AAUMOBIP C16

Chapter 16

When Liu He saw the message Yun-ge had sent, his mood lifted for a long while.

He walked into the cafeteria, used Yun-ge’s family card to buy lunch, and snapped a picture to clock in Yun-ge’s lunch for him.

During the lunch break, Liu He had no mind to rest. He sat in the office beside the laboratory, in front of an open computer, the screen fixed on a Word document, where the snow-white blank page remained empty of words.

Instead, he was scrolling on his phone, refreshing nonstop for the latest news about Yun Jingqiu.

【Xingyao Entertainment Co., Ltd.: Regarding our artist @Yun Jingqiu’s accident during the filming of Crossing the River that resulted in a fractured bone, our company has investigated the matter and hereby makes the following clarification.

Firstly: this was not an accident. Our company has obtained testimony from a key witness. The announcement issued by the @Crossing the River filming group was false, and we have already contacted the crew to delete the false announcement.

Secondly: regarding the matter of a certain artist deliberately framing @Yun Jingqiu, our company has reported it to the police. The public security authorities have accepted the case. Please follow the official police announcements for the results of the investigation.

Thirdly: our company has not received any application from the Crossing the River production team to replace our artist @Yun Jingqiu in his role. The online rumors about “the lead actor of Crossing the River being replaced” are false. We make this clarification specifically.

Lastly, we wish our artist @Yun Jingqiu a smooth recovery, so that he can once again devote himself to the filming of Crossing the River. Thank you to all the fans for your concern for @Yun Jingqiu.

All evidence has already been submitted to the police. Our company will never tolerate anyone attempting to harm our employees.】

Xingyao Entertainment released this announcement, paying to pin it at the top of trending searches, thereby pressing down several of Yun Jingqiu’s negative trending tags.

After the announcement came out, Yun Jingqiu’s arm injury was brought up again. The crew timely released the footage of the filming at that time and also stated they would wait for Yun Jingqiu’s return.

The attempt to use public opinion to force Crossing the River’s crew to replace its lead actor failed. Whoever was behind it must be anxious.

Following Xingyao Entertainment’s tough clarification, those who had been swayed by the rumors immediately turned around once they saw the truth, scolding furiously.

“He was injured on set and can’t shoot, the director already gave him leave to recover, and yet people are planting fake press releases to smear him as unprofessional?”

“What, does his arm have to literally be broken before they’re satisfied?”

Yun Jingqiu’s medical report was still posted online. The bone in his arm showed several fractures, his arm still wrapped in plaster—at present he was still technically disabled.

The schemer’s move was essentially the same as telling a cripple to climb a mountain, and then kicking out his good leg once he made it to the top.

Although Xingyao Entertainment did not explicitly name the culprit, they did say “a certain artist.”

There were only a few actors who could profit from ousting Yun Jingqiu from his leading role, and netizens quickly narrowed down the suspects.

【The biggest suspect is the actor Lu Shi, who filmed this very scene together with Yun-ge.

He couldn’t tell the prop was too heavy? Even if it wasn’t him, it doesn’t reflect well on him. He could have paused filming to swap out the prop, but instead said nothing and went ahead…

And just how much force does it take to fracture Yun-ge’s bone?

In conclusion, he’s the biggest suspect!】

【Second largest suspect is Ye Wenjiu, an actor parachuted into the crew without many known works.

His suspicious points: he entered the crew through investment, repeatedly forced the director and screenwriter to alter the script, added scenes to his own role, and according to insiders often acted arrogant on set. He complained about his role being too small and even asked why he wasn’t Qian Sheng (Qian Sheng is the main protagonist of Crossing the River).】

【I vote Lu.】

【Did Ye really want Yun-ge’s role that badly?】

【Ahhhh?? I just went offline for two days, what did I miss??】

【Neither of these two actors have issued a statement. For now, let’s not disturb them. Didn’t Xingyao Entertainment say they already submitted the evidence to the police? Let’s just wait for the police’s report. Don’t bring Yun-ge more hate!】

【Calm down sisters! Both the company and the crew have released statements. Yun-ge also reposted them and asked fans to remain calm and not disturb other artists. Let’s wait for the police’s notice.】

【Think of the good news—at least Yun-ge and sister-in-law are now living together!】

About to move in with Yun Jingqiu, Liu He finally felt at ease after seeing public opinion shift.

He glanced at the clock—still some time left in the lunch break—so he dialed Yun Jingqiu for a video call.

“Xiao He?” Yun Jingqiu’s voice sounded a little breathless.

Liu He: ?

On screen, Yun Jingqiu was moving; his phone fixed on a treadmill. Liu He could only see him brisk-walking on the machine.

He wore a fitted workout outfit, face glistening with sweat. One hand swung with his steps, the other arm was still in plaster.

He looked full of vitality.

“I just bought a treadmill today. Trying out the performance,” Yun Jingqiu said.

