chapter 27

Zuo Mingran instinctively turned to look at Mao Mao, who discreetly shook her head, indicating that she hadn't said anything and only found out when Shi Shuangxia arrived. 

Shi Shuangxia noticed the two's small actions and looked at them suspiciously, asking, "What are you two up to? Are you hiding something from me?" 

Zuo Mingran changed the topic, "No, but why did you come, Xia Jie?" 

Shi Shuangxia replied annoyed, "I am your manager. Do I need to ask for permission to visit your set?" 

Zuo Mingran recoiled and guessed what it was about. She grabbed Shi Shuangxia's arm and shook it back and forth, saying, "No, why would I stop our beautiful and lovely Xia Jie? I'm just worried about you!" 

Shi Shuangxia said angrily, "You're worried about me? If you really are worried, then please give me a break!" 

Zuo Mingran raised her hand and swore, "I won't do it next time." 

Shi Shuangxia questioned, "There's going to be a next time?!" 

Shi Shuangxia suddenly mentioned the online situation when she got back into the car. She told Zuo Mingran about the video that was released that afternoon, proving that Ren Luning wasn't at the set that night. However, the video wasn't found by them, and they didn't know who released it. 

Only then did Zuo Mingran remember to check her phone, but Shi Shuangxia stopped her and said, "Don't look now. The focus is all on Ren Luning now. We basically don't have anything to do with it." 

Zuo Mingran asked, "What's the situation?" 

Shi Shuangxia shook her head and sighed, "Anyway, we've gotten on Ren Luning's bad side this time. They initially planned to poach you over. They talked to me about it before, but I declined." 

Zuo Mingran didn't know there was such a thing, and Shi Shuangxia noticed her expression. She coldly snorted, "The company Ren Luning is in is famous in the industry for being cutthroat. Unless you have some means, you'll be skinned alive if you go there."

When the topic of the contract came up, Zuo Mingran instinctively clenched her fist. Just as she was about to say something, Shi Shuangxia suddenly changed her tone and whispered, "But Ranran, I can't help but feel that there's something fishy about this." 

Zuo Mingran's eyelid twitched. "What do you mean, something fishy?" 

Shi Shuangxia said, "About the video. It's hard to say who Ren Luning might have offended, but after the video came out, before we even had a chance to take action, someone helped remove your hot search. It's like they intentionally wanted to help us." 

Zuo Mingran doubted, "Xia Jie, are you half asleep? Who would do such a kind thing?" 

Shi Shuangxia slapped her impatiently and whispered, "I've been investigating all afternoon, and I can't help but feel like it was done by someone from your family."

Shi Shuangxia's speculation had its reasons. Nowadays, it's not easy to find someone who does good deeds without seeking recognition. Even if Ren Luning's opponents wanted to take advantage of this opportunity, it wouldn't make sense for them to help remove Zuo Mingran from the hot search. 

What kind of saint would be able to do such a thing? 

Shi Shuangxia didn't want to appear clueless and passive, so she started reaching out to acquaintances one by one. 

Although there were many marketing and public relations companies in the industry, there were only a few that could handle this situation. After excluding those with connections to Ren Luning's company, the targets became even fewer. 

In general, companies handling such matters would keep it confidential. But this time was different. Shi Shuangxia was Zuo Mingran's manager, and Zuo Mingran was the beneficiary. The other side seemed unable to understand why Shi Shuangxia wouldn't know about this. After much hesitation, they decided to give her some information. 

At first, Shi Shuangxia, like the current Zuo Mingran, couldn't believe it. After all, others didn't know, but she was well aware of Zuo Mingran and Yan Yunyang's relationship. On the surface, they were husband and wife, but in reality, they were like strangers. How kind-hearted would Yan Yunyang have to be to help them with this matter? 

However, the undeniable truth left Shi Shuangxia wanting to choke Zuo Mingran and demand if she had done something secretive and extraordinary, just like when she silently obtained the marriage certificate. 

