ARTBFAEWM 26

Chapter 26: The Overturn Arrives!

After Zhou Hong married Jin Weinan, she became a very dedicated stepmother. Jin Yanliu, her stepson, was the kind of child any stepmother would adore: sunny, mischievous, and endearing. From that time on, she often took Jin Yanliu back to her parents’ home. The Zhou family was extremely open-minded, treating all grandchildren equally, regardless of whether they were biological or not. As a result, Jin Yanliu became a cherished treasure of the Zhou family.

Zhou Beiyang was making a phone call in the courtyard when he heard bursts of laughter coming from Zhou Lao Tai’s (grandmother’s) room. As dusk settled, the lights in the room came on. Through the window, he could see Jin Yanliu’s upper body. He was wearing a white V-neck T-shirt, which made his black hair and fair skin even more striking, the image lingering in Zhou Beiyang’s mind.

Everyone in the Zhou family loved Jin Yanliu, and Zhou Beiyang found it perfectly natural.

Who in this world could not love Jin Yanliu?

From childhood to adulthood, men and women, old and young, Jin Yanliu’s popularity had been all-encompassing. As for admirers, it went without saying. He started receiving love letters in middle school, and in high school, it became an explosion of affections from both boys and girls. Fortunately, Jin Yanliu’s focus wasn’t on romance; otherwise, who knows what would have happened with all those admirers swarming around him.

Zhou Beiyang hung up the phone and went inside. Zhou Hong turned and asked him, “Was it the company?”

“No,” Zhou Beiyang replied, “It was Uncle Jin.”

Jin Yanliu asked, “Is he drunk again?”

Zhou Beiyang chuckled and hummed in agreement.

When Jin Weinan got drunk, he liked to call Zhou Beiyang and ramble on about the same things, such as, “Uncle has worked hard all his life, and his legacy can’t be given to outsiders. Your brother isn’t capable of taking over. Uncle is counting on you,” and so on.

The relationship between their two families was truly complicated. Jin Weinan favored Zhou Beiyang, often saying that Jin Yanliu didn’t take after him. The Zhou family loved Jin Yanliu for his good looks, sweet words, and likable personality. Even Zhou Beiyang’s younger uncle’s children were closer to Jin Yanliu.

“It’s good that it wasn’t a business call. You must have dinner at home tonight before leaving,” Zhou Lao Tai said to Jin Yanliu, unable to resist complaining, “You used to be busy, but now Xiao Yang has also entered the entertainment industry, and he’s even busier than you. In the past three or four months, I’ve only seen him twice.”

“They’ve just debuted, so it’s like this. The company’s schedule is tight,” Jin Yanliu said with a smile.

“It’s a good thing for young people to be busy,” Zhou Hong said. “Didn’t Dad disagree with Beiyang entering the entertainment industry at first? Lao Jin also had some reservations. He’s trying to make a name for himself.”

“I don’t think being a celebrity is all that great. It’s hard work, and there’s no freedom. Look at you, you’re 24, and you haven’t even had a proper relationship,” Zhou Lao Tai said. “Listen to your grandmother, relax a bit. At such a good age, you should be enjoying a relationship.”

Jin Yanliu nodded vigorously, “Okay.”

The housekeeper smiled as she entered, “Dinner is ready.”

Everyone got up and went to the dining room. Jin Yanliu went to the restroom. As soon as he left, Zhou Beiyang said to Zhou Lao Tai, “Why do you urge my brother to find a partner every time he comes?”

Zhou Lao Tai was taken aback and said, “Well, of course…”

She felt a little wronged, thinking her grandson was being harsh with her.

Zhou Hong smiled and patted Zhou Beiyang’s arm. “What else are elders and juniors supposed to talk about? Are they supposed to talk about law? Do you even understand it?”

Zhou Lao Tai had been a well-known lawyer in her younger days.

