After Shen Xingsui had a conversation with An Ran, An Ran left in a hurry.

Any previous illusion he held about An Ran being the protagonist shattered. Shen Xingsui had known for a long time that An Ran wasn't as kind as he seemed. The intermittent schemes and animosity that arose were so strong even a simpleton like Shen could feel them.

This was his first collaboration with An Ran, and deep down, he felt uneasy. Distrusting An Ran, Shen Xingsui immediately went to the surveillance room of Hengtong Building. With some effort, he obtained the video footage of their interaction in the corridor.

It served as a precaution.

Once everything was done, it was the afternoon. He returned to the corridor to wait for Director Zhang Jiang. Luckily, a staff member informed him not too long after, "The producer is back. Please come in."

Shen Xingsui nodded, "Thank you."

Curious about this never-before-met producer, he stepped inside and saw a man, with a low-brimmed hat, wearing work pants and a hoodie, half his face covered in beard, lounging on a chair with his legs propped up on a coffee table, looking almost asleep.

After a brief pause, Shen Xingsui respectfully bowed, "Hello, Producer Zhang."

"Are you Xingsui?" Zhang Jiang's voice was drowsy. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, asking, "Mind if I smoke?"

Shen Xingsui shook his head, "Not at all."

The flame from the lighter illuminated the room briefly as smoke began to waft. Zhang Jiang took a deep sigh before looking at Shen Xingsui, "I heard your work at the 'Shanhe' recording studio a few days ago. It was decent. I also heard you're no longer collaborating with them?"

Surprised and taken aback, Shen Xingsui replied, "Yes, they've found someone else. But why were you there?"

"They asked for my help." Zhang Jiang sighed, "That team is troublesome."

Shen Xingsui chose not to comment.

Zhang Jiang ashed his cigarette, "Although I think your arrangement skills are decent, there are many flaws. To be honest, I wasn't considering you initially."

Shen Xingsui's excitement faded, but then Zhang Jiang continued, "However, I heard one of your compositions from a few years ago on Weibo. You lack a strong foundation and make basic errors, but you have talent. The redeemable kind. That's why I wanted to see you."

Shen Xingsui hadn't expected this silver lining.

"My foundation isn't strong, but I can learn," Shen Xingsui said humbly, "For the song in 'Shanhe', I created it overnight. It's not perfect, but I'm willing to invest time and effort to refine it. I love music!"

Zhang Jiang seemed taken aback by the sincerity in Shen Xingsui's voice. He lifted his hat's brim for the first time, his dark eyes scrutinizing the young man in front of him. Initially only mildly interested in Shen Xingsui, he now looked at him with genuine attention, touched by his genuine passion.

Zhang Jiang smirked, "Just one night?"

Shen Xingsui nodded gently in confirmation.

At this moment, he wasn't fully aware that being able to compose a complete piece in one night was already a sign of exceptional talent.

Zhang Jiang stood up and beckoned to him, "Come here."

Shen Xingsui followed.

Zhang Jiang stopped in front of an indoor piano. Sitting down, he held a cigarette in his mouth, and placed his hands on the piano keys, playing a few notes before stopping, not performing much, just a brief melody.

"You, play a short tune using the notes I just played," Zhang Jiang stood up, looking down at him somewhat provocatively, "Can you?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated for a split second, then firmly nodded, "I can!"

Sitting down by the piano, he recalled the melody from moments ago, over and over in his mind. Taking a deep breath, his hands settled on the keys, paused momentarily, then began to play. At first, slowly, then with increasing speed, a complete, melodious tune poured out, ethereal and pleasing.

The young man, who initially seemed a bit awkward and inexperienced, exuded confidence when he sat in front of the piano. There was determination in his eyes; he believed in his music just as the music believed in him.

After the piece, the room was silent for a moment.

Then, slow applause sounded, a smile forming on Zhang Jiang's face, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. To be frank, Teacher Fu has already written the lyrics for a new song. It's been with me for half a year. Numerous composers have tried to set it to music, but he wasn't satisfied with any. So, I wanted you to give it a shot."

? !

Shen Xingsui shot up from his seat, the chair even toppling over from the sudden movement, stuttering, "A new song by Teacher Fu?!"

Zhang Jiang, slightly startled by the reaction, nodded, "Yes."

Shen Xingsui was genuinely flabbergasted, babbling excitedly, "Me? Compose for Teacher Fu? You think too highly of me. I'm not capable... How could I compose for Teacher Fu? I..."

Zhang Jiang chuckled, finding the young man amusing, "Hey, does Teacher Fu hold a grudge against you or something? Why are you so unwilling?"

hatred?

Shen Xingsui rapidly shook his head, "No grudge, no grudge. I just feel I... I'm not worthy to compose for Teacher Fu."

It wasn't false modesty. This was even why Zhang Jiang had once considered giving up on inviting Shen Xingsui. His experience and age were both limited. Meanwhile, Fu Jinxiao was a giant in the music industry, not just an actor but a superstar. His songs and movies were beloved nationwide, and only the most experienced and skilled were entrusted to write and compose for him.

Someone young like Shen Xingsui seemed ill-suited for such responsibility.

Zhang Jiang pondered, "Whether you're worthy isn't for you to decide. Experience isn't the only measure of ability. Besides, it doesn't mean you'll be the final choice. It still depends on your performance. But if you intentionally undermine your work because you feel inadequate..."

Shen Xingsui interrupted, "I absolutely won't!"

Zhang Jiang paused, surprised.

"If it's a song for Teacher Fu, I will give it my all and produce my best!" Shen Xingsui declared passionately, "I won't take it lightly."

Zhang Jiang chuckled softly after a brief pause, "Alright, you seem pretty determined. I'll give you the material, you can work on it at home or come here. If you have any questions, just ask. I can assist you in any way over the next five days, okay?"

Shen Xingsui immediately replied, "No problem!"

Just recently, the events with the Jian family had left him devastated. Furthermore, being snubbed by "Shanhe" had been a blow. But this unexpected opportunity had reinvigorated him, dispelling his prior gloom.

When Shen Xingsui returned home, intending to head upstairs to prepare, he was surprised to find the lights on and his family seated in the living room. Shen Yong and Shen Minglang sat side by side, while Shen Xingchen sat next to Xu Enzhen, eating an apple. The setting, resembling a court trial, left Shen Xingsui feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

He hesitated before saying, "Why are you all at home today? Dad, big brother, aren't you usually busy around this time, either at the company or on business trips? Mom, weren't you overseas for a new product design meeting?"

Why are you all gathered here?

Upon hearing Shen Xingsui's words, Xu Enzhen took a deep breath and responded, "Xingsui, why do you think we're all here?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated, "Why...?"

In fact, this was the first time he encountered such a large gathering at the Shen residence. They had never been harsh on him before. But the intensity of today's gathering made him feel somewhat flustered. He began to wonder, was it because his recent scandals had impacted the family? Or did they think less of him because of the plagiarism accusations?

All these negative thoughts continuously crossed his mind, leaving him feeling overwhelmed. He began to avoid his mother's gaze, feeling both aggrieved and unsure of how to speak.

Shen Yong sat upright, his presence commanding in the room, and said gravely, "After such a big incident, you didn't even consult with the family."

"Being overseas, I'm out of the loop. I don't follow celebrity gossip. Had Shen Xingchen not informed me, I would've been clueless," Xu Enzhen remarked, her tone a mix of frustration and urgency, "Child, are you trying to break my heart?"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

Shen Xingchen chimed in with a smirk, "Mom, you can thank me for that."

Adjusting his glasses, Shen Minglang interjected, "I was on a business trip out of town. Due to jet lag and flight issues, I only heard about it from Shen Xingchen today. I should have known earlier."

Shen Xingsui, seeing their concern, quickly reassured, "No, no! Big brother, how could this be your fault? It's on me. I wanted to resolve it sooner, especially with all the negative press. If it affects the family business, it's bad. I know everyone's busy; I should've been more supportive instead of causing trouble..."

...

A heavy silence filled the room.

At first, Xu Enzhen was taken aback. But when she saw Shen Xingsui's anxious gaze, her initially irritated heart instantly melted, feeling a surge of sorrow and compassion.

Unlike Shen Xingchen, who would always turn to his family for help in times of trouble, knowing he was loved and had their support, Shen Xingsui was different.

Shen Xingsui would instinctively shoulder everything himself, often worrying if he'd burden others or if they'd resent him. He treaded through life with caution, having nothing but himself to rely on.

