Chapter 33: I’m Still Here, My Big Boss

“Zhong Yang, you’re really great.”

“Huh?” She was pulled out of her thoughts and looked at the person across from her in surprise. “What’s with the sudden compliment?”

“Because you’re great. You’re good in every way.” Pei Yunzhe paused, then added, “No one has ever cooked for me like this before. It’s delicious. Thank you.”

It was just a bowl of egg noodles, wasn’t it? Why so serious… Zhong Yang waved it off casually. “Oh stop it, don’t flatter me anymore.”

She was getting goosebumps from all the compliments.

Pei Yunzhe pulled out a delicately wrapped box from behind and placed it on the table in front of her. “This is a gift I wanted to give you today.”

She put down her script, surprised. “Another gift today? Are you planning to give me one every day?”

Pei Yunzhe nodded. “Mm.”

Zhong Yang took the box and thought to herself, Yup, this domineering CEO’s pursuit strategy is straight out of a drama — throwing money, throwing more money, money all the way…

She opened the box. Inside was a Fujifilm camera. She smiled widely. “Hey! This is exactly the model I was planning to buy. How did you know?”

Pei Yunzhe replied, “I didn’t. I just happened to pick the right one.”

Zhong Yang immediately inserted the battery, read the manual, and after a few quick setup steps, pointed the lens at him. “Come on, let me take a picture of you.”

Before he could react, she pressed the shutter, capturing him in the most natural moment.

“Wow!” Zhong Yang showed him the screen. “Come on, tell me — doesn’t it look this good only because it’s me taking the picture?”

Pei Yunzhe chuckled at her words. “Yes, yes, of course.”

Zhong Yang lifted the camera again, aiming at him.

This time, she stared through the viewfinder at the man with the gentle smile and warm eyes. She was momentarily dazed.

Click.

It captured the moment her heartbeat faltered.

---

The makeup photoshoot and the first scene of Wusu had been completed, and the official movie announcement needed to be scheduled soon.

During dinner, the core creative team and Qiguang’s staff held a video conference.

Su Mingzhu said, “The day after tomorrow at noon, the official account will release the cast list and a concept trailer. Xiaoyang, be mentally prepared — the public opinion will likely be harsh at first.”

Zhong Yang nodded. “Yeah, I don’t mind.”

Pei Shize asked, “Didn’t we find evidence clearing Zhong Yang from the previous incident? When will we release it?”

“Three days after the announcement. Don’t worry, we won’t let public opinion affect the film. I’ll send the specifics to the group chat later for everyone to review.”

Promoting the film wasn’t the hard part. Director Jasper already had a fanbase, and Ruan Yu’s popularity needed no mention. The real focus was on Zhong Yang.

A good actor could save a whole film. A bad one could sink it.

Zhong Yang had long developed immunity to harsh criticism, but she worried the crew would suffer because of her.

Pei Yunzhe must have sensed her bad mood, so he began showing up on set every day.

Although the two of them kept a respectful distance and didn’t interact, just knowing he was nearby calmed her nerves.

Soon, the day of the announcement arrived. When Zhong Yang finished shooting, it was already 12:30 p.m. She took a deep breath and logged onto Weibo.

As expected, several trending topics were up—

[#WhyZhongYang]
[#JasperNewFilm]
[#WusuFemaleLeadZhongYang]
[#HeMuyaThrowingShade]

Two days earlier at a red carpet event, He Muya had been asked about her upcoming plans and cryptically replied, “Plans never keep up with changes. So I stopped planning. In this industry, even if a role is already set, it can be taken away at any time.”

At the time, no one paid much attention. But now that Wusu’s female lead wasn’t the rumored He Muya, but instead Zhong Yang — a figure previously suspected of shady dealings — speculation ran wild.

Netizens jumped to conclusions:

• “Zhong Yang stole someone else’s role again? She never changes. What’s her backing?!”
• “I read the concept summary — He Muya clearly fits the role better. Everyone knows why Zhong got it.”
• “Didn’t her previous sugar daddy dump her? Guess she found another one.”
• “Zhong San is indestructible. No hit roles, never led a drama, and somehow she gets the lead in an international director’s film. Incredible backing.”
• “I used to like Jasper. I was excited for his new film here. But now I’m disappointed — he gave in to capital. I’m out. Say no to problematic artists.”
• “+1. Replace her or this movie’s going to flop.”
• “All those subway rides, odd jobs, and police visits were scripted. These celebs really know how to manipulate.”

The official Wusu account was flooded with hateful comments, making it harder to breathe.

Zhong Yang set her phone down with a sigh. What if people don’t believe the evidence in three days? Will the attacks continue?

If so, the movie might really be ruined by her, along with the efforts of the entire team.

