nucmednet Chapter 113 The Woman Who Backstabbed Xiao Liu
Chapter 113 The Woman Who Backstabbed Xiao Liu
Chapter 113 The Woman Who Backstabbed Xiao Liu
Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei sat near the railing, with several empty wine glasses on the table.
The night view of Chang'an Avenue unfolds beneath my feet, with traffic flowing like a golden river.
"It's a bit cold." Liu Yifei wrapped her coat tighter and moved closer to Jiang Yu.
"Go in?" Jiang Yu asked.
"Let's sit a little longer, the view is too beautiful." She shook her head, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the night view. "Look, that's the Forbidden City over there. Although we can't see it, we can imagine the red walls and yellow tiles. This is the CBD, all glass curtain walls. Ancient and modern coexist in one city."
Jiang Yu followed her gaze.
Indeed, Beijing is a city that is both contradictory and harmonious; Michelin-starred restaurants are hidden deep in the alleys, and skyscrapers stand next to courtyard houses.
Just like their lives now, on one side is the hustle and bustle under the spotlight, and on the other side is the ordinary and warm daily life.
The phone rang.
Liu Yifei took it out of her bag, glanced at the caller ID, and smiled: "It's Wang Jia."
She answered: "Hello, Jiajia—yes, just got back today—really? You're back in Beijing? Where are you—Workers' Stadium?"
Which karaoke bar?
Jiang Yu listened to her on the phone with a smile on his lips.
This side of Liu Yifei is rare; she's relaxed and casual, like a well-connected college student having a get-together with classmates.
"Okay, let me see—um..." Liu Yifei covered the microphone, turned to Jiang Yu, and blinked. "It's my class reunion at a karaoke bar near the Workers' Stadium. Wang Jia, our class monitor, she took good care of me in college. You—want to come along?"
Her tone was expectant, but not demanding.
Jiang Yu knew that she genuinely wanted to introduce him to her classmates, but was also worried that he might find it boring.
"Sure," Jiang Yu nodded. "It'll be a good opportunity to meet your classmates."
Liu Yifei's eyes lit up, and she said into the phone, "Okay, we'll be there—um, about half an hour. No need to come out to meet us, we can find it ourselves. Okay, see you later."
After hanging up the phone, she excitedly packed her bag: "This is my college classmate, from the 02 acting class. It's been almost three years since we graduated, and we're all filming all over the country, so it's rare for us to get together. Wang Jia was the class monitor, and she used to take special care of me. When I was a freshman, I was immature, and she was always the one who helped me."
"Sounds nice." Jiang Yu called the waiter to settle the bill.
"Yes, she's a teaching assistant at the Beijing Film Academy now. She doesn't film many TV dramas anymore; she says she prefers teaching," Liu Yifei said, then suddenly remembered something, "Oh right, Luo Jing and Zhu Yawen are here too. They're doing quite well now. And Jiang Yan—she's here too."
She hesitated a bit when she said the last name.
Jiang Yu keenly noticed this hesitation: "What? This Jiang Yan—"
"It's nothing." Liu Yifei shook her head, but her eyes flickered. "It's just that—she's quite outgoing and knows everyone. We used to be pretty close in school, but things drifted off after graduation. She's more—how should I put it, more adept at getting along with people."
Jiang Yu understood.
In this circle, being "good at getting things done" can sometimes be a compliment, and sometimes a criticism.
Judging from Liu Yifei's attitude, it's probably the latter.
The two went downstairs and drove to the Workers' Stadium.
At night, the area around the Workers' Stadium is brightly lit, with signs for various bars, KTVs, and nightclubs flashing in the darkness.
Jiang Yu parked his car in front of a KTV that looked fairly respectable, and a security guard came over to help him park.
"Right here." Liu Yifei glanced at the address on her phone. "Third floor, V888 private room."
Inside the elevator, Jiang Yu saw their reflections in the mirrored wall.
Liu Yifei wore a brown trench coat today, with a light gray sweater and black jeans underneath, a very casual outfit.
He himself was wearing a dark coat and jeans, looking like an ordinary couple.
Jiang Yu knew that things wouldn't be so "ordinary" once they entered the private room.
