I will not let you go!
The moon must be covered by dark clouds1
Lin Sifei woke up feeling refreshed and invigorated, stretching her cat legs in a long, satisfying arch.
She stood up and saw Luo Ke sleeping soundly beside her. After rubbing against her cheek, she hopped off the bed and transformed back into her human form to wash up.
Luo Ke was in a deep sleep today; even the sounds of the running water didn’t wake her.
She must have been exhausted yesterday. Lin Sifei stretched her arms high and picked up her phone to go buy breakfast.
Following Luo Ke’s old habit, she left a note.
She opened the door, put on a mask, and went to queue up at the breakfast shop. Her phone buzzed.
Seeing Li Tao’s number on the screen, a bad feeling washed over her. The moment she answered, she rushed to say, “I’m outside, keep your voice down.”
Li Tao sucked in a sharp breath, swallowing the words he was about to shout. He lowered his voice to a furious, teeth-grinding whisper. “What’s with President Luo this time?! She hired a water army2 to spam comments in the middle of the night, and now it’s on the hot search3 again.”
Lin Sifei was completely bewildered. Seriously? Has the world started moving this fast? How is an internet-addicted young girl like me constantly falling behind on eating melon?4
“Don’t panic. Let me see what’s going on first. I’ll call you back.”
She quickly hung up, opened her phone to the hot search list, and saw the tag: #Lin Lu CP is fake!#.
She had a pretty good idea of what had happened. When she clicked on it, she saw it was exactly as she’d suspected—a screen full of spam, interspersed with other people’s “lmao”s.
She found a marketing account5 that had summarized the whole affair and finally understood. The “small account”6 that had been arguing with everyone was apparently Luo Ke. When she couldn’t win the argument on her own, she’d hired a water army to spam the comments, insisting that Lu Heng was terrible. Now, everyone thought it was one of her fans.
Looking at the screenshots of the comments, Lin Sifei couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
No wonder Luo Ke was sleeping so soundly. She’d stayed up all night battling people online, and when she lost the argument, she’d resorted to using superpowers.
She saw the water army was trying to lead the rhythm,7 but some people were already calling it hilarious, telling the “primary school student” to focus on their studies instead of wasting money on a water army.
Lin Sifei sent a message to Li Tao, telling him not to worry; Luo Ke’s water army at least had some brains.
It was her turn in line. Lin Sifei bought two bowls of tofu brain8 and a basket of small basket buns,9 then carried them back.
When she returned to the hospital room, Luo Ke was already awake, yawning as she read the note.
Seeing her, Lin Sifei remembered the childish words online and couldn’t stop herself from laughing out loud. “President Luo, you had a busy night, huh?”
Luo Ke saw her smile and guiltily averted her gaze.
Lin Sifei chuckled, setting down the breakfast. She sat on a stool and helped her open the lid of the tofu brain container.
“That phrase you paid the water army to spam? It’s on the hot search.”
Hearing this, Luo Ke’s eyes lit up. “Then a lot of people must have seen it, right?”
Lin Sifei nodded. “A lot of people saw it.” She couldn’t help but laugh again. “But they’re all laughing at you for being a primary school chicken.”10
Luo Ke’s face turned black,11 and she reached for her phone to retort back.
“Hey!” Lin Sifei quickly pressed her hand down. She didn’t want Luo Ke to see the comments saying she was one to attract blackness;12 that would definitely make her feel guilty.
“You still want to argue? Then you’ll really be a primary school student. Hurry up and eat.”
Luo Ke thought about it and realized her behavior had indeed been incredibly childish, getting into a fight over a few words from strangers.
She took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and sat down to eat.
Lin Sifei bit into a bun, glancing up at Luo Ke and breaking into a smile each time. Luo Ke was so embarrassed she finally raised a hand to cover her face, but she couldn’t help laughing too.
“Something must have been covering my eyes.”13
“Jealousy was covering your eyes,” Lin Sifei said, clutching her stomach as she laughed.
She laughed for so long her cheeks started to hurt. She waved her hand. “Okay, okay, I won’t laugh at you anymore. But you need to apologize to Lu Heng. You launched so many personal attacks against him.”
