Chapter 15: Wall Slam

He still held onto a sliver of hope. After all, even if Mr. Jin shunned women, there had never been any rumors of him favoring men. But if it truly were the case, he would accept it. With Brother Qin in trouble and now himself being suppressed by his new agent, within just a few short months, all the scripts that once flooded in had vanished without a trace. What scripts his agent handed him now were either laughably bad or doomed never to air—how could he possibly take them? After months without major exposure, his popularity was plummeting, and he was powerless to reverse it.

Even this time, with the "Dream of Splendor" production, it was only through secretly asking a friend for help behind his agent’s back that he managed to join. Continuing like this, he would soon become the fastest-fading Best Actor in history. The only thing he could be grateful for was, upon entering the crew, he unexpectedly encountered Mr. Jin.

After Ling Yang finished speaking, he stood awkwardly, not knowing where to put his hands. Yet Jin Youqian didn’t even look at him—he merely let out a low, magnetic, and disdainful laugh, making Song Wan’s ears tingle. Song Wan shot a surprised glance at Ling Yang. Did this mean Jin Youqian liked men? It didn’t seem that way… But one thing she was sure of—Jin Youqian was indeed averse to hidden rules in this industry.

Song Wan had intended to leave, but Ling Yang’s unexpected move made her reconsider. Quietly, she edged closer to Jin Youqian. For reasons unknown, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Ling Yang’s agent being replaced was somehow connected to her past life.

Ling Yang noticed Song Wan’s movement and, only then remembering her presence in the lounge, felt even more embarrassed. He was about to ask her to leave when he saw the usually indifferent Mr. Jin glance at Song Wan without a word, silently permitting her to stay. The words stuck in his throat, leaving him mortified. To have a stranger witness him in such a state, especially when they’d be seeing each other daily for months to come…

Ling Yang gritted his teeth, feeling as though Song Wan’s gaze was a thorn in his back.

Jin Youqian suddenly looked at him, face cold. “You claim you don’t know what your agent did to offend me?” Ling Yang pressed his lips together, only to see Jin Youqian glance at him with contempt, then quickly lower his gaze. “Are you saying you truly don’t know what your agent’s done?”

Jin Youqian’s presence was oppressive—so different from how he acted in front of Song Wan. Song Wan’s heart skipped several beats in surprise. Ling Yang tried to nod, but under Jin Youqian’s piercing gaze, his neck stiffened and refused to move.

After a long moment, he managed a bitter smile. “I know some of it.”

“Then what’s so strange? It’s nothing but karma,” Jin Youqian said calmly. “Compared to his methods, this is just an appetizer.”

If you dare attack others, you must be prepared for retribution. There’s no such thing in this world as only you targeting others while remaining untouchable yourself.

Ling Yang stood rigid, recalling all the stars Brother Qin had suppressed, but none seemed to have anything to do with Jin Youqian. Could it be Mr. Jin had just found a new lover?

Tension tightening his fists, he spoke urgently, “No matter what wrongs Brother Qin committed, he would never dare offend you, Mr. Jin. If he genuinely harmed someone under your protection, I swear he didn’t know. I’ll have him apologize and make amends a hundredfold—”

Jin Youqian interrupted impatiently, “Song Wan.”

“Huh?” Song Wan turned her head in confusion.

Jin Youqian subtly turned away, only relaxing once he no longer felt her breath by his ear.

Ling Yang looked at Song Wan, eyes wide. “Brother Qin’s never even met Miss Song…”

So how could he have done anything to Song Wan?

Jin Youqian glanced at Song Wan, then quickly looked away, suddenly annoyed now that the actor he once admired shared the same name as her.

Song Wan didn’t notice Jin Youqian’s gaze. The mention of that identical name stirred up unpleasant memories from her past life, souring her mood.

“The other Song Wan.”

Ling Yang was momentarily stunned. Only after a while did realization strike him like a bolt of lightning. Trembling, he asked, “May I ask how Song Wan and Mr. Jin…”

No, that couldn’t be. Song Wan was nearly thirty-five, while Mr. Jin hadn’t yet reached thirty—how could he be interested in her?

Jin Youqian saw through his thoughts, his face darkening. “Song Wan was the female lead of ‘Tomorrow.’ On the day of the contract signing, Tang Su had someone run her down and kill her.”

He paused. “Right in front of me.”

Knowing their temperaments, Ling Yang hesitated, still clinging to hope. “Isn’t there some misunderstanding, Mr. Jin? Even if Senior Sister treated Song Wan poorly, she wouldn’t kill her! Brother Qin had no grudge against Song Wan, so it’s even less likely he’d harm her!”

Besides, the news had reported that Song Wan’s boyfriend, Qi Lang, was the murderer—he’d even met that man.

Song Wan quietly glanced at Ling Yang. “Poor attitude?” What a euphemism.

Jin Youqian couldn’t be bothered to explain. He shot Ling Yang a sidelong look. “I only believe what I saw.” With that, he closed his eyes, unwilling to spare another glance.

Ling Yang stood rooted in place. Given Jin Youqian’s status, he must have investigated the matter thoroughly—there was no doubt Qin Fei was involved in Song Wan’s death. What’s more, with Song Wan having no connections and Qin’s oppression of her done in the open, there was no cover-up.

Ling Yang’s mouth filled with bitterness. Whatever plea for mercy he might have made stayed stuck in his throat. There was no room for negotiation when the victim had already lost her life.

