Chapter 115: Love Them and Leave Them

Tang Ziyu woke up early in the morning feeling unwell, her head still aching slightly from a hangover. She pinched her forehead and muttered, “If I ever get drunk for you again, I won’t even call myself Tang Ziyu.”

“Oh? Who are you getting drunk for then?”

Hearing someone speak, Tang Ziyu naturally replied, “Isn’t it... Jiang Jize? Why are you here?”

“Look up. This is my home, my bed. If I’m not here, then where else would I be? Or do you want me to be somewhere else, with another woman?”

Tang Ziyu reached out and pushed Jiang Jize away. “Just talk, but keep your distance.”

“Tang Ziyu, the bed’s still warm, and you’re already turning your back on me?”

Jiang Jize’s words flustered her, causing her to speak without thinking. “What nonsense are you talking about? I haven’t even asked how I ended up here!”

Jiang Jize smirked inwardly: No matter how straightforward you are, you’re still just as shy.

“Of course, it was because someone last night held me tight, crying everywhere that I didn’t want you anymore, so reluctantly, I brought you back.”

“Impossible. I have good drinking habits; if I’m drunk, I just sleep. How could I cling to you?” Tang Ziyu’s voice grew softer as she spoke.

“Anyway, it’s just impossible.”

Jiang Jize looked at her with a complicated gaze. When he first saw her blackout from drinking, he thought the young lady was too shy. If she knew how she yelled at him when drunk, she’d probably be too embarrassed to face him, so he never said a word. Years had passed, and she had mistakenly believed she was a good drinker. Who gave her the confidence to say she just went straight to sleep?

Without more words, Jiang Jize leaned closer. Tang Ziyu, frightened, shrank to the corner of the bed. “What are you doing? Don’t come closer.”

Jiang Jize reached out with interest. Tang Ziyu closed her eyes in fear, remaining still for a long time.

She quietly opened her eyes and saw that Jiang Jize was taking the phone beside him. After grabbing it, he looked at her with a half-smile.

Tang Ziyu felt both embarrassed and angry, and she got up to leave. But Jiang Jize pulled her back. “I want to show you something.”

“I’m not watching!” She refused, feeling humiliated.

“You’re actually being fierce with me. You never used to be like this…”

The crying coming from the phone stopped Tang Ziyu dead in her tracks. That voice was far too familiar.

She turned her head and, unwilling to admit it, realized the ‘madwoman’ sobbing uncontrollably in the video was herself.

“Let go!”

“No! If I let go, you’ll abandon me.”

Tang Ziyu was utterly mortified and shouted, “Turn it off! I get it.”

Jiang Jize put away the video. “Miss Tang, the proof is right here. Am I right?”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Tang Ziyu impatiently admitted, “Sorry, President Jiang. I caused you trouble last night. I’ll leave now.”

From behind came Jiang Jize’s slightly plaintive voice: “Miss Tang, are you planning to deny it and walk away now?”

Tang Ziyu turned back to face him and actually found Jiang Jize somewhat... harmless.

She must still be half-asleep; Jiang Jize was definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

She couldn’t be fooled by such a big, sly wolf, so she feigned calmness. “This isn’t the first time. We’re both adults. Let’s just pretend it never happened.”

“Pretend it never happened? Miss Tang, you’re really carefree.” Jiang Jize complained, “I said I only touch my woman. You were the one who said you were mine. Now you’re denying it.”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

Jiang Jize raised the phone. “I have video evidence. Want to see?”

He muttered to himself, “Luckily, I have videos to prove my innocence, otherwise dealing with someone who denies things would be a nightmare.”

Tang Ziyu cut him off, “No need to watch. I don’t want to see myself like that again.”

Jiang Jize’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. “Oh? So, Miss Tang, are you ready to take responsibility?”

Tang Ziyu was so angry she could barely speak. How could anyone be so shameless!

She smirked challengingly, propping Jiang Jize’s chin with her hand. “Then just consider me someone who started the chaos and walked away. After all, I’m this beautiful on my own—you’re not losing out.”

With a graceful toss of her head, she turned and left.

Watching her flustered retreat, Jiang Jize wore an expression of total control. “Tang Ziyu, you can’t escape.”

“You say you’re pretending? Then I’ll see how different you are from those three years.”

At least... some things remain the same as before.

“Chenxi, how are you feeling?”

“Mu Mu, you’re here.” Mi Mu entered carrying fruit.

“I came to see you,” Mi Mu said, her eyes glancing toward Chu Muyun. “Hello, Chu Ge!”

Seeing Mi Mu arrive, Chu Muyun stood up. “You two chat; I’ll step out for a while.”

Bai Chenxi nodded cheerfully. Whenever others came, Chu Muyun seemed to wish he could stay in the hospital room forever, never leaving. Every time Mi Mu arrived, Chu Muyun left faster than anyone else. Bai Chenxi assumed he just wanted to give her and Mi Mu some space.

Mi Mu clenched her hands tightly. Why? Such a thoughtless person, yet everyone revolved around her.

Every time she came, she saw Chu Muyun’s tender care for Bai Chenxi. How she wished those affectionate glances would be for her instead.

Why was she so lucky—her first role as lead and instant fame—while she had to struggle bitterly over a supporting role? It wasn’t fair.

One day, all of that, including love, would be hers.

Mi Mu perfectly concealed her emotions. “Are you feeling better? When you’re not on set, I’m completely bored.”

Bai Chenxi made a sour face. “I want to go back soon! But Director Tian insists I recover fully before returning, so I don’t hold back the crew with my injury.”

Hearing this, Mi Mu’s eyes darkened, but Bai Chenxi was oblivious and continued, “I’m so bored in the hospital. Chu Muyun even won’t let me touch my phone.”

To Mi Mu, Bai Chenxi’s complaints sounded like boasting. A flash of resentment crossed Mi Mu’s eyes, and suddenly she had an idea.

“Chu Ge is probably afraid you’ll see the online news and feel guilty, so he won’t say anything.”

Bai Chenxi was puzzled. “Why would I feel guilty? My leg was blown up. What do I have to feel guilty about?”

Mi Mu feigned innocence. “Huh? You don’t know? Chu Ge did it for you…”

Then, as if realizing she’d said too much, she hastily backtracked, “Nothing! Chenxi, don’t overthink it.”

Now that it had come this far, how could Bai Chenxi not overthink? Otherwise, Mi Mu’s acting efforts would be wasted.

[Scene]

“Director Tian, hello! This is Chu Muyun.”

Director Tian Jie was eating when he received the call. Hearing the introduction, he nearly sprayed his food everywhere.

“Is there something?”

Given the hospital situation, his relationship with Bai Chenxi was obviously complicated. A call now might not be to settle accounts, right?

“Bai Chenxi’s injuries are serious. I want her to stay out of the crew until she fully recovers.”

Chu Muyun’s tone was like a notification, without any room for negotiation.

Director Tian muttered to himself: If Bai Chenxi’s injuries were “serious,” what about those who kept filming despite broken bones? Determined?

He understood young love could be intense and tender.

“Muyun, I get how you feel. We definitely wouldn’t let an injured actor perform. But so many people are waiting to start filming, and we can’t afford delays. How about we wait until she improves a bit, then start?”

Everyone compromises; you’re happy, I’m happy, all happy!

Unexpectedly, Chu Muyun replied firmly, “Bai Chenxi can’t act until she heals. Any losses to the crew, I will cover.”

Director Tian thought: I know you have money, but this isn’t the way to spend it!

“Are you planning to invest more?”

“No, I represent Kaijia.”