Chapter 21 Part 2

Truth be told, Chu Yi catching on so quickly gave him a sense of tacit understanding that brought a spark of pleasure, and a smile showed in his eyes.

Chu Yi was in a good mood too. “Is President Yu worried about me?”

He still remembered the coldness in those phoenix eyes at their first meeting. He hadn’t expected their relationship to develop like this.

“I…” Yu Qingxian was about to reply when Director Mo called for the actors to get into position over there. Chu Yi snapped the folding fan shut, forcing him to close his mouth.

Yu Qingxian hadn’t thought much of it at first, but seeing Chu Yi press the folding fan to his forehead with a delighted smile playing on his lips, he realized he’d been teased?

From his angle, though, he could see Chu Yi’s deep eye sockets, straight nose bridge, and beautifully curved lips tilted upward with just the right touch of mischief… Yu Qingxian was stunned by this close-up display of masculine charm and hadn’t spoken when Chu Yi moved the fan away. “Sorry, forgot you were still on it.”

Yu Qingxian: “…”

They reshot that scene three times, and Director Mo was finally satisfied. “Cut! That’s a wrap on this one.”

Chu Yi let out a breath of relief. Acting was quite particular; it wasn’t as easy as it looked when he watched others. Plus, his early scenes were all dialogue-heavy, making him feel like his hands and feet were bound.

“How about it? Regretting it already? You could’ve gone back to being your Master and made money faster.” Seeing Chu Yi sit down and exhale deeply, Yu Qingxian said ambiguously.

Chu Yi curved his lips. “Really? I find it quite enjoyable.”

Especially watching the playback—he felt a magical sense of satisfaction. After he passed away, this would be proof he’d lived in this world, right?

Dressed in ancient robes, with handsome brows and refined eyes, his smile warm and gentle, yet a faint self-mockery inadvertently flickered in his gaze…

Yu Qingxian paused. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have tried to manipulate you.”

Whether for public or private reasons, he wanted to tie Chu Yi to his ship. Not just Chu Yi—even he as a bystander found it dull. Fearing Chu Yi might back out, he’d used reverse psychology.

Chu Yi knew he’d misunderstood and laughed for real this time. “No problem. I know President Yu was encouraging me.”

President Yu’s worry wasn’t unfounded. He looked like he was in his early twenties, an age without much direction. Others might chase dreams in showbiz for fame and fortune, but he seemed like he could leave anytime, with a natural fallback.

Chu Yi picked up a water bottle and took a sip. “President Yu is always so concerned about me—accompanying me on set is one thing, but offering encouragement at every turn. I’m a bit flattered.”

Yu Qingxian: “…You’re welcome. After all, you’re my man.”

He knew this guy wouldn’t let him have the last word; he’d fired back quickly. But he wasn’t one to be toyed with. Thicker skin? Fine—right now, he wasn’t in his real body, and only Chu Yi saw this side of him anyway.

Chu Yi nearly choked and hurriedly moved the bottle away. “Cough cough cough—”

Had President Yu leveled up all of a sudden?

Yu Qingxian smirked happily. “I yield.”

That evening, after spending the day with Second Young Master Cui and just finishing their romp, Qin Xiaoran watched Cui Ran step into the bathroom. He half-sat up and lit a cigarette for himself.

Tch, he’d thought Second Young Master Cui was such a big deal. Turns out he still needed drugs to get excited. He’d had to fake such intensity—more tiring than filming.

Qin Xiaoran picked up his phone and saw Qi Yun’s message saying that after he left, Director Mo had shot Chu Yi’s scenes, which made him a bit unhappy.

Then he saw Ying Lin’s message—

[Ying Lin: Qin Ge, you there? It’s Ying Lin. Got something to ask you.]

Ying Lin?

This guy had slipped away from the film crew without a word. Rumors flew privately—what hadn’t been said? He’d even called, but Ying Lin’s phone was off.

Qin Xiaoran got interested, cigarette in his mouth as he typed with both hands.

[Qin Xiaoran: What do you want to ask?]

The message was from half an hour ago, but Ying Lin replied fast—within a dozen seconds.

[Ying Lin: Did Chu Yi take my role?]

[Qin Xiaoran: First tell me—is the rumor about you Raising Little Ghost and getting caught true?]

[Ying Lin: That bastard Chu Yi framed me for Raising Little Ghost, then whispered in Director Mo’s ear to kick me out. Qin Ge, don’t believe him!]

Qin Xiaoran smiled. What a fool Ying Lin was. He didn’t know the “wind” Chu Yi blew wasn’t Director Mo’s—the person behind Y Yan was President Yu.

He couldn’t afford to offend President Yu, so let Ying Lin test the waters.

[Qin Xiaoran: Director Mo hasn’t announced it yet, and Chu Yi’s scenes haven’t started shooting. Not sure if that’s the plan.]

[Ying Lin: Whether it is or not, I’ll sabotage it!]

[Qin Xiaoran: What are you planning? Don’t do anything rash.]

[Ying Lin: I know what I’m doing, Qin Ge. Don’t worry about it.]

[Ying Lin: Rest assured, I won’t sell you out.]

Qin Xiaoran laughed at the last message. Ying Lin, this guy—sold by him and still counting the money for him.

Qin Xiaoran wasn’t targeting Chu Yi without reason; he was an artist under Xingyao too. With Top Brother Kang Zeyu above him, that was one thing. But if President Yu played favorites and promoted Chu Yi, his own resources would shrink. He had to guard against that.