Chapter 211: Lollipop

“I’m being serious here. A white trench coat isn’t something just anyone can pull off. A stylish guy wearing it looks like he’s walking the runway, but someone like me? Haha, it’s more like a middle-aged doctor in a loose, unkempt lab coat.”

Huang Fei was poking fun at himself.

“Huang Fei is such a riot. With him around, our crew is never short of laughter,” Director Lin Jia chimed in as he boarded the bus, smiling at Huang Fei’s comment.

“You’re too kind, Director Lin. I should be the one thanking you,” Huang Fei replied.

“Thank me for what?”

“For casting so many handsome guys and beautiful girls in this production. Being in this crew is a feast for the eyes.”

The atmosphere was light and cheerful as they chatted. Just then, Ji Lei finally arrived, a little late.

“Sorry, I overslept a bit. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” she said as she boarded the bus, smoothing her long hair and offering a gentle, apologetic smile.

“Not at all, we just got everyone together,” Huang Fei quickly assured her.

“Alright, now that everyone’s here, Ji Lei, find a seat. We’re setting off now,” Director Lin announced, signaling the driver to start the bus.

Ji Lei sat down behind Jiang Xiaobai. As she passed by Tao Xi in the aisle, Jiang Xiaobai noticed a brief exchange of glances between the two. Tao Xi raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly, while Ji Lei lowered her eyes and smiled softly. It was as if they shared a secret.

Jiang Xiaobai looked away, put on her headphones, and closed her eyes to listen to music.

Their destination was a rural mountain area. The plot included a scene where the characters went hiking together, and the production team had chosen this location after scouting it beforehand.

It wasn’t a tourist spot or a famous landmark, and it was usually deserted. However, the scenery was pleasant, with lush greenery and abundant plant life, making it an ideal setting for filming.

At this point in the story, Shen Ying and Rong Qian were officially a couple. Along with some friends from the dance club, they were hiking together. Shen Ying’s best friend, Huang Fei, and Rong Qian’s friend, Zhang Xue, also joined them, but they tactfully gave the couple some space.

The actual hiking sequence would be heavily edited in the final cut, but the cast still had to climb from the base to the summit, which was quite exhausting.

Jiang Xiaobai and Tao Xi had a heated argument scene here, which was also the most emotionally intense moment for Rong Qian’s character.

The root of the conflict lay with The Fool.

Rong Qian had seen a discussion about The Fool in her class group chat. Someone had brought him up, and the conversation took off.

One person mentioned something interesting.

“The Fool is simple-minded, but he’s usually well-behaved. He’s been at the school for years and never caused any trouble. But I heard something—he’s obsessed with lollipops. When he was a kid, he fell and hurt his brain while trying to grab a lollipop, so he’s really sensitive to that word.”

“Now that you mention it, I remember seeing him chase a female student once. She was eating a lollipop at the time, and he nearly scared her to tears.”

Rong Qian didn’t read the rest of the conversation. Her eyes were fixed on one line.

“He’s really sensitive to that word.”

Lollipop…

Rong Qian couldn’t help but recall the nightmare-like incident after her performance. The Fool had grabbed her tightly, his hand groping around her waist, and he had mumbled something.

At the time, his words were unclear, and she had been too terrified to pay attention. The only word she had caught was “candy.”

But now, thinking back, it seemed like he had been saying “lollipop.”

So… he hadn’t been trying to assault her? He was just looking for a lollipop?

But why did he think she had a lollipop?

If it was a sensitive word for him, he shouldn’t have heard it often. That day, everyone had been busy with the performance. Where had he heard the word, and why had he gone to the deserted dressing room?

Rong Qian felt a fog of confusion. Something didn’t add up, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

At this point, she and Shen Ying had separated from the group. Everyone was tired from the hike and resting near the summit, so the couple had found a secluded spot by a tree to chat, out of sight from the others.

“…Xiao Qian, when can you transfer the money to me? I’m in a bit of a hurry,” Shen Ying’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“I don’t have that much in my allowance. If you need it urgently, I’ll have to ask my mom,” Rong Qian replied, snapping out of her reverie. “But she’s on a business trip abroad right now and really busy. I’ll tell her when she gets back tomorrow.”

“I see…”

Shen Ying looked a bit disappointed but quickly composed himself. “Don’t forget, though. My family really needs it. Don’t worry, they’ll pay you back as soon as they’re out of this crisis.”

“Alright, I got it.”

Rong Qian nodded casually, not too concerned. “It’s not a huge amount. It’s fine if it’s a bit late.”

“Xiao Qian, you’re so kind. I’m really lucky to have you as my girlfriend.”

Shen Ying spoke with deep affection.

Rong Qian couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s just 200,000 yuan. How does that make you lucky? You sound like what Zhang Xue and the others tease—that you’re only with me for my money.”

Rong Qian’s family was well-off, while Shen Ying’s was the opposite.

Though the specifics weren’t clear, his clothes were simple, and aside from a basic phone and laptop, he didn’t own anything of value. Beyond playing basketball, he had no hobbies or special talents.

He wasn’t skilled in music, dance, or foreign languages. His English had a heavy accent, which had even earned him ridicule from some of his male classmates.

This time, borrowing money from Rong Qian only highlighted his family’s financial struggles.

