IOLYF Chapter 75

Han Shao Zhou gave Mo Ming an address, and Mo Ming brought the other card to him on his own.

“You… What kind of person are you…?” Han Shao Zhou’s gaze seemed glued to Mo Ming’s face, as if looking away for even a second would lead to some new revelation.

“You said…” Mo Ming replied, his expression blank. “Once this money is repaid, we’ll be even…”

“…”

After exchanging the cards, Mo Ming turned and walked away without a moment’s hesitation.

Han Shao Zhou stood by his car, watching Mo Ming’s retreating figure. The snow gently fell, gradually covering his shoulders.

From now on, they would have no connection…

No connection?

He stood frozen in place, gripping the card so tightly it bent out of shape. His anger turned to ice, settling cold and heavy in his chest.

The next evening, Han Shao Zhou received the results of the investigation he had ordered.

His understanding of Mo Ming was shaken once again.

Mo Ming’s assets far exceeded what Han Shao Zhou had imagined—four commercial properties in prime locations, three apartments, and a villa worth over one hundred million, which had been sold in less than a month. That was likely the source of the nearly two hundred million in cash in that card. And that didn’t even include his investments in mutual funds and financial products, or his stakes in pharmaceutical and new energy companies…

As his subordinate reported all this, Han Shao Zhou was left speechless. He realized that many of Mo Ming’s assets and investments were closely tied to Sheng Da, following in his own footsteps.

Han Shao Zhou was at a loss for words, utterly shocked. Mo Ming had accumulated all this wealth over the past three years by silently following his every move, investing wherever he did.

Han Shao Zhou had always thought of Mo Ming as a delicate, gentle clinging vine. Now, knowing the truth, he realized that Mo Ming had been quietly observing and learning from him, memorizing every investment calculation, and using the money Han Shao Zhou gave him to make his own investments.

Han Shao Zhou had earned billions over the years, but the person sleeping beside him had silently made billions too…

“Han Shao Zhou, there’s more,” his subordinate continued on the phone. “Mo Ming also holds shares in two tech companies. They’re what people commonly call ‘internet marketing companies,’ mostly dealing with PR tasks for the entertainment industry. They have partnerships with most entertainment companies and celebrity studios, including Xing Ci Entertainment…”

“…”

Han Shao Zhou was at a loss for words. It suddenly dawned on him that the recent online counterattack involving Mo Ming might indeed have been orchestrated by Mo Ming himself.

Xing Ci paid Mo Ming’s stake-holding marketing company to create online buzz and PR campaigns, while Mo Ming used that money to counterattack Xing Ci online. Zhao Cheng had mentioned that the online uproar after Wen Ci’s fall into the water had cost both sides at least seven figures… But in reality, Mo Ming hadn’t spent a single penny of his own money. Instead, his company had taken a substantial PR fee from an unwitting Xing Ci Entertainment.

Feigning cooperation while truly watching the antics from the sidelines…

After hanging up the phone, Han Shao Zhou stared out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at the night scene, his face gradually going blank.

He had never truly understood Mo Ming.

Never…

The online speculation about Mo Ming and Zhou Xu’s relationship quickly dissipated. Most netizens still believed that Mo Ming was just one of Zhou Xu’s many fans. Given that Zhou Xu had passed away, many thought it was highly unethical to dig into a deceased person’s private life. So, the matter was soon overshadowed by other fresh gossip within the entertainment industry. Only a few gossip-hungry netizens continued to discuss it with any interest…

Wen Ci was reading about this when he suddenly received a message from Shen Xixi.

[Xixi]: Yang Guan heard from Zhao Cheng that Han Ge and Mo Ming are completely done for [happy dance.jpg]

[Xixi]: Zhao Cheng didn’t say exactly why, just warned Yang Guan not to provoke Han Ge these days and definitely not to mention Mo Ming in front of him. He said if you do, you might get beaten up [laughing while covering mouth.jpg]

[Xixi]: Do you think Mo Ming really did treat Han Ge as a stand-in for that Zhou Xu, like the internet is saying? If that’s true, no wonder Han Ge would want to kill him.

