Chapter 28: Exposing the Truth
Working a night shift was a very taxing affair, especially for actresses.
They had to maintain their skin’s condition while also keeping their spirits up and their acting skills sharp. After a full day of filming, Qiu Li was physically and mentally exhausted.
When she saw Bai Ranran approaching during her break, a smile couldn’t help but appear on her lips.
This young girl, Bai Ranran, was a typical star-chasing fangirl who was completely obsessed with looks. Her family was wealthy and powerful, and she had plenty of time on her hands. She loved to fly all over the country to visit celebrities on set.
If she really took a liking to someone, Bai Ranran would directly throw money at them or provide them with resources. And the girl wasn’t interested in any “unspoken rules”; at most, she would go out for a meal with you, take a picture, and show it off on Weibo.
This made many people in the industry hope to be noticed by this little rich girl. Many fans even sent her private messages, recommending their own “brother” or “sister” (idol).
Previously, Bai Ranran had been crazy about male celebrities, but later, it was said that she had accidentally walked in on a male star’s hookup while visiting a set. Her favorability towards male stars had plummeted, and she had started to stan female celebrities instead.
Qiu Li didn’t know how she had suddenly caught her eye, but she treated this little “gold master” with the utmost attention, trying her best to please her.
With a gentle smile on her lips, Qiu Li greeted the director and then walked towards Bai Ranran.
Wen Shu and Wen Nian, having been in human form for too long, felt a bit dry and went back to the hotel to take a bath first.
Chi Xiasheng, who had always been in human form before, didn’t find it too uncomfortable, so he continued to wander around the island with Bai Ranran.
“I’m so sorry. I’ll pay you back for the hotel stay in a while.”
Chi Xiasheng could see that Bai Ranran was a simple, somewhat infatuated girl, and he felt embarrassed to take advantage of her, so he spoke up.
Bai Ranran, however, waved her hand dismissively. “It’s fine. My family invested in this hotel, so there’s no need to pay.”
Chi Xiasheng: “…”
What kind of luck did I have today? Everyone I meet is richer than the last.
“Hehe, why don’t you tell me more about Sister Xiaoshu?”
Bai Ranran smiled and continued to ask Chi Xiasheng about Sister Wen Shu, wondering if she was a newly debuted female celebrity.
“No, Auntie Wen… Sister Wen probably has no plans to debut.”
Thinking of Wen Shu’s appearance, Chi Xiasheng quickly corrected himself.
Wen Shu looked like she was under thirty, but in reality, she was a merman who had lived for nearly five hundred years. Although she was gentle and intellectual on the surface, she still had the unrestrained and free-spirited nature of the merman race in her bones. She probably wouldn’t like being tied down by the entertainment industry.
“Ah, why? Sister Xiaoshu is so beautiful. I’ve never seen a female artist more beautiful than her in the entertainment industry…”
Bai Ranran was truly captivated by Wen Shu. She felt that Wen Shu was like a ray of sunshine on an autumn afternoon, slightly intoxicating yet exuding a sense of freedom, making it hard for people not to think about her.
She just hoped that the people she liked could shine on the big screen. This would give Bai Ranran a different kind of satisfaction.
Therefore, for the celebrities she liked, Bai Ranran never hesitated to spend money and resources on them.
As the two were talking, someone walked over from the direction of the film crew.
“Ranran? You… Chi Xiasheng?!”
Qiu Li got a little closer before she saw the person standing in the shadows behind Bai Ranran.
Wasn’t that the previously missing Chi Xiasheng?!
“Weren’t you… missing after falling into the water?”
Qiu Li found it hard to believe she was seeing Chi Xiasheng here. Her voice rose several octaves in shock.
Bai Ranran frowned slightly, a little displeased with Qiu Li’s overreaction. But hearing her words, Bai Ranran also looked at the handsome man beside her with a hint of surprise.
So this was the Chi Xiasheng who had caused such a stir in the industry?!
Because she had been so exhausted by that male celebrity whose image had collapsed, Bai Ranran had resolved not to pay attention to male artists in the industry anymore, and had thus missed Chi Xiasheng’s debut.