Sure enough, when I pushed open the door to the V888 VIP room, I was greeted by deafening music and laughter.
The private room is very large and can accommodate more than 20 people; there are more than a dozen sitting there now.
The lighting was dim, and colorful rotating lights cast psychedelic spots of light on the ceiling.
"Sisi's here!" A girl with a ponytail was the first to see them and stood up.
The music was turned down, and everyone's eyes were drawn to the doorway.
Liu Yifei took Jiang Yu's hand and walked in, a smile on her face: "Happy New Year, everyone!"
"Happy New Year!" everyone responded, their eyes all fixed on Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu could sense the curiosity, surprise, and speculation in those gazes.
In the dim light, no one recognized him at first; they only saw a tall, handsome young man being led by the hand by Liu Yifei.
"Xixi, this is—" Wang Jia walked over. She looked to be twenty-five years old, with a capable demeanor, and certainly had the air of a class monitor.
Liu Yifei smiled and glanced at Jiang Yu, then said to everyone, "Let me introduce you, this is my boyfriend, Jiang Yu."
There was a moment of silence in the private room.
Then a cacophony of voices erupted: "Boyfriend?!"
"Sissi, when did you start dating?"
"My goodness, the secrecy was handled so well!"
"Jiang Yu — that name sounds familiar."
Jiang Yu scanned the area in the dim light and quickly recognized several faces.
Luo Jing looked younger than on TV, wearing a simple black T-shirt, and sat in the corner of the sofa.
Zhu Yawen, also dressed casually, was chatting with a boy next to her when she turned around.
There were also a few girls: Zhou Yang, Liu Jing, and Jiang Yan.
Jiang Yan sat next to the karaoke machine, wearing a burgundy dress that stood out in the dim light.
She was staring at Jiang Yu, her brows slightly furrowed, as if she were recalling something.
"Hello everyone, I'm Jiang Yu," Jiang Yu said calmly. "It's nice to meet Qianqian's classmate."
"Jiang Yu—" Jiang Yan suddenly stood up, walked to a slightly brighter spot, and looked him over carefully. "Wait, aren't you—General Manager Jiang from Light Chaser Pictures?"
After these words were spoken, the private room became even quieter.
Everyone looked at Jiang Yu.
The name Light Chaser Pictures is all too familiar to these actors.
These rising stars in the film and television industry have invested in films such as Iron Man, Inception, and Black Swan, as well as the recently announced collaboration with Disney.
Jiang Yu is the boss of this company.
"Holy crap, is it really President Jiang?!" a boy exclaimed. It was Deng Zifei.
"Sisi, your boyfriend is the boss of Chasing Light Pictures?!" Another girl, presumably Liu Jing, stared wide-eyed.
Liu Yifei smiled a little shyly and nodded: "Yes, it's him."
"Oh my god—" Wang Jia was also shocked. "Qianqian, you're so—so low-key! You didn't even tell us about something this big!"
"Exactly, that's so unfair!" Zhou Yang chimed in.
Everyone crowded around, chattering away, and the atmosphere shifted from initial shock to excitement and curiosity.
After all, for actors like them who are still striving, the boss of Light Chaser Pictures is practically at the very top of the pyramid.
Jiang Yu could sense that some people's attitudes had become subtle, becoming more enthusiastic, but also more cautious.
He saw the look of admiration in their eyes, and he also saw the rapid adjustment of their expression and posture.
This is the reality of this circle; in the arena of fame and fortune, status determines everything.
"Don't be so polite, everyone." Jiang Yu smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Today is a class reunion. I'm just Xixi's boyfriend, not some CEO Jiang. Everyone, please have fun as you please, don't treat me like an outsider."
"How can that be!" a young man said. It was Cao Zheng. "President Jiang, it's our honor to have you here. Come, come, sit here, the best seat."
Jiang Yu was led to the middle seat on the sofa, and Liu Yifei sat next to him.
Wang Jia, with great foresight, ordered some more drinks and snacks, and even changed the music to a soothing background.
Next came the formal introductions.
