The banquet hall glittered like a diamond cave, a sea of glimmering gowns, champagne glasses clinking, and murmured admiration.
The chandelier lights scattered across the room like a sea of stars— dazzling— but not enough to outshine the real star of the night. He catalogued every polished smile, the veiled gazes of jealousy— he let them watch, see how bright this star could shine, he was untouchable.
A tall man approached him, dressed in a flashy suit and perfumed lies. "Congratulations Jiang Yu." He lifted his champagne glass for a toast.
Jiang Yu's lips curved into a practiced smirk — the type that had been drilled into him by managers, now he wore it with ease — it glinted on his glass. "Thank you, Rán Cheng." His voice was smooth like silk. "I am honoured you could come to the after party." The clink of their glasses echoed as sharply as their false sentiments.
Cheng Li's brows furrowed. "Call me Garo, there's no need for formalities between us brothers."
Jiang Yu's smirk widened into a smile — the award-winning one he flashed for the cameras. "Of course Garo Cheng."
Cheng Li nodded, "That's better." He and Jiang Yu shared a smile hidden behind champagne glasses. "I wouldn't miss your after party for the world," he tilted his glass, "you are a Nian I greatly admire."
Jiang Yu's eyes darted to the crowd already bored, "I am honoured by your admiration." As though he needed his admiration. "Though Garo didn't win the award," he paused, hiding a subtle smirk at the way Cheng Li's smile stiffened slightly, "I hope you take my award just like it's yours." His voice softened, "After all, we are brothers."
Cheng Li's smile rivaled the dazzle of the chandeliers. "Your win is just like mine," he met Jiang Yu's dark eyes — the ones fans had dubbed most romantic — "no one is more deserving of the Starburst Awards Most Popular Actor Of The Year."
Jiang Yu laughed, tilting his head back enjoying the sparkles of the chandeliers. "You flatter me Garo Cheng…" his voice smooth but teasing, "but it's deserved."
Cheng Li smiled, voice ticking with barely hidden irritation. "I heard Nian Yu has been cast in The Glass Empire," Cheng Li moved closer, too close for comfort, "I was wondering if Nian could put in a word to the director—"
So this was what was behind the whole charade? Not surprising. Jiang Yu's smile turned sharp, "Garo sure hears a lot." He arched his brow.
Cheng Li laughed nervously, hiding his annoyance at being cut off. "The news is everywhere." He dismissed. "Could you talk to the—"
"I am afraid I can't." Jiang Yu's voice turned cold. "Director Armand LeClair is very strict about his casting," he sighed, feigning pity, "Aureum Pictures is investing $20 million in this movie; casting is beyond the director."
Cheng Li frowned. "But I heard YuEntertainment Holdings is investing in this movie too."
Jiang Yu rolled his eyes subtly. Of course, he heard that too. "Just because I am part of the Yu family doesn't mean I can shuffle any actor I like into a movie cast, the company's investment has nothing to do with me." Jiang Yu's voice lowered to Cheng Li's level of hearing. "Besides I have seen Garo's acting in his new movie Whispers Beneath The Red Lanterns, and your acting is a bit too stiff for an international movie."
Jiang Yu watched with humor as Cheng Li's face switched between a fiery red, a nauseating green, and finally settled on an ashy sheen.
"But, Nian—" Cheng Li gritted his teeth.
"Hello, Miss Tang." Jiang Yu purposefully called loudly. "Garo, it was nice running into you, let's talk later." He smiled. "Garo's acting skills just need a little more polish, please don't take this Nian's words as an insult."
Cheng Li nodded with a smile as polished as the marble floors. "I appreciate Nian Yu's advice, let's have a meal when you have time."
Jiang Yu nodded and darted past him, smirking at the daggers he felt Cheng Li's gaze boring into his back.
"Jiang Yu." Tang Meixui's smile battled her diamond necklace in radiance. "Congratulations on the award." She lifted her glass for a toast.
"Thank you, Miss Tang." Jiang Yu clinked glasses with her, he would endure the choking scent of her floral perfume over Cheng Li's chatter.
Tang Meixui lifted a pale delicate wrist, making sure the Argyle pink diamond bracelet on her wrist caught the light. She raised a box to Jiang Yu's eye level and gently opened it.
A few gasps sounded to his left, a barely suppressed whisper of "Is that an Argyle pink diamond?" rippled through the crowd.
"I got you a Palek Phillippe watch." Tang Meixui smiled. "I remember you said you liked this brand in an interview."
A loud hush settled over the hall, punctuated only by the shutters of cameras wagging like a thousand tongues.
It was an open secret that actress Tang had a crush on Jiang Yu; she had often made bold confessions in interviews, and some fans even shipped them together. Industry insiders have dismissed her as being greedy for the Yu wealth, but here she was casually gifting Jiang Yu a watch worth $1million.
Jiang Yu's eyes roamed the watch, expression unimpressed. "I am afraid Miss Tang has been deceived by a fake Patek." His smile was as sweet as honey.
Tang Meixui's smile faltered. "What?"
Murmurs broke amid the crowd, champagne glasses held in hand, waiting for the show to proceed.
Jiang Yu held the watch in his hand. "It's lighter than a real Patek, the dial printing is misaligned, and it's too shiny." He placed the watch gently in the box. "But I may be wrong, I suggest Miss Tang have it checked by an expert just to be sure." He smiled.
Tang Meixui's cheeks were coloured a flaming red. "I will have it checked, thanks, Brother Jiang."
A quiet laugh passed amongst the crowd.
"Her bracelet might be a fake too." Someone 'whispered'.
"Argyle pink diamonds are rare, I am sure it's fake." Another added.
Jiang Yu could picture tomorrow's headlines.
