Chapter 26: Conflict Part 1

Forgotten what?

Lin Qinghe held his phone, thinking back for about ten seconds before suddenly realizing that Cen Han was referring to the hotel details he’d forgotten.

He felt a twinge of guilt.

Lin Qinghe: Floating Fate Hotel, Room 226. Sorry, I really did forget.

If it were anyone else, Cen Han would have simply replied with an acknowledgment, a single word at most. They forgot, so be it, and he wouldn’t pursue it. However, largely influenced by that dream, he opted to ask directly, instead of relying on an assistant to track Lin Qinghe’s movements.

Lin Qinghe had stirred him up, yet remained completely oblivious to the fact. Not only that, but he also didn’t take Cen Han’s words to heart. Just moments ago, Cen Han had practically added that last sentence deliberately.

Cen Han: Stay safe.

Cen Han: If you run into trouble, find Zhang Hua.

Lin Qinghe: Okay.

Feeling the reply was a bit dry and rigid, Lin Qinghe added a cute sticker of a cartoon character making an OK gesture.

The character flashed a bright smile, tilted its head playfully to one side, and winked at Cen Han. The motion repeated in a loop, looking rather comical.

This was the first time anyone had used such a sticker in front of Cen Han. His brow lifted a fraction, nearly imperceptible. He placed his phone on the desk. Around him, subtle glances from the upper management stealthily landed on him before discreetly shifting away in silent understanding.

“President Cen, that concludes my report.”

Cen Han raised a hand, motioning for them to continue. The group launched into their presentations one by one.

The car that had taken Lin Qinghe pulled into the underground parking garage. The driver helped carry his luggage upstairs. The elevator paused for a few seconds on the first floor. Several neatly uniformed waitstaff were waiting at the doors, pushing meal carts and holding fresh flowers.

The space became cramped, and Xi Nian and Lin Qinghe stepped back a few paces. Whether it was his imagination or not, in those short moments, Lin Qinghe felt that the person standing diagonally across from him had stared at him multiple times, a strange look on their face.

Exiting the elevator, he met the person’s gaze just before the doors closed, but the other party ducked their head with a guilty conscience, not daring to lock eyes with him.

“Brother Qinghe, what’s wrong?” Xi Nian noticed something off about him.

“Nothing.” Lin Qinghe relaxed his furrowed brow. Perhaps the strange behavior was just curiosity about him.

“Hey, hey, was that person a celebrity too?”

“I think so. Even with a mask, those eyes and that aura are really striking.”

“His room is on the second floor. The crew has practically booked half the floor.”

“I just can’t place him. No big celebrity I know looks like that. Probably a newcomer.”

“Quite possible.”

…

【Angel Wings Group Chat – 200 members】

【Sweet Times for Anyu: Breaking news, a friend at Floating Fate Hotel saw Lin Qinghe check in.】

【Anyu’s Glorious Heart: Really?】

【Sweet Times for Anyu: Yeah, my friend couldn’t take a photo easily, but the figure was identical to Lin Qinghe. Plus, the Dream of the Blue Moon Night filming location is very close to the hotel, so we can confirm it’s him.】

【Rainbow Fart Who Will Praise An Yu Forever: Alright, don’t really care about him. I only care about when An Yu will be back to see everyone.】

【Tenth Floor: To the person above, we have to pay attention to him. He might be our rival in the future, smiley face.】

【Cold Noodles: He’s in the same company as our idol now, and a newcomer who got into Director Li Ran’s crew right away. If Dream of the Blue Moon Night blows up, the company’s resources will definitely shift toward him. Our idol’s development will absolutely be hindered.】

【Selling Dog Meat Under the Sign of Goat’s Head: I really can’t figure it out. Did a dog gnaw on Li Ran’s brain? He’s not even professionally trained, has no notable works to show, and just has a face that’s been under the knife who knows how many times. I’m sure this movie will flop completely.】

【Spinach Spinach: I think it’s the company’s issue. The moment our idol gets into trouble, the company pushes a newcomer. It’s utterly chilling. Just think about how much money our idol has brought the company over these years. Starlight Entertainment is a bloodsucker.】

【Black Coat: @Spinach Spinach, to be honest, it’s probably not the company’s fault. In the early years, Starlight Entertainment gave plenty of good resources to promote our idol.】

【Cherishing Fate by the River: Sigh, our idol shouldn’t have gone drinking at a bar at such a crucial time. Even without Lin Qinghe, there’d be Zhang Qinghe or Li Qinghe. Artists are public figures, after all. A mistake of principle is fatal.】

【Lian Lian Kan: It wasn’t like our idol did it on purpose. He already apologized, what more do you want? Your words are basically blaming him.】

【Cherishing Fate by the River: Apologizing is one thing, but his image is damaged. People will keep using this to attack him forever. And wrong is wrong. If you don’t criticize and correct mistakes, there’s never any progress.】

【Lian Lian Kan: Right, you’re so noble, knowing all the big principles. If you’re so rational, why even follow our idol? Laughing my ass off. Aren’t you tired standing on the moral high ground?】

【Cherishing Fate by the River: Of course I want our idol to do well. I don’t want to argue with you. We just have different views. Let’s leave it at that.】

【Guard Anyu Baby: Are you sure someone saw Lin Qinghe at Floating Fate Hotel?】

【Sweet Times for Anyu: Mm-hm, it should be him.】

【Guard Anyu Baby: OK, got it.】

【Guard Anyu Baby: He’s done for.】

.

