Chapter 13

Chapter 13

After his last investigation into Ning Yuyi, Yu Sihan followed the film crew into the deep mountains for shooting and only emerged today.

Deep in the mountains, only a few elderly households remain. Signal reception is poor, and making calls is only feasible with satellite phones. Relying on mobile phones for communication is utterly implausible.

After leaving the mountain, Yu Sihan headed straight to the apartment he rented and took a shower. Upon exiting the bathroom, he was unsurprised to see Wang Yinkou seated on the sofa.

"Sis."

"Take a look at this." Wang Yinkou handed him the tablet she held. "This was trending recently."

As Yu Sihan began to read, his expression grew increasingly grim.

"It was Zhang Xueyong who fancied this role at school and took the initiative to play it," Wang Yinkou remarked, idly admiring her freshly manicured red nails. "You once considered auditioning for it, but Zhang Xueyong was already the chosen one."

"I know," Yu Sihan replied, covering the tablet screen and closing his eyes to compose himself. "How's his surge in social media followers?"

"Impressive," Wang Yinkou replied coldly. "At this rate, once the show airs, he's bound to surpass you."

"Then we shouldn't let it air," Yu Sihan said suddenly, his eyes flashing with determination and envy. "Imagine, if netizens found out he slept his way to these opportunities?"

"What are you suggesting?"

"In a few days, I'll meet him at the BS Hotel. Arrange for someone to keep an eye on us," Yu Sihan said with a smug smile. "Then, we can spin the narrative any way we want."

"I trust your judgment," Wang Yinkou suddenly inquired, "Why such hostility towards him?"

Why such deep animosity towards him?

Memories of his childhood flashed before Yu Sihan's eyes—of living in a dilapidated orphanage, sleeping on makeshift beds made from old doors, and always eating the cheapest vegetables.

Always by his side was a boy half a head shorter than him. Even though they wore the same hand-me-downs, this boy was always adored by the caregivers, who would sneak him treats. In contrast, Yu Sihan could only watch from afar, envying the boy's sweets.

"Sihan?" Wang Yinkou called out, frowning.

Her voice pulled him back from his reverie. He lowered his gaze, not allowing her to discern his emotions.

It didn't matter how much everyone adored that boy. Yu Sihan had been found by his father and enjoyed luxuries that the boy, Ning Yuyi, could never dream of.

Even in the entertainment industry, Yu Sihan vowed to always overshadow Ning Yuyi.

Ensuring he would never see the light of success.

After the three-day break, Ning Yuyi joined the film crew at the next shooting location.

The location Zhang Xueyong chose was not far from Haishi, nestled in a small forest on a mountain peak in the neighboring Mingshi. As it wasn't a tourist spot, it was secluded.

Ning Yuyi stayed in a temporary tent, yawning as he played cards with Zhou Er and Yao Yao.

After placing his final card on the table, Ning Yuyi stretched, "The loser shuffles the cards."

Zhou Er and Renming went to shuffle the cards, getting ready for the next round. "I'm willing to forgo meat tomorrow if it means not being the 'landlord' this round. I've been it so many times, I'm sick of it."

The worst part? The cards were terrible! So bad that Zhou Er felt the urge to wash his hands!!!

"Hey, Ning Ning," Yao Yao said, cracking open sunflower seeds. "Doesn’t your scene end rather quickly?"

"Yes," Ning Yuyi replied, rubbing his eyes to fend off drowsiness. "Yong Xi's role will soon be wrapping up."

Soon I can go home and sleep all day.

Just the thought made Ning Yuyi very happy.

"The director scheduled your scenes early on," Yao Yao observed, glancing at the shooting schedule. "Ah, so you only need to stay here for five days?"

"You're so lucky! Ugh, I have to be with Xie Ge for a much longer time. There are way too many mosquitoes and bugs here."

All Ning Yuyi could offer in response was a sympathetic look: Tough luck!

After a few more rounds, Ning Yuyi was too tired to continue. He retired to his small tent to sleep.

A week later.

The prop master was adding fake blood to Ning Yuyi's costume and checking the safety of the harness on him.