[Xixi]: I hope they blacklist him or drive him out of Chuanhai altogether. He used to act so high and mighty around us. I bet Xing Ci never signed Shen Qian because Mo Ming was whispering things in Han Ge’s ear.

[Wen Ci]: I’m getting ready for an audition. Talk later.

[Xixi]: Wait, cousin… Xiao Qian just wanted to stand up for you before, and it turned out the way it did. Now he’s trying to break into the entertainment industry but can’t find a good way in. He wants to ask for your help but is too scared. Cousin…

[Wen Ci]: You don’t need to say anything. Of course, I’ll help him.

[Xixi]: You’re the best, cousin! I’ll go tell Xiao Qian right away.

Wen Ci put his phone back on the dressing table and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. The makeup artist carefully applied his “injury” makeup, speaking softly, “I’ve done makeup for a lot of celebrities, but Xiao Wen’s skin is the best. I’m also a fan of yours, Xiao Wen. I’ve seen all of your previous work…”

Wen Ci’s lips twitched slightly, his voice flat, “I haven’t acted in years. Who knows if I’m still up to par?”

“Don’t worry, Xiao Wen. I know Director Liu. He judges actors based on whether they have the right look. As long as your acting fundamentals are strong, he’ll guide you on the rest. You’ve worked with so many top directors before, so I’m sure you’ll do great. And when it comes to the big screen, you’ve got way more experience than most actors.”

Wen Ci smiled. “Thank you. Every hardworking actor is excellent.”

He had indeed participated in many top-tier film projects, with each one boasting the best production teams. Looking back at his past works, his peers in the industry could only dream of achieving such success. But despite the numerous minor awards he had accumulated over the years, he still hadn’t won any major accolades. Now, he was desperate to claim a prestigious Best Actor award to cement his reputation. Playing the lead in a film directed by the renowned Liu He Kun was undoubtedly the best opportunity.

Liu He Kun’s past films were all considered classics, with lead actors, even supporting ones, sweeping domestic awards, and some even competing internationally…

It was the perfect time and place. Wen Ci had longed to work with Liu He Kun for years, but Liu’s past films always featured lead actors over thirty, and Wen Ci couldn’t stoop to competing for a supporting role. So he had waited. Finally, this time, Liu He Kun was selecting a lead from among a group of younger actors.

The casting for “Temperature” had been ongoing for over half a month, with selected actors undergoing makeup tests, and Liu He Kun himself making the final decisions. Besides a few new faces, most of the candidates were young actors carefully chosen by various major companies.

Wen Ci wasn’t accustomed to this kind of competitive selection process. In the past, every lead role he played was secured directly by his company. Competing against actors of varying ranks like this made him uncomfortable…

But for a director like Liu He Kun, these formal procedures were something that had to be dealt with.

The audition went relatively smoothly, with Liu He Kun giving Wen Ci a neutral review but not immediately offering him the role. Wen Ci wasn’t too worried, though, as his company would work behind the scenes. “Temperature” was primarily funded by Sheng Da, the company behind Xing Ci Entertainment, so they would definitely have some influence.

As Wen Ci was preparing to leave, he encountered Mo Ming in the hallway. Mo Ming had just finished a phone call, wearing the same outfit Wen Ci had worn for his audition, complete with the same injury makeup… Clearly, he was also there to audition for the lead role.

Wen Ci was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected Mo Ming, who had already terminated his contract with Xing Ci, to make it to the final audition. After composing himself for a few seconds, Wen Ci raised his hand to greet Mo Ming, but Mo Ming walked past him without so much as a glance.

“Wait a moment!” Wen Ci called out.

Mo Ming finally stopped, turning to look at Wen Ci with an expressionless face.

“There’s no need to be so cold. Since we’re both still in the entertainment industry, we’re bound to cross paths again,” Wen Ci said, walking up to Mo Ming with a gentle smile. “Congratulations on making it to the final audition. That means you’re already better than most actors.”

Mo Ming glanced around the hallway before speaking in a calm voice, “There are no cameras in this hallway. You don’t need to be so polite with me.”

“…”

“But in public, I’ll play along.”

Wen Ci pursed his lips, speaking softly, “You know, we could start fresh. Since you don’t even like Han Ge, there’s no reason to see me as an enemy… Now that you’ve left Xing Ci and angered Han Ge, you might find it hard to get work in the entertainment industry. I could help you.”

