“I saw it.”
Not only had he seen it—he saw countless fans of the ‘real-life ship’ celebrating, saw his own shameless ‘usurping’ exposed, and felt even more unable to face Lu Xianqing.
Shen Changfeng noticed his mood was off. “Why the long face? You upset he stepped in? But Fourth Brother protecting you is better than you trying yourself. This issue isn’t really about you. Speaking up exposes the haters—you see, one post shuts their mouths.”
Qin Sizheng asked, “Changfeng, wasn’t this role originally for Jiang Zhen? And I took it later?”
“No one ‘takes’ a role. Director Zhou picks who fits. He was satisfied with you—you’re Chu Jing.”
Qin Sizheng shook his head. That wasn’t how it had happened.
Shen Changfeng seemed to talk past him, taking out his phone and tossing it in front of him. “Look, not just Director Zhou, even Fourth Brother acknowledges you.”
Qin Sizheng lowered his eyes and saw the Weibo post: “Mine, little A-Jing.”
The picture showed him crouching on a wall, looking across at Lu Xianqing; the shot was beautiful. That caption made him recall the scene just filmed—where he had bitten his own ear to tease him into mischief, coaxed by voice the entire time.
He meant “my A-Jing.”
Shen Changfeng said, “In this industry, this is common. No one ‘steals’ anything. Whatever falls to you is yours. All you need to do is hold on to it.”
Qin Sizheng couldn’t decipher whether the previous post was advising Jiang Zhen to see a doctor or protecting himself, so he clicked into the comments.
【Hahaha, really stop stirring drama. Even the moon-landing style fame-hunting isn’t this bad. First advising you to be kind, then to see a doctor, Fourth Brother’s got game.】
【Is this protecting the wife? Fourth Brother’s so A! I love this man! Qing Shan You Si forever!!! I ship them so hard!】
【A fame-hunting attempt, swapped a psychologist’s contact, a bucket of mud, and got a top-tier actor’s personal affirmation. Who really gained here?】
【Poor Qin Sizheng—being dragged through hate all the way to filming, yet it won’t stop. Jiang Zhen’s fame-hunting failed miserably. If someone else was in his place, don’t just see his haters rush—abuse?】
Scrolling down, aside from a few haters, most comments sympathized with him and criticized Jiang Zhen—completely unlike what he expected.
“Changfeng, do you think Fourth Brother likes Jiang Zhen?”
Shen Changfeng laughed as if hearing a joke. “Are you serious?”
“Just answer,” Qin Sizheng pressed.
“Well… regardless of his orientation, even if he likes men, he shouldn’t like Jiang Zhen. Who likes someone but constantly trolls them on Weibo? But him liking you? I can believe that a bit.”
Qin Sizheng froze, then scolded him lightly. “Don’t joke—I’m serious. Do you think Fourth Brother could like him?”
Shen Changfeng thought for a moment. “Think about how you’ve been interacting with Fourth Brother. If he liked someone, how would he act?”
Qin Sizheng glanced at Lu Xianqing, tangled in the director’s hold, not yet removed makeup or changed costume. His white shirt from the scene was back on, wrinkled but still elegant.
He was always so gentle; if he liked someone, he would shower them with warmth, never let them suffer, just like in novels.
Wait a moment.
If he liked someone, he’d take them to see a doctor when they were ill—not post on Weibo recommending a psychologist and publicly mocking them.
So… could it be that he didn’t like Jiang Zhen?
Mingfei Entertainment’s official Weibo also posted a clarification. The language was more formal than Lu Xianqing’s, polite but sharper between the lines.
Mingfei Entertainment: Since entering the industry, Mr. Lu Xianqing has maintained integrity and diligence in all work. For certain false rumors, Mr. Lu reserves the right to pursue legal action. Regarding this…
The statement was firm yet flawless, seeming merely to clarify that Lu Xianqing’s “If you’re ill, get treatment” wasn’t polite enough, though anyone with eyes could tell it condemned Jiang Zhen’s manipulative antics.
Fans of the real-life ship, lively at noon, burst into tears over the statement, only to be mocked by onlookers: He didn’t even name you—why are you feeling victimized?
