Chapter 9

As soon as they got off the plane, the two of them were surrounded by Cheng Shuyang’s eager fans, with a few entertainment reporters trailing behind them as well.

But this time, the media’s target wasn’t the acclaimed actress Cheng Shuyang; it was Jiang Lai standing beside her.

A newly crowned Best Actor had broken up with his designer girlfriend of seven years. No matter how you looked at it, there had to be something hidden beneath the surface. Besides, Jiang Lai had once been so deeply in love with Qin Huaicheng that they naturally weren’t going to believe her side of the story.

The moment Jiang Lai saw them, she silently cursed her bad luck. If she’d known, she would have come out the other side...

Countless cameras were aimed at her, endless flashes of white light striking her face. Jiang Lai instinctively raised a hand to shield herself, only to be swarmed by reporters. Even Cheng Shuyang was squeezed to the edge.

“Miss Jiang, did your breakup with Mr. Qin have some hidden reason behind it?”

“Miss Jiang, do you have anything to say about the breakup between the two of you?”

“Miss Jiang, could you answer a few questions?”

“Miss Jiang...”

The reporters’ questions came at her like a barrage, leaving Jiang Lai dazed. She had once thought that as long as she stayed away from Qin Huaicheng, she would gradually forget this relationship. But now it seemed that no matter where she went, Qin Huaicheng’s shadow still followed her, impossible to forget no matter how hard she tried...

The wound that had only just begun to heal in Jiang Lai’s heart was torn open again. Looking at the microphone thrust in front of her, she knew today was only the beginning. From now on, this kind of thing would not be rare. As long as she remained in the entertainment industry, it would follow her forever, becoming a topic people gossiped about over tea and after meals...

She took off her sunglasses and drew a deep breath, meeting the crowd head-on. “As for this issue, I’ve already answered online. Mr. Qin and I really did break up because of our own reasons. We both thought it through carefully before making this decision, so there was no betrayal or third party like you’re suggesting. We ended things peacefully.

As she said this, a faint bitterness touched the corners of Jiang Lai’s mouth, though she did not show it. “Mr. Qin and I are still friends, and we’ll also have collaborations in the future. I hope everyone won’t pay too much attention to this matter. Thank you, and you’ve all worked hard!”

After speaking, Jiang Lai lowered her head and tried to force her way out of the encirclement. But the reporters were clearly not satisfied with her answer; not only did they not let her through, they even pressed forward a little. Jiang Lai had no choice but to step back. In her panic, she missed her footing and fell hard to the ground.

Her grip on the suitcase tightened over and over; the grievance in her heart surged up uncontrollably, and she felt she was about to reach her limit.

“Sorry for the trouble. Everyone’s worked hard.”

A familiar voice rang out. Before Jiang Lai could react, a coat was draped over her shoulders; instantly, Cheng Shuyang’s scent filled her nose.

“I’m standing right here, and you’re not going to ask me any questions? Isn’t it a little unfair to only question Miss Jiang?”

A perfectly controlled smile appeared on Cheng Shuyang’s face as she quietly pulled Jiang Lai out of the reporters’ line of sight, hiding her behind herself.

The reporters’ attention was drawn to her. By the time they reacted, the girl’s figure had already been completely blocked behind her, leaving only a corner of clothing visible.

Fortunately, the situation did not last long. Soon after, a car sent by Director Zhang, who had received the news, came to pick them up. Cheng Shuyang kept smiling the entire time, showing not the slightest trace of impatience. Just before getting in the car, she even reminded them, “You’ve all worked hard. My assistant bought coffee for everyone; remember to take some later.”

“Sigh, as expected of a Best Actress. She handles everything flawlessly. What a pity—such a big scoop, and we didn’t manage to get a single interview.”

“Enough. Cheng Shuyang has been in the industry for how many years? You think you can outplay her? You’re still too green. Let’s go. With Best Actress Cheng here, this trip was doomed to be wasted.”

The reporters shook their heads and left in twos and threes.

In the car, Cheng Shuyang carefully checked Jiang Lai’s condition. Her face, which had been smiling all this time, suddenly turned cold. She frowned slightly and sighed. “How could you be so careless? You even scraped your arm.”

Jiang Lai pulled back her hand and looked. Sure enough, the skin had been broken. She smiled unconcernedly. “It’s nothing. I probably scraped it when I fell just now. It’s not a big deal. When I have time, I’ll disinfect it and that’ll be fine.”

“Jiang Lai, if you don’t take care of it properly, it’ll leave a scar.”

“It’s okay, Aunt Cheng, don’t worry. All these years, I’ve always lived like this on my own; haven’t I still turned out fine?”

“Silly girl...”

The woman rubbed the top of her hair, as if she were talking to Jiang Lai, and yet also to herself. “If you don’t even know how to take care of yourself, who are you expecting to do it for you? A girl should treat herself a little better.”

Looking at the woman’s lowered eyes, Jiang Lai nervously gathered up her long hair. Something seemed to be squeezing at her heart; it hurt in a dull, uncomfortable way, and she opened her mouth, but the words of comfort wouldn’t come.

Quietly, she shifted a little closer. After hesitating for a long while, she lightly touched the woman’s arm and said in a small voice, “I have a Band-Aid in my bag. Could I trouble you to help me put it on?”

“You..."

Cheng Shuyang let out a helpless sigh and gave her a look.

“That’s much better. Aunt Cheng looks really beautiful when she smiles.”

Jiang Lai blushed and looked away, conveniently missing the depth in Cheng Shuyang’s eyes.

...............

“Teacher Cheng, Designer Jiang, we’re here.”

“Alright, thank you for your trouble.”

The two of them got out of the car and looked at the hotel in front of them, both wearing puzzled expressions.

Jiang Lai tapped on the driver’s window with obvious displeasure. “Hey, big brother, you didn’t take us to the wrong place, did you?”

“No, this is the right place.”

The driver rolled down the window and explained, “Director Zhang said that since it’s mealtime, he might as well treat everyone to a meal. The actors can all meet each other, so it counts as getting acquainted. After that, we can start filming right away.”

“Tch. He sure knows how to save money.”

Jiang Lai muttered under her breath, but Cheng Shuyang still caught it. Frowning, she shook her head at Jiang Lai. “Ah Lai, don’t speak carelessly.”

“Oh, got it...”

Cheng Shuyang smiled and nodded at the driver. “Alright, then we understand. Thank you for your hard work today.”

“It’s nothing; this is what I should do.”

After asking the front desk for the room number, the two politely turned down the staff’s offer to escort them and chose to go on their own.

Standing outside the private room and hearing the lively conversation inside, Cheng Shuyang stopped, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “Ah Lai, are you really okay?”

“What’s not to be okay about?”

Jiang Lai forced herself to sound relaxed. She moved past Cheng Shuyang and placed her hand on the private room door handle. The moment the door opened, the chatter cut off abruptly; everyone’s gaze landed on Jiang Lai, while Jiang Lai’s gaze landed on Qin Huaicheng...

There seemed to be some kind of magic about Qin Huaicheng. No matter the situation or environment, Jiang Lai could always spot him first in a crowd.

Qin Huaicheng only gave her a cool glance before turning back to continue chatting with the actor beside him.

Jiang Lai recognized that actor. She was the female lead of this drama, and also the rumored third party who had interfered between the two of them, Lin Wanqiu...

Qin Huaicheng’s indifferent attitude truly stabbed at Jiang Lai’s heart. She had to admit that even after the breakup, her emotions were still being controlled by him.

It had been several months since the breakup, and this was the first time Jiang Lai had seen Qin Huaicheng again in public. Compared with how he had been before they split up, Qin Huaicheng now seemed more mature and steady. Looking at it this way, it seemed as though she alone was the one who couldn’t let go of this relationship.

Her eyes stung, and tears almost fell.

But Jiang Lai still forced them back, mustering a bright smile as she walked toward Director Zhang in the middle of the room. Behind her, Cheng Shuyang politely smiled at everyone before sitting down in an unobtrusive corner.

“Ah Lai, Teacher Cheng, you’re finally here.”

“Sorry, something delayed us on the way.”

Cheng Shuyang apologized to Director Zhang, and Jiang Lai didn’t linger either; she followed suit and offered her own apology.

“Jiang Lai, you really kept me waiting.”

A voice, charming yet slightly resentful, drifted over.

Jiang Lai instinctively looked toward the speaker. The person wore exquisite makeup, her aura fully unleashed. Her curled hair added even more allure, making her look noble and coolly glamorous.

This was the first time Jiang Lai had seen Xu Zhiyi in real life.

As expected of someone who had risen to fame in the same era as Cheng Shuyang, Xu Zhiyi was no less impressive in temperament or appearance; in fact, she seemed to be on the verge of surpassing her.

Bright and unapologetic, like a fully bloomed red rose—that was Jiang Lai’s first impression of Xu Zhiyi.

On the other side, Cheng Shuyang, who was chatting with the others, kept her attention on Jiang Lai’s emotions the entire time.

Xu Zhiyi gave a soft laugh, brushed past Qin Huaicheng, and ignored Cheng Shuyang’s unfriendly gaze. Taller than Jiang Lai by a little in her high heels, she slowly approached Jiang Lai and parted her red lips.

“Jiang Lai, I’m Xu Zhiyi. Please take care of me from now on.”

“Hello, Senior Xu.”

She extended her hand to the woman.

“I’m not like some people, who place so much importance on seniority and hierarchy.”

“Teacher Xu, that’s a little hard to understand,” Cheng Shuyang said as she walked up to Jiang Lai and stood beside her.

Xu Zhiyi let out a cold snort and shot back, “What? Is it true that Teacher Cheng has always disliked meddling in other people’s business?”

“She’s someone I brought here; watch how you speak to her.”

Xu Zhiyi didn’t even look at her. She only patted Jiang Lai’s arm. “I’m leaving first. If you have time, let’s exchange contact information.”

“Alright.”

After the woman left, Jiang Lai finally looked at the person beside her. “Aunt Cheng, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Coming back to herself, the woman looked at her with a complicated expression. “You don’t need to take what Teacher Xu said just now to heart.”

“I know. Don’t worry. She isn’t you; I only listen to what you say.”

Watching her smile, the woman’s heart softened completely.

“Good girl...”