119: Died without illness

Shen Lian's punch that day effectively shattered the last shred of civility between them; since that was the case, Sun Binghe saw no need to be polite.

To his surprise, Su Niansheng and his brother were as quiet as mice.

Director Liu Zong approached as if nothing had happened, saying with a smile, "You're quite punctual. Actually, a day or two late wouldn't have mattered. Is everything taken care of?"

"Yes," Shen Lian replied. "Thank you for this time, Director Liu."

Director Liu Zong waved his hand.

In truth, Shen Lian's outburst that day had given Director Liu Zong quite a scare. Su Niansheng was not to be trifled with, but neither was Shen Lian. The person from Hengtai who could single-handedly decide on investments had personally come to the set to look after him; Director Liu Zong didn't dare think too deeply about his background. Seeing the speed at which the trending searches were suppressed, Director Liu Zong couldn't help but privately advise Su Niansheng: "Since you're in the wrong, let's leave it at that. Shen Lian actually has a pretty good temper."

Su Niansheng was angry, but he was indeed in the wrong.

At its root, this matter was due to Jiang Nong's willful behavior.

In Director Liu Zong's words: "Think about your sasaeng fans. Whether you want them to or not, they follow you right in your face, expressing their love in all sorts of ways. Aren't you annoyed? You can't lose your sense of right and wrong just because Jiang Nong is your brother."

That night, Jiang Nong had tremblingly helped Su Niansheng up, and amidst a suffocating atmosphere, he had said "I'm sorry"—it wasn't clear to whom.

After all, the punch Su Niansheng took was on his behalf.

When they met again two days later, Shen Lian didn't give either of them a friendly look. Their usual small talk was skipped, and they only interacted during filming.

For an explosion scene, Sun Binghe led his team to check the props over a dozen times.

Shen Lian listened intently to the Action Director. Instead of detonating the props first, they went through the movements for two or three hours until everything was perfectly synchronized, aiming for a single successful take.

As soon as "start" was called, Shen Lian and Su Niansheng moved simultaneously.

The protagonists ran side-by-side across the rooftops at high speed. Director Liu Zong's expression was solemn as he felt the rhythm was good. This was followed by a fight scene moving from top to bottom; Su Niansheng's professional quality was beyond reproach, with fluent lines and natural acting.

While crossing paths with Shen Lian and vaulting onto the second floor by bracing against the railing, Su Niansheng lost his footing and slipped.

He cursed inwardly; a fall was nothing, but these few minutes of highlight footage might be wasted.

To his surprise, a split second later, his back pressed against another solid one. "Green Mountain" braced his knees to act as a cushion, catching him just like that before turning his head with a raised eyebrow and a light chuckle: "Captain, steady yourself."

This was entirely improvised.

True to his title as the best actor, Su Niansheng understood instantly. He grabbed the railing to regain his balance and smiled back at "Green Mountain," saying, "Thanks."

The two continued their pursuit, subsequently squeezing into a warehouse. An explosion rang out, and Director Liu Zong didn't call "cut" once throughout the process.

Even though it was a prop, the sound was deafening. Shen Lian's ears rang for a few seconds, and he was covered from head to toe in foam-colored stones.

"Cut, cut, cut!" Director Liu Zong stood up, giving a big thumbs up. "Good, good, good! I'm very satisfied with this segment."

Sun Binghe immediately stepped forward.

With his assistant's help, Su Niansheng also steadied himself. He looked at Shen Lian, feeling regret alongside his admiration; as for that punch, he had long since moved past it.

If not for these messy affairs, he truly admired Shen Lian's acting. The two might have even become friends and shared insights in their spare time.

Su Niansheng had been quite worn down by so-called "traffic stars" over the past two years; despite his high price, there were times he had to play second fiddle to them. Thus, he knew very well just how strong Shen Lian's acting skills were.

Shen Lian ignored Su Niansheng and said to Sun Binghe, "I'm fine."