“Of course, one should experience love while they’re young. You’re still too young. When you reach your thirties or forties, you’ll understand that nothing compares to young love. This is your grandmother’s wisdom, and if you don’t believe me, just wait and see.”

Zhou Hong helped Zhou Lao Tai towards the dining room, saying, “Don’t mind him, he’s always been like this. He’s become more and more eccentric these past two years.”

Zhou Hong was actually a bit worried.

Because Zhou Beiyang had become visibly more gloomy in the past two years.

But she couldn’t figure out what was troubling him. He had never lacked anything growing up, he was tall at 186cm, handsome, graduated from a prestigious university, and had two paths laid out for him, either the Zhou family or the Jin family. If it were heartbreak, she hadn’t seen him close to anyone. She didn’t know what he was worried about. If you asked him, he was tight-lipped and wouldn’t reveal anything.

Jin Yanliu came out of the restroom and found Zhou Beiyang still waiting for him. He walked over with a smile, and Zhou Beiyang said, “There are quite a few people for dinner today.”

“Has Zhao Sili left?” Jin Yanliu asked.

Zhou Beiyang paused, then said, “I’m not sure.”

The two arrived at the dining room and found it already filled with people. His younger uncle’s family, who lived next door, had also come. In addition, there was a very beautiful girl whom Jin Yanliu recognized. Her name was Song Miao, and she was Zhou Nannan’s, his cousin’s, best friend.

Zhou Beiyang reached the table a few steps ahead of Jin Yanliu and pulled out a chair for him. As Jin Yanliu sat down, he glanced around the crowd and, on the other side of the table, he saw Zhao Sili. Zhao Sili was sitting among Dean Zhang and the others. Young and handsome, he stood out.

Zhao Sili was very pale, an unhealthy kind of pale, but his eyes were bright, showing that he was full of energy.

Zhou Beiyang was about to sit next to him when Zhou Nannan came over and asked with a smile, “Brother, can I sit next to Brother Yanliu?”

Zhou Beiyang had no choice but to sit opposite them. Song Miao sat next to him and greeted him enthusiastically, “Beiyang.”

Zhou Beiyang nodded but ignored her further.

Song Miao was embarrassed and felt wronged.

She had a good relationship with Zhou Beiyang before; Zhou Nannan had even started calling her sister-in-law. Then, one day, Zhou Beiyang stopped talking to her.

She felt like she hadn’t done anything to offend him.

Jin Yanliu looked at Song Miao, then at Zhou Beiyang, and smiled at him.

The Zhou family’s intention to matchmake Zhou Beiyang and Song Miao was very obvious. Song Miao came from a wealthy and influential family, was beautiful, and a true heiress. The Song and Zhou families were also old acquaintances, so they were indeed a good match.

But Zhou Beiyang was clearly resistant and had been avoiding Song Miao for the past two years. Song Miao had confessed her feelings once, and he had rejected her outright.

Jin Yanliu knew this because Zhou Beiyang had come to tell him right after rejecting Song Miao.

He felt that Zhou Beiyang didn’t need to tell him specifically. It probably just meant their brotherly bond was deep, and they shared everything with each other, without secrets.

Jin Yanliu took a sip of water and noticed someone staring at him. He turned his head and saw Zhao Sili sitting in the distance, smiling and nodding at him.

Unlike the anti-fan “Falling Willow Leaf” and Lu Yao, Zhao Sili was the strongest of the antagonists. In “Turns of Affection,” he created an entertainment company specifically to oppose the imposter. Later, he joined forces with Lu Yao and vowed that one day, the imposter would obediently surrender.

His methods were aggressive and ruthless. If it were an ordinary celebrity, they would probably have been crushed by him.

His persona was very much like a venomous snake.

Jin Yanliu’s heart beat a little faster, feeling a sense of inexplicable fear, but also excitement.

Zhao Sili was also one of the antagonists he had chosen, but this antagonist wasn’t so easy to use and might bite him one day.

