Crossover Actors - Chapter 54

Chapter 54

 

Lu Wen grabbed a pair of jeans and covered the camera in the corner of the room.

 

Qu Yanting entered the room and looked around. There was no sofa, so he sat at the end of the bed with his travel bag, feeling the soreness in his back creeping up his spine after not driving all night in a long time.

 

The small table was piled high with instant coffee and milk tea. Lu Wen guessed Qu Yanting was hungry, so he mixed a packet of thick black sesame paste, stirred it, and brought it over, then sat across from him on a chair.

 

Qu Yanting took a sip, the sweet taste lingering in his mouth. He said, “I was eating barbecue last night, but you ruined it remotely.”

 

Lu Wen apologized over the mountains and rivers, but now face to face, he became righteously indignant and asked, “Were you eating with friends?”

 

“A studio gathering.” Qu Yanting’s legs hung over the edge of the bed, feeling swollen. Noticing Lu Wen’s slightly spread knees, he put his foot on the crossbar between the chair legs. “Poor circulation, I need to prop it up.”

 

Lu Wen said, “Let me massage it for you.”

 

Qu Yanting laughed, “Do you even know how, young master?”

 

“Don’t underestimate me.” It was cold in the morning, so Lu Wen took off his down jacket and covered Qu Yanting’s legs. “These days, I’ve been doing all sorts of odd jobs—cleaning, organizing, feeding the dogs, washing felt cloths, even being a Wing Chun sparring partner.”

 

Qu Yanting said, “You sound so aggrieved.”

 

Lu Wen rubbed his hands together to warm them. “I really am aggrieved.”

 

“Then why did you act tough on the phone?” Qu Yanting nudged the chair with his toe. “You did such a terrible job of it.”

 

Lu Wen felt embarrassed, cupping Qu Yanting’s calf from underneath. It was slender, soft in its relaxed state, and he stroked from the knee to the ankle, kneading the tired muscles.

 

The corner of a design drawing peeked out of his pocket. Lu Wen, flushed with embarrassment, looked directly ahead, afraid that Qu Yanting would ask why he drew a ring, and why there was a little swallow on the ring.

 

But Qu Yanting asked nothing, which made Lu Wen uneasy, so he brought it up himself, shamelessly: “Mr. Qu, did you recognize the ring I drew?”

 

Qu Yanting said, “Even Xiao Feng could tell.”

 

Recalling Ruan Feng’s repost, Lu Wen felt guilty. “I shouldn’t have told him; now he’s getting scolded because of me.”

 

“It’s alright, he often gets scolded by Jin Yanyu’s fans.” Qu Yanting said, “What do they call it… rivals? His fans also scold Jin Yanyu.”

 

Lu Wen was curious, “Which side is stronger?”

 

“Jin Yanyu’s, probably.” Qu Yanting said, “His fans are called ‘Rocks,’ and Xiao Feng’s fans are called ‘Marshmallows.’ How could marshmallows beat rocks?”

 

Lu Wen was amused by this logic and laughed, losing control of his hands, making Qu Yanting’s leg tremble. Just after swallowing a large mouthful of sesame paste, Qu Yanting’s throat was sticky as he complained, “… Softer.”

 

“Did that hurt?” Lu Wen softened his movements, “How about now?”

 

Qu Yanting felt it. “A bit harder.”

 

“You’re really hard to please.”

 

“Then don’t do it, let go.”

 

Lu Wen’s words were just for show; he didn’t stop and increased the pressure slightly, asking, “Is it comfortable?”

 

“Mm… comfortable.”

 

Neither of them were young boys anymore, and after a slight pause, their thoughts went astray. Qu Yanting wasn’t sure if it was just in his mind, but the hand kneading the back of his leg suddenly felt scorching.

 

He lowered his legs, suppressing the inexplicable feeling, and seamlessly shifted the topic. “The issue has been brewing all night. Do you have any countermeasures?”

 

Lu Wen had sat at the doorstep thinking for half the night. He said, “I consulted a friend who studies design. I mentioned wanting to design a ring.”

