Chapter 5

After finishing the last shot, Zhu Huai could finally change out of that thin, revealing costume. That evening, an investor was hosting a dinner and had asked for actors of all ranks to attend. The restaurant’s address had been sent to his phone. Zhu Huai tidied up a bit and headed over.

The restaurant was a mid-range Chinese eatery near the film studio. The third-floor hall had been reserved. The leads and director naturally sat at the main table. Zhu Huai scanned the room, picked a table with few people, and sat down. Several minor actors who had been chatting fell silent the moment he arrived, eyeing him with ambiguous looks.

“Hello.”

The actress beside him greeted him naturally. Zhu Huai had seen her a few times on set. He remembered her name was Shen Jingjing, playing the female lead’s close friend.

“Hello.” Zhu Huai responded politely.

Shen Jingjing’s eyes shone as she said, barely suppressing her excitement, “I’m your fan! When you were on 《Star Idol》, I voted for you so many times!”

Zhu Huai’s eyes warmed. He said sincerely, “Thank you.”

“You have to keep going! The people in our group are still waiting for you to return to the stage!”

Zhu Huai froze for a moment, puzzled. “Your group?”

“Yes!” Shen Jingjing pulled out her phone, opened a QQ group, and showed him the chat history. “The numbers aren’t large, but these are the diehard fans who stayed. We all believe you’re not that despicable person. When we heard you were joining 《The Disloyal Minister》, and working with Movie Emperor Jiang, everyone was thrilled. We can finally see you on screen again!”

Zhu Huai moved his gaze to her phone. The background was a photo of him in his red costume, waiting off to the side during that evening shoot. The weather had been gloomy, the phone photo not high-definition, but his handsome face and straight posture were still clearly visible. His expression was lazy; paired with the red costume, it carried an unnameable, languid charm.

The group was lively.

Is Huaihuai Active Today: “Aaaaaah baby’s look is absolutely stunning! I’m going to replay his episodes a hundred times!”

Zhu Huai’s Little Cutie: “Wuwuwu, my husband’s been gone for a year and a half. I’ve chewed through all his old videos and photos. Finally, new material!”

Qian Daidai: “I’m so mad! That stupid marketing account Weekly New Entertainment dragged baby out to provoke fans again. Liu Qi and Wei Feng’s brainless fans are hopping around sneering. Should we sign them up for an 800-meter high jump?”

Na chan: “Sigh, baby used to bring so much popularity to the other members when he was in the group. Remember that City X fan appreciation livestream concert? Liu Qi forgot his lyrics! If baby hadn’t cleverly covered for him, it would have been a massive embarrassment. Now baby gets trampled like this.”

Qian Daidai: “After that event, Liu Qi’s fans had the nerve to say baby stole the spotlight. OMG, Liu Qi as the captain couldn’t even remember the lyrics to his own center song. Those blind little deaf idiots still brag every day about their gege’s dedication. I’m laughing so hard my whole neighborhood lights up.”

Na chan: “So I don’t believe baby is the type to sabotage his teammates. When it happened, whatever the company said became the truth, and I believed it subconsciously. But now that I think about it calmly, there wasn’t even solid evidence.”

Is Huaihuai Active Today: “Everyone, don’t be angry. Baby has already taken the first step. Let’s just quietly wait for his return. Remember to leave him encouraging messages today. If you see haters stirring trouble, post them in the group and we’ll report them together!”

Zhu Huai’s Little Cutie: “Right. We who remain have survived even the hardest two years. Now that baby finally has a decent resource, everyone needs to cheer up and support him even more!”

A warm current poured into Zhu Huai’s heart.

After the incident, his Weibo had been completely overrun, becoming a carnival of violence for haters and melon eaters. All you could see was abuse and mockery, even edited photos of his death. The IDs that used to call him “Brother” so affectionately cursed the hardest of all. Overnight, everyone seemed to want him dead to feel satisfied. The support behind him crumbled in an instant, and his life became a mess.

In this age ruled by traffic, there were far too many idols for fans to follow. Zhu Huai never expected that after two years, there would still be people standing unwaveringly behind him.

Seeing his expression change, Shen Jingjing said hastily, “See? We’re all still waiting for you!”

Their voices weren’t loud or quiet—the people nearby could hear.

Zhu Huai gave a brilliant smile. Before he could speak, a male actor at the same table suddenly snorted and said to the person beside him, “What kind of dog follows what kind of master. If the master is no good, the dog’s a brainless mutt too.”

The person next to him laughed awkwardly and didn’t respond.

Zhu Huai glanced at the male actor. The face wasn’t familiar, but he’d seen him beside Liu Qi twice.