Because of this, many people speculated behind his back that he was only pursuing Rong Qian for her wealth, hoping to marry into a rich family and rise to the top.

Rong Qian had heard these rumors before, and even her friend Zhang Xue had joked about it. But neither of them believed it.

Perhaps it was because Shen Ying was so handsome, and he carried himself with grace and confidence. He never acted subservient or tried too hard to please her, so Rong Qian had never doubted his intentions.

She had only been teasing him, knowing his gentle and easygoing nature. She expected him to laugh it off or playfully scold her.

But his reaction was unexpectedly intense.

First, his expression changed dramatically, showing panic and guilt. Then his voice and tone shifted:

“What are you talking about? How could I be after your money!”

 

Chapter 212: Conflict

 

Rong Qian was stunned.

“Shen Ying, you…”

“I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant.”

Shen Ying quickly apologized, but the fleeting look of regret in his eyes still stung Rong Qian’s heart.

She began to wonder—what if that possibility was true? Had he approached her with ulterior motives?

Since their encounter at the library, he had gradually become a part of her life. At first, it seemed like a series of coincidences, but upon closer reflection, it didn’t feel so innocent. For example, he had no interest in dancing, so why had he joined her club?

And what had sparked their relationship?

It seemed to have started after her performance at the auditorium. After her dance, she had been harassed by The Fool. She had thought it was the end, but then Shen Ying had appeared out of nowhere to save her…

The Fool!

Rong Qian’s face paled. Trembling, she turned to Shen Ying and asked a shocking question.

“Shen Ying, did you have something to do with The Fool coming after me that day?”

Her emotions were a tangled mess. On one hand, the idea seemed absurd, but on the other, it felt disturbingly plausible.

She didn’t want to believe it, but there was a strange intuition telling her that this might be the truth.

She hoped to see Shen Ying look confused and indignant, to hear him confidently deny it, “How could that be possible?”

But instead, Shen Ying’s face turned pale, his eyes darting away. He was momentarily stunned, then forced a smile. “Why would I have anything to do with him coming after you? Xiao Qian, what are you thinking?”

Rong Qian wasn’t stupid. She might be naive, but she wasn’t blind.

Shen Ying’s expression said it all.

Then she broke down. She questioned him, she raged, and Shen Ying tried to placate her, speaking in a subdued tone to calm her anger.

But Rong Qian had made up her mind.

“Let’s break up. Let’s pretend we were never together. Don’t ever say you know me.” She turned to leave but then added, “And forget about the money you borrowed. Figure it out yourself.”

Whether it was the breakup or the mention of the money that set him off, Shen Ying grabbed her arm, desperate to keep her.

But now Rong Qian saw the man for who he really was. His so-called elegance was a facade, a carefully constructed act to deceive a wealthy girlfriend.

His ugly face disgusted her.

The two began to argue, one pulling, the other trying to leave. And then tragedy struck—

In a fit of anger, Shen Ying pushed Rong Qian. They were on the mountain, and the tree they stood by was right next to a cliff. Rong Qian let out a scream as she tumbled over the edge.

Of course, Jiang Xiaobai was wearing a safety harness, so she didn’t actually fall. The scene of her plummeting would be added with special effects later.

This scene took three takes because the emotional intensity was high, and both Jiang Xiaobai and Tao Xi had minor flaws in their performances. Either their tone and movements weren’t natural enough, or the angles during the struggle weren’t perfect.

When the familiar “Cut!” was finally called, Jiang Xiaobai breathed a sigh of relief.

It was over. No more retakes.

After removing the harness, she left the area and joined the crew.

Her part was done, but the story continued. Now it was Shen Ying’s turn to perform.

Rong Qian’s scream had drawn the attention of their classmates, and Shen Ying, startled by the approaching footsteps, snapped out of his shock. He let out a heart-wrenching cry, dropped to his knees, and began sobbing uncontrollably.

When the classmates arrived, they saw Shen Ying in tears, Rong Qian nowhere to be found. The usually composed campus heartthrob was a broken mess.

“Shen Ying, what happened? Where’s Xiao Qian?” Zhang Xue, Rong Qian’s best friend, was the first to ask. Beside her stood Huang Fei, who looked around anxiously, as if he had a bad feeling but couldn’t confirm it.

“We were talking, and when we were about to leave, Xiao Qian stepped on a loose rock and slipped… I tried to grab her, but I couldn’t. I’m so useless!” Shen Ying cried, his voice hoarse.

No one suspected him. To them, the couple had been the picture of perfection, deeply in love. Who would think that Shen Ying had pushed her off the cliff?

After this scene, the plot would move to the police being called and a search being launched. Later, there would be a scene where Huang Fei and Ji Lei returned to the mountain months later to revisit the site.

But before they could continue filming, a group of people approached.

“What are you all doing here?”

There were about a dozen of them, dressed roughly, mostly men in their thirties and forties. Both the men and women had a menacing air about them.

“We’re a film crew, here to shoot a scene. And you are…” A crew member stepped forward to explain, eyeing them cautiously.

“Shooting a scene? Did you get permission from our village? This is our land. You can’t just come and shoot here without asking!” The leader of the group spoke in a hostile tone, his words making the crew frown.

