Chapter 98
It wasn't Qin Fei who opened the door, but a boy who had just taken a shower and was wearing a bathrobe.
Compared to his refined and handsome features, the slightly loosened robe revealing the bed décor marks on his chest was even more eye-catching.
Lin Ting blushed with embarrassment after only glancing at it accidentally.
She wasn't inexperienced; it was clear she had just experienced sexual intercourse.
Qin Fei walked over, wearing a long black bathrobe, holding a glass of red wine in her hand, exuding a languid air of satisfied desire.
"Come in, what are you standing there for?"
Turning to the man, she said in a flat tone, "Cai Heng, go back to the film set. We have scenes to film this afternoon." It was like she was giving a command, completely unlike someone who had just been intimate with him.
The man didn't say anything, just nodded, went back to the changing room, and left shortly after getting dressed.
Cai Heng is a male actor newly signed after Chen Zhiyi and Qin Fei's contracts expired. He has appeared in front of the media several times recently with Qin Fei, indicating that she intends to cultivate him into the next Chen Zhiyi.
So this is how they train people. Faced with the direct impact of the entertainment industry's unspoken rules, Lin Ting couldn't help but feel disgusted.
Qin Fei poured a glass of red wine and handed it to Lin Ting, saying, "Take a sip and calm your nausea."
Lin Ting didn't answer, staring directly at Qin Fei, his disgust clear and undisguised.
Qin Fei looked down on Lin Ting's self-righteous sense of purity. Instead of drinking, she took a sip herself. "Why do you think it's dirty? How many people in this industry are truly clean? Do you think Chen Zhiyi hasn't experienced this? No pain, no gain. Don't you understand such a simple principle?"
In the end, a slight smirk appeared on his lips, a blatant mockery of her foolishness.
Lin Ting retorted, "I know very well what kind of person Zhiyi is. I've known him for a long time longer than you. His background, family circumstances, and values make it impossible for him to do these things."
"Yes, you were Chen Zhiyi's tutor back then, you knew him very well. But when I think about it, I find it ridiculous. They paid you to tutor their child, and what did you do? You seduced the student during the most important period of his senior year, started a relationship with him, and stabbed his parents in the back. Isn't that absurd?"
"My relationship with him isn't what you describe. I don't need to say anything more to you. I'm just here to find out if you were the one who framed me for plagiarism and sent me those photos."
Qin Fei sat on the sofa, picked up the wine glass again, and gently swirled it. Red streaks instantly appeared on the glass, which were quite glaring.
“I asked Chen Zhiyi why he fell for you, and he told me that you were his salvation, a ray of light in his life that had been constantly denied, and the only person who supported and encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. But I just don’t understand, you only advised him to stick to his dream, but I was the one who helped him realize his dream. How am I not as good as you?”
Lin Ting stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "So you want to take revenge on us, ruin my career, and ruin his too?"
Qin Fei slammed the wine glass in her hand onto the table. The overflowing red wine dripped from the rim of the glass onto the white coffee table, each drop resembling a tear of blood.
"Have you ever heard the saying, 'If I can't have him, I'll destroy him'?"
Lin Ting felt a chill run down her spine. "He was someone you personally trained, and you got a lot from him, wasn't money and status enough?"
Qin Fei hunched over, her hands resting on the coffee table, her eyes filled with hatred. "Of course it's not enough. These are not what I want. What I've always wanted is his heart and his love."
Lin Ting asked in confusion, "You've been in the entertainment industry for so many years, why does it have to be him?"
Such a familiar question, yet such a poignant one. Qin Fei had asked Chen Zhiyi this question before, and the answer she received was one she couldn't accept. A single word, "redemption," was worth countless resources and connections. But now that she herself was being asked the same question, the word "redemption" was also on her mind.
She immediately recalled the first time she met Chen Zhiyi, that sunny young man in white with a clear smile, like a clear spring flowing into her numb heart, which was filled with self-interest, allowing her to feel the purity and beauty of life.
Qin Fei was born into a family that favored sons over daughters and had experienced too much hardship due to poverty. From a young age, she vowed to become a powerful and influential person. Through her own hard work, she was admitted to a media college. After graduation, she entered the entertainment industry, starting as an artist's assistant, then as an executive assistant, and finally as a manager. She was well-versed in the survival principles of the entertainment industry and knew that this circle was a place where money could be made and one could climb the ladder quickly. She believed that as long as one was willing to put in the effort, one could reach a prestigious position that everyone envied. Therefore, she was determined to establish herself in this circle.
