Chapter 25
In the gloomy and damp dungeon, Lin Fu sat on the cold, straw-strewn ground.
A glimmer of dim light cut through the dense darkness, moving towards the prison door. Along with the light, there came the hem of a long robe.
Lin Fu raised his head to see Yi Sheng standing outside the door, looking at him calmly.
The jailer lifted a torch for him. The dim light shone on Yi Sheng's face, reflecting two dancing flames in his pitch-black pupils.
Lin Fu should have looked at him and then turned his head, to exhibit his unyielding determination. But at this moment, he didn't understand his own behavior. Facing this face, he just couldn't take his eyes off.
With the noise from the prison door, the sound of unlocking echoed. The man bathed in the dim light walked in, with eyes seeming to hold an eternal flame looking right at him: "Lord Lin."
Lin Fu, whose throat was extremely hoarse from not having water for several days, muttered weakly, "Rebellious traitor."
With an unfazed expression, Yi Sheng replied, "It seems that Lord Lin is unwilling to yield."
Lin, with an unkempt appearance, lifted his fierce eyes and said: "I refuse to be associated with traitorous ministers and thieves!"
When he said this, he locked Yi Sheng's eyes tightly like a falcon, and snorted coldly: "Don't think I don't know what you're planning. You are such a selfish villain. Under the banner of getting rid of an incompetent emperor, you just want to use the hands of others to avenge your family."
A crack appeared on the calm expression of Yi Sheng.
Lin Fu relentlessly continued, "Marquis Zhong Yi's family is known for their devotion, yet they produced a traitor like you. Truly an unfortunate family!"
Yi Sheng's pupils suddenly constricted, feeling pain in his heart as if on the verge of vomiting blood.
Marquis Zhong Yi (Note: 忠義侯 = Marquis of Loyalty and Filial Piety), what a cruel irony! The beast on the Dragon Throne insulted his mother, deceived his father, and brought ruin to his family. He managed to pick up a life at the mass grave, yet the emperor still granted his father such a title!
This person standing before me dares to make groundless statements, despite knowing nothing!
Fury surges within Yi Sheng, but it's barely held back by that fragment of broken blood, a will mixed with tears of bitterness and perseverance, constantly battering against a wound that has failed to heal over many years.
The pain he feels is unbearable; his tears have dried up, and his heart is like withered wood.
Yi Sheng's face in the shadows suddenly breaks into a smile, like a ghost born from darkness: "It's true that I'm selfish; I've never hidden my desire to use my Lord's power. But, at least I'm not like some people who, clearly acting for their own selfish interests, disregard the well-being of the common people and the land, yet still choose to cover up their intentions and deceive themselves with sentimentality!"
"What a demon in the guise of a human, thinking themselves to be a good person! It's utterly ridiculous!"
Lin Fu raised his head fiercely, showing disbelief on his face: "Who disregarded the lives of the people? Who ignored the rivers and mountains? It was you traitorous rebels who started the war and caused the people to suffer! Yi Sheng, you have no shame!"
Yi Sheng, however, was unmoved and replied sarcastically: "Really? But it's a pity that it was the people of Liang City who invited us rebels into the city, and it was your soldiers who opened the gates for us."
The anger on Lin Fu's face vanished in an instant, replaced by a helpless paleness. Even his lips were trembling slightly.
He certainly knows about this matter, but he is still struggling to accept it. "It's all because they were bewitched by you..."
"Is that so? It seems that during yesterday's noon-time stroll, you still didn't get a clear look at the appearance of those commoners," retorted Yi Sheng with a mocking smile.
Lin Fu's hands began to tremble.
During the street parade yesterday, he walked forward shackled. The emaciated, unkempt commoners standing by the roadside had nothing but hatred in their eyes for him, throwing stones at him and cursing loudly in their dialect.
Yi Sheng said coldly: "There have been floods in the Jiangnan region for years, but the incompetent ruler still insists on collecting taxes and engaging in large-scale construction projects, leaving the people with no means to live. They're even resorting to cannibalism. Yet you still support this tyrant's rule – how is that not selfish?"