“This is public land, not private property. It’s usually deserted, and we’re just filming without damaging the environment or disturbing anyone. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?” the crew member replied.

“We say it’s a problem, so it’s a problem! You have to pay a fee to use this land. Did you think you could just use it for free? Dream on!”

“Yeah, no money, no filming! We’ve heard that you movie people make a lot of money. Don’t think you can get away with freeloading!”

The group began arguing, their voices overlapping.

The crew exchanged uneasy glances.

It seemed these people had found out about the filming and were trying to extort money.

The crew wanted to shoo them away, but the villagers were strong and unreasonable. Some even carried hoes and sticks, waving them threateningly.

Reasoning with them was impossible, and starting a physical fight wasn’t an option. If word got out, the film’s reputation would be ruined.

“No money, no filming. Either pay up or pack up and leave,” the leader declared.

Time was of the essence. The crew’s schedule, the actors’ availability, the equipment rentals—everything was at stake.

Director Lin Jia’s face darkened. He glanced at his assistant and gave a nod.

 

 

Chapter 213: Please Don’t Curse Me

The assistant understood the director’s silent signal and stepped forward to negotiate with the leader of the group. He took out his wallet, handed over some cash, and the man accepted it.

Everyone thought the matter was resolved, but to their surprise, the man stuffed the money into his pocket and showed no intention of leaving. Instead, he continued talking to the assistant.

The assistant was visibly frustrated and shouted, “How can you be like this?”

“What’s going on?” Director Lin Jia, who had initially wanted to stay out of the situation, couldn’t hold back any longer and walked over.

“I gave them 1,000 yuan, but they said it wasn’t enough. They’re demanding 10,000!” the assistant said angrily.

“What’s wrong with 10,000? There are so many of us. How can 1,000 yuan be enough to split?” the man said lazily, barely lifting his eyelids.

“There are 16 of you. How about 100 yuan each?” Director Lin said, trying to suppress his anger. “This is the bottom line. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll just find another location.”

If they had encountered these troublemakers when they first arrived, they could have simply left. But now, half the scene had already been shot. Leaving would mean scrapping everything they’d filmed so far, as changing locations would make the scenery inconsistent, which would be laughable in the final cut.

Still, Director Lin made the threat, hoping it would make them back down.

But the man wasn’t intimidated at all. “Now that you mention it, I think 10,000 is too little. It should be 16,000. That way, everyone gets a fair share. What do you all think?”

“Yeah, 16,000!”

“1,000 yuan per person. Anything less, and you can forget about filming!”

The group chimed in, backing him up.

Director Lin’s face darkened.

When they had scouted the location earlier, they hadn’t realized the locals would be so difficult. If they had known, they would never have chosen this place.

The crew was also growing frustrated. They had never encountered such shameless people. They couldn’t be reasoned with and were only interested in extorting money. What were they supposed to do now?

Just give in and pay?

That would be too humiliating!

“This is all we have. We’re here to film, not carry cash. We can manage 1,600 yuan, but 16,000 is out of the question,” Jiang Xiaobai spoke up. “Take it or leave it. If you don’t want it, we’ll just find another location. Do you really think this is the only place we can film?”

As soon as she spoke, the group turned their attention to her.

The leader’s eyes roamed over her, and then he said with a smirk, “Oh, I didn’t notice such a beauty earlier… No money, huh? That’s fine. If you’re willing to spend the night with me, I’ll let it go. What do you think?”

He burst into laughter, amused by his own joke.

“You? Take a look in the mirror and wake up,” Tao Xi unexpectedly interjected, his tone dripping with disdain.

Tao Xi thought to himself: You, with your toad-like face, dare to dream about Jiang Xiaobai? Even I, with my good looks, haven’t gotten her to agree!

Over the years, Tao Xi had dated many actresses, and rejection was rare. His fame alone was enough to attract women, and he usually only needed to drop a hint for them to come running. Jiang Xiaobai’s rejection hadn’t bothered him much, but it still stung a little.

Now, this man had walked right into his line of fire.

“Young man, you’re not bad either. How about you spend the night with me? I’ll let it go too,” a woman in the group said with a grin, revealing her buck teeth.

“You!” Tao Xi’s face turned red with anger.

Jiang Xiaobai lowered her head, trying not to laugh. She thought to herself: If you were younger and prettier, he might not have refused such an offer…

“Enough joking. Pay up or get lost,” the leader said, his expression turning serious.

“Don’t you all have work to do in the fields?” Jiang Xiaobai asked, glancing at the hoes they were carrying.

“We’ll get to it later… Stop changing the subject!”

“If you don’t go back soon, something might happen to your fields,” Jiang Xiaobai said with a meaningful smile.

The group looked at her dismissively.

“Forget it. Let’s just pay and get it over with. We’re out of luck,” Director Lin said softly, shaking his head in resignation.

They were educated, civilized people who couldn’t bring themselves to argue with these uncouth villagers. If 16,000 yuan was what it took to get them to leave, so be it. They’d pay, finish filming quickly, and get out of there.

But just as Director Lin was about to tell the assistant to hand over the money, the leader’s phone rang.

He pulled it out of his dirty pocket, and as soon as he answered, his expression changed. “What? Wild boars are in the village??”

