TL: Moonlit
At that moment, Huang Yuxin had many thoughts. She wondered if her husband had caused trouble for Zi Yi, and even had an absurd thought that her husband might be trying to secretly manipulate Zi Yi and had earned Zi Yi’s resentment.
But upon further consideration, she realized that her husband’s character was trustworthy. Throughout the years in the industry, he had never been involved in any messy affairs. She shouldn’t think that way.
Unable to figure out the reason, she asked in a low voice, “What’s going on?”
A hint of unease appeared on the director’s face.
Shen Ye stared at him and asked, “It’s not a big deal, why aren’t you telling us?”
“I…” The director sighed, guiltily glanced at his wife, and said, “I just feel sorry for Yuxin. It seems that the matter with Zi Yi is my fault.”
Judging from his tone, it didn’t seem like he had any close relationship with Ziyan. Huang Yuxin felt relieved and said, “It’s alright, just tell us.”
So the director began to explain.
The situation was indeed quite simple. Recently, when Zi Yi joined the crew, she went to knock on the leading actor’s door at night and was caught by the director. The director was used to such things and didn’t pay much attention as long as it didn’t affect the filming. However, the leading actor simply closed the door on her. Zi Yi got angry and turned to look at the director. Maybe she felt humiliated or feared that the director would spread the news, so she turned around and tried to seduce the director. The director didn’t dare to respond and was scared off.
Having been rejected twice in a row, it was easy to understand that Zi Yi held a grudge.
Huang Yuxin speculated that Zi Yi couldn’t understand why the director didn’t accept her seduction, so she took her anger out on the director’s wife.
After hearing the explanation, Huang Yuxin couldn’t help but think that Zi Yi was just a mad woman!
She also felt sorry for her husband. He was simply passing by but got involved in this mess. And she herself was even more unfortunate since Zi Yi’s ultimate revenge was aimed at her.
Shen Ye glanced at the director again and said, “From your physiognomy, it seems like you have some involvement with Zi Yi. Are you not hiding anything else?”
The director quickly replied, “Really, there’s only this matter.”
Shen Ye lowered his gaze, pondered for a moment, and suddenly asked, “Did Zi Yi and Deng Lingkun come out of the same room one day? Did you happen to see it too?”
The director paused, thought for a while, and clapped his hands, saying, “Yes! But it was during the daytime. I thought they were discussing the script, so I didn’t think much about it!”
“…” Shen Ye confirmed that this director was simply unlucky.
That day, Zi Yi and Deng Lingkun were indeed arguing. Deng Lingkun had previously revealed information about treasures in Mr. Wang’s house, and he thought Zi Yi might harm Mr. Wang’s family. However, Zi Yi spared Mr. Wang’s life. Annoyed by Mr. Wang’s continued entanglement, Deng Lingkun was dissatisfied and went to confront Ziyan.
Zi Yi, of course, was fearless of someone like Deng Lingkun. She easily dismissed him with a few words.
But Deng Lingkun was cunning. He vaguely knew that Zi Yi had someone’s life in her hands, so he used this to threaten her.
They had a dispute, and the director happened to pass by. Zi Yi thought the director had heard them and wanted to teach him a lesson.
The director had a good relationship with his wife, and recently Huang Yuxin had been sleepwalking and running around at night, so the director couldn’t relax. He had to follow his wife at night, and he was also concerned about her during the busy day. Moreover, the director was getting older, and if he didn’t get enough rest continuously, his health would definitely suffer, and he might even collapse one day.
After listening to Shen Ye’s account, the director and his wife were relieved and didn’t speak for a while.
“I think I should find a place to worship,” the director said with a bitter smile.
Shen Ye handed him two talismans and said, “Carry them with you, and the bad luck will gradually dissipate.”
The director gratefully accepted them, handing one talisman to his wife and placing the other one solemnly in his own pocket.
From that moment on, the director’s troubles were completely resolved.
