Chapter 55

Chapter Fifty-Five

The nurse came right away and quickly changed the IV, though she didn’t sound too friendly: "One more bag, and you can head home to rest."

Lu Yan nodded: "Thank you."

The head nurse, in her late thirties, wasn’t impressed by celebrities anymore. She looked at the man before her—he seemed familiar, but she didn’t ask. As she left, she muttered under her breath: "Do you know how many patients are still waiting for a hospital bed? Just a few IVs and you get a private room. Rich people these days are something else..."

After the nurse left, Lu Yan rested his chin on his hand and said: "You heard her, right? Don’t hog medical resources."

"I heard," Gu Xu smiled. "What time is it?"

Lu Yan replied: "Just after three."

Gu Xu hummed in acknowledgment: "Once this bag’s done, we’ll head home."

Lu Yan looked at him and suddenly said: "When we both return to B City, let’s hit the mall together."

Gu Xu asked: "What are you looking to get?"

"My mom’s birthday is around the corner," Lu Yan said. "Let’s get her a gift and throw her a birthday celebration."

Gu Xu was surprised. His eyes flickered, and he said hoarsely: "Is it finally time to meet the parents?"

"Yes," Lu Yan teased him. "My mom might not like you, or she might even chase you off with a broom."

"Your mom’s not like that," Gu Xu said. "Even if she is, I’m not worried."

"If she says no, we’ll just run away together."

Lu Yan’s eyes curved with laughter: "I’ll have to consider it."

Once the IV was done, Gu Xu got out of bed and put on his coat: "Time to head home."

It was Gu Xu’s first time riding in Lu Yan’s car. He leaned back in the passenger seat: "Take it slow."

Lu Yan’s foot on the accelerator didn’t budge: "I’m going as slow as I can."

When they turned a corner, Gu Xu frowned: "Use the turn signal."

Finally, he concluded: "Your driving habits are terrible."

Lu Yan might have been too anxious when he came, driving all the way without noticing anything. Now, driving home calmly, he felt a bit out of practice.

He hadn’t driven for a long time. Hearing Gu Xu’s conclusion, he pouted: "Anyway, you’ll be the one driving in the future."

Gu Xu finally felt a bit satisfied upon hearing this.

When they arrived at the parking lot, Gu Xu lowered his eyes and was about to unbuckle his seatbelt when he noticed the bright red cigarette box in the center console.

He asked: "Why is there a cigarette box here?"

Lu Yan: "I used to smoke, but I’ve quit now."

Gu Xu picked up the cigarette box, got out of the car, and threw it into the trash.

Before leaving the next day, Lu Yan couldn’t help but turn back and remind him again: "You must rest at home today, no going to the company."

No sooner had he spoken than Gu Xu kissed him.

The kiss was deep and lingering, Gu Xu's tongue entwined with his, leaving no room for retreat.

When their lips parted, Lu Yan licked his lips, savoring the moment: "When are you going to the US?"

Gu Xu: "My flight is tomorrow morning."

Lu Yan nodded: "Come back as soon as you finish."

Gu Xu replied: "Okay."

-

At the bar, a man sat at the counter, a cocktail in front of him.

The corners of his eyes showed faint signs of aging, but he remained strikingly handsome.

Chen Yiming sat down beside him, raising his hand to the bartender: "I'll have the same."

The former Best Actor smiled: "Mr. Chen, you made it."

Chen Yiming asked: "Have you decided yet?"

"Not yet," the former Best Actor said, "There's nothing to think about."

Winning this year's Best Actor would make him the first in nearly a decade to retain the title, and the ensuing glory would be undeniable.

Chen Yiming looked at the man his company had nurtured: "When you first signed with me, you were twenty-five, hesitant even about accepting roles."

The former Best Actor caught the sentiment in his words and smiled self-deprecatingly: "After so many years in this industry, who can remain completely untainted?"

"Don't generalize about all your peers," Chen Yiming took out a cigarette and took a drag, "Do you know who’s supporting Lu Yan now?"

Former Best Actor: "Yes, Xu Ze."

"Wrong. It’s Gu Xu, the head of Jiaming and the sole heir to the Gu family," Chen Yiming scoffed, "If this fails, I won’t be able to protect you."

"You’re doing pretty well now, aren’t you? You’ve got roles, a reputation, and you’re making good money."

The former Best Actor smiled bitterly: "Mr. Chen, I’m not ashamed to admit it, but my fans have all drifted away."

"In people’s eyes, I’m a Best Actor with status and achievements in the industry. But you know what? The prices for my flight info are lower than those of the young idols. People know who I am, but they don’t follow me."

"Last year, I won an award for an art film, and it felt like I was pigeonholed—since then, all the roles I’ve been offered are in art films, playing teachers or neighbors. Who’s going to watch that? I’m making good money, but I’ve already decided—if this doesn’t pan out, I’ll move abroad and live a quiet life."

Chen Yiming: "Do you think Gu Xu will let this slide? The last person who crossed Lu Yan is now buried in debt."

Chen Yiming was talking about Lin Qing, who was recently sued by Mingsheng for the losses the company incurred because of the scandal.

What’s more, not only did Jiaming’s legal team get involved, but the Gu family’s legal team also took charge personally—Lin Qing didn’t stand a chance.

