I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.

Besides, with legs as long as Nazha’s, it would be a pity if she weren’t riding a tricycle. If she could ride the tricycle while he gave her cupping therapy from behind, that would be absolutely flawless.

“Zhou Le?”

Just as he was contemplating the best formation for Nazha’s cupping session, an afro suddenly appeared in front of him, giving him a start. However, once he saw the person’s face clearly…

“Holy crap, Baldy Qiang?”

Zhao Yingjun: “???”

Zhou Le quickly realized his mistake. “I’m so sorry, Teacher Xue Cun! I’m a huge fan of your songs; I listened to them every day back when I was in school.”

Zhao Yingjun: “??? Which song?”

“You know, that one—‘Northeasterners Are All Living Leifengs.’”

A satisfied smile spread across Zhao Yingjun’s face. “Haha, glad you like it. Keep supporting my music in the future! But actually, my name is Zhao Yingjun.”

Zhou Le: “???”

He really hadn’t heard that name before. Although he had seen it on the film’s cast list, he couldn't connect it to the person in front of him—after all, this Zhao Yingjun looked exactly like Baldy Qiang and Xue Cun.

“My apologies, Teacher Zhao!”

“Haha, no worries. I’m used to people saying that. It’s actually good—it helps people remember me.” Zhao Yingjun had a great attitude and wasn't offended at all; in fact, he found Zhou Le quite interesting and refreshingly unreserved.

Just then, Yu Qian arrived. After greeting everyone, he plopped down right next to Zhou Le.

“Congratulations on being cast in two productions at once.”

“Brother Qian, this is all thanks to you. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“Whoa, you make it sound like you were born from my belly.”

“Brother Qian, the kindness of a mentor is like a second birth; it’s no exaggeration to say that. If you don’t mind, I’d be honored to call you…”

“Haha, no need for that.” Yu Qian added, “As long as you put in the work.”

Zhou Le nodded. “Got it, Mom. From now on, I’m your son.”

Yu Qian: “???”

Zhou Le: “Didn’t you say I was like someone born from your belly? Calling you ‘Mom’ isn’t a stretch.”

In truth, Zhou Le didn’t mind. By seniority, he should at least call him ‘Uncle,’ but since he had lost his own parents long ago, Yu Qian was truly a benefactor. A little formal kinship wouldn’t hurt.

“Hahaha, me? Being your mom? I’ve never heard of such a thing!”

***

After some small talk, Da Peng kicked off the meeting. Since the script didn’t require many more changes, the discussion focused on the schedule, general timelines, and filming locations.

The meeting lasted over two hours. Once it concluded, Da Peng took Zhou Le to get a room. They would be staying there for a few days to get organized before heading to the Pinggu District for filming. Although the script was set in Ji’an, most of the scenes would be filmed in Beijing using sets. While the office and production headquarters were currently at the Jiuxian Apartments—chosen for the lower rent—the cast and crew were staying in a high-end hotel. The downside was the commute, but it saved a significant amount of money.

Just as they were heading back to the hotel, Yu Qian suddenly spoke up. “Hey, Le’er.”

Zhou Le nodded. “Yes, Mom, what is it?”

Yu Qian chuckled. “Stop calling me Mom, it sounds awful. I was just going to say, let’s follow each other on Weibo.”

Zhou Le replied, “Sure.”

“What’s your Weibo handle?” Yu Qian asked.

Zhou Le: “Sexy African Male Cockroach Cosplaying as Grandpa Niu Riding Zhuangzhuang’s Mom Across the Street.”

Yu Qian: “???”

“What? African what?”

Zhou Le repeated it without changing his expression: “Sexy African Male Cockroach Cosplaying as Grandpa Niu Riding Zhuangzhuang’s Mom Across the Street.”

The temperature inside the car seemed to drop a few degrees. Everyone couldn’t help but gasp. Da Peng was stunned. “Is that even a name a human would come up with?”

Nazha burst into laughter. She had originally intended to follow Zhou Le, but after hearing the name, she felt a bit put off. Her following list mostly consisted of fellow artists and celebrities. Having “Sexy African Male Cockroach Cosplaying as Grandpa Niu Riding Zhuangzhuang’s Mom Across the Street” pop up on her feed? Was that appropriate?

Zhou Le was helpless. “I want to change it too, but Weibo only allows one change per year. I’ve already used mine, so I’m stuck with it until the end of the year.”

Da Peng suggested, “Can’t you just get a premium membership?”

Zhou Le sighed. “Doesn’t that cost money?”

Da Peng was exasperated. “I’ll pay for your membership! Change that name immediately. If we start promotions and your account pops up with that name…”

Da Peng’s voice trailed off. He locked eyes with Zhou Le. In that instant, they both saw a flash of inspiration.

“I have an idea.”

***

They spoke in unison.

“You go first.”

Again, they said it at the same time.

“Together?”

They nodded. They took out their phones and typed a sentence. Zhou Le wrote: “Lean into the chaos.” Da Peng wrote: “Use the name as a gimmick during promotions.”

They revealed their screens.

“Hahaha, we’re on the same page! Everyone, let’s all follow Le’er’s Weibo. If your fans ask who he is, just ignore them.”

Everyone quickly caught on. Since Zhou Le’s name was so long, he had to follow them first so they could follow back. Zhou Le followed Guli Nazha first, and she gasped upon seeing his profile.

“You have so many followers? Weren’t you just an extra before?”

Zhou Le: “Yeah, but an account is an account, and a person is a person. I liked posting things online, and over time, I accumulated some followers.”

“Let me see.” Yu Qian opened Zhou Le’s Weibo. “Whoa, this is all comedy material. Le’er, you should’ve told me earlier! If I knew you had this talent, I would’ve dragged you into the Deyun Society.”

“The Deyun Society? I think I’ll pass. Too many rules, and I’m a bit of a free spirit. Besides, acting pays better.” Zhou Le politely declined.

They proceeded to add each other on WeChat.

“Xiao Le, what’s your WeChat?” Nazha asked. “Let’s add each other so we can hang out later.” Because Zhou Le was young and his way of speaking was funny and pleasant, she used a more intimate address.

Zhou Le held up his QR code. Nazha scanned it and added him. Then, she froze: “Manic Seductive Old Man Creeping Under the Bed at 2 AM to Vigorously Lick Cockroach… Jade Feet?”