Jiang Yu wrote down the names and faces one by one: Luo Jing, Zhu Yawen, Ma Wenlong, Cao Zheng, Deng Zifei, Wang Jia, Zhou Yang, Liu Jing, Jiang Yan — and a few other classmates he didn't recognize.
Everyone reacts differently.
Luo Jing was rather composed, simply shaking hands and saying, "President Jiang, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Zhu Yawen was more cheerful: "President Jiang, I've heard of you before, but I didn't expect you to be so young."
Ma Wenlong was a little nervous; his palms were sweaty when he shook hands with Ma.
On the girls' side, Wang Jia, as the class monitor, spoke very politely: "President Jiang, Qianqian is the youngest in our class, and also our most beloved little sister. You must treat her well."
Zhou Yang and Liu Jing were excited but a little reserved.
When it was Jiang Yan's turn, she extended her hand with a sweet smile: "President Jiang, I've heard so much about you. Qianqian and I were good friends in school, and we often practiced martial arts together."
Liu Yifei smiled and nodded beside him, but Jiang Yu noticed that her smile didn't seem very natural.
"Hello." Jiang Yu gave him a brief handshake and quickly let go.
After the introductions, the atmosphere relaxed a little.
The music was turned up again, and people started requesting songs.
Wang Jia started playing dice, and several boys joined in, including Jiang Yu.
"Mr. Jiang, have you ever played dice?" Cao Zheng asked cautiously.
"I've had some experience," Jiang Yu laughed. "But don't call me 'General Manager Jiang,' just call me Jiang Yu. There's no boss today, only Xixi's boyfriend."
"Then—Brother Jiang Yu." Deng Zifei quickly changed her address.
Several boys laughed, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.
The dice are shaken, the beer is poured, and the games commonly played in KTVs begin.
After playing several rounds of dice, Jiang Yu lost two drinks.
He has a good alcohol tolerance and drinks in moderation.
Seeing that he was easygoing, the boys gradually relaxed, and the topics of their conversation broadened from the initial restraint.
"Brother Jiang Yu, I heard you guys invested in a Disney project?" Zhu Yawen asked, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Tron: Legacy, right? A $2 million investment, that's amazing."
"We're just participating in the investment," Jiang Yu said. "Disney is in charge, and we're cooperating."
"That's still impressive," Luo Jing exclaimed. "There aren't many companies in China that can participate in A-list Hollywood productions. Light Chaser Animation Studios has developed incredibly fast in recent years."
"Just lucky," Jiang Yu said modestly.
"It wasn't luck, it was foresight," Cao Zheng said. "Back when Iron Man was released, Marvel was almost bankrupt, and you dared to invest. The same goes for Inception; even Warner Bros. didn't dare invest the entire amount. And then there was Black Swan—"
As he said this, he glanced at Liu Yifei, who was selecting a song, and asked, "Is it because of your support that Xixi was able to play that role?"
Jiang Yu smiled and said, "She auditioned on her own and got the role; I just gave her a chance."
"Opportunity is also very important," Deng Zifei remarked. "In this industry, sometimes all you need is an opportunity."
As we were chatting, we heard singing coming from Liu Yifei's side.
She was holding a microphone, standing on a small stage, singing Faye Wong's "Red Bean".
"I haven't even had a chance to properly experience the weather when the snowflakes are blooming—"
Her voice was clear and ethereal, and although it couldn't compare to Faye Wong's original version, it had its own unique charm.
The private room fell silent as everyone listened.
Colorful lights danced across her face as she closed her eyes, completely absorbed in the moment.
Jiang Yu leaned back on the sofa and looked at her.
This Liu Yifei is different from the Liu Yifei who made dumplings at home in Wuhan, and also different from the Liu Yifei who broke down in tears on the set of "Black Swan".
This was a relaxing, enjoyable moment that belonged to her alone.
After the song ended, there was enthusiastic applause.
"Sisi sang so well!" Wang Jia led the applause.
"One more song!" Zhou Yang shouted.
Liu Yifei blushed and looked at Jiang Yu with bright eyes: "Jiang Yu, why don't you sing a song too!"
"Hey, Brother Jiang Yu, give us a song!" a few boys chimed in.
