Chapter 74

Lin Qianman eventually found a suitable film crew for Tao Nian to join two days before Feng Jun was due to come down the mountain.

Lin Qianman personally selected each script. Many production teams immediately offered lead roles, but Lin Qianman knew that Tao Nian wasn’t ready to play a protagonist.

The role she accepted for Tao Nian was a supporting role in an idol drama. The female lead was a scientist, and Tao Nian played the robot created by the female lead.

The female lead’s character was a bookworm who, having displayed extraordinary talent since childhood and spent her life immersed in the laboratory, had a different way of thinking from normal people. Her emotional intelligence was very low, and she struggled to understand indirect things. Her interactions with the male lead were often comical.

Tao Nian’s robot character, like its owner, was unskilled in everything except learning. It was always innocent, lacked emotions, and gradually learned, but as a robot, it couldn’t genuinely feel those emotions from its heart.

This perfectly mirrored Tao Nian’s current state. Tao Nian’s delicate and petite appearance was very suitable for a robot. As for the part about learning emotions and the unwritten rules of the human world, she could play it perfectly as herself. Although the director was a newcomer, his previous TV series had a good reputation, and this script was good. As long as the actors and post-production didn’t fail, this drama should be a minor hit.

Lin Qianman considered everything thoroughly. After seeing the script, she met with the director for a detailed discussion and even secured an investment for the director. This was to prevent the director from being forced to cast untalented actors with poor acting skills as leads due to financial constraints.

With the help of Lin Qianman’s studio, the production quickly began.

Lin Qianman planned to send Tao Nian to the film set half a month before shooting started.

At first, Tao Nian was a bit reluctant. She had been incredibly busy that month. As one of the most popular idols of the year, she had a large fan base and good public appeal. Backed by Lin Qianman, she never lacked resources and was cooperative without acting like a diva. Consequently, many shows wanted to feature her. She spent her days recording shows, walking red carpets, and attending events. In her spare time, she had online classes and daily calligraphy homework. Especially to prepare for filming and ensure a steady stream of content during this gap, Orange Entertainment worked her relentlessly, signing her up for a lot of work.

Before she could even catch her breath, she was about to be sent to the film set. Lin Qianman also told her that she would still need to take online classes and continue practicing calligraphy on set. Furthermore, she had to listen to the director and learn to apply the theories taught by her teachers to actual acting.

Tao Nian couldn’t help but think of her ideal job as an eating broadcaster again.

For the first time, she showed a hint of resistance. When Lin Qianman gave her instructions, she didn’t blink at her or nod continuously. This time, she looked down, picked at her fingernails, swaying left and right, deliberately avoiding Lin Qianman’s gaze.

Lin Qianman looked at the top of her head and felt that Tao Nian was practically screaming her refusal. Lin Qianman was silent for a moment, then sighed: “If you don’t want to go, then don’t. You are indeed very tired every day.”

She was even more tired than during “Idol 101.” Back then, she trained daily but still had time to eat. Tao Nian ate a lot, spending over an hour on each meal. But now, she rushed through meals on the go every day, and over time, she had even lost a bit of weight.

Tao Nian was deeply moved. She looked up at Lin Qianman, her eyes welling with tears. She wanted to tell her about her ideal job as an eating broadcaster. She understood a little now: she was different from normal people, so she was actually very suitable to be an eating broadcaster, she had racial talent!

But in the end, she didn’t say it.

Because Lin Qianman handed her the phone: “Feng Jun is coming down the mountain the day after tomorrow. Wu Xuan is picking her up and said she hasn’t seen you in a long time. Once she’s down the mountain, she’ll…”

Tao Nian: “…”

She blinked back her tears, mustering some courage to face the work: “I’ll have Xiao Nan pack my luggage now. I’ll do my homework properly.”

Fang Wen had been watching from the side and felt incredibly sympathetic. She whispered: “Isn’t it okay for Nian Nian to rest for a while?”

The boss was becoming more and more of a capitalist now, exploiting herself and then Tao Nian. Tao Nian was now even more miserable than she was when she got the news late at night that she had to plant walnut trees.

Lin Qianman glanced back at Fang Wen. She didn’t speak.

Tao Nian looked at Fang Wen gratefully, her eyes filled with emotion. But she shook her head firmly: stolen content “I’ll still go to work.”