Mo Ming said nothing, simply staring at the man in front of him.

“You have a great image. I really hope Director Liu will leave a role for you in his new movie. That way, we could work together again. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it. Aren’t you…”

The air was still for a few seconds.

“Thanks,” Mo Ming said calmly. “You’re even more disgusting than I thought.”

Wen Ci stood frozen as Mo Ming walked down the hallway. It wasn’t until his assistant timidly reminded him that he snapped out of his anger and shame.

He had been sincere when he offered to help Mo Ming because he genuinely felt sorry for him. Mo Ming had been abandoned by Xing Ci and Han Shao Zhou, and he’d come to the audition all alone… Wen Ci didn’t take pleasure in his misfortune because he couldn’t feel envious or hateful towards someone he pitied.

“He actually called me disgusting…” Wen Ci muttered as he watched Mo Ming’s figure fade into the distance. His hand clenched at his side. “Just because he won a round in the public eye, he’s forgotten his place…”

“People like him need to be taught a harsh lesson,” the assistant whispered. “The internet’s been using him to drag you down, Wen Ge. He probably thinks he’s better than you now.”

Wen Ci’s expression grew cold as he turned to leave. “Once the casting is finalized, let Director Liu’s team know. If he’s in the movie, I’m out. Not even for a minor role.”

“Got it, Wen Ge.”

“I don’t need his pity. It’d be best if he just disappeared from my sight entirely.”

The next evening, Wen Ci met with Shen Qian for dinner as promised. Since he had some connections in the industry, it wasn’t difficult for him to give Shen Qian a little help.

“Wen Ge, you just need to introduce me to a few big directors, like Liu He Kun,” Shen Qian said excitedly. “If I could get into one of Liu He Kun’s films, I wouldn’t care what role I got.” That way, he could quickly become one of the top influencers in the industry.

Wen Ci chuckled, lowering his head to eat at a leisurely pace. “You think anyone can just walk into one of Director Liu’s films?”

“But I heard you’ve already got the lead role in his new movie. Just say a word to Liu He Kun. Get him to give me a small role. How could he refuse a favor for his lead actor?”

Wen Ci was about to respond when his phone rang. It was his agent, Xi Nan.

Given the timing, it was likely a call about the casting for “Temperature.”

“Quiet, I’ll mention it to Director Liu when I get the chance…” Wen Ci said, then answered Xi Nan’s call.

A few seconds later, Wen Ci’s face changed.

“What? Auditioning for the supporting role tomorrow?” Wen Ci nearly jumped out of his seat. “Then who got the lead?”

Shen Qian perked up his ears to listen.

“Why… Why is it Mo Ming? The company promised me that role. The audition went well yesterday… Xi Nan-jie, you know me. There’s no way I’ll take a supporting role…” Especially not one where he’d have to play second fiddle to Mo Ming. What a joke.

On the other end of the line, Xi Nan explained that there was another film project, also an S-tier production, and if Wen Ci was willing to take the lead role, it would be his… It was a gentle way of saying that Liu He Kun’s lead role was out of reach.

“Wen Ci, I understand how you feel, but this was Director Liu’s decision. Our company did approach him privately, but he’s very firm about his casting choices. There was no room for negotiation.”

Capital investors could only suggest things to Liu He Kun, but the final decision was always his. And Sheng Da wasn’t going to risk offending Liu He Kun, who was practically guaranteed to make money for them, over something like this.

“I remember there was a similar situation before,” Wen Ci said, gripping his phone tightly as he struggled to stay calm. “But in the end, the company still managed to secure the role for me.”