"Is Ning ready on this end?" the assistant director asked into his walkie-talkie, inquiring about the prop master's progress.

"All set here," the prop master affirmed, double-checking to ensure Ning Yuyi was safe for the scene.

"Alright, Ning, get ready. Let's do the scene we rehearsed," the assistant director instructed.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1—Action!"

At the final call, Ning Yuyi was fully immersed in his role. Holding a prop sword, he used the harness to make a leap toward Xie Yiezhou, who was half-kneeling on the ground.

"Senior Brother," Yong Xi exclaimed, jumping in front of the semi-conscious Cheng Xuan to shield him from an incoming blade.

A muffled grunt escaped Yong Xi's lips as the fake weapon seemingly penetrated his body, only to be dramatically pulled out.

Using the sword as support, Yong Xi struggled to remain upright. Blood stains covered his hands from previous skirmishes, and various wounds across his body made breathing a painful endeavor.

"Senior Brother," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion and stained hands caressing Cheng Xuan's face. "It seems I may not be able to stargaze with you anymore."

After uttering those words, Yong Xi suddenly embraced Cheng Xuan and leaped toward the nearby cliff's edge.

In an instant, their figures vanished into the thick mist.

The intense sensation of free-fall jolted Cheng Xuan back to consciousness. The moment he opened his eyes, he saw his younger disciple, Yong Xi, bloodied and in pain, tightly holding onto him.

"Yong Xi, Yong Xi!" Realizing their predicament, Cheng Xuan tried to push away from the embrace.

"Senior Brother…" Yong Xi managed a weak smile, but his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of an impending collision with a jutting rock from the cliff. In a final act of protection, he mustered all his strength to twist mid-air, positioning himself to take the brunt of the impact.

The tremendous impact caused blood to seep from Yong Xi's mouth, and he slowly closed his eyes as he descended.

Even though Yong Xi used his body to shield Cheng Xuan when they jumped off the cliff, the force of the landing still rendered Cheng Xuan unconscious.

It wasn't until the torrential rain of the evening pelted his unprotected body that Cheng Xuan finally regained consciousness.

"Yong Xi!" Disregarding his own injuries, Cheng Xuan abruptly sat up, searching frantically around him.

His gaze landed on a patch of grass. Overwhelmed, a tear rolled down Cheng Xuan's cheek, "Xi Xi, it can't be, it just can't be."

Cheng Xuan, now like a toddler unable to walk, crawled over on all fours. The torrential rain had washed away some of the blood, revealing raw wounds. "Xi Xi, how could you leave your Senior Brother alone to gaze at the stars?"

Holding Yong Xi's lifeless body, Cheng Xuan seemed soulless, murmuring with closed eyes.

"This can't be real, it just can't be."

The downpour continued all night.

As the skies cleared and the sun shone brightly overhead, its rays reflected blindingly off the wet ground.

Cheng Xuan remained seated, still cradling Yong Xi's body, just as he had the day before.

The sun set, and the night sky was dotted with stars.

"The stars are out, Xi Xi. Senior Brother is here to watch them with you."

"See that bright star? I'll pluck it down for you one day."

As the stars faded and the sun began its ascent over the horizon,

Cheng Xuan finally stirred, carrying Yong Xi's body, step by step, out of the valley.

He intended to bring Yong Xi back to Jianmen Mountain, to the place where they first met at the back mountain.

So that every day, he could look up and see the stars.

……

"Cut!"

Upon Zhang Xueyong's signal, he emerged from behind the equipment. "Come here, Ning. Let me give you a red packet to ward off any bad luck after this intense scene."

It's customary to give actors a red envelope, a small token, after they finish their scenes. It's more about the gesture than the amount – a way to dispel any lingering negative vibes from the role.

Ning Yuyi didn't move, not by choice, but because... Xie Yiezhou was holding him too tightly.

"Xie Ge." Ning Yuyi grimaced in pain as Xie Yiezhou's grip on his arm tightened. He quickly called out to him.