Because of her ambition and willingness to spend, she gradually went from being the main course for men at the table to becoming the object of their flattery.
As their wealth accumulated, they no longer faced financial hardship and could even spend lavishly to have others pamper them and make them happy.
A life of extravagance and debauchery, towering buildings and precarious structures—the happiness built on money may seem fulfilling, but it is actually empty.
Exquisite makeup, elegant attire, and captivating fragrance—all these are synonyms for beauty and allure. Yet, when the night is still and you're soaking in the bathtub, you feel like you can't wash away the grime all over your body.
The more Qin Fei hated herself, the more she needed to find value in others, even dragging them down with her.
In this glamorous world, I've lost myself, spending each day in a daze, chasing after resources and building connections.
Until she met Chen Zhiyi, that clear spring washed away the emptiness and resentment in her heart, and she also saw herself clearly. He was a part of her that she had lost and could never get back, the cleanliness and purity that she had always wanted to find again.
She wanted him so badly that she tried everything to be good to him, help him succeed, and make him increasingly dependent on her and unable to leave her.
However, Chen Zhiyi told her, "I can't live without her, but she's not me."
Everything was under control, yet it vanished in an instant. Qin Fei felt resentment, jealousy, and resentment.
Jealousy blinded Qin Fei; she wanted to take it back, or she would destroy their love and ruin both of them.
Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, I know all too well how to ruin a person. The overwhelming condemnation, scorn, and insults from public opinion can tear a whole person into pieces, making it very difficult for them to come back together.
Thinking of this, Qin Fei's anger surged. She slammed her hands on the coffee table, stood up abruptly, her delicate brows furrowed with rage, and her voice rose, "Because I like him, I love him. He's the first boy who has ever made my heart flutter, and I fell for him at first sight. His current position is all thanks to my careful planning. I can feel his growing trust in me. If it weren't for your appearance, how could he have terminated his contract with me? How could he have thought of leaving me? We would have been together for a long time."
Lin Ting laughed at her foolishness and self-righteousness. "You're wrong. Even without me, he would have chosen to leave when his contract expired. You've brought him a lot of good resources, but have you considered whether these are things he likes? He's always forced to choose things he doesn't like. He missed out on Director An Li's new film last time, and he still regrets it. You say you love him, but you're just using your forceful attitude to pressure him, tame him, control him, and make him unable to leave you. This isn't love; it's obedience, absolute obedience to the idea that you are his only destiny."
"Nonsense." Qin Fei grabbed Lin Ting's wrist and pulled her up to the attic. She turned on the light, and the scene before her eyes left Lin Ting speechless, freezing in place.
The room was filled with photos of Chen Zhiyi, and his photos were playing on a loop on the TV screen. There was a sofa in front of him, as if someone could sit there and scrutinize him at any time. The ceiling was arched, and the windows on both sides were fitted with black floor-length curtains. The whole design was like a giant, airtight cage, and even if Chen Zhiyi had seventy-two transformations and split into many versions of himself, he would not be able to escape.
Qin Fei stood in the middle of the room with her head tilted back and eyes squinted, arms outstretched, and slowly turned around, as if declaring that this was her domain.
"This is the memorial hall I built for him. Every photo was carefully selected by me. It includes his famous works, his first time on a magazine cover, his first time walking the red carpet, his first time receiving an award, his first time playing a villain, and so many firsts. It has witnessed his tears and laughter, his lows and highs, his successes and failures. I have been by his side all these years."
Qin Fei walked to the sofa and touched the back of the sofa. "Whenever I can't sleep at night, I sit here and look at these photos. Only then can I find a little peace in my heart. He is a flower that I have carefully cultivated. He is the most successful work in my career. I have devoted my heart and soul to him. Why do you say that I don't love him?"
Lin Ting watched Qin Fei staring at the photo with such rapt attention, her frenzied state sending chills down his spine. It was as if a seed of love-crazed obsession was sprouting and growing rapidly within Qin Fei.
She silently backed away, wanting to escape this place.
Seeing her paper-white face and the slight backward movement, Qin Fei felt even more ridiculous and contemptuous. She was scared by such a small thing. What courage and means did she have to stand with Chen Zhiyi in the cutthroat entertainment industry and fight side by side with him?
Qin Fei was determined to break down all of her defenses.
