How did I become a god

Chapter 1739 Background
The Peace Hotel stands in the heart of the Bund in Shanghai. This legendary building, originally named the Cathay Hotel, was built in 1929 and was once one of the most luxurious hotels in the Far East, carrying the glamorous memories of old Shanghai's bustling Bund.

Its iconic dark green copper triangular roof remains clearly visible in the night, facing the skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.

At midnight, the hustle and bustle of the Bund gradually fades away. In the hotel's luxurious riverside suites, one can overlook the tranquil night view of the Huangpu River through floor-to-ceiling windows: the colorful lights of the cruise ships on the river are reflected like scattered gold, and the neon lights on the opposite bank outline the silhouette of the Oriental Pearl Tower, forming a picture of time and space intertwined with the hotel's own classic arched windows and carved iron railings.

Ji Ran, dressed in a pure white silk robe with the belt loosely tied, revealing his well-proportioned muscles, sat on the Italian velvet sofa in the suite, gazing at the tranquil Huangpu River outside the window, a lit, slender cigarette between his fingers.

Listening to Sister Liao's soaring singing voice coming from the room, each note alluring and captivating, mixed with other noises, he remained calm, silently smoking. Only a faint ripple, one he himself did not wish to delve into, flickered deep within his eyes.

Smoke swirled around his handsome, flawless 22-year-old face. As a former member of a boy band, his striking good looks were undeniable, and his short hair was meticulously styled. Combined with his 187cm height, he looked like a top model in a fashion editorial when wearing a suit.

This was also the basic condition that led to his selection by Sister Liao.

In addition, his extensive knowledge of luxury goods, his patience in providing emotional value, and his meticulous attention to detail earned him Sister Liao's trust and affection.

But Sister Liao is never a faithful person; she doesn't only have one little wolf dog. She prefers to enjoy fresh, exciting experiences. The younger brother in the room, Lu Xiao, has a great physique—the kind of perfect build you get from frequenting the gym. An eighteen-year-old's body is really resilient; it's been over an hour already.

"Om-"

The phone on the coffee table next to me suddenly vibrated.

Ji Ran looked at the number; it was a friend's call. He had met her when he went on vacation with Sister Liao at a hot spring resort in the suburbs of Beijing.

He answered the phone, his voice clear and gentle, as if he had been trained: "Hello, Mr. Wang."

"Young Master Ji, hello, hello. I'm so sorry to bother you so late at night." The CEO on the other end of the line adopted a very humble attitude.

Ji Ran was very clear about his position and politely asked, "Mr. Wang, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Young Master Ji, it's like this. Two hours ago, President Liao announced a 30 million yuan offer to collect dirt on Lin Xuan, a minor celebrity at Bilibili Pictures."

Hey, Li Guowei and Lin Xuan from Bilibili Pictures did a really bad job! They actually dared to steal roles from artists under Phoenix Pictures.

Do you think we can smooth things over with President Liao? Li Guowei and Lin Xuan are willing to apologize to Miss Re Re in person and make amends for her emotional distress.

A smile involuntarily crept onto Ji Ran's lips, a perfect, captivating curve that complemented his flawless handsome face. This was a signature move he'd honed in his boy band, a move he now used to charm women. He said:

"Sister Liao is already resting. I'll report to her tomorrow morning."

How could he possibly take on such a task? Everything must be done according to Sister Liao's wishes.

"Young Master Ji, Young Master Ji, my dear Young Master Ji, by tomorrow morning it will be too late. President Li Guowei is willing to make a move. He's offering 100 million, please help us out, Young Master Ji."

Ji Ran's heart skipped a beat. If he only needed to say one sentence about the amount, he would be willing to help. Sister Ji wouldn't mind him earning this money.

Seeing that Ji Ran remained silent, President Wang's laughter grew warmer as he advised, "Young Master Ji, working under President Liao is very stressful. You should also think about your future. Besides, whether this matter succeeds or not depends on President Liao's own decision. If you help me out, I'll be indebted to you."

Ji Ran relented, "Okay, I'll ask when I have a chance. Wait for my call."

"Okay, okay. Young Master Ji, I'll be waiting for your good news. We've added each other on Fetion, right? Send me your bank card number."

After hanging up the phone, Ji Ran smoked a cigarette and thought about the personal income tax issue. He decided to send over his usual bank card number.

This is something Sister Liao often tells them: legal tax avoidance is possible, but if it's unavoidable, you still have to pay taxes. In today's society, relationships between men and women are much freer, and media attention is just a passing fad, not harmful to oneself. However, when it comes to taxes, you'll face severe consequences, which can significantly impact one's career.

After waiting for about ten minutes, there was still no activity on the Fetion chat interface. Ji Ran couldn't help but laugh at himself. Although he kept reminding himself, he had misjudged himself again: he overestimated himself, and others had very little trust in him.

Clearly, Mr. Wang and Li Guowei are not going to act until they see results!
Ji Ran listened to the sounds coming from the bedroom. The intense game had subsided. He stubbed out his cigarette, rubbed his face to put on his perfect smile again, and got up to push open the heavy solid wood door to the bedroom.

...

