IETSTSMLARA | The Rising Movie Emperor | 26
The best solution to a group of three is to add a fourth person. With Lin Su by his side, Lin Tang visibly relaxed, or more accurately, he had no intention of diverting his attention elsewhere.
He looked at Lin Su with admiration and admiration in his eyes, making Bai Xiuran feel like he had somehow lost.
Bai Xiuran could tolerate feeling like he'd lost out, but Lu Si’en didn't have such a good temper.
However, Bai Xiuran warned him with a look not to cause trouble, so Lu Si’en's frustration couldn't be directed at Bai Xiuran and had to be directed at the instigator.
Unfortunately for Lu Si’en, Lin Tang didn't spare him any attention. Lin Su was his top priority, and instead of creating distance, they publicly whispered sweet nothings to each other, flaunting their affection as if mocking Lu Si’en's frustration at not being able to flirt with his own fiancé freely.
What started as a bit of frustration quickly escalated to a full-blown ordeal. Bai Xiuran felt a headache coming on as he watched Lu Si’en's pained expression. The little troublemaker had brought this upon himself, but Bai Xiuran couldn't blame the engaged couple, and there was nothing more to say on the matter except to endure the headache.
Fortunately, Bai Xiuran and the others were only here to try on their groomsmen outfits. Once they were done, they could each go about their own business.
After parting ways, they all found peace in their own company.
Lin Su wasn't particularly concerned about the wedding or the marriage certificate. He had seen too many relationships come and go, and he knew that a piece of paper couldn't hold onto someone who wanted to leave. Relying solely on legal documents to keep someone was a tragic prospect.
But Lin Tang cared, so he dedicated himself to giving him the best. Having given his all to this person, in his limited lifetime, there should be no regrets about the ceremony.
Lin Su put his heart into it, and naturally, the wedding preparations were flawless. Every detail, even a casual overhead shot, was enough to set hearts aflutter.
With romantic red roses set at the theme, and celebrities from all walks of life, who were rarely seen in public, came to give face. In this romantic coastal city, a perfectly matched couple exchanged rings.
The entire wedding was broadcast live, and with Lin Su's financial resources, anyone who spoke ill was swiftly removed, leaving only a screen full of blessings.
"Ah, I believe in love again!"
"A wedding of this scale is truly once in a millennium. Did Mr. Lin buy out the entire city? Is there any part of the wedding that wasn't meticulously planned?"
"This wedding has exploded my inner fangirl. Who else is there, who else?"
"I heard that Mr. Lin personally planned the entire wedding, and even the diamonds on the wedding rings were mined and crafted by him personally!!"
"Such a handsome man who treats his wife so well, how did we let such a good man slip away? I’m so envious, jealous, and hateful!"
"I'm so jealous, the sourness could fill an ocean."
"..."
Apart from these envious remarks, there were naturally doubts and pretentious comments on other parts of the internet, and even some hateful ones, including disgusting comments about same-sex relationships. However, they didn't have the opportunity to spread to the wedding venue.
Everyone present knew that the blessings allowed in were just to make Lin Tang happy, and those malicious words couldn't shake Lin Su's position or affect his mood. They were just like jumping clowns.
Other than the newlyweds, the happiest person was undoubtedly Father Lin. The marriage of the two would elevate the status of the Lin family.
As for the most worrying issue of offspring, Lin Su didn't care, but Lin Tang was worried that having another little one would be noisy. So, he decided to adopt a child from a distant relative of the Lin family. This way, they wouldn't have to be constantly around, and there would be someone to take care of them in their old age.
With everyone happy, there were no more worries. Others could only envy him, after all, Lin Su's current status far exceeded that of the Lin family. No matter how much they tried to win him over over the years, he remained faithful to Lin Tang alone. There couldn't be anything better than this.
As the ring slipped onto his finger, the happiness on Lin Tang's face was undeniable. "The ring is locked, you're mine from now on," he said.
Lin Su raised his hand to inspect the ring and chuckled. "Even before putting on the ring, I was already yours."
The emcee, who had been about to speak, suddenly felt a bit full. "The newlyweds can now kiss."
