Whenever she handled stolen photos online, she always had her people package them with dates labeled and send them to her for archiving. Over the years, with so many files taking up space and rarely needed again, she had uploaded them all to cloud storage.
A few days ago in Lingjiang, she had been busy every day and grown tired, so she had taken a shortcut.
Just now, seeing Shi Youwan lying lifelessly on the hospital bed had broken her heart. So she downloaded the compressed folders from the cloud one by one, starting from the dates after Chi Yumo became her bodyguard, and searched through each folder meticulously. She wanted Shi Youwan to feel a bit of “happiness” when she woke up.
Even if it was just a few seconds of joy?
It still counted as joy.
Looking at the photo in the chat box, Shi Youwan’s nose tingled, and hot tears welled up in her eyes. She closed her eyes and said again, “Thank you.”
“Good.” Qiao Ke averted her gaze and opened the lid of the thermos cup on the cabinet. “The water in the cup is hot; you can drink it. I’ll go outside to stretch my legs and come back later.”
The photo Qiao Ke found was probably taken not long after their relationship had undergone a “qualitative change,” capturing the scene of Chi Yumo, as her bodyguard, helping Shi Youwan into the car.
It was a rainy day, by the roadside, next to the car.
Chi Yumo held a black fully automatic ten-rib umbrella with one hand, firmly shielding Shi Youwan in her embrace.
Qiao Ke remembered that moment after seeing the photo.
Shi Youwan had stumbled while descending the steps, and Chi Yumo, waiting by the car, had reached out to wrap an arm around her waist. Far from dodging, Shi Youwan had lightly placed her right hand on Chi Yumo’s arm.
Shi Youwan wore high heels and a white suit. The two faced each other—one black, one white—with almost no height difference.
Chi Yumo tilted her head to gaze straight ahead, while Shi Youwan’s eyes drooped slightly. Their gazes did not meet, yet… love was everywhere.
Had they “fallen in love” that early?
…
On the morning of September 25th at 10 a.m., the agency issued its second statement.
From the early hospital diagnosis and absence notice, to later ENT visit records and psychological treatment logs, multiple pieces of evidence confirmed that Chi Yumo had endured an excruciating Susceptible Period in June or July of the previous year, resulting in her loss of voice and a complete change in her life trajectory.
Less than half an hour after the statement was released, the official account of the Jinhuai Provincial Drama Troupe left a comment below: [Different paths have different scenery. Best wishes.]
The so-called “breach of trust” became baseless gossip.
After the reversal, Chi Yumo and Cheng Xiangxiang’s dual-female-lead graduation play shot back up to the hot searches. Soon after, a video of Chi Yumo teaching the children boxing as a PE teacher at the Deaf-Mute School also trended.
“Mo Yu is such a heavenly angel! It’d be unjust if she doesn’t go viral!”
“Those haters who can’t stand others succeeding can shut up now!”
“I don’t care; I want to be Mo Yu’s wife! From today on, I’m Mo Yu’s wife fan!”
“Please catch this wave of massive fame @New Fashion Model Contest. Officially reserving straight shots of Mo Yu winning the crown, thanks!”
“Let’s go, sisters—form a group and head to the live event.”
“Those who spread rumors have filthy mouths! Better watch your karma and zip it.”
“Why didn’t you speak up sooner @Jinhuai Provincial Drama Troupe? Are you mutes? No class, no wonder you can’t produce good works.”
“Mo Yu jie, don’t be afraid. Don’t give up on therapy; I believe you’ll speak again someday.”
Of course, there were unpleasant comments too—claiming Shen Muxi and the Deaf-Mute School were colluding for hype and money, or that Chi Yumo craved fame and vanity. But overall, positives outnumbered negatives.
Some rejoiced, others worried.
The joyful ones were MENAS, the organizers, and Mo Yu’s fans.
The worried ones were the other nine contestants vying for the top three, along with their friends and family. With Mo Yu’s skyrocketing popularity, none of them could catch up.
Today and tomorrow were the days the Model Contest committee collected and recorded VCRs from contestants’ friends and family.
An assistant knocked. “Xi-jie, the committee asked if you’re recording Mo Yu’s friend/family VCR this afternoon or tomorrow?”
“I won’t record it. Tell the committee that Mo Yu’s friends and family are the teachers and students from the Deaf-Mute School and her good friend Cheng Xiangxiang. The VCR will be ready and delivered to them by tomorrow.”
The first round of the finals would feature a segment playing friend/family support VCRs.
Shen Muxi had originally planned to appear herself to boost Mo Yu’s popularity, but now there were more suitable people.
