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Chapter 5
An Hui Ni slaps Yin Xia Mo!
The next day following the shoot, every media outlet has the same news-breaking headline – due to jealousy over Yin Xia Mo’s rising status, An Hui Ni used filming as an excuse to repeatedly and publicly slap her across the face. The headlines come complete with pictures from that day too, and fans of An Hui Ni are horrified to see such a manipulative and calculating side to their innocent and lovable star. On the other end, fans of Yin Xia Mo are outraged on her behalf and begin protesting that “Innocent Love Song” fires An Hui Ni; otherwise, they will all boycott the series!
Due to Luo Xi’s rumored relationship with Xia Mo – and the fact that he has made numerous public appearances on her behalf – the paparazzi clamor to get his opinion on the subject. Faced with the photographs of An Hui viciously slapping Yin Xia Mo, Luo Xi cannot control the automatic clenching of his fingers as he death-grips the newspaper. However, while on the phone with the reporters at the same time, he is calm and his voice betrays nothing of his anger. He wonders if Xia Mo has seen the news yet and if so, what is she doing right now?
After a long day of filming, Luo Xi heads home and pauses outside his door, keys in hand. Will she be in there waiting for him? Or is he just being silly? Hoping against hope that someone will finally be waiting for him at home, to greet him and to welcome him back… If he rings the doorbell, will she open the door for him?
Of course not. This is how G.o.d works; for every moment of warmth, he is given unending coldness. Maybe she will have left him a little note somewhere inside…
Mentally shaking himself, Luo Xi reminds himself that he should be used to it by now. The only person who will never leave him is himself. Inserting his key into the lock, he opens the door… and finds himself in a house filled with light and warmth, the smell of a freshly made dinner wafting through the air.
Xia Mo pokes her head out of the kitchen, some flour on her face and wearing an ap.r.o.n. Seeing Luo Xi standing in the doorway, she smiles sweetly.
“You’re back.”
“Xia Mo…” Luo Xi’s throat is caught, the happiness and warmth inside of him causing his voice to barely squeak out.
Actually… all he needs is to have her here…
The two enjoy Xia Mo’s dinner; a very simple fare but yet a truly appetizing and delicious meal. Xia Mo worries that Luo Xi will not be used to such mediocre food though.
“I thought Xiao Cheng was the only one who knew how to cook. Never would have thought that your culinary skills would be so good too.”
“Xiao Cheng’s is much better than mine. After eating his food, I bet eating mine is a lot worse.”
“Your cooking is better.”
“Xiao Cheng’s cooking is better.”
“Yours!”
“Xiao Cheng’s!”
“Yours!”
“Xiao Cheng’s!” And the two suddenly break out into laughter at the same time.
“Fine. Xiao Cheng’s is better. So you should just save all that food for me then, because you know, I need to get used to your cooking anyway. One day Xiao Cheng is going to get a girlfriend and then you and I will be living together, so I’ll have to drink your soup.” Xia Mo’s face instantly turns red.
Quickly changing the subject, Xia Mo starts explaining the dishes and casually mentions that she had returned home to grab one of the main ingredients. Luo Xi instantly narrows in on her last statement, wondering if that means she has seen the news. When Luo Xi casually asks Xia Mo if that is all she has been up to, she responds neutrally that she has seen the news. In fact, when she had seen the photos of herself being slapped by An Hui Ni, she had instantly turned on her cell phone and found a few dozen frantic messages left by Xiao Cheng and Zhen En, demanding to know what had happened and to immediately call them back.
Luo Xi comments that someone may have purposely leaked the news out to the media; however, this person shouldn’t have a grudge against Xia Mo as it is all incriminating against An Hui Ni. Xia Mo had not wanted something like this to happen though because now the chances of the situation simply going away have decreased. Even though the news has no negative repercussions on Xia Mo, if An Hui Ni feels like she’s been backed into a corner, her personality will not let just it rest – it is hard to imagine how she will strike back.
A sneaking suspicion suddenly strikes Xia Mo. A cold shadow, a beautiful green scarf tied to that wrist…
“Why did you come back here? If you already knew, then why still come back? Aren’t there reporters looking for you? Isn’t Xiao Cheng waiting for you at home? Then why still come back here? Why make me dinner? Why pretend as if you didn’t know?! Are you just pitying me? Let me be stupid in thinking that you didn’t know anything, that you and I could be together and just forget everything?”
Not staring him directly in the face, Xia Mo cautiously asks if Luo Xi is mad at her; she doesn’t know what she has done to make him upset with her.
Luo Xi closes his eyes. He is unreasonable; she has done nothing wrong. She did not choose to walk away without saying anything and instead came back here to wait for him, making him dinner. Given her personality, the very fact that she has chosen to do this is already a kind of fortune that cannot be begged for. He doesn’t care about what happened with An Hui Ni because these sorts of things happen all the time in the entertainment world; he just didn’t want Xia Mo to know so fast and selfishly hoped to keep their world for just for the two of them…
Luo Xi suddenly realizes how quiet it has gotten and fears that she has left him. Loneliness surrounds him as he hears her clear the dishes, hears her carrying the dishes into the kitchen, hears her light footsteps… And then – complete silence.
Horror fills Luo Xi; she’s left, she’s left, hasn’t she? She’s mad because he randomly threw a tantrum at her, and so she just left without even saying good bye, just left, hasn’t she?!
Jumping up from the chair, Luo Xi runs into the living room, the master bedroom – both come up empty and dark. Desperately, he rushes into the kitchen! And sees her standing in front of the sink, her back to him, calmly washing the dishes. Quietly calling out her name, Luo Xi walks up to her and hugs her from behind, placing his head gently on her shoulder and sliding his hands down to her own.
“I know that to you, safety is something that is easily influenced. You always fear that you will lose it and yet still want it badly, so you are always caught between fear and nervousness.” Clasping his hands in return, Xia Mo smiles softly. “I came back here because I like making you dinner; that’s all. Since we’ve decided to be together, then let’s also decide to trust each other and not doubt or test one another, okay?”
Perhaps… he can also be happy…
“Okay.”
And the two stayed like that for a very long time afterward.
*******
In a very short time, An Hui Ni has become the media’s focal news. Criticism of An Hui Ni has spread throughout the public and the internet is flooded by dissatisfied fans. In fact, some fans gather everyday in front of the HBS Studio to protest An Hui Ni, demanding a public apology from her to Yin Xia Mo. Xia Mo has also been bombarded with requests for interviews since the news leakage, and only replied that her face is not too injured, thanking everyone for their concern and said that An Hui Ni was only trying to get the best possible scene from that day. Xia Mo’s gracious answer wins her adoration from even more fans and An Hui Ni has declined to appear publicly since the incident broke out. Her reputation has been severely and adversely affected.
Prior to the slapping incident, the film crew had treated Xia Mo rather indifferently but now approach her cheerfully, taking the initiative to say hi and smiling at her. Only when An Hui Ni appears on set does the the atmosphere turn a little awkward, and then only when there is a needed interaction for filming do they talk to her.
An Hui Ni and Xia Mo do not actually share many scenes during this time and have very little interaction with one another. Every now and then though, Xia Mo will see a look of intense hatred directed towards her from An Hui Ni but since the latter does not do anything, Xia Mo chooses to let it go.
Ling Hao was not present during the slapping incident and Zhen En originally a.s.sumed that he would automatically take An Hui Ni’s side. However, since that day, it is as if Ling Hao has become a completely different person and he approaches Xia Mo with friendliness. When An Hui Ni is not present, he will actually take the initiative to discuss the script with Xia Mo and Zhen En realizes that Ling Hao actually has a great smile, almost like that of a child’s.
