{"id":3639,"date":"2026-05-28T04:04:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T04:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/dont-play-with-fire-entertainment-industry-21\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T04:04:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T04:04:26","slug":"dont-play-with-fire-entertainment-industry-21","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/chapter\/dont-play-with-fire-entertainment-industry-21\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Play with Fire [Entertainment Industry] 21"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chapter 21: Twenty-One Fires

After finishing the dishes, Yan Duo went back to her room. She was exhausted from the morning and wanted to take a nap. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, the phone rang. In a sour mood, she glanced at it casually\u2014the number wasn\u2019t saved in her contacts, but she recognized it from several previous calls. Without a second thought, she hung up immediately. Worried the caller might persist, she powered off her phone altogether.

Ji Sizhe is nothing but trouble\u2014it’s best to keep your distance.

On the other end of the line, after being hung up on, Ji Sizhe called again. Only when he heard the shutdown prompt did he give up on making a third attempt. Then it occurred to him that he hadn’t seen his uncle in a long time since returning. Seeing entertainment news reports that he was back in T City, Ji Sizhe dialed the number again.

“Uncle, are you busy? It’s been a while since we last met. Let me treat you to a meal.”

Ji Siz\u00e9 is the son of Ji Ran’s cousin who settled in Country Y. He used to study abroad, but this year, for some reason, he suddenly decided to enter the domestic entertainment industry as an artist. His father, who dotes on him as his only son, saw no problem with this small request. Besides, wasn’t Ji Ran the perfect person to help out? So he called and asked Ji Ran to transfer Ji Siz\u00e9 to a domestic film school and look after him.

Ji Ran had a decent relationship with that cousin. He could lend a hand with the transfer school matter, but as for taking care\u2014he didn\u2019t have the time, nor the energy to discipline a grown adult.

“I don’t have time lately.”

Ji Ran had no fondness for this nephew who was constantly embroiled in scandals, especially since he had recently provoked Yan Duo. His dislike grew even stronger, and without a second thought, he refused.

Ji Sizhe didn’t think much of it, just like his uncle It would be strange for such a big shot to have free time anyway\u2014he probably just said it offhand.

“Uncle, Dad said you got married, is that true? When can I meet Auntie?”

Ji Sizhe had little contact with the old Ji family residence and rarely interacted with them. During the last birthday celebration for Ji Ran’s grandmother, he sent a gift but didn’t attend in person, so he was unaware of many details. It wasn’t until the New Year when his father advised him to avoid causing trouble with girls and to learn from Ji Ran’s example that he found out about Ji Ran’s marriage.

Ji Ran frowned slightly, “There will be opportunities.” It would be good to introduce Yan Duo to him\u2014he should know that not all women are ones he can afford to provoke.

The uncle and nephew casually chatted for a few words before hanging up. Ji Ran put away his phone and got up to return to the bedroom. The room was slightly chilly. Ji Ran glanced toward the bed and saw Yan Duo wearing a short-sleeved pajama set, uncovered, her whole body curled into a ball.

Ji Ran raised his hand to adjust the temperature higher, then covered her with a thin blanket before lying down beside her.

As soon as he lay down, the woman beside him snuggled closer, wrapping her icy hands around his arm, draping her long legs over his stomach, and nuzzling her head into the crook of his shoulder while murmuring to herself, “So cold, so cold.”

Ji Ran found it somewhat amusing. He reached out to pull her into his embrace and tugged the kicked-off blanket back over them.

After a few minutes, Yan Duo’s hand gradually warmed up in Ji Ran’s palm. Staring at the ceiling lost in thought, Ji Ran wondered\u2014during his absence, had she often failed to take care of herself like this? Waking up cold in the summer, unable to find warmth, and thus avoiding this bed, this home, or even him?

When Yan Duo woke from her nap, a plate of fruit had appeared on the bedside table. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, she unceremoniously finished them all. Her feelings about Ji Ran suddenly demonstrating “husbandly functionality” were complicated. Experiencing his kindness before the divorce left her somewhat satisfied yet also a little despondent\u2014she didn\u2019t know who would get to enjoy the fruits he prepared in the future.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, as they ate breakfast together, Ji Ran, knowing she was heading out, asked, “Should I give you a ride?”

Yan Duo widened her eyes and refused, “No way, I’m going to the company. Everyone there knows me\u2014what if they recognize me?”