The call she had meant to make to Cheng Xiangxiang last night was rescheduled for this afternoon.
The intent shifted from asking Cheng Xiangxiang to testify about Chi Yumo’s Susceptible Period to requesting a friend/family support video for Mo Yu.
The call was made by the agent, with Shen Muxi “listening in.”
After agreeing, Cheng Xiangxiang asked, “Excuse me, can I get into the venue to watch live? I couldn’t find tickets online anywhere. I want to cheer for Mo Yu on site.”
Model contest tickets weren’t sold publicly; they were distributed by organizers, co-sponsors, and sponsors.
The agent looked to Shen Muxi.
Shen Muxi nodded and whispered, “Cover her round-trip flights and hotel.”
“Miss Cheng, as Mo Yu’s best friend, of course you qualify. We’ll discuss the VCR shooting and viewing details on WeChat.”
“Okay. ῳ*Ɩ”
After chatting with the agent, Cheng Xiangxiang excitedly sent Chi Yumo a voice message: “Yumo, I’ll head to Lingjiang City on the 27th and be at the venue on the 28th to cheer for you. I’ll book my own hotel and stay three days. I know you’ll be super busy those days, so just squeeze in a meal for me—no need to spend much time.”
Chi Yumo’s phone had been ringing nonstop today.
The first call in the morning was from her university mentor, Chen Pingsheng, whose number the agent had provided.
The Jinhuai Provincial Drama Troupe had quickly provided historical email screenshots and shown goodwill under the agency’s statement, largely thanks to Chen Pingsheng.
With the “evidence” from Qiao Ke already sufficient, Shen Muxi hadn’t disturbed Shi Youwan further and instead contacted Chen Pingsheng.
Both Shen Muxi and Wen Ruoyi were national first-class actors. Shen Muxi had received an invitation from the Capital Drama Theater but hadn’t signed a contract; instead, she had performed in a major production as a special guest actor for free, maintaining friendly ties.
So contacting Chen Pingsheng was easy.
Chen Pingsheng deeply regretted Chi Yumo’s ordeal. As his prized student, how could he let her suffer injustice?
Once the troupe issue was resolved, he called Chi Yumo and learned belatedly about her lost voice. After hanging up, he added her on WeChat for a video call.
Last night, Shen Muxi had also video-called Chi Yumo, telling her Qiao Ke had sent two pieces of favorable evidence—not just to clear her name, but to achieve total victory.
After getting through this, they needed to properly thank Shi Youwan, that great benefactor.
Chi Yumo had no objections to Shen Muxi’s series of PR measures. She had said that for work arrangements, she would follow Shen Muxi’s lead.
As long as it wasn’t falsifying anything.
Thus, that morning, she messaged Qiao Ke: [Thank you.] It was her first reply since reuniting.
[Qiao Ke: Same as before—your matters have always been top priority for President Shi.]
Shi Youwan had too many things on her mind.
Hadn’t Xiao Yi been placed there too? And four years earlier than her. Chi Yumo didn’t dare claim that “top spot,” nor did she want it anymore.
[Chi Yumo: Grateful for President Shi’s assistance. Mo Yu will remember it deeply. Until we meet again by fate, Mo Yu will offer sincere thanks.]
[Qiao Ke: President Shi will attend the third round on the 28th too.]
Chi Yumo didn’t know how to reply.
She wondered what kind of “thanks” she could even offer?
Chen Pingsheng’s call interrupted her thoughts. After connecting the video, he expressed concern, and Chi Yumo minimized the window to type and chat with him for nearly an hour.
Then came Cheng Xiangxiang, who had seen the agency’s second statement on the hot search and reached out. They video-chatted for a good while too.
After the people Shen Muxi sent to the Deaf-Mute School for “interviews” arrived and explained, the principal arranged the academic director to receive them.
Some were familiar faces who had gone with Shen Muxi before, so the teachers and students cooperated fully. They appeared on camera naturally, expressing their longing and love for Teacher Chi with smiling faces and silent sign language.
The principal, academic director, and other teachers with Chi Yumo’s number sent her messages of support, belief in her character, and blessings.
But they didn’t tell her they had also recorded support VCRs.
Once the wind shifted decisively, the “Mo Yu exclusive interviews” that Shen Muxi had turned down just days ago came knocking one after another.
Chi Yumo’s pre-interview and fitting photo shoot were both on the 26th.
After multiple considerations, Shen Muxi and the agent selected a magazine with the broadest audience rather than the highest-end positioning, scheduling a two-hour exclusive for that evening.
