You were supposed to have a fake marriage with the diva, so how did you become her father?

Chapter 87 The Clown Who Jumps Over the Beams

These two Weibo posts immediately caused a stir in the entertainment industry.

Everyone knows that this is aimed at Xingyao Entertainment, or more precisely, at Lu Ran and the TV series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" that he is in charge of.

After all, Lu Ran had previously embarrassed Starlight Entertainment with the short drama "The Return of the God of War," and now that he has transitioned to making long dramas, he has naturally become a key target of his competitors.

Especially for Starlight Entertainment, the grudge from the previous short dramas is still fresh in their minds, and Starlight is bound to win back their ground in long dramas.

"It seems that this time, Xingguang and Xinghua are joining forces to besiege Xingyao."

"Alas, we were born of the same star, why are we so eager to destroy each other?"

"To be fair, this time Xinghua and Xingguang's scripts are big productions, they've spared no expense. Xingyao probably can't handle it."

"I heard that Lu Ran wrote the script for 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes.' Aren't you looking forward to it?"

"What does Lu Ran, a songwriter, know about scripts? Precisely because he wrote it, I'm even less optimistic about it."

"And what's the use of a good script? Production, actors, promotion—all of these cost money. Xingyao clearly didn't invest as much as the other two this time."

Public opinion is almost unanimously pessimistic about Xingyao.

Even within Xingyao itself, an atmosphere of unease permeated the air.

Wang Wei, the person in charge of the sixth part of the long-running drama, couldn't help but smile as he looked at the news on his phone.

Ever since Lu Ran publicly humiliated him, he had been holding his breath.

Seeing his competitors so strong and Lu Ran in such a difficult situation, he felt incredibly pleased.

"Lu Ran, Lu Ran, let's see how you get out of this mess," Wang Wei sneered. "Do you really think filming a drama is that easy?"

……

Meanwhile, at Xingyao's training base, Xu Manxue had just finished her morning performance class when she received a call from her older sister, Xu Manlin.

"Sister?" Xu Manxue was a little surprised. Xu Manlin had been busy with her final promotional work before retiring from the entertainment industry, so she should have been very busy.

"Xiaoxue, I'm near your company. Shall we have lunch together?" Xu Manlin's voice sounded relaxed.

"Okay!" Xu Manxue happily agreed.

Half an hour later, the two sisters met at a private restaurant near the company.

Xu Manlin removed her sunglasses and mask, revealing a fresh, bare face. She looked to be in good spirits, her brows less sharp and anxious than before, and more peaceful.

"Sister, you look different," Xu Manxue said.

"Really?" Xu Manlin smiled. "Maybe it's because you've resolved your inner conflict."

After ordering, Xu Manlin asked about her sister's recent situation.

"How have you been lately? Are you settling in well at Xingyao?" Xu Manlin was very concerned about her younger sister.

"I'm doing very well lately, and I'm having a great time at Xingyao." Xu Manxue said excitedly, "And Teacher Lu Ran even wrote a song for me, a song that I can sing."

"Oh?" Xu Manlin looked surprised. "Is it Lu Ran, the one who wrote the song for Liu Siqi?"

"Hmm!" Xu Manxue took out her phone and played the demo of "Another Me in the World".

Xu Manlin listened attentively, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes: "This song was written by Lu Ran?"

She knew Lu Ran's capabilities all too well; all the producers her company had managed to find combined couldn't match Lu Ran's creative abilities alone.

If there is anyone who can compare to Lu Ran, it can only be the mysterious Tomorrow.

However, she remembered that her sister had once guessed that Lu Ran and Mingri were actually the same person.

"Yes!" Xu Manxue nodded. "Sister, I think Teacher Lu Ran is really amazing. He seems to be able to do everything—write scripts, compose songs, sing, and even give some pointers on directing."

Xu Manlin was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Xiaoxue, didn't you say before that you suspected Lu Ran was Mingri?"

Xu Manxue was taken aback: "Sister, you still remember? After these few days of contact, I'm even more convinced that Teacher Lu is Mingri."

"Your guess makes a lot of sense," Xu Manlin said slowly. "I also talked with several veteran producers in the industry some time ago."

"They all felt that although Mingri and Luran's creative styles were different, they had a wonderful similarity in their core, and both of their works were the kind that touched people's hearts directly."

"There are indeed some geniuses who can create several completely different styles of works at the same time."

She paused, then continued, "Moreover, both of them rose to prominence almost simultaneously and were incredibly prolific. The probability of two such geniuses appearing in the music scene at the same time is extremely small."

Xu Manxue's eyes widened: "Sister, you mean..."

"I'm just guessing," Xu Manlin smiled. "But whether it's Lu Ran or Mingri, the fact that he wrote this song for you shows that he recognizes your potential. Xiaoxue, you should cherish this opportunity."

"I can!" Xu Manxue nodded vigorously. "Sister, after listening to this song, do you think I can still sing?"

"Of course." Xu Manlin held her sister's hand, her eyes gentle. "Your voice is different from before, but it has more charm. This song suits you very well, really. I was very moved when I heard it."

As she spoke, her eyes reddened slightly: "Xiaoxue, seeing you like this makes me so happy. You've found a new direction, and you're doing very well."

"Sister!" Xu Manxue's nose also tingled with emotion.

"Don't cry." Xu Manlin smiled as she wiped away her tears. "You should be happy. Lu Ran is a rare talent. With his help, your future will definitely be bright."

She paused, then said, "By the way, I heard that Starlight and Starflower are targeting StarGlory lately?"

Xu Manxue nodded and recounted the recent online controversy.

After listening, Xu Manlin chuckled: "Just a bunch of clowns. Xiaoxue, believe it or not, Lu Ran doesn't even take them seriously."

Why?

"Because truly talented people don't elevate themselves by belittling their competitors before their work is released," Xu Manlin said. "The more Starlight and Star Entertainment do this, the more it shows their insecurity. They're afraid that 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' will really be a hit."

Xu Manxue seemed to be deep in thought.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Xu Manlin put a piece of fish on her younger sister's plate. "You focus on your training and singing. Leave the rest to Lu Ran and the others."

"Um!"

After lunch, Xu Manlin escorted her younger sister back to the training base.

Before parting, she suddenly said, "Xiaoxue, I'm going to England next month for a year of further studies in musical theatre."

Xu Manxue was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sister, I support you."

"Thank you." Xu Manlin hugged her younger sister. "When I come back, I hope to see you as a shining star."

"I will try my best!"

Watching her younger sister walk into the base, Xu Manlin stood in the sunlight, her smile relaxed and warm.

She could finally leave with peace of mind.

...