Hear this life

As the nurse spoke, she picked up the bowl of water and walked over to feed Wen Tingli water.

Wen Tingli smiled and said, "It's not like I can't move. I can do it myself."

"Miss Wen, you must not move around today. Before the doctor left, he specifically told you to take good care of yourself so as not to develop any habitual--" Although the nurse was used to working in the hospital, it was not easy for her to repeat the professional terms used by the doctors. After thinking for a long time, she failed to successfully remember the word.

Wen Tingli knew that most of the words would make the injury worse if she moved too much, so she suppressed her laughter and nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to the doctor and I won't move."

When Lu Shicheng pushed the door open, Wen Tingli was obediently drinking the first spoonful of water from the spoon in the nurse's hand. She was unable to speak for a moment and could only look at Lu Shicheng with her pair of bright eyes.

Anyone who saw this scene would be amused by Wen Tingli's cute and adorable expression, but Lu Shicheng found it difficult to laugh. The blood on Wen Tingli's arm had been wiped clean, but he could not forget the heartbreaking scene before.

He took the bowl of water from the nurse.

【I'll come.】

The nurse hurriedly left, and Wen Tingli obediently opened her mouth to drink water.

Lu Shicheng fed very carefully and meticulously, scooping only half a spoonful each time and bringing it steadily to Wen Tingli's lips. Because he was patient, he did it more professionally than a nurse, and not a drop of water was spilled from beginning to end.

Wen Tingli drank water, but her eyes were lingering on Lu Shicheng's face and body. Although Lu Shicheng's expression looked the same as usual, she could vaguely sense that he was a little depressed, and she also saw a lot of blood on his front.

It can be seen that he has not had time to take care of himself until now.

She shook her head gently at him.

"That's enough. I don't want to drink anymore."

Lu Shicheng put the bowl aside and raised his hand to touch Wen Tingli's forehead.

"I don't have a fever... No, I don't want to eat fruit now. Don't just stand there and take care of me. Sit down and take a rest."

Lu Shicheng was silent for a while.

[Tell me more about the situation at that time, what the murderer looked like, and where he followed you from.]

When talking about this, Wen Tingli became very angry, "He ran too fast, I only saw the back of his head, he was very strong, about this tall——"

She tried to raise her arm to measure the man's height. Lu Shicheng's eyelids jumped and he subconsciously held her hand.

Wen Tingli looked up and saw Lu Shicheng's expression. She couldn't help but smile: "Look how scared you are. I won't move. Don't look at me like that. But what can I do? I can't even describe the appearance of the murderer. Where can we find this person?!"

Strangely, Lu Shicheng didn't seem to be in a hurry at all, so he thought about it and asked.

[Why did you think of going there today? Did you feel like someone was following you along the way? ]

"I..." Wen Tingli paused, "I was in the studio this morning. At noon, I made an appointment with a classmate of Xiu De to meet at a snack bar on Magen Road in the afternoon. She had some of Xiu De's graduation souvenirs to pass on to me. As soon as I came out of the theater, I felt something was wrong. Not only did I feel this way, but the driver also felt this way. However, we didn't see any suspicious people behind us. Later, my classmates and I sat in the snack bar for a while. There was nothing unusual during the period, so we came out. I guess that person had followed me near the theater."

At this point, she came to her own conclusion.

"I always feel that this person pushed me in order to sabotage my audition tomorrow. I even suspect that it was someone from our company who did it!"

This speculation coincides with Lu Shicheng's idea.

[Then you went to the Guangdong Commercial Bank across the street, and then the assailant attacked you on the second floor? ]

Wen Tingli paused. She couldn't explain why she was so anxious to find a public phone to make a call.

If it was only Qiao Baoxin's matter, there would be nothing that could not be told to Lu Shicheng. However, it happened that a member of the underground patriotic organization, lawyer Tong Zhaohui, was involved. This matter was of great importance, and she must not leak a single word to the outside world before Li Chengying found lawyer Tong.

"I felt uneasy, so I ran across the street and called you. Your bank manager said you were not in, so I was about to go downstairs, and then that person ran up behind me and plotted against me."

Lu Shicheng looked at her quietly.

Wen Tingli felt her throat vaguely dry, and she suspected that he could hear her rapid heartbeat.

Fortunately, Lu Shicheng didn't say anything in the end, but just touched her head trustingly.

【okay, I get it. 】

Wen Tingli secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Once she felt at ease, she couldn't lie still any longer. She looked at him happily. "You haven't told me yet, how did you get here so timely? Did you fly here?"

Lu Shicheng finally smiled. Every time he smiled, his eyes were like stars flashing, so beautiful that people couldn't take their eyes away.

[I happened to have something to do in this hospital this afternoon, so I rushed over as soon as Kuang Zhilin called me.]

Wen Tingli looked at him in a daze, that's why he was so scared.

If he wasn't here today, wouldn't she -

She felt extremely fortunate and gently hooked Lu Shicheng's little finger.

Probably knowing that such a small amplitude would not affect the injury on the other side, this time Lu Shicheng did not push her hand back into the quilt, but just bent down and kissed her fingertips.

The ward was very quiet. The autumn sun shone in through the window, shining directly on Lu Shicheng who was sitting beside the bed. He sat there as if he was sitting in a golden gauze curtain. She was embarrassed to keep staring at him, so she simply turned her eyes to the ceiling. She didn't know how long it had been, but she secretly glanced at him again and saw that his closed eyelashes were trembling slightly.

His emotions were not as calm as he appeared.

He was upset and blaming himself.

She asked him softly, "You have been in the hospital all afternoon? Are you feeling unwell?"

Lu Shicheng pointed to his throat calmly.

"Your throat is uncomfortable?" Wen Tingli was a little confused, and suddenly opened her eyes wide, "You mean, you are treating your muteness?"

Lu Shicheng smiled and nodded, and suddenly heard the attendant knocking on the door: "Master Cheng, Mr. Kuang is here."

Kuang Zhilin brought a lot of supplements and fruits, and after entering, he looked at Wen Tingli's face with concern. "How is it, is the injury serious? This criminal is so hateful! Miss Wen, please rest assured, the murderer will definitely not escape."

Wen Tingli knew that Kuang Zhilin was always a good person. No matter what the occasion, his words and actions always made people feel very comfortable. She smiled at him gratefully and said, "I'm really sorry for making Mr. Kuang worry."

Kuang Zhilin exchanged a few pleasantries beside the bed, then smiled and said to Lu Shicheng, "I have two important things to report to you."

Lu Shicheng glanced at Wen Tingli, and Wen Tingli quickly said, "I'm fine."

Lu Shicheng called the nurse back and carefully observed how the nurse took care of Wen Tingli. After he was sure that the nurse was being careful, he left with peace of mind.

The two men walked into a VIP reception room at the end of the corridor one after the other, and Kuang Zhilin closed the door.

"Last time, that person submitted an article to the newspaper again, and our people intercepted it in time. This time, the recipients of the submission were the tabloids "Film Review" and "Film Flower", which mainly publish news from the literary and art circles. The manuscript was written today and is still hot."

【People have their own paths, and demons have their own ways! Recently, in order to win the title of the heroine of "Southern Beauty", the socialite Miss Wen Tingli has come up with a new trick. The day before yesterday, she was busy making an appointment with a rich man to watch a movie, and today she dressed up beautifully to visit another rich man. It can be said that she is "playing both sides" and "playing many boats without capsizing". Miss Wen is so familiar with the rules of the game in the world of fame and fortune that the heroine of "Southern Beauty" must be her. With the scale of the production of this film, it is just a matter of time before Miss Wen becomes famous in Shanghai. 】

Like last time, there are a lot of photos attached to the article.

The first photo was taken in front of the Carlton Cinema. In the photo, Wen Tingli was about to get into a car. The camera was very careful to capture only Lu Shicheng's profile, but everyone could see that Wen Tingli was with a well-dressed rich young man.

The following photos were taken at the gate of a large mansion. Wen Tingli followed a servant into the gate with a smile. The camera kept following Wen Tingli until her figure disappeared in the main house.

Lu Shicheng only glanced through the first batch of photos.

When he turned to the second batch of photos, he didn't look away for a long time.

"This was just washed out this afternoon. I have asked someone to check it out—" Kuang Zhilin hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "That's Meng Qiguang's residence."