Zuo Mingran felt wronged. She really didn't know. Since that hot pot meal, Yan Yunyang had returned to his elusive lifestyle. Zuo Mingran even began to question whether it was necessary for them to live together. 

Shi Shuangxia said, "Besides Yan Yunyang, who else would be so kind to help you?" 

Zuo Mingran still didn't believe it. She casually replied, "Don't be ridiculous, Xia Jie. He's not even part of the entertainment industry." 

Shi Shuangxia insisted, "But you are!" 

Before Zuo Mingran could say anything else, Shi Shuangxia stopped her. "I rushed back today. Can I stay at your place for the night?" 

Looking at Mao Mao and An Qi sitting in the front row, Zuo Mingran pursed her lips and nodded, thinking about something before agreeing, "Okay." 

Since Shi Shuangxia was going back with Zuo Mingran, the driver dropped them off at the entrance of the residential complex. When they got out of the car, Zuo Mingran turned to Mao Mao and An Qi, who were still sitting in the car, and said goodnight before jumping out and holding Shi Shuangxia's hand, leading her inside. 

The place where Zuo Mingran lived was not remote at all. It was the most desirable area in the entire City B, and it was said that many wealthy people had houses there.

The security work in the community has always been well done, at least since Zuo Mingran moved here, I haven't seen a trace of the media.

The two walked along the road, it was already past nine in the evening, the street lights on both sides had been on for a while, and the dim light pulled their shadows, making them appear short and long.

A gust of wind blew, and Zuo Mingran couldn't help but sneeze. Shi Shuangxia was walking beside her, and her face suddenly became a bit ugly. "Ren Luning's manager, I have some grievances with her."

Out of the blue, Shi Shuangxia said this sentence.

Zuo Mingran looked at her puzzledly, "What?"

But at this moment, Shi Shuangxia stopped talking, shook her head and said, "Forget it, it's nothing."

Zuo Mingran: "..."

She hated this kind of halfway talk.

Shi Shuangxia didn't say it, but Zuo Mingran vaguely guessed something. Over the years, Shi Shuangxia had never mentioned her previous work experience. In theory, she had strong work abilities and knew many people in the industry. She shouldn't have ended up in that situation.

For all these years, Shi Shuangxia didn't say, and Zuo Mingran didn't ask. This topic seemed like a forbidden taboo between them. It was finally about to be brought up, but then it was dropped after just a few words.

Zuo Mingran felt a pang in her heart, but Shi Shuangxia had made up her mind not to continue this topic. She casually said a few more words, trying to gloss over what she had just said.

There was no one at home, Zuo Mingran turned on the lights and invited Shi Shuangxia in. As she walked towards the kitchen, she asked, "What would you like to drink?"

After a busy day, Shi Shuangxia was tired. She lay down on the sofa and said, "Just plain water."

Zuo Mingran placed the cup in front of her and sat on the opposite sofa, resting her chin on her hand. She asked, "Xia Jie, how can you be so sure that it was Yan Yunyang who did it? You know our relationship."

"You two are a legally married couple, what did I say wrong?"

Zuo Mingran cried and laughed, "We will get divorced sooner or later."

Shi Shuangxia looked at her for a long time and said softly, "Why are you so stubborn?"

Zuo Mingran smiled and curled up on the sofa, "It's not that I'm stubborn, it's that I understand."

Shi Shuangxia hesitated, and Zuo Mingran said, "Xia Jie, I know what you're thinking, but I married him purely for the sake of benefits. If we involve other things, it won't be good."

Shi Shuangxia sighed, "Fine, I won't bring up this matter again."

She looked around the room and said, "Speaking of which, I haven't been here for a long time. It feels different."

Zuo Mingran lazily replied, "I've only been living here for a year. I was busy shooting and rushing to meet deadlines in the past few months, and only recently had some free time. Coincidentally, I got a role in a film being shot in B City, so I stayed here longer. Of course, it would be different."

Shi Shuangxia became interested and, with Zuo Mingran's permission, started wandering around the house.