Xi Nan paused before replying, “I know what you’re referring to. To be honest, Wen Ci, that time, it was Han Shao Zhou himself who went to speak with Director Zhang. Director Zhang agreed to change the already signed lead actor to you as a favor to Han Shao Zhou, but he didn’t want to hurt your pride, so we kept it from you…”

“…”

“There were a lot of instances like that back then… Wen Ci, the competition in this industry is fiercer than you realize. Right now, you’re just another signed artist at Xing Ci. You’re standing on a higher platform than others because of the foundation you built three years ago. But if you don’t hold onto it, within two years, the company’s focus will inevitably shift to other artists…”

Wen Ci didn’t respond for a long time. It was the first time he had heard Xi Nan speak like this…

Even after starting over, he had always believed deep down that he was different from others. He had once stood at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, with unmatched film and business deals during his peak. His excellence made everything seem within reach, even making him think that the famously aloof and talented Gao Chen was easily conquered by him… But now, he was starting to realize that he was just an ordinary artist, no different from any other signed talent at Xing Ci, struggling to compete for the resources he wanted.

For the first time, Wen Ci realized that he was just like any other actor in the industry, a worker who had to compete with countless others.

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Wen Ci found it hard to breathe.

“Wen Ci, you still have access to many excellent film resources. There’s no need to be fixated on Director Liu’s film. But if you’re dead set on that lead role, perhaps you could ask Han Shao Zhou for help. Director Liu might be more inclined to listen to him… But I don’t know the current status of your relationship with Han Shao Zhou. Still, even if Han Shao Zhou isn’t interested in you anymore, for old times’ sake…”

“Xi Nan-jie, I have my own ideas…” Wen Ci took a deep breath. “Regardless, I won’t be attending tomorrow’s audition for the supporting role. I’ll get back to you soon about the rest.”

After hanging up, Wen Ci gripped his phone tightly.

That man had actually landed the lead role in Liu He Kun’s film. Why him, of all people?

Just yesterday, Wen Ci had felt sorry for him, pitied him, but now he realized he was the fool.

“Is that even possible, Wen Ge…” Shen Qian asked, his face pale. “Did Liu He Kun really give the lead role to Mo Ming? If that’s true, I’m going to have a heart attack. Isn’t he supposed to be done with Han Shao Zhou? Damn, did he sleep with Liu He Kun?”

Wen Ci’s chest heaved as he struggled to regain his composure. He looked at Shen Qian and said, “If Liu He Kun really did cast Mo Ming as the lead, there’s nothing I can do for you.”

Shen Qian panicked. “No way. A tramp that Han Shao Zhou dumped, now trying to rise above us? Can’t we get rid of him somehow?”

Wen Ci lowered his gaze, his dark eyes clouded with a thin mist. “Director Liu values the moral integrity of his actors. He almost never works with those who have serious moral flaws…”

Shen Qian paused, his eyes narrowing in thought.

On Saturday night, Zhou Yixiang left the theater just before ten o’clock. As he walked towards his car, he heard someone calling him from the side.

“Mr. Zhou, hello.”

Zhou Yixiang turned to see a man approaching him, someone who looked vaguely familiar. “You are…?”

“I’m Han Shao Zhou.” Han Shao Zhou wore a black trench coat, his thick black eyebrows dusted with small snowflakes. His expression was neutral, but his tone was polite. “I’m a friend of Mo Ming.”

Zhou Yixiang recognized Han Shao Zhou. Although he didn’t follow online gossip, some of his students had mentioned the situation between Mo Ming and Han Shao Zhou. Zhou Yixiang had even seen a few photos of Han Shao Zhou online.

“Hello, so, um, what can I do for you?”

“I wanted to ask you about something…”

Han Shao Zhou had almost forgotten about being treated as a stand-in. All his anger and pain had been pushed aside. Now, all he wanted was to understand Mo Ming fully… To know what kind of relationship Mo Ming had with Zhou Xu and why Zhou Xu held such a significant place in Mo Ming’s heart—so significant that he, Han Shao Zhou, had ended up being nothing more than collateral damage…

He wouldn’t let this matter end so ambiguously.

Zhou Yixiang looked at Han Shao Zhou with a complicated expression. He could vaguely guess what this man wanted to know, so he asked cautiously, “You’re not planning to take it out on Mo Ming, are you?”

Han Shao Zhou let out a bitter laugh, his gaze dropping to the snowy ground. “If that were something I could resolve by settling a score, I wouldn’t be here…”

Settle a score…

As long as time couldn’t rewind three years, the score between him and Mo Ming would never be settled.

What was the point of getting back those things? What he truly needed to settle was with that person.