All along, Bai Ranran had only known that there was such a person in the industry, but she didn’t know what he looked like.
And by now, it had been a month and a half since Chi Xiasheng had been kidnapped and had jumped into the sea.
Everyone in the industry thought that Chi Xiasheng was already…
At first, the Su family had concealed the news of Chi Xiasheng falling into the sea and going missing, not wanting to attract too much attention.
But Chi Xiasheng’s agent, worried about his safety, had repeatedly inquired and finally found out that he had fallen into the water after being kidnapped.
The news then spread online. After it was confirmed by Shengshi Group, the company Chi Xiasheng had collaborated with, many netizens spontaneously sent their blessings.
But there were still too many haters. They kept popping up, saying he got what he deserved. After enjoying the life of a wealthy family for so many years, wasn’t it his just desserts to fall into the sea and die?!
Fortunately, most netizens still had a conscience. They were furious that these haters could be so vile at a time like this. So, the netizens went all out and directly flamed some of the haters until they went into seclusion.
But as time went on, apart from Shengshi Group still working hard for Chi Xiasheng, the Su family had already declared they were giving up.
The netizens also felt that the situation was likely hopeless and gradually stopped paying attention to the matter.
At the time, when Qiu Li had first heard about Chi Xiasheng’s incident, she had thought of the young man who had been on the show with her and had even sighed at his unfortunate fate.
But now, she had just run into him on a small island. Qiu Li was so shocked she completely forgot to manage her expression.
“I was rescued by someone.”
Chi Xiasheng didn’t want to say much, so he glossed over the topic.
Qiu Li wanted to ask more, as the industry was extremely curious about Chi Xiasheng. Although he had a falling out with the Su family, he had unexpectedly managed to captivate CEO Sheng of Shengshi Group, who was still looking for him even now.
“Then you’re really lucky. I thought after all this time you were already…”
Realizing it was inappropriate to say this in front of him, Qiu Li quickly stopped herself.
But Bai Ranran, who was standing in front of her, was already a little dissatisfied. She thought Qiu Li was a bit lacking in emotional intelligence.
Bai Ranran had originally become a fan of Qiu Li because of her intellectual and elegant image, and her kind personality, which had left a very good impression on her.
But compared to Wen Shu’s gentle and generous demeanor, Qiu Li seemed a bit petty, which made Bai Ranran feel that something was off.
After all, with a pearl in front of you, a fish eye is hardly worth mentioning.
“Alright, we’re going back first.”
Bai Ranran, whose heart had fallen for Wen Shu, crossed her arms and lifted her chin with a slightly cold expression.
Qiu Li didn’t expect Bai Ranran to have this attitude. She still wanted to please her and softened her tone. “Ranran, are you not feeling well tonight? You look a little pale.”
Bai Ranran shook her head. “No.”
Qiu Li didn’t know how she had offended Bai Ranran. Her face turned slightly pale, and she clenched her fists.
“Do you want to come and see our film set? We’re shooting a night scene today. The stars will be beautiful.”
Qiu Li still wanted to try and win her over and continued to invite her with a smile.
Hearing this, Bai Ranran looked at the sky, which was gradually filling with stars, and a hint of amazement appeared in her eyes.
“Then let’s go and see. Chi Xiasheng, do you want to come along?”
Chi Xiasheng glanced at the film set over there and hesitantly nodded.
The group slowly walked to the film set on the beach.
The people on the set were still forcing themselves to work through the night. The director sat in front of the camera, his brow furrowed deeply.
“This take is no good! You’re playing a dragon, not a worm! Can you show some presence!”
The scolded actor lowered his head and stood up again, preparing for another take.
Looking at the costumes of the people on the set, Chi Xiasheng guessed they were probably filming a xianxia drama.
Qiu Li’s costume was also a flowing white robe. Her hair was tied up with a hairpin, and she stood on the side, holding the hem of her dress, introducing the drama to Bai Ranran.
“This drama is Director Bo’s new work, a historical xianxia drama…”
Hearing Bo Wenye’s name, Chi Xiasheng took a few more glances at the film set.