“I’m sorry. Hui Ni is not a bad person; her personality is actually really nice. It’s only because she’s been in the entertainment world for so long that she’s become paranoid and filled with anxiety, so she would choose to do something like that…”
A really nice person would do something like this? He’s joking, right? However, Xia Mo tells Ling Hao that she has already forgotten the past. Perhaps every person has someone he or she really likes and really despises; Ling Hao is someone whom An Hui Ni really likes, and Xia Mo is someone she really despises. Whatever the matter, Xia Mo has already forgotten it.
Ling Hao and Xia Mo have established a great working relationship. Their eye contact and their combined emotions – nearly every single scene is accomplished in one take. Sometimes they will be sitting off to the side together, going over the script and their picture will be secretly taken by a reporter, creating a buzz about their “relationship”. Ling Hao and Xia Mo have become the golden couple, and fans of the Lu Si and Bing Tong coupling far exceed those of Lu Si and Cai Ni. However, Zhen En is clearly aware that besides that of a working relationship, there is no other type between Ling Hao and Xia Mo. Perhaps An Hui Ni also knows this because she has not reacted in anyway towards these speculations.
*******
The news of An Hui Ni has slowly faded and just as Xia Mo was thinking that they would be able to finish filming for “Innocent Love Song” peacefully and without any more drama, two things happened that Xia Mo would never have imagined.
The first major event is the script, which had already been decided to be a total of twenty chapters; Lu Si and Cai Ni would have a happy ending together while Bing Tong would die as a result of protecting Lu Si. After filming to chapter sixteen though and realizing how popular the series was doing, it was extended an additional ten chapters and the ending was modified. When the new scripts are distributed, the screenwriter is also present and Xia Mo is stunned to realize that she is the polite-looking girl from the staircase the other day!
Chuckling in secretive glee, Zhong Ya goes up to Xia Mo and tells her that she changed the script specifically for her.
The ending has been completely reversed. Lu Si slowly realizes that his true love is not the innocent Cai Ni who always gets into trouble, but the Bing Tong who has always guarded by his side. When Bing Tong is about to leave his life forever, Lu Si then knows that he cannot live without her and the two live happily ever after while Cai Ni is the one who quietly walks away. Bing Tong’s role spans the entire thirty chapters while Cai Ni does not appear again after chapter twenty-five.
Death-gripping the script, An Hui Ni cannot control her shaking rage. Although Ling Hao tries to console her, she angrily shakes him off and her hatred-filled glare narrows in on Yin Xia Mo. Feeling slightly guilty, Xia Mo is aware of An Hui Ni’s stare and is filled with a sense of foreboding.
Hurling the script to the floor with all her strength, An Hui Ni stalks from the set, Ling Hao hurriedly following her.
The second major event is that SUN has been taken in by another company.
SUN is a rather mediocre agency; although it does not have a huge presence in the entertainment world, the combined star power of Wei An, Yao Shu Er, and newbies Yin Xia Mo and Pan Nan still represents some type of influence. Ou Hua Corporations suddenly announced a few days earlier that it was planning on buying SUN, sending the media into a buzz. Ou Hua Corporations holds an enormous financial influence and whoever is backed by them is essentially guaranteed fame and success. However, what is interesting is why Ou Hua Corporations would choose a fledgling agency like SUN when there are other more prestigious agencies that would bring the company even more money – such as the agency that contracts Luo Xi. When placed next to Luo Xi, even the combined star power of the four ladies cannot come to half of Luo Xi’s lure. There must be a hidden reason for this transition.
On the day that the handover is official, everyone has convened at SUN to welcome Ou Hua Corporations. Wei An has arrived with her posse of a.s.sistants while Yao Shu Er sits to the side listening to her music. Pan Nan stands by a window and watches as a fan-surrounded Xia Mo makes her way up to meet them. Pride fills Pan Nan at seeing how far Xia Mo has come now. Originally, she had been afraid that the incident with An Hui Ni would have adversely affected Xia Mo but she handled it with grace and calm. Although it has been a few days since the two have seen each other, Xia Mo on the phone is still the same as before, happy and steady.
When Xia Mo walks in, Wei An begins to clap and announces that the big movie star has finally arrived. She approaches Xia Mo and advises her; congratulations! You have readily risen to fame. However, be careful because the faster you rise could also mean that faster you will fall. There is no such thing as a free lunch and however much you get now will mean you will have to repay it later.
The lounge is completely quiet. Zhen En is wondering whether or not Wei An is simply mocking Xia Mo but the expression on Wei An’s face is conflicted…
Xia Mo thanks Wei An. Because of Yao Shu Er, Xia Mo and Wei An had a bit of a conflict in the past but Xia Mo realizes that Wei An is actually a very honest person. Wei An returns Xia Mo’s smile and then turns to pick up her phone. The atmosphere in the room resumes its previous state.
Yao Shu Er, Pan Nan and Xia Mo end up exchanging some small talk about Xia Mo’s recent rise to success. Yao Shu Er remarks that luck is really on Xia Mo’s side although Pan Nan interjects that it is not completely dependent on luck; if Xia Mo didn’t really have something, why would An Hui Ni feel threatened enough to instigate that incident? If Xia Mo wasn’t the real thing, neither would she have been able to gain the adoration of so many fans. Wei An warns them to not underestimate An Hui Ni though; compared to her, Yao Shu Er’s past schemes are mere child’s play. Turning to Yao Shu Er, Wei An remarks that her current expressionless personality really causes other people to have no mood…
Is Wei An making fun of Yao Shu Er? How come it almost sounds like she’s caring about her…?
At this time, their conversation is interrupted by the noise of arriving cars outside. Everyone rushes to the windows and see the horde of reporters cl.u.s.tering together outside, while a lineup of black limousines pull up by the front entrance. The four girls silently watch as the manage for Ou Hua Corporations formally shakes hands with the SUN president, as if to signify the formal handing over.
Pan Nan notices that no one has left the very last car in the lineup. After saying a few words and allowing a picture opportunity for the reporters, the Ou Hua manager goes to that car and seems to say something to whoever is inside. And then he opens the door – a pair of long legs emerge, a masculine and handsome shadow – in the dim sunlight, a light green scarf flutters from his wrist.
Reporters suddenly realize who this is… and start madly snapping their cameras. Ou Chen walks towards the front entrance – and suddenly stops, as if sensing something. He raises his head and sees her standing there, her white shadow as if a light cloud in the sky.
Like the fairy tale’s princess who is being held captive, Xia Mo stands in front of the window of the second floor, looking out towards Ou Chen, her lips slowly turning white. Ou Chen’s vow rings through her head… “You both will pay for this.”
Has his revenge started? Was taking over SUN only the first step of his plan? How does he plan on dealing with her? Taking over her contract and then burying her?
Chapter 6
At the same time, Zhen En is sitting with Xiao Cheng at a tea shop. As Zhen En grips her tea in her hand, she cannot seem to stop her pounding heart. Confounded, Zhen En tells herself to get a break; it’s not like this is the first time she’s ever seen Xiao Cheng! But… this is the first time she and Xiao Cheng have been on an official date…
Xiao Cheng first thanks Zhen En for being Xia Mo’s friend and supporting and taking care of her. Actually, Zhen En feels a little guilty because Xia Mo has actually helped her more by helping her with homework in school, taking more of the work during their jobs and even now giving her such an opportunity to be her agent.
Xiao Cheng knows that Xia Mo doesn’t want him to worry about herself; perhaps she feels that he is always the little brother and so needs to be protected. However, he’s grown up now and wants to be able to take care of his sister. So as a favor, Xiao Cheng hopes that Zhen En will be able to keep him informed about Xia Mo because he doesn’t want to come across as being too nosy.
