By the time Director Tang called it a day, the sun had already begun to set. Duan Ye NG-ed several times in a row and was scolded by Tang Mo until his face turned red and the veins on his forehead bulged. Now that there was no night shoot and he could return to the hotel early, he was bursting with energy.
His young assistant, Xiao Tang, nearly rolled his eyes at his artist's silly antics.
Watching Teacher Zhang's elegant movements and then comparing them to Duan Ye's goofball behavior—who said comparison doesn't hurt?
Duan Ye had no idea that his status had sunk even lower in his assistant's heart, which was already at a bottleneck. He was currently busy thinking about how to drag Zhang Shangnan out for some nighttime sightseeing. Although Qingzhou was a small town, it was undeniably beautiful, surrounded by mountains and forests.
Over the past month, Duan Ye had struggled to adapt to the weather and rarely went out. Moreover, Director Tang and Assistant Director Shen had repeatedly warned them not to wander around at night, which had freaked him out at first. But after observing for so long and seeing that nothing serious ever happened, Duan Ye decided they were just old hags trying to scare his fragile heart.
Anyway, at this moment, Duan Ye happily went off to look for his Brother Nan.
After searching for a while, he spotted Zhang Shangnan talking to someone in a corner. When Duan Ye saw who Zhang Shangnan was speaking with, he raised an eyebrow. Zhang Shangnan hadn't shown any interest in Lin Zhi even that morning.
What was going on?
He quickened his steps and walked over.
—
Zhang Shangnan had to admit that he noticed Lin Zhi because of his outstanding looks and height. Most of the time, the boy wore a naïve yet serious expression while working. His skin was so pale that under the sunlight, he seemed almost to glow—more like a vampire.
There was also a touch of Hong Kong–style beauty in his features. If not for his 177-centimeter height and thin frame, Zhang Shangnan would easily believe anyone who said this boy was actually a girl.
He looked like he had walked straight out of a manga.
This kind of appearance was extremely popular among fans these days, regardless of gender.
As the boss of Huaxin, Zhang Shangnan had thought of poaching him the moment he saw Lin Zhi. However, after learning that the boy couldn't speak, he didn't approach further. Still, perhaps out of boredom, intentionally or unintentionally, his attention kept drifting toward Lin Zhi. He even thought that if the boy couldn't become an idol, he could at least be a model.
Lin Zhi was a natural clothes hanger. Even cheap clothes looked good on him.
Truly deserving of being a capitalist—always thinking of ways to make money.
That was how Zhang Shangnan began to subtly keep an eye on Lin Zhi whenever he had nothing to do. But the more he observed, the more something felt off. It wasn't until today that he noticed the boy's two completely different faces.
Zhang Shangnan had no particular opinion on that. To survive in this world, everyone had to be flexible. Orphans like Lin Zhi simply had to be more vigilant and adaptable. Being two-faced wasn't wrong in his eyes; instead, it made him feel a trace of sympathy for the boy.
After filming ended, Zhang Shangnan was passing by when he saw a scene he hadn't expected.
Jiang Tao, the assistant of Qi Shan—the actress playing the female lead—was arrogantly shoving the young man's shoulder again and again. Her face was sharp and mean as she scolded him, while the boy merely lowered his head without any sign of resistance.
Such minor incidents were common in large crews like theirs. Yet for some reason, Zhang Shangnan found this scene particularly jarring.
He stepped forward and asked in a deep voice,
"What happened?"
The sudden interruption caught Jiang Tao off guard. A flash of guilt crossed her eyes, which didn't escape Zhang Shangnan's notice. Neither did it escape the boy, who had lifted his head.
Zhang Shangnan sneered inwardly.
Before he could question her further, Jiang Tao quickly composed herself.
"…Teacher Zhang, this boy was careless and almost ruined Sister Qi's costume," she said hurriedly, forcing a righteous tone. "I was just reminding him to be more careful."
Her hand was still gripping Lin Zhi's shoulder.
Zhang Shangnan's gaze paused there for a brief second.
"Take your hand away," he said.
His voice was low and even—not loud enough to draw attention, yet carrying unquestionable authority.
Jiang Tao stiffened and withdrew her hand almost immediately. Her expression turned awkward.
"Teacher Zhang, I—"
"Which department are you from?" Zhang Shangnan asked, looking completely unbothered.
The question landed like a stone.
"…The actress's team," she replied hesitantly.
"Then this matter should be reported to the assistant director," Zhang Shangnan said calmly. "If a crew member damages a costume, there are proper procedures. If not, you have no authority to discipline people on set."
Jiang Tao's face flushed red—half from embarrassment, half from suppressed anger.
"I was only worried about Sister Qi—"
"That concern is noted," Zhang Shangnan cut her off. "You can leave now."
It was not a suggestion.
Jiang Tao clenched her fingers, shot Lin Zhi a quick glance, then turned and left in a hurry.
The surrounding noise gradually returned. People pretended nothing had happened, though several pairs of eyes quietly followed Zhang Shangnan.
He finally turned his attention to Lin Zhi.
"Go back to work," he said indifferently. "If anyone troubles you again, find the assistant director."
Lin Zhi nodded immediately. He glanced at the man, only to meet a pair of deep, unfathomable eyes. Startled, he quickly lowered his head and bowed to express his gratitude before turning away.
At that moment, a familiar voice cut in.
"Heh—birds of a feather flock together. She's clearly bullying the weak."
Duan Ye appeared from the side, hands in his pockets, barely concealing his disdain. Earlier, he had deliberately pretended not to notice Jiang Tao, but once he came closer, he heard the entire exchange.
Zhang Shangnan merely shot him a sideways glance before walking away.
"Mind your own business."
Duan Ye clicked his tongue. "Cold. Really cold." He leaned closer anyway. "But I have to say—Xiao Lin looks really good. Don't you think?"
Zhang Shangnan didn't respond, but he didn't deny it either.
"You agree too!" Duan Ye's eyes lit up instantly.