Chapter 5 Ashes and Diamonds

Of course not. The next morning, Shen Wei passed away. It is said that he regained consciousness for a brief moment, but it is unknown what Li Ling said to him. However, since Li Ling initially concealed the matter from Yan Cai, it is clear that she was resolute in her decision. Just think about it, the relationship between these two individuals had been public knowledge in the circle for many years, yet Li Ling remained silent, living completely separate lives. Who would have known that she would ultimately resort to such ruthless measures? Heaven knows how long she harbored hatred for Shen Wei and Yan Cai.

The last sentence elicited another round of laughter. After the laughter subsided, Xie Minglang remarked: "However, Yan Cai also has his own capabilities. In the years following Shen Wei, it seems that no one has managed to capture a photo of him with a man. It is quite normal for many people to be unaware of this. Many agents have tried to buy such photos but have been unsuccessful. It is also possible that he has started to like women again; who can truly understand the lives of these individuals"

Xie Minglang was taken aback and tried to reassure her: "You are speaking under the influence of alcohol. The new magazine has not been released yet; it will not be too late to look at it once it is out. Moreover... moreover, once Editor-in-Chief Peng returns, everything will be fine."

Well, that's good. I'm fine now, you can go out and be busy. Do your best

That day, he continued to linger in the office. Many colleagues had gone out, leaving two or three people to finish their tasks and take advantage of the tea break to have some snacks and chat casually. There had been too many changes during this period, and sitting down to think about it felt surreal. One person mentioned the chief editor, prompting a chorus of sighs: "The old man is a good person. How could he get such a disease"

I said to Wang Tao, you describe it so vividly, where did you hear such a thing

As the atmosphere relaxed again, Xie Minglang felt a mix of emotions after hearing the previous conversation. After pondering for a long time, he could not help but ask: "What you just mentioned..."

The organizers seemed unaware of the rumors that had already been stirred up, and even specifically arranged for the two individuals to sit at the same table, with their seats adjacent to each other. As a result, every word, action, frown, and smile of the two has undoubtedly captured countless frames of film.

The venue of the gala happened to be the same hotel where Xie Minglang first interviewed Yan Cai alongside Meng Yu. Half a year later, when Xie Minglang stepped into the hotel lobby once again, he found himself momentarily lost in thought.

Without waiting for him to finish asking, Wang Tao impatiently smiled and waved his hand: "Of course, it is all true. Every new child who hears this is taken aback. Such things are not limited to Yan Cai alone; it is just that the veteran journalists do not write about them, and no one specifically brings them up, so many younger journalists are unaware of this matter. We still need to leave some dreams for the innocent children"

As another month is about to pass, Xie Minglang still only submits the interview photos to the editor-in-chief. The editor-in-chief has urged him several times, but seeing his good attitude and firm refusal to change, he sighed and let him be.

It must be opened eventually. Let's bring it up for discussion, it will be better to address it in the future. Meng Jie, you are really drunk; how could you not think of this? Let me take you back.

Meng Yuqi had vented her anger, and what remained was a profound sense of frustration: "Since the matter has already been decided, what is the point of holding a pointless meeting"

This news came as a surprise. When the colleagues who went to visit returned, they were all sighing, saying they never expected the old man to end up like this. Xie Minglang went to see him a few days later with Meng Yu and others who had just returned from a business trip. However, the timing was unfortunate; the editor-in-chief had just received an injection and was already asleep. They did not want to disturb him, so they handed the gifts to the family members who were keeping watch and offered some words of comfort, and could only leave like that.

He spent the entire following night in a drowsy state, watching films for a while and then dozing off, which resulted in him catching a slight cold. The next day at work, he was unable to muster any energy, feeling restless, with fragmented scenes from the films he had watched the previous night floating before his eyes, lacking any narrative connection.

