It was just a love letter; I'm really no great writer!

"I'm going to buy a drink!"

Lu Ran sat up abruptly. "Sister Di, what would you like to drink?"

"Drinks aren't allowed in the theater." Di Qingling smiled. "Are you thirsty?"

I'm not thirsty, but I'm craving something sweet.

Lu Ran didn't know what he was nervous about.

The theater was dimly lit, and the corner of her eye revealed the soft contours of her face, with her crescent moon pendant dangling lightly.

As the surrounding noise faded away, Lu Ran heard a strong thumping in his chest, like that of an eighteen-year-old virgin who had never been in love.

Yes, my mental age is almost eighteen.

"I still have some mineral water here, you can drink this first." Di Qingling took a bottle of water out of her bag and handed it to him.

"Thank you... Sister Di." Lu Ran didn't dare to look her in the eye.

Those eyes, as deep as a still pool, reflected a myriad of colors, like a mirage.

I was captivated without even realizing it...

He quickly drank some water to calm his overheated brain.

"No need to thank me, just call me sister," Di Qingling said with a light laugh.

*Pfft...* In an instant, Lu Ran felt his heart skip a beat again, as if dopamine was surging.

What's going on? What's going on? My water is burning hot.

They just treat me like a younger brother.

Royal brother.

"There are so many people..." Lu Ran pretended to look around.

Di Qingling smiled faintly, without pointing it out.

As audience members gradually took their seats, every seat was filled, creating a spectacular sight.

Smelling the fresh, delicate fragrance, Lu Ran noticed her leaning forward, her long hair flowing gently towards him.

"sister……"

"Call me 'sister'."

"..."

Seeing the smile on her lips, Lu Ran finally realized he was being teased. Emboldened by lust, he leaned closer and said, "Sister!"

Di Qingling's fair and slender neck flushed red, she hummed twice, and her soft body shrank into the cushion, exuding an indescribable shyness and charm.

We've won back a point!

Lu Ran recalled the interview that day. Her shrewd and capable demeanor, sharp eyes, and cool and aloof appearance easily intimidated the entire audience.

This contrasts sharply with the fact that the exterior is strong while the interior is weak at this time.

Perhaps all women have two sides?

"You said you need my help, what is it?" Di Qingling frowned and asked seriously.

Lu Ran thought for a moment and said:

"Oh, it was last week. I was practicing the xiao (vertical flute) in Boya Building in the morning, and I responded to the sound of a pipa (lute) from afar, but unfortunately, I didn't encounter it again afterward."

"I heard that Professor Xie Jingna taught folk music in Boya Building at the time, so I wanted to ask her which of her students majored in the pipa..."

"Why didn't you ask her then, and now you're looking for her?" Di Qingling said with a half-smile.

Okay, I was too pretentious back then... Lu Ran smiled awkwardly: "I didn't intend to do anything, I just... just invited her to dinner. Why bother with formalities when we've met before?"

"The show is about to start, let's watch the performance first." Di Qingling made a shushing gesture.

"Uh-huh."

Lu Ran composed himself and focused intently on the stage.

This stage play is being performed for the first time, but judging from the overwhelming publicity, it is no less than a top-tier theatrical production.

Judging from the cast, it's basically all A-list actors, including veteran actors who can carry a film's box office.

The stage design and set design are also extraordinary—the scene where the entire family parasitizes the rich man's family and the double-layered stage rises is full of tension!

Lu Ran was completely immersed in the drama.

The actors' performances were very compelling, and even newcomers like Xue Weiwei and Lu Huamian didn't feel out of place at all in the drama.

One climax after another.

While a family was enjoying drinks in their mansion, a sudden downpour flooded their poor family home, which was located in a lower-lying area.

The stark contrast further highlights the cold disillusionment and reality.

No matter how much one disguises, schemes, or parasitizes, the social classes of the rich and the poor remain an insurmountable chasm.

The shocking reversals came one after another.

The stage floor opens up, revealing that beneath the poor lies an even deeper abyss.

The debt-ridden nanny family had been living as parasites in President Kim's house for a long time, residing in a dark and gloomy basement...

After the rainstorm, the wealthy family was preparing a birthday banquet for their youngest son.

Three families, three social classes, staged a bloody and primal struggle and battle at a birthday banquet. The stirring music, the impact of the dramatic conflicts, and the satire and questioning of the plight of the poor resonated deeply with every audience member.