[So what?] Lu Shicheng threw the photo onto the coffee table nonchalantly.

"I am laughing at this man's clumsy methods. He actually used such a low-level method to ruin Miss Wen's reputation. Miss Wen is determined to catch the murderer. I believe she has already told Master Cheng all the places she has been today."

When saying this, Kuang Zhilin did not forget to judge Lu Shicheng's expression. Seeing that Lu Shicheng had no intention of joining in the conversation, he had to change the subject.

"According to the people at Guangdong Commercial Bank, the burly man did go upstairs not long after Miss Wen went upstairs. Because he was dressed decently, the people in the store didn't pay much attention to him. After Miss Wen went upstairs, she kept making phone calls at the end of the corridor. The first call lasted for more than a minute, but she hung up on the second call after just a few words—"

Lu Shicheng raised his eyes.

【She made two calls in total? 】

Kuang Zhilin didn't understand what was going on, so he nodded and said, "That's what the store staff said. Later, we heard Miss Wen tumbling down the stairs. Zhou Wei and the others just replied that they have found some clues and will be able to catch the person tomorrow at the latest."

[Forget tomorrow. I want to meet the murderer tonight.]

Lu Shicheng wrote a name on a notepad and gave it to Kuang Zhilin.

"Is it really him?! Okay, I'll get someone to do it right away."

Kuang Zhilin quickly walked to the table and made a phone call. When he came back, he saw Lu Shicheng still staring at the photo on the table in a daze.

Lu Shicheng's eyes were deep and quiet, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Kuang Zhilin paced anxiously for a few steps and couldn't help but express his doubts.

"Excuse me, but I really can't understand why Miss Wen insisted on making a phone call on that street. There are obviously prosperous foreign companies and department stores just two blocks away. Moreover, according to the clerk of Guangdong Commercial Bank, that is not a public phone open to the public, but a phone they use internally to check inventory. When Miss Wen asked them to borrow the phone, she said, 'I have something urgent to do.' The clerk saw how anxious she was and agreed to let her use the phone."

Lu Shicheng glanced at Kuang Zhilin indifferently.

【What do you want to say? 】

Kuang Zhilin smiled bitterly, "I just suspected that Miss Wen's phone call was related to the murderer's motive for plotting against her, so I asked a few more questions in the store. Judging from the time of the call, Miss Wen's second call was to Master Cheng's office, but the first call was very mysterious, it was a public number near Jing'an Temple. I guess this call was the real reason why Miss Wen was eager to borrow the phone. In addition, there is one thing that I can't figure out. Did Miss Wen have any contact with Meng Qiguang before? Why did Miss Wen take a special leave to go to Meng's Mansion in the afternoon?"***
Deng Tianxing leaned back on the sofa and blew a smoke ring triumphantly toward the ceiling.

Suddenly someone patted my shoulder from behind.

"Didn't you say you had good news for me?"

Luo Shuhong said as she sat down on the sofa opposite. She was wearing a red suit that she had just bought from Schiaparelli's in Paris. She looked as gorgeous as a peony.

Deng Tianxing looked Luo Shuhong up and down with his narrow and long phoenix eyes, and a lazy smile appeared on his lips. "Shuhong, you are so beautiful."

Luo Shuhong obviously didn't buy it. "You have to go back to the studio to film tonight, why did you ask me out now? Tell me, what's the matter?"

Deng Tianxing slowly handed the thing in his hand to Luo Shuhong.

"Take the time to watch it and try to get into the role as soon as possible."

"The script of 'Beauty of the South'?" Luo Shuhong asked in surprise, "Why are you showing it to me? The actors for this play have already been decided."

"Who said it's settled?" Deng Tianxing smiled mysteriously, "Didn't you see that Director Huang has been arguing with those company veterans recently? In the past two years, Director Huang insisted on making films according to her own ideas, and has lost money on several films. By the time we were preparing to shoot "Southern Beauty", the company's account had no liquid funds. Fortunately, we got several bosses from Feidi'er Film and Television Company to invest, otherwise this movie would not have been able to start shooting until next year."

"real?!"

"Why would I lie to you?" Deng Tianxing laughed happily. "I heard this with my own ears outside the manager's office. It can be said that this "Southern Beauty" determines the future survival of Golden Pictures. Now the company's elders have a unanimous opinion: it is better to find a female star with an audience base to play the leading role, so that it will not be completely unattractive when it is released. Several producers are also firmly opposed to finding an unknown newcomer to play the leading role. Director Huang has been arguing with them these days! But she will soon be unable to hold on."

He smiled wickedly.

"But what does this have to do with me?" Luo Shuhong said dejectedly, "To be honest, when the filming of this play just started, I asked Director Huang to recommend myself, but she rejected me outright. Even if Wen Tingli didn't want to act, she wouldn't agree to let me act."

"What she says doesn't count!" Deng Tianxing sneered, "Let's get this straight. The producer is the one who has the final say now. Think about it, how many actresses are available in the company right now and are of the right age and temperament for the role? Duan Miaoqing's Peony Soul started filming last month, and Shen Yingying just joined the crew of The Mystery of the Mansion. The others either have a drama they are filming or can't carry the burden like you. But you starred in Spring River Sorrow the year before last, and the supporting roles you played afterwards also had very good reputations. You have already accumulated a lot of fans, and you only need a leading role to completely establish your foothold. As long as Wen Tingli is replaced, you will be the undisputed candidate."

Hope lit up in Luo Shu's red eyes.

"But--"

"Don't worry about it. The company will hold an audition tomorrow morning and several producers will be there. You should come early to get the news. There will definitely be an emergency by then. Once Wen Tingli is kicked out, you can just wait for the company to arrange you to join the group. The script has been brought to you, so just stay at home and work on it."

Luo Shuhong was still a little hesitant: "...How can you guarantee that Wen Tingli will be in trouble? What if she performs well tomorrow?"

"Silly, of course I would only say that if I was absolutely sure." Deng Tianxing said with an unusually proud tone, "Speaking of which, it was Director Huang who proposed this audition. She does have confidence in Wen Tingli, but it's a pity that the first person who will slap her in the face tomorrow is Wen Tingli."

"You didn't use any despicable means, did you?"

Deng Tianxing sneered: "Let's get it clear. In the world of fame and fortune, what are the three upper scoundrels? What are the three lower scoundrels? This place has always been divided into popular and unpopular. You are too honest, so you have been sitting on the bench for so long in the company. Do you think Wen Tingli got this role by legitimate means? Just because she is a newcomer who has never acted in a movie? You think people are too naive. I am just helping you get back the opportunity that should belong to you. Don't be afraid, everyone has their own actions, and I, Deng Tianxing, will never implicate you. Besides, I did this very secretly, and no one can suspect me. Besides, Wen Tingli will soon become a discarded child. Who will help her out then?"

As he spoke, he gently placed his hand on the back of Luo Shuhong's hand.

"Shuhong, opportunities are fleeting. We don't know when the next time will be until we have a good play like "Beauty of the South". I have spent so much time and effort to help you get this opportunity back. Of course, all this is my own will. I love you, and I will help you get whatever you want even if it costs me my life."

His tone and eyes revealed an almost paranoid fascination. Even the hardest-hearted person would soften for a moment when faced with this scene. Although Luo Shuhong quickly pulled her hand back, her face turned red. She tried to cover it up by drinking coffee, but she could not hide the shyness and expectation that flashed across her face.

She regained her composure in an instant, stood up, picked up her handbag and script on the table, and walked out.

"I am leaving."

Deng Tianxing still had a smile on his face, but his expression was a little disappointed.

Unexpectedly, Luo Shuhong suddenly turned around and looked at Deng Tianxing, "Hey, I'm going to the department store across the street to buy some things, do you want to give me a ride?"

Deng Tianxing was immediately delighted and quickly got up and followed.

But I was secretly proud of myself: After three months of hard pursuit, I'm going to win her over? Luo Shuhong has everything, except for filming - Huang Yuanshan only looks at the people and not the money when choosing actors. Now that I have successfully helped her get this role, it would be strange if she is not deeply moved. I will design a few more romantic scenes, and sooner or later she will be mine.

