The Canary Deleted His Account on Danmei AI Translations

Chapter 9

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 9#

【Chapter 009】#

“……”

Unsuccessful in hiding himself, Chi Sheng circled around to stand in front of Jing Shun, a hint of surprise in his voice. “A-Jing! You, you’re willing to talk to me now?”

The smell of alcohol wafted over from him. Jing Shun frowned in displeasure. “Don’t call me that, Young Master Chi. We’re not close.”

“Not close?”

Chi Sheng looked incredulous at this statement. “What do you mean, not close? We’ve known each other for almost ten years! A-Jing, what exactly have I done wrong to make you treat me like this all of a sudden!”

Chapter 10

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 10#

【Chapter 010】#

The light from outside cut through the darkness, and the stagnant air began to flow again.

Chi Gui stood at the doorway, using the Porch light behind him to see the situation clearly:

In the dim, cold side room, Jing Shun was collapsed on the floor, one hand pressed hard against the ground, the other holding an electric knife that had stabbed into Chi Sheng’s thigh.

Chapter 11

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:08:29 +0000

Chapter 11#

At Hai City’s Kangya Private Hospital.

In a top-tier ward with excellent facilities, Chi Sheng lay on the bed, occasionally letting out pained, stifled gasps. “It hurts like hell! Can’t you give me another shot of painkillers?”

The anesthetic had worn off, and the stitched wounds had been medicated, now throbbing with unbearable pain.

Chi Ting watched, aching inside. Before she could speak, the closed ward door was pushed open.

Chapter 12

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 12#

[Chapter 012]#

Wei Di quickly paid the parking fee and silently steered the car back onto the normal road.

Jing Shun didn’t think much of this minor incident. He stared vacantly at the street scene outside the window, his fingertips continuously kneading the plush toy in his arms.

Suddenly, a voice came from beside him, “Where did that toy come from?”

Jing Shun glanced at the questioner, Chi Gui, and rarely showed a smile. “Doctor Wen gave it to me. It’s very soft.”

Chapter 13

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 13#

【Chapter 013】#

Jing Shun didn’t expect Yu Xiuzhu to have an idea so quickly, a glimmer of joy flashing in his eyes. “A show?”

Yu Xiuzhu put down his coffee cup and stood up. “Wait for me a moment.”

“Alright.”

Jing Shun watched as Yu Xiuzhu left the lounge and walked toward the office not far away. Within three minutes, he returned with a few thin sheets of A4 paper.

Chapter 14

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 14#

【Chapter 014】#

Jing Shun had never been particularly talented when it came to naming things.

The dog he adopted from a film set back in the day had just used the character’s name from the show. Now, having once again joyfully claimed the title of “Dog Dad,” he had spent the past two days sifting through countless potential puppy names, yet somehow failed to find a single one that satisfied him.

Chapter 15

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 15#

【Chapter 015】#

Jing Shun signed the contract with the production team and officially received the confirmed time for the first round of filming.

The filming location was in Hai City itself, which made the trip quite convenient. Even so, Jing Shun still arrived early at Hai City Satellite TV’s Studio No. 1.

Yu Xiuzhu, his nominal agent, came along with him.

As soon as the two entered the recording hall, a familiar greeting reached them. “Xiuzhu, you’re already here?”

Chapter 16

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 16#

【Chapter 016】#

The tall man at the front cast a glance, casually removing his sunglasses. “Sister Yin, we meet again.”

Yu Yinhe took the initiative to shake his hand. “Changting, welcome to our show.”

“It’s my honor to participate in a show produced by you, Sister Yin.”

Fu Changting responded with a smile, but his gaze fell on Jing Shun beside her.

Following his line of sight, Yu Yinhe began to play the role of introducer. “Changting, let me introduce you—”

Chapter 17

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 17#

【Chapter 17】#

The elevator stopped at level B1.

Yu Xiuzhu held the elevator’s open button, still worried as he pressed further, “Xiao Jing, are you sure you don’t need me to see you back?”

“Brother Yu, I’m not a three-year-old kid anymore.”

Jing Shun looked at Yu Xiuzhu, who had insisted on accompanying him downstairs, and advised helplessly, “You should just take the elevator back up. Isn’t Producer Yu waiting for you to go eat together? No need to see me off.”

Chapter 18

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 18#

【Chapter 018】#

Only one day separated the first two rounds of the show. After Jing Shun finished his current work commitments, he threw himself entirely into preoperative preparations.

Time slipped by, and it was already mid-March.

In the spacious, private hospital room, Song Chunhui looked at Jing Shun, who had already changed into a hospital gown, and officially informed him, “Mr. Jing, all your physical indicators meet the surgical standards. We can proceed with the first surgery tomorrow!”

Chapter 19

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 19#

【Chapter 019】#

The next afternoon, the surgery began on time.

Jing Shun felt as if he had been in a long dream, filled with a vast white chaos. He couldn’t see anything clearly and had no strength to think.

Beep—beep—beep—

Until an irregular ticking sound reached his ears, and his long-dormant senses slowly stirred awake. Jing Shun lifted his heavy eyelids, only to frown at the overly bright light.

Chapter 20

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:36:41 +0000

Chapter 20#

When Jing Shun returned home from the hospital, he was greeted enthusiastically by Gou Bao.

“Owoo~ Woof!”

In just half a month, Gou Bao had grown quite a bit, pawing at Jing Shun’s knees, begging to be held. “Whimper whimper~”

Jing Shun stroked Gou Bao’s head. “Baby, did you miss Jing Dad? Hmm?”

Hearing his gentle tone, Gou Bao wagged its tail like a propeller but pretended to be wronged, whimpering softly.

Chapter 21

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 21#

【 No. 021 chapter 】#

After nearly two hours of the variety show, it couldn’t be finished in one meal. Jing Shun didn’t force everyone to stay and watch the show with him; instead, after dinner, he found an excuse to go upstairs first.

It was still early, so he looked at the jasmine tea he had brought up and decided to open a tin to give it a try.

Chapter 22 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 22 - 1#

As the largest anonymous entertainment forum in the country, “Yüqing” had attracted attention from various fan groups since its inception, with many industry insiders lurking among them. The number of inside scoops generated annually was countless.

On Wednesday evening, an anonymous post appeared on the forum’s front page:

“Here’s a little scoop. A recent guest who gained popularity thanks to a SeaTV variety show actually took the spot by pulling strings, squeezing out another artist. The capital behind them is no small thing. The buzz after the show aired was all pre-planned water army marketing, aiming for a nationwide recognition route. So far, it looks pretty successful.”

Chapter 22 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 22 - 2#

This was the first time Chi Gui had heard Jing Shun address him with such a term—not the respect and flattery of others, but laced with a hint of playful teasing.

He let out a short laugh and instructed Chen Yiming in the front row, “Did you hear that? Find out as soon as possible.”

Even if Jing Shun hadn’t brought it up, Chi Gui had already intended to investigate thoroughly.

Chapter 23 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 23 - 1#

A new post floated to the top of the Entertainment Forum homepage:

“Spilling tea! Did everyone see the latest Weibo post from Bamboo Grove Media? They directly posted the communication records and contract with The Real Job program, stating there was no improper competition! Feels like things might be about to flip? [Link]”

Jing Shun had been trending quite a bit over the past couple of days, and since this post’s title included his name, it quickly attracted a lively discussion.

Chapter 23 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 23 - 2#

“Like hell it is!”

Dong Qihao shot back, but slumped onto the sofa, seized by an inexplicable dread and unease.

Well, now he had gone too far, using public opinion to stir up sympathy and hype among his fans, only to offend someone he shouldn’t have. In the span of a single night, the backlash had consumed him entirely.

…

Before long, it was the day of the program recording.

Chapter 24

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 24#

Chi Gui’s original black tie was unfastened and casually set aside.

Perhaps because the distance between them was too close, Jing Shun found that the tea fragrance on the other’s clothes seemed stronger today, now teasing his nerves aggressively.

He met the face so near to his, subtly controlling his breathing rate, before slipping the new tie around Chi Gui’s shirt collar.

“Th-then, shall I try tying it?”

Chapter 25 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 25 - 1#

Forty minutes later, Jing Shun arrived at the entrance of the building housing “Giant Rock Film and Television.”

He used his assistive device to get out of the car steadily. “Old Qin, go find a place to park for now. I’ll contact you when I’m done.”

The driver nodded. “Alright, Master Jing.”

With a clear goal, Jing Shun entered the high-rise elevator of the commercial complex and directly pressed the button for the 19th floor. As the elevator ascended slowly, his face, reflected in the blurry mirrored wall, revealed the gloom between his brows.

Chapter 25 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 25 - 2#

The elevator doors slid open again.

Yu Xiuzhu stepped in quickly, but didn’t forget to remind him, “Xiao Jing, let me know when you get home safe. Don’t worry about me—Lai Yu wouldn’t dare do anything to me.”

Jing Shun knew the other was fighting for his rights, and his nose inexplicably tingled. “Okay.”

…

It was still early.

When Jing Shun found the parking spot, Old Qin the driver was already in the car, scrolling through videos on his phone.

Chapter 26 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 26 - 1#

By the time he left the neighborhood, the sky had completely darkened.

Jing Shun ducked under the eaves of a shop, stuffing his phone, long dead, back into his pocket.

The next second, he went pale and dry-heaved.

From the moment he laid eyes on the faces of Jing Guanhai and Yuan Jiali, an emotional disgust had already overwhelmed all reason and dulled every sense.

The depressive symptoms that hadn’t flared up in a long time all surfaced at once—

Chapter 26 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 26 - 2#

Jing Shun’s reactions were still slow, and he didn’t respond.

Chi Gui brought him back to the room as quickly as possible, setting him down on the edge of the bed. “Change out of your dirty clothes first.”

The smart controls in the bedroom all turned on, lights brightening to chase away drowsiness.

Jing Shun belatedly realized he’d been carried by Chi Gui the whole way, and the heat inside him intensified. “I’ll do it myself. What about the, the wheelchair?”

Chapter 27 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 27 - 1#

As May Day approached, the foreign trade orders at Chuangmi began to pick up along with the warming weather.

Yuan Jiali had been run off her feet with work lately, and she had barely managed to squeeze out half a day off. Just as she did, she got a notice from her supervisor demanding she return to the company immediately.

The moment Yuan Jiali stepped into the company elevator, her phone rang again—it was her father calling.

Chapter 27 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 27 - 2#

“Mr. Chen, I’m sorry to keep you waiting…”

The moment he pushed the door open, Jing Guanhai’s gaze froze on a wheelchair. The silhouette of the person sitting in it was far too familiar, cutting off his polite pleasantries mid-sentence.

Chen Yiming met Jing Guanhai’s stunned expression, rising to feign a welcome. “Boss Jing, you’re finally here. This is the person I mentioned earlier—my direct superior—”

Chapter 28 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 28 - 1#

Ten minutes later, Chen Yiming helped Jing Shun into the car.

“Mr. Jing, I’ll handle the rest from here. If there are any changes or updates, I’ll contact you again.”

Jing Shun finally loosened the tightly wound strings in his heart. “Assistant Chen, you’ve worked hard during this time.”

“Mr. Jing, you’re too kind.” Chen Yiming closed the car door for him and instructed the driver in the front seat, Old Zhang, “Old Zhang, drive slowly.”

Chapter 28 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 28 - 2#

Jing Shun looped his arms around Chi Gui’s shoulders, and in the blink of an eye, he was steadily gathered into the other’s embrace.

Only after they got off the helicopter did the accompanying bodyguards unfold the wheelchair again.

Chi Gui set Jing Shun down. “Are you tired? Hungry?”

“I ate quite well on the plane, so I’m not hungry.” Jing Shun nodded slightly and said honestly, “Just a bit tired.”

Chapter 29 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 29 - 1#

The moment Chi Gui stepped into the private box on the top deck, he was met with a collective gaze from everyone inside.

Ji Tianheng, as the host, was the first to rise and greet him. “Mr. Chi, welcome.”

Chi Gui shook his hand. “Second Young Master, long time no see.”

“Indeed. It’s been almost four years since we first met, hasn’t it?” Ji Tianheng gave Chi Gui an appreciative once-over, then smiled. “You’ve come a long way since then.”

Chapter 29 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 29 - 2#

He was afraid Chi Gui would still disagree, so his tone softened even more. “I’m really tired today. I don’t want to take a helicopter back and forth anymore.”

Wei Di whispered a reminder, “Sir, I went to ask just now. It’s too late, and the sea wind is strong. There’s really no way to go back now.”

Chi Gui had no choice but to give up. “Mm, got it.”

Chapter 30 - 1

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 30 - 1#

“……”

Jing Shun’s signing hand paused slightly, his gaze shifting subtly.

It wasn’t the first time he’d heard discussions about his legs in public, but this comment was far too unrestrained in volume, carrying an unmistakable intentionality.

Chi Gui’s expression chilled as well. He turned sideways, immediately looking toward the opposite side—

The newcomer appeared to be around fifty, his thinning hair slicked and glossy with hair gel.

Chapter 30 - 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:21:37 +0000

Chapter 30 - 2#

He stared at it for two seconds, a hint of a smile curling his lips. “Looking at the description below, it turns out they’re a couple’s set.”

“…”

It was only then that Jing Shun noticed the fine print in the introduction, and his ears immediately burned. “I didn’t mean it that way at all.”

But Chi Gui had already made the final call. “Since we’re putting on an act in public, we might as well make it convincing. Let’s go with this one.”

Chapter 31 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 31 - 1#

After the charity auction banquet ended, Ji Tianheng had an outdoor dinner prepared on the west deck of the fifth floor.

The band on the deck was playing charming jazz music live. By now, some of the more relaxed guests had already gathered in small groups at the center, dancing ballroom.

Jing Shun knew it was inconvenient for him to be in a wheelchair, and he didn’t want to draw attention, so he deliberately found a corner spot.

Chapter 31 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 31 - 2#

Xu Qin’s eyes glimmered with shrewdness as she lowered her voice. “Have you forgotten what your dad does? The Chi Group has a project in Macau, and they’re competing with the Zhang family over it. Tomorrow, I’ll have your dad give Chi Gui a hard time.”

“Either way, we’ll make sure you two get another chance to meet.”

“My precious daughter is this beautiful? What man wouldn’t be tempted?”

Chapter 32 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 32 - 1#

Chi Gui glanced at Xie Congjin’s receding figure and asked, “What secret?”

“If it ever becomes something I can share openly, I’ll tell you right away. For now, I can’t.”

Jing Shun’s interest hadn’t faded, but he had to respect Yu Xiuzhu’s emotional privacy. He couldn’t reveal anything without the other’s confirmation.

Chi Gui confirmed he was the first in line to know this secret, so he didn’t press. “The wind’s picking up. Let’s head back to the cabin.”

Chapter 32 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 32 - 2#

Even if one thoroughly understood the rules now, they wouldn’t become a card god once they entered the game later.

A faint glint of darkness flickered deep in Chi Gui’s pupils, and only then did he say to Jing Shun, “It’s fine, I’ll teach you something simple. For now, just accompany me to the event and watch.”

“Okay.”

…

Ji Tianheng had personally set up the poker table session, so everyone was naturally willing to honor their host.

