Chapter 6: Protecting Her

Not long after Song Qingyu left Leyu to get married, Guan Xinya also departed from the company and joined Fengyang Entertainment. Over the past three years, she single-handedly propelled Mo Yanbai to the top, making him a leading film emperor. However, not long ago, she left Fengyang as well and struck out on her own.

“Sister Guan, why did you leave Fengyang?” Song Qingyu asked curiously.

Logically speaking, after making Mo Yanbai a superstar, Guan Xinya should have secured her place as Fengyang Entertainment’s top agent. How could she willingly walk away from such a lucrative opportunity?

“Different visions,” Guan Xinya replied indifferently, then turned the question back on her.

“What about you? You had the perfect life as a wealthy wife—why are you making a comeback?”

“I got divorced,” Song Qingyu answered frankly.

“Why did you get divorced?”

“Lu Yanchuan cheated.”

“You see! You see! What did I tell you back then?!” Guan Xinya slammed the table in frustration.

“When you insisted on quitting the industry to marry him, I warned you over and over—Lu Yanchuan is not a good man! But you were blinded by love and stubbornly went ahead with it. And now look at you! Three of your prime years wasted on a scumbag! Tell me, isn’t that a shame?”

Song Qingyu pressed her lips together, silently listening to Guan Xinya’s tirade.

“But I suppose it’s not all bad,” Guan Xinya said, patting Song Qingyu’s arm.

“You got married young—tied the knot at twenty-two, divorced at twenty-five. You still have time. Just do me a favor and stop leading with your heart. Let me give you a piece of advice—marriage is the graveyard of female celebrities. Don’t foolishly walk into it again.”

Song Qingyu: “……”

If she told Guan Xinya that she had already remarried, she might just cough up blood on the spot.

Song Qingyu hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided not to say anything. After all, her marriage to Li Huaidong was a secret—no one would ever know.

“Perfect timing,” Guan Xinya said.

“I’ve started my own studio and gone independent. From now on, you can sign with me. You have the looks and the talent—I’m confident that with the right opportunities, you’ll become a top star!”

“Great! I’ll hold on tight to your coattails, Sister Guan!”

Song Qingyu was thrilled to be working with Guan Xinya again. It felt just like three years ago, standing side by side, fighting for their place in the industry.

Having spent years in showbiz, Guan Xinya had built an extensive network.

Three days later, she arranged a dinner meeting for Song Qingyu, saying she wanted to introduce her to an important investor.

“Qingqing, Sunday at six, at Jinghao Hotel. The investor is hosting a dinner, and I want you to come with me. Although the leading role—”

“The lead role has already been decided, but there are still plenty of supporting roles open. Let’s see if we can secure you an opportunity,” Guan Xinya said over the phone.

“Got it. Thanks, Sister Guan.”

On Sunday, Song Qingyu arrived at Jinghao Hotel fifteen minutes early.

Guan Xinya was even earlier than her. As soon as Song Qingyu arrived, Guan Xinya led her into a private dining room.

“Qingqing, come here, let me introduce you. This is Director Jiang from Huaxin Films, and this is Director Ma from Fuwei Entertainment… Everyone, do you still remember Song Qingyu? Three years ago, she won the Jin Yu Award for Best Newcomer and played the second female lead in Director Chen’s Shadow.”

“The second female lead in Shadow”

“?”

“Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“….”

No one remembered Song Qingyu.

She wasn’t surprised. After all, the entertainment industry moved at lightning speed—so fast that it practically refreshed itself daily.

For the past three years, she had completely disappeared from the industry.

“It’s fine,” Guan Xinya whispered reassuringly in Song Qingyu’s ear. “These early arrivals are just small fish. Whether they remember you or not doesn’t matter. The real key player tonight is President Wei. Just make sure to chat with him more later and leave a lasting impression.”

Just as she finished speaking, the door opened, and two people entered.

It was Wei Lin, the head of Weishan Entertainment, and Lu You’an, the eldest daughter of the Lu family.

Song Qingyu recognized Wei Lin. Back when she was studying at the Drama Academy, he had still been a screenwriter. He once gave a lecture at her school and fell for her at first sight. He had pursued her relentlessly, refusing to take no for an answer. In the end, it took their class advisor stepping in to put an end to that unwanted entanglement.

As for Lu You’an, she was even more familiar.

Lu You’an was Lu Yanchuan’s younger sister—willful, spoiled, and a born troublemaker. When Song Qingyu was married into the Lu family, this sister-in-law had made things especially difficult for her.

She hadn’t expected that both the key investor and the actress he favored for the lead role would be people she knew.

“Well, well, isn’t this my dear ex-sister-in-law?” The moment Lu You’an spotted Song Qingyu, she strode over, lowering her voice to deliver a biting remark. “Back so soon, trying to land a new role? What, couldn’t afford to eat after leaving the Lu family?”

Song Qingyu smiled. “That’s right. I’m so broke I have to take on acting jobs to survive. But what about you, Miss Lu? Why are you here auditioning for roles? Is the Lu family going bankrupt?”

