Chapter 23: Affectation

Jiang Chiyu might not care about public opinion or the various insults online, but that did not mean she would allow herself to be bullied or slandered at will. She delivered a sharp ultimatum and turned to leave with unwavering resolve.

Seeing her uncharacteristic behavior, Yan Chuanzhou felt a flicker of hesitation, and a sudden thought crossed his mind.

The trending topic about Jiang Chiyu bullying Lin Qingyue had barely surfaced before it was refuted by the audience on-site, who released a complete, unedited video. The netizens who had been clamoring for Jiang Chiyu to apologize and quit the industry suddenly fell silent.

"Yo, why have Lin Qingyue’s little fans gone quiet? Are you all naturally mute?"

"Sister Jiang is someone who constantly talks about 'generals'; why would she do something like this? Unlike certain people surnamed Lin, who call for an ambulance over a mere scratch."

"Calling for an ambulance over such a small injury? That’s too pretentious. It’s a total waste of public resources. What if there had been a real emergency? Could Lin Qingyue take responsibility for that?"

Wei Feng had been worried for Jiang Chiyu, knowing well the influence of Lin Qingyue’s fanbase. But now that the clarifying video was out, his anxious heart finally settled. After this incident, his impression of Lin Qingyue plummeted.

Meanwhile, Yan Chuanzhou, looking at the trending topics, felt only guilt and began to regret the words he had spoken to Jiang Chiyu.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A knock sounded at his door. Yan Chuanzhou opened it to find Lin Qingyue standing there with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The moment he saw her, he was reminded of his own harsh attitude toward Jiang Chiyu. His handsome, cold brows furrowed, and he said coldly, "What are you here for?"

Lin Qingyue felt a pang of anxiety. Sensing his impatience, a flash of disappointment crossed her eyes, but she forced a smile. "Won't you invite me in?"

Yan Chuanzhou could not refuse and stepped aside. Lin Qingyue entered, placed the coffee on the desk, and said, "I haven't thanked you for helping me last time."

"No need, it was just a small favor." Yan Chuanzhou didn't care; his mind was a mess, and he felt like Lin Qingyue was talking too much. Looking back, he realized Lin Qingyue was just like the old Jiang Chiyu—both enjoyed clinging to him, only their methods differed. He hated himself for having been foolish enough to use Lin Qingyue to stir up rumors, causing such a commotion. Comparing the two, he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of appreciation for the current Jiang Chiyu.

"Was that package your doing?" Yan Chuanzhou stopped hiding his suspicion and asked directly, a sharp, cold look in his eyes.

Lin Qingyue shuddered, her eyes darting away as she stammered, "W-what could you mean? I wouldn't stoop to Jiang Chiyu's level. Chuanzhou, how could you think that?"

Yan Chuanzhou’s gaze remained distrustful, his voice carrying a subtle, imperceptible pressure. "You know the consequences of lying to me. I hope you aren't."

"O-of course not," Lin Qingyue replied, her voice trembling with panic. She didn't linger, quickly saying, "T-then I'll leave now. Let me treat you to a meal next time."

Yan Chuanzhou glanced at her face, gave a faint acknowledgment, and dismissed her.

After she left, Yan Chuanzhou felt truly remorseful. He walked out of his room and stopped in front of Jiang Chiyu’s door. Just as he was about to knock, he noticed the door was slightly ajar, and the sound of two people talking drifted out.

"A-Yu, next time something like this happens, you should call me. It’s too dangerous to go alone," Wei Feng said, his tone laced with anxiety.

"Don't worry, I have my own ways of handling things."

"What if the other party is a strong man? How would you hold your own with your build?" Wei Feng frowned, looking genuinely worried.

Jiang Chiyu replied with complete seriousness, "I wouldn't let myself fall into danger. I never fight a battle I’m not prepared for."

"I worry about you. You aren't alone; you have me," Wei Feng said suddenly. The atmosphere between them shifted subtly.

"You... I'm not weak. You don't need to worry."

To Jiang Chiyu, these affectionate words took on a different meaning. Having lived for over twenty years, she was an expert in military strategy but had never encountered romantic matters. Having joined the army at seven and endured the grind of military life, she had become the youngest major general in the dynasty by fourteen—a female general at that. She interpreted others' admiration as reverence for her status and thought nothing more of it.

Wei Feng had miscalculated; he hadn't realized that Jiang Chiyu truly didn't understand romance. He began to doubt the rumors of her previous desperate pursuit of Yan Chuanzhou. But it didn't matter. If she didn't understand love, it meant she had no feelings for Yan Chuanzhou, which indirectly meant he still had a chance.

His passion reignited, and Wei Feng offered a gentle smile. "I know. A-Yu is a woman who can argue down the entire internet with her wit; of course you aren't weak. But I still want to be by your side."

Jiang Chiyu interpreted this as Wei Feng wanting to fight alongside her, harboring no further suspicions. "Fine..."

Just as she agreed, she was interrupted by the person outside.

"No way!" Yan Chuanzhou suddenly pushed the door open and shouted at them.

Jiang Chiyu frowned, annoyed to see him appearing there. "Who told you to come here? And eavesdropping? Get out!"

"I sponsored this show, and this house is mine. Why should I get out?" Yan Chuanzhou replied matter-of-factly, sitting down on the sofa.

"This is my room now. Please leave."

"I'm staying with him," Yan Chuanzhou said, shamelessly pointing at Wei Feng, his expression unreadable.

"That's none of your business." Jiang Chiyu frowned, having no intention of entertaining the scoundrel.

Seeing they were on the verge of another argument, Wei Feng felt a headache coming on and tried to act as a mediator. "Let's all stop. Actor Yan, I was just talking to A-Yu. There's no need to be so aggressive."

Hearing this, Yan Chuanzhou’s jealousy deepened. "Can't you talk in the living room? Does it have to be in the bedroom?"

Wei Feng was rendered speechless, looking frustrated.

"And what about you and Lin Qingyue?" Jiang Chiyu asked, hitting the nail on the head with a sharp retort.

"I..." Yan Chuanzhou was at a loss for words, not knowing how to explain. In his desperation, he blurted out, "You are a married woman! Don't you know you should keep your distance from other men?"

The revelation was explosive. Wei Feng felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Seeing Wei Feng's look of utter disbelief, Yan Chuanzhou added fuel to the fire. "It seems Wei Feng didn't know. But that's alright; it's not too late to find out now."