“That time when the controversy was at its peak, the company didn’t protect you well enough… I’m sorry.” Lu Zhiwei fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking.
Lin Chenghuan was taken aback. She had been thinking about all the trouble she had caused the company over the years, but she never expected Lu Zhiwei to also feel apologetic.
“It’s fine. Online comments were never something we could control… There’s no need to apologize at all.” Lin Chenghuan felt quite embarrassed. Had she known her boss felt this way, she would have worked diligently without complaint and performed better from the start.
Lu Zhiwei didn’t respond, and the two of them lapsed into silence once more. Just then, Lu Zhiwei’s phone rang with an incoming call.
She picked up her phone and glanced at it, sighing helplessly. “Chen Yuming is actually calling me.”
“The kid is probably scared. Seeking reassurance from the boss might make him feel more secure.” Lin Chenghuan leaned back on the sofa and replied.
Lu Zhiwei smiled indifferently and answered the call, not bothering to avoid Lin Chenghuan.
“Yes, what is it?”
“How many times have I told you? You need to report if you’re in a relationship. It’s not that we’re forbidding you from dating, but we need to know so the company can prepare accordingly. Look at your recent promotional focus, all about your career. Then you get caught in a relationship, criticized, and come crying to me.”
“That’s not necessary. Unless there’s a major scandal, the company won’t abandon anyone.”
“Alright, no need to say more. Go discuss it with your agent.”
Lu Zhiwei ended the call quickly. She hadn’t thought much of this interruption, but she soon noticed Lin Chenghuan’s expression had turned rather peculiar.
“…” Oh no, did her tone come off as too cold, reminding the other of their strictly professional interactions back when they worked together?
“What’s with that expression… You’re not scared, are you?”
“A little. I almost forgot you used to be my boss.” Lin Chenghuan smiled faintly.
“Did I put a lot of pressure on you back then?” Though reassured by Lin Chenghuan’s lighthearted smile, Lu Zhiwei still asked.
“Not really. I’ve always been the type to take things easy, pressure never really got to me. But whenever you called me, it was usually because something had happened, so I couldn’t help feeling nervous.”
“Well… Celebrities are always under public scrutiny. It’s inevitable that issues arise.”
“Yeah, rumors like street racing and being robbed were just absurd.” Lin Chenghuan sighed, and Lu Zhiwei couldn’t help but find the memories amusing.
Back then, whenever Lin Chenghuan received a call from Lu Zhiwei, it was often because some strange news about her had surfaced online. A confused Lu Zhiwei would then call to inquire,
“Where have you been? Why are people saying you were street racing in the middle of the night?”
“I wasn’t racing. I just ran into a police checkpoint for drunk driving and showed my face while driving…”
“Alright.”
“Are you on vacation abroad? This time, someone said you were robbed on the streets of London and reduced to begging. What happened?”
“No, I just ran into a friend doing a street performance and joined in. I played the guitar for a bit… and someone threw money into the hat.”
“…”
“You were photographed again today. Is the girl you were strolling with in Bangkok your ex?”
“Huh? Yes… but we’re not back together, President Lu, don’t worry.”
“Good. Report any relationships promptly.”
“Okay.”
Apart from being secretly photographed by paparazzi and having false rumors spread by passersby, Lu Zhiwei’s phone calls often summoned her to company meetings. As a result, Lin Chenghuan nearly developed a phobia of her boss’s calls and frequently grumbled internally that the company paid more attention to her private life than her own family did.
Of course, it was only later, when she became extremely popular, that she had more opportunities to interact with her boss, so the shadowy period didn’t last long.
“Your mix-up rumors are more interesting than anyone else’s. Every time I see them, I can’t help but laugh, of course, only the harmless ones that are easy to clarify,” Lu Zhiwei said, suddenly recalling the tension and jealousy she felt when handling the news about Lin Chenghuan and her ex.
Unfortunately, at the time, she thought it was just anxiety over her artist’s relationship and didn’t delve into the deeper reasons…
“Right? I think so too! If I’d known you weren’t angry back then, I would’ve relaxed more and chatted with you to get closer,” Lin Chenghuan replied cheerfully, completely unaware of Lu Zhiwei’s thoughts.
The two then casually chatted about their time working together in the same company, and Lu Zhiwei couldn’t help but feel exasperated with her past self.
She had long been drawn to Lin Chenghuan’s free-spirited and unrestrained personality, yet she wasted the opportunity of being under the same roof, only realizing her true feelings much later. Fortunately, the private connection they had missed out on was slowly being rebuilt.
That night, after returning to her room to rest, Lin Chenghuan reflected on how unbelievable it was that she had developed feelings for her former boss.
It would have been one thing if it were just a boss, but due to the nature of their profession, Lu Zhiwei was also someone who knew all about her embarrassing past… Thinking about how Lu Zhiwei had even helped suppress news about her and her ex, Lin Chenghuan felt the world had become somewhat surreal.
The next day, filming proceeded as scheduled, with Lin Chenghuan’s scenes all involving conflicts with other characters. As a result, she spent the entire day in a state of intense on-screen tension, only to feel like laughing once the cameras stopped rolling.
When the sisters shared the screen,
Lin Chenghuan: “I truly had no choice that day. Must you think so poorly of me?”
Han Ruoruo: “Sister, why pretend in front of me? Hmph.”
Lin Chenghuan (slightly annoyed): “Did you come to the palace just to bicker with me?”
When Huan Ying shared the screen,
Lu Zhiwei: “Be careful of Consort Shu. She may not be trustworthy.”
Lin Chenghuan (with a faint, ambiguous smile): “No need for your concern, sister. I know what to do.”
