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It wasn’t that he couldn’t put her out of his mind—it was that he couldn’t let go of her.
Especially after such a vivid dream, the intense feelings lingered with every sense.
Shen Tang said no more and ended the call.
Jiang Cheng Yu tossed his phone aside and went to take a shower. That nap had been particularly unsettling, and the unease in his heart persisted until now.
It was rare for him to have a weekend off at home, but the dream had disrupted it all.
In May, Beijing wasn’t yet hot.
After a cool shower, once he had calmed down and regained clarity, he found himself still preoccupied with Shen Tang’s predicament from the dream—the way she had called out his name desperately, refusing to fade from his thoughts.
A message came through on his phone.
Lu Zhifei: [I made a big mistake today; my words got me into trouble.]
Jiang Cheng Yu looked at this cryptic sentence, assuming she had sent it to the wrong person, and didn’t reply.
Lu Zhifei sent another message: [Today, I went rock climbing at the club, and unexpectedly, Zhen Zhen was there too. She mentioned Shen Tang during our conversation, and I said how amazing Shen Tang was for breaking up with you. Zhen Zhen was shocked—she didn’t know you two had split. I’m sorry; I thought she already knew everything.]
Apart from messages about Shen Tang, Jiang Cheng Yu rarely read any message twice. He replied: [It’s fine. We were already broken up.]
Lu Zhifei: [Even so, it was careless of me. It should have been your story to tell. Next time, I’ll be careful not to say what shouldn’t be said.]
She apologized again.
Jiang Cheng Yu stared at the words “rock climbing.” [Are you still at the club?]
Lu Zhifei: [Yes, surprisingly, Zhen Zhen has good stamina and wants to try a more challenging climbing route.]
Jiang Cheng Yu: [Then stay a little longer. I’ll come pick you up, and we can have dinner together.]
Lu Zhifei was stunned, hardly believing it.
He was coming to pick her up and have dinner?
Suppressing her excitement, she quickly said: [No need to pick us up. We drove here, so just choose a restaurant Zhen Zhen likes, and we’ll meet you there.]
Jiang Cheng Yu remained insistent: [I don’t have anything else to do at home.]
Lu Zhifei wasn’t foolish enough to refuse again: [Alright then. Come join us for some rock climbing. They’ve added a few new routes that are quite good.]
Jiang Cheng Yu was passionate about outdoor free climbing and had no interest in indoor climbing.
Putting down his phone, he went to the closet to find some sportswear, changing out of his loungewear.
Without his driver today, Jiang Cheng Yu drove himself.
On the road, Shen Tang’s voice from the dream echoed in his ears again.
Among the That Summer production crew, the only person he knew was director Zhou Mingqian.
Zhou Mingqian had helped Shen Tang secure this role.
He sent Zhou Mingqian a voice message: [How’s Shen Tang doing on set recently? Has she had any conflicts with anyone?]
After ten minutes or so, Zhou Mingqian replied: [Not dead, not disabled.]
Upon reading those words, Jiang Cheng Yu’s expression changed, and he immediately called back.
“What do you mean?”
Zhou Mingqian: “Just what the words literally mean. She’s still alive.”
Jiang Cheng Yu wasn’t in the mood to beat around the bush. “What exactly happened?”
Zhou Mingqian countered: “Didn’t you tell me you’d read the entire script of That Summer without missing a word? You should remember the scene where Shen Tang is pinned against the wall by the neck.”
How could he forget? He had gone over every scene involving Shen Tang multiple times.
Zhou Mingqian explained: “The actor who choked her was Fan Yishuo, Fan Yu’s nephew. During the afternoon shoot, he took personal revenge on Shen Tang, using excessive force. While he probably didn’t intend to kill her, based on his strength, Shen Tang must have been half-dead at that moment.”
Jiang Cheng Yu gripped the steering wheel tightly, his arm muscles tensing. “What time?”
“What time?”
“When did they film that scene?”
“Around one-thirty. Why?”
“Nothing.”
He had been napping at that time.
