The night before had been late, and the next day both of them didn’t open their eyes until well past mid-morning.
After breakfast, Song Cheng sat in the living room, staring at his phone with a nervous expression.
Qin Wunian made two cups of espresso and handed one to Song Cheng. Seeing the phone clutched tightly in Song Cheng’s hand, he casually said, “Online opinions change every day. If I were you, I wouldn’t take what people say so seriously.”
Song Cheng replied, “People are different. I don’t have such a strong heart. And you’re not as calm as you claim, okay? If you really didn’t care, why do you make so many alternate accounts?”
Qin Wunian: “….”
He knew there was no easy way to explain that.
Taking a deep breath, Song Cheng finally unlocked his phone and opened the app. He went straight to the homepage. Just as he was about to type in the show name The Summer After the Breakup in the search bar, Qin Wunian sat down beside him and suggested, “No need—just check the trending list.”
Song Cheng paused, opened the trending list, and saw that since the second episode had aired two days ago, its rank had dropped considerably—but it was still on the list.
He tapped in. The first result was a clip released by the official account. Song Cheng refused to watch it and scrolled down to the comments instead.
The top comment read: “Intense, intense, so intense! My blood is boiling! Zhao Feifei is amazing! People who do wrong should be nailed to the pillar of shame for life!”
The second comment: “I haven’t even seen the full video, but why does Song Cheng say he dislikes Qin Wunian? Saying that to his face is too cruel.”
Song Cheng felt his heart skip a beat. Before he could react, Qin Wunian frowned, noting the ID, and scrolled through the replies, which were even more heated.
“Commenting without watching? Qin Wunian even said Song Cheng is a liar. You must be one of Qin Wunian’s alt accounts trying to stir things up.”
“Watch the video first, then you wouldn’t say that. Clearly, Qin Wunian provoked him first. Song Cheng said nothing wrong, yet he got called a liar. Anyone would get upset. I’ve turned against Qin Wunian—I can’t believe he’d say that after breaking up. Disgusting.”
“I think something happened between them before. Otherwise, why would it escalate like this?”
“You’re too naive! It’s probably just the show. Maybe it’ll flip in the next episode!”
“I don’t think it’s just the show. Look at the way Qin Wunian looked at Song Cheng. After Song Cheng said he hated him, Qin Wunian didn’t even lift his head. So heartbreaking.”
“Not sure if it’s the show, but as someone with experience, I can say this—there’s no way this is acting. They definitely dated.”
“Finally, a comment not drowned by Qin Wunian’s fans! I want to know where all the people insisting Song Cheng is an actor have gone. Don’t tell me they’re still using ‘details’ to prove Song Cheng was hired by Qin Wunian.”
Song Cheng blinked. “What do you mean, I was hired by you?”
Qin Wunian’s eyes narrowed as he read the comment. A storm seemed to gather on his face.
He sat up straight, took out his phone, and his fingers flew across the screen faster than a professional pianist, clearly practiced.
Instead of searching for the show, he first went to account management. Song Cheng watched five different avatars appear. Qin Wunian tapped one, presumably one of his alternate accounts.
Only then did he start searching, typing in the keywords: “Song Cheng, actor.”
Suddenly, dozens of entertainment marketing accounts popped up. Someone had even created a fan subforum. Clicking in, Qin Wunian saw a thread with over two thousand comments.
“I don’t care what you think, you’re being brainwashed by a reality show. I’m not. Everything you saw was acting. Do you really think it’s a coincidence that Qin Wunian’s reputation suffers and his ex appears? Even thinking about it with your toes, it’s impossible. Qin Wunian isn’t stupid, yet you all believe it. Wait a few more days—Song Cheng will debut! Calling acting genuine emotion, you’re so easy to fool. Qin Wunian probably laughed when paying Song Cheng his appearance fee.”
Most replies criticized the poster as stubborn. Two days after the show aired, Song Cheng had gathered a small fanbase. Since he had no personal account, these fans were only loosely organized. The real firepower came from Qin Wunian’s fans.
On the official account, comments were tightly controlled, but in this little corner, people vented freely.
“LOL, drunk people never admit they’re drunk, and fools never admit they’re fools.”
“Why keep those eyes? Donate them to someone who needs them.”
“I’m too lazy to argue with you anymore. Just a final warning: Qin Wunian finished filming yesterday. Watch out.”
“Hahaha, waiting for a glimpse of Qin Wunian! By the way, sisters, the account that insults best without seeming harsh? That’s our dear teacher’s alt!”
As Qin Wunian scrolled, Song Cheng watched silently. He had to admit, cultivating a group like this was impressive…
After roughly scanning the comments, Qin Wunian swiped back up to the main post, coldly smiling at the poster’s avatar.