Shen Ye and Ye Ze walked out of the bedroom.
Huang Yuxin greatly admired Shen Ye and insisted on keeping him for lunch.
Shen Ye smiled and said, “No, we have other matters to attend to.”
In reality, he wanted to take Ye Ze back and enjoy some duck necks.
Ye Ze could now quickly and accurately sense his thoughts and lightly patted his head, finding it amusing.
Shen Ye made a silly face at him.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Ye Ze’s lips.
Before leaving, Shen Ye suddenly remembered something and said to the director, “Keep an eye on the leading actor. If he encounters any trouble, have him come to me.”
The leading actor had also rejected Zi Yi, and considering Zi Yi’s vengeful personality, she might have done something to him as well.
The director immediately agreed and prayed in his heart that the leading actor wouldn’t run into any problems.
The situation in the crew hadn’t been good recently. First, Ning Shihua had an accident and ended up in the hospital, then Zi Yi died unexpectedly, and later, Deng Lingkun also had an accident and was currently in the hospital. If the leading actor encountered any trouble, the crew would likely disband.
Seeing his worried expression, Shen Ye smiled and said, “Don’t worry, the crew will be safe and sound from now on.”
With Master Shen’s assurance, it was more effective than any reassuring pill, and the director let out a long sigh of relief.
“Thank you!” The director was grateful to the point of nearly crying and quickly transferred tens of thousands of yuan as a reward to Shen Ye.
Shen Ye didn’t refuse and said, “If there are any issues in the future, you can contact me.”
The possibility of anything happening was small, but Shen Ye wanted to provide the director with some assurance.
The director was genuinely happy and agreed repeatedly.
Afterward, Shen Ye and Ye Ze left the director’s house.
When they got into the car, Shen Ye excitedly burrowed into Ye Ze’s embrace. “You can feel the source of Yin energy!”
Ye Ze lightly wrapped his arms around Shen Ye’s waist and nodded. “Hmm.”
Shen Ye grinned and said, “It seems my guess was correct. You might have already entered the Dao a long time ago.”
The incense burner was indeed useful. The continuous influx of spiritual energy awakened the sealed things within Ye Ze’s body.
Ye Ze’s fingers slowly brushed through Shen Ye’s hair without making a sound.
Shen Ye leaned over and kissed the ring on the man’s hand, teasingly saying, “Maybe we’ll have even bigger surprises when we cultivate together.”
Upon hearing this, Ye Ze also felt a little anticipation.
Shen Ye was in a very good mood and took out his phone to call Mr. Wang. “Did you wake up on time today?”
In his opinion, the incense burner was obtained from the Wang family, and since it was beneficial to Ye Ze, he should also pay more attention to Mr. Wang as a way of repayment.
Just as the call connected, Ye Ze tightly held onto Shen Ye’s wrist.
Confused, Shen Ye looked at the man while holding his phone.
The man’s gaze was deep and focused as he stared at him.
Shen Ye: “?”
Coincidentally, Mr. Wang was speaking on the other end of the line. “Master, I woke up on time today and ran two kilometers. I had the butler record it, and I’ll send it to you later.”
This disciple of his was quite obedient.
Shen Ye was very satisfied and said, “Okay, I hope you can keep it up.”
It was only the first day today, so it would be impressive if he could stick with it.
But just as Shen Ye finished speaking, Ye Ze suddenly tightened his grip on Shen Ye’s wrist, and his other hand held onto his waist.
Shen Ye looked at the man in confusion, silently asking what was happening.
Instead of answering, the man lowered his head and bit his lips.
Shen Ye: “…”
So Shen Ye couldn’t hear what Mr. Wang said on the other end because he immediately hung up the phone and wholeheartedly welcomed the man’s kiss.
Afterward, Shen Ye and the man locked eyes for a few seconds before Shen Ye grinned and said, “Uncle, are you jealous?”
Ye Ze gave a light cough but remained silent.
However, the slight redness at the tips of his ears gave away his unease.
