IBKAWB Chapter 37

**Chapter 37: Selfish Motives**

Re-translated by: Namizaki

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Some people, when angered, don’t raise their voices or lash out like a cornered animal. Instead, they suppress their fury beneath a veneer of composure, maintaining a facade of grace in their words and demeanor.

Chi Zhongqiao was one such person.

Zhou Yunmo had only interacted with Chi Zhongqiao a handful of times. His impression of the newcomer was that of an exceptionally amiable young man, always smiling and greeting everyone. Even Lu Yuzhou, who spent every day with Chi Zhongqiao, had never seen him lose his temper.

Indeed, Chi Zhongqiao rarely lost his temper.

Having been in this world for a year, this was the first time his true anger had been ignited.

He could have easily overlooked Zhuang Fu’s professional missteps and even ignored his favoritism, relying on his own abilities to compensate for the shortcomings. What truly bothered Chi Zhongqiao was Zhuang Fu’s dismissive attitude toward Lu Yuzhou, but he couldn’t justify making a fuss over such a trivial matter.

Chi Zhongqiao had intended to keep this selfish motive buried deep inside, but Zhou Yunmo’s relentless provocation only fanned the flames.

Zhou Yunmo sneered, as if suddenly understanding something. “I get it now. Did Brother Zhuang find out something embarrassing about you? I always thought it was strange. You and President Lu aren’t even blood brothers, yet he indulges you so much. You wanted to change Managers, so he brought in a top-tier agent from another company just to serve you?”

Chi Zhongqiao lowered his gaze. Being taller than Zhou Yunmo, his physical presence alone made Zhou Yunmo feel pressured, let alone the way Chi Zhongqiao’s current stare made Zhou Yunmo’s heart race with anxiety.

“Unsubstantiated speculation is no different from spreading rumors. If you have too much free time, you should go back and learn the meaning of ‘speak cautiously and act prudently.'”

Chi Zhongqiao suppressed his anger and adjusted his composure. As a public figure, he couldn’t afford to lose control of his emotions in public.

Remembering that Zhou Yunmo was scheduled to join the film crew in a few days, and yet they had nearly come to blows today, Chi Zhongqiao rubbed his temples and said, “One last reminder: As an artist, you must restrain your words and actions. This applies both within the company and even more so on set. You’re not just an actor; you’re also a celebrity. Maintain your image.”

Having vented his pent-up frustration, Chi Zhongqiao realized that continuing to argue with Zhou Yunmo might push his patience and professionalism beyond their limits. He turned and walked away.

Zhou Yunmo was left behind, his expression shifting through a range of emotions before settling into a bitter clench of his jaw. How dare Chi Zhongqiao, who has less experience than me, lecture me with such condescending arrogance?

I know better than him how to behave as an artist. I don’t need his lectures.

And then there was the upcoming filming of <Invisible Crime>.

Zhou Yunmo clenched his fists. Didn’t Chi Zhongqiao’s career take off because of a supporting role? If he can do it, so can I. I refuse to believe my talent is inferior to someone who got ahead through connections.

“Brother Qiao?”

Zhong Yin, who had been held back, couldn’t resist calling out softly to Chi Zhongqiao as he caught up with him as they reached the elevator.

Chi Zhongqiao turned around.

Zhong Yin stumbled back two steps. “Brother Qiao, don’t… don’t look at me like that!”

Holy shit, that’s terrifying.

Chi Zhongqiao froze, then glanced at the glass beside him. He realized his usually impeccable expression control had completely failed—not quite a scowl, but utterly expressionless, radiating a palpable sense of displeasure.

Thank God Zhong Yin warned me. Yuzhou would definitely notice if I went up like this.

“It’s nothing,” Chi Zhongqiao said quickly, forcing a smile for Zhong Yin.

Zhong Yin looked deeply worried. “Brother Qiao, are you having trouble getting along with the new Manager?” Chi Zhongqiao had worn this same expression since leaving the office, and Zhong Yin’s heart had been pounding with anxiety. In the year he’d worked with Chi Zhongqiao, he’d never seen him look like this.