Xie Yiezhou hadn't yet disconnected from his role. Even though he subconsciously knew they were acting, the sight of Ning Yuyi covered in "blood" still caused his heart to ache intensely.

So, when he held Ning Yuyi, Xie Yiezhou was completely immersed in his character as Cheng Xuan, holding onto him tightly, afraid to let go.

He feared that if he released his grip, he would lose Yong Xi forever, just as Cheng Xuan had.

"It's over," Ning Yuyi reminded Xie Yiezhou, who seemed still engrossed in his role. "I've finished my scenes!"

Xie Yiezhou, prompted by Ning Yuyi's words, gradually returned to the present, taking a moment to recalibrate.

He set Ning Yuyi down and approached Yao Yao, taking a mobile phone from her. "Here, let me send you a red packet to celebrate finishing your scenes."

"Zhou Ge, lend me your phone." The little money lover that was Ning Yuyi jogged over to Zhou Er, quickly accessing WeChat on the borrowed phone to collect his red packets.

Aside from the director's transfer of 666 yuan, most of the amounts were small.

Yet Ning Yuyi was still thrilled.

Two more notifications popped up. He refreshed the chat, and Xie Yiezhou's messages jumped to the top.

Ning Yuyi clicked it open to see three transfer notifications.

6666 yuan, 8888 yuan, 9999 yuan.

A thought struck Ning Yuyi.

——Only a top-tier figure would send red packets like these.

Zhou Er, standing beside Ning Yuyi, advised him to simply accept the amounts without fuss.

Ning Yuyi, hesitating a moment before accepting the transfer, was reminded of how he'd wait for his mother's nod before accepting red packets from elders as a child.

Wait, he's definitely not a "mom" figure.

After shooting Ning Yuyi's final scene, Director Zhang Xueyong spontaneously gave everyone a half-day break, allowing for a farewell party in Ning Yuyi's honor.

Zhou Er had thoughtfully prepared gifts for everyone, intended as parting gifts.

Except for two things: a soft, plush white rabbit pillow and a perfume from a niche foreign brand's new collection.

These were personally chosen by Ning Yuyi, special gifts for Xie Yiezhou and Yao Yao.

Yao Yao was deeply touched receiving the perfume, but the next moment, she watched Ning Yuyi pushing the soft, large bunny into Xie Yiezhou's arms.

Observing Xie Yiezhou's stern jawline contrasted with the soft toy, Yao Yao had to stifle her laughter.

"Xie Ge, make sure you sleep well when I'm gone," Ning Yuyi patted the white bunny. "I've tested its comfort; it's super soft. You'll love cuddling it in bed."

"Hmm," Xie Yiezhou replied, holding the toy that seemed out of sync with his usual style, his expression unchanging. "Eat properly, and don't be picky with your food."

With the gift-giving done, the group spent their time together... gaming.

"If we weren't in this remote area where food delivery is impossible, I'd have ordered a grand feast instead of sitting here playing 'King of Glory'," Zhou Er grumbled as he launched the game, accepting Ning Yuyi's match invite.

"Thanks for inviting me, Xie Ge. Whoa... Xie Ge is a King of Glory!" Ning Yuyi exclaimed enviously, glancing at his own Eternal Diamond rank emblem.

He couldn't help but admire it. Truly deserving of the Eternal Diamond title.

To play for so long and still be at Diamond rank, he's really living up to the 'Eternal' part.

Yao Yao hasn't played this game before. When she received a call from Liana, she had to step out to attend to it.

As the game began, upon seeing Xie Yiezhou pick Li Bai, Ning Yuyi promptly chose Xiao Luban without hesitation.

"Could you change your hero?" Zhou Erhe ruffled his hair in frustration. "I can't protect Luban with any support I play. They'll all dive at you."

"It's okay, I'll play as I wish," Xie Yiezhou said, adjusting his inscriptions, "I can keep him safe."

Ning Yuyi smugly teased Zhou Erhe.

Within the first three minutes, the opposing jungler and mid-laner teamed up and descended on the bottom lane. Ning Yuyi's Xiao Luban was surrounded by four players.

