Chapter 27: Entering V Chapter, Gege

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Shi Qiu curled up in his folding chair, exhaling a puff of white mist toward the grey sky.

It was overcast today, colder than usual.

Jiang Fengmian seemed to have genuinely believed his explanation. He didn’t press further or go looking for Zhong Xiyuan. He simply continued filming as usual.

Zhong Xiyuan, however, was visibly nervous. He even asked what Jiang Fengmian’s reaction had been, only to be brushed off with, “I told my ge we’re just running buddies, and he believed it.”

Shi Qiu remembered Zhong Xiyuan’s reaction clearly. He had looked genuinely surprised, his fox-like eyes briefly blank before lighting up with joy.

Shi Qiu had no idea what he was so happy about, but on the surface, the matter seemed to have passed.

Until Shi Qiu picked up a call from an unfamiliar number.

“Hello?” he answered politely.

“I’m Lu Chengyan.” A voice Shi Qiu had long buried in the back of his mind rang in his ear, startling him so much he nearly dropped his phone.

“Lu… Lu zong…” Shi Qiu replied guiltily.

Lu Chengyan’s voice was calm. “Why don’t you call me gege anymore?”

Shi Qiu felt his skin tighten. He didn’t understand why Lu Chengyan, who had previously agreed to pretend nothing had happened, was suddenly calling to say this. But he caved, whispering, “Gege.”

The voice was barely audible, but in the car, Lu Chengyan’s stormy expression softened slightly upon hearing that soft “gege.”

“I’m at your set. I need to talk to you.” His voice came through the phone just as a woman in a beige coat approached Shi Qiu.

Just from her posture and demeanor, Shi Qiu could tell she was likely an assistant or secretary.

“Mr. Shi, Lu zong would like to see you,” she said with a smile.

Shi Qiu glanced at his phone. Lu Chengyan had already hung up.

He quietly put his phone away, stood up from his chair, and followed her.

She led him to a black Rolls-Royce. The driver got out and opened the door for him.

Inside, Lu Chengyan sat in the back seat, wearing only a light grey shirt. The car was warm.

Shi Qiu climbed in reluctantly, noticing that the driver and assistant had left. Now it was just the two of them.

“Take off your coat. Aren’t you hot?” Lu Chengyan’s tone was gentle, but the words made Shi Qiu nervous.

After a moment of hesitation, he unzipped and removed his down jacket.

Underneath, he wore a cream-colored sweater. Soft and loose, just the way he liked. To Lu Chengyan, he looked like an unadorned, fluffy sponge cake.

Shi Qiu curled up in his seat and asked, “Lu zong, what did you want to talk about?”

Lu Chengyan glanced at him, no longer pressing the gege issue. “Jiang Fengmian asked me to look into Zhong Xiyuan’s romantic history.”

Shi Qiu’s eyes widened in surprise.

“He’s worried his good little ge is being tricked. Even if it’s just a hookup, it should at least be clean.” Lu Chengyan’s face was expressionless, but Shi Qiu felt suffocated.

“If I remember correctly, you liked Jiang Fengmian quite a bit. When you asked me to keep things secret, your reason was that he must never find out.”

Shi Qiu had begged him to pretend nothing happened, to keep it from Jiang Fengmian. Yet now, he had openly introduced Zhong Xiyuan to Jiang Fengmian, who even helped vet running partners.

Shi Qiu looked at Lu Chengyan’s unreadable face, heart tightening.

He was furious.

Shi Qiu blinked, trying to look innocent and pitiful. Softly, he said, “Gege…”

Lu Chengyan’s expression didn’t change. He reached out and pinched Shi Qiu’s cheek.

Calling him Lu zong when things were fine, gege when in trouble. This little brat knew how to act cute.

But Lu Chengyan hadn’t forgotten that this gege was borrowed from Jiang Fengmian.

“Gege, don’t be mad. I’m scared,” Shi Qiu said pitifully.

“You’re scared now?” Lu Chengyan smiled, but it was the kind of smile corporate executives wore before tearing their rivals apart.

Shi Qiu was genuinely frightened.

“I was with Zhong Xiyuan. It was an accident,” he whispered.

“Accidentally ended up in bed?” Lu Chengyan looked at the little liar.

Shi Qiu choked, curling up tighter. “No…”

“So sleeping with him wasn’t an accident?” Lu Chengyan’s voice was unreadable.

Shi Qiu bit his lip. Even if he said they hadn’t slept together, Lu Chengyan wouldn’t believe him.

“My ge finding out. That was the accident,” Shi Qiu said slowly. “He saw us by chance. I didn’t mean for him to know.”