Thank you

For food and theater tickets

That day after work, Xie Minglang rented a collection of films featuring the collaboration between Shen Wei and Yan Cai. At that time, Yan Cai was still very young, and his every gesture was inevitably somewhat awkward; however, he appeared incredibly radiant on camera, and his performances always contained moments of brilliance.

Yan Cai smiled in front of the stage. "Kiss of the Spider Woman" concluded successfully, and he changed his hairstyle; he no longer looked so emaciated, and his spirit and complexion were both very good. Upon hearing the host say this, he remarked: "Lack of talent means I can only work a little harder, but fortunately, hard work pays off, thank heaven and earth. In any case, I still want to thank the kind person who bought this book filled with incomprehensible characters."

Xie Minglang has a strong aversion to this aspect of his work; he would rather stay in front of the computer, diligently processing photos, than go out to take such pictures. He has a good rapport with others, and some of his seniors in the office, whether intentionally or unintentionally, have been looking out for him, allowing him to escape this situation quite smoothly.

This statement was indeed too pale; after finishing, Xie Minglang couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. However, at that moment, Meng Yu unexpectedly fell asleep, mumbling something, but the words were too soft for anyone outside to hear a single word

At the end of the month, the editor-in-chief indeed proposed that the photojournalists must meet certain work quotas each month, directly linking these to salary bonuses and even attendance rates. Xie Minglang felt helpless and privately discussed this with Meng Yu, who also smiled wryly: "If I speak up for you at this time, it would only harm you. Otherwise, let's wait a month and see what the consequences are for not meeting this standard. If it doesn't work out, we can both consider changing jobs."

The moment the taxi drove away, Xie Minglang leaned heavily against the seat, taking a long time to catch his breath. The previous half hour had been more exhausting and nerve-wracking than staying up all night. He did not dare to look back; there was a slight sweat on his back, which made him uncomfortable. Yet at the same time, a faint sense of relief arose within him: before the net was fully woven, he had finally escaped.

The pressure is too great, it must have suddenly flared up. This illness is also common in the circle, several people have already succumbed to it. Wang Tao remarked

Xie Minglang's heart was as clear as snow as he spoke these words, looking directly at Yan Cai, refusing to yield even a little. Yan Cai, hearing him say this, still smiled, casually picking out the fruits he liked from the platter sent by the restaurant, and finally said: "Well then, I have no intention of forcing anyone."

Upon hearing this, Xie Minglang furrowed his brow, but ultimately did not ask anything.

That day, Xie Minglang returned from a field trip once again. Before he had a chance to take a sip of water, he was stopped by the editor-in-chief: "Minglang, just in time for your return. There is an event tonight, and I would like you to accompany Meng Yu."

The scene of a throng of people rushing to take photos continued until the official start of the gala. The banquet commenced with a speech from the organizer of the charity auction, followed by the individual who made the largest donation, and then the celebrities who contributed items to support the auction. The rest of the attendees enjoyed their meals while listening. The atmosphere of the entire banquet was very relaxed, with speeches kept brief, occasionally punctuated by witty remarks that elicited continuous laughter and applause throughout the hall. Yan Cai also took the stage; the script of the film for which he won the Golden Statue Award fetched the highest price at the auction. The host even borrowed it temporarily from the buyer to flip through it publicly, joking, "There are notes all over it, you must have worked hard."

Xie Minglang raised his head in confusion: "What?"

After the banquet, the large group moved to another hall for a cocktail party. Xie Minglang tidied up the equipment and silently followed. Meng Yu came over to find him, and Xie Minglang smiled: "Sister Meng, you are now full from the meal, and soon you will be satisfied with the drinks; this evening has certainly been worthwhile."

You are no longer a newcomer who has just entered the industry for a month or two. For matters like this, you need to ask more questions and be proactive; sitting in the office will not yield any news. Furthermore, starting next month, each photojournalist will be assigned a quota, and you cannot continue like this.

Wang Tao smiled mysteriously and said, "Back when Shen Wei suddenly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, Yan Cairen was filming in another location. No one around Shen Wei informed him about this incident; it was only when someone from his crew saw the news that he found out."

