For the first time in a long while, Luo Zheng felt a strange kind of trouble—being too eye-catching had its own complications.
"President Luo, please, have a seat!" You Jianming said enthusiastically, personally pulling out a chair for him. With a subtle glance, he signaled Director Li Dawei, who immediately understood and excused himself. Even Liu Yan was politely asked to wait outside, leaving the two men alone.
"President Luo, I've admired your reputation for a long time," You Jianming began with a wide smile. "Hearing you came to visit the set, I rushed over from the capital without delay. Tonight, you must give me the honor of sharing a proper drink together."
Luo Zheng returned a faint smile. "With such a warm invitation, how could I refuse?"
"Good! Good! Excellent!" You Jianming slapped his thigh in delight, clearly pleased with the response.
That night, in a luxurious private room at a high-end hotel near the filming location, the atmosphere was lively. Glasses clinked, laughter echoed, and the scent of strong liquor filled the air.
But the mood shifted quickly.
"President Luo… I—I really can't drink anymore…" You Jianming slurred, his face flushed red as he leaned heavily against Director Li Dawei for support. His eyes were unfocused, his words barely coherent.
Luo Zheng, however, remained composed, swirling the liquor in his glass. "President You, that was only three bottles. Surely you're not done already? Let's continue."
"N-no… really… I can't…" Before he could finish, his body went limp, completely passing out.
Director Li Dawei looked caught between embarrassment and helplessness. "President Luo, this…"
"That's enough," Luo Zheng said calmly, waving his hand. "Send him back to rest."
Within moments, the unconscious You Jianming was carried out. The once lively private room suddenly felt much quieter.
At the table now remained only Luo Zheng, Liu Xiaoli, Dong Jie, and Chen Kun. Meanwhile, Liu Xixi and Shu Chang had long since been seated at a separate table, away from the drinking.
Luo Zheng downed the rest of his drink in one motion, his tone carrying a hint of disdain. "Trying to get me drunk… he really overestimated himself."
Liu Xiaoli and Dong Jie both suppressed smiles at his blunt remark, while Chen Kun looked slightly awkward—he clearly understood the implication behind it.
"Alright," Luo Zheng said, standing up. "Let's wrap things up. Brother Kun, thanks for your help tonight."
"I didn't really do much," Chen Kun replied quickly, waving his hands. "I even thought I might cause trouble."
"You had the intention—that's enough," Luo Zheng said, patting his shoulder. "Focus on improving your acting. We might work together on a film in the future."
Chen Kun's eyes lit up instantly. "Really? Thank you, President Luo!"
To him, this was more than just praise—it was an opportunity. In an industry where connections meant everything, this was like finally catching hold of something solid.
Outside the hotel, a cold night wind swept through.
Luo Zheng, who had been steady all evening, suddenly swayed slightly.
"Be careful!" Liu Xiaoli stepped forward instinctively, but Dong Jie was faster. She moved in close, supporting him as he leaned slightly against her shoulder.
"Are you alright… Brother Zheng?" she asked softly, using a tone far more intimate than before.
Liu Xiaoli's expression subtly changed at that moment, her suspicion quietly confirmed.
"I'm fine," Luo Zheng replied, placing an arm around Dong Jie to steady himself. "Just need a moment."
A car soon pulled up in front of them. Chen Kun quickly stepped forward to open the door.
After nodding in acknowledgment, Luo Zheng got inside.
Back at the hotel, as they parted ways, Liu Xiaoli hesitated, as if she wanted to say something. The two exchanged a brief look, but in the end, she said nothing.
Without waiting, Luo Zheng turned and left with Dong Jie.
Some things, if left unsaid, stayed that way.
Later that night, after a hot shower and a moment of rest, Luo Zheng felt fully refreshed again. Youth had its advantages—his energy returned quickly, his mind sharp and clear.
Looking at Dong Jie, now asleep beside him, he felt a quiet sense of control and confidence settle within him. It was a feeling he had never truly experienced in his previous life.
The next morning, at breakfast—
"Cousin, stay one more day! We haven't had enough time together yet!" Liu Xixi blurted out, unable to hold back.
Before Luo Zheng could respond, Liu Xiaoli set down her chopsticks. "Your cousin has important work to do. Not everyone can just think about playing all day like you."
Luo Zheng smiled, gently pinching Liu Xixi's cheek. "I have urgent matters in the U.S. company. My flight is tonight. I'll come back and spend time with you later."
"Then you have to come back soon," she said reluctantly.
"Of course."
Originally planning to leave later in the day, Luo Zheng changed his schedule after receiving a phone call.
Inside the car heading back to the capital, Liu Yan held the phone up to his ear.
"I'm already on my way. We'll talk when we meet," Luo Zheng said calmly.
On the other end, Xu Jinglei's voice wavered. "I've thought it through… let's be together."
Luo Zheng frowned slightly, clearly caught off guard. The statement came too suddenly, without context or buildup.
"Calm down first. What happened?" he asked.
But instead of answering directly, Xu Jinglei broke down, her voice dissolving into tears. The emotion was so intense that even through the phone, it was impossible to ignore.
Luo Zheng and Liu Yan exchanged a brief glance—both silently acknowledging how overwhelming the situation had become.
By the time the call ended, Liu Yan's arm was sore from holding the phone.
The car had already arrived at the address Xu Jinglei had given.
"Does your arm hurt?" Luo Zheng asked as he noticed her rubbing it.
"It's fine… just a little sore," she replied.
"Give me your hand," he said simply.
She hesitated, but under his insistence, she extended her arm. Luo Zheng gently massaged it, his movements practiced and steady, completely devoid of any ulterior intent.
Soft music played quietly inside the car.
With the partition lowered, the space felt unexpectedly private.
For some reason, Liu Yan suddenly felt the air grow warmer.