Lin Fu tried to defend himself: "No..."
Yi Sheng stared at him and said, "I'm afraid Lin Da-Ren still feels quite proud of himself inside, thinking he can be the one to turn the tides, help the emperor, and achieve eternal greatness as a loyal minister, am I right?"
With an expression of despair, Lin Fu replied, "I never thought that..."
Yi Sheng, undeterred, retorted: "You insist on supporting a tyrant's rule for personal gain, implementing his policies, exploiting the disaster-stricken people, and allowing invasions from the northern barbarians. With such actions, the populace suffers and the nation disintegrates. The starving citizens rise in retaliation, but you label them as traitors. The incompetent emperor, who should be blamed, is instead being honored by you. How brazen, Officer Lin."
He spoke his last words particularly slowly, pausing after each word, each one piercing the heart.
In his rage, Lin Fu vomited a mouthful of blood.
Yi Sheng felt an unmatched sense of satisfaction in his heart.
He flicked his sleeves, turned around, and his voice returned to indifference: "For a person like you who doesn't know right from wrong, and who doesn't know good from bad, I originally advocated beheading. It's just that the lord cherishes your talents and thinks that you can benefit the people in the future. It's just that when I saw him today, I only felt that Master Lin was selfish and would only beat back, and he would not be able to benefit the people."
"Your kindness will not save you," spat Yi Sheng, punctuating his remark by turning to leave, "If you won't surrender, pack up and get out!"
"Wait, just one moment," croaked the man who sat on the ground, his voice sounding like a faulty wind instrument.
Yi Sheng paused, though he didn't turn around.
With no food or water for days, Lin Fu mustered the strength to stand, his gaze riveted on Yi Sheng's gaunt silhouette.
Not minding if Yi Sheng could see him, he respectfully bowed: "Hearing a wise word is better than studying for decade. I want to apologize for my earlier disrespect. I'm prepared to surrender and accept whatever punishment you find appropriate."
Yi Sheng coldly said, "Tell that to your lord."
After he finished speaking, he turned and left the cell without looking back.
Lin Fu stood still, his eyes burning like the flame of life, gazing intently at the direction Yi Sheng had left for a long time.
Even when the prison guard came to remind him that he could leave, Lin Fu's gaze did not waver. His eyes were persistent and resolute: "I will prove it to you."
-----
"Cut!"
Jing He was looking at the footage in the camera and was quite satisfied.
Both actors executed their movements and expressions perfectly.
Yet, that uneasy feeling emerged again.
Watching Mo Hengqing, who was portraying Lin Fu, burst out with emotion in the camera, Jing can't help but sigh internally.
Recently, he had been working with several seasoned young actors, but he doesn’t know why, all of them, no matter how well they perform, all seem a bit off when they're acting with Mu Cai.
It's like their emotions were too intense when they interacted with Mu Cai, although it wasn’t over the top, it was peculiar.
With such a comparison, Mu Cai ironically turned out to have the best performance in the entire drama.
It seems that the old horses do stumble at times, while the raw gems are more resilient to carving. As Jing He contemplated, he felt more fondness towards Mu Cai.
Noticing it was lunchtime and that Tang Feng had dropped by the set, Jing quickly called out: "Alright, let's wrap up for the morning. Everyone, let's eat."
As he said this, he affectionately looked at Mu Cai who was just coming down from the stage, "Cai Cai, you did really well today. You don't have any scenes this afternoon, so I'll let you finish early."
Despite the crew's hectic schedule from dawn till dusk, they still needed to take a day off from time to time to rest.
A smile instantly appeared on the somewhat weary face of Mu Cai. His eyes crinkled and two sharp little canines appeared from his smile: "Thanks, Director Jing! Don't forget to eat too, Director."
He looked very obedient.
Jing He immediately beamed with joy.