He grabbed her hand again and pulled her to the balcony, where there was a telescope and a long-bar camera.
Qin Fei smiled chillingly, pointing at the binoculars, "Didn't you want to know where the photos sent to you came from? You'll know once you take a look."
Lin Ting had guessed the outcome, but she couldn't believe it and didn't want to face it. She couldn't imagine that a person's possessiveness could be so obsessive.
Qin Fei didn't give her a moment to hesitate, and directly pressed the back of her head, forcing her to look at the camera.
Sure enough, from the set angle, the telescope could see the situation on the opposite building, and directly in front of it was Chen Zhiyi's house. As long as the opposite side didn't draw their floor-to-ceiling curtains, everything that happened could be seen clearly from here.
Her private life with Chen Zhiyi was completely exposed to the camera, and she saw it all clearly.
Lin Ting felt a sudden chill run through her body, her limbs trembling as if she were in a frozen wasteland, a chill that penetrated to her very bones.
The chilling voice behind him rang out again, its coldness like poison seeping from his throat, “So I can see all your hugs, kisses, flirting, and even when you go to bed together. Every intimate moment is like a sharp blade stabbing my heart. It hurts so much. I’m going to give all this pain back to you.”
Lin Ting clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white, closed her eyes, and her chest heaved twice as she forced herself to overcome her fear. Then she turned her head and looked sharply at Qin Fei.
"What you're doing is illegal spying, it's against the law."
Qin Fei, however, remained completely unfazed; her shout was less impactful than a dog's bark. "You think I'm afraid?"
Lin understood what she meant. "What makes you think you can fight back?" "When did you start secretly filming?"
Qin Fei thought for a moment, "Why don't you rephrase your question? When did I buy it?" She squinted and curled her lips, "I bought this house and all this equipment the moment Chen Zhiyi moved in across the street."
“At first, he was very poor and didn’t live here. I rented an apartment for him in the name of the company. At that time, I could often go to his place to check on him. Later, he became famous and had money, so he immediately bought the place we live now. Having his own home meant having his own private territory, and he became wary. I couldn’t just go in whenever I wanted. So I bought this place right away. Don’t worry, I only come to see him when I miss him terribly. I don’t watch him every day. But since you came, I’ve come here more often. This camera is also newly bought. It’s specially used to capture your loving moments.”
Qin Fei seemed to change her expression constantly. Just a moment ago she was gloomy and deep, but now she raised her eyebrows and spoke with great enthusiasm and arrogance, as if doing so was perfectly natural.
"So you started taking revenge after you found out about my existence?" Lin Ting asked.
Qin Fei crossed her arms: "No, at first I thought Chen Zhiyi's feelings for you were just a fleeting romance, a regret for his lost love from his youth, an obsession with redemption. But as long as our contract is still valid, and I can still support his career, he'll eventually realize who he truly needs. But the casting of Director An Li made me feel threatened. Actually, it wouldn't have mattered if he insisted on filming Director An Li's new movie. I just wanted to give him a try. But he chose to film 'Eternal Love' instead of Director An Li's new movie. All he did was show that he was determined to leave me. So I can't underestimate you, and I can't remain indifferent."
“From that moment on, I hired a private investigator to follow you. I’ve never seen Chen Zhiyi dote on any girl like that before. He took you to a New Year’s Eve concert and confessed his love to you on stage. Listen to that line, ‘The whole world is wishing you a Happy New Year, including me.’ Others may not know, but I know it was meant for you. He even agreed to participate in a variety show he didn’t like to fulfill your childhood wish and had you accompany him to an awards ceremony as his assistant. That night, I sat next to him and repeatedly reminded him to watch his eyes, but he completely ignored whether the camera was on him and kept looking at you. He frantically filmed to make time to go back to your hometown for the New Year, and he took time off work to travel to Europe with you. When you were sick, he cooked red bean porridge for you and learned to make glutinous rice cakes. He even proposed to you with a wedding ceremony. Do you know how jealous I was when I received the photos of you exchanging rings from the investigator? The more jealous I was, the more I hated him.”
As she spoke, Lin Ting saw disappointment on her proud and beautiful face, her eyes filled with a deep, unfathomable sorrow, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Lin Ting then truly realized that Qin Fei loved Chen Zhiyi, but her way of loving him was unacceptable. She wanted to possess him madly, to possess him to the bone, to possess him completely.
But in reality, the outward expression of love is possession, while the inner essence is mutual tolerance between two independent individuals.