As he spoke, he felt Yancai's thumb gently glide across the back of his hand, just a fleeting moment that almost gave him the illusion of self-mockery. He released his hand and heard Yancai laugh, saying, "Next time we have the opportunity to collaborate, remember to soften my wrinkles a bit in the photos, that would be great"

Unlike his predecessor, the new editor-in-chief had previously undergone overseas research and training for a period of time, showing little interest in the local film market, but developing a certain affinity for European and American films. Shortly after taking office, he completely overturned the magazine's long-standing positioning focused on local films during an editorial meeting, transforming the magazine into a bi-monthly publication. The first half of the month emphasizes the introduction of the overseas film market while also covering major events in the local market. The main changes come from the second half of the publication. After several newly promoted deputy editors provided their introductions, although no one spoke up, everyone harbored a single thought: with such a change, it no longer bears any essential difference from those flashy entertainment magazines on the market.

Xie Minglang was completely confused: "What are you talking about?"

Meng Yu was the first to stand up in opposition, and several editors who had been with "Silver Screen" for many years also expressed their disagreement upon seeing Meng Yu speak. The atmosphere remained restrained throughout, yet it was consistently tense. The chief editor sitting above made it very clear: opinions could be taken into account, but the plan would not be altered at all

Xie Minglang saw his smile, which was completely different from the smile of "words and expressions" that he knew. At that moment, his heart raced like a drum, and he instinctively turned to find his camera, wanting to capture this moment. It was at this moment that he awakened.

Xie Minglang shifted his gaze towards the entrance of the hall, where a pair of beautiful individuals approached together. It turned out that the reporters, who had been in a corner of the hall, rushed over to take photos. Yan Cai and Xu Yamei's outfits complemented each other perfectly, one in black and the other in red, making for a striking appearance on camera

She spoke lightly, but Xie Minglang could not treat it so casually. For a period of time thereafter, he would always ride his motorcycle around aimlessly, justifying it as searching for news. However, his destinations were often parks or fields in the suburbs. It was early winter, and he did not care; after a few hours of cold wind, his camera would always capture a few more photos, yet they were all of landscapes or ordinary people, having no connection whatsoever to that colorful circle.

However, just less than a month into Xie Minglang's good days, they were abruptly interrupted by an unexpected event—the editor-in-chief of "Silver Screen" suffered a cerebral thrombosis at home. Although he was rushed to the hospital in time and saved his life, it was evident that he could no longer be competent for his work.

No, as a person who looks up to others, I do not have the right to doubt, to some extent. That night you needed someone, and I happened to be there; this was not something we owed each other. Moreover, I happened to let you put on a splendid performance. Everything came to a perfect conclusion

At that time, Xie Minglang was reading a report related to Yan Cai. Recently, rumors about him and Xu Yawei have been spreading increasingly, with paparazzi capturing several photos of the two dining together. This does not even account for the public promotional photos of them attending various events together in a very open and intimate manner. Although the parties involved have never acknowledged or responded to these rumors, numerous publications have been extensively reporting on the developments of this glamorous scandal: the newly crowned Best Actress, a long-standing popular idol, and their close relationship beyond film collaborations, all of which constitutes a scandalous feast that requires no embellishment.

Of course, his days of finding amusement on his own did not last long. Soon, just as his colleagues had privately hinted, the "responsible editor-in-chief" officially took office, and everything unfolded as expected

There is no use in you discussing this with me. I am merely notifying you as per the rules. Otherwise, you can have your editor and chief editor discuss it and see what they have to say

He sent Meng Yu back, and after getting into the taxi, Meng Yu suddenly said: "This is no longer the 'Silver Screen' I have worked at for six years. I want to resign"

Xie Minglang was taken aback. A few of his university classmates had come together to organize an art exhibition, and he was also assisting with some of the design and arrangements for the setup. Although Xie Minglang did not know who had leaked this information, he figured that the director must have some inkling of the situation based on what he said. He quickly replied, "Ah, I am just helping my university classmates. Director, please rest assured, I only do these things in my spare time, and it absolutely does not affect my work"

At this moment, another person present said: "You are not going to talk about Shen Wei and Yan Cai, are you? Everyone knows about them..."