Xiao Cheng is just too nice of a brother! In fact, Zhen En is seized with a strange feeling of sourness… Is she… jealous…?
When Zhen En asks Xiao Cheng why she should help him and is met with a blank stare, Zhen En very quietly says that she’ll help him if he agrees to go out with her… However, it’s too loud in the tea shop and Xiao Cheng has no idea what Zhen En just said. In a regular voice again, Zhen En hurriedly agrees to help him, promising him that she will do everything in her power to help Xia Mo out.
Perhaps… he would hate her… If he knew, just how much she liked him. Ever since she first laid eyes on him four years ago, she has liked him. In order to see him everyday, she worked to become Xia Mo’s close friend. She had once hoped to use friendship to become closer to him…
At Xiao Cheng’s grateful and sunny smile, Zhen En decides that it is probably better to not let him know after all. Just stay by him, forever stay by him and to help him protect what he treasures the most. Suddenly, Zhen En remembers that she had ditched Xia Mo to come out; hopefully there wasn’t too much of a problem…
*******
Xia Mo sits quietly to the side as the mob of reporters surround Ou Chen. Now that Ou Hua Corporations is the new head company, Ou Chen is the newly appointed CEO… Ou Chen is her boss. Now that he owns her company, he owns her contract; he can bury her if he wants, destroy all her audition chances…
Staring directly at the approaching Ou Chen, he appears harsh and cold; perhaps he has no emotions… To him, she is nothing but a tiny ant. All he has to do is reach out a hand and completely squash her and easily destroy everything she has worked so hard to accomplish.
When Ou Chen’s gaze finally falls on Xia Mo, she has already moved to stare out the window. The sunlight hits her hair, sending out rays of light, so bright that it is almost blinding.
Perhaps it is fate…
Who cares if she causes him to become a b.l.o.o.d.y and hurt mess; he still cannot forget her. He cannot even take his revenge on her or leave her side… When she is in pain, his heart is in a thousand times more pain. When he is unable to see her, his heart becomes cold like the grave…
Perhaps it really is fate…
When the meeting is over and Ou Hua Corporations has officially bought SUN, Ou Chen gets ready to leave and his now employees automatically get up to greet him on his way out. Xia Mo is still standing off to the side when Pan Nan suddenly leans over to whisper secretively in her ear, murmuring how they are like servants seeing their lord out. Ou Chen is really pretty arrogant.
As Ou Chen makes his way towards the front door, a gust of wind suddenly blows in and the green scarf starts fluttering from his wrist. Everyone is looking directly down at the floor as Ou Chen walks by; no one dares to stare at Ou Chen as there is always an air of superiority and prestige about him.
Xia Mo is also looking down and as Ou Chen pa.s.ses by her, his steps slow down and Xia Mo freezes, her heart racing. As she sees the green scarf out of the corner of her eye, Ou Chen continues on past her and Xia Mo slowly relaxes. However, she momentarily forgets herself and finds herself watching that green scarf…
Flapping crazily in the wind, the scarf continues to flutter… until it slowly loosens and unwraps itself from Ou Chen’s wrist. As the beautiful green scarf is dancing gracefully in the air, everyone stares after it, transfixed.
Ou Chen stops and turns to stare the scarf. Cai Ne reaches out to grab it but is stopped by Ou Chen. At her questioning gaze, Ou Chen shakes his head as the scarf is not falling to the ground. Focused, he follows the dancing scarf and soon thereafter, it begins to flutter back down… lightly fluttering… fluttering… right in front of Xia Mo’s gaze. And she instinctively reaches out and lightly plucks it from the air.
Ou Chen feels something in his chest has also been lightly caught by that hand. It is a weak hand… but it has securely caught onto him.
Everyone has naturally turned their gaze onto Xia Mo now, as if she is the Cinderella in a fairy tale. When Xia Mo suddenly realizes that everyone’s attention has turned to him, it is as she has waken from a dream; why is the scarf in her hand?
Ou Chen stares silently back at Xia Mo – and then steadily makes his way towards her. Stopping in front of her, he holds out his arm and commands, “Put it on.” His tone is that of a master talking to a servant.
Xia Mo – and everyone else – freezes at the audacity of Ou Chen’s words. Pan Nan quietly urges Xia Mo to listen to Ou Chen; offending him will not help matters at all. Biting her lip, Xia Mo begins to slowly tie the scarf around Ou Chen’s wrist… around and around… around and around…
When the sudden flash of a photographer’s camera goes off, Ou Chen quickly furrows his brow. Cai Ne also notices the reporter but wonders why the typically private young master does not do anything about this intrusion… Ou Chen smirks.
Let’s see what kind of pictures the reporter will have tomorrow…
*******
That night, Xia Mo helps Luo Xi prepare his luggage for his trip to j.a.pan. Midst packing his belongings, Luo Xi contemplates whether or not to include a picture of him and Xia Mo, and after thinking about it for awhile, decides to include it in his luggage.
Cheekily, Luo Xi asks Xia Mo if she will miss him when he’s gone. However, Xia Mo seems to be miles away from Luo Xi, and suddenly asks him if he has remembered to pack everything. Noticing the absence of his medicine, Xia Mo adds it to the contents and reminds Luo Xi to see the doctor if he doesn’t feel well. Angling to receive more of an affirmation from Xia Mo about her feelings for him, Luo Xi then asks if she would come visit him if he ever got sick. What if he got a high fever? What if he was so sick that he was about to die? Would she fly to j.a.pan to see him? Would she… would she give up everything to come see him?
“I wouldn’t. I will be right there with you, feeding you medicine, helping you to find a good doctor, and staying by your side. I will not leave you. Even if you make me leave, I will stay by your side.”
*******
The next day, Xia Mo is stunned to see a picture of her and Ou Chen in the newspaper. It is a picture of her right as she is tying the scarf on for Ou Chen – and looks as if two lovers were quietly being observed. Zhen En cannot help but question Xia Mo; has she gotten better with Ou Chen now? Actually, Ou Chen does really like Xia Mo. While they were all in school, everyone could easily tell then. Even now, although Ou Chen has become more cold on the outside, he still continues to like Xia Mo…
However, Xia Mo is adamant that she simply does not want to be connected to Ou Chen in any way. Zhen En is puzzled since now that Ou Chen is the head of SUN, this naturally means that there will be plenty of chances for the two to run each other all the time. Regardless though, Xia Mo a.s.sures Zhen En that at the very least, things are progressing smoothly right now.
The next few days go by quietly. Until the public is. .h.i.t by a scandalous piece of news!
An Hui Ni is on the news, a mask of hopelessness and desperation on her face. She cannot contain her silence anymore. So everyone wants to know why she hates Yin Xia Mo so much, why she slapped her so many times that other day…? Because of Yin Xia Mo, her two year relationship with Ling Hao has officially come to an end. Ever since they started filming, Yin Xia Mo has shamelessly tried to seduce Ling Hao, going so far as to approach him at his hotel room in a flimsy negligee. An Hui Ni does not hate Ling Hao though; faced with the beautiful Yin Xia Mo, she believes that no man would be able to resist her. She just never suspected that Yin Xia Mo would go to such lengths to seduce another woman’s man.
An Hui Ni can give up the lead role in “Innocent Love Song” to Yin Xia Mo. She can even surrender Ling Hao. However, she will not apologize for those slaps because Yin Xia Mo deserved every single one of them!
“I would rather leave the entertainment industry than ever face that shameless harlot again!”