He had never believed in telepathy before, but that dream had truly unsettled him.
Zhou Mingqian was still on set and hurriedly ended the call.
Jiang Cheng Yu turned on the car’s music—it was the song Shen Tang had sung to him.
He couldn’t understand why, with so many paths she could take, she chose this unsuitable, lonely path in the entertainment industry.
The song looped continuously until he reached the club.
Li Zheng had just finished a medium-difficulty climb and was sitting in the rest area eating fruit, occasionally checking her phone.
Lu Zhifei brought her a coffee. “Your uncle should be here soon.”
Li Zheng smiled, setting the coffee aside. “Thanks.”
Lu Zhifei chatted casually: “When are you starting your internship at the TV station?”
“June, right after the exams.”
Lu Zhifei added milk to her coffee, stirring gently. “Why don’t you stay at my place during your internship? I live right across from the station, just across the street. The apartment is too big for me alone—it feels lonely.”
Li Zheng politely declined: “My uncle has already arranged accommodations for me. I’ll stay in his apartment.”
“Zhen Zhen.”
Jiang Cheng Yu’s magnetic voice came from the entrance.
Li Zheng and Lu Zhifei turned their heads simultaneously. Jiang Cheng Yu was wearing a sleek black tracksuit today—his top fit perfectly, while his pants were slightly shorter by half an inch.
Now being early summer, the shorter length wasn’t out of place.
Li Zheng rolled her eyes at Jiang Cheng Yu and sulkily ate her fruit.
Lu Zhifei handed him her untouched coffee. “The temperature is just right. I added milk, no sugar.”
“I drank plenty of water in the car.” Jiang Cheng Yu tapped his niece’s head lightly. “You came without letting me know beforehand. Aren’t you always particular about having someone reliable as your safety officer?”
“Yan Heyu brought me here. He said you’ve been busy lately.” Little did she know he had been busy breaking up. Feeling betrayed, she accused him: “Did you give the skincare products I bought you to someone else?”
“No.”
Lu Zhifei was confused. “What skincare products?”
Jiang Cheng Yu interjected: “They’re for Shen Tang.” “Oh.” Lu Zhifei gave a faint smile and didn’t ask further.
Jiang Cheng Yu asked his niece if she wanted to climb again. “I specially changed clothes to join you.”
Li Zheng eyed his outfit. Before she could ask, Jiang Cheng Yu volunteered: “Shen Tang bought them for me.”
Lu Zhifei lowered her gaze and sipped her coffee. Was he still hung up on her?
Jiang Cheng Yu accompanied his niece for another half hour of climbing, then they headed back.
Li Zheng and Lu Zhifei rode with Jiang Cheng Yu, while their own cars were driven back by the chauffeur.
Li Zheng directly opened the rear door, but Lu Zhifei gestured for her to sit in the front passenger seat. Li Zheng found an excuse: “I’ll keep you company in the back.”
“If we both sit in the back, aren’t we treating your uncle like a chauffeur?”
Though still upset, Li Zheng didn’t want to cause tension with her uncle in front of Lu Zhifei, so she sat in the front.
Jiang Cheng Yu reached over and fastened her seatbelt.
He glanced at his sulking niece. “I didn’t intentionally hide my breakup with Shen Tang from you. Don’t be mad.”
Li Zheng: “...”
Was he deliberately provoking her? Even though she hadn’t shown it, he still brought it up in front of Lu Zhifei.
Since it was already mentioned, she vented: “I’ve been shipping you two for so long, and you broke up without saying a word. It’s been almost three months, and you kept it from me. My ship sank, you know? Am I not allowed to feel upset?”
What hurt her most was: “I hand-drew so many CP illustrations for you two, planning to give them as a four-year anniversary gift. All that work was for nothing.”
Feeling utterly defeated, she turned to look out the window, ignoring Jiang Cheng Yu.
Lu Zhifei took the blame. “Zhen Zhen, it’s my fault.”
She reproached herself: “If only I hadn’t said that extra sentence.”