Fang Wen didn’t understand, sighed, and decided to help Tao Nian pack.

Tao Nian was deeply moved, thinking Fang Wen was the kindest person in the world. She reiterated her predicament to Fang Wen. Because her innocent words hurt her master, her master was coming down the mountain to beat her. But Lin Qianman refused to protect her, even giving her so much work, making her take classes and do homework every day…

The more Fang Wen listened, the more pitiful Tao Nian seemed. As she folded Tao Nian’s clothes into the suitcase, she asked her: “Is the boss afraid of your master too?”

Ever since Tao Nian learned that the things Feng Jun told her were actually what Lin Qianman told Feng Jun, Lin Qianman was now a hundred times more formidable than Feng Jun in Tao Nian’s mind! Lin Qianman taught Feng Jun so many things, how could she also be afraid of Feng Jun?!

Tao Nian declared confidently: “No way! Lin Qianman is super amazing!”

Even though she herself was being exploited, Lin Qianman was still a very capable boss in the eyes of employee Fang Wen.

Fang Wen nodded: “The boss is indeed very capable.”

She put another piece of clothing into Tao Nian’s suitcase, then a thought flashed through her mind: “Then you can ‘borrow the fox’s prestige’ (bluff). The boss isn’t protecting you, but you can say she is. As long as your master doesn’t know the truth, she won’t beat you.”

Tao Nian blinked: “What does that mean?”

Fang Wen: “Aren’t you ‘licking’ the boss? Just tell your master that you succeeded! Lin Qianman is your backing now!”

Tao Nian was infected by Fang Wen’s intense emotions. She clenched her fists: “Okay!”

But there was still a problem: “But I haven’t ‘licked’ [bailiantales.com]Lin Qianman yet? Isn’t it bad to lie…”

“It’s fine,” Fang Wen waved her hand: “Anyway, you’ll get to ‘lick’ her eventually.”

Tao Nian thought of the baby in her fantasy who was about to take her place in tutoring classes a few days ago. Her face suddenly flushed, and she softly retorted: “You can’t accuse people wrongly!”

Fang Wen: “Okay… I mean, it’s more or less the same. The boss definitely won’t ignore you. If you’re scared, you can practice more before your master arrives. Once you’re skilled, your master will definitely believe you. See, you’ve ‘licked’ Lin Qianman, established your career and family, and become an adult. Even if your master is angry, she won’t beat you like before.”

Tao Nian: “Is that true?”

Fang Wen nodded: “Yes, establish your career and family. If you have a child, it’s an independent small family, and elders will definitely let go.”

With the help of Fang Wen and Zhang Jingyue, her two ‘dog-headed strategists,’ Tao Nian gained a basic understanding of certain theories and methodologies. She planned to use these to devise a concrete practical operation to save her life.

However, she forgot one thing. Or rather, she didn’t even notice it. The “licking” Fang Wen spoke of was not at all what she thought it meant.

The naive little Taotie was completely unaware that she had gone astray at the very first step of her theoretical foundation. She continued to think very seriously, trying to find a way out of a dead end.

With her luggage packed, Lin Qianman calculated the days and decided to send Tao Nian directly to the film set the next day.

Then, the next day, right after waking up, she received a call.

Feng Jun had come down the mountain.

…Well, what can you say?

Lin Qianman was an artist, after all, and wasn’t familiar with all the procedures for handling academic records. On one hand, she was very busy, and on the other hand, there’s specialization. She only did some of the initial preparatory work and left the rest to the professionals working in the education bureau.

Then, this professional, not understanding why Lin Qianman wanted to time it so precisely, immediately began to process Feng Jun’s academic record after receiving Lin Qianman’s information, paying for her to enter a good school.

With everything ready, and nothing else to do, he took advantage of the weekend to bring Feng Jun down.

Modern technology was very advanced. Qingnan Mountain wasn’t very far from the city. Tao Nian herself could walk to the city in two days. Buying a ticket and taking the high-speed rail, it only took an hour to reach the city.

Among the existing divine beasts and spiritual monsters, Feng Jun held the highest status and was the most senior. As soon as she came down the mountain, the active divine beasts started calling one by one, wanting to organize a welcoming dinner for Feng Jun.

And Feng Jun, personally, called Tao Nian.