Actress Tang Meixui Gifts Actor Jiang Yu A Fake Patek Philippe Watch.
"Miss Tang," a voice cut in from behind Tang Meixui, "I would like to have a moment with Jiang Yu."
Jiang Yu smiled at the familiar voice — not a polished smirk, but a genuine smile.
"Of course Manager Lin." Tang Meixui forced a smile before she hurried off as though her dress was on fire.
"Lin Zhihao, I missed you." Jiang Yu pouted.
Lin Zhihao rolled his eyes. "I was gone for only five minutes." He placed a hand on Jiang Yu's shoulders. "Come on, let's get you freshened up. It's almost time for your speech; let's wrap up this whole thing."
Lin Zhihao led Jiang Yu away from the banquet hall past polite nods and small conversations.
*********
Away from the sparkle, Jiang Yu relaxed on the couch. The room was a small sanctuary where he didn't have to act.
"You good?" Lin Zhihao loomed above him, a suit clutched in his hand.
"I just want tonight to end already," Jiang Yu sighed tiredly — an emotion that he dared not show on the stage—, "I miss my bed…and Xu Minghao."
Lin Zhihao's lips twitched in that familiar tick that Jiang Yu knew meant irritation. "Do you miss your bed or the man who shares it with you?"
"Both." Jiang Yu smiled.
Lin Zhihao shook his head, grabbing two champagne glasses from a tray on the table. "I haven't toasted you yet." He handed a glass to Jiang Yu.
"To your success and more to come." Lin Zhihao smiled as they clinked glasses together.
Jiang Yu tilted his head back, gulping the drink. "Thank you." He placed the empty glass on the table. "The Starburst Awards are just the beginning. Next year, I am aiming for Best Actor Of The Year at The Golden Phoenix Awards."
Lin Zhihao smiled knowingly. "Well someone is ambitious."
"Naturally, Young Master Yu can't have the same aspirations as lowly mortals." Jiang Yu smirked.
Lin Zhihao's eyes darkened, a turbulence of emotions Jiang Yu couldn't understand. "Careful, these are dangerous waters."
"Dangerous?" Jiang Yu leaned closer. "No, these waters are mine and I chart them just fine."
"What's bothering you, and I am not asking about the actor Jiang Yu." Lin Zhihao settled on the couch beside him. "I am asking about you." He brushed a stray strand of hair from Jiang Yu's face.
Jiang Yu smiled wryly. He wondered if the bitter taste on his tongue was from the numerous glasses of champagne or the suspicion that had been niggling him lately. "You know me so well, I can't hide anything from you." He chuckled humorlessly. "It's about Xu Minghao," he squeezed the silk suit in his fingers, "I think he's cheating on me."
"That's impossible." Lin Zhihao shook his head. "The boy's clearly using your fame and resources to grow, he wouldn't dare betray you."
"I have been noticing some inconsistencies." Jiang Yu ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Sometimes I think he resents me, I feel like I am overshadowing him."
"Jiang Yu, you overshadow everyone." Lin Zhihao laughed. "You sparkle enough for a thousand."
Jiang Yu tilted his head back laughing. "Lin Zhihao, flattery will take you everywhere." He teased.
"I can't believe you are worrying about Xu Minghao, just dump the boy." Lin Zhihao clicked his tongue in irritation.
Jiang Yu shook his head, barely dwelling on the words. Lin Zhihao and Xu Minghao's aversion to each other was something he had become used to.
"I told him I wanted to come out, but he refused." Jiang Yu's eyes lowered. "He says his career is still too fresh for us to be open, unlike mine." He chuckled dryly.
"Jiang Yu." Lin Zhihao's voice had risen to that harsh octave Jiang Yu knew was about to express disappointment. "You have just landed your first role as a male lead for an international movie. You shouldn't be thinking about things like coming out."
"Lin Zhihao I feel suffocated." Jiang Yu's words landed like glass shattering in the room. "Every time I am acting, I feel like my fans don't like the real me, just the Jiang Yu I present to them." He stood from the couch. "Why can't I love who I want to openly?"
"Don't speak like a child Jiang Yu." Lin Zhihao's voice turned scolding. "Do you know how many rivals you have? How many people are waiting for you to fall?"
Jiang Yu stubbornly refused to answer; of course, he knew how many people wanted to drag him down and sully him in the mud.
Lin Zhihao didn't wait for his reply before he continued. "A few seconds ago, you were talking about winning the Golden Phoenix Awards,do you think you will if your name is smeared?" He arched a daring brow. "Sure, people are a bit more open-minded now, but if people find out you're gay, a scandal will follow, and if there's even one shake in your foundation, you will be dropped from TheGlass Empire."
Jiang Yu's jaw ticked, he hated that Lin Zhihao was right and hated the part of him that agreed with Lin Zhihao even more.
"I am going to change in the bathroom." Jiang Yu grabbed the suit from the table and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
He gripped the bathroom sink, knuckles pale and tense. A ping from his trouser pocket distracted him, he dug a hand into his pocket, straightening when he saw the Chatloop notifications from a number he had hoped wouldn't send him anything.
Jiang Yu hadn't told Lin Zhihao that he had secretly hired a private investigator to follow Xu Minghao lately— even Lin Zhihao would have decided he was going too far with his paranoia.
When he clicked the chat, the images started downloading. In those few seconds when the images downloaded, Jiang Yu's world narrowed down to the sound of his heartbeat.
His eyes widened when he saw the images. Betrayal tasted like blood on his tongue, and something painful squeezed in his chest. The sting of betrayal shone brighter than any stage.
The photos. The betrayal. Pain. Rage. Shock. He couldn't breathe. The phone clattered from his grip to the floor. The screen shattered like his heart.
How could they? How could he?