Suddenly, her expression lit up. "By the way, you'd better thank me properly for getting on 'The Road to the Sky Bridge.' I specially treated my old classmate, my college suitor, and the show's director, Wang Tong, to a good meal for you. That's why he accepted your resume and even gave you a perfunctory interview. You know, the other contestants went through so many rounds of screening before they even got to the camera. You're telling me you're going to publish this private secret online, and if I pay a few big influencers to amplify it in a more subtle way, do you think it'll cause a huge uproar? Your stories are getting more and more interesting."
Like a sudden blow to the head, Lin Ting felt her scalp tingle and her face turn deathly pale. She hated this kind of underhanded operation the most; it was an insult to her dignity. A strong sense of humiliation surged into her heart, and her heart ached violently.
Why did you do that?
"Why? Because I know all too well how to destroy a person. First, I elevate her to a high position, making everyone know her. Then, in front of everyone, I peel away her dignity layer by layer, causing her to lose everything. Someone as self-righteous as you is most vulnerable to this kind of torture."
"Since we've come this far, I'll be frank. The first time your relationship was exposed, it was my doing. At the time, I thought that if you just admitted to being in a relationship, at most you'd be trending on social media for a few days and get criticized, but once the hype died down, it would be over. But I didn't expect that I had really figured out your intentions. You're self-important and always want to climb the ladder through your own abilities. You value self-worth and don't want to be someone else's appendage, so you didn't want to announce your relationship. That's why I was able to carry out my plan. Sun Ziyan's pregnancy announcement and the whistleblower's detention for spreading rumors were all arranged in advance by me."
"You're retaliating against us, but why drag others down with you? Sun Ziyan has lost her career, her love life, and her child," Lin Ting questioned.
"Was it my fault she lost her baby? I can only say she wasn't destined for wealth. She insisted on squeezing into a social class that wasn't hers, and she deserved it!" But I'm also grateful to her; her livestream pushed my plans one step further.
With just a few words, he shirked all responsibility. Sun Ziyan may have made mistakes, but there was no one who fueled the flames, so how did things come to this?
That's terrifying.
In Qin Fei's eyes, Lin Ting saw the pleasure of toying with other people's lives and deaths.
"Then why did you ruin Chen Zhiyi's career as well?"
Qin Fei grinned, laughing at her ignorance. "With Chen Zhiyi's family background and the power of his family behind him, wouldn't it be easy for him to make a comeback? So in the end, the only one he'll retaliate against is you."
Lin Ting stammered, "You know about his family's power? And you still dare to do it?"
"Why wouldn't I dare? I investigated him thoroughly from the beginning. When I learned about his true family background, I was quite surprised. How could someone from a powerful family be so down on his luck? He could have easily landed a leading role based on his family's influence, instead of having to settle for being an extra and starting as a background actor. Later, I learned that he almost severed ties with his family to pursue this path, which is something I admire—he's resolute and has guts. However, if it weren't for his parents' help, using his grandfather's stroke as an excuse to transfer him away, I wouldn't be able to talk to you for so long right now. Do you think everything will change if he returns to his family?"
Lin Ting lowered her eyes and did not answer the question. Not being able to contact Chen Zhiyi for two days was already the answer.
Qin Fei added fuel to the fire, "Do you really think anyone would sever blood ties again and again for love? Wouldn't they care about the honor and prosperity of their family? When you're young, you can do whatever you want for what you like, but when you get older, can you still be so indifferent to your aging family? Do you really expect their parents to come forward and have a deeper conversation with you?"
Lin Ting closed her eyes in pain, but she couldn't hold back her tears, which quickly welled up with redness.
She could accept and overcome any doubts, ridicule, or obstacles that came her way in her relationship with Chen Zhiyi. However, when faced with Ning Tiansheng and Chen Lan, her persistence and confidence would crumble.
God is cruel. He gave her a second chance, but still couldn't help her keep her love. When she decided to get back together, Lin Ting prayed to God that it would be a little longer so that they could have a good beginning and a good end.
Looking back on the past six months, everything is sweet. I even wore a wedding dress and a ring.
Thinking about it this way, it seems that fate is still on her side.
That's enough.
Lin Ting chuckled softly to herself, "You win."
Then he turned and left.
Watching Lin Ting's departing figure, Qin Fei didn't get the triumphant feeling she had imagined. What's the point of winning or losing? Falling in love with someone who will never love you back is always a losing proposition.
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