When Zong Xuan asked whether his mood was bad, Xu Tang felt that Zong Xuan probably understood him quite well. Of course, it could also be that he was just guessing.
Zong Xuan: “What makes you think that?”
Xu Tang was silent for a moment on the other end, then said, “There was a time your car got hit by a scammer, and then you went online and tore into the media that accused you of acting like a diva on set. And another time a domestic cosmetics company asked you to falsely promote their product, and you ended up tearing into someone who every day scolded you for not supporting domestic brands… so I was thinking, is this time also something that made you unhappy?”
Zong Xuan gave a soft laugh. “You know me pretty well.”
Xu Tang’s laugh made Xu Tang’s scalp tingle. He stammered, “No… not really, I just saw your Weibo.”
He didn’t dare say he checked it every day. Those incidents of Zong Xuan arguing with people usually happened after he posted on Weibo saying he ran into some extreme situation that day. Maybe because he couldn’t expose those people, and couldn’t vent all at once, he had to find another outlet. Of course, it didn’t happen often—just that he happened to notice it.
“Then guess why I’m unhappy this time?” Zong Xuan wanted to talk a bit more with him.
Xu Tang rolled over on the bed and replied, “I don’t know. Is there a problem with the crew?”
Zong Xuan hadn’t expected Xu Tang to guess it anyway, so he wasn’t disappointed. He just felt happier hearing Xu Tang’s voice. “No. It’s just that I got annoyed seeing someone spouting nonsense.”
“What about you? Did it make you angry?”
Xu Tang: “A little unhappy, but not angry. Puyun probably just wanted to whitewash himself; I can understand that. He just went too far, and I don’t know what PR team he hired.”
Zong Xuan: “Which company is he signed with?”
Xu Tang: “Not sure. Probably not a big one.”
If it were a strong agency in the industry, the signing ceremony would definitely have invited a lot of media. There was no reason there would be zero news.
“Then that makes sense. Some companies do manage artists but their PR strength just can’t keep up. Signing with them usually means wanting to control things yourself, but that still depends on whether your brain is good enough.” Zong Xuan clearly looked down on that kind of tactic. Trying to push yourself while stepping on people you dislike to vent frustration—unprofessional. It might look like casual public opinion, but it only fools people unfamiliar with the industry and hardcore fans. Anyone who understands would see through it. That was also why, despite all the publicity, no other artists reposted or publicly supported it.
“Sister Wen didn’t talk to you about it?” Xu Tang asked. Even if Zong Xuan’s response wasn’t a big deal, Wen Hui would definitely call him.
“She’s probably calling me now. But my line’s busy, so she can’t get through.” Zong Xuan smiled.
“Manager Kang already called me. She’ll keep an eye on the online situation. If Sister Wen contacts you, just tell her that, and she won’t be angry.” Xu Tang said.
Zong Xuan laughed. “Got it.”
“I’m sleepy. I’m going to sleep first.” Xu Tang wanted to end the call before his fragile “try not to think about Zong Xuan” barrier collapsed.
“Alright. Good night.”
“Good night…”
After hanging up, Zong Xuan only then remembered he hadn’t asked when Xu Tang would come visit the set.
Earlier Wen Hui had mentioned arranging a set visit, and he had agreed. But no exact time had been given, so it should be soon.
Not wanting to disturb Xu Tang’s rest, Zong Xuan didn’t call back.
That afternoon, Zong Xuan received another call from Teng Yizheng, who said he wanted to visit the set and had already arrived at the entrance.
Their drama did not keep filming locations confidential. The investors also hoped to promote the film early, so Zong Xuan had casually told him last time when asked.
He didn’t expect Teng Yizheng to suddenly come for a visit.
Since he was already there, there was no reason to refuse. It was almost lunch time anyway, so it wouldn’t delay anything. Zong Xuan asked Xie Shaoqian to bring him in.
In the rest room, Teng Yizheng smiled when he saw Zong Xuan.
“Sorry for coming so suddenly. Didn’t disturb you, did I?”
“It’s fine. We were about to rest for lunch.” Zong Xuan smiled. “Sit. Why did you suddenly have time to come over?”
