Chapter 33: Curbing His Arrogance

Dinner was a light meal of deep-sea seafood. As Lin Zhiwei ate, she scrolled through her phone, then suddenly placed it before Ling Ziheng and said earnestly, “While you were away from China, Chu Chuo has been smearing your name nonstop. The internet is swarming with trolls blackening your reputation.”

Ling Ziheng glanced at the screen without reacting, continuing to leaf through a magazine as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

Chu Chuo had always been ruthless in his methods, stopping at nothing to pull Ling Ziheng down from his pedestal. Slander and rumors were his tools of choice, and over the years, Ling Ziheng had become accustomed to such tactics.

Whenever a new rising star appeared, regardless of gender, and their brilliance threatened to overshadow Chu Chuo, negative news would inevitably surface within months, leaving them defenseless. If a girl possessed some charm, Chu Chuo would make a move to conquer her; if a boy refused to comply, he would be suppressed. Everyone suffered in silence, and Chu Chuo’s legion of fervent fans was vast—one misstep, and your social media would be besieged, your reputation shredded beyond recognition.

No one, except Ling Ziheng, could stand against him. Ling Ziheng had always kept himself above reproach, so all Chu Chuo could do was obstruct and undermine him on his path as an actor. It was easy to imagine how much pressure Ling Ziheng had endured over the years.

Lin Zhiwei had witnessed firsthand the power of online trolls in China’s entertainment industry. In the mere half month of Ling Ziheng’s absence, no fewer than a dozen trending topics were dedicated to maligning him:

Ling Ruoyu berates paparazzi…
The Best Actor claims to be on vacation—is he facing a career crisis?
Ling Ruoyu disappears; female fans keep vigil at the airport, falling ill and hospitalized…
A charity organization declares never having received Ling Ruoyu’s support; how will fans justify themselves…
And more.

Despite the strength of Ling Ziheng’s fan club—supportive, reasonable, and steadfast—the onslaught from Chu Chuo’s fans was relentless.

In contrast, Chu Chuo’s image on social media gleamed brilliantly: Busan Film Festival, Kazan Animation Festival, Los Angeles Arts Festival—his alluring face appeared everywhere. He’d tear off his shirt at a moment’s notice, flaunt his abs, and send his fans into frenzied screams.

With the boss so composed, it seemed the responsibility would fall on her, the director, to worry and work hard.

“Chu Chuo has connections,” Ling Ziheng said calmly, as if he had long known.

Lin Zhiwei frowned slightly—this was hardly surprising. Any top celebrity in China’s entertainment scene would have backing; without it, they’d be torn apart before even rising to fame.

“Could it be… connections here?” Lin Zhiwei speculated, her eyes shifting.

Ling Ziheng nodded.

No wonder, Lin Zhiwei mused, feeling a surge of pity. Chu Chuo had some charm but was clearly lacking in talent and unreasonably arrogant. If not for a powerful patron in the nameless domain, he would never act so recklessly.

“That patron must be formidable,” Lin Zhiwei muttered. “But no matter how big his backing, it can’t be bigger than mine—unless…” Lin Zhiwei’s eyes danced mischievously with mockery. “Unless his patron is Lin Qiongjiu.”

Ling Ziheng chuckled softly, impressed by her imagination. “That’s impossible. Even if the lord has power, he can’t cover everything.”

“Please, with Chu Chuo’s looks, his figure, his character, his acting, his dancing… compared to you, he’s not even close,” Lin Zhiwei scoffed.

“Oh? I’m curious—which is it that catches your eye, my looks or my figure?” Ling Ziheng’s gaze sparkled with interest as he set aside his magazine, hands folded, his expression full of allure.

Uh…

Lin Zhiwei was at a loss for words.

Watching the little girl across from him frown in embarrassment, Ling Ziheng felt delighted. Since she clearly admired his attractiveness, he could make use of that in the future.

He curled his lips in a smile, his whole demeanor radiating charm.

Lin Zhiwei swallowed, reminding herself to stay calm and composed—he was the boss, the patron… she must show respect!

Clearing her throat, she continued, “I’ll put him in his place next time. If he dares to act arrogant in front of me, I’ll show him who’s boss.”

…

Ling Ziheng was inwardly amused. Her former obedience had been an act; this protective stance was the real Lin Zhiwei.

“Zhiwei, I must remind you—keep your distance from him. He’s dangerous, and…” Ling Ziheng leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand, eyes narrowed, speaking slowly, “he likes beautiful women.”

Lin Zhiwei waved her hand dismissively. “That’s no problem; I can disguise myself as a man.”

“Including handsome men.”

Damn, Lin Zhiwei cursed inwardly. Chu Chuo was a pervert, attracted to both men and women…

“So why hasn’t he made a move on you? In terms of looks, you two are top-tier,” Lin Zhiwei suddenly grasped the heart of the issue.

Ling Ziheng hadn’t expected that twist, nearly choking before regaining composure. “He can’t beat me.”

That’s it?

Lin Zhiwei’s eyes widened in surprise at the answer.

So Chu Chuo had indeed wanted to go after Ling Ziheng… Unable to possess him, he sought to destroy him. Chu Chuo was truly terrifying.

“Zhiwei, I can’t delay any longer. I must leave tomorrow; staying away too long will arouse media suspicion. In a couple of days, I’ll have Pei Xi come to fetch you,” Ling Ziheng said as he sipped his wine.

“All right, no problem. I’m familiar with S City in China; I used to visit my sister-in-law every year. Too bad she’s always off traveling the world now…” Speaking of her sister-in-law, Lin Zhiwei’s eyes shone with envy. Beautiful and kind, her sister-in-law was her role model—if only Lin Qiongjiu weren’t so strict, she’d have more freedom to enjoy life together.

After dinner, Ling Ziheng drove her home. As she was about to get out of the car, he stopped her. “Zhiwei.”

“What is it?”

Ling Ziheng ultimately did not speak, shaking his head. “See you in China.”

Lin Zhiwei nodded, still puzzled as to why Ling Ziheng had hesitated to say more.