Since Meng Chen noticed Jiang Yu reading those pointless trash articles in the car, every time he sees him again, he quietly watches to see if any omega is near especially if Jiang Yu doesn’t know. Nearly two weeks have passed, and even after the test-screening and the end of the exhausting “Doomsday Rescue” tour, the core team is finally free. Tomorrow, they can go home but Meng Chen still hasn’t figured out which specific person changed Jiang Yu. Changed his IQ enough to enjoy this.
Of course, such bold thoughts only crossed his mind once.
Today, the final promotional event ended perfectly, and this is the last group dinner before everyone disperses. In the car, Meng Chen saw Jiang Yu on his phone again and perked up. Carefully, he moved closer to see what his boss was now admiring about himself. But when he peeked in, the screen no longer displayed “little tricks” it was about Teacher Yu!
- “Five-gold Emperor finally shines! Yu Shiqing’s new film ‘Doomsday Rescue’ wins both box office and praise.”
- “Over 200 million from test screenings can Yu Shiqing revive his glory?”
- “Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu’s first collaboration scores big. After shedding the ‘King of Bad Films’ label, what lies ahead for Yu?”
Seeing these headlines, Ren Bai spat: “Shameless. They’ll say anything favorable. Do they forget all the trash they wrote before?”
When Yu Shiqing topped the charts, the internet gave him praise. When he fell, they ganged up on him. Now, after breaking free from Hua Ze and getting a positive turn, those same marketing outlets shamelessly jump on the bandwagon. Ren Bai feels revolted, remembering all their past lies.
Yu Shiqing is reading a script, barely noticing. When he once received multiple awards, he ignored the discussions. When he sank, he didn’t care about the label attached. Now, he ignores the noise. Ren Bai doesn’t press him; social media is just an outlet for emotion. People say what they wish. Yu Shiqing’s strength lies in ignoring it.
Ren Bai, however, reads it all, drunk on the praise. Since Yu Shiqing debuted, most works were panned. Now, wherever he goes, “Doomsday Rescue” is praised. Though he despises marketing spin, any praise for Yu Shiqing is fine. Occasionally, Ren Bai laughs. As they near their hotel, the driver warns them. Ren Bai clears his smiles and puts his phone away.
The hotel stands before them. Ren Bai asks Yu Shiqing: “How are things?”
“‘Mist’ finished filming over two weeks ago,” Yu says, flipping through scripts. Because the “Doomsday Rescue” buzz, his company sent scripts for upcoming projects. Though none were urgent, Yu browsed in downtime. Ren Bai asks, and Yu replies: “Still looking.”
Ren Bai knows Yu well. “Still looking” means unsatisfied. Another script probably passed. Thankfully, several more remain. Ren Bai feels assured. The company’s newfound support shows they value Yu. It proves Yu’s directions were correct and the company suits him well. If not for Hua Ze’s sabotage, Yu would’ve had such support long ago.
Ren Bai glances at Yu, heart pounding.
“Let’s not dwell on the past,” Yu says, finishing the script and catching Ren Bai’s gaze.
“Look ahead,” he smiles.
Ren Bai exhales: “You’re right.” Forget the old fools.
They arrive. Exiting the car, Ren Bai asks, “Is that Jiang Yu’s car?”
Yu glances back at two similar vans. One is Yu Rong’s, with assistants, guards, umbrellas, ice drinks like a high-budget escort. Ren Bai clicks his tongue: “Yu Rong shows off.” That crowd used to impress Ren Bai when Yu Rong debuted. Now again, with guards and cars full of help, it’s extravagant.
Yu Rong sees Yu and approaches. “Senior, you—”
Yu Shiqing nods politely and glances behind. Jiang Yu is walking their way. Yu Rong hides his initial words: “Before you came?” He planned to invite Yu to a movie later. When he sees Jiang Yu, he adjusts: “And… Brother Jiang!” Yu glances at Yu.
“Lately I may be busy.” Yu Shiqing politely responds, matching the recent distance. Yu Rong’s excitement dims. He nods and returns to his seat. Yu Shiqing then resumes reading.
In the hotel room later, Yu and Jiang share a room. Yu reads the final script by the bed. Jiang leaves the bathroom in a bathrobe weary, with no pajamas. Yu decides to block sight to the bathrobe situation, focusing on the script. Jiang only sees Yu’s focused profile as he leaves. Holding in his urge to tear the script, Yu gets into bed.
Next morning, they eat breakfast downstairs. Half their group already departed. Their flight’s at 10 AM. At the airport ride, Ren Bai browses messages then shows Yu one from Luo Shaoyuan:
Because Yu’s popularity rises, a variety show called “Travel on a Whim” by Huangtian Entertainment wants him as a regular. MCs include Wei Yuanju, former idol Ji Chen, and actress Su Yayi plus three rising talents and two open seats. This show is big news, Huangtian’s a production powerhouse with a streaming platform and TV network ties. It’s first-class exposure.
The company doesn’t choose lightly. With Yu’s improved reputation with the key viral Qitaihua event and “Doomsday Rescue” he could easily be sidelined without them. But now company recognizes his value. Ren Bai relays this.
Then Luo asks: “How’s Teacher Yu with the scripts?” Yu answers: “None quite suit me.” Ren Bai passes that along.
The reply: “All of them?”
Ren Bai: “Yes.”
Luo: “If you worry about schedule, no problem the show doesn’t overlap shooting. Just consider it.”
Ren Bai: “It’s not schedule. Yu only takes roles he likes. He hasn’t decided on the show.”
Luo: “Great. Forget the scripts focus on variety. It boosts Yu’s visibility. No harm, yes?”
Ren Bai types back: One more good thing: the money’s huge. Variety is easy and fun, and pays much more quickly than film. Everyone even on principle won’t refuse.
Without a strong script, Yu didn’t refuse outright.
Ren Bai enthusiastically replies to Luo and arranges a meeting after the flight.
At the airport, Yu and Jiang board together, soon joined by Yu Rong.
Yu Rong, seated ahead, leans back before takeoff: “Senior, I thought remember my idea? After screening, we go to the cinema?”
He smiles at Yu: “Now we all live in the capital, and the film premieres today. Do you have time?”
He spots Jiang: “And Brother Jiang!”
Jiang’s eyes open.
Yu Shiqing glances at him, then smiles: “I’ll be busy.” He gently declines, maintaining polite distance. Yu Rong’s disappointment is visible. He nods quickly and sits back. Yu Shiqing resumes reading. Jiang watches Yu’s focused profile, then glances out the window. In reflection, Jiang’s mouth curves into a gentle smile.
After they land, Yu and Jiang walk to the van. Jiang takes out his phone: “We still haven’t seen the final cut of ‘Doomsday Rescue.’ Want to watch it together?”
Yu isn’t bothered: “Sure.” Jiang says no more.
Meng Chen glances at Jiang’s screen. The top is “Little tricks to win over an alpha—Dating Edition.” He blinks. “Why is it you… again? And now an edition?” He squints: “Dating Edition.” AUTHOR NOTE.
Meng Chen: “Wow!”