Teng Yizheng placed the lunch he brought on the table. “I originally had an appointment, but it got postponed. I didn’t have anything to do, and I remembered you said you were tired of the crew box meals, so I brought you food.”
“Thanks.” Zong Xuan was still happy to see him—who wouldn’t be happy about better food?
Xie Shaoqian didn’t stay and went to get his own box lunch.
Teng Yizheng opened the food. “Eat while it’s hot.”
“Okay. Have you eaten?” Zong Xuan took the disposable chopsticks.
“I ate breakfast late, I’m not hungry yet. You eat first. I’ll eat later.”
Zong Xuan nodded and started eating without hesitation. The dishes were all his favorites.
They chatted casually, mostly about Teng Yizheng’s schedule in Shan Feng City, which was quite full.
Teng Yizheng thanked him again for the money transfer that had solved many problems.
Zong Xuan waved it off, not really caring.
After Zong Xuan finished eating, Teng Yizheng asked, “Is there coffee on set?”
“No, but you can order delivery. There’s a café nearby. Not sure why it opened here, but business is good. People on set either order from there or bring their own.”
“Then I’ll order one.” Teng Yizheng took out his phone. “Do you want one? Or juice?”
“One for me too.” Zong Xuan said.
About twenty minutes later, the coffee arrived.
In the afternoon, Zong Xuan’s filming was scheduled after two, so he could chat a bit longer.
After drinking half a cup of coffee, Zong Xuan suddenly turned pale, clutching his stomach and collapsing onto the sofa.
Teng Yizheng froze and hurried over to support his head. “Zong Xuan, what’s wrong?”
Zong Xuan’s cold sweat was already forming. He gritted his teeth. “My stomach… hurts…”
“How could this happen?” Teng Yizheng looked panicked.
“Call Shaoqian…” Zong Xuan said.
“Okay!” Teng Yizheng quickly shouted for Xie Shaoqian.
After Xie Shaoqian came in, he immediately carried Zong Xuan and ran out.
He didn’t know what happened, but going to the hospital was the only option.
The commotion quickly attracted the director’s attention. A deputy director rushed over. “What happened?”
“He suddenly has stomach pain. I’m taking him to the hospital!” Xie Shaoqian shouted while running.
Soon, word spread and a car was arranged.
Meanwhile, Xu Tang was at a magazine shoot when he received a call from Wen Hui. When he heard Zong Xuan had been hospitalized due to poisoning, his hands went cold.
He didn’t think about anything else, grabbed his coat, and rushed out.
Yuan Shang was shocked and chased after him. Kang Duo also hurried after him, stopping him at the entrance.
“What’s going on?” Kang Duo asked.
Xu Tang’s face was pale. “Zong Xuan… poisoned and hospitalized. I need to go see him.”
Kang Duo was also stunned. While panicking inside, she quickly tried to calm him down. “Don’t panic. Tell me what you need.”
“I’m not doing the shoot. Book me the fastest flight to Shan Feng City. Any seat is fine. I need to go see him.” Xu Tang’s voice was shaking.
Kang Duo immediately said, “Okay, okay. Don’t rush. Let Yuan Shang drive you to the airport.”
Xu Tang nodded, still trembling.
She booked the ticket and sent the details to Xu Tang. Soon he headed to the hospital.
At the hospital lobby, Xu Tang saw Xie Shaoqian speaking with the police and quickly learned the ward number.
When he opened the door, he froze—Teng Yizheng was already there.
Xu Tang felt his body go stiff. So there was nothing left for him here…
Teng Yizheng smiled, sitting like the host. “You’re here? Come sit.”
Zong Xuan lay on the hospital bed, pale and weak after stomach pumping. He looked at Xu Tang briefly, too unwell to speak.
Xu Tang forced himself to calm down. “Is he… okay?”
“No serious issue. His stomach has been washed, but the doctor said he needs observation.” Teng Yizheng smiled faintly.
At that moment, Xu Tang felt like a fool who had rushed over only to become a joke.
He forced a smile. “Good. Then I’ll go back to the hotel.”
“Alright. I’ll take care of things here. Thanks for coming to see him.”
“Of course.” Xu Tang turned and left.
Zong Xuan wanted to call him back, but his stomach spasmed again and he leaned over to retch. By the time he recovered, Xu Tang was already gone.