Chapter 36: To Treat or Not to Treat?

The 32-episode TV drama Twelve Years of Hustle was nearing its grand finale by the end of November, and online discussions were buzzing with spoilers about the ending.

Fans eagerly anticipated the female lead played by Wan Baibai taking revenge, hoping the villainous supporting character would get her comeuppance. However, the loudest voices cried out—

“Don’t let Jiuli die!”

By then, Su Ling’s Weibo followers had skyrocketed to over five million. This rapid growth astonished even Wan Baibai. One day, when Su Ling logged in, she was startled by the number.

Qin Xiao had stopped suppressing topics related to Su Ling. As a result, her fans, who had once thought they were alone in their admiration, suddenly discovered countless rivals.

“Damn! I thought I was the only one with good taste picking my goddess. Now there are so many like-minded people!”

The hashtag “Jiuli” topped the trending list. The surge of attention was shocking—when suppressed, it was hard to gauge, but once released, it was overwhelming.

Su Ling finally experienced what it felt like to be a rising star. When she went to class, the room was packed with students from all departments!

These classmates crowded around, taking photos on their phones. The lecturer’s veins bulged as he snapped: “From now on, anyone not from this class is forbidden from attending my lectures.”

This rule significantly curbed the chaos.

Su Ling noticed paparazzi lurking around campus. She now had to change outfits and wear a mask whenever she went out.

Her popularity peaked when Jiuli died in the drama.

In the scene, heavy snow blanketed the ground. Jiuli carried the female lead, Yin Xuan, for a long time, eventually leading her out of the snowy mountains. But Jiuli herself remained behind, forever frozen in death.

That episode brought tears to countless viewers. No tragedy cuts deeper than the destruction of something beautiful.

Especially when Jiuli, unable to move, lay beneath the falling snowflakes, her final thoughts drifting back to her childhood—practicing swordsmanship with her senior martial siblings.

Back then, the morning sun stretched across Gouyang Mountain, dew glistening on the grass. A young Jiuli, carrying a heavy sword, stood amidst blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies in the valley.

Everyone affectionately called her Little Junior Sister.

Her eyes, pure and untainted, sparkled: “Senior Sister, let’s spar.”

Young Yin Xuan turned around, and their senior brother smiled: “Our little sister is so eager to fight. What will become of her in the future? Still, this isn’t bad. You’ll surely live a peaceful life, and no one will ever bully you.”

But eight years later, in the snowy mountains,

She closed her eyes alone. The sunlight was blinding, and the world was a vast expanse of white.

That year, Jiuli died at just eighteen.

She sent the female lead away and stayed behind forever.

Audiences wept uncontrollably in front of their screens.

“Sob sob sob, my goddess, my little angel.”

“Director, come out here—I promise I won’t kill you.”

“This is too heartbreaking. Jiuli, waaah…”

Unable to support Jiuli’s tragic fate in the story, audiences turned their affection toward the actress who portrayed her—Su Ling. Lin Qing personally drove the nanny van to pick up Su Ling from school, her eyes brimming with joy. Their company had truly struck gold, signing an S-class gem with an A-class contract.

With Su Ling’s popularity, it would be easy to make her a star.

Moreover, Su Ling had no scandals. Aside from being overly shy and reserved, and somewhat inexperienced in handling interpersonal relationships, she was virtuous, hardworking in her studies, and an exemplary role model.

Lin Qing brought assistants to help Su Ling pack her belongings.

Lin Qing said: “You definitely can’t stay at school anymore. We’ll handle the paperwork for you. Director Dong’s movie starts filming in two days. I’ll take you to the set to familiarize yourself with the environment.”

Yun Bu watched sadly, reluctant to part: “Ling Ling… Take good care of yourself.”

It was bittersweet. Her best friend was ascending and no longer belonged solely to her.

Seeing Yun Bu’s sorrow, Su Ling also felt reluctant. Both girls looked at Lin Qing.

Lin Qing chuckled: “It’s not like we’re parting forever. It’s inconvenient and unsafe for you to stay at school. At least the apartment provides security, and paparazzi can’t get in.”

Yun Bu sighed and advised: “Yes, Ling Ling, go there.”

Recently, Su Ling’s belongings kept disappearing—even a strand of hair was picked up. If this continued, her desk might vanish next. While some fans were rational, others were fanatical. It was safer to follow the company’s arrangements.

Su Ling could only move into the apartment provided by the company.

Lin Qing managed several artists, and though Su Ling was relatively new, her politeness and thoughtfulness left a good impression on Lin Qing.

Since Su Ling had just joined the company, she hadn’t been assigned an assistant yet. Lin Qing reassured her: “Your situation is special. An assistant will likely be assigned soon. Until then, I’ll take care of you. Rest well—we’ll head to the set tomorrow.”

“Mm, thank you, Sister Qing.”