In July and August, Shen Muxi had arranged comprehensive training for Chi Yumo—social etiquette, on-camera presence, and more essential topics.
In the evening, Chi Yumo arrived at the company.
While doing makeup and styling, the agent went over the script with her and simulated the scene.
At the magazine’s prepared venue that night, Chi Yumo answered fluently and reacted sharply. The planned two-hour interview wrapped up smoothly in an hour and a half.
“MENAS wants to shoot a photo set for you tomorrow, for the post-competition press conference announcement,” the agent said in the car, receiving new instructions. “The original brand ambassador announcement was to use photos from match day. Looks like MENAS is truly valuing you now.”
Chi Yumo asked: [Is this shoot included in the contract?]
“Yes.”
[Okay, schedule it according to time.]
More exposure opportunities, more promotional photos—wouldn’t that increase the chances of Mama seeing them?
…
Chi Yumo rose early and worked late, staying busy straight through to the 28th, the day of the competition.
The friend/family support VCRs played in the first round. Every contestant knew about the segment but saw the full version for the first time.
“Yumo, Mo Yu, I’m sorry—for your toughest year, I couldn’t share your pain. I’m so glad to reunite with you, glad you’ve found a new path to the stars. Before, I was your classmate and partner; from now on, I’m your little fan. Past, present, future—you’ll always be the brightest star in my heart. More and more people will love your light like I do, support you, adore you! Mo Yu, ignore what others say. Walk the path you want, do what you want—I’ll always be by your side where you can see me. We said we’d be friends for life; you can’t run off and welch now.”
[Little Teacher Chi, we practice the boxing set you taught us every big break. I’m really good at it now—when will you come back to teach us new moves?]
[Little Teacher Chi, we miss you so much. Come see us after the competition, okay?]
[Little Teacher Chi, one of the school’s osmanthus trees bloomed—it’s the golden osmanthus you haven’t seen. Look, I drew it for you—golden osmanthus for you!]
[Little Teacher Chi, were you happy after leaving with Teacher Shen? We all hope you’re happy, and Teacher Shen too.]
【Teacher Xiao Chi, the tabby cat we raised together gave birth to five kittens last week, each with different coat patterns, and every one is especially adorable. The teacher said that once the kittens are weaned, we can adopt them home. Does Teacher Xiao Chi want to raise one?】
“The children are all doing well, so Teacher Xiao Chi can focus on the competition with peace of mind. The Mid-Autumn Festival gifts from Teacher Shen have been received by the teacher and the children. On behalf of the school, I warmly welcome you back to school—or home—anytime.”
【We wish Teacher Xiao Chi smooth sailing, everything going your way, and a smile always on your face!】
After watching the video of Cheng Xiangxiang and the teachers and students from the Deaf-Mute School passionately cheering her on, tears flickered in Chi Yumo’s eyes as well.
On stage, she thanked her good friend Cheng Xiangxiang who was present, the teachers and children who couldn’t make it, the netizens who encouraged her, and the benefactor who had given her light—Shen Muxi.
She proudly signed: 【Teacher Shen isn’t just my light; she’s the light for countless angels with broken wings. Teacher Shen, the children have rewatched your dramas over and over. When will your new drama air?】
Shen Muxi sat in the guests’ seats.
The camera panned to Shen Muxi, and she was startled too.
She then smiled faintly, said nothing, and from her seat, replied in sign language: 【Soon, next month.】
Hashtags like #MoYuTeasesShenMuxiInPublic, #ShenMuxiGetsUrgedForHerDrama, #MoYuAndShenMuxiSignLanguageExchange, and others shot straight to the hot searches, with #ShenMuxiKnowsSignLanguage topping the charts.
Shi Youwan, also in the guests’ seats, still sat in the corner of the first row, while the stunningly beautiful Shen Muxi occupied the center of the first row.
When thunderous applause erupted, Shi Youwan, who clapped a beat late, had nothing but desolation in her eyes.
Xiao Mo’s light had come from Shen Muxi. Shen Muxi deserved Xiao Mo’s trust. Both Shen Muxi and Xiao Mo deserved to be loved by more people—they were both dazzling focal points. But as the world turned and stars shifted, the one hiding in the darkness had become her.
—Sis, do you know why I like looking at the moon?
—Why?
—Because it’s the stars crowning the moon.
—Hm?
—The stars and the moon both appear at night and always together. Sis… you’re like the moon.
—How so?
—Don’t you know, Sis? Let me tell you. This shape here is like a full moon, this curve like a crescent, and these lines…
Xiao Mo, the sky is about to go dark. The moon has risen—where are the stars?