Song Cheng felt a sinking premonition. Then, with a sharp click, Qin Wunian tapped the comment box and began typing rapidly with both hands.
Song Cheng: “…………”
The screen seemed as if it might catch fire under Qin Wunian’s rapid typing. Strings of words appeared in a blur:
—Calling the National Rare Disease Quality Control Center: someone has actually grown a brain in their toe! I’m not joking! Repeating, I’m not joking! I’m really sorry that such misfortune has happened to you, but luckily your brain’s capacity is limited, so your toe could contain it. If it had been anyone else, their brains would have spilled out long ago. But you’re fine—wow! I finally understand what it means that “all life finds its way.” Your toes have made such a sacrifice just so you could survive! Truly moving. This year’s “Touching China” has to feature you!
Qin Wunian typed without pause, completely fluid, as if the words poured out instinctively. Song Cheng stared, wide-eyed, finally understanding what it meant for something to be mildly hurtful but extremely insulting.
Seeing Qin Wunian about to hit send, Song Cheng finally reacted, slamming his hand over the screen: “Wait, wait, wait! You’re not actually going to send that, are you?”
Qin Wunian paused, tilting his head in mild confusion. “Of course. Otherwise, why would I type it?”
Song Cheng: “You just said you don’t care what other people think!”
Qin Wunian: “That was then. This person is too annoying. I just don’t like them.”
Song Cheng: “…They didn’t even say anything that bad. They just think we don’t seem like real exes.”
Qin Wunian gave Song Cheng a long, faint glance. He realized, once again, that Song Cheng truly didn’t understand him at all.
To Qin Wunian, this was his biggest red line.
Decision made, Qin Wunian waited until Song Cheng wasn’t looking, snatched the phone from his hands, and quickly pressed send.
With it done, Song Cheng could only watch as the comment appeared below. He let out a quiet breath, staring at Qin Wunian’s utterly fearless expression, and pressed a hand to his forehead in resignation.
In truth… it wasn’t that big of a deal. Qin Wunian’s personality was well-known across the country. This sort of thing wasn’t surprising in the slightest.
In fact, seeing him act like this made Song Cheng feel a sense of liberation. Not everyone could be liked by everyone. The people absent in daily life were simply too few, but as the base of observers expanded infinitely, unlikely events and differing opinions would naturally appear. This didn’t reflect any problem between him and Qin Wunian; it was just the way the world worked.
Moreover, this was only episode two. As the show continued and their relationship on camera eased, the online commentary would inevitably shift positively.
Song Cheng breathed lightly, feeling a subtle elevation of spirit. He turned his head and saw Qin Wunian had already found another “hater,” engaging in rapid-fire exchanges with them.
Song Cheng: “…………”
Reasonably speaking, with such a top-tier keyboard warrior at home, it would be hard for him to take online comments seriously ever again.
In the WeChat group, the variety show director announced that a high-end local cuisine restaurant had been booked. It was a place he frequented, mostly visited by high-society clientele, so there was no need to worry about paparazzi.
Song Cheng replied that he would attend. Qin Wunian, having expended energy debating online, took a sip of water, glanced at his watch, and said, “I need to go to the company. I’ll be back in two or three hours.”
Song Cheng was surprised. “Why go to the company? Didn’t the PA say you were on break these days?”
Qin Wunian: “I’ve had enough time off already. I need to check on that ancient-romance drama. Don’t worry, I’ll be back quickly.”
With that, he headed to the basement. Seeing this, Song Cheng quickened his pace to catch up. “Can I come with you?”
Qin Wunian turned, not expecting him to ask. “It’s just clerks at the company. There’s nothing to see.”
Song Cheng nodded. “I know, I just don’t want to be alone here. And… I also want to see it for myself.”
He looked up, a little tentative. “Since I’m not working right now, how about I be your assistant?”
Qin Wunian studied him for a moment before suddenly letting out a small laugh.
Song Cheng couldn’t read his expression—it wasn’t mocking, nor particularly joyful. It was almost like bemused bewilderment.
Qin Wunian: “Anyone can be an assistant. I wouldn’t dare let you be mine. Alright, I really have something to do today. Next time, I’ll bring you. Aren’t you going to dinner with Yang Qing and the others tonight? When I get back, we’ll go straight there.”
Having said that, Song Cheng had little room to argue. He pressed his lips together, suppressing the small disappointment, and nodded. “Okay. Be careful on your way.”
Qin Wunian watched him, obedient yet slightly pouting. He paused for two seconds, lowered his head, cupped Song Cheng’s body with both hands, and kissed him, lingering a moment. Pulling away, he leaned back in for a delicate kiss on the lips.
“Wait for me.”
Song Cheng said nothing, just kept his eyes on him. From Song Cheng’s gaze, Qin Wunian could almost see how reluctant he was to let him go.
His breath caught, and he nearly acted like a foolish ruler, deciding not to go at all.
In the end, he still went to the garage. This being the second time there, Song Cheng finally took in his surroundings. Watching Qin Wunian settle into the car, he stood outside the window and reminded him, “Don’t forget my SIM card.”
Qin Wunian paused while fastening his seatbelt and nodded toward the steering wheel.
After watching Qin Wunian drive away and the garage door slowly close, Song Cheng stood in place, feeling slightly bored, and tiptoed a little.
His eyes wandered across the surrounding clutter.
When Qin Wunian returned, he would discover that he now had a new garage of his own.
…
He hadn’t expected to come to the company today. Ban Yunfang wasn’t there—she had gone out on a business trip. With Qin Wunian’s career back on track, she was putting all her energy into securing him the best possible offers.
At the company, Qin Wunian had his own independent studio. He knew all the staff there—they were essentially his subordinates. He asked the employee responsible for answering calls to compile a list of all the calls in the past few days that had come looking for Song Cheng. The employee was momentarily excited, then immediately set to work.
Meng Shiyue was strict with employees, and one rule was that they could never be fans of the company’s artists. Fans might be diligent and attentive in normal circumstances, but in extreme situations, no one could predict how they might act.
This employee wasn’t a fan of Qin Wunian—there was no doubt about that—but no one said she couldn’t be a fan of Song Cheng.
Having only seen two episodes, she had been captivated by Song Cheng’s striking looks and shy personality. Who wouldn’t be drawn to a handsome, easily embarrassed younger man? “Ahhh, I hope he and Teacher Qin get back together. Then I could see Song Cheng more often.”
While the employee organized the call records, Meng Shiyue learned that Qin Wunian had arrived, and summoned him to her office.
It was the same office, the same two people—but Meng Shiyue looked at Qin Wunian now and felt he was completely different from just over ten days ago.
Fingers interlaced on the desk, she raised an eyebrow at him. “They say people in love radiate happiness—but I never thought I’d see you glowing in this lifetime.”
Qin Wunian: “……”
He scowled. “Yes, yes, everyone’s surprised. It’s fine if others tease me, but Aunt Meng, you don’t have to. You’ve been living with Uncle Guan too long—you’ve been assimilated.”
Meng Shiyue smiled lightly. “If he hears that, he’ll go complain to your dad again. Speaking of which… have you told your parents about getting back together with Song Cheng?”
Before entering the office, Qin Wunian had already sensed this question. He delivered the prepared line: “Not in a hurry. Once our relationship is stable, I’ll tell them.”
Meng Shiyue looked at him and immediately recognized the excuse.
Qin Wunian had never been cautious by nature. Normally, he would have wanted to announce such news to the world like posting an imperial edict or ringing gongs. But Song Cheng was his ex, and based on Qin Wunian’s previous behavior, Meng Shiyue reasonably suspected that Song Cheng might have left him with some lingering psychological shadow—so this time, he was unusually careful.
Feeling Meng Shiyue’s cool gaze, Qin Wunian shivered at the thought of being completely exposed.
Fortunately, she didn’t press further. After all, Qin Wunian was a child of her husband’s friend, not her own family—what he chose to do was his freedom. As an elder, a single reminder was sufficient.
Shifting back to business, Meng Shiyue spoke of the matter at hand: “When you went to shoot the variety show, I tracked down the person who originally filmed that video. He used to work for Zhou Qingge and left two years ago. When Zhou Qingge used the video against you, she contacted him again and paid him a hefty hush fee. If he could be silenced, he can speak. He refused to testify, but he sold me the full version. Once it’s released, the public opinion will completely flip. I want to know—how far do you want to go with revenge? Tit for tat, or completely ruin her reputation?”
Had she asked him this yesterday, right after the show aired, he would have said to ruin her completely. But now, he had more important things on his mind. Zhou Qingge was no longer significant to him—she was like a stranger.
Meng Shiyue handed him the USB containing the video. Qin Wunian took it, running his fingers over it twice. “Let’s release it after the variety show ends. I have my own things to focus on now. I don’t want to hear her name again, and this is my and Song Cheng’s stage—we don’t need her stealing the spotlight.”
Meng Shiyue nodded in understanding. “Actually, she wouldn’t dare show up now. She’s afraid you have other things in your hands.”
Qin Wunian smiled. “But if I never bring it up, she’ll think it’s over and that I never intended to fight back.”
Meng Shiyue: “When she believes she’s safe and returns to bask in the spotlight, then you’ll pull her down hard…”
Qin Wunian: “At the same time, I’ll announce my happy news with Song Cheng. Great sorrow and great joy on the same day—that’s the ultimate aesthetic that Freitag talks about.”