Ever since Tao Nian’s insubordination last time, Feng Jun hadn’t answered her calls or replied to her messages.

After a month, Tao Nian heard her voice again, dignified and elegant, with little emotion: “Remember to come.”

••••

Tao Nian was beaten since childhood. Actually, she didn’t have many memories of being beaten, just vaguely remembered that it hurt a lot when she was little. When children get beaten, they naturally want to run and struggle. When she ran, Feng Jun would feel she was incorrigible and get angrier, hitting her even harder.

Xiao Nan, unable to bear it, advised Tao Nian not to struggle, saying that one beating would be enough. Tao Nian no longer remembered Xiao Nan’s exact words, but this phrase had been etched into her bones.

When it’s time to be beaten, don’t run, or you’ll get double the beating.

Tao Nian, crestfallen, went to knock on Lin Qianman’s door, wanting to tell her the absolutely dreadful news.

Lin Qianman already knew and was sitting in her room questioning her life. She had planned for so long, and with Tao Nian just half a day away from reaching the film set, all her efforts had gone to waste. Tao Nian couldn’t escape a beating, and she herself might even get beaten…

Lin Qianman’s mood was somber. She was at her wit’s end, even wanting to cry with Tao Nian.

But that wasn’t Lin Qianman’s character. So she acted as if nothing was wrong, even comforted Tao Nian a little, put on appropriate makeup, and prepared to take Tao Nian to meet Feng Jun.

Huang Li had just finished dealing with her new album a few days ago and had a rare holiday recently. She was a little surprised to hear that Feng Jun had come down the mountain and called Lin Qianman, saying she would go with her.

Huang Li didn’t know the ins and outs of the situation. When Lin Qianman mentioned Tao Nian was also at her house, she remarked with some emotion: “Tao Nian hasn’t seen Feng Jun for so long, she must really miss her master, right?”

Tao Nian: “…”

I dare not think about it.

She anxiously looked at Lin Qianman.

Lin Qianman said nothing, lost in thought.

Tao Nian had no choice but to turn to the other person in the room. Fang Wen had come today to take Tao Nian to the film set, and now, seeing their expressions and behavior, she had a rough idea of what was going on. After receiving Tao Nian’s pleading gaze, she gave Tao Nian a “thumbs up” gesture and then pointed at Lin Qianman, motioning for her to cling to Lin Qianman’s leg.

Because Fang Wen trusted Lin Qianman completely, this gave ​read the original at bailiantales.com​Tao Nian a glimmer of courage. She also gave Fang Wen a “thumbs up” gesture.

Once Huang Li arrived, the three of them set off together.

Maomao was also there. Huang Li stroked Maomao’s chin and explained to Tao Nian that Maomao needed vaccinations, and it was on the way, so she brought Maomao along.

Tao Nian recalled the pain of her own vaccinations and felt some sympathy for Maomao, so she went over and patted Maomao.

Ever since filming “Three Meals a Day,” Tao Nian and Maomao’s relationship had improved considerably, and Maomao now let her pet him. Maomao’s fur wasn’t soft; it was stiff and very thick, like several layers of small needles, a bit prickly to the touch.

The subtle pain actually made Tao Nian relax a little. She gradually became less nervous and focused on playing with Maomao.

When they arrived at the hospital, she hugged Maomao tightly: “Let’s give him the shot later when we get back.”

Huang Li, of course, said that was fine.

When they arrived at the agreed place, Tao Nian started to get nervous again. She hugged Maomao tightly, unwilling to let go, and pitifully said to Lin Qianman: “I’m scared.”

You weren’t scared when you were being rebellious, saying your master should be me.

You weren’t scared when you apologized half-heartedly and hung up the phone.

You weren’t scared when you were talking normally and then just burst through the door saying ‘Master hits hard.’

Now that it’s come to this, you’re scared. Is it any use?

Lin Qianman felt a sense of tragic grandeur, like the wind howling fiercely at Yishui River, but showed no outward sign. She glanced at Tao Nian, calmly reached out, and plucked the dog hair from Maomao that was clinging to Tao Nian’s clothes.

It had gotten colder recently, and Tao Nian was wearing a knit sweater, on which Maomao’s black fur was very obvious. Lin Qianman plucked the hairs while calming herself down.

