Crossover Actors - Chapter 53

After returning the phone to Yu Nan, Qu Yanting poured himself a cup of barley tea and downed it.

 

The food arrived quickly: beef, pork belly, and side dishes lined up from one end of the table to the other, but no one paid attention to eating. Everyone was glued to their phones, caught up in the sudden gossip.

 

While scrolling through Weibo, they discussed the core issue: “Who really drew the design?” The room was full of chatter, and a faint annoyance showed on Qu Yanting’s face.

 

“Hey, what do the comments say?” Peng Yue asked while placing onions on the grill.

 

Dong He replied, “Whose comments? Jin Yanyu’s or Lu Wen’s?”

 

“Does it matter?” Qiao Bian’s red nails tapped the screen. “Anyway, both sides are full of Jin Yanyu’s fans. Wow, those girls really know how to use their words.”

 

“They all think Jin Yanyu drew it?”

 

“Pretty much. After all, it says ‘foryan’. The fans are saying it’s a gift from Jin Yanyu to himself, and the little bird symbolizes soaring high—a beautiful wish for the new year.”

 

“Makes sense, I guess…”

 

“Yeah, especially since there doesn’t seem to be any connection between Lu Wen and this ‘Yan’.”

 

Qu Yanting remained silent the entire time, quietly registering a Weibo account. He awkwardly navigated to the trending topics. The issue between Lu Wen and Jin Yanyu occupied the top two spots, with an astronomical number of views.

 

Major entertainment media outlets and promotional accounts were also posting about it. Jin Yanyu’s fans had firmly taken control of the narrative, painting Lu Wen as a liar who stole the design.

 

But Qu Yanting knew the true meaning behind the design. Only he knew.

 

Suddenly, Yu Nan raised his phone and blurted out, “What the hell?”

 

Qu Yanting asked, “What happened?”

 

“Boss, check the show’s official account!” Yu Nan read aloud, “They just posted the first episode preview. The title is ‘Grey Brothers Meet, Matching Outfits,’ and the video cover shows Lu Wen and Jin Yanyu together…”

 

Yao Baiqing sighed, “Great, adding fuel to the fire.”

 

“The production team is genius,” Qiao Bian said sarcastically. “With tonight’s drama, they won’t have to worry about clicks and engagement.”

 

Yu Nan added, “Jin Yanyu’s fans have already stormed the battlefield and taken over.”

 

The sizzling beef on the grill sent droplets of oil flying, but Qu Yanting had no appetite. He skimmed through the comments, and the chaotic and ugly words made him feel nauseated.

 

Qiao Bian asked worriedly, “Qu Bian, will this affect the drama?”

 

Everyone looked over with concern. Qu Yanting exited Weibo and rubbed his nose, saying, “Wrongdoing will bring consequences, but I trust that Lu Wen hasn’t done anything wrong.”

 

“You all go ahead and eat.” He stood up calmly. “I’m stepping out for a moment.”

 

Closing the door to the private room, Qu Yanting walked down the corridor and turned into the emergency exit. While he trusted Lu Wen, he couldn’t help but worry. He immediately tried calling Lu Wen.

 

A robotic voice told him that “the user is busy.” Qu Yanting tried three or four times, but the line was constantly busy.

 

Lu Wen’s phone had already blown up.

 

The design drawing, after being shown to Cao Lanxu, had been placed in the drawer of a classroom desk. Jin Yanyu took a picture and casually threw it away afterward. Lu Wen rushed downstairs and found the crumpled-up paper in the trash bin.

 

He was nearly beside himself with rage. Unable to find anyone to confront, his retweeted Weibo post had quickly gone viral, throwing him into the center of the storm.

 

The single lightbulb in the yard illuminated the scene. Lu Wen sat on a bench, head lowered, with his fingers running through his short hair, gripping the back of his aching skull. His shadow lay defeated on the ground.

 

Sun Xiaojian was pacing nervously, making call after call. After hanging up, he squatted down in front of Lu Wen, saying, “I asked the production team, and they can’t reach Jin Yanyu either. He’s not at the hotel.”

 

Lu Wen remembered, “He went to the city to have dinner with investors.”

 

“No wonder, he might not even come back tonight.” Sun Xiaojian added, “But his team must know about what’s happening online.”

 

Lu Wen, unable to calm his anger, said, “Get me a car. I’m going to find that bastard!”

 

Sun Xiaojian tried to soothe him, “He’ll be back eventually. Did he take the drawing with him?”

 

“He threw it away!” Lu Wen was fuming. “Damn it, I’m going to punch him!”

 

Sun Xiaojian pushed up his glasses and said, “He couldn’t even be bothered to trace over your work properly—just snapped a picture and posted it. So why didn’t he take it with him?”

 

Lu Wen yelled, “If he wanted to take it, he should’ve just framed it and hung it over his bed!”

 

Sun Xiaojian couldn’t figure out Jin Yanyu’s motives. Fearing that Lu Wen might blow a gasket, he didn’t dare say more. The situation was tricky, and this type of dispute seemed to be the first of its kind in the entertainment industry.