With that cue, amidst laughter and cheers, Lin Tang tossed aside any remaining restraint and wrapped his arms around Lin Su’s neck and directly kissed him, igniting the entire room with their passion.
“Mr. Lin is handsome and wealthy, but Young Master is so good-looking, like the sun.”
The subtly suggestive comment was swiftly kicked out by the handling staff. Wiping the sweat from their forehead, they cursed under their breath, "Talking about wanting the boss's wife at the boss's wedding? You're asking to be kicked out!"
Happiness is always infectious, and the banquet was filled with joy and excitement, except for one corner that felt unusually deserted because of one person.
Sheng Hong attended Lin Tang's wedding, although the invitation wasn't addressed to him personally. It was sent in the name of Sheng Hong's mother. Despite the unpleasantness of their past conflicts, the Lin family maintained proper etiquette.
Initially, Sheng Hong hadn't planned to come. When Lin Tang and Bai Xiuran abandoned him years ago, both of the people who loved him left him, and it seemed they had become friends and found happiness. This made Sheng Hong wonder if there was something wrong with him.
After years of no contact, seeing Lin Tang again made Sheng Hong feel like he was seeing the same Lin Tang who used to follow him and call him "Brother Hong" in adoration, with those soft, worshipful eyes hiding a universe within them.
But back then, that universe was meant for him. Now, it belonged to someone else.
On stage, Lin Tang looked dignified. Sheng Hong knew about his achievements in recent years, even if he deliberately avoided keeping up with him. Unlike the idle youth he used to be, Lin Tang had now achieved great success.
However, despite being admired and courted by many, his gaze still resembled that of a child, standing there like a cherished little prince.
He is unaware of worldly sufferings, there was no need to know, because the man kissing him shielded him from all storms.
Lin Su.
Back when Sheng Hong heard Lin Tang's rejection, he might have entertained thoughts of seeing Lin Tang face the consequences. In this era, everyone needs to grow.
But it turned out he was the one facing consequences because Lin Su held onto that innocence, teaching him to grow. The one who forced him to grow up back then was actually his own arrogance and incompetence.
Beside Bai Xiuran, there was also someone else, a tall young man talking to him, making him laugh without restraint, so carefree that Sheng Hong felt like a stranger.
The Bai Xiuran of the past was calm and composed, even when he smiled, it was elegant and subtle. It was Sheng Hong who hid his true self, but it was someone else who brought out his true self.
Whether as a brother or a lover, it seemed he had failed in both roles.
Sheng Hong came and went silently, perhaps someone noticed him, but no one dared to risk offending Lin Su to talk to him.
Although Sheng Hong's influence was considerable, compared to the Lin family, it was nothing.
"Lin Su, come take a photo," Lin Tang called out, suddenly looking towards Lin Su.
Bai Xiuran quipped from the side, "Shouldn't you be calling him 'husband' now?"
Luo Fei chimed in, "Exactly, you're already married and still using full names!"
Lin Tang stepped on Luo Fei's foot and flashed a warning with his sharp little tiger teeth, looking exceptionally fierce yet cute.
But unlike the lone tiger tooth, his earlobes were red from embarrassment. He had called Lin Su by a nickname when they were alone, but to use it in public, he looked at Bai Xiuran and said, "How dare you say this to me. If you have the ability, you say it yourself."
Bai Xiuran promptly turned to look at Lu Si’en: "Husband."
"Yeah," Lu Si’en agreed readily, and then they both looked at Lin Tang. "It's your turn."
Lin Tang felt like he had been pushed into a huge pit and couldn't climb out. "Why should I call him 'husband'? We're both guys..."
"Tangtang, call me husband," Lin Su teased him.
The normally arrogant Lin Tang suddenly felt like a mosquito buzzing helplessly, "Stop messing around..."
His cheeks were almost as red as a monkey's butt.
"You can choose to say it here or say it twice as much elsewhere," Lin Su whispered to him, his voice low.
Lin Tang felt like he was on fire, stumbling over his words as he tried to say it, only to have Lin Su cover his lips. "Actually, I'm looking forward to hearing it elsewhere..."