Shen Ye hugged the man’s neck tightly and said, “So adorable.”
Ye Ze’s adorable jealousy ranked first in his heart!
In response, the man’s face drew closer once again.
Later, Shen Ye’s lips were swollen, and he quickly comforted the man, saying, “I was just thinking about how useful the incense burner from the Wang family is, so I should care more about Mr. Wang as a way of repaying him.”
Of course, Ye Ze knew his thoughts, but jealousy was not something he could control.
Shen Ye chuckled.
He loved it when the man got jealous because that meant he would passionately kiss him. The sight of the man losing control made Shen Ye extremely excited.
After returning home, following the recipe provided by Mother Wang, Ye Ze made Five-Spice Duck Necks for Shen Ye. He even added extra chili to cater to Shen Ye’s taste.
Shen Ye enjoyed the meal and praised, “It’s delicious!”
Ye Ze leaned against the chair next to him and quietly watched Shen Ye’s lips turn red from the spiciness, saying nothing.
Shen Ye raised a piece of duck neck and asked, “Do you want to try it?”
Ye Ze shook his head.
“It’s really delicious. Your cooking skills are amazing!” Shen Ye strongly recommended it.
Ye Ze continued to gaze at Shen Ye’s rosy lips, then suddenly lowered his head.
Shen Ye was kissed again, and he was still holding a piece of duck neck in his hand, completely bewildered.
But soon, he snapped out of it and passionately responded to the man.
“Yeah, it’s delicious.” Afterward, Ye Ze reached out his hand and gently touched the corner of Shen Ye’s reddened lips.
Shen Ye stared at the man’s slender and jade-like fingers and inexplicably blushed.
Ye Ze’s lips curved up slightly, and he poured a glass of freshly squeezed watermelon juice, placing it in front of Shen Ye.
The watermelon juice wasn’t chilled; it went perfectly with the duck neck.
Shen Ye blinked his eyes and suddenly put down the duck’s neck, saying, “I don’t want to eat anymore.”
“Hmm?” Ye Ze asked softly, “What’s wrong?”
“I want to eat you.” Shen Ye stood up, pulled the man along, and headed outside.
Ye Ze lowered his gaze and looked at their intertwined hands, smiling softly.
As they walked out of the kitchen, they coincidentally ran into Shen Shimu.
“Why are you coming out?” Shen Shimu asked curiously.
The eldest brother and sister-in-law often indulged in the kitchen, so the others deliberately avoided it. Even the kitchen maid would find an excuse to stay away.
If it weren’t for wanting to drink watermelon juice, Shen Shimu wouldn’t have come in either.
Shen Ye glanced at him and said, “Uncle made braised duck necks for me. No one is allowed to touch them.”
After speaking, he pulled Ye Ze and left.
Shen Shimu: “…”
He entered the kitchen and saw a large plate of duck necks placed on the table, untouched. Everyone knew how much Shen Ye valued the dishes made by Ye Ze, and today Shen Ye didn’t even finish eating the duck necks before running off. It was truly baffling.
Could it be… that the duck necks were too bad?
But the duck necks looked delicious, with both great appearance and aroma. They didn’t seem like a disastrous dish.
Shen Shimu stood in front of the table, staring at the plate of duck necks, engaged in an intense internal struggle.
Should he try a piece?
If he did, would Shen Ye beat him up?
“Do you want to try?” Zong Yiming’s voice came from behind him.
Shen Shimu turned around and asked, “How did you come in?”
Zong Yiming didn’t answer, just repeated the question, “Do you want to try?”
Shen Shimu had spent too long in the kitchen, and Zong Yiming was worried. When he came in and saw Shen Shimu staring at the duck necks while drooling, he became concerned.
“It smells amazing.” Shen Shimu’s gaze returned to the duck necks as he swallowed his saliva.