But the more dangerous, the more thrilling. Since he was living a life destined for self-destruction, sparring with such a twisted man, even if he got bitten, would be exhilarating.

He recalled hearing Professor Zhao sing “Bringing in the Wine” not long ago. In his remaining six months, the pain would be excruciating, but the joy should be equally unrestrained.

Zhao Sili’s appearance ignited him.

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room to chat. Guests gradually left. Zhao Sili left with Professor Zhao. Jin Yanliu and Zhou Beiyang accompanied their grandfather to see them off. Suddenly, Zhao Sili extended his hand towards him.

Their hands clasped, and Jin Yanliu realized he was holding a business card.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Zhao Sili said, gazing at him.

Quite the charmer.

Jin Yanliu clutched the card in his hand and watched Zhao Sili walk away. Zhao Sili was using a cane, but his posture was very straight, as if he was deliberately trying to make his gait appear less limping.

A hand suddenly reached out and took the business card from him. Jin Yanliu looked back and saw it was Zhou Beiyang.

Zhou Beiyang pinched the card and said coldly, “Don’t associate with him. He has a bad reputation.”

Jin Yanliu was about to have it thrown away, so he quickly grabbed Zhou Beiyang’s arm and retrieved the card. “Don’t throw it away, I need it.”

He said, stuffing the card into his pocket.

Zhou Beiyang was about to speak when he heard Zhou Hong calling them. Jin Yanliu patted his arm and went inside.

Zhou Beiyang pursed his lips and paused for a moment before following.

It was already 8:30 pm. The new drama was starting filming tomorrow, and Jin Yanliu and Zhou Beiyang had to return to the hotel. Zhou Hong had prepared a pile of daily necessities and food for them: “I know you don’t lack anything, but these are prepared by your grandmother. Take them with you.”

“You can come visit the set later. I’m the producer of this drama, so you can come anytime,” Jin Yanliu said.

“I’ll bring Lao Tai with me then,” Zhou Hong said with a smile.

Zhou Lao Tai brought two jade pendants. “I heard you’ll be filming action scenes. Wear these for protection. I got them from Master Cao.”

“Thank you, Grandma,” Jin Yanliu smiled and lowered his head. Zhou Lao Tai put one around his neck.

Zhou Beiyang looked at the two identical jade pendants strung with red cords.

Zhou Lao Tai was an educated woman, but perhaps due to her age, she had become increasingly superstitious in the past two years, buying many things from Master Cao—for protection, for wealth, for descendants, all sorts.

He asked, “How much did you spend this time?”

Before Zhou Lao Tai could answer, Zhou Hong interrupted him, “It’s your grandmother’s kindness; just wear it. Don’t be so fussy.” She then instructed Zhou Beiyang, “You’re in the same crew, take care of your brother.”

“I know,” Zhou Beiyang said.

The family saw them off to the car. As Jin Yanliu fastened his seatbelt, he saw Song Miao standing in the crowd, looking dejected.

She must have come specifically for Zhou Beiyang, but he had barely spoken to her all evening.

As the car drove away from the Zhou residence, Jin Yanliu said, “I think Song Miao is quite nice. She’s beautiful, gentle, and so devoted to you. Why don’t you give her a chance?”

Because of the business card incident, Zhou Beiyang was already a little unhappy. Hearing this, he felt even more annoyed, but he was always gentle and patient with Jin Yanliu, so he said calmly, “I don’t like her, you know that.”

“You could try dating her, maybe feelings will develop. This kind of childhood sweetheart relationship is the most stable once feelings are established.” Jin Yanliu suddenly seemed to realize something, “Oh, I forgot, you already have someone you like.”

Zhou Beiyang’s hands rested on the steering wheel. He didn’t speak.

“Did you tell Song Miao?” Jin Yanliu asked.

“I did, but she didn’t listen.”

