Chapter 19: Sparks Fly

Jiang Yu was utterly speechless, nearly dropping her phone in exasperation as she scrolled through the comments.

“Responsible?”

She let out a derisive laugh, her face full of mockery. “When has Fu Boyun ever taken responsibility? Late-night training sessions? How ridiculous!”

As she scrolled, her eyes halted on a candid photo. In the image, Fu Boyun was looking down at Cheng Xingyu, his gaze seemingly gentle, while she herself had been reduced to a mere backdrop.

“That guy!”

Furious, Jiang Yu sat up abruptly, nearly driven mad by this so-called “public relations stunt.”

She dialed Lin Zhiwei’s number, her voice tense with barely suppressed anger. “Sister Lin, can you tell me if it was Fu Boyun who arranged for the paparazzi to take those photos?”

On the other end, Lin Zhiwei’s laughter tinkled like wind-chimes.

“Yuer, just bear with it. After all, our President Fu certainly has the means, doesn’t he?”

Jiang Yu snorted coldly. “I really underestimated him. Forget it, I can’t be bothered to argue. Let him play his games however he likes.”

She hung up, flinging her phone aside in frustration and slumped back on the sofa with a deep sigh.

The next morning, Jiang Yu changed into her costume. As she arrived on set, a cold wind sent a shiver through her entire body.

The icy gusts bit through the thin cotton coat she wore, as if she were deliberately testing the limits of endurance. The assistant director came over and patted her on the shoulder.

“Xiao Jiang, are you ready? This scene’s all about an emotional outburst. You’ll be standing behind the male lead, conveying strength through your eyes and movements. Understand?”

Jiang Yu nodded, working hard to settle herself into the right frame of mind.

Snowflakes drifted down, the wind stung sharply. Her legs were numb with cold, cheeks wind-burned and crimson, yet she stood perfectly still, her eyes blazing like living fire.

“Cut!” the director called, and Jiang Yu finally allowed herself to breathe.

The assistant director approached, nodding with satisfaction. “Well done, especially your final expression. Very moving.”

Jiang Yu managed a smile and quickly thanked him, though inwardly she felt utterly miserable.

After shooting in such conditions, her body was nearly frozen stiff, yet no one seemed to care how she felt.

As soon as she stepped off the set, intending to rub some warmth into her numb legs, she caught sight of Cheng Xingyu, swaddled in a thick down jacket and surrounded by staff, making her way onto the set.

Cheng Xingyu’s gaze landed on Jiang Yu, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on her lips. “Sister Jiang, thank you for your hard work. Watching you act just now—your dedication is truly impressive.”

Jiang Yu couldn’t be bothered to respond, replying offhandedly, “You’d do well to spend more time with your script. Don’t waste the resources President Fu’s given you.”

Cheng Xingyu was momentarily taken aback, then smiled ever so slightly. “Thanks for the reminder, Sister Jiang. But President Fu has been very kind to me. He said he’d take care of everything—I just need to focus on acting.”

“Then you’d better not waste time, or you’ll be letting down President Fu’s ‘kindness’.”

Their eyes met, sparks flying.

Cheng Xingyu gave a soft snort and turned away.

After filming wrapped, Jiang Yu changed into her own clothes and was about to leave the set when someone unexpected blocked her path at the door.

“Miss Jiang.”

A deep, magnetic voice called out.

Jiang Yu looked up to see Ye Chenhao leaning casually against his car at the entrance, a meaningful smile playing at his lips. Dressed in a suit, he looked every bit the refined gentleman.

“Mr. Ye?” Jiang Yu frowned slightly, immediately on guard.

She had never had a good impression of this man, always suspecting that his appearances were never without ulterior motives.