Chapter 14: Falling into the Water

“Action!” At the director’s command, the set instantly fell into silence.

Liang Lei wore a hollow smile, and in the next moment, she raised her hand and slapped me hard twice.

Smack! Smack!

The sharp sound of the slaps echoed across the set. My face burned with pain; both cheeks swelled rapidly, my ears buzzed, and my vision darkened.

Suppressing my tears, I forced the expression of restrained grievance as the script required.

“Cut!” The director called, shaking his head in dissatisfaction. “No, the supporting actress’s emotions aren’t convincing. One more take!”

“Sorry, Teacher Jiang Tian, this is my first time acting; I don’t have much experience!” Liang Lei’s lips curled slightly, forming a nearly twisted arc. There was no warmth in her eyes, only a cold, venomous gleam.

“That’s okay.”

I forced a smile but cursed her ancestors in my heart.

That bitch hit me so hard!

“Action!” The director called again.

A cruel glint flashed in Liang Lei’s eyes. Her raised hand, cutting through the air, landed heavily on my face.

Smack! Smack!

This slap was harder, fiercer than before. It felt as if my cheek was being torn apart, the fiery pain making it almost impossible to breathe.

My body lost control and fell backward, crashing heavily onto the ground.

The air turned still; the crew froze, no one dared to intervene.

“Cut!” The director’s voice came after a two-second delay, then he silently turned his head, pretending not to see.

“This take is good. Let’s move on.” His tone sounded somewhat uneasy.

“Teacher Jiang Tian is truly professional!” Liang Lei reached out her hand to help me up.

As we passed each other, she looked at me triumphantly, eyes filled with mockery. “How’s that feel, big star? This is only the beginning! You better step up, Teacher Jiang!”

I didn’t catch all her words clearly, only feeling darkness creeping over my vision and a ringing in my ears.

I knew my cheeks must be even more swollen now.

“Take an hour’s break. Next is the water scene. Jiang Tian, prepare yourself well.”

At the director’s order, Xiao Ya and Ji Ge immediately came over.

***

“Sweetie...” Xiao Ya pressed an ice pack to my face. Even opening my left eye was a struggle.

Ji Ge said nothing, just patted my shoulder. Out of the corner of my eye, I vaguely saw him texting on his phone.

Next came the water scene.

According to the original script, this part was supposed to be done with special effects.

But somehow, Liang Lei had managed to convince the director to switch to on-location shooting by the small river near the studio gate.

By the riverbank, a cold wind whipped at me. I shivered in my thin costume.

Worse still, I was on my period and absolutely couldn’t get into cold water.

“Director, I...” I tried to explain.

Before I could finish, he interrupted impatiently.

“Jiang Tian, actors aren’t celebrities. You can’t just pose for a few shots and call it a day. Stop being so fussy! The river’s shallow; it’ll be over soon. Just tough it out!”

I looked helplessly at the crew, but they all avoided my gaze coldly.

I stared at the icy water, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Liang Lei happened to be nearby, sneering sarcastically, “Isn’t Teacher Jiang Tian a professional and skilled actress? How come she can’t handle such a small scene? Or is it that… Teacher Jiang Tian actually rose to fame through other means, not talent?”

I took a deep breath, fighting to steady my trembling body.

I knew I couldn’t fall. I couldn’t let her see my weakness.

“Action!” the director called.

Before I was ready, Liang Lei lunged at me and shoved me into the freezing river.

With a splash, the biting cold water engulfed me, flooding my mouth and nose. My lungs burned fiercely, as if about to explode.

My blood seemed to freeze. Sharp cramps twisted through my abdomen, and the cold water made my vision blur black.

Instinctively, I flailed my arms, grasping only the cold water.

I struggled to break the surface.

Then, through the rushing water, a desperate voice pierced through: “Sweetie!”

I forced my eyes open, barely making out a figure rushing toward me.

Suddenly, a warm, strong arm tightened around my waist.

I struggled to open my eyes again through the misty water and saw a familiar, handsome face.

***

Fu Shuhua! How was he here?

“Sweetie! Sweetie! Are you alright?” His voice trembled. His face was ashen, filled with pain and fury.

Without a word, he dove into the water and held me close, as if trying to merge me into his body.

I weakly smiled, wanting to speak but found no voice.

My lips quivered, releasing only a few broken bubbles.

Liang Lei stood on the shore, pale as death, clearly unprepared for Fu Shuhua’s sudden arrival.

Her meticulously plotted scheme had backfired spectacularly.

Panic and fear flickered in her eyes, but she quickly regained composure.

Fu Shuhua carried me ashore, glaring fiercely at Liang Lei. “Liang Lei! Are you crazy?! How could you do this to her?!”

“I just wanted to challenge Teacher Jiang Tian’s acting skills. I didn’t mean to...” Liang Lei’s voice was weak.

She always portrayed herself as gentle and kind in front of Fu Shuhua.

Her explanation sounded sincere, but the facts spoke louder than words.

Soaked and trembling, I barely had the strength to speak. I was close to losing consciousness.

“Where’s the ambulance? Call one now!” Fu Shuhua yelled, his voice icy cold.

Ignoring Liang Lei’s protests, he cradled me and strode toward the black Maybach parked by the roadside.

Before getting in, he cast a cold, warning glance at Liang Lei, filled with loathing.

That look was like a sharp blade piercing her heart. Liang Lei trembled, her face growing even paler.

“I didn’t...” she stammered, but no one was listening.

She stood there, her face shifting from pale to ashen, fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

The panic and fear in her eyes gradually gave way to hatred. She stared at the departing black Maybach with a dark, venomous gaze, as if she wanted to devour those inside alive.

Dazed, I felt myself laid on a soft bed, Fu Shuhua’s anxious voice ringing in my ears: “Doctor, how is she?”

I struggled to open my eyes but couldn’t.

My consciousness faded, and I slipped into unconsciousness completely...