She probably hadn’t seen him dating anyone and assumed it was an excuse, refusing to give up.

“I’m really curious, who is the person you like? Have you confessed?”

“No.”

Jin Yanliu asked, “Why not confess? If you like them, go for it.”

If only he could just “go for it.” He wouldn’t be sulking now.

Zhou Beiyang said, “Why are you so concerned about this today? Do you want to be in a relationship?”

Jin Yanliu froze for a moment and seized the opportunity to say, “Actually, I’ve been thinking about it recently.”

This completely irritated Zhou Beiyang. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. Jin Yanliu, wanting to press on, continued, “By the way, why don’t you like Yan Huihua? Didn’t you two have a good relationship before?”

Zhou Beiyang’s tone became strained, “Why are you suddenly mentioning him? Do you want to date him?”

Jin Yanliu let out a dry laugh, “…No, I’m just asking. Didn’t you two not know each other before? Why are you acting like enemies? I think he’s quite polite to you.”

Zhou Beiyang felt he had so much to say but couldn’t. He was both depressed and angry, so he said petulantly, “I just don’t like him. You do what you want.”

He rarely acted so childishly. Jin Yanliu couldn’t help but laugh and said, “I didn’t say I liked him.”

But Zhou Beiyang no longer quite believed these words. Jin Yanliu’s probing clearly indicated interest.

Silence fell in the car. Jin Yanliu sat for a while, then took out Zhao Sili’s business card from his pocket and turned on his phone, seemingly saving the number. Zhou Beiyang felt his emotions surge. He abruptly opened the car window.

The window opened, and a gust of wind rushed in, blowing past him and directly onto Jin Yanliu. Jin Yanliu’s fringe was suddenly blown up. He looked up, sensing something was wrong, and sat up straight. “What’s wrong?”

Zhou Beiyang didn’t speak, but his expression was clearly off. Jin Yanliu put down his phone and called out, “Beiyang.”

Zhou Beiyang still didn’t look at him, only saying, “I feel a little unwell.”

“Are you uncomfortable? Where are you uncomfortable?” Jin Yanliu asked anxiously.

Zhou Beiyang felt even worse.

“Pull over. You don’t look well,” Jin Yanliu said nervously.

Zhou Beiyang was completely deflated. “I’m fine.”

Jin Yanliu kept his eyes on him. The tension in Zhou Beiyang gradually subsided, and his expression returned to normal. Even this frightened Jin Yanliu. After returning to the hotel, he even asked Zhou Beiyang if he wanted to see a doctor.

“I’m fine, maybe I’m just a little tired lately,” Zhou Beiyang said.

Jin Yanliu said, “Then go back and rest.”

He saw Zhou Beiyang to the door. As the door opened, he saw a tall, handsome man standing there.

It was Yan Huihua.

Zhou Beiyang’s expression darkened when he saw Yan Huihua. Yan Huihua nodded at him and then asked Jin Yanliu with a smile, “Do you need a massage tonight?”

Jin Yanliu cursed inwardly, “…No, thank you.”

Yan Huihua nodded, “Then rest well. See you tomorrow.”

He said, smiling and glancing at Zhou Beiyang, then turned and walked towards his own room. However, the moment he turned around, the gentle and bright smile on his face disappeared, replaced by tightly pursed lips and eyes filled with jealousy and desire.

Jin Yanliu stood there, running a hand through his hair.

Zhou Beiyang, beside him, was radiating coldness. He took two steps back and slammed the door shut.

“Again?” Zhou Beiyang asked, his voice icy.

Jin Yanliu was a little embarrassed, also stunned by the grim look he had never seen on Zhou Beiyang’s face before. He hummed in agreement and said, “Well… last night, he gave me a massage.”

Zhou Beiyang stood there, silent, but his chest heaved, his face flushed slightly, and the veins in his neck faintly visible. The jealousy and possessiveness he had suppressed all night finally erupted at this moment.