Following him from the stage, Mo Hengqing heard their conversation and chuckled, “Isn’t there anyone who cares for me? Nevermind Director Jing, but Cai Cai, you've just won over me. How can you be so indifferent towards me?”
He stopped his words here, looking over with a pair of eyes, beautiful like peach blossoms.
Just as Mu Cai was about to answer, he felt a hand drop from his shoulder. He turned his head, and saw Gu Yunchen gently hugging him, and said coldly: "You are a selfish and stupid Lord Lin, Yi Sheng won't care about your life."
The audience burst into laughter.
Before Mu Cai could speak, he saw Gu Yunchen withdraw his gaze and look at him: "Let's eat quickly, I asked Tang Feng to bring some delicious food. Try it and see if you like it."
His thick eyelashes drooped, and his eyes were filled with expectation as they looked at Mu Cai.
Tang Feng had been there for quite a while, but Gu Yunchen hadn't eaten anything yet. He was still waiting for Mu Cai.
For some reason, Mu Cai thought that Gu Yunchen at this moment seemed a bit like a big, loyal dog, waiting wholeheartedly for its owner to come home.
He quickly closed his eyes, trying to shake off this absurd thought.
No matter what kind of personality he had, Mu Cai found it difficult to resist such a considerate Gu Yunchen. Besides, Gu Yunchen had been waiting for him, probably hungry as well. So Mu Cai quickly said, "Alright, let's eat together."
They sat down at a large table that was temporarily set up, and Mo Hengqing also came over with the food and dishes that the assistant had bought.
Although Tang Feng had come to visit Gu Yunchen on set, the milk tea and snacks he bought were for everyone to enjoy. He also bought large portions of roast chicken, braised meat, lamb legs, and other dishes so that the entire crew would have enough to eat.
Thus, it made sense for Mo Hengqing to join them, even though Gu Yunchen was not very happy about it.
However, Mu Cai didn’t notice any of this and focused solely on eating his meal.
The food provided by the crew before had been decent, but it was obviously not as abundant as today's feast. After working tirelessly on the set for many days, Mu Cai was now devouring his meal like a famished wolf.
As he was eating, a tempting chicken leg suddenly appeared in his bowl.
Without thinking, Mu Cai traced the source of the addition and saw Gu Yunchen wiping his hands with a napkin and smiling at him, "Eat slowly, I tore a chicken leg for you."
As Gu Yun Chen spoke, his profound eyes were filled with warmth, "See if there's anything else you want to eat? I can get it for you."
Mu Cai quickly shook his head.
Looking at the fragrant chicken leg in his bowl, he felt the need to reciprocate the gesture.
If someone were kind to him, he couldn't just ignore it.
So, Mu Cai reached out with his chopsticks and picked up a piece of aromatic braised beef for Gu Yunchen, "Brother Gu, you should eat too."
Gu Yunchen didn't expect his actions to be met with such a pleasant surprise.
He hurriedly popped the piece of beef into his mouth. Once he slowly finished chewing, he looked at Mu Cai and laughed, "Very good."
It was unclear whether he was referring to the beef or to Mu Cai himself.
Tang Feng, who was watching from the side, clicked his tongue in resentment.
He glanced at Gu Yunchen, who hadn't spared him a single glance from the start. Gu Yunchen had even hung up his call this morning, truly a prime example of someone who values his desires over his friends!
However, his dissatisfaction didn't elicit any response from Gu Yunchen.
Gu Yun Chen simply didn't bother to glance in his direction and continued to exchange dishes with Mu Cai.
Seeing that Gu Yun Chen liked the braised beef, Mu Cai occasionally picked a slice for him but refrained from eating any himself.
The food on the table was for everyone. Out of a sense of reciprocation, he had been serving Gu Yunchen, but he was worried that if he accidentally took too much, there might not be enough left for others. So he chose to abstain, ensuring others would have their share. Sometimes, for dishes out of Gu Yunchen's reach, Mu Cai would also help serve those.
