Topic: What’s going on? Did Song Futan just come out??
Content: Why is my homepage flooded with excitement, even livelier than New Year? Everyone is saying Song Futan is incredible, and this is just… Could someone explain? Did he come out under societal pressure?
1L: It’s the premiere of *Ghostly Charm* today. No official news yet, but the buzz is that Song Futan gave us some candy. CP (couple pairing) fans think it’s equivalent to him coming out?
2L: No, no, no. It’s not just equivalent; it’s basically certain. During the premiere, he corrected someone, saying the main character of *Ghostly Charm* was modeled after Lan He. Before meeting him in person (maybe just from seeing his works?), he was already deeply captivated. Later, he finally met him and pursued him like crazy (not literally) and ultimately invited him to play the lead role. I’m not a fan, but come on, isn’t this true love?
3L: Yes!!
4L: Wait, so Lan He wasnโt competing for the lead role in *Ghostly Charm*? Heโs the original inspiration? Song Futan invited him specifically? So when Song Futan said there was no competition, he meant Lan He was the only choice?
5L: โฆ Oh my gosh, is that what he meant?! Your teacher Xuang Guang is incredible. He brought his imagined muse (or whatever) to life and cast him as the lead. Star-chasing success achieved. Thank you; this is hitting all the right notes.
6L: Even as a casual writer, Iโm in awe. This is just too lucky.
7L: CP dynamics changed! Teacher Xuang Guang has evolved ORZ.
8L: And he didnโt give the lead character a romantic storylineโwas that intentional?
9L: ??? I just logged in and almost choked on the sweetness. Am I dreaming? Even as a fan, I wouldnโt dare to dream this big.
โฆ
Those present at the premiere were even more shocked than online viewers, as they heard Song Futan’s words firsthand. After revealing that Lan He was the inspiration, Song Futan briefly explained under the host’s probing that he had been inspired by Lan He long before meeting him in person. After finally meeting, he proactively invited him to take on the lead role.
Even Song Qiyun sheepishly admitted that the project might not have even taken off if Lan He hadnโt been cast, as Song Futan wouldnโt have agreed otherwise.
Even fans who arenโt CP shippers found themselves moved to tears after hearing Song Futan’s confession and seeing his exchange of looks with Lan He: if this isnโt love, then what is? Without even meeting him, Lan He managed to captivate the scriptwriter so thoroughly that he wrote a story for him, deeming him irreplaceable.
Had Song Futan not personally said it, even with his past statements that Lan He was his sole choice, no one wouldโve dared to boast, โI think Song Futan wrote the script with Lan He in mind.โ Theyโd just get mocked for delusion, as if believing Lan Heโs charm could transcend distance.
For a moment, CP fans and ordinary actor fans alike were swept away by Song Futanโs heartfelt declaration.
โSo… is Song Futan also a *Lan He-Peace Dove* fan?โ
โAnd one of the earliest ones at that. Earlier than us for sure, since scripts take time to write. By then, Lan He wasnโt even known.โ
โIโm in awe! Truly the great Teacher Xuang Guangโhis vision is unmatched. I canโt compare!โ
The host, ever professional, managed to recover from his own shockโdespite visibly gapingโand continued asking questions, even shifting the focus to Lan He: โWow, such a touching backstory. Teacher Xuang Guang is deeply sentimental. Lan He, hearing him say this, do you feel moved?โ
His tone carried a teasing edge, clearly aware of the CP dynamics between the two.
Lan He smiled lightly. โNot really, since heโs said even more sentimental things to me privately.โ
Host: โโฆโ
The host almost lost his composure, but the audienceโs laughter, screams, and whistles quickly drowned it out. Everyone agreed that Lan Heโs response was perfect, delivering full entertainment value.
Only insiders like Song Qiyun and Chen Xingyang, who were also present, wore complicated expressions: *Just openly flaunt your relationship, why donโt you?*
โWell, as expected from a writer… Do you still remember what you said back then? Could you share it with everyone?โ the host pressed Song Futan.
