Translator: Moonlit
Editor: kiki
Jiang Zirong had never imagined that her most authentic self would be revealed in front of a large audience.
Although she later regained her composure, that brief moment felt like exposing her to the gaze of thousands.
She saw the disgust and shock in everyone’s eyes regarding her appearance. Some even vomited in her presence, others were scared to the point of heart palpitations, and some believed she was a monster!
She wasn’t. She was just an ordinary person who didn’t want to be stared at with strange looks. Was that wrong? No, she wasn’t wrong. Others in the entertainment industry could rely on plastic surgery, so why couldn’t she use other means to make herself smarter and more beautiful?
She was not wrong!
Her long-time agent, Sun Jie, was also stunned by Jiang Zirong’s sudden transformation today. After riding in the same car with her, she still had lingering fear, trying to convince herself that everything that just happened was an illusion.
But no matter what, she couldn’t deceive herself. “What just happened? Did I see things?”
Jiang Zirong coldly chuckled, but she had long since lost the ability to face her true self and firmly denied it, saying, “You’ve got it wrong. That’s a scheme by Chu Ruochun. He deliberately made me look bad!”
Sun Jie countered her, “But if it was deliberate, why are we so afraid? There was no need to leave the program recording scene.”
“I can’t stand him,” Jiang Zirong said through clenched teeth, her long nails digging fiercely into the leather sofa. “I can’t stand being in the same frame as him.”
Sun Jie was speechless. “Then why did you agree to participate in the program recording before, and now you’re backing out? We’ll have to pay a breach of contract fee.”
Jiang Zirong gritted her teeth. “Let’s pay it then. I’m not someone who can’t afford it.”
Sun Jie looked at her face and figure, then reached out to pinch and found that everything was real flesh and blood, with no major issues, which put her at ease.
At night, Jiang Zirong drove alone to an old house hidden in a bustling area.
The exterior of the house was covered in climbing ivy, but inside, it was beautifully decorated with modern furnishings. Expensive carpets covered the floors, and even the dog in the house wore a fashionable brand collar.
Jiang Zirong appeared anxious as she headed straight for the second floor.
In the living room on the second floor, a middle-aged man in a black silk pajama sat on the sofa, sipping coffee and smoking a cigar. He had a woman in a robe in his arms. When he saw Jiang Zirong, he waved his hand, signaling the woman to go back to her room.
Jiang Zirong called out to the man, “Master Huang, you have to help me this time!”
Huang Cong extinguished his cigar. “You’re in a hurry. Come to my study.”
Jiang Zirong followed the man into the study, and as soon as she entered, she recounted the events of her encounter with Chu Ruochun today, repeating Chu Ruochun’s words without omitting a single one.
Huang Cong took out a new cigar from the drawer. “You didn’t have time to deal with me before. Do you have time now? Who is he?”
Jiang Zirong opened her phone and showed photos and videos related to Chu Ruochun. “Him, Chu Ruochun.”
After a glance, Huang Cong felt like he recognized someone but couldn’t recall who it was. His expression was more serious than before.
“What else happened today?”
Jiang Zirong recounted her experience, especially the moment when her original appearance was exposed for a few minutes. “I, I was exposed today, Master. What should I do? Didn’t you say I wouldn’t be discovered until I left the entertainment industry?”
Huang Cong glanced at her. “I told you before that it’s best for you to earn enough money and leave the entertainment industry before you’re thirty. My magic is powerful, but I can’t guarantee that you’ll always stay hidden in the entertainment industry.”
Of course, Jiang Zirong was reluctant to give up her current fame and wealth. What she wanted was to be pampered, adored by fans, and held in high regard by men. Leaving the entertainment industry, how much could beauty, intelligence, and physique still matter?
“But the die is cast. I’ve signed a contract with the company, and I can’t just leave the entertainment industry immediately. Master, please help me for another five years! I’ll give you half of all my income!” Jiang Zirong was not only anxious now; she was also afraid of losing everything.
Huang Cong was still staring at the video of Chu Ruochun. “His name is Chu Ruochun?”
