Meng Ruozhao's heart skipped a beat. She never expected to hear this name from Yi Mo.
She was hesitating whether to admit that she knew him when Yi Mo started gossiping on her own.
"He's really good-looking, and he's truly wealthy."
"It's a pity, though. His taste in women... Well, it's really hard to describe."
These words were like a tiny needle, pricking Meng Ruozhao gently.
If she were to say now that Yan Qiubai was her ex-boyfriend, wouldn't it be indirectly admitting that she was the "hard-to-describe" taste in Yi Mo's words?
A Chinese woman would never admit defeat! Especially not in front of her best friend!
So, she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue and pretended to listen curiously.
Yi Mo didn't notice her strange behavior and continued to complain.
"I've been in touch with an outdoor variety show recently. I heard that Ye An is also actively seeking to join."
"She's an actress who started with idol dramas. She looks really sweet, but she used to be just an average actress."
"Do you know how she suddenly got so many resources? I heard it's because she's hooked up with Yan Qiubai!"
"Wow, she's immediately upgraded. She's getting endorsements and big - production scripts non - stop!"
She curled her lips, clearly having a very poor impression of Ye An.
"I once co - starred with her in a drama. Her character is really unbearable."
"All she has is big boobs and long legs. All she knows is to act cute and play the victim. She's completely useless."
"Her acting is so awkward, but she has a huge ego. She's really good at workplace bullying."
"As a minor supporting actress like me, I've suffered a lot at her hands."
"I really don't know what Yan Qiubai sees in her. Do men really fall for that kind of thing?"
After hearing this, Meng Ruozhao felt quite complicated.
Ye An?
She seemed to have a vague impression of her. She was indeed a well - known sweet - looking celebrity.
But when she was with Yan Qiubai, she never heard of this kind of rumor.
However...
She suddenly remembered that a few times when they were having dinner, his phone would ring, and he would walk away uneasily to answer it.
At that time, she thought they were important business calls and didn't think much about it.
Now, combined with Yi Mo's gossip, could those calls have been from Ye An?
A complex emotion welled up in her heart, a bit awkward and a bit relieved.
She was lost in these thoughts when Yi Mo excitedly started chatting about other gossips in the industry.
Just then, a sudden change occurred.
There was a sharp and ear - grating sound of metal breaking from above.
Then a panicked scream from a staff member: "Watch out!! The light! The light is falling!"
Meng Ruozhao and Yi Mo instinctively looked up.
Right above them, a large hanging lamp for fill light, along with part of its support, was teetering and crashing down towards them.
It was coming down too fast.
The two of them were completely stunned and froze on the spot. They didn't have time to react at all.
At this critical moment.
A figure in indigo blue rushed over like a cheetah, moving so fast that it was just a blur.
Meng Ruozhao only felt a sudden darkness in front of her eyes. The next second, the familiar scent of a man immediately enveloped her tightly.
A solid and warm chest shielded her completely.
At the same time, she heard a scream and a thud beside her—Yi Mo had been pushed away forcefully by the person.
Then.
"Bang—Crash!"
The loud sound of a heavy object hitting the ground and the ear - piercing sound of glass shattering exploded in her ears.
The body protecting her trembled violently, and a suppressed and painful groan escaped.
But she was well - protected. Apart from being scared, she didn't suffer any real impact.
The scene instantly descended into chaos.
Screams, running footsteps, and scolding sounds filled the air.
Soon, the staff rushed over in a hurry and moved the broken lamps and brackets away.
Meng Ruozhao looked up from Pei Jiangmu's arms in a state of shock. Only then did she see the scene in front of her—
The broken parts of the lamp were scattered all over the ground.
Pei Jiangmu was frowning tightly. Fine beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, and his face was paler than when he was filming earlier.
But he still maintained the posture of protecting her, encircling her in his safe embrace.
Director Li was scared out of his wits.
Before the filming started, he did receive a call from Qi Yu.
Although the other person didn't say it explicitly, the coldness and pressure in his tone made Director Li immediately understand that this "Teacher Pei" was of no ordinary status.
Now, the person had actually been injured right under his nose.
He almost rushed over on all fours, and his voice was trembling.
"Teacher Pei, are you okay? Boss Meng, Teacher Yi, are you all okay?!"
"Props team, what are you doing! How did you do the safety measures! Do you not want to work anymore?!"
Meng Ruozhao didn't have time to respond to the director's shouting.
In fact, her ears were buzzing, and she could hardly hear anything else.
She anxiously grabbed Pei Jiangmu's arm. Her voice was filled with the lingering fear and worry.
"Pei Jiangmu, how are you? Where were you hit? Is the injury serious? Did it hurt your bones?"
Pei Jiangmu took a few deep breaths. It seemed that he had managed to get over the sharp pain. Then he forced a reassuring smile at her. His voice was a bit weak.
"It's okay. Don't worry. It seems like my back was just scratched a bit. It's not serious. It's okay."
As he said this, he tried to stand up straight, but couldn't help frowning again because of the pain in his wound.
Director Li was extremely worried and quickly said.
"Teacher Pei, there aren't many scenes left today. How about we call it quits?"
"You should go to the hospital for a check - up right away. You mustn't be careless."
If something really happened, he couldn't bear the responsibility.
But Pei Jiangmu shook his head. He scanned the filming set and said firmly.
"No need. It's just a minor injury. Let's finish the last take. Don't delay everyone's progress."
His "dedication" and "endurance" made the surrounding staff who didn't know the details admire him.
Director Li didn't dare to go against his will. So he nervously finished filming the last part as quickly as possible.
As soon as he shouted "Cut", Director Li rushed over again.
"Teacher Pei, you must go to the hospital now. Boss Meng, please accompany Teacher Pei for a thorough check - up."
"The production team will cover all the expenses."
"I know. I'll take him there right away."
Meng Ruozhao quickly nodded. She was both anxious and angry. She pulled Pei Jiangmu towards the dressing room.
At the door of the dressing room.
Pei Jiangmu suddenly stopped. He turned around. There was a hint of vulnerability and embarrassment on his pale face. His voice was low and pleading.
"I... I seem to have no strength in my arms, and my back hurts. Could you please come in and help me?"
There was a layer of moisture in his beautiful eyes due to the pain.
His look was just like that of a large dog seeking help from its owner after being injured. It was so pitiful and helpless that no one could refuse.
Looking at him like this, Meng Ruozhao felt nothing but heartache. She didn't think much and immediately nodded: "Okay, I'll help you."