RBNR Ch61: Feng Chengyu, do you like me?

“Echoes” had been released for two days. To accommodate Feng Chengyu’s schedule, they hadn’t planned to watch the premiere but had instead arranged to watch it together that night. Qin Bao called Feng Chengyu to cancel, saying he wanted to go home.

Feng Chengyu sensed his unhappiness and was surprised to find Qin Bao waiting at his doorstep.

Having been outside for too long, Qin Bao’s hands and feet were icy. After biting Feng Chengyu, he clung tightly to him, unwilling to let go.

Feng Chengyu steadily closed the door while holding Qin Bao and then sat down on the familiar sofa, asking, “What happened?”

In fact, Feng Chengyu had already called Brother Lu on the way to understand the situation, but he knew that talking things out could help with emotional relief.

Qin Bao muttered, “I’ve been set up. They maliciously edited my scenes, ruined my performance in the movie, and the internet is full of criticism about me. And I was betrayed by someone I trusted, which is how I ended up in this situation.”

Feng Chengyu asked, “Who edited your scenes? The production team? Or the investors and producers?”

“Both the investors and the producers,” Qin Bao said.

Feng Chengyu inquired, “Why?”

Qin Bao vaguely replied, “Because I offended someone from their side back in school. They’re getting revenge on me.”

Feng Chengyu didn’t rush to dig deeper but instead asked, “So, between being retaliated against in your work and being betrayed by someone you trusted, which one angers you more?”

Feng Chengyu had hit the nail on the head.

Indeed, the latter was more infuriating to Qin Bao.

He hadn’t intended to discuss this with Feng Chengyu, but the comfort of his embrace and the warmth in his eyes made him feel relaxed.

It was just an emotional outburst.

He thought.

Although he just wanted to hug Feng Chengyu and sense the reassuring pheromones, it should be acceptable to vent a little at an Alpha who had permanently marked him, right?

So, Qin Bao spoke up for the first time: “It’s Jin Si. She hurt me deeply. I’ve known her for three years. She was really good back then, and she helped me a lot when I started my studio. But she never told me she had always been friends with me for a purpose.

“She found an opportunity and didn’t even hesitate to give me up, even if it meant stabbing me in the back.

“I have very few friends, but why do they all turn out like this… My friend from elementary school, and Li Nanyue, whom I met when I first entered the industry. I saw him as a good friend, but he spoke ill of me behind my back, exploiting my background, and I caught him red-handed.”

Feng Chengyu listened quietly.

Qin Bao continued, “I often feel like I don’t have much value.”

To Jin Si, Li Nanyue, and others, he was just a living stepping stone.

And the only friend who didn’t see him as a stepping stone chose to close himself off in times of difficulty, making him feel that even the emotional value he provided to friends wasn’t appreciated.

“Could it be that you’re too valuable?” Feng Chengyu countered, “Because you seem so precious, they can’t imagine truly having your friendship, as they’ve known from the beginning that they don’t deserve it.”

Qin Bao had never considered the issue from this perspective and was taken aback: “…”

They don’t deserve it?

The arrogance in Feng Chengyu’s demeanor inadvertently showed: “When a person’s appearance is dazzling enough, their abilities are outstanding, and their heart is pure, such a person is rare and expensive by usual standards. Those who want to stand by your side must also be excellent, whether in outstanding abilities or a kind heart. If they have neither, they will clearly know that they will never be on your level and thus cannot possess your true value.”

Had Feng Chengyu experienced similar situations?

Qin Bao thought he had.

But Feng Chengyu never seemed troubled by such things.

Qin Bao asked, “Are you praising me?”

Talking about dazzling appearances, outstanding abilities, and pure hearts.

Feng Chengyu raised an eyebrow: “Of course, Xiao Bao, you’re excellent. You shouldn’t look for problems with yourself in these situations. Always remember that you are the best. In my eyes, you are also the best.”

Qin Bao’s cheeks turned visibly red, and he quickly moved away from Feng Chengyu: “…Why are you suddenly saying all this? It’s so cheesy.”

Feng Chengyu pulled him back, his large hand sliding along the edge of his clothes, caressing his slender waist: “How could stating the facts be cheesy? Don’t you recognize your own worth?”

“Well, not really.” Qin Bao admitted with a blush, “I know I’m the best.”

Feng Chengyu smiled and then returned to the matter at hand: “So, how do you plan to handle the malicious editing of your scenes? Is there anything you need my help with?”

Having been comforted by Feng Chengyu, Qin Bao’s mood improved considerably, and he said honestly, “I have a bit of a clue now, but you don’t need to worry. I can handle it.”

As expected, Qin Bao was reluctant to involve Feng Chengyu in his matters, especially work-related ones.

Qin Bao’s principle was to never rely on his family background, to avoid shortcuts and privileges. He was so determined, partly to prove he could stand on his own, and partly because he had never considered anyone could be his support.

“I’m sorry,” Feng Chengyu said, “but I can’t help but worry.”

Qin Bao replied, “You’re already busy enough. Just take care of yourself—”

Feng Chengyu pinched him: “Xiao Bao.”

His black eyes grew serious.

Qin Bao felt a tingling in his heart, softened his tone, and said, “Got it, we’re still working on it. I’ll let you know if there are any difficulties.”

Feng Chengyu was satisfied: “Good. If you need anything, you must tell me right away.”

Soon, Feng Chengyu received a call. Qin Bao heard Lin Zi’s voice mentioning a restaurant and flowers, realizing that Feng Chengyu had specifically made a reservation and bought flowers to celebrate the release of Qin Bao’s movie that night.

He didn’t take it seriously, but Feng Chengyu cared deeply.

That night, as Qin Bao fell asleep in Feng Chengyu’s arms, he felt an even stronger sense—if it weren’t for love, would someone go to such lengths for a contractual marriage?

He didn’t know.

He could only hold Feng Chengyu tightly and secretly listen to Feng Chengyu’s heartbeat amidst his own pounding heart.

*

Brother Lu brought back some news about the post-production of “Echoes.” According to an anonymous staff member from the production team, they were indeed instructed to cut Qin Bao’s scenes and marginalize him from a relatively important supporting role after a high-level screening. The only two-minute scene he had was also replaced. After that, Sufeng added a substantial sum of money to the post-production budget.

Brother Lu had recorded the entire conversation.

“I’ve consulted with a lawyer,” Brother Lu said, “Without substantial evidence, this kind of underhanded tactic is almost impossible to be judged as a breach of contract. We can only release the recording to make our voices heard, but we can’t dominate the public opinion.”

It’s truly disgusting.

Xiao Xu, trembling with anger, asked, “So we have no new movies, like Brother Bao’s ‘The Seaside Guido’! When it’s released, we can surely make a comeback!”

Brother Lu sighed, “I hope so, but it’s hard to say.”

Xiao Xu asked, “Why?”

“Sometimes, a good performance might not be recognized by the audience, but a poor one easily leaves an impression.”

Qin Bao understood this principle well.

Xiao Xu asked, “So we have no solution? Do we have to accept this unfair loss?”

“Yes, it’s really despicable,” Brother Lu said resentfully, “That spendthrift has some nerve. Even if he doesn’t know your relationship with that person, he’s been taught a lesson by the Qin family and still dares to target you.”

Xiao Xu was confused, “What do you mean?”

Brother Lu patted her on the shoulder and smiled, “You’ll find out later.”

Qin Bao had kept a low profile in the industry, and even his assistant was unaware of his background, indicating that he had put a lot of effort into concealing his family background.

Perhaps this was why Zou Jiudong saw through it and called Qin Bao.

When Qin Bao answered the call from an unknown number, he was reviewing a fashion show contract, similar to a modeling competition, where the program team invited him to be a special mentor. It seemed that being in the spotlight, even negatively, was still a way to be noticed in the entertainment industry.