Jiang Zirong nodded, “Yes, it’s because of him that I lost a program today!”
Huang Cong muttered Chu Ruochun’s name, “Chu Ruochun, Chu Ruochun, that name sounds somewhat familiar, but I can’t remember where I heard it.”
Jiang Zirong, feeling neglected, asked, “Master Huang, how can I resolve this?”
Only now did Huang Cong carefully examine Jiang Zirong, and he could see that she was stripped of everything, revealing her most basic appearance. Huang Cong was disgusted and looked away.
“Has the spell I cast on you before been broken?”
Jiang Zirong touched her face. “Ah! How did this happen? I was perfectly fine when I came in! What should I do?”
Huang Cong replied, “My magic is irreversible. Once it’s broken, it can’t be used again.”
Jiang Zirong asked desperately, “Can’t I use something else from someone else?”
Huang Cong shook his head. “No.”
Jiang Zirong exclaimed, “Then what should I do?” With no face, no figure, and no intelligence, how could she work and earn money?
Of course, Huang Cong didn’t want his cash cow to disappear. He increased his magical incantations. “Do you still want to stay in the entertainment industry?”
Jiang Zirong nodded, “Of course.”
Huang Cong said, “Then go back for now. I’ll consult with my master on how to find an alternative solution for you.”
Initially, Jiang Zirong wanted to stay, but in the end, she didn’t want to offend Master Huang.
After seeing Jiang Zirong off, Huang Cong drove away from Jingzhou during the night. He didn’t have any master; he was just a former disciple of the Lingxiao Sect who made money through dark arts. He had been expelled from the sect years ago due to his shady practices.
He had just remembered the name Chu Ruochun!
A person who had disappeared ten years ago? How could he return?
Huang Cong was scared; he didn’t dare to confront Chu Ruochun, a genius in Taoist arts. He was not someone to be messed with. So, he ran faster than a rabbit.
The reason he left the Lingxiao Sect and couldn’t shake off Chu Ruochun was that he had broken his own spell. If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have had to leave his hometown. He had experimented with some women for his magical practices, and they were already destined for misfortune. Damn it, why did he have to encounter him again!
What else could Huang Cong do except run away?
Jiang Zirong hadn’t worked for several days, but she had to go out and work. When she tried to contact Huang Cong, she found that he had disappeared, and she couldn’t locate him. Every morning, instead of waking up to the pleasing sight of her appearance, she woke up to growing despair. She smashed all the mirrors in her house; she was too ugly, too ugly!
A week passed, and Jiang Zirong couldn’t get in touch with Master Huang. She dared not speculate whether Huang Cong had run away upon hearing Chu Ruochun’s name.
The days grew more unbearable with each passing day. She couldn’t work, and she didn’t dare to see anyone. All her bookings had to be canceled, and she even avoided Sun Jie.
She felt her thinking becoming sluggish, and her skin grew itchier. She scratched the pus-filled sores with her long nails, but no ointment seemed to help; her skin was severely inflamed.
She secretly went to a large hospital for treatment, but they all said it was incurable. One hospital even directly told her that she had late-stage skin cancer and might not live for more than a month; she should prepare for the worst.
Jiang Zirong cursed the doctor who said she wouldn’t live long. She could live for a long time!
Not long after, a video started circulating online, showing Jiang Zirong going from one hospital to another.
At first, people didn’t realize that the woman in the video, who appeared ugly and terrifying, was Jiang Zirong. However, later, a reporter showed the entire process from her leaving home to going to the hospital. Everyone saw the most authentic Jiang Zirong!
No wonder Jiang Zirong had recently declined all variety shows. She turned down all the scripts presented to her and replaced all endorsements and advertisements with others.
Jiang Zirong’s face was severely inflamed, no longer the person she used to be!
A person claiming to be a staff member of a certain program posted on Weibo. They said that Jiang Zirong hadn’t disfigured herself; this was how she looked naturally. Chu Ruochun was right; she must have used dark arts; otherwise, how could a person have two completely different faces? One was the disfigured face, and the other was the beautiful actress face.
Jiang Zirong couldn’t find Huang Cong no matter what; he seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth!