By the end of the day, Lin Chenghuan felt as though she were filming a romance drama, and Xu Sheng kept remarking that she seemed like a “0.” Although same-sex themes were now fully accepted, the original work hadn’t explicitly addressed it, so the script only hinted at the edges.
In the evening, during the post-dinner break, Lu Zhiwei found Lin Chenghuan and asked, “After filming today’s scenes, did you manage to vent some of your past grievances toward me?”
“Ah? I don’t hold any grievances against you,” Lin Chenghuan replied, but upon seeing the meaningful look in the other’s eyes, she quickly added, afraid that Lu Zhiwei might bring up old arguments, “Well, maybe a little in the past, but it was all due to misunderstandings caused by our positions.”
“This drama is definitely worth filming. It’s been quite rewarding,” Lu Zhiwei said with a leisurely smile.
Lin Chenghuan wore a complicated expression, thinking to herself, Ever since you came to my place last time, your resentment has pretty much vanished. Besides, she had always admired Lu Zhiwei. Even if work-related matters added +1 to the resentment meter, the personal affinity would only drop by 0.001%, leaving a solid 99.99%…
However, a satisfied Lu Zhiwei was already happily reading the script. Soon, the night scenes began, and they dove into another round of their love-hate dynamic.
After wrapping up for the day, Lin Chenghuan finished her shower and tidied up, then lounged on the sofa as usual, scrolling through her phone. It was Wednesday, and the coordinator had posted the filming schedule for the following week in the group chat. She immediately downloaded and opened it to check her scenes.
Next week, she still had plenty of scenes with Lu Zhiwei. Lin Chenghuan eagerly skimmed through them but froze when she reached the later parts,
Day. Zhaoyang Palace, Inner Chamber
Characters: Liu Fuying, Wei Shihuan
Liu Fuying and Wei Shihuan are playing Go in the chamber.
Liu Fuying: You’ve finally agreed to sit down calmly and play a game with me.
Wei Shihuan: (Smiling faintly) Mm.
Liu Fuying: I was wrong before, I didn’t have the courage to tell you about that matter myself. But after learning why you and Jiang Shiwan were at odds, I presented her with evidence that someone had schemed to bring you into the palace and that you never deceived her.
Wei Shihuan: (Placing a piece and raising an eyebrow) Oh?
Liu Fuying: Yet she still opposes you. I suspect she doesn’t care about the truth, she just feels that by entering the palace alone without helping her join you, you abandoned her. Since harming you won’t cause you much trouble, it’s a perfect way for her to vent her resentment and get your attention.
Wei Shihuan: (Scoffs) Childish.
Liu Fuying: Indeed.
Wei Shihuan: One of you is childish, the other acts high and mighty, manipulating others’ fates, you’re equally matched in your own ways.
Liu Fuying: I’m sorry. But since I brought you into the palace, I can protect you. Even if you decide to break ties with me, I will always ensure your safety.
Wei Shihuan smiles sadly, lowers her head to study the board, and falls silent.
Liu Fuying: The current Empress holds a firm position, gentle yet shrewd. Those who have the leisure to scheme are merely pitiful souls infatuated with the Emperor. This place isn’t some dragon’s den or tiger’s lair; sometimes, it’s even simpler than the conflicts in noble households outside.
Wei Shihuan: So even though you noticed I wasn’t upset about failing the selection, that I might not have wanted to enter the palace, you still brought me in, simply because you could guarantee my safety.
Liu Fuying: (After a pause, softly) Yes. I’m sorry…
Wei Shihuan: I understand. And I won’t break ties with you.
Liu Fuying: (Briefly delighted, but sensing something off from Wei Shihuan’s calm demeanor) Then… will things go back to how they were before?
Wei Shihuan: I came today to thank you, elder sister. My appointment as a consort is entirely due to your efforts. My rash words these past few days were greatly mistaken, everything I have was given by you. How could I dare speak against you?
Liu Fuying: (Frowning deeply) You…
Wei Shihuan: Let’s play.
They continue their game. After a while:
Wei Shihuan: Why are you making random moves?
Liu Fuying: (Wry smile) I can’t beat you today. Fine, I’ll pass this turn.
Wei Shihuan: Very well, I’ll pass too. I win. I won’t disturb you further today, elder sister.
They both rise. Wei Shihuan curtsies, Liu Fuying returns the gesture, and they exit the inner chamber together.
Day. Zhaoyang Palace, Front Hall
Characters: Same as above
Liu Fuying followed behind Wei Shihuan, her gaze filled with sorrow and restraint. Just as Wei Shihuan was about to reach the palace door, Liu Fuying suddenly pulled her into an embrace.
Liu Fuying (with sadness): You could also let me suffer a little, vent some of my grievances. Then… perhaps you could forgive me…
Wei Shihuan (attempting to break free but giving up): I’m not as childish as she is. Besides, I’ve already reconciled with my sister, and I truly appreciate you. Don’t overthink it.
Lin Chenghuan: …
Witnessing this scene, Lin Chenghuan instantly felt unsettled. In the original script, the confrontation between Liu Fuying and Wei Shihuan didn’t include such intimate physical contact, it seemed the script had been altered again…
Of course, the screenwriter was on set in Hengdian precisely to make changes at any moment. Same-sex themes had become commonplace, and occasional “girls’ love” elements in this drama were nothing unusual.
Lin Chenghuan steadied herself and continued reading, but the more she read, the more uneasy she felt. Just imagining the scene made her heart race, leaving her unable to calm down.
In the previous scene where she had physical contact with Lu Zhiwei, she had to immerse herself in sorrow and pain, her tearful state had effectively masked other emotions, and she had even fainted. This time, however, it wouldn’t be the same. She would be fully conscious throughout.