Jin Jingyao indeed knew little about He Wei. The first time he met Li Ling, the movie had already been completed. He had read all the news reports from that year, but the reports were filled with praise and reminiscence of He Wei, with almost no mention of Li Ling. This was quite normal. Everyone cared about the famous director, while the chosen small actor was just an accessory. Since she had no works, it was as if she had never existed. In his youthful ignorance, Jin Jingyao did not understand the industry deeply and thought she was just unlucky not to have left her name. But now, having become a director and made films himself, he knew that some things were not as simple as they seemed. As Xiao Liu said, a film only makes money when it is released, and a release is good for everyone. If that was the case, why would the producer and the director's wife destroy the copy, sacrificing their own interests? What were they trying to achieve? Jin Jingyao looked up at Luo Mingqing in front of him. He had thought Luo Mingqing would know the answer, which was why he kept him here. However, ten minutes had passed, and the other party was still rambling on about his childhood with Li Ling, how poor they were, and how his stepsister treated him well. Jin Jingyao felt he must have lost his mind to listen to such nonsense. Impatiently, he wanted to call someone to throw Luo Mingqing out. But the other party's face showed a mocking expression: "Young Master, she is not from your world." "You've had a smooth life, haven't you?" Luo Mingqing said with a dark expression and a venomous tone, "Your family is rich, you're a favored child, and you reached the peak as soon as you debuted—have you ever suffered, apart from seeing a psychologist for a few days? You're so happy, how could you understand her?" Jin Jingyao propped his face with his elbow and looked up: "What exactly are you trying to say?" Luo Mingqing revealed a twisted smile: "You know nothing at all." "Do you know how she entered the industry? Do you think she was easily chosen by a famous director just because of her talent, without paying any price?" "How else would she be chosen?" Jin Jingyao frowned slightly, as if puzzled. "What do you think?" Luo Mingqing's tone deepened, but a dark pleasure surfaced in his heart. "Speaking of which, He Wei was older than her father, but maybe she didn't find it dirty. She always lacked love and had a bit of an Electra complex..." His tone grew more venomous, watching Jin Jingyao's brows furrow and his face change, feeling more and more pleased. He thought, Jin Jingyao is truly ignorant. He filmed Li Ling so beautifully, yet he knew nothing of her past. When Angel married Tess, he also mistakenly thought she was a pure bride, unable to see the bloodstains behind her—if he had seen them, would he still have liked her so much? Would he have abandoned her? Luo Mingqing silently apologized to Li Ling in his heart, but sister, short pain is better than long pain. Some people are born to rot together. Only he could accept all of Li Ling. He was just cutting through the mess quickly to help her solve her pain. ... Jin Jingyao, on the other hand, was wondering if Li Ling really had an Electra complex. Her attitude towards 9787532754335 improved when he started playing the father role. If that was the case, didn't he have even less hope? He was not very happy and found Luo Mingqing's nonsense disgusting, so he picked up a glass of cold water and splashed it on his face. Luo Mingqing closed his eyes but happily curled his lips. He opened his eyes, intending to mock the other's anger, but was somewhat surprised to find that although Jin Jingyao was indeed not very happy, it was far from breaking his composure. "Is this what you wanted to tell me?" the other asked, almost puzzled. Luo Mingqing's smile stiffened a bit. "Isn't this enough? Doesn't it disgust you? Then let me tell you about He Wei. You probably haven't seen him. The age spots on his body..." Before he could finish, another glass of water was thrown at him. Jin Jingyao said, "Watch your language." He had studied in England for many years, and sometimes when he got angry, his Chinese would become less fluent, with a hint of an unnatural translation accent. The cold water stung his eyes, like a slap in the face. This time, Luo Mingqing was genuinely a bit angry. He wiped the water off his face haphazardly and was about to start cursing when he heard Jin Jingyao ask calmly, "What do you think of me?" Luo Mingqing glared at him. "What do you mean, what do I think of you?" "Does Li Ling like me?" Luo Mingqing: ? He was quite annoyed and immediately said, "Don't dream, stop flattering yourself." "Exactly," Jin