Gu Yunchen was very satisfied with this atmosphere.
Unfortunately, as they were enjoying their food, there was always someone ready to disrupt their peace.
A little pudding was pushed toward Mu Cai.
After his initial hunger subsided, he started eating more slowly. Just as he put down his chopsticks, feeling full, the pudding appeared.
The light-yellow pudding was in a small box, and even through the packaging, he could smell the enticing aroma of mango.
Suddenly, Mu Cai felt that he could eat more.
Mo Hengqing, who was next to him, smiled and asked, "Cai Cai, do you want to eat this? I specifically asked my assistant to buy it. If you want more, I have different flavors as well."
Mu Cai's eyes lit up instantly.
Just as he was about to pick up the little box to thank Mo Hengqing, a hand reached over and snatched the mango pudding.
Following the small box with his gaze, Mu Cai turned to see Gu Yunchen speaking with a stern look, "You've just finished your meal; it's not suitable to eat more. I'll keep this for you for now."
Upon saying this, Gu Yunchen noticed the slightly dispirited look on the young man's face and seemingly unintentionally added, "Don't you have an early day off this afternoon? Ride back with me in my car. I've asked Assistant Lin to prepare your favorite Torched Grass Jelly Milk Tea for you inside."
Mu Cai's spirits were instantly lifted, and he smiled, "Thank you, Brother Gu!"
After saying that, he seemed to remember something, turned his head, and smiled at Mo Hengqing, "Thank you, Brother Mo." (Notes: I feel like Gu Ge and Mo Ge would read/sound better, but since I've started it like this, I'll just continue with it for the rest of the arc.)
Mo Hengqing's face remained smiling, "No problem, I'll bring more for you next time."
After finishing lunch, Mu Cai politely bid farewell to the cast and crew, then left with Assistant Liu in Gu Yunchen's car.
As they disappeared from sight, Gu Yunchen's expression darkened.
He turned to look at Mo Hengqing and asked in a deep voice, "What are you trying to do?"
Mo Hengqing's expression also changed, his face turning cold: "I also want to ask you, what are you trying to do?"
He scrutinized Gu Yunchen, looking him up and down: "I remember you used to dislike Mu Cai, didn't you? When Lin Jiayi hit him, you tacitly agreed, didn't you? Why have you changed now, acting as if you're pursuing him?"
"I warn you, don't think you can take advantage of Cai Cai's simplicity and use his good feelings towards you for your own benefit," Mo Hengqing's expression turned serious, "Mu Cai is no longer so infatuated with you. He's already removed the photos, posters, and that life-sized pillow of you from his wall."
Gu Yunchen, who was initially composed, could not restrain a change in his expression upon hearing this.
He said in a low voice, "This can't be true!"
Mo Hengqing sneered, "What's impossible about that? If you don't believe me, go ask Lin Jia Yi. He saw it during the gathering at my house earlier this year."
Gu Yunchen's expression was somewhat dazed.
Even though he had long known that Mu Cai's feelings towards him weren't truly romantic, if Mu Cai had removed even this slight veil of infatuation, wouldn't that mean Mu Cai had lost all good feelings for him?
After all, he had silently approved of Lin Jiayi's actions towards him before.
Gu Yunchen clenched his fist.
-----
That night.
Mu Cai was in his room playing games.
He had come back early today, and as soon as he returned, he took a nice nap. Indeed, sleeping in the bed under the covers was much more comfortable than catching a quick nap in the makeup room.
Mu Cai woke up refreshed, had dinner in the hotel, and then holed up in his room, playing games until now.
Just as he finished one round and had not started the next, there was a soft knock on the room door.
While getting out of bed and putting on his slippers, Mu Cai asked loudly: "Who is it?"
Gu Yunchen's deep voice came from outside the door: "It's me."
Although Mu Cai was quite puzzled as to why Gu Yunchen would come now, he still opened the door.