Xu Enzhen stood up. In a soft voice, she gently called, "Xingsui."

Shen Xingsui looked up.

Xu Enzhen approached him, holding his cold hand, caressing his thin face with her other hand. Looking into his pure, vulnerable eyes, she could no longer contain her emotions and whispered, "I'm sorry."

Shen Xingsui's eyes widened, and the next moment, he was enveloped in his mother's gentle embrace.

Holding him close, Xu Enzhen sighed, her hand cradling the back of his head, "I'm not angry with you. I'm angry with myself for not being the first to know and stand by you during this ordeal. Thinking about what you've been through these past days, I can't forgive myself..."

Shen Xingsui stiffened momentarily, then a wave of relief washed over him.

So they weren't resenting him after all. That was a relief.

Sensing the catch in his mother's voice, his eyes grew moist. He gently patted her back, murmuring, "Mom, it's not your fault. I don't blame you. I didn't handle things well."

Xu Enzhen shook her head.

From the back, Shen Xingchen crunched into an apple loudly, slamming the table, "How could this be your fault? If there's anyone to blame, it's that damn..."

Halfway through his rant, catching a chilling glance from his father, he remembered his elders' teachings: always maintain decorum and never curse. So, the words stuck in his mouth like the apple, and he awkwardly switched to, “That... Kenji sure seems to be doing quite well for himself.”

“...”

A silence filled the room.

Both Shen Xingsui and Xu Enzhen, originally sorrowful, couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle at the young master's antics.

Shen Minglang, serving Shen Xingsui a glass of water, spoke with the tone of a business tycoon, “Just got in, have some warm water. Dinner will be ready soon. Wu Ma mentioned you haven’t been eating much, so I specifically asked for a special ginseng soup, using the premium ginseng I recently won at an auction.”

Shen Xingsui was taken aback, “That's... a bit excessive, isn't it?”

Shen Minglang waved his concerns away, “No need to worry about it. If we run out, I'll simply buy more.”

“...”

How could he explain it wasn't about the money?

Shen Yong, never one to be upstaged, spoke with faux seriousness but evident competitiveness, “Xingsui, your elder brother has a point. You really should nourish yourself. I also have some prized treasures that...”

Shen Xingsui hastily interrupted, “Dad, it’s okay! Really!”

Shen Yong paused, a fleeting look of hurt passing through his eyes.

Panicking, Shen Xingsui quickly explained, “I mean, I'm feeling alright now. I don’t need any tonics!”

Xu Enzhen chuckled, “Stop overwhelming Xingsui, will you?”

Shen Xingchen curiously inquired, “Dad, what have you stored away? Can I have some? I feel like I’ve been growing recently.”

“How old are you and you're still 'growing'?” Shen Minglang shot him a chilly glance, “Grow in your dreams. That should suffice.”

Shen Xingchen erupted with indignation.

Their antics cheered up Shen Xingsui. Xu Enzhen held his hand and assured, “Xingsui, don’t worry about the Jian family matters. Even if we’re unfamiliar with the entertainment world, we'll ensure you aren’t mistreated. We’ll handle this for you.”

Feeling the warmth of his parents' concern, any trace of grievance melted away. He whispered, “It’s alright, mom. I'm not as fragile as you think.”

Xu Enzhen lovingly caressed his hair, “In my eyes, our Xingsui will always be a child.”

His heart melted at her words.

He had never felt this way before. No matter what obstacles he faced outside, he now had a group of people brainstorming solutions with him, assuring him it was alright even if he had made mistakes. This feeling of having a supportive family was dreamlike.

Xu Enzhen asked, “Dinner will be ready soon. Do you want to freshen up a bit?”

Shen Xingsui nodded, “I'll be down in a moment.”

Xu Enzhen smiled gently, “Alright.”

As soon as everyone went upstairs, the demeanor of those left downstairs shifted from joviality to seriousness. Xu Enzhen's expression darkened. She sat on the couch and said, "That ungrateful wretch, Jian Kuo."

They had always suspected that Shen Xingsui's time at the Jian family was far from pleasant. Despite having numerous opportunities in the market, they never suppressed the Jian family out of respect for their years of upbringing. Although they never got deeply involved with the Jian family, neither did they ever deliberately undermine them. Unexpectedly, not only had the Jians mistreated Shen Xingsui in the past, but now they dared to bully their own child!