Zong Yiming silently watched him for two seconds, picked up the recipe on the table, and looked at it. The steps in the recipe were clear and not too complicated. After reading it, he put the recipe back on the table and turned to look at the ingredients still on the countertop. There were enough ingredients to make another plate of Five-Spice Duck Necks.
“Got it.” Zong Yiming rolled up his sleeves, walked to the cupboard, and began preparing the seasoning according to the steps in the recipe.
“… ” Shen Shimu stared at his figure absentmindedly, unable to say anything for a long time.
When Zong Yiming finished braising the duck necks, Shen Shimu suddenly walked over and hugged him from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist.
“Thank you,” Shen Shimu murmured in a low voice.
Zong Yiming held his hand that was placed on his waist, turned around, and embraced him, leaning down to kiss him.
Two days later, the first final exam at school began.
Shen Ye was full of confidence, but Ye Ze accompanied him like a parent sending their child off to the college entrance examination. He especially picked him up and dropped him off.
“You just don’t trust me enough,” Shen Ye protested.
At this moment, their car was parked at the school gate, with only ten minutes left until the exam.
Ye Ze touched his face. “I’ll be waiting here for you after the exam.”
Shen Ye glanced at him, still dissatisfied.
Ye Ze kissed him. “I was just too nervous. You should understand the mentality of being a parent.”
The term “parent” seemed quite pleasant to hear, and Shen Ye smiled back at him and returned the kiss. “I forgive you.”
Ye Ze chuckled and handed him a thermos cup. “Go on.”
Shen Ye nodded and opened the door, getting out of the car while waving at Ye Ze.
Cai Zhiwei happened to arrive just then and glanced at Ye Ze’s car. Curiously, he asked, “It’s just a final exam, and your fiancé specifically came to pick you up?”
“Yes,” Shen Ye said with a cheerful smile, “We have a good relationship.”
Cai Zhiwei: “…”
He had lost. Shen Ye’s habit of flaunting their relationship was still going strong, even though he was Shen Ye’s fanboy. He had to admit that Shen Ye was extremely annoying when it came to displaying their affection!
Shen Ye found the exam particularly easy and even finished early.
Ye Ze had promised to take him out for hotpot today, and he couldn’t wait to meet him at the school gate.
However, just as he walked out of the teaching building, Lin Zhi caught up with him.
Lin Zhi had taken leave to take care of her parents at home recently and had only returned to school to take the exams.
“This is a specialty from our hometown. I hope you and Mr. Ye will like it,” Lin Zhi said, holding a large paper bag and handing it to Shen Ye.
Her father was still recuperating at home but had not been dismissed from his job, thanks to Shen Ye and Ye Ze.
Shen Ye glanced at the bag and didn’t refuse. “If we need anything, we’ll reach out to you anytime,” he said.
Lin Zhi smiled and nodded, but in her heart, she thought that Shen Ye had already done a great favor for her by helping with her family’s affairs. She wouldn’t trouble Shen Ye over trivial matters.
After bidding farewell, Shen Ye carried the paper bag and walked to the school gate.
Once inside the car, he handed the bag to Ye Ze. “Open it and take a look. It’s a gift from Lin Zhi, and half of it is for you.”
Ye Ze took out the contents of the bag, and to his surprise, there were several boxes of tea with a small note. After silently reading it, he handed it to Shen Ye.
Shen Ye glanced at it and smiled. “Grandpa likes tea, so this works perfectly.
Ye Ze nodded.
The tea was picked by Lin Zhi herself from her home. It was said to be a fresh tea picked around the time of Grain Rain. The tea trees grew on the mountaintop in Lishan Village, with abundant spiritual energy. It should be beneficial for Grandpa Ye’s health.
Shen Ye sighed, “It’s interesting to help others.”
When encountering grateful people, it feels worthwhile. As for those who repay kindness with enmity, Shen Ye naturally has no fear and can easily crush them under his feet.
Ye Ze held his hand and said, “Yes, let’s do more good deeds in the future.”