Chapter 7
Fans who originally supported Yin Xia Mo are left in confusion. Although some of them are still wary of An Hui Ni’s words, what kind of movie star would lie about something like this? Additionally, although fans are in adoration of Yin Xia Mo, she is still a newcomer – no one can actually attest to her personality ethnics. Die-hard fans of An Hui Ni are now calling Yin Xia Mo, “s.l.u.t”, “harlot”, and “third person”.
Angered beyond belief, fans are now vowing to defend An Hui Ni. Protect An Hui Ni! Keep An Hui Ni!
Refusing to eat or sleep and gathering in front of An Hui Ni’s house, fans swear to do everything in their power to help An Hui Ni. For An Hui Ni, they will not let Yin Xia Mo get away!
At Cai Ne’s office, Zhen En cannot get over her anger – it is An Hui Ni who is lying! Xia Mo would never do such a thing! However, Cai Ne is furious over the recent days of negative publicity; since Zhen En is Xia Mo’s agent, then of course she would say such a thing! In this world, Xia Mo could commit murder and arson, and as long as no one found out about it, Cai Ne could care less. However, now that the public is aware of the situation, Cai Ne cannot be expected to do something about it.
With this recent news about Xia Mo spreading so fast, Pan Nan is quick to come out and defend her. However, even Pan Nan now suffers from the criticism of fans and has been boycotted by them.
Xia Mo believes she may have a fighting chance if Ling Hao will come out and tell the truth; however, Zhen En is incredulous. Ling Hao is on An Hui Ni’s side! Why would he come out and accuse his own girlfriend of lying? It would completely ruin her. Xia Mo does not believe that Ling Hao would be the type of person to lie though and insists that they at least try to talk to him about the situation.
When Zhen En and Xia Mo later quietly leave the company – guards were originally a.s.signed to escort them away but the executives had been afraid that this would only serve to make them less inconspicuous – Zhen En continues to worry about approaching Ling Hao. What if Ling Hao and An Hui Ni had earlier conspired to come up with such a plan? With their “golden couple” status, this would not only serve to increase the adoration of their millions of fans, it would also bury Xia Mo.
Unfortunately, incensed fans see Xia Mo trying to leave and angrily accost her. In her desperation, Zhen En tries to drag Xia Mo to the awaiting cars but is slowly separated from her by the angry mob, leaving Xia Mo surrounded. Zhen En tries futilely to get to Xia Mo…
“You’re that shameless Yin Xia Mo!”
“Don’t you know that s.l.u.ts go to h.e.l.l?!”
“Apologize!”
“We won’t forgive you!”
“We’re going to destroy you! We’re going to kick you out of the entertainment industry!”
Xia Mo remains calm amidst the screaming female fans. “I didn’t do anything.”
“So you’re saying that An Hui Ni is lying then?! I’m going to kill you, b.i.t.c.h! How dare you hurt An Hui Ni and then say that she’s lying?! Go to h.e.l.l!”
“Die! Go to h.e.l.l, b.i.t.c.h!”
“Support An Hui Ni! Kill that s.l.u.t!”
An Hui Ni’s fans have completely lost reason as they have turned into an angry and uncontrollable mob. As they ruthlessly attack Xia Mo, she is unable to get away from them and tries in vain to protect herself from the a.s.sault. Suddenly, an object goes flying and hits Xia Mo squarely in the head!
The egg yolk slowly drips down from Xia Mo’s head. Everyone freezes for a moment – and then another egg goes flying at Xia Mo while the fans begin to scream again.
Eggs are being hurled at Yin Xia Mo as the fans start laughing hysterically. Xia Mo closes her eyes under the a.s.sault of the attacks – and is suddenly enfolded in a pair of warm arms, safely enclosed in a comforting hug…
Her head dripping with sweat, Zhen En had been unable to make it through the rioting mob to get to Xia Mo. Faced with no choice, she had gone running into the lobby to alert security. Upon her return, she freezes at the sight before her.
Like a dream, a strong guardian is now protecting Xia Mo. He is wearing a designer suit, using his own body to block the garbage that is flying at Xia Mo.
Such a warm embrace…
Xia Mo opens her eyes but can see nothing aside from the arm that is protecting her. She is being warmly held in a comforting hug, being securely protected in this soft embrace…
“Move aside!”
Ou Chen brusquely commands the fans. The security has finally arrived and a.s.sist in moving the fans aside. Although the fans are still disgruntled, faced with the domineering presence of Ou Chen and the security, they can do nothing but let Xia Mo through.
Xia Mo cannot bear to have Ou Chen see her; she pushes him away and starts running in the opposite direction. She would rather be humiliated in front of thousands of people then have him see her again! In her hurry to get away, Xia Mo does not notice the girl who is just then starting her car…
“Yin Xia Mo! Go to h.e.l.l!”
Like a bullet, the car shoots out directly towards Xia Mo. Almost as if caught in a dream, Xia Mo freezes and can only stare uncomprehendingly at the car that is now aiming for her – suddenly, she is enfolded in a pair of warm arms and is pushed out of the way, landing hardly on the ground…
The pain is unbearable. But as unbearable as the pain is, Xia Mo slowly comes to the realization that she is not dead yet… Looking over next to her, she sees Ou Chen lying motionlessly on the ground, covered in blood and his pale face staring back at her. And he then pa.s.ses out.
Kneeling next to Ou Chen, Xia Mo tries to say something, call out his name or something, but her throat is caught. She starts shaking uncontrollably, her heart feeling like it has completely died as she can only just kneel there and continue to try to say something, anything… So much blood…
Butler Shen has arrived to their side by now and lashes out at Xia Mo; what are you just kneeling there for?! Young Master needs peace!
Peace…? Then he is not dead…?
In that moment that he saw Young Master flying forth to protect Yin Xia Mo, that he would rather use his own body to shield her and to take the impact of that car, Butler Shen saw the tragedy of five years ago playing out right before his eyes again. She is Young Master’s dream. She is Young Master’s curse. When Butler Shen later tried to take Young Master to the hospital, he had refused to let go of Yin Xia Mo’s hand, and so Butler Shen had no choice but to allow Yin Xia Mo to accompany them.
Later at the hospital, Ou Chen slowly wakes up, to the relief of Xia Mo and Butler Shen. He had been sleeping for five to six hours already. Xia Mo reflexively clutches Ou Chen’s hand in return. However, when Ou Chen struggles to sit up in the bed and Xia Mo anxiously tries to help him, he flings her hand away from him.
Ou Chen tells Butler Shen to leave him and Xia Mo, and although Butler Shen would probably rather cut off his own leg than do so, the look on Ou Chen’s face quickly changes his mind. Xia Mo tries to ask how Ou Chen is doing but he remains obstinately quiet.
“Answer me. What’s your relationship with Ling Hao?”
“Acting partners.”
“There’s nothing romantic about it?”
“No.”
“The incident at the hotel…”
“Is a lie that An Hui Ni concocted.”
“Why would she lie about something like that?”
“… Maybe because she’s not happy about having her role lessened.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“I don’t care whether or not you believe me. I don’t care if the entire world doesn’t believe me.”
“I’ll send people to investigate. If you are telling the truth, then the company will take care of things for you. If… Starting tomorrow, the company will a.s.sign six bodyguards to protect you; this incident will not happen again. You may go now.”
When Butler Shen returns to accompany Xia Mo out of the room, Ou Chen keeps his gaze focused on the window. Until the footsteps clear out of the room and until the door of the room finally closes, does Ou Chen finally allow his own eyes to slowly close.
As the door closes behind Xia Mo, she quietly remains standing there in the hallway, a lonely shadow… She stands there for a long, long time… As if the coldness of the ocean was slowly consuming her drowning heart…
An Hui Ni slaps Yin Xia Mo!