Meng Shiyue smiled softly. Though Qin Wunian was being somewhat lenient, for someone who sought revenge in every detail, leniency for him meant total disaster for those who had wronged him.
Meng Shiyue asked: “So, in two months, you plan to make your relationship public?”
Qin Wunian lowered his gaze, thoughtful, then nodded.
Meng Shiyue: “Remember to tell your parents first, or they’ll be hurt.”
Qin Wunian: “I know. Thank you, Aunt Meng.”
He entered the company empty-handed, but left with a paper document and the USB. Sitting in the car, he set the USB aside and reviewed the paper.
Few people had called Song Cheng recently. The peak was during the live-stream mishap, and after the show aired, another peak occurred. Calls during the low periods were the ones Qin Wunian wanted to investigate.
Previously, when Ban Yunfang mentioned someone was looking for Song Cheng, Qin Wunian hadn’t thought much of it—he assumed it was the Shen family checking on him. Now he wondered: could it be others, those unable to contact Song Cheng after his accident, calling to find out what had really happened?
Qin Wunian was now completely unsettled. If it really was as he suspected, the other party wouldn’t be hiding anything—but at that moment, he couldn’t focus on that. He stared at the phone numbers on the paper, his expression shifting again and again.
After a long while, he ended up doing nothing—he neither called anyone to inquire nor used his connections to trace the origins of the numbers. He just glanced at his watch, started the car, and drove home.
Meanwhile, Meng Shiyue was upstairs checking on the staff. With Ban Yunfang absent, she had more responsibilities on her mind. Seeing the current state of things online, she asked the employees, “How’s the coverage of the negative comments? Don’t just focus on Qin Wunian—keep an eye on Song Cheng too. If anything’s too offensive, compile it, report it first, and then figure out if it’s real people or other companies’ accounts.”
The employee replied, “Don’t worry, Ms. Meng. We’ve been on top of it. And Song Cheng’s negative comments aren’t as many as you’d think—even if there are some, they’re quickly removed.”
Meng Shiyue asked, “Did you do it?”
The employee shook her head repeatedly. “No, it seems Song Cheng’s fans acted on their own.”
She smiled. “Looks like the netizens were right—Song Cheng’s influence is real. If he goes professional, he’d become famous in a single day.”
Meng Shiyue remained noncommittal. “Not everyone is suited to be a star.”
When Qin Wunian picked up Song Cheng, the car had already been cleaned. Following the navigation, they arrived at the hotel before anyone else. The restaurant was nicely decorated, and as they waited for everyone to arrive, they sat together, toasting and laughing.
Having only been apart for a day, they didn’t really miss each other, and since this dinner was a kind of wrap-up party, the crowd was large, including behind-the-scenes producers who rarely appeared publicly and a few financiers.
The more people, the more unfamiliar it felt. The dinner gradually took on a commercial vibe, far from the friendly gathering Song Cheng had imagined.
Halfway through, Song Cheng felt out of place. He excused himself from Qin Wunian and went outside for some fresh air.
Qin Wunian had wanted to accompany him, but the director stopped him, insisting he stay and chat. Qin Wunian had no choice but to remain.
The director had booked the largest private room, with many smaller rooms outside. Song Cheng walked a bit and then sat by a goldfish pond.
He tugged at his shirt, grimacing at the lingering smell of tobacco. The pond was near the entrance, and people passed by occasionally. Song Cheng paid no mind to them—they paid no mind to him. Just as Qin Wunian had said, the room was full of well-dressed upper-class individuals, all carrying a sense of pride.
A group of sharply dressed men approached. Song Cheng only watched the swimming goldfish, unaware that one of them was looking at him curiously and walking over.
When the man drew near, Song Cheng noticed. Turning his head, he saw a young professional.
The man looked surprised, then smiled. “It really is you! I thought so just now. What a coincidence—you’re here for dinner too?”
Song Cheng stared blankly, completely unsure who he was.
Seeing his confusion, the young man wasn’t embarrassed. He pointed at himself. “I’m Tong Hao. We were in the same cohort—don’t you remember me?”
Song Cheng stiffly forced a smile. “Sorry…”
Tong Hao: “You really forgot? We even went to the detention center together—you don’t remember that?”
Song Cheng: “De… detention center?!”
Tong Hao nodded naturally. “Yeah, we went the same day. I got out a week earlier. Back then we spent every day together. But that was years ago, so forgetting is normal. I even saw you on TV yesterday—didn’t expect you’d dated Qin Wunian. I knew you had someone back then, but you wouldn’t admit it. Haha, now I finally understand why.”
Song Cheng froze, unable to hear the rest. His mind had only one thought: he really wasn’t a good boy. He had actually been in a detention center!