In fact, the Ye family has always been engaged in charity work, donating money countless times each year. However, Ye Ze only considered it as fulfilling his social responsibility and didn’t keep it in his heart. But since being with the child, he has seen the kindness and integrity of children, and he truly understands the meaning behind it.
The two of them were planning to go to a famous hotpot restaurant in the city center. It would take about an hour to drive there, just in time for lunch.
Today, there were no other people acting as third wheels, only the two of them, making it a sort of date. Shen Ye was particularly happy and had already reserved a table.
However, halfway through, he suddenly received a call from Mr. Shi.
Mr. Shi sounded anxious on the phone, saying, “Master Shen, Ning Shihua’s skin is all ulcerated… I don’t know if it’s tetanus. The doctor said it might be due to the rust on the nail or some poison applied to it… Do you have time to come to the hospital and take a look?”
Shen Ye frowned.
When he last saw Ning Shi Hua, he didn’t notice any poison on the nail, nor did he see her skin ulcerated. Moreover, he gave her a talisman paper, so she should have recovered quickly!
“I’m coming right away.” After hanging up the phone, he explained the situation to Ye Ze.
Without mentioning Shen Ye’s relationship with Mr. Shi, even if it were a stranger in danger, Shen Ye would still help. Therefore, Ye Ze wasn’t surprised at all and directly told the driver to turn around and go to the hospital.
Shen Ye hugged the man’s waist and said, “I’m sorry, it was supposed to be our time for a date.”
He had been looking forward to it for a long time!
Ye Ze pinched his ear and said, “It’s okay.”
As long as they were together, it didn’t matter what they did.
The two of them hurried to the hospital, where Mr. Shi and Ning Shihua’s agent were waiting at the entrance. When they saw Shen Ye arrive, they breathed a sigh of relief.
In their eyes, as long as Master Shen was present, the situation would definitely be easily resolved.
Shen Ye and Ye Ze held hands as they walked to the VIP ward on the rooftop.
Ning Shihua had her head buried under the blanket.
The agent called out to her, saying, “Master Shen is here.”
Only then did Ning Shihua uncover the blanket.
Shen Ye had thought that her face would also be damaged, but her face was intact. In fact, due to her hospitalization and recuperation, her complexion was even better than when she was filming.
He stared at Ning Shihua for a few seconds and said, “Show me your injuries.”
Without hesitation, Ning Shihua extended her arm.
The skin on that arm was corroded as if by sulfuric acid, all ulcerated and emitting a foul odor. It was particularly horrifying.
“Master Shen, please help me,” Ning Shihua cried, deeply saddened and unable to look at herself.
She was an actress, and with her body in such a state, how could she continue acting and face her fans and audience?
Shen Ye furrowed his brow and asked, “When did it start?”
“It should have been last night. I felt itchy all over my body and scratched myself with my nails. At that time, I was half-asleep and didn’t pay much attention. When I woke up this morning and looked, my whole body was scratched and ulcerated…” Ning Shihua withdrew her arm, not wanting to further contaminate everyone’s sight.
The agent added, “The doctor just delivered the test results. It’s not due to food poisoning or rust on the nail…”
The doctor’s exact words were that they couldn’t find the cause for the time being.
Shen Ye said, “Of course, the doctor couldn’t find the cause because she was targeted by a curse. Someone wants to harm her.”
Once these words were spoken, both the agent and Ning Shihua were shocked.
Mr. Shi was particularly persistent in his questioning, “Is it Zi Yi? But isn’t she dead?”
He had witnessed Shen Ye extracting Zi Yi’s soul and causing her to perish.
“It’s not her.” Shen Ye glanced at Ning Shihua and asked her, “How strong is your mental resilience?”
Ning Shihua was taken aback and didn’t understand his meaning.
On the other hand, Mr. Shi understood. After all, he had experienced the incidents with Mr. Wang and Deng Lingkun. Mr. Wang had poor mental resilience and would cry and wet himself…
It seemed that this matter was related to Ning Shihua herself.