Just before the end of the workday, the personnel director suddenly came over and called him to the office for a discussion. Xie Minglang took a glance at the director's expression and knew that it would not be anything good. As soon as he sat down after entering the room, he indeed heard the director say: "Xiao Xie, why is there not a single photo of you in this month's supplement?"

Oh, there is one more thing. I heard that you have been busy with a design for an exhibition recently

"Forty-five or forty-six, I suppose. This person is a workaholic; just look at the quality of his films to understand. He works tirelessly." Wang Tao also expressed his sentiments. He took the magazine from Xie Minglang, pointed at the photo, and said, "Later, he changed to Ge Huai as his agent, occasionally using a female actress as a decoy. Now that Ge Huai is gone, how can he still play this game?"

Xie Minglang's heart sank, but his expression remained unchanged: "Director, I truly am not suited for this role. Moreover, there are other tasks at the newspaper; I can take on more work related to reporting and photography..."

Except for Xie Minglang, everyone else burst into laughter. One person, while slapping the table, said: "The true master of acting is still Li Ling; she speaks so confidently with such excuses. Shen Wei's children probably have more opportunities to see Yan Cai than to see her. In the end, did they see her or not?"

Do not doubt it. This matter has been suppressed by Li Ling. Although this couple has been superficially harmonious for many years, they have still maintained a semblance of politeness; who would have thought they would act this way at such a critical moment

Wang Tao chuckled and said: "My sister-in-law is the nurse in Shen Wei's ward"

That day, Xie Minglang went to cover the news, and everything that happened at the meeting was only revealed in bits and pieces later when Meng Yu dragged him out for drinks to vent her frustrations. Seeing that she had already drunk excessively, Xie Minglang sighed and snatched her cup, saying, "Sister Meng, you haven't smiled at all this month"

A large charity gala, attended by many artists. The reporters are required to dress formally. We thought about it and realized that dressing formally does seem quite appropriate, so you are the one. At this point, the editor-in-chief patted his shoulder and whispered, "This is a great opportunity, don't miss it. Take more photos and you'll be fine for this month."

Oh, I have eaten before coming here, Sister Meng, let us go in

It turns out that you do not really believe me

Indeed, four o'clock in the afternoon is a splendid time for idle chatter. Originally, the other two were rather listless, but upon hearing this, he immediately perked up: "Wang Tao, what story are you going to tell this time? Don't let it be as ancient as a fossil again."

He saw Yan Cai return to her seat amidst laughter, smiling as she said something to Xu Yawei beside her, which made her smile slightly as well. This scene was truly harmonious, and at that moment, Xie Minglang finally raised his camera, zoomed in, and captured the first photograph of the evening.

This means there is no room for reversal. After hearing this, Xie Minglang nodded numbly and said, "I understand, thank you for your trouble, Director."

Xie Minglang understood that the editor was helping him, but while he felt grateful, he still had some resistance in his heart. His expression remained stiff, and this small emotion was not well concealed, which was noticed. The editor said, "This is also part of the job. Moreover, this opportunity is rare; others can't even seize it. You should first take the company car back to change your clothes, then go pick up Meng Yu at 8:00 PM. Don't be late"

The magazine's revision inevitably signifies personnel changes. After the adjustment of job positions, the sense of factionalism becomes increasingly pronounced. A few individuals who raised difficulties during the meeting have either overtly or covertly suffered setbacks. Meng Yu is the best reporter in the organization, well-liked within the circle, and this time she emerged unscathed. However, after this incident, she has become somewhat disheartened.

It is not surprising to be unaware of something that has become clear in the evening. Do not keep me in suspense, just say it quickly.

