HEIFEIGU -Chapter 35

The screenwriter’s mini-essay caused a small wave online, and fans spontaneously created many secondary works for the “Locked Room” program.

Most were female-centered.

An illustration artist drew pieces inspired by Yu Yueting, showing her holding an embroidery needle over a stitching frame, transmitting information stitch by stitch under dim lighting.

A powerful handwritten line on the illustration read:

“Our weapons are more than just knives and guns.”

A video editing enthusiast created a high-energy montage of women supporting each other.

Chunya carried Yue Qinyao through a dilapidated alley, running forward with all her strength. Around the corner, Quan You’er steadied herself against the wall in a dark passage, struggling to overcome fear, staggering toward a glowing exit.

At the end of the video, a voiceover said:

“No matter how the world changes, there are still those moving toward the light, the unbreakable alliance between you and me.”

The emergence of high-quality secondary works reflected the success of the original.

As long as the current creative direction and quality were maintained, the “Locked Room” show’s ratings would be no problem.

The production team released a rights protection statement:

【Thanks to everyone for your attention to the ‘Locked Room’ program. Regarding the recent public controversy caused by the early leak of the script, we sincerely apologize.

We have reviewed all on-site surveillance footage and found that Jiang and Kang engaged in unauthorized filming and distribution of the script, violating the confidentiality agreement. We have taken and will continue to take all necessary legal measures until the infringement is properly resolved.】

【Jiang, key point—is this Jiang Zhengqi?】

【That fits. Jiang Zhengqi is a junior colleague of Ling Peng in the same company.】

【LOL no wonder Ling Peng was so skillful in the show—I thought he at least wrote his own scenes, but apparently even that was stolen.】

【When the tide goes out, you see who’s swimming naked.】

【Pretty ruthless. It’s like stealing the answers before a test, thinking you aced it, claiming first place, then realizing the answers were wrong, scoring zero, and blaming the test for being politically incorrect.】

【LOL, reading this makes me feel suffocated for Ling Peng.】

【It’s fine. Life’s short—if worse comes to worst, he could always move to another planet.】

Once the news broke, and Meng Zezhou used some influence, several of Ling Peng’s financial backers immediately cut ties.

Few endorsements remained, and ongoing projects reported casting changes.

If someone pays you and you betray them, who could stand that?

With so many male actors available, Ling Peng’s average acting, oily demeanor, and just-okay looks made him easily replaceable.

As for physique, there are internet-famous male idols with better bodies.

Ling Peng, once a mid-tier actor, now couldn’t even land an extra role.

The risk was too high—if something went wrong, post-production would have to AI-replace faces, which wasn’t worth it.

After watching the museum livestream, the previously disappointed ghost at home turned into Sister Yue.

Xie Jixing decided to take two ghosts for a walk and visit old friends, booking a visit to the historical museum.

Due to the livestream’s popularity, the museum was packed, requiring a queue.

Xie Jixing hadn’t developed celebrity caution and went out bare-faced.

People in line were whispering and occasionally glancing at him.

Finally, a girl blushed and ran up:

“Excuse me… are you Xie Jixing?”

“Yes,” he replied with a smile.

“Ahhh!” two girls whispered in excitement. “It’s really Xingxing! We’re your fans, Muyu Jie.”

“Muyu Jie?” Xie Jixing was puzzled.

“It’s your fan group’s name,” one girl explained, “Because you’re so sharp-tongued, everyone fears your bad karma, so we gave you that name.”

Xie Jixing sincerely said, “Then I really thank you all.”

Fans in line were numerous. Once the first asked for a photo, others followed. Xie Jixing agreed to all, smiling the whole time—excellent fan experience.

By the time he entered the museum, it was nearly closing.

Quan Chengcong happened to come out for a pre-closing inspection.

Yue Qinyao froze, seeing traces of Chunya in Quan Chengcong’s face despite generations passing.

She tugged at Xie Jixing’s coat quietly:

“I want to see Chunya.”

Alright—Sister Yue spoke, so it had to be done. Xie Jixing put on his most obedient smile and greeted, “Hello, Director Grandpa.”

Quan Chengcong was surprised: “You are…?”

“Can’t you tell?” Xie Jixing put a finger to his lips, in a pseudo-voice, “I’m Yue Qinyao.”

The old man lowered his glasses to look, then raised them again as if convinced. “Young friend, what brings you here?”

Xie Jixing: “I want to see Grandma Chunya.”

Quan Chengcong paused, then wrote down the cemetery address.

As Xie Jixing left, Quan Chengcong seemed to hear a soft voice whisper a thank you.

Leaving the museum, Xie Jixing bought incense and flowers and headed straight to the cemetery.

