Chapter 011 Shame

Had it not been for his timely appearance, she might have continued to suffer, perhaps even been strangled to death by Wang Juan, whose mental state was clearly unstable. The thought sent a chill of fear through Song Wan. She lifted her head and managed a smile. “If it weren’t for you just now, I might have fallen victim to someone’s malice.”

The instant Song Wan looked up, Xie Junchen noticed the marks on her neck, and his expression grew solemn. “Someone tried to kill you?”

Song Wan nodded. “But when they heard your footsteps, they ran off.”

“Do you remember what they looked like?”

She lowered her head, thought for a moment, then shook it and lied, “I’m just grateful you came to my rescue. I was so frightened that I can’t recall their face. I’m sorry.”

Xie Junchen’s gaze lingered on her face. He stepped forward and lifted her chin with a teasing tone. “Are you telling the truth?”

Song Wan slapped his hand away with a half-smile. “What do you think? And even if I lied, so what?”

He raised an eyebrow. “So what indeed…” Suddenly, he pulled a pistol from his pocket and aimed it at her forehead, his eyes growing cold though a slight smile played at his lips. “It just puts me in a difficult position.”

Song Wan rolled her eyes. Was he really trying to scare an actress with a toy gun?

Seeing that she wasn’t afraid, Xie Junchen became even more intrigued. He studied her for a moment, then put the gun away.

He pulled out a cigarette, looked her over, and said, “You’ve got some guts, girl!”

Song Wan frowned. “Don’t smoke.”

He whistled nonchalantly, ignoring her, and shrugged. “Forget it. After all, it’s your life on the line, not mine. Take care of yourself in the future.”

Song Wan nodded. “I will. Regardless, thank you.”

He waved her off. “No problem.” With that, he turned and walked out of the alley.

Backlit by the sun, its golden glow haloed him, lending him warmth. Yet his casual stride, one hand in his pocket, exuded a roguish charm that made one smile.

What an interesting man, she thought. She wondered if fate would ever let them cross paths again.

Song Wan sat on the ground for a while longer before pushing herself up, wincing at the pain from the wound on her neck. The injury was bad; she wondered if it would heal before joining the film crew.

Just then, a gunshot rang out from outside the alley.

Bang—

Cold sweat broke out all over Song Wan. The gun that man had pointed at her just moments ago… it had been real!

Thank goodness he’d only wanted to scare her. Song Wan patted her chest, still shaken. After a while, she took out her phone and dialed a number. “Hello, is this the Gossip Detective Agency?”

“Hello, this is the Gossip Detective Agency. How may we assist you?”

“This is Song Wan.” She paused, then continued, “I want information on an actress named Wang Juan—her movements over the past few months, and the people she’s been in contact with. Price is negotiable.”

After all this time, for someone to suddenly seek revenge—if there wasn’t someone behind this, she’d eat her hat.

“Okay, you’ll have a response within a week.”

She hesitated, then couldn’t help but add, “About Tang Su, whom I asked you to investigate earlier…”

“Miss Song, Tang Su is a top star with tight security. There’s no way we could get you information so quickly.”

Song Wan’s face darkened. “Fine. Just inform me the moment you have news.”

“Absolutely!”

…

The day of the film’s commencement arrived quickly.

Song Wan got up early. The red marks on her neck hadn’t completely faded. They weren’t obvious, but as she was playing the villain, if someone caught sight of them, it would make quite a spectacle.

She pulled a silk scarf from her wardrobe, tied it around her neck, and hurried out to catch a ride to the set.

When Song Wan arrived, there weren’t many people yet. She quietly took a seat with her script, not making an effort to mingle. Yet just by sitting there, her composed demeanor drew countless glances.

Soon, the rest of the cast began to arrive.

First came Hua Yu, the film’s leading lady, who cast Song Wan a cold glance as she walked by, heading straight to the lounge with her entourage.

Then came Ling Yang, the male lead, who had apparently just won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor. Despite his serious expression, he greeted Song Wan gently. “Hello, I’m Ling Yang, playing Qi Yang. I don’t believe we’ve met before. You are…?”

Song Wan smiled and nodded. “I’m Song Wan, playing Liu Ya.”

Ling Yang narrowed his eyes, offering her an encouraging look. “Good luck.”

“Thank you.”

Yet it was obvious to her that Ling Yang’s attitude was perfunctory.

She understood why. Her own status hardly matched the role she’d been cast in.

One day, they would understand the reason for this. For now, she had no need to invite resentment.

The other actors soon arrived—familiar faces, seasoned performers whose skills were well recognized.