Song Futan: โI canโt.โ
Not โdonโt rememberโโbut โcanโt.โ The host didnโt dare push further and laughed awkwardly: โWhat a pity. Seems like itโs exclusive to Lan He. Letโs move on to Xia Yuqianโs thoughts.โ
The camera shifted to Xia Yuqian.
Xia Yuqian: โโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
The audience, media, and everyone else laughed until they were tearing up, marveling at how this host truly understood the dynamics at play. His first question was sharp, but the follow-up jabbed right at Xia Yuqianโs feelings, driving the excitement to a peak.
The only oddity some noted during the commotion was a faint โhissingโ sound, almost like air leaking, but no one could pinpoint its source.
Xia Yuqian covered his face: โI have nothing to say. Iโve been blinded by their brilliance.โ
More laughter erupted from the audience, amused by his perfectly timed response.
In this atmosphere, the subsequent questions barely registered with anyone. Thankfully, they were near the end, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the filmโs screeningโthe defining work of the *Futan-Lan He* pairing.
ใใโฆโฆ
*Ghostly Charm* carries a surreal and absurd tone, following the protagonist as he enters the world of ghosts. At first glance, it seems no different from the human world, except he exudes an eerie ghostly aura, with an adorable face, but actions that can terrify even the ghosts.
Who is human and who is a ghost? In this world of spirits and deities, layers of deception abound. Truth and falsehood, life and death, reality and illusion, gods and mortals… all intertwine to create a dreamlike realm.
The storyline itself isnโt overly complex, starting and ending with humanity. Along the way, the protagonist kills ghosts, slays gods, and interacts with characters who evoke both sorrow and thought. The filmโs palette leans toward the somber, with Lan Heโs character bringing occasional bright hues. During the climactic god-slaying battle, he dons a red robe, exuding rebellion and fervorโreminiscent of Lan He in his judgeโs attire.
Though Song Futan based the protagonist on Lan He, the script clearly reflects the writerโs affection for the character, with dialogue and scenes meticulously crafted to highlight the protagonistโsโor rather, Lan Heโsโcharisma, from his sharp tongue to his fighting skills. His witty comebacks are immensely satisfying, and his combat scenes are overwhelmingly cool.
Naturally, this is all brought to life under Song Qiyunโs skillful direction, with both major and minor climaxes expertly executed. By the end of the screening, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. Many viewers only realized afterward that the protagonistโs name was never mentioned, leaving them feeling they mightโve missed a deeper meaning, sparking a desire for a second watch.
Additionally…
Although Song Futanโs name only appears in the opening and closing credits, knowing his earlier remarks makes it hard not to feel like the entire film is a love letter from him. How else could the protagonist be so utterly captivating?
This character was clearly created with intense emotionโperfectly aligned with Song Futanโs โheartfelt confession.โ
And yet, the protagonist isnโt given a romantic arc!
Instead, the love storyline is handed to Xia Yuqian and Yu Mengmeng. What was the thought process behind this choice?
After the premiere, *Ghostly Charm* received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. Fueled by Song Futanโs remarks, the filmโs reputation and buzz skyrocketed, with media outlets jumping on the bandwagon to publish headlines like โNetizens Urge Futan and Lan to Marry Immediately.โ
Regardless of being CP fans or not, netizensโ reactions were animated, as if each was dancing like Liu 13.
During the limited pre-screenings, theaters were packed, with reports of even Daoist priests attending screeningsโevidence that *Ghostly Charm* had reached a supernatural level of fame.
The official release was set for midnight on the 15th, and Lan He had already arranged with Song Futan to sneak into a theater together. Tickets werenโt necessaryโtheyโd attend in spirit form, avoiding detection.
Lan He hadnโt yet seen the film in its entirety. At the premiere, the creators, including himself, watched from the side and focused on audience reactions. The following days were busy with promotions, leaving no time for a proper, uninterrupted viewing.
Thus, Lan He planned a private outing with Song Futan to watch this meaningful film together.
—
The night before, Lan He had everything packed. โThe movie starts in a few hours. Letโs hurry to the Chenghuang Temple to grab the materials. Afterward, you all can head home while Futan and I detour to the theaterโฆโ
Liu 13 snapped, โWhy arenโt you taking me along?โ
Lan He paused. โThe conviction in your tone almost made me think you had a valid point.โ
At the premiere, Liu 13 had overdosed on the โsugarโ and nearly tied himself into knots. Yet, as with any essential in life, one can never have too much. He was vehemently opposed to their private movie outing, expressing strong disapproval.
