The investigation into the Qi family’s matters was not yet complete when the filming crews encountered problems.

Both the “Xing Yuan” and “Feng Chun” crews faced trouble during filming. On the first day, a group of people came to inspect and declared that the safety standards weren’t met and required rectification. On the second day, there were people obstructing filming by disputing the use of the location. On the third day, an unfounded scandal broke about the crew.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that someone was manipulating things behind the scenes.

Yu Yan had someone investigate, and he heard some rumors, but so far, there was no concrete evidence.

With both crews halted, the staff had time off, and the group chat became active again.

【Song Yun Jing: @Cao Yuan Ye, is your crew still on hold?】
【Cao Yuan Ye: Yes.】
【He Zhi Yu: What’s going on today? Tell me.】
【Song Yun Jing: The props team had an issue, and now they can’t find anyone.】
【Cao Yuan Ye: An actor went to the hospital.】
【He Zhi Yu: Why not visit a temple and pray?】
【Song Yun Jing: Superstition is a no-go.】
【He Zhi Yu: Better to believe it than not believe it. I bought a Buddha statue for New Year’s and asked my parents to pray to it every day. Haven’t you noticed that my career has been going smoothly this year?】
【Song Yun Jing: Filial son. [Like]】
【Yu Yan: No wonder you got beat up on New Year’s Eve.】
【He Zhi Yu: Did you find anyone? When are we resuming work?】
【Yu Yan: Found them. We’ll resume work tomorrow @Cao Yuan Ye @Song Yun Jing.】

The person behind the trouble didn’t bother to cover their tracks, so Yu Yan easily found out it was Qi Mo.

It was most likely Qi Ke’s doing, to force him into a meeting.

Now, with his relationship with Qi Mo completely torn apart, the two brothers still foolishly thought they could use him to deal with Chaoxing. He didn’t know whether to call them stupid or arrogant.

Yu Yan briefly explained what had happened in the group chat and told everyone to get ready to resume filming.

He contacted Qi Mo for a meeting and also asked Xiao Man to find some online influencers to bring down the projects Qi Ke had invested in, causing him some trouble too.

【Song Yun Jing: What if someone tries to stir things up again?】
【Yu Yan: Then we stir things up right back.】
【He Zhi Yu: Wait, you really want to meet with Qi Mo? His older brother is no good…】
【Yu Yan: Can he sell me out?】
【He Zhi Yu: Who knows.】
【Yu Yan: Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’ll pick a place I’m familiar with.】

Yu Yan also wanted to find out what the Qi brothers were really up to. If it could be resolved, that would be best. Otherwise, like lice that bite every now and then, even though it’s not painful, it’s still irritating.

He didn’t tell Yu Chen about this, or he definitely wouldn’t let him go.

【He Zhi Yu: Wishing you safety. I’ll pray for you. [Hands pressed together]】
【Jian Ran: Yan Ge, how about I go with you?】
【He Zhi Yu: Buy one get one free? Just don’t let Qi Ke think he’s good-looking!】
【Song Yun Jing: Just bring two bodyguards along, right?】
【Cao Yuan Ye: I’ll go with you, no filming tonight.】
【Yu Yan: OK, @Cao Yuan Ye I’ll pick you up.】
【He Zhi Yu: @Cao Yuan Ye, keep an eye on him. @Yu Yan, don’t drink, don’t take cigarettes, don’t get close to Qi Ke.】
【Yu Yan: OK.】

The reason Yu Yan didn’t want to bring bodyguards was because he didn’t want his family to find out and worry.

Yu Chen was carrying the responsibility of the company, and Yu Lin and Jiang Mo might not be unaware of things, especially since the housekeeper had been replaced. However, they probably didn’t want to make Yu Yan worry, so they didn’t show it to him.

Cao Yuan Ye could fight five people alone, and with him around, the safety factor was greatly increased.

But for safety’s sake, Yu Yan still chose a reliable location and arranged to meet the Qi brothers at Fang Chi’s bar.

This bar was the most successful venture in Fang Chi’s entrepreneurial history. It had been open for half a year without closing down, and just a few days ago, Yu Yan even heard that he was planning to open a branch.

In a corner of the bar, the Qi brothers were sitting in a booth with only one bodyguard in a black suit nearby.

The red and blue lights alternated and flashed, while the booming sound system was deafening. This small corner didn’t match the overall atmosphere of the bar.

Yu Yan made his way through the crowd, and when passing the statue of the God of Wealth, he instinctively queued up to offer a bundle of incense.

“This is for wealth, not for peace,” Cao Yuan Ye kindly reminded.

Yu Yan placed three sticks of incense into the incense burner. “I’m asking the God of Wealth to help me deliver a message.”

Cao Yuan Ye was speechless.

Yu Yan pulled him further in. “What can I pray for that will ensure peace?”

“Guanyin, the Kitchen God, should all help with peace.”

Yu Yan pondered for a moment. “Should I go pray to King Yan now?”

Before Cao Yuan Ye could say, “Why pray to King Yan?” someone suddenly stopped them.

“What’s going on?” Yu Yan frowned, looking displeased at the Qi family’s bodyguard.

Qi Ke frowned. “Why did you bring someone?”

“Does it concern you?” Yu Yan shot him a glare. “Are we talking or not? If not, I’ll leave.”

Since seeing the Qi brothers, Cao Yuan Ye had become vigilant and was on high alert.

Today, he was dressed in loose sportswear, perfect for fighting.

The bodyguard didn’t dare to act rashly and waited for Qi Ke’s signal before letting them in.

Yu Yan chose a seat farthest from Qi Ke. “You went through all this trouble just to meet me. You must be really bored.”

“As long as I can see you, I’m willing to put in whatever effort it takes.” Qi Ke poured a glass of whiskey and moved to a seat closer to Yu Yan.

“That’s really unfortunate, because the last person I want to see is you.” Yu Yan pouted. “Get to the point.”

Qi Ke passed the drink to him. “How about we have a drink first and talk?”

Yu Yan instinctively remembered the champagne that Qi Mo had spiked. Although Qi Ke wouldn’t use such an obvious method, Yu Yan still couldn’t drink this one.

“We’re not familiar enough to casually drink and chat.” Yu Yan didn’t feel like talking to him.

Qi Ke glanced at Qi Mo, then slammed the hammered cup onto the glass table. Qi Mo visibly flinched.

“There’s an old saying, ‘Three points of affection when we meet. If we meet a few more times and chat a bit, we’ll become familiar,’” Qi Ke said with a hint of a smile.

Yu Yan’s impression of Qi Ke still stayed at the stage of being cruel, calculating, and trying to use him against Chaoxing. So, before coming, he had already prepared to be coaxed into talking about the share and dividends of Chaoxing. He planned to dodge the topic.

But to his surprise, Qi Ke didn’t bring it up at all. Instead, he started talking about “affection” and “familiarity,” catching Yu Yan off guard.

Before Yu Yan could react, a pair of cold, sinister, and pale hands landed on his hand, the fingertips sliding up little by little until they suddenly clenched his hand.

Damn!

This disgusting person had his sights set on him!

His right hand couldn’t stop trembling slightly, his heartbeat accelerating rapidly, and even his breath grew rougher.

“I’m familiar with your grandpa!”

Yu Yan suddenly jumped up from the sofa, grabbed the bottle of wine from the table, and smashed it against Qi Ke’s head.

With a loud “bang!” the bottle shattered, and the pieces scattered everywhere.

The events unfolded too suddenly, within just two or three seconds, and no one had reacted in time, nor had they expected Yu Yan to suddenly take action.

He had intended to smash the bottle onto Qi Ke’s hand, but for some reason, at the moment he moved, Qi Ke had leaned forward just slightly, and it ended up hitting his head.

Bright red blood seeped from Qi Ke’s forehead, running down his cheek. Qi Ke showed no expression, wiped the blood from his face, and suddenly chuckled twice. His expression turned cold and vicious, sending a chill down one’s spine.

The bodyguard nearby couldn’t sit still. He tried to rush in but was stopped by Cao Yuanye. The two immediately started grappling, with Cao Yuanye holding the upper hand.

The conflict grew, and the dancing crowd stopped. Many people gathered around, even pulling out their phones to record, but the bar’s security arrived in time, preventing the situation from escalating further.

Yu Yan pulled Cao Yuanye and turned him away from the crowd, putting a hat on him and zipping it up to the top.

The recorded footage should be minimal. This was Fang Chi’s territory, and preventing the video from spreading shouldn’t be difficult.

