Qizhen Hotel
It was only 6:30 PM, but crew members had already started arriving intermittently, mostly those working behind the scenes.
After filming for so many days, a proper meal to replenish their energy was a given. Arriving early meant a chance to eat before things got wild; arriving late meant the party would already be in full swing.
Yu Junqing was also almost ready to arrive.
“Should be just a few more minutes. But… why are you going so early?” Bo Rui asked, chewing on a mint, his words slightly muffled as he looked into the rearview mirror at Yu Junqing.
He didn’t know much about the entertainment industry, but he knew enough—big names usually made a late entrance. Showing up early would definitely draw comments.
Yu Junqing smiled, rare and genuine, shaking his phone slightly. “Just scouting the place, warming up. Otherwise, how will I make a smooth exit later?”
It was a habit of his. At wrap-up parties, he liked to identify the key targets he might need to handle carefully. He worried about things like… finding a moment to slip away discreetly.
Bo Rui’s mind raced and immediately caught on. He laughed, “Clearly, you’re a seasoned professional!”
Yu Junqing shrugged. He had always relied on himself, so it made sense to be cautious.
“All right, scram. Call me if anything happens,” Bo Rui said as he drove to the parking lot. He had visited this hotel a few times before—it was decent and shouldn’t pose any problems.
“Okay, drive safe, and have fun with your friends,” Yu Junqing said as he stepped out of the car, waving at Bo Rui through the window before heading inside.
He needed to inspect the place before 7 PM. Time was tight.
Bo Rui watched him go, rapped twice on his back, and sighed. He didn’t really have plans—he just worried about Yu Junqing and figured he’d grab something to eat or drink, keeping the little white lie plausible.
Recently, strange people had been lingering near Yu Junqing’s neighborhood. Bo Rui had asked Lao Li to keep an eye out—they spoke with distinct foreign accents. He didn’t know what they were up to, but it wasn’t safe. He also worried Yu Junqing’s residence might be exposed. While he had already secured a place for him, he wasn’t naïve.
If he told Yu Junqing right now that the apartment had been sold and a new one bought… no one would believe it.
Bo Rui sighed, slightly regretting giving the money so early; he probably should have tricked him a little first.
Meanwhile, Ren Qingyun, enjoying a new flavor of instant noodles, suddenly sneezed loudly. If he hadn’t grabbed a piece of paper to cover his mouth, the noodles would have been ruined.
After a moment of relief, he returned to eating, tossing the used paper into the trash. The pen marks on it looked disturbingly fresh.
Yu Junqing finished his customary inspection and arrived at the private room promptly at 7 PM.
“Xiao Yu’s here, come sit,” Director Wang’s voice greeted him as a warm wave of energy seemed to wash over the room. Yu Junqing spotted him immediately, seated at the center of the table.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Yu Junqing apologized earnestly as he hurried over.
Director Wang lightly slapped his hand on the table, his words casual.
“It’s fine. If I came early, wouldn’t that be obvious? Don’t scare them with unnecessary pressure.”
Yu Junqing didn’t respond. Wang’s words carried an implied meaning: he just wanted a quiet meal tonight and a happy, stress-free sleep afterward. He wasn’t going to interfere with other matters he didn’t know about.
“Sorry, ran into something on the way,” the door opened again, and Zhu Wen’s voice came from the entrance.
He truly looked rushed. Yu Junqing’s observant eye immediately noticed Zhu Wen’s slightly messy hair and wrinkled clothing—things Zhu Wen would normally never let happen.
Zhu Wen’s apology was sincere, which made it easier to accept. Director Wang’s expression didn’t change much; he understood that although filming was over, there might still be future cooperation, and a little courtesy was due.
Of course, there were always people eager to pick faults.
A sharp voice sneered from the corner, “Some people really think they’re impressive… Director Wang and Yu-ge are already here, and he strolls in like this. And his outfit’s such a mess… did he just come from some very comfortable place?”
The speaker was a minor actress, previously diligent and helpful behind the scenes. People had a good impression of her.
But her role had suddenly been expanded, and her makeup noticeably upgraded. She had become arrogant. Rumor had it that her career had been sponsored by her boss.
Yu Junqing glanced at her. She wore a revealing deep-V top with nothing underneath—her nipples clearly visible through the fabric. No wonder Yu Junqing had felt something was off; the seat near the air-conditioning should have been popular, but no one dared sit there.
Feeling disgusted, Yu Junqing turned his head just as Zhu Wen sneered.
“I was late and apologized. Everyone else accepted it. Maybe you have a broad mind—why not give yourself a little advice?” His gaze briefly flicked over the actress’s exposed chest. Several women involuntarily shot disgusted looks.
“Ugh, so shameless! Wearing that here—does she think we’re dead or what?” one woman muttered. Others nearby nodded in agreement.
The actress’s face instantly darkened. She stomped to her feet. “Sorry, my makeup’s messed up. I’ll touch it up,” she said, grabbing her small bag and heading to the restroom with a loud clatter.
Once she left, many visibly relaxed, as if a major nuisance had been removed.
“All right, now that everyone’s here, let’s raise a glass to celebrate our crew wrapping up filming!” Director Wang stood, holding up a champagne glass. Yu Junqing smiled and stood, and everyone followed suit.
“Cheers!”
“Congratulations!”
“To great ratings!”
Glasses clinked all around. Director Wang then handed out red envelopes to everyone—mostly identical, except Yu Junqing’s was noticeably larger and comically exaggerated, eliciting knowing laughter.
Yu Junqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time; Director Wang’s humor could leave one speechless.
With the formalities done, the real celebration began!
Yu Junqing and Director Wang—actor and director—became prime targets for drinking.
Wang had some protection; people were wary of offending him.
Yu Junqing, however, was different. Known for being gentle and considerate both on and off set, he seemed incapable of refusing anyone’s request.
Before long, he had been repeatedly forced to drink.
After a few cups, he began to feel uneasy. The medicine he had taken hadn’t yet kicked in, and now with so much alcohol, his head was spinning.
“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom,” he said, swaying slightly before standing upright. His eyes scanned the table drowsily as he staggered away.
Those at the table laughed uproariously at his almost comical, cotton-like gait.
Only Zhu Wen’s eyes lingered on the seat the actress had occupied. She had been gone for a while.