The tiny hope in Qin Si Zheng’s heart instantly froze.
The original story’s power was insurmountable. He had thought that by filming this drama and disrupting the original plot, he could control what came next. Yet, somehow, Lu Xian Qing was still paying attention to Jiang Zhen.
“I don’t want you to remain in the shadows. I want to be your glory, to rescue you from unforeseen abysses.”
“I will be with you. My existence is granted by you. Through dangers, confusion, and loss, I will never abandon you. Let me accompany you, to pursue the pleasures of hell, nurturing love in darkness.”
The phrasing of these Weibo posts carried a brooding, ominous tone. Qin Si Zheng felt uneasy, vaguely recalling that in the original story, Lu Xian Qing might have had serious psychological issues—but maybe not.
He shook his head, feeling his memories scattered, as if overloaded with information—his mind in a brief, chaotic haze. Unconsciously, he tapped his head with his hand, waking Lu Xian Qing.
Turning back, Lu Xian Qing said, “Hmm? You’re back.”
Qin Si Zheng tore his gaze away from the phone, pressed his lips together, and couldn’t resist asking: “Senior Lu, what do you think of Jiang Zhen?”
Lu Xian Qing was surprised he’d reverted to calling him “Senior Lu,” but the mention of the name pulled his attention. He asked back, “What do you think?”
Qin Si Zheng felt his chest tighten further. But he couldn’t speak ill of Jiang Zhen in front of him, so he forced a smile. “Very nice… I saw him once on a variety show. His attitude was good, and I’ve heard he’s very serious about filming.”
Lu Xian Qing studied his expression, then glanced at the phone. Someone with such a messy personality really this admirable? And staring at the phone—so captivating, even more so than him?
“Serious, my foot.” Lu Xian Qing locked the phone, tossed it on the table, and said, “Let’s eat.”
He didn’t even notice that his thumb had accidentally hit the like button.
Qin Si Zheng mechanically chewed his food, tasting nothing, silently wondering: if the story really reached that point, and he threatened Lu Xian Qing with a knife to see Jiang Zhen, would Lu Xian Qing react like in the original story—ignoring him—or actually go? Lu Xian Qing was so good… surely he would go? Or maybe he’d be too busy to even notice, too occupied to bother with such trivial matters.
“You thinking of Jiang Zhen again?” Lu Xian Qing asked, noticing Qin Si Zheng still chewing even after his mouth was empty, which only worsened his mood.
Qin Si Zheng lifted his head. “No… not really.”
“That’s better. You’re still young. Don’t secretly run off into a relationship. If I find out…” Lu Xian Qing stopped, and Qin Si Zheng waited for the rest.
“I’ll break your legs.”
Qin Si Zheng lowered his eyes. He wasn’t going to compete for a man. Besides, the person he liked was… him?
Huh?
His chopsticks clattered to the floor. He stared at Lu Xian Qing in horror, blinking as if he’d seen a ghost. The original character liked Lu Xian Qing—and because Lu Xian Qing found out, he was mocked and eventually went to the rooftop to attempt suicide.
Qin Si Zheng told himself not to let the original story influence him. He didn’t like Lu Xian Qing! Didn’t like him! Repeating this in his mind, he realized… maybe he actually did have a little affection for Lu Xian Qing. What should he do?
Because he liked Lu Xian Qing, did the plot forcibly snap back on track?
“What are you doing!” Lu Xian Qing picked up the chopsticks, handed him a new pair, and tapped his head. “Eat properly, or I’ll hit you next time.”
Qin Si Zheng lowered his head and ate carefully, hiding the newly discovered secret.
Lu Xian Qing, seeing him eating without picking up any food, felt both frustrated and amused. He picked some food and placed it in Qin Si Zheng’s bowl. Then his phone rang. He answered casually.
“Hey, darling, what are you up to?”
Lu Xian Qing paused, slightly distancing the phone. On the screen was a woman in her early thirties, delicate features, still with a hint of coquettish charm.
“Don’t be so cold. You haven’t called in so long. Always lying to me… it breaks my heart.” Ye Xu sighed dramatically, wiping nonexistent tears.
Lu Xian Qing’s temple veins twitched. “I haven’t lied. I’ve been filming, just joined the crew. Once this ends, I’ll come see you. Zhou Chang Jiang’s schedule is tight; at most, three months.”
Qin Si Zheng stared, stunned by their intimate conversation. Who was this woman? She… liked Lu Xian Qing too?
“Let me check the schedule. This project will take about two more months. I’ll try to carve out some time… hmm, maybe a trip to the Aegean Sea.” Ye Xu rested her chin, imagining herself in a swimsuit.
Qin Si Zheng’s chest ached. Jiang Zhen wasn’t enough—how could he still have someone else?
The woman was beautiful, older than Lu Xian Qing by years. Though not appearing old, her age and aura showed she was powerful, someone at the top. The rumors about Lu Xian Qing being kept by a wealthy woman… could it be true? Qin Si Zheng’s thoughts spiraled as he looked at Ye Xu, feeling increasingly lost in the mess of this world.
“Darling, say something.”
Lu Xian Qing said flatly, “No.”
Ye Xu pouted. “Just one word… one word! I haven’t heard it from you in years. I can’t eat or sleep. Do you see how much weight I’ve lost? I’m so haggard. I can’t find a boyfriend.”
Lu Xian Qing remained unmoved. “I act better. Save it.”
Ye Xu sighed, shedding her playful expression, slapping the table and switching to serious. “Alright, serious business. He Xing called—said the other day at Shen Qing’s…”
“Mama!” Lu Xian Qing interrupted immediately.
Qin Si Zheng dropped his chopsticks again, repeating in shock: “Mama?”
What? Was this person Lu Xian Qing’s mother?
Hearing the word “Mama” in such a deep, adult male voice was completely dissonant—he couldn’t imagine such a hormonally charged man speaking this way.
Ye Xu’s ears perked up. “What’s this? Are you secretly getting me a daughter-in-law? Why does it sound like a boy?”
Lu Xian Qing, startled by Qin Si Zheng’s outburst, explained helplessly: “Just a co-actor. We’re eating together and rehearsing lines later.”
Ye Xu immediately switched to gossip mode. Normally, no one besides He Xing, An Ning, or necessary staff were allowed in his makeup room. And yet now, someone was eating with him and rehearsing lines?
“Qin Si Zheng?”
Lu Xian Qing inwardly wished he could peel He Xing’s skin off for even bringing this up. He recounted the scene where he had lost control that day, leaving nothing out, without intending to hide anything. He simply nodded lightly in acknowledgment.
Ye Xu said, “Let me see, let me see.”
Lu Xian Qing didn’t immediately turn the phone; he tilted his head toward Qin Si Zheng first. “Do you want to speak to my mother? If not, that’s fine.”
“I want to!”
Lu Xian Qing passed the phone over, and Qin Si Zheng immediately sat upright, noticing that the woman on the screen resembled Lu Xian Qing almost eight-tenths. “A-Auntie, hello!”
Ye Xu cupped her face. “Oh my, so pretty! Was that you calling me ‘Mama’ just now?”
Qin Si Zheng panicked. “No, no! I wasn’t… it just slipped out. Auntie, sorry, I didn’t mean it.”
Seeing him fumble and blush furiously, Ye Xu couldn’t help but laugh. She hadn’t seen such an adorable young person in years. It was refreshing—coming up and calling her “Mama,” what a cheeky little trick.
“How old are you, sweetheart?”
Qin Si Zheng answered honestly. “Eighteen.”
“When’s your birthday?”
He thought carefully, making sure it matched the original character’s birthday. “October 11th.”
“How tall?”
“One seventy-nine.”
“Weight?”
“Fifty-six kilograms.”
Ye Xu exclaimed, “So light! No wonder you look so slim. You need to eat properly.” Then she asked, “Where’s home?”
“Jiangcheng.”
“Ever been in a relationship?”
Qin Si Zheng hesitated, instinctively glancing at Lu Xian Qing before whispering, “No, and the company doesn’t allow dating.”
“How long have you been in the industry?”
“Four years.”
“Say ‘Mama’ for me again.”
“Mama…” Qin Si Zheng’s words immediately revealed he’d been trapped, and he widened his eyes at the camera, his ears impossibly red. “Auntie, how did you…”
Ye Xu adored his flustered expression. She had given birth to Lu Xian Qing at nineteen, barely survived the early pregnancy without injury, and had been naïve and clumsy in caring for a newborn. She had no earrings, no wedding, and lived in a tiny apartment with her husband. After the child was born, she had to juggle everything, proud and unwilling to take her father’s help.
Lu Xian Qing’s father was busy; they rarely saw each other. Within two years, love had consumed itself, and the marriage ended.
She borrowed money from her father, invested, did business, and within twenty years became nearly as influential as Hu Lianzhi. She had always paid attention to Lu Xian Qing’s upbringing, even in the toughest times bringing him to work, putting him to sleep, then returning to work—he had grown up sensible and precocious.
She never let divorce or business create distance between him and his father, always ensuring a nurturing and open environment.
So when He Xing claimed that Lu Xian Qing had severe emotional and psychological issues and needed seven to eight years of counseling, Ye Xu was stunned.
Impossible!
Though Lu Xian Qing could be difficult, he had never shown any signs of psychological disorder.
She had personally taken him to university, bought him a villa, and though indulgent, he had never misbehaved enough to deserve scolding. He celebrated birthdays, Mother’s Day, and traditional festivals properly; even relatives from Hu Lianzhi’s side requesting signatures for young celebrities, he obliged.
Her son having a mental illness?
Ye Xu immediately exclaimed, “Nonsense! Which doctor said that? I’ll tear down their clinic!”