The police arrived promptly, and soon, everyone was split up and taken to the police station.

After an hour of busy work, taking statements and reviewing the bar’s security footage, the matter was nearing its end.

The police handed Yu Yan two receipts: one was Qi Ke’s medical bill, and the other was the bar’s damage report.

Yu Yan signed and asked, “His brain isn’t damaged, right?”

Qi Ke’s criminal actions would be dealt with by the law, that was none of his concern.

Although Yu Yan found Qi Ke’s actions disgusting, he hadn’t planned to do anything to him, just to teach him a lesson by smashing his hand. If Qi Ke really died or went into a coma because of this, he couldn’t bear the consequences.

“The injury isn’t serious. Using violence to counter violence is not advisable. Remember to call the police next time something like this happens.”

The police had already reviewed the footage and knew the whole story, so they didn’t make things difficult for Yu Yan. Instead, they placed him in the position of the victim.

It was good that he wasn’t badly hurt.

Yu Yan lightly murmured “Oh” and asked, “Once the medical fees are paid, can we leave?”

“Have a relative pay the bail, and then you can leave.”

Yu Yan’s alarm bells went off instantly, and he exchanged glances with Cao Yuanye.

Cao Yuanye only had his mother at home, and she had just recovered from her illness, so he couldn’t call her.

Yu Yan didn’t want his brother or parents to know, so he couldn’t think of anyone who could come to get them.

“Do they really need to come in person? Can I pay the bail myself?” Yu Yan tried to negotiate.

“No.”

Yu Yan sighed. “Then could you help me buy some medicine? My friend is injured.”

Qi Ke was sent to the hospital due to a serious injury, and Cao Yuanye suffered a minor injury during the scuffle with the bodyguard. It wasn’t too serious; just some Yunnan Baiyao would do.

Yu Yan opened the “Keep the music going (5)” group chat.

[Yu Yan: Anyone here?]

[Yu Yan: Cat cat hands.jpg]

[He Zhiyu: I’m here.]

[Yu Yan: [address]]

[Yu Yan: Can someone come and bail us out?]

[He Zhiyu: ???]

Song Yun Jing: How did you get in?

Yu Yan briefly explained what happened.

Yu Yan: So, is anyone coming?

He Zhiyu: I’m on set, it’ll take four hours to get there, please wait a bit.

Song Yun Jing: I’ll go instead, it’ll only take me three and a half hours to get there.

Jian Ran: I’ll go, it’ll only take me three and a half hours too. It’s not safe for you, a girl, to go alone.

Three and a half hours, it’ll already be midnight by the time they arrive. Calculating it, he’d be home by two o’clock!

Ever since the last time he went out drinking with Shen Yuchen, his brother had been especially strict about his curfew. If he were a minute late, he’d get a call, and if he returned in the middle of the night, it’d definitely be hard to hide.

Oh right, Shen Yuchen!

Yu Yan relaxed a bit, told them not to come, and then sent Shen Yuchen a message.

Shen Yuchen replied almost instantly, agreeing without a second thought.

Within minutes, the medicine was bought. Yu Yan carefully checked the instructions and started applying the medicine to Cao Yuanye.

“Don’t you really need to go to the hospital?” Yu Yan asked, a bit worried.

Cao Yuanye was firm, “No, it’s just a scrape, I need to go to the set tomorrow.”

“Should take several days to heal, you won’t be able to film during this time, right?”

“There are some injured scenes, I can film those first,” Cao Yuanye didn’t want to hold up the filming schedule just because of him.

“Alright, just make sure not to get it wet.”

“Okay.”

After treating the wound on his face, Yu Yan took out a spray, “Pull up your pant leg.”

Cao Yuanye’s knee was swollen from hitting the coffee table, looking like a serious injury.

“It might hurt a little, bear with it.”

“Okay.”

Yu Yan crouched down carefully to spray the medicine on Cao Yuanye, instinctively blowing on the wound. After finishing, he was about to stand up, but was caught off guard when he met Shen Yuchen’s gaze.

Shen Yuchen arrived in a hurry, looking somewhat tired.

“You got here quickly.”

“Who is he?”

Both of them spoke at the same time.

Shen Yuchen’s expression was cold, his dark eyes reflecting a chill. The turbulent emotions were almost instantly suppressed.