Along the way, he kept telling jokes to cheer Luo Shuhong up. When Luo Shuhong was so amused that she covered her mouth and laughed, he glanced at the diamond ring on her hand. She was truly worthy of being the daughter of opium tycoon Luo Kunlong. With his current salary, he wondered how many movies he would have to shoot to be able to afford such a huge diamond.

As long as he married her, why would he have to spend all day in the crew filming? When he thought about being scolded by the director on the set yesterday, he was furious. He had had enough of this humiliation!
To be honest, this incident was indeed a bit too risky, but who says that wealth and honor come in danger? If it wasn't risky enough, he wouldn't be able to take down Luo Shuhong. At the same time, it was precisely because it was risky enough that no one would suspect that he did it. In order to ensure that there was no mistake, he went to Suzhou to find the gangster, who was now on the train back to Suzhou. Even if the Lu family had the ability to reach the sky, they couldn't find out the reason.

However, Wen Tingli's performance today proved that his worries were unnecessary. He had planned everything, but he had never expected that Wen Tingli would go to the Meng Mansion today.

A little girl ran to a single man's house alone. You can tell what she was going to do with just your toes.

After seeing those photos, it would be strange if Lu Shicheng didn't get so angry that he turned against Wen Tingli on the spot, and he didn't even have time to help her find the murderer.

No one will ever know who pushed her down the stairs.

Thinking of this, Deng Tianxing almost laughed out loud.

In the evening, he accompanied Luo Shuhong to have dinner at Xinya. Sitting in front of the glass window, he could just see the Fenghua Building owned by the Lu family standing opposite. Deng Tianxing came back after finishing his phone call and whistled proudly at the building with bright lights like stars. He had already called the apartment to confirm, and sure enough, no one suspected him. See, the young master of the Lu family only has this little trick.

When Deng Tianxing returned to the crew at night, he was late again. Everyone in the crew was waiting for him, but he didn't feel guilty at all. He is now considered a popular young actor in the company, and the fans came for him. Without him, the movie would have no box office. The director would at most scold him, but what else could he do to him?
But as soon as he entered the dressing room to put on makeup, the director pulled him aside.

"Xiao Deng, you don't have to come from tomorrow."

Deng Tianxing touched his ear: "What are you kidding?"

"I'm telling you, you don't have to come starting tomorrow." The director didn't look like he was joking at all. He said this expressionlessly and turned away.

"Wait." Deng Tianxing pulled him back. "I was just late once. Director, you don't need to scare me like this. I'm the male lead of "Sands of Time". We're only halfway through filming. You're telling me not to come?"

The director said with a gloomy face, "This is not my decision alone. Several veterans of the company all agreed. Someone invested a lot of money in "Sands of Time", enough for us to shoot two movies and more. They only put forward one condition: to change the male lead immediately. It happened that many people in the crew had long been dissatisfied with you, and the upper management of the company agreed immediately. The other party also recommended Zhu Xiaozhou from Huahong Company. The salary and box office dividends have also been negotiated. Zhu Xiaozhou is more famous than you, and we can't think of any reason to refuse."

Deng Tianxing's smiling face completely froze.

"Nonsense! Who would be so kind to suddenly invest such a large sum of money? And why would this person do this? Don't tell me he did it to mess with me?"

The director's expression says it all: they're just trying to mess with you.

He patted Deng Tianxing on the shoulder. "Xiao Deng, although I don't know what you did, you have offended a tough guy this time. If you still want to work in this industry, you'd better apologize to him in person. Be sincere and speak softly, and he might let you go. As for my play, forget it."

"Director..." Deng Tianxing was completely panicked and grabbed the director's arm in fear. "There must be some misunderstanding. You are a veteran of the company, you must help me put in a good word with Sister Huang and the others. When I first entered the industry, you directed my first movie, and you often said that I had a bright future."

"Yes, you are indeed a very talented actor, otherwise you wouldn't have become famous with just one movie. It's a pity that you have never been willing to put your mind to the right path. It's ok that you are not professional on the set, and you are not decent outside. I have warned you that if you continue like this, you will get into trouble sooner or later. You have offended a tough guy this time, and we can't help you. You should take care of yourself."

Deng Tianxing watched the director walk away, then suddenly remembered something and ran out the door with a dark face.