Seeing Zhu Huai look at him, the actor provoked, “What are you looking at? I’m talking about you?”

The warmth on Zhu Huai’s face faded, leaving only coldness. “I just think you make a good point.”

The actor looked at him like he was insane. “You actually agree with that?”

“Of course I agree.” Zhu Huai even nodded. “Not many people have as much self-awareness as you.”

The actor immediately caught on. He slammed the table hard and roared, “Who the fck are you calling that?!”

Zhu Huai’s expression remained calm. “Why get excited? Weren’t those your own words?”

I was talking about YOU!!

The person beside the actor saw the trouble brewing and quickly pulled him back, whispering, “The director’s table is looking over here…”

Zhu Huai swept his gaze toward the director’s table at those words and unexpectedly met a pair of cold, clear eyes.

Jiang Sheli sat with his body slightly turned, looking over without any attempt to hide it. But he was too far away; Zhu Huai couldn’t tell what was in those eyes.

The director and the investors were also peering this way, following his gaze.

The actor had no choice but to back down, muttering disdainfully under his breath, “A few scenes with Jiang Sheli and he thinks he’s someone. Look at whether Jiang Sheli even acknowledges you…”

Zhu Huai turned a deaf ear.

“What a piece of work.” Shen Jingjing curled her lip. She lowered her voice further when speaking to Zhu Huai. “I heard Brother Jiang is going to direct and star in a movie, aiming for the Wanlu Award. Liu Qi has been trying every trick lately to get on that train. Brother Jiang won’t give him the time of day. Now anyone who gets close to Brother Jiang earns his jealousy.”

The Wanlu Award was the most authoritative film and television trophy in the country, held every three years. Each time it approached, the media would build up hype in advance, guessing who would win Best Actor, who would win Best Actress. Fans’ nerves would be wound tight as well, unable to stand their idol being even a hair worse than others. At such times, the internet would always see a storm of blood.

But no matter how fiercely fans fought, it was all useless. The Wanlu judges were notoriously rigid and cold-blooded in the industry—not a drop of water could be squeezed in. Not even a back door, not even a mouse hole. The Wanlu’s fairness and impartiality spoke for itself.

Zhu Huai understood, but had a small doubt. “I remember Brother Jiang has won the Wanlu Award for Best Actor two consecutive times. Is he aiming for a three-peat?”

Shen Jingjing shrugged. “I heard it’s to promote the studio’s Best Newcomer. The TV King You Jiayuan’s contract with Phantom is ending soon. Apparently he’s not planning to renew, so they need to groom a new one.”

Phantom was the studio Jiang Sheli had created, famous in the industry for treating its artists well. No one who got in ever sat idle.

Zhu Huai understood. Even if Liu Qi couldn’t get into Jiang Sheli’s movie, signing with Phantom would be a win.

Shen Jingjing’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him. “Brother, if only you could sign with Phantom.”

Zhu Huai smiled. Though he wasn’t familiar with Phantom, he knew Jiang Sheli didn’t sign just anyone. Phantom had few artists, but any one you picked was a name people recognized. He wasn’t delusional enough to dream about that.

Shen Jingjing was chatting with the people in the group. She didn’t know what was said, but suddenly she let out a low squeal.

Zhu Huai instinctively glanced at her phone.

Holding Li in My Arms Is Real: “!!! Creator Huaili dropped a new car!! Link→”

Candy Eating Me: “The creator is supreme!!”

Shen Jingjing abruptly pulled her phone back, an odd trace of guilt appearing on her face.

Zhu Huai: ?

As a once-red-hot idol, Zhu Huai often browsed Weibo comments and various super topics in private. Usually, whenever the letters “szd” appeared, the prefix before it was always some CP name.

He glanced at Shen Jingjing’s guilty expression and was certain that this CP involved him.

Showing nothing on his face, Zhu Huai silently noted that ID from earlier.

The meal was tasteless. Apart from unavoidable toasts to the investors, Zhu Huai didn’t drink a drop more. Drinking caused trouble; he’d paid a bloody price for that lesson two years ago.

After the dinner ended, Zhu Huai didn’t squeeze into the elevator with the crowd. Texting Little Nan, he slowly made his way down the stairs.

“Boss Bai…”

Faint snatches of conversation drifted up from the stairwell, somewhat familiar. Zhu Huai stopped.

“Rest assured, Miss Shen. The female lead of the next production is reserved for you. Miss Shen, don’t be ungrateful.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Boss Bai.” The female voice sounded strained. “But my acting isn’t good enough yet. I’m not suited to be the female lead. Please give it to someone else.”