Jiang Xiaobai’s lips twitched as she tried not to laugh. The rest of the crew looked bewildered.

“Let’s go! The boars are wrecking our fields!” the man shouted after hanging up, his face pale with panic.

Others started receiving calls too, all mentioning wild boars. In an instant, they forgot about extorting money and hurriedly grabbed their hoes, disappearing in a flash.

Jiang Xiaobai felt much better. She turned to Director Lin, only to find the entire crew staring at her in awe.

“She’s… the cursed mouth of the entertainment industry,” Huang Fei muttered to himself.

Jiang Xiaobai: “…”

“This is too unbelievable! She just said something would happen to their fields, and less than a minute later, it did??” a crew member exclaimed, looking at Jiang Xiaobai as if she were a goddess. “Are you some kind of chosen one?”

“Goddess, can you make me win 5 million yuan?”

“Goddess, I want to be a billionaire!”

“Goddess, bless me to find my soulmate soon!”

Everyone started chiming in, some even clasping their hands together and bowing to her with reverence.

“Um, Xiaobai, can you make this movie a huge hit?” Director Lin asked, his face full of affection.

Jiang Xiaobai: “…”

She tried to explain, but no one believed her. Finally, Director Lin, realizing they were wasting time, urged everyone to get back to work.

During a break in filming, Tao Xi hesitated for a moment before walking over to Jiang Xiaobai.

“Jiang Xiaobai,” he said.

She looked at him, silently asking what he wanted.

“About that day… I’ve already forgotten about it. Really, I have no feelings for you, and I would never try anything inappropriate,” Tao Xi said urgently, his voice low. He kept glancing around, afraid someone might overhear. “So… could you please not curse me?”

Jiang Xiaobai: “…”

 

Chapter 214: Career Shift

From that day on, Jiang Xiaobai noticed a change in how she was treated on set.

“Sister Bai, would you like some water?”

“Sister Bai, I have a small cake here. It’s really delicious. Would you like to try it?”

“Xiaobai, come sit down. Why are you standing there?”

People’s attitudes had split into two categories. One group tried to curry favor with her, often asking for her “blessings,” like wishing for overnight wealth. The other group was warm and friendly when they met her but would flee as far as possible afterward, like mice seeing a cat.

Of course, there were still some who didn’t believe in her so-called “cursed mouth” and thought it was all just a coincidence. But even if they didn’t believe, no one dared to provoke her to test her abilities.

Why risk it when life was already good?

“Sister Xiaobai, from now on, you’re the boss,” Ming Zhu said, laughing uncontrollably as she secretly gave Jiang Xiaobai a thumbs-up.

Jiang Xiaobai, on the other hand, felt helpless.

What could she do? She was just as baffled as everyone else!

The way people looked at her with awe, as if she were some kind of deity, left her at a loss for words. She even found herself missing the days when she was just an unnoticed extra.

But there was a silver lining—no one dared to offend her anymore, which meant fewer headaches.

After the outdoor scenes, Jiang Xiaobai filmed some smaller, more fragmented shots over the next few days. Just before The King of E-Sports was set to begin filming, she smoothly wrapped up her work on this project.

When she left, the crew enthusiastically bid her farewell, but Jiang Xiaobai noticed that many of them seemed to breathe a sigh of relief…

Was she being treated like some kind of plague?

Fine, she’d just roll with it.

After leaving the set, Jiang Xiaobai returned to her new home in Sky City and had a day to rest.

Originally, due to her tight schedule, the promotional photos for The King of E-Sports were supposed to be taken after filming began. But since she had finished her work early, the photoshoot could now proceed as planned.

The photoshoot was scheduled for tomorrow, and filming would start the day after.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t find the filming of Heaven and Earth particularly tiring. Since her character was already deceased and only appeared in flashbacks, her scenes were limited.

Even so, when she returned home, she felt a sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“Ivan’s new collection is out. As their spokesperson, you’ll need to participate in the ad shoot, which is scheduled for a week from now. Remember to ask Director Zhang for leave in advance… Also, DS Jewelry has a promotional event coming up. You’ll need to make an appearance, but it won’t take long—just half an hour…”

Dong Ran went over her upcoming work schedule and then added, “Besides that, I’ve managed to secure a spot for you in a variety show. It’ll start filming next month.”

Jiang Xiaobai listened attentively, nodding or humming in response. When Dong Ran mentioned the variety show, she paused and asked, “What kind of show?”

“It’s not a reality show. It’s an indoor food-related program. You’ll just be a guest, and it’ll only take half a day. The show is called Taste Wars. You’ve probably heard of it.”

Jiang Xiaobai was surprised. “That’s a great show. How did you manage to get it?”

Taste Wars was one of the top two food-related programs, and its ranking often depended on the quality of each episode. If an episode had enough highlights, it could easily trend on social media.

There were plenty of foodies in the modern world, and Taste Wars was particularly popular because it used common ingredients and featured dishes that were easy for viewers to replicate at home. It was much more relatable than shows like A Family in the Town, which had a narrower audience.

“You’ve been on A Family in the Town before, where you showed off your cooking skills. Since you have some experience, I approached the show’s producers, and they agreed quickly,” Dong Ran explained with a smile.