“Speaking of which, wasn’t Little Chi an actor before?”
Seeing that Bai Ranran was not very interested, Qiu Li could only turn the topic to Chi Xiasheng.
Chi Xiasheng had indeed debuted as an actor, but he had only acted in that one drama and had almost no other works after that.
The reason he had such a large following was almost entirely because his brother, Su Chimian, would drag him out for a spin in every interview.
“Hey, what have you acted in? I’ll go and watch it.”
Bai Ranran asked with great curiosity. She had really never paid attention to Chi Xiasheng before. If she had known he was so handsome, she probably wouldn’t have become a fan of that cheating, scummy male celebrity.
Chi Xiasheng thought it would be better if Bai Ranran didn’t watch it. That drama was the source of all his hate.
“If you don’t have any acting jobs, isn’t there a film set right here!”
Bai Ranran was concerned about Chi Xiasheng’s career. She pulled him along and walked over enthusiastically.
Chi Xiasheng had discussed with his agent whether to give up acting and try a different path. After all, his acting reputation was terrible, and if he acted again, the audience would likely be very disgusted.
But now he was penniless. If he could get a small role on the island, he might be able to earn some money.
After thinking it over a few times, Chi Xiasheng made a decision and proactively walked towards the director.
The director was on the verge of a breakdown at this moment.
He felt that the male actor opposite him was his jinx. A cool and impressive entrance for a dragon was made into a mess by him, with none of the domineering presence a ruler of the waters should have.
Just as he was fretting and telling everyone to take a break, he saw a cool and beautiful young man walking towards him.
A slender and tall figure, porcelain-white skin that seemed to glow in the night. The huge silver moon behind him instantly became a backdrop, blurring into a silhouette, making one’s eyes only able to see him.
As he got closer, the director recognized Chi Xiasheng’s face.
“Chi… Chi Xiasheng?!”
Damn, have I ascended to heaven?!
To actually see someone who had fallen into the sea. No wonder his head felt dizzy. It turned out he was having a hallucination!
“Hello, Director. Is your crew still hiring actors?”
The director was still in a daze, blinking several times, at a loss for words.
“Director Liu! What are you doing? Why aren’t you responding?”
Bai Ranran jumped forward and gave Director Liu a push, which finally brought him back to his senses.
“You… you’re real?!”
Director Liu touched his balding head and looked at Chi Xiasheng in amazement.
“I was rescued by someone and happened to end up on this island. Director, is your crew still hiring?”
Hearing Chi Xiasheng’s words, Director Liu sighed, marveling at his great luck to have survived falling into the sea.
“You’re really lucky. But I’m just an assistant director. Director Bo is the one who makes the main decisions for this drama. Whether we’re hiring or not is up to him.”
Under normal circumstances, hearing that Chi Xiasheng had ended up here, and with his devastatingly handsome face, Director Liu might have made the decision to let him have a small role in the drama. But filming on this island was a special case, and all the scenes needed Bo Wenye’s personal approval, so Director Liu didn’t dare to make a decision rashly.
“Well, you could actually ask CEO Sheng…”
Director Liu naturally knew about CEO Sheng’s obsession with Chi Xiasheng and hinted vaguely.
“What?”
Chi Xiasheng didn’t catch what Director Liu said and asked again in confusion.
Director Liu naturally couldn’t say outright that Shengshi Group was the investor of this drama and that Chi Xiasheng should contact Sheng Sheng. With Sheng Sheng’s unwavering attitude towards him, he would probably arrange any role for him.
Chi Xiasheng had no idea that in the dozens of days he had been missing, the industry had already firmly linked him with Sheng Sheng.
“Oh, Bo Wenye is staying at the hotel. We can just go find him for an audition, right? I don’t believe your crew isn’t short of people.”
Bai Ranran spoke up from the side, pointing Chi Xiasheng in the right direction.
“You can try to fight for it when you see him tomorrow. You have to seize the opportunity!”
Chi Xiasheng was amused by Bai Ranran’s energetic display. His eyes curved slightly, as if they had captured all the stars in the silver sea. The blue in the depths of his pupils was like the ocean, with stars slowly flowing within.