Shen Yong, sitting on the sofa, appeared frosty, yet his voice retained a certain casualness, "If they are the ones being presumptuous, it makes our course of action clearer."

Shen Minglang had been overshadowed on several occasions before, making him feel distant from his younger brother and mother. Now, sensing an opportunity, he took the initiative, "I'll handle this matter."

"Weren't you complaining just a few days ago about the piano purchase I asked you to oversee? Claiming you were busy with another project?" Shen Yong mused, "I'll handle it this time."

Shen Minglang smiled, "That was days ago. Don't worry, Father, I won't neglect our main business."

Shen Yong responded, "You've just returned from a business trip..."

"Speaking of which, since you're free, you can handle the next business trip." Shen Minglang boasted, "Leave Xingsui's matters to me."

Shen Yong glanced at him coolly, "You seem to have boundless energy."

Shen Minglang’s smile deepened, "It's all part of the job."

"..."

The living room was filled with an unspoken tension.

Shen Xingchen whispered to his mother, "Mom, what are they talking about? It feels like they're speaking in riddles."

"Adult matters, dear. Stay out of it," Xu Enzhen patted his head, adding, "Help me set up an account on that Weibo you all use. I want to stay updated. Oh, and I heard about some fan group and 'super topic'? Help me follow those."

Shen Xingchen replied, "Okay, I'll download Weibo and search for the name. Let me show you."

Shen Xingchen quickly demonstrated, handing the phone back, "Just follow this account and you can find the 'super topic' right under the name search."

Xu Enzhen, a quick learner, followed both her sons. But as she searched the super topics, she came across one titled: Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao Super Topic.

Xu Enzhen: ?

Driven by curiosity, she joined the topic.

...

The next day

Shen Xingsui received a call from An Ran, "Xingsui, I've got the keys. Meet me at the villa's entrance."

Shen Xingsui acknowledged.

He reached the designated location, accompanied by Shen Xingchen. However, Xingchen didn't follow him in but parked a little away. Considering the vast collection of Fu Jinxiao albums and merchandise inside the villa, anyone discovering them would be astonished. But Shen Xingsui also worried about his safety, so he had a recording device and a hidden camera on him, and an emergency contact set up on his phone to signal Shen Xingchen if needed.

An Ran, not noticing Shen Xingchen's car, greeted him at the entrance, "Come on in."

Shen Xingsui replied, "You promised to let me retrieve my things. Keep your word."

An Ran sighed, "Rest assured, I will. But you also promised not to mention that matter to my brother. You must uphold your end too."

Shen Xingsui nodded, "Yes, I will."

After a long time away, he returned to the Jian residence. Deep nostalgia washed over him; every nook and corner had left an indelible mark on him. He had lived here for many years, but this visit was his last, intended for a final confession.

An Ran led him inside, and as they ascended the stairs, she remarked, "This is the room, right?"

Shen Xingsui, a touch melancholic, replied, "Yes."

As An Ran unlocked the door with a sharp 'click', the room in which Shen Xingsui had spent two decades came into view. Everything inside appeared as it had been, but he walked straight to a hidden door behind one wall. Behind it was his collection room.

Shen Xingsui opened the door. The room was dark, but when he turned on the lights, he froze. His collections on the shelves had been desecrated, and he stood pale and stiff, as if the blood had drained from his veins.

Approaching him, An Ran inquired softly, "What's wrong?"

The shelves, which once held countless limited-edition albums and memorabilia, were now mostly empty. Some items lay shattered on the floor, evidently crushed underfoot. Precious discs he had once sealed meticulously to prevent any damage or dust lay broken in two, some even bearing footprints.

With shaky steps, Shen Xingsui picked up a dusty disc, not caring about its griminess. Turning it over, he gazed at the fractured image it bore. Though the sharp edges hurt him, the pain in his heart was far more acute.

"Why..." He murmured, then turned to An Ran with tearful, icy eyes, "Who did this?"

An Ran, unnerved by Shen Xingsui's venomous gaze, stammered, "It wasn't me. Truly. It was Second Brother. He often came here, making noises in this room. Didn't you say you didn't want any of this anymore when you left?"