Suddenly, one day, a female celebrity who had been extremely popular five years ago but suddenly disappeared from the entertainment industry posted on Weibo.
“Some people have asked me why I haven’t returned to acting all these years. Five years ago, someone questioned whether I had destroyed my own face through plastic surgery, making myself hideous. I was extremely ugly, and I dared not look in the mirror every day. I didn’t know what had happened, but I suddenly became someone else. Today, I finally know. Jiang Zirong, what goes around comes around. It’s just a matter of time! People can live without good looks, but they shouldn’t dabble in dark and crooked ways!”
Afterward, another person posted on Weibo, saying that five years ago, they originally had a great figure. However, overnight, their body suddenly became dry and saggy, completely unrecognizable. Afterward, they faced discrimination while looking for work, and even their relatives and friends questioned whether they had failed breast enhancement surgery. But overnight, their body returned to normal!
The third person was a top student at University A. Five years ago, she was a brilliant prodigy who had been admitted to the master’s and doctoral programs at University A. But suddenly, one day, she lost the ability to do anything, even the most basic calculus seemed like gibberish to her. Afterward, the school and her classmates suspected that she had used connections or cheated to get into University A, and they regarded her with skepticism. She was eventually persuaded to drop out of the school and transfer to an ordinary one. One week ago, her mind suddenly cleared, and she was no longer confused. She had returned to her initial clarity!
Then, there were the fourth and fifth women who came forward. They all experienced a sudden loss of some part of their bodies, making them extremely uncomfortable.
However, these stories seemed mysterious and bizarre to the general public. They thought these women were seeking attention and believed that if they were unwell, they should seek medical help, rather than blaming someone else.
Jiang Zirong suffered severe repercussions, and within a week, her entire body was in a terrible state of decay, to the point where even hospitals refused to admit her. The hospital that diagnosed her with late-stage skin cancer estimated she had only one to two weeks left to live and could only prescribe painkillers.
In less than a month, Jiang Zirong was found dead in her apartment. Her body was in terrible condition when discovered. Her once beautiful face had been mutilated, and it was swollen and rotten. She was unrecognizable, a tragic sight that left people sighing.
On the day of her death, Huang Cong, who was hiding in a villa, was coughing up blood. Simultaneously, a group of police officers stormed into his villa, arresting him on charges of promoting a cult, defrauding others of substantial wealth, and conspiring to commit financial crimes and harm others.
Before her death, Jiang Zirong lay in her bed, full of hatred towards Huang Cong. She called the police and exposed all of Huang Cong’s information. Even though her time was running out, she had prepared thoroughly and left behind evidence that would harm Huang Cong.
Huang Cong probably never expected that the women he used as money-making tools would ultimately bring him down when it mattered most.
Justice prevails, and karma strikes back.
On the day of Huang Cong’s arrest, Chu Ruochun received a call from Zhang Dongliang.
“Mr. Chu, thanks to the address you provided, we were able to locate the fraudster Huang Cong successfully. He deceived many women and caused harm to numerous people. We have now placed him in custody.”
Huang Cong often used rituals and other pretenses to harm women, and the police found no fewer than ten female remains in his residence, with extremely brutal methods.
“You’re welcome, Captain Zhang. This is what a law-abiding citizen should do,” Chu Ruochun replied.
Initially, he didn’t remember Huang Cong at all. It was only with Jiang Zirong’s appearance that the dark arts and the disciple who had been expelled from the Lingxiao Sect years ago seemed particularly similar.
If Jiang Zirong had been willing to listen to him, she might have survived, but it seemed that she was deeply poisoned and couldn’t accept advice from others. Some ghosts are so stubborn that they only find release in death.
Using forbidden methods would eventually backfire, and Jiang Zirong not only borrowed something from someone else but also caused deaths. Her fate had long been sealed.
Jiang Zirong’s departure was sudden, and her company announced her death due to skin cancer in the obituary. However, only the police familiar with Chu Ruochun knew the true story.