โLetโs go!โ Lan He dismissed Liu 13โs complaints. Theyโd lose this meddling snake soon enough.
Arriving at the Chenghuang Temple in spirit form, Lan He observed the centuries-old structure, which heโd visited only a few times before, usually just to borrow a path to the underworld without entering. As they approached, Song Futan remarked, โThis temple has a history spanning hundreds of years. Its temple fairs were famous during the Ming and Qing dynasties and even into the Republic era. Merchants would gather here during fairs, with the City God patrolling the streets amidst bustling markets and incense ceremonies. This street used to be a hub, though chaos often erupted, giving rise to the saying: โChaos at the market gate, no peace at Peace Bridge.โโ
Today, the Chenghuang Temple had been restored on its original site, recently receiving donations for a grand renovation, including the recasting of the deityโs golden statue and the introduction of professional management and incense ceremonies.
Even at night, the temple gates remained open, with visitors coming to offer incense.
The gate bore a couplet: โHuman hearts need no excess; destiny unfolds naturally. What the heavens decree, why fret over scheming?โ
As they reached the entrance, a temple attendant, an underworld envoy, spotted their group and greeted them respectfully. โWhat brings you here, sir?โ
โIโm here to collect some documents,โ Lan He replied. โThe underworld is revising some records.โ
The envoy nodded. โItโll take a moment. Our Chenghuang Temple has strict procedures now. Document borrowing requires Lord Anโs seal, but heโs currently patrolling and should return around midnight. If itโs urgent, I can send someone to fetch him. Thereโs not much going on in the city tonight.โ
โIt should be fine. Iโve got a movie to catch at midnight, so as long as itโs done by then, weโre good,โ Lan He said.
Throughout history, the cityโs Chenghuang has included figures like Wen Tianxiang, Xu Da, and Yu Qianโrenowned officials whose spirits became deities. The current Lord An had only been in office for about a decade but had transformed the dilapidated temple into a well-organized institution, complete with carefully maintained records and a prison for malevolent ghosts. Even now, he was out patrolling.
The envoy gestured, โPlease, have a seat. Enjoy some blessed fruits while I prepare the documents. Once the lord returns, Iโll get the seal stamped promptly.โ
He led the group inside, where another couplet adorned the main hall: โWho defames, who praises? Time flows on. Unkind and unwise, all becomes clear.โ Plaques hung with inscriptions such as โRewards and Retributions,โ โKarma Knows All,โ and โKindness to Mortals,โ all gifted by devotees.
With fewer visitors at night, Lan He unexpectedly spotted Yu Hangjia and his father, accompanied by the Melonhead Immortal. The father and son were offering incense and prayers, unaware of Lan Heโs presence.
Melonhead Immortal knelt nearby, muttering while clutching his hands, โMay the City God bless my daughterโs admission to the Lan familyโฆโ
Lan He: โโฆโ
Lan He called out, โMelonhead?โ
The Immortal turned, startled and overjoyed. โA manifestation?!โ
“Go away,” Lan He said, “You’re here too?”
Melonhead Immortal got up and pointed at Yu Hangjia. “Little Yu and Old Yu donated money to the Chenghuang Temple and came to pay respects to the golden statue they sponsored.”
Yu Hangjia had always been a firm believer in these matters. Over the past two years, the Chenghuang Temple’s incense offerings had proven effective. He was wealthy, so it wasn’t surprising that he made a donation. He had even contributed to Juehui Temple before.
Lan He glanced at the several-meter-tall deity statue, glimmering in gold, with a dignified expression. The figure sat majestically on the altar, wearing a golden crown and official robes. Its gaze, looking down, seemed to meet those in the hall, evoking reverence in worshipers. One glance made it clear it was crafted by a renowned artisan.
Lan He wasnโt surprised. By this time, the ghost officials had already brought over the official documents and placed them on the table. With just a stamp, the process would be completed, and they could take them away.
