Chapter 35 – Manifestation

Today, Xi Yufeng returned late. Upon entering the door, he noticed the floor lamp in the living room was on. As he approached, he saw Jiang Ruo curled up on the sofa, having no idea how long he had been asleep.

Hearing footsteps, Jiang Ruo slowly opened his eyes, rubbed them, and after his vision focused, he smiled. “You’re back.”

This scene was too close to human imagination of what a “home” should look like. Xi Yufeng looked at Jiang Ruo for a moment, reached out to hold his hand that was hanging off the edge of the sofa, and said, “Go sleep in the bed.”

Jiang Ruo took a shower but didn’t return to his room; instead, he accompanied Xi Yufeng at the dining table for a while.

There were still some business matters left unattended, and Xi Yufeng forgot to eat as he typed away on his keyboard. Jiang Ruo couldn’t bear it anymore, sat beside him, and scooped a spoonful of soup to feed him.

Xi Yufeng had no choice but to free a hand to take the spoon. “I can do it myself.”

Jiang Ruo said, “Don’t be shy. Nobody’s watching.”

Seeing Xi Yufeng determined not to return the spoon, Jiang Ruo ran to the kitchen himself to fill a bowl of soup.

After just a couple of sips, he propped his chin up in boredom. “Why haven’t you been drinking lately?”

Xi Yufeng glanced at him. “Do you want a drink?”

Jiang Ruo shook his head. “Not particularly.”

He merely missed the reckless abandon of those days, the freedom from responsibilities.

“That liquor is too strong,” said Xi Yufeng. “In the future, I’ll take you to a quiet bar and mix you a drink that suits you.”

Jiang Ruo chuckled. “In the future… Do you realize that you owe me many ‘futures’ already?”

Thinking that he was complaining about always making empty promises, Xi Yufeng pondered for a moment and said, “Once things settle down, I’ll definitely take you.”

“Okay.” Jiang Ruo nodded. “Definitely next time.”

Xi Yufeng didn’t understand the inside joke, only sensing a tone of distrust devoid of hope in his voice.

It might have been a misperception. Xi Yufeng took a spoonful of soup into his mouth and couldn’t help frowning.

After finishing their late-night snack and cleaning up the dishes, Jiang Ruo suddenly turned around at the sink. “Xi Yufeng, are you about to…”

Xi Yufeng moved his gaze from the screen to Jiang Ruo’s face. “What?”

Jiang Ruo also looked at him with an unreadable, dark gaze.

“It’s nothing.” In just a moment, Jiang Ruo resumed his usual smile. “I meant to say, you should go take a bath quickly. It’s already very late.”

Feng City lived up to its name in November(Maple City). The maple leaves along the roadsides glowed red under the sunlight, as if painted. Strolling through the streets felt like walking in a fairy tale world.

Even though Jiang Ruo’s schedule was packed with no time to linger and admire the scenery, one day when he came out of an audition, stepping on a crisp, dried leaf, he raised his head and inhaled deeply, unable to help feeling that “autumn is coming to an end again.”

Today’s class was scheduled for the afternoon. The instructor had notified everyone in advance that this session would invite outstanding graduates from the film academy to share experiences with the students.

Jiang Ruo arrived early and reserved two seats in the middle of the classroom near the front for himself and Song Shiyun. However, when the class started, he was dumbfounded because the “outstanding graduate” was Chen Muxin.

It was evident that the instructor held this prized disciple in high regard. Besides inviting him to the podium to share his learning experiences during his student years, there was even a makeshift stage set up on-site for Chen Muxin to perform interpretations of previously released practical topics according to his understanding, serving as a demonstration for the students below.

As the sole heir of a family in the performing arts and an outstanding graduate of the film academy, Chen Muxin’s performance was textbook-perfect. Many people around him pulled out their phones to record, intending to study the footage repeatedly as reference material.

Song Shiyun was also filming and asked Jiang Ruo why he wasn’t doing the same.

Jiang Ruo vaguely replied, “My phone’s battery is almost dead. You can send me a copy later.”

After saying that, he raised his notebook to cover half of his face, fearing that a moment’s carelessness might result in locking eyes with Chen Muxin.

Finally enduring until the class ended, he fell behind to delay time. Jiang Ruo lied, claiming that the car picking him up hadn’t arrived yet, and let Song Shiyun leave first.

During the wait, he received a call from his agent, Zheng Yiting.

It was about the matter of Su Yi cheating, which Jiang Ruo had photographed. In the end, he sent the photos to Tang Jiani and informed Zheng Yiting about the incident and his handling of it. After all, since it involved something within the industry, he believed it was necessary to report it.

At that time, Zheng Yiting wasn’t too pleased. Besides her dissatisfaction with his acting before consulting her, she thought his actions weren’t appropriate. After all, friendship was important, but in this mixed circle, a certain degree of tact was needed for self-protection.

