.

Everyone raised their phones to capture the moment.

Mu Ran: “…”

She quickly followed the waiter into the private room, not forgetting to tell Li Liujiu, “Put those two tables on my tab just now.”

“You can just waive it,” Li Liujiu quickly replied.

“No need, I’ll pay for those two tables today. Clear accounts make good relatives.” Mu Ran was quite willing to accept others’ kindness.

Obviously, Li Liujiu had ulterior motives.

Still looking at her with deep affection…

Li Liujiu pressed his lips together, his eyes dimming, “Whatever you say.”

“Mm.”

The waiter opened the door to the private room, which was crowded with tables. As Mu Ran entered, everyone inside stood up.

Inside were not just the ten people reciting ancient poetry today, but also actors Mu Ran knew and investors checking on the production progress nearby.

They were all eager to collaborate with Mu Ran.

“Director Mu, long time no see.”

“Long time no see.” Mu Ran held Chu Xijin’s hand as they sat down, and then gestured for everyone else to sit as well, speaking: “Add my producer’s WeChat, we’ll notify you when it’s time to start filming.”

Everyone except Director Chen and Li Liujiu added WeChat.

Mu Ran saw them feeling tense and said, “Eat, don’t be afraid, we won’t do anything to you.”

“Thank you, Director Mu.”

Everyone expressed their gratitude.

Mu Ran faced the table with Director Chen and the investors, the only girl at the whole table.

Chu Xijin furrowed his brow slightly.

These people seemed to have bad intentions.

“Director Mu, you brought your little nephew out for dinner.” President Liu laughed.

“Yes.” Mu Ran picked up her chopsticks to grill the meat, “I’m a good guardian.”

“Ha!”

Everyone at both tables laughed.

Basically a good guardian, thanks to Xiao Jin’s care.

Truly impressive!

President Liu also laughed, “Indeed, after watching this season’s variety show, I found you’re quite interesting, and your temper is better than before.”

“Is that so? I guess I’ll need to change.”

“How to change?”

“More attitude; I dislike random people crashing my gathering.”

The atmosphere quickly dampened.

Jiao Yuyao rushed in to salvage the situation, “President Liu, you know, Director Mu’s personality is like this, straightforward and sincere. Long time no see, I toast you.”

President Liu laughed heartily, “Jiao Yuyao, you always have your hands full cleaning up after Director Mu. Don’t worry, I know Director Mu’s personality well; we’ve known each other for years.”

Though he said this, there was no intention of letting Jiao Yuyao skip drinking.

Mu Ran placed some meat in Xiao Jin’s bowl, “Eat a bit, just try the taste.”

“Alright.” Chu Xijin ate the barbecue, it tasted good, he wasn’t picky, it was fine. But his attention was entirely focused on the people at the table.

Jiao Yuyao wasn’t in a good spot.

Li Liujiu and the actors dared not speak.

Director Chen watched indifferently.

Only Aunt, eating and drinking carefree.

Mu Ran didn’t bother dealing with these social gatherings she disliked; it was annoying, and Jiao Yuyao constantly trying to please others irritated her.

Though she had advised him, he had his own reasoning, indeed preventing many issues, as her sister-in-law said, Jiao Yuyao’s approach is correct.

But she just didn’t like it.

So annoying.

“Xiao Jin, just taste the flavors and we’ll head back; you’re still young, I should be a good guardian. Mr. Li, don’t you think?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep