Chapter 22: The First Encounter with the Second Male Lead

On the road, a cool breeze brushed softly as Xiao Yi pushed Ran Xing slowly along the sidewalk beneath the streetlights.

After much hesitation, he finally handed over the object in his hand to Ran Xing.

“Sister Ran, this should be yours, right?”

Ran Xing took the USB drive, her mind blank.

She kept wondering how the USB ended up with Xiao Yi.

Perhaps sensing her confusion, Xiao Yi smiled and explained, “You put this USB in the pocket of my coat.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Ran Xing clenched the USB tightly in her palm and took the initiative to ask about Wang Ying.

“Was Wang Ying hired by you or by Xiao Yuan?”

“By me.”

“Where? Through what method?”

Ran Xing pressed insistently.

“What’s wrong, Sister Ran? Is she not doing well? If not, I can—”

Before he could finish, Ran Xing interrupted, “She’s doing well, that’s why I’m curious.”

“Oh, I see,” Xiao Yi sighed in relief. “It’s quite a coincidence, actually. One time, right after leaving the set, I saw her looking for a job. After seeing her resume, I thought to give her a try. By the way, who did you just meet?”

“The assistant to Mrs. Yang Likang.”

“Why would you meet her out of the blue?”

Ran Xing explained casually, “Just a coincidence. I invited her for a coffee. Are you done with your scenes?”

“Most of my scenes are finished. The director said you’ll come to the set tomorrow to act opposite the male second lead.”

Ran Xing frowned. “Are you sure I can go like this? No, I’m really curious—who could have leaked the news about Wen Xiaoning to the paparazzi?”

“I don’t know either.”

Xiao Yi looked at her with tenderness in his eyes, then quietly said nothing else as he grasped the wheelchair handles and pushed her forward.

—

The next morning

Yang Likang’s press conference had the desired effect.

The scandal involving Wen Xiaoning quickly died down.

The trending topics were overtaken by other entertainment news.

Unable to find a suitable replacement, the director had no choice but to bring Wen Xiaoning back to continue filming.

Inside the car heading to the set

Ran Xing eagerly asked Wang Ying,

“Has the surveillance footage been accessed?”

“It might take a bit more time,” Wang Ying replied briskly without turning her head as she drove. “Miss Ran, is that footage really that important to you?”

“Yes, very important,” Ran Xing said firmly.

—

Arriving at the set, Wen Xiaoning was already there early.

The director hurried over excitedly. “Ran Xing, you finally arrived. Everyone else’s scenes are almost done; now we’re just waiting for you. By the way, does your leg affect anything?”

Ran Xing chuckled dryly.

Could she say it did?

But thinking of the international commercial in three months, she forced herself to say, “Of course not. I’ll try standing up shortly.”

The director beamed. “Great. We’ll shoot as much as we can today. Don’t worry, just the upper body shots—no full-body shots. As for your action scenes, we can postpone those for now. Today’s scene is simple—a quarrel with the male second lead. You just need to talk.”

Then he turned around to look for the male second lead. “Strange, where is he? Wasn’t he just here?”

Ran Xing glanced around as well.

She had never met this male second lead.

When the crew started filming, he missed the opening ceremony due to a last-minute issue.

And since the first scene didn’t involve him, she hadn’t seen him at all.

Moreover, she had been ill and had a car accident, delaying her filming even further.

She had heard he was a newcomer.

No notable works in the industry.

No one knew where the director had found him.

Seeing he still hadn’t appeared, Ran Xing asked, “Director, what’s the male second lead’s name?”

“He’s called—” The director had just spoken two syllables when a voice interrupted from behind.

“I’m Chen Chu.”

Ran Xing turned to see a young face with a hint of innocence, tall and slender, looking barely in his early twenties.

As he approached, she observed his delicate features and light chestnut hair.

The young man greeted warmly, “Hello, everyone.”

Then he stepped toward Ran Xing, extending his hand with a polite smile and bright eyes.

“Allow me to introduce myself again—Chen Chu. ‘Chen’ as in old memories, ‘Chu’ as in never forgetting your original intention.”

Out of courtesy, Ran Xing shook his hand for a few seconds. “Hello, I’m Ran Xing.”

Seeing they had acquainted themselves, the director said, “Alright, you two get ready. We’ll start shortly.”

After the director left, Wen Xiaoning went straight to the makeup room.

Xiao Yi helped Ran Xing into her wheelchair, crouching beside her with concern.

“Sister Ran, if you can’t hold on, just tell me.”

Ran Xing deliberately looked away toward Chen Chu and smiled.

“Looking forward to working together.”

Leaving Xiao Yi standing there, disheveled by the wind.

He watched her retreating figure, forcing a bitter smile as he reflected on his behavior throughout the day.

He remembered offending Ran Xing nowhere.

…

The director sat before the monitor and, once everyone was ready, called out, “Action.”

Ran Xing stood up from the wheelchair, instantly in character.

Facing the other actor, she began her lines:

“You’re happy now, Lu Zhi’ang? My family has been destroyed!”

She raised her hand and slapped Chen Chu’s face.

Chen Chu tilted his head back, touched his mouth carelessly, and said, “Your family destroyed? Serves you right! It’s karma!”

Ran Xing raised her hand again, ready to slap.

But Chen Chu intercepted it, then pushed her hard, grabbing her neck with one hand, almost crazed as he snarled:

“What right do you have to question me? Don’t forget—it was you who made me lose my family! I didn’t do anything, just wanted you to feel the pain of losing loved ones. How’s that? Unpleasant, huh?”

Ran Xing’s neck reddened, nearly suffocating, she flailed her hands to push Chen Chu away. “You’re insane!”

“Yes, I’m insane! Remember this—one day, I’ll make you kneel and apologize to my parents!”

He tightened his grip further.

Seeing their emotions peak, the director was satisfied and called out, “Cut.”

At that moment, Chen Chu suddenly released her.

Ran Xing lost her balance and nearly fell, but Xiao Yi rushed forward to steady her.

Seeing her coughing, Chen Chu immediately apologized cautiously, “Sorry, Miss Ran. I got a bit too into it. Did I hurt you?”

After catching her breath, Ran Xing waved off the concern.

“No, you acted well.”

Xiao Yi raised his eyes coldly at Chen Chu, then firmly helped Ran Xing back into her wheelchair, thoughtfully covering her with a thin blanket.

“Sister Ran, that’s your only scene today. Let Wang Ying take you home to rest well. You’ll shoot the other scenes tomorrow. By the way, what do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you tonight.”

Ran Xing refused coldly, “No need. Whatever I want, I’ll have Wang Ying buy it.”

“But—”

Xiao Yi wanted to say more, but she was already wheeling herself away.

Behind them, Chen Chu watched the two leave, a faint, unreadable smile curling his lips.