 

Lu Wen was desperate to prove himself. “I picked the drawing out of the trash. If I post a picture of it on Weibo, won’t that prove my innocence?”

 

“Unlikely,” Sun Xiaojian shook his head. “Netizens don’t know if he threw it away or if you picked it up. You might end up accused of stealing.”

 

Lu Wen, on the verge of breaking down, asked, “Is there no justice?”

 

Sun Xiaojian replied, “For now, there isn’t. Just millions of Jin Yanyu’s fans’ accusations.”

 

Cao Lanxu came in with a bowl of steaming noodles, his face stern but his hands gentle. He had overheard most of the conversation. “Eat up, big guy.”

 

“I’m not hungry,” Lu Wen tugged at his hair. “I’m already full of rage.”

 

Cao Lanxu commanded, “Take it.”

 

Sun Xiaojian took the bowl with both hands. “I’ll take it, sorry for the trouble, Teacher Cao.”

 

Cao Lanxu didn’t say anything, gave Lu Wen’s head a rough pat, and went upstairs. Sun Xiaojian, holding the bowl, tried to comfort Lu Wen. “I’ve told the company everything. We’ll coordinate with the production team. Don’t make any rash statements for now.”

 

Lu Wen suddenly perked up, “Yeah, the cameras caught everything! Once the show airs, the truth will come out!”

 

Sun Xiaojian replied, “Jin Yanyu’s team will surely negotiate that too.”

 

There were too many variables between filming and airing. Sun Xiaojian needed to go back to the hotel to deal with the production team and handle the flood of media calls. Before leaving, he asked Lu Wen if he wanted to come along.

 

Lu Wen stretched out his long legs, glanced at the now cold noodles, and his mood sank even further. Since filming wasn’t over, he shouldn’t leave his post. “No, I’ll stay here with Teacher Cao.”

 

“Call me if anything happens.” Sun Xiaojian left.

 

The sound of the door creaking open and closed felt like a rusty knife scraping against Lu Wen’s heart. He leaned back against a wooden pillar. Becoming famous this way was not what he had imagined. He felt anger, frustration, and helplessness all at once.

 

With the release of the first episode preview, the discussion reached new heights, attracting massive attention. His phone rang more frequently, the sound harsher than usual, but Lu Wen sluggishly refused to answer.

 

After one missed call, another immediately came through. Lu Wen sighed and reluctantly picked it up.

 

“Wen’er?” It was Lian Yiming. “What’s going on online?”

 

Lu Wen replied, “I can’t explain it clearly.”

 

Lian Yiming said, “Then just use curses.”

 

Lu Wen responded, “That idiot Jin is screwing me over!”

 

Another call came in. This time it was Su Wang, her voice practically on fire, “Lu Wen, where are you right now?”

 

“In Lanshui Ancient Town.”

 

“Why are you still in that dump? What’s the production team doing? Screw the penalty fee, just quit!”

 

“Why should I pay?!”

 

“Then I’ll pay for you. Stop suffering!”

 

Gu Zhuoyan also called, a bit calmer than the others. “Don’t worry, just gather all the evidence you can. If you need any help, let the brothers know.”

 

Lu Wen felt a little better. “Okay.”

 

“Still, it’s your fault for writing ‘foryan’ and letting people exploit that loophole.”

 

“How the hell is that my fault? I just wrote it!”

 

Gu Zhuoyan asked, “Was it meant for me?”

 

Lu Wen’s mouth twitched. “You’re overthinking it!”

 

After dealing with his childhood friends, other messages from friends poured in. Lu Wen couldn’t respond to all of them, so he chose the important ones and clicked on Ruan Feng’s unread message. His question was direct: “Did you draw that?”

 

Lu Wen replied concisely: “I drew it.”

 

As soon as he hit send, Lao Zheng called. Lu Wen answered the phone, sounding deflated. “Uncle Zheng.”

 

“Xiaowen, why didn’t you tell the family about the incident?”

 

Lu Wen was at a loss for words. “Uh… I couldn’t figure out how to explain it.”

 

Lao Zheng didn’t waste words. “Send me the address. I’ll have a lawyer go over. From now on, don’t engage with them. Let the lawyer handle everything.”

 

Lao Zheng’s words represented the stance of Lu Zhanqing. Lu Wen was surprised since Lu Zhanqing didn’t usually support him. After thinking for a moment, whether out of pride or not wanting to worry Lu Zhanqing, he said, “It’s not that serious. I can handle it.”

 

After hanging up, he saw a reply from Ruan Feng sent half a minute ago: “Then I support you.”

 

Lu Wen didn’t quite understand but switched to Weibo, avoiding the flood of comments. When the homepage refreshed, Ruan Feng had shared his post with the caption: “Lu Wen’s little Yan looks really good.”

 

Lu Wen froze. Ruan Feng had figured it out and subtly hinted that this “Yan” wasn’t referring to “rock” (as in Yan). Amidst his chaotic emotions, Lu Wen felt a tinge of shame. The screen dimmed, and he tapped it to keep staring at those words, over and over again.