Jiang Cheng Yu glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “It has nothing to do with you. She would have found out sooner or later.” He then looked at his niece’s sulky figure. “Those drawings weren’t wasted. I’ll use them when I pursue Shen Tang. When can you send them to me?”
Li Zheng turned sharply. Lu Zhifei also looked up.
Jiang Cheng Yu: “Tonight, I’m treating you both to dinner because I want to ask for advice on how to win someone back.”
Lu Zhifei: “...”
Li Zheng: “...”
Lu Zhifei pressed her lips lightly. So this was his subtle way of telling her that she had no chance with him?
________________________________________
The nights in Haitang Village were livelier than the days. Young tourists gathered in groups of three or five, exploring the old streets, seeking food, and capturing the dreamlike night scenery.
The seaside was even more bustling, filled with continuous laughter.
Haitang Village’s hospital was located in the southeast corner of the village. The inpatient building wasn’t tall, only seven stories high. From the top-floor VIP room window, the entire village and coastline were visible.
Chen Nanjin wasn’t in the mood to admire the view. Unable to smoke, the cigarette in his hand had long been crushed to bits, tobacco shreds covering his palm.
Fan Yishuo had just come out of surgery, still under anesthesia and unconscious.
After the nurse explained the precautions, she left the room.
Fan Yu closed the ward door; outside, an assistant stood guard.
Her eyes were red. “Alright, tell me what you plan to do.”
Chen Nanjin threw away the tobacco shreds and went to wash his hands in the bathroom.
Fan Yu blocked the bathroom door. “Chen Nanjin, what’s your problem? You’ve been giving me dirty looks all afternoon.”
Chen Nanjin wiped his hands with a towel. “Fan Yu, this is a hospital room. Don’t shout.”
Fan Yu sneered. “You call this shouting? I’m just asking what you plan to do. Yishuo is seriously injured. How am I supposed to explain this to my brother and sister-in-law?”
“It’s just a spleen injury. Don’t scare yourself unnecessarily.”
“Hmph. Of course you wouldn’t care since it’s not your daughter. How dare you make light of this.”
Fan Yu couldn’t swallow this bitter pill. “Shen Tang intentionally caused serious harm. If I sue her, how many years do you think she’ll spend in jail?”
Chen Nanjin met her threatening gaze. “Just say what you mean.”
Fan Yu tried to sound reasonable. “Make her withdraw from this drama. Voluntarily. Do you think she’s here to act? She’s deliberately causing chaos to make my life difficult. I don’t want to fight with her, but she’s gone too far, pushing me too hard. I can’t tolerate it.”
She exhaled deeply. “We’ve poured so much effort into this drama. Others may not know, but you do. I won’t allow anyone to destroy it. Chen Nanjin, I understand you feel guilty toward her and want to compensate her. I don’t oppose it—I even support it. That’s what a father should do. But compensation isn’t done this way—not by playing around with investments.”
“Withdrawal is impossible. Don’t even think about it.” Chen Nanjin threw the towel onto the rack with a loud ‘bang.’
“As for suing her, go ahead. I think handling some matters legally might be fairer.”
Now it was Fan Yu’s turn to say: “What do you mean?”
Chen Nanjin didn’t mince words: “When the time comes, I’ll testify in court. I’ll explain my relationship with Shen Tang and why Fan Yishuo attacked her so viciously. Whether it was intentional harm or self-defense, I believe the judge will reach a fair conclusion.”
Fan Yu staggered back half a step, nearly losing her balance. She stared at this unfamiliar man. “For Shen Tang, you’re willing to ruin me and Yino, ruin Yishuo. Chen Nanjin, do you still have a conscience? What did Yino do to deserve this from you?”
Chen Nanjin had run out of patience. “Enough with the nonsense. Stop being unreasonable. That’s the end of this afternoon’s matter. Once Fan Yishuo recovers and is discharged, he will apologize to Tang Tang.”
“Why should he!”
“Because he dared to hurt my daughter right in front of me. If he doesn’t apologize, he can pack his bags and return to Beijing as soon as he’s discharged. Consider his role terminated early. As for his remaining scenes, I’ll rewrite the script for another actor. Maybe it’ll be even better than the original.”