The next day following the shoot, every media outlet has the same news-breaking headline – due to jealousy over Yin Xia Mo’s rising status, An Hui Ni used filming as an excuse to repeatedly and publicly slap her across the face. The headlines come complete with pictures from that day too, and fans of An Hui Ni are horrified to see such a manipulative and calculating side to their innocent and lovable star. On the other end, fans of Yin Xia Mo are outraged on her behalf and begin protesting that “Innocent Love Song” fires An Hui Ni; otherwise, they will all boycott the series!
Due to Luo Xi’s rumored relationship with Xia Mo – and the fact that he has made numerous public appearances on her behalf – the paparazzi clamor to get his opinion on the subject. Faced with the photographs of An Hui viciously slapping Yin Xia Mo, Luo Xi cannot control the automatic clenching of his fingers as he death-grips the newspaper. However, while on the phone with the reporters at the same time, he is calm and his voice betrays nothing of his anger. He wonders if Xia Mo has seen the news yet and if so, what is she doing right now?
After a long day of filming, Luo Xi heads home and pauses outside his door, keys in hand. Will she be in there waiting for him? Or is he just being silly? Hoping against hope that someone will finally be waiting for him at home, to greet him and to welcome him back… If he rings the doorbell, will she open the door for him?
Of course not. This is how G.o.d works; for every moment of warmth, he is given unending coldness. Maybe she will have left him a little note somewhere inside…
Mentally shaking himself, Luo Xi reminds himself that he should be used to it by now. The only person who will never leave him is himself. Inserting his key into the lock, he opens the door… and finds himself in a house filled with light and warmth, the smell of a freshly made dinner wafting through the air.
Xia Mo pokes her head out of the kitchen, some flour on her face and wearing an ap.r.o.n. Seeing Luo Xi standing in the doorway, she smiles sweetly.
“You’re back.”
“Xia Mo…” Luo Xi’s throat is caught, the happiness and warmth inside of him causing his voice to barely squeak out.
Actually… all he needs is to have her here…
The two enjoy Xia Mo’s dinner; a very simple fare but yet a truly appetizing and delicious meal. Xia Mo worries that Luo Xi will not be used to such mediocre food though.
“I thought Xiao Cheng was the only one who knew how to cook. Never would have thought that your culinary skills would be so good too.”
“Xiao Cheng’s is much better than mine. After eating his food, I bet eating mine is a lot worse.”
“Your cooking is better.”
“Xiao Cheng’s cooking is better.”
“Yours!”
“Xiao Cheng’s!”
“Yours!”
“Xiao Cheng’s!” And the two suddenly break out into laughter at the same time.
“Fine. Xiao Cheng’s is better. So you should just save all that food for me then, because you know, I need to get used to your cooking anyway. One day Xiao Cheng is going to get a girlfriend and then you and I will be living together, so I’ll have to drink your soup.” Xia Mo’s face instantly turns red.
Quickly changing the subject, Xia Mo starts explaining the dishes and casually mentions that she had returned home to grab one of the main ingredients. Luo Xi instantly narrows in on her last statement, wondering if that means she has seen the news. When Luo Xi casually asks Xia Mo if that is all she has been up to, she responds neutrally that she has seen the news. In fact, when she had seen the photos of herself being slapped by An Hui Ni, she had instantly turned on her cell phone and found a few dozen frantic messages left by Xiao Cheng and Zhen En, demanding to know what had happened and to immediately call them back.
Luo Xi comments that someone may have purposely leaked the news out to the media; however, this person shouldn’t have a grudge against Xia Mo as it is all incriminating against An Hui Ni. Xia Mo had not wanted something like this to happen though because now the chances of the situation simply going away have decreased. Even though the news has no negative repercussions on Xia Mo, if An Hui Ni feels like she’s been backed into a corner, her personality will not let just it rest – it is hard to imagine how she will strike back.
A sneaking suspicion suddenly strikes Xia Mo. A cold shadow, a beautiful green scarf tied to that wrist…
“Why did you come back here? If you already knew, then why still come back? Aren’t there reporters looking for you? Isn’t Xiao Cheng waiting for you at home? Then why still come back here? Why make me dinner? Why pretend as if you didn’t know?! Are you just pitying me? Let me be stupid in thinking that you didn’t know anything, that you and I could be together and just forget everything?”
Not staring him directly in the face, Xia Mo cautiously asks if Luo Xi is mad at her; she doesn’t know what she has done to make him upset with her.
Luo Xi closes his eyes. He is unreasonable; she has done nothing wrong. She did not choose to walk away without saying anything and instead came back here to wait for him, making him dinner. Given her personality, the very fact that she has chosen to do this is already a kind of fortune that cannot be begged for. He doesn’t care about what happened with An Hui Ni because these sorts of things happen all the time in the entertainment world; he just didn’t want Xia Mo to know so fast and selfishly hoped to keep their world for just for the two of them…
Luo Xi suddenly realizes how quiet it has gotten and fears that she has left him. Loneliness surrounds him as he hears her clear the dishes, hears her carrying the dishes into the kitchen, hears her light footsteps… And then – complete silence.
Horror fills Luo Xi; she’s left, she’s left, hasn’t she? She’s mad because he randomly threw a tantrum at her, and so she just left without even saying good bye, just left, hasn’t she?!
Jumping up from the chair, Luo Xi runs into the living room, the master bedroom – both come up empty and dark. Desperately, he rushes into the kitchen! And sees her standing in front of the sink, her back to him, calmly washing the dishes. Quietly calling out her name, Luo Xi walks up to her and hugs her from behind, placing his head gently on her shoulder and sliding his hands down to her own.
“I know that to you, safety is something that is easily influenced. You always fear that you will lose it and yet still want it badly, so you are always caught between fear and nervousness.” Clasping his hands in return, Xia Mo smiles softly. “I came back here because I like making you dinner; that’s all. Since we’ve decided to be together, then let’s also decide to trust each other and not doubt or test one another, okay?”
Perhaps… he can also be happy…
“Okay.”
And the two stayed like that for a very long time afterward.
*******
In a very short time, An Hui Ni has become the media’s focal news. Criticism of An Hui Ni has spread throughout the public and the internet is flooded by dissatisfied fans. In fact, some fans gather everyday in front of the HBS Studio to protest An Hui Ni, demanding a public apology from her to Yin Xia Mo. Xia Mo has also been bombarded with requests for interviews since the news leakage, and only replied that her face is not too injured, thanking everyone for their concern and said that An Hui Ni was only trying to get the best possible scene from that day. Xia Mo’s gracious answer wins her adoration from even more fans and An Hui Ni has declined to appear publicly since the incident broke out. Her reputation has been severely and adversely affected.
Prior to the slapping incident, the film crew had treated Xia Mo rather indifferently but now approach her cheerfully, taking the initiative to say hi and smiling at her. Only when An Hui Ni appears on set does the the atmosphere turn a little awkward, and then only when there is a needed interaction for filming do they talk to her.
An Hui Ni and Xia Mo do not actually share many scenes during this time and have very little interaction with one another. Every now and then though, Xia Mo will see a look of intense hatred directed towards her from An Hui Ni but since the latter does not do anything, Xia Mo chooses to let it go.
Ling Hao was not present during the slapping incident and Zhen En originally a.s.sumed that he would automatically take An Hui Ni’s side. However, since that day, it is as if Ling Hao has become a completely different person and he approaches Xia Mo with friendliness. When An Hui Ni is not present, he will actually take the initiative to discuss the script with Xia Mo and Zhen En realizes that Ling Hao actually has a great smile, almost like that of a child’s.