Chapter 33 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 33 - 1#

Zhang Aode didn’t take Chi Gui’s words to heart. “Ji Er, get a dealer to deal the cards.”

He took a sip of whiskey and made demands as if Ji Tianheng weren’t the second young master of the Ji family, but a waiter he could summon and dismiss at will.

Ji Tianheng maintained an impeccable smile on the surface, his gaze scanning the surroundings for a server.

Chapter 33 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 33 - 2#

Jing Shun answered truthfully, “No, but I think I’m lucky today. Maybe I can make my wish come true.”

“Then…”

Chi Gui leaned in and whispered a few words.

Jing Shun didn’t respond. Instead, he carefully examined the two cards in front of him.

Across the table, Zhang Aode flipped over a face-up card: the 5 of Spades.

Jing Shun, without a word, flipped over one of his own: the Jack of Diamonds, worth 10 points.

Chapter 34 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 34 - 1#

Exclamations erupted from all around, clearly no one had expected Chi Gui to make a move on Zhang Aode directly.

Zheng Ying clutched her chest in terror, belatedly stepping forward to support him. “Brother De, are you okay? What’s this about! How can you just hit someone!”

“Second Ji! I’m still your elder!”

Zhang Aode fumed with humiliation, trying to use his seniority to suppress him. “Our Zhang family has status and standing in Aogang! And you let this outsider run wild like this! Humiliating me like this!”

Chapter 34 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 34 - 2#

“You’re too kind.”

Ji Tianheng raised his glass. “Drinks, alcohol, or water—how about a toast?”

Qin Ye and Xie Congjin exchanged a glance, then both gave him face.

The glasses clinked, and host and guests were all pleased.

…

On the last day, the cruise ship began its return to Ao City’s port.

But at noon, when passing the designated swimming area, it still stopped for two hours as planned.

Chapter 35 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 35 - 1#

“……”

Jing Shun recalled what had happened earlier, a faint trace of regret and disappointment flickering in his lowered lashes. “No, I haven’t. I actually made an appointment to meet him before, but…”

Ji Tianheng asked, “You didn’t get to see him?”

“Mm.”

Jing Shun nodded, explaining on behalf of the “Mr. Song” he had never met, “Mr. Song had something come up at the last minute and couldn’t make it.”

Chapter 35 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 35 - 2#

He quickly moved to open the door. “It’s fine, I’m good now.”

Chi Gui had already changed clothes outside and gave him a briefing. “In about an hour, the cruise will dock. I still have to stay a few more days to handle the Zhang family and the dock project.”

“If you’re not in a hurry to go back, why not stay with me for another three or four days?” Chi Gui added. “It won’t affect your follow-up appointment.”

Chapter 36 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 36 - 1#

The mountain villa that had been uninhabited for years was spotlessly cleaned.

The third-floor guest room had been promptly fitted with anti-slip carpeting and assistive facilities, equipped with all kinds of electronic devices.

Chi Gui brought Jing Shun into the guest room but only stood at the doorway himself. “You can stay here these few days? If anything’s missing, you can tell the butler right away.”

Chapter 36 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:34:01 +0000

Chapter 36 - 2#

Jing Shun chuckled at his words. “Mm, that’s true.”

During their brief exchange, Gou Bao stealthily sniffed at Eone, confirming that the other dog didn’t mind it at all, then perked up again, bounding around Eone in circles.

Eone let the smaller dog prance around, its slender tail twitching slightly.

Yu Zhen could tell his big dog was secretly happy. He suggested, “No one in this area keeps dogs, so Eone usually doesn’t have any playmates here. Jing Shun, are you planning to keep walking? Want to team up?”

Chapter 37 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 37 - 1#

“……”

Baby?

Who was he calling?

Jing Shun’s mind went blank.

Once he came to his senses, he quickly shook off Gou Bao’s paw, rolled up the blanket, and buried himself inside. “I—I’m going to sleep.”

Chi Gui chuckled quietly. “Alright, rest early.”

The door closed, and everything fell silent.

Gou Bao lay back down in its dog bed, guarding its giant treat as it drifted off to sleep. But Jing Shun, thanks to that ambiguous “goodnight” about a vague “significant other,” unexpectedly found himself unable to sleep.

Chapter 37 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 37 - 2#

Power, money, and status were equally important in this circle.

Jing Shun found the name familiar and guessed, “Is Miss Mo Man we met on the cruise ship his daughter?”

Chi Gui nodded.

Wei Di also understood the key point and reminded Chi Gui, “Miss Mo Man is here today as well.”

After all, Mo Jun had always tacitly approved of their group’s dock entry, but his attitude had suddenly turned slightly subtle in the past two days—

Chapter 38 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 38 - 1#

As the opening performance ended, the guests in the banquet hall smoothly resumed their socializing and conversations.

Xu Qin overheard her daughter’s reluctant objection and immediately stopped her attempts at matchmaking, instead chatting cheerfully with the other officials’ wives nearby.

Just as Mo Man was about to swap her wine glass for juice, the phone in her clutch bag buzzed with a vibration.

She set down the glass, picked up the phone, and glanced at it.

Chapter 38 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 38 - 2#

He shoved Mo Man hard to the ground, rolled up his sleeves, and strode quickly toward Jing Shun.

“Someone like you wants to play the hero? You think I won’t give you a proper lesson before the cops get here?”

Liu Chang grabbed Jing Shun by the collar of his suit jacket, but before his raised fist could come down, his whole body convulsed and he crumpled to the ground, his screams for help becoming slurred.

Chapter 39 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 39 - 1#

With the unexpected interlude of Mo Man, the progress of the Chi Corporation on the 0202 Dock Project was instead accelerated.

At the same time, the official website of the Zhang Group released a major personnel change—

Effective immediately, the former Chairman, Mr. Zhang Aode, would no longer hold the position due to personal reasons. Following a unanimous decision by the entire board of senior executives, the current Executive Chairman position would be taken over by Ms. Zhang Yazhi.

Chapter 39 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 39 - 2#

He had endured under the old man’s watchful eye for so many years, only managing to let loose and enjoy himself a little recently. Now, he couldn’t accept being trampled underfoot by his own biological daughter!

Zhang Mingxuan glanced at Zhang Aode on the sofa. For once, a rare moment of understanding passed between father and son.

His words were both a reminder and a hint. “Dad, didn’t Grandpa know a lot of people in the underworld when he was alive? If you step forward now, you should still be able to find a few reliable people to get things done, right?”

Chapter 40 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 40 - 1#

Yu Zhen woke up with a splitting headache, the air around him thick with a pungent, fishy smell that was hard to bear.

“Cough, cough!”

“Yu Zhen? You awake?”

“…”

A low voice came from nearby, familiar.

Yu Zhen forced himself to push through the physical pain and, in the dim light, made out the face in front of him. “Jing, Jing Shun?”

Jing Shun lifted his bound hands and made a shushing gesture. “Keep your voice down. How are you feeling?”

Chapter 40 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 40 - 2#

Going back forty or fifty years, the Shabei District of Aoshi City was one of the most bustling places around. Both the southwest and southeast districts connected to the advantageous shallow bay, where countless shipyards were born and thrived.

It wasn’t until Aoshi’s gambling/casino industry grew stronger and gradually replaced this sector that the shipyards in this area slowly declined.

In recent years, the government hasn’t been in a rush to develop and replace it, and this area has gradually become a sparsely populated no-man’s-land.

Chapter 41 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 41 - 1#

The bearded man winced in pain and lurched downward, “Ah!”

He caught sight of a crowd of figures rushing in from the perimeter and gritted his teeth, yanking Jing Shun to his feet. Pulling a dagger from his waist, he snarled, “Don’t come any closer! Take one more step, and I’ll kill him!”

“…”

Jing Shun felt a chill at his throat—the sharp blade could slit his windpipe and send him to death’s door with the slightest misstep.

Chapter 41 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:12:11 +0000

Chapter 41 - 2#

Qin Ye took his lover’s hand, “We were still discussing how to break through the locked door without alarming the enemy, but we didn’t expect you to make a move first, helping us coordinate from the inside.”

Yu Zhen didn’t dare to take credit, looking at Jing Shun with the relief of having survived a disaster, “It was Jing Shun who was clever—he guessed you were already outside as soon as he saw Gou Bao.”

Chapter 42 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 42 - 1#

“……”

Zhang Aode glanced sideways, and when he saw the masked figure in the wheelchair, a flicker of disbelief crossed his feigned calm face. “Jing, Jing Shun?”

Zhang Mingxuan, hearing his father’s muttered name, shot up from his seat, looking as if he had seen a ghost.

What?

How was this possible?

Just before the press conference started, Yang Wei had video-called him to confirm—

Jing Shun was still tied up!

Chapter 42 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 42 - 2#

Zhang Yazhi understood better than anyone that this kidnapping was not only meant to threaten the Chi Corporation but also to cut off her cooperation and any backup plans.

“Madam Zhang, please don’t dwell on it. It has nothing to do with you.”

Jing Shun disliked the idea of dragging others into the blame. Instead, he was a bit worried. “But you publicly sided with us instead of speaking up for your biological father and brother…”

Chapter 43 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 43 - 1#

“……”

Give a hand?

When Jing Shun first heard those words, he thought Chi Gui had gotten into some accident. He quickly wheeled himself out of the room in his wheelchair.

Ding-dong.

The elevator by the spiral staircase opened on cue.

Wei Di and the butler helped Chi Gui out, supporting him on both sides. Chi Gui’s eyes were half-lidded, his steps unsteady, and on his face was an unprecedented look of painful drunkenness.

Chapter 43 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 43 - 2#

Over the years, Chi Gui had been like an endless work machine, running nonstop only to keep himself from thinking too much about the person he couldn’t mention.

But just four months ago, Chi Gui, who had been living like a human machine, suddenly seemed to gain consciousness.

Not only did he frequently reply to messages across time zones, but occasionally there was even a hint of a smile on his face.

Chapter 44 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 44 - 1#

The plane landed in Hai City.

Chi Gui did not go directly back to the Chi residence. Instead, he first took Jing Shun to meet Professor Song Chunhui.

After an interval of more than half a month, Jing Shun underwent another comprehensive physical examination.

Holding the new data report, Professor Song looked pleased. “The recovery after the first round of surgery is even better than anticipated, and it’s clear that your nutrition has been well-balanced during this period.”

Chapter 44 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 44 - 2#

Yu Xiuzhu remained silent, merely starting the car with relentless focus.

Jing Shun, well aware of his easygoing nature, teased him relentlessly. “Didn’t you know? Looking at him, he seemed pretty pitiful, like you were the one who abandoned him.”

“Nonsense.”

Yu Xiuzhu changed the subject. “I’ll take you to eat something good.”

Jing Shun snickered. “Mm-hmm.”

…

Just past ten.

Jing Shun returned to the Chi residence and noticed the lights were still on in the first-floor living room.

Chapter 45 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 45 - 1#

Jing Shun hadn’t received a character biography in a long time, and a flicker of excitement surfaced in his eyes.

But he quickly restrained his emotions and opened the electronic document with a serious and cautious attitude.

Before the formal character biography, the document contained a general introduction to the script.

Fu Changting’s new drama was called “Traces,” a crime investigation drama set in a modern urban backdrop.

Chapter 45 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 45 - 2#

Jing Shun raised his juice. “I can’t drink alcohol yet, so I’ll toast Sister Yin with juice instead. Thank you for giving me the chance to be on the variety show.”

“Easy.”

Yu Yinhe clinked glasses with him, hiding a blessing. “When you’re fully recovered, make it up with real liquor.”

Jing Shun smiled and agreed. “Sure.”

…

Jing Shun stayed at the celebration banquet until almost nine, then excused himself early after signaling to the others.

Chapter 46 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 46 - 1#

Chi Gui received a call from the driver, Old Zhang, and rushed back from the group headquarters immediately, heading straight for the West Building, which he hadn’t set foot in for a long time.

——Bang!

Wei Di, catching his boss’s subtle signal, kicked open the wooden fence gate of the front yard with one swift motion.

Chi Gui stormed into the brightly lit hall in three quick strides, but the scene before him made both him and his two assistants freeze in their tracks—

Chapter 46 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 46 - 2#

Jing Shun got his approval and curled the corners of his mouth. “Chi Gui, don’t listen to his nonsense.”

“What?”

“The old man was shouting pretty loudly just now. I caught a bit of it.”

Jing Shun explained first, then gave a sincere reassurance: “The deceased old gentleman was quite perceptive. That guy from the West Wing is completely unreliable. If the Chi family business isn’t handed over to you, it’ll probably go bankrupt sooner or later.”

Chapter 47 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 47 - 1#

The second round of surgery proceeded as scheduled and went very smoothly.

After confirming the successful completion of the surgery, Chi Gui immediately flew overseas again, spending the entire month dealing with unknown corporate affairs.

During the month of postoperative recovery, Jing Shun received the complete script for the last unit of the TV drama Traces. He used the ample time to thoroughly study a new role—one he hadn’t taken on in years.

Chapter 47 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 47 - 2#

Jing Shun continued shifting his right foot, silently counting in his mind, “Two.”

He still managed to stay steady.

Chi Gui stared without blinking at the person before him, a tension he had never felt before gathering in his eyes. He hardly dared to breathe.

The third step, the fourth step—

A few short seconds stretched out like an entire century.

Until Jing Shun finally moved through the last step, truly standing firm in front of Chi Gui.

Chapter 48 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 48 - 1#

Time quickly arrived at August 8th.

Inside the crew’s break room, the makeup artist finished Jing Shun’s first look according to the character’s needs—

The hair, intentionally grown out for the role, was neatly styled, leaving a natural curve at the nape of his neck.

Jing Shun wore a pair of semi-rimmed gold wire glasses on the bridge of his nose. Beneath the lenses, his peach blossom eyes were soft and gentle, with a faint red teardrop mole at the outer corner, blending subtly into the rosy hue.

Chapter 48 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 48 - 2#

Just for this “lively swallow,” Jing Shun had practiced on the drawing paper over a hundred times, all for this moment of mastery through repetition!

Amid the brief exchange, muffled gasps sounded around him again—

Because the monitor screen had moved up, zooming in on Jing Shun’s overly beautiful face. A faint golden halo refracted at the edges of his eyes, making even the tear mole beneath seem sacred.

Chapter 49 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 49 - 1#

The crew’s parking lot was open-air.

At that moment, the only entrance and exit was crowded with fans lying in wait.

The moment Jing Shun appeared in his wheelchair, exclamations rose from the crowd: “Oh my god, it’s Jing Shun!”

In an instant, everyone raised their phones and cameras, and there were even low murmurs of discussion:

“Is Teacher Xiao Jing here for a visit?”

“Haven’t you seen today’s leaked call sheet? It listed actor Jing Shun—probably a new role joining the cast, not officially announced yet.”

Chapter 49 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 49 - 2#

He dreamed of killing that beast!

Yan Xiangnan had undoubtedly walked right into the line of fire, seeking his own death.

One late night, Yan Zijing gave Yan Xiangnan a heavy dose of sleeping pills, then ended his scumbag father’s life with a single stroke of a knife.