After Lin Qing left, Su Ling tidied up the apartment herself.

This experience was quite novel for her. Managers, assistants…

These were things she never had in her past life. Unfortunately, back then, she had been naive and hadn’t realized Qin Xiao’s intention to keep her out of the entertainment industry.

Being labeled as Qin Xiao’s possession was more effective than having a top-tier manager.

Su Ling sighed. Fortunately, all that was behind her now.

Dong Xu’s new movie was set to begin filming on November 8th. On the 6th, Lin Qing accompanied Su Ling on a flight to M City.

M City was far from B City, spanning nearly half the country. M City was coastal, with a wilderness area within the city.

Dong Xu had a sealed room constructed amidst the ruins of the wilderness.

Though this type of movie was typically low-budget, Dong Xu was meticulous. To authentically recreate the script’s sealed room, he funded the construction himself. Work began months ago, and the sealed room was completed by the end of October.

When Su Ling and the team arrived, Dong Xu was frowning, directing workers to fix incomplete details.

The actors were curious about the location, and almost everyone showed up. After all, this would be where they’d spend over a month filming.

As Su Ling approached, she was startled to see a familiar face.

That person turned around, saw her, and smirked coldly.

Zheng Xiaoya, dressed in a sleek beige trench coat, looked like a model ready to walk the runway.

Late autumn had brought colder temperatures to M City. However, due to strong UV radiation, someone still held an umbrella behind Zheng Xiaoya.

Upon seeing Zheng Xiaoya, Lin Qing muttered under her breath: “What’s she doing here?”

Zheng Xiaoya’s name wasn’t on the cast list for Dong Xu’s new movie The Prisoner .

Feng Lifei spotted Su Ling from afar. They had shared a scene before, and any earlier awkwardness was long forgotten. Su Ling’s beauty was undeniable—it was natural for a man to glance at such a stunning woman twice.

Hearing Lin Qing’s remark, Feng Lifei whispered: “The actress playing the secretary fell ill—it’s liver cancer. So Zheng Xiaoya was brought in as a last-minute replacement.”

Lin Qing exchanged pleasantries with Feng Lifei and then discreetly warned Su Ling: “Be careful during filming. Avoid offending Zheng Xiaoya. She’s the princess of Star Entertainment, has powerful backing, and a terrible temper. If you anger her, it’ll be a nightmare.”

“…” Su Ling opened her mouth but hesitated. She understood the gravity of the situation and knew her broker was tied to her. After a moment, she recounted her past conflicts with Zheng Xiaoya to Lin Qing.

Lin Qing frowned and consoled her: “It’s fine. Just avoid her as much as possible. Tolerate minor issues, and don’t provoke major conflicts. Director Dong is relatively fair—he won’t let Zheng Xiaoya run wild.”

Su Ling obediently nodded.

Lin Qing took Su Ling to greet Dong Xu.

Without his glasses, Dong Xu’s exposed eyes gave him a warmer demeanor. When he saw Su Ling, he paused momentarily. Su Ling followed Lin Qing’s instructions, extending her hand with a faint smile and slight shyness: “Director Dong.”

Dong Xu shook her hand.

Her delicate, soft hand felt like holding a puff of cotton—so fragile he dared not exert any force.

He barely touched her fingertips, polite and brief.

Zheng Xiaoya watched from the side, her eyes mocking.

Once Su Ling and Lin Qing walked away, she approached, lowering her voice: “Cousin, do you like her?”

Dong Xu turned, his gaze clear and cold: “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“You’re not getting any younger, Cousin. It’s about time you found a girlfriend. She’s very beautiful, and I think she’s pretty good.”

Dong Xu remained silent, his lips pressed together as he stared at Zheng Xiaoya.

Zheng Xiaoya smiled: “Alright, alright, I’m just joking. I simply dislike her, okay?” She confirmed again: “You said you don’t like her, right? Don’t embarrass me by going back on your word.”

Dong Xu lowered his head, his lashes trembling slightly, and returned to reviewing the design plans.

Zheng Xiaoya sneered inwardly.

Hmph, men.

Even her most capable cousin wasn’t immune to lust. She admitted Su Ling was stunning. Zheng Xiaoya had always thought her own beauty was unparalleled, but Su Ling was otherworldly—pure yet alluring, effortlessly outshining her even without makeup.

Zheng Xiaoya knew Su Ling’s rise to fame was swift.

Zheng Xiaoya debuted at thirteen as a child star, successfully transitioning and winning Best Actress, solidifying her status today.

But she came from wealth and power, with the president of Star Entertainment being her aunt. What did Su Ling have? With such a face, if no one protected her, Zheng Xiaoya couldn’t wait to see how high she’d climb before crashing down.

After meeting the crew, Su Ling returned to the hotel with everyone.

The hotel was a thirty-minute drive from the filming location—not very convenient.

Early the next morning, everyone headed to the wilderness to film.