Just two days ago, the two of them were still trending on social media, right in the eye of the storm. If paparazzi were to capture them together now, who knows what kind of uproar it might stir up.

Ji Ran didn’t say anything more upon hearing this.

After breakfast, Yan Duo took the breakfast she bought for Qi Sixian and went to the company.

Qi Sixian was eating a bowl of steaming hot beef noodles, tears and snot running down his face from the spiciness, while saying to Yan Duo, “I got you a sanitary pad commercial, the G brand.”

G Brand is a well-known brand, and Yan Duo only endorses one of its new products.

Yan Duo, who was drinking water, nearly choked to death. After coughing a few times to catch her breath, she thought, “Well, sanitary pads are better than condoms,” and asked, “Will my face be printed on the packaging?”

Qi Sixian glanced at her, “What are you thinking? How could I possibly have your face appear in every women’s restroom, placed alongside excrement?”

Yan Duo: ……

“I can’t thank you enough, sis.”

Qi Sixian readily agreed, “You’re welcome, so I fully deserve this bowl of noodles from you.”

Yan Duo rolled her eyes so hard they nearly reached the sky.

After Qi Sixian finished breakfast, the two of them officially began discussing the upcoming work.

“For the first six months after you graduate, you’ll hardly have any time to rest, so you need to be prepared.”

Yan Duo’s luck wasn’t bad\u2014at least the beginning of “Power Play” went well. Due to her personal image and character setting, she gained some fans and maintained decent public appeal. Moreover, the TV dramas she previously acted in would be released successively, ensuring continuous exposure without any gaps in her career.

To make the most of this favorable momentum, Qi Sixian hoped she could film more dramas to dominate the screen for a while. After all, accumulating a certain number of productions would help both her acting skills and fan base growth.

In the entertainment industry, looks account for thirty percent, while hard work makes up seventy. Beauty is merely a stepping stone\u2014fans may initially adore celebrities for their appearance, but to sustain their affection, one must possess acting skills and notable works. For actors, no amount of gossip or variety show appearances can outweigh the value of solid performances. Therefore, Yan Duo’s current priority is to act more.

Yan Duo nodded, “No problem.”

The moment she stepped into the entertainment industry, she knew this day would come, so she had long been mentally prepared.

Qi Sixian nodded, “After you get your graduation certificate tomorrow, you’ll leave the day after to participate in a variety show. When you return, you’ll make a guest appearance in a sci-fi movie, and then wait to join the film crew for ‘Waiting for You Year After Year’…”

Yan Duo listened while looking at the tablet Qi Sixian had placed in front of her. When she heard this, her eyes widened. “Sis, hold on a second…”

Qi Sixian looked up at her and said, “Go ahead.”

Yan Duo pointed at the content on the tablet and said, “The movie ‘Waiting for You Year After Year,’ and I’m the female lead?”

Qi Sixian: “Hmm.”

Yan Duo: “Ji Ran is the male lead?”

Qi Sixian laughed, “Surprised?”

Yan Duo: ……

“Didn’t you say before that a director approached me to work with him, but he refused?”

Qi Sian nodded, “Yes, that drama is a palace intrigue series. He played the emperor, and you played the emperor’s ‘white moonlight.’ Ji Ran probably thought the plot was too similar to ‘Power Play,’ so he declined. Of course, as your far-sighted agent, I didn\u2019t take the role for you either.”

In the short term, playing multiple similar roles can easily lead the audience to stereotype an actor or even grow weary of them, which isn\u2019t beneficial for an actor\u2019s growth. Hence, most artists with options would avoid such a situation.

When Qi Sian initially told Yan Duo that Ji Ran had declined to collaborate with her, he hadn\u2019t mentioned the genre of their would-be project. Only now did Yan Duo understand why Ji Ran refused\u2014she would have done the same in his place. As for their current project, “Waiting for You Through the Years,” Qi Sian had shown her the script beforehand. It was about past and present lives, a completely different genre.

“Then why didn\u2019t you tell me earlier that the male lead in this movie was Ji Ran?” Yan Duo asked again.

Qi Sixian shrugged, “When I received the negotiation, I only heard that the director was talking to several male actors, but nothing was finalized yet. Those actors were all more established than you, and each one was a good match for you, so I didn’t pay much attention. It wasn’t until the male lead was confirmed that I found out it was Ji Ran.”

Yan Duo felt frustrated\u2014did everyone deserve her?

“Then why was I chosen?”

