Chapter 136: Fare Thee Well

After a brief moment, Qi Junyuan’s expression returned to normal. He smiled apologetically and said, "Mo Fei, you’ve misunderstood. There was an urgent matter at the company, and I had Luo Cheng go handle it. It happened just this afternoon."

"Is that so?" A hint of a mocking curve appeared at the corner of Mo Fei’s mouth. She swirled her long-stemmed glass, causing the red wine to ripple. After a silent pause, she reached out to tap her glass against Liao Tingrui’s, producing a crisp "ding."

"Sister Liao, I’d like to toast you. I’ll finish mine; please feel free to drink as you like." With that, Mo Fei tilted her swan-like neck and drained her wine to the last drop.

Liao Tingrui’s expression grew increasingly awkward. While it was a private dinner and a relaxed atmosphere was fine, basic etiquette still applied. When Qi Junyuan offered a toast—especially the first one—everyone should either rise together, or the toast should be directed at Mo Fei, or at the very least, at both Mo Fei and Hong Chen. To toast only Hong Chen was to put the cart before the horse, and the same applied to Mo Fei.

Mo Fei’s gesture was essentially a silent indictment of her lack of etiquette.

Liao Tingrui was a manager after all, and her ability to adapt was exceptional. A smile quickly returned to her face. She filled her glass more than two-thirds full, downed it in one gulp, and smiled. "Miss Mo, I apologize. That was my oversight."

She then poured half a glass and turned to Hong Chen. "Assistant Hong, I apologize for previously misunderstanding your status. Please forgive my rudeness. I apologize to you once more, and I’ll finish this in one go."

After downing another glass, she stood up slowly and said apologetically, "Excuse me, I’ve accidentally spilled some wine. I need to go change; please pardon me for a moment."

Qi Junyuan watched this unfold and chose to remain silent.

Having downed two glasses and apologized to Hong Chen, Liao Tingrui returned to the table shortly after changing into a simple, elegant gown. Qi Junyuan signaled for everyone to rise again. The four of them took a small sip of wine, and the dinner officially began.

The set menu consisted of nine courses, taking over an hour to serve. Throughout the meal, Qi Junyuan initiated most of the topics, Mo Fei responded perfunctorily, Liao Tingrui occasionally chimed in, and Hong Chen chose to remain silent to the end.

When the final dessert was served, Mo Fei took two bites and stood up to head to the restroom. Liao Tingrui followed. Left alone with Qi Junyuan, Hong Chen saw the man’s smile vanish. Though not strictly stern, Qi Junyuan’s voice was cold as he said, "Assistant Hong, I am Mo Fei’s fiancé. You probably didn't know that, did you?"

Hong Chen was slightly surprised. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that Qi Junyuan was interested in Mo Fei, but he hadn't expected them to be engaged. However, given Mo Fei’s lukewarm attitude toward Qi Junyuan, he guessed it was likely an arrangement by their respective families.

He said nothing, merely watching Qi Junyuan calmly, waiting for him to continue. Qi Junyuan did not keep him waiting long. "Mo Fei hasn't been in the industry long. She previously had two personal assistants, both female. To have a man suddenly appear by her side—honestly, I do mind."

The words were subtle, but the meaning was blunt. Hong Chen gave a faint "Oh" and asked, "So, you want me to resign voluntarily?"

Qi Junyuan raised a finger. "Resigning is just the first part. Second, this film of Mo Fei’s will finish shooting in Qing City in about ten days, then she’ll be leaving. For the next half a month, I want you to take a long vacation. Turn off your phone, don't leave any contact information, and go travel to whatever country you like—just don't stay in the country. I’ll give you an extra ten million. OK?"

Hong Chen did not answer immediately. He scooped a small piece of cake into his mouth, swallowed, and then said, "To be honest, my time as Miss Mo’s personal assistant ends today. Tomorrow, I won't be anymore. As for my personal life, please don't trouble yourself with my arrangements."

