After filming the final shot, Zhu Huai could finally take off that thin, revealing costume. An investor was coming over that evening to treat everyone to dinner, and had specifically requested that all the actors, from the most prominent to the least important, attend. The restaurant’s location had already been sent to his phone, so Zhu Huai tidied himself up casually and headed over.

The restaurant was a moderately priced Chinese restaurant near the film and television city. The entire third-floor dining hall had been reserved. Naturally, the lead actors and director were seated at the main table. Zhu Huai looked around, picked a table with fewer people, and sat down. There were already a few minor actors talking at the table, but as soon as they saw him arrive, they fell silent and scrutinized him with unclear intentions.

« Hello. »

The actress sitting beside Zhu Huai greeted him naturally enough. Zhu Huai had seen her several times on set and remembered that her name was Shen Jingjing; she played a close friend of the female lead.

« Hello, » Zhu Huai replied politely.

Shen Jingjing’s eyes lit up as she suppressed her excitement. « I’m your fan. When you participated in Starlight Idol, I even voted for you lots of times! »

Zhu Huai’s expression softened, and he replied sincerely, « Thank you. »

« You have to keep going! Everyone in our group is still waiting for you to return to the stage! »

Zhu Huai froze for a moment and asked in confusion, « Your group? »

« Yes! » Shen Jingjing took out her phone, opened a QQ group, and showed him the chat history. « There aren’t that many of us, but we’re all the die-hard fans who remained. We all believe that you’re not the despicable kind of person they said you were. When we heard that you were going to appear in The Disloyal Minister, and that you’d be working with Emperor Jiang, everyone was thrilled. We can finally see you on the screen again! »

Zhu Huai shifted his gaze to her phone. The background was a picture of him wearing a red costume. He was standing off to one side, waiting for his scene. It had been that evening, and the weather was gloomy. The phone camera had not captured a particularly clear image, but one could still make out the young man’s handsome features and tall, straight figure. His expression was languid, and paired with the red costume, it gave him an indescribable, slightly seductive charm.

The group chat was bustling with activity.

Has Huai Huai worked today?: Ahhhhhhhh! Baby’s styling is seriously so bewitching! I’m definitely going to replay every episode he appears in a hundred times!

Zhu Huai’s Little Cutie: Waaaaah, my husband disappeared for a year and a half, and I practically chewed through all his old videos and photos. Finally, we have new content to feast on!

Qian Daidai: I’m so pissed off! That stupid gossip marketing account New Entertainment Every Week has dragged Huai Bao out again to stir up a fan war. Liu Qi and Wei Feng’s brain-dead fans keep jumping around, making sarcastic remarks. Should we sign them up for the 800-meter high jump or what?

Na-chan: Ah, back when Huai Bao was still in the group, he did so much to attract fans for the other members. I still remember that fan appreciation livestream concert in X City. Liu Qi actually forgot the lyrics. If Huai Bao hadn’t been quick-witted enough to smooth things over, that would have been one gigantic embarrassment. And now they’re trampling him like this.

Qian Daidai: After that event ended, Liu Qi’s fans actually had the nerve to say Huai Bao was hogging the camera. WDM, Liu Qi was the leader, yet he couldn’t even remember the lyrics to his own center-position song. That bunch of deaf-and-blind idiots keeps going on about how their gege is so dedicated to his work every day. I’m laughing so hard that the lights within a three-li radius of my house have all lit up.

Na-chan: That’s why I don’t believe Huai Bao is the kind of person who would sabotage his teammates. Back then, the whole thing caused such a huge uproar, and the company said whatever it said, so we instinctively believed it. But now that I’ve calmed down and think about it, there actually isn’t even any evidence that could count as conclusive proof.

Has Huai Huai Worked Today?: Everyone, don’t be angry anymore. Huai Bao has already taken the first step, so all we have to do is quietly wait for him to return. And remember to leave Baby a message today to encourage and cheer him on! If you come across a hater stirring up trouble, post it in the group and we’ll report them together!

