Suspect

Bai Ze slowly walked toward Lin Yuxi and Chu Cheng, completely disregarding Chu Cheng's presence as if he were invisible, his gaze fixed solely on Lin Yuxi.

He took out his phone from his pocket and handed it to Lin Yuxi.

"Sis, aren't you going to give me your contact information? How else can I let you know I'm safe?"

Chu Cheng's face darkened as he watched Lin Yuxi reach out her hand. He snatched Bai Ze's phone without hesitation.

"You can report to me. It's the same thing."

Chu Cheng held Bai Ze's phone and actually keyed in his own number.

Lin Yuxi stood frozen in place, dumbfounded. Bai Ze raised his eyebrows slightly. Lin Yuxi clearly had a higher affection for Chu Cheng — after all, he was her fiancé. It was natural for her to default to Chu Cheng's actions.

Bai Ze thought for a moment, then tugged gently at Lin Yuxi's sleeve, leaning in closer to her ear.

His voice was low and soft.

"Sis, about what you promised me before... to help me find a kidney donor... does that still count?"

His eyes flicked toward Chu Cheng, as if reminding Lin Yuxi of something.

"I know you're not comfortable interacting with other men. How about this — when you find a match, you can just let Brother Chu Cheng know. I'll contact him directly. Would that work?"

Lin Yuxi was momentarily stunned. She had indeed promised to help Bai Ze find a kidney donor. How could she let Chu Cheng find out? Chu Cheng didn't even know the details of their family's business overseas.

Bai Ze saw the hesitation in her eyes and took a step back, as if coming to a sudden realization.

He let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"Sis, don't worry about it. Forget it... I'll just take it as a joke. You—"

Lin Yuxi was a woman of her word — she never intended to deceive Bai Ze. She simply didn't want Chu Cheng to misunderstand.

But in that moment, through Bai Ze's expression, she saw the bitterness in his heart.

In his time of trouble, she had given him comfort and hope. Now that the crisis had passed, how could she let those hopes shatter?

How could she?

Chu Cheng had just finished entering his number and was handing the phone back to Bai Ze. His gaze fell impatiently on Bai Ze's face — that annoyingly handsome face, as if carved from peach blossoms.

He had overheard snippets of their conversation — "Don't make it hard for yourself" and "Just a joke."

There was definitely some little secret between these two.

If not for his pride, he would've already told Bai Ze to "Get lost."

Yet despite his irritation, he couldn't believe that within just one day, this weakling could shake his position in Lin Yuxi's heart.

However, the next second, Chu Cheng's eyes widened slightly — disbelief flickering within them.

Two hands reached toward him.

One was slender and delicate.

The other — broad, with defined knuckles.

Before he could figure out their intentions, the delicate, slender hand snatched the phone from his grasp and quickly entered a string of digits.

Chu Cheng stared at Lin Yuxi in shock.

"Xi'er..."

"I..." Lin Yuxi's voice faltered.

Chu Cheng frowned.

"Is there something between you two that you have to hide from me?"

"No... it's just... Bai Ze and I have some business..."

She was terrible at lying — especially to Chu Cheng.

Bai Ze nonchalantly tucked his phone into his pocket. Watching Lin Yuxi stumble through her explanation, he swiftly jumped in, as if he couldn't bear to see her struggle.

"Brother Chu Cheng, don't misunderstand. Sister Xi is studying acting, right? My family is preparing a new project, so I wanted to recommend her for an audition."

Chu Cheng's gaze shifted between them. After a moment, he spoke generously.

"Xi'er, why didn't you just tell me? This is a great opportunity."

Lin Yuxi followed Bai Ze's lead, explaining hurriedly.

"I was just... worried I wouldn't perform well. I don't have much experience. But... I think getting out there and trying is better than sitting in school, learning theory."

"Ah... I see." Chu Cheng's voice was calm.

He turned to Bai Ze.

"You'll be acting too, right? You can help guide Xi'er. I'll have to trouble you to take care of her."

Bai Ze could hear the suppressed tension in Chu Cheng's voice — as if he was grinding his teeth behind his polite facade.

He smiled disarmingly and waved his hand.

"I'm still a sophomore, double majoring. My schedule's packed — no time to act."

He chuckled softly.

"Besides, my acting skills aren't polished enough. My parents would never let me embarrass them out there."

He paused, then added naturally,

"Sister Xi hasn't acted before. I can only recommend her for a fourth or fifth female lead... at best, maybe a third female lead.

I thought she might find the role too small, so I mentioned it half-jokingly. I never expected she was just worried about her lack of experience."

His nonsense flowed seamlessly, as if every word were the truth.

Chu Cheng scrutinized him. He'd heard of Bai Ze before — a top student with stellar grades and a double major. His packed schedule checked out.

If Bai Ze wasn't participating in the project, there would be no chance for him to get close to Lin Yuxi during filming.

Besides, as the heir to a wealthy family, if Bai Ze wanted to impress Lin Yuxi, he could simply fund an entire production for her. Recommending her for a minor supporting role seemed... a little too stingy.

Chu Cheng relaxed slightly and smiled.

"I see. Well, thank you, brother. It's fate that we've met — fellow students should stay in touch."

"Absolutely." Bai Ze pointed toward his car.

"I'll get going. Let's keep in touch."

As he turned, Bai Ze's brows furrowed slightly.

Weird...

Wasn't Chu Cheng supposed to be possessive, cunning, and calculating? Why was he acting so calm — like he really believed him?

Tsk... if he'd known, he would've made his performance a little sloppier.

Then again...

It's not my fault I'm naturally talented, with such impeccable acting skills. And such a sincere heart — I really can't fake anything.

Bai Ze silently patted himself on the back.

At that moment, the familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind:

[Ding! The host has successfully aroused the male lead's suspicion. Villain's Luck +200]

[Ding! The host has successfully aroused the male lead's suspicion. Villain Points +200]

A little low...

But Bai Ze wasn't discouraged.

He slid into the car, lazily reclining against the seat, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Once suspicion takes root... trust will never bloom again.

As the car slowly pulled away, Bai Ze fished out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and made a call.

The line connected quickly.

Bai Ze's voice was indifferent.

"Hello, it's Bai Ze. Start preparing a new drama for me."

"..."

"The male lead... someone about my height and build. Reserve the third female lead for me. The rest — cast whoever you want."

"..."

"I'll send over the basic plot later. Use that screenwriter... the one who writes those sweet romance dramas for our company's starlets."

"..."

"No rush. Don't go through the company accounts — I'll transfer the funds to you personally."