Chapter 210 Keep the Flag Flying at Home, Let the Colorful Flags Fly Outside

On the day Director Guan’s cast list was announced, the entertainment industry shook three times over.

This casting completely ignored market rules. They picked a lineup full of powerhouse actors, along with some unknown rising talents.

Lu Er’s name was in the middle of the list, with the role noted as: Undercover Agent.

The entire series didn’t mark “Male Lead” or “Second Male Lead.” It was an ensemble drama, where every character had their own shining moment.

Yan Huaijin, Gu Jinzhou, and Ye Qingge were also on the list.

Once the list was out, the top five trending topics on Weibo were all related to it. The hottest one read:

#DirectorGuanIsSeriousThisTime#

The comment section exploded:

“Lu Er actually got into Director Guan’s team? I thought he was done for.”

“Up there, whether you’re ‘done’ or not depends on skill. Lu Er’s acting wasn’t bad to begin with.”

“Am I the only one noticing Gu Jinzhou and Yan Huaijin are in the same team again? Don’t these two fight and trend online every day?”

“Ye Qingge’s resources are impressive; even a serious drama she can get into.”

“Am I the only one curious about Lu Er’s role? Undercover agent? With that face?”

Lu Er scrolled through the comments, pausing a moment on the one about “Undercover Agent,” and smiled.

In a video call, Song Jingmo asked, “What’s so funny?”

“Funny that the netizens have good taste,” Lu Er said, sending a screenshot, “saying my face doesn’t look like an undercover agent.”

Song Jingmo looked at Lu Er’s face carefully and said, “Indeed, it doesn’t.”

Lu Er’s face was too delicate—perfect brows, sharp features, flawless pale skin. He looked like someone meant to live under the spotlight, not lurking in the shadows as an undercover agent.

“I don’t know much about acting, but if Director Guan chose you, there must be a reason.”

Song Jingmo’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “When do you start filming?”

“In five days.”

Lu Er yawned. “Tomorrow night, Director Guan is holding a cast meetup at the S City Four Seas Hotel. All actors will meet in advance to get familiar with each other.”

Song Jingmo nodded. “I’ll be going to S City next week for an academic conference, probably staying three days.”

Lu Er’s eyes lit up. “Really? Then I’ll wait for you.”

“Mm.”

The next night, at the Four Seas Hotel.

The banquet was in the hotel’s top-floor ballroom. Beyond the massive floor-to-ceiling windows was the dazzling night view of S City.

Director Guan was in his sixties, hair graying, body slim.

“What we’re filming this time isn’t an idol drama, nor a commercial film. It’s history, memory, those people who shouldn’t be forgotten.”

“So, I hope everyone here can put aside your celebrity identities, drop your airs, and see yourselves as ordinary actors, as people who want to tell a good story.”

The ballroom was quiet; everyone listened attentively.

Director Guan didn’t say many formalities, just briefly explained the significance of the drama, then let the actors mingle freely.

Lu Er held a glass, standing by the window, watching the flowing car lights outside.

Ye Qingge walked over and tapped her glass against his.

“Thinking about your husband?”

“A little.”

Lu Er answered honestly. “We haven’t seen each other in almost a month, sigh~”

Ye Qingge rolled her eyes. “Just a month? I thought it was half a year.”

Tilting his head back to drink, Lu Er said in a plaintive tone, “Truly, you can’t have both fish and bear’s paw. But the boomerang will always return, even if late.”

“As expected of an A University graduate, your words are always so… structured.”

Ye Qingge also raised her glass, swirled it, and drank.

By around nine o’clock, people gradually left the banquet.

Lu Er was about to head back to his room when his phone rang.

Startled, he quickly answered: “Uncle Song?”

“Little Lu,” Song Sinian’s calm, gentle voice came through the receiver as always. “Hope I’m not disturbing your rest?”

“No, no. I just stepped out of the hotel.”

Lu Er hurriedly said, “Uncle, why call so late?”

“I just returned to the country today, currently on a business trip in S City. Suinian bought you something, saying last time we met was too rushed, and she didn’t have time to prepare properly.”

“During last night’s video call, Jingmo said you were in S City, so Suinian wanted me to stop by.”

Lu Er felt a warmth in his heart. “Auntie is too polite. I’m at the Four Seas Hotel. Uncle, where are you? I’ll come meet you.”

“No need. I’m not far. Fifteen minutes. Just wait for me at the hotel entrance.”

“Okay, I’ll wait.”

Hanging up, Lu Er put his phone back in his pocket.

The spring night in S City was pleasant—neither hot nor cold, with a faint floral scent in the air.

The hotel entrance had a tree-lined path, with peach trees in full bloom. The pink petals were vibrant.

There weren’t many people around, so Lu Er didn’t bother wearing a mask.

He strolled along the path alone, enjoying this rare peaceful moment.

Just then, his phone vibrated.

Song Jingmo sent a WeChat message: “Banquet over? Did my dad go to meet you?”

Lu Er smiled, replying: “Just ended. Waiting for Uncle at the hotel entrance enjoying the breeze!”

“Drank?”

“A little.”

“Dizzy?”

“Not dizzy, just a bit sleepy.”

“After getting the gift, go rest early. Remember to drink some honey water.”

“Got it, Dr. Song.”

Lately, Song Jingmo was becoming more like a mother—busy as he was, he still worried if Lu Er had eaten or slept.

Lu Er put his phone back, looking up at the blooming peach trees.

In the distance, a few dark shapes were sneaking among the trees.

“See that? See that?”

A tall, thin man whispered, holding a telephoto lens like a cannon, pointing at Lu Er at the hotel entrance. “I told you tonight we’d get a big shot.”

A chubby guy peered at the camera screen: “It’s really Lu Er. Standing alone at the hotel entrance late at night, something’s definitely up.”

“He really is stubborn. Such a top celebrity, brother’s the CEO of Lu Group, he could have anyone, yet insists on being so single-minded.”

“Exactly. If it were me, I’d agree to a family-arranged marriage. Keep the home flag flying, let the colorful flags fly outside!”

“Some rich people’s way of thinking is really hard to understand.”

“Don’t be so pervy. Maybe it’s his boyfriend visiting?”

“Impossible. I got his boyfriend’s schedule. He has surgery at 8 a.m. tomorrow, can’t be in S City.”

“Then who’s he waiting for late at night?”

“Definitely cheating.”

The guy with glasses scoffed: “These celebrities are all like this—pretending to be so affectionate on the surface, but secretly playing around.”

The tall guy adjusted the focus; Lu Er on the camera became clearer. “Do you think he’s waiting for a man or a woman?”

“Hard to say.”

The chubby one stroked his chin. “But judging by the stance, he’s been standing there for over ten minutes. Definitely not an ordinary friend.”

“Must be a sponsor, otherwise why wait outside?”

The chubby guy rubbed his hands excitedly: “Quick, take more shots! If this gets confirmed, we’ll be counting money until our hands cramp!”