Currently, he's part of a small workshop company—Tianyu Entertainment, and Sister Li doesn't have much influence to secure resources. On top of that, out of the five artists she manages, it's impossible for her to distribute evenly; naturally, whoever is popular gets the spotlight.
The five artists are Ruan Xingwen, Shi Mu, Yuan Xin, Li Qingyue, and Sun Yuan. Among them, Ruan Xingwen is the most good-looking and talented. Except for Shi Mu, the relationships with the others are quite good.
Shi Mu entered the entertainment industry after graduating from a professional school and looks down a bit on Ruan Xingwen, who entered the industry "halfway" without formal training, yet he can't help but feel real jealousy.
He thinks Ruan Xingwen doesn't have anything better than him except for the face. Hence, due to the company's and Li Li's unfair treatment, he harbors some twisted thoughts, always maintaining a vague ambiguous relationship with Li Li. His relationships with the other four are also unfriendly, considering the competitive nature.
As for Li Li, she happened to meet Ruan Xingwen and saw his looks, thinking he must have star potential, and worked to persuade him for quite a while.
At that time, Ruan Xingwen was a student at a prestigious university, Xingcheng University. His major didn't align with this field, and he hadn't planned to venture into it, so he straightforwardly declined.
Later on, Sister Li persistently pursued him to sign up, and he became somewhat softened. After all, he hadn't figured out what to do post-graduation, and the seniors around him were all worrying about jobs, so he decided to give it a try.
After Sister Li signed him, resources skewed towards him. Even the company executives, seeing his face, thought he had a promising future and offered him many resources.
But inexplicably, ever since he signed the contract, his luck turned extremely bad.
Ruan Xingwen has been with the company for three and a half years, spent two years as a trainee. Since debuting a year and a half ago, almost every show he appeared on encountered issues, either personnel problems or prop problems.
With Ruan Xingwen's perfectly carved face and nearly perfect height of almost 1.8 meters, he should have skyrocketed after his debut night. He had a small group of fans back then.
Yet his debut night was also unfortunate.
During stage rehearsals, they discovered costume issues and had to change outfits at the last minute. As he was about to step on stage, there were problems with the earpiece microphone, among other things…
A series of issues left fans eagerly awaiting Ruan Xingwen's debut night very disappointed.
The popularity he initially had was nearly exhausted over the years.
Sister Li was also helpless; no matter how much she promoted him, he couldn't become famous. Clearly signed as a money-maker, why did it flop? Fortunately, the contract was only for five years, and it's nearing expiration, yet she remains unwilling to give up.
Ruan Xingwen struggled to land gigs; even if he did, they got canceled with no exposure, making it impossible for him to gain fame.
In the circle, people tend to believe in metaphysics—luck. If someone can't become popular despite being pushed, it means they lack the fate. Sister Li eventually gave up, redistributing resources to the other four.
Originally, the four had some grievances towards Ruan Xingwen, but seeing his two-year struggles, they now sympathize with him. Ruan Xingwen doesn't compete for their resources anymore, so the complaints vanished, leaving only sympathy. They even occasionally invite him out for meals and karaoke, surprisingly forming good relationships.
Yesterday brought yet another rare audition opportunity.
Due to the sudden audition notice, he didn't take his essential backpack and headed straight to the audition venue.
Once again, as soon as he was confirmed, before stepping out, someone came to replace him. Unluckily, no contract was signed this time, so no money.
As Ruan Xingwen exited the store, he felt troubled, having left his backpack—his umbrella was inside! Such bad luck! So many challenges!
On his way home, he encountered this little fellow. After enduring over three years of "misfortune," Ruan Xingwen's heart softened, and he took it in.
A moment later, Little Yuan glanced at the numerous surrounding pets and asked softly, "Xingxing, we bought the dog food and cans. Should we go back now?"
He gently placed the little guy in the newly purchased pet backpack, Ruan Xingwen smiled at her, "Let's buy a bed and some toys, then head back. Checked, all good, it's healthy."
Little Yuan shook her head, sighed, "I don't know if I should let you raise one. You can barely take care of yourself, and now you're taking care of a smaller one."
Ruan Xingwen expertly played to his strengths, acting coy with Little Yuan, "Don't worry, I'm fine. It's very obedient, and besides, I have you; you'll help me, right～"
Seeing Ruan Xingwen's big, watery eyes pleading adorably, Little Yuan found herself unable to argue, "You're persuasive. I'll help you."
The two then bought a lot of toys and finally headed home. Once home, they set up the dog bed and arranged the toys, consuming significant energy. After getting dinner, it was time for Little Yuan to head home and rest.
As Little Yuan prepared to leave, Ruan Xingwen suddenly remembered what Sister Li told him and reminded Little Yuan, "Little Yuan, I have nothing going on recently, so take a holiday and rest."
Little Yuan turned and glared at him, "If I don't come, will you skip meals? Even without events, you must maintain your physique!"
Ruan Xingwen chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll eat on time. Take a few days to rest, and I'll call you if there's any activity. Besides, I never gain weight no matter how much I eat."
With that, Little Yuan went home for her break, and Ruan Xingwen also took a holiday.
Now, the place was left to him alone. Oh right, there was also a little puppy.
After finishing his dinner, he prepared a meal for the little fellow, carried it to the dog bed, looked at the dog sprawled out sleeping, gently rubbed its belly, and said softly, "It's time to eat; if you continue sleeping, you'll turn into a pig."
"Wooawoo～" It licked Ruan Xingwen's hand and, struggling, flipped over to the food bowl, sniffed, and started eating.
Ruan Xingwen poured a little water and placed it beside it, watching as it ate and drank, until it finished and pulled at his pant leg near his feet, "Owwoo～"
"Do you want a hug? You're so demanding." Despite his words of disapproval, he honestly reached out and picked it up.
Seeing the little fellow comfortably lying in his arms, he tapped its head lightly, "You sure know how to enjoy life. You need a name, what name would you like?"
Knowing full well it couldn't understand him or give a reply, he still asked gently.
"qi…lin…"
Ruan Xingwen was stunned, looking at the little fellow, uncertainly, "Hmm? What sound?"
"qi…qi…lin…" The voice came again.
"Really? Is it you?" He questioned in surprise, looking at the noticeably exhausted little fellow, but didn't hear the sound again.
The little guy in his arms was obviously deflated; Ruan Xingwen was a bit amazed, was this his magical encounter—a talking dog with a special ability? Oh, right, I was naming it, and it just mentioned what name it wants? qi…lin…Qilin?
"Qilin?" he tentatively called.
The little fellow's eyes immediately lit up. So you are Qilin? Auspicious beast Qilin?
Perhaps Heaven saw he was too unlucky, thus sent this gift. He actually quite liked this gift.
He rubbed his face, thought about all the possibilities—it was meaningless, since he decided to take care of it, it was now a part of this home, his family.
Ruan Xingwen's parents passed away early; they died in a car accident when he was thirteen. They left him a substantial amount of compensation money and a house, which he currently lives in.
He's been lonely for a long time and has seen plenty of the ups and downs of life. Now, with family once more, he's very happy.
"So henceforth, you'll be called Qilin. Take care of each other!" Kindly touching Qilin's head, he gently bent down and placed it back in its bed.
Watching Qilin sleep sweetly and snore, Ruan Xingwen smiled. At this moment, he didn't have other thoughts; simply believing perhaps enduring all the bad luck was just for meeting this little cutie.