Curses were one thing, but once Qin Hangxuan realized that having Shan Shan nearby could weaken and neutralize their effects, his expression did not improve at all if anything, it grew even more grim and troubled.
Given that Shan Shan spent nearly every moment by Yin Kairui’s side, the fact that the dark, ominous energy clinging to him remained so thick and heavy was clear proof of just how serious his situation had become.
After hearing about all the misfortunes that had befallen Yin Kairui recently, Qin Hangxuan couldn’t help but say, “You truly are lucky that Shan Shan appeared when she did. If it weren’t for her… I dread to think what would have become of you by now.”
Yin Kairui had already reached the final and most dangerous stage of having his fortune borrowed or stolen. But Shan Shan’s arrival had completely changed the course of his destiny. Her presence had also blocked the dark arts from seeping any deeper into his body and spirit, which was exactly why he was still able to work and film as normal without suffering any fatal or permanent harm.
Yin Kairui understood exactly what he meant. He glanced down at Shan Shan and said, “I will have to trouble you to look after both of us and help us through all this.”
“Of course,” Qin Hangxuan agreed readily. He hesitated for a moment, then continued, “But I must say… your little sister possesses such extraordinary natural gifts. Even if you choose not to join us, sooner or later others will notice her talents as well. And she is still so young she really does need proper guidance and training to grow and develop her abilities. If you are willing to consider it, joining our official department really would be the best choice for you both. We may not have the centuries-long history and ancient traditions of the great spiritual sects, but we offer far more freedom. All our knowledge and texts are accessible to everyone within the organization, and every single one of us is qualified and happy to teach her. We all have our own unique strengths and skills, so she will be able to learn exactly what interests her most.”
“Unlike those traditional sects, who hoard knowledge and guard their special legacies closely, we focus entirely on nurturing talent and sharing everything we know openly.”
“So… what do you think? If you are open to the idea, I truly believe we would be the perfect fit for you.”
Yin Kairui neither agreed nor refused immediately. He simply said, “Let us think about it and decide later.”
Qin Hangxuan nodded, respecting his decision, and did not press the matter further.
“For now, your situation is quite complex,” he said. “I will give you two protective talismans. Keep them on your person at all times, and check them regularly. If one and a half of them burn away or lose their power completely, come and find me immediately, no matter what time it is.”
“Understood. Thank you very much, Master Qin,” Yin Kairui replied politely.
Qin Hangxuan also took a drop of Yin Kairui’s blood and placed it onto a special talisman, explaining, “If anything dangerous or beyond our control happens to you, this talisman will catch fire and burn on its own. As soon as I see or sense that, I will know immediately and come straight to your aid.”
By this time, it was already quite late. After exchanging all the necessary information, Yin Kairui took Shan Shan and returned to their own room.
It was already one o’clock in the morning.
Shan Shan had been focused and alert throughout everything that had happened, so she hadn’t felt tired at all. But now that things had finally settled down, exhaustion hit her all at once. She slumped limply against Yin Kairui’s chest, her eyes already heavy with sleep and on the verge of closing completely.
Then she heard Yin Kairui ask her, “Do you… want to go and learn from him? Would you like that?”
“No… I don’t want to… I want to stay with Brother… and protect you…” Her words were mumbled and half-slurred with sleep, and Yin Kairui couldn’t quite catch every word clearly.
He couldn’t help but feel both helpless and moved.
She was the one who was still just a small child, yet all she could think about was protecting him.
And he had noticed clearly that earlier, when Qin Hangxuan had been speaking, Shan Shan had been genuinely tempted and interested in what he had to offer.
But regardless of whether or not they decided to join Qin Hangxuan’s organization, the time had definitely come to think about schooling. She was already three and a half years old, and she couldn’t grow up without learning how to read or write. She couldn’t go through life uneducated.
Of course, Shan Shan had no idea what plans Yin Kairui was making for her future. She had already drifted off into a deep sleep, dreaming happily that she had managed to find all her old friends and companions her brothers and sisters once again. In her dream, she had even changed their tragic fates and helped them all overcome their great trials and tribulations successfully. Everyone was safe and happy, and they all returned to live peacefully together in the mountains.
