Chapter 46

“If a big star like Wen Tang had a father who was a murderer, how do you think public opinion would react? Back then, you were just rising in your career, and you couldn’t withstand such a blow. If this kind of scandal broke, your bright future would be ruined!”

“I can’t gamble with you.” Liu Meifen said.

Over the years, Liu Meifen had always been focused on whether Wen Tang was famous and how to make her even more famous. The fact that she could do something like this didn’t surprise Wen Tang at all. It only made her feel a deep sense of helplessness.

“Do you know? You are committing a crime by covering up the crime!”

Wen Tang trembled with anger, her eyes reddening.

Why was it always like this with her?

Is a career really that important?

Liu Meifen merely looked at Wen Tang. After years of inner turmoil, she now felt a sense of relief, as if finally unburdening herself.

“Wen Haifeng didn’t kill her intentionally. He accidentally pushed your grandmother down the stairs. It was an accident,” Liu Meifen said. “The court won’t give him the death penalty, but he will have to go to jail for manslaughter.”

“If such news had come out back then, it would have ruined you completely. Murder is a serious crime. Whether intentional or accidental, the media doesn’t care about the details. They report sensationally to attract attention. But now it’s different. Your reputation is already well-established, and your fan base is solid. Most importantly, everyone knows you have a father who has been irresponsible and hasn’t raised you. They now see you as completely separated from him.”

“If he is sentenced, it will only bring relief to the public.”

It would still have some negative impact on Wen Tang, considering Wen Haifeng was her biological father. But this strategy had limited the damage significantly.

Compared to four years ago, it was much better. At least Wen Tang’s career was preserved.

Liu Meifen felt it was worth it and would do it again if needed.

Four years ago, she couldn’t let this incident be exposed as it would ruin Wen Tang. But now, since Wen Tang had publicly severed ties with Wen Haifeng, he must not go unpunished.

She knew Wen Haifeng too well—he was a scoundrel who would continue to harass and use the media to create a negative impact. Public sympathy is fleeting. Prolonged negative news would eventually ruin Wen Tang.

Only by imprisoning him could she prevent future problems.

Wen Tang didn’t consider Liu Meifen’s reasoning, or if she did, she didn’t care.

What mattered to her was not these superficial matters. If she could exchange her grandmother’s life for quitting the entertainment industry, she would gladly do so.

“Sure, you considered everything, but did you ever think about my grandmother? She’s your mother! She gave birth to you and raised you. How could you be so indifferent to her death and even conceal evidence? Did you ever think about her before doing all this? If she knows in the afterlife that her daughter treated her this way, she will never rest in peace!”

Looking at Liu Meifen, Wen Tang saw no trace of remorse.

She seemed so calm, without a hint of regret.

Wen Tang fought back tears and scolded her, “How can you be so heartless? To my grandmother and your own mother, how can you be so cold-blooded? Are you even human?”

She could not understand, and the thought of it made her heart freeze. Liu Meifen was undoubtedly the executioner, even letting the true murderer go free!

All the excuses in the world couldn’t cover up the fact that she let a murderer go.

Liu Meifen accepted Wen Tang’s accusations without defense.

Before recording the video, she had anticipated all reactions, including Wen Tang’s intense response upon learning the truth.

Her emotions were flat. She regarded Wen Tang with the patience of someone who viewed a child, speaking gently, “Wen Tang, you are not married, have never had children, and have never been a mother. Some things, at your age, you simply do not understand.”

Over the years, she had always been very controlling, dictating what Wen Tang must do and achieve, rarely showing calmness.

“Even if your grandmother knew what I’ve done, she would still agree, knowing how much she cared for you.”

Finally, Liu Meifen said.

Wen Tang felt that Liu Meifen, in her pursuit of making her a famous star, had lost her humanity and become obsessed.

“I don’t understand,” Wen Tang said with a forced smile.

Though she smiled, her heart was weeping.

She felt there was no need to continue talking with Liu Meifen. Liu Meifen was simply stubborn and unyielding.

“Mom.” Before leaving, Wen Tang looked down and called out to Liu Meifen.

Liu Meifen’s entire body shook. It had been so long since she had heard this term from Wen Tang. When Liu Meifen looked up, she saw Wen Tang’s eyes, red and tearful, full of determination that was once familiar but now resolute.

“Not everyone wants to become famous. Have you ever asked me, from childhood to now, what I truly want?”

“I just wanted a complete family. It doesn’t need a father, just you and Grandma. Just the three of us would be perfect.”

“Grandma finally came to Lingcheng. You have no idea how happy I was. She was only there for a month and then died in an accident, falling from a building. You don’t know how guilty I felt. You never cared. All you cared about was arranging for me to keep working, working, working!”