Mr. Shi thought for a moment and said, “Regardless, we need to resolve this matter. If it’s related to Ning Shihua, then she must be informed.”
Only then did Ning Shihua comprehend the situation. She stopped crying and looked at Shen Ye, saying, “Please tell me, I’m fine.”
After years of struggling in the industry, if she didn’t have strong mental resilience, how could she have survived the era of being suppressed by her peers and harassed by anti-fans?
Shen Ye didn’t waste any more words and said, “Have your parents been taking care of you recently?”
Upon hearing this, Ning Shihua’s face instantly turned pale.
Mr. Shi and the agent were also bewildered.
Shen Ye’s meaning was too obvious. Could it be that the ones harming Ning Shihua were her own parents?
“Well…” Mr. Shi hesitated and said, “Can you explain the situation more specifically?”
He didn’t doubt Shen Ye’s abilities at all, but he found it hard to believe.
Shen Ye said, “Call her parents and confront them face to face.”
To be honest, when he came to the hospital last time, he didn’t expect Ning Shihua to encounter such a calamity.
Ning Shihua opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but she found herself unable to utter a word.
Her parents had always been good to her, so how could they harm her?
But Shen Ye had never been wrong…
In the end, Ning Shihua called her parents to come.
While waiting for Ning Shihua’s father and mother to arrive, Shen Ye didn’t offer any explanations. He simply said, “You’ll understand soon.”
Ning Shihua anxiously waited, unable to accept the idea of being harmed by her own parents, more so than her body being covered in ulcers.
Ning Shihua’s father and mother were staying at a hotel nearby for the convenience of taking care of Ning Shihua. Ning Shihua’s mother had woken up early to prepare soup and was about to bring it over. When they received Ning Shihua’s call, they were already prepared to leave. So, within ten minutes, the two of them arrived at the ward.
Ning Shihua came from a small town, and her parents were both teachers, giving off a very down-to-earth impression.
Shen Ye carefully observed their faces and finally understood what was going on. He couldn’t help but show an expression of speechlessness.
The others also looked at Ning Shihua’s father and mother.
Ning Shihua’s mother was very uneasy and asked, “Wha… what’s wrong?”
She recalled that when they left home, she specifically checked herself in the mirror, but she didn’t notice anything amiss.
No one answered her.
At this moment, everyone’s gaze turned to Ye Ze, waiting for him to speak.
Mr. Shi asked in a low voice, “Master Shen, what do you think…”
“Oh, it was them who harmed Ning Shihua,” Shen Ye said straightforwardly.
Ning Shihua stared at her parents in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Father Ning and Mother Ning were initially taken aback, but later, they seemed to have realized something, and their faces became unnatural, indicating that something was amiss.
“…” Ning Shihua covered her face and began crying again.
Her agent patted her shoulder and said, “Don’t cry. Let’s hear what Master Shen has to say.”
Ning Shihua wiped away her tears and looked at Shen Ye again.
Shen Ye asked her, “Did your parents recently have a conversation with you, asking you to leave the entertainment industry and get married?”
Ning Shihua nodded.
After learning about her suspension due to the wire accident, her parents talked to her, saying that being an actress was too difficult and they hoped she would quit the industry and get married to have children.
Ning Shihua didn’t think much of it.
Since she turned twenty-eight, her parents had been urging her to get married, even when she won international awards or earned countless money. They always believed that being a wife and mother was the ultimate destiny for a woman and wanted her to leave the industry and get married.
However, they were just nagging in her ears, and when she refused, her parents wouldn’t force her.
Shen Ye sneered, “They didn’t pressure you before, but now that you’re twenty-eight, they’re getting anxious.”
Author's note The 6,000-word update is complete~ I finished an hour earlier today, aiming for 8 o’clock tomorrow, fist clenched!!!
Good night, my darlings~~
I’ll revise the text another day~~~