 

“Not convincing enough.” Qu Yanting said, “Netizens would also doubt the authenticity of the chat records.”

 

Lu Wen continued, “If the show airs truthfully, the audience will understand the truth.”

 

Qu Yanting immediately rejected that. “Never place your hopes on the footage.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“It means the production team will side with Jin Yanyu.”

 

“Why?” Lu Wen argued, “Just because he’s famous?”

 

Qu Yanting’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t explain. He only said, “He dared to do this because the production team will back him up. Even if you sue, if the production team doesn’t release the recorded content, you’re stuck.”

 

Lu Wen’s simmering anger reignited. “So, the facts don’t matter?”

 

Qu Yanting pointed to the bedside where a script lay. “The last thing that matters to a reality show is the facts. Otherwise, why hand out scripts?”

 

Lu Wen was still unwilling to give up. “The company will negotiate with the production team—”

 

“Alright, let’s assume the negotiation succeeds.” Qu Yanting was already seeing several steps ahead. “If it airs truthfully, Jin Yanyu could still claim malicious editing, and the production team’s bias. Then what would you say?”

 

Lu Wen was successfully agitated, scooting over to sit next to Qu Yanting. “So, what should I do?”

 

Qu Yanting stood up and stretched. The sky outside was bright. He opened his travel bag and said, “Do nothing. Stay calm, go downstairs, and continue filming your show.”

 

Lu Wen was confused. “Huh?”

 

Qu Yanting pulled out a bag of office supplies and a computer, looking quite interested. “Since I’m already here, introduce me to Master Cao downstairs. I have some traditional craft questions to ask.”

 

Lu Wen’s mind was in a fog, but he took Qu Yanting downstairs to see Cao Lanxu. In the yard, Qu Yanting felt a slight nervousness, hugging his file bag tightly.

 

Cao Lanxu hadn’t slept well. When the door opened in the middle of the night, he woke up. Seeing a stranger behind Lu Wen, who didn’t look like someone from the crew, he asked, “Da Hui, who’s this?”

 

Hearing it in person was amusing, and most of Qu Yanting’s nervousness dissipated. He replied, “Hello, Master Cao, my name is Qu. I’m a friend of Lu Wen’s, here to check on him.”

 

Lu Wen said, “Mr. Qu is a screenwriter and wants to talk to you about silver engraving. If you’re open with your knowledge, I’ll mop the floor an extra time.”

 

“You rascal, threatening me?” Cao Lanxu grumbled, “How’s your situation going?”

 

Lu Wen immediately put on a miserable face, pulling a strand from the hanging pothos under the eaves, feeling utterly uncomfortable. “Not good. What can I do to them?”

 

The silver bracelets clinked, and Cao Lanxu, frustrated with his lack of progress, pointed at him. “Wait until he comes back and give him a beating! Such a big guy, getting bullied, how shameful!”

 

Getting scolded in front of Qu Yanting, Lu Wen wanted to cover Cao Lanxu’s mouth, but the old man was speaking the truth. All he could do was glare helplessly.

 

The door creaked, and Cao Lanxu finally stopped. The three of them simultaneously looked toward the entrance.

 

Sun Xiaojian slipped in, looking weary, wearing yesterday’s clothes, with dark circles under his eyes, obviously from an all-nighter. When he got closer and saw Qu Yanting, he was surprised, “Mr. Qu? Why are you here?”

 

“To see me.” Lu Wen asked eagerly, “What’s the situation?”

 

Sun Xiaojian rubbed his face, his brow furrowed like the pleats of a bun. “We talked all night, and the production team’s stance is firm—they want to bury the hatchet.”

 

“What do you mean by ‘bury the hatchet’?”

 

“The person in charge said that the issue has escalated, and a public clarification must be made. After comprehensive consideration and weighing… Damn! I’ll just say it straight, what he means is that one side definitely has to admit fault!”

 

Lu Wen realized it but didn’t want to acknowledge it. “Then make that Jin admit it! He’s the one who took my stuff!”

 

“I said that, and I said it until my lips were dry.” Sun Xiaojian looked exhausted. “But the production team… wants us to take the blame.”