Jingyao nodded, his tone very calm. "She doesn't even like me, so how could she possibly like He Wei?" "He Wei is so old and ugly, what's there to like about him?" "..." Luo Mingqing had imagined many reactions from Jin Jingyao, but never one like this. He was almost dumbfounded, standing there awkwardly for a long time before cursing, "Damn, are you crazy?" Jin Jingyao said, "You can leave now." Luo Mingqing wanted to keep cursing him, but didn't know what to say, so he turned around in a fit of rage. As he did, he heard Jin Jingyao say behind him, "Is this why you've never contacted her?" "Why don't you trust your own sister?" Luo Mingqing's steps halted, his expression becoming extremely dark, almost ferocious. —Did you ask her? Of course not. —Then why are you so quick to condemn her? The feeling of losing control and panic, like a small blot of blood-red ink, stained his heart and quickly spread throughout his body. For a moment, his vision was entirely red, and he couldn't see anything. All he could hear was a small, devilish voice saying, yes, why? He looked down and saw his hands covered in blood. Luo Mingqing snapped back to reality, horrified, but his tone became even fiercer as he cursed, "You don't know shit." He quickly ran out of the workspace. The door slammed shut with a heavy thud. At the two ends of the table, one sitting, one standing, the division of light and dark seemed to separate heaven and hell. The young director sat at the table, staring at the fleeing figure. He seemed to see Li Ling's teenage years in it. The tenement building she lived in. The bedroom she shared with her brother. The daily arguments of her parents, the cooking fumes in the hallway, the dark clouds outside the window. He didn't know what she had gone through to escape that building and join He Wei's crew. But acting hadn't changed her fate; it was more like stepping into another devouring building, consuming more of her time and past. The life that was devoured turned into many, many fragments. He salvaged some, but more remained submerged in that cold, dark sea. He didn't believe a word Luo Mingqing said, not a single word. He called Xiao Liu and said coldly, "I want to know who started the rumor." - Li Ling felt that Jin Jingyao had been too good to her lately. So good it was almost creepy. Every day when she opened her door, she would find a dazzling array of breakfast. Love from the director, as if the director was in love with a little pig. As soon as he walked onto the set, Jin Jingyao's gaze fixed on her. He respected her so much that he would seriously ask for her opinion before starting each scene. When Li Ling mentioned the script fee, he immediately asked for her account number. Li Ling: "..." During the audition, Li Ling accidentally yawned. He showed a concerned expression and asked if she was too tired, suggesting she go back to rest and shoot the next day. Li Ling found it a bit absurd and, after a moment of hesitation, said, "Director, aren't you in a hurry to wrap up?" Jin Jingyao looked at her, also hesitating for a moment: "Do you need money? I'll transfer it to you." Li Ling: ?? Read and reply randomly?? After a while, her agent sent her several web drama scripts to choose from for her next job. Having already experienced the best, Li Ling found these lousy scripts quite unappetizing. Jin Jingyao asked why she was unhappy, and she accidentally told the truth, jokingly saying, "The writing is too bad. How about you help me revise it, Director?" He looked at her for a while and said, "Sure, send it to me, and I'll help you revise it." Li Ling: ?? She was so shocked she almost dropped her phone. Under Jin Jingyao's insistence, Li Ling sent all the scripts over. After reviewing them, Director Jin fell into a prolonged silence and then gently suggested that she might not need to rush into the next project. "Because I edit films quickly," he explained to her, "it might be released in a few months, and I hope you can make time for the promotional period." His tone was really gentle and polite, discussing everything with her and explaining the reasons so clearly. On one hand, Li Ling felt he was considerate and reassuring; on the other hand, she found his behavior increasingly suspicious. So agreeable, could he really be having a high fever and dreaming? "Director, can I touch your forehead?" she asked. Jin Jingyao didn't even ask why and obediently leaned closer. They were so close that she could almost see his eyelashes casting a shadow under his eyes, like the drizzling rain under the eaves. Li Ling felt there was really something wrong with him, something very wrong. He didn't even ask her to wash her hands