* * *

The reason is simple: the investors behind this drama are the Cheng family. If Zhu Linyun is replaced, the Cheng family will withdraw their investment, and a cash-strapped production team will be unable to continue.

Zhu Linyun continued to thrive on this leverage, feeling quite smug as no one could do anything about it for now.

By the fifth day, Cheng Yu made an offer, expressing a willingness to invest in the drama, but only if the female lead was replaced.

With a new “sugar daddy” backing the project, the director moved quickly. Soon, a new actress, heavily promoted by Xingyue Media, replaced Zhu Linyun in the lead role.

This did not make it to trending, as Zhong Ce quietly suppressed the news.

Cheng Susu, stunned by this series of moves, thought: “…”

Indeed, with money and power, one can do whatever they want.

As night deepened, the bright moon hid behind the clouds, playing hide-and-seek with the sparkling stars. After a while, it lazily emerged, casting its silver-white light upon the earth.

Zhong Ce and Cheng Susu had more or less adapted to each other’s presence and roles.

Cheng Susu spent each day learning how to manage the company and oversee Cheng Yu’s operations—its projects, artists, and managers were all her responsibility.

She had been extremely busy these past few days, often feeling like collapsing into bed as soon as she got home.

Every now and then, she would glance at Zhong Ce, who seemed so carefree, and couldn’t help but envy him.

She was supposed to be relaxing on a lounge chair, sipping wine and stargazing, but instead, she had to sift through mountains of documents…

So many documents…

She hadn’t worked this hard even during her college entrance exams.

Cheng Susu felt like crying.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to continue working.

Half an hour later, feeling somewhat relieved, she stretched and left the study to return to the bedroom. Upon seeing Zhong Ce lying on the bed, applying a facial mask, she felt a mix of irritation and endless satisfaction. At least Zhong Ce had listened to her advice and insisted on taking care of his skin.

Of course, the cost was mutual.

No, actually, her cost was greater.

She had to run every day to maintain his abs.

“…”

It was too cruel, really too cruel.

She just wanted to be herself again.

Seeing her despondent expression, Zhong Ce couldn’t help but laugh.

He put down his phone, shifted to the side, and kindly made room for her on the bed.

“Do you believe that Zhu Linyun will call me in the next few days?” he asked.

Cheng Susu paused, confused. “You?”

“Yes, she will call Zhong Ce,” he replied.

Cheng Susu stared at him in disbelief as she walked over to the bed, lifted the blanket, and lay down.

She listened as he continued his analysis.

“She’s felt the consequences of being targeted these past few days and realizes who she has offended. She’ll surely lower her pride and call to apologize.”

“Any smart person wouldn’t do this.”

“But she’s too stupid, and she wants to annoy you, so she’ll definitely take this step.” Zhong Ce rubbed his chin. “A man with some grace would accept the apology and let it go, but she wants to annoy you, so she’ll call you at night. Oh, by the way, my phone number was given to her by your mom.”

Cheng Susu frowned. “Stop dealing with my mom.”

“Naturally,” Zhong Ce replied.

After a pause, he added, “As long as my dear mother-in-law doesn’t come looking for trouble, I won’t do anything. But if she doesn’t know her place…”

“I’m just giving you a heads-up, so don’t blame me.”

At heart, Zhong Ce was just a selfish, petty person with a deep sense of vengeance.

Cheng Susu: “…”

Cheng Susu: “Fine.”

It was hard to deny, Zhong Ce was truly a master of scheming.

He had been planning since the reporters were outside Cheng Yu’s office.

He had calculated every step, all the way to the last one.

At 10 p.m., Zhong Ce’s phone screen lit up.

A strange number was calling.

Zhong Ce picked up the phone and deliberately waved it in front of Cheng Susu. “See? She’s two days earlier than I expected. It’s clear how eager she is.”

“…”

Cheng Susu choked back her words, almost wanting to recommend he try fortune-telling.

She pursed her lips. “Should I answer?”

“Of course, answer,” Zhong Ce said without hesitation.

Cheng Susu squinted her fox-like eyes. “Should I answer?”

“I’ll answer.”

Zhong Ce smiled brightly, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes.

He let out a soft “Heh,” dragging the sound, and said, “Is there a problem with the wife answering her husband’s phone?”

Cheng Susu: “…”

No, there’s no problem. It’s your phone, you’re in charge.

Zhong Ce smiled lazily, sprawled on the bed, hit the answer button, switched to speakerphone, started recording, and didn’t rush to speak. He just squinted and listened carefully to Zhu Linyun’s attempts to explain.

“Mr. Zhong, there might be some misunderstanding between us.”

“I admit I’ve made some mistakes, but I haven’t caused you any loss. I promise I won’t do it again. Please, have mercy, and let this go.”

After a long pause without hearing Zhong Ce’s voice, Zhu Linyun became anxious.

In her desperation, she blurted out, “Mr. Zhong, you’re the son-in-law of the Cheng family, and I’m half a member of the Cheng family too. Since we’re family, making a scene like this is bad for both our families’ reputations.”

After a long silence.

Zhong Ce finally had enough.

He smiled, though his smile was anything but warm. “Oh?”

“I’m curious, Miss Zhu, which branch of the Cheng family are you from?”

Zhu Linyun froze: “…”

Shame nearly consumed her. She composed herself, gritting her teeth. “Cheng Susu!”

Zhong Ce smiled and looked at Cheng Susu. “Yes, it’s me.”

The next second, the tone shifted drastically.

Zhong Ce shamelessly said, “Honey, Zhu Linyun yelled at me.”

And then, pretending to be wronged, he added, “Wuwuwu.”

Zhu Linyun: “…”

Cheng Susu: “…”

* * *