【So this is all self-directed and self-acted at your house? Mingfei Entertainment didn’t even say they’d pursue anyone, and you’re crying over your Jiang Zhen anyway?】
【The bystanders and Fourth Sister probably just dislike his fame-hunting antics. You guys want him dead or what.】
【Creepy if you think about it—if Mingfei’s statement is true, Jiang Zhen had actually stalked Fourth Brother before? Even found out where he lived? No wonder he moved overnight; Fourth Brother must’ve felt so unlucky.】
【Damn, Jiang Zhen’s a weirdo, right? Hazelnut, give me more gossip—I’m not full yet. Mo duo mo duo.】
Shen Changfeng explained, “It’s just haters and Jiang Zhen’s fans slapping labels on you, claiming you stole the role. No proof. These rumors may sting a bit, but it’s not serious. He went out of his way to clear your name. If he really liked Jiang Zhen, why not just admit he likes you? You might as well take the compliment.”
Qin Sizheng felt a rush of sweetness, hugging his phone, a small smile forming. Could Fourth Brother really like him?
The thought quietly bloomed in Lu Xianqing’s mind as well—pink bubbles forming, rising and bursting. He couldn’t stop the corner of his mouth from lifting. My little A-Jing… my Yanyan.
He gave himself a nickname. Qin Sizheng, thinking more and more that Lu Xianqing might like him, still couldn’t be certain. In the original story, he clearly loved Jiang Zhen desperately, to the point of…
To the point of what?
Qin Sizheng suddenly couldn’t remember. He shook his head hard but only felt a blur, vaguely picturing two shadows—one Lu Xianqing, the other unclear.
Why could he suddenly not remember? Lately, his memory seemed worse. The original story’s plot was growing hazy, sometimes even mixed up.
He didn’t want to jump to conclusions, so he asked the bystander, Shen Changfeng, “Fourth Brother, could he really like me? Are you sure?”
Shen Changfeng, seeing his sudden shift from melancholy to excitement, hurriedly said, “Wait, that’s not what I meant. I’m only talking about the word ‘like.’ Don’t get carried away. If the Emperor of Film didn’t mean it, you could misinterpret it, just like Jiang Zhen did.”
“I know, I’ve got it in my head,” Qin Sizheng said. He understood that even a little fondness was far from love. He wouldn’t impulsively provoke like Jiang Zhen.
He thought a moment, returning to the original question. “Changfeng, I want to ask you something.”
“Go ahead.”
“If I weren’t me…” Qin Sizheng hesitated, then rephrased, “…if I stole something from someone, or if I were pretending to be Qin Sizheng, would you hate me?”
Shen Changfeng looked at him blankly for a moment. “Still not out of the acting mindset?”
Qin Sizheng pursed his lips, thinking most people wouldn’t understand his transmigration situation. He shook his head. “Never mind, just a random question. Don’t overthink it.”
Shen Changfeng paused, then asked, “When I first met you, was that really you?”
Qin Sizheng hesitated, then nodded.
He said, “I don’t know why you asked or if you were testing something. I can only say one thing—when I followed, it was you. You are Qin Sizheng. I wouldn’t hate you.”
Qin Sizheng felt deeply moved and reached out to hug Shen Changfeng—only for the car door to swing open.
Lu Xianqing’s mouth curved in a smile. “Oh? Didn’t finish the scene just now, coming for round two? Why change the lead without telling me?”
Qin Sizheng withdrew his hand instantly, mind reeling with the scene just played, drenched in sweat, and water sprinkled over both of them as pretend sweat.
He’d even added some mysterious oil for effect. His thoughts wandered further; his ears reddened more and more—until Lu Xianqing pinched him, and he snapped back.
Shen Changfeng said, “What a coincidence. Sizheng’s heading back to the hotel. You coming along?”
“Convenient?” Lu Xianqing asked Shen Changfeng, but his gaze stayed on Qin Sizheng, unmistakably implying: think carefully before answering.
Qin Sizheng stepped back slightly. “It’s fine.”
Lu Xianqing got in. Shen Changfeng poured each some warm water, then sat upfront, eyes fixed.
“In the afternoon, after Director Zhou explained the scene, you ran when you saw me. Just finished filming and didn’t even look at the footage. What’s that about?”
Qin Sizheng played dumb. “I didn’t run. Director Zhou told me to prepare early, afraid I’d perform poorly.”
“Tsk, making excuses?”
A trace of secret joy lingered in Qin Sizheng’s heart—that Fourth Brother might not actually like Jiang Zhen after all. Shen Changfeng was right: whatever falls to him is his. The script says so, and Lu Xianqing should too… right?
He felt selfish suddenly. If Lu Xianqing liked him, then he hadn’t really ‘stolen’ something originally meant for Jiang Zhen.
Seeing the phone nearby, still on the Weibo page, Lu Xianqing remarked, “Looking at my Weibo? Why not just ask me directly—yourself, or Jiang Zhen?”