As a top-tier agent now, Dong Ran had access to some excellent resources. In fact, if Jiang Xiaobai’s schedule hadn’t been so packed, she could have secured a much better script for her.

Jiang Xiaobai’s fame and popularity had already placed her in the ranks of third-tier celebrities. Once her movie or TV drama aired, it would be a natural step for her to rise to the second tier.

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. Just remind me in advance so I don’t forget to ask for leave,” Jiang Xiaobai said.

“By the way, for other projects, it’s fine to keep things low-key, but for The King of E-Sports, you’re the lead actress. So, it’s time to start paying attention to your image,” Dong Ran suddenly added.

Jiang Xiaobai blinked, not quite understanding what she meant.

“From now on, when you’re in public, you’ll need to have two assistants and two bodyguards with you at all times. Whether a stylist accompanies you will depend on the situation. The same goes for when you’re on set,” Dong Ran explained. “Linglong is your assistant and makeup artist, but you’re more used to having Ming Zhu as your assistant. So, we’ve decided to let Linglong focus on being your makeup artist. From now on, she’ll handle your makeup during filming.”

As Dong Ran spoke, Ji Wen, Linglong, and Ming Zhu were all present. Jiang Xiaobai instinctively looked at Linglong.

Linglong smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’ve already discussed this with Sister Ran. I think being a makeup artist is a good fit for me. If there’s any external work that requires me, I can still take on assistant duties as needed.”

When Linglong first joined, Jiang Xiaobai’s mother had felt that Ming Zhu wasn’t up to the task, so Linglong was brought in as an assistant. However, Linglong was a jack-of-all-trades and particularly skilled in makeup.

But Jiang Xiaobai had kept Ming Zhu and found her very reliable, which left Linglong in an awkward position.

During Jiang Xiaobai’s filming, Dong Ran had a talk with Linglong, who quickly understood the situation and suggested that she could transition into a full-time makeup artist role, with assistant duties as a secondary responsibility.

This way, there would be no conflict between her and Ming Zhu, and they could complement each other better.

In the days since, Linglong had been studying and practicing her makeup skills at home to better serve Jiang Xiaobai.

Jiang Xiaobai smiled when she heard this. “That works for me.”

While she was at home, Jiang Xiaobai’s phone rang. It was Bo Xing.

Jiang Xiaobai’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he had found the source of the other half of the cursed object?

Since this involved Bo Xing’s privacy, Jiang Xiaobai excused herself and went to her room to take the call.

“Xiaobai, I have a guess, but I need your help,” Bo Xing said, getting straight to the point as soon as the call connected.

“Did you find that thing?” Jiang Xiaobai asked tentatively.

“Yes, I think so, but I’m not entirely sure.”

“Alright, when?”

“It’s up to you. I’m available anytime,” Bo Xing said, then added, “But if possible, I’d like you to come as soon as you can. If this isn’t resolved, it’ll keep bothering me.”

Anyone would feel uneasy in this situation.

Wearing something that felt like a ticking time bomb, occasionally threatening to explode, was something no one could tolerate.

 

Chapter 215: The Pixiu

If Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t mentioned that the cursed object had another half to be found, Bo Xing might have destroyed it on the spot. He wouldn’t have been able to wait this long.

After some thought, Jiang Xiaobai said, “Can we do it now? I’m free today.”

Bo Xing was overjoyed and immediately gave her an address.

Jiang Xiaobai stared at the address for a moment, then got up to leave.

“Miss, where are you going? I’ll drive,” Zhang Shi, who was already outside, approached her as soon as she stepped out.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t refuse. She was well aware of her driving skills and only took the wheel when absolutely necessary.

The location wasn’t in the same city, but it wasn’t far either—just over an hour’s drive.

Zhang Shi parked the car and waited inside while Jiang Xiaobai got out and looked up at the building in front of her, speechless.

So, the address really was here…

“Xiaobai,” Bo Xing called out as he walked over from his car nearby.

“I thought there might be something wrong with the address…” Jiang Xiaobai said hesitantly.

“Follow me,” Bo Xing replied with a bitter smile, not elaborating further.

He was well-disguised, pulling on a wide-brimmed hat as they walked inside. He wore a black coat with a large hood that covered most of his face, making it impossible for anyone to recognize him even at close range.

Jiang Xiaobai was similarly disguised, wearing a mask and a wide-brimmed hat. As long as she kept her head down, people could only tell her gender—nothing more.

“Hello, do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked, eyeing them with suspicion but not much surprise. People dressed like this weren’t uncommon here, but she didn’t recognize these two.

“Yes, we’re here to see Assistant Luo,” Bo Xing said in a low voice, showing a pass without revealing his face.

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at him, feeling a strange thrill at sneaking into Shenghuang, Tangming’s rival company, like this.

Yes, both of them were artists under Tangming, a fact well-known to everyone. Yet here they were, in Shenghuang’s headquarters.

Jiang Xiaobai had been so shocked when she saw the address that she even brought a mask she rarely used.

“Ah, right this way,” the receptionist said, recognizing the pass and relaxing with a smile.

They entered the elevator, and Bo Xing pressed the button for the top floor. As the elevator ascended, Jiang Xiaobai suddenly asked, “If we get caught, will they hold us here?”

