Yao Jinwei bit down hard on her teeth. How could a camera have fallen there out of all places? She had been careless. She had thought the falling signboard was the perfect opportunity. Who would have expected it to become a flaw instead?
No. She could not panic.
“Fourth Brother, I will go outside and see if there is anything I can help with.” Yao Jinwei forced herself to sound natural. When her assistant saw her leave, she hurried after her.
Zhou Changjiang was still discussing with the assistant director how to identify the woman. “This is like searching for a needle in the ocean. With that accident happening at the time, everyone’s attention was drawn away. Old Lu, what are you thinking about?”
Lu Xianqing said, “I have a way.”
Seeing the look in his eyes, Zhou Changjiang had a bad feeling. “What are you planning to do? Do not act recklessly.”
—
Yao Jinwei returned to the dressing room, unable to make sense of it.
Had they not said Qin Sizheng only had a mild allergy? Just a bit of rash. How had it become so serious?
There was only one person who could save her now.
She took out her phone and made a call. “Sister Wenli, it is me.”
Wenli’s tone was indifferent. “What is it?”
Yao Jinwei was in turmoil. The look in Lu Xianqing’s eyes made it seem as though he had already determined she was the culprit. If they really uncovered the truth, she would be finished.
“Speak.”
“Sister Wenli, help me. Fourth Brother has already started suspecting me. If he finds out it was me, I am done for.”
There was a brief silence on the other end. “What are you talking about? I do not understand.”
Yao Jinwei spoke urgently, “You were the one who hinted to me that Qin Sizheng is allergic to mango. We are tied to the same rope now. You cannot just watch me die!”
Wenli let out a laugh. “I only said that I am allergic to mango and that it is quite troublesome. I mentioned that the Qin Sizheng in your crew is also allergic to it, meaning you should take good care of him. When did I ever tell you to tamper with his drink? Why would I bother targeting a child?”
Yao Jinwei braced herself against the dressing table and stood up, gritting her teeth as she lowered her voice. “You said you could not stand how Qin Sizheng stole other people’s scenes. You said Jiang Zhen works hard and is honest, and that the entertainment industry would be cleaner if there were fewer problematic artists like Qin Sizheng.”
Wenli was having afternoon tea. The sound of her cup setting down on its saucer rang out crisply.
“I said fewer problematic artists. I did not tell you to go kill someone. Why would you think of challenging the law? How foolish.”
Seeing her deny everything, Yao Jinwei collapsed into the chair, teeth clenched. “If I go down, I will not let you walk away unscathed!”
Wenli sounded amused. “And how exactly will you drag me down with you? My husband is the director of this drama. He personally selected Qin Sizheng for the role. You say I am suppressing him? Then why is he still in the crew? The mango pomelo sago was ordered by you, not me. How dare you falsely accuse me?”
Only then did Yao Jinwei realize she had been used as a pawn.
Earlier, Wenli had chatted with her about feeling unwell due to allergies and had praised her acting, saying she should have long ago taken on leading roles. It was a pity that there were too many artists like Qin Sizheng these days, leaving her no opportunity to rise.
Yao Jinwei was well aware of the grudge between Qin Sizheng and Wenli. A few years ago, when she had just debuted, she and Qin Sizheng attended the same event and she had been mocked for her looks ever since.
Wenli’s suggestive promises had fanned the flames of her resentment.
On the first day of filming, Lu Xianqing had ignored her in front of the media and gone straight to Qin Sizheng instead. After shooting began, he treated Qin Sizheng with such gentleness, while showing her no patience at all.
In a moment of impulse, she had poured a little mango into the orange juice, hoping Qin Sizheng would suffer for a few days. She truly had not intended to kill anyone. She only wanted him to stop being so arrogant.
Yao Jinwei ended the call. She knew Wenli would never help her.
Now, she could only save herself.
Yao Jinwei took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. She sent her assistant away and planned to look for Zhou Changjiang.
As soon as she reached behind the set, she overheard Zhou Changjiang speaking in hushed tones with the assistant director.
“What do we do now, Director Zhou? He bent down to pick something up, and his face was caught on camera. If we pull it out, there’s no denying it. But by the time it’s been recorded to this point, changing actors isn’t just about finding a suitable replacement. Even if we do, everything would have to be reshot. The costs aren’t small, and it’s not something Lu Xianqing can decide with a single word.”
Zhou Changjiang frowned. “I know. That’s why I asked you to come up with a solution. Lu Xianqing has been sent out and doesn’t know yet. By the time he sees the footage, it’ll be too late.”
Assistant director: “We can’t hide it from him. You know his temper; he’ll explode once he finds out later anyway.”
Zhou Changjiang pondered for a moment. “Forget it, let’s just replace the actor. Better that than letting Lu Xianqing lose it. You go get him to watch the footage and discuss a solution. I’ll call Qin Sizheng.”