What if Tang Jiani didn’t believe the photos and thought he was trying to sow discord? Or what if, in a fit of impulsiveness, she confronted Su Yi with the photos? Then, Jiang Ruo, who had taken the photos, would offend more than one person.

Fortunately, although Tang Jiani was love-struck, she hadn’t completely lost her rationality. After receiving the photos, she thanked Jiang Ruo. A few days later, she told him that she had broken up with Su Yi.

Zheng Yiting said on the phone, “I’ve inquired from her agent. They broke up peacefully. Tang Jiani cited family disapproval as the reason for the breakup. Su Yi, who had already been considering breaking up after climbing higher, managed to end things without too much ugliness.”

Jiang Ruo responded with an “Mm,” “That’s good then.”

On the other end of the line, Zheng Yiting sighed and gave him another warning, telling him not to get involved in such messy affairs in the future. This time, he got lucky, but the next time, he might not. There were countless examples in the industry of people getting into trouble by meddling in others’ relationships.

Jiang Ruo obediently agreed, saying, “Sister Zheng, don’t worry. Next time, I’ll definitely report it to you directly. Let’s just enjoy the drama together and never participate.”

Zheng Yiting couldn’t maintain her sternness for more than five minutes before laughing. “You, kid.”

This call wasn’t solely about that matter. Later, Zheng Yiting informed Jiang Ruo that Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain, the fantasy period drama he participated in earlier this year, was going to air soon.

Jiang Ruo’s reaction was, “So soon!”

“Because the drama that was originally scheduled to air has a problem with the lead actor’s private life and can’t be broadcasted. Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain has been brought forward temporarily.”

Regarding this, Zheng Yiting remained calm and only instructed Jiang Ruo to prepare himself. The promotional work that needed to be done on Weibo with the production team was handed over to Xiao Shen. All he had to do was wait for the audience’s review and accept the baptism of popularity.

Judging by genre, Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain undoubtedly had a wider audience and was more likely to become popular than When Orioles Take Flight. Jiang Ruo knew that Zheng Yiting would certainly launch a large-scale publicity campaign. While looking forward to it, he inevitably felt uneasy.

After all, it seemed like only yesterday that the video of him hitting someone was exposed. The higher he was pushed to the forefront, the greater the risks he had to bear.

However, this time, Zheng Yiting didn’t remind him to be cautious about concealing his relationship with Xi Yufeng. Perhaps she felt that he had already gotten used to it and would naturally be careful without needing to be reminded.

Moreover, Xi Yufeng had been unusually busy recently, often returning home after Jiang Ruo had fallen asleep and leaving before Jiang Ruo woke up.

Jiang Ruo couldn’t even count how many days it had been since he last saw him.

Waiting until everyone had left the classroom, Jiang Ruo packed up his backpack and walked out slowly.

During the days when Xi Yufeng wasn’t around, he lacked motivation to go home after work. He even wanted to sit in the classroom for a bit longer.

Although even if Xi Yufeng was back, he probably wouldn’t ask the question, “Are you about to get married?”

Thinking of this, Jiang Ruo forced a self-mocking smile. It was ironic that he, who had always prided himself on being straightforward and decisive, never expected to find himself so indecisive and dilly-dallying.

After walking for a while, he turned into the path leading to the entrance and unexpectedly met someone’s gaze when he looked up. Jiang Ruo subconsciously turned to leave.

Before he could take a step, he was called out.

“Brother Jiang.” Chen Muxin was still the same, dressed in a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers, his tone sunny. “I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

The two went to a pavilion by the roadside.

It was extremely quiet here. Occasionally, the rustling sound of wind blowing through the leaves could be heard. In warmer weather, students would probably sit here reading and studying.

At this moment, Jiang Ruo stepped on an unknown leaf, and his lowered gaze revealed only a restless desire to leave.

He led the conversation straight to the point. “What is it?”

Chen Muxin didn’t beat around the bush. “I’m currently recording a variety show, and the production team has asked me to invite a friend to participate as a guest for two episodes. I’d like to invite you.”

“Me?” Jiang Ruo looked up at him. “Are we friends?”

His words carried a hint of thorniness, but Chen Muxin showed no embarrassment on his face. “We are, aren’t we? Why not? Since you haven’t accepted my pursuit yet.”

Jiang Ruo bluntly told him, “I won’t accept your so-called pursuit.”

“Why? Are you already in a relationship?”

“Sort of.” Jiang Ruo paused and said, “Let’s just say that I am.”

No one had ever stipulated that unrequited love didn’t count as a type of relationship.

“Is that so?” Chen Muxin smiled. “How can you be in a relationship and still be uncertain?”

“It’s none of your business.”

“So you can accept my invitation without any burden, right?”

The sudden reversal left Jiang Ruo stunned.

Chen Muxin looked at him. “I need a friend, and you need exposure opportunities. Moreover, it coincides with the promotion period of Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain. We each get what we need. Why not?”

After a night of consideration, the next morning, Jiang Ruo made a call to Zheng Yiting.