With humiliation, Ling Yang turned to leave the lounge.

Song Wan’s brow twitched. She reached out to tug on Jin Youqian’s sleeve, only for him to shoot her a warning glare.

“Oh, and by the way,” Ling Yang said nervously, turning back—only to see Jin Youqian’s scornful expression. “Even if I were gay, someone like you… Ha!”

He couldn’t resist getting in one last insult before leaving.

Song Wan was furious, but when she caught Jin Youqian’s warning look, she merely frowned and did nothing more.

Ling Yang clenched his fists and left in embarrassment.

Once his figure had disappeared, Jin Youqian, as if remembering something, spoke with displeasure, “Keep your distance from such an ungrateful wretch in the future.”

Song Wan was puzzled. “What?”

Even when she’d fallen into that predicament in her past life, Ling Yang had never distanced himself from her. How could he be called ungrateful?

Jin Youqian hadn’t intended to say more, but recalling her earlier behavior, he felt oddly irked. “I found out that Ling Yang once sought Song Wan’s guidance in acting. Most of his current skills are owed to her. Yet when his agent and senior sister suppressed Song Wan, he never spoke a single word in her defense.”

Seeing Song Wan’s indifferent expression, he grew even more frustrated. “Don’t let him fool you.”

But Song Wan was unfazed. “He was just looking out for himself.”

She had only given Ling Yang a few acting pointers—they barely counted as friends, more like industry acquaintances. She never expected him to owe her anything. At least he hadn’t kicked her when she was down or sided with Tang Su; in her eyes, that was already enough.

But more than discussing Ling Yang’s character, another matter piqued her interest.

Song Wan sidled closer to Jin Youqian with a teasing smile. “I knew it—when a stunning beauty throws herself at you and you remain unmoved, there’s got to be a reason! So, it turns out you’re gay, Mr. Jin!”

The thought of having to keep her distance from Jin Youqian left a knot in her chest, but on her face she wore a look of amusement. “So, Mr. Jin, what kind of man do you like?”

Jin Youqian’s expression turned somber. If she believed he was gay, it meant her original intention to get close to him had failed. Shouldn’t she be upset? Why did she seem unconcerned? The realization that she could so easily switch targets suddenly made Jin Youqian want to wring this talkative woman’s neck.

Blissfully unaware, Song Wan continued cheerfully, her performance remarkably convincing. “Are you, Mr. Jin, the top or the bottom? Judging by your build and aura, you seem like the ultimate top—but who can say? There are all sorts of people in this world. If you prefer to be the bottom, I can introduce you to someone…”

As she spoke, even Song Wan nearly believed Jin Youqian was gay—and the submissive one at that.

Jin Youqian was practically fuming, glaring at Song Wan through gritted teeth. “Song Wan, shut up!”

Song Wan blinked innocently. “Don’t worry, Mr. Jin. I won’t judge you. After all, orientation is inborn—you didn’t choose it.” Her eyes sparkled. “But if you don’t want to come out and need a girlfriend as cover, I’m always available~” She sent him a flirtatious wink, her gaze brimming with understanding and acceptance.

Jin Youqian was livid, too exasperated to respond. He simply got up and shoved her against the wall.

Song Wan’s heart skipped, but she smirked teasingly. “What’s this, Mr. Jin?” She glanced at his arm braced beside her head, her tone playful. “A kabedon? So you do know how to flirt, even if your moves are a bit…”

Tsk. These days, even high schoolers didn’t use such tired tricks—desk-don, hug-don, bed-don… Why kabedon, of all things? How unoriginal.

As a woman with the soul of someone in her thirties, such childish tactics couldn’t possibly unsettle her.

Should she blush, just for show? She sneaked a glance at Jin Youqian.

Jin Youqian was at a loss, not noticing her reaction. After a moment, he pinched Song Wan’s chin. “Song Wan, listen carefully—I am not gay!”

His expression was so fierce, she wondered if she might get beaten up for saying the wrong thing.

Fortunately, Song Wan was very quick on the uptake.

She replied calmly, “Oh.”

Jin Youqian waited, but when she said nothing further, he glared. “That’s it?”

Song Wan tilted her head and smiled. “What else? Should I say, ‘Okay, I get it—you’re not gay, you’re the world’s straightest man, alright?’”

Recalling scenes from various dramas, she mimicked the insincere, helpless tone of someone forced to lie, her performance so vivid that Jin Youqian almost believed that was what she truly meant. His irritation grew.

He didn’t bother to hide it; his annoyance showed plainly. Song Wan found it amusing. “Do you really think I believe you’re gay? Not to mention anything else, your reaction that night in your villa didn’t exactly support the idea.”

Unless, of course, he was bisexual.

Jin Youqian glared icily. “Are you playing games with me?”

Song Wan’s scalp prickled. Only then did she remember Jin Youqian was not someone you could joke with casually. Annoyed at her own carelessness, she hurried to explain, “Of course not! I was just joking, nothing more.”

Jin Youqian said nothing, his dark eyes fixed unblinkingly on her.

Song Wan nearly wanted to cry. Had she played with fire and gotten burned?

“Um… Mr. Jin, I really was just joking. You believe me, don’t you?”

“Heh.”

Heh, your head! she cursed inwardly, nervous yet still yearning to tease him.

But remembering his aversion to hidden rules, her spirits deflated. “I really was just joking, nothing else.”