Chapter 24: Long Lie

Madam Tian and her friends were enjoying a pleasant evening in a private booth of the luxurious hotel's lounge. The golden sunset streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room. They were deeply engrossed in their game of Mahjong, and their laughter echoed throughout the space. It had been a long time since they had all gotten together, and Madam Tian was happy to be spending time with her dear friends.

One of Madam Tian's friends turned to her and asked, "How is your daughter Jiang Yixuan doing? Is her work going well?"

Madam Tian smiled brightly, "Yes, she's doing great! She'll be coming home soon, and her shooting is going really well." Her face lit up as she spoke proudly about her daughter's success in the film industry

Her friends all chuckled and teased her, "You'll be famous now, Madam Tian! Don't forget about us little people!"

Madam Tian blushed and laughed, "Oh no, no, I could never forget about you all. Yiyi's success is her own, and I'm just proud to be her mother."

Suddenly, Mrs Li, another friend of Madam Tian, asked, "I heard that your step-daughter, what's her name, Jiang Yan right? She has come back. How is she doing?"

Madam Tian's mood immediately soured at the mention of her stepdaughter's name. She knew Mrs Li was jealous of her, and she suspected that the question about that brat Jiang Yan was intentional. With a forced smile, she replied, "Oh, she's doing well too."

But Mrs Li was persistent. "What do you mean 'too'? Is there something you're not telling us?" Her tone dripped with envy.

Madam Tian sighed inwardly but maintained her composure. She quickly changed the subject, hoping to avoid any more questions about Jiang Yan. "Oh, did you hear about the new restaurant that just opened downtown? I heard the food there is amazing!"

As they continued playing, Aunt Chen, Madam Tian's faithful servant, entered the private booth and approached her mistress. She leaned in and whispered something in Madam Tian's ear.

Madam Tian's expression changed from one of forced politeness to one of malice. She whispered a response back to Aunt Chen, who nodded in understanding before quickly leaving the room to carry out her mistress's secret task.

The other women at the table were oblivious to the exchange between Madam Tian and Aunt Chen. They continued playing mahjong and chatting, unaware of the plotting going on behind the scenes.

***

Lin Yiyun and Du Hong collapsed onto the soft, beige sofa in Long Lei's apartment. Their bodies were drained of all energy, and their hair was dishevelled from hours of frantic searching. The setting sun cast a warm, orange glow through the long window, illuminating the small living room. Lin Yiyun leaned her head back and closed her eyes, trying to muster the strength to continue the search. Du Hong sat next to her, rubbing her temples in frustration.

They had combed the city high and low, but Long Lei seemed to have vanished without a trace. They had asked everyone they knew, searched every place they could think of, but nothing turned up. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

Lin Yiyun opened her eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling. She couldn't bear the thought of Long Lei being gone. He was like a brother to her, and she couldn't imagine life without him. "Where could he be?" she whispered.

Du Hong shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. "I don't know, Sister Lin. I just don't know."

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the sound of their heavy breathing. They were at a loss, unsure of what to do next.

"I don't understand," Du Hong said, frustration clear in his voice. "Where could he have gone? He wouldn't just disappear like this."

Lin Yiyun sighed heavily. "I don't know," she said. "But we can't give up. We have to keep looking."

Just then, Lin Yiyun's phone rang. She answered it quickly, hoping it was good news.

"Hello?" she said, her voice tense.

It was the director of KN Entertainment, and he was not happy. "Sister Lin, where have you been?" he barked. "I've been trying to reach you all day. When is Long Lei going to report to headquarters? We have a concert to prepare for."

Lin Yiyun's mind raced. She couldn't tell the director the truth, that they had no idea where Long Lei was. "Long Lei is currently resting," she lied, "due to his hectic schedule. He needs proper rest before he can be ready for the concert."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Fine," the director said finally. "But he needs to be here by tomorrow. I expect you to bring him yourself."

Lin Yiyun hung up the phone, a sinking feeling in her stomach. "We have to find him," she said to Du Hong. "And if we can't, we have to come up with a plan."

Du Hong nodded, his expression grim. "What do you suggest we do?"

"But we can't find him," Du Hong said, his voice tinged with desperation. "What are we going to do?"

Lin Yiyun's eyes flicked to her phone. "I have one more option," she said slowly. "I can call someone who might be able to help us."

"Who?" Du Hong asked, his voice urgent.

Lin Yiyun hesitated for a moment before dialing a number. "Hello?" she said when the call was answered. "I need your help. We can't find Long Lei, and we have to report to headquarters tomorrow."

Du Hong watched as Lin Yiyun's face relaxed slightly as she listened to the voice on the other end of the line. "Thank you," she said finally. "We'll be waiting."

She hung up and turned to Du Hong. "Don't worry," she said, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Long Lei will be home soon."

***

The room was dimly lit, with a soft glow emanating from the bedside lamp. The walls were painted a deep blue, and a large painting of a misty forest hung on one of them. The air was thick with the scent of lavender, and the sound of a gentle rainstorm played on a small speaker in the corner.

Long Lei lay on his bed, his eyes closed, and his breathing slow and steady. He was alone in this secret apartment, a sanctuary from the world, where he could escape and just be alone with his thoughts.

Long Lei was exhausted, bone-tired from the constant demands of his career. He had been working non-stop for months, filming commercials, attending events, and performing concerts. He longed for a break, a chance to do absolutely nothing.

But his company had other plans. They had arranged for him to film a music album with a young, inexperienced artist. Long Lei wasn't interested in working with her, but he knew the company was trying to use his popularity to help nurture her career. He felt like he was being used, a pawn in their game of fame and fortune.

He had heard rumours that the company was trying to pass off the new artist as someone he had personally handpicked. The thought made his blood boil.

He had listened to her new songs, and he knew the truth - except for her pretty face, she had nothing. It was outrageous that she was being promoted as a talented artist. To make matters worse, there were rumours floating around on the internet that Long Lei had a personal interest in her. It was a complete fabrication, and he couldn't tolerate such lies and rumours.

What's more, he had just found out that they were planning to use his concert as a platform to introduce her to the world. The thought was unbearable. He had worked hard to earn his reputation and didn't want to be associated with a mediocre artist.

When Long Lei and his team found out about the company's arrangement, he was furious. Even sister Lin Yiyun had protested against the idea to use his concert as a platform to introduce a mediocre artist. They company insisted for them to come to the company and discuss this in person. But he knew what was coming next - the higher-ups would call for a meeting with a group of investors, and they would pressure him to comply with their plans.

Long Lei was angry, frustrated, and feeling betrayed. He had worked hard to build his reputation and didn't want to be associated with something he didn't believe in.

As his phone rang again, displaying Sister Lin's name, he sighed in frustration. He had already received countless calls from his team members, including Du Hong and Sister Lin. But he was determined not to compromise on his principles. He ignored the call, knowing that he had to stand his ground and protect his reputation at all costs.

He couldn't sleep anymore. He sat up, his mind racing with possibilities. Should he cancel the concert altogether? He knew it would disappoint his fans, but he couldn't compromise his principles. Maybe he could apologize and offer to double the refund amount for those who had already purchased tickets. His fans believed him, they will understand.

He looked out the window, taking in the view of the city below. He knew he had a difficult decision to make.

Suddenly, his phone rang, shattering the silence of the dimly lit room. He looked at the screen and felt a jolt of shock and fear run through his body as he read the name displayed on it.

'Second Uncle!?'