Liu He had to admit, when he’d only heard the voice without seeing the image yet, his thoughts had indeed wandered.

Feeling guilty, he glanced at the stack of books behind his phone, then back at the screen. “I saw everything. The stuff on Weibo.”

“You knew from the start it wasn’t that prop master?”

“He was just the scapegoat.” Yun Jingqiu replied. He had seen too many such dirty tricks in the entertainment industry, and even thought this one was a bit crude.

His eyes flashed with cold light, and Yun Jingqiu sneered: “He will pay the price.”

“In this circle, artists who lack moral integrity can’t survive. Once it’s exposed that he framed someone, his career is finished.” Yun Jingqiu slowed the treadmill to a walk.

Liu He already found this whole matter terrifying, but in Yun-ge’s mouth, it seemed like nothing more than a trifle.

Liu He inhaled deeply, watching Yun Jingqiu with heartache.

The treadmill slowed further until he came to a stop, grabbing the phone in one hand as he walked into the bathroom.

Liu He: ?

Something seemed off.

“You called me at this time just to watch me shower?”

Liu He: “What nonsense are you talking? How would I know you were exercising now? You’re still injured, the doctor told you not to do strenuous exercise.”

“I only walked a few steps, that’s not strenuous. Just a stroll,” Yun Jingqiu argued.

He unzipped his sports jacket, revealing a sleeveless T-shirt underneath. Strong muscles outlined beneath, even the reaction on his chest from the workout visible at a glance.

Liu He instinctively turned his head away, then hurriedly turned it back.

This was his partner—why was he acting like a peeping tom?

Convincing himself, Liu He began to appreciate the view.

“Then who’s the one who framed you? You must know, right?”

Yun Jingqiu smiled: “Didn’t I say we should wait for the police’s announcement? I even posted on Weibo telling fans not to speculate.”

“I’m not your fan.” I’m your partner.

“It was Ye Wenjiu. I told Xiao He before—he’s the one the investors forced into the cast. His ambition is too big.” Yun Jingqiu peeled off his sports jacket.

It was Liu He’s first time seeing Yun-ge remove clothes with a plastered arm. The smoothness of the motion made him realize he had been thoroughly deceived that day.

“He has capital, but do I not have capital?” Yun Jingqiu’s tone dripped disdain.

Liu He grew alert: “You’re being kept by a sponsor?”

“No! How could I ever do that?” Yun Jingqiu protested immediately.

He was clean, with no real scandals since debut! Those previous rumors had all been people trying to smear him or leech off his popularity. He always clarified right away!

“You just said this circle is dirty.”

“But I’m clean. Xiao He is wronging me.”

Liu He hurriedly offered: “Then tonight I’ll buy you spicy hot pot.”

Using your family card to treat you.

Yun Jingqiu agreed: “Okay.”

He was about to shower, one hand gripping the hem of his sleeveless shirt to pull it off.

Suddenly, the office door swung open—his junior walked in.

“Senior, I’m exhausted!” the junior complained. He was about to return to his desk when he glimpsed Yun Jingqiu on Liu He’s phone screen. Immediately intrigued, he leaned closer: “Senior, you’re watching a Yun-ge video? I’ve never seen this clip, which drama is it from?”

“Yun-ge’s body is amazing.” Then he frowned, “But Yun-ge doesn’t have many topless scenes in his movies. That background looks like home?”

Liu He quickly shut off the screen, forcing a laugh: “Nothing, just randomly watching. Probably an AI deepfake.”

Right then, his phone alarm rang. He headed toward the lab: “Time to do the experiment. If you have questions, ask me.”

His junior, distracted, didn’t pursue the matter of Yun Jingqiu on Liu He’s phone.

He answered and went to his seat.

Taking the chance, Liu He hung up on Yun Jingqiu’s call.

He realized he had to buy a privacy screen protector. He couldn’t let others find out about his relationship with Yun-ge.

Resolute, Liu He threw himself into experiments.

That evening, when his alarm reminding him to eat went off, Liu He turned it off, wrapped up his experiment, and left the lab.

He didn’t have much to pack—just a backpack full of things and his laptop bag in hand, planning to head out like that.

He hadn’t forgotten to buy Yun-ge spicy hot pot, so he carried his bags to the cafeteria.

At the spicy hot pot stall, there were lots of people. With his laptop bag in one hand, it wasn’t convenient to pick out food.

Also, leaving valuables on a crowded cafeteria table didn’t feel safe.

As he hesitated, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

【Song-ge: Sister-in-law, I’m here to pick you up!】

【fon: Come to the cafeteria. I’m buying spicy hot pot.】

【Song-ge: Got it~】

Soon, Song Zhiyuan appeared in the cafeteria, wearing a mask.

Song Zhiyuan wasn’t a manager, just an assistant who had worked with Yun Jingqiu for two years. He kept a low profile, with very few photos of him online.