As someone who had just been released from prison and had cut ties with relatives, Yan Xiangnan’s “disappearance” and “death” went completely unnoticed.

Chapter 50 - 1

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 50 - 1#

“……”

Like? What kind of like?

Hearing those words, Jing Shun was too stunned to react at all.

Chi Gui caught the look on his face, and his impulse was yanked back by reason, but he stubbornly refused to say anything to smooth it over.

He wanted to know the answer from Jing Shun, yet feared that answer would shatter him.

Time felt stretched into a century—

Chapter 50 - 2

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:47:48 +0000

Chapter 50 - 2#

He wasn’t the type to easily give up on something he wanted.

Yu Zhen snorted. “Well, there you have it.”

As the old saying goes, the onlooker sees the game best while the player is lost!

Tonight, he had fully realized it—and he could swear to it—

Chi Gui was absolutely, irrevocably in love with Jing Shun! If his buddy made the first move, the other would probably be over the moon!

Chapter 51 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Chapter 51 - 1#

“Director Zheng!”

A shout suddenly rang out from the assistant director. “Could you come over and confirm this shot’s composition?”

Zheng Chun’an heard this and immediately shifted his focus. “Coming!”

He glanced at Chi Gui, who was already on his way back, and patted Jing Shun’s wheelchair armrest. “I’ll head over first. You two can chat.”

Jing Shun knew the shoot was a priority and nodded.

Chapter 51 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Chapter 51 - 2#

To Yan Zijing, anyone who commits domestic violence should be dead and gone from this world!

He wasn’t doing something evil—he was doing something good! Saving those innocent wives and children, and also saving his own powerless childhood self!

The filming continued.

Jing Shun, playing Yan Zijing, grew more and more unhinged as he spoke. Suddenly, the hand gripping the utility knife lifted.

Some criminal police officers mistakenly thought he was about to stab the little girl in his arms. Their nerves taut, they fired without hesitation.

Chapter 52 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Chapter 52 - 1#

Jing Shun unexpectedly fell into the depths of Chi Gui’s pupils, letting the emotions drown him.

Out of nervousness, his fingertips rubbed back and forth, trying to confirm that what had just happened wasn’t his imagination. “You… what did you say?”

“…”

Chi Gui sighed, but only silently took out a disinfectant cotton swab from the bag.

Jing Shun bent down a little closer. “Chi Gui.”

Chapter 52 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Chapter 52 - 2#

“Okay.”

The elevator stopped at the top floor.

On this floor, aside from the largest office belonging to the chairman, the remaining workspace was occupied by junior secretaries and department executives.

There were fewer than twenty people in total, an elite team personally assembled by Chi Gui.

The usually dead-quiet office floor was now buzzing with a rare murmur of chatter.

The moment Chi Gui stepped out of the elevator, everyone immediately fell silent. Yet, without exception, their gazes turned toward him, barely concealing their nosy curiosity.

Chapter 53 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Chapter 53 - 1#

Five years ago.

At the Yunlan Private Villa in Hai City.

In the outermost open-air parking lot, hundreds of luxury cars were parked in an orderly fashion. A taxi driver who had accidentally followed his navigation into the lot was stunned when he saw the license plates lined up.

“Wow, that’s quite a show?”

He took the opportunity to observe the passenger in the back seat through the rearview mirror—

Chapter 53 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Chapter 53 - 2#

Jing Shun shot him a questioning little glance and couldn’t help letting out a shallow alcohol burp.

Chi Gui understood and responded calmly, “I came out for some fresh air too.”

This family reunion banquet today had never been his wish.

Those hypocritical faces flattered and catered to him to his face, but behind his back, who knew how they would slander and scorn him, this illegitimate son?

Chapter 54 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 54 - 1#

Chi Gui looked down at the egg in his palm, his heart growing heavy.

Eight months after the Chi family sent him abroad, his grandfather still succumbed to bone cancer and passed away.

From then on, Chi Gui never received this simple yet special gift again.

Chi Gui tried to steady his surging emotions. “I just mentioned it in passing at dinner. How did you remember?”

Chapter 54 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 54 - 2#

It was just that he had finally recognized his own heart and wanted to try to hold onto the person before him.

Even though Yu Zhen always confidently analyzed that Chi Gui definitely had feelings for him, Jing Shun didn’t dare to arrogantly believe that judgment.

After all, from childhood to adulthood, no one had truly loved him.

Deep down, he was more afraid than anyone else—afraid that Chi Gui’s special treatment was all a lie.

Chapter 55 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 55 - 1#

There was no rehabilitation training today. Jing Shun and his friend spent a leisurely afternoon until evening—

“Woof!”

“Arf woof!”

The two dogs, who had been playing outside, suddenly barked one after another. Eone, usually quiet, barked even more excitedly.

Yu Zhen recognized his dog’s voice and stood up anxiously. “Jing Shun, you stay seated. I’ll go check it out.”

Jing Shun nodded and glanced at the time—

Chapter 55 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 55 - 2#

An He called the interview number on a whim, never expecting to get the job so effortlessly.

Originally, he worried it might be a scam—until planes turned into large boats, and large boats turned into small ones that finally landed him on the island. Only then did he realize such a job really existed.

Ping’an Island was over four hours by sea from the nearest mainland.

Chapter 56 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 56 - 1#

Bang!

Jing Shun momentarily lost his balance and ended up falling to the floor, even the crutch he was supporting himself with flew out of his hand.

The nearby medical staff rushed over immediately and helped him up. “Mr. Jing, are you okay? Are you alright?”

“…”

A thin layer of sweat covered Jing Shun’s body. He sat back down in his wheelchair and waved his hand. “I’m fine.”

Chapter 56 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 56 - 2#

Jing Shun didn’t move for a moment, trying to bluff his way out. “I’m fine.”

Chi Gui deliberately teased him into cooperating. “Jing Shun, if you want to chase me, shouldn’t you go along with what I want? Or are you not planning to put on a good show?”

“…”

That’s nonsense.

What kind of performance was this supposed to be?

Jing Shun felt like Chi Gui was tricking him, but he resignedly rolled up his loose pant legs anyway.

Chapter 57 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 57 - 1#

His train of thought came to a brief halt.

At the edge of the crowd, Meng Zhide caught Jing Shun’s gaze and smiled at him as usual.

It had been over four months since they last saw each other. Meng Zhide’s physique hadn’t changed much, but there was a sharper gleam of cunning and scrutiny in his eyes.

Jing Shun quickly averted his gaze from their exchange. Just then, two voices rang out from the entrance: “Hello everyone!”

Chapter 57 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 57 - 2#

“I slept really well last night.”

“Today’s recording should go on all day—it’s going to be busy.”

“When it’s over tonight, if you’re free, I’ll message you~”

Jing Shun dutifully finished his update, then crawled out from under the covers to start another day of working in front of the camera.

…

The next day was the main filming content for this episode of the group variety show: a large-scale live-action scripted murder mystery game, with only one break in the middle.

Chapter 58 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 58 - 1#

“Ah!”

Meng Zhide let out a short, pained cry and collapsed to the side.

But Jing Shun wasn’t faring much better. He fell backward with the tilting wheelchair, his the back of his head slamming hard against the cold floor.

“Mm.”

Jing Shun gritted his teeth, swallowing the pain as he struggled to roll off the now-toppled wheelchair.

But the dizziness in the back of his head grew heavier, his vision blurring and swaying. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, an anxious voice pierced through his eardrums.

Chapter 58 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 58 - 2#

He kissed the back of Jing Shun’s hand, pressing it tightly against his own cheek. His eyes were closed for a long time before he finally uttered a single sentence, filled with deep guilt—

“Baby.”

“I’m sorry.”

Sorry—he had nearly been swept away by the “luck” and “happiness” of this period, failing utterly to protect him as he should have.

Fortunately, fate hadn’t been so cruel to him this time.

Chapter 59 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 59 - 1#

Hengcheng, Longchuan Villa District.

Agent Xie Chunfeng sipped his drink while speaking calmly into the phone. “Brother Chen, Yu Lin has been busy with group training lately. Yes, his career is on the rise, so being busy is a good thing.”

“Oh, I asked the assistant. He said he did see Li Chuan and Jing Shun walking together that night, but he didn’t know what they were going to do.”

Chapter 59 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 59 - 2#

Twenty minutes later, the heads of the brand partners attending this drinking party had all arrived. After two or three rounds of laced foreign liquor, everyone had revealed their true colors.

There were three small rooms arranged inside the private room.

The bold ones started fooling around right at the table, while the more reserved ones took their chosen drinking companions into the small rooms.

Meng Zhide’s orientation had always been peculiar, and he felt no interest in any of these people.

Chapter 60 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 60 - 1#

The chill of early autumn began to invade the night.

Chi Gui slept alone in his bed, but his expression was far from peaceful. The lingering nightmare swept over him once again.

Chi Gui pushed open the half-closed door, and the cold air inside rushed to meet him, even colder than the snow-covered outdoors.

The medical staff, who had arrived ahead of schedule after receiving the call, were working desperately to perform first aid. Jing Shun lay on the stretcher, his exposed body nothing but skin and bones.

Chapter 60 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 60 - 2#

No way! The baby is too young! The baby won’t accept this!

Chi Gui could tell it wasn’t convinced. “I said no means no. And especially not on the bed, sleeping with Jing Shun.”

The puppy stomped its front paws in frustration. “Woof! Woof woof!”

The baby doesn’t listen to you, Gui!

It abandoned its intercepted dog bed and made a detour, planning to charge straight into the master bedroom.

Chapter 61 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 61 - 1#

An autumn wind rose, scattering plane tree leaves across the ground.

The outer street of the old residential building had been uniformly renovated with wooden fixtures. A black sedan had long since occupied a diagonal parking spot, but the person inside showed no sign of getting out.

Chi Gui didn’t urge Jing Shun in the passenger seat; he quietly held his hand instead.

The heater was on low in the car, but Jing Shun’s hand was still cold.

Chapter 61 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 61 - 2#

Jing Shun didn’t want Xu Jia to know about Chi Gui’s existence, fearing it would cause unnecessary trouble. “I live with a friend, life is pretty convenient.”

Xu Jia asked again, “How’s your leg? Can it get better? I see you’ve started taking on TV dramas again?”

“Still in rehab, not sure how much I can recover.”

A flicker of consideration passed through Jing Shun’s lowered gaze as he deliberately blurred his current situation. “I spent a lot of money on surgery a while back. Now I have to take whatever work comes my way, and I’ll need to pay it back later.”

Chapter 62 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 62 - 1#

Jing Shun was very interested in this charity event, agreeing to the invitation as soon as it was extended. A week later, he set off with the official team of the charity organization—

Starting from Haishi, they traveled all the way to Yi County, a poverty-stricken county in the southwestern part of Chuanshi.

The bus, loaded with charity supplies and volunteers, stopped at the gate of the county’s only Love Primary School.

Chapter 62 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 62 - 2#

Chi Gui suppressed the faint bitterness in his heart and slowly stood up from the ground.

Jing Shun moved closer in time and gently held his wrist. “Chi Gui, are you okay?”

Chi Gui looked at him, took off his mask without hesitation, and said, “I’m fine. Let’s go eat too.”

Jing Shun knew this wasn’t a good time for a heart-to-heart. After confirming that his lover didn’t show any major emotional disturbance, he agreed. “Okay.”

Chapter 63 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 63 - 1#

The next morning, Chi Gui and the small team he formed with the others left first, heading to a small village in the surrounding mountains to provide free public aid.

Jing Shun finished his activities at Yixian Elementary School and returned to Chuanshi ahead of the main group. The bus arrived at the designated assembly hotel just past five o’clock.

This hotel was the official accommodation for the public welfare team. Everyone was paired up and assigned to standard twin rooms.

Chapter 63 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 63 - 2#

“……”

A mechanical voice devoid of any emotion came through.

Signal in the mountains was prone to instability, making it normal for calls not to go through. Unable to reach his lover, Jing Shun had no choice but to give up.

He zoomed in on the photo, then zoomed in further, his gaze fixated on that impossibly familiar face, a whirlwind of emotions surging within him—

Chapter 64 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 64 - 1#

The convoy stopped again on the mountain road.

“I’m sorry, the number you dialed is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.”

“…”

The mechanical voice sounded again, each time colder than the last.

Jing Shun felt his heart go numb from the cold, turning his head to look out the window at the rain that was about to stop, but hadn’t yet.

Many sections of the mountain road had been blocked by rolling mud, rocks, and broken trees. Almost every short while, the rescue team ahead had to stop to clear the obstacles.

Chapter 64 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 64 - 2#

Many people didn’t even have time to grab their belongings, only taking essential water and food.

“I left my phone with the GPS chip in my bag and couldn’t get it, but luckily we reacted in time—”

The moment everyone entered the cave, the mountain disaster erupted all at once, and mudslides blocked most of the entrance.

“The signal in the mountains completely cut out. None of us could make calls. I didn’t sleep all night, afraid you’d worry if you heard the news.”

Chapter 65 - 1

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 65 - 1#

-Ten years ago-

In Hengcheng, the August heat was at its peak.

When Song Yu finished his last errand run for Camera Group B, it was already two in the afternoon.

“What’s up? Hey, there’s only this box left. No picking and choosing.”

“Okay, thanks Brother Yang.”

Song Yu shamelessly asked the crew coordinator for a boxed lunch and found a shady corner to quietly settle down.

Chapter 65 - 2

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:40:24 +0000

Chapter 65 - 2#

Jing Shun had Milk Ball sit where it was, while he took a couple steps forward and tried to gauge with his eyes, “Brother, you’re 1.8 meters tall, right? Are you a tourist here for fun? Are you a college student?”

That rapid-fire series of questions fully exposed his “chatterbox” nature.

Could he really jabber on that much to a complete stranger? If he ran into someone familiar, how lively would he get?

Chapter 66 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 66 - 1#

The warm-colored bedside lamp cast its glow on Chi Gui, also illuminating that fragment of memory sealed deep in his mind.

Jing Shun met the deep pupils of the person before him and couldn’t help but take a light breath. “So… so it was you back then?”

Chi Gui saw his sudden realization and a smile touched his lips. “Remember now?”

Not everyone can recall every detail of their childhood with perfect clarity—Chi Gui understood that.

Chapter 66 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 66 - 2#

Chi Gui laid his heart out to Jing Shun, the shadows in his eyes deepening into an impenetrable gloom, mixed with an unshakable guilt.

“Baby, but I was still wrong.”

“…”

They gazed at each other in silence, yet Jing Shun suddenly understood—he understood everything.

He wrapped his arms tightly around his lover. “Chi Gui, my accident wasn’t your fault. Don’t feel guilty about it, don’t think you owe me something!”

Chapter 67 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 67 - 1#

It was not until five in the morning that the two fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Jing Shun’s body temperature hadn’t fluctuated, and he slept soundly all the way until one in the afternoon, when his empty stomach woke him with hunger.

The moment he opened his eyes, he was met with Chi Gui sitting by the bed, handling some work.

“Mm.”

As soon as that unconscious sleepy sound escaped him, Chi Gui immediately looked over. “Baby, you’re awake?”

Chapter 67 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 67 - 2#

Yu Xiuzhu poured Jing Shun a glass of warm lemon water before circling back to the earlier topic. “So, why did you come straight to the company after landing?”