Bo Xing was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. “No, we’re just trying to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Jiang Xiaobai relaxed.

They rode the elevator to the top floor and stopped in front of an office.

Jiang Xiaobai looked up at the sign that read “Chairman” and felt her heart skip a beat. She glanced at Bo Xing, who was already unlocking the door.

The office was empty, spacious, and grand, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city.

Once inside, they removed their hats and finally breathed freely.

“Bo Xing, is the thing you mentioned… here?” Jiang Xiaobai asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Was this really what she thought it was?

“Look,” Bo Xing said, taking the skull pendant from his pocket and handing it to Jiang Xiaobai.

As soon as she touched it, she noticed something unusual.

It was warm.

The warmth wasn’t constant but came in waves.

The last time Jiang Xiaobai had held it, she had sensed its malevolence, but it hadn’t been warm.

“Did it start heating up when you came here?” Jiang Xiaobai asked.

“Yes, specifically when we reached this floor. But it’s strongest here,” Bo Xing confirmed.

Jiang Xiaobai frowned, gripping the pendant tightly and feeling its warmth in her palm.

She walked around the room slowly, the pendant’s temperature remaining high but its heating frequency changing—sometimes faster, sometimes slower.

Following this clue, Jiang Xiaobai eventually focused on a corner of the room where a beautifully crafted Pixiu statue stood. It was made of emerald-green jade and was truly exquisite.

Jiang Xiaobai waved the pendant near the Pixiu and confirmed that the reaction was strongest here.

“It’s here, isn’t it?” Bo Xing asked, watching her actions.

“Yes, it’s here,” Jiang Xiaobai nodded, her gaze curious as she looked at the Pixiu.

With this confirmation, Bo Xing stopped talking and picked up the Pixiu to examine it closely.

He had actually been here once before and had suspected that the object might be related to the Pixiu. But that time, the office’s owner had been present, and he had only been able to take a quick look without finding anything.

This time, after enlisting Jiang Xiaobai’s help, he had managed to get the office’s owner out, giving them the space to search thoroughly.

The Pixiu was about the size of a soccer ball, made of a single piece of jade, with intricate carvings on its curled legs.

After searching for a while without success, Jiang Xiaobai stepped forward. “Let me take a look.”

Bo Xing moved aside.

Instead of relying on her eyes, Jiang Xiaobai ran her hands over the Pixiu’s surface, feeling for something.

Suddenly, her hand stopped at one of its legs. “It’s here.”

“Here?” Bo Xing was surprised.

“Yes. It might have been inserted into one of the hollowed-out crevices during the carving process. It’s not visible from the outside. If we want to retrieve it…”

They’d have to break the Pixiu.

Bo Xing’s expression darkened.

Just then, the door clicked open.

Both of them turned sharply to see a middle-aged man standing at the door, staring at them in shock.

Jiang Xiaobai’s heart skipped a beat, fearing he might call the police immediately.

But—

“Xiao Xing? What are you two doing here?” the man asked, looking utterly confused as he glanced between Jiang Xiaobai and Bo Xing. His gaze eventually landed on the Pixiu statue, and after a moment, he chuckled.

“I noticed you liked it the last time you were here, but I didn’t think you’d like it this much—bringing a friend to see it too? Fine, fine, if you like it that much, take your time.”

His tone was affectionate, clearly fond of Bo Xing.

Then he turned to Jiang Xiaobai. “You’re Jiang Xiaobai, right? I watched the reality show episode you did with Xiao Xing. Thanks for taking care of him.”

Expecting anger, Jiang Xiaobai was caught off guard by his friendly demeanor. She nodded politely. “No need to thank me. We’re friends.”

 

Chapter 216: The Sheng Family

“Xiaobai, let me introduce you. This is my uncle,” Bo Xing said to Jiang Xiaobai.

Uncle?? Jiang Xiaobai was stunned. Although she had guessed that the two of them were close, she hadn’t expected it to be this close!

“Xiao Xing, you’re such a kid. When you take a girl out, you should go to fun places like amusement parks or movie theaters. Instead, you bring her to the office to look at a Pixiu. Are you what they call a ‘steel straight man’ online?” the uncle teased.

Seeing the look in his uncle’s eyes, Bo Xing realized he might have misunderstood and quickly explained, “Uncle, it’s not like that. We’re not…”

But halfway through, he met his uncle’s “I understand everything, no need to explain” gaze and fell silent.

“Well, I’ll take Xiaobai out first and then come back to talk to you,” Bo Xing said helplessly.

Jiang Xiaobai, still confused, followed Bo Xing out of the office. She wanted to ask questions but felt it was too personal, so she kept quiet.

“Shenghuang was founded by my grandfather’s generation. It started as a modest company, but it began to improve under my uncle’s leadership. However, it faced a crisis at one point. After the crisis was resolved, Shenghuang’s development accelerated rapidly, eventually reaching a level where it could rival big companies like Tangming. Its growth has been particularly rapid in the last decade or two,” Bo Xing explained slowly.

“A decade or two…” Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes flickered as she quickly thought about it.

Bo Xing had been plagued by bad luck since he was a child, and if you counted the time, it had been about twenty years.

The other half of the cursed object was hidden in the Pixiu, which had been placed in the chairman’s office at Shenghuang…

“So, Shenghuang’s rapid development was because the cursed object was siphoning your luck?” Jiang Xiaobai guessed.