Yao Jinwei, hiding behind the set, couldn’t recall if she had actually picked up anything, but now that the two of them were gone, this was her chance.
If she deleted the video, no one would ever know it was her.
She waited until they had walked away, then dashed to the lounge, locked the door, and gripped the mouse to delete the footage, even clearing the external surveillance recordings.
“Eh~”
Yao Jinwei froze. She looked up at the source of the sound and stumbled back, collapsing onto the floor.
“You! How are you here?”
Lu Xianqing leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, tilting his head with a smile.
Yao Jinwei’s face went pale. Caught red-handed, she had no way to argue. But since the videos were already deleted, Lu Xianqing had nothing on her. She forced herself to stay calm.
“Fourth Brother, how come you’re here? Also watching the surveillance?”
Lu Xianqing pointed toward the top right corner. “Waiting for you.”
“You really are joking. Waiting for me to do what? I’m here to help, and if I’m not needed, I’ll just go.” Yao Jinwei tried to leave, but Lu Xianqing blocked her path. “In a hurry?”
He opened the door, hooked a chair with his foot, and crossed his legs as he sat.
“You don’t think Director Zhou is too old to remember about backups, do you? And just now, the surveillance captured you clearly. Come on, say hello to it.” He smiled, glancing at the camera. Zhou Changjiang’s eyebrows twitched.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Yao Jinwei said.
Lu Xianqing pulled out his phone. “If you don’t understand, look. Here’s the footage of you pouring something into the orange juice.”
Yao Jinwei fought to keep calm, responding evenly, “I did pour something in, but who says it was mango? I just thought the cup was too empty—was it wrong to add a little?”
Lu Xianqing lowered his chin and smiled. “I’ll give you credit for that. But this lousy crew never cleaned Qin Sizheng’s makeup room, the cup wasn’t washed, and the police will be here soon to check if there’s mango in it.”
Yao Jinwei said, “Even if there is, how can anyone prove it was me? Couldn’t it have been someone else? Shen Changfeng carried the juice—he’s Qin Sizheng’s assistant and knows what he’s allergic to!”
Lu Xianqing didn’t push her to confess. He patiently explained each point.
“The mango pomelo sago was ordered by your assistant. You poured something into Qin Sizheng’s juice, he had an allergic reaction, and then you destroyed the evidence. You’re really trying to protect your assistant.”
Yao Jinwei could no longer argue. Forget elegance, she crawled over and clutched Lu Xianqing’s pants. “Fourth Brother, I know I was wrong, I just… I was confused. Please forgive me.”
Lu Xianqing’s expression was filled with pity. “I believe you were confused, but you still have to tell the truth. Otherwise, I can’t help you. A charge for attempted murder is serious.”
Yao Jinwei nodded immediately. “I really didn’t mean it. I knew Qin Sizheng was mildly allergic to mango. I just wanted to teach him a lesson. I really didn’t want to hurt him. Please believe me, Fourth Brother!”
Zhou Changjiang pushed the door open, face full of dismay. “It really was you! When I saw Lu Xianqing suspect you, I thought he was being rash, but… you’ve disappointed me so much!”
Yao Jinwei suddenly realized she had been tricked again. She glanced at the computer. “There’s no video?”
Lu Xianqing stood, looking down at her like an ant. “Idiot.”
Yao Jinwei collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.
Zhou Changjiang and the assistant director exchanged glances and sighed in unison. “Post the announcement.”
Police officers entered, brushing past Lu Xianqing. They glanced at him twice, recognizing him, then asked, “Who filed the report?”
“I did, officer,” Zhou Changjiang quickly stepped forward.
Lu Xianqing left the mess behind and went straight to the hospital.
Even with a hat and mask, fans could recognize him by his figure. He was blocked again.
“Fourth Brother! We love you!!!”
“Fourth Brother!!!”
“Did I just see my male idol in person? Mom, help, he’s so handsome I’m dying!!!”
“Fourth Brother, look at me!!! Please, I’m your long-lost girlfriend!!!”
An Ning stood outside the crowd, helplessly watching the man at the center of the storm.
Lu Xianqing said, “Stop.”
The screams instantly ceased.
“Let me through. I’ll sign a hundred autographs and have someone hand them out,” he paused, then pulled down his mask with a smile. “Or, you can block me here, and get nothing.”
After a brief moment, the crowd dispersed.
Lu Xianqing swaggered into the hospital room. An Ning followed, speechless.
“I thought you were on the first floor, but you’re actually in the stratosphere.”
Lu Xianqing tossed her the hat and mask, a haughty smile on his face. “Stratosphere? I am the stratosphere.”
An Ning silently hugged the hat.
Lu Xianqing pushed open the door to the hospital room. Qin Sizheng was bent over, having Shen Changfeng trim his nails. Hearing the sound, he thought it was An Ning returning. Without lifting his head, he said, “Aren’t you tired of this yet?”