 

A pounding sensation grew in Lu Wen’s temples, and he ground his teeth. “My stuff was stolen, and they want me to admit I’m the thief? That’s bullshit!”

 

Cao Lanxu was furious too. “There’s no such logic! Da Hui, don’t listen to them!”

 

Sun Xiaojian had hesitated outside for more than ten minutes before coming in. It was hard to say, but he finally got it out: “The production team has basically decided. If you agree, you’ll go film the market scenes today.”

 

Lu Wen said, “The schedule doesn’t have the market yet! Today should be production, making the ring I designed!”

 

Sun Xiaojian replied, “The ring… has been reassigned to Jin Yanyu.”

 

“He’s dreaming!”

 

“The production team is clearly backing him…”

 

“He can forget about it! Where is he? He should come back here first!”

 

“Jin Yanyu’s team said, if you admit it, and the statement is released, only then will he return to continue recording.”

 

Lu Wen was furious. Who was the real wrongdoer? Why did the guilty one have the power to make demands? He swung the branch in his hand to the ground and shouted, “I’m not recording anymore! I quit!”

 

“If you refuse,” Sun Xiaojian said weakly, removing his glasses, “then we really can’t record anymore. The production team will cancel the contract with us, and the audience might further suspect you of having a problem.”

 

The comparison was too harsh; Lu Wen was hurt and couldn’t respond. He said dazedly, “Fine… then cancel it. I’ll sue them.”

 

Sun Xiaojian tried to persuade him: “The production team has all the recorded evidence. And if this drags on, will you even be able to keep working?”

 

Lu Wen felt dizzy, swaying until a hand pressed against his back to support him. Turning around, he realized that the situation had unfolded exactly as Qu Yanting had predicted.

 

“Teacher Qu…”

 

Qu Yanting was unsurprised, remaining calm as if nothing had happened. He stroked Lu Wen’s back and said, “Agree to it, just do what they ask.”

 

Lu Wen’s eyes widened. “What… you want me to agree?”

 

Qu Yanting held his hand and repeated, “Agree for now.”

 

Lu Wen’s eyes were bloodshot. He rasped, “You know it’s— it’s something I made for you.”

 

Qu Yanting said, “Trust me this once.”

 

Lu Wen couldn’t say “Okay” nor could he say “Not okay” to Qu Yanting. He shook off Qu Yanting’s hand, rage and despair crashing together, and stormed upstairs into his room, slamming the door shut.

 

Sun Xiaojian hesitated. “Qu Writer, this…”

 

Qu Yanting said, “Tell the production team that Lu Wen agrees.”

 

“…Alright.” Sun Xiaojian looked upstairs uneasily.

 

“Go handle your work.” Qu Yanting understood his concerns. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

 

Sun Xiaojian left with his head down, and the courtyard was suddenly quiet. Cao Lanxu suppressed his anger and said unhappily, “Continue recording? None of them are setting foot in my place again!”

 

Qu Yanting said, “Master Cao, please don’t say that in a moment of anger. You definitely have an agreement with the TV station. Violating it would result in significant losses. Traditional craftsmanship is declining, and the ancient town needs the exposure from this program.”

 

Cao Lanxu, frustrated, said, “Go accompany Da Hui then, bring him something to eat upstairs.”

 

Unexpectedly, Qu Yanting shook his head and said, “A grown man isn’t that fragile. Let him be alone for a while. Master Cao, could you show me around the workshop?”

 

Cao Lanxu stared at him strangely for about four or five seconds, then flicked his sleeve. “Come with me.”

 

Qu Yanting followed the old man into the workroom. The array of silverware was far more vivid than in any document. He looked and asked, asked and took notes, until around ten o’clock when he pulled something from his folder and said, “Master Cao, I’m afraid I need your help with something.”

 

Upstairs in the bedroom, Lu Wen was packing his suitcase in a fury, shoving things inside and violently locking it shut. He was done with this garbage show. They claimed it was real and meaningful— all lies.

 

Make him take the blame?

 

Fine, he’d take it. After releasing the statement, the moment Jin Yanyu showed up, he’d beat him to a pulp before leaving!

