"Do you know that the murderer in this movie doesn't show his face?"
"Mm, I know."
"Then do you know that your most valuable asset is this handsome face?" Feng Su was nearly pulling her hair out. "Even if you only got a small supporting role, I could still find ways to get you more screen time, but the murderer…"
She gritted her teeth.
"The killer dies with the film. What audience is going to remember? Isn't everyone watching for the handsome men and pretty girls?"
"The director asked me to do it. Can I refuse?" Li Si countered calmly.
That hit the nail on the head. They were a small, bottom-rung performing arts company. In front of Director Sun, they had no right to bargain.
Feng Su slumped in her seat, pressing her fingers to her temple. "Alright, looks like I've got another headache to deal with… What do you want to eat tonight?"
Li Si grinned. "Meatball fried noodles. Iced Coke."
"Chinese fast food again? You keep this up, your face will puff up like a steamed bun." Feng Su scolded, but she was already tapping on her phone to place the order. A big bag of hot pot meatballs was added without hesitation.
Li Si curled up on the seat, shifting to a more comfortable position. Feng Su glanced at him and dimmed the car's lights.
"Sleep if you're tired. No more errands today—I'll take you home."
Li Si had just closed his eyes when he suddenly jolted. "Crap."
"What now?" Feng Su narrowed her eyes.
"Last night… those people kicked down the door to my place. I don't think it's been fixed yet. Probably a mess inside too…"
Screeech—
Feng Su slammed on the brakes.
She snapped her fingers, counting off. "So, in addition to finding you a crew, I have to apologize to the landlord, pay for the damn door, buy dinner, chill your Coke, and now maybe find you a bed for tonight too? Maybe even a new furniture set?"
Li Si sank deeper into his seat. "…Pretty much."
A long, murderous silence.
"Sister Susu, breathe, please," he whispered.
Just then, Feng Su's phone buzzed. The screen lit up with a name: Director Sun.
She took a deep breath, pressed accept.
"Yes, Director Sun. Mm… I see… Understood. Thank you."
She hung up and parked the car by the curb, rubbing at her brow.
Li Si looked up warily. "What happened?"
Feng Su turned to him, her face unreadable. "The investor called. You're not allowed to play the murderer anymore."
"Oh," Li Si said, unfazed. "So what happens now?"
Feng Su opened her mouth, paused.
...
Ten minutes earlier.
Director Sun was flipping through his notes when his phone rang. The caller ID made him groan. "That damn fat woman again."
He didn't want to answer, but it was the main funder. He forced himself to connect.
"Director Sun," came the syrupy voice on the other end. "What's with this new actor of yours? Rude little thing. Made my Fanfan cry."
Sun's heart sank. Dong Fan had gone crying to the sponsor already?
He tried to smooth things over. "Sister An, come on. Fanfan's your special recommendation, how could we let him suffer?"
In his heart, he was already swearing. Spineless brat. You're the one who provoked someone you shouldn't.
The woman didn't let up. "I don't care. That actor—Li Si, right? I want him out. If he stays, the funding stops. I won't let anyone bully my Fanfan. Simple as that."
Click.
She hung up.
The room fell quiet. The two screenwriters shared a look.
Director Sun just sat there. For a long moment, he didn't speak. Then he stood up.
"Forget it," he said through gritted teeth. "I'm not changing a damn thing."
"What?" one of the screenwriters asked.
Director Sun's expression was set in stone. "This film might be my last shot at making a real name in horror cinema. And you want me to ditch the perfect actor for some spoiled brat?"
He slammed his fist down. "If that's the case, then I'll quit directing altogether!"
...
"And so," Feng Su finally said, turning to Li Si, "Director Sun decided to keep you on as the killer."
Li Si blinked. "Huh, that old guy's got guts."
"Not bad, huh?" Feng Su revved the engine. "We're having a feast tonight to celebrate!"
Just then, her phone vibrated again. A few rapid messages popped up from her best friend.
> [Su Su!] [Your boy is going viral!!!] [VIDEO] [VIDEO]
Feng Su frowned. "What is this girl on about?"
Li Si leaned closer to peek, but she pushed him back. "Shoo, girlfriend stuff. No boys allowed."
She tapped the first video open.
The screen stayed black for a few seconds. A tense drumbeat kicked in, followed by eerie music. Blood-red characters bled onto the screen:
[Yuchuan Street · Legend of the Murderer]
"What the hell is this?" Feng Su muttered.
A prank? Probably one of those viral horror edits floating around lately. Scare your friends, film their reactions.
But the footage continued. Grainy, low-light shots. A shaky handheld camera. The inside of a moving car, shadows stretching long over the windows.
Two people were whispering in the background. Their conversation was mundane—strangely normal.
> "Anything happy today?" "Ten-hour interrogation. But the pork cutlet rice at the station was good."
The video froze. Text appeared.
> On the night of May 13, we caught a cab to return to the TV station for overtime. At Cang'erling Station, we picked up a young man. Out of kindness, we gave him a ride. We didn't know… That would be the beginning of our nightmare.
Feng Su's eyes widened.
Li Si, sensing something big, leaned in again. This time, she didn't push him away.
They both stared at the screen, dead silent, as the music crept into a crescendo.
---
To be Continued