Gu Yunchen was standing neatly at the door, holding the rabbit plushie that Mu Cai liked very much in his hand.
The rabbit had long drooping ears and was holding a big carrot in its arms. No matter how many times you looked at it, it was always adorable.
Mu Cai quickly invited Gu Yunchen in.
Gu Yun Chen came in and sat on a chair to one side.
Mu Cai poured him a glass of water and placed it next to him before asking, "Brother Gu, what brings you here?"
Gu Yunchen used to visit him before, but it was mostly about their scenes together. Today, however, Gu Yunchen didn't have a script in his hand but held a rabbit plushie instead, which left Mu Cai unable to guess his purpose.
Gu Yunchen took a deep breath and tightened his grip on the soft toy before finally saying, "I'm sorry."
Once he began talking, the rest came out easily. Gu Yunchen continued, "I'm sorry. I should not have stood by when Lin Jiayi treated you like that. It's wrong to tolerate violence, especially since you didn't do anything excessive."
He felt the need to lay this matter out and discuss it with Mu Cai. Otherwise, it could become a hidden stumbling block on their path forward, ready to explode at any moment.
Mu Cai was stunned.
He didn't expect Gu Yunchen to come and talk about this matter. Although the original character had a pitiful experience, what he did in this case was indeed wrong.
Although the original character didn't do anything particularly outrageous, his eavesdropping and stalking had already affected Gu Yunchen's private life and were considered illegal actions. Furthermore, Gu Yunchen wasn't the one who hit the person – though he had a permissive attitude – which Mu Cai felt could be understood.
No one wants to be targeted like that.
Therefore, Mu Cai believed there was no need for Gu Yunchen to apologize for this matter.
Gu Yunchen's recent behavior and attitude towards him had greatly improved, which seemed quite strange.
It turned out that it was due to his guilty conscience.
After giving it some thought, Mu Cai said, "It's okay, Brother Gu. I was the one who did wrong in the past. My actions were extreme because of my family situation. I should be the one thanking you for your tolerance."
The young man scratched his head, feeling slightly embarrassed. A soft, apologetic smile spread across his pale face. As his black hair drooped down, the entire person appeared to be very gentle.
Gu Yunchen felt a tug at his heart.
Mu Cai had forgiven him so quickly.
That's just like Cai Cai.
His heart softened into a mush, and a smile spread across his face. "Then, to thank you for your forgiveness, I'm giving you this rabbit plushie. Could we perhaps be friends from now on?"
Giving a rabbit plushie?
Becoming friends?
Although Mu Cai was not opposed, he couldn't help but check the energy field detection light of the system in his brain for the first time.
Thankfully, it was still stable.
In that case, he could rest assured about this rabbit.
Mu Cai joyfully hummed in agreement and happily took the white lop-eared rabbit into his arms with a smile.
The toy was soft and fluffy, which felt incredibly pleasant to touch and squeeze!
But since Gu Yunchen gave him a gift, shouldn't he reciprocate?
With this thought, Mu Cai picked up the cat doll that had been accompanying him for several months from his bed, and somewhat bashfully handed it to Gu Yunchen. "Brother Gu, if you don't mind, I'd like to give this to you."
The young man's fair hands held the cat doll, offering it up to Gu Yunchen. He slightly bowed his head, his eyes quietly observing Gu Yunchen from beneath his lashes, seemingly watching for his reaction.
Gu Yunchen couldn't have asked for more, and readily accepted the gift. "Thank you."
That very night, Gu Yunchen lay on his bed, cuddling with the cat doll. Even though the softness of the cat doll couldn't compare to the previous rabbit one, he couldn't help but cherish it.
Gu Yunchen calmed his excited emotions and buried his face in the doll, taking a gentle sniff.
A faint scent of Mu Cai's milk fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose.
It was absolutely enchanting.
-----
Author's note:
Mu Cai: Brother Gu is such a nice guy.
Gu Yunchen, who wanted to flirt but received a nice guy card instead: ...
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