It was shameful.

Her mind was a mess. Usually a one-take actress, Zhong Yang fumbled five or six times that afternoon.

“Sorry. I need five minutes.”

She stepped aside and took a cup of water from Xiaoyun. Just as she was about to open the straw, something slipped into her hand — a small note, written in sharp, neat handwriting:

“If there’s a problem, solve it. If you can’t solve it — I’m here.”

Zhong Yang froze, immediately turning toward the surveillance booth.

Pei Yunzhe sat there, as if expecting her gaze, calmly meeting her eyes.

There was something magical about him — he exuded a dependable calmness that made people want to lean on him.

Zhong Yang turned back, steadied herself. He’s right. If there’s a problem, solve it.

She told Xiaoyun, “Can I trouble you tomorrow? Go to town and buy some fancy afternoon tea. We’ll share it with the team.”

Xiaoyun nodded, hesitating slightly.

Besides Jasper’s team and Qiguang’s crew, some contractors were on set. In any large group, there would be whispers — and some were nasty.

Xiaoyun had overheard a few:

• “I heard the female lead’s got some shady backstory. With her reputation, how else would she land the role?”
• “I dunno, her acting’s actually pretty good.”
• “Acting means nothing. We’re not new here. She definitely latched onto some bigshot. No question.”
• “Which bigshot?”
• “The investor, duh. Didn’t you see her and President Pei disappear during the bonfire night?”
• “I heard President Pei was with Boss Jiang that night.”
• “You don’t get it. He could have both. Money talks.”

Ugh, Xiaoyun thought. They insult her behind her back, then eat and drink what she gives them?

But it was Zhong Yang’s idea, so she had to follow through…

---

The next afternoon, before filming resumed—

A private jet landed, delivering high-end pastries from Dijin’s oldest bakery, luxury drinks, and a variety of snacks.

There were also uniformed gift bags filled with warm vests, thermos bottles, backpacks, Bluetooth headphones, and more.

A crew in black suits set up tables and arranged everything beautifully, with a bold sign at the front:

“Thanks for your hard work — Zhong Yang’s treat.”

“What the hell?!”

“She’s this rich?!”

“These pastries are crazy expensive! I only ever buy them for New Year’s!”

“Buie headphones — 699 yuan each online — there’s a hundred of them?!”

“Zhang Ji fried chicken! Still hot! I never thought I’d eat this in Jin Dian!”

“If I’d known we were getting this, I wouldn’t have eaten lunch…”

Zhong Yang arrived to check it out, only to be surrounded by the crowd.

“Teacher Zhong, thanks for the luxury treats!”

“This is so good!”

“Much appreciated!”

Zhong Yang was confused. “Wait wait… Why is my name on the sign?”

She turned to Xiaoyun. “You prepared this?”

Xiaoyun leaned in and whispered, “President Pei helped.”

Zhong Yang was shocked. “How did he know?”

Xiaoyun explained, “I ran into him on my way out. He asked, so I told him.”

Great. Another smooth move from Pei Yunzhe.

Zhong Yang didn’t want to take credit, but she couldn’t reveal the truth either. If word got out, their dating rumors would be all over the place — trending within an hour, no, twenty minutes.

So she just awkwardly smiled and accepted the thanks. “I saw how hard everyone’s been working, and since some of the filming issues were caused by me, I wanted to make it up to you all.”

“Don’t worry, sis. Don’t stress too much.”

“Once the clarification’s out, it’ll be fine. Don’t be nervous.”

“So yummy! Thanks, Teacher Zhong!”

“Thank you, Teacher Zhong~”

Whether sincere or just polite, everyone chimed in. Clearly, they cared more about the crew perks than any online hate.

Behind Zhong Yang, Xiaoyun rolled her eyes hard at the loudest cheerleaders — the same people who’d been bad-mouthing her earlier.

---

That night, Zhong Yang knocked on the door next to hers with a guilty smile.

“What brings you here?” Pei Yunzhe, in smoky gray pajamas, had a tuft of messy hair sticking up.

“I’m here to thank you, my big boss.” Zhong Yang tilted her head at his sleepy eyes. “Did you just wake up?”

“Mm.” His voice was hoarse. “I got sleepy after dinner. Cough.”

“You’re not sick, are you?” Zhong Yang pulled him to sit down. “Got a thermometer? If not, I’ll ask Xiaoyun to bring one.”

Pei Yunzhe pointed to a corner by the window. “There’s a med kit over there.”

Zhong Yang fetched it, opened the lid, then suddenly exclaimed, “Eh? What’s this?”

Inside was a card with a lipstick kiss mark, and handwriting on the back.

She read it out loud, word by word:

“You’ve piqued my interest…”