Calmly, he pulled his character back just as Li Bai leapt out of the bushes, launching a major skill. Under Zhang Fei's protection, he dashed forward, firing rapidly into the crowd.

First blood

Double kill

Triple kill

Quadra kill

With four kills under his belt, Ning Yuyi happily started his recall.

At the top lane, Li Xin was trading blows with the opposing Xiahou Dun.

"You can boast about this quadra-kill for a lifetime," Zhou Erhe, who had just taken a lot of damage for Ning Yuyi, said, recalling alongside him.

"Hehehe..."

After that, it seemed like the enemy jungler Sun Wukong had a vendetta against Ning Yuyi. He repeatedly tried to ambush Ning Yuyi in the bottom lane with the enemy mid-laner, but each time they were thwarted or counter-killed by the timely arrival of Xie Yiezhou and the ever-present Zhou Erhe.

Eight minutes in, at the dragon pit...

Ning Yuyi followed Zhang Fei and Li Bai. Along with the mid-laner, they wiped out four members of the opposing team.

Up top, Li Xin and the opponent Xiahou Dun were still trading blows.

At the fourteen-minute mark, with Zhang Fei by his side, Ning Yuyi ambushed the jungler Sun Wukong at the enemy's red buff bush and even managed to steal the almost-dead red buff.

Li Xin continued to dominate the top lane, taking down the enemy's top turret, but Xiahou Dun managed to counter-kill him with the assistance of his second turret.

Sixteen minutes in, Ning Yuyi destroyed the mid inhibitor turret and headed straight for the Nexus.

The opposing Monkey King evidently couldn't restrain himself and sent a message to criticize his own Xiahou Dun.

[All Chat] Sun Wukong: "Is Xiahou Dun blind? Go home!!!"

Just a few seconds later, Xiahou Dun replied to Sun Wukong.

[All Chat] Xiahou Dun: "That's not a home, it's an orphanage."

"Bwahahaha!" Ning Yuyi laughed so hard he could barely focus on the in-game crystal, clutching his stomach in mirth.

"This Xiahou Dun is too hilarious," Zhou Erhe also chuckled, his shoulders shaking as he continued to attack the crystal.

……

The next day, Ning Yuyi descended the mountain and boarded the day's flight back to Hai City.

After disembarking, Ning Yuyi stretched, saying, "Let's go for lunch first. I'm starving."

"Okay, I'll call for a car," Zhou Erhe tried to hail one through his phone app, "It’s still in queue; looks like we won't get one."

"Such a hassle. If the director hadn’t already booked our plane tickets, I would’ve preferred to take the high-speed train back," Ning Yuyi remarked. Given the short distance, he found it odd that they had to fly.

The flight felt brief, yet it consisted mostly of queuing – for boarding, disembarking, and luggage retrieval.

Once home, Ning Yuyi ordered takeout to treat himself.

Halfway through his meal, Ning Yuyi's phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID displayed "Ah Liang".

Ah Liang was Yu Sihan's childhood nickname from the orphanage. Ning Yuyi hesitated, finger wavering between answering and declining the call, but ultimately chose to answer.

After all, the original owner of the body truly considered Yu Sihan a dear friend from their childhood.

Although this so-called "dear friend" never really reciprocated the feeling.

This call could serve as closure.

"Hello, is this Xiao Yi?" Yu Sihan's voice was gentle, though his expression was icy.

Wang Yinkou sat beside him, unfazed by his demeanor, as if she'd grown accustomed to his dual nature.

In a soft voice, Ning Yuyi responded, "What do you want?"

His tone was somewhat stiff.

"Our last encounter was too rushed; I wasn’t prepared," Yu Sihan coaxed, using his most tender voice to entice Ning Yuyi, who had seen him as an elder brother in their childhood. "I know you're in Hai City. I want to meet up."

"I'd rather not..."

"I was so thrilled to see you last time that I even bragged about it to my fans on social media," Yu Sihan interjected. "It's a rare chance for us to meet, Xiao Yi. You must come."

