"Love Lost in 23 Days" broke five hundred million at the box office, establishing Lu Man's status in the industry in one fell swoop.

Originally, she was just a celebrity who had become popular due to a likable character in a hit TV series and her attractive appearance.

Nobody really cared.

People in the circle were willing to use her popularity to make some money, but they didn't show her any respect or concern.

After all, celebrities who slay with their traffic come and go too often, and their popularity is often very shallow.

But now, things were different. She had proven her box-office appeal and her likability among the general public with the most solid proof of all: actual box office performance. And with the outstanding acting she displayed in the movie, she proved her talent.

As a result, her status in the industry had soared. Although she was still considered a second-tier celebrity, her status was now solid. Moreover, she had taken a firm step toward the front line.

So these days, Lu Man was cooped up in her villa every day, not going anywhere, just hugging her phone, browsing her own news and reports, or sneaking peeks at the industry group chats.

Every time she saw reports praising her or the chat content, she would hug her phone and roll around on the bed with joy.

She felt that this period was the happiest she had been in years.

The reason she wanted to become a superstar was precisely to enjoy the adoration of millions of fans and the respect and praise from people within the circle, right?

Now she had it!

Just as she was reveling in her joy at home, Mei Li called her about something she wanted to discuss.

Because it was comfortable at home, Lu Man didn't want to go out, so she invited Mei Li to come over to the villa for the chat.

Half an hour later, Mei Li arrived at the gate of Lu Man's villa.

After ringing the doorbell, Lu Man, barefoot, ran down the stairs to open the door for Mei Li.

Mei Li had been to the villa many times, so she naturally changed her shoes and followed Lu Man upstairs.

Once in Lu Man's room, Mei Li finally disclosed the reason for her visit.

"Man Man, your performance in this movie has garnered recognition from many in the industry. I'm planning to campaign for an award for you," Mei Li revealed.

Upon hearing Mei Li's words, Lu Man didn't pay much attention.

She was well aware of her own limitations.

Although her performance in the movie was genuinely good, it was the result of the "training" by that freak Chen Yan. If it came down to acting skill alone, she was still a greenhorn.

Plus, she had offended the XU brothers and Director Zhang. With the substantial influence these people wielded in the film and entertainment industries, her chances of winning any awards were slim to none.

Perhaps sensing Lu Man's indifference, Mei Li said, "Man Man, don't think I'm joking. I've already reported this to President Chen. He was very pleased and told me to spare no effort."

When Lu Man heard Chen Yan mentioned by Mei Li, she lifted her head from her phone curiously and blinked, "Chen Yan thinks highly of me too?"

Mei Li recalled the words Chen Yan had said to her.

'Just report it. It's best if we win an award, and no loss if we don't. If the campaign needs money, just withdraw as needed. If company funds aren't sufficient, I'll inject more.'

After recalling, Mei Li nodded vigorously, "He has high hopes for you! He decided, no matter the cost, we have to win you that award!"

Surprised by Mei Li's words, Lu Man asked,

"Really?"

Lu Man pondered for a bit before speaking, "But... my chances of winning an award are pretty low, aren't they?"

Mei Li nodded first in agreement, then shook her head, "If it's for Best Actress, it's indeed a bit low. But... a nomination for Best Actress is still very likely."

"Besides, even if Best Actress is out of reach, with a bit of effort, winning the Best Rookie Award is absolutely no problem."

"After all, don't forget, this is your first film. You're eligible for that award."

"So, you definitely need to take this seriously!"

Seeing Mei Li's earnest expression, Lu Man finally stopped being as indifferent as before.

She nodded, "Okay!"

"Then wait for me for two minutes. I'll finish replying to this WeChat message, and then we can have a serious talk," she said.

Then she giggled twice, happily saying,

"Just now I deliberately brought up my topic in an actors' group chat with a fake account. They are all buttering me up with their flattery~"

Having said that, Lu Man excitedly typed an avalanche of words onto her phone...

Mei Li: .....

Once Lu Man's "self-entertainment" was finished, the two finally had time to seriously discuss the award.

Their discussion lasted all afternoon and into the evening.

When it was time for dinner, Lu Man ordered takeout, and they continued chatting while eating.

But halfway through the meal, her phone suddenly rang.

Chewing with a mouthful of food, Lu Man extended her delicate hand to pick up the phone, her face lighting up with happiness when she saw the screen displayed the name "Maria Chen."

Answering the call, Lu Man spoke to Chen Yan in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Hello~~ President Chen. What brings you to call me today?"