Qin Sizheng’s fleeting expression didn’t escape Lu Xianqing. He chuckled softly, thinking: still holding a grudge about Jiang Zhen.
Qin Sizheng didn’t want him to look at that person, suddenly remembered the candy in his pocket, and hurriedly pulled one out, offering it. “Fourth Brother, want some candy?”
Lu Xianqing looked at his hand but didn’t take it.
Qin Sizheng pursed his lips. “Not taking it?”
“No free favors. No. I won’t take it.”
Qin Sizheng blurted a quick lie, “I need a favor from you. If you don’t take it, that means you won’t agree.”
Lu Xianqing tilted his head, grinding his teeth in thought: You better not be asking me to spare Jiang Zhen. Next time at home, I’ll have to drug you.
“Speak. What’s the favor?”
Qin Sizheng said, “For the last few scenes, I want you to rehearse them with me in advance.”
Lu Xianqing was more than willing. Those last few scenes were either hugging and kissing, cuddling, or face-to-face lying down—whatever the closeness, however cozy, they’d do it.
He had been thinking about how to coax himself into Lu Xianqing’s room, and now the opportunity was literally handed to him. Tilting his head, he pondered for a moment and asked with a step-back approach, “Just one candy, and you expect me to rehearse with you? That’s way too cheap.”
Qin Sizheng: “Then after you wrap up filming, I’ll cook for you?”
“Alright.” Lu Xianqing took the candy from his hand, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth.
Qin Sizheng smiled, secretly thinking to himself: Fourth Brother, hurry up and like me—I’ll treat you better than Jiang Zhen ever did. You won’t be shortchanged.
His offer to cook had a hidden purpose: by cooking, he could go to Lu Xianqing’s place, giving them a chance to be alone. After getting used to his dishes, maybe Fourth Brother would develop some feelings.
Suppressing his glee, Qin Sizheng kept his expression calm as a breeze.
Unaware of these thoughts, Lu Xianqing only focused on finishing the filming and finding a chance to have He Xing bring up the contract termination, signing with Mingfei to take on more double-male-lead projects—openly letting him act alongside him.
He probed casually, “How does filming this drama feel? Compared to previous works?”
Qin Sizheng, lacking prior filming experience, could only say vaguely: “It’s great. Everyone is really serious, Director Zhou is very responsible… I’ll miss them when filming wraps.”
Lu Xianqing tilted his head. “And me? Will you miss me?”
“Of course.”
He leaned one hand behind his neck and smiled lightly. “This drama isn’t actually that costly—not one of the big productions. It won’t even be released domestically. They’re filming it mainly for awards and reputation.”
Qin Sizheng nodded. Lu Xianqing didn’t go deeper, instead asking, “Has Xu Zhao come to see you recently?”
“He’s got two junior disciples who are younger and need attention. Nothing major happened on set, and besides, I have Changfeng.” Qin Sizheng added with a sly little nod, “And you’re taking care of me too.”
Lu Xianqing was pleased by that subtle addition, then returned to his earlier point: “In the future, don’t take dramas like this lightly. If it’s Ding Chenhai, that benefits you. If it’s anyone else… don’t take such roles. Remember what I said—don’t squander your commercial value.”
If Ding Chenhai were anyone else, Qin Sizheng immediately, without hesitation, rejected it in his mind. “I won’t film these kinds of scenes with anyone else.”
Lu Xianqing deliberately twisted his words, leaning in and lowering his voice: “Oh? Only willing to film with me?”
Qin Sizheng almost nodded, but the car arrived just in time. Shen Changfeng said, “Fourth Brother, Sizheng, we’ve reached the hotel. You go ahead; I’ll get the food from the front desk.”
Lu Xianqing said, “Get it yourself. Sizheng, go straight to my room. Anning will bring the items up, and after rehearsing, return to your room.”
“Okay.” Qin Sizheng agreed, then turned to Shen Changfeng: “Buy some fruit and send it to Fourth Brother’s room. He doesn’t eat bananas or pineapple.”
Lu Xianqing chuckled, “Smart. You know how to bring something when asking for a favor.”
Qin Sizheng blinked, slightly embarrassed. “Chen Qiu told me that sending milk tea or fruit on set is polite. I gave a little to Sister Li at lunch today.”
Lu Xianqing’s “oh” was cool and indifferent. Besides Jiang Zhen, there’s also Chen Qiu—wolves at the front and tigers at the back. Filming must be full of hidden dangers.
How many rivals were still lurking? Couldn’t they all appear at once so he could deal with them?