Second Take On Romance - The A-List Actor Wants Me

Chapter 318 : (Extra) Shang Ruohai and Feng Jieyun’s Side Story (6)

Such hatred-filled eyes, pointing toward him. In his entire life, Shang Ruohai did not remember ever offending someone that much to the point of enduring such a scorching gaze.

Then again, Feng Jietang had more than a good reason to hate Shang Ruohai.

The two brothers had always been close. Feng Jieyun was fine earlier today. Healthy and vibrant, with the same annoying smile on his face. Who would have known that he would lose his life at the end of the day?

And it was to save him.

Shang Ruohai’s chest tightened. Not from pain but from an inexplicable emotion. He hated this. He didn’t want to owe Feng Jieyun. Feng Jieyun colluded with Shang Ruohan to ruin him. By right, he should hate Feng Jieyun with every cell of his body.

But looking at the man who lay on the bed, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, he was unable to muster enough hatred to stand his ground.

"My elder brother has always been attentive toward you," Feng Jietang sobbed. "He has been overseeing your development from the very start. He helped launch your career in the entertainment industry. He made sure that you shone above others. You owe at least half of your success to his efforts. And you... What have you done to repay him?"

Shang Ruohai frowned.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

Feng Jietang wiped his tears and glared at him.

"Did you think that you achieved everything with your own abilities?" he snapped. "Senior Shang, you are good, but you are not that good. Despite your looks and talent, with no one to back you up in this entertainment industry, do you really think you could have made it that far?"

"..."

"Your own father knew that you entered that talent recruitment competition, but he did not bother to extend a helping hand. The one who made use of all his connections, the one who made sure all entertainment companies in the industry look at you at least twice before dismissing you."

Feng Jietang’s tears ran like a waterfall.

"If Yunhuan Entertainment did not vie for your attention so desperately, would CNC Studio even bother with you? Beautiful and talented people are as many as stars above the sky. Those who stand out among the rest succeed because they meet the right people and secure the right connections..."

The younger man looked at his elder brother and sighed.

"If you don’t believe me, you are free to investigate... and while you are at it, do investigate the matter from four years ago as well."

"..."

At hearing Feng Jietang’s last words, Shang Ruohai’s heart hardened yet once again.

"I have investigated everything I could," he said. "The incident of four years ago... it was your brother who colluded with Shang Ruohan to bring me down."

Feng Jietang laughed angrily.

"Are you still saying that? The only mistake my elder brother has ever committed was falling for you! Thanks to you, Shang Ruohan concocted a perfect scheme to eliminate both the internal and external rival, once and for all!"

"If only you had a sliver of trust in my poor elder brother. He didn’t do anything. He was a victim as much as you. But he accepted your resentment without a single complaint. He even kept helping you wherever he could..."

Feng Jietang howled into his hands.

"My poor Big Brother... does it all still matter? In the end, he is still going to die, and it’s all because of you again..."

Shang Ruohai was unable to give a single retort. Somewhere in his heart, he knew that something was amiss.

The Feng Jieyun he met several times throughout his career had always been a good, decent person. He considered Feng Jieyun someone, whom he could call a friend in this treacherous industry. Maybe that was why he was hurt so deeply when that particular incident happened.

If only it weren’t Feng Jieyun.

That night, not only was his position in CNC Studio in jeopardy, but he also lost a trustworthy ally.

He was hurt.

He was angry.

Wounded beasts only knew to lick their own wounds, uncaring about their surroundings.

And Shang Ruohai was the same.

And now here they were, at this point of no return. No matter how much he regretted doing or not doing what he was supposed to do a long time ago, nothing mattered anymore.

Feng Jieyun was still going to die.

And Shang Ruohai was going to live with the guilt for the rest of his life.

"Can I..."

He swallowed the unshed tears that pooled in his eyes and raised his eyes to meet Feng Jietang’s.

"Can I have a moment with your brother to say goodbye...?"

Feng Jietang looked at him for a long time before he finally rose to his feet and left. Mother Shang tactfully closed the door behind them, leaving the two men alone.

Feng Jieyun was asleep.

His facial expression was so peaceful. If he were in pain, it did not show at all.

Shang Ruohai could hardly believe that this man was going to die. His former friend. His rival. The man he had hated for the past four years. But also, the man he had misunderstood for many, many years.

Shang Ruohai extended his hand and gently covered Feng Jieyun’s hand in his.

"I am sorry," he choked out. "Feng Jieyun, I am sorry. You do not deserve this. It should have been me. Why must you block the chandelier for me...? You are so..."

.... stupid...

Shang Ruohai broke into tears. Violent, uncontrollable sobs wracked his entire frame, shaking him to the core. He did not recall ever crying so hard in his entire life. It was almost as if he had reserved every tear he was ever meant to shed for this final farewell.

"... hai."

Shang Ruohai’s head snapped up when he heard the single syllable.

Feng Jieyun’s eyes were half open, and he squeezed back weakly at Shang Ruohai’s hand.

"You... are here..."