Lu Chengyan’s oppressive aura eased slightly.

He could accept Shi Qiu cutting ties because of love for Jiang Fengmian. But he couldn’t accept being lied to and discarded, only for Shi Qiu to turn to Zhong Xiyuan.

Especially when it wasn’t even a relationship. Just sex.

So with Zhong Xiyuan it’s fine, but not with me?

I’m not even as good as Zhong Xiyuan?

“You still like Jiang Fengmian?” Lu Chengyan asked.

Shi Qiu nodded quickly.

Lu Chengyan reached out and gently touched the corner of his eye. Those watery eyes looked up at him with heartbreaking innocence.

“Then why sleep with Zhong Xiyuan?” Lu Chengyan asked softly. “Don’t make excuses. You already said it wasn’t an accident.”

Shi Qiu realized again how dangerous Lu Chengyan was. Polite, rational, but utterly intolerant of lies.

But he couldn’t tell the whole truth either.

He blinked. Thankfully, he was an award-winning actor.

“Because…” Shi Qiu cleared his throat, voice trembling. “Because he can help my ge.”

This time, he didn’t shrink back. He looked Lu Chengyan in the eye, though his own eyes quickly reddened.

Lu Chengyan hadn’t expected that answer. He looked at Shi Qiu, puzzled. “If you wanted to help Jiang Fengmian, why not come to me?”

“I told you before, if you need help, come to me. Why go to Zhong Xiyuan?” He trailed off, perhaps because Shi Qiu looked too pitiful.

“I won’t come to you.” Shi Qiu lowered his head, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

“Why?” Lu Chengyan didn’t understand. What could Zhong Xiyuan offer that he couldn’t?

“No matter what, I won’t come to you,” Shi Qiu said stubbornly. “Anyone but you.”

That was the truth. Shi Qiu didn’t want to be entangled with Lu Chengyan. He was too powerful. Able to lift someone from hell to heaven with a word, or destroy them just as easily.

Shi Qiu had seen too many dirty dealings among the rich. In the entertainment industry, many clung to wealthy patrons, dreaming of marrying into wealth. But when things soured, only a few parted peacefully. Most were forced to return every benefit they had received, with interest.

He wouldn’t gamble his and Jiang Fengmian’s future on a relationship with Lu Chengyan.

Lu Chengyan was simply too dangerous.

“Anyone but me?” Lu Chengyan grabbed his shoulder, visibly angry. “So you just sleep around?”

“Yeah. My ge won’t be with me anymore. What does it matter who I sleep with?” Shi Qiu wiped his tears, eyes red like a rabbit but bristling like a hedgehog. “I’m cheap. Whoever can help my ge, I’ll sleep with them. I’m just…”

He couldn’t finish. Lu Chengyan covered his mouth.

Shi Qiu blinked, tears soaking Lu Chengyan’s hand.

“Don’t say that,” Lu Chengyan sighed, lowering his gaze.

In that moment, Shi Qiu saw a trace of gentleness in Lu Chengyan. Similar to Jiang Fengmian when his eyes softened.

Though their appearances were vastly different, both could exude a suffocating pressure when serious. But now, Lu Chengyan seemed resigned, almost tender.

“Don’t degrade yourself like this,” Lu Chengyan said gently. “If you need help, just tell me. I’ll help you. You don’t need to trade your body. Have some self-respect.”

“Jiang Fengmian wouldn’t want to see you like this either.”

Shi Qiu was getting anxious. Was Lu Chengyan some kind of saint? Even after being provoked, he still wanted to save him.

But Shi Qiu couldn’t accept his help. Interest made everything seem wonderful, but once things soured, every past kindness became a thorn.

Time to escalate.

Shi Qiu looked at him with tear-filled eyes, lips trembling.

Lu Chengyan released his hand.

Shi Qiu murmured, “Gege… don’t be mad…”

Unlike his usual sweet tone, this was fragile and cautious. Lu Chengyan instantly realized he was referring to Jiang Fengmian.

Lu Chengyan stared at him in a daze.

So the reason Shi Qiu refused his help was because he saw Lu Chengyan as Jiang Fengmian?

Because they looked too alike, even when facing Lu Chengyan, Shi Qiu couldn’t bring himself to take advantage of that resemblance.

A slow-burning fury rose in Lu Chengyan’s chest. Shi Qiu truly had a talent for provoking him.

Shi Qiu watched Lu Chengyan’s expression carefully. Realizing he had crossed a line, he closed his eyes and braced for the inevitable.

Lu Chengyan was well-mannered. Even when angry, he wouldn’t resort to violence. Shi Qiu waited for him to say “Get out.”

But that word never came.