Others avoid night visits, but for them, nighttime was perfect.

Chunya’s grave was well-kept, clearly tended regularly.

The last rays of sunset shone on the tombstone bearing her name. Yue Qinyao floated over, using her incorporeal sleeve to wipe the stone. When Xie Jixing lit the incense, she smiled at the tombstone: “I didn’t expect it would be me visiting you.”

“Just so you know, you don’t have to carry me around anymore. I can go wherever I want now. From now on… don’t worry about me.”

Once things settled down, Xie Jixing finally had time to meet with Meng Zezhou and Qi Zhen to discuss the details of his contract.

Meng Zezhou’s company, Tingyun Entertainment, mainly produces movies, TV dramas, web series, and original variety shows. They also sign artists, but not too many—only a select few high-quality ones.

Everyone had their own areas of expertise, so the company had a very positive atmosphere.

Xie Jixing had already crossed over from being an idol to an actor, but Tingyun Entertainment still offered him a very generous B-level contract.

He was quite satisfied with the contract details and the company’s plans for his future. There weren’t many mandatory clauses, the revenue split and termination fees were reasonable, and he almost didn’t hesitate to sign.

After the signing process was complete, Qi Zhen went to a nearby table to handle some press releases and announcements, leaving space for Meng Zezhou and Xie Jixing.

Xie Jixing picked a small chocolate cake. As he popped a cherry from the top into his mouth, the usually silent Meng Zezhou finally spoke after a pause.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you alone, but… I don’t know how to start…”

Xie Jixing almost choked on the cherry.

Meng Zezhou fidgeted with his fingers. “Well… how do I put this…”

Yue Qinyao sat on the booth table, eating the half slice of cake Xie Jixing had given her, and couldn’t resist gossiping about the unlucky ghost.

“Could he… be planning to confess to Xingxing?”

The unlucky ghost took a bite of particularly sour jam and grimaced.

“So scary!”

Meng Zezhou suddenly leaned forward and got very close to Xie Jixing.

“Are you—”

Xie Jixing leaned back defensively, holding his cake and keeping a wary eye on him.

“…able to catch ghosts?” Meng Zezhou finally finished his question.

Yue Qinyao rolled her eyes so hard it was almost all black.

“My pants are off, and this is all I get to hear!”

The unlucky ghost shivered in horror. What exactly did she scroll through on her paper-phone every night?!

Xie Jixing exhaled in relief. “I can’t catch ghosts, but I can control them.”

“So basically, you can deal with ghosts, right?” Meng Zezhou pressed further.

“That depends on the ghost’s level,” Xie Jixing glanced around at the others. “There’s no ghost on you, so why are you asking?”

“And what if it’s a high-level ghost?” Meng Zezhou asked nervously.

The one that had attached to Qian Shuyun had been seen by many masters and none could deal with it—so it should be high-level.

Finally seeing a glimmer of hope in Xie Jixing, he couldn’t bear the thought that even he might not be able to handle it!

Xie Jixing took another bite of cake. “It’ll be expensive.”

“What?” Meng Zezhou thought he misheard. “What will be?”

“Expensive,” Xie Jixing repeated, tilting his head and smiling. “As long as the money is right, it can all be handled.”

The answer… sounded exactly like a scammer.

Qian Shuyun thought so too.

When Meng Zezhou repeated it to him, he even got a look that said, “Are you serious?”

“You actually believe him?” Qian Shuyun asked coldly.

“I… guess,” Meng Zezhou admitted hesitantly, “might as well try it, right?”

“When you’re old, I’ll sell you health supplements,” Qian Shuyun teased with a soft laugh.

But his fingers couldn’t help hovering over the ‘Money!!!’ icon.

Xie Jixing’s social feed was still lively. His latest post was another nine-grid set of photos, all featuring him with fans, captioned: “Met so many pretty wooden fish today (knock knock).”

Qian Shuyun had seen fans post selfies with celebrities before, but never a celebrity posting selfies with fans.

Such sincerity made him look nothing like a fraud.

“Does he have any upcoming work?” he asked Qi Zhen.

“He’s scheduled for an outdoor survival variety show. Mengmeng is going too, you can bring him along.”

“Is there still space?”

Meng Zezhou and Qi Zhen exchanged a glance.

Qian Shuyun hadn’t appeared on camera for years. Ever since his accident, any exposure to camera lenses would trigger intense headaches and even vomiting.

If he was asking now… could it be that he planned to go?

“You’re going?!” Mengmeng was shocked. “I thought you couldn’t face the camera?”

Qian Shuyun nodded. “I’m going. The GoPros used in the show should be fine, and if he really has the ability, I shouldn’t get hurt.”

“After all, it’s expensive. I need to check the goods personally.”