Mind reading saves the whole family; I'm firmly in the role of a charlatan.

Chapter 13 We were never meant to be.

Du Anrao's words struck like a bolt from the blue, leaving the two parties involved completely stunned.

Seeing that Du Hexuan seemed reluctant, Director Gao was afraid that he might offend this powerful investor in a fit of temper, so he quickly tried to persuade him, "It's just a meal, it won't take long. I'm here, aren't I? If you really have a few drinks later, I'll personally take you home, is that alright?"

Director Gao's words were actually a roundabout way of telling Du Hexuan that tonight was really just a meal and there would be nothing else going on.

Having said all that, Du Hexuan couldn't very well refuse.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Xi. Brother Zhou, please take An'an home first."

When Du Anrao heard that Du Hexuan wanted to send him back first to attend the banquet alone, he became anxious: "Second brother, can't I go with you?"

No, for my second brother's innocence, I have to go with him. Bravely and safely protect my second brother, defeat those unscrupulous capitalists, let's go!

Unscrupulous capitalist Xi Jingyue: ...

Du Hexuan: ...

My dear, with your tiny arms and legs, if something were to happen to you, would you protect me or would I protect you?

"Is this the...sister of Actor Du?" Xi Jingyue quickly adjusted his facial expression and invited with a faint smile, "Why don't you come along? It'll be more fun with more people."

Du Hexuan frowned, remaining noncommittal, but this only confirmed Du Anrao's suspicions.

[This guy definitely has designs on my second brother, otherwise why would he be so easy to talk to? I still have to go with him. If necessary, I can just carry my brother and run; I guarantee no one can catch us.]

Du Hexuan: ...

Thank you so much!

Xi Jingyue: ...

Is it possible that he did have ulterior motives, but his target was someone else?

In the end, the group decided to act together, otherwise Du Hexuan was really worried that no sooner had Zhou Shunzhe send Du Anrao away than she would secretly follow them out again.

Xi Jingyue booked a private restaurant, which was not large in area, but the decoration was extremely exquisite and sophisticated, with an antique style.

To prevent the misunderstanding from deepening, Xi Jingyue led everyone to their seats and began to explain: "Today is really just to meet with Actor Du and have a meal together. In fact, you may not know that my cousin Li Yuesheng, who is also the author of the original novel of the drama you are currently filming, Canghai Yueming, is a loyal fan of Actor Du."

"The character of the master in the drama was originally based on actor Du. After the book unexpectedly became a hit and the film and television rights were put on the table, my cousin only made one request: regardless of the other characters, the role of the master must be played by actor Du."

Du Hexuan and even Director Gao were unaware of this hidden connection and were momentarily taken aback.

Director Gao was the first to realize: "No wonder! I was wondering why the original author would choose me over all those options, so that's why..."

Although Gao is considered a well-known director, most of his previous works were in the genre of ancient costume martial arts. Although he also made a few fantasy films, they were not very successful.

The TV series he is currently producing already had a large audience and was heavily promoted by the platform, making it a truly big IP.

Several directors of fantasy dramas who were more famous and experienced than him were interested in collaborating with him, but unexpectedly, this opportunity fell into his lap. Before this, Director Gao only thought it was because he offered a high price and took the initiative to make concessions, giving himself a lot of say.

Now, after Xi Jingyue brought it up, he realized that the other party probably already knew that he was familiar with Du Hexuan and was sure that he could really invite him, so he chose him over better options.

This shows that the author truly loves Du Hexuan!

Du Anrao was also amazed by the original author's outrageous actions after hearing this.

[Wow! Is this the legendary "we were never meant to be, but I managed to win over everyone with my money"? Are all rich people this straightforward yet cunning when it comes to chasing celebrities? First, they write a character based on you, then adapt it into a movie, cast the actual star, and finally, they conveniently ask for an autograph. Each step is meticulously planned and executed. Amazing, truly amazing!]

Seeing that Du Anrao's attention had been diverted by Li Yuesheng and that she was no longer concerned about her second brother's innocence, Xi Jingyue breathed a sigh of relief.

"Including my unsolicited visit today, my cousin is currently studying abroad and is very busy with her studies, so she really can't find the time to come back in a short period of time. Knowing that this drama has started filming, and since I happened to be in the vicinity, she asked me to come and take a look on her behalf, and also to get an autograph from Actor Du. I wonder if Actor Du will do me the honor of doing so later, so that I can fulfill my cousin's request."

Xi Jingyue's words were half true and half false. Li Yuesheng's instructions were true, but tonight's dinner was not originally in the budget.

He originally only planned to take a few candid photos of Du Hexuan on set and then ask the director for a few autographs from Du Hexuan to get by.

Who would have thought that they would meet Du Anrao in this place? What was originally a chore they were unwilling to do turned into an excellent reason to get closer to him.

Du Hexuan was unaware of the intricacies involved and realized that he might have truly misunderstood the other party's intentions, which made him somewhat embarrassed.

"It is my honor to have gained Ms. Li's favor. I will have my agent prepare some gifts for her later. I hope Mr. Xi can pass them on to me to express my gratitude to Ms. Li for her support and affection."

"Definitely." Xi Jingyue smiled faintly and raised his glass to Du Hexuan.

Du Anrao watched this scene while gnawing on a chicken foot, feeling both relieved and disappointed.

[Thank goodness, I thought my second brother's charm was already so great that he could charm both men and women and bewitch everyone. Now it seems there's still room for improvement.]

Du Hexuan: "..." How else could he improve, to the point of being attractive to both men and women?
[But speaking of which, my second brother's fangirl also has the surname Li, the same as my fourth sister's. Wait, Li Yuesheng, Li Yuesheng… wait!]

Du Anrao paused in his chicken foot-eating motion, then timidly raised his hand: "Excuse me, but what are the characters in President Xi's cousin's name?"

Xi Jingyue thought to herself, "So you finally noticed!"

That's right, he just specifically mentioned this name to test whether Du Anrao knew about Li Yuesheng's relationship with her husband.

However, she subtly feigned a hint of doubt on her face: "The 'Yue' in 'Dai Dai Zhi Yue' and the 'Sheng' in 'Sheng Se He Ming'. Miss Du, do you know my cousin?"

"...I don't know it, but I think the name...is quite nice."

After finishing his sentence, Du Anrao lowered his head and continued gnawing on the chicken feet, as if it had just been a casual question.

Only Du Hexuan and Xi Jingyue knew that her mind was racing at that moment.

[The "Yue" in "Dai Dai Zhi Yue" and the "Sheng" in "Sheng Se He Ming"—it really is her! Li Yuesheng, one of the twins from the eldest branch of the Li family, and the fourth sister's nominal cousin! It's like finding a needle in a haystack. I was just wondering where to meet someone from the Li family, and here she is, delivered right to my doorstep!]

(End of this chapter)