Qi Junyuan narrowed his eyes and insisted, "Mr. Hong, I think you should reconsider. A vacation isn't a prison sentence, and half a month isn't very long. Plus, you’ll have an extra ten million in your bank account. You might not come across such a windfall a second time in your life."

Hong Chen chuckled softly. "I appreciate the offer."

Rejected twice, Qi Junyuan remained composed. He didn't push further, simply nodding slowly. "Then, suit yourself."

When Mo Fei and Liao Tingrui returned and sat down, Mo Fei leaned over to Hong Chen. "Are you finished eating?"

Hong Chen, thinking she was ready to leave, set down his silver spoon and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Yes."

Instead of saying goodbye, Mo Fei turned her gaze to Qi Junyuan, her expression turning serious. "The meal is over. Now, it’s time to discuss some serious business."

Qi Junyuan was taken aback. Mo Fei continued, "Last night, after I left the film set, I was followed by two cars..."

Just as Hong Chen had heard, Mo Fei recounted the events up until the moment she was kidnapped by three men on the mountaintop.

Qi Junyuan and Liao Tingrui’s faces changed drastically. Qi Junyuan urged, "And then? Did those kidnappers do anything to you? Who were they?"

Mo Fei pointed at Hong Chen and replied, "Hong Chen saved me. Those three men drove off in a panic and accidentally drove off a cliff while descending the mountain."

Qi Junyuan sighed in relief and cast a grateful glance at Hong Chen. Just as he was about to speak, Mo Fei added, "Uncle Zhou and the others were severely injured while drawing them away to protect me. They were taken away by the family overnight. I don't have proof of who was behind it, but I know exactly who they are."

Feeling the coldness in Mo Fei’s eyes, Qi Junyuan’s heart skipped a beat. His face darkened, and he said in a low voice, "Mo Fei, you don't suspect me, do you?"

Liao Tingrui’s face went pale. She quickly interjected, "Miss Mo, Young Master Qi is your fiancé. You shouldn't suspect him of all people."

Mo Fei shot Liao Tingrui a frigid glance. "Who told you he is my fiancé? It is nothing more than the wishful thinking of some people in our families."

She then stared directly into Qi Junyuan’s gloomy face, arched an eyebrow, and sneered, "Offering me grand gestures to my face while orchestrating my kidnapping behind my back—Qi Junyuan, you can add another talent to your repertoire: Director!"

Qi Junyuan let out a stifled breath and put on a pained expression, shaking his head. "Mo Fei, I don't understand why you would suspect me, but I can swear to the heavens that I have never done anything to betray you."

Mo Fei remained unmoved. She said bluntly, "If the script requires it, you can swear a hundred or a thousand times a day. Your oaths are worthless."

She then changed the subject. "You say you don't understand why I suspect you? Fine, I’ll make you understand now, so you don't have to work so hard at your acting—it’s disgusting to watch."

With that, she took out her phone and made a call. "Bring the person to the third-floor balcony."

After hanging up, she looked at Liao Tingrui. "Tell the people downstairs to let them through. Don't let anyone with no eyes get in the way!"

Liao Tingrui looked hesitantly at Qi Junyuan. Seeing he did not object, she got up and left. Less than two minutes later, she returned, followed by two men in black carrying a burlap sack. The sack was moving, clearly containing something alive.

*Thud!*

"Open it!" Following Mo Fei’s command, the sack was tossed to the floor. One of the men in black quickly untied the rope. When the figure inside was revealed, Qi Junyuan and Liao Tingrui’s eyes shrank, while a flash of surprise crossed Hong Chen’s face.

The sack contained Mo Fei’s female manager. Her hands and feet were bound, her mouth was gagged, and her face was filled with terror.

"When I’m filming, my phone is kept by her. Yesterday, after we finished, she happened to have a social engagement and stayed behind, but she didn't return my phone. Do you believe in such coincidences?"

Mo Fei pointed at the manager and looked at Qi Junyuan. "She is my manager, taking my salary, yet she works for you. Qi Junyuan, am I wrong?"

Qi Junyuan’s face was dark, but he did not refute her. He knew full well that the manager had been bought off and had been working for him; Mo Fei must have had solid evidence, or she wouldn't have thrown the person in front of him.