Zheng Yiting had just received an invitation from Chen Muxin’s studio and was about to contact Jiang Ruo. Plus, there were several contracts that had piled up in the past half month that needed Jiang Ruo’s signature, so she asked Jiang Ruo to come downstairs in thirty minutes to pick him up and bring him to the company.

Perhaps because he had received too many sudden messages, Jiang Ruo’s right eyelid twitched incessantly since he woke up early this morning.

He was somewhat superstitious. As the old folks said, “Better safe than sorry.”

Taking the elevator downstairs, Jiang Ruo walked out while lost in thought, wondering if perhaps his previous audition had fallen through. Or was it that the ratings for Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain were going to flop?

To prevent paparazzi from taking photos, the nanny car hadn’t registered its license plate in the neighborhood where Xi Yufeng lived and could only park outside.

Due to the traffic jam during rush hour, the car was late. Jiang Ruo put on his mask, stood against the wall at the entrance, and took out his phone to kill time.

Swiping through various apps, he ultimately stopped at WeChat.

His conversation with Xi Yufeng had stalled at yesterday afternoon, with his message asking “When are you coming back?” left unanswered.

Today, Jiang Ruo planned to change his approach.

As he held his phone and typed out the words “What do you want to eat today,” he suddenly heard the sound of chaotic and hurried footsteps approaching.

Looking up, he saw two men dressed in black, their faces covered except for their eyes, walking briskly toward him. Jiang Ruo’s heart skipped a beat.

It was already too late to run. The two men raised a sack and pounced. Jiang Ruo struggled as he was hit in the back of the neck. He felt his consciousness drift for a moment before sinking into darkness.

Approximately two hours later, Shi Mingxu knocked on the door of the fifteenth-floor meeting room.

A regular managers’ meeting was being held here. Seeing Shi Mingxu walk in as if no one else was present, the attendees all showed surprise.

Xi Yufeng, who was listening to a subordinate’s report, was similarly surprised. “Didn’t I tell you to stand guard and not disturb us?”

Shi Mingxu quickly walked to him, bent down, and whispered something in his ear. Xi Yufeng’s expression darkened visibly. He then announced a temporary suspension of the meeting and walked out of the conference room with Shi Mingxu.

Before they reached the office door, Xi Yufeng asked, “What’s the specific situation?”

Shi Mingxu reported, “The surveillance camera at the entrance of the residential area captured the license plate. Following the trail, we traced the route of this vehicle, which initially came from the parking lot near Young Master’s residence. Based on the information we have so far, we cannot determine whether this incident is related to Ms. Xiao.”

Xi Yufeng’s brows furrowed tightly. “I asked about the current situation.”

“The security guard who witnessed the incident at the gate said that the car stopped suddenly. Two men in black got out of the car and headed straight for Mr. Jiang.” Shi Mingxu quickly added, “But Young Master making such a big fuss obviously left traces deliberately to coerce you into voiding that gambling agreement. I guess he wouldn’t dare to harm Mr. Jiang…”

Shi Mingxu believed his analysis was logical, but he saw Xi Yufeng’s face darken further.

“You…guess?” Xi Yufeng retorted coldly, then pulled out his phone and dialed Jiang Ruo’s number.

He waited until the long ringing turned into a busy signal, hung up and dialed again, but still, no one answered.

Striding towards the elevator, Xi Yufeng asked, “Where did they take him?”

“The car drove to a blind spot in the suburbs, and we don’t know which road it turned onto.” Shi Mingxu swallowed. “The police are urgently investigating. I believe we’ll have news soon.”

Standing aimlessly in front of the elevator for a moment, Xi Yufeng turned around and returned. At the door of the lounge, he instructed Shi Mingxu to fetch that gambling agreement.

Despite already breaking out in a cold sweat, Shi Mingxu still resisted the pressure and said, “Things haven’t reached that point yet. If we wait a few more days, we can — ”

“I told you to get it.” Xi Yufeng said, “If you still don’t understand your superior’s orders, don’t come to work tomorrow.”

If his tone was merely icy before, now it was clear anger.

This was the first time Shi Mingxu had seen Xi Yufeng angry since joining the company. Even when Xiao Yin had insulted him with such vile words, he had responded with indifference as if it was none of his concern.

After Shi Mingxu left, Xi Yufeng entered the empty lounge and stood by the window.

He tried calling Jiang Ruo several times, but still, no one picked up.

Returning to his contacts list, he scrolled to Xi Wangchen’s number, his finger hovering above it, but ultimately didn’t press down.

At a time like this, the more anxious and proactive he was, the easier it was to reveal his concern. As a businessman, Xi Yufeng knew this principle well.

He put his phone aside and pulled out a cigarette.

His thumb flicked the lighter but failed to light it several times. Xi Yufeng had to switch to his left hand, which he usually used.

Finally managing to light the cigarette, he held the filter between his lips and drew in hard.

It was at this moment that Xi Yufeng realized that besides his trembling hand, his breath was also uncontrollably shaking.