 

His phone was running low on battery.

 

Suddenly, the caller ID displayed “Teacher Qu.”

 

Lu Wen snapped back to reality, feeling a wave of guilt. He had promised Qu Yanting not to cause trouble, yet right or wrong, the situation had escalated out of control.

 

What would Qu Yanting say? Blame him, scold him, or be disappointed?

 

The ringtone persisted, echoing in the courtyard. Lu Wen hesitated but, in the end, couldn’t resist the desire to hear Qu Yanting’s voice. He pressed the call button. “Hello? Teacher Qu.”

 

Qu Yanting’s tone was calm and gentle as he asked, “Why couldn’t I reach you?”

 

Lu Wen replied, “A lot of people were calling me.”

 

Qu Yanting didn’t ask about the incident at all. He just said, “I saw Weibo. How are you doing now?”

 

Lu Wen hesitated for a moment, embarrassed. Did Qu Yanting see the ring he drew? He swallowed, trying to sound relaxed. “I’m fine, everything’s okay here.”

 

“Good, I’m glad to hear that.”

 

Lu Wen clenched his fist and knocked on his temple, feeling a dull ache. After a long pause, he apologized, “Teacher Qu, I’m sorry.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I didn’t listen to you.”

 

There was a quiet stillness on the other end of the phone, not even a sound of breathing. The battery was down to its last bit of red. Before the call ended, under the frosty moonlit night, Lu Wen quickly and nervously said, “…I miss you.”

 

Just then, a soft snowflake seemed to fall into his ear. The emergency stairwell was pitch black, and the screen’s light illuminated the redness of Qu Yanting’s ear.

 

Lu Wen went upstairs to sleep, laying in the cold bed, one arm covering his forehead, and the other pressed against his chest, trying to keep his heart and mind steady.

 

He couldn’t fall asleep for a long time, his scalp feeling as if it were tightly bound, like Sun Wukong with a tightening headband curse.

 

In the middle of the night, his phone finished charging by the pillow, and Lu Wen woke up, filled with hesitation and anxiety. He logged into Weibo, facing tens of thousands of comments, reposts, and private messages, with glaring red notifications.

 

He clicked on them and froze under his blanket.

 

The endless insults and accusations overwhelmed him. The lighter comments called him shameless, while the harsher ones were filled with curses and vulgarity. His actions were labeled as deceit and malicious intent, and fans of Jin Yanyu often repeated phrases like “clout-chasing” and “bloodsucking,” throwing out all kinds of degrading terms.

 

Under the trailer posted by the official account of “Utopia,” the word “plagiarism” was thrown around, accusing Lu Wen of a one-sided publicity stunt. One netizen even commented that Lu Wen was more handsome than Jin Yanyu, leading to 7,000-8,000 replies from Jin Yanyu’s fans attacking him.

 

As for the private messages, most were unbearably vile, like sharp, poisoned daggers.

 

Lu Wen shoved his phone under the pillow, covered his head with the blanket, and absurdly thought, “If I pass out from suffocation, will I forget all of this?” Until he couldn’t breathe anymore, he kicked off the blanket, gasping for air.

 

At 3:30 in the morning, Lu Wen went downstairs, wrapped in a down jacket. He didn’t know what he wanted to do; he just didn’t want to sleep. After wandering the courtyard for a bit, he opened the main gate and sat on the threshold.

 

There were no streetlights, and Lu Wen stared blankly into the dark void, recalling that old alley in Chongqing—broken flower pots, pieces of shattered tiles, and the embrace of a man’s waist.

 

He hadn’t brought his phone, letting the minutes pass unnoticed. The dazzling stars gradually dimmed and blurred in the sky as the night gave way to dawn, the horizon inching brighter.

 

Lu Wen took a folded piece of paper from his pocket, crumpled with creases. He carefully unfolded it, admiring the design that had caused such a storm.

 

From the distant end of the street came the sound of an engine.

 

It grew louder, closer. Lu Wen looked up to see a Bentley SUV, bathed in the rosy glow of the rising sun, speeding toward him. It screeched to a halt in front of the gate, just below the steps, its sharp claws drawn back.

 

A long, sleepless night on the highway.

 

Qu Yanting had rushed over, exhausted. As he stepped out of the car and touched the ground, his feet tingled slightly from poor blood circulation. Walking up the steps in the light of dawn, the first thing he saw was Lu Wen sitting on the threshold.

 

So dazed that he didn’t even notice the paper slip from his fingers and be blown away.

 

Qu Yanting bent down, picked it up, and looked at it in his hand.

 

Lu Wen couldn’t believe it. “I’m not dreaming, am I…”

 

Qu Yanting walked over, reached out his hand, and spread his fingers slightly apart. “Do you even know my ring size to design one?”

 

Lu Wen immediately grabbed his hand and stood up. Nothing had been resolved yet, but holding this hand felt like a near-miraculous survival.

 

He asked hopefully, “Teacher Qu, why did you come?”

 

Qu Yanting indulged him, “Maybe… I missed you a little too.”