The play ended, and the actors took their bows.

The applause fell like raindrops, gradually gathering into a torrential downpour that echoed endlessly in the empty theater.

Sighs and tears could be heard from those around.

"Who wrote this script? The concept is brilliant!"

"A true work of realism! Sharp! Masterful! Definitely the work of a top-tier screenwriter!"

"Lu Ran... I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before. Hmm, isn't that the author of 'The Ballad of the Pipa'? The literary styles are so similar!"

"I cried during my first stage play, it was so moving!"

"The stage design is amazing! I thought there were only three levels, but there's another level underground..."

"It was so amazing! I want to watch it again!"

"The most perfect stage play!"

"I'm going to bring my friends to see it again. This is such a great story, we have to support it!"

"..."

The theater lights came on, Lu Ran clapped his hands lightly, turned to look at Di Qingling, and exclaimed in surprise:

"It's even more breathtaking than I imagined! Director Di's directing skills must be world-class, right? It's simply an exquisite work of art."

Di Qingling glared at him, but smiled with amusement.

At this moment, all the hard work, suffering, and grievances were worth it for this smile.

After the theater's announcement that the show was over, Di Qingling led Lu Ran backstage.

The lead actors, still in their makeup and covered in blood with knives stuck in their bodies, greeted the audience with excited expressions.

"This is the screenwriter? He's so young!"

"The screenwriter is amazing."

"If you have a new drama next time, consider me. I can play any role as long as it's a script by Teacher Lu!"

One by one, big-name celebrities and A-list actors took the initiative to shake Lu Ran's hand.

Lu Ran was flattered and overwhelmed. Holy crap, isn't this my mom's childhood idol? Holy crap, this is my childhood idol! Holy crap, this is a super popular idol…

It's just like paying respects to a patron.

The most important people pay their respects first, and then the supporting actors.

Xue Weiwei, pure and lovely with long black hair, walked over nervously with an expression of admiration in her eyes: "Hello, Teacher Lu, I am Xue Weiwei, the actress who plays Duohui."

"You did a great job, keep it up." Lu Ran smiled.

"Thank you, Teacher Lu! I will try my best!" Xue Weiwei covered her mouth, tears of joy streaming down her face.

A blockbuster stage play like "Parasite" costs over five million in marketing and production, but a single performance can gross one million at the box office. Once it receives rave reviews, it's pure profit...

Even if she only plays minor supporting roles, the decent salary and increased fame are enough to change her acting career.

Finally, a handsome "little boy" ran over, with bright eyes and white teeth, and it was hard to tell if he was male or female.

Lu Ran was deeply impressed by her; she played the role of Lu Huamian, a young actress who cross-dressed as Duosong.

"Little girl, you acted wonderfully!" Lu Ran wanted to pat her head.

Lu Huamian coldly pushed his hand away, bared her little tiger teeth, glared at him, and quickly ran away.

Lu Ran chuckled, "Kids these days are really unlovable." He completely forgot that he was only two or three years older than her.

"This child is quite pitiful," Di Qingling said without adding anything further.

She took Lu Ran to the theater's cafeteria, where there were cold dishes, snacks, and drinks, and also ordered two hot dishes.

Di Qingling poured him a glass of red wine: "Congratulations, Teacher Lu. Judging from the response to the premiere, you're going to join the ranks of top screenwriters!"

"Then we have to thank Director Di for his achievements." Lu Ran understood and lowered the rim of his glass.

"Hehehe~" Di Qingling laughed like a wind chime, "Sometimes I really doubt you're older than that."

"What's so special about that? My sister is only a few years older than me, and she's already this amazing." Lu Ran glanced at her.

Under the bright lights, Di Qingling's features were exquisite and flawless, and her mesmerizing eyes exuded a captivating allure.

He suppressed his trembling: "Um... Professor Xie, when do you have time...?"

"No need to trouble her."

"Why, why?"

"Didn't you say you were going to treat me to dinner? I'll reluctantly give you a chance," Di Qingling said casually.

Lu Ran was stunned, then exclaimed in surprise, "It's you?"

I searched high and low, but found nothing.

He couldn't forget the ethereal, mysterious pipa player who had responded to his calls; it turned out...

is her.