TF01 106

Kou Jing, speaking half as a media professional, once summed up the nature of media.

Public opinion could crown a god overnight, or cast someone into hell just as fast. No matter how strong one’s mind might be, it was impossible to completely ignore the whispers and rumors around them, especially when those things started to affect their actual life. It was even harder to stay calm.

The public exposure of Shi Yi and Ying Ming’s relationship had dealt the Shi family a blow from which they would never recover. It created regret, tragedy, and irreparable loss. Ying Ming stood by and watched it unfold, powerless to stop it. And the damage it did to his career was something no outsider could possibly imagine

The first consequence was the total ban of the film he co-starred in with Wang Yiqi. Not only was it barred from domestic theaters, but even related reports and news segments were suppressed. The film’s approval for the festival circuit had also been suspended. The official reason given was “sensitive content, unfit for distribution.” The production company had exhausted their resources trying to solve the problem, but after months of waiting, nothing had changed.

Another film, one where he played a supporting role alongside Dong Xiao and Liu Li, faced similar trouble. But this time, the production team acted decisively. They cut out all of his scenes. Not a single frame remained.

His name did not appear in the cast list. During promotional interviews, no one even mentioned him.

When Dong Xiao first told Ying Ming about it, he had no particular reaction. It was within expectations. After all, he was only a side character. He had no impact on the plot and no tie-ins to any subplots. Whether his part stayed or went was up to the director.

It was Dong Xiao who had more to say about it. “They practically treated you like the lead while filming. Now that the tide’s turned, they’re so quick to cut ties it’s almost impressive.”

That incident actually caused a falling-out between the two. If Dong Xiao had known things would come to this, he never would have foolishly challenged Ying Ming to that race in the first place…

Ying Ming had only raised an eyebrow, mocking. “A film that can’t even make it to theaters because of me isn’t worth anything. The fact they didn’t make me pay damages is already more than I expected.”

That was how things worked in this industry. Whether it was controversy or gossip, everything served one goal: box office returns. If the film could not even be released, then none of that mattered. No matter how much attention you stirred up, it would all go to waste.

“So maybe some things are just destined,” Dong Xiao had said, his tone heavy with resignation toward Ying Ming, and also himself.

No one ever knew what tomorrow might bring. People only started regretting things once they were too far in. Back when he was injured, Dong Xiao had been so depressed he thought about jumping off a building. But somehow, step by step, he had made it through. In the end, a new path had opened up after all.

Dong Xiao sighed and glanced at Si Ji, who was reviewing the script, before finally steering the conversation back to their collaboration. “But with how things are now, it’s going to be tough to even start filming.”

“You already asked about it?”

“I did. They didn’t give me a clear answer, but judging from their tone, it’s probably not happening. Si Ji has almost finished reviewing the script, but if we keep stalling, I won’t be able to answer to the investors.”

In truth, the funding had come largely through his personal network. After what happened with Ying Ming, everyone involved was affected to some extent.

Ying Ming frowned. “If it comes to that, maybe I should just withdraw.”

“You think pulling out will fix anything? Your name’s already on the project. It was reported in the news, and listed as you directing when it was filed. Even if we could find someone else to replace you, just from a publicity standpoint, it would be far too conspicuous. The approval department hates anything that attracts too much attention. Honestly, even if we cut you from the project now, they probably still won’t greenlight it.”

Most people preferred to avoid trouble whenever possible. That was just how the system worked.

Ying Ming knew Dong Xiao was right and said nothing more. They sat in silence for a while before Ying Ming finally broke it. “What’s the plan now?”

“I’ve got a dinner scheduled the day after tomorrow with some people from the industry. Want to come?”

“Who’s going?”

“Some government folks. It might not help, but doing something is better than doing nothing.”

Ying Ming gave a small frown. “I’ll come with you.”

His agreement took Dong Xiao by surprise. He was quiet for a long time before finally squeezing out a reply. “You sure? Those people… you should prepare yourself.”

Dong Xiao did not know Ying Ming all that well. But from what interactions they had shared, he could tell Ying Ming was someone who genuinely disliked the behind-the-scenes dealings of the industry. If he had any interest in playing that game, he would not have spent all these years stuck in an awkward limbo. When Dong Xiao brought it up earlier, he had not actually expected Ying Ming to agree. It was more of a passing thought, especially since Si Ji had never gotten involved in such matters, and Dong Xiao had only asked on a whim. He never imagined the man would actually be willing to go.

But those people, none of them were easy to deal with.

Dong Xiao’s warning made Ying Ming chuckle. “It’s fine.”

It was not that he had never dealt with them before, only that he disliked it. In this business, it was impossible not to encounter such a situation. Like it or not, you had to get used to it.

Since Ying Ming had agreed to go, Dong Xiao did not press further. After all, Ying Ming was officially credited as part of the film’s creative team, and attending together would show sincerity.