“Chen Nanjin!”
Fan Yu gritted her teeth furiously.
Chen Nanjin didn’t bother to say more. He pushed past Fan Yu, intending to get some air outside the ward. Suddenly, he froze.
Through the glass on the ward door, he saw Chen Yino.
The conditions at Haitang Village’s hospital were limited—even the VIP rooms were just single-person wards. The bathroom was near the entrance, and the ward door offered little soundproofing.
He didn’t know when she had stood by the door or how much she had heard.
She stared straight at him, emotions swirling in her eyes.
Chen Nanjin opened the ward door, gripping the handle tightly, avoiding eye contact with his daughter. “Come walk with me by the sea. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”
Chen Yino’s feet felt like lead, unable to lift a step.
The greatest regret of her life was coming to visit her cousin at this moment.
She wished she knew nothing, living in the lies they had woven for her.
________________________________________
It was past nine o’clock, and the crowd by the sea hadn’t dispersed.
Shen Tang dragged her weary body back from outside, with her assistant and bodyguard trailing far behind.
Their rooms were in Brother Shen’s guesthouse, making it convenient to look after her.
At the reception desk on the first floor of the guesthouse, Brother Shen and Sister Shen were waiting for her return. They had heard about the afternoon incident, and villagers were marveling at how actors really endure hardships.
Only they knew it wasn’t acting—it was a real physical altercation.
“Tang Tang, come here.” Brother Shen waved her over.
All the rooms in the guesthouse had been booked by the production team for a month and a half. Besides Shen Tang’s assistant and bodyguard staying here, Zhou Mingqian and Gu Heng’s group were also lodged here.
At this moment, there were no outsiders in the lobby.
“Did you save me some late-night snacks?” Shen Tang instantly brightened with a smile.
Sister Shen put down her work. “Let me see your neck.”
Shen Tang refused, covering it with a scarf. “It’s nothing. Just some bruising. It’ll fade in a couple of days.”
Brother Shen was furious. “If it weren’t for fear of tarnishing your reputation, I’d storm into the hospital and beat him up again.”
Shen Tang: “I didn’t lose. He’s already half-dead.”
Zhou Mingqian descended from the upstairs room, specifically waiting for Shen Tang. “I haven’t eaten dinner yet. Let’s grab something together.”
Shen Tang guessed he had something to discuss with her and nodded.
Everyone staying at the guesthouse had returned. Brother Shen locked the main gate, and Sister Shen went to the kitchen to prepare their late-night meal.
Zhou Mingqian had been staying here for a few days and was already familiar with Brother Shen and Sister Shen, treating it like home. He made himself a cup of tea.
“You’re drinking tea this late?” Shen Tang sat down at the table. “Won’t it keep you awake?”
“If I’m going to be sleepless, it’s not because of the tea.” Zhou Mingqian poured her a glass of warm water.
About the afternoon incident, it couldn’t be avoided.
“I need to apologize to you. As the director and the only one on set who knew, I failed to prevent this harm. It’s my fault.”
“How could it be your fault?”
“I didn’t expect Fan Yishuo...” He gave a helpless laugh, unable to describe the depths of human malice. “I’ve worked with him before. His acting skills are impeccable, and he’s serious about everything.”
“Let’s not talk about unpleasant things,” he said with concern. “How’s Grandpa’s health? I ran into him earlier at the entrance and chatted with him for a bit.”
Shen Tang took a sip from her water glass and nodded.
Zhou Mingqian assumed Grandpa’s health was fine. “By the way, Zhao Chiyi is coming to visit the set. Xiao Zhen is accompanying him.”
News of the afternoon incident had already reached Zhao Chiyi’s ears, and Xiao Zhen, being well-informed, naturally heard about it too.
Zhao Chiyi’s company had invested in That Summer , so his visit was normal.
“I overheard a close friend mention it briefly. Over the past five years, Xiao Zhen has been strategically expanding into entertainment companies, ostensibly for Chu Ran’s benefit. The Chu family is very grateful to her. As of last month, she controls shares in over thirty entertainment companies.”
