The Tool Brother Thinks It’s Not Okay [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 4

Seeing the group chatting, Lü Yiyan wiped his sweat and was about to join them to make a good impression when the director announced filming would resume. The next scene was a confrontation between the male lead and the villain.

Reluctantly, Lü Yiyan went to his position. Cheng Kaixin was watching nearby, so he straightened his posture.

The male lead was an upright hero. Lü Yiyan, sword in hand, strode forward with a flourish, his sleeves billowing like a gust of wind, exuding a dashing, romantic air.

But as he struck his pose before the camera, feeling quite pleased with himself, he realized everyone’s attention wasn’t on him at all. Instead, their eyes were unanimously drawn to Qin Yunran.

Qin Yunran played the main villain in the drama, a ruthless schemer who insisted on wearing white robes, a hypocritical gentleman hiding his true nature. This character should have been despised, yet Qin Yunran wore the white robes so impeccably, his folding fan swaying gently, that he seemed to have stepped straight out of a classical painting.

“It’s not the villain’s evil that’s scary,” Cheng Kaixin murmured with a soft laugh. “It’s when the villain is handsome.”

His voice, tinged with amusement, was pleasant to hear. Qin Yunran glanced back at him, his eyes curving into a smile.

This natural interaction stung Lü Yiyan deeply. Qin Yunran was supposed to be the villain, yet he kept stealing the spotlight! Lü Yiyan clenched his teeth, desperately concealing his jealousy and resentment.

This was Qin Yunran’s final scene. The male lead had exposed the Martial Arts Alliance Leader’s conspiracy, forcing him to flee. Cornered, they clashed in a fierce battle.

The thought of finally “killing” Qin Yunran made Lü Yiyan’s eyes gleam with excitement.

On camera, Qin Yunran clutched his chest and staggered back, a trickle of blood snaking down from the corner of his lips, adding a vivid crimson to his pale face. Trapped, a cold smile curled his lips, his eyes filled with indifference and mockery.

“Oh my god,” Lian Weiwei gasped, clutching her own chest in sympathy.

“Cut!” The director stood up from behind the monitor, frowning. “We need a close-up of the villain here, Lü Yiyan. You’re blocking him completely! This is the final, climactic scene. We don’t need another shot of the male lead’s back.”

Lü Yiyan desperately tried to outshine Qin Yunran, but his acting skills were lacking. After several takes and the director pointing out his petty motives, his anger became barely concealed.

During the subsequent fight scene, anyone could see his dark mood. His movements grew more violent and ruthless. In stark contrast, Qin Yunran remained composed, his movements as fluid and graceful as flowing water.

After nearly two hours of filming, Qin Yunran finally wrapped up his scenes for the day. The director hadn’t expected Cheng Kaixin to stay and watch for so long. Ever the diplomat, he smiled at Cheng Kaixin and said, “Xiao Qin’s scenes are finished today. The crew is planning a farewell dinner tonight to celebrate and get together. Mr. Lu, would you like to join us for a casual meal?”

Cheng Kaixin accepted the invitation.

Though billed as a “casual meal,” the table was laden with delicacies.

Lian Weiwei rarely attended such gatherings. She had initially stuck close to Cheng Kaixin, but then he casually pulled out the chair next to Qin Yunran and said to her, “Sit here.”

He then walked around to the opposite side of the table and sat down.

This was a perfect spot. He wanted to watch these two fall in love. The thought alone amused him.

Lian Weiwei didn’t disappoint. Soon after settling in, she struck up a conversation with Qin Yunran. Unable to contain her excitement, she lowered her voice and eagerly asked him to play the male lead in Elegant Shadows of Espionage.

Qin Yunran wasn’t familiar with the novel. After hearing her animated summary of the plot, he found it quite interesting. However, he didn’t immediately agree. Instead, he politely praised her enthusiasm and said, “Once the script is ready, you can contact my agent. If it’s a good fit, I’d be happy to consider it.”

Lian Weiwei mentally pumped her fist in triumph. Qin Yunran was perfect for the role, his acting skills far surpassing those of the young idols.

Lian Weiwei secretly observed him, his back straight as a pine tree. Imagining him in military uniform, she was instantly captivated, a secret smile playing on her lips as she ate.

Suddenly, Qin Yunran turned to her and asked, “May I ask why you chose me?”

Lian Weiwei’s strange, aunt-like smile was still plastered on her face when she was caught red-handed. Flustered, she wiped her mouth and blurted out, “Because you have a nice waist… Ah, no, no, that’s not what I meant!”

His dark, piercing gaze made her uncontrollably nervous. She stammered, “No, no, it was Mr. Lu who said that!”

Regretting her words the moment they left her mouth, she wanted to slap herself. She glanced guiltily at Cheng Kaixin, relieved he hadn’t noticed the exchange.

A man complimenting my waist? Qin Yunran felt vaguely offended.

His gaze shifted across the table to Cheng Kaixin, whom he studied for a moment before a faint smile touched his lips.

Cheng Kaixin seemed to enjoy drinking. Half the bottle in front of him was already empty, his sleeves neatly rolled up to his elbows, revealing pale forearms.