As soon as Zou Jiudong’s voice came through, Qin Bao recalled the foul-smelling pheromones that mingled with sweat, causing him to shudder.

“Qin Bao, back then I was blind and offended you. But I didn’t even touch a hair of yours, yet the esteemed Minister Qin shut down my venue and made me stay in there for three months. Isn’t that a bit too much?”

Qin Bao said, “If you haven’t broken the law, others wouldn’t be able to touch you.”

“I know, you’re right. That’s why I’m now law-abiding and a model citizen,” Zou Jiudong said with a chilling smile. “But giving you a small lesson within reason should be acceptable, right?”

Qin Bao: “…”

“An eye for an eye. We’re even now,” Zou Jiudong said. “If you’re not satisfied, you can try to get me back in. I don’t mind letting everyone see how the grandson of General Qin, the son of Minister Qin, smoothly acquires top luxury resources and becomes a big star in the entertainment industry.”

Qin Bao: “…”

What an idiot.

Hanging up the call, Qin Bao threw the contract aside and went to the studio’s balcony to smoke.

He knew that things were not as Zou Jiudong had described, in fact, quite the opposite. But it was undeniable that, except for the six months he had to pause his work due to the old man’s forced marriage, his career had been smooth sailing until now. This was his first real setback.

Learning from adversity, he originally planned to endure this unfair loss and stay away from craziness, as Xiao Xu said, as long as he was still active, there would be opportunities to clear his name.

However, a few days later, there was a turn of events.

Brother Lu brought good news to Qin Bao— they received an anonymous email containing the final cut of “Echoes” before the edits, the original footage.

“Damn it! Who did this! With the footage and the recording, we don’t have to worry about losing the lawsuit!” Brother Lu was thrilled, “Which kind-hearted person had a change of heart?”

“That’s great!” Xiao Xu jumped up, cheering along with Brother Lu.

Qin Bao couldn’t believe it. He checked the email twice but couldn’t find any clues about the sender. However, he quickly thought of a strong possibility.

— It was Feng Chengyu.

Feng Chengyu was in the Alliance, representing the Empire at an international hero memorial in Yatan and visiting several small neighboring countries. He had been gone for three or four days.

Qin Bao texted: [Did you help me?]

It was still daytime where he was, but it was nighttime in Yatan.

Feng Chengyu had previously sent a report photo of them crossing the desert, with a crescent moon hanging in the sky, the scenery like a serene painting.

F: [Yes.]

Qin Bao: [How did you get it?]

He knew that obtaining the original footage was difficult, especially with the production team being completely tight-lipped.

F: [Though it involved some detours and favors, it was done legally.]

Being in that position often wasn’t very free.

Qin Bao knew, given Feng Chengyu’s statement, that the material must have been hard to obtain.

Qin Bao: [Why? I’ve already said I’d handle it myself. Why go through all this trouble?]

F: [What do you think?]

The meaning was clear. Qin Bao looked at the words “What do you think?” and felt his heartbeat quicken, as if something was fermenting inside him, both sour and sweet.

But Feng Chengyu wasn’t done with him.

A new message came in.

F: [Tell me, Xiao Bao.]

Qin Bao sent: [I don’t know.]

Then sent: [You tell me.]

After sending, his heart raced even faster. He didn’t dare to look at his phone, turning it face down beside him. He had to calm down, or he might uncontrollably type out those few words.

After two or three minutes, he took a deep breath, picked up the phone again, but Feng Chengyu hadn’t sent a new message.

In that moment, Qin Bao finally couldn’t bear it any longer.

The ambiguous, vague, and unresolved feeling, no matter the reason, was something he didn’t want to continue enduring.

With the gland marked permanently swelling and beating intensely with Feng Chengyu’s scent, his rationality was offline, and his fingers moved quickly on the phone screen.

Qin Bao: [Feng Chengyu, do you like me?]