Jiang Yu waved his hand: "I can't sing well, don't ruin the atmosphere."
"No, no, you have to sing!" Liu Yifei ran over and shoved another microphone into his hand. "Sing—"
"I'll love you even if I die!" Do you dare?
"Love You Till I Die?" Jiang Yu said, both amused and exasperated. "That song is too high; I can't sing it."
"Give it a try!" Liu Yifei's eyes crinkled with a mischievous glint.
Everyone started making a fuss.
Jiang Yu reluctantly took the microphone.
The music prelude begins, with rousing drumbeats.
He actually knows how to sing this song.
In his past life, this was one of his signature songs at a karaoke bar.
Although this body is young now, the skills are still there.
"Love until death, I won't be satisfied until it's completely intense..."
""
He used some techniques for the high notes, and although they weren't as high-pitched as the original singer's, he reached them steadily with excellent pitch and full emotion.
The private room was silent for a few seconds, then erupted in gasps.
"Damn! Brother Jiang Yu, you've been hiding your true abilities!" Deng Zifei was the first to exclaim.
"With this singing ability, she could debut as a singer!" Cao Zheng gave a thumbs up.
Liu Yifei was also stunned. She had only meant to tease Jiang Yu, but she hadn't expected him to actually sing it, and sing it so well.
Her eyes widened, then she laughed and clapped her hands enthusiastically.
After Jiang Yu finished singing a section, he handed the microphone back to Liu Yifei: "Your turn."
Liu Yifei took over, but the chorus was too high, and she couldn't sing it after several attempts. In the end, she burst out laughing and squatted on the ground, laughing uncontrollably.
"No, no, this song is too weird!" She laughed until tears streamed down her face.
Everyone laughed.
The atmosphere completely relaxed, and the previous restraint and distance vanished.
The way the boys looked at Jiang Yu changed from initial awe to genuine admiration; not only because of his career success, but also because he was easygoing, interesting, and down-to-earth.
The music continued.
Some people were dancing, some were drinking, and some were chatting.
Jiang Yu was pulled into singing a few more songs, from Jay Chou's "Seven Mile Fragrance" to Eason Chan's "Ten Years," all of which he knew well and sang quite well.
"Brother Jiang Yu, with your talent, it's a shame you're not participating in 'Super Boy'," Zhu Yawen joked.
"That's right, she sings better than any of us who study acting," Luo Jing said with a smile.
"It's just a hobby." Jiang Yu put down the microphone and took a sip of water.
Jiang Yan walked over with a wine glass and sat down next to Jiang Yu.
She wore a burgundy slip dress with a black knitted cardigan over it, and her makeup was exquisite. She looked exceptionally charming in the dim lighting.
"President Jiang, let me toast you." She raised her glass with a sweet smile. "I've long heard of your talent and achievements, and seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."
"Thank you." Jiang Yu clinked glasses with her, taking only a small sip.
"Sisi is so lucky." Jiang Yan looked at Liu Yifei, who was chatting with Zhou Yang, and said enviously, "She found a boyfriend like you. Successful in his career, handsome, and can sing. He's practically the perfect man."
Jiang Yu smiled but didn't reply.
"President Jiang, I heard that Chasing Light has a lot of projects coming up?" Jiang Yan leaned closer, her perfume quite strong. "I've been looking for acting roles lately, I wonder if there's any chance—"
She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.
Jiang Yu looked at her, the woman who had betrayed Liu Yifei in her past life because of an interview, who was now trying to build a relationship with her best skills: "sweet smile" and "closeness".
"I don't directly manage the project," Jiang Yu said calmly. "President Jiang Xuerou is in charge. You can send the information to the company, and if it's suitable, a team will contact you."
This statement sounds very official and distant.
Jiang Yan's smile froze for a moment, then quickly recovered: "Then—can I get your contact information? I look forward to your guidance in the future."
Before Jiang Yu could answer, Liu Yifei walked over.
She clearly saw Jiang Yan talking to Jiang Yu, and they were sitting very close together.
"Yiyan, what are you talking about?" Liu Yifei sat down on the other side of Jiang Yu and naturally took his arm.