Not long after, the reality show “Coincidentally, I Like You Too” was exposed. The fourth male guest had concealed his marital status, forcing the program to temporarily halt updates. Although Chu Ruochun had mentioned his marriage during the recording, the program eventually edited out that part of the footage.
Not long after that, the male guest’s identity was revealed. When he was twenty years old, he had held a wedding banquet in his hometown with a local girl, and they even had a son and a daughter. Being married and still appearing on a dating show was essentially a sham marriage!
After the incident was exposed, the fourth male guest received severe criticism from netizens, and it was later discovered that his company was involved in a pyramid scheme. The police immediately launched an investigation.
㇐
Chu Ruochun, with his own actions, had put an end to his own career. While filming in a run-down neighborhood in a distant city, Feng Qi sent him a voice message to greet him.
Feng Qi teased him, “Have you ever considered that you’ve ruined your own job?”
Chu Ruochun looked somewhat troubled and replied, “Actually, I haven’t. Feng ge, could you invite my brother and me for dinner? Yang Ran took a leave, and we have no one to cook for us.”
Feng Qi glanced at the cold roast duck in the takeaway box and said, “You guys come visit me, and I’ll treat you to a meal.”
Yang Ran, who was scrolling through Chu Ruochun’s Weibo, pointed at himself and said, “I’m still here, you know.”
Chu Ruochun, who never lied, chuckled and said, “Sure, give me an address, and I’ll come visit. Is there anything I should bring?”
Feng Qi had never actively invited friends to visit him before. In the past, he had always directly refused when friends wanted to come over. However, Chu Ruocun was a bit different, so he said, “No need. When you come, I’ll have my assistant arrange accommodation for you and your brother. I’m not filming that day, so I’ll take you both out to have some fun.”
Chu Ruochun, being new to this, didn’t quite understand what visiting entailed, but despite Feng Qi’s assurance, he still felt it might be better to bring something.
Yang Ran, on the other hand, understood. “It’s a bit remote there. How about bringing some food? If Mr. Feng knows how to cook, maybe some smoked meat? You don’t know the crew there, but if you want to get to know the director, consider bringing a gift. I can prepare it for you.”
Chu Ruochun pondered for a moment and said, “Isn’t dealing with social etiquette troublesome? Never mind, I’ll go empty-handed.”
When Chu Ruochun’s brother, Chu Ruolin, found out they could go out and have fun again, he was thrilled. He turned to Yang Ran and asked, “Ran Ge, aren’t you coming?”
Yang Ran, with a hint of heartache, replied, “I still have work to do, so I won’t be able to go.”
Chu Ruochun suggested, “If you want…”
Yang Ran quickly responded, “I haven’t been on a vacation in years!”
Chu Ruochun said, “Alright, then we’ll go together.”
Maybe Feng Qi wouldn’t mind him telling a very obvious lie?
The three of them packed their bags and set off. Chu Ruochun didn’t bring much, but he did bring his talismans and incense. Chu Ruolin brought some schoolwork and clothes. Chu Ruochun bought him a suitcase, even though he didn’t have much to carry. It added a sense of ceremony.
Before boarding the plane, Yang Ran suddenly remembered to inform Fang Ming about their trip.
Fang Ming asked in surprise, “What? Where are you guys going?”
Yang Ran replied, “We’re going to visit Mr. Feng!”
“Your job just ended, and you’re going out to play?” Fang Ming teased initially but then thought about Chu Ruochun’s uniqueness. His tone softened, “When will you be back?”
Yang Ran conveyed Chu Ruochun’s message, and Chu Ruochun added, “We’ll come back once things are resolved.”
On the other end, Fang Ming fell silent. In the entertainment industry, there probably weren’t many artists as laid-back as him.
Fang Ming switched to talking about work, “Okay, I’ve been in talks for a lifestyle variety show where you entertain guests and stay there for three days, cooking and all. Would you like to join?”
Chu Ruochun said, “But I don’t know how to cook, and if I leave for three days, what about Ruolin?”
Knowing that Chu Ruochun was currently very concerned about his brother, Fang Ming mentioned another program, “Do you mind going on the show with your brother? There’s also another reality show, a family-themed program, where you record a day in the life of you and your brother.”