“I’m sorry. Hui Ni is not a bad person; her personality is actually really nice. It’s only because she’s been in the entertainment world for so long that she’s become paranoid and filled with anxiety, so she would choose to do something like that…”
A really nice person would do something like this? He’s joking, right? However, Xia Mo tells Ling Hao that she has already forgotten the past. Perhaps every person has someone he or she really likes and really despises; Ling Hao is someone whom An Hui Ni really likes, and Xia Mo is someone she really despises. Whatever the matter, Xia Mo has already forgotten it.
Ling Hao and Xia Mo have established a great working relationship. Their eye contact and their combined emotions – nearly every single scene is accomplished in one take. Sometimes they will be sitting off to the side together, going over the script and their picture will be secretly taken by a reporter, creating a buzz about their “relationship”. Ling Hao and Xia Mo have become the golden couple, and fans of the Lu Si and Bing Tong coupling far exceed those of Lu Si and Cai Ni. However, Zhen En is clearly aware that besides that of a working relationship, there is no other type between Ling Hao and Xia Mo. Perhaps An Hui Ni also knows this because she has not reacted in anyway towards these speculations.
*******
The news of An Hui Ni has slowly faded and just as Xia Mo was thinking that they would be able to finish filming for “Innocent Love Song” peacefully and without any more drama, two things happened that Xia Mo would never have imagined.
The first major event is the script, which had already been decided to be a total of twenty chapters; Lu Si and Cai Ni would have a happy ending together while Bing Tong would die as a result of protecting Lu Si. After filming to chapter sixteen though and realizing how popular the series was doing, it was extended an additional ten chapters and the ending was modified. When the new scripts are distributed, the screenwriter is also present and Xia Mo is stunned to realize that she is the polite-looking girl from the staircase the other day!
Chuckling in secretive glee, Zhong Ya goes up to Xia Mo and tells her that she changed the script specifically for her.
The ending has been completely reversed. Lu Si slowly realizes that his true love is not the innocent Cai Ni who always gets into trouble, but the Bing Tong who has always guarded by his side. When Bing Tong is about to leave his life forever, Lu Si then knows that he cannot live without her and the two live happily ever after while Cai Ni is the one who quietly walks away. Bing Tong’s role spans the entire thirty chapters while Cai Ni does not appear again after chapter twenty-five.
Death-gripping the script, An Hui Ni cannot control her shaking rage. Although Ling Hao tries to console her, she angrily shakes him off and her hatred-filled glare narrows in on Yin Xia Mo. Feeling slightly guilty, Xia Mo is aware of An Hui Ni’s stare and is filled with a sense of foreboding.
Hurling the script to the floor with all her strength, An Hui Ni stalks from the set, Ling Hao hurriedly following her.
The second major event is that SUN has been taken in by another company.
SUN is a rather mediocre agency; although it does not have a huge presence in the entertainment world, the combined star power of Wei An, Yao Shu Er, and newbies Yin Xia Mo and Pan Nan still represents some type of influence. Ou Hua Corporations suddenly announced a few days earlier that it was planning on buying SUN, sending the media into a buzz. Ou Hua Corporations holds an enormous financial influence and whoever is backed by them is essentially guaranteed fame and success. However, what is interesting is why Ou Hua Corporations would choose a fledgling agency like SUN when there are other more prestigious agencies that would bring the company even more money – such as the agency that contracts Luo Xi. When placed next to Luo Xi, even the combined star power of the four ladies cannot come to half of Luo Xi’s lure. There must be a hidden reason for this transition.
On the day that the handover is official, everyone has convened at SUN to welcome Ou Hua Corporations. Wei An has arrived with her posse of a.s.sistants while Yao Shu Er sits to the side listening to her music. Pan Nan stands by a window and watches as a fan-surrounded Xia Mo makes her way up to meet them. Pride fills Pan Nan at seeing how far Xia Mo has come now. Originally, she had been afraid that the incident with An Hui Ni would have adversely affected Xia Mo but she handled it with grace and calm. Although it has been a few days since the two have seen each other, Xia Mo on the phone is still the same as before, happy and steady.
When Xia Mo walks in, Wei An begins to clap and announces that the big movie star has finally arrived. She approaches Xia Mo and advises her; congratulations! You have readily risen to fame. However, be careful because the faster you rise could also mean that faster you will fall. There is no such thing as a free lunch and however much you get now will mean you will have to repay it later.
The lounge is completely quiet. Zhen En is wondering whether or not Wei An is simply mocking Xia Mo but the expression on Wei An’s face is conflicted…
Xia Mo thanks Wei An. Because of Yao Shu Er, Xia Mo and Wei An had a bit of a conflict in the past but Xia Mo realizes that Wei An is actually a very honest person. Wei An returns Xia Mo’s smile and then turns to pick up her phone. The atmosphere in the room resumes its previous state.
Yao Shu Er, Pan Nan and Xia Mo end up exchanging some small talk about Xia Mo’s recent rise to success. Yao Shu Er remarks that luck is really on Xia Mo’s side although Pan Nan interjects that it is not completely dependent on luck; if Xia Mo didn’t really have something, why would An Hui Ni feel threatened enough to instigate that incident? If Xia Mo wasn’t the real thing, neither would she have been able to gain the adoration of so many fans. Wei An warns them to not underestimate An Hui Ni though; compared to her, Yao Shu Er’s past schemes are mere child’s play. Turning to Yao Shu Er, Wei An remarks that her current expressionless personality really causes other people to have no mood…
Is Wei An making fun of Yao Shu Er? How come it almost sounds like she’s caring about her…?
At this time, their conversation is interrupted by the noise of arriving cars outside. Everyone rushes to the windows and see the horde of reporters cl.u.s.tering together outside, while a lineup of black limousines pull up by the front entrance. The four girls silently watch as the manage for Ou Hua Corporations formally shakes hands with the SUN president, as if to signify the formal handing over.
Pan Nan notices that no one has left the very last car in the lineup. After saying a few words and allowing a picture opportunity for the reporters, the Ou Hua manager goes to that car and seems to say something to whoever is inside. And then he opens the door – a pair of long legs emerge, a masculine and handsome shadow – in the dim sunlight, a light green scarf flutters from his wrist.
Reporters suddenly realize who this is… and start madly snapping their cameras. Ou Chen walks towards the front entrance – and suddenly stops, as if sensing something. He raises his head and sees her standing there, her white shadow as if a light cloud in the sky.
Like the fairy tale’s princess who is being held captive, Xia Mo stands in front of the window of the second floor, looking out towards Ou Chen, her lips slowly turning white. Ou Chen’s vow rings through her head… “You both will pay for this.”
Has his revenge started? Was taking over SUN only the first step of his plan? How does he plan on dealing with her? Taking over her contract and then burying her?
Chapter 6
At the same time, Zhen En is sitting with Xiao Cheng at a tea shop. As Zhen En grips her tea in her hand, she cannot seem to stop her pounding heart. Confounded, Zhen En tells herself to get a break; it’s not like this is the first time she’s ever seen Xiao Cheng! But… this is the first time she and Xiao Cheng have been on an official date…
Xiao Cheng first thanks Zhen En for being Xia Mo’s friend and supporting and taking care of her. Actually, Zhen En feels a little guilty because Xia Mo has actually helped her more by helping her with homework in school, taking more of the work during their jobs and even now giving her such an opportunity to be her agent.
Xiao Cheng knows that Xia Mo doesn’t want him to worry about herself; perhaps she feels that he is always the little brother and so needs to be protected. However, he’s grown up now and wants to be able to take care of his sister. So as a favor, Xiao Cheng hopes that Zhen En will be able to keep him informed about Xia Mo because he doesn’t want to come across as being too nosy.