Dong Xiao gave him the time and place and reminded him not to drive.

They would be drinking anyway, and bringing a car would only be a hassle.

---

When it came to Ying Ming’s career, Shi Yi probably knew more about his situation than the other way around.

TVs were always on, people talked, and a quick search online would bring up endless results. Even if they had not seen each other in a while, it was not hard to keep up with what the other was doing.

That is, unless Ying Ming was under a partial media blackout.

Shi Yi first heard about the film being edited through Kou Jing. He happened to be contacting him for something else, and when the topic turned to Ying Ming, Kou Jing mentioned it in passing. At the time, Shi Yi did not react. He finished discussing his own matter and ended the call.

Kou Jing had the distinct impression that Shi Yi had grown more withdrawn.

He had never been an easy person to read, but now it seemed he avoided explanations altogether. It felt like everything he thought was buried deep inside. Kou Jing could not say whether this was a good or bad change. It just felt a little off.

But because Kou Jing had brought up Ying Ming, Shi Yi ended up looking into it more seriously. By now, most people were aware of their relationship. Even acquaintances who were only somewhat familiar with them had a strange tone when speaking to him. They did not dare ask directly to his face, but their roundabout probing was impossible to avoid. At first, Shi Yi had felt like snapping at them, but over time he calmed down. After all, the truth was the truth. There was no hiding it. The only option left was to get used to it.

Several times, he thought about calling Ying Ming to ask if he needed any help, but each time he hesitated, and in the end, never made the call.

Because he knew him too well. He knew what kind of person Ying Ming was. Even if he asked, Ying Ming would never say he needed anything.

If this had been before, he probably would have stepped in regardless of whether Ying Ming asked for it or not. But after everything that had happened, this time, he chose to wait.

Wait for Ying Ming to tell him himself.

So when he unexpectedly ran into Dong Xiao and Ying Ming, it really did catch him off guard.

He had just stepped out to use the restroom and bumped into Dong Xiao. The man did not try to hide anything. He told Shi Yi that he and Ying Ming were next door having dinner with a few officials from the relevant departments.

“Do you want to come over and say hello?”

Dong Xiao had been shocked too when he saw those photos of Shi Yi and Ying Ming.

He had never imagined the two of them were in that kind of relationship. But thinking back on it later, he realized there had been signs, just subtle enough to overlook.

All he could say was that the ties between people were unpredictable. And in their case, maybe even a little theatrical.

Shi Yi simply smiled at Dong Xiao’s suggestion. “No need. When you’re done, bring him over. I’ll take him home.”

“You really won’t go in and check on him?”

Dong Xiao said this because Ying Ming was getting completely drowned in alcohol inside.

Actors always looked impressive on the surface, but most of the time, they were just barely holding the stage together by themselves. Once off the stage, it was never clear who held the power and who was the lackey.

Those so-called big bosses never cared whether you could act or not. They grabbed onto any weakness just to make themselves look better by humiliating someone else. In plain terms, they were assholes.

Shi Yi picked up on the implication in Dong Xiao’s words. He hesitated for a moment, but in the end, still shook his head. “If I were him, I wouldn’t want me to show up right now.”

Even so, when he passed by Dong Xiao’s private room on the way back, Shi Yi still glanced inside.

Ying Ming was sitting with his back to the door, head tipped back, chugging straight from a bottle of whiskey.

Shi Yi recognized two of the men sitting across from him. They had crossed paths back when his father was still alive, usually at the occasional business gathering.
He had no real relationship with them. The other two were clearly younger, and they were all mouthing off as Ying Ming drank, their expressions unbearably smug.

Shi Yi stared for a moment. When Dong Xiao returned to his seat, the drinking game they had started before was still going on. Ying Ming had already finished off one bottle.

“You can’t keep drinking like this. Something’s going to happen,” Dong Xiao stepped in to stop him, forcing a strained smile.

“That’s not true. Ying Ming can handle one more glass, easy.”

Someone pushed Dong Xiao aside and handed over another half-glass. “Ying Ming, I never thought you had it in you. I figured washed-up actors had nothing left going for them, but you’re something else. That whole thing with the military brat, was it real or fake?”

The man asking wore glasses and usually looked like a decent person. But after two drinks, he had clearly lost control. Ying Ming gave him a look, his expression perfectly still.

“My drinking capacity isn’t nearly as impressive as the Deputy Director’s courage. Taking on such a risky deal so casually, now that’s what I call bold. If the Director is that loyal, I can definitely drink another bottle.”

The man blinked, then laughed. “So it turns out you’re not just good at drinking, you’re quick with your tongue too.”

Ying Ming took the offered glass. “As long as the Director nods, I’ll down this in one go.”

The middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table, who had remained silent until now, used the lazy Susan to slide his full glass over to Ying Ming.

“Deal.”

Ying Ming ignored Dong Xiao’s attempt to hold him back and lifted the glass. Then he drank.