The former Best Actor shrugged: "I’ve made up my mind, Mr. Chen. Wish me luck—we’re in this together."

"Don’t, whether we’re in the same boat or not will be clear tomorrow."

Chen Yiming finished speaking and turned to leave.

Former Best Actor: "Mr. Chen, if I recall correctly, you’re on good terms with Mr. Gu, aren’t you?"

Chen Yiming let out a light chuckle, "Of course, we're like brothers."

"So, if you make any mistakes, don't even think about dragging me into your mess. You can't pull me down."

After Chen Yiming left, the former Best Actor finally couldn't help but sneer a few times.

Businessmen can be downright ugly. In the face of profit, even brothers are disposable.

-

Lu Yan got off the plane and easily checked into the hotel arranged by the organizers, staying on the same floor as Shi Qing, Chen Jing, and others.

"As expected of the country's biggest film festival, the hotel they booked is the best near the venue," Lin An sat on the large chair, "You're in the fourth row, dead center—the prime spot. The organizers couldn't be more obvious with their hints. Get your speech ready for tomorrow."

Lu Yan smiled noncommittally.

In the evening, everyone who came with "War Song" gathered for a meal, with everyone all smiles, especially Chen Jing, who didn't get an individual nomination, was the happiest of all.

The next day, Lu Yan was jolted awake by Lin An pounding on the door.

The first thing Lin An said upon entering was, "It's over, your thing with Gu Xu is out in the open."

Then, realizing it was wrong, he added, "No, it's with Xu Ze, and... a man has come forward claiming to be your father, and he's still replying to fans on Weibo."

Lu Yan squinted, "Get your words straight and spit it out."

At eight o'clock this morning, a piece of news, a video, and two photos set the entire entertainment industry on fire.

"Lu Yan's old lover exposed—former boss of Star Entertainment (male)."

The one who published this news was the reporter Lu Yan had shut down multiple times. Perhaps due to long-standing grievances, the reporter put together a meticulous report, with as much solid evidence as possible.

First to appear was an employee of Star Entertainment, whose face was pixelated, sitting in front of the camera, tearing up about being pressured by Xu Ze.

"I had no choice but to be with him. Later, Lu Yan found out, grabbed a bottle, and hurled it at my face... I dodged just in time, or I'd be scarred for life."

Then there were two photos: the first was in a furniture store, where Lu Yan was taking a ring from Xu Ze's hand.

If the first one wasn't damning enough, the second one was a bombshell.

The second photo was of Lu Yan kissing Gu Xu in a bar.

The shot was taken from behind Gu Xu, only capturing the back of Gu Xu's head, and since Lu Yan was pulling the other's collar, the height was ambiguous, so it could still be argued that it was Xu Ze.

In any case, whether it was Xu Ze or not, it was definitely a man.

Gu Xu's head was circled, with an arrow pointing to Xu Ze's picture, labeled: Star Entertainment boss Xu Ze.

Lu Yan couldn't help but laugh.

Lin An, "...You can still laugh!? Do you think you're cursed or something? How long has it been since the last incident, and now comes an even harsher wave!"

"Just some troublemakers," Lu Yan responded while taking a screenshot and sending it to Gu Xu, who was on a plane.

The second trending topic was Zhou Ming, who was stirring the pot.

"Zhou Ming: Unfilial son."

Above was a photo of Zhou Ming and Lu Yan, with Lu Yan only a few years old, but his features were still recognizable.

Zhou Ming was even engaging with fans in the comments.

"This kid looks just like Lu Yan."

"Zhou Ming: This is Lu Yan, I’m his dad."

"Why are you calling him unfilial?"

"Zhou Ming: He hasn’t come home since he was sixteen, he doesn’t even acknowledge me, and he won’t even see his own grandmother. While the old lady was in the hospital, he didn’t visit her once. Instead, he’s been busy filming movies and variety shows, and now he’s going to some film festival to receive an award. Tell me, isn’t someone like that disloyal and unfilial?"

The comments under the Weibo post were buzzing.

Lu Yan was bored and tossed the phone back to Lin An: "You head back first, I’m going to catch some more sleep."

"How can you even think about sleeping..."

Lin An was about to say more when his phone rang. He answered, spoke briefly, and looked even more upset when he hung up.

"Just got a call from the festival organizers," Lin An said worriedly. "They said they need to change the seating last minute. Everyone else from *War Song* remains in their original seats, only you’re being moved to the far end of the right row."

Lu Yan didn’t react: "Got it."

Lin An looked at him, hesitated, but eventually left.

Lu Yan lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and slept for another half hour.

After getting up, he took out a small notebook from the backpack he carried with him.

He opened it; inside were a few numbers, his current savings.

With some previous investments, it was still a decent sum.

The phone rang, and as soon as Lu Yan answered, Lu Miao urgently asked questions.

"Xiao Yan, what’s going on? Is it true about you and that Xu Ze?" Lu Miao’s voice was anxious. "Did he cheat on you? Why have you never told me about this!"

Lu Yan chuckled lightly: "Mom, don’t worry."

Lu Miao: "How can I not worry?"

Lu Yan said: "I have nothing to do with Xu Ze anymore."

Lu Miao was silent for a while, then sighed: "...Forget it, it’s good that there’s nothing now, don’t have any contact in the future either."

Lu Yan hummed in agreement, his tone calm.

"I’m with Gu Xu now."