This warm and joyful feeling stayed with her even when she woke up the next morning. She rolled around on the bed for a while, then sat up with her hair sticking up in all directions like a little bird’s nest. When she realized Yin Kairui was no longer in the room, she poked her head out and called out, “Uncle Xiao Liu? Are you there?”
There was no answer, but she soon heard footsteps approaching the room.
When she saw who it was, her eyes lit up and she beamed with delight. “Brother!”
“Good morning. Go and get washed up,” Yin Kairui said to her. “I have filming to do today. You can come with me to the set, or you can stay here and wait for Master Qin, or you can just stay in the room and rest whichever you prefer.”
“I’m coming with Brother!” Shan Shan answered without the slightest hesitation.
“Little shadow,” Yin Kairui said, though his tone was fond rather than annoyed. Even as he spoke, he was already moving to squeeze toothpaste onto her brush and fetch a small stool for her, doing his best to take care of her morning routine despite his lack of experience.
Once she was washed and ready, he applied medicine to her wounds and helped her change into fresh clothes.
When everything was done, they set off together for the film set.
Filming was proceeding as usual. Director Luo, who had barely slept the night before, had already arrived and was standing there with his hands on his hips, scolding the cast members loudly.
“Are you all completely clueless? I told you this character is supposed to be arrogant and domineering arrogant and domineering! Do you understand what that means? It doesn’t just mean tilting your head up so high you’re looking at the sky! Did you even bother reading the script properly?!”
“And you! I asked you to look humble and submissive! Not shifty-eyed and suspicious like you’re plotting something evil!”
He scolded several people one after another, his chest heaving with frustration, looking at them as if they were the most troublesome things he had ever encountered.
The actors being scolded shrank back, looking both guilty and close to tears.
Director Luo had always known that their acting skills were limited. They were young celebrities brought into the production more for their popularity than their talent, and normally, even when he was unhappy with their performances, he would simply make them reshoot scenes a few more times until he found a take that was passable enough to use. No one had any idea why he was being so strict and fierce today.
Seeing how nervous and careful they all were only made Director Luo even more irritated. He waved his hand and said, “Take ten minutes to rest! And while you’re resting, read your scripts properly! If you still can’t act your parts correctly after this, go and ask for help! Go and learn how to do it right! Do you understand me?!”
They were only minor roles that didn’t require particularly complex or advanced acting skills, yet they still managed to mess them up so badly. It was no wonder Director Luo was so angry.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief now that they had a chance to rest everyone, that is, except the two actors who had been scolded, who still felt too upset and anxious to relax.
When Director Luo turned around, he saw Shan Shan standing there. She blinked her big round eyes at him, and seeing that he still looked cross and upset, she waved her little hand and called out sweetly, “Good morning, Uncle Luo!”
The anger that had been written all over Director Luo’s face melted away instantly, and he broke into a smile. “Ah, it’s little Shan Shan! You’ve come to visit! Why don’t you stay here and watch us film for a while? Would you like that?”
Shan Shan immediately turned around to look up at Yin Kairui, waiting for his approval.
“Then I’ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on her, Director Luo,” Yin Kairui said.
“No trouble at all. Shan Shan is such a good, well-behaved little girl,” Director Luo said, waving his hand generously as if it were no bother at all.
To be honest, part of the reason he wanted her to stay by his side was that he still felt quite uneasy and unsafe after what had happened the night before, and having Shan Shan there felt like having his own personal protective charm. But even so, he really did like her very much and enjoyed her company.
Shan Shan thought for a moment. She had noticed that ever since Yin Kairui had accepted the talismans from Qin Hangxuan, the dark energy surrounding him had stopped growing and spreading so quickly.
With that in mind, she nodded her head in agreement.
Having Shan Shan nearby instantly improved Director Luo’s mood. He waved his hand dismissively toward Yin Kairui, looking far more cheerful now. “Go and get your makeup done. You’re up next after the next two scenes.”
“Alright,” Yin Kairui replied, and went off to prepare.