Originally, the assistant wasn’t entitled to a room. If absolutely necessary, she could stay with the other staff at a standard hotel. But Xi Nian’s household was wealthy, and Floating Fate Hotel had her private suite, a perk unique to her alone.

“Don’t worry about breakfast. I know the area well. Just let me know what you want and I’ll go buy it, or you can go to the hotel restaurant.” Xi Nian finished putting her things away and smoothed her hair, saying, “My room is on the sixth floor. Call me if anything comes up.”

“Mhm.” Lin Qinghe tapped into the Seven Notes livestream. Finding a suitable angle, he said to Xi Nian, “I’m going on stream now?”

Xi Nian leaned closer for a look. “I’m a bit nervous. Afraid people will curse at you again.”

This time, he wasn’t sharing the stream on Weibo. Almost all his followers on Seven Notes were his actual fans, so starting a stream would trigger a notification. What worried her was that some netizens might have specifically followed him just waiting for a chance to hurl abuse.

“It’s fine, I can ignore it.” Lin Qinghe smiled, unconcerned. “Might as well use the time I have now. I’ll head to the set after the stream.”

【Ding~ Seven Notes reminds you, your followed account Lin Qinghe has started a livestream~】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: Saw the notification and ran like the wind, snatching the sofa!!!】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: He He, look at me! I’m your super hardcore fan!】

【Celine Is My Wife has joined the livestream.】

【Celine Is My Wife: Wuwuwu, I’m overjoyed! He He, you’ve finally shown your face.】

【Bermuda Triangle: What luck! I dreamed last night that He He was coming back to stream, and holy crap, today He He really is back!】

【Pineapple Lychee Meat: Made it, made it! The moment I got the notification, I was so excited!】

【Missing Sakura: Aaaaaaah, He He! First time seeing He He stream live himself.】

The viewer count was only just over a hundred, quite sparse. Lin Qinghe held the phone a bit farther away and said gently, “No talent showcase today. Just chatting with everyone for about ten minutes or so. Let’s not spread it around outside, okay?”

【WorkThreeHoursADay: Okay n.n】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: He He’s makeup and styling really looks so ethereal, I adore it. Take care of your health while filming~】

【Tangerine Peel: Here I come~ Almost missed it!】

【Tangerine Peel: No matter what others say about He He, He He is the best in my heart. Dog head holding a flower.】

“Thank you.” A slight smile curved Lin Qinghe’s lips. “Once I’m done with this busy period, I’ll play the pipa for everyone.”

【Bermuda Triangle: Yay! Spinning in circles.】

【Bermuda Triangle: Looking forward to He He’s movie premiere. I’ll drag my partner along to watch it!】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: Does filming feel difficult?】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: When is it wrapping up? Hahaha, I’m in Western Capital, all ready to visit the set.】

【Heartbroken: Seriously, so envious of the sisters in Western Capital.】

【Missing Sakura: I’m envious too!】

Skimming the screen, Lin Qinghe replied, “There will be some difficulties, but everyone on the crew has been very kind and given me a lot of help. Wrapping up is probably still a ways off.”

“As for set visits, you’ll need to ask my assistant about that. We’ll arrange things later.”

【Tom and Jerry: He He’s image fits the Celine in my heart so well. Fight on~】

【Celine Is My Wife: Agreeing with the sister above. I was blown away when the promo photos came out.】

【Milk Bobo: God-tier to me. Hope He He’s acting is god-tier too!】

【Heartbroken: He He, don’t read the discussions on Weibo. You can browse the “Immortal Crane Super Topic” more often. We’re there every day.】

【Fairy Aura He He: We’re all here.】

【Full Houttuynia: We’re all here.】

【Goodnight Makabaka: We’re all here!】

Lin Qinghe made a finger heart, something he’d learned from the internet, for everyone. “Mhm, I’ll keep working hard.”

…

The Immortal Crane Super Topic suddenly buzzed with activity. Engagement picked up for no apparent reason, many fans were celebrating.

Fans who missed the stream expressed immense regret but, seeing the high-definition stream captures of Lin Qinghe that someone had posted, instantly screamed and kissed their screens.

【WorkThreeHoursADay: In this sensitive period, it’s better not to be too high-profile. The last stream incident was too vicious. I was worried He He would get cursed at, so I didn’t spread the word in the group. Let’s guard He He together~】

WorkThreeHoursADay had become a veteran in the super topic. Fans all knew she was wealthy, had plenty of time, and possessed information channels. These three crucial factors virtually guaranteed that everyone held her opinions in high regard.

【Fragrance of Tea and Wine: Sister Shi, is our idol doing okay?】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: He He is doing very well, in great form, working hard on filming.】

【WorkThreeHoursADay: Everyone, take note. In the near future, whenever you encounter anti-He He comments, don’t go and argue with them. The more you argue, the more they escalate. Let’s keep a low profile just like He He. Quietly wait until his work yields results, then we can celebrate loudly.】

【Goodnight Makabaka: Alright.】

【Early Summer: No problem.】

【Milk Bobo: Got it.】

.

Today’s scene required an unusually large number of extras to construct a grand spectacle. It was divided into two segments to film: the first half still on the ship, the second half at a different location.

A handheld electric fan blew Lin Qinghe’s hair. Holding his script in one hand, he stood at his designated spot, waiting for the director to call action. Since this was Jiang Nian’s main scene, Lin Qinghe only appeared in the frame without any lines, relying entirely on body language.

“Once we finish shooting here, we can regroup with the main force, everyone, so give it your all.” Li Ran cracked a little joke. “You should know, the regroup is the highlight moment for you important characters. We’re talking an epic, legendary scene.”

A few chuckles broke out.