 

Sweating heavily, Lu Wen paced to the bed and collapsed. It wasn’t the mistreatment from those people that hurt the most, but the fact that even Qu Yanting was telling him to swallow his pride.

 

Outside, it was silent. He stayed shut in his room for over an hour. Qu Yanting didn’t even come upstairs to check on him— wasn’t he worried at all? Why did he come all this way? What did it mean when he said he missed him?

 

His phone buzzed with a WeChat message.

 

Suddenly anxious, Lu Wen sat up, hesitated, then opened it. It was a message from Sun Xiaojian: We will definitely get through this, but try not to go online for now.

 

His heart tightened, and Lu Wen couldn’t control his hands as he logged onto Weibo and refreshed. At exactly ten o’clock, Utopia’s official Weibo had posted a statement.

 

Though they used words like “joke” and “misunderstanding” to cover it up, the message was clear: the ring design was something Jin Yanyu had drawn during recording, and had nothing to do with him.

 

Lu Wen suddenly couldn’t breathe.

 

This statement, which trampled on his dignity, caused the incident to flare up dramatically. Meanwhile, he fell to the lowest point, besieged by the glaring trending topics and overwhelming retweets, comments, and shares, trapping him like a barbed net.

 

Lu Wen’s fingertips touched the warm phone, a prickling numbness.

 

Suddenly, the door opened, and Qu Yanting appeared at the entrance.

 

Lu Wen looked over, all emotions drained, leaving only a blank emptiness. Qu Yanting approached and cupped his face in both hands.

 

The phone slipped from his grip, and Lu Wen grabbed Qu Yanting’s waist, burying his head against his abdomen through the sweater. His nape was gently rubbed, and above his head was Qu Yanting’s soft voice, “Every public figure faces injustice. From now on, learn to deal with that feeling.”

 

Time seemed frozen until the sound of the front door downstairs broke the silence.

 

Lu Wen slowly lifted his head, like a waking lion, his voice growing more intense: “Jin Yanyu is back.”

 

Qu Yanting placed his hands on Lu Wen’s shoulders, feeling the muscles underneath tighten and tense. He asked, “What are you going to do?”

 

Lu Wen suddenly stood up. “Fight! Break the law!”

 

Qu Yanting held him back, preventing him from rushing out. They struggled by the bed, swaying and pulling. He enveloped the furious body tightly in his arms: “Don’t be impulsive, don’t go downstairs to see him!”

 

“Let me go!”

 

Qu Yanting was almost unable to stand, realizing the vast difference in strength between them. Just as Lu Wen was about to push him away, he shifted his entire weight to block him, forcefully pinning the other man down onto the bed.

 

The overlapping bodies sank into the mattress. Lu Wen collapsed, while Qu Yanting leaned over him, his heart pounding.

 

Downstairs, Jin Yanyu removed his hat and approached. He had drunk too much at a dinner the previous night and spent the night at a hotel in the city. With the show team having settled everything, he came back to watch the spectacle.

 

Cao Lanxu stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard and barked, “Xiao Hui!”

 

Jin Yanyu stopped. “I have a proper name—Jin Yanyu. Can’t you remember? Are you getting senile?”

 

“Where have you been?”

 

“None of your business.”

 

Cao Lanxu scolded, “You do nothing for the show except sleep at hotels. Don’t think I don’t know.”

 

“Work?” Jin Yanyu chuckled. “You’re just an old fool. Why should I work for you?”

 

Cao Lanxu demanded, “Then why did you steal Da Hui’s drawing?!”

 

“I didn’t steal it. I tossed it in the trash after taking a picture.” Jin Yanyu spread his hands and shrugged. “What’s the matter? Did you develop feelings for him because he’s your little laborer?”

 

“You’re being a bastard!”

 

“I just can’t stand him!”

 

Cao Lanxu couldn’t hold back any longer. He grabbed Jin Yanyu by the collar, saying, “When the show airs, I’ll see how you keep hopping around!”

 

Jin Yanyu retorted, “You really live in a bubble. He’s already caved in, admitted everything. The show team’s backing me, and you know nothing!”