Chu Ruochun asked Chu Ruolin, “Ruolin, would you like to appear on the show with me?”
Chu Ruolin’s small face lit up with excitement, “Is it working with my big brother?”
Chu Ruochun nodded, “Yes.”
Chu Ruolin said, “I can!”
Chu Ruochun asked, “Aren’t you afraid your classmates might see you online and leave comments?”
Chu Ruolin replied confidently, “I’m not afraid. Those who like me will naturally like me, and those who don’t like me or have prejudices against me will never like me.”
These were all the lessons his brother had recently taught him, and he found them quite uplifting.
Chu Ruochun thought his little brother had grown up a bit. “Alright, then I’ll accept this job.”
Fang Ming listened through the whole conversation. Although he didn’t have kids, Chu Ruochun had quite a knack for educating children.
He said, “This show has invited five male and female celebrities from the entertainment industry to live with their younger brothers or sisters for forty-eight hours. It will be shot separately, and then the footage will be edited together for broadcast. Our segment probably won’t take up too much time.”
Chu Ruochun nodded, “That’s fine.”
Fang Ming added, “So when you come back, you’ll be ready to start working. It was recommended by Director Pang.”
Chu Ruochun remembered Director Pang and said, “Okay.”
Fang Ming asked for Chu Ruochun’s opinion, “Should we thank Director Pang?”
Chu Ruochun replied, “You decide.”
As the plane was about to take off, Chu Ruochun ended the call with Fang Ming.
Two hours later, the plane landed, and Feng Qi sent an assistant to pick them up.
The assistant’s surname was Zhao, the same person Chu Ruochun had met before.
Assistant Zhao asked, “Mr. Chu! Is this your little brother?”
Chu Ruochun confirmed, “Yes.”
Chu Ruolin sweetly called out, “Sister,” which made Assistant Zhao quite pleased.
She was very enthusiastic and introduced the situation to Chu Ruochun’s party. As she spoke, she mentioned the situation on the set.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but as soon as Feng ge joined the set, he’s been having all sorts of troubles adapting. He’s lost five pounds in less than a month of shooting this romantic drama. The catering is actually quite good, but he just has no appetite, and his sleep quality is also poor. Oh, I feel so sorry for him.”
“Is that so? It must be quite tough,” Chu Ruochun remarked. “Who is the female lead in your crew?”
Assistant Zhao deliberately kept them in suspense, “You’ll get to see her soon. She’s a very beautiful girl.”
As an assistant to Feng Qi, she had confidentiality principles and only mentioned matters related to Feng Qi. She didn’t discuss other members of the crew.
An hour later, Assistant Zhao brought them to Feng Qi’s shooting location. Since the filming location was in an old city district without any barricades and no onlookers around, their car could smoothly enter.
When Chu Ruochun and Chu Ruolin approached, Feng Qi had just finished shooting a scene and was resting, looking slightly tired.
He hadn’t slept well, and his eyes were red. He reached for eye drops from his assistant but then saw Chu Ruochun holding Chu Ruolin and smiling at him from not far away.
Feng Qi immediately perked up and walked towards them, asking, “You’re here so soon?”
The actors and crew members of the crew all looked in their direction because of his actions.
Seeing Feng Qi’s current state, which was clearly not good, Chu Ruochun approached and said, “Feng ge, may I have a hug?”
Feng Qi thought Chu Ruochun was being quite proactive, but looking at his gentle and smiling face, he couldn’t refuse. As if charmed, he nodded, “Of course, long time no see.”
He voluntarily opened his arms and embraced Chu Ruochun.
Chu Ruochun gently placed his palm on Feng Qi’s back, enveloping him in a warm aura.
Feng Qi felt that Chu Ruochun’s arms were tightening. What was he doing, using some sort of spiritual power to help alleviate his fatigue? There was no need to hug so tightly.
At the same time, Chu Ruochun’s gaze shifted beyond Feng Qi’s shoulder, and he looked at the beautiful woman leaning against a peach blossom tree.
The woman waved at Chu Ruochun.