"Husband!" Lin Tang pulled away from Lin Su's hand and shouted as if he were competing for something. His voice immediately drew the attention of dozens of guests, and it seemed that within a few minutes, everyone at the venue heard him, making Lin Tang too embarrassed to even look at the live stream online.
As he expected, the comments section of the live stream exploded with excitement, with a flurry of remarks about wanting to be with the sun. Clearing up the mess was truly an arduous task.
"Hey," Lin Su smoothly rode the wave, while Luo Fei couldn't help but whistle a couple of times.
If there was a hole in the ground, Lin Tang felt like he could dive right into it.
The wedding went smoothly overall, but the only thing that bothered the young master was the term of endearment he had blurted out at the ceremony, and Lin Su didn't let him off easy elsewhere either.
The result was that Lin Tang would blush suddenly at certain moments, leaving a group of onlookers puzzled and speculating.
In their second year of marriage, Bai Xiuran and Lu Si’en also tied the knot, and they adopted a lovely little boy as their son.
In their third year of marriage, Hu Jie died in prison, the cause being a brawl. The Rongcheng Group, which had orchestrated Father Lin's car accident, had long since crumbled and vanished, and the mastermind naturally ended up where they belonged.
There were both optimistic and pessimistic views about same-sex marriage, but ten years, twenty years later, when this couple appeared in public, they still seemed as loving as ever, because the stars in Lin Tang's eyes had never disappeared when he looked at Lin Su.
"I’ve been sour for so many years, and I still can't move on."
"Hehe, back when I was in elementary school, they were all lovey-dovey, and now my kids are born, and they're still lovey-dovey. Every time this happens, I want to smack my husband who's busy playing games."
"Don't be angry upstairs. You at least have a husband to smack, while us single ladies can only be sour pickled fish."
"Thinking back to when Mr. Lin was so handsome, it's been twenty years now, and he seems even more handsome than before!"
"My son said he wants to marry a man like him in the future. I told him to wake up and stop daydreaming all day long... Hmm? Something doesn't seem right."
Blessings persisted until the end of life. With white hair, Lin Tang took his last breath in Lin Su's arms, but Lin Su told him he was joining him soon, which made Lin Tang smile even as he took his final breath.
【Host, it's time for us to leave,】System 06 said.
Lin Su's mission was completed three years ago. He was five years older than Lin Tang. Even with good care, life has its limits, and three years ago was his natural end. But Lin Su exchanged star coins for additional lifespan just to accompany Lin Tang until the end of his life, ensuring that his entire life from meeting Lin Su until the end was filled with happiness.
【Let's go,】Lin Su held Lin Tang's hand, and in the next moment, they found themselves in the system space.
This was the transit place, belonging to Lin Su. The technology here far surpassed that of the previous world, instantly transforming into a comfortable lounge to Lin Su's satisfaction.
The person in the mirror was exceptionally handsome, with no trace of aging.
Having experienced countless worlds, Lin Su was accustomed to such changes. He poured himself a glass of red wine, sipping it slowly as he listened to the system's evaluation.
【System evaluation: Mission completion assessment is A-grade. Task one earned three million star coins, task two earned three million star coins, totaling six million, already deposited into the account. Reason for downgrade: Hindering the career and love development of one of the main characters, Sheng Hong, due to conflicting fortunes.】
The highest level of mission completion is S-grade, and the assessment level also affects the amount of star coins earned. Most of Lin Su's completed tasks are at the S-grade level, so being downgraded to A-grade is quite rare.
The variable this time probably stemmed from engaging in a lifetime of romance, disrupting the path of the supporting character and causing changes in the protagonist's destiny. However, Lin Su doesn't regret the outcome.
Even destined protagonists experience breakups, and not intervening too much doesn't significantly affect the evaluation. Which is a valuable discovery.
System 06 reminded: 【Host, I suggest not intervening in the protagonist's affairs in the next world.】
【I'll try my best,】Lin Su smiled. 【Let's start the next world.】
【System 06 prompt: World loading, memory transfer in progress...】
If he were to compare the feeling of exhaustion after a night's work to being run over by a truck might seem extreme, but the sensation of actually being run over by a truck is infinitely worse.
Lin Su quickly assessed the extent of damage to this body he inherited. There were fractures in the bones, damage to internal organs, and fatal injuries to the abdomen and head. It's no wonder the previous owner of this body died.