Even Zhou Mingqian was astonished when he first heard this. “If you want to stay in this industry, you can’t avoid her shadow. She’s the mastermind behind it all.”
Shen Tang turned to look out the window, seeing the scattered lights along the coast.
Zhou Mingqian spoke bluntly: “Xiao Zhen claims to be doing it for Chu Ran, but she’s likely trying to force you out of the industry. Right now, you’re relying solely on your studio. You can’t withstand several rounds of her attacks.”
Shen Tang turned back. “Thank you for the heads-up.”
“You’re welcome.” Zhou Mingqian blew on the steaming tea leaves in his cup. “I just can’t stand how selfish biological parents can be.”
Xiao Zhen was quite contradictory.
She practically wanted her daughter to disappear, yet upon hearing her daughter was bullied, she rushed over.
“Zhao Chiyi and his group should arrive in Shenzhen tomorrow at noon.”
There was no ripple in Shen Tang’s eyes. “Best if both sides are injured, and I reap the benefits.”
Zhou Mingqian didn’t know whether to feel relieved or pity for her. “Thinking this way, I don’t need to worry anymore. I was previously afraid you’d be conflicted.” After all, not many people could remain indifferent to the hand extended by their parents.
Sister Shen prepared the late-night snacks, and they ate while chatting about trivial matters.
Shen Tang’s mind wasn’t on this.
________________________________________
The next day was another sunny day.
The sky was blue, the sea vast, with large clouds floating above the water.
Shen Tang wrapped a silk scarf around her neck before heading to the set. This scarf she borrowed last night from Mother Shen.
Forty years ago, when Mother Shen was young, this silk scarf was a purchase from her youth, preserved until now.
The drama was set in the early 1980s, and this scarf perfectly matched her costume.
Grandpa didn’t know her neck was severely bruised. When she left this morning wearing such a scarf, he smiled, saying it really captured the essence of that era.
Upon arriving at the set, Shen Tang encountered Chen Yino head-on.
Normally, if Chen Yino saw Shen Tang, she would shout “Teacher Shen” from afar. Today, however, Chen Yino’s eyes were complex, her face dull and lifeless.
Upon closer inspection, she had dark circles under her eyes, swollen eyelids, and traces of crying from the previous night.
Others assumed she cried because she was worried about Fan Yishuo’s condition.
As Shen Tang and Chen Yino drew closer—less than two meters apart—
Chen Yino forced a smile. “Good morning.”
Shen Tang gave a slight nod. “Good morning.”
They passed each other.
Shen Tang paid no attention to Chen Yino’s reaction today. She didn’t even have time to feel sorry for herself. She picked up the script to memorize her lines—she had five scenes this morning.
Fan Yu didn’t appear on set, and the morning air felt refreshingly clear.
During the lunch break, Zhou Mingqian asked Shen Tang: “This afternoon, there’s an emotional scene with you and Gu Heng. Are you in the right state? If not, I can reschedule it for tomorrow.”
Shen Tang was eating fruit—her lunch. “No problem.”
Grandpa came during lunch to see his granddaughter. Hearing there was an emotional scene, he didn’t plan to stay long. “I’ll go for a walk. Eat slowly and eat more. Honestly, how can you only eat fruit for lunch?”
Scolding yet indulging.
Shen Tang smiled. “It’s all Sister Shen’s fault. She makes midnight snacks every night, and I’ve gained a few pounds. If I gain any more weight, I won’t look good on camera.”
Grandpa defended her: “You don’t look fat to me.”
While wandering around the village today, he had heard about yesterday’s incident where his granddaughter got injured during filming. “Tang Tang, is what they’re saying true? Let me see your neck.”
Shen Tang lied: “It’s not that serious. That person had acute gastroenteritis from eating too much seafood. Isn’t it better to say it was a filming accident? My neck makeup was done yesterday for the scene effect. But please, don’t tell anyone.”