Instead, Lu Chengyan reached out and gripped his chin.

“Mm…” Shi Qiu’s eyes widened in shock. He pushed at Lu Chengyan’s shoulders, but it was futile. Lu Chengyan kissed him deeply, pressing him into the back seat until he could barely breathe.

Shi Qiu struggled and finally broke free. Lu Chengyan held his arms, gently rubbing his swollen lips, eyes dark and unreadable.

The gesture instantly reminded Shi Qiu of that terrifying night when he had been force-fed five oranges. He panicked. He had gone too far. Lu Chengyan wasn’t furious. He was aroused.

Shi Qiu scrambled to open the car door and escape.

But Lu Chengyan pinned him down, voice calm. “You wouldn’t refuse gege, would you?”

He flipped Shi Qiu over and pressed their foreheads together. Their breaths mingled. Lu Chengyan’s black eyes burned with ghostly fire. He stared into Shi Qiu’s tearful gaze and smiled with that same chilling, corporate expression that stripped rivals bare.

“After all, you love Jiang Fengmian so much. And I look so much like him, don’t I?”

His hand was already on Shi Qiu’s belt.

Shi Qiu forced a smile. He knew he wouldn’t escape this time. But Lu Chengyan’s fixation on his waist gave him psychological trauma. If he ended up in the hospital again, who knew what would happen.

“Gege…” Shi Qiu softened his tone, wrapped his arms around Lu Chengyan’s neck, and kissed him.

Lu Chengyan held him tightly and returned the kiss without hesitation.

“Gege, touch me. Kiss me, hold me.” Shi Qiu burrowed into his arms, guiding Lu Chengyan’s hands across his body.

Lu Chengyan’s aggressive approach had terrified him. Shi Qiu hoped that by drawing out the foreplay, he could wear down Lu Chengyan’s energy.

Lu Chengyan undressed him, hesitated briefly, then instinctively touched his waist and chest.

Shi Qiu closed his eyes. Lu Chengyan’s technique was terrible.

Shi Qiu wasn’t very sensitive. Zhong Xiyuan had spent ages figuring out that his chest was the only spot that responded. Lu Chengyan’s clumsy touch made him feel like he was about to go limp.

“Can you…” Shi Qiu opened his eyes, looking at him helplessly. “Haven’t you watched any films?”

Lu Chengyan blinked, then answered honestly. “I have.”

“Then how do you not know how to do foreplay?” Shi Qiu sighed.

“I usually skip those parts. I’ll learn next time.” Lu Chengyan reached for his belt again. Though unfamiliar with the buildup, he knew exactly how to get Shi Qiu aroused quickly.

Shi Qiu saw him lean in, already reacting. Even though it wasn’t their first time, Lu Chengyan’s intensity still overwhelmed him.

The cramped car space wasn’t ideal. Lu Chengyan lifted Shi Qiu’s leg onto his shoulder, fingers brushing the sensitive spot where leg met body. Shi Qiu trembled.

“Here?” Lu Chengyan asked, fingers stroking the area.

Shi Qiu shivered harder, eyes misty, biting his lip.

It was a hidden spot. Even he hadn’t known it was sensitive.

Lu Chengyan grew intrigued, pressing his hand against Shi Qiu’s thigh and kissing the area gently.

Shi Qiu’s toes curled from the sensation. But he reminded himself that this wasn’t about pleasure. He needed to drain Lu Chengyan’s energy, not his own.

He pulled Lu Chengyan up and urged him to stop focusing on that spot.

Lu Chengyan didn’t hesitate. He fed Shi Qiu an orange, and when he pulled out a tool from the car’s drawer, Shi Qiu nearly panicked again.

But Lu Chengyan was surprisingly restrained this time. One orange, and it was over. He even cleaned Shi Qiu up gently.

Shi Qiu hadn’t even processed it when Lu Chengyan helped him dress again. He tossed the used item into the car’s trash bin without expression.

Back in his usual composed state, Lu Chengyan handed Shi Qiu his coat. “Rest up and head back.”

No mention of compensation. No offer of help.

Shi Qiu stared at him in disbelief. Used and discarded.

He had been thoroughly taken advantage of.

But he didn’t dare say anything. Lu Chengyan was already furious. If provoked again, he might go for another round.

Shi Qiu put on his coat, looking like a wronged young man, and left the car.

After he left, Lu Chengyan sighed and sent a message to his assistant.

A few minutes later, the woman in the beige coat returned. “Lu-zong, you called?”

“Go talk to Qingxiang about the Long Winter project. Tell them Lu Corporation is willing to invest. Money isn’t an issue. The only condition is that the drama must air on a major network. You handle the profit split.”

