Chapter 149: Have the show's producer come see me!

"I originally intended to keep a low profile, but it seems there are always some blind fools acting pretentious and masquerading as the wealthy. Liu, since it is your birthday today, I can grant that wish you mentioned earlier."

Lin Fan spoke with absolute confidence.

Earlier, Liu Yimeng had mentioned to the man with the crew cut that if the opportunity arose, she would love to take a photo with "Sister Baby" from the variety show *Keep Running*. However, the man with the crew cut had refused, claiming the production team was not in Shanghai at the moment but filming elsewhere.

"You know someone from the production team?" Liu Yimeng asked, looking stunned. The others remained skeptical, convinced he was just blowing smoke.

"I don't know them personally, but one phone call is all it takes for me to summon the producer of the *Keep Running* team here. I could even have you appear on the show as an NPC to interact with the cast, fulfilling your wish..."

As soon as he finished, the man with the crew cut let out a burst of mocking laughter.

"You really can lie without even blinking! Do you think the show's producer is someone you can just see whenever you please? Do you even know who she is? I bet you don't even know her name!"

"Even someone like me, a talent agent, finds it hard to get in touch with her. You? Calling her here with a single phone call? Who do you think you are—the chairman of Huayi Media?"

Hearing this, the girl in glasses and her two friends also cast suspicious looks at Lin Fan, wondering if he was overreaching.

"Mr. Lin, isn't that a bit too far-fetched? That is a producer for one of the country's top variety shows, with a status no lower than a third-tier celebrity! I heard she transferred to the television station from Huayi Media. Aside from the chairman of Huayi Media, no one has the authority to boss her around."

"Even if you want to save face, don't make such wild claims. If you can't deliver, we’ll all be the ones mocked by them later!"

"If you want to slap them in the face, use your money to make them look up to you. Why resort to empty boasts?"

Lin Fan smiled without responding. He glanced at Zhang Yichen, who continued to act innocent and aggrieved. This girl was quite the actress; Lin Fan even suspected she might have a dual personality, intentionally feigning weakness to provoke his sympathy and competitive spirit. However, he could guess that Zhang Yichen had clearly not told the other three girls that he knew Li Li.

"If you don't believe me, I can make the call. Once it's done, you'll know whether I'm telling the truth or not..."

With that, Lin Fan pulled out his phone and dialed Li Li’s number. After the call connected, he exchanged a few polite pleasantries before getting straight to the point.

"Sister Li, here is the thing: a friend of mine is having a birthday today and would love to take a photo with Sister Baby from the *Keep Running* show. Didn't you mention you knew the producer and director of the show? Could you help me arrange an introduction?"

"No problem, that’s a trivial matter. Just wait for the news in a little while!"

After hanging up, Lin Fan looked at Liu Yimeng again. "Unless something unexpected happens, you will have the chance to meet Sister Baby this afternoon."

"Really?" Liu Yimeng’s eyes widened like copper bells, her face full of disbelief.

Seeing this, the man with the crew cut jumped up to challenge him. "You’re quite the performer, aren't you? Was this call made to someone you’ve rehearsed with? Did you plan from the very beginning to pose as a wealthy tycoon and pretend you know famous directors and producers in front of us?"

"Everyone, I've encountered people like him several times before. If he can actually get the *Keep Running* producer here today, I will stand on my head and eat excrement on the spot!"

Lin Fan ignored him entirely. He crossed his legs, interlaced his fingers, and looked ahead with calm composure. "Why the rush? Whether I am acting or not, you will find out soon enough..."

The more composed he appeared, the more the man with the crew cut felt he was putting on a show.

Just then, Yu Xiawei, standing by the window, mocked Lin Fan again: "If you don't have the capability, don't pretend to be a wealthy second-generation heir. Who knows how many girls you've deceived with this routine? Why couldn't I find your name on the Starlight Live website? I couldn't even find it on the Dihao Group's corporate website!"

She then looked at Zhang Yichen with disdain. "Some people have no shame when it comes to getting famous. Finding a fraud to pose as a tycoon—if you’re really that desperate for money, I can have my boyfriend introduce you to some rich boss. For someone like you, there would be a line of wealthy heirs waiting to keep you as a mistress all the way to the Bund."

Qiu Shan, standing nearby, laughed wantonly: "Why else would they say she’s both 'pure' and pretentious? She looks so high and mighty on the surface, but who knows what kind of wild life she leads in private!"

"Qiu Shan, don't go too far!" The girl in glasses couldn't stand it anymore and stepped up to defend Zhang Yichen.

"Too far? I'm just reminding you not to be fooled by a fraud! You haven't seen much of the world; you don't know that Shanghai is full of scammers like him, pretending to be rich to manipulate naive girls."

Qiu Shan folded her arms, looking haughty as if she were a seasoned expert on the world. In her eyes, Zhang Yichen and the three girls were just stupid, naive little fools. This was the hierarchy of contempt—those who think they are worldly look down on those they consider frogs in a well.

"Everyone, please stop arguing. It’s just a birthday party; there’s no need to make things so unpleasant. A little joking is fine, but let's not get carried away." The class monitor, Yuan Minghao, seeing the situation spiraling toward chaos, hurried to smooth things over.

But by now, both sides were on the verge of open hostility. Even though he tried to keep order, the three girls were still locked in a glaring contest with Yu Xiawei and Qiu Shan. Liu Yimeng, the birthday girl, was caught in a dilemma, completely bewildered. She never imagined that a simple gathering would end up feeling like a battlefield.

A few minutes later, the waiter from earlier led a man in a suit into the private room. The man in the T-shirt was the first to rush forward.

"Mr. Jin, I didn't expect this matter to disturb you. This guy here is masquerading as a member of the Dihao Group's management, using a diamond card to impersonate a high-level executive. Quickly, call the police and have him arrested!"

Mr. Jin frowned deeply, glaring at him with hostility.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" the man in the T-shirt asked, confused.

"This diamond card is genuine!" Mr. Jin snapped. "And don't try to get familiar with me; we aren't friends!"

Jin Hantang shot him a look of utter contempt, then approached Lin Fan with the diamond card held carefully in both hands.

"Mr. Lin! I didn't expect the honor of your visit today. If there has been any lack of hospitality, please forgive me. Chairman Wang has already instructed me to ensure you are served perfectly."

"Ignorance is no excuse... did he relay my words to you just now?" Lin Fan asked, putting away the diamond card.

"I have already made the arrangements. We are moving you to the large suite upstairs immediately! Furthermore, all expenses for you and your friends here today are on the house. My staff is already preparing the room; you can celebrate your friend's birthday there. If you need anything, I can be your personal server for the entire day," Jin Hantang said, nodding and bowing with a servile smile.

Lin Fan ignored him and turned to look at Liu Yimeng.