Only after He Xing showed her test results and recounted past events for three hours did she have to face the truth. She called Shen Qing, gathered recordings of prior counseling, consulted numerous renowned psychologists, and received confirmation: Lu Xian Qing truly had serious psychological issues.
But there was a silver lining—“Qin Si Zheng” acted like his miracle cure. Recently, he had been improving, though the specific trauma He Xing described remained mysterious.
She had her assistant collect everything on Qin Si Zheng. After going through it, she questioned reality—the “dirt” on him was overwhelming.
After a full night of reviewing and cross-referencing variety show appearances, she called her father: “Do you think this kid knew your identity and deliberately saved you?”
Hu Lianzhi said, “I asked him what he wanted. If he had ulterior motives, he could’ve asked directly. He didn’t even know I offered this role.”
Ye Xu compiled all the information and decided to test Qin Si Zheng herself. But unexpectedly, a phone call placed him right there. Her son clearly relied on him.
She rested her chin, studying him on screen. Unlike the rumors, he didn’t seem unpleasant. She decided to probe: “Sweetheart, can I make you my godson?”
Qin Si Zheng, thinking she meant his slip of ‘Mama’ was purposeful, quickly waved her off. “Auntie, I’m not—just slipped my mouth, nothing else. Please don’t misunderstand.”
Ye Xu pondered a moment and asked, “Then what kind of girl do you like, sweetheart? Tell me, I can set someone up for you.”
Qin Si Zheng had been nervous since speaking to her. He immediately rejected it: “No! Right now I just want to focus on my career. I’m not planning to date. Thank you, Auntie.”
Ye Xu cast a thoughtful glance at Lu Xian Qing. “I see.”
Lu Xian Qing felt uncomfortable under her sympathetic expression, so he turned the camera back to himself. “It must be late over there. Get some rest.”
Ye Xu, realizing it wasn’t the time to talk, simply nodded. “Make sure to call Mama after your shoot, okay?”
The call ended, and Lu Xian Qing turned to Qin Si Zheng with a hint of helplessness. “Sorry about my mom, she talks a lot, asks all sorts of questions. Don’t take it personally.”
Qin Si Zheng quickly shook his head. “No, no. Auntie is really cute, and so young!”
Lu Xian Qing chuckled softly. “Then guess how old she is.”
Qin Si Zheng dared not guess; she looked far too young. Honestly, she could pass for Lu Xian Qing’s sister. No wonder he had called her “Mama” earlier—he had tricked him. Qin Si Zheng felt a little guilty thinking back.
“Yan Yan.”
Qin Si Zheng looked up to see Lu Xian Qing suddenly close, eyes glinting with amusement. “Just now… calling her ‘Mama’? What was that? Trying to be my little brother, or…”
“I’m not!” Qin Si Zheng hurriedly denied.
“Hmm?”
“I just… spoke too fast. I was surprised she looked so young. Nothing else, really!” He hurriedly explained, worried Lu Xian Qing would think him shameless for calling someone “Mama.”
Although he had secretly wanted to feel a mother’s affection, Ye Xu’s youthful, coquettish appearance couldn’t hide the commanding aura of a woman used to power. If possible, he would have wanted a mother like her.
Just her playful affection, and he would do anything for her. Even if she demanded him to say “Mama” a thousand times, he would happily oblige.
Seeing the slight sadness in his eyes, Lu Xian Qing asked suddenly, “What about your parents?”
Qin Si Zheng lowered his gaze, inhaled lightly, and then looked up with a smile. “I don’t have parents. I was left at an orphanage as a child and raised by the caretakers there.”
Yu Si had been right—no matter who his mother was, if she didn’t want him, there was no need to insist. If she happened to be someone in the industry, pursuing it might only lead to awkwardness.
He sighed.
Lu Xian Qing’s heart ached at the forced cheer in his smile, and he stayed silent for a moment.
Qin Si Zheng pressed his lips together. “It’s fine. Not everyone has parents. I’m doing pretty well, aren’t I? Even if I’ve never seen them, I still have lots of ‘mom fans’.”
Lu Xian Qing noticed the slight curve of his lips, the subtle glow of makeup accentuating it. He couldn’t help but recall that fleeting, passionate kiss—the memory lingering, too brief to savor fully.
That night, during his own birthday, he had already digested the meal he’d had. Why couldn’t every day feel like a birthday?
Compared to He Xing’s secretive, wary approach, Lu Xian Qing never shied away from psychological counseling, fully aware of every step in his emotional growth.
He never hid his possessive, almost pathological desire for Qin Si Zheng.
He wanted him—an instinct embedded deep in his bones. Every scene, every contact, required a struggle to control his urges.
Facing Qin Si Zheng stirred a scorching intensity within him, an innate possessiveness.
He couldn’t afford to let Qin Si Zheng develop feelings for Jiang Zhen; otherwise, the carefully built “cage” at home would lose its value.
Imagining him locked away, Lu Xian Qing felt satisfied and handed over a new pair of chopsticks with a light laugh. “This is the last pair. Drop them again, and I’ll have to feed you myself.”