With rising anger, Shen Xingsui shot back, "That's no excuse for such desecration!"

He felt as if his heart would bleed. The pain was almost too much to bear, and only sheer willpower kept him upright. No one could fathom his agony at seeing years of effort trampled and discarded.

Panicking, An Ran pleaded, "Calm down, I had no idea!"

Standing tall, Shen Xingsui stared at An Ran, a chilling resolve in his eyes, "Tell me where the missing items are. If you have them, give them back, and I might forgive you. But if you lie to me..."

An oppressive silence filled the room.

His voice laced with venom, Shen Xingsui whispered, "I will never forgive you."

An Ran felt his heart might stop. He was terrified of this side of Shen Xingsui. Indeed, he had taken some of the irreplaceable items, unable to resist their rarity.

However, he quickly shifted the blame, "It wasn't me, Xingsui. You know how Second Brother is. He never liked you or Teacher Fu. After you left, he forbade anyone from entering this room, but he came often. He must have done it!"

Shen Xingsui scoffed, "Really?"

"Yes, truly!"

Shen Xingsui moved to the back of the room, which he had designed himself. Hidden behind a curtain was a secret compartment where he stored drafts he had been too shy to show to the world. Opening this space was one of the decisions he was most grateful for.

"Click."

The secret compartment revealed a stack of manuscripts, which Shen Xingsui placed in a box along with the remaining albums from the shelves. From a small window in the secret door, he saw a car arriving outside – likely Second Brother's. An Ran, still at the main door, remained oblivious.

With a sly smile, Shen Xingsui pressed, "An Ran, one last chance. Are you sure you don't know?"

An Ran shook his head, "I truly don't know. I swear."

"An Ran, you should know why you brought me here. How would your father and brother see you if they found out?" Shen Xingsui was always a minor antagonist, but when pushed to the edge, he fully embraced the role. "If you dare lie to me, neither of us will have a good end."

An Ran hadn't expected Shen Xingsui to be so relentless this time, as if truly hit in a vulnerable spot. He was panicking, thinking of the limited edition albums: he had sold some, mishandled others, and they were now damaged. Desperately trying to shift the blame, he said, "Jian Zhi did it! Nobody else but him. You have to believe me, Xingsui. I never had such intentions."

Shen Xingsui's smile was dripping with sarcasm, "Really? Swear it."

An Ran immediately raised his hand, "I swear I'm not lying!"

"Alright then." Shen Xingsui nodded and passed by An Ran. Stepping outside, he greeted Jian Zhi, who had just come upstairs, with a mocking smile, "We meet again."

Jian Zhi exclaimed angrily, "Why are you here?"

Shen Xingsui looked at him calmly, "An Ran invited me over."

"An Ran?!" Jian Zhi, in shock, couldn't believe that his obedient younger brother would betray him, "Ran Ran?"

An Ran was clueless as to why Jian Zhi was suddenly back, "Bro, weren't you on a business trip?"

Jian Zhi scoffed, "If I hadn't been away, would I have known that everything is apparently my fault?"

An Ran turned pale, "Bro, I didn't mean it that way!"

"Then what did you mean?!" Jian Zhi stepped forward, anger evident on his face, "I told you not to let anyone in this room. Where did you get the key from?"

An Ran looked towards Shen Xingsui, tears in his eyes, "It was all Shen Xingsui's doing. He threatened me; I had no choice."

Jian Zhi's gaze shifted back to Shen Xingsui.

Shen Xingsui, seemingly expecting this twist, smirked, "An Ran, you seem so wronged, don’t you?"

An Ran, teary-eyed, stood by Jian Zhi, "Xingsui, why are you doing this to me? Do you know how guilty I felt stealing from my own brother?"

Shen Xingsui chuckled, amused by An Ran's act.

That laughter unsettled An Ran. He had always manipulated Shen Xingsui, but now, he had an eerie feeling that the tables might be turning.

really

Shen Xingsui leisurely took out a voice recorder from his pocket, adjusting it slightly before playing a clip of An Ran's voice: "I can get the key. Come over in two days when my brother is out of town on business."

...

Upon hearing this, An Ran turned deathly pale.

Jian Zhi looked at the person beside him in disbelief, the image of his once obedient younger brother now shattered.

An Ran hastily began, "Bro, let me explain..."