After Transmigrated as the Movie Star's Omega - Chapter 17

Xia Ran squatted in the kitchen, keeping an eye on the stove as Shen Baibi had instructed. He was a bit distracted, checking his phone every now and then.

It was 5:50 PM. Ten minutes ago, Shen Baibi had received a call from Director Xu saying they had arrived and asking him to come down to meet them. Consequently, Shen Baibi had left Xia Ran to watch the heat while he went downstairs to get the guests.

It had been ten minutes already; why weren’t they back yet? Xia Ran rubbed his ankles; his legs were starting to go numb from squatting.

He boredly watched the flames lick the bottom of the pot. According to their plan from yesterday, Shen Baibi was in charge of cooking. Thus, Shen Baibi had been cooped up in the kitchen all afternoon, preparing a table full of dishes that looked, smelled, and tasted incredible. Just looking at them was enough to make one’s mouth water.

The pot currently simmering was Tomato Braised Beef Brisket. The rich aroma made Xia Ran’s stomach growl; he wished he could start feasting right now.

He really hadn’t expected Shen Baibi’s culinary skills to be this good; the smell alone made him want to sneak a taste.

Xia Ran shook his head vigorously. He couldn’t be so lacks in integrity—if Shen Baibi found out, he’d lose face!

He had to endure!

Amidst Xia Ran’s eager anticipation, he heard the sound of the door opening. He immediately stood up, straightened his collar, adjusted his expression, and walked out of the kitchen.

He arrived in the living room just as Shen Baibi was leading two people inside. Both appeared to be in their fifties or sixties but looked to be in high spirits; it was indeed Director Xu and his wife.

Director Xu was dressed casually, looking like he was just dropping by a neighbor’s house. Mrs. Xu, on the other hand, had clearly dressed up carefully; her makeup and outfit were quite formal, and she held a small gift bag.

“Xia Ran, come here.” Seeing him emerge, Shen Baibi smiled and beckoned to him.

Xia Ran walked over obediently.

Shen Baibi introduced them: “Xia Ran, this is Director Xu, and this is Director Xu’s wife, Teacher Song.”

Xia Ran greeted them with a radiant smile: “Hello Director Xu, hello Teacher Song. I’m Xia Ran. Welcome to our home. If there’s anything we lack in hosting you, please don’t mind!”

His smile was warm and cheerful, easily infectious to those around him.

Song Fangpei had been observing him since she saw him. Now, she offered a kind smile and said, “So you’re Xia Ran. Yes, you’re even better looking in person than on TV.”

Director Xu Ting also laughed, casually patting Shen Baibi’s shoulder and teasing, “Of course he is. Otherwise, how could he have charmed the soul right out of this kid Baibi?”

Xia Ran was slightly taken aback. He had expected Director Xu to be a very stern person, but instead, the man immediately teased him and Shen Baibi, livening up the atmosphere and closing the distance between them. It seemed he really wasn’t difficult to get along with.

Keeping his composure, Xia Ran smiled and said, “Director Xu, you’re joking.”

Shen Baibi chimed in: “Director Xu, please stop teasing us.”

Xu Ting said dismissively, “How is it teasing? Tell me, wasn’t it you who pushed my shoot back just to spend time with your wife?”

Shen Baibi was left speechless.

Xu Ting shook his head: “I know you love your wife, but once you’re married, you need to be even more ambitious. Otherwise, how will you support her?”

Song Fangpei glared at him and said to Shen Baibi and Xia Ran, “Don’t mind him. The more you pay attention to him, the more worked up he gets.”

The two smiled and answered in unison: “Yes.”

Song Fangpei handed the bag to Xia Ran: “We came in a hurry and didn’t prepare a proper meeting gift. Please take this; we hope you won’t find it lacking.”

“Ah, not at all!” Xia Ran was extremely flattered. For a senior to bring them a gift was almost embarrassing.

Shen Baibi felt the same way: “Teacher Song, your presence is gift enough. Why did you bring something? It’s too kind.”

“It’s not about being kind; it’s the thought that counts.” Song Fangpei smiled warmly. “These are souvenirs Old Xu and I saw while we were abroad. We’re just passing them along to you. They aren’t particularly expensive, but the meaning is good.”

“What’s the meaning?” Xia Ran asked curiously.

Song Fangpei said with a beam, “The meaning is to have children early.”

Xia Ran scratched his head and echoed, “Uh, well… mm, thank you for the kind words.”

“Still shy, I see,” Song Fangpei laughed.

Shen Baibi retracted his gaze from Xia Ran’s faintly blushing face and smiled gently: “He’s a bit thin-skinned.”

“Alright, don’t just stand here. Come in and sit. We’ll be eating soon.” Shen Baibi ushered them inside.

He stopped after a few steps and looked at Xia Ran.

Xia Ran was baffled: “What’s wrong?”

“Did you turn off the heat?” Shen Baibi asked.

