The crew headed over to the filming location in groups. Their hotel rooms had already been reserved. When they arrived, everyone took a bit of break, only to be urged back to work by the director.
After Pei Ying arrived at the hotel, she gave a call to Song Nanchuan. They spoke briefly, and before she could even put away her belongings, the director rushed her to the filming scene.
When filming started, everyone suddenly realized that… Emperor Mo had brought along his wife!
Though Mo Zhen had already been married for two years, there were still a lot of fans interested in him and his wife. And coincidentally, more than half of the crew were his fans.
Yu Kaize looked over at Mo Zhen and his wife, chatting at the side. He clicked his tongue, and said, “No wonder he said there were no problems when the director asked him. He brought along his wife, so of course there are no problems.”
It was Pei Ying’s first time seeing Mo Zhen’s wife, so she looked over at them curiously. “His wife was originally his assistant. It’s not weird for her to come along.”
Because this “assistant” ended up marrying Emporer Mo, the entire nation had gone into an assistant craze.
“Ah, they look like they’re taking photos.” Pei Ying watched with interest as Mo Zhen raised his phone and took a photo of his wife.
“Why don’t they take one together?” she asked a bit curiously.
Yu Kaize responded, “Who knows. But why don’t we take some photos too?”
“Photos?! Get ready for filming!” Director Zhao scolded Yu Kaize as he passed by.
Yu Kaize, “….”
What’s the point of yelling at him? If you had the guts, you should go yell at Mo Zhen.
Director Zhao waited for Mo Zhen to finish photographing his wife before calling the crew to start. The weather was stiflingly hot that day, and being outside all day long, Pei Ying felt like she’d gotten heatstroke. When they took their break, Mrs Mo handed out a bottle of iced mineral water to all the crew members.
“Thank you.” When she handed Pei Ying a bottle, Pei Ying finally got a close-up look at her. She had long hair, a sweet smile, and she was a bit cute. Her facial features were really pretty. No wonder Unnamed Magazine had previously pestered her about becoming one of their models.
Oh, that’s not right. More like, no wonder even Emperor Mo had gotten hitched.
After heading around to all the crew members, Mrs Mo finally returned to Emperor Mo’s side. Mo Zhen frowned slightly and said something to her. She puffed up her cheeks, and then with a smile, she handed him a bottle of water. Mo Zhen accepted the water and then he gave her head a little rub.
…Head pet killing move. Pei Ying pulled back her gaze. This scene was obviously intended to blind everyone around them.
Pei Ying took a sip of the water that she’d just received. Then she pulled out her phone to check up on Weibo and to cool down a bit.
Who knew that Weibo was also Emperor Mo’s sadistic hell.
At 9:33 AM, a certain emperor surnamed Mo had made a post.
[Mo Zhen] (Official)
Today’s weather is great. The scenery’s nice too (photo)
He’d posted a photo of himself, probably one that his wife had helped him take. There was nothing wrong with the photo itself, but all the netizens that were following both him and his wife quickly found an issue.
At the exact same time, 9:33 AM, the wife of a certain emperor surnamed Mo also made a post.
[Da Li, Not Da Li]
Today’s weather is great. The scenery’s nice too (photo)
(t/n: The first da li in her username means “big Li,” where Li is her surname. The second da li means energetic.)
Not only were the posts made at the exact same time and with the same contents, even their photos were of the same place, from the same angle, with the same pose—The only thing different was the person in the photo.
Pei Ying, “….”
She finally understood why Emperor Mo hadn’t just taken a photo together with his wife. This was the work of someone from the highest realm of sadists.
Pushing you to be ashamed of your inferiority…
A major gossip account posted both of the photos up together, and Pei Ying clicked open the article to check out the comments.
(t/n — Dog cruelty and sadism: A more direct translation of the term I’ve translated to “sadistic” in this chapter would be “cruelty to dogs,” hence comments like the one directly below. Emperor Mo doesn’t actually torture dogs. “Dogs,” here, refers to single people. In any case, mentions of dog cruelty and sadism are simply expressions regarding certain characters’ flaunting of their relationships.)
“When it comes to torturing dogs, I have to admire Emperor Mo.”
“The sadistic pair, Ding Meng and lord, Qiao Yichen, are expressing their unhappiness.”
“Stuffing cold dog food into my mouth (laughing to tears)”
“I’ve been eating Mo’s dog food for two years now. I gained fifty kg :)”
“Does Weibo have couple sets now too? (bye)”
“Celebrities these days… Instead of working, they’re busy torturing dogs (smile)”
“Pei Ying, Pei Pei, where’s your CEO Song?! You can’t lose!!”
Pei Ying, “….”
After the media found out that Emperor Mo and his wife were abroad together for the movie filming, there were reporters camped out outside the filming site every day, hoping to get the latest piece of sadistic news.
To recognize their courageous acts, the netizens nicknamed them “war correspondents.”
After several days of reporting about Emperor Mo, some reporters finally left the usual path and created some big news.
“Pei Ying and Yu Kaizei’s second collaboration. What’s the reason behind Young Master Yu’s attentive care?”
Instead of starring Mr and Mrs Mo, this article was about Pei Ying and Yu Kaize. The article stated that this was Pei Ying and Yu Kaize’s second collaboration. And apparently, coupled with Yu Kaize’s attentiveness in helping Pei Ying get water and a lunch box meal, this showed that he had lingering feelings for her.
At the end of the article, there were a few photos of him bringing her water and food.
In the midst of the Mo couple’s sadistic news, this article successfully caught the netizen’s attentions.
“Trying to eat up my Pei Pei again. Seriously annoying :)”
“He just helped her get a lunch box. You can even make a big deal about that? How lonely and empty must this reporter be? (smile)”
“Hold tight, Master Yu. Make the best of your time together away from home (evil)”
“Doesn’t this depend on CEO Song not going onto Weibo? Don’t forget the media company he sued last time. You guys are playing with fire here (smile)”
“That’s enough. Lingering feelings? My Ze Ze has never been a couple with Pei Ying before! Are you sure Pei Ying’s not the one inciting things?”
“How big is your ego to say that my Pei is inciting something? I’m pretty sure my Pei is the lead in The Performer, and your Ze is just a supporting character (picks nose)”
“Alright, guys, let’s get going. The evaluation is complete; this reporter is retarded.”
Song Nanchuan was already feeling down because Pei Ying was traveling for the shoot. Seeing this news now just irritated him and put him into an even worse mood.
He picked up his phone from his desk and called Pei Ying. Pei Ying was still filming, so her assistant answered the phone. When she saw the words “Bastard Song” on the phone screen, she was silent a moment. Then, she respectfully answered the phone, “CEO Song, hello.”
Hearing a voice that wasn’t Pei Ying’s, Song Nanchuan was taken aback. He asked, “Where’s Pei Xiujuan?”
The assistant responded, “Ms Pei is currently filming. What is your reason for calling? If it’s convenient, I can relay your message.”
Song Nanchuan frowned as he asked, “When will she be done filming?”
The assistant replied, “I’m not certain. It depends on how the director feels.”
Song Nanchuan, “….”
He was even more sure then that he was never investing in Director Zhao’s projects again! Not only wouldn’t he invest, he wasn’t going to let anyone else invest!
He hung up the phone and sat gloomily in his office.
Director Zhao must have felt his resentment, because after they finished shooting the current scene, he let everyone take a ten minute break. Pei Ying returned to her resting area and her assistant handed her phone to her. “CEO Song just called. He didn’t sound like he was in a good mood.”
Pei Ying started. She nodded and then took the phone, saying, “Okay, I got it.”
As she watched Pei Ying walk off to the side, Pei Ying’s assistant started thinking. Bastard Song and Pei Xiujuan… She originally thought that CEO Song and Big Star Pei’s love story was one of those CEO romances. Who’d have thought theirs was a rural love story?
(t/n — The love story of the bastard and the bumpkin: I’ve translated it so far as “bastard” (Bastard Song), but supposedly, the phrase can also be used as an endearing nickname for someone. I’m guessing it might also be considered a slightly crass term? Coupled with Pei Xiujuan’s unsophisticated and/or old-fashioned sounding name, I guess it makes sense to call theirs a “rural love story.”)
Pei Ying walked over to a quiet area to return Song Nanchuan’s call. The phone was picked up after just one ring. “Pei Xiujuan, what happened between you and Yu Kaize now?!”
Pei Ying didn’t understand. Confused, she asked, “What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you seen the news? It’s all over Weibo!”
Pei Ying had been filming all morning, so she hadn’t had time to check Weibo. She asked, “What did they write this time?”
“They said that Yu Kaize still has feelings for you. When he brings you water and food on set, he’s extremely attentive!”
After hearing this, Pei Ying was quiet for a moment. Had all the tabloid writers been drained of their creativity? They could even write a story about something like that?
Emperor Mo was doing a great job with his sadistic activity, so why weren’t they reporting on that?!
She let out an exasperated sigh and explained to Song Nanchuan, “He brought me the water and food because he was already getting his own portions. It didn’t take a lot of effort.”
“Not a lot of effort? Aren’t you worried he’s poisoned the water?”
“….” Pei Ying was quiet for a moment. Then she said, “Alright, I won’t accept the water and food he brings next time.”
“Not only can’t you accept them, you have to condemn him for those acts!”
“…Okay, I got it.”
Hearing Pei Ying’s obedient response, Song Nanchuan finally felt at ease. “When are you coming home? It’s already been five days.”
“Mmh… We’ll probably be here for a few more days.”
“How many days? You said it would only be a week before. Is there another delay?”
“Oh, well, I’m not the one who decides those things. It depends on the progress we make.”
“Is it because Yu Kaize’s dragging everyone back? Instead of doing a good job filming, he’s busy delivering meals to other people. If he likes meal boxes so much, maybe he should change professions and sell those instead!”
Pei Ying, “….”
From the sound of it, CEO Song was pretty angry.
“The entire trip will be ten days at most. We’ll definitely be back within that time.”
Song Nanchuan was still frowning. “So I have to suffer another five days of this?”
“Mmh…”
Pei Ying had more to say, but her assistant called to her, “Pei Pei, the director’s calling you.”
Pei Ying gave her a nod to show that she’d heard. Then she quickly finished her call with Song Nanchuan, “The director’s calling me. I’ve got to go now. I’ll call you back later.”
Then she hung up the phone. On the other end, after hearing the phone cut off, Song Nanchuan’s mood dropped again.
Fine, Pei Xiujuan. You even hang up on me now?
He tossed his cellphone onto his desk and then called Xiao Zhang on the internal line. “Cancel all my meetings today. I’m going to H City.”
Xiao Zhang, “…Okay, CEO Song.”
H City was where the crew of The Performer were currently filming. When Song Nanchuan arrived to the filming location, he found the entrance was surrounded by rows upon rows of cars. The security guards had put up the gate to maintain order as well.
“They seem to be reporters and fans,” Xiao Zhang explained after glancing out the window.
Song Nanchuan didn’t care about that. He was just hoping that his car would get inside faster. “Just head straight in. Tell security to open the gate.”
“Okay.”
As the majority investor in Universe, the security guards naturally didn’t dare to stop him. And so, as the reporters and fans watched his lofty car drive in, they knew that it was someone very important.
After his car went inside, one of the reporters cried out, “Ah, I remember! Isn’t that Song Nanchuan’s car?!”
Another reporter blurted, “Is he here to visit Pei Ying? Why didn’t you say so earlier?! I didn’t get a photo!”
“Hahaha, I got one~”
“….”
After getting past security, the road ahead was much smoother. The driver found a place to stop, and then Song Nanchuan opened the door and got out.
He could see a group of people up ahead, and there were also cameras around them. Pei Ying and Mo Zhen stood at the center, exchanging dialogue.
Xiao Zhang followed behind Song Nanchuan, his whole body trembling in fear. From his posture, it was obvious that Song Nanchuan had come with the intent of punishing someone. If he had a fight with Pei Ying here, in front of so many people, they’d be making headlines once again.