Luo Ke considered it and agreed. She logged into her small account, apologized to Lu Heng, and then logged out of the account on her phone to prevent herself from committing a foolish act14 and being so unscrupulous15 again.
Lin Sifei thought that would be the end of it, that they could just turn the page.16 She had no idea how naive she was.
Just one morning later, Li Tao called her again. Lu Heng’s company had deployed a massive water army, leveraging yesterday’s incident to stir-fry a CP17 with great fanfare.
Lin Sifei was completely dumbfounded. “Hasn’t the production team reacted at all?”
“It’s free publicity. Why would they pass it up?”
She slapped her forehead.18 “There’s nothing we can do right now. This is my first movie, and the fanbase I have is too small to be stable.”
Li Tao sneered. “You’ve gained quite a few fans this time. And while Lu Heng has acted in a lot of things, he’s not famous. If we really get into a fight, we won’t necessarily lose. It might even help you solidify the fanbase.”
“Let me think about it.”
Lin Sifei hung up and sighed.
Luo Ke heard her and asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you sighing in despair?”
Lin Sifei told her about Lu Heng’s side trying to stir-fry a CP, and Luo Ke’s face darkened.
Yesterday’s water army was a complete waste!
She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Didn’t you already refuse when they wanted to do this before? Is he trying to tear face?”19
“I’ll ask him.” Lin Sifei picked up her other phone, but before she could send a message, one came in from Lu Heng.
【Lu Heng: Sorry to cause you trouble. I’m negotiating with my company right now.】
【Lu Heng: Don’t worry about holding back on your end. If you need to fight back, fight back.】
Lin Sifei handed the phone to Luo Ke. After reading the two messages, Luo Ke said sourly, “I think his words have a hint of green tea.”20
Lin Sifei snorted with laughter. “What’re you talking about? Be serious.”
“I am being serious.” Luo Ke sat down on the sofa. “This message is just him absolving himself of responsibility and pushing it all onto the company.”
Lin Sifei thought for a moment. “I don’t think Lu Heng is that kind of person. And it’s not exactly a secret that he has a bad relationship with his company. This might not be his doing.”
Hearing her defend Lu Heng, Luo Ke couldn’t help but feel jealous again. “You sound just like a scum woman who can’t spot a green tea and doesn’t trust her girlfriend.”
Suddenly being labeled with the hat21 of a scum woman, Lin Sifei laughed helplessly and sat down beside her. “Then let’s test him.”
【Lin Sifei: It’s okay. Lu Heng-ge, your company is just too unreliable.22 Have you considered coming to Ju Luo Culture? I can’t guarantee the best resources, but at least we won’t go against your wishes.】
Lin Sifei hummed, then said to Luo Ke, “If Lu Heng was really involved in this, he’ll never agree. He’s finally starting to show improvement;23 switching companies would mean having to start over from the beginning, and he wouldn’t get any particularly good resources at Ju Luo Culture either.”
This time, Lu Heng’s reply was a bit slow. 【I’m considering it, but the contract termination fee is too high.】
【Lin Sifei: Don’t worry about the fee. Ju Luo Culture should be happy to pay it.】
【Lu Heng: That’s great. Let’s find a time to meet and discuss the details. Thanks for connecting me.】
【Lin Sifei: You’re welcome.】
Lin Sifei tapped her phone emphatically. “See? He should be fine.”
Luo Ke looked at her joyful smile and pressed her fingers to her temple in resignation. “Who are you going to get to pay his termination fee? Li Tao is just a manager; he can’t make that promise.”
Lin Sifei felt a little guilty. She rubbed her fingers together, starting to calculate if her film pay24 would be enough.
Luo Ke sighed again, exasperated. “I’ll have someone sign him. We’ll pay the fee.”
“Really?!” Lin Sifei’s face lit up, but then she grew worried. “Don’t just think about me. The company still needs to be managed. You can’t be reckless.”
This company was bought specifically to be reckless, Luo Ke thought to herself.
She ruffled Lin Sifei’s hair. “Don’t worry, I have a sense of propriety.25 Poaching26 Lu Heng isn’t a loss.”
Luo Ke was highly efficient. She made a call and had her people arrange a meeting with Lu Heng for that very afternoon.