 

Cao Lanxu shoved Jin Yanyu, making a loud noise as he stumbled. The yellow dog in the corner started barking. Cao Lanxu pointed towards the door and yelled, “Get out! You’re not allowed in my courtyard!”

 

Jin Yanyu regained his balance, glanced up at the second floor, then put his hat back on and stepped back. “As if I want to be here. If the show can’t go on, we’ll see who begs whom.”

 

Once the gate closed, Cao Lanxu’s face turned red with rage, and he shouted, “Da Hui!”

 

The two men on the bed were startled. Qu Yanting rolled off Lu Wen and, with a slight tilt of his head, straightened his wrinkled clothes.

 

Lu Wen slowly sat up, flustered. “Master Cao is calling me.”

 

“Go.”

 

Lu Wen rushed out, but still glanced back. In the courtyard, only Cao Lanxu remained. He raced down the stairs and asked urgently, “Master Cao, where’s Jin Yanyu?”

 

Cao Lanxu didn’t respond, but walked under the eaves, lifted the long, slender leaves of the hanging orchid, and took out a small camera that was recording.

 

Lu Wen was dumbstruck.

 

Qu Yanting also came downstairs, took the camera from Cao Lanxu’s hand, fiddled with it to replay the recently recorded video, and said with satisfaction, “It’s quite clear. Thank you for your hard work, Master Cao.”

 

Cao Lanxu exhaled in relief. “I was afraid I’d forget my lines.”

 

Qu Yanting grabbed Lu Wen’s arm and pulled him along, leading him back upstairs, with the video’s audio playing in the background. He said, “Now we can turn the tables.”

 

Back in the room, Lu Wen’s head was buzzing. “Mr. Qu… I feel dizzy.”

 

Qu Yanting opened his computer and spoke while doing so, “The show team is shielding Jin Yanyu. Only if Jin Yanyu’s misdeeds are irrefutably exposed will the show team distance themselves from him, and the truth will be aired accurately.”

 

Lu Wen asked, “Then why did I have to agree first?”

 

“If you hadn’t agreed, Jin Yanyu wouldn’t have shown up.” Qu Yanting said, “This way, he let his guard down, thinking you had conceded, so he became even more reckless.”

 

“Wow…”

 

“Wow, my foot,” Qu Yanting retorted. “This matter needs to be resolved while it’s still hot. Even if you seek justice later, so what if you manage to clear your name? By then, the public’s attention will have moved on.”

 

Lu Wen was shocked. “Now is the peak of attention!”

 

Qu Yanting chuckled lightly. “That statement was very important. It first forced the show team to take a stance. Once the truth comes out, even Jin Yanyu won’t be able to claim you were being protected.”

 

“Mm!”

 

“More importantly, it allows you to be utterly crushed first.”

 

“…”

 

“Then there’s a term for it: a rebound from rock bottom.”

 

The video was trimmed to only keep the segment from Jin Yanyu’s entrance to his departure. Qu Yanting added a few simple subtitles, exported it, and sent it to Lu Wen.

 

Logging onto Weibo, Lu Wen’s heart pounded wildly as he uploaded the video. He paused while editing the caption, recalling how Jin Yanyu had said he’d caved and admitted defeat.

 

Two minutes later, in the midst of this heated gossip storm, amid a flood of harsh criticisms and insults, this video dropped like a bomb.

 

Lu Wen wrote: “I didn’t cave, and I won’t admit it.”

 

But after posting, he tossed his phone aside, grabbed Qu Yanting tightly, shaking him back and forth, yelling frantically like someone who had gone mad, drenched in sweat from nervousness.

 

Cao Lanxu shouted from downstairs, “Da Hui! How’s it going?”

 

In less than half an hour, Weibo crashed.

 

Nicknames in this chapter

 

1. 小风 – Xiao Feng (Ruan Feng’s nickname)

 

2. 岩石 – Rocks (nickname for Jin Yanyu’s fans)

 

3. 软糖 – Marshmallows (nickname for Ruan Feng’s fans)