“Yes, that’s very likely,” Bo Xing nodded. “I’ve asked around. This Pixiu has been around for about twenty years. It was initially kept in our family home but was later moved to the company office. However, I don’t think my uncle had anything to do with it. I’ve tested him, and he’s unaware.”

Jiang Xiaobai blinked. “The Sheng family?”

“Yes, my full name is Sheng Baixing. Bo Xing is just my stage name. Bo isn’t actually my surname,” Bo Xing explained.

Jiang Xiaobai was still puzzled.

“You’re a descendant of the Sheng family, but you joined the entertainment industry at Tangming instead of Shenghuang. Why is that?” she asked.

This was a question she had been wondering about ever since she found out that the man was Bo Xing’s uncle.

Jiang Xiaobai had even speculated that there might be too much internal conflict in the Sheng family, and they had sent Bo Xing away to fend for himself.

However, when Bo Xing heard this question, he pursed his lips, a complex look flashing in his eyes. Then he said quietly:

“Because… my father said I was so unlucky that if I stayed in our own company, I might bring it down. Tangming happens to be our rival, so he sent me there. That way, even if I caused trouble, it would be for Tangming and not our own business.”

Jiang Xiaobai: …

Is he really your father?

This unexpected answer made Jiang Xiaobai’s expression turn strange. She wanted to laugh but felt it wasn’t appropriate.

This kid is really pitiful… Even his own family couldn’t keep him and sent him to their rival. His father’s logic is something else.

But this idea… seems quite clever.

And… in the years since Bo Xing joined Tangming, Tangming hasn’t really suffered any major setbacks. It seems like Father Sheng’s plan didn’t have much effect.

“Ahem, since it wasn’t your uncle, do you have any idea who might be behind this?” she changed the subject.

Bo Xing’s expression was a mix of frustration and pity, probably because he couldn’t quite accept this reason himself. Jiang Xiaobai quickly found a new topic.

“Any clues… I’m not sure. My family relationships are quite harmonious, and I really can’t think of who would do this to me,” Bo Xing shook his head. “By the way, Xiaobai, I want to ask you something. If we find the other half of the pendant in the Pixiu, how do I completely destroy them?”

“First, use a hard object to smash the two pendants. If I’m not mistaken, there should be something like a talisman inside them. To completely destroy them, burn them to ashes.”

Bo Xing listened carefully, making sure to remember every word, and then said, “Okay, I’ll remember that. After they’re destroyed, will my luck return?”

“It won’t recover immediately, but with this talisman, it will help you recover faster. As for when you’ll be fully recovered… you’ll know when you start to see good luck coming your way. But I have to tell you, even if you recover, it won’t be as strong as before. The effect of your good luck might only be half of what it used to be.”

To put it simply, think of Bo Xing’s lost luck as his vitality. Even if the cursed object that was draining him is gone, the loss is still there. It’s impossible to return to normal quickly, and even if his health improves later, it won’t be as good as it was at the beginning.

For someone without a talisman, it might take half a lifetime to recover. But since Bo Xing had the talisman I gave him, his recovery time would be significantly shortened.

However, Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t say exactly how long it would take. It all depended on his body’s recovery. It could be as short as a year or as long as a decade.

When talking about recovering his luck, Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but smile slightly and said with anticipation, “With your luck alone sustaining Shenghuang, it’s become more and more prosperous. It’s clear how enviable your original luck was. I’d really like to see what you’ll be like when you recover.”

Bo Xing thought about it for a moment but then shook his head and sighed, “For me, not having bad luck anymore would be a huge blessing. As for real good luck… I can’t even imagine it.”

It’s like trying to explain ice to a summer insect. Good luck is too abstract for Bo Xing, something he doesn’t even dare to think about.

Looking at this pitiful kid…

Jiang Xiaobai gave him a sympathetic look and comforted him, “It’s okay. You’ll know when good luck really comes. I hope you can keep your composure and not let sudden surprises affect your mood.”

Bo Xing didn’t notice the slightly off look in Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes. He nodded seriously and said, “I won’t. I’ll stay calm.”

There might be surprises, but Bo Xing felt that his personality had become more Zen-like after years of bad luck. He should be able to keep his cool.

“By the way, I have a favor to ask,” Jiang Xiaobai paused. “If there really are talismans inside the two pendants, could you please not destroy them right away?”

 

 

Chapter 217: Bringing It to Light

“Of course, do you need them for something?” Bo Xing asked.

“Yes, I’d like to show them to an elder for research,” Jiang Xiaobai replied. “Also, if possible, could you help me gather some information about that master? Creating such a cursed object is quite unethical. I’m worried he might have done other harmful things. If we know more about him, we can be better prepared in the future.”

“Alright, I’ll remember that. I’ll contact you as soon as I have any news,” Bo Xing said seriously.

Jiang Xiaobai was right. The person who made such a cursed object might be some kind of evil practitioner. Besides harming him, who knows if they’ve harmed others? He needed to gather as much information as possible about this person. If he ever met them…

He’d have to find a way to make them pay for the suffering he’d endured over the years.