Jing Shun picked up the lemon water, moistening his throat.

He looked at Yu Xiuzhu across from him, a hint of caution in his eyes. “Brother Yu, I got a voice call from Xie Congjin the moment I landed.”

Chapter 68 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 68 - 1#

Jing Shun had sent Chi Gui the restaurant address ahead of time.

Just before eight, he walked out of the restaurant, spotted his lover’s license plate in the parking lot at a glance, and got in with a smile.

Chi Gui met his curved lips and leaned over to fasten his seatbelt unprompted. “How come it ended so quickly?”

“Hmm?”

Jing Shun took in the handsome face so close to his, seized the chance to steal a kiss on the corner of his lover’s mouth, but before he could pull back, Chi Gui caught the back of his head and deepened the kiss.

Chapter 68 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 68 - 2#

Chigui’s fingertips brushed through his hair, gently pressing and massaging to help him relax. “Tired?”

Jing Shun said, “A little.”

Chigui knew he was in a bad mood, but deliberately avoided mentioning Jiang Keshan and Xu Jia. “Then sleep early?”

Jing Shun couldn’t sleep and couldn’t help speaking his mind. “I originally thought she just made up some excuse to fool me. I didn’t expect it to be true.”

Chapter 69 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 69 - 1#

海市，金源区。

黑车停在了小区门口。

景瞬望着全然陌生的小区环境，深吸一口气，“到了，那我先下车了。”

“嗯，去吧，有事立刻给我打电话。”

迟归点了点恋人的腕表，又将车后座的礼物袋子提了上来，“我就在这儿等你，哪里都不去。”

景瞬吻了吻他，不确定道，“估计得两个多小时呢，你会不会无聊？”

迟归接话，“没事，等你回来。”

车内空间够大，坐着不会累，何况趁着这点功夫，他能把剩余的工作批文都看完。

景瞬提着礼品袋下了车，又冲迟归眨了眨眼，这才朝着小区正门走去。

迟归目送恋人的身影远离。

他慢半拍地收回视线，拿起平板继续审阅未处理完的工作文件。

金源区是海市的镶边区域，房价对比起市中心那是便宜了一大半。

即便如此，姜客山和徐佳还是只能租房子租，大概是投资失败、资金上还没完全缓冲过来。

景瞬暗暗猜测，却没露出半点不满。

他按照徐佳提前发来的地址，爬上四楼，确认门牌号后按下门铃——

“叮咚！”

屋门响起欢快的小跑声，很快有人开了门。

景瞬没在门缝里瞧见任何身影，愣了愣，忽然听见底下传来一道甜甜的叫唤，“是哥哥吗？”

几乎是同一时间，景瞬挪下目光——

一张漂亮又甜美的小脸蛋映入他的眼帘。

对方扎着一个高高的丸子头，穿了一身黑白色拼接的连衣裙，小小年纪，气质却很出挑。

景瞬迟疑了两秒，“姜瓷？”

他同母异父的亲妹妹。

“是我呀！”

姜瓷热情响应，一下子蹦跶着抱住了景瞬的双腿，她仰头时，那双水润润的桃花眼里充斥着雀跃。

“哥哥，你好！我终于见到你啦！”

“……”

景瞬感受到眼前人发自真心的欢迎，很意外。

他忽地想起自己当初去找景观海时，同父异母的景洋对自己的恶劣态度，与眼前这人相比天差地别。

短暂对视间，景瞬的内心深处涌出一丝不可思议的亲昵，像是血缘之间独有的羁绊。

还没等他想好要怎么打招呼回应，屋内的徐佳就赶了过来，“小瞬，你来啦？欢迎欢迎。”

明明是过生日，徐佳却穿了一件再居家不过的常服，她没了以往在外光鲜亮丽的打扮，而是完全的素颜朝天。

眼前人扬着欢喜的笑容，仿佛只是一位期盼着儿子归家的母亲。

景瞬几乎没接触这一面的徐佳，陌生得让他有些踌躇。

徐佳像是没发现这点，只是催促小女儿，“小瓷，快，别用力抱着哥哥的腿了，快让他进来。”

“哦！”

姜瓷松开景瞬，然后主动去牵他的手，“哥哥，快进来。”

景瞬垂眸望着妹妹软乎乎的小手，没有挣扎，任由对方把自己带进了屋内。

房子的面积不大，只有两个卧室，剩下的空间就是正常的厨、卫、厅，不过有个小阳台，上面种满了花。

姜瓷拉着景瞬的手不放，介绍，“哥哥，这个卧室我和妈妈睡，爸爸很忙，偶然才回来，这个卧室是哥哥的。”

景瞬思绪凝了两秒，转瞬才反应过来——

姜瓷最后的这声哥哥，并不是在指他，而是姜客山和前妻生下的那个儿子。

“小瓷，咱们家这么小，有什么好参观的？快让哥哥过来。”

徐佳从厨房里端出了茶托，上面放了好几样茶水饮料，她看着姜瓷牵着景瞬的手不放，笑着对景瞬解释：

“你妹妹和你小时候一样，是个自来熟，她早就盼着你来了。”

景瞬微微勾唇，带着姜瓷走到餐桌前。

他将右手提着的礼品袋递给了徐佳，温声说，“给您买了个小蛋糕，还有一个生日礼物，也给姜瓷买了一个见面礼。”

“哇塞！哥哥，我也有礼物拿吗？”

姜瓷惊喜地瞪大眼睛，这才松开景瞬，眼巴巴地看着徐佳手中的礼品袋。

徐佳看见袋上的奢侈品logo，眸泛微波，“你来，妈妈就已经很高兴了，还花这些钱破费做什么？”

景瞬表现如常，“应该的。”

姜瓷很期待，“妈妈，哥哥，我现在可以看看吗？”

徐佳没接话，只是将询问的眼神递给了景瞬。

景瞬微微额头，“可以。”

他给徐佳买了一条钻石项链，给姜瓷买了一条红金丝编织的手链，手绳上面串着花芯是纯金的。

小小年纪的姜瓷很喜欢，迫不及待地将手绳带上，甜甜道谢。

徐佳没动项链，似乎是舍不得戴。

Chapter 69 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 69 - 2#

就是这次意外经历，年纪还小的景瞬对“哥哥”就存了执念，他还无数次追问徐佳：

“妈妈，你能不能再给我生个哥哥？”

后来再长大了一点，景瞬明白自己这辈子不可能再有亲哥哥后，就更改了目标。

徐佳想起来还觉得有意思，“你啊，从小进组就那样，一有年纪比你稍长的小演员或者小朋友，你就爱追着人家屁股后面喊哥哥，想着交朋友。”

景瞬舀了一口汤，脸颊隐隐生热，“有吗？”

“怎么没有？”

徐佳随手给他举两个例子，“你现在的经纪人是喻修竹吧？前段时间和傅长汀合作过吧？之前在剧组认识的时候，是不是逮着他们俩喊哥哥？”

徐佳提起这两人，但景瞬脑子里浮现得是十八岁的宋予——

两人初见时，景瞬对他也是一口一个“哥哥”，还把对方整得不好意思了

想到这事，景瞬忍不住轻笑出声，“嗯，好像是。”

徐佳听见他毫无芥蒂的、称得上轻松的笑声，还以为是自己找的回忆话题起了作用。

她跟着笑，“妈妈现在想到你小时候啊，就觉得可有意思了。”

景瞬笑容收了点，但情绪还很不错。

他主动给边上的姜瓷挖了一块蛋糕，随口转移话题，“姜伯伯现在在做什么？之前听你说，是出了点问题？”

徐佳脸色微变，很快又调整回来，“哦，没事，家里能撑得住。”

现在短剧市场不是正热，姜客山正试图在这一新生的下沉市场捞金，只是新的短剧市场再怎么有赚头，他们家里还是欠了一屁股的债。

徐佳瞥见礼品盒子上的奢侈品logo，想起那串五位数报价的项链，有些克制已久的想法再度冒到了嗓子眼，“小瞬……”

紧闭的屋门就响起了钥匙转动的声音，将她的话堵了回去。

景瞬下意识地朝门口开去，下一秒，有人推门而入——

两人的目光隔空对视。

来人的长相算得上英俊，眼型细长，透着一股痞坏的张扬劲头，他的身材比例很好，是个上镜吃香的好苗子。

原本还坐在位置上姜瓷再次蹦跶下来，朝着对方跑去，“哥～”

“……”

景瞬沉默地看着，已经确认了来人的身份。

对方抱起姜瓷，慢悠悠地往餐桌里面，“徐姨，家里有客人啊？”

“小凡回来啦？”

徐佳略微有些不自然地起身，缓了两秒才介绍，“这位是我儿子，景瞬，小瞬，这位就是你姜伯伯的儿子，姜不凡。”

不凡？

景瞬对上眼前人张扬的眼色，觉得这名字取得还挺恰当。

正当他犹豫要不要主动打招呼的时候，姜不凡率先伸出了一只手，“你好，初次见面，经常听徐姨提起你。”

人家主动释放好意，再迟疑就显得没礼貌。

景瞬起身，点头回握，“你好。”

徐佳瞧见两人轻松打了招呼，那点紧张才消散干净，“你们俩就称呼对方名字吧，同岁呢，小瞬大了一个月。”

“是吗？”

姜不凡的个头比景瞬高了一两厘米，带着点故意的打趣，“我喊哥哥也可以。”

景瞬婉拒，“不用了。”

“开个玩笑。”

姜不凡见景瞬坐了自己的位置，瞳孔深处略过一丝暗芒。

他放下姜瓷，改道坐在另外一边，“徐姨，飞机晚点，我才回来晚了。”

“没事没事，你回来就好。”徐佳对姜不凡的态度很热络，甚至有点隐隐的讨好，“先坐，阿姨去给你拿碗筷。”

“好。”

景瞬将这一幕瞧进眼里，心绪晃荡了一寸。

他看向姜不凡，主动问，“你从哪里回来？”

徐佳从厨房里走了出来，代替回答，“帝京，小凡这段时间去帝京培训去了。”

姜瓷很聪明，一下子就分清了景瞬和姜不凡的年龄排序，她天真地透露，“二哥要当演员了呢！和大哥一样！”

景瞬有些意外，“你也是演员？”

虽然有些不礼貌，但他确实没有听说过娱乐圈里有“姜不凡”这号人物。

“演员也分很多种。”姜不凡像是自嘲，看向景瞬，“那我和你是没什么可比性的。”

和景瞬相反的是——

姜不凡从小热爱影视表演，父母手中有的是人脉资源，但他们不允许姜不凡提早涉足娱乐圈，而是悉心栽培他。

父母离婚后，姜不凡跟着父亲姜客山生活。

后者曾经承诺过他，在他考上影视专业的大学后，一定会给他配置足够好的影视资源。

可惜姜不凡艺考失利，和三大影视学院失之交臂，只上了次等的陵市表演艺术学院。

大学期间，心高气傲的他自暴自弃，任谁劝都没有用。

直到大四，姜客山终于说动了自家儿子、出演自己投资的电视剧的男二，自家“后门”可谓是打开特开，但这部电视剧播出后毫无水花，扑得很厉害。

姜客山后来大投资的三部电影，姜不凡都有参演，可事实就是，公司在电影投资上大亏特亏，同时白白耽误了姜不凡将近三年！

如今，姜不凡不愿再降身价去演无脑的短剧，而是在亲生母亲付梦的说服下，签约了环宇影视的演员训练营。

现在为期半年的训练结束了，公司该给他们物色合适的角色和剧本了。

姜不凡想起自己这些年浑浑噩噩的倒霉经历，看向景瞬的眸光深了些，“对了，你前段时间出演的《痕迹》我看过，很厉害。”

景瞬听见他的夸奖，“谢谢。”

徐佳坐回在自己的位置上，试图拉近两个孩子之间的关系，“说不定，你们俩以后也有机会合作。”

姜不凡揶揄，“徐姨，小景老师的咖位，我可够不上。”

徐佳捧着他，“怎么会呢？你也很优秀。”

她分别给他们兄妹三人夹了一块肉，看向景瞬，“你们俩现在都在娱乐圈里奋斗，要是未来能有好的、适合彼此的机会，可以相互推推，是吧？”

姜不凡很爱开玩笑，“那当然，那我先就等着景瞬了。”

Chapter 70 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 70 - 1#

-二十年前-

杭市，宁溪湿地公园。

每年冬初，湿地的冬候鸟就会陆续抵达，品种繁多，成了许多摄影爱好者们的天堂。

和其他景点一样，公园门口的北门有着许多小摊小贩，从茶叶蛋、关东煮等小吃，到各式各样的儿童玩具，应有尽有。

每逢周六日，湿地公园的游客量就会增多些。

不用上学的宋予起个大早，提着斜书包里装着的十袋散茶就打算出门，“外婆，我出发了！”

宋家外婆连忙走出来，递给他一块热好的红糖馒头，叮嘱， “这给你路上吃，中午就去你郑家嬢嬢的摊位上买点吃的，别饿着自己。”

“好。”

“你还小，这散茶能卖得出去就卖，卖不出去就算了，别待得太晚回来，晓得没？”

宋予点头，“晓得。”

宋家老两口当了大半辈子的茶农，哪怕已经年近六十，他们还是得提早贪黑去附近的茶园采茶、制茶挣钱。

前段时间，茶园老板送了老两口一大袋制剩的散茶，留在家里实在喝不完。

不过十岁的宋予灵机一动，打算去离家很近的宁溪湿地门口试试叫卖，说不定还能赚些钱填补家用呢！

这同村的郑家嬢嬢就在景区门口开了小摊位，每天早起晚归挣得也不少！

穷人家的孩子早当家。

宋家外婆虽然担心外孙独自出门，但拗不过宋予执意要去，只好再三交代，目送着对方在晨色中离家。

村子到宁溪湿地有一点点距离，公交车得开五站，宋予为了省这两块车费，步行走了过去。

等他抵达湿地公园门口时，小摊小贩都已经陆陆续续摆起来了，离得近的好位置早就没了。

“宋家小子，这边！”

郑嬢嬢瞧见寻觅中的宋予，喊他过去，“来这儿，我这儿有个空档给你摆。”

宋予谢过，这才蹲在地上将一袋袋称重包好的散茶摆了出来，一袋二十块，不贵。

郑嬢嬢知道宋家过得不容易，给宋予拿了一张小板凳，让他坐着。

宋予没什么叫卖经验，偶尔游客路过时才喊上两句，其余时间，他都窝在小板凳上写作业、复习功课。

临到中午，他也舍不得买吃的，将那块已经冷掉红糖馒头拿来垫肚子。

周六的人流量确实多。

宋予贴着郑嬢嬢琳琅满目的零售小车，还真好运气地卖出了五袋，赚了一百整。

直到下午四点，他估算了一下回去的路上时间，打算收摊回去。

“郑嬢嬢，谢谢，我先回去了！”

“欸，你等等。”

郑嬢嬢是个心热的，连忙追出来，随手将车架上的一打旺仔牛奶递了回去，“拿着回家喝！”

“……”