***
Meng Mansion.

Deng Tianxing wiped her tears and angrily recounted what had happened today.

"...Brother Meng, you have to help me make the decision this time. You were the one who recommended me to join Golden Pictures. They knew that I was a distant relative of the Meng family. It's clear that they don't take you and the Meng family seriously!"

Meng Qiguang tapped the ash on his cigar. "So even you can't figure out who's against you?"

"I have a guess that this matter was most likely instigated by the Lu family." Deng Tianxing's tone was uncertain. After he finished speaking, he scratched his head embarrassedly, "Speaking of which, this matter is also related to Brother Meng. One night a few months ago, I passed by a certain alley in Fengyunli and saw you and Miss Wen chatting on the side of the road."

Meng Qiguang's smile faltered slightly.

"I also ran into you by chance!" Deng Tianxing said hurriedly, "I just remember that it was already very late, Brother Meng, you seemed to be talking to Miss Wen the whole time, and then Miss Wen participated in a beauty pageant, and Brother Meng, as a shareholder of Yifeilin, went to Xinxin Department Store to show his support. I saw this news in the newspaper, and I guessed that you and Miss Wen were a couple, but not long after, I saw Miss Wen walking with Lu Shicheng, and I felt very sorry for you. I have always been straightforward, so I couldn't help but scold Wen Tingli a few times in the crew. If you say I offended anyone, it was only these few times."

Meng Qiguang sneered: "You mean, just because you choked her a few times, Wen Tingli instigated Lu Shicheng to treat you like this?"

"I'm not sure either." Deng Tianxing's eyes flickered. "But if there's anyone who has had a grudge against me recently and is willing to do something so generous to me, there's no one else except the Lu family. I never expected Wen Tingli to hold a grudge like this. I don't know what she said in front of Lu Shicheng, but Lu Shicheng was so ruthless when he attacked me."

There was a faint, elusive smile on Meng Qiguang's face.

"Brother Meng, I, I really targeted Wen Tingli because I was so angry. I have always regarded you as my benefactor and I can't stand seeing a woman playing tricks on you. It's my fault that I was young and impetuous, so I did this foolish thing. I will never be so reckless in the future. After Lu Shicheng did this, I was banned from the entire industry. Brother Meng, you have to help me find a solution no matter what."

"Wen Tingli was ambushed on the street today. Was it you who hired someone to do it?" Meng Qiguang suddenly asked.

Deng Tianxing felt as if he had been punched in the face, and suddenly lost his temper.

But he immediately gave a blank expression.

"She was plotted against? I know nothing about it. Brother Meng, think about it. I have no grudge against her, and no conflict of interest. What good would it be to plot against her? You are so familiar with Gao Tingxin, the son of the Gao family. Gao Tingxin has always had a good relationship with Lu Shicheng. As long as you are willing to step forward, Lu Shicheng will definitely let me go."

For a moment, Meng Qiguang just looked at Deng Tianxing expressionlessly. His eyes were cold, as cold as ice.

Just when Deng Tianxing was about to be unable to bear such a gaze, Meng Qiguang suddenly smiled and said, "Okay, I'll think of a solution for you."

He picked up the phone at hand.

It took nearly half an hour for the other party to reply.

"Qi Guang, I asked around, but there's nothing I can do. When everyone heard that it was the Lu family who was trying to get rid of someone, no one dared to step forward to be a peacemaker. Everyone knew that Lu Shicheng always had his own principles in doing things and never made things difficult for others. I finally contacted Mr. Kuang who was with Lu Shicheng, and found out that Miss Wen was sent to the hospital because of her injuries in the afternoon. Lu Shicheng is still in the ward and guarding Miss Wen. If this matter is related to that kid named Deng, Lu Shicheng will definitely not let him go this time. Qi Guang, I advise you not to intervene, or you will get into trouble."

Meng Qiguang deliberately raised the microphone high so that Deng Tianxing could hear clearly. After hearing Gao Tingxin's words, Deng Tianxing's face turned pale.

"You still don't admit that you did it?"

Deng Tianxing just wiped the sweat off his face.

Meng Qiguang sneered: "Since you also know that I, Meng Qiguang, don't like to be fooled, why don't you get out of here?!"

(End of this chapter)