“Huh?”

“Didn’t I tell you to watch the stove?”

Xia Ran was stunned for a moment, then realized he was talking about the pot of Tomato Braised Beef Brisket. He shook his head: “I didn’t turn it off.” He had come out to host Director Xu and his wife; how could he have stayed to watch the stove?

“You—!” Shen Baibi clicked his tongue, looking quite speechless. He turned to the couple, “Director Xu, Teacher Song, Xia Ran will look after you for a moment while I check the kitchen!”

Without waiting for their response, he walked quickly toward the kitchen.

Xia Ran felt a bit awkward. They had agreed to act loving, yet Shen Baibi had given him an attitude over a small thing like not turning off the stove—the persona was crumbling!

Noticing his embarrassment, Song Fangpei smiled gently: “It’s alright. A newlywed couple hasn’t fully adjusted to each other yet. These small situations are normal. Old Xu and I went through the same thing back then; don’t take it to heart.”

Xia Ran nodded and said, “Mm. It was my carelessness as well. He’s just worried something might happen.”

“It’s good that you understand,” Song Fangpei said, pleased.

“Yes—Director Xu, Teacher Song, please take a seat. I’ll get you some water.” Xia Ran pointed toward the sofa.

“Alright.”

Xia Ran turned and brought back two glasses of water. “Director Xu, Teacher Song, please have some water—Wait? What are you looking for?”

The two were sitting on the sofa, but their eyes were scanning the floor as if searching for something.

Song Fangpei looked over with a troubled expression: “My earring just fell off. It feels like I accidentally kicked it somewhere, but I didn’t see where—oh dear, I can’t find it…”

Xia Ran looked at her ears. One of the clip-on earrings was missing; her right ear was empty.

Xu Ting complained, “I told you not to wear those earrings; they fall off easily. You just wouldn’t listen.”

“I just thought since it was our first time visiting, I should dress formally…” Song Fangpei touched her empty right ear, her tone worried. “These earrings were a gift from Yueyue; I like them very much. What will I do if they’re lost?”

“Teacher Song, please don’t worry. I’ll help you find it.”

Xia Ran hurried over, placed the water glasses on the coffee table, and looked around. Seeing no sign of the earring, he said, “It might be under the sofa. If you could move for a moment, I’ll take a look.”

“Ah, this is so embarrassing…” Song Fangpei hesitated.

“It’s fine, really. I’m very good at finding things. Just leave it to me!” Xia Ran looked quite confident.

The two had no choice but to stand aside.

With the space cleared, Xia Ran dropped to one knee and peered under the sofa.

Director Xu and his wife were shocked. They knew that was the most practical way to look under a sofa, but seeing him sprawl onto the floor without a second thought was surprising.

This kid was remarkably unpretentious.

They had initially assumed that as a top idol with millions of fans and a constant entourage, Xia Ran might be a bit spoiled—which would have been only natural. However, this direct interaction was completely changing their minds.

His welcoming smile and polite manner had given them a great first impression. He wasn’t awkward when teased and behaved naturally, which made them like him even more. Now, to find an earring, he didn’t care if the floor was dirty and immediately got down to search. Such decisiveness couldn’t be faked.

Director Xu and his wife exchanged a look, both seeing approval in the other’s eyes.

Xia Ran didn’t notice the way they were looking at him. His full attention was under the sofa. It was too dark to see much, and he squinted for a long time without seeing anything.

He decisively reached in to feel around.

Although cleaners came regularly, dust naturally accumulated under sofas. Xia Ran’s hand immediately came back dusty. The sensation of dust on his skin was unpleasant; he frowned almost imperceptibly but continued searching.

After finishing in the kitchen, Shen Baibi came out to call them: “Dinner is ready—Wait? What are you doing?”

Song Fangpei pointed to her right ear and explained, “My earring fell, and Xia Ran is helping me find it.”

Understanding the situation, Shen Baibi nodded to them and then walked over to Xia Ran. “Can you find it? Do you want me to take over?”

Xia Ran was searching intently and didn’t even look at him. He said directly, “Quiet, I’m looking—Ah!”

His fingertip touched something. He grabbed it and pulled it out—it was indeed the earring! He held it up for Song Fangpei to see, shouting excitedly, “Teacher Song, look! I found it!”

“Ah, truly! Thank you so much!” Song Fangpei’s voice was also filled with pleasant surprise.

“It’s nothing. I told you I was good at finding things!” Xia Ran waved a hand and scrambled up from the floor.

Shen Baibi reached out to steady his shoulder: “Don’t move.”

“What for?” Though confused, Xia Ran stayed still.

Shen Baibi leaned in and scraped his thumb across Xia Ran’s face.

“Hmm?” Xia Ran’s eyes widened. Shen Baibi was actually making such an intimate gesture toward him!

Shen Baibi retracted his hand nonchalantly and explained, “There was some dust on your face.”