They’d faced plenty of frustrating situations before, but Chi Zhongqiao had never shown such obvious displeasure! Had he argued with the new Manager? Or were their philosophies clashing?

Chi Zhongqiao smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. Go on back. I’m going up to see Yuzhou first.”

Reluctant to press further, Zhong Yin relented. “Alright, I’ll head back then. Call me if you need anything, Brother Qiao.”

As soon as Zhong Yin left, Chi Zhongqiao sighed softly. After acting for over a decade, expression control had become almost instinctive. Yet today, Zhou Yunmo’s few words had completely shattered his composure, leaving nothing but ashes.

This was the first time he’d ever lost his temper with another artist at the company. It was a complete loss of control. If he could do it over…

Chi Zhongqiao’s head snapped up. Thank God I can’t! Otherwise, I’d have punched him. Who spoiled Zhou Yunmo with this princess complex anyway?!

**********

Two days later, Zhou Yunmo joined the production team.

Zhou Yunmo’s luck was terrible; he arrived just as Fu Jingshen was losing his temper.

Several supporting actors couldn’t convey the required emotion. After Chi Zhongqiao and Shen Xue were forced to endure four retakes, Fu Jingshen finally slammed his script down.

“Crying isn’t wailing! Heartbreak isn’t about who can shout the loudest! Do you even know how to cry?”

Fu Jingshen rolled up the script and began banging it against the camera, making the cameraman’s heart ache as if his own flesh were being torn away. The cameraman’s eye twitched.

Everyone on set knew Fu Jingshen had a fierce temper, but the recent smooth progress had lulled them into forgetting that, under pressure, he was like a firecracker ready to explode at the slightest spark.

The earlier, almost unnerving smoothness had left Fu Jingshen unable to adjust to the sudden drop in quality after the supporting actors joined the shoot.

Chi Zhongqiao pulled Shen Xue closer, the young girl blinking her wide eyes as she shrank behind him.

When Zhou Yunmo arrived, he saw a group of people cowering under Fu Jingshen’s scolding, afraid to even look up. Chi Zhongqiao stood opposite Fu Jingshen with the young girl, looking utterly innocent.

Zhou Yunmo paused. His assistant whispered, “Brother Qiao seems to be getting chewed out. Should we wait before going over?”

Zhou Yunmo nodded, his eyes cold.

He listened to Fu Jingshen’s icy reprimands with a sense of satisfaction.

Serves him right, Zhou Yunmo thought. This is karma. Chi Zhongqiao embarrassed Brother Zhuang so much he didn’t dare escort me to set. Now he’s getting a dressing-down from Director Fu himself.

So much for his “great acting skills”! Those fans keep bragging about his “talent,” but he’s still getting yelled at, isn’t he?

The Assistant watched for a moment, then shuddered. Director Fu is terrifying.

Chi Zhongqiao didn’t notice Zhou Yunmo.

Fu Jingshen was clearly furious, his tirade deafening. Though the anger wasn’t directed at him, Chi Zhongqiao still caught the brunt of it. Holding Shen Xue’s hand, he mustered his courage under the little girl’s pitiful gaze. “Director Fu, please calm down. You’re scaring Xuexue.”

Fu Jingshen glared at Chi Zhongqiao, his chest heaving. “This has nothing to do with you. Why are you standing here? Go take a break.”

Ge Fangyu quickly tugged Chi Zhongqiao aside.

Chi Zhongqiao glanced down at Shen Xue, then immediately retreated to the sidelines. It was the first time either of them had seen Fu Jingshen lose his temper. Though the outburst wasn’t aimed at them, they stayed put, enduring the scolding alongside the actress who had flubbed her lines, to avoid further inflaming the situation.

Zhou Yunmo, who had been eagerly anticipating the drama, was utterly bewildered. Director Fu is yelling, and Chi Zhongqiao just runs off? Does President Lu protect him to this extent? How dare he act so brazenly?

Zhou Yunmo watched in disbelief as Chi Zhongqiao, accompanied by a young girl, slipped away from Fu Jingshen’s furious tirade and sauntered over to the rest area with A-list actor Ge Fangyu.

Did they really just walk away like that? And Director Fu didn’t stop them?