【You really found me a great body,】Lin Su remarked, lacking even the strength to move the body.
System 06's mechanical voice remained calm as ever: 【I thought you were already used to it.】
The bodies Lin Su uses for missions are those of individuals who suffered accidents and were on the brink of death with no hope of recovery. The subsequent use of these bodies was agreed upon between the original owner and the source world. Since their deaths were accidental, it's only natural that Lin Su couldn't immediately jump back to life upon inheriting the body. Such unconventional actions could easily result in being dissected.
The body Lin Su inherited in the previous world was relatively fortunate, but this time, the injuries from the car accident were severe.
【Exchange for pain relief and recovery potions,】Lin Su wasn't stingy with his star coins. He just wanted to alleviate his suffering a bit and didn't want to experience the agony akin to childbirth here.
【Received. Pain relief potion exchanged, costing 100,000 star coins. Immediate pain relief applied. Recovery potion exchanged, costing 300,000 star coins. Body will rapidly recover to peak condition, deemed a medical miracle without suspicion.】
With 400,000 star coins spent, Lin Su's tightly wound nerves relaxed as the sensation of suffocation, where air seemed almost nonexistent in his lungs, slowly faded away. Though he still couldn't fully recover, at least he could manage to breathe autonomously.
As the ambulance arrived to lift him up, Lin Su began to receive memories. This was a world where technology wasn't highly advanced, but the entertainment industry was booming.
In the original timeline, the main storyline revolved around the protagonist, Cheng Luozhu. He was reborn and returned to the entertainment industry with his improved acting skills, overcoming numerous obstacles with the assistance and support of the supporting character, Zhou Xintang, and the male lead, Shi Wei. Eventually, he achieved the title of Best Actor and became a top-tier star.
The body Lin Su inherited belonged to Wang Qiang, who was an assistant to the supporting male lead, Zhou Xintang, in the original timeline. His presence in the original timeline was only noted because his sexual orientation was exposed.
Later he was unable to bear the online harassment, he committed suicide by jumping off a building, which led to a shift in societal attitudes towards homosexuality and paved the way for the protagonist's coming out later.
While there weren't many records in this timeline, Lin Su retained all of his memories. Wang Qiang was orphaned at a young age, he stopped receiving education after middle school and worked laborious jobs. He was discovered by a talent scout and entered a company but remained obscure, working as an extra and stunt double, facing suppression from others.
Eventually, he became an assistant just to make ends meet. This was before the point of his sexual orientation being exposed. However, the development of a single moment in time wasn't entirely immutable. In a brief moment of distraction while crossing the street, the original owner of the body departed from this world prematurely, allowing Lin Su to inhabit it.
As Lin Su was fitted with a breathing mask, he heard System 06's voice.
【 System 06 has assigned the following tasks. Task One: Survive as the original host.
Task Two: Change the fate of the supporting male lead, Zhou Xintang.】
The work of bandaging and stopping bleeding inside the ambulance was urgent yet methodical. Perhaps to keep him conscious, the paramedics did not administer anesthesia. Lin Su had to remain focused despite the pain.
Thanks to the lifeline provided by the system, Lin Su safely emerged from the operating room. However, when he regained consciousness again, three days had passed.
Lin Su, covered in plaster casts, overheard the nurse and cleaner murmuring as they changed his dressings.
"It's a miracle he survived with injuries like this."
"There's always good fortune after surviving a disaster."
The middle-aged cleaner chuckled before asking, "Have they found the driver responsible for the accident?"
After the nurse finished changing the dressings and they both left, their voices fading away, Lin Su's consciousness was clear. He inquired, 【Who was responsible for the traffic accident?】
【The perpetrator is solely responsible. It was a sports car. Host, your about to receive your first gift of fortune,】System 06 spoke.
Although the original host, Wang Qiang, had a momentary lapse of consciousness when crossing the road, the traffic light was indeed green for pedestrians at the time. The surveillance footage clearly showed this, leaving no room for the car owner to argue. Furthermore, the sports car fled the scene, leaving Wang Qiang behind. Although it didn't result in death, Lin Su's injuries were severe, resulting in a disability rating of level one.
"We will fight to get you the maximum compensation," the inquiring police officer assured with a furrowed brow. "People like them won't be tolerated, rest assured."
Lin Su sensed sympathy in the police officer's eyes. Given his critical condition, he would need someone to take care of him. However, he did not have any relatives to be found even after an extensive search.
Sympathy is often given to the weak, but Lin Su didn't mind. Showing vulnerability isn't necessarily a bad thing.
After understanding Lin Su's attitude, the police officer briefly reassured him and then left.
【Hit-and-run by a second-generation rich kid,】 Lin Su chuckled as he spoke to the system. 【This kind of topic is bound to stir up social discussion.】
Currently unable to access the internet, Lin Su couldn't gather information about the outside world. He spent his days lying in bed chatting with the system and occasionally watching low-quality TV. All his news came from conversations with people around him and monitoring by the system.
【Photos were taken at the scene of the accident, and the discussion has risen to the top third discussion. Some are trying to suppress it, but it's proving difficult.】06 dutifully reported.
This kind of explosive news involves legal and societal norms. The more they suppress it, the easier it is to rebound.
【Looks like negotiations are about to begin,】 Lin Su remarked with a pointed finger.
As expected, before Lin Su could say anything else, an unexpected visitor arrived for negotiations.
The man was wearing a suit, albeit with slightly disheveled proportions making the expensive clothing look less fitted. The man handed over his business card and placed it on the bedside table without waiting for Lin Su's response. "I'm Zhang Hua, a lawyer from Chengyi Law Firm. I'd like to talk to you about the conflict between my employer and you."
"There's nothing to discuss," Lin Su's voice was hoarse, betraying a calmness that didn't match his appearance. "After causing a serious injury in a hit-and-run accident, how many years do you think your employer will be sentenced to?"
Zhang Hua had already investigated the background of the person in front of him before coming. Although Lin Su's education level was quite low. People like him typically had only a vague understanding of legal sentencing. Moreover, his job as an assistant was precarious and could be terminated at any time.
Dealing with such matters was routine for Zhang Hua. As long as there were no fatalities, paying some money and offering a few explanations would usually suffice. He had encountered such tough situations before.
"The situation isn't severe. It's just a matter of driving without a license, which can be resolved with a few days of education," Zhang Hua sat on the bedside, his demeanor still calm. "I'm here today to handle the compensation matters for your own good. You don't need to worry about your medical expenses. With the compensation, your life will be much easier. As long as you agree not to pursue legal action, we can offer you this amount."
Zhang Hua wrote down a number on a piece of paper and handed it to Lin Su.
For an ordinary person, a sum of five hundred thousand would indeed be a considerable fortune. At least for Wang Qiang, who had been living on the brink of poverty, it would be like receiving a big fortune.
However, this amount of money was insignificant to Lin Su; in his previous world, he might not have even bothered to pick it up if it fell on the ground. However, circumstances had changed, and every penny owed to him was crucial. The value of human life couldn't be measured by money.
"How about it?" Zhang Hua spoke up. "It's just a matter of a few words from you. It's a win-win situation for everyone."
There was a moment of silence in the hospital room.
"Well, what if I were to cause Lawyer Zhang a first-degree disability and then compensate him with fifty million? I believe you would gladly accept it, wouldn't you?" A voice of elegance echoed from the doorway, unfortunately it was full of mockery.
Both Lin Su and Zhang Hua turned their heads to see the newcomer. He leaned casually against the door, dressed in high-end fashion that accentuated his tall, slender figure. With his phoenix-like eyes and exquisite features, he exuded an aura of stunning beauty, yet no one would mistake him for a woman.
Lin Su's eyebrows beneath the bandages twitched imperceptibly, but Zhang Hua stood up beside him, smiling, "Mr. Zhou, what brings you here?"
"The only reason to come to the hospital besides seeking treatment is to visit someone," the man at the door straightened up and walked over. Standing by Lin Su's bed, his tone, which had been mocking towards Zhang Hua just moments ago, was now calm and gentle, with a hint of reassurance. "Don't worry, Kang Shang will hold them accountable for you. This falls under work-related injury, and insurance compensation will come through. They can't threaten you. There's no need to be afraid."
Lin Su nodded in agreement. Then, a voice came from the doorway again, "Xintang, you have three minutes left."
"I got it," the man frowned slightly, then turned to Zhang Hua, "This assistant belongs to Kang Shang, and also to me, Zhou Xintang. If you're worried he won't find a lawyer or can't afford the legal fees, you don’t need to worry. I don't have any other requests, I just hope you can negotiate this matter with sincerity, okay?"
He may have used respectful language, but unfortunately, his tone wasn't particularly polite. However, this lack of courtesy seemed entirely natural coming from him.
Zhou Xintang, the person the protagonist admired the most before being reborn, rose to fame at the age of fourteen with a film that earned him the Best Actor award. In the movie "Finding Home," he portrayed a child who was abducted, initially rebellious and spoiled, but later enduring hardships and growing through adversity.
The film exposed social wounds and sparked heated discussions. Zhou Xintang's ability to fully control contrasting character arcs left a lasting impression on every viewer, earning him the prestigious Best Actor award.
For an actor, their body of work is fundamental to establishing their position in the entertainment industry. It was Zhou Xintang's peak performances that made Cheng Luozhu admire him so much.
However, in Cheng Luozhu's past life, he could only play supporting roles not because of any industry politics or suppression, but because his appearance didn't conform to the industry's standards. After being reborn into a wealthy and indulgent body, although the original owner's character was lacking, his good looks and wealth could support Cheng Luozhu's pursuit of his dream in the entertainment industry.
With talent, appearance, and the added luck bestowed by the world, Cheng Luozhu sailed smoothly, with Zhou Xintang's guidance and Shi Wei's support along the way.
Two outstanding men by his side inevitably led to some competition. One was the young prodigy who became an acclaimed actor, while the other was a giant in the entertainment industry.
Zhou Xintang may have lost in terms of family background, but he won Cheng Luozhu's admiration. Unfortunately, admiration alone was just that, admiration.
Zhou Xintang's early fame wasn't won by luck; it was a fact. Each year, he starred in films that received praise for his acting. However, people always felt something missing, as if his talent fell short.
Despite his talent, his love life became complicated as the person he loves got together with someone else. Shi Wei's influential family members subtly hindered him.
Later, family issues plagued him, and his biological parents' testimony thrust him into the spotlight, exposing his sexual orientation. Dirty water kept pouring down layer by layer, leaving him helpless, he could only quit the entertainment industry and go to a foreign country. He was depressed, worked hard, and finally ended up unexpectedly dying from severe depression abroad.
As Zhou Xintang's assistant, Wang Qiang had seen him in person, but the impression from his memory paled in comparison to the vibrant presence before him. Moreover, the person standing before him was exquisitely beautiful.
How could someone who was currently the most popular star not be beautiful?
Zhou Xintang's appearance could be described as unparalleled even within the entertainment industry. Just the flutter of his eyelashes seemed to evoke a sense of tender sentiment, and one could easily imagine the reactions of his fans upon seeing him.
It's clear that he can't shake off his tendency to be attracted to beauty and fall for someone easily, even though he and Lin Tang are not the same type.
Zhang Hua was left speechless by Zhou Xintang's words, feeling somewhat embarrassed, he could only arrange to discuss the matter another time.
After he left, Zhou Xintang sat by Lin Su's bed, his expression somewhat complex. After a while, he sighed and said, "You're lucky to wake up this time. Next time, remember to watch where you're going when you walk. One moment of carelessness, and you could lose everything."
His words sounded like he was giving advice, but there was a hint of hidden sorrow in his tone.
In the memories of this worldline, Zhou Xintang's adoptive parents died in a car accident, and the protagonist, Cheng Luozhu, also died in a car accident. Despite not being conventionally attractive in his past life, his acting skills were exceptional, and Zhou Xintang admired him.
As for why he fell in love with him after he was being reborn? Sometimes friends and lovers are only a face apart, and being attracted to beauty is just human nature. Lin Su never felt ashamed of it.
Naturally, lasting relationships aren't solely based on appearances; however, without that initial attraction, one might not consider someone as a potential partner. How can you understand the intriguing soul without a beginning?