宋予之前没喝过这款旺仔牛奶，他不确定这饮料价格，踌躇着不敢接。

“哎呀拿着！嬢嬢请你的！”郑嬢嬢将东西塞在宋予手里，又拍了拍他的肩膀，“早点回去，省得你外公外婆担心！”

“谢谢嬢嬢。”

宋予收下这份好意，转身朝着北门外走去。

他不想绕一个大圈子再回到马路上，而是从停车场这块抄了近路，结果走上大路没几步，一阵呜咽抽泣声就传了过来。

“……”

哪里来的小孩哭声？

宋予仔细辨别着四周，朝着声源跑去——

公交站台的巨型广告牌边上，一个长相白净漂亮的小孩正害怕地蜷缩着，眼泪噼里啪啦地往下掉，怀里还紧紧抱着一个卡通小狗的小书包。

宋予愣住了。

他不确定地看了看四周，压根没有任何成年人的身影，谁家小孩跑丢了？这家长是不是也太粗心了一点？

就在宋予思考的间隙，眼前的小男孩像是突然找到了救星，哭着跑上来、抱住了他的大腿，“呜呜哥哥。”

“……”

宋予这辈子还没见过哭得这么漂亮的小孩。

皮肤白里透红，脸颊感觉是肉乎乎的，头发卷着像是洋娃娃，水汪汪的大眼睛正往下掉着眼泪，和珍珠一样。

要不是听见声音，真以为是个小姑娘。

宋予将他拉开，尝试询问，“你爸爸妈妈呢？”

小男孩重新黏上来，抱着他的大腿抽泣着不说话。

宋予无奈，“你别哭了。”

下一秒，哭得更大声了。

“……”

宋予当场表演一个手忙脚乱，只好蹲下哄着这素不相识的小男孩，“好了好了，我没凶你，你乖一点，不哭了，好吗？”

说着，他还将郑嬢嬢送的那打牛奶拿了出来，拆出吸管插在了第一瓶里，递给他，“来，喝点牛奶，好不好？”

小男孩没忍住，吸了一口。

香甜的牛奶稍稍止住了他的哭声，改成了小声啜泣。

宋予暗松一口气，尝试和他交流，“你几岁了？”

Chapter 70 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 70 - 2#

已经这个点了，他再不回去，外公外婆又该着急了！

好在没过多久，一位打扮靓丽但行色匆匆的女人就小跑着进了派出所。

对方没来得及和值班警察对上眼神，就先看见了大厅长椅上睡着的宝贝儿子，以及一位陌生的小男孩。

她连忙走去，一把将熟睡中的景瞬抱回自己的怀中，“吓死我了。”

大腿上的重量突然失去，宋予有些不习惯地愣了愣，他站起来，不放心地追问，“阿姨，他叫什么？”

徐佳怔了两三秒，猜出他的用意，“他是我儿子，叫景瞬，是你带他来派出所的吧？谢谢你啊。”

“不客气。”

宋予松了口气，“以后别把他弄丢了，他还小呢。”

值班警察走来，按照条例办事，“女士，麻烦你配合我们登记一下。”

徐佳点头，“应该的。”

宋予看了一眼墙上的时间，确认景瞬这边没问题后，拿起书包就往外走。

徐佳余光瞥见他的动作，连忙问，“欸，小朋友，你叫什么名字？阿姨还没好好谢谢你呢！”

“不用谢，叫我小宋就行了！”

宋予随口报出自己的姓氏，往外溜的步伐更快了，生怕被徐佳还有值班警察拦住。

“我外公外婆还在家里等我，阿姨再见！”

说完，他的身影就消失在了茫茫夜色中。

景瞬被一阵激烈的吵架声弄醒，他迷迷糊糊地喊了声，“哥哥？”

原本还在因为“孩子走丢”这事争执的徐佳和景观海，双双停了下来。

徐佳率先走到床边，温柔安抚他，“小瞬，醒了吗？妈妈在这儿呢。”

景瞬睡得脸颊通红，爬起来揉了揉自己的眼睛，发现自己已经在熟悉的酒店里了。

他看了看徐佳，又看了看景观海，第一反应却在问，“哥哥呢？”

景观海还没反应过来，“什么哥哥？”

徐佳才到景瞬在问睡，哄道，“那个哥哥已经回家了，以后有机会，妈妈再带你去找他好不好？”

景观海说，“小景，今天是爸爸做得不好，不应该丢下你一个人，以后再也不会了。”

景瞬心里惦记着已经离开的宋予，有些委屈地憋了憋嘴，他想起宋予送给自己的牛奶，连忙环顾四周寻找，“我的小狗书包呢？”

“要、要牛奶，哥哥给的牛奶。”

景观海自觉理亏，连忙将牛奶拿出来。

景瞬一手捧着小书包，一手攥着小盒牛奶，既不哭也不闹，大眼睛眨巴眨巴的，很乖也很漂亮。

徐佳这会儿对他还不严厉，宠着，“这么喜欢喝啊？让爸爸多给你买点，好吗？”

景瞬点点头，又问，“我们明天能去找哥哥吗？”

等见了面，他也有牛奶可以送给哥哥了。

一家三口已经定了明天回海市的火车票，徐佳只得又搪塞了两句。

景瞬毕竟还小，记不住事。

随着日子一点一点过去，他对于宋予的印象逐渐模糊，但脑海深处逐渐烙上了一丝渴望——

他想要个哥哥，就像宋予那样的。

后来，景瞬只要在剧组里遇见稍微年长的小朋友，就喜欢跟着对方的屁股后面喊哥哥，但内心深处总觉得缺了点什么。

直到十三岁那年生日，他在剧组外的回廊长椅上遇见了宋予。

三言两语间，融在灵魂深处的渴望再次荡漾，使得他忍不住想要亲近。

哪怕因为拍戏，景瞬实在没能抽出时间好好告别，但他让助理小姐姐转交给宋予的三样东西——

一封带着少年赤诚的祝福信，一块属于对方十八岁的生日蛋糕，以及那一打四盒的旺仔牛奶，是他来自幼年时期的回礼。

……

车子驶入了北馆车库。

景瞬沉浸在这份意料之外的童年缘分中，久久不能回神，直到迟归俯身解开他的安全带，“在想什么？”

景瞬笑了声，反问，“你之前为什么不告诉我？是不是也把这事忘得差不多了？那年在横城暑假重遇的时候，你还认得我吗？”

迟归听见他一连串脱口而出的好奇，“想听实话？”

“当然。”

“我当年也才十岁吧？说实话，起初回忆起来觉得自己做了’好人好事‘，好像挺厉害的，是记了一阵子。”

不过，岁月终究会模糊覆盖很多记忆，直到八九年后，两人重新偶遇。

一开始，迟归是没想起来，可听见景瞬再度说出那句自我介绍——

景色的景，一瞬间的瞬。

景瞬忍俊不禁，“以前跑剧组，习惯对外这么介绍自己，这句话都快成我的口头禅了。”

因为这句熟悉的自我介绍，迟归当下挖出了一点儿记忆深处的画面，但他猜到景瞬肯定不记得了，干脆没提，免得对方以为他在编故事、攀关系。

上回在川市，迟归是故意没提这事的。

因为当初景瞬的走丢十有八/九是父母失责，他怕对方会再次受到不必要的情绪伤害。

没想到，景瞬今晚反而从徐佳那边得知了这段幼年经历。

景瞬想起迟归对自己的称呼，后知后觉地回过味，“那你喊我’瞬瞬‘，也是因为最开始的自我介绍？”

旁人亲近喊他，无非是“小景”“阿景”“小瞬”，只有眼前人会喊他“瞬瞬”。

“是。”

迟归不否认，像是在逗他，“景，瞬瞬。”

景瞬笑倒在恋人的怀里，反说，“你应该早点告诉我的，哪怕我不记得。”

“我小时候肯定是受了你的影响——在剧组遇到年长一些的小朋友就喊’哥哥‘！”

“后来长大了，我觉得喊’哥哥‘太亲密也太肉麻了，才改了口。”

“喻哥也好，汀哥也罢，其实我内心深处最想要找的、最想要喊’哥哥‘的人是你。”

迟归被他的这句话取悦，眼角眉梢都是温柔，越发坦诚，“你之前综艺拍摄第一天，就叫傅长汀’汀哥‘，我很吃味。”

景瞬笑问，“那我也这么喊你？”

迟归眉梢微挑，“什么？”

Chapter 71 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 71 - 1#

景瞬睡到了自然醒，迷迷糊糊地看见迟归站在床边穿衣服，“予哥。”

迟归对恋人的这声称呼接受良好，凑近吻了吻他的额头， “早上好，睡饱了吗？”

景瞬觉得精力充沛，没有赖床。

他爬坐起来，听见迟归说，“我今天有要事，得去总部一趟，你是要留在家里休息？还是和我一块去公司？”

迟归记得恋人目前安排的健身计划，今天是休息。

景瞬的困意渐渐退散，刚准备开口，边上的手机就响起了消息震动。

他顺手拿起来看了两眼，对迟归说， “我得去一趟竹林经纪，喻哥说，莫导试镜通知下来了，让我过去签一下电子协议书。”

“行。”

迟归应了一声，又安排，“那你现在起床洗漱？我们顺路。”

“好。”

景瞬借着恋人的手臂起身，走进浴室，和往常一样——

牙具上早就挤好了牙膏。

哪怕只是举手之劳的小小细节，迟归也总是能日复一日地做到。

景瞬眸底晃起一丝幸福，迅速将自己收拾干净，他回身望着等在浴室门口的迟归，主动上前给对方一个亲吻，“早安，予哥。”

迟归拉着他的手往衣帽间走，“今天想穿什么衣服？”

景瞬随口说，“你看着搭配吧。”

他早就想说了，迟归好得不仅仅是身材，还有衣品。哪怕是最简单的大衣，他都能在配饰上做到低调又精致的审美搭配。

“穿亮一点吧，衬你气色。”

迟归拿出一条靛蓝色的羊绒大衣，“里面再配一件毛衣？”

景瞬凑近，“好啊，但这件大衣不是我买的吧？之前没印象呢。”

“我买的。”

迟归承认得干脆，“我按照你的尺码买了很多秀场定制款，以后每个季度都会直接送上门，给你轮换随便穿。”

“你要是有喜欢的衣服系列，可以让品牌方负责人上门，直接买，记我的账上。”

以前景瞬是坐轮椅不方便，如今已然好全，两人又成了情侣关系，迟归巴不得每天都给恋人打扮好看。

对迟归而言，置办衣服的钱不值一提，但他能够从“装扮恋人”这件事中体会到独一无二的快乐。

“胸针、腕表之类的配饰也是。”

迟归将搭配好的衣服递给了景瞬，想得很长远，“你们演员偶尔出镜不是要讲究排面？你让喻修竹不用在品牌秀款上担心，想要什么都直接和我说。”

顶奢品牌方需要靠明星打开知名度，但更有时候是对咖位不够的明星挑三拣四。

娱乐圈和时尚圈一样，是最会捧高踩低的地方。

当然，这些规矩在真正的豪门和财阀面前，根本就是一堆随风就能扬走的沙。

景瞬倚在门边笑开，揶揄，“怎么办？抱上迟氏家主的大腿，我好像要过上豪门生活了呢。”

迟归低头蹭吻了一下他的唇，眉眼间反倒有丝委屈，“你又不让我在影视资源上帮忙，我只好在这方面多多彰显一下存在感。”

回到迟氏这么些年，但只有景瞬在身边的时候，迟归才觉得“赚钱”是有动力的。

两人在衣帽间里腻歪温存了小半天，直到韦迪等不及上来催，才堪堪收敛那点热恋期的甜蜜，下了楼。

…

竹林经纪。

景瞬一进公司就直奔喻修竹的办公室，“喻哥。”

喻修竹示意他往沙发上坐，开口就是他最关心的问题，“十一月三十号，在帝京试镜，我擅作主张已经定了前一天飞过去的机票，没问题吧？”

《裂隙》的制片方和投资方都在帝京，导演莫风声也定居在帝京，他们当演员的，自然要配合片方的试镜安排。

“没问题。”

景瞬应下，又算了一下时间——

今天十八号，还有小半个月的准备时间。

景瞬迫不及待地追问，“喻哥，剧组那边有给其他内容吗？”

“说是会给人物小传和宽泛的剧情梗概，不过试镜演员也要签署电子版本的保密协议，还得同步传真过去。”

大剧组、大制作，剧本还打磨了三四年，是要将保密程度做好的。

制片方的效率还算高，景瞬提交完电子协议后，一顿午饭的时间，剧情梗概和对应的人物小传就已经发了过来。

景瞬将电子文档打印装订，不急着走了。

他向喻修竹讨要了一支黑笔，兴高采烈地找到一间单人的休息室，开始研究起了新鲜到手的电影资料——

西南边陲的高贡山区，原本一直是珍稀动植物的保护区，国家一直严禁对外开放，只允许专业的科考团队进入。

十五年前，高贡山所在的西南边陲发生地震，震后，山区偏北处意外出现了一个近三十米的巨型天坑！

往下探去，是密密麻麻数不清的洞穴入口，有关部门立刻组织了一批地质科考团队，想要探寻洞穴内部的真相，没有料到的是——

整整二十人的地质团队，全部失踪在了洞穴深处，再无踪迹！

有关部门在反复搜救无果、甚至还多添三名失踪救援人员后，无奈将这事镇压了下来，还将其立为了禁区，一般人根本无法单枪匹马地进入。

一晃十五年过去，随着科学探测仪器的进步，新上任的有关部门领导打算重启这次的地质探查活动。

这一回，官方不仅邀请了国内有名的地质学专家、求生专家，还邀请了国外的三名专家一起参与这场研究活动。

原以为万无一失的计划，可还是猝不及防地发生了意外。

在进入天坑洞穴的第三日，团队再次失去了与外界的联系，但生命探测设备和无线定位显示——

团队内还有成员存活，只是被困在了某个隐蔽的地下空间。

Chapter 71 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 71 - 2#

景瞬亮了眼睛，“当然好了！能找到吗？”

迟归不说话，递给后排陈易铭一道眼神。

陈易铭秒懂，“小景先生，最迟后天，肯定给你安排到位。”

景瞬笑开，又对着迟归说，“学习费用我自己出，即便试镜真的失败了，这些知识也不算我白学！”

迟归不和他争，“好。”

司机老张不太懂，费解，“小景先生，为了一个试镜就要花这么大功夫啊？”

万一没试上的话，这些时间和金钱不就都白花了？

当然，他没说这后半句话，也是希望景瞬能够旗开得胜。

景瞬解释，“老张，演员这个行业需要活到老、学到老，即便有些知识储备在现实生活中用不上。”

“哪怕这次试镜我不成功，这些学到的东西都会我日后塑造角色的养分。”

“就像是给土壤施肥，总不能要求隔天就给你结出果子吧？”

“播种还将就季节呢，慢慢来，所以这笔钱，我该花。”

老张望向后视镜的眼里多了一丝钦佩，笑道，“欸，懂了，那我就预祝小景先生能够试镜成功，摘下果子！”

景瞬笑开，不自觉地晃了晃和迟归相握的手，“谢谢老张，接你吉言。”

迟归见他情绪上涨，眼里多了点愉悦。

…

陈易铭的办事效率着实高效。

第二天下午，他就已经找好了两位专家老师，并且将对应的课程安排发给了景瞬。

整整十天，课程表都被安排得满满当当。

景瞬很满意，完全没有空闲时间被占据的不满，反而一股脑地投入到了学习计划中。

每晚回了家，他还会逮着迟归帮忙复习，仿佛真的是为了地址救援在做准备。

眨眼，十天时间一晃而过。

景瞬提着行李箱，看着守在衣帽间门口的一人一狗，着实想笑，“你们俩干嘛？”

迟归抢在狗宝发动前，率先将恋人拥入怀里，“真的不要我陪你去帝京？”

“嗯，不要。”

景瞬回答得坚决，轻笑着扯了一下迟归的领带，“迟董见谅一下吧，我是去搞事业的，你要是在我边上待着，我被你迷得分心了怎么办？”

迟归低头，咬了一下恋人的唇，“胡说。”

景瞬拍了拍他的胸口，又说，“予哥，我知道你在担心什么，今时不同往日，我已经有能力保护我自己了，不会再出事的。”

“再说了，你有你的事业，我不希望你二十四小时都围着我转。”

“……”

迟归哪里不懂自家恋人的意思？叹了口气，“好吧。”

“别叹气。”

景瞬重新吻了吻他，是承诺，也是请求，“你要等着我、看着我，看我把果子摘下来，等着我重新找回在娱乐圈里的一席之地。”

迟归笑了声，“当然，我看着你，也会等着你。”

眼看着两位爸爸还在腻歪，狗宝实在按捺不住了。

“呜呜呜！汪汪汪！”它急得一边嗷叫，一边围着两人转圈圈，强势找回自己的存在感。

景瞬撤出迟归的怀抱，对着自家吃醋小狗一阵哄，“好啦好啦，宝宝也乖乖的，景爸这次出门努力给你赚狗粮，好不好？”

“呜！”

狗宝舔了舔景瞬的手背，算是答应了。

景瞬看着眼前的狗宝，又上挑视线看了看迟归，一本正经地要求，“我不在家，你们两个别吵架。”

迟归一脸平静，“我还不至于和一只狗计较。”

狗宝还在蹭着景瞬卖乖撒娇，哼唧出气：宝才不和这归计较！

…

飞机抵达了帝京首度机场，景瞬在飞机上睡了一路，等到落地进了接驳车才稍微清醒。

喻修竹揣着一杯咖啡，见自家艺人清醒了，才低声笑问，“昨晚干什么了？累成这样？”

景瞬听出他话里的调侃，微微红了脸，“喻哥，你想什么呢！”

他和迟归从始至终只到互帮互助那一步，不过这两天分开异地，他们昨晚才多折腾了一会儿，后来还相拥着聊到凌晨两三点钟才睡。

景瞬确实困，也确实心虚。

喻修竹瞥见他腾红的脸颊，看破不说破，“怎么还脸红了？我又没别的意思。”

景瞬闷咳一声，赶紧转移话题，“喻哥，你知道明天试镜的演员还有谁吗？我上次听谢二说，一共有五个试镜名额？”

提到了谢从矜，喻修竹默不作声地喝了一口咖啡。

“喻哥？”

“制片方的嘴很严，问不出其他试镜名额花落谁家。”喻修竹想起一事，“不过，我是打听到一个小道消息，不确定真假。”

“什么？”

“试镜名单里好像有个纯新人，是军艺的大一新生，叫方有。”

景瞬眸光微晃，想到谢从矜说过的话，“莫导这次想要采用银幕新面孔，有纯新人在试镜名单里倒也正常。”

“明天下午的试镜，大家总归要碰面，到时候就知道了。”

“嗯。”

景瞬应了一声，没忘记给迟归发去落地平安的消息，他抬头往下车窗外掠过的景色，对于明天的试镜新挑战充满了期待。

…

次日下午，景瞬收拾妥帖，和喻修竹一起赶到了剧组试镜的地址。

门口的有工作人员核对了他们的身份信息，将他们往里面带，“离约定的试镜时间还有一会儿，导演他们还没来，麻烦你们稍坐等待。”

“待会儿等导演、制片人来了，会和你们详细沟通试镜的具体内容。”

“好的，谢谢。”喻修竹随口确认，“今天一共有五位演员老师试镜？”

工作人员回答，“没有，加上你们一共就四位，原定的有演员提前确定了电影里的其他角色，不来了。”

说着，工作人员就给他们打开了等待大厅的门。

景瞬和喻修竹走了进去，才发现厅内已经坐下了四人。

坐在最边上的一名学生气十足的年轻人先开了口，“两位老师好，我是这次试镜的新人演员之一，我叫方有。”

“……”

Chapter 72 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 72 - 1#

“……”

金于霖对上景瞬的身影，眉头不自觉地蹙了蹙。

不知道为什么，他的心尖凝上一丝久违的危机感。

经纪人谢春风同样第一时间注意到了景瞬，上下打量的眸色很微妙——

上回见面时，对方还得依靠着轮椅行动，没想到才两三月过去，居然能恢复正常行走了？他还以为好不了了呢！

双方视线交汇间，负责带领的工作人员出声，“各位不好意思，制片那边打了电话，说是临时遇上交通管制堵车，需要比预计时间要晚到个十五分钟左右。”

“左侧走廊有茶水间、卫生间和单独的休息室，各位请便。”

得到众人的应答后，工作人员就离开了等待厅，重新返回了门口的接待处。

“你们好。”

方有还是第一个站起来的， “我是新人演员方有。”

金于霖微微点头，“你好。”

说完，他又给谢春风递了一道隐晦的视线。

按理来说，金于霖和景瞬才在上部剧中有过对手戏合作，关系应该比其他两位演员要更亲近一些，但坏就坏在——

景瞬遭到孟志德“潜规则”设局，托人请求金于霖帮忙作证的时候，金于霖选择了明哲保身。

金于霖原本以为以孟志德的身份不会这么轻易倒台，自己和景瞬之间短时间内也不会再有交集。

没料到，时隔不到三个月，他们两人不仅遇上了，而且还成了电影试镜的竞争对手！

金于霖思及此处，隐隐有些尴尬。

谢春风一眼看透了自家艺人的真实想法。

他是个厚脸皮的老油条，笑眯眯地开了口，“喻总，没想到在这儿又遇上了，咱们两家艺人还真是有缘分，要不待会儿结束后一块约个饭？”

字里行间根本不提之前的那档子事，仿佛从未发生过。

“……”

约饭？

两位艺人的关系要好到这种程度？

那之前请求出面向警方作证的时候怎么一声不吭呢？

喻修竹常年在娱乐圈游走，哪里看不出谢春风在揣着明白装糊涂？

于是婉拒，“等结束了再说吧，今天这场试镜还不知道会持续多久呢？”

再说，万一这场试镜当场出了结果，落选的那方不一定还有心情吃饭。

谢春风接话，“也是也是。”

喻修竹看向金于霖，眸底藏着一丝疑问，“小金老师手头的新剧拍摄结束了？”

对方从出道起，不就专攻电视剧板块吗？现在也要转道进攻电影圈了？

“下个月才杀青呢。”谢春风代替自家艺人回答，“莫导的新电影，这是多难得的机会？总得来试试。”

在场谁不知道？

能演上莫导的新电影就离升咖不远了！谁会放弃这种往上爬的机会。

喻修竹笑了笑，没反驳。

下一秒，身后又响起热切的招呼声，“谢哥，好久不见啊。”

“小金老师，你好。”

原本还拽得不行的黎晋昆和他的经纪人一改之前的作风，对着金于霖和谢春风主动招呼，态度要多热情就有多热情。

“……”

景瞬和喻修竹默默将这一幕看在眼底，彼此心知肚明。

目前来看，四人里面热度最顶的人莫过于金于霖，而娱乐圈就是这么现实的地方。

“哎哟，于霖，我们去趟茶水间吧。”

谢春风结束了表面不走心的社交，随便找了一个借口，带着自家艺人往左侧走廊的方向去。

喻修竹看着两人远去的背影，对着景瞬低声说，“没想到在这儿也能遇上？我信不信，谢春风一来就把你列为金于霖的头号假想敌了。”

景瞬不解挑眉，“嗯？不至于吧？”

喻修竹看得透透的，分析给他听，“在场试镜的四个人里，只有你和金于霖的年龄相仿、定位相似，上回那件事，他们选择装糊涂不出声，其实就已经带上了竞争者的思维模式。”

当然，在圈内选择“明哲保身”无可厚非，只要别存了坏心思就行。

喻修竹不想给景瞬带来太大的竞争压力，“算了，咱们做好自己份内的事，你好好把握这场试镜，尽力就行。”

能够成功拿下这个电影角色固然好，即便无缘，至少不留遗憾。

景瞬干劲满满，“嗯。”

说实话，他还是很认可金于霖的演技。

能和优秀的同龄演员良性竞争，其实是挺好的一件事。

滋滋。

贴身腕表上传来震动，迟归发来了消息：

“宝宝，别紧张，加油。”

“……”

景瞬眸底泛起一丝甜蜜，恋人是刻意卡点发来的。

他见导演、制片等人还没来，于是悄声说，“喻哥，我去打个电话，三分钟就回来。”

Chapter 72 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 72 - 2#

是。

景瞬靠着谢从矜，金于霖靠着新公司，方有和黎晋昆同样靠着自己的签约公司——

大家都是凭着各自的人脉资源，拿到了这次的试镜名额，这点不假！

景瞬眉梢微挑，反问，“如果你们能拿下角色，就是靠实力？”

“要是我和其他两人拿下角色，就是走后门？还可能是不恰当关系的内定？”

他看向金于霖，直白戳穿，“双标给谁看呢？你未免太好笑了！”

“……”

金于霖哑口无言，从来没觉得自己这么难堪过！

谢春风抹了一把脸上的水渍，快步上前，“景瞬，你说够了没有？”

“没有！”

景瞬当机立断地后撤到了门外，站在了有监控的走廊，“对了，你们刚才的对话，我都已经录音了。”

他抬起自己腕表，上面显示的录制时间还在继续，“我不介意将这段音频直接拿给莫导、谢从矜直接听听。”

“谢大经纪人，祸从口出这个道理，你应该懂吧？”

喻修竹也好，谢从矜也罢，都有权利告他们污蔑声誉！

而莫风声在圈内一贯以铁面冷脸出了名，有着自己说一不二的选人标准——

他认定的合适角色的演员，哪怕不试镜都能直接钦定，要是穆天青一角早内定了演员，何苦绕这么一大圈浪费所有人的时间？

“……”

谢春风硬生生顿住脚步，金于霖更是少有的错愕和惊慌。

他们哪里会没听说过莫风声的脾性？

刚才那段“走后门内定”的编排，恰恰从侧面印证了他们在质疑导演选角的公正性！

如果后者知道了这事，估计他们不用参与试镜就可以走人了！

谢春风在圈里混了这么多年，还是第一次被年轻演员拿捏威胁！

他眼见着把柄被景瞬掌握，又不好叫自家艺人直接丢了机会，只好忍气吞声，“景瞬，我道歉、道歉行了吧？”

“得了，谁稀罕你的道歉？”

景瞬吝啬得不再给谢春风眼神，而是定定地看向了金于霖。

“在今天之前，我一直觉得你是一位很优秀的同龄演员，只是没想到你的心胸和眼光都这么狭隘！”

经过这事，他对金于霖的那点欣赏降到了负分。

“……”

金于霖无法反驳，沉默了几秒才问，“景瞬，你到底想怎么样？”

景瞬看出他的心慌，哼笑，“你放心，在试镜前不会有第四个人听见这段录音，因为我和你们不一样，我不屑用这种方式排挤竞争对手！”

相反的，景瞬想要堂堂正正地在导演和制片的面前赢过所有人！

金于霖神色一愣，不觉得景瞬会如此轻易放过他们，下一秒，眼前人又开了口，“但你们听好了——”

“今天之后，你们传出对喻哥的编排抹黑，哪怕是让我豁出去在网上公开对峙，我一定和你们硬刚到底！”

对景瞬来说，喻修竹是朋友，是兄长，是亲人！对方在他最需要关心和支持的时候，给予了很多温暖和力量！

即便至今不清楚喻修竹和谢从矜的过往，但他相信自己看人的眼光，愿意无条件地信任前者！

“小景。”

忽然间，熟悉的呼唤从走廊右侧传了过来。

景瞬看见喻修竹的身影，下意识地收敛了自己的不悦，“喻哥。”

喻修竹拍了拍景瞬的肩膀，感动从眼中露了出来，“莫导他们已经到了，我们先走吧，别耽误试镜。”

他听到景瞬最后的那番话，大概猜到发生了什么。

喻修竹偏头看向茶水间内的两人，向来温润尔雅的眼神里沁出了一丝犀利，但没有选择直接发难。

对他来说，景瞬的试镜大过一切。

至于其他人和事，秋后算账也来得及！

“好。”

景瞬也分得清轻重缓急。

只是临走前，他又瞥见了谢春风指尖夹着的香烟，不忘多刺了一句，“室内抽烟，真有素质。”

“……”

谢春风语塞。

直到两人的脚步声渐行渐远。

金于霖才从那种心虚中解脱出来，他看着祸从口出的经纪人，不自觉地将过错都丢在对方身上，“这下你满意了？”

他什么咖位！

景瞬又算得上什么咖位？

说一声竞争对手都算抬举对方！

谢春风倒好，赶着给对方送上把柄！

金于霖强压制心中的不悦，低声说，“你自己收拾一下吧，我先过去。”

谢春风将浇灭的香烟丢进垃圾桶，还算敢作敢当，“你别担心，先好好去试镜，如果景瞬他们事后要找麻烦，我一力承当。”

“……”

金于霖没接话，快步离开茶水间。

直到往外走出一些距离，他的脸色才猛然沉了下来，露出了最真实的恶劣自我——

这两年，金于霖事业的上升速度很快。

现有的电视剧资源还是品牌代言，全部都是冲着他本人来的！反倒是谢春风能带给他的资源和利益已经不多了！

之所以愿意带着谢春风一块进入新公司，是因为习惯了借由对方的厚脸皮挡麻烦，就比如上回——

金于霖本来就不想出面给景瞬作证，但却故意装成是谢春风怂恿，让对方去当这位恶人。

不过，一码归一码。

今天谢春风口无遮拦带来了这么大的麻烦，看来是得想办法尽早甩开这个没用的废物！

日后就算景瞬拿出那段录音来威胁，他也可以全部推到谢春风的身上！

Chapter 73 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 73 - 1#

作为富川影业近两年力捧的新人演员，黎晋昆出道后的电影试镜几乎都是走个过场，有时候不用试镜都能直接开后门进组。

但这回不一样——

富川影业在《裂隙》中虽然有投资占比，可导演莫风声是有绝对话语权的，公司能拿到内部的试镜名额是一回事，但能不能被导演选中又是另外一回事。

来之前，黎晋昆对于莫风声的严苛做派有所耳闻，但他对自己还算有自信！

今天参与试镜的四个人里面，只有他是正儿八经的电影演员、还拿过三大电影节的奖项！

黎晋昆觉得自己拿下角色的概率很大，会选择站在第一个，就是为了给导演制片等人率先留下深刻印象！

但他万万没料到，自己才一开口就出了差错？还被导演当成了考问其他人的对象？

“……”

此刻，黎晋昆听见景瞬的应答，心里有种说不出的窝火。

他忍不住斜睨了对方一眼——

知道什么啊？

这能说出什么所以然来？万一装过了头，反倒更加惹导演不悦！

景瞬察觉到了斜视而来的那一缕敌意，处之泰然，“衣服。”

“……”

什么？衣服？

黎晋昆瞥向自己身上的黑色皮衣，额头青筋一跳。

紧接着，景瞬就详细说明自己的看法，“角色小传中描写的穆天青冷心冷情，因为从小失去父母的经历和寄人篱下的遭遇，使得他习惯性收敛自己的脾性。”

与其说是冷心冷情，不如说是他自我保护的手段之一。

“这样性格的人，对外一定是收敛的，甚至是不善社交的。”

有句话说得好，一个人的穿衣品味在一定程度上能够显露他的性格。

有很多演员为了在试镜环节中百搭不出错，可能会穿着最简单的白色T恤，很显然，出道起就靠着公司塞资源的黎晋昆缺乏这个基本经验。

黎晋昆的黑色亮面皮衣，上面甚至还有一排暗黑色的铁标装饰，很容易在第一眼视觉上给人造成叛逆、硬朗的酷哥感。

这样的穿衣风格不算夸张，或许也是黎晋昆的日常穿搭，但绝对不可能是穆天青的日常穿衣风格。

对比起来，景瞬在内的其他三人——

景瞬是冷白色的羊绒细针织毛衣，金于霖是黑色的垂感风衣，而方有是灰色系卫衣，虽然在面料的选择上有所不同，但基本都是往简约低调风格去穿。

“……”

编剧李海燕听见景瞬的说辞，眼中多了一丝了然。

确实。

四个人一块进来时，确实是黎晋昆给人的视觉冲击最强，但这不是穆天青该有的感觉！

莫风声藏在镜片下的视线重新对准了黎晋昆，反问，“你看人物小传了吗？”

黎晋昆眸色晃动，有些卡壳，“看、看了。”

当然看了！

但试镜又不是正式拍摄，只要服装造型不是太浮夸，又有什么关系？

他是演员，又不是剧组服装造型师！谁家电影试镜因为服装不合角色就卡人的？这不算是鸡蛋里面挑骨头吗？

莫风声一眼看穿了黎晋昆的想法，语气里的严厉更加明显，“演员的职责就是塑造角色，从角色外表到内心再到灵魂，缺一不可，这三者是并行的一条线！”

但凡差了一点儿，那都不行！

“你以为试镜就是走个过场？人物小传里写得一清二楚，你连最基本的人物外在都做不到走心对待，凭什么让我、让我们、让未来的观众相信你能塑造好这个角色？”

每个导演都有自己的“固执”，更何况是拍出很多经典电影角色的莫风声。

“在我这儿，演技只是评判标准之一，对待角色的态度才是重中之重——”

“在我电影里面客串作配的影帝影后比比皆是，你年纪轻轻的，凭什么认为自己的演技足够弥补上其他地方的不足了？”

“……”

黎晋昆哑口无言。

他想起昨晚临睡前，经纪人特意发消息问过他要不要做个适合角色的妆造？

他自以为试镜时演技才是最重要的一环，又不想要为了做妆造早起，于是一口回绝了。

如今想来，他是把自己的感受凌驾在塑造角色之上了。

黎晋昆越想越觉得自己犯了一个低级错误，又懊恼又羞愧。

他臊着一张脸，却是知错就改，“抱歉莫导，是我没有做到位，还请三位老师再给我一次机会！”

黎晋昆诚恳道歉，对着莫风声等人鞠躬。

他知道有了这一个错误后，自己获得角色的可能性已经很低了，但他还是想要为自己再争取一下。

哪怕失败，至少能让莫风声等人看看自己在演技上的可塑造性，说不准未来还有机会再合作呢？

莫风声不急着应话，反倒将决定权交给了另外三人，“你们三人怎么看？”

“……”

给机会，那就是多了一个竞争对手，干嘛给自己找不痛快？

金于霖瞳孔深处晃过一丝竞争的恶意，酝酿着措辞想要说“不”。

只是还没等他开口，边上的景瞬就先给出了答案，“三位老师决定才合适，但如果真要问我，我觉得没问题。”

多一个竞争对手，少一个竞争对手，能有什么区别？

虽然黎晋昆为人处事傲了些，但他能够意识到自己的不足、及时反思并且道歉，看上去本性并不坏。

Chapter 73 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 73 - 2#

…

金于霖饰演的穆天青侧过身，试图将手伸入狭窄的岩壁，即便他再怎么努力，指尖却还是够不到夹缝深处的父母骸骨。

他急得眼眶发红，额头上的青筋开始弥漫起来。

太远！

实在是太远了！

短短几秒，景于霖就演绎出了焦急崩溃的人物内心。

在角落里围观的方有看见这一幕，甘拜下风地嘟囔，“好厉害，他这进入角色也太快了吧？”

黎晋昆不说话，不嫉妒但羡慕——

他觉得第二组拿到D片段，在剧情上就已经有加分！

试镜还在继续。

金于霖拿出了救援自己包中的绳索，这是四个人都有的道具，景瞬第一时间反应过来，和他搭戏，“你想做什么？”

“不用你管！”

“什么叫做不用我管？出发前说好的一切行动听我指挥呢！”

景瞬用力抢过对方手中的绳索，他饰演的搜救队长是以大局为重的。

“穆天青，你冷静点，我不信你看不明白——”

“这个缝隙只能容纳一个人侧身攀爬通过，而这层石灰岩壁上已经出现裂缝了，你的重量一旦加上去，两侧岩壁随时都有坍塌的可能！”

底下的洞穴随着暗河上升，已经一处洞口被水位吞没了！如果这上方的洞口再行崩塌，根本那四名科考人员就会被硬生生活埋！

这段词，是景瞬根据片段剧情临时发挥的。

此刻，剧情内的时间紧迫，搜救队长的语速会急一些，但依然保持着冷静分析的头脑。

李海燕听见景瞬的搭戏，有些惊讶。

虽然搭戏的角色不是这次试镜的重点，但景瞬的台词功底还挺不错，人物动机也抓得很准。

景瞬要求，“先救活着的人！”

金于霖一把甩开他的禁锢，“我做不到！”

这不是先救谁，后救谁的问题！

而是一旦错过这次机会，暴涨上升的暗河随时就可能把这堆骸骨冲散！到时候再想找到就难了！

他指着那处狭小而逼仄的岩缝，神色痛苦，眼睛红得越发醒目，“那是我爸妈！我找了他们整整十五年！我不可能丢下他们不管！”

金于霖很擅长爆发戏，连带着脖子上的青筋都冒了起来，这段台词震耳发聩，震得在场不少人都凝住了视线。

“你们有你们想要守护的、想救的人，我也有。”

金于霖不再给景瞬搭戏的机会，从他手里夺回绳索装备，“……我自己救。”

…

金于霖合了合眼，从角色状态中脱离出来，他给莫风声等人鞠了一躬，嗓音沙哑，“三位老师，我表演完了。”

王焕对金于霖的试镜片段还算满意，笑着回应，“好，辛苦了，换下一位。”

金于霖又鞠了一躬，不自觉地看向了中心位上的莫风声，对方的墨镜遮住了眼神，依旧无法判断好坏，但习惯性下撇的嘴角似乎放松了些。

“……”

应该是表现还不错？

金于霖做出自己的判断，暗松一口气。

编剧李海燕的视线从金于霖的身上挪开，落回到了薄薄的那一页剧情片段上。

老实来说，金于霖的演技可圈可点，但她总觉得对方的表现并没有触动自己心里的那根弦。

很快地，边上的莫风声就出了声，“景瞬，准备好了吗？”

景瞬早就在脑内确认了自己的表演方向，点头，“我准备好了，导演。”

“好，那就开始吧。”

…

地下暗河涌动的声音越发骇人，就快要吞没了这四周的洞穴。

景瞬饰演的穆天青站在岩层缝隙前，沉默地盯着那两具被挤压在深处的骸骨。

挂在岩壁凸起处的照明灯射下一束光线，好巧不巧，映照出了他眸底翻涌的情绪，是不可置信，是无声的崩溃——

为什么？

为什么会是这个结果？

要知道，大多数的岩层是会随着地质变动而活动的。

两具骸骨至今还完整地被夹在岩缝中间，不难想象生前到底经历了怎样动弹不得的挤压，才会命丧于此？

父母死了，还是很痛苦的死法！

多年的执念在这一刻被泯灭，随之而来的是无穷无尽的悲恸。

穆天青的眼眶渐渐发红，他张了张口，想要放声大哭一场，却硬生生地发不出一个音节。

即便如此，作为编剧的李海燕还是完全看懂了景瞬的眼神戏和内心戏——

没错！

是这样！

这样才对！

想哭却哭不出来才是穆天青最该有的情绪状态！

他很痛苦，但多年以来养成的冷敛性格让他不知道该怎么宣泄当下的情绪，只能在无穷无尽的沉默中彻底爆发、吞噬自己。

“……”

莫风声的视线从监视器上移开，转而投向了近处的景瞬。

在镜头拍不到的地方，对方垂落在两侧的双手渐渐紧握成了拳头，指甲几乎都要掐入掌心肉里面去。

他整个人都带着微不可查的颤抖，那是发自灵魂深处的、不可遏制的痛苦。

长达近十秒的沉默，落在金于霖的眼中却成了笑话。

试镜和正式拍摄还是有区别的。

如果不能第一时间就通过语言强化角色形象，怎么能够脱颖而出？彰显存在感？

想到这儿，金于霖有些恶意地抢了戏：

“还愣着做什么？这层石灰岩壁上已经出现裂缝了，两侧岩壁随时都有坍塌的可能！先救底下的人！”

话音刚落，景瞬饰演的穆天青就开始了翻找起自己的随身背包。

“……”

Chapter 74 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 74 - 1#

景瞬等人一回到等待大厅，各自的经纪人就围了上来。

喻修竹迎上了景瞬的视线，“怎么样？顺利吗？”

刚才黎晋昆出来换了一次衣服，只留下一句灰头土脸的：“我挨导演训了，试上的可能性不大”，就又急匆匆跑了回去。

要说起来，喻修竹的父亲喻川和莫风声还是老相识——

喻修竹见识过后者的严厉作风，但仅凭试镜演员的服装不合适就出声喊“卡”，还是有点太出乎他的意料了。

“两两分组，相互搭戏试了片段。”景瞬简略地说明了试戏的内容。

他不敢擅自评判自己的表演是否符合莫风声的标准，只能说已经尽全力做到最好了。

景瞬摊开充血泛红的掌心，上面还留着几道指甲掐痕，刚才他太过沉浸在角色情绪，忘了克制力道。

“行，尽量就行。”喻修竹不强求，他将提早泡好的茉莉花茶递给了景瞬，“喝点水，润润喉。”

景瞬嗅到熟悉的花茶香气，有些惊讶。

喻修竹超低声说，“迟归让我给你准备的，他还笃定，你试镜后才会喝。”

“……”

之前因为双腿不方便，景瞬不想在外出工作时跑厕所，所以会强忍着不喝水，等到正事结束后才会补充水分。

他没想到，恋人连自己这点小习惯都捕捉到了。

景瞬饮了口花茶，觉得很甜。

喻修竹问，“导演怎么说？是回去等通知？还是当场宣布？”

景瞬摇头， “没明说呢，先坐着等等吧。”

莫风声等人还没走，他们也不急在这一时半会儿。

喻修竹点头，和景瞬坐回原先的位置上。

方有还坐在他们边上，看向景瞬的眼神比之前多了一丝崇拜，“小景老师，你刚演得真好！”

这是他的真实想法。

D组的金于霖和景瞬演得都很好，但后者那种细腻的演技更能打动他的情绪。

“谢谢。”景瞬回夸，“你A片段的出场也让人眼前一亮。”

方有知道自己和对方的差距，很坦然，“我不如你。”

喻修竹听见方有对景瞬的评价，心里稳了些。

他看见孤身一人的方有，随口问，“你还没签经纪公司？怎么没有团队人员跟着？”

“嗯，我还没签公司呢，打算临近毕业再说。”

方有在军艺的成绩很好，不是没有经纪公司找过方有，但他不想轻易做选择、免得出了差错。

毕竟现在市面上的经纪公司太乱了，一个不留神就容易踩坑。

景瞬问，“你现在是大三？住校吗？”

“嗯，我学校离得近，就我自己来了。”

方有不好意思地笑了笑，他没办法直接摆在明面上说——

他的亲叔叔是剧组的选角导演之一。

对方给方有开了一波后门，将他的演员资料和在校表演片段递交给了莫风声。

莫风声觉得方有的外在条件还不错，又想着挑选新面孔，才同意给了他试镜名额。

比起景瞬和方有的轻松聊天，黎晋昆这边就显得沉重了很多——

原本因为衣服出错，他就觉得自己没剩多少希望了，结果D组的两人还表现得那么出色，彻底让他的可能性变为了零。

谢春风的衣服上还留着半干未干的水渍。

他将两边不同的氛围尽收眼底，才问自家艺人，“你感觉怎么样？有把握吗？”

“……”

金于霖眸光微晃。

A组那两人显然不是他的对手，至于景瞬，对方的演绎方式是出乎了他的意料。

不过，金于霖觉得自己的圈内人气和地位高于景瞬，如果这场试镜并非内定，那在综合考虑下，他的赢面更大！

谢春风看出他的神色，微微一笑，“看来是表现不错？”

金于霖下意识地瞥了一眼位置上的景瞬，压住心底那丝危机，“嗯，我有把握。”

话音刚落，C厅的门就重新打开了，莫风声等人一行人从里面走了出来。

制片人王焕环视一圈，笑着说，“都还在呢，那就直接宣布试镜结果吧，咱们就不整发邮件那套虚的了。”

景瞬等人早就第一时间起身迎接了，听见这话，神色各异。

莫风声终于舍得摘下自己那副墨镜，那双阅人无数的眼眸率先转向了金于霖，“金于霖是吧？你的情绪爆发还不错。”

黎晋昆羡慕地看向了金于霖：

被夸了？这算是拿下角色了吧？

“……”

金于霖也是这么认为的。

他心中的郁气以最快的速度消散，露出一贯表面的谦逊笑意，“谢谢莫导的夸奖，我一定会努力……”

演好这个角色。

可是后半句话还没说完，莫风声就改了口，“我们一致认定，景瞬的演绎更符合剧本里的穆天青。”

他转而看向景瞬，拥有绝对的话语权，一锤定音，“就定你了。”

Chapter 74 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 74 - 2#

莫风声注视着他的神色，一言不发地戴上墨镜，走了出去。

电梯门打开，又合上。

趁着电梯里都是自己人，莫风声对着王焕说，“你和选角导演再去物色一下演员，那三个配角位估计还要调整，会空出来一个。”

王焕不明所以，“你觉得谁不会演？黎晋昆？”

“不是他。”莫风声心如明镜，直接点名，“金于霖不会演的。”