The last to appear was Jin Yue, playing the third female lead. Like Song Wan, she was a newcomer. Clearly backed by someone, Jin Yue’s arrival was grander than anyone’s—her manager in tow, four assistants bustling about, and eight bodyguards forming two rows around her, giving her the air of a mafia boss.

The others cast her wary glances, but no one approached.

She stood at the door, chin raised, eyes sweeping the room. “Who’s playing Liu Ya?” she demanded.

Song Wan frowned, but under everyone’s surprised gaze, she stood up. “I’m Song Wan, playing Liu Ya.”

“You?” Jin Yue looked her up and down with contempt, jealousy flashing in her eyes. “Just a pretty vase, aren’t you? Of all the choices, Director Qian picked you?”

Song Wan smiled calmly, her reply cutting and precise. “At least I am a vase.” She glanced at Jin Yue with a mocking laugh.

Looking at Jin Yue’s face—pretty among ordinary people but merely average in the entertainment industry—Song Wan’s point was clear.

Others covered their mouths, snickering. This newcomer wasn’t just beautiful, she had a sharp tongue.

Real skill could only be recognized on set; otherwise, people would just see a joke and think even less of her. But to admit she was chosen for her looks was at least honest—people might call her vain, but with her beauty, they’d find her candid and even charming.

At the same time, she’d taken a jab at Jin Yue, a fellow newcomer who’d landed a significant role without even a noteworthy face.

Jin Yue’s face twisted in fury. “You two, grab her for me! I want her face torn up!”

Song Wan showed no fear, only watching her coldly.

The bodyguards hesitated, then finally moved toward Song Wan.

But the others wouldn’t let Jin Yue run wild. Seeing her about to cause trouble, they quickly intervened.

Jin Yue panicked but stubbornly refused to back down.

At that moment, the director arrived. He immediately noticed Song Wan and hurried over, about to offer reassurance, when he realized something was wrong. He shot a glare at the bodyguards. “What’s this? Trying to make a scene in my crew?”

Jin Yue squeezed to the director’s side. “Sorry, Director, I don’t know what happened. The bodyguards suddenly surrounded Song Wan—maybe it’s just that she’s too pretty.”

The bodyguards exchanged awkward glances but said nothing.

Qian Fu knew the truth. He looked at her coldly. “Jin Yue, you’re only here because of Qian and Young Master Qi’s connections. But if you act up, you can leave at any time. Plenty of people want this role. Replacing you would be no trouble at all. I’m sure Young Master Qi will understand my decision.”

Young Master Qi was just a minor investor. With Mr. Jin of Imperial Entertainment backing the project, what could he possibly do?

Jin Yue was clever enough—she’d gotten Qi to spend a fortune to get her into this crew. She paled, quickly apologizing to the director. “I’m sorry, Director. I promise to work hard from now on.”

But having been reprimanded in front of everyone, Jin Yue now hated Song Wan with a passion.

“Hmph!” Qian Fu saw her resentment, but so what? He raised his hand. “Call everyone over. We’re starting the opening ceremony.”

He led Song Wan to the lounge. “These rituals are just for peace of mind; there’s nothing to be nervous about.”

Song Wan nodded. “I’m not nervous.”

Qian Fu saw her calm face—nothing like a newbie just entering the industry—and found himself more satisfied with her.

He brought her inside, where only two people waited. One was Wu, the special assistant Song Wan had met before; the other stood with his back to them—tall, straight, impeccably dressed.

Hearing them enter, the man turned. His face was cold and handsome, his presence commanding.

Qian Fu greeted him, then introduced Song Wan. “This is Mr. Jin of Imperial Entertainment, our largest investor.” Turning to her, he said, “And this is Song Wan, playing the villain Liu Ya.”

Song Wan’s eyes sparkled with a bewitching smile. She extended her right hand. “Mr. Jin, we meet again. With fate bringing us together so often, are you sure you won’t reconsider my previous offer?”

Jin Youqian’s face, which had shown a hint of surprise, immediately frosted over. He glanced at her delicate hand, then ignored it. “There’s no need.”

Song Wan didn’t mind, withdrawing her hand with a smile. “That’s a pity. With your physique—broad shoulders, narrow waist, those long legs—what a shame.”

This woman!

Jin Youqian’s face darkened. “Are you looking to lose your part?”

“Surely not, Mr. Jin. Just because I covet your looks, you’d blacklist me?” Song Wan feigned surprise. “Or, if you’d like, you could covet mine. I promise I’d throw myself at you without a moment’s hesitation.”

Jin Youqian’s expression grew even colder. “Careful, or I’ll replace you on the spot!” Shameless!