Lu Xianqing: “Not tired.”
Qin Sizheng blinked, surprise lighting up his face. “Fourth Brother!”
“Ah, trimming nails, huh?”
“How come you’re here so early? I thought you’d come tonight. Did An Ning just go out to fetch you?”
Lu Xianqing walked over, took the nail clipper from Shen Changfeng, and sat down. Naturally, he took Qin Sizheng’s hand, laid it flat, and casually took advantage of the situation, gently massaging it.
“Unhappy that I came early?”
“No.”
Lu Xianqing carefully tended to each finger, clipping them one by one. Whenever Qin Sizheng unconsciously curled his fingers, he lightly tapped them. “Stretch it out! What are you doing?”
Qin Sizheng had to straighten his fingers again. The touch was different from Shen Changfeng’s; when Lu Xianqing did it, it sent a faint tingling through him.
“By the way, Fourth Brother, did you find out who did it?”
Lu Xianqing: “Yao Jinwei.”
Qin Sizheng froze. “How could it be her?”
Lu Xianqing didn’t even look up. “She won’t hurt you again. Don’t worry.”
Qin Sizheng wasn’t just afraid—he was shocked. What kind of grudge could drive someone to such lengths, risking everything to take revenge on someone?
“What do you plan to do about her?”
Lu Xianqing said: “From now on, she won’t have a name in this industry. Any honors not belonging to her are stripped. As for attempted murder—she should go to prison and reflect on her actions.”
Qin Sizheng nodded, then smiled faintly.
Lu Xianqing raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Oh? Happy that evil gets its punishment? Weren’t you telling me not to make a fuss earlier? Hypocritical?”
Qin Sizheng hurried to explain: “No, I just… it feels good to have someone backing me up.”
Lu Xianqing paused slightly.
Qin Sizheng looked down at his own fingers held in Lu Xianqing’s hand, lost in thought for a moment, then said, “When I was little, I was bullied a lot. I really wished someone would back me up. Later…”
“I could protect my little brothers and sisters. Am I super impressive or what!”
The boy paused, then looked up with a smile, waiting to be praised.
Lu Xianqing clenched his hand around his, enveloping Qin Sizheng’s fingers in his palm. “Yanyan, from now on, you’ll always have someone to back you up.”
Qin Sizheng hesitated before asking cautiously, recalling the afternoon’s phone call. “Do you want to be my brother?”
Lu Xianqing’s gentle expression faltered for half a second. Qin Sizheng struggled and tested again: “Then… do you want to be my dad?”
Lu Xianqing nearly choked. “Yes, I want to be your dad. Come on, call me Dad!”
An Ning pushed the door open, trying not to laugh. “Stop being the dad. Come sign the autographs; you said you’d hand them out.”
“Idiot.” Lu Xianqing, annoyed, tossed the nail clipper onto the bed and went to sign at the desk.
Qin Sizheng’s phone buzzed—an announcement from the crew regarding Yao Jinwei’s handling.
Her company immediately severed ties, all endorsements were canceled, though some diehard fans refused to believe it, sparking fights with the trolls.
Until the police posted on Weibo confirming her confession, the remaining few fans quietly disappeared.
Her past event videos were all deleted, dramas pulled, as if she were being erased from the entertainment industry.
Qin Sizheng looked at Lu Xianqing’s back, sensing for the first time how formidable he could be. That sentence about erasing Yao Jinwei from the industry was no joke.
If he wanted, destroying someone’s career—or even social existence—was easier than crushing an ant.
“Done. Should I chop off your hand next?”
An Ning, hands on her hips, said: “You said you’d sign a hundred. And there’s more than a hundred people outside, all the way to the stairs. Count yourself lucky, now go.”
Lu Xianqing picked up the pen again, flipping through the notebook, signing page after page, muttering in frustration: “If I were just some nobody, no one would recognize me on the street, and I wouldn’t suffer like this.”
Shen Changfeng returned with the food. Qin Sizheng reached out to stop him from interrupting.
Finally, Lu Xianqing finished signing and tossed the pen into An Ning’s arms. “Exhausted.”
Qin Sizheng said, “You didn’t have to come, you know.”
Lu Xianqing: “My precious son is in the hospital. How could I not come?”
Qin Sizheng thought: If I’m going to be your son, I’d rather not have you backing me up.
An Ning urged them to wash their hands and eat. Lu Xianqing, seizing the chance, followed the same routine as before, washing Qin Sizheng’s hands thoroughly. By the time they were done, Qin Sizheng’s face was bright red.
“Fourth Brother, after dinner you and An Ning should go back early.”
“What? Feeling I’m in the way?”
“I’ll be discharged tomorrow morning. Changfeng can take me back to set, and there’s only one bed here—you won’t be comfortable.” Qin Sizheng glanced at the hospital bed. He couldn’t let him sleep in it with him, right?
Lu Xianqing: “We’ll see after dinner.”