As they walked toward the rest area, Jiang Nong, who was nearby, immediately turned away, his retreating figure looking hurried and pathetic.

Sun Binghe sneered. Had he finally learned to behave?

Indeed, Jiang Nong had always thought Shen Lian was good-looking and good-tempered. He never imagined Shen Lian would look like that after turning hostile—not hideous, but terrifying. If not for Su Niansheng that night, he wouldn't have been able to escape.

He needed someone who would be absolutely tolerant of him, but Shen Lian showed through his actions: "Mess with me and you're dead, brother."

Jiang Nong didn't dare anymore.

On the final day of filming "The Dawn," Qudu welcomed its first light snowfall.

At 3:00 PM, the entire cast and crew stood together and finished taking photos.

Shen Lian likely wouldn't attend the wrap party this time. He had politely informed Director Liu Zong, who understood and said it was up to him.

"Wait for me in the car; I'll go get the luggage," Su Niansheng instructed Jiang Nong. Just as he was about to close the car door, a maybach drove past them.

On the other side, Shen Lian walked down the steps with a smile.

The light snow had spread a layer of white on the ground; stepping on it left clear, dark grey footprints.

Due to the parking angle, Su Niansheng and the others couldn't see the face of the person inside when the car door opened. However, Shen Lian's face was brimming with smiles and clear affection. Then, a hand wearing an expensive watch reached out, showing half a smooth suit sleeve; from the wrist to the fingers, it was beautiful and powerful. The person handed out a bouquet of light pink roses.

They could faintly hear the person say, "Congratulations on wrapping up."

The voice was deep and filled with a smile, causing one's eardrums to tingle slightly.

Sun Binghe stood to the side and spoke respectfully, "It's all finished, Boss."

"Good."

Shen Lian took the flowers and was pulled into the car by that hand. Sun Binghe got into the passenger seat, and the car turned, disappearing through another exit.

Jiang Nong watched blankly, his chest tight, filled with awkwardness and shame.

After a moment, he looked up at the leaden grey sky. A crush that was already destined to fade away had been completely ruined by him.

"He's even more tender in person than in photos," Chu Yilan suddenly said.

It took Shen Lian a moment to realize he was talking about Jiang Nong. "You saw him?"

"Mhm. Wasn't he sitting in that silver nanny van? It was on the way."

Sun Binghe usually didn't butt in, but he couldn't help himself upon hearing this. "His character is as soft as his brain, like a newly sprouted melon—one touch and it's all water."

Chu Yilan had long since given up on his special assistant's sharp tongue.

"When Yang Bin returns, should I take over his work and let him rest for a few days?" Sun Binghe added.

Chu Yilan: "You've already arranged it; the two of you can work it out between yourselves."

Sun Binghe replied, "Alright, Boss."

Although Sun Binghe often showed off to Yang Bin, he would always be the first to lend a hand when his buddy was in trouble.

Speaking of which, Yang Bin had really suffered while accompanying Xu Jingge to handle business. Endless banquets and infinite documents were bearable, but the problem was that once Xu Jingge had free time, he was like a pager—insisting on telling his love story with Chang Qing whether Yang Bin wanted to hear it or not.

Yang Bin really wanted to clutch his head every day.

Back at home, Chu Zhumi's welcoming movements were as bizarre as ever. Shen Lian first took out his phone to take a commemorative photo, then scooped up his son. "That orange cat didn't bully you again, did it?"

Chu Zhumi only meowed.

Shen Lian had been quite tired from filming lately and had decided to sleep soundly for a few days before going with Chu Yilan to Ning Sixian's place for a follow-up checkup.

Shen Lian's was a chronic issue, whereas the scar on Chu Yilan's face seemed to be nourished by love; it was getting lighter and lighter, to the point where the "third laser treatment" Ning Sixian mentioned could be skipped. Shen Lian was delighted to see it.

Shen Lian couldn't help but lean down and give him a kiss.

Chu Yilan didn't stop changing his shoes, letting him take advantage.