"..." Ning Yuyi looked to Zhou Erhe with questioning eyes, seeking guidance.

Zhou Erhe snorted coldly, quickly typed out a message on his phone, and showed it to Ning Yuyi.

"Alright then," Ning Yuyi glanced at the half-eaten grilled fish in front of him, eager to end the call and resume his meal.

"Let's meet tonight at BS Hotel. They serve some delicious yogurt-based desserts there."

"Sounds good, see you tonight."

After hanging up, Ning Yuyi casually tossed his phone aside and continued indulging in his grilled fish.

Whether it was the original owner or himself, they both had a sweet tooth.

Yu Sihan probably never truly remembered his preferences throughout their lives.

"I'll accompany you. Whatever he throws at you, just go with it. I've got your back," Zhou Erhe said, making a reservation at BS Hotel. "I'll protect you; it'll be fine."

"Mhm."

If Zhou Erhe looked closely, he would notice a slight redness in Ning Yuyi's eyes, even as he kept them lowered toward his bowl.

That evening, Ning Yuyi donned a casual hoodie and jeans before heading out.

To avoid drawing Yu Sihan's attention, he and Zhou Erhe decided to arrive separately.

Upon exiting the cab, Ning Yuyi paused momentarily, appearing lost as he stood before the entrance of BS Hotel.

Pushing open the grand doors of BS Hotel, he followed an usher to a window-side table.

"Xiao Yi, you're here," Yu Sihan greeted with a squinted smile, "Let the dishes be served now."

As soon as Ning Yuyi took his seat, a glass of whiskey was promptly presented before him.

"Let's have a drink; it's been a while," Yu Sihan said, taking the lead by downing his glass.

Without hesitation, Ning Yuyi drank the whiskey offered to him.

The previous night, after dinner, as he and Zhou Erhe lounged on the sofa digesting, Ning Yuyi had asked what they'd do if Yu Sihan drugged him.

To his surprise, he received an incredulous look from Zhou Erhe.

"Do you think this is some novel? Drugging you? With so many people around and surveillance cameras, he'd end up in jail the next day if he dared."

Seeing Ning Yuyi drink the offered glass without any hesitation, Yu Sihan's grin broadened.

He believed it was an indication of Ning Yuyi still cherishing their childhood bond, perhaps even harboring that old admiration for him as an elder brother.

Even in his heart, such an elusive sentiment never truly existed.

"I've also ordered a bottle of champagne. I tried it last time and found the taste quite exceptional. Do give it a try."

After three mixed drinks, for Ning Yuyi, who had absolutely no tolerance for alcohol, it was enough to make him tipsy.

However, he held his liquor well. Even in his inebriated state, he remained seated quietly, head bowed, leading Yu Sihan to believe he was still coherent. Just as Yu Sihan was about to pour another glass, he was stopped.

It was Ning Yuyi who reached out, gripping the bottle tightly, his eyes misty and gazing intently at him.

Yu Sihan was momentarily startled, then realizing Ning Yuyi's intoxicated state, his face broke into a smug grin.

"Waiter," he signaled to a nearby server, "take him to room 1107. Here's the room card."

After handing over the room card, Yu Sihan didn't waste a moment, promptly leaving the hotel.

As the server was about to assist Ning Yuyi, footsteps approached.

"I'm his friend, I'll handle it." Zhou Erhe showed the server a picture of him with Ning Yuyi, then bent down to pat Ning Yuyi's shoulder, "Only three drinks and you're out? Wake up, Ning Yuyi."

"Mmm, Zhou... Zhou bro," Ning Yuyi mumbled, spotting Zhou Erhe, he leaned into him, "I'm so tired and dizzy, Zhou bro."

"If you're dizzy and tired, we'll get some rest," Zhou Erhe retrieved his ID, "Get us a room."

After verifying their acquaintance, the server quickly arranged a room for them.

Zhou Erhe declined further assistance, opting to support Ning Yuyi into the elevator by himself.

Author's Note: I've been owing you all multiple updates for days, but finally completed them today. Tears...

This plot within a plot feels intense_(:з」∠)_