Qi Sixian pondered for a moment, “Probably because you’re cheaper?”

Yan Duo: ……

Qi Sixian burst into laughter seeing Yan Duo’s speechless expression\u2014she was practically her personal source of joy!

The male lead was a big-name star, while the female lead was a newcomer just starting to make waves. There were actually some details Fan Xian didn\u2019t allow Qi Sixian to disclose.

“Waiting for You Through the Years” was a major IP adaptation, and the competition among established and rising actresses was fierce\u2014far too many to count. Originally, Yan Duo wouldn\u2019t have had a chance at the female lead role. But Fan Xian had high hopes for this drama, believing it had great potential to become a hit, so he went to some lengths to secure this opportunity for her.

At Ji Ran\u2019s home, at ten in the morning, Li Qiao arrived with the newly purchased safe.

The safe didn’t look very large, with an outer layer of painted solid wood panels that made it resemble a small bookshelf. Inside was high-density premium steel weighing 20 kilograms.

Ji Ran inspected it thoroughly and was quite satisfied. He directed Li Qiao to move the safe into an empty cabinet in the walk-in closet and securely closed the cabinet door.

Li Qiao stood in place, unwilling to leave. “Brother Ji, aren’t you going to test it out?”

Since yesterday, he had been curious about what Ji Ran would put inside. Over the years, he had been by Ji Ran’s side, handling his finances. As far as he knew, Ji Ran wasn’t fond of buying collectibles, and there hadn’t been any significant outflows from his accounts recently. Moreover, he hadn’t heard Ji Ran mention purchasing anything expensive. Could it be a gift from someone else?

At this moment, Li Qiao’s words were merely a test. If Ji Ran wanted to show him, he would take it out; if it was inconvenient, he would likely remain silent to indicate his stance. But to Li Qiao’s surprise, Ji Ran’s rejection was so direct.

“After you leave, I’ll try it.”

If it weren’t for knowing Ji Ran’s personality all these years, Li Qiao would have thought he was joking\u2014but who jokes so seriously? And he actually urged him to come downstairs!

Oh my, what kind of treasure could possibly be inside there! Li Qiao grew increasingly curious.

After finishing work in the morning, Yan Duo had lunch with Qi Sixian and was about to head home when she received a call from Ji Ran.

“When will you be back?”

The first time she received Ji Ran’s check-in call, Yan Duo felt a bit strange inside. “I’ll be back soon, just waiting for the car.”

During the summer after Yan Duo graduated from high school, Yan Yi tried to teach her how to drive at home. Whether it was because Yan Yi was a terrible instructor or Yan Duo was simply hopeless, she couldn’t grasp the basics after hours of practice. In the end, if Yan Yi hadn’t intervened, she would have driven the car straight into the neighborhood’s public swimming pool. Afterward, Yan Xuenian gave Yan Yi a good thrashing and docked his allowance for a month, but none of this could dispel Yan Duo’s newfound fear of driving. From then on, she’d rather spend money on taxis than ever attempt to learn driving again.

“I haven’t had lunch yet,” Ji Ran said on the other end of the phone.

“Ah?” Yan Duo didn’t have time to figure out the inexplicable sense of grievance she was feeling. Hearing Ji Ran say he hadn’t eaten yet, she grew a little anxious. “How come you haven’t eaten yet? It’s already 1 o’clock.”

Ji Ran: “I was so absorbed in reading the script at home that I lost track of time.”

Yan Duo sighed\u2014Ji Ran’s stomach problems probably came from this too.

“What would you like to eat? I can order takeout for you.”

It’s already so late; it’s not practical to do it now. Might as well buy something ready-made. siluxsw.com

“Forget takeout, I want the sour and spicy beef noodles from Niu Ji’s, with a poached egg, extra chili and cilantro, and a cup of freshly ground soy milk from Dou’s. Can you grab that for me?”

Yan Duo: ……

Is Ji Ran jealous of Sister Qi?

No! He didn’t know she bought it for Sister Qi!

He actually eavesdropped on her phone call?

No, no, no, none of that matters!

What’s important is that he actually said to add extra chili!!!

How can he eat spicy food!

The author has something to say: Author: Ji Ran, if you have the guts, copy all the words Duoduo and Qi Sixian said later!

Ji Ran: Ahem, the timing isn’t right yet.

Author: …So you actually had such plans!<\/p>","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-3639","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3639"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3641,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/3639\/revisions\/3641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=3639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}