Zhu Huai recognized the voice—Shen Jingjing. The man called Boss Bai was one of the investors of 《The Disloyal Minister》.

“Acting isn’t a problem. As long as, Miss Shen, you’re willing, any resource you want can be yours. I’m thinking of you with all my heart.”

Zhu Huai took a few steps down and saw Shen Jingjing cornered against the wall by a beer-bellied man. The man’s mouth was nearly pressed against her face.

Shen Jingjing was on the verge of tears. If only she’d left with the group, she wouldn’t have been dragged here alone by the investor.

The man’s alcohol-tinged face grew closer and closer. Shen Jingjing couldn’t dodge left or right; she couldn’t push him away. Real tears fell. “Boss Bai, please show some decency…”

“Shen Jingjing.”

Just as she felt desperate, Zhu Huai’s voice suddenly came from the stairs.

Boss Bai was startled. He turned and cursed, “Who the hell has no eyes?”

Zhu Huai walked down the stairs one step at a time. His tone was respectful, but there was no warmth in his eyes. “Sorry to interrupt, Boss Bai. I just ran into Brother Jiang. He said Shen Jingjing’s phone was lost, and he picked it up.”

Shen Jingjing was confused for a second, but caught on quickly. “Ah, yes, yes. Where is Brother Jiang? I’ll go get it now!”

Boss Bai regarded the two suspiciously, but at the mention of Jiang Sheli, he wavered.

He could push these minor actors around however he liked, but Jiang Sheli was not someone he could afford to offend.

Zhu Huai was counting on exactly that when he made up the story. Anyway, this Boss Bai certainly wouldn’t go verify with Jiang Sheli in person.

But who would have thought Boss Bai would laugh and say, “Is that so? Then I’ll accompany you.”

Zhu Huai’s expression didn’t change, but Shen Jingjing’s body stiffened. This small tell naturally didn’t escape Boss Bai’s eyes. His face instantly turned sour.

“You dare lie to me?!”

They were screwed.

Zhu Huai narrowed his eyes. He was going to have to offend this investor after all.

“Who’s the clueless one lying to Boss Bai?”

A pleasant male voice came from below. Zhu Huai was stunned as Jiang Sheli slowly walked out of the shadows.

He carried a faint hint of alcohol, but far less pungent than Boss Bai’s—a gentle drunkenness.

Jiang Sheli glanced at Zhu Huai, his eyes indifferent. He had clearly heard everything.

Zhu Huai guiltily looked away.

Jiang Sheli pulled a phone from his pocket and handed it to Shen Jingjing. “Your friend just called; that’s how I knew it was yours. Don’t lose it next time.”

Shen Jingjing was thoroughly dumbfounded. Her instinct was to check her own pocket, but she barely held back and accepted the phone in a daze.

Boss Bai’s face turned even uglier, but with Jiang Sheli here, he couldn’t throw a tantrum. In the end, he could only snort coldly and turn away.

“Thank you, Brother Jiang!”

“Thank you, Brother Jiang.”

Once Boss Bai’s footsteps had faded completely, the two thanked Jiang Sheli in unison.

Jiang Sheli didn’t respond. He simply held out his hand to Shen Jingjing.

Shen Jingjing immediately switched gears and returned the phone she’d just received with both hands.

Jiang Sheli took back his own phone, turned, and headed downstairs. It was a mystery why he had even come here in the first place.

Zhu Huai hurried after him, calling out, “Brother Jiang.”

Jiang Sheli stopped and turned to look at him.

Behind him, the night was washed clean. The city sprinkled down scattered points of light. Jiang Sheli’s casual stance rivaled a runway model’s, his aura cold and clear, as if he had melted into the darkness.

Zhu Huai was momentarily dazed, but quickly snapped back. He said quickly, “Thank you for the ginger soup. And about Little Yuan—I already contacted my agent today. They’ll send a makeup artist tomorrow. Please have Little Yuan go back.”

Jiang Sheli nodded. “I understand.”

With that, he walked off.

Zhu Huai’s heart jumped. Some nerve in his brain misfired, and the words tumbled out. “Can we add each other on WeChat?”

Jiang Sheli stopped again.

Zhu Huai silently covered his face in his heart.

It’s over, it’s over. The movie emperor must think he doesn’t know his place. A few words, a bit of kindness, and he’s asking to add his WeChat. Is Jiang Sheli’s WeChat that easy to get?

What a dream!

“You scan me, or I scan you?”

Zhu Huai laughed. “Sorry, I was joking… Ah?”

…Huh?

Was he hearing things?

Jiang Sheli pulled up his QR code. “You scan me.”