"Why are you staring at me?" Zhou Xintang looked at the eyes beneath the bandages and unexpectedly discovered that his usually inattentive assistant seemed to have a pair of deep, naturally profound eyes, which were quite captivating.
Actors have both innate and acquired talents, and sometimes innate talent surpasses the effects of hard work. Having a pair of expressive eyes is a godsend, but it's a pity that this body is now crippled. Once the body recovers, the face might not be as pleasant to look at.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Brother Zhou," Lin Su didn't intend to flirt with his current appearance, but leaving a good impression was still important. "It's rare to see you up close, and it's a bit hard to look away."
His tone carried admiration, yet it didn't make Zhou Xintang feel offended. Zhou Xintang smiled and got up. "You're quite eloquent, kid. Take care of your injuries, and I'll come see you again later."
In the entertainment industry, Zhou Xintang has weathered many storms and received numerous praises. While he may be accustomed to such compliments, being praised still lifts his spirits more than being criticized.
His agent urged him to leave, so after exchanging a few polite words, he departed. He may have regarded Lin Su's words as mere courtesy, just as Lin Su might have seen his words in the same light.
Considering Zhou Xintang's current status, the fact that he even bothered to visit a relatively unfamiliar assistant like Lin Su could be considered quite kind. Lin Su doesn't hold any expectations for future visits, as he doesn't easily trust such gestures.
【What a good person,】 Lin Su sighed with emotion.
However, based on System 06's understanding of its host, he rarely judges someone until it thoroughly understands their past. Once he starts making judgments, it usually indicates other interests, such as pranks or...
【Are you interested?】System 06 inquired.
【He looks good】 Lin Su chuckled.
The tasks at hand are to ensure Wang Qiang survives and to alter the ending where Zhou Xintang succumbs to depression.
According to Lin Su's original understanding, both tasks seemed easily solvable. His own physical issues weren't a problem, and as for the supporting male lead Zhou Xintang, the entertainment industry was primarily driven by capital. With enough money, he could ensure Zhou Xintang had good scripts and teams, essentially supporting him throughout his career.
However, now he has changed his mind.
Merely supporting someone and watching them shine in the spotlight was certainly interesting, but the sense of achievement gained from claiming the brightest star in the constellation as his own, exclusively, would be infinitely greater.
Recovering from injuries was boring, even though Lin Su's remarkable recovery speed impressed medical staff. This boredom finally came to an end when Lin Su could sit up and use the internet again.
He watched Zhou Xintang's first movie and searched for all the information available about him.
In the movie, fourteen-year-old Zhou Xintang appeared as a rich young master, arrogant, proud, and rebellious, displaying typical adolescent behavior. Initially, his character might have been annoying due to his arrogance, but his fair and pretty face attracted some female admirers.
His arrogance and recklessness seemed justified because he was the darling treasure of his family, accustomed to the best things in life, attending the best schools, chauffeured in luxury cars. He was sheltered from any hardships, and even if he were to become incompetent in the future, his family's wealth would ensure he lived a worry-free life.
However, if the story ended there, the movie would not have achieved its legendary status. The plot took a dramatic turn one afternoon when the teenager sneaked out to play. In a secluded area, he was abducted by someone in a dark van, leaving behind only a trail of exhaust fumes.
This twist of fate plunged him from heaven to hell. The once pampered child suffered abuse and was covered in scars from beatings, even his clothes tightly wrapped around him were unable to conceal his wounds.
Because of his disobedience, he was sold to a farmer and forced to live near the pigsty. Every day, before dawn, he had to rise to feed the pigs, enduring continuous labor. He initially refused to eat out of stubbornness, but he eventually became desperate, eyeing even leftover scraps of food.
His fingers became rough, his spirit worn down. Life seemed utterly hopeless, erasing the brightness and pride from his once lively eyes.
He ran away, enduring beatings, huddling in haystacks yearning for his family, his eyes filled with grievances and sorrow, though tears had long since dried up.
Perhaps it was resilience that kept him going. In the end, he managed to escape by hiding in a pigsty. He wandered aimlessly, shunned by others, hiding in a truck and leaving that place behind. Every second was filled with heart-pounding anxiety, every minute an ordeal.
