Huaze kept setting traps because his wrongdoing never had consequences. Despite his misdeeds, he escaped unpunished so of course he didn’t stop.
Before, there wasn’t enough evidence. But this time, Yu Shiqing had a private detective take photos of Gao Fan meeting Le Yang. During the height of Yu’s divorce scandal on social media, those photos surfaced, leaving Huaze no room for denial.
Once the pay was revealed, the internet backlash grew. The new evidence poured fuel on the fire. Yu handed everything to Luo Shaoyuan.
Four years ago, Huaze was an untouchable giant in the industry. But two years ago, he began to decline. His recent productions lost money, and last year two major projects collapsed. His company’s stock plummeted. His downfall was visible to all.
New Era seized this chance to strike while he was down. They quickly used the photos marketing accounts spread them, and the topic “#YuShiqing’s stepfather meeting Huaze staff#” trended. Netizens demanded answers.
“Why is a Huaze employee meeting a former client’s family?”
“Photo at 8:30 AM, interview at 7 PM there’s clearly contact.”
“You ruined Yu’s career mid-contract and still won’t let him go smoothly?”
“After Yu’s comeback, why meet a random crew member? Could it be Huaze set it up?”
Even after hours, Huaze remained silent. Meanwhile, Ren Bai responded quickly twice. If the payment split had been false, Huaze could have produced bank records but he said nothing. His silence confirmed Ren Bai’s evidence: Yu had been treated unfairly all along.
Soon “#OweYuShiqingAnApology#” hit #1 trending. Yu’s Weibo feed, once full of insults, was now filled with sincere apologies:
“Sorry, I misunderstood you.”
“Sorry for believing you only made bad films.”
“Sorry for judging your character I left you in the dark all these years…”
Ren Bai managed Yu’s account. Seeing the deluge of apologies, a forced smile replaced his earlier joy at Huaze’s downfall. His jaw tightened; eyes reddened too much time had passed before the truth came out.
Yu never cared about public opinion. He survived betrayal and corporate bullying at nineteen and stood tall during his lowest moments. Ren Bai understood that Yu never deserved that burden but sometimes he did care, and he couldn’t bear it alone.
He wanted to reveal everything, but knew media and trolls would drown him and danger could return to Yu. So again, he swallowed it, building silent scars.
Now the truth was out. “Sorry” was nice, but truth was enough.
“Enough of the past,” Yu’s voice came. Ren Bai blinked away tears. Yu was comforting him again.
“I know.” Ren Bai’s voice was hoarse. He stood, crossed his arms, and said, “You talk, I’ll step out.” He headed to the balcony.
Jiang Yu followed: “Want me to leave you two to talk alone?”
“No need.” Yu replied.
Jiang Yu nodded, then said with a smile, “Congratulations.”
Yu looked at him: “Thanks to you.” The whole resignation depended on Jiang Yu’s help to end the contract.
Jiang Yu teased: “I did you a big favor does that mean I can ask anything?”
Yu lifted his water cup, replying without hesitation: “Yes.”
Jiang Yu asked: “What if I asked you to join my studio?”
Yu answered: “Okay.”
“Just like that?” Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll treat you like Huaze?”
Yu turned, meeting his gaze calmly: “I don’t mind.”
“Why?” asked Jiang Yu.
Yu smiled, “Because it’s you.”
Jiang Yu stiffened.
Yu lightly teased: “Forced work versus voluntary it’s not the same.”
“Voluntary?” Jiang Yu’s eyes flickered.
Up close, Yu’s warmth and sincerity made his gaze softer his heart stirred.
“Yu Shiqing.”
“Hmm?”
Jiang Yu found his words: “Have you ever thought about the future?”
Yu blinked: “The future?”
“Like, what kind of person you’d want as a partner?”
Yu said: “I haven’t.”
“When will you be ready for a relationship?” Jiang Yu softened, recalling Yu’s remark before: “I’m not ready.”
“Why the sudden questions?” Yu smiled.
“Don’t avoid,” Jiang Yu’s tone grew firm. “Answer now.”
Yu’s smile turned serious: “Okay.”
Jiang Yu said: “When?”
Yu replied: “When fate brings it.”
Jiang Yu furrowed his brow: “That’s not an answer.”
Yu asked in return: “What’s the right answer?”
“An exact date,” Jiang Yu said. “Like today.”
“Today?” Yu looked at him. “Do you have something to say?”
“No.” Jiang Yu’s gaze flickered away, then Yu asked softly: “Are you trying to set me up with an omega?”
Jiang Yu’s expression darkened: “No, I’d set you up with an alpha.”
Yu laughed: “No need, Teacher Jiang.”
Jiang Yu stared, expression flat: “Won’t you say I’m homophobic?”
“No,” Yu replied.
“And why not?”
“Because I’m okay with you.”
Jiang Yu’s eyes softened. He leaned close: “Really okay?”
He added: “I don’t mind trying…”
Yu let him come nearer and said with a smile: “Improving.”
“Improving what?” Jiang Yu frowned.
“Your acting,” Yu leaned in, “your eyes are still full of emotion.”
Jiang Yu was speechless. His fist tightened, face dark.
That’s when Ren Bai’s voice broke the moment: “What are you two doing?”
So close, almost kissing was he forgotten? This was the moment of truth and they were flirting? Respect the moment!