Lin Sifei told Lu Heng the time and place.
Because the terms offered by Ju Luo Culture were reportedly excellent, Lu Heng signed the contract without much hesitation. The rest was left for Ju Luo Culture to negotiate.
Lu Heng immediately shared the news with Lin Sifei. “I guess we’re colleagues now.”
“Haha, I hope you rise step by step27 in the future.”
Lu Heng smiled. “I’ve given up hope on that.”
As he spoke, he remembered the online drama from the day before and said laughingly, “That small account yesterday couldn’t have been President Luo, could it? The jealousy was practically dripping.”
Lin Sifei had him on speakerphone. She glanced at Luo Ke’s dark face beside her and quickly said, “What are you talking about? How could that be possible? Luo Ke isn’t that kind of person. Right, Luo Ke?”
Lu Heng understood immediately and quickly changed his tune. “Right, right. But it’s normal, really. Feelings always come with a bit of a desire for exclusive possession. That fan yesterday just likes you too much.”
“Exactly, exactly. Liking someone can easily make you have your head muddled by impulse,”28 Lin Sifei chimed in.
Even if Luo Ke were an idiot, she could see the two of them were frantically trying to apply a patch.29 She snorted softly. “Alright, if you’re done chatting, you can hang up.”
Lin Sifei had to stifle a laugh. She said goodbye to Lu Heng and ended the call.
She sat on Luo Ke’s lap and wrapped her arms around her neck. “Are you angry? Don’t be mad, I love you the most.”
She planted a loud kiss on Luo Ke’s cheek.
Whatever anger Luo Ke had felt instantly vanished.
She poked her between the eyebrows, resigned. “All you know how to do is act cute.”
“And you’re the one who falls for this trick,”30 Lin Sifei said with a grin, planting two more loud kisses on her face.
Yan Yafei was smiling at a cocktail party, the man beside her downing his glass of wine in one go.
Her eyes darted around, and she picked up her own glass with a smile. “President Wang, why the worried look? Is something troubling you?”
“What else could it be? It’s that Lu Heng. He finally got a little popular, and the company wanted to promote him, but as it turns out, he doesn’t know what’s good for him.” President Wang snorted angrily.
“Lu Heng?” Yan Yafei pretended she had just remembered. “Isn’t he the male lead in that recent hit movie? What happened to him?”
“He’s making a fuss about terminating his contract. Got in touch with Ju Luo Culture. I don’t know what they’re thinking. Is Lu Heng really worth that much money?”
Yan Yafei narrowed her eyes. “Isn’t that a good thing? Didn’t you make a profit, President Wang?”
President Wang was suddenly at a loss for words. He glanced at her and said evasively, “It doesn’t work like that.”
Yan Yafei smiled, secretly rolling her eyes.31 She had already looked into Lu Heng’s early career. The company was never going to promote him. The only reason they wanted to keep him now was to use his current popularity to boost their new talent.
That was why they were willing to stir-fry a CP and attract fans, regardless of the consequences or who they offended.
Lu Heng was just something to be used and thrown away.
Yan Yafei’s eyes narrowed further as her fingers caressed her wine glass. Ju Luo Culture… I remember that’s Lin Sifei’s company.
Halfway through the party, she used the excuse of going to the restroom to call Feng Xiao.
“Xiaoxiao, your chance to turn things around has finally come,” Yan Yafei said in a delighted tone.
“What chance?!”
Hearing Feng Xiao’s excited voice, Yan Yafei’s lips curved into a slight smile. “I happened to hear some news today. Lu Heng is terminating his contract to go to Ju Luo Culture.”
At this, Feng Xiao’s enthusiasm faded. “Oh, Lu Heng. What does his career have to do with me?”
“Don’t be so hasty,” Yan Yafei laughed. “Remember that behind-the-scenes footage32 I had you secretly film? You can have someone edit it now. There weren’t many interviews, but combined with the production team’s videos, it should be enough. That Lu Heng was subjected to the unspoken rule33 at his previous company. Do you really think he got into Ju Luo Culture based on merit?”
Feng Xiao’s mind cleared instantly. “You mean to say Lu Heng has also latched onto Lin Sifei’s gold master?”34
“And it’s so generous of Lin Sifei to be willing to share,” Yan Yafei sneered.
Feng Xiao added mockingly, “Maybe he’s just good in bed.”35
“As long as the two of them are deliberately trying to stir-fry a CP, the moment the news breaks that they both relied on the unspoken rule, we can release the video of you being bullied. Everyone will naturally believe you.”
Listening to her words, Feng Xiao looked at the computer in front of her, a smirk playing on her lips. “I know what to do.”
Lu Heng’s contract termination did not go smoothly. His original company, Haiyang Culture, held his social media accounts hostage and tried to keep him, even offering many good benefits.
Lu Heng didn’t agree, and the news that he planned to leave spread.
That evening, Feng Tingyun called him. “Do you want to come to my studio?”
“Get lost.” Lu Heng hung up curtly and continued packing.
He dragged his suitcase out of his apartment and headed to the place provided by Ju Luo Culture. He met his new manager, who turned out to be an ace agent,36 likely because Lin Sifei had put in a good word for him.
Lu Heng was exhausted. He threw a sheet on the bed, didn’t bother unpacking, and went straight to sleep after washing up.
In the early hours of the morning, several marketing accounts broke the news that Lu Heng had been subjected to the unspoken rule, implying that the executive was a man.
When Lin Sifei woke up and saw this hot search, she exploded with anger. The truth was that Lu Heng had refused the unspoken rule, and now it had been twisted into him being a victim of it.
The accounts that broke the story had clearly been paid off. Not only did they make the accusation, but they also included suggestive phrases, like how Lu Heng was a rotten mud that can’t be supported up a wall,37 so unpopular that even the unspoken rule couldn’t make him famous. They attached a list of the projects Lu Heng had taken over the years. A few of the movies were indeed quite good, and some people were surprised to realize he had acted in films they had seen.
This wave of public opinion came swiftly. While Ju Luo Culture was still discussing a strategy, the other side dropped another bombshell: Lu Heng’s newly signed company was Ju Luo Culture, and he had once again managed to hug a big thigh.38 The person who had connected them was Lin Sifei, and the target was her gold master.
That did it. The situation was even more explosive now. The male and female leads of a box office hit had both relied on the unspoken rule to get ahead—and they were being kept by the same person.
【They were even trying to stir-fry a CP before, isn’t that disgusting】
【Seems like there’s no stone hammer,39 it’s all just based on the blogger’s word??? And so many people believe it???】
【Someone’s trying to smear 《Light》 again, I wonder whose path it’s blocking40】
【Here they come, the bootlickers41 are here. It’s a trash movie that only got popular through hype】
The internet was in an uproar, with severe attacks directed at both Lu Heng and Lin Sifei.
Luo Ke was furious. She ordered her people to deploy the water army, but Li Tao stopped her. Getting into a water army battle at this point would only make the topic hotter, which wouldn’t do them any good.
“Who do you think is behind this?”
Li Tao was silent for a moment. “It could be anyone. Their team is much more skilled. The water army isn’t from any of the usual commercial companies; it looks like they’re privately maintained, or at least have a long-term, deep partnership.”
Lin Sifei sat fuming in her chair. What is wrong with this world? I’ve filmed so many projects before, and none of them had as much drama as this one.
“I think I should go to a temple and pray to Buddha, or visit a Daoist temple and ask the gods for help.”
Luo Ke stroked her head. “We’ll find a solution.”
“We’re supposed to get engaged soon. If things stay like this, it will have a huge impact on the engagement.” Lin Sifei pouted. This was what she cared about most.
She wanted an engagement ceremony worthy of Luo Ke, but with the current situation, people would only say it had confirmed42 the gold master rumors.
Ju Luo Culture was primarily responsible for the artists’ public relations. They worked through the night to formulate a plan, ultimately deciding to focus their breakthrough on Lu Heng. They would launch a promotional campaign for him, seize on the fact that the accusers had no stone hammer, and file a lawsuit.
With this decided, Ju Luo Culture stopped wrangling43 and had Lu Heng register a new account.
【Lu Heng_PerseveranceV:44 I have officially terminated my contract with Haiyang Culture and signed with Ju Luo Culture. In light of Haiyang Culture’s malicious withholding of my social media account, I have opened a new account today. Thank you all for your continued support [Heart]】
At the peak of the public opinion storm, Lu Heng’s signing with Ju Luo Culture was like a heavy blow. It proved that part of the whistleblower’s claims was true.
Lu Heng’s fans suffered a huge blow and were all demoralized. But without a stone hammer, most were still in a wait-and-see period.
Just as Ju Luo Culture’s PR department was about to get to work after Lu Heng’s Weibo45 post, Lin Sifei suddenly told them to wait. “Hold on. Let’s see if we can lure the snake out of its hole.”46
Soon, the previous accusations of bullying Feng Xiao and other actors were brought up again. Although they claimed many people were bullied, the focus was mainly on Feng Xiao, with the excuse that she was the most famous. Chen Qiyuan was also mentioned.
This time, public opinion completely sided with Feng Xiao. Lin Sifei sneered. “There it is. Going around in circles,47 but it’s the same old trick.”
The people at Ju Luo Culture looked grim. Being beaten down by a second-tier actress48 was a real way to lose face.49
Luo Ke spoke slowly. “I’ve already had her company stop providing her with PR. For her to still have such a strong team, it seems there’s someone else behind her.”
A jolt went through Lin Sifei. She turned to meet Luo Ke’s eyes, and a name flashed through her mind—Yan Yafei.
Lin Sifei slapped her forehead. “I knew it.”
The PR department got back to work, directly issuing a statement and suing a batch of the rumormongers.
Lin Sifei reposted the statement with her own reply: 【Time will be the test of my ability.】
Ju Luo Culture’s water army finally entered the fray, getting mixed in a chaotic battle50 with the other side’s water army. Caught in the middle were the regular netizens, all arguing heatedly.
Just as the fight was at its most intense, Ju Luo Culture noticed a different group of people. A closer look revealed they were all fans of Feng Tingyun.
Hearing this, Lin Sifei opened her phone, searched for Feng Tingyun’s Weibo, and was somewhat surprised.
Feng Tingyun had actually come out to strongly support51 Lu Heng at a time like this, and he’d laid on a thick layer of rainbow fart.52 At the end, he posted a very short video of Lu Heng kicking someone and throwing a punch.
【Feng TingyunV: I was with the same company as Lu Heng back then, and I know exactly what kind of person that executive is. Lu Heng has been suppressed for so many years precisely because he refused the unspoken rule and hit him. Every single resource posted online was earned by Lu Heng himself. He works hard enough that, naturally, someone will appreciate him.】
Feng Tingyun’s post was a critical turning point. Public opinion began to shift in Lu Heng’s favor. Director Chen also came forward to speak for Lu Heng, releasing behind-the-scenes footage from the set showing him discussing the storyboard53 with Lu Heng. The fact that he was discussing it with him was a clear acknowledgment of his ability in filmmaking.
Director Chen had some clout in the directing circle, and soon other directors who had worked with Lu Heng also spoke up. Some even jokingly called themselves repeat customers,54 saying that actors like Lu Heng—affordable, easy to work with, and willing to discuss the filming process—were truly rare.
It was obvious this was a setup.
Watching the end of this public opinion battle, Lin Sifei leaned wearily against Luo Ke. “This time, I will absolutely not let Feng Xiao go.”
Luo Ke looked up and gave Li Tao a meaningful glance.
The video Feng Xiao had edited was clearly filmed secretly by a staff member. The only person who could be on set and behind the scenes at various interviews was someone close to Feng Xiao.
Under Luo Ke’s instruction, someone from Feng Xiao’s company came forward with a tip. When the photos of Feng Xiao being “bullied” were first released, her manager had been blamed, and her assistant was later fired. Both incidents were likely orchestrated by Feng Xiao for publicity.
Feng Xiao’s fans were furious and started to tear into each other, but the other side wasn’t fazed at all, suggesting that Feng Xiao could just sue them directly like Lin Sifei had.
Feng Xiao watched as public opinion turned against her, biting her nails in a frenzy.
The videos and photos could only have been obtained by a staff member. She had been counting on the fact that no one would expose this while the movie was still in theaters.