“Forget it, it’s too late to talk about it now.”

“It’s meaningless.”

“You did all this just to keep me in the entertainment industry as a big star, didn’t you? But do you think I can continue without any burden after bearing the guilt of Grandma’s death?”

Wen Tang laughed coldly. “Liu Meifen, stop making jokes.”

*

Wen Tang didn’t stay at the villa for long and soon came out.

Zhou Jingyu was waiting outside the car. He leaned against the car, and upon seeing Wen Tang, he took a few steps forward and wrapped her in his arms.

At that moment, Wen Tang’s tears, which she had been holding back, flowed uncontrollably. They came in torrents, soaking Zhou Jingyu’s clothes, like a spring that had burst open.

Wen Tang actually didn’t want to cry in front of anyone. It felt weak, and years of experience had taught her that crying didn’t help.

But when she saw Zhou Jingyu and was embraced by him, all her suppressed grievances and pain came pouring out.

Wen Tang cried silently in his arms.

Zhou Jingyu didn’t say a word, only held her tightly.

After a while, Wen Tang, with her tear-filled eyes, looked up from Zhou Jingyu’s embrace. At that moment, her vision was blurry from tears, and she could barely see Zhou Jingyu. He gently wiped her tears with his fingertips.

Once Wen Tang could clearly see Zhou Jingyu, a wave of grievance surged within her. With a tearful voice, she said, “Zhou Jingyu, what should I do? I’ll have nothing in the future.”

She spoke bluntly to Liu Meifen, but even she didn’t know what she could do besides acting.

Having acted since she was eight and now being twenty-six, her most beautiful eighteen years had been dedicated to her career.

She had always considered acting her lifelong career and worked hard for it. Now, suddenly thinking of giving it up made her feel anxious.

Her tone was filled with uncontrollable confusion.

In response, Zhou Jingyu gave her a gentle touch and a tender kiss on her forehead.

“It’s okay,” Zhou Jingyu’s voice was soothing, like a serene mountain spring, as if it carried a calming force. He softly said in her ear, “Don’t worry about anything. You still have me.”

Wen Tang returned home with Zhou Jingyu.

The following events were procedural: Wen Haifeng’s case was reopened, with police interrogations, court hearings, and ongoing trials.

Wen Tang’s words to Liu Meifen were not just talk.

The next day, Wen Tang requested a long leave from the company, halting all her current work.

She also instructed the company to stop assigning her any new projects.

Wen Tang intended to take a break from the entertainment industry and informed her boss, Qi Xiuyuan. Before Liu Meifen released the video, she had already announced her resignation and would no longer manage anyone’s career, choosing to retire instead. Qi Xiuyuan was busy finding a replacement for Liu Meifen. When Wen Tang announced her intention to temporarily leave the industry, Qi Xiuyuan personally went to Wen Tang’s apartment, negotiating with her to agree to a one-month break, with other matters to be discussed later.

Wen Tang was a major asset for Zhongxing Media, and it wasn’t easy for them to let her go just because she wanted to.

Qi Xiuyuan personally visited Wen Tang’s apartment and, after much persuasion, managed to get her to agree to a one-month leave. As for the future, they would discuss it later.

The original plan was for Wen Tang to resume filming in a few days and gradually continue with other work. But now that Wen Tang had stepped back, Qi Xiuyuan, as her boss, had to handle the aftermath himself.

All shoots and activities were postponed. If they couldn’t be postponed, contracts were terminated, leading to significant losses for the company. However, these losses were minor compared to the cost of allowing Wen Tang to leave the industry.

Wen Tang was persuaded by Qi Xiuyuan’s persistence. She was loyal, and Qi Xiuyuan had supported her during her hardest times, offering her the best resources and nurturing her career. He had always been good to her, unlike other companies that constantly organized dinners and required mandatory attendance. He had always thought of her for any good opportunities.

She had numerous contracts and obligations, and ending them wasn’t a simple decision.

She had signed a ten-year contract with the company, and now there was still a year and a half left. Completing all her obligations would bring her close to the end of her contract.

But right now, she is in no mood for work.

Previously, under Liu Meifen’s pressure, she worked diligently. Now, she only wanted some time to rest.

Qi Xiuyuan’s offer of a one-month leave was just what Wen Tang needed and was hard for her to refuse.

After confirming her leave, Wen Tang directly gave Ke Xin and Yang Yang time off. With her boyfriend living next door, everything was well taken care of, so there was no need for extra company.

After Liu Meifen’s video was released, despite the media uproar, Wen Tang’s side made no further response. After a week, the heat naturally faded, new entertainment news replaced the old, and Wen Tang’s once explosive event gradually faded from everyone’s attention.

**