李海燕有些诧异，“他？我看他刚才回答得不是挺礼貌的？”

莫风声反问，“有几个演员在我面前敢没礼貌的？”

身为导演，他拍了这么多年戏，看得懂戏，更看得懂人，“金于霖年纪轻轻，野心却不小，一般的配角戏份他看不上。”

“他今天输给景瞬，其实并不甘心。”

在这种情况下，他又怎么情愿进组、继续被景瞬压过一头呢？

野心配得上实力是好事，但若配不上实力，只会让人蒙蔽了双眼。

莫风声微微摇头，但不打算多做挽留，“如果他愿意进组，我能让他的演技更上一层楼，可惜，他肯定不愿意。”

“每个人都有各自的选择和运道，咱们不强求。”王焕看着抵达一楼的电梯显示，“那我就随便在投资公司里面找个合适的，顶上去了？”

莫风声相信好友的办事眼光，“行，只要不是榆木脑袋，我都能教。”

王焕自然知晓老友的实力，对方可是带出了一众影帝影后的华国第一名导！

谁错过他的电影才是真正的损失！

——砰！

车门关上。

窗户上的防偷窥膜隔绝了一切视线。

金于霖的脸色沉了下来，从下午起就积压许久的负面情绪彻底爆发，他手中攥着的人物小传一角已经变得皱巴巴了。

车内的气压很低。

谢春风知道自家艺人心情不好，示意前排司机先开车，才宽慰道，“消消气，指不定就是内定好了呢。”

“……”

金于霖没接话，他不是傻子，也能够感受出来——

不是内定，他们四人确实是站在同一个起跑线上的，正是因为如此，他才觉得输得更憋屈！

谢春风望着他手中的人物小传，不确定地追问，“这个角色，你要出演吗？虽然听上去戏份比穆天青少了些，但好歹是……”

“出演？”

金于霖像是被戳中了什么痛点，厉声打断，“你让我去给景瞬作配？不可能！”

这事要传出去，那他就真的贻笑大方了！

嫉妒和酸意搅得金于霖五脏六腑都跟着痛，他直接将薄薄几页的人物小传撕碎，将戾气通通发泄出来。

“谁稀罕！”

莫风声算什么东西？

年纪上去了，眼光却不行了！

以他现在的人气和地位，注定是要演男主角的，他才不会给任何人作配！

金于霖将撕毁的人物小传丢进车载垃圾桶了，眼中的情绪翻涌，“盛总不是说帝京这边，过两天有个圈内的电影交流宴？”

谢春风记不太清了，“是吧？”

金于霖瞧见他不确定的神色，越发觉得这号经纪人没用，但还是要求，“你想办法帮我拿到入场名额，我要去！”

电影圈不就是比人脉？他就不信了，以自己的实力还拿不到一部好的电影资源！

谢春风知道今天自己说多错多，只能顺着自家艺人的意思，“行，你放宽心，我去办。”

…

电梯门再度打开。

景瞬和喻修竹一块走了出来，后者主动提议，“小景，你等一下，我去停车场把车子直接开到门口来。”

“你今天够累了，就别再走路折腾了。”

喻修竹就是帝京人，在本地有私家车，今天他们就是开车来的，不过停车场有些距离。

景瞬笑了笑，收下了这份体贴，“谢谢喻哥。”

喻修竹快步离去。

默默跟在后面的方有才冒了泡，“小景老师，那我先走了？希望有机会的话，我们未来剧组见！”

“好，路上小心。”

“嗯。”

方有的背影渐行渐远。

与此同时，另外一侧的电梯门又打开。

景瞬听见动静，随意侧目，正好撞上了从电梯里出来的黎晋昆和他的团队。

“……”

四目相对，景瞬没想着要打招呼。

毕竟下午刚见面时，他已经友好过了一次，那会儿对方的态度还挺冷傲。

眼下，他就没必要再凑上去自讨没趣。

但出乎意料的是，黎晋昆居然主动走了过来，“喂，景、景瞬。”

景瞬眉梢微挑，“嗯？”

黎晋昆欲言又止，天生拽酷的眉眼显露出一丝微妙的尴尬，“那什么……”

他斟酌准备了几秒，才开口，“谢谢啊，还有不好意思。”

景瞬将眼前人的反应尽收眼底，着实意外。

他大概猜到黎晋昆为什么道谢，又为什么道歉，但故意装不懂，“你说什么？”

“……”

黎晋昆摸了一下发烫的耳垂，将知错就改进行到底，“就衣服那事，谢谢你在莫导面前帮我说话，还愿意再给我一次机会。”

别的不说，景瞬是第一个点头同意他继续试戏的。

“之前在等待大厅是我眼高傲慢了，对不起。”

Chapter 75 - 1

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 75 - 1#

酒店套房内。

景瞬特意从冰箱里取出了两罐啤酒，将其中一瓶递给了沙发上的喻修竹，“喻哥，要不喝点？”

他在车上问出那句话后，喻修竹沉默了很久才应了一句， “说来话长，你要是真想知道，等回去之后再说吧，我怕开车分心。”

往事太冗长了，不是三言两语就能解释清楚的。

这会儿，喻修竹看着递上来的冰啤酒，笑问，“大冬天的，迟归会让你喝冰的？”

“……”

答案很显然。

景瞬略微心虚了一秒，想到恋人远在海市又管不到他， “没事，就当是庆祝我拿下莫导的电影角色。”

他给自己找好了恰当理由，率先打开啤酒。

喻修竹奉陪，打开碰杯。

冰凉的酒液入喉，将他内心深处的那一丝浮躁止住。

喻修竹想起今天在走廊里听见的那番话，看向景瞬的目光多了一丝自责，“下午那会儿谢春风他们把我说得很难听吧？是不是还怀疑你因为我的原因，走了后门？”

“没事。”

景瞬并不在意。

只有自身实力不足的人，才会闲着没事去编排造谣其他人。

景瞬顿了顿，反问，“喻哥，如果有些事情你实在不想说，我不勉强，反正我无条件相信你。”

“……”

喻修竹眸色动容，终于将积压已久的往事扯开了一个宣泄的口子。

“我一直觉得，我比绝大部分人都要幸运，父亲是知名导演，母亲是制片投资人，从小家境不错，活得也算顺风顺水。”

喻家家底殷实，喻修竹的其他亲戚从商、从艺，没有乱七八糟的争斗关系。

虽然喻家和帝京圈层真正的世家比起来，是有些差距，但喻修竹绝对算得上是贵公子。

“我上高中那会儿就意识到了自己的性取向，即便没有喜欢的对象，还是直接和我父母坦白了。”

“……”

景瞬钦佩于喻修竹的勇敢，“那喻导他们的态度？”

喻修竹说，“我妈再三询问后，选择了理解我，但我爸的态度就没那么明朗了。”

父子之间的第一次吵架，就是发生在那年。

两人唯一达成的共识是：暂时不要告诉家里观念守旧的老人，免得老人们被这事冲击到，出现不必要的意外。

“后来，我选择去英国读了大学，在大学期间，我认识了一个人。”

喻修竹说到后半句时，眸光闪动。

景瞬会错意，“谢二？”

“不是。”

喻修竹摇了摇头，思绪跟着一转。

他嘴角荡起一丝很浅的弧度，解释，“谢从矜和我差了五岁，我上大学的时候，他还是乳臭未干的初中生。”

景瞬想了想这年龄差，笑出声，“也是，那你说得是谁？”

“陈奕星。”

喻修竹报出这个名字，笑容尽收。

“……”

景瞬察觉到眼前人的微妙变化，又觉得这名字有些耳熟。

他努力在脑海中搜刮着关于这个名字的记忆，总算有了苗头，“他是鼎星工作室的合伙人之一？”

“是，我们大学是校友，在电影社团里面认识的。”

因为受到了父亲职业的影响，喻修竹对于电影拍摄很感兴趣，虽然他就读是其他艺术专业，但还是抽空参加了电影社团的课余活动。

陈奕星是海市人，和喻修竹同岁。

作为社团里唯二的华国男生，两人的关系自然而然就拉近了。

哪怕没有社团活动，陈奕星也会邀请喻修竹在周末一块去登山、健身、自驾周边旅游。

景瞬听见喻修竹简单提及的这些内容，猜到了一丝端倪，但不敢问。

但喻修竹比他想象中得要更坦诚，“我那时候还还挺喜欢他的，只是没等告白，就知道了他在国内有女朋友的事实。”

于是，喻修竹这段还没开启的感情，很有分寸地和陈奕星保持着正常的社交关系。

“因为异国，陈奕星和他国内那位初恋女友还是分了手。”

“在分手的那段时间，’为情所伤‘的他常常来找我喝酒，有时候甚至就睡在了我的单人公寓。”

喻修竹一直觉得自己偏向于理性，但感情这种事情谁能说得准？何况，这是他人生中第一次的暗恋。

只是不出三个月，陈奕星就交往了新的女朋友。

“大学四年，我看着他前前后后交往了好几任女友，甚至还有分手时期的炮/友，对待每段感情的态度也变得越来越随意。”

“……”

景瞬实在没忍住，低声吐槽，“这和渣男也没什么差别了，喻哥，你年轻时眼光不太好。”

喻修竹饮了一口啤酒，“是啊，挺差劲的。”

很久之后，他才彻底意识到——

其实陈弈星早就看出那点情愫，不但假装不知情，而且还故意吊着他。

Chapter 75 - 2

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:55:59 +0000

Chapter 75 - 2#

喻修竹听见这一连串的问题，无奈叹气，“没，但……确实是睡过了。”

景瞬雷达秒竖，“你上他上？”

“……”

这是重点吗？

喻修竹闷咳一声，举起啤酒，答应不言而喻。

景瞬主动和他碰了一杯，津津有味，“继续继续。”

喻修竹晃了晃酒瓶，脑海里的回忆不断涌现——

某次剧组庆功宴之后，两人都有些喝酒上头，说好的聊天谈心，气氛却渐渐暧昧。

谢从矜连番直球的索吻下来，向来有分寸的喻修竹没有招架得住，就这么稀里糊涂地发生了关系。

事后，喻修竹意识到了两家老人的关系，很后悔，想着点到为止翻篇，但谢从矜根本不听，反倒是变本加厉地黏着他——

有了第一次，就会有第二次、第三次！

喻修竹回想这过往三十多年，觉得自己对于这段关系的处理是最糟糕的。

到后来，他明明沉沦深陷其中，却还是逼着自己保持年上者的那点清醒，很矛盾。

与此同时，谢从矜确认了自己对演员这份职业的喜欢，执意要在这条路上走到底。

谢家长辈得知他的目标后，自然愿意支持、倾力给他托举。

资源咖这个词，在圈外说起来可能不太好听，但对于有钱的世家来说，就是花钱去做喜欢的事。

“谢从矜进圈的第三年，他拿到了一部大制作的电影男主，要在国外拍摄半年。”

那会儿，两人的关系已经逐渐明朗，根本已经没办法用“炮/友”来遮掩了。

谢从矜甚至不止一次提出：要让喻修竹给他一个答案，最迟在电影杀青后。

只可惜，人算不如天算。

电影才开拍一个月，喻修竹就收到了谢老先生发来的消息，对方要求他瞒着谢从矜回国一趟。

他看得出事态很严重，只好编好借口回了国。

“……”

景瞬蹙着眉心，“是你们的关系被发现了？”

喻修竹不自觉地捏紧了啤酒瓶，“不，更糟糕。”

谢老先生早些年从部队退下后，认识不少有关部门高层面的领导，有人得知谢从矜挂名在鼎星工作室，于是偷偷给他报了信——

说有关部门监控到了鼎星工作室存在非法行为，正在进一步搜证、不久就会有行动。

喻修竹对上景瞬的眼，摇了摇头，“我当初知道这事，只觉得荒唐。”

什么非/法洗/钱？什么色/情交易？这怎么可能呢！

但谢老先生紧接着说出来的话，更让喻修竹无地自容！

“我那天才知道，谢从矜在很小的时候经历过绑架案，营救持续了小半个月，胃病也是在那个时候得的。”

“因为这事，谢家一直心有余悸，这些年派人在暗中保护他，并且要定期向谢老先生汇报情况。”

喻修竹还以为自己和谢从矜的暧昧关系藏得很好，没想到早就被家里的长者给看破了。

“老先生提醒提醒我，看在两家人的面子上，当断则断，不能拎不清楚。”

鼎鑫工作室的事就像是一把高悬的断头刀，稍有不慎就会影响到很多人。

谢老先生没有对喻修竹有太多的苛责，相信他的人品和道德不会涉及非法行为。

但他毕竟是谢从矜的爷爷，自然要替亲孙子考虑。

“他替谢从矜找到了更合适的影视大公司，让我配合完成明面上的解约、转约手续。”

景瞬心下已然有了答案，“你答应了？”

喻修竹如实说，“我让老先生给我一点儿时间考虑，我要先调查清楚鼎星的事。”

他怕是乌龙一场，然而事实就是——

陈奕星和其他两位合伙人确实背叛了他的信任！

得知真相后，喻修竹和陈奕星之间爆发了前所未有的争吵！

陈奕星非但没有悔改之心，还故意对喻修竹说着模棱两可的告白，实际上想要拿捏他的感情、让他同流合污。

“我表面上假意答应，实际上偷偷搜集证据，陈奕星还以为我对他还是情根深种，几乎不怎么对我设防。”

“越是深入调查，我就越是知道鼎星已经无可救药。”

但凡这些丑闻脏事被爆出，和工作室有合作的艺人都有可能被大量抹黑！其中就包括和喻修竹合作的、正在上升期的谢从矜！

喻修竹别无他法，只好主动找上了谢老先生，和对方达成了共识——

第一，他愿意和谢从矜断了关系，解约、转约。

第二，他请求谢老先生动用人脉帮帮忙，在工作室丑闻曝光后，让官方别波及到真正无辜的合作艺人。

第三，不要将他和谢从矜之间的关系告知喻家人，特别是喻老先生。

第四，转约的事情暂时瞒着谢从矜，至少让对方安心拍完电影。

“和老先生谈完这一切后，我带着我搜集到的证据，选择了主动报案。”

“……”

景瞬听见后半句话，震惊不已。

他原以为当初鼎星工作室出事，是有关部门或者同行公司率先出手，没想到居然是喻修竹以自毁的方式，主动将这一切摆在了明面上！

喻修竹将啤酒饮尽，思绪翻涌，“作为工作室的合伙人之一，我被有关部门控制、配合接受一切调查。”

那段时间，外界发生了很多事，有人落井下石，也就有人想着“救”他出来。

等到一切尘埃落定，已经是快三个月后。

陈弈星等人被判刑，而喻修竹和这些破事没有牵连，被判无罪释放，因为这个判决结果，圈内还有人在背后造谣：

“喻家够有能耐的，这都能救得出来？”

“喻修竹要进去了，谢从矜和谢家着什么急啊？这两人不会有什么关系吧？”

当然，诸如此类的言论最后都花钱镇压了下去，没有人继续在明面上说。

“再见到谢从矜的时候，他已经不是我手底下的艺人了。”

“……”

景瞬对鼎星工作室的判定结果有所了解。