“Yes, Lu-zong.”

Meanwhile, Shi Qiu returned to his chair like a deflated balloon. Though Lu Chengyan’s foreplay was lacking, the later part had been intense. Shi Qiu wore a mask, feeling thoroughly spent.

But Assistant Xu Zishan wasn’t enjoying the same peace. After confirming Shi Qiu had returned safely and wasn’t causing a scene, she called her team to begin negotiations with Qingxiang.

Qingxiang hadn’t prioritized the project. Budget was tight, and they feared losses. They would likely welcome Lu Corporation’s investment to share the risk.

Though Lu Chengyan said money wasn’t a problem, clearly a case of spending lavishly for beauty, his team still aimed to maximize returns.

As for Zhong Xiyuan, Xu Zishan had already begun investigating his romantic history. Now that Lu Chengyan was clearly interested in Shi Qiu, it was obvious that letting Zhong Xiyuan stay close to Shi Qiu would be a mistake.

Shi Qiu had no idea how much money his encounter had just cost Lu Corporation. He sat in his chair, nursing his bruised pride.

Director Chang Tianhe approached with a smile. “Shi Qiu, what did you do to Hong Xinxue? Her performance these past few days has been amazing. Like a whole new person.”

“She worked hard. I just gave her a few ideas,” Shi Qiu replied modestly.

Chang Tianhe chuckled. “Honestly, if we had the budget, I’d hire you as a consultant.”

“I wouldn’t take it,” Shi Qiu muttered.

“Not even for tens of thousands a month?” Chang Tianhe teased.

Shi Qiu squinted and gave him a sweet smile. “Director Chang, do you know how much Hong-laoshi paid me?”

“How much?” Chang Tianhe asked curiously.

Nearby, Yuan Lingtong paused her snack to listen.

“Counting two red envelopes, it’s over ninety thousand. So about fifty thousand a month,” Shi Qiu whispered.

Chang Tianhe hissed and fell silent.

Even if the crew had money, they couldn’t match that rate.

News of Hong Xinxue paying Shi Qiu fifty thousand a month spread quickly. Many gave up on seeking his guidance. Too expensive.

Hong Xinxue’s assistant heard the gossip and rushed to tell her. “Hong-jie, does this mean you can consult him anytime during filming?”

Hong Xinxue had been hesitant after impulsively transferring eighty-eight thousand. She didn’t want to approach Shi Qiu again without enough questions or money.

But now, she perked up and began preparing her script for tomorrow’s discussion.

“Hong-jie, Shi-laoshi is amazing. You’re a whole new person now,” the assistant sighed. “If only he had appeared earlier.”

Hong Xinxue smiled. “Too late now?”

“Yeah. Your contract’s ending soon. Even if this drama succeeds, it’s too late to renegotiate. If he had come two years earlier, you’d be even more famous.”

Hong Xinxue tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, saying nothing.

Her assistant was right. After eight years in the industry, her contract was nearly up. Her popularity had visibly declined. Renewal terms would likely worsen.

She believed she could still rise again, but capitalists wouldn’t wait.

Her gaze fell on Jiang Fengmian, filming nearby. This was his debut drama, yet his performance exceeded expectations. Director Chang had even instructed the crew not to disturb him unnecessarily.

Hong Xinxue felt a pang of envy. Though she was a second-tier actress and Jiang Fengmian was a newcomer, she saw in him the dedication she had once lacked.

After filming wrapped, Shi Qiu approached Jiang Fengmian as usual.

“Ge, feeling good today?” Shi Qiu asked cheerfully.

“Mmmh” Jiang Fengmian patted his head, not saying why he was in a good mood.

Shi Qiu glanced at him quietly. Since Jiang Fengmian didn’t seem inclined to share, he didn’t press. Everyone had their own privacy, after all.

But that privacy didn’t stay private for long.

The results of the final exams for the acting department had come out.

Shi Qiu was sitting in Zhong Xiyuan’s room when he saw the scores pulled up on the computer. Jiang Fengmian’s grades, aside from one missed exam, were stellar. Every other subject was above 95, a clean sweep. No wonder he was in such a good mood. But because of that one missed exam, his GPA had taken a hit.

Shi Qiu glanced at Zhong Xiyuan’s results. Equally impressive, but he hadn’t missed any exams.

“With my profile, I’ll easily beat Jiang Fengmian for the award,” Zhong Xiyuan said, wrapping an arm around Shi Qiu’s shoulder and showing him their resumes. When it came time to apply for the scholarship, everything would be compared.

Shi Qiu blinked at the long list of accolades.

“So I wasn’t lying,” Zhong Xiyuan whispered near his ear. “It’s real.”