ten times before allowing her to touch his forehead. But she was also like bewitched, really leaning her body towards him. People were coming and going on the set, and there were unsettling noises outside. Through a few large equipment boxes, the dim light flickered on the young man's profile, finally turning into a gleam in his eyes. He lifted his eyes and looked at her so seriously that Li Ling suddenly froze. His gaze was so complex, as if he wanted to say something but stopped, like he was reading her, seriously reading a book he couldn't understand. It seemed that ever since that night in the tent, he often stared at her with this strange look. Sticky and unsettling. Was he really looking at her? Or was he seeing someone else through her? Damn it. Thinking this, Li Ling suddenly felt a surge of anger and pushed him away. Jin Jingyao took a step back, slightly frowning, seemingly puzzled. Li Ling said, "Don't ask, I don't want to touch anymore." Jin Jingyao still didn't get angry, even showing a friendly smile, and reached out to touch her forehead: "No fever." Li Ling: "..." Damn it, someone stole my line. At a loss for words, she coldly said, "Don't touch me without washing your hands," and haughtily turned and ran away. Running out of the set, Li Ling checked her phone and found that 9787532754335 was going crazy liking her posts again. He had been very enthusiastic lately, not only sending "Good morning" and "Good night" messages punctually every day but also occasionally attaching a few of his son's cute doodles. The little genius had truly fallen in love, and his drawing style had become very sunny, healthy, and positive, a stark contrast to before. It seems that from eight to eighty, love is the best elixir. Li Ling, like someone following a serialized comic, anxiously asked him how the confession went. 9787532754335 seemed a bit troubled and said, "I tried." Li Ling: !!! So fast! 9787532754335: "I just started, and before I could get to the main point, she got upset." Li Ling: ... What the heck, she got upset after just a few words? So impatient. Li Ling, transforming into an indignant mom fan, said, "What's wrong with young girls these days? Such bad tempers." 9787532754335 said nervously, "Don't say that." Li Ling was even more disdainful, "Tsk, can't even say that." It seemed the little genius really liked the girl next door. Despite the failed confession, he didn't blame her at all and tried to find reasons within himself. Well, self-reflection is the best dowry for a boy. 9787532754335 summarized many reasons for his failure and finally said, "Maybe he doesn't know her well enough." Li Ling was even more puzzled, "Ah, do elementary school kids need to investigate three generations back for a confession? A political review?" 9787532754335 was speechless and sent a cute question mark drawn with a triangle ruler. Li Ling, softened by the cuteness, gave him some advice, "Is it possible that the timing was wrong? Let the little genius choose a day with a sense of ceremony and try again." 9787532754335 suddenly understood and humbly asked, "What is a day with a sense of ceremony?" He added, "Sister, can you give an example?" Li Ling, always warm-hearted towards her brother, said, "Of course." "For example, for me, the most ceremonial day recently was the wrap-up of a movie." 9787532754335 pondered and obediently said, "I see, I understand." Li Ling, exasperated, said, "You better really understand." - While a sense of ceremony is important, for Li Ling, the happiest time was the period before the wrap-up. The plot gradually deviated from the script, turning into a self-indulgent feel-good movie. Zhou Jing's career and love life both flourished. Not only was he sweetly in love with A Ling every day, but the theater group was also staging a new play, and he was promoted by the leader to become the substitute male lead. Yang Yuanyuan, still resentful, tried to frame him but ended up being caught by Zhou Jing. Zhou Jing was no longer afraid. Instead of avoiding, he chose to attack. The young man, still not fully recovered from his injuries, had a fierce look, with a long scar on his brow that made him even more intimidating. He grabbed Yang Yuanyuan's hair and whispered in his ear, "You wouldn't want to be exposed as a bully after becoming famous, would you?" Yang Yuanyuan, kicked hard by him, fell to the ground and, for the first time, looked up at him with a bit of fear. "What do you want?" he asked, trembling. Zhou Jing smiled, looking down at him with contempt. It turned out that resisting wasn't that hard, and those who hurt him weren't that powerful. The world was just a big makeshift stage, and everything could be