Zhu Huai’s Little Cutie: Exactly. The few of us who remain have even made it through those two most painful years. Now that Huai Bao finally has some decent opportunities, everyone needs to pull themselves together and support him even more!

A warm current flowed into Zhu Huai’s heart.

After the incident, his Weibo had been completely overrun, becoming a gathering place for the violent revelry of black fans; a derogatory term for someone who deliberately attacks or disparages a celebrity] and people who came merely to watch the spectacle. At a glance, there had been nothing but all kinds of insults and mockery, even photoshopped memorial portraits of him. Those IDs that had normally called him gege affectionately had cursed him more viciously than anyone else. Overnight, everyone had wished for nothing more than for him to die immediately so they could vent their anger. The force of support behind him had instantly collapsed, and his life had turned into a complete mess.

In this age when popularity ruled everything, there were simply too many idols for fans to follow. Zhu Huai had never imagined that, after two years, there would still be people steadfastly following him.

Seeing the change in his expression, Shen Jingjing hurriedly said, « Look, we’re all still waiting for you! »

Their voices were neither particularly loud nor particularly quiet, so everyone sitting nearby could hear them.

Zhu Huai gave a brilliant smile, but before he could speak, another male actor at their table suddenly let out a mocking laugh and said to the person beside him, « What kind of dog follows what kind of master? If the master is no good, then the dog is a brain-dead idiot too. »

The person beside him gave an awkward smile and said nothing.

Zhu Huai glanced at the male actor. His face was not particularly familiar, but he had seen him twice beside Liu Qi.

When the male actor saw Zhu Huai looking at him, he deliberately provoked him. « What are you looking at? I’m talking about you. »

The warmth disappeared from Zhu Huai’s face, leaving only indifference. « I just think what you said makes sense. »

The male actor stared at him as though he were looking at a lunatic. « You actually agree with that? »

« Of course I agree. » Zhu Huai even nodded. « There aren’t many people as self-aware as you are. »

The male actor immediately realized what he meant, slammed his hand hard against the table, and roared, « Who the fuck are you talking about?! »

Zhu Huai’s expression remained indifferent. « Why are you getting so worked up? Isn’t that what you said yourself? »

I fucking meant you!!

Seeing that things were going badly, the person beside the male actor hurriedly grabbed him and whispered, « The people at the director’s table are looking over here… »

At those words, Zhu Huai glanced toward the director’s table and unexpectedly met a pair of cool, clear eyes.

Jiang Sheli was sitting slightly turned to one side, looking over without the slightest attempt to hide his gaze. But they were too far apart, and Zhu Huai could not make out what was contained in those eyes.

The director and the investors followed his line of sight and were also looking in their direction.

The male actor had no choice but to sheepishly rein himself in, though he continued muttering disdainfully under his breath, « Just because he’s acting in a few scenes with Jiang Sheli, he really thinks he’s somebody. Let’s see if Jiang Sheli even gives a damn about you… »

Zhu Huai pretended not to hear a word.

« What a piece of work. » Shen Jingjing curled her lips, then lowered her voice as she spoke to Zhu Huai. « I heard Jiang-ge is going to direct and star in a movie himself, and he wants to enter it for the Wanlu Award. Liu Qi has recently been trying every possible way to get connected with him, but Jiang-ge hasn’t paid him any attention. Now he can’t stand seeing anyone who gets close to Jiang-ge. »

The Wanlu Award was the most authoritative film and television award in the country, held once every three years. Whenever a new edition of the Wanlu Award approached, the media would start building up the hype in advance, speculating about who would win Best Actor and who would win Best Actress. Fans’ nerves would also be stretched extremely tight; they could not stand hearing that their idol was even the slightest bit inferior to someone else. At such times, the internet was always filled with bitter feuds and vicious infighting.

But no matter how fiercely the fans fought, it was still useless. The several judges of the Wanlu Award were notorious within the industry for being rigid and unapproachable. There was not the slightest room for manipulation. Forget about back doors; there was not even a mouse hole. The fairness and impartiality of the Wanlu Award were therefore evident.

