Chapter 6 "No need, let's go."

A warm, damp sensation touched her wrist as Chu Ming was pulled forward.

Though afraid of the dark, her palms sweating, she walked ahead in the role of protector.

Chu Ming looked at Yu Ling, her heart a whirlwind of emotions.

The wrist grasping hers was slender, the bones clearly defined, as if a slight squeeze could break it.

A sharp pang of sorrow twisted inside Chu Ming; she couldn’t help but worry about Yu Ling.

After graduating from university, she had sent out countless resumes without a single reply—only Yu Ling had accepted hers, giving her a chance.

Upon joining, she gradually learned more about Yu Ling’s situation.

Her resources were scarce; some deliberately sabotaged and suppressed her from behind, trying to bury her in the dust.

Yu Ling held everything up alone, supporting her team, often struggling just to make ends meet.

Chu Ming had never seen a celebrity more frugal than her.

It was beyond frugality—it bordered on stinginess.

Her apartment was a single room she had bought years ago: a one-bedroom with a living room and bathroom. Most of her cosmetics were gifts from previous collaborators, used as long as they weren’t expired.

Her everyday clothes and shoes were just a handful of pieces, worn until they frayed, reluctant to buy new ones.

She often woke early, fully geared up, transforming herself to the point even her own mother wouldn’t recognize her, then headed to the morning market to compete with the elderly for vegetables.

...

This was Yu Ling’s normal life during periods of unemployment.

Yet, the salary she paid Chu Ming was by no means meager—indeed, it was higher than that of many popular stars in the industry.

But Chu Ming’s workload directly correlated to Yu Ling’s; when Yu Ling worked more, so did she, and vice versa.

For a long time, they were both effectively jobless, waiting to be chosen in the market.

She had once delicately told Yu Ling she didn’t need to pay her such a high wage, feeling undeserving.

Yu Ling simply replied calmly, “This is what you deserve.”

Helpless, Chu Ming could only dedicate herself even more carefully and attentively to Yu Ling.

She was one of the kindest people in this circle—why couldn’t good people receive good rewards?

Trailing behind Yu Ling, Chu Ming’s eyes grew heavy and stung; tears threatened to spill but she forced them back.

Before entering, they had clearly informed the staff, “Our artist is still inside, please wait a moment and don’t turn off the lights.”

They had promised, yet went back on their word.

It was obvious—it was deliberate.

Such bullying was unbearable.

At that moment, Chu Ming wanted to storm out fiercely to curse them or even fight.

But she couldn’t.

Powerlessness was the most painful feeling of all.

***

“Xiaoming, are you hungry?” Yu Ling suddenly spoke, her voice gentle.

Chu Ming pulled herself from her emotions, forcing a smile and shaking her head as if nothing was wrong. “Sister, I’m not hungry.”

“Oh.”

Turning left and right, Yu Ling finally led Chu Ming out.

Fortunately, her memory was decent, and it was only the lights that had been turned off.

Two men in work uniforms loitered at the door, occasionally peering inside as if preparing to lock the door or waiting for someone.

Yu Ling wasn’t so naive as to think they were waiting for her to come out.

How could Lin Mianmian be so kind?

She cast them a cold glance and left without looking back.

The recording studio was a distance from the underground parking lot, but the streetlights outside were on.

Linhe was a big city, vibrant and bustling at night, with streets lit brightly by countless lamps.

On clear, pleasant days, Linhe buzzed with pedestrians strolling, dog walkers, couples holding hands...

Tonight, however, it felt unusually deserted.

The rain was falling hard; Yu Ling pulled Chu Ming under an eave for shelter.

“Sister, I can walk on my own. It’s raining, let me hold the umbrella for you.”

Chu Ming withdrew her arm, took off her black shoulder bag, and rummaged inside for an umbrella.

A cold wind swept through, and Yu Ling suddenly felt a chill along her back.

Her clothes must have been dampened by cold sweat.

In that long, dark corridor earlier, she had feigned calm.

Chu Ming was young—if she showed panic, Chu Ming would be even more frightened.

So Yu Ling had to grit her teeth and bear the fear within.

The soft drizzle pattered on the ground, wind rustling the leaves overhead.

“What dreadful weather,” Yu Ling thought quietly.

Her feelings about rainy days were complicated.

She hated them, yet loved them.

She loved curling up inside on rainy days, opening a window to listen to the rain and empty her mind.

But if she had to go out, she despised the rain.

On rainy days, bad things seemed to happen, and her mood would sour.

This rule seldom failed.

[Why must it rain! Yu Ling hates rainy days!]

Seeing the comments expressing concern, Yu Ling’s lips curved into a faint smile.

Chu Ming held the umbrella close to Yu Ling. “Sister, let’s go.”

***

Yu Ling was about to step away when a comment caught her eye, freezing her in place.

[Don’t leave, Yu Ling. Chi Ran is right behind you; he’s been waiting for you. Those two men acted on Lin Mianmian’s orders. If it hadn’t been for Chi Ran stopping them, you would have been locked inside.]

Seeing Yu Ling hesitate, Chu Ming asked uncertainly, “Sister, what’s wrong?”

Yu Ling didn’t answer but turned to look behind them.

The street was empty and silent under the falling rain—an instant of muted pantomime.

She saw him.

The man wore a gray trench coat and held a black umbrella. The lower half of his face was sharp and handsome, standing quietly in the rain.

Yu Ling could even see playful raindrops splashing onto his trousers.

“Chi Ran.”

She whispered his name quietly in her heart.

At that moment, she didn’t yet have the courage to approach and greet him.

The timing wasn’t right.

But the man suddenly raised his arm, revealing sharp, profound eyes that met Yu Ling’s gaze.

Caught off guard by their eye contact, her heart fluttered wildly.

Yet she didn’t look away; instead, she quietly returned his gaze.

In the stillness, an indescribable emotion quietly circulated, billions of molecules spinning and falling in the air.

The world faded to blankness; all she could see was the unforgettable face beneath the umbrella.

Until—

“Sister, isn’t that Chi Ran?” Chu Ming poked her arm with uncertainty.

Yu Ling snapped back to reality, glanced hurriedly at Chi Ran, then lowered her lashes.

“Hm, it’s him,” she murmured.

Chu Ming was sensitive; she followed Yu Ling’s gaze, her eyes flicking back and forth between them.

Strangely, she didn’t recall any connection between Yu Ling and Chi Ran.

Yet the atmosphere between them was peculiar.

The rain grew heavier, and Yu Ling was lightly dressed; if the cold wind continued, she might catch a cold.

She asked Yu Ling, “Do you want to go say hello?”

Yu Ling lifted her head, glanced quickly at Chi Ran, then lowered it again, saying,

“No need. Let’s go.”