“You—!” Lu You’an’s eyes flared with anger.

If it weren’t for the crowd around them, she would have lashed out on the spot. But she was preparing to debut soon, and her company had crafted a sweet and innocent persona for her. She couldn’t afford to ruin that image now.

For now, she had no choice but to swallow her anger.

Guan Xinya pulled Song Qingyu over to Wei Lin.

“President Wei, long time no see. Let me introduce you to a promising newcomer—Song Qingyu.”

Wei Lin’s gaze roamed over Song Qingyu, carrying an unmistakable sense of male entitlement that made her skin crawl.

“She’s quite pretty. Very distinctive features,” he commented.

Guan Xinya, unaware that Song Qingyu and Wei Lin had history, thought this was a good sign. Delighted, she said, “Thank you for your recognition, President Wei! If there’s a suitable role, please keep us in mind!”

“Sure.”

Everyone took their seats, chatting over dinner. Through their conversation, Song Qingyu learned that Wei Lin was now married. He had become the live-in son-in-law of the Fei family, and to support his son-in-law’s career, old Mr. Fei had allocated funds for him to establish an entertainment company. To his credit, Wei Lin had made good use of the opportunity—last year, he had successfully produced a hit drama and launched several rising stars.

In the entertainment industry, whoever had a hit drama in hand could dominate the scene. Everyone at tonight’s dinner was here to seek cooperation with Wei Lin.

But Wei Lin wasn’t particularly interested in their flattery. The only thing that held his attention was Song Qingyu, seated across from him.

Every time she looked up, she found his sticky gaze on her, making her increasingly uncomfortable.

“I’m going to the restroom,” Song Qingyu whispered to Guan Xinya.

“Alright.”

As soon as she stepped out of the private room, Wei Lin followed closely behind.

“Qingyu.”

A chill ran down her spine, but she still maintained her composure and responded politely, “President Wei.”

“You want to return to acting?”

“Yes.”

“Guan Xinya’s little studio has no future. Have you considered joining my company instead? We’re currently preparing both films and dramas. If you come over, you’ll have first pick of the scripts—every leading role will be yours.”

“Thank you, President Wei, but I don’t believe in free lunches. I doubt you’d offer me such opportunities without expecting something in return.”

Wei Lin chuckled. “Smart girl. Then I’ll be direct—back then, my pursuit of you didn’t go anywhere, but I’ve never stopped liking you. Be with me, and I guarantee you’ll never have to worry about resources in this industry again.”

Song Qingyu’s gaze fell on the wedding ring on his finger.

Disgust churned in her stomach.

A married man, shamelessly offering her a kept woman arrangement without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

As expected, the only time a man behaved was when he was nailed to the wall.

“Apologies, President Wei, but I have no interest in being someone’s mistress.”

Song Qingyu rejected him outright and turned to leave, only for Wei Lin to step in her way.

“Song Qingyu,” he sneered. “I heard from You’an that you divorced Young Master Lu. A discarded woman, unwanted by the Lu family—what are you acting all high and mighty for?”

His fleshy face twisted into a smirk as he leaned in closer. “I’m offering you an opportunity, and you should be on your knees, clinging to my leg in gratitude. Don’t play hard to get with me—I’m not the same man I was back then. I don’t have the time or patience to chase after you anymore.”

Every word dripped with resentment, a grudge he had nursed ever since she rejected him years ago.

Since the facade had already crumbled, Song Qingyu saw no reason to keep up appearances either.

“Wei Lin, you used to be a screenwriter, didn’t you? Do you even know how to use the phrase ‘playing hard to get’ correctly?” Song Qingyu’s voice was sharp and unwavering. “Listen up—I’m not playing hard to get with you. I just don’t want you. Even if you had all the resources in the world, I still wouldn’t want you!”

“You filthy whore, ungrateful bitch!”

Wei Lin’s face twisted in rage as he grabbed Song Qingyu by the throat and shoved her against the wall, forcing his face toward hers.

Song Qingyu struggled, twisting her head from side to side and kicking out, but her strength was nothing compared to the towering, heavyset man before her. Just as his lips were about to press against hers, a hand shot out from behind, grabbing Wei Lin’s jacket and yanking him backward with immense force.

With a loud crash, Wei Lin slammed against the opposite wall and collapsed onto the floor.

Song Qingyu gasped for air, her cheeks flushed from the momentary lack of oxygen. She clutched her throat, her breath unsteady. When she looked up, the first person she saw was Chu Yu.

Then, as Chu Yu stepped aside, she saw the man standing further down the hallway.

Li Huaidong.

He was back!

“Ahhh!”

Wei Lin let out a piercing scream, writhing on the floor like a fish stranded on dry land. His face contorted in agony as his left hand was crushed under Li Huaidong’s leather shoe.

Li Huaidong remained expressionless, his posture upright and unshaken. His light-colored suit was impeccably tailored, exuding an air of aristocratic composure mixed with an almost chilling detachment.