She hurriedly called her manager, but before she could speak, the manager cut her off. “I warned you. This is the path you chose.”
With that, she hung up.
Feng Xiao stared blankly at her phone. The company had completely abandoned her.
No, no. She grabbed her hair, and Yan Yafei’s name suddenly came to mind.
She dialed her number, but the call was rejected.
She tried three more times before it finally connected. She clung to it like a lifeline. “Yafei! What do I do? The company isn’t managing me anymore. Didn’t you say you wanted me to come to your side? I’ve had a falling out with my company now. When will your company pay my termination fee?”
Yan Yafei’s voice was cold. “What are you talking about, Feng Xiao? You’re not the same as you were before. Back then, your value was worth the termination fee. Now, it’s not.”
Feng Xiao was stunned for two seconds before she slowly spoke. “I… I’m a good actress. I have fame, I have fans. I’m just facing a temporary problem. Once I get back on my feet, my value…”
“You have no value anymore,” Yan Yafei interrupted. “You’re now a malicious woman who frames others. How can you come back from an image like that? Do you think you’re some Film Queen with major awards under your belt? Stop dreaming. Don’t contact me again. I can’t give you anything. Pay the termination fee yourself. If you want to come, then come.”
The call was disconnected. The phone screen lit up, then went dark.
Feng Xiao curled up on the sofa, her eyes bloodshot as she tore at her hair. “Ah—!”
She took a deep, ragged breath, the veins on her neck bulging. “Yan Yafei, you lied to me!”
She glared viciously at her phone, then suddenly began to laugh, a neurotic55 sound. “I will not let you go. I will not let you go.”
Yan Yafei hung up the phone, her previous arrogant composure gone. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
She took a deep breath and sent a message.
【Yun-ge, I didn’t mean to use your studio to smear someone. Xiaoxiao said someone was attacking her, so I just gave her the contact info.】
【I’m so sorry. No matter what, I cannot escape responsibility for this. I’m really, really sorry. I’ll go apologize to Lu Heng-ge. It’s all my fault.】
【Feng Tingyun: Don’t go apologize.】
Yan Yafei’s heart leaped with joy. Just as she was about to reply, another message came from Feng Tingyun.
【Don’t contact me again.】
Yan Yafei panicked and quickly replied, 【Yun-ge, I was really wrong】
But when she sent it, a red exclamation mark appeared on the screen.
Yan Yafei furiously threw her phone and kicked a stool.
“Who the hell do you think you are? If it weren’t for your resources and your team, who would even look at you!”
She scrolled through the contacts on her phone, looking for her next target.
But Feng Tingyun was practically irreplaceable in the industry, especially his team. They were experienced and flawless.
She scrolled through her phone, muttering complaints. “It’s all that idiot Feng Xiao’s fault. I helped her build momentum, and she still couldn’t take down Lin Sifei. And Feng Tingyun is a stupid cunt,56 too. Did he come out to show off his brotherly love? Fucking licking dog.”57
After cursing everyone out, she saw someone on her Moments feed post a still of Lin Sifei. A director wanted to cast her in a new film.
Yan Yafei gritted her teeth. It’s all her, all her.
She was supposed to be the most outstanding actress of the new generation, but Lin Sifei had to stick her foot in horizontally!58
Yan Yafei bit her lower lip, tears of frustration welling in her eyes.
She had seen 《Light》. And because she had seen it, she knew that Lin Sifei’s future was to shine like the moon, while she could only be a supporting star.
No matter how brightly a star shone, it could never compare to the moon.
But if the moon were gone, everything would be fine.
Yan Yafei wiped away her tears and lifted her head. Without the moon, all the stars could shine. This entertainment circle needed a sky full of shining stars.59 Therefore, for all the actresses in the circle to have their chance to shine, Lin Sifei had to be covered by dark clouds.
✨ Unlock Early Access to Chapters! ✨
Choose your perfect membership at bamboopandatl.net:
📚 Full Access ($4.99)
• Advanced chapters of ALL ongoing novels
• Access to complete finished novels
• Ad-free reading experience
📖 Single Novel Access ($1.49)
• Advanced chapters of ONE specific novel
• Ad-free reading for chosen novel
PayPal is the only current payment option!