Mo Fei gestured to one of the men, who removed the gag. The manager, finally able to speak, gasped for air and said frantically, "Mo Fei, last night’s incident really had nothing to do with me! I had a few too many drinks and simply forgot to return your phone. You, you have to believe me!"

Mo Fei’s expression was indifferent. "Why should I believe someone who betrayed me? Zhang Yan, it’s not that I haven't given you a chance. It’s just that my private hints, reminders, and even warnings were all treated as wind passing by your ears. For over half a year, you have been the eyes Qi Junyuan planted by my side, monitoring my every move. The fact that I waited until today to settle this with you shows I have already been more than benevolent."

As she finished speaking, she glanced at the two men. They understood immediately and began to punch and kick. The manager let out a blood-curdling scream, followed by the sound of breaking bones!

Watching this, Liao Tingrui turned as pale as a sheet and covered her mouth, her eyes filled with horror. Qi Junyuan’s face shifted repeatedly; he wanted to speak several times but held back.

Finally, when the manager fell unconscious, her limbs broken and her face unrecognizable, Mo Fei ordered them to stop. She turned to Qi Junyuan. "I’ll leave Zhang Yan to you. Treat her well; she did a lot for you."

Qi Junyuan said with difficulty, "Mo Fei, I admit I learned a lot about your situation from Zhang Yan, but that doesn't mean I would harm you. I acted out of concern because I love you. My feelings for you are genuine."

Mo Fei showed a look of disgust and held out her hand to one of the men. He immediately pulled an envelope from his inner pocket and handed it to her. Mo Fei pulled out a stack of photos—about twenty of them—and tossed them onto the table.

The photos slid across the table like falling dominoes, forming a line that reached Qi Junyuan.

"Qi Junyuan, the words 'love' and 'genuine' coming from your mouth make me sick!"

Mo Fei’s cold and dismissive voice rang out. Qi Junyuan’s expression was hideous, and Liao Tingrui looked as if she might faint. Hong Chen, who had remained silent like an outsider, felt his pupils contract as his expression darkened.

They were not indecent photos. Each one showed Qi Junyuan dining with young, beautiful women. There were five women in total. Hong Chen didn't recognize three of them, but the other two were clearly the sisters, Lin Yuxin and Lin Yufei!

"The 'Quality Idol' Qi Junyuan, here in Qing City for six days—not counting today—spends five evenings dining with five different beautiful women. Is this your so-called love and sincerity?"

Mo Fei scoffed again, then her smile vanished. She took a deep breath, pointed at Hong Chen, and said to Qi Junyuan, "I brought Hong Chen to this dinner today to tell you: he is my savior and my personal assistant. I will not allow you to touch him. If you do, I will break all ties with you completely."

She paused, then added, "Furthermore, go explain it to your family yourself. There is no longer any possibility between us. If you continue to pester me, I will tell my family exactly what happened last night with the kidnapping. Zhang Yan won't admit to it, but for the sake of the two years she spent with me, I don't want to resort to torture. Again, I may not have direct evidence proving you were the mastermind, but one thing is certain: you were in Qing City and you bought off my manager. You cannot wash away your suspicion. I only kept this from my family to avoid affecting the business cooperation between our two houses. Be careful of your own actions!"

Without giving Qi Junyuan a chance to argue, Mo Fei tapped Hong Chen on the shoulder. "Let's go!"

Hong Chen did not stand up. He withdrew his gaze from the photos, slowly raised his head to look at Qi Junyuan, and spoke in a voice as calm and flat as water. "I finally understand why you were willing to offer a ten-million-dollar reward, insisting I spend the next half month traveling abroad, turning off my phone, and cutting ties with everyone at home. Now, I want to confirm one thing: just how far did you go with the girls in these photos?"

He paused and added, "You are an actor; a hundred words from you might not contain a single truth. But even if you only say one honest thing in your entire life, I hope this is it. Otherwise, I guarantee you will regret it for the rest of your life."