She walked into the kitchen and subconsciously opened the refrigerator. She expected to find various types of instant food inside, but when she opened the door, she was immediately surprised by the abundance of fruits and vegetables.

"No, you don't know how to cook. Why did you buy so many ingredients?"

Without turning her head, Zuo Mingran replied, "I don't know, but someone else does."

Shi Shuangxia was stunned and her voice sounded bitter, "Could it be... Mr. Yan is cooking?"

Zuo Mingran nodded as a matter of course, "Yes, didn't I send you pictures before?"

Shi Shuangxia remembered the recent Weibo post, "I thought you ordered takeout."

After all, who could believe that the young master of the Yan family would cook at home!

Shi Shuangxia looked upstairs and asked, "Didn't you say Yan Yunyang's mother came back, so you two moved in together? Where is he?"

Zuo Mingran propped her chin lazily and replied, "He's been busy lately, it seems there's some trouble at the company."

Shi Shuangxia didn't ask further. After a tour on the first floor, she stretched and yawned, saying, "That's enough, where will I sleep? I have an early flight tomorrow. It's really far to come back all the way."

Zuo Mingran led her to the guest room upstairs and as they walked, she asked, "How's Ancheng? I saw on Weibo that Jin Meng seems to be dating a male celebrity."

"How reliable are rumors on Weibo?" Shi Shuangxia didn't hide it from her. "It's just a fabricated couple pairing. The editing team can make a heart-wrenching, epic love story even if the two aren't in the same frame."

Zuo Mingran laughed. Jin Meng was a promising newcomer that Shi Shuangxia had high hopes for. She was young but had great potential. Shi Shuangxia intentionally signed her to her own agency, using some tactics during the contract signing to bring Jin Meng under her wing. Even if she went solo in the future, Jin Meng would still be her artist, not the company's.

Jin Meng is also a clever person. She knows that following Shi Shuangxia is much more beneficial than following the company, so she signed without hesitation. Now her development is going well. After appearing on a variety show, her popularity has increased a lot. Soon, she will also have a TV drama where she plays the second female lead. It is estimated that after the drama is released, Shi Shuangxia will start arranging lead roles for her.

When asked about this, Zuo Mingran asked while organizing the bed: "Sister Xia, do I have any other work after this drama?"

"I am currently looking at several scripts, but the company will probably discuss contract termination with you, so it's hard to say what will happen." Shi Shuangxia replied.

Zuo Mingran said, "Don't give me a new drama for now. If I have to take on work, I can consider participating in variety shows."

Shi Shuangxia nodded, "I have also considered this. Variety shows are quite popular now, but I don't know if you can adapt to them."

Zuo Mingran opened her mouth but didn't dare to say that she was preparing to retire from the industry. She just nodded vaguely and quickly tidied up before leaving.

Without having supper, Zuo Mingran collapsed on the bed, burying her face in the blanket without making a sound for a long time.

When she first arrived here, it was still summer, and now it was already deep autumn. She unconsciously realized that so much time had passed. She was living with this identity, not knowing if she could still go back.

Thinking like this, Zuo Mingran fell asleep unconsciously and had a dream.

Just like the dream she had when she first arrived, this time she dreamed of "herself," the other self in another world. In the dream, "she" moved back home from the rented place and stopped writing. Instead, she used the money from film and television copyrights to open a coffee shop and a beauty salon. The business was average, but at least her life was much more relaxed. Her parents were very satisfied with it, and the whole family lived happily.

Even though it was a peaceful scene, tears streamed down Zuo Mingran's face. For some reason, she realized from the bottom of her heart that she might never be able to go back.

*

"Qinghe, it seems like you've been abroad for too long, you've forgotten about things in the country, right?"

"Younger sister, it's not just big brother saying this to you. Although Yunyang's surname is Yan, he is still a part of our Liu family. You are his birth mother. If he doesn't support us, who else will? Who else will help him? Does he want to be like his father?"

"Big brother, what are you saying? Do you think Yunyang has treated our family badly all these years?"

"Treated badly? Hmph, I think he has forgotten that he has two uncles! If it wasn't for Yan Guangqi making a fuss about having a son..."

"Stop it, Big Brother!"

"Dad, did I say something wrong? None of those people from the Yan family are good. If it weren't for us helping them, Yan Guangqi wouldn't have the position he has now. But now, they're turning against us. They're pushing us to a dead end!"

"That's enough!"

The heavy cane pounded on the ground, finally quieting down the voices downstairs. Yan Yunyang stood on the balcony, a half-smoked cigarette held in his right hand, its ember flickering in the night.

It had been a long time since he last visited the Liu family. When he was young, Liu Qinghe brought him back a few times, but ever since Liu Qinghe divorced Yan Guangqi, he hadn't stepped foot into the Liu family's house. Even when his grandmother passed away, he only saw the Liu family members at the cemetery.

After all these years, nothing had changed here. Even the people living here, apart from ageing in appearance, were still the same as they were a decade ago.

The sky was gloomy, with clouds hanging low, as if they were about to pour down at any moment.

The argument started again, and Yan Yunyang lowered his gaze, impatiently clicking his tongue. He extinguished the cigarette on the table and walked out.

Two men in their sixties sat on the sofa downstairs, none of them wearing a pleasant expression when they saw him coming down.

Liu Qinghe, on the other hand, seemed a bit awkward. She knew that Yan Yunyang must have heard a lot of those words just now. It would be better if he got angry; at least she would know his thoughts. But he chose to say nothing and do nothing, making it impossible for anyone to guess what was going on in his mind.

"Yunyang," Mr. Liu waved his cane, "still not resting?"

Yan Yunyang smiled, "Not yet."

Mr. Liu was in his nineties, but his health had always been robust. Two years ago, he had a major illness and underwent surgery, which weakened him. As a result, he gradually handed over the company to his two sons.

Unfortunately, neither of his sons was as capable. Before he even passed away, they started fighting over who would take over the company, creating opportunities for outsiders to take advantage. There was one grandson who had potential, but unfortunately, he didn't bear the Liu surname.

Thinking about this, Mr. Liu let out a deep sigh and motioned for Yan Yunyang to come closer. "Come, let Grandpa have a look."

Yan Yunyang walked over and sat on the small couch beside him. He spoke gently, "Grandpa, it's too late. I have to go back."

Mr. Liu's face turned grim. "Is it over? Can't you stay at Grandpa's house? Do you have to go back?"

Yan Yunyang held his hand and reassured him, "It's going to rain. Ranran is afraid of thunder and will have nightmares. If she can't find me, she'll cry."

When mentioning his wife, Yan Yunyang's face finally showed a hint of gentle smile, even Li Qinghe, who was far away, could clearly see it.

At this point, Old Master Li couldn't stop them anymore. After all, they were a newlywed couple. It wouldn't be right for an old man like him to stop the young couple from seeing each other.

"Grandfather hasn't met that little girl yet, her name is is RangRang, right?"

Yan Yunyang nodded with a smile, "Yes, her full name is Zuo Mingran, Zuo as in left, Ming as in tomorrow, and Ran as in then."

Old Master Li said, "Good name." He waved his hand to call for Xiao Wang, the driver of the Li family, to send Yan Yunyang back.

But Yan Yunyang stopped him and said, "No need, I drove here myself. It's not far anyway."

He got up and walked out. Li Qinghe looked at his back and tentatively got up, wanting to go back with him. Old Master Li saw her movement, and with the support of his cane, he stood up and said in a deep voice, "Qinghe, we haven't seen each other for so many years. Dad has something to talk to you about."

Li Qinghe paused for a moment, and softly replied, getting up and supporting him upstairs.

The curtains in the study were drawn, Li Qinghe went in, turned on the lights, and then pulled the curtains open. Just in time, she saw Yan Yunyang's car leaving downstairs, the car lights quickly disappearing into the distance.