"It's nothing, just a toast to President Jiang." Jiang Yan smiled. "Qianqian, your boyfriend is so outstanding, we're all so envious."
"Really?" Liu Yifei smiled, but her smile wasn't particularly enthusiastic. "Then you should hurry up and find one too."
The atmosphere stiffened subtly for a moment.
Jiang Yan's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered: "I'm not as lucky as you. By the way, I'm going to order some songs, you guys chat."
She got up and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Liu Yifei muttered softly, "Does she want to add you as a friend?"
Jiang Yu laughed and whispered in her ear, "Jealous?"
"No, I didn't," Liu Yifei retorted, tightening her grip on his arm. "It's just—I don't like the way she looks at you."
.
"What kind of look is that?"
"It's that kind of look in their eyes." Liu Yifei didn't know how to describe it, "like they're scheming something."
97
Jiang Yu felt a warmth in his heart.
Although Liu Yifei is naive, her intuition is very accurate.
Jiang Yan was indeed scheming, not only against him, but also against Liu Yifei.
"Don't worry." He squeezed her hand. "You're the only one in my heart."
Liu Yifei blushed and leaned on his shoulder: "That's more like it."
For the rest of the time, Liu Yifei sat almost the entire time next to Jiang Yu, either singing or watching him play dice with the others.
Jiang Yan tried to strike up a conversation several more times, but Liu Yifei skillfully deflected her each time.
Wang Jia, having observed this, seized an opportunity to pull Liu Yifei aside: "Qianqian, do you and Jiang Yan—have some kind of conflict?"
Liu Yifei shook her head: "No, what's wrong?"
"I saw you just now—" Wang Jia hesitated, "Never mind, maybe I'm overthinking it. But Qianqian, a man like President Jiang is bound to attract a lot of people. You need to be confident, but also be careful. This circle—there are all kinds of people."
Liu Yifei nodded: "I know, Jiajia. Thank you."
"Don't thank me, you're my sister." Wang Jia patted her shoulder. "Go on, don't keep him waiting."
When he returned to Jiang Yu's side, he was chatting about movies with Luo Jing, Zhu Yawen, and a few other boys.
The three men got along very well, discussing everything from Hollywood's film production model to the future of domestic films.
"—So I think the future is a combination of content and technology," Jiang Yu said. "A good story is always the core, and technology can make a good story more effective. Take Iron Man, for example; if it had been made ten years ago, it simply couldn't have been made."
"Domestic technology is still lagging behind," Luo Jing said. "The last time I filmed a movie, the special effects were—indescribable."
Jiang Yu laughed, "Our digital technology is now on par with Hollywood."
"Really?" Zhu Yawen's eyes lit up. "That's great! Which of us actors doesn't want to make good films? Sometimes it's really true that even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice."
"There will be opportunities," Jiang Yu said. "We've planned at least five films and a TV series for 'Chasing the Light.' We're open to collaboration as long as it's a good fit."
These words, though spoken casually, carry great weight.
Luo Jing and Zhu Yawen exchanged glances, all seeing the excitement in each other's eyes.
For them, this could be an opportunity to change their fate.
Time flies, and it's already eleven o'clock.
Someone suggested we call it a day, since we had to work the next day.
Everyone started packing their things and saying goodbye to each other.
Jiang Yan walked over again, this time to Liu Yifei, and said, "Qianqian, let's get together again next time. Let's invite President Jiang too."
"Okay," Liu Yifei smiled, "if there's a chance."
A very official answer.
Jiang Yan's smile remained unchanged, and she said to Jiang Yu, "President Jiang, I look forward to the opportunity to cooperate in the future."
"Mm." Jiang Yu nodded, without saying anything more.
Others also came over to say goodbye.
Wang Jia was the last to leave, holding Liu Yifei's hand: "Qianqian, keep in touch. If anything happens, feel free to contact me."
"Okay, class monitor," Liu Yifei smiled.
"Mr. Jiang, I'm entrusting Qianqian to you." Wang Jia turned to Jiang Yu, her tone earnest. "She may seem mature, but she's still a little girl at heart. Please take good care of her."
"I will," Jiang Yu said solemnly.