“Oh my god, I was really blind before. How did I miss such a treasure…”
Bai Ranran clutched her chest, her heart aching at the thought that she had sworn off chasing male celebrities.
Ahhh, it’s all that scumbag’s fault! He made me have a complex about handsome men.
Qiu Li, who was standing nearby, saw Bai Ranran’s expression and understood everything.
Bai Ranran was known in the industry for being a sucker for a pretty face. Now, she had probably taken a liking to Chi Xiasheng. No wonder she had been so cold to her tonight. It was because she had found a new favorite.
Taking a deep breath, Qiu Li still clenched her fists in frustration.
She had been fawning over her just before, and she hadn’t even gotten a single resource out of it. Was she just going to be abandoned by Bai Ranran like this?
Qiu Li suddenly understood what people in the industry meant by unwilling jealousy.
Looking at the two of them walking away together, a complicated expression appeared in Qiu Li’s eyes.
Chi Xiasheng returned to the hotel, soaked in the bathtub, and slept. He only got out of the water the next morning. Apart from his neck being a little uncomfortable from resting on the edge of the tub, he was in good spirits.
As expected, it was more comfortable for a fish to return to the water. Chi Xiasheng stretched and, thinking about what he had to do today, quickly washed up and left the room.
There was a dining area in the hotel, a buffet-style one that served special dishes to customers at mealtimes.
When Chi Xiasheng went down, Wen Nian was already on his second round of food.
“Xiaxia, you’re here! The food here is so delicious.”
There weren’t many people in the restaurant at this time, so Wen Nian wasn’t as uncomfortable as he had been when he first met humans yesterday. He was still munching on a small biscuit, his cheeks puffed out. But seeing Chi Xiasheng, he felt a sense of security and followed him closely.
“You’re up so early?”
Chi Xiasheng took a plate, casually picked up a few buns, and sat by the window.
Wen Nian, on the other hand, had a full plate of food and sat opposite him. He spoke with his mouth full, “Yes, I woke up before dawn.”
Seeing that Chi Xiasheng was only eating a few small buns, Wen Nian even gave him some of the food from his plate.
“Why are you eating so little?”
Wen Nian didn’t understand how Chi Xiasheng could resist eating with a room full of fragrant and tempting food.
“I don’t have much of an appetite…”
As he was speaking, Chi Xiasheng caught sight of a man pushing a wheelchair and stood up to greet him.
“Director Bo, are you also here for breakfast?”
Before Bo Wenye could speak, the little boy in the wheelchair pointed to a spot in the distance. “Uncle, let’s go over there.”
Little Bo Wenxing was clearly still holding a grudge against Chi Xiasheng for deceiving him yesterday. He lowered his head and played with his fingers quietly, not looking at him.
Bo Wenye was a doting parent. He smiled at Chi Xiasheng and pushed the wheelchair away.
Chi Xiasheng was not one to pester people, but he really needed this opportunity and didn’t want to miss out on this film crew.
He took a deep breath and still walked up to Bo Wenye.
“Xingxing, can I call you that?”
Bo Wenxing looked at Chi Xiasheng squatting in front of him. He didn’t want to talk to him at first, but the other’s eyes seemed to have a magical power, firmly holding his gaze.
He opened his mouth but ultimately didn’t refuse.
“I want to apologize for yesterday. I didn’t explain things clearly in time and caused Xingxing to misunderstand.”
Bo Wenxing had really thought he had found a little companion yesterday, someone who also walked with a wobbly gait, without legs to support him, and had to spend every day in a wheelchair.
But it turned out to be fake. Even though it was just a misunderstanding, it still hurt Bo Wenxing’s little heart.
Shaking his head at Chi Xiasheng, Bo Wenxing lowered his little head again.
“Xingxing is quite sensitive and doesn’t like to interact with people much. I’m so sorry.”
Seeing Little Wenxing like this, Bo Wenye’s heart ached, and his tone became a little downcast.
If it weren’t for that accident, perhaps Xingxing would be running happily under the sun like other healthy children, instead of being immersed in his own little world every day, unwilling to communicate with others.