He was meticulous, waiting until the results were out before making his case.

“Mm.” Shi Qiu sat on the edge of the bed. Zhong Xiyuan’s hand wandered to his waist, clearly suggestive.

Shi Qiu hesitated. He’d already been with Lu Chengyan earlier that day. If Zhong Xiyuan went all out, his poor waist wouldn’t survive.

“I’ve already showered. Can we?” Zhong Xiyuan kissed along his neck, voice low.

“Not really…” Shi Qiu pushed gently at his chest.

“Why not? Let me check.” Zhong Xiyuan chuckled, reaching for his zipper.

Shi Qiu hadn’t been with him since the day Jiang Fengmian caught them. It had been days. There was no reason to say no.

But as Zhong Xiyuan undressed him, his smile froze.

On Shi Qiu’s thighs, hidden beneath his shorts, were faint bite marks and hickeys. The placement was discreet, but Zhong Xiyuan had a clear target.

He stared, confirming they were human-made.

Zhong Xiyuan laughed coldly, gripping Shi Qiu’s waist. His fox-like eyes gleamed with icy light. “Still got someone else’s teeth marks on you. You’re really something, Shi Qiu.”

Shi Qiu stiffened. He hadn’t noticed them himself. Lu Chengyan usually avoided leaving marks.

Panicking, Shi Qiu shrank back. “Lu Chengyan came to see me today…”

“He did that?” Zhong Xiyuan raised an eyebrow.

“Mm.” Shi Qiu blinked, hoping he’d back off.

But instead, Zhong Xiyuan’s eyes lit up with fire. He gripped Shi Qiu’s thigh, clearly ready to go all in.

Shi Qiu’s heart sank. He tried again. “Lu Chengyan already knows about us. About everything.”

Zhong Xiyuan looked at him. Shi Qiu hoped that pressure from Lu Chengyan would make him retreat.

But Zhong Xiyuan didn’t care. “So what? Let me kiss you first.”

Shi Qiu was stunned. “You’re not afraid of him?”

“He won’t kill me. Lu Chengyan’s not that kind of person.” Zhong Xiyuan took off his gold-rimmed glasses and placed them on the bedside table. “And since he already knows, if I don’t get a taste, wouldn’t that be a waste?”

He smiled.

Then he scooped Shi Qiu into his arms and carried him to the bathroom. Steam rose as he carefully washed Shi Qiu clean, then began again.

Shi Qiu, already exhausted from earlier, could only cling to his hair and whimper softly. Thankfully, Zhong Xiyuan was considerate. He only fed him one orange before stopping.

But the marks Lu Chengyan had left were all deliberately replaced. Zhong Xiyuan kissed and bit every spot, covering them with his own.

When Shi Qiu finally returned to his room, his thighs ached.

“One after another, beasts.” The freshly bathed bunny curled up in his soft bed, rubbing his marked legs, and fell asleep feeling thoroughly wronged.

Meanwhile, at Qingxiang Media, no one expected to land such a major deal at year’s end.

Xu Zishan sat across from the young heir of Qingxiang, wearing a professional smile.

“Mr. Rong,” she said, extending her hand.

“Assistant Xu.” Rong Le’an smiled back and shook it lightly.

Rong Le’an, son of Qingxiang’s chairman, had recently returned from overseas to begin taking over the family business. In his twenties, he was handsome, with silver-grey hair that matched his honey-toned skin. His sunny smile made him look more like a signed artist than an executive.

Xu Zishan was representing Lu Corporation. Qingxiang had sent Rong Le’an himself, clearly taking the matter seriously.

After accepting the task, Rong Le’an had reviewed the “Long Winter” project and its cast. The drama was risky, with limited funding and conservative planning. He couldn’t understand why Lu Corporation was suddenly interested.

After digging deeper, he found a clue.

The male lead, Jiang Fengmian, was Lu Chengyan’s cousin. Blood-related.

“Long Winter” was Jiang Fengmian’s debut. Lu Chengyan had always treated those close to him well. Given Jiang Fengmian’s neglected upbringing, it made sense that Lu Chengyan would support him.

Rong Le’an figured that was the reason.

Otherwise, there was no logical explanation for Lu Corporation’s sudden interest in such a risky project.

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Translator note: 📌

WOW THIS IS WAS THE LONGEST CHAPTER I’VE EVER TRANSLATED 🥲 SO exhausted~ 😩

📍Note: i got a new job so i will be busy. I wont be able to update everyday like before. 🥲 but, i will make sure to post 2 or 3 chapters every two days 🤗

Thank you for reading 💖 see you again in the next chapter, my lovely cherries 😘