Zhou Yunmo felt his worldview collapsing. Before arriving on set, Brother Zhuang had repeatedly warned him about Fu Jingshen’s volatile temper and status as a powerhouse in the industry. As a young and inexperienced newcomer, Zhou Yunmo was instructed to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention.

So, the Director’s temper depends on who you are and your connections?

Zhou Yunmo suddenly felt utterly powerless.

**Rest Area**

Yan Qingbo, having just changed out of her costume, laughed so hard she nearly doubled over. “You two silly kids! Why did you stick around to get yelled at? If Director Fu wants to yell at someone, let him yell! It has nothing to do with you. Come relax here. He won’t say a word.”

She beckoned Shen Xue over and twisted open a yogurt drink for her. “Xuexue, have something to pad your stomach first. I’ll ask Sister Xu to bring you something tasty for lunch.”

“Thank you, Sister Yan,” Shen Xue replied sweetly.

Ge Fangyu, perched on a small stool, asked curiously, “Why is Director Fu so furious today? Is he in a bad mood?” Since the supporting cast had joined the production, the number of retakes had steadily increased. The carefree days of filming only one or two takes a day were long gone.

Yan Qingbo glanced at Shen Xue and smiled. “Xuexue, could you run over to Sister Xu and grab my phone for me?”

“Okay!” Shen Xue chirped and dashed off.

As soon as she was gone, Yan Qingbo lowered her voice. “Listen, this stays between us.”

Ge Fangyu and Chi Zhongqiao immediately pulled their small stools closer to Yan Qingbo, their faces eager for gossip.

Keeping an eye on Shen Xue, Yan Qingbo whispered quickly, “That girl you had a scene with a while back was forced onto us by an investor. The role wasn’t originally hers—she pushed out the actress Director Fu had chosen. How do you think he feels about that?”

Though Fu Jingshen couldn’t override the investor’s demands, he could still get away with minor outbursts—everyone in the industry knew he had a temper on set. Who hadn’t been scolded by him?

Ge Fangyu clicked his tongue. “No wonder. Her acting is downright painful to watch.”

Chi Zhongqiao sighed regretfully. “Such a great role…”

“Exactly,” Yan Qingbo agreed, pursing her lips. “Hu Qin was originally casted. She’s never been famous, but her acting is impeccable. Director Fu loves talent and is willing to give opportunities to newcomers and overlooked veterans. And look what happened…”

She huffed softly.

Ge Fangyu said, “Actually, investors pushing for their own picks is pretty normal. <Empress of the World> was funded by Lu Corporation, wasn’t it? Aiyo, Zhongqiao, I didn’t mean it like that!”

Ge Fangyu was truly blunt and outspoken. Early in his career, he had offended many people, yet he had climbed to his current position without ever changing this habit.

To have reached such heights while retaining such genuine sincerity, Ge Fangyu was undeniably a fortunate man.

Chi Zhongqiao chuckled. “It’s just the truth. Why shouldn’t you say it?” He had indeed been inserted into the role by the Lu Corporation, but he felt no guilt. Just as he had retorted to Xu Xingzhou earlier, the role of the Young General had only fallen to him because no one else was available.

In the original story, the actor who had played the Young General had been inexplicably rejected by Guo Ancheng during auditions. Chi Zhongqiao had learned this when he casually mentioned how such a great role could still be vacant. Lu Yuzhou had told him, “Director Guo is extremely demanding. He rejected everyone who auditioned, which is why the role was still open when Brother Qiao auditioned.”

Chi Zhongqiao had gotten in through connections. Any seasoned industry veteran could tell how he’d landed the role just by looking at the investors behind <Empress of the World>.

There was nothing to hide about the truth. If it weren’t for how easily fans and the public could be swayed by rumors, Chi Zhongqiao wouldn’t even mind the media reporting it. He had taken the role, yes, but he hadn’t undermined other actors or deceived the audience. He felt no shame when people brought it up.

Ge Fangyu chuckled, “If everyone who got cast were like Zhongqiao, Director Fu would be ecstatic.”