Xiao Cheng is just too nice of a brother! In fact, Zhen En is seized with a strange feeling of sourness… Is she… jealous…?
When Zhen En asks Xiao Cheng why she should help him and is met with a blank stare, Zhen En very quietly says that she’ll help him if he agrees to go out with her… However, it’s too loud in the tea shop and Xiao Cheng has no idea what Zhen En just said. In a regular voice again, Zhen En hurriedly agrees to help him, promising him that she will do everything in her power to help Xia Mo out.
Perhaps… he would hate her… If he knew, just how much she liked him. Ever since she first laid eyes on him four years ago, she has liked him. In order to see him everyday, she worked to become Xia Mo’s close friend. She had once hoped to use friendship to become closer to him…
At Xiao Cheng’s grateful and sunny smile, Zhen En decides that it is probably better to not let him know after all. Just stay by him, forever stay by him and to help him protect what he treasures the most. Suddenly, Zhen En remembers that she had ditched Xia Mo to come out; hopefully there wasn’t too much of a problem…
*******
Xia Mo sits quietly to the side as the mob of reporters surround Ou Chen. Now that Ou Hua Corporations is the new head company, Ou Chen is the newly appointed CEO… Ou Chen is her boss. Now that he owns her company, he owns her contract; he can bury her if he wants, destroy all her audition chances…
Staring directly at the approaching Ou Chen, he appears harsh and cold; perhaps he has no emotions… To him, she is nothing but a tiny ant. All he has to do is reach out a hand and completely squash her and easily destroy everything she has worked so hard to accomplish.
When Ou Chen’s gaze finally falls on Xia Mo, she has already moved to stare out the window. The sunlight hits her hair, sending out rays of light, so bright that it is almost blinding.
Perhaps it is fate…
Who cares if she causes him to become a b.l.o.o.d.y and hurt mess; he still cannot forget her. He cannot even take his revenge on her or leave her side… When she is in pain, his heart is in a thousand times more pain. When he is unable to see her, his heart becomes cold like the grave…
Perhaps it really is fate…
When the meeting is over and Ou Hua Corporations has officially bought SUN, Ou Chen gets ready to leave and his now employees automatically get up to greet him on his way out. Xia Mo is still standing off to the side when Pan Nan suddenly leans over to whisper secretively in her ear, murmuring how they are like servants seeing their lord out. Ou Chen is really pretty arrogant.
As Ou Chen makes his way towards the front door, a gust of wind suddenly blows in and the green scarf starts fluttering from his wrist. Everyone is looking directly down at the floor as Ou Chen walks by; no one dares to stare at Ou Chen as there is always an air of superiority and prestige about him.
Xia Mo is also looking down and as Ou Chen pa.s.ses by her, his steps slow down and Xia Mo freezes, her heart racing. As she sees the green scarf out of the corner of her eye, Ou Chen continues on past her and Xia Mo slowly relaxes. However, she momentarily forgets herself and finds herself watching that green scarf…
Flapping crazily in the wind, the scarf continues to flutter… until it slowly loosens and unwraps itself from Ou Chen’s wrist. As the beautiful green scarf is dancing gracefully in the air, everyone stares after it, transfixed.
Ou Chen stops and turns to stare the scarf. Cai Ne reaches out to grab it but is stopped by Ou Chen. At her questioning gaze, Ou Chen shakes his head as the scarf is not falling to the ground. Focused, he follows the dancing scarf and soon thereafter, it begins to flutter back down… lightly fluttering… fluttering… right in front of Xia Mo’s gaze. And she instinctively reaches out and lightly plucks it from the air.
Ou Chen feels something in his chest has also been lightly caught by that hand. It is a weak hand… but it has securely caught onto him.
Everyone has naturally turned their gaze onto Xia Mo now, as if she is the Cinderella in a fairy tale. When Xia Mo suddenly realizes that everyone’s attention has turned to him, it is as she has waken from a dream; why is the scarf in her hand?
Ou Chen stares silently back at Xia Mo – and then steadily makes his way towards her. Stopping in front of her, he holds out his arm and commands, “Put it on.” His tone is that of a master talking to a servant.
Xia Mo – and everyone else – freezes at the audacity of Ou Chen’s words. Pan Nan quietly urges Xia Mo to listen to Ou Chen; offending him will not help matters at all. Biting her lip, Xia Mo begins to slowly tie the scarf around Ou Chen’s wrist… around and around… around and around…
When the sudden flash of a photographer’s camera goes off, Ou Chen quickly furrows his brow. Cai Ne also notices the reporter but wonders why the typically private young master does not do anything about this intrusion… Ou Chen smirks.
Let’s see what kind of pictures the reporter will have tomorrow…
*******
That night, Xia Mo helps Luo Xi prepare his luggage for his trip to j.a.pan. Midst packing his belongings, Luo Xi contemplates whether or not to include a picture of him and Xia Mo, and after thinking about it for awhile, decides to include it in his luggage.
Cheekily, Luo Xi asks Xia Mo if she will miss him when he’s gone. However, Xia Mo seems to be miles away from Luo Xi, and suddenly asks him if he has remembered to pack everything. Noticing the absence of his medicine, Xia Mo adds it to the contents and reminds Luo Xi to see the doctor if he doesn’t feel well. Angling to receive more of an affirmation from Xia Mo about her feelings for him, Luo Xi then asks if she would come visit him if he ever got sick. What if he got a high fever? What if he was so sick that he was about to die? Would she fly to j.a.pan to see him? Would she… would she give up everything to come see him?
“I wouldn’t. I will be right there with you, feeding you medicine, helping you to find a good doctor, and staying by your side. I will not leave you. Even if you make me leave, I will stay by your side.”
*******
The next day, Xia Mo is stunned to see a picture of her and Ou Chen in the newspaper. It is a picture of her right as she is tying the scarf on for Ou Chen – and looks as if two lovers were quietly being observed. Zhen En cannot help but question Xia Mo; has she gotten better with Ou Chen now? Actually, Ou Chen does really like Xia Mo. While they were all in school, everyone could easily tell then. Even now, although Ou Chen has become more cold on the outside, he still continues to like Xia Mo…
However, Xia Mo is adamant that she simply does not want to be connected to Ou Chen in any way. Zhen En is puzzled since now that Ou Chen is the head of SUN, this naturally means that there will be plenty of chances for the two to run each other all the time. Regardless though, Xia Mo a.s.sures Zhen En that at the very least, things are progressing smoothly right now.
The next few days go by quietly. Until the public is. .h.i.t by a scandalous piece of news!
An Hui Ni is on the news, a mask of hopelessness and desperation on her face. She cannot contain her silence anymore. So everyone wants to know why she hates Yin Xia Mo so much, why she slapped her so many times that other day…? Because of Yin Xia Mo, her two year relationship with Ling Hao has officially come to an end. Ever since they started filming, Yin Xia Mo has shamelessly tried to seduce Ling Hao, going so far as to approach him at his hotel room in a flimsy negligee. An Hui Ni does not hate Ling Hao though; faced with the beautiful Yin Xia Mo, she believes that no man would be able to resist her. She just never suspected that Yin Xia Mo would go to such lengths to seduce another woman’s man.
An Hui Ni can give up the lead role in “Innocent Love Song” to Yin Xia Mo. She can even surrender Ling Hao. However, she will not apologize for those slaps because Yin Xia Mo deserved every single one of them!
“I would rather leave the entertainment industry than ever face that shameless harlot again!”