As Song Nanchuan approached, he heard the director saying to Pei Ying, “What’s going on, Pei Ying? The lines are very simple, so why are you messing up on them?! I praised you a few days ago, so now you’ve gotten full of yourself, huh?! You should be thankful that Teacher Xing Xin is busy with his wedding and wasn’t able to come along. If he saw your performance just now, he’d have gotten so angry that he’d have cancelled your appearance in the film!”
Pei Ying, “….”
This was already the nth time that the director had thrown a tantrum that day on set; everyone had grown used to it. Mo Zhen pat Pei Ying on the shoulder, to tell her not to take it to heart.
Pei Ying really didn’t take it to heart. But the same couldn’t be said for Song Nanchuan, who’d just arrived on set.
This Director Zhao had a big temper indeed. He’d heard Pei Ying mention it before, but he was seeing it with his own eyes now. He was so furious that his insides were burning with rage.
He couldn’t even bear to scold his woman, but an outsider was scolding her like this?!
He walked over with a frown on his face. Pei Ying finally saw him, and she froze. “Chuan Chuan, what are you doing here?”
Song Nanchuan didn’t respond to her, but instead looked at the director. “Director Zhao, you can point out where Pei Ying’s performance was lacking, but are you really going to scold her like I’m dead?”
Pei Ying saw that Song Nanchuan was starting a fight with the director just as he arrived, so she went to tug on his clothes. She whispered to him, “The director’s in a bad mood today. Just let him yell a bit.”
Song Nanchuan scoffed. “Bad mood? Just because he’s in a bad mood, he can yell at everyone on the set as he pleases? Go yell at whoever offended you. Why are you venting out your anger on Pei Ying?”
The entire crew had grown quiet. The director and Song Nanchuan were at a standoff. Then, the director suddenly called out, “Half an hour break!”
He turned, and without looking back, he walked off. The assistant director (AD) chased after him, and the rest of the crew started whispering among themselves.
Pei Ying pulled Song Nanchuan over to her rest area, and she asked him, “Why did you suddenly come here?”
Song Nanchuan responded, “Since you refused to come home, I came to find you.”
“….” Pei Ying coughed and then said, “It’s not that I refused to go home. You saw just now. With the director acting like that, filming is crawling along.”
With the mention of Director Zhao, Song Nanchuan frowned. “What’s wrong with him anyway? Did he take the wrong medicine?”
Pei Ying shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s been like that all morning. Maybe the stocks he bought dropped again.”
Song Nanchuan, “….”
Xiao Zhang looked on at the happily bantering pair, and he finally released his breath. CEO Song seemed to have forgotten his initial intentions for coming.
It appeared that, to him, Pei Ying was like a chilled watermelon on a scorching summer’s day.
Ten minutes later, the director and AD returned. The director walked over to Pei Ying’s resting area, and tiredly said, “I’m sorry. My wife suddenly told me she wants a divorce, so I’m not doing so well.”
Unintentionally hearing this kind of gossip, Pei Ying’s mind suddenly went blank. Song Nanchuan’s brows twitched, and then he raised his eyes to the director. “Being away from home so often very easily complicates relationships.”
The director pulled out a cigarette, originally intending on smoking it, but Song Nanchuan snatched it from him. “Pei Ying doesn’t like the smell of cigarettes. Don’t smoke here.”
Director, “….”
God. His wife wanted a divorce, but he was surrounded by couples showing off their affection! When had there ever been a director that was so wretched?
After taking away his cigarette, Song Nanchuan got a lollipop from Xiao Zhang. “Here, eat this. Better for your health, and tasty too.”
Director, “….”
He put the watermelon flavored lollipop into his mouth. Song Nanchuan pat him on the back and said, “A divorce doesn’t happen that quickly. Hurry and finish up your filming here, and then let the crew have a vacation. Go home and make up with your wife.”
The director sucked on the lollipop for a bit, and then he nodded. Song Nanchuan’s lips raised up. “Alright, it’s settled then. Everyone’s been working hard recently. I’ll treat the crew to a meal tonight.”