Chapter 1 Top Star in Panic, Narrow Roads for Enemies

Hotel banquet hall.

“Congratulations! Truly a top-tier celebrity in the entertainment industry, both talented and handsome.”

A director raised his glass and leaned closer. Lu Er, calm and composed, dodged the inappropriate touch and downed the drink in one go.

His Adam’s apple rolled seductively, drawing gasps from the women around him.

“Flattery,” he said lightly.

A few drops of amber liquid clung to his full, rosy lips, alluring and teasing.

His slightly hoarse voice and the perfectly-timed smile made the small beauty mark at the corner of his eye even more captivating.

The director’s eyes widened, swallowing hard.

Lu Er forced down the sudden heat rising within him and took the next drink offered.

After a few glasses, the heat didn’t subside—it spread rapidly throughout his body.

His vision began to blur and double.

No, his alcohol tolerance wasn’t bad, and it was champagne he was drinking.

The only explanation was that something was wrong with the drink.

“What’s wrong?” his assistant, Bai Zhi, noticed his pale expression immediately.

Walking closer, she saw fine sweat glistening at his temples. “Hit by something?”

“Go to the hospital…”

Lu Er squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, collapsing weakly against Bai Zhi as she rushed to support him.

One man, flanked by two bodyguards, stepped forward. “Our CEO Sheng wants to speak with Mr. Lu about the movie’s promotional plans.”

“Sorry, Lu is feeling unwell today…”

The man angrily cut him off: “Who do you think you are?”

Lu Er’s eyes burned red. “Push me too far, and the fish may survive, but the net will surely tear.”

The man was intimidated and stepped aside.

Bai Zhi supported Lu Er, running while flashes of cameras went off, fans screaming in chaos.

Instinctively, Lu Er lowered his head, pulling down his hat and mask.

All that remained visible was the pale, flushed curve of his neck, sparking the imagination.

The intense physical strain made the fire within him flare, almost consuming all rational thought.

A deep, unspeakable emptiness roared in his mind. His legs gave way, and he almost collapsed into the car.

“To Kangren Hospital,” Bai Zhi decided immediately, “Lose the paparazzi.”

Gasping, Lu Er lay on the back seat, cheeks flushed, his peach blossom eyes glistening with tears.

His carefully styled bangs clung damply to his forehead, adding a subtle, broken beauty.

Bai Zhi fumed: “This is outrageous.”

Lu Er curled up involuntarily, body trembling.

Outside, the city lights blurred past, spinning into a dizzying whirl of color.

In a daze, he recalled that absurd night six years ago.

The same feeling of being completely controlled by desire.

The same pitfall—he had fallen twice.

Stupid beyond belief.

Lu Er gripped his hair, trying to chase away the unforgettable images in his mind.

The driver glanced in the rearview mirror. “The paparazzi are catching up, several cars are tailing us.”

Bai Zhi looked ahead. “Stop at the hospital entrance. Lu, you go in first, we’ll shake them off.”

“Okay.”

As the car passed a flowerbed, the driver slammed on the brakes.

Bai Zhi opened the door, and Lu Er jumped out.

He picked up his hat, fighting dizziness and agitation, stumbling toward the hospital.

Several times, his legs gave way, nearly collapsing.

The cold environment and the sharp smell of disinfectant cleared his mind slightly.

But soon, the raging tide inside him returned.

The world spun around, and he could barely hear anything around him.

Through blurred vision, he saw a tall figure in a white coat, head lowered.

The cold aura emanating from him sharply contrasted with the surroundings.

Like seeing a lifeline, Lu Er staggered forward, grabbing the man’s wrist. “I feel… terrible…”

The doctor looked up.

His eyes were icy, precise, landing on the disheveled Lu Er.

Those beautiful fox-like eyes were piercing, yet cold.

Glancing at the man, his expression darkened. “Let go.”

That voice—somehow familiar.

Lu Er strained to see the face clearly.

Next moment, it was like being struck by lightning; all his blood froze.

Even the boiling desire was suppressed by sheer terror.

It was Song Jingmo!

The person who had disappeared for six years, suddenly appearing here—at his most vulnerable moment.

God really does have a twisted sense of humor.

Lu Er shivered and turned to run.

Six years apart had stripped Song Jingmo of any youthful softness; his features were sharper and colder.

Especially those eyes—colder than ever.

A nurse helped Lu Er, who stumbled. “Dr. Song has a cleanliness obsession, don’t mind it.”

“Go register,” Song Jingmo’s cold voice left no room for emotion.

Lu Er’s eyes suddenly reddened.

Back then, a simple cough from him would make Song Jingmo anxious.

But now…

A strange panic and chill seeped from his bones.

Song Jingmo turned, scanning Lu Er’s flushed ears and unsteady steps, brow slightly furrowing.

“What symptoms?”

The icy, disinfectant-scented pressure closed in as footsteps approached.

Lu Er’s heart raced.

Before he could answer, Song Jingmo’s gaze locked on his: “Do you want me to call the police, Mr. Lu?”

Lu Er looked up sharply, meeting those all-seeing eyes.

Damn—it was obvious Song Jingmo recognized him.