Jiang Xiaobai was escorted downstairs by Bo Xing. She got into the car, bid him farewell, and Zhang Shi drove away from Shenghuang.

Bo Xing watched her leave before returning to the top floor of Shenghuang and re-entering the chairman’s office.

“Xiao Xing, how long have you been dating Jiang Xiaobai? If the timing is right, you could bring her home to meet the elders. It’s rare to find someone who isn’t afraid of your bad luck. We should cherish her…”

“Uncle, I’ve found the culprit behind my string of bad luck,” Bo Xing interrupted his uncle’s wild speculation.

Sheng Cheng was taken aback, his expression turning serious.

 

That evening, at the Sheng family home.

The Sheng family rarely gathered so completely. Seated at the head of the table were the family patriarch, Sheng Yu, and his wife, Li Mingjuan. Sheng Yu was in his late seventies, while Li Mingjuan was slightly younger, around seventy.

Both had kind and gentle faces, likely due to the family’s harmony and the flourishing careers of their children. They looked as vibrant as people in their sixties, always smiling, unlike the stern image of traditional family heads.

Below them were Sheng Yu’s eldest son, Sheng Cheng (Bo Xing’s uncle), and his wife, followed by the second son, Sheng Yaofeng (Bo Xing’s father), and his wife, Jiang Yi. Lastly, there was Bo Xing’s aunt, Sheng Ru.

Since this was a family matter, Sheng Ru’s husband wasn’t present, and none of the younger generation were there either.

Except for Bo Xing, the person at the center of it all.

“Xiao Xing, you said you had something important to discuss with everyone. What is it?” Grandfather Sheng Yu looked at Bo Xing with affection and a hint of concealed pity.

“Are you having trouble at work? If so, talk to your uncle. If it’s really bad, you can terminate your contract with Tangming and come to Shenghuang. We’ll support you fully,” Bo Xing’s aunt chimed in with a bright smile. “Don’t listen to your father. We’re family. Outsiders might reject you, but we won’t. Besides, we can afford it now!”

Bo Xing’s aunt was a successful lawyer, working both at Shenghuang and running her own firm.

“If you’re having work issues, solve them yourself. I gave you such good looks; you’re naturally advantaged. If you still can’t make it, I’d be embarrassed!” Bo Xing’s father, Sheng Yaofeng, shot him a glance.

“You’re so thick-skinned. Xiao Xing’s good looks come from my genes. What does that have to do with you?” Bo Xing’s mother, Jiang Yi, glared at Sheng Yaofeng. “You’re all talk in front of the kids, but I know you secretly watch his shows on your tablet.”

Sheng Yaofeng’s face turned red. “You talk too much!”

Bo Xing’s aunt, Sheng Ru, laughed. “I don’t think Xiao Xing has work issues. Even in the past few years when his luck was bad, he never came to us for help. Now that things are improving and he’s starting to get roles, he’s even less likely to need us.”

Except for Sheng Cheng, who knew a bit of the situation, everyone else had spoken.

As they talked, Bo Xing’s gaze swept across their faces, seeing nothing but genuine smiles and sincerity in their expressions.

So, who could the mastermind be?

He couldn’t guess, nor did he want to. So, he decided to bring it to light.

“I’ve asked you all here today because of my bad luck. I have a friend whose elder is a master, highly skilled in talismans. My recent improvement in luck is thanks to a talisman he provided.”

Uncle Sheng Cheng seemed to realize something. “Is the friend you’re talking about the one you brought today?”

“Yes.”

“So that’s why your luck has improved. We should thank them properly. You can bring them home, or if they need money, just name the amount. Your father will cover it,” Bo Xing’s mother said.

“This master sounds impressive. If it’s convenient, I’d like to meet them and learn more,” Grandfather Sheng Yu said with interest.

He had always been fascinated by feng shui and divination. The layout of their home was carefully arranged, and he had invited many masters in the past to help with Bo Xing’s situation. However, most were all talk and no action, charging hefty fees without delivering results.

He had noticed Bo Xing’s recent improvement but hadn’t heard the details until now. A master with real skills? The old man was very curious.

“Xiao Xing, just tell us. What’s the deal with your bad luck? If there’s anything we can do to help, we won’t stand by,” Uncle Sheng Cheng urged.

Bo Xing hesitated for a moment, then opened the box at his feet and pulled out the Pixiu.

“Why did you take the Pixiu from the company? That’s a treasure. Be careful not to damage it,” Bo Xing’s father, Sheng Yaofeng, exclaimed in surprise.

Bo Xing didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took the skull pendant from his pocket. “My bad luck isn’t some natural disaster. It’s man-made, and it all started with this.”

“Isn’t that the pendant you got from the master?” Grandfather Sheng Yu was stunned.

After revealing the Pixiu and the pendant, Bo Xing’s eyes scanned everyone’s faces, not missing a single subtle expression.

Suddenly, his gaze stopped on one person, locking eyes with them. He didn’t miss the momentary flicker of evasion and stiffness in their expression.

“Yes, I’ve worn it for twenty years, never suspecting it was the root of my misfortune,” Bo Xing smiled. “Do you know what the master said? This pendant is part of a pair. The one I wear absorbs my luck, while the other receives it…”

He explained Jiang Xiaobai’s words in detail, watching as everyone’s faces filled with shock.