...

The luxurious suite bedroom was immersed in the silence of midnight, with only the faint sound of ship whistles on the Huangpu River outside the window.

The gilded wall lamps with geometric lines cast a warm orange glow, and the air was filled with the woody aftertaste of expensive cigars and the slightly acidic fruity aroma of champagne.

In the center of the room, a large, custom-made bed is nestled among layers of goose-down cushions, and the disheveled silk sheets resemble crumpled silver moonlight.

Lu Xiao, with his robust physique, lay on his back, beads of sweat glistening on his fair skin under the light.

His chest rose and fell with heavy breathing, the once-defined abdominal muscles now slightly relaxed with exhaustion. His eyes were closed, his chest heaving violently, each breath carrying the hollowness of utter depletion.

Liao Rong was lying there lazily, her skin appearing a delicate and warm ivory white under the warm light, like the finest mutton fat jade, with a touch of alluring peach pink that spread from her delicate earlobes all the way to the depths of her collarbone.

A few strands of hair clung to her shapely neck and sweaty shoulders, adding to her languid charm.

Her usually sharp and alluring eyes, so captivating in the business world, were now half-closed in contentment, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyes, her gaze hazy and dreamy, as if she were still immersed in the game she had just played.

A faint, satisfied, and alluring smile curved at the corners of her lips, like a Udumbara flower blooming silently in the dark night, exuding a breathtaking, ripe charm.

Ji Ran felt a deep unease. He had been with Sister Liao for over two years, and regardless of how their relationship was defined, deep down, when his love was at its peak, he always considered Sister Liao his woman. And now, he was witnessing his woman ending things with another young man. How could he not feel a turmoil within him?

Her heart was burning with anguish, yet her face remained as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Sister Liao."

Ji Ran's voice was very gentle. He reached out and picked up the smooth and soft beauty, carrying her into the bathroom. In front of Lu Xiao, he gently kissed her lips.

Over the years, young and handsome men have come and gone in Sister Liao's life, but she has one habit: she doesn't allow any of these young, lecherous men to kiss her lips.

This is somewhat similar to the rules for courtesans in brothels.

He was the only exception; he had Sister Liao's permission to kiss her.

Glancing out of the corner of his eye at Lu Xiao's sad, envious, and disappointed gaze, Ji Ran couldn't help but smile as he carried the smooth, soft, and beautiful woman in his arms into the bathroom.

Little brat.

Ji Ran placed Liao Rong in the luxurious jacuzzi, lowered his head, and gently washed her.

The water flowed over her still firm and smooth skin, from her slender neck to her pert breasts, and then to her flat stomach and shapely, long legs.

"Sister Liao, I'm a little jealous of him."

Ji Ran lowered her head, her voice muffled, carrying just the right amount of grievance and jealousy.

Liao Rong leaned back against the bathtub, giggling, her breasts trembling slightly, exuding a wanton and alluring beauty. She stroked the short hair of the handsome young man before her, her fingertips tracing his beautiful face: "Little Ji, didn't I let you have your fill tonight?"

Ji Ran stroked Liao Rong's thighs, long and shapely, truly a top-tier beauty, the touch like the finest silk. He thought to himself how wonderful it would be if this beauty belonged only to him. "Sister, I always feel like I don't have enough time with you. I'm only twenty-two this year, I can do it many more times."

Liao Rong chuckled seductively, stroking his chin. He was truly handsome, a real heartthrob, a top-tier ingredient even among the most extravagant meals she ate.
"Not tonight, I need to rest. I need to be disciplined."

Ji Ran was stunned, feeling speechless. "Sister Liao, are you serious? Nearly two hours have passed."

Liao Rong seemed to see through his thoughts. She patted Ji Ran's cheek, their skin touching, feeling the changes in his body, and said with a coquettish smile, "Little Ji, you're not allowed to have any bad thoughts about your sister now, understand?"

The handsome men under her command were jealous of her, which made her very proud. She said, "Speak, what is it?"

The 22-year-old had absolutely no secrets from her; she could basically tell what he was thinking at a glance. And she wasn't the gentle and considerate Jing Gao; she wouldn't concern herself with the various needs of these handsome young men.

But I'm in a good mood now and I'm willing to ask.

Ji Ran didn't back down; instead, he knelt down and hugged her tightly in the water, burying his face in her neck and showering her cheeks and neck with fine, rain-like kisses, like a greedy yet aggrieved big boy.

Then she nestled against her older sister's fair neck, inhaling her fragrance, and whispered the details of what had happened in her ear.

"Sister Liao, Mr. Wang from Shangjing Hot Spring Resort gave me one million yuan and asked me to pass on a message that Li Guowei from Bilibili Pictures and that minor celebrity are willing to apologize and compensate Miss Re Re. He hopes you can give them a chance."

Liao Rong let the handsome man in front of her hug her, enjoying his affection. She looked at his incomparably handsome face so close to her with a half-smile, and patted his firm and strong skin with a smile. "Xiao Ji, you are very honest!"

Ji Ran buried his head shyly in her shoulder and whispered sweet nothings, "Sister Liao, I will always keep the most honest heart in front of you."