Feng Lifei shivered: “The temperature difference here is insane. Is it below freezing in the mornings and evenings?”

Su Ling was cold too, but luckily Lin Qing had prepared thick clothing in advance.

Before filming began, they could bundle up. Once filming started, however, they couldn’t—since the setting was late summer. Su Ling’s character was a doctor, dressed in a white coat.

Zheng Xiaoya hadn’t expected her cousin to be so cruel. Her complexion soured from the cold.

Her assistant hurriedly wrapped a scarf around her and stuck warm patches.

She pushed the assistant away: “Stop fussing. It’s annoying. The warm patches and scarf will have to come off soon anyway.”

Fortunately, the sun soon rose, warming the air.

Filming officially began. Su Ling hadn’t worked with Zheng Xiaoya before, but when everyone gathered to start filming, she had to admit Zheng Xiaoya was incredibly talented—a true powerhouse in both acting and ability.

Despite her youth, Zheng Xiaoya’s Best Actress title carried significant weight.

In the opening scene where everyone woke up, everyone flubbed their lines except her.

When Su Ling acted opposite her, she could feel the overwhelming pressure of Zheng Xiaoya’s skill. Su Ling focused intently, managing to avoid mistakes, but Zheng Xiaoya’s presence overshadowed hers.

After finishing her scene, Zheng Xiaoya glanced at her with disdainful mockery in her eyes.

Su Ling pursed her lips, saying nothing.

A few days later, Tang Zi, the assistant assigned by Star Entertainment, arrived. Lin Qing had to accompany another artist to an audition, so she gave Su Ling numerous reminders.

Finally, unable to resist, Lin Qing patted Su Ling’s head and advised: “Eat well, don’t keep memorizing scripts, and stop practicing in front of the mirror all the time. You’re still young, and your career is just beginning. You’re already ahead of others in the entertainment industry. Improve your acting gradually.”

Sigh. Lin Qing thought she might be the first manager to advise her artist against working too hard.

Su Ling blushed, thinking Lin Qing didn’t know. She softly replied.

Su Ling’s assistant, Tang Zi, was a round-faced woman full of enthusiasm.

One day after filming ended, it was already ten o’clock at night.

Tang Zi checked her phone—good grief, minus three degrees Celsius.

Su Ling’s calves were exposed, having spent the entire day filming in the icy sealed room. When she came out, she was so cold she could barely speak.

Tang Zi felt sorry for her and quickly draped a coat over her.

“Th… Thank you, Sister Tang.”

“Here, drink some hot water.”

Su Ling held the cup, and Tang Zi suddenly remembered: “Oh, your phone rang several times this afternoon.”

Su Ling paused, and Tang Zi showed her the screen.

The contact name hadn’t been changed yet. Tang Zi laughed: “Who’s ‘Jerk’?”

Almost immediately after asking, the “jerk” called.

Wrapped in a thick coat, Su Ling didn’t understand the full context. Tang Zi, unaware, immediately answered the call.

“…”

In the quiet night, the man’s voice was low and hoarse, tinged with coldness: “Su Ling.”

Her nasal tone was heavy: “Hmm?”

“Why didn’t you answer the phone?”

She was shivering from the cold, her voice trembling but soft: “I… was filming.”

His brows furrowed tightly. Zuo Yin, sitting across from him, gestured and mouthed—Fuck! Soften your tone, don’t get angry, and don’t say anything about coming back immediately.

Qin Xiao bit back his words and asked instead: “Are you very cold?”

She softly hummed, like a docile kitten.

“Where are you filming?”

Su Ling gripped her cup, not answering.

Qin Xiao’s pupils were pitch-black.

Zuo Yin was about to lose it. Boldly, he snatched Qin Xiao’s phone and hung up.

Qin Xiao retrieved his suit jacket from the chair, calmly put it on, and prepared to leave.

Zuo Yin: “Are you even treating this?! Who’s the doctor here?!”

Qin Xiao coldly spat, his attitude toward Zuo Yin dropping to sub-zero: “Go treat your mom.”

He ignored Zuo Yin’s advice not to check up on her, not to “bother her,” and not to try controlling her every move.

Zuo Yin had painted a rosy picture for him—if he treated his obsession and gained control, she would fall in love with him, really!

Qin Xiao was on the verge of punching Zuo Yin, who quickly suggested: “Forget it, why don’t you call her?”

And that’s when things went wrong.

Seeing Qin Xiao’s icy, dissatisfied expression, Zuo Yin knew the man couldn’t hold back.

Zuo Yin knew Qin Xiao missed her, every minute and every second. When Qin Xiao sat across from him, tempted by the possibility that “she might love him,” every moment was torture. Yet that little beauty didn’t think of Mr. Qin at all and seemed to be having a great time.

Zuo Yin was almost desperate. After half a month of chatting, it was clear none of it helped. Wasn’t this a terminal illness?!