The air conditioning in the private room was set too high, and the temperature soon dropped. Cheng Kaixin casually rolled his sleeves down and took his coat back from the secretary. As he stood to put it on, the smooth line of his waist flashed briefly beneath his shirt before being concealed by the tailored suit.

Perhaps the impression was too vivid. Though it was just a fleeting glimpse, the image lingered in Qin Yunran’s mind. He mentally traced the other man’s waistline and shook his head with a smile.

Not more handsome than me?

Lingxing had been established only a few years ago and wasn’t particularly large, but it benefited from its powerful backing. With the Lu Family as its patron, the company would never lack funds or resources. Now that the newly appointed CEO also bore the Lu surname, regardless of his identity, it signaled the Lu Family’s strong commitment to Lingxing’s development, promising rapid growth in the near future.

The table was occupied by the film crew’s core members: the director, assistant director, and several lead actors. They all raised toasts to Cheng Kaixin, seizing the opportunity to exchange a few words and curry favor.

No one dared to pressure him to drink, but Cheng Kaixin accepted every toast without hesitation. Seeing his easygoing nature, people from other tables gradually began to approach as well.

The System watched him down one glass after another, its feelings indescribable. “Seriously? Are you crazy drinking like that?”

Cheng Kaixin swirled his wineglass, his voice deep. “A rare chance to get properly drunk.”

“???” The System sputtered. “Stop drinking! What if you get drunk and start acting crazy?”

“This body’s been soaked in alcohol. It’s not so easy to get drunk,” Cheng Kaixin sighed. “Before, I had no choice. Now, I just want to be someone who can drink.”

The System was speechless. What kind of person have I gotten myself into?!

“Fine, I don’t care if you drink or not,” the System said. “But the protagonist is really innocent. He can’t hold his liquor! Look over there, so many people are toasting him. Two more glasses and he’ll be drunk!”

Cheng Kaixin hummed. “Well, this is a good opportunity for him to build his tolerance.”

“I’m telling you to go help him!” The System nagged repeatedly. When Cheng Kaixin remained unmoved, it continued to grumble, “Have you forgotten your mission? You’re the protagonist’s little brother! What does a little brother do? He’s supposed to share his big brother’s burdens, running errands and following orders without question. And you’re dragging your feet over just blocking a few toasts…”

“If you don’t shut up, I’ll go toast him with three shots of baijiu right now,” Cheng Kaixin said, his smile gentle as he held up his glass. “Look how his face flushes when he’s just tipsy. Wouldn’t he be even cuter when he’s drunk?”

The System was beyond frustrated.

Qin Yunran couldn’t hold his liquor well. After just a couple of glasses, he felt the alcohol going to his head and excused himself to the restroom to avoid further toasts.

Having finished filming, he had no makeup on. He splashed cold water on his face.

Qin Yunran winced slightly as he moved his shoulder. During the afternoon’s fight scene, he’d taken several kicks from Lü Yiyan. Though the blows were supposed to be faked, Lü Yiyan, feigning innocence, had shown no mercy. One particularly solid kick had landed squarely on Qin Yunran’s shoulder, which still throbbed faintly. It would likely bruise.

“Feeling sore?” A smug voice echoed from the doorway. Lü Yiyan emerged, striking what he thought was a cool pose, arms crossed and leaning against the doorframe.

“It’s you,” Qin Yunran said coldly.

“Your injury is your own fault. Don’t try to blame me,” Lü Yiyan sneered, convinced he’d acted flawlessly. “See? This is why actors without formal training can’t cut it. Did you really think you were so skilled? You just lack experience and talent. I’d advise you to be more careful next time. You won’t always be so lucky.”

“If formal training produces people like you,” Qin Yunran scoffed, “then it’s nothing to brag about.”

“What did you say?! How dare you look down on me?” Lü Yiyan’s mocking gaze was identical to the one he’d used during filming. It had irritated him then, but now it ignited his fury. His prestigious film school background had always been a source of pride. “Let me tell you what formal training means,” he snapped. “All the influential seniors at the company are my alumni. My senior sister is the company’s top agent, and she’s been pulling every string to promote me since I signed.”

“We were signed by Jiaxing Entertainment together. I became a top star long ago, while you—even getting to play a supporting role to me is a privilege.”

“Is that so?” Qin Yunran chuckled softly.

He seemed calm, but his words cut straight to the bone. “Yet you kept messing up your lines today. Why didn’t the director show you any mercy? With so many people watching… whose face were you really embarrassing?”

Lü Yiyan gasped for breath, glaring at him like a cornered hyena. The memory of that kick during filming flashed through his mind, and he suddenly lunged forward, aiming for Qin Yunran’s abdomen.

The satisfying image he’d imagined never materialized. Instead, an indescribable pain shot through his ankle, his momentum faltered, and he collapsed to his knees with a resounding thud.

“Ah—!” Lü Yiyan howled in agony, his face contorted in pain. The next moment, his ugly scream was muffled.

Cheng Kaixin appeared in the doorway.

He feigned surprise. “Why such a grand gesture?”

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