Shan Shan looked up at Director Luo and spoke to him in a serious, earnest tone. “Uncle Luo… you shouldn’t get angry so often. If you’re always angry, it’s not good for your health and you’ll make yourself sick!”
Director Luo hadn’t expected to receive such advice from a small child, and her words sounded exactly like the things his own family members always told him at home.
But if he could just control his temper and stay calm, he wouldn’t be known for being so hot-tempered and strict in the first place.
He quickly changed the subject, trying to distract her. “Shan Shan… are you sure you won’t reconsider playing the role of the Little Phoenix? You’d be absolutely perfect for it!”
His plan worked, and Shan Shan’s attention shifted immediately. “No thank you, I don’t think so!”
Seeing that he had successfully diverted her attention, Director Luo breathed a quiet sigh of relief and smiled at her. “But the costumes for the Little Phoenix role are so beautiful and pretty, you know! You’d look wonderful in them!”
“I still don’t want to,” Shan Shan refused once more.
Director Luo looked disappointed. “Oh well… if you’re really sure.”
This little girl really was impossible to persuade or convince. But then again, wasn’t that exactly how the Little Phoenix character was supposed to be stubborn, proud, and full of spirit?
The ten-minute break passed quickly. Feeling much calmer and more positive now, Director Luo went over to give the two actors a few final tips and corrections, then gave the signal to start filming again.
Perhaps they had been frightened and motivated by Director Luo’s scolding, but this time the two actors took their roles far more seriously. They had even gone to ask for advice and guidance from the actor playing the fourth male lead, who was standing nearby.
While he couldn’t compare to award-winning actors like Yin Kairui who possessed extraordinary talent and skill, he was still a solid and experienced performer. He was also generous enough to share everything he knew without holding back, and as a result, the scene was completed smoothly and perfectly on the very first take.
“Good,” Director Luo nodded in approval. He looked at the two young men, both in their early twenties, and his voice softened considerably. “If you’ve chosen this career and you want to be actors, then you need to put your hearts into it and take it seriously. It’s not as if you have absolutely no talent at all if you really were completely hopeless, I would never have agreed to let you join my production in the first place.”
It was true that they had been pushed onto the set by influential investors and sponsors, but Director Luo was a man of strong principles. Even for minor roles, he refused to accept actors who simply could not perform or act at all.
These two, at least, had appearances and personalities that suited their characters perfectly. As long as they put in a little effort and took things seriously, their performances would be convincing enough and wouldn’t ruin the viewing experience for the audience. That was all Director Luo ever really asked for.
As preparations began for the next scene, Shan Shan watched as Zhuang Qinqin walked onto the set. Her eyes grew wide, and she quickly lifted her small hands to cover her nose and mouth.
Oh no… she hadn’t expected that stinky, unpleasant woman to be here too. Maybe she should just let Uncle Luo stay here and deal with her, and run away somewhere safe first?
But reality was never as simple or easy as she imagined. Before Shan Shan could even take a single step, Director Luo had already noticed her reaction and gently held her back.
He looked thoughtfully in the direction where Zhuang Qinqin was standing and asked, “You really don’t like her at all, do you?”
Shan Shan opened her eyes wide and looked back at him with an expression of pure innocence, saying nothing but doing her best to look as cute and harmless as possible.
“Would you like some candy?” Director Luo asked. As if by magic, he pulled out a handful of delicious sweets and a small carton of milk from his pocket. “Why don’t you sit here and have a snack? You can sit right beside me, or even a little further back if you prefer but don’t go too far away from me, alright?”
“Thank you, Uncle Luo!” Shan Shan replied happily.
Her brother had already told her that he didn’t want her to act or appear in any scenes, so she was determined to be obedient and do exactly what he said.
Director Luo watched her settle down contentedly and felt relieved that he had managed to keep her happy and occupied.
Shan Shan had no idea what thoughts were going through Director Luo’s mind. She had already forgotten all about her earlier plan to run away, and sat quietly by his side, watching as he gave instructions and spoke with the people working around him.
Uncle Luo really was amazing, she thought to herself. Everyone listens to him and does exactly what he says!