Zhu Huai understood, but a trace of puzzlement remained in his voice. « I remember Jiang-ge has already won the Wanlu Award for Best Actor two times in a row, hasn’t he? Is he aiming for three consecutive wins? »

Shen Jingjing shrugged. « I heard he wants to bring along the company’s Best Newcomer. The TV Emperor You Jiayuan’s contract with Phantom is about to expire, and apparently he doesn’t intend to renew it. They have to groom someone else to take his place. »

Phantom was a studio founded by Jiang Sheli. It was famous within the industry for treating its artists well, and basically no one who joined was ever left without work.

Zhu Huai understood. Even if Liu Qi could not get into Jiang Sheli’s production, simply being signed by Phantom would be enough.

Shen Jingjing looked at him with bright, sparkling eyes. « Gege, it would be wonderful if you could sign with Phantom. »

Zhu Huai smiled. Although he was not familiar with Phantom, he knew that Jiang Sheli did not sign just anyone. There were not many artists at Phantom, but you could pick any one of them at random and they would already be a recognizable name. He was not so presumptuous as to entertain such thoughts himself.

Shen Jingjing was chatting with the people in the group. Zhu Huai did not know what they were talking about when she suddenly let out a quiet scream.

Zhu Huai instinctively glanced at her phone.

Hugging You Into My Arms szd: !!! Huai-Li Taotao has released a new “car” (NT: Chinese fandom slang in which a “car” refers to fan-created CP content)!! Link →

Me Eating Sugar: Taotao is the greatest!!

Shen Jingjing suddenly pulled her phone away, and an inexplicable trace of guilt appeared on her face.

Zhu Huai: ?

As an idol who had once been enormously popular, Zhu Huai would also often browse Weibo’s comments and various fan supertopics in private. Whenever the three letters “szd” appeared, they were invariably preceded by the name of some CP.

(NT: szd stands for shì zhēn de (是真的 ), literally “it’s real”)

He looked at Shen Jingjing’s guilty expression and became certain that this CP had something to do with him.

Zhu Huai kept his expression impassive while silently memorizing the ID he had just seen.

The meal passed without much enjoyment. Apart from being unable to escape the obligatory toasts with the investors, Zhu Huai did not drink a single mouthful more than necessary. Alcohol caused trouble, and he had already paid a devastating price for that lesson two years ago.

After the dinner ended, Zhu Huai did not squeeze into the elevator with the crowd. Instead, he messaged Xiao Nan while slowly making his way down the stairs.

« President Bai… »

Several voices drifted faintly from the stairwell. They sounded somewhat familiar, and Zhu Huai stopped in his tracks.

« Miss Shen, rest assured. The female lead in the next production is already reserved for you. Miss Shen, don’t be so ungrateful. »

« Thank you for your favour, President Bai. » The woman’s voice sounded extremely reluctant. « But my acting skills aren’t good enough right now. I’m not really suited to play the female lead. President Bai, please give the role to someone else. »

Zhu Huai recognized the voice. It was Shen Jingjing. And the man called President Bai was one of the investors in The Disloyal Minister.

« Acting ability isn’t a problem. As long as Miss Shen is willing, whatever resources you want can be arranged. I’m doing all this wholeheartedly for your sake. »

Zhu Huai walked down a few more steps and saw Shen Jingjing cornered against the wall by a pot-bellied man whose mouth was almost touching her face.

Shen Jingjing was on the verge of tears. If only she had known, she would have left with the main group; then she would not have ended up here alone, only to be dragged over by an investor.

The man’s face, tinged with alcohol, drew closer and closer. Shen Jingjing could neither dodge to either side nor push him away. Tears actually began to fall as she said, « President Bai, please show some restraint… »

« Shen Jingjing. »

Just when she was in despair, Zhu Huai’s voice suddenly came from the staircase.

