Chapter 11: Staging an Accident

In this era, technology was not advanced, and efficient, instant communication tools were lacking. Most people still relied on letters and telegrams, so news traveled slowly.

At the moment, although Xu Ruyan was using Jian Yan as a scapegoat to divert everyone’s attention, paper cannot wrap fire — this was not a long-term solution.

With her personality, she would definitely find herself a way out.

Shen Nanqing thought this way out would be Li Haoxuan, but she never expected his ambitions were so high.

Sunlight poured over the small path lined with phoenix trees. As usual, Song Huaizhen was coming out of the cafeteria, heading back along the path. Ahead, a female approached, and he instinctively stepped aside to avoid her.

Seeing him move away to avoid her, Xu Ruyan’s eyes darkened. She took a deep breath, smoothed her hair, showed her trademark smile, and walked toward him.

If she failed, she was ready to risk everything.

There was no hope left for promotion. Once news of the competition spread, she wouldn’t be able to stay in the troupe. Going home meant only one path — marriage.

Li Haoxuan had once been her best choice. His parents were both cadre officials, and his family conditions were good. Marrying him would be a good option. But the appearance of Song Huaizhen made her feel she could aim even higher.

Before, Xu Ruyan wanted to take things step by step, but now she had to risk it all in one shot.

She timed it perfectly. Just as Song Huaizhen was about to pass by her, she pretended to lose her footing and suddenly crashed into him. Once she had “close contact,” she was confident she would pass.

In this era, men and women were extremely cautious; even the slightest slip could damage one’s reputation. Especially for soldiers, the stakes were higher. The street was crowded with pedestrians. If anyone saw them, plus with her pushing from behind, the pressure would force Song Huaizhen to accept responsibility, no matter how strong his background was, for the sake of his future.

But she underestimated Song Huaizhen’s ability.

Song Huaizhen was no Li Haoxuan with a delicate face; he had fought many battles and was as quick as a leopard, with an instinctive alertness to danger. The moment Xu Ruyan approached, he instinctively dodged to the side and even stepped back several paces.

His evasive movement was so natural that anyone watching would think he was avoiding something dirty.

With a muffled “thump,” Xu Ruyan fell headfirst into the grass by the roadside, her face and clothes covered in dirt.

“Hahaha!!” Li Zhen, who had watched the whole thing, couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

She walked over with a mocking smile, looking at Xu Ruyan still lying in the grass, and yelled, “Hey, what are you doing? Treasure hunting?”

Xu Ruyan blushed furiously, climbed out of the grass, brushing off dirt, and shot Li Zhen a fierce glare.

Song Huaizhen was a deadwood — he completely lacked any sense of chivalry.

Who was the blind person that said he was responsible? She almost fell, and he didn’t even help her; instead, he stayed far away, all show and no substance.

Watching this farce, Shen Nanqing felt a bit schadenfreude.

A meaningful smile played on her lips as she appraised Song Huaizhen from head to toe. He was indeed a prize catch. Her eyes seemed to see through everything.

This baseless accusation was a heavy injustice to Song Huaizhen. He glanced at Xu Ruyan, frowned, said nothing, and left with a stiff face.

That cold, piercing gaze was like a deep pool covered in frost. Xu Ruyan felt a chill down her spine. Her desire to climb higher instantly faded, and she only wanted to stay far away from him.

The cicadas chirping in the trees added to the irritation. Song Huaizhen quickly strode ahead, the meaningful gaze of Shen Nanqing echoing in his mind, leaving him feeling unsettled.

Suddenly, his steps faltered, and the surrounding sounds seemed to quiet down instantly.

After a brief pause, Song Huaizhen turned and strode swiftly in the direction Shen Nanqing had gone, kicking up dust beneath his feet.

Since being selected, Ling Zhen had completely turned into Shen Nanqing’s devoted fan, especially fond of pestering her. Even though Shen Nanqing barely paid her any attention, Ling Zhen stubbornly clung on.

She was in the middle of complaining loudly when suddenly Song Huaizhen took a quick step forward and stood firmly in front of the two of them, blocking their way.

Caught off guard, Ling Zhen froze for a moment, looking at Song Huaizhen with a puzzled expression.

Song Huaizhen was slightly out of breath, his chest rising and falling sharply. His gaze fixed seriously on Shen Nanqing as he said, “I really don’t know her.”

Without waiting for a response, he stammered on awkwardly, “I just don’t want you… to misunderstand. A soldier’s reputation is very important.”

“Hmm!” Shen Nanqing’s expression was calm, but seeing him so embarrassed made her want to laugh.

It reminded her of when they first met—she had angrily confronted Ling Haoxuan and was so embarrassed when Song Huaizhen walked in that she wished she could have vanished.

Song Huaizhen clearly wasn’t satisfied with this answer. His eyes shone sharply as he stared at Shen Nanqing, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and cheeks, seemingly waiting for a reply that would put his mind at ease.

“Don’t worry. We saw everything clearly just now. Her fall really had nothing to do with you. If anyone misunderstands, we can testify for you.” Seeing how serious he was, Shen Nanqing spoke sincerely, and with her hand hanging by her side, she secretly tugged on Ling Zhen’s clothes.

Ling Zhen’s eyes flickered between the two of them. Feeling the tug, she came back to her senses and nodded firmly, “Yes, we’ll definitely testify.”

This answer left Song Huaizhen a little disappointed — though he couldn’t quite say why. But thinking that at least she believed him, his expression relaxed slightly.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches, casting scattered golden light. The tall phoenix trees threw mottled shadows, and the breeze rustled the leaves softly.

Shen Nanqing and Ling Zhen stood side by side in the shade. Ling Zhen, who had been chatty just moments ago, surprisingly fell silent.

Ling Zhen pondered for a long time. The more she thought about it, the more something felt off. She felt Song Huaizhen’s behavior was very unusual — his flustered state just now wasn’t only about clearing his reputation but seemed to show he cared about Shen Nanqing’s opinion.

“Song Huaizhen might like you,” she concluded after much thought.

Shen Nanqing’s eyes instantly widened in disbelief, reflexively denying, “Impossible.”

“Why impossible? If I were a guy, I’d want to marry you.”

Ling Zhen had joined the troupe before Shen Nanqing and came from a formal performing arts background. She was also quite good-looking, and naturally the lead dancer.

Shen Nanqing’s skin was as smooth as cream, her lips untouched by rouge. Since she came, many in the troupe liked to compare them. Ling Zhen was usually the one praised, so this sudden shift left her feeling very upset and she started to dislike Shen Nanqing.

Indeed, jealousy can make a person look completely different.

No matter how sure Ling Zhen was, Shen Nanqing simply didn’t believe it. They had only met Song Huaizhen at most three times. She thought the idea was absurd.

In the performing arts troupe’s office, colorful promotional posters were plastered on the walls. A few wooden tables and chairs were neatly arranged, with music sheets, scripts, and rehearsal plans spread out on the desks.

Sunlight shone through slightly yellowed glass windows, casting patches of light and shadow on the floor.

Inside, a familiar troupe leader stood to one side, wearing a rare expression of restraint.

Shen Nanqing fixed her gaze on a stranger dressed in a sharp military uniform. His eyes were deep and piercing, like a blade capable of seeing through everything. He exuded an imposing aura without even needing to raise his voice.

At that moment, she realized her earlier guess was correct — the leader wanted to speak with her, but she hadn’t expected it to be a senior official sent from headquarters.

“I heard those two dance dramas were written and directed by you?” Deputy Director Zhong scrutinized the young artist before him with sharp eyes.