Grandpa felt reassured and nodded repeatedly.
He tried to straighten his back and scanned the set as if looking for someone.
“Grandpa, what are you looking for?”
“Oh, I’m checking if that young man Zhao Chiyi is here.”
“? “
Grandpa was curious: “He’s not acting?”
“He’s the boss.”
“Ah, I see.”
Turns out Zhao Chiyi had already arrived in Haitang Village and had even chatted with Grandpa at the guesthouse entrance.
“I won’t disturb your filming.” Grandpa left with his cane.
He frequently visited the set. During this time, he became the true wealthy grandfather, ordering cold drinks and fruits from the supermarket daily to share with the entire crew.
On the opening night, he played the generous host, treating everyone to seafood.
The staff all recognized him. Whoever saw him would warmly greet him with a “Grandpa.”
Grandpa’s face blossomed with smiles, feeling more satisfied than ever before.
Shen Tang noticed her grandfather’s improved spirits these days, making her own grievances seem trivial.
Not long after Grandpa left the set, accompanied by a cry of “Wow,” the crew welcomed the most handsome entertainment mogul Zhao Chiyi. His looks rivaled even those of male stars in the industry.
Back when news spread that he and Chu Ran were a couple, countless women’s ships had sunk.
Shen Tang focused on eating her fruit, occasionally flipping a page of the script on her lap.
Zhao Chiyi exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhou Mingqian and walked straight towards Shen Tang.
His lack of discretion made others think nothing of it.
An actor being hospitalized due to severe injuries on set was no small matter.
Zhao Chiyi arriving today indicated he had heard about yesterday’s incident. This visit was likely to check on Fan Yishuo and Shen Tang.
Zhao Chiyi sat in the chair Grandpa had just occupied. “President Xiao went to Haitang Village Hospital.”
Shen Tang hummed indifferently, seemingly unconcerned, still reading the script.
Zhao Chiyi leaned back in the chair, staring at the woman before him. By today’s standards, her outfit was outdated, but her face was stylish, making the clothes appear “fashionable” too.
She ignored him, and he continued on his own: “I learned about your relationship with President Xiao.”
Shen Tang was surprised, glanced at him, then resumed reading her lines.
“President Xiao told me,” he said helplessly. “I’m not interested in others’ secrets, but once I know, I have to keep them. People exploit that.”
Like now.
Xiao Zhen had him accompany her to Haitang Village, and he couldn’t refuse.
“President Xiao’s resources in the entertainment industry might be more extensive than you imagine.”
Shen Tang popped a green grape into her mouth, still silent.
Zhao Chiyi was accustomed to her cold demeanor. “You’re isolated and weak now. Facing President Xiao head-on would be a huge disparity in power.”
Shen Tang closed the script. “And then what?”
Zhao Chiyi gazed into her eyes: “Would you consider joining Evergreen Entertainment? President Xiao’s capital hasn’t infiltrated Evergreen yet—it’s your only safe haven. If you come to me, I won’t hesitate to support you regardless of President Xiao. I’ll repeat: whatever you want, I can give you.”
He paused. “Including myself.”
The last three words drowned in another round of “Wow” from the fangirls nearby.
Shen Tang followed the sound. Even though the person wore sunglasses, everything about him was all too familiar.
What was going on today? Everyone seemed to be gathering in Haitang Village.
Jiang Cheng Yu exchanged fewer than three sentences with Zhou Mingqian and walked towards Shen Tang and Zhao Chiyi.
Men’s sensitivity to rivals isn’t inferior to women’s. Their gazes met mid-air, sparks flying.
As Jiang Cheng Yu approached,
Zhao Chiyi smirked. “What brings you, President Jiang?”
Jiang Cheng Yu was sparing with words but each carried weight: “Pursuing someone, confessing, starting anew.”
Zhao Chiyi wasn’t surprised he’d say that. Traveling all the way to Haitang Village surely wasn’t just to visit Zhou Mingqian.
He nodded. “Then President Jiang will have to wait in line. I’m confessing too.”
Jiang Cheng Yu: “......”
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