Chapter 7
Fans who originally supported Yin Xia Mo are left in confusion. Although some of them are still wary of An Hui Ni’s words, what kind of movie star would lie about something like this? Additionally, although fans are in adoration of Yin Xia Mo, she is still a newcomer – no one can actually attest to her personality ethnics. Die-hard fans of An Hui Ni are now calling Yin Xia Mo, “s.l.u.t”, “harlot”, and “third person”.
Angered beyond belief, fans are now vowing to defend An Hui Ni. Protect An Hui Ni! Keep An Hui Ni!
Refusing to eat or sleep and gathering in front of An Hui Ni’s house, fans swear to do everything in their power to help An Hui Ni. For An Hui Ni, they will not let Yin Xia Mo get away!
At Cai Ne’s office, Zhen En cannot get over her anger – it is An Hui Ni who is lying! Xia Mo would never do such a thing! However, Cai Ne is furious over the recent days of negative publicity; since Zhen En is Xia Mo’s agent, then of course she would say such a thing! In this world, Xia Mo could commit murder and arson, and as long as no one found out about it, Cai Ne could care less. However, now that the public is aware of the situation, Cai Ne cannot be expected to do something about it.
With this recent news about Xia Mo spreading so fast, Pan Nan is quick to come out and defend her. However, even Pan Nan now suffers from the criticism of fans and has been boycotted by them.
Xia Mo believes she may have a fighting chance if Ling Hao will come out and tell the truth; however, Zhen En is incredulous. Ling Hao is on An Hui Ni’s side! Why would he come out and accuse his own girlfriend of lying? It would completely ruin her. Xia Mo does not believe that Ling Hao would be the type of person to lie though and insists that they at least try to talk to him about the situation.
When Zhen En and Xia Mo later quietly leave the company – guards were originally a.s.signed to escort them away but the executives had been afraid that this would only serve to make them less inconspicuous – Zhen En continues to worry about approaching Ling Hao. What if Ling Hao and An Hui Ni had earlier conspired to come up with such a plan? With their “golden couple” status, this would not only serve to increase the adoration of their millions of fans, it would also bury Xia Mo.
Unfortunately, incensed fans see Xia Mo trying to leave and angrily accost her. In her desperation, Zhen En tries to drag Xia Mo to the awaiting cars but is slowly separated from her by the angry mob, leaving Xia Mo surrounded. Zhen En tries futilely to get to Xia Mo…
“You’re that shameless Yin Xia Mo!”
“Don’t you know that s.l.u.ts go to h.e.l.l?!”
“Apologize!”
“We won’t forgive you!”
“We’re going to destroy you! We’re going to kick you out of the entertainment industry!”
Xia Mo remains calm amidst the screaming female fans. “I didn’t do anything.”
“So you’re saying that An Hui Ni is lying then?! I’m going to kill you, b.i.t.c.h! How dare you hurt An Hui Ni and then say that she’s lying?! Go to h.e.l.l!”
“Die! Go to h.e.l.l, b.i.t.c.h!”
“Support An Hui Ni! Kill that s.l.u.t!”
An Hui Ni’s fans have completely lost reason as they have turned into an angry and uncontrollable mob. As they ruthlessly attack Xia Mo, she is unable to get away from them and tries in vain to protect herself from the a.s.sault. Suddenly, an object goes flying and hits Xia Mo squarely in the head!
The egg yolk slowly drips down from Xia Mo’s head. Everyone freezes for a moment – and then another egg goes flying at Xia Mo while the fans begin to scream again.
Eggs are being hurled at Yin Xia Mo as the fans start laughing hysterically. Xia Mo closes her eyes under the a.s.sault of the attacks – and is suddenly enfolded in a pair of warm arms, safely enclosed in a comforting hug…
Her head dripping with sweat, Zhen En had been unable to make it through the rioting mob to get to Xia Mo. Faced with no choice, she had gone running into the lobby to alert security. Upon her return, she freezes at the sight before her.
Like a dream, a strong guardian is now protecting Xia Mo. He is wearing a designer suit, using his own body to block the garbage that is flying at Xia Mo.
Such a warm embrace…
Xia Mo opens her eyes but can see nothing aside from the arm that is protecting her. She is being warmly held in a comforting hug, being securely protected in this soft embrace…
“Move aside!”
Ou Chen brusquely commands the fans. The security has finally arrived and a.s.sist in moving the fans aside. Although the fans are still disgruntled, faced with the domineering presence of Ou Chen and the security, they can do nothing but let Xia Mo through.
Xia Mo cannot bear to have Ou Chen see her; she pushes him away and starts running in the opposite direction. She would rather be humiliated in front of thousands of people then have him see her again! In her hurry to get away, Xia Mo does not notice the girl who is just then starting her car…
“Yin Xia Mo! Go to h.e.l.l!”
Like a bullet, the car shoots out directly towards Xia Mo. Almost as if caught in a dream, Xia Mo freezes and can only stare uncomprehendingly at the car that is now aiming for her – suddenly, she is enfolded in a pair of warm arms and is pushed out of the way, landing hardly on the ground…
The pain is unbearable. But as unbearable as the pain is, Xia Mo slowly comes to the realization that she is not dead yet… Looking over next to her, she sees Ou Chen lying motionlessly on the ground, covered in blood and his pale face staring back at her. And he then pa.s.ses out.
Kneeling next to Ou Chen, Xia Mo tries to say something, call out his name or something, but her throat is caught. She starts shaking uncontrollably, her heart feeling like it has completely died as she can only just kneel there and continue to try to say something, anything… So much blood…
Butler Shen has arrived to their side by now and lashes out at Xia Mo; what are you just kneeling there for?! Young Master needs peace!
Peace…? Then he is not dead…?
In that moment that he saw Young Master flying forth to protect Yin Xia Mo, that he would rather use his own body to shield her and to take the impact of that car, Butler Shen saw the tragedy of five years ago playing out right before his eyes again. She is Young Master’s dream. She is Young Master’s curse. When Butler Shen later tried to take Young Master to the hospital, he had refused to let go of Yin Xia Mo’s hand, and so Butler Shen had no choice but to allow Yin Xia Mo to accompany them.
Later at the hospital, Ou Chen slowly wakes up, to the relief of Xia Mo and Butler Shen. He had been sleeping for five to six hours already. Xia Mo reflexively clutches Ou Chen’s hand in return. However, when Ou Chen struggles to sit up in the bed and Xia Mo anxiously tries to help him, he flings her hand away from him.
Ou Chen tells Butler Shen to leave him and Xia Mo, and although Butler Shen would probably rather cut off his own leg than do so, the look on Ou Chen’s face quickly changes his mind. Xia Mo tries to ask how Ou Chen is doing but he remains obstinately quiet.
“Answer me. What’s your relationship with Ling Hao?”
“Acting partners.”
“There’s nothing romantic about it?”
“No.”
“The incident at the hotel…”
“Is a lie that An Hui Ni concocted.”
“Why would she lie about something like that?”
“… Maybe because she’s not happy about having her role lessened.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“I don’t care whether or not you believe me. I don’t care if the entire world doesn’t believe me.”
“I’ll send people to investigate. If you are telling the truth, then the company will take care of things for you. If… Starting tomorrow, the company will a.s.sign six bodyguards to protect you; this incident will not happen again. You may go now.”
When Butler Shen returns to accompany Xia Mo out of the room, Ou Chen keeps his gaze focused on the window. Until the footsteps clear out of the room and until the door of the room finally closes, does Ou Chen finally allow his own eyes to slowly close.
As the door closes behind Xia Mo, she quietly remains standing there in the hallway, a lonely shadow… She stands there for a long, long time… As if the coldness of the ocean was slowly consuming her drowning heart…