After everyone else left, only Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei remained in the private room.
The waiter came in to clean up; the music had stopped, and the sudden silence was a little unsettling.
"Your classmates are all very nice," Jiang Yu said. "Wang Jia takes good care of you, and Luo Jing and Zhu Yawen are also good people."
"Yes." Liu Yifei nodded, then paused, "Except for Jiang Yan."
Jiang Yu looked at her: "You don't like her?"
Liu Yifei hesitated for a moment: "It's not that I don't like her—it's just that I feel she's too calculating. She's like this in school, getting along well with teachers, getting along well with directors, being familiar with everyone. I think—she's not sincere."
Jiang Yu smiled.
His Sisi, though naive, has an incredibly accurate intuition.
"Then you should have less contact with her in the future," he said.
Liu Yifei looked up at him: "You also think she's not good?"
Jiang Yu didn't answer directly: "This circle has all kinds of people. Some are worth getting to know better, while others are best kept at a distance. Jiang Yan—belongs to the latter."
He spoke subtly, but Liu Yifei understood.
She nodded: "I understand."
I called a designated driver and drove home. The streets of Beijing were quiet late at night.
Liu Yifei leaned back in the back seat, watching the streetlights flash by outside the window, and suddenly said, "Jiang Yu, thank you for today."
"What are you thanking me for?"
"Thank you for coming with me to meet my classmates," she said. "I know this kind of occasion might be boring for you. You were very cooperative and got along so well with everyone."
"It's not boring at all," Jiang Yu laughed. "It's quite interesting. Seeing you happy makes me happy too."
Liu Yifei felt a warmth in her heart and reached out to hold his hand, which was resting on the armrest: "Jiang Yu, you're so good to me."
"Of course." Jiang Yu gripped her hand tighter in return. "But there's something I need to tell you."
"What?"
"From now on, minimize contact with Jiang Yan." Jiang Yu's tone became serious. "If she contacts you, keep your distance. If she tries to contact me through you, turn her away immediately."
Liu Yifei was taken aback: "Why? Do you—know anything about her?"
Jiang Yu couldn't talk about his past life, so he could only say it in another way: "Although I haven't been in this circle for long, I've met a lot of people."
Some people, you can tell what kind of person they are at first glance. Jiang Yan—too cunning, too calculating. And, she's jealous of you.
"Jealous of me?"
"You're the star of the class, the one who's doing the best right now. She wants to get close to you, but she's also jealous of your achievements. This kind of mentality is dangerous."
Jiang Yu said, "She's nice to you now because you're of use to her. Once she feels she can't get anything from you, or if you're in her way, she might do something drastic."
Liu Yifei fell silent; she knew Jiang Yu was right.
Today at the karaoke bar, the way Jiang Yan looked at Jiang Yu and the way she looked at Jiang Yan both conveyed an indescribable complexity.
"I understand," she said softly. "I'll be careful."
"Don't be afraid." Jiang Yu held her hand tightly. "With me here, no one can hurt you. I'm just reminding you that you should always be wary of others."
"Mmm." Liu Yifei nodded, leaning on his shoulder. "Jiang Yu, it's so good to have you."
The car drove into the residential area.
After parking the car, Jiang Yu escorted Liu Yifei to the entrance of her apartment building.
It was late at night, and the neighborhood was quiet, with only the streetlights casting a dim yellow light.
"Go upstairs and get some rest," Jiang Yu said.
Liu Yifei stood still, looking at him, her eyes sparkling in the night: "Jiang Yu, I'm especially happy today. Not because I saw my classmates, but because you're here with me. I feel—especially at ease."
Jiang Yu's heart stirred, and he reached out to pull her into his arms.
Her body was soft and warm, with a faint fragrance.
He lowered his head and kissed the top of her head: "Me too. With you here, I feel very secure."
The two embraced for a while in the darkness, when a few barks of dogs came from afar, and then silence returned.
"I'm going upstairs." Liu Yifei let go of him, tiptoed, and kissed him on the lips. "Goodnight."
"Good night."
Watching her walk into the elevator and the elevator doors slowly close, Jiang Yu turned and left.
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