President Bai was startled and turned around, cursing angrily, « Who’s so blind as to come here? »

Zhu Huai came down the stairs one step at a time. His tone was respectful, but there was no warmth in his eyes. « I’m sorry, President Bai. I happened to run into Jiang-ge just now. He said Shen Jingjing had lost her phone and that he had found it. »

Shen Jingjing was dumbfounded for a moment, but quickly understood and said, « Ah, yes, yes, that’s right. Where is Jiang-ge? I’ll go get it right now! »

President Bai scrutinized the two of them suspiciously, but upon hearing that Jiang Sheli had summoned someone, he became somewhat apprehensive.

He could easily manipulate these minor actors, but Jiang Sheli was not someone he could afford to provoke.

Zhu Huai had dared to make up the story precisely because he had counted on that point. In any case, President Bai certainly would not go to Jiang Sheli himself to verify whether it was true.

Unexpectedly, President Bai gave a laugh. « Is that so? Then I’ll go with you. »

Zhu Huai’s expression did not change, but Shen Jingjing’s body stiffened. Naturally, such a tiny detail did not escape President Bai’s notice, and his expression immediately darkened. « You dare lie to me?! »

Oh, no.

Zhu Huai narrowed his eyes. It seemed that this investor was someone he could no longer afford not to offend.

« Who was so ill-mannered as to lie to President Bai? »

A pleasant male voice came from downstairs. Zhu Huai froze, only to see Jiang Sheli slowly emerge from the shadows.

There was a faint trace of alcohol on him, but it was nowhere near as pungent as the smell coming from President Bai; instead, it carried a gentle drunkenness.

Jiang Sheli glanced at Zhu Huai, his eyes faintly expressionless. Clearly, he had heard the entire conversation just now.

Feeling guilty, Zhu Huai shifted his gaze away.

Jiang Sheli took a phone from his pocket and handed it to Shen Jingjing. « Your friend called you just now, and that was when I realized it was your phone. Don’t lose it again next time. »

Shen Jingjing was completely dumbfounded. She instinctively wanted to feel for her phone in her pocket, but somehow managed to restrain herself and accepted it in a daze.

President Bai’s expression darkened further, but with Jiang Sheli here, he could hardly throw a tantrum. In the end, he could only let out a cold snort and turn away.

« Thank you, Jiang-ge! »

« Thank you, Jiang-ge. »

Once the sound of President Bai’s footsteps had disappeared, the two of them thanked Jiang Sheli in unison.

Jiang Sheli did not respond. He merely held out his hand toward Shen Jingjing.

Shen Jingjing immediately understood and presented the phone she had just received to him with both hands.

Jiang Sheli took his own phone back, turned around, and walked downstairs. No one knew why he had even come here in the first place.

Zhu Huai hurried after him and called out, « Jiang-ge. »

Jiang Sheli stopped and turned to look at him.

Behind him, the night sky was clear and pure, while the city at night was scattered with points of light. Even standing casually, Jiang Sheli was comparable to a runway model. His entire bearing was cool and aloof, as though he had become one with the night.

Zhu Huai lost himself for a moment, but quickly came back to his senses and hurriedly said, « Thank you for the ginger tea. And regarding Xiao Yuan, I’ve already contacted my manager today. They’ll send a makeup artist over tomorrow, so you can have Xiao Yuan go back. »

Jiang Sheli nodded. « I understand. »

With that, he moved and walked away.

Zhu Huai’s heart gave a sudden leap. He did not know what had possessed him, but the words escaped his mouth before he could think. « How about we add each other on WeChat? »

Jiang Sheli stopped again.

Zhu Huai silently covered his face in his heart.

This was bad, this was really bad. The Film Emperor Jiang must think he was getting above himself. They had only exchanged a few words, and Jiang Sheli had shown him a little kindness, yet he was already thinking of adding him on WeChat. Did he really think Jiang Sheli’s WeChat was that easy to get?

What was he thinking?

« Are you going to scan mine, or shall I scan yours? »

Zhu Huai laughed awkwardly. « Sorry, I was only joking… Huh? »

…Hm?

Had he imagined that?

Jiang Sheli brought up his contact QR code. « You scan mine. »

 

Translator : DarNan