trampled underfoot. He said lightly, "Don't bother me again." "Oh, and I want money." Zhou Jing got the money and secretly bought A Ling a new prosthetic, intending to give it to her as a holiday gift. But he was also hesitant: if A-Ling really stood up and no longer needed him, what would he do then? He hid the prosthetic limb in the cabinet, deciding not to let her discover it for the time being. When they filmed this part, they took some time to discuss the direction of the upcoming plot. Jin Jingyao thought that A-Ling was clumsy and wouldn't notice Zhou Jing's little actions. However, Li Ling confidently said, "She will definitely notice." "Why?" "They are together in the basement day and night. What could Zhou Jing possibly hide from her?" "Would she hate him then?" Jin Jingyao asked softly. Li Ling shook her head, a peculiar smile appearing on her face. "No, she would be very happy and would even cooperate with Zhou Jing, pretending to know nothing." "Why?" Jin Jingyao was stunned. "Because she loves him too, and she also wants to stay by his side." When Li Ling said this, it was almost with a subtle, sacrificial tone. Jin Jingyao looked at her for a moment and then said, "Alright." He quickly decided to let Li Ling act according to her understanding. The assistant director secretly filmed from the side, adding a voice-over: "Look, the director has no principles now. Whatever A-Ling says goes." In the limited time they had, Zhou Jing and A-Ling tacitly maintained the secrets and lies of the basement, along with their precarious relationship. He still took meticulous care of her every day, helping her comb her hair, feeding her, washing her body, treating her as his life's most important matter. But outside the basement, his status had changed dramatically. He was no longer the temporary worker looked down upon by others but a promising actor in the spotlight. When he returned home, he was no longer silent, always wearing a spirited smile. He became more upright and handsome, learned how to please women, and brought A-Ling an array of gifts. Flowers, perfumes, new clothes, and jewelry. He dressed her up more and more beautifully, even more so than the leading lady in the theater troupe. He often rehearsed in the basement, walking back and forth, asking A-Ling to practice lines with him. She was clumsy with her words, not speaking well, but his gaze was always so focused on her, as if she were his only leading lady. Sometimes, when A-Ling was in high spirits, she would put on a new dress and dance with him in her wheelchair. It turned out that wheelchairs could also dance a duet. Zhou Jing stood in front of her, bending down like a proud tree. She spun and swayed under his palm, blooming passionately. Sweating profusely, she became a pure white night-blooming flower. She no longer needed a stage and lights. His gaze was her stage, her river, the soil in which she grew. The day before the final wrap, Li Ling returned to the dimly lit bathroom to shoot her second-to-last scene. The bathroom was still the same as before, shimmering with light and shadow, weaving into a rippling, decadent sea. But the atmosphere between the male and female leads was completely different from the beginning. Zhou Jing no longer needed to tame A-Ling, no longer needed to find order in their relationship through cleanliness. They were simply people who loved each other, nothing more. He gently carried her into the small bathtub, as if watching fireworks in the river. Li Ling didn't know what kind of magic this young director had cast again. He made this small bathroom so humid and misty, like a brilliant fever. Even the camera lens was ambiguously unclear. She sat in the bathtub, her knees moving slightly, like the tip of a mermaid's tail subtly swaying, an unspoken seduction. Suddenly, she looked up and said, "Director, do you want to come in?" As soon as she said this, both sides were stunned. Li Ling had said the wrong line. She should have said "Zhou Jing," not "Director." She lowered her head, feeling awkward, almost ashamed of her elementary mistake, and feared that the other party would notice the bigger secret behind this error. At this moment, the director should have called "cut," and they would have done it again. But Li Ling waited for a while, and the other party remained silent, not making a sound. It was as if they had a tacit understanding, guarding the same secret. She still didn't dare to look up; the other party's gaze loomed over her like a net, trapping her with no escape. Then, a loud sound of water echoed in her ears. The sea surface trembled, and the reflection of the world was overturned. A young man stepped into the bathtub.