ABSML Chapter 15: Joining the Crew

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Yin Ronglan had realized that being around Chen Zhan made it unsuitable to drink water or eat food.

This time, at least, he hadn’t taken a bite yet—saving himself from choking.

"People have rationality," Yin Ronglan said. "No need to worry excessively."

Chen Zhan rested his right hand on his head, shielding one side of his face to avoid recognition.

Their conversation had been interrupted, and they mostly ate in silence. Once he finished his noodles, Chen Zhan wiped his mouth. "I'm heading out first. Take care on the way back."

With that, he flipped up the collar of his coat and strode away.

Yin Ronglan remained seated for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly.

Chen Zhan had never dared to overestimate the self-restraint of fanatics. His past experiences were proof enough—he had been hit with stones by die-hard fans just for walking down the street.

For the next few days, he mostly stayed indoors to avoid trouble.

While lying low, he used the time to catch up on writing. When he finally emerged, he received a call from Wang Cheng, reminding him not to forget the web drama’s filming schedule.

The shooting location was in a neighboring city. On the day of departure, Yin Ronglan drove him there—in yet another different car.

Chen Zhan looked at him with a complicated expression. “I get it… Another borrowed car.”

Yin Ronglan nodded.

Upon arrival, Yin Ronglan didn’t get out of the car with him, as if avoiding something.

Chen Zhan joked, “Don’t tell me you’re secretly a hidden rich man and just afraid of being recognized?”

Yin Ronglan pondered briefly, about to go along with it, but before he could confirm, Chen Zhan clapped his shoulder and laughed. “I know you’re not. You’re not delusional enough to play the ‘poor rich guy’ game.”

“…”

The words stuck in Yin Ronglan’s throat.

Chen Zhan’s role wasn’t extensive, and by the time he arrived on set, the male and female leads had already started filming.

It was cold in the suburbs. Nearby, under a tree, Wang Cheng was rubbing his chubby hands together, complaining about the cold. When he spotted Chen Zhan, he quickly came over to take him to meet the director.

The director, much like Wang Cheng, was solely focused on commercial value. He didn’t look down on Chen Zhan because of his controversial past. On the contrary, he was quite satisfied with his appearance.

"Have you gone through the script?"

Chen Zhan nodded. “Yes.”

A few days ago, Wang Cheng had already sent him the script, and he had memorized most of the lines.

The director pursed his lips. "Villains are hard to play. Do you have confidence?"

Before Chen Zhan could respond, Wang Cheng interjected, “Don't worry, Director. He said it won’t be a problem—it’s practically a role he was born to play.”

“…” The director gave Chen Zhan a deep look. "As long as you’re confident."

A film crew is a microcosm of society, displaying all kinds of human nature. As the director took Chen Zhan around to familiarize him with the set, the reactions from crew members varied—some were friendly, some condescending, and some attempted to build connections.

Once settled in, the makeup artist started applying his makeup. Before long, it was time for his first scene with the female lead.

The director decided to start with a later scene in the script: the female lead is blackmailed by the third male lead into stealing a treasure from the male lead, yet she refuses to give in despite the enormous temptation.

“He doesn’t really need to act much,” the assistant director muttered to the director. “With the public’s preconceptions, he already looks like the villain.”

The director nodded in agreement. Chen Zhan had excellent side-profile contours, looked great on camera… and with a history of intimidating a film queen and even being arrested, anyone would naturally perceive him as a villain.

After rehearsing a few lines, the assistant director added, “The female lead doesn’t need any acting skills either. Her dislike for Chen Zhan is completely genuine.”

As the camera zoomed in, every subtle expression between Chen Zhan and the female lead was vividly captured.

Few people knew that the actress was currently in a secret relationship. Originally, her boyfriend was supposed to play the role of the third male lead, but the role had been abruptly snatched away by Chen Zhan’s sudden casting. Naturally, she wasn’t going to give him any friendly treatment.

When the director called “Cut,” the crew couldn’t help but break into applause.

It was perfect.

Both the villainy and the hostility were portrayed flawlessly.

After the scene wrapped up, the female lead walked past Chen Zhan without saying a word, her face still dark as if she hadn't yet left the scene.

Wang Cheng, being a decent guy, came over to smooth things over, pulling Chen Zhan aside for a pep talk. “Don’t take it personally. She’s not the brightest.”

Anyone with a bit of cunning would know that stirring up rumors with Chen Zhan at this moment could bring some infamy but also a surge in popularity—an excellent opportunity for an unknown actress.

Chen Zhan knew exactly what Wang Cheng was thinking and replied calmly, “At the level I’m being hated right now, anyone wanting to piggyback off the drama needs to take a number.”

Wang Cheng was so amused by his deadpan humor that he laughed uncontrollably. Seeing that Chen Zhan wasn’t bothered, he stopped worrying about any further filming issues.

That was Chen Zhan’s only scene for the day, and after filming, he was escorted to rest.

When they led him to a nanny van, Chen Zhan paused. Wang Cheng hadn’t arranged for a car—otherwise, there would have been no need for Yin Ronglan to drive him here.

“Who’s in the car?”

The crew member hesitated, unprepared for his sharp reaction. Just as they were trying to come up with an explanation, the window rolled down slightly.

“Get in.”

The voice was eerily familiar. Not long ago, when Lin Chiang had come to find him at the apartment complex entrance, he had said the exact same words.

The difference was that this time, it was a woman’s voice.

Inside the spacious car, Chen Zhan saw Jiang Ying and suddenly remembered that she was also filming in the neighboring city. He raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll call reporters to stir up a scandal?”

If the media caught wind of this, who knew what kind of public uproar it would cause?

Jiang Ying took off her sunglasses. “You can try.”

Chen Zhan had no such intention, and Jiang Ying wasn’t that foolish—she had made all the necessary arrangements before coming.

Her manager had driven her there and reminded her to watch the time so she wouldn’t delay her evening shoot.

Jiang Ying observed Chen Zhan for a couple of seconds, seeing no trace of the madness that used to radiate from him. She then got straight to the point. “Lately, your writing seems to be focusing on me again.”

Chen Zhan: “By request.”

Guessing what he was implying, Jiang Ying’s eyes flickered before she let out a mocking laugh.

Her manager coughed and turned to reprimand Chen Zhan. “If you’ve truly decided to change, you shouldn’t be stirring up trouble anymore.”

Unfortunately, before he could finish his sentence, there was a faint snapping sound. Turning around, he saw that Jiang Ying had snapped the arm off her sunglasses with a crisp motion.

The manager quickly changed his wording. “Things haven’t been confirmed yet…”

Jiang Ying knew Lin Chiang inside and out. At this moment, the eyes that could captivate countless fans on screen were now sharp and cold. “Pushing me into the spotlight while he hides—he’s not afraid of karma?”

Her voice was as icy as falling shards of ice, making her manager shudder.

Chen Zhan replied calmly, “He already got his karma.”

Jiang Ying’s eyes sliced across his face like a knife.

Chen Zhan continued, “A few weeks ago, seeing my drastic change, and linking it to his mother’s recent mood swings…” He paused, his tone turning playful. “He thought she might have been cursed and asked me to check if it was witchcraft. But he got caught.”

“…” Jiang Ying’s lips twitched stiffly. “And then?”

Chen Zhan smirked. “Before I was ‘escorted’ out, I told them my conclusion: menopause. As for what happened to your fiancé afterward, I wouldn’t know.”

By the time Jiang Ying fully processed his words, Chen Zhan had already stepped out of the car.

Her manager hesitated. “You shouldn’t take his words at face value.”

After a long silence, with no response from Jiang Ying, he was about to speak again when he heard her let out a faint sigh.

“No one understands their own fiancé better than I do.”

Lin Chiang was exactly the kind of person who would pull such a stunt.

The manager wanted to say something to lighten the mood, but Jiang Ying’s exhaustion could no longer be hidden. “With his personality, do you think I’ll end up a widow one day?”

His recent antics were getting more extreme by the day.

The manager exhaled deeply… A witchcraft curse? Only Lin Chiang could come up with something that absurd.

But a widow?

That thought was far more dangerous.

Jiang Ying put her sunglasses back on, her expression turning icy. “Get in touch with the insurance company. My fiancé needs a few more life insurance policies.”

Manager: “The beneficiary…”

Jiang Ying glanced at him. “Of course, it’s me.”

“…” The manager swallowed nervously. “Don’t do anything reckless.”

·

No matter how luxurious a car’s interior was, it couldn’t compare to the crisp air outside. Sitting by a temporary tent, Chen Zhan had just unscrewed a bottle of mineral water when he noticed Jiang Ying’s manager handing something to the director. The two even took a photo together.

Chen Zhan immediately understood—it was a precaution against him calling reporters for a scandal. Even if the news got out, Jiang Ying could simply claim she was visiting the set.

But then, unexpectedly, the manager walked straight toward him and handed him a slip of paper.

Chen Zhan was momentarily surprised when he saw Jiang Ying’s WeChat ID written on it.

The manager explained, “She has a feeling she’ll need to contact you again.”

Who knew what other messes Confessions might stir up in the future? Taking the time to meet in person like today was too inefficient.

After watching Chen Zhan add the contact, the manager finally turned and left.

Shaking his head, Chen Zhan raised the bottle of water to his lips—then suddenly noticed a small pinhole at the top of the bottle.

He didn’t immediately put down the bottle but continued drinking while glancing around. His gaze finally met that of the female lead, who was pretending to read the script. She slightly turned her face away.

That person quickly lowered their eyes, no longer showing previous disdain or disgust, but instead revealing a trace of guilt.

Chen Zhan: “Is there a poison-testing tool in the mall?”

【System: A disposable silver needle, only 10 points of cleansing value.】

A silver needle for testing poison.

Neither scientific nor reliable.

Recalling the antifreeze cushion from last time, Chen Zhan dismissed the idea of redeeming it.

【System: The silver needle does not have an expiration issue. Please use it with confidence.】

After a few seconds of thought, Chen Zhan decided to give it another try and redeemed one.

The system quickly generated a test report: diluted laxative.

Chen Zhan raised an eyebrow, screwed the bottle cap back on, and chuckled softly. Was anyone still using such methods?

Seeing that Wang Cheng was still nearby, he walked over and spoke to him in a low voice. Chen Zhan was relatively tactful with his words, merely mentioning that the water’s cleanliness was uncertain. Wang Cheng, however, was more direct.

“This is common. With so many people in the crew, anyone could touch your things. Fingerprint testing is unrealistic. Besides, if this gets out, it won’t look good, and the culprit might even accuse you of slander. So most people just endure it.”

Wang Cheng analyzed the pros and cons: “Just keep filming, and settle the score after the production is done.”

As he spoke, he observed Chen Zhan’s expression, but unfortunately, he did not see any intention of letting the matter slide.

“Leftover meals aren’t appetizing,” Chen Zhan smiled. “Similarly, letting grudges fester overnight doesn’t help one’s mood.”

In this industry, to exact revenge while avoiding public criticism required a high level of skill.

Chen Zhan had a clear understanding of his own situation: no power, no money, just good looks, and a bit of insignificant writing talent.

After a moment of contemplation, he scrolled through his call records and found Lin Chiang’s number. Swiftly, he typed out a message:

[Jiang Ying came to the set looking for me. The female lead and I have a past grudge.]

At first glance, it seemed unrelated, but in reality, it hinted that Jiang Ying was already aware of the frequent “visits” to Confessions and that Lin Chiang should prepare in advance. As a reward for voluntarily sharing this information, Chen Zhan expected Lin Chiang to help teach the female lead a lesson.

Lin Chiang was the type to silently handle big matters, so Chen Zhan assumed he would ignore the message and quietly resolve the issue. Unexpectedly, he received a reply:

【Ha.】

Before long, while scrolling through his phone, Chen Zhan came across a post in an unfamiliar WeChat Moments feed. He hesitated for a second before realizing he had recently added Jiang Ying on WeChat.

The post was quite unique—several insurance contracts were displayed, with key details redacted. However, the accident insurance was highlighted in red.

The caption read: Come on, go wild. @Mr. Lin

Author’s Note:

Chen Zhan: Make full use of all available resources.

________

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