He glanced at Song Qingyu, ensuring she was unharmed, before shifting his gaze back to the man beneath him.

“Which hand did you use to choke Miss Song?” His voice was calm, almost casual.

Wei Lin trembled but said nothing.

Li Huaidong’s shoe slowly pressed down on his right hand. “This one?”

“AHHHH! NO! PLEASE!” Wei Lin’s screams echoed down the hallway, sharp and desperate.

“You must have nerves of steel! Do you even know who I am?” Wei Lin’s neck tensed with bulging veins as he shouted hoarsely. “If anything happens to my hands today, you’ll pay for it for the rest of your life!”

Li Huaidong couldn’t even be bothered to ask who he was. Instead, he pressed his foot down harder, grinding mercilessly.

“Ahhh!”

Pain shot through Wei Lin’s fingers, so intense that he writhed on the ground like a fish out of water.

“I’m Wei Lin from Weishan Entertainment! My father-in-law is Fei Shan from Fei Corporation! If you cross me, you’re going up against Fei Corporation!”

He laid his trump card on the table, but Li Huaidong didn’t so much as blink.

“Are you deaf? I said Fei Corporation!” Wei Lin bellowed, his voice filled with desperation. “That’s Fei Corporation—the Fei Corporation!”

Li Huaidong glanced coolly at Chu Yu beside him. “What are you standing around for? Write this down—Weishan Entertainment and Fei Corporation.”

Chu Yu stiffened, unsure of his boss’s intentions, but before he could ask, Li Huaidong added indifferently, “Make sure you don’t miss a single one.”

“Understood, President Li.”

“President Li?” Wei Lin’s eyelids twitched nervously. “W-which President Li?”

“Write it down, and make sure your father-in-law knows exactly who I am.” Li Huaidong’s shoe rose, its sole pressing firmly against Wei Lin’s neck. “Remember this—I’m Li Huaidong.”

“Li… Li Huaidong?”

Wei Lin shuddered all over, finally realizing the gravity of the person he had just offended.

“President Li, I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please spare me! I’ll never do it again…”

Wei Lin’s cries grew even more pitiful and fearful than before. He knew all too well that if his actions led to trouble for his father-in-law’s company, his father-in-law would have him skinned alive!

The commotion in the hallway caught the attention of those inside the private room.

Guān Xīnyǎ was the first to rush out. Upon seeing Song Qingyu’s red neck, she was startled.

“Qingyu, are you okay?”
Song Qingyu shook her head.

Lu You’an also stepped out. She had initially planned to help Wei Lin, but when she saw Li Huaidong, her steps instantly faltered.
“U-uncle?”

Wei Lin, seeing Lu You’an, seemed to find his savior and shouted loudly, “Miss Lu, help me! Miss Lu, please help!”

Lu You’an had always been afraid of the Li family, especially her “uncle,” but she had no choice. Her first lead role depended on Wei Lin, so she steeled herself and walked up to Li Huaidong.
“Uncle, may I speak with you for a moment?”

“Say it right here.”

“Well…” Lu You’an glanced around, lowered her voice, and said to Li Huaidong, “Uncle, you might not know, but Song Qingyu and my brother are already divorced. She no longer has any ties to the Lu family. You don’t need to protect her as if she’s family anymore.”

Lu You’an naturally assumed that Li Huaidong’s intervention to help Song Qingyu deal with Wei Lin was done because of the Lu family’s influence.

Li Huaidong glanced at Lu You’an, then turned his gaze to Wei Lin. “You two are in this together?”

“Yes, yes, Mr. Li,” Wei Lin quickly admitted, eager to align himself with Lu You’an. “It was Miss Lu who told me that Song Qingyu had already divorced Young Master Lu, so I could treat her however I wanted. Otherwise, how would I dare to touch anyone from the Lu family? Please spare me.”

Li Huaidong lifted his foot from Wei Lin’s body, calmly looking at Lu You’an to confirm, “Is that what he said?”

Seeing Li Huaidong release Wei Lin, Lu You’an was even more certain that Li Huaidong was on her side.

“Yes, uncle. Song Qingyu came at me the moment she saw me. It was me who had Mr. Wei deal with this vile woman for me.”

“Is this how the Lu family teaches you?” Li Huaidong’s eyes instantly grew cold and sharp as arrows.

Lu You’an felt a sense of impending doom. “Uncle…”

“Miss Song, call the police.” Li Huaidong turned to face Song Qingyu and coldly said, “One of them instigated an assault, the other attempted an assault. I’m a witness.”

Everyone at the scene gasped in shock, clearly not expecting Li Huaidong to be so resolute in his pursuit of justice, even at the cost of betraying his own kin.

“Uncle!”
“Mr. Li!”
Both Lu You’an and Wei Lin were utterly panicked.

“Sister Guan, please help me call the police,” Song Qingyu said.
“Alright,” Guan Xinya replied.