Lan He casually flipped through the documents. The entries were clear and detailed. For example, they recorded how a previous prison break led to the escape of malevolent ghosts, how the prison was repaired, and the ghosts recaptured. It specified which prison each ghost was held in and outlined the costs, showing transparent accounting.
The follow-up to every event was also meticulously documented. Lan He even spotted Chen Xingyang’s nameโit was the case where he had been manipulated by a ghost into a ghost marriage. The aftermath was handled by the Chenghuang Temple, which also punished those who maliciously purchased ghost marriage services.
“You see, remember that time? We secretly joined the raid,” Lan He said to Song Futan, vividly recalling the incident.
Liu 13, who wasnโt around at the time, asked curiously, “What? What story?”
A lot had happened in the past two years, and he hadnโt caught up with everything.
Hu 79 casually explained it was about some jailbreak ghosts trying to cause trouble.
“Of course, I remember.” Song Futan thought for a moment, then started flipping through the records. “This case closed, that case closed… Most of them are resolved.”
Like the other collected data, there were no lingering issues. If these incidents had any lasting consequences…
Song Futan subconsciously flipped the pages and glanced at the departing Yu Hangjia and his father, then swept his gaze around the hall.
Lan He didnโt notice; he was listening to a man who had just finished burning incense. The man had gone to the temple staff to request a divination slip and was saying, “The other day, I went to visit a grave and fell. Afterward, I kept feeling unwell. So, I took a bath. While soaking, I was watching a preview for *Ghostly Charm*, and I thought I heard someone talking outside the window. Coincidentally, the preview also featured ghostsโit scared me to death! I got up, opened the window to check, and saw nothing. When I sat back down to continue watching, I felt a chill on the back of my neck, like something was breathing on me. I was paralyzed with fear, couldnโt move my hands or feet, and felt as if a creature was slowly, very slowly, approaching…
As he recounted, his expression turned strange. “Then, when I felt it right by my ear, I mustered my courage to turn around. I thought I heard a ‘Scared me to death!’ and then blacked out. When I woke up, the water was cold. I still donโt know if it was a dream or real.”
The temple staff handed him a talisman for peace.
The ghost official sighed. “This kind of thing has been happening a lot lately.”
Lan He immediately perked up. “Hmm, a serious haunting?”
The ghost official looked at him for a moment, then whispered, “Iโm not talking about humans; I mean ghosts.”
Lan He: “??”
Ghost official: “Not just this. Some innocent ghosts, coexisting in spaces with humans, get startled when they suddenly see your face on TV or phone screens while people watch *Ghostly Charm*.”
Lan He: “…………”
Even though Lan He still wore a mask outside, his identity as the deity was no secret in the underworld. His presence in the capital had the same exorcising effect as a door god. Especially on large screens, his sudden appearance could easily terrify ghosts.
Melonhead Immortal flattered him, “You’re amazing, Master Lai!”
First Lady Hu wrapped her sleeves around herself, feeling inexplicably uncomfortable as she rubbed her nose and sneezed. After pondering for a moment, she grumbled and muttered, thinking someone must be talking about her.
First Lady Hu wandered around the hall. The rebuilt Chenghuang Temple wasnโt very large; she could see it all at a glance.
She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Where is your Chenghuang Prison located?”
The ghost official replied, “Miss, due to limited space, we use on-site prisons for detaining malevolent spirits.”
This was essentially Daoist spatial magic: creating an independent space by opening a portal on-site.
First Lady Hu asked, “Which spot?”
The ghost official pointed to a corner. “Right there.”
By this time, it was nearing midnight. Across major cinemas in the capital, audiences were already gathering to watch the first official screening of *Ghostly Charm*.
First Lady Hu put her hands on her hips, looked at the corner, and said, “Open it. Let me see.”
Authorโs note:
Amid the cooing, there were faint hissing sounds…
ใใ.
Some parts of this text reference various books and articles, while others involve creative fabrication or misinterpretations. Please forgive any inaccuracies or misunderstandings, and a heartfelt thanks to the authors of these works!
ใใ
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Lol, Melonhead praying for his daughter, what a thoughtful father xD
Thank you for the chapter!
What about chapter 99?