From Bo Wenye’s tone, Chi Xiasheng could also roughly understand that Little Bo Wenxing had some psychological trauma that couldn’t be healed with just a few words.
“It’s okay. But can I take up a few minutes of your time, Director Bo?”
Bo Wenye raised an eyebrow, only now realizing that Chi Xiasheng was actually here for him.
“You can.”
“My name is Chi Xiasheng. Director Bo, you may have heard my name before. I had a little incident before and didn’t expect to meet you on this island. I was wondering if your crew is still short of people?”
A hint of surprise also appeared in Bo Wenye’s eyes. He had also heard the news of Chi Xiasheng falling into the sea more than a month ago. To meet him on this island now was quite a coincidence.
But Bo Wenye was not someone who would soften because of sympathy. Even if Chi Xiasheng looked pitiful and really needed this job, he would not agree so easily.
“I can lend you some money. You can pay me back after you return.”
Chi Xiasheng shook his head.
Earning money from acting was only one of the reasons why Chi Xiasheng wanted to join the film crew. After all, borrowing money to leave was the most time-saving and fastest way. Chi Xiasheng was not a stubborn person who insisted on earning money by himself.
He wanted this opportunity more, an opportunity to participate in Bo Wenye’s script.
It was Bai Ranran’s words last night that had woken him up. Opportunities were earned by oneself.
Previously, Chi Xiasheng had been criticized by the entire internet for his poor acting. Although there were reasons why the role didn’t suit him, his lack of acting skills was also a fact.
It wasn’t that he was passionate about acting, but there was a stubborn streak in him that he didn’t know who he had inherited from.
Where he fell, he wanted to stand up again.
He also wanted to show the world the results of his efforts.
And to meet Bo Wenye on the island, it was as if fate was throwing an opportunity at him. If he didn’t fight for it, he would feel sorry for himself for swimming for a whole day and night to get to this island!
Bo Wenye also saw Chi Xiasheng’s persistence and admired his courage a little.
Most importantly, Bo Wenye found that as long as he looked into Chi Xiasheng’s eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse him. He felt that if his will was not firm, he would be completely lost in the other’s gaze.
“There is indeed a role in the drama that hasn’t been cast yet. I was planning to delete the role’s scenes if I couldn’t find anyone. If you really want it, you can come and audition for me this afternoon.”
Bo Wenye had come to the island to film and work, so he always had the script with him. He directly took it out from the side pocket of Little Bo Wenxing’s wheelchair and handed it to Chi Xiasheng.
“Xiyu Immortal Lord, you can look at his scenes.”
Holding the script and watching the unhappy Little Bo Wenxing being pushed away again, Chi Xiasheng also quickly began to practice against the clock.
When Chi Xiasheng returned to his room, he happened to run into a haggard-looking Qiu Li.
Qiu Li had no scenes in the morning and had slept in a little. Seeing Chi Xiasheng walking towards her with a familiar script, her heart sank.
“Sister Qiu Li.”
Because Qiu Li had shown him kindness on the show before, Chi Xiasheng’s attitude towards her was very respectful.
“Good morning, Little Chi. Did you… get the role?”
Qiu Li didn’t think Chi Xiasheng had gotten the role through his own efforts. She thought of Bai Ranran’s attitude last night, and her gaze deepened.
Chi Xiasheng wanted to go back to read the script and was a little absent-minded. He didn’t catch what Qiu Li said and smiled, turning sideways to say he had to go first.
Qiu Li watched his back and finally let out a self-deprecating laugh.
And to think she had genuinely worried about him on the show. It turned out she was the clown.
Clenching her phone, Qiu Li had no mood for breakfast and went straight back to her room.
Chi Xiasheng spent hours reading the script without a break, dissecting all of Xiyu Immortal Lord’s scenes and experiencing the emotions in them word by word.
By the time the appointed time arrived, he finally had some confidence and went to find Bo Wenye with the script.
But just as Chi Xiasheng was auditioning, a revealing post suddenly appeared online, exposing the truth about him falling into the sea.