With his experience in the industry, he thought Liu He’s looks fit the “pure schoolboy / innocent handsome guy” persona very well. Even if he didn’t explode in popularity, he could definitely attract fans.

In the crowd, Liu He stood out easily.

Song Zhiyuan spotted him at once.

He walked over: “Sist—”

Abruptly correcting: “I’ll hold that for you.”

Liu He let out a breath of relief—thankfully Song-ge hadn’t finished saying “sister-in-law.”

With so many people in the cafeteria, if they heard him, a guy, being called “sister-in-law,” how embarrassed would he be?

“Just hold the laptop bag. There are lots of people, might take a while.”

Song Zhiyuan took the laptop bag and waved it off: “No problem. You go ahead. I’ll wait over there.”

He pointed at an empty table nearby.

Liu He nodded: “Okay.”

Following Yun-ge’s preferences from yesterday, he picked out the dishes Yun-ge wanted, making sure to ask for less chili, less spice, less oil.

Then he picked his own—extra spicy, extra numbing.

With the ticket in hand, he sat with Song Zhiyuan while they both fiddled with their phones.

Song Zhiyuan was watching cat videos, occasionally letting out slightly creepy laughs.

Liu He was chatting with Yun Jingqiu, explaining the delay.

After a while, the food was ready. Song Zhiyuan drove Liu He away from campus.

Arriving again at 1801, Liu He felt dazed, not daring to think that he would soon be living there.

“Sister-in-law, come in, I’ll go cook dinner.” Song Zhiyuan changed shoes after entering, handed the laptop bag to Yun Jingqiu, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Holding Liu He’s laptop bag, Yun Jingqiu’s eyes landed on the spicy hot pot in Liu He’s hands.

“Fifty-seven yuan and eighty-three cents.” He suddenly said.

Liu He blinked blankly—then caught Yun Jingqiu’s teasing gaze and realized.

It was the price of this hot pot, vastly different from the one before.

“Looks about the same portion as the picture you sent me.” Yun Jingqiu chuckled. “Anything you’d like to explain?”

At this point, Liu He didn’t bother to hide it.

“That was Jiang Yi’s photo. He happened to show off his spicy hot pot.”

Yun Jingqiu didn’t press further. He nodded, then asked: “Is twenty thousand yuan a month enough?”

(The family card had a maximum monthly limit of 20,000 yuan—not a huge sum in his eyes.)

To Liu He, it was a fortune.

He nodded quickly: “Enough, enough! I’ll pay you back when my stipend comes in next month. It’s coming soon.”

Yun Jingqiu smiled, not bothering to argue.

Whether Liu He sent money back or not, he wasn’t necessarily going to accept it.

Freshly made spicy hot pot tasted best. It was still hot, but would be worse if left too long.

Liu He had bought plenty—both mild and spicy.

He called Song Zhiyuan out to eat together.

Song Zhiyuan covered the pot, washed his hands, and came out.

“The crayfish will take a bit longer. I’ll grab a few bites first, then get back to cooking.” He noticed Yun Jingqiu eating only the milder hot pot, nodded in satisfaction.

Without being told, Yun Jingqiu still controlled his diet.

“I’ll stir-fry two more dishes,” Song Zhiyuan added, darting back to the kitchen.

“I’ll help.” Liu He stood up—only for Yun Jingqiu to press him back down.

Eating slowly, Yun Jingqiu said: “Just sit. Let Xiao Song handle it.

He’s territorial about the kitchen—if you go in, he’ll be unhappy.”

That’s a thing?

Liu He laughed softly and stayed put.

Song Zhiyuan’s efficiency was high—he soon produced two light dishes: stir-fried greens and broccoli with shrimp.

Finally, he brought out a platter of crayfish.

The aroma of spicy crayfish made Liu He’s mouth water furiously.

“Sister-in-law, dig in, it’s best fresh out of the pot.” Song Zhiyuan said proudly. “Once we’re done eating, I’ll head out. Won’t intrude on you and Yun-ge’s couple time.”

As he spoke, Yun Jingqiu had already put on gloves, reaching for the crayfish.

Liu He saw his injured left hand, and a vague thought stirred in his mind.

“Yun-ge, you should eat less,” Song Zhiyuan suddenly said. “Crayfish is a triggering food—it’ll hinder your recovery.”

Right! Crayfish is a triggering food—Yun-ge couldn’t eat it!

Liu He finally remembered what he had forgotten.

Although shrimp were nutritious and high in protein, for someone recovering from a fracture, they should be eaten sparingly.

And spicy crayfish was full of chili—injured Yun-ge couldn’t eat too much spice.

Author’s Note

That was kinda long!

Recently I’ve been addicted to Don’t Starve. As a newbie, I heard you could raise beefalo, so I lured one with grass. But I accidentally poked it, and nearly got trampled to death! (Quickly reloaded the game to save my relationship with the beefalo!)