Tao Nian held Maomao, her eyes intently following Lin Qianman’s hand. Lin Qianman’s hands were also very beautiful, slender and long, with pretty nail beds and fingertips and knuckles that were pinkish-white. Tao Nian watched for a while, then surreptitiously stretched out her own hand to compare.

Her own were a bit rounder. Her fingernails had the manicure Zhang Jingyue had taken her for last time: a tender pink color with childish strawberry patterns. Tao Nian felt an inexpressible sense of discouragement.

But then, she turned her head and caught a glimpse of Feng Jun outside the car window.

Tao Nian: “?!?!”

She hugged Maomao tightly, even wanting to disappear on the spot.

Huang Li had already opened the car door and gotten out. After greeting Feng Jun, she even called out to Tao Nian: “Come on down! You haven’t seen Feng Jun in ages, don’t you miss Master?”

Tao Nian shivered, hugging Maomao as she got out. She thought about what Fang Wen had told her yesterday and reminded her again today, repeatedly prompting herself.

Lin Qianman will protect me.

I’ve already “licked” Lin Qianman; Lin Qianman will protect me.

She cautiously glanced at Feng Jun and greeted her: “Master…”

Feng Jun didn’t even look at her, but instead gave a slight nod to Lin Qianman, who had just gotten out of the car behind her.

Huang Li watched from the side, clicking her tongue in wonder. She couldn’t understand why Feng Jun’s attitude towards these two was so different. Tao Nian was her biological disciple, so why was she so cold towards Tao Nian?

It was called a welcoming banquet, but because Feng Jun’s descent was sudden, many people out of town couldn’t make it back. So there were only a few people present today.

Once everyone was there, they went upstairs to the pre-booked private room. Everyone knew that Tao Nian had grown up with Feng Jun, and it had been half a year since the master and disciple had seen each other since Tao Nian came down the mountain. So they thoughtfully ushered the two to the front, walking side by side, hoping they would catch up.

Tao Nian shivered, constantly looking back, wanting to hide behind Lin Qianman. But Huang Li was pulling Lin Qianman aside, asking her questions, and the two were right at the back.

Tao Nian wanted to walk with Lin Qianman and couldn’t help but slow down. Before she could fall back even a little, she was pushed by someone behind her: “Go forward.”

That person’s remark caught Feng Jun’s attention. Feng Jun looked at Tao Nian again.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but Tao Nian felt that she let out a cold snort. Tao Nian was scared to death, fearing that as soon as the welcoming banquet began, Feng Jun would kill her and make her into charcoal-grilled Taotie for everyone’s entertainment.

She could only force a crying face and remind herself.

Lin Qianman will protect me. I’ve already “licked” Lin Qianman! Lin Qianman is so powerful, Master won’t hit me in front of Lin Qianman!

She was too nervous and couldn’t help but mumble out loud. Her voice was tiny. But Feng Jun was right beside her. As Tao Nian kept mumbling, Feng Jun inevitably heard a few words.

Feng Jun didn’t know what she was saying, and looked at her again.

Tao Nian was already nervous. Now, being looked at by Feng Jun for no reason, she instantly let out a scared burp, and her mumbled self-prompt blurted out: “I’ve already ‘licked’ Lin Qianman, she’ll protect me!”

Feng Jun had already seen people say this online while surfing the internet before, which was why she had the opportunity to contact Tao Nian in the first place. Now, she was no longer as surprised as she was the first time. She just glanced at Tao Nian without speaking.

That look stimulated Tao Nian.

Master didn’t believe me! Master saw that Lin Qianman and I are innocent! She’s going to beat me!

Tao Nian was terrified, blustering with false bravado: “Really!”

To make her lie more convincing, she held up Maomao, whom she had been holding: “We even have a baby!”

Established a career and family with a child. Master will let go!

Suddenly lifted, directly facing a cold face, Maomao was bewildered. He wanted to bark, but was held so tightly by Tao Nian that his voice wasn’t loud, but a somewhat weak: “Awooo.”

Feng Jun: “…”

It’s over. Modern society has not only achieved female-female procreation, but also interspecies female-female procreation.

Author’s Note:

Tao Nian: “My baby!”

Feng Jun: Pupils dilate.

This time, it’s just bullying Feng Jun who hasn’t seen a German Shepherd before and can’t tell that Maomao is a dog.