Fortunately, he eventually found his way home.
The movie's ending was a happy one. The young protagonist returned home and, with the help of his parents, exposed the location of the hellish place he had escaped from. All the villains hidden in the darkness were brought to justice, and the boy reunited with his family.
However, his body involuntarily curled up when sleeping, countless hidden bruises covering his body, and the scars that marred his eyes made it impossible for him to reintegrate into society.
He found his family, but could never return to the innocence of his past self.
Lin Su could imagine the tears shed by the audience in the movie theater at that time, because comparing the before and after, they would rather the youth remain the carefree child unaware of the world, instead of the teenager who had endured countless hardships and could no longer smile. It's only when something is completely lost that its past value becomes truly cherished.
The young actor's performance was excellent, and winning awards at the time was well-deserved. The tragic circumstances depicted in the film sparked societal discussions, and as the protagonist, Zhou Xintang garnered a lot of fans' sympathy and love. After all, while the young boy in the movie couldn't return, the real-life Zhou Xintang could still display a gentle and charming smile.
Having a high starting point is a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing because classics often have the right time, place, and people. As a cherished memory in the hearts of the public, surpassing it requires more than just reaching a certain level.
Although Zhou Xintang's acting skills didn't diminish afterward, he never again reached the position of an award-winning actor. Even though he is currently popular, there are still many black fans online.
【Zhou Xintang's average acting score is 87, reaching a peak of 95 at its best,】 System 06 dutifully reported the data.
It's normal to have fluctuations; there's always a difference between when one's acting skills are at their peak and when they're average. However, to maintain that peak state continuously, one would have to truly become that character. There are individuals in the original world who possess such skills, but acting at that level can even fool themselves, which is too detrimental to one's well-being.
【The host's average acting score is 85, reaching a peak of 100, and a lowest of 60,】 System 06 reported the statistical scores.
For Zhou Xintang's acting score, it's based on the data within the drama. But for the host, it's based on all statistical scores within the mission world.
The peak and lowest values are solely attributed to his attitude towards acting, whether he wants to or not.
【Thank you for the compliment,】 Lin Su smiled.
【You're welcome. Facts speak for themselves, just like your current score is at 100,】 System 06 replied candidly.
【Please close your score tracking,】 Lin Su smiled gently.
【It stopped...】 Before System 06 could finish its sentence, the ruthless host locked it away into the host space without a trace of mechanical rights.
While the rating system is straightforward, Lin Su prefers to rely on his own eyes. If one blindly relies on data, how can they see through the hearts of others?
This is also why he has kept the good impression ratings of those around him closed for years.
After all, data can be blind, make mistakes, but his heart and eyes won't.
Zhang Hua came back a week later, and this time his attitude was much more cautious. At least he handed over his business card with professional demeanor: "Mr. Wang, I still hope you will consider our suggestion. After all, getting more money will also help your future life, and sending our employer to prison will not benefit you in any way. On the contrary, it will offend the Wang family."
Lin Su toyed with the business card between his fingertips and said, "Mr. Zhang seems to be quite adept at handling such matters."
"If you insist on resisting to the end, you'll only end up hurting yourself," Zhang Hua said.
"Understood. This matter can be completely settled privately if you wish," Lin Su still had the appearance of being covered in bandages, but his words carried a weighty tone, "But given my current situation, it seems more serious for Mr. Zhang, you have handled these kinds of things before. If we were to pursue it, your employer would likely end up in prison for over three years. Personally, I don't mind, but your employer might find that quite distressing. I won't ask for much, just five million for a settlement. If it's less than that, we'll see each other in court."
He had done his investigation. The person who hit him was named Wang Bin, with assets worth hundreds of millions at home. While this money may not be directly accessible to this young master, compensating five million wouldn't break the bank.
It would probably only result in some scolding or punishment from his father, much lighter than what happened to Wang Qiang after being hit by a car.
"Mr. Wang, you're blackmailing us," Zhang Hua's expression soured.
"The door is over there, feel free to leave," Lin Su pointed to the door and then lay back down, clearly indicating there was no room for negotiation.
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Thanks for the update
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