Old Master Li sat on the sofa behind the desk, looking at her lonely figure, sighed and said, "Back then, it was my and your mother's decision to let you marry Yan Guangqi. If it weren't for our insistence, you wouldn't have..."

"Dad," Li Qinghe turned around, interrupting his words, "The past is over, even if you say it again, it can't be changed."

Her gaze was unusually calm. "I divorced Yan Guangqi a long time ago. It's none of my business who he wants to have children with, but the Yan family must be Yunyang's. Except for him, no one can take it away."

A heavy rain came quietly, accompanied by endless lightning and thunder. Zuo Mingran woke up dazedly from her dream, tears wetting the pillow on her cheek. Her disheveled hair stuck to her face, making her look very disheveled.

A lightning struck outside the window, instantly illuminating the entire bedroom. Startled, Zuo Mingran remembered that she hadn't even changed her clothes before falling asleep in a daze.

The lights in the room had been turned off, and she felt around for the bedside lamp. After pressing it twice with no response, she realized that the electricity in the house might have been cut off due to the sudden thunderstorm.

After crying for so long, Zuo Mingran felt her mouth dry and her body burning up like a charcoal fire. She patted her hot face and sat up from the bed, intending to go downstairs and pour a glass of water.

Outside the window, thunder and rain intertwined, with the rain beating against the window, making a crackling sound.

Zuo Mingran felt her head a bit dizzy, without even grabbing her phone, she stumbled against the wall and walked barefoot outside.

Even the soles of her feet were scorching hot, but stepping on the cold floor somewhat relieved the heat in her body. Zuo Mingran carefully descended the stairs, supporting herself with each step. However, halfway through, she suddenly heard the sound of the front door being opened in the hallway.

Having a fever dulled her senses, and it was not until the door was opened that she looked over, just in time for another lightning bolt to strike, illuminating the living room. Yan Yunyang was standing at the entrance, locking eyes with her.

"You..."

It was almost two in the morning, and Yan Yunyang had barely said a word when he saw Zuo Mingran, who was descending the stairs, miss a step. Due to her high fever, her weak arm futilely tried to grab the handrail, but she ended up rolling down.

Yan Yunyang rushed towards her in the instant she missed the step, and as she was about to roll down the final stair, he caught her in his arms, then noticed her noticeably abnormal body temperature.

The staircase wasn't high, and rolling down only involved four or five steps. With Zuo Mingran clinging onto Yan Yunyang's arm, she twisted her ankle, and the piercing pain made her much more sober, although still somewhat confused.

"Yan Yunyang?" She tugged at his sleeve, her voice hoarse from the illness, sounding somewhat soft and pitiful.

"I'm here." Feeling the coolness on the ground, Yan Yunyang passed one hand through the bend of her legs and gently stroked her neck as he lifted her up and placed her on the couch, softly saying, "You lie down here for a while, I'll call the doctor to come over."

However, Zuo Mingran held onto his clothes, refusing to let him leave. Whether it was because of the recent dream or because she was sick, she seemed a bit aggrieved. "Yan Yunyang."

Yan Yunyang was helpless and could only squat down beside her. "I'm here."

Zuo Mingran blinked, shifting her body closer to him.

Just coming in from outside, Yan Yunyang still carried the dampness of the rain, which unintentionally made Zuo Mingran want to get close to him. Yan Yunyang pressed her shoulders and his voice was gentle yet firm, "Don't move, I'll get an ice pack for your feet."

Zuo Mingran whimpered and obediently retreated, holding onto the backrest of the couch, looking at him with watery eyes.

Yan Yunyang quickly got up, calling the doctor while retrieving an ice pack from the fridge. He also found a blanket and covered Zuo Mingran with it before squatting down to attend to her sprained ankle.

On the stairs, Soma and Natsume witnessed all of this as the sound traveled from the room. Their feet, which were about to descend, felt as though they were nailed to the ground, unable to move.

She looked at the two people downstairs silently, then turned around and opened the door to go inside.

I apologize for the interruption, I shouldn't have been in the car, I should have been under the car.