Mei Li glanced over at Lu Man but said nothing.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the phone, Chen Yan had just left the office.

Several companies had kept him particularly busy these days, so much so that he hadn't even found time to visit Lu Man, fulfilling the promise of gifting her the villa.

This call was about that matter.

So he smiled and replied, "I put in a full day of overtime today, just got off. I missed you a bit, so I wanted to call."

After speaking, he added, "Are you free now? Can I come and see you? I have something to discuss with you."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Lu Man... misinterpreted them.

She sneakily glanced at Mei Li and whispered, "How about... tomorrow? I'm not... very available right now."

Chen Yan was slightly taken aback.

Not available?

He asked, "Is there someone at your place?"

Lu Man hummed in confirmation, "Mei Li is here."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yan said with indifference, "Oh, that's fine. It's even better that Mei Li is there. I can talk to you both together."

Lu Man was stunned by Chen Yan's words.

"Chen Yan! You, you, you..."

Chen Yan was clueless.

"What's wrong?"

He even explained,

"After all, the matter I want to discuss with you is something you probably won't want to do. Mei Li is always looking out for you, so it's better to have her share the burden and save you some time."

Lu Man was so irritated she felt steam coming out of her ears. She scolded fiercely, "I'm not lazy! I can do it! I have time!"

"Come over! I'll make sure you can't leave this villa today!"

After saying that, she hung up the phone with a loud "snap."

Chen Yan, who was on his way to the villa, slowed his pace, and a huge question mark appeared over his head.

'What happened?'

'Does Lu Man want to handle the property transfer process herself?'

'For a big celebrity like her... it's not good to be so exposed.'

'And... why can't I leave the villa?'

Chen Yan was completely baffled.

Twenty minutes later, Chen Yan arrived at Lu Man's villa.

After ringing the doorbell, he heard Lu Man's sweet voice from inside, "Is that my brother-in-law? I'm coming to open the door right now."

Twin question marks appeared over Chen Yan's head: ??

The door opened, revealing Lu Man dressed in schoolgirl attire.

Seeing Chen Yan, she smiled shyly and said, "Brother-in-law, you must be tired after a long day. Come in and rest."

A thought flashed in Chen Yan's mind: Role-playing?

What was this little fairy up to now?

Chen Yan was here on serious business and didn't want to play games with her!

So Chen Yan was about to refuse her "righteously."

Before he could refuse, Lu Man leaned over, whispered in his ear, "Sis just got a call for work and went back to the office for overtime. It's just me at home now... "

Hearing Lu Man's words, Chen Yan swallowed hard.

Why did it feel so thrilling?

Might as well... see what happens next?

While Chen Yan was still hesitating, Lu Man didn't give him time to think.

She gently pulled his arm, brought Chen Yan inside, then closed the door behind her. As she tenderly took off his coat, she continued the narrative, "Did you have to work overtime at the company today, brother-in-law?"

"The company must be really busy these days, right?"

"You look so exhausted."

"Ah, really, you've sacrificed too much for this family these past years."

"And my sister is busy with work and can't take care of you."

"That's made it even harder for you."

"But thankfully, my university is right near your place, so after school, I can come over to look after you."

"The duties that my sister can't fulfill, let me, her little sister, take them on instead."

After she hung up Chen Yan's coat, she turned around, her face showing a pitiful look as she gazed at Chen Yan.

The sight of her seemingly ripe for the taking set Chen Yan on fire.

Got it, right? Got it, right?

This was the entrancing quality of this little fairy!

The night Chen Yan drank the "Imagination Potion," it was her who played such games on the phone with him! She had crafted an entire script on the fly to tease Chen Yan, leading him to lose control and be coaxed over by her!

And now, she was repeating her trick!

Another forbidden-type role-play tactic!

Didn't she know that the same move doesn't work on a Holy Warrior?!

Chen Yan "roared" in his mind for quite a while!

Then, looking at Lu Man's feigned innocence, he added silently to himself,

'Ah, too bad I'm not a Holy Warrior.'

After that thought, Chen Yan couldn't hold back any longer.

He hugged Lu Man and kissed her deeply.

Suddenly kissed by Chen Yan, Lu Man started hitting him "frantically," saying, "Brother-in-law! Don't do this! What if sis sees us?!"

Chen Yan paid her no mind!

Hmph! As if I'd believe that!

But what he didn't see was Lu Man, seized by his kiss, with a sly glimpse of cunning in her eyes, sneakily glancing upstairs...

——————

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