Liao Rong laughed, with a hint of amusement and mockery, and said, "Li Guowei of Bilibili Pictures is a big idiot. Didn't Xie Shutong investigate any background at all? How dare she try to steal the resources of her artists?"
Originally, this matter had little to do with me; it was something that General Manager Jing assigned me. As a new broom sweeps clean, I haven't even had a chance to start this first thing yet. Now that General Manager Jing has laid such a good foundation for me, why would I want to sabotage it?

Xiao Ji, don't you think so?

Ji Ran opened her mouth, speechless with surprise. It was actually related to the big boss? Xie Shutong, that rising star producer, was actually the big boss's mount!

Damn, that's how real the entertainment industry is these days. He initially had a good impression of Xie Shutong, thinking it was because of her talent.

Liao Rong smiled, scooped up some water, and poured it onto his well-defined collarbone. "You know what to do, right?"

"I understand, Sister Liao, thank you." Ji Ran nodded, his mind racing. He knew exactly how to earn that million, but the information Sister Liao had given him was enough. The rest was up to him to figure out how to operate it, and he was confident he would make the money.

The Bund, Shangri-La Hotel.

Li Guowei and Lin Xuan's rooms were on the same floor, just not next to each other, a slight attempt to deceive themselves. However, neither of them slept well that night, staying up all night.

Unlike Lin Xuan's anxiety and restlessness, who called her agent into the room to discuss countermeasures, she ultimately succumbed to panic.

Li Guowei kept making phone calls, asking all possible connections to pass on his pleas, while also urgently instructing the company's finance department to raise funds.

One million is still a sum that Bilibili Pictures needs to carefully account for.

Around 7 a.m., Li Guowei, his eyes bloodshot, received a call from General Manager Wang.

"Brother, what can I say about you? You..." Mr. Wang exclaimed on the phone.

Li Guowei humbly held up his phone and said, "Brother, it's all my fault. I was blinded by greed and thought about helping my artist get a role and an opportunity. I didn't expect to stir up such a hornet's nest!"

Mr. Wang sighed, "Brother, I had to plead with Young Master Ji until he was hoarse before he agreed to risk passing on your message. But, the one who tied the knot must untie it."

Li Guowei said respectfully, "Go on."

Mr. Wang continued, "Xie Shutong of Phoenix Film and Television has a very powerful background."

Li Guowei protested, "Brother, I really don't know."

Mr. Wang asked, "Have you heard of Jing Gao, the big boss of Phoenix Group?"

Li Guowei nodded quickly, "I've heard of it. Phoenix Fund is a major shareholder of Bilibili, holding 30% of the shares. Phoenix Fund is a company under Mr. Jing. It is said that in the domestic venture capital industry, apart from the state-owned enterprises, all other venture capital firms have to admit defeat."

Mr. Wang revealed, "Xie Shutong is his woman."

"Ah..." Li Guowei found it hard to believe, but then suddenly everything made sense. No, sister, with such strong connections, you should have said something sooner! I, Old Li, would have kowtowed to you for a second. How dare you steal a role from one of your artists?

Mr. Wang said, "Brother, I've given you the information. You decide what to do. Young Master Ji has put in a lot of effort." He didn't need to say anything more.

"I know I know."

Li Guowei hung up the phone and immediately instructed the finance department to transfer the money. Then, dragging his tired and heavy body, he knocked on the door of Lin Xuan's room next door.

Seeing her haggard appearance from staying up all night, I was shocked and gave a wry smile.

Isn't he the same?

Lin Xuan's makeup was ruined, her eyes were dark and she looked much more haggard overnight. She grabbed Li Guowei's hand as if it were a lifeline: "Mr. Li, how is it? Is there any hope? I'll do anything you want."

Playing cards with someone is also acceptable.

Li Guowei smiled bitterly and relayed the "bad news" he had received: "Xuanxuan, call Rere and apologize. Be extremely sincere and make sure you get her forgiveness."

I'll try to speak with Xie Shutong briefly tonight at the Dawn Goddess Show gala dinner to try and resolve the situation. If…”

Lin Xuan interrupted him, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes that seemed incongruous with her beautiful face, and said, "President Li, there are no ifs. I don't want my career to be interrupted."

Li Guowei nodded, appreciating the resoluteness of this 23-year-old girl. "After the event tonight, come with me to the banquet. I'll contact someone now to see if I can arrange it."

Lin Xuan will also walk the red carpet that night, but among the many stars present, she is just an inconspicuous one.

After Li Guowei left, Lin Xuan slumped onto the sofa, her face full of worry as she pondered how to apologize. After a long while, she found a friend in the industry and obtained Rere's private phone number.

Re Re's agent is Xie Shutong; this is the public relations person Li is dealing with. As for Re Re's assistant's phone call, it's best not to call; it won't solve anything.

At 8:30 a.m., she took a deep breath and dialed the number.

All that came through the receiver was a long, cold "beep-beep" busy tone.

Unsurprisingly, the call went unanswered.

Last night's passionate and captivating dance stirred Jing Gao's heart, arousing feelings of tenderness. She is still in bed.

(End of this chapter)