Yan Qingbo replied, “Those with money take the money route, and those with talent take the talent route. The problem arises when someone with money insists on taking the talent route, leaving no room for those who truly deserve it. Besides, Director Fu isn’t bullying her. If she had Zhongqiao’s acting skills, even if Director Fu disliked her, he couldn’t do anything about it. She only has herself to blame for handing him the leverage on a silver platter.”

Ge Fangyu countered, “Still, I think stealing someone else’s role is unethical. Talent aside, it’s a clear sign of poor character.”

Yan Qingbo smiled. As the first of the three to debut, with no connections to speak of, she had clawed her way to her current fame and status entirely on her own merits. Her experience far surpassed that of the others. At her level of experience, she had long grown weary of judging others’ character.

Yet she kept a mental ledger, knowing precisely who was worth befriending and who should be kept at arm’s length.

Having worked on countless film and television sets, from blockbusters to indie projects¹An indie project is a work—such as a film, music album, or video game—created and developed independently from major corporations or corporate backing, often characterized by creative freedom, unique artistic expression, and a smaller budget. The term “indie” is short for “independent” and signifies a lack of affiliation with large commercial entities like major record labels or film studios, she knew that few productions fostered the harmonious atmosphere of <Invisible Crimes>.

The genuinely upright Ge Fangyu, the remarkably good-tempered Chi Zhongqiao, and the harmonious group of veteran actors made working on this set incredibly comfortable.

After the trio finished their gossip, Assistant Xu led Shen Xue over. Meanwhile, Fu Jingshen had finished scolding his staff, and Zhou Yunmo approached him to greet him.

Having vented his anger through the reprimand, Fu Jingshen’s mood had improved slightly. Zhou Yunmo, whom he had previously auditioned, held no grudges against him.

“You’re here quite early. Your scenes aren’t until the afternoon.”

Zhou Yunmo replied, “I mainly wanted to observe the senior actors’ performances, soak in the set atmosphere, and avoid holding anyone back.”

Fu Jingshen nodded. “Pay close attention to Chi Zhongqiao’s performance later. You have an explosive scene with him tomorrow, so study his acting style carefully.”

Zhou Yunmo hesitated. “…Alright.”

Why Chi Zhongqiao again?!

Fu Jingshen took a sip of water and called out, “You four over there, done chatting? Zhongqiao and Xuexue are ready to shoot!”

The three adults and the child turned simultaneously.

Yan Qingbo reluctantly let go of Shen Xue. “Go on, Xuexue. After filming, Sister Yan will treat you to something delicious.”

Shen Xue, holding Chi Zhongqiao’s hand, extended her pinky finger. “Sister Yan always keeps her promises.”

After hooking pinkies, Shen Xue tugged Chi Zhongqiao along, skipping and hopping toward the set.

Li You, the actress who had just been scolded, bit her lip and took her position.

Fu Jingshen sighed, his head aching at the sight of her. “Li You, move two steps to the right. You’re blocking Xuexue. Alright, let’s begin.”

Chi Zhongqiao instantly slipped into character, taking Shen Xue’s hand with a warm smile.

Just then, a young woman rushed in from the side and threw her arms around Shen Xue, who was playing Shang Lin…

After the scene was shot, Fu Jingshen rubbed his forehead. “Let’s move on, it’s pass.”

Frustrated, he turned away from Li You and addressed Zhou Yunmo, who was about to leave. “Don’t go yet. Zhongqiao and Fangyu have a particularly intense scene coming up. You need to watch it closely. You have several challenging scenes with them later, and their characters are both very imposing. You should get used to it beforehand.”

With that, Fu Jingshen prepared to slip out for a cigarette. If he didn’t take a break soon, Li You would give him a heart attack.

Assistant Xu whispered, “Brother Qiao’s acting is actually this good?” Director Fu is putting Chi Zhongqiao on the same level as Ge Fangyu!

Zhou Yunmo gritted his teeth. “Shut up.”

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  An indie project is a work—such as a film, music album, or video game—created and developed independently from major corporations or corporate backing, often characterized by creative freedom, unique artistic expression, and a smaller budget. The term “indie” is short for “independent” and signifies a lack of affiliation with large commercial entities like major record labels or film studios