Chapter 96
Time is the most powerful force for healing. The raging scandal, lacking sustained momentum and the extremely low-key handling of the situation by the parties involved, gradually lost its heat, completely disappearing from the trending search lists, becoming a vague label deep in the internet's memory.
With Shen Qingyuan's meticulous and steady companionship, Su Rui's fear and dull ache gradually lessened. The fear of being spied on and insulted gradually faded. While the scars remained, at least they no longer bled. During these days of mutual support and near-isolation, an inexplicable tacit understanding and affection quietly grew between Su Rui and Shen Qingyuan. It was a different kind of passionate, blind love from their youth, more like a warm, steady support based on understanding, respect, and shared hardship.
However, the impact of the outside world had already been felt. The drama Ling Yao and Shen Qingyuan co-starred in was released amidst widespread anticipation. Perhaps due to the negative impact of the absurd romance scandal that had initially blurred the focus of the series, or perhaps because the audience couldn't fully empathize with the two people who had just experienced a "love triangle" incident, the drama's critical acclaim and ratings were mediocre, far from the expected hit.
The assessment of capital was cold and swift. Ling Yao's acting career failed to take off with the drama; instead, its poor performance left him feeling somewhat sluggish. His company weighed the pros and cons and quickly adjusted its strategy, shifting his focus back to the group's more popular activities.
And so, Ling Yao seemed to have returned to a few years ago. He was once again the group's captain, a frequent presence at various school celebrations and commercial performances, leading his teammates in practicing new dances, recording new albums, and touring various music shows. On stage, he was still the radiant, commanding idol, his smile perfect and his skills impeccable. But in the occasional moment captured backstage, his eyes would reveal an unconcealable weariness and... emptiness. He seemed to be executing a well-learned routine, but without the underlying motivation.
Su Rui, learning about this from industry news and occasional glimpses of stage footage, felt mixed emotions. Seeing Ling Yao's renewed activity on the singing and dancing stage, he felt a pang of sadness—Ling Yao, who had once vowed to shed the image of a traffic star and become a true actor, seemed to have been pushed back to his old ways by reality. And the starting point of all this, in some way, was himself.
What made him feel even more guilty was Shen Qingyuan. Because of that unforeseen disaster, Shen Qingyuan's career had also been greatly impacted. Su Rui apologized to him several times, feeling that she had caused him trouble.
Each time, Shen Qingyuan simply shook his head gently, his tone calm and sincere, "How can this be blamed on you? We're all victims. If we really want to investigate, it's those who manipulated the situation behind the scenes who should be held responsible." He even went so far as to comfort Su Rui, "In fact, perhaps I should be 'thankful' for this incident. It made me fully realize the limitations and risks of the family workshop, and it also made me determined to deal with the company's historical problems. Although the process was painful, the result was good."
He told Su Rui that he had officially signed with a strong, professional, and well-regulated agency, which would expand his acting options and allow him to be more cautious in his choices. "A blessing in disguise. I actually feel more relaxed now and can focus more purely on acting."
This proved to be the case. With his solid acting skills and the professional development of his new company, Shen Qingyuan quickly secured several high-quality projects. While not always starring roles, they were more challenging and the teams he worked with were more talented. He approached the productions with a low profile and worked diligently on his projects, gradually regaining his reputation and popularity through his work, steadily returning to the public eye.
Su Rui, meanwhile, has picked up his camera again and resumed his photography career. After this incident, his lens seems to have gained a sense of maturity and storytelling. He continues to travel to various filming locations, but unlike before, he has become more low-key and reserved, learning to better protect himself and his work.
The lives of the three people seemed to be manipulated by an invisible hand, and then they each returned to their seemingly normal track.
Ling Yao sings and dances on a familiar idol stage, receiving the screams of fans, yet perhaps feels lost late one night. Shen Qingyuan, with the support of his new agency, forges his path as an actor step by step. Su Rui, behind the camera, captures light and shadow, attempting to express her inner thoughts through images.
They all seem to be moving forward, but the scars of the past and the trajectory of their growth have profoundly changed everyone.
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