He kept thinking, this is really unbearable, this is really unbearable

The plot of the movie on the television screen continued, and it was a close-up of Yan Cai's face, identical to the one in his dreams, yet devoid of any smile, with her brows slightly furrowed, deep in thought, but her eyes radiated brilliance. Xie Minglang could hardly bear to look at this shot, quickly turning his face away, and then, in frustration, buried his face in his hands.

Wang Tao smiled and said, "Since you are reading Yan Cai's report, I will share an old story as well"

What is it? He faced the wind for several hours, his cheeks cold, and his speech was not very smooth.

Xie Minglang, however, remained indifferent to this proposal, saying: "It is just like the wizards in legends, easily granting wishes while never mentioning the cost. I am just an ordinary person, with nothing to offer in return, so I think it is better to let it go."

Soon, the doubts in everyone's hearts were answered. One of the original two deputy editors had gone to another magazine, and the one who remained naturally changed their title. Initially, they held the position of responsible editor-in-chief and humbly stated at the staff meeting, "I am just temporarily overseeing the affairs. In the coming months, let us all work together to ensure that when Editor-in-Chief Peng recovers and is discharged from the hospital, 'Silver Screen' will have a new atmosphere." However, within less than a month, a few well-informed employees quietly spread the news that the legal representative of the magazine had already changed. In the latest published issue of the magazine, the words "responsible" were certain to be removed.

After watching several films, Xie Minglang felt tired and unexpectedly fell asleep on the sofa. In a daze, he saw the young Yan Cai walking towards him, very youthful, dressed in a light-colored shirt and faded jeans. Her hair looked so soft, softening the lines of her face, and her eyes were clear and bright, as if they concealed the most precious gems.

In summary, after receiving the news, Yan Cai rushed to the hospital immediately. In the last few days, it was Li Ling who kept Shen Wei company, and she happened to intercept Yan Cai. She is truly formidable, as she refused to let Yan Cai see Shen Wei in the hospital room even once. Do you know what excuse she used?" He paused, glanced around, and seeing everyone listening intently, he no longer kept them in suspense, "She said, 'If you go in, how will I explain to the child when they see me?'"

That period was undoubtedly earth-shattering and fraught with tension for the senior management of the magazine, while those with a vested interest were holding their breath in anticipation of the outcome. However, for individuals like Xie Minglang, who had neither qualifications nor connections, this month felt surprisingly more leisurely than usual

"No, no." Wang Tao also perked up, sitting at the table, "Didn’t we just mention Shen Wei..."

He heard his colleagues mention several names one after another, most of which he was not familiar with. There were one or two that sounded somewhat familiar, but he did not pay much attention to them. At that moment, Wang Tao, who was listing the names, happened to glance at Xie Minglang, who was silent in the corner. For reasons unknown, he walked over to see what he was doing. When he saw the photo of Yan Cai and Xu Yawen at the top of the page, he couldn't help but chuckle: "Here we go again."

Someone immediately interrupted him: "He has been deceased for several years; there is no need to speak of the dead."

After everyone at the magazine was well aware that the editor-in-chief's condition could not possibly improve in the short term, a subtle atmosphere enveloped the entire "Silver Screen". Although on the surface it seemed that everyone was busy with their own tasks, there was an undercurrent of restlessness, as nearly everyone was secretly paying attention to and inquiring about who would take over the editor-in-chief's position.

Upon hearing the name Yan Cai, Xie Minglang immediately raised his head. This expression was caught by Wang Tao, who pointed at Xie Minglang and said: "You see, this one has no idea."

Yan Cai listened to him speak, the smile in her eyes growing more pronounced, and she continued calmly, "Did I not say that you are young and talented? That is your capital."

After hearing about this matter, someone sighed: "No wonder. Shen Wei directed films for half his life, and in the end, he played a role in such a clichéd plot. Did he die at the age of fifty?"

Xie Minglang quickly scanned the hall and saw many familiar faces, but none of them belonged to Yan Cai. This, instead, calmed him down as he walked to a corner of the hall and began preparing for the upcoming work alongside other photographers. While adjusting his focus, he greeted and chatted with his colleagues nearby, and casually inquired about the dinner schedule that he had not had the chance to review. A few minutes later, he was ready and took a panoramic shot of the hall, when he suddenly heard someone whisper, "Yan Cai and Xu Yawei have arrived."

It is impossible. Yan Cai's agent at that time was Shen Wei's secretary who had been with him for many years; how could such a matter be concealed from him

Xie Minglang knew that Shen Wei was a director who had passed away nearly ten years ago, but he had never realized that this person had such a connection with Yan Cai. Unconsciously, he began to pay attention and listen carefully. What Wang Tao mentioned was indeed something that no one else had heard of, and everyone became interested, urging him to continue.

"These things are nothing. They cannot be transferred, nor can they be shared. I do not know what you intend to give me, but whatever it is, I cannot repay it," said Xie Minglang with a smile. "Moreover, do you really know who I am? How can you be so certain that you can help me achieve my ideals?"

After they finished the fruit, they walked out of the restaurant together. When Xie Minglang hailed a taxi, Yan Cai did not say much and started smoking by himself. They calmly shook hands to say goodbye once again, and Xie Minglang expressed his gratitude again: "Thank you for tonight as well"

Xie Minglang's scope of work has also undergone changes. Previously, he was merely a straightforward photojournalist, accompanying Meng Yu or other reporters to various interviews, taking photos at premieres, press conferences, media meet-and-greets, and exclusive interviews; this constituted his primary work. However, due to the newly published entertainment magazine, the editor-in-chief has mandated that all photojournalists in the agency also go out to take photos during their free time, offering substantial bonuses for exclusive photos of trending events. This move has led to some of the 'veterans' in the agency grumbling privately: isn't this the same as being paparazzi? However, due to the newly published entertainment magazine, the editor-in-chief has mandated that all photojournalists in the agency also go out to take photos during their free time, offering substantial bonuses for exclusive photos of trending events. This move has led to some of the 'veterans' in the agency grumbling privately: isn't this the same as being paparazzi?

Leisure implies having more time to browse entertainment magazines during work hours. Xie Minglang has a naturally good memory; he can easily remember those trivial matters. For instance, regarding the same person's same event, if he is in a good mood and pays attention, he can sometimes identify contradictions from reports over the preceding and following days, much like reading a serialized detective novel

"For many reasons." Xie Minglang replied calmly

The eloquence and the actress. From time to time, a performance is required, and it is fortunate that he has so many willing to play along with him

It's just an idol. After all, it's not like anyone really knows. Moreover, occasionally changing the actress for writing is beneficial for everyone.

Xie Minglang was initially a bit distracted, but upon hearing this, he felt less worried. He displayed a well-mannered smile and said, "I don't know where to take these photos."

The hall was indeed dazzling with stars; in addition to figures from the entertainment industry, there were also numerous prominent business leaders, well-known philanthropists, and various bidders who had won at the previous auction. Amidst the elegant attire and mingling guests, the scene was luxurious and grand, leaving one in awe.

Xie Minglang had been huddled in the corner, not daring to step forward to take a photograph. However, by chance, a loudspeaker was hanging right above his head, and the sound quality of the speaker was so good that Yan Cai's voice seemed to be right beside him

In the story, everyone else is still alive

With the release of the special issue of the film festival, Xie Minglang's work at "Silver Screen" has returned to normal. This period is relatively off-peak for the film industry, as major blockbusters are being filmed in time for the winter holiday season, and the films currently showing in theaters, whether in terms of plot or cast, have left journalists somewhat uninspired. However, this industry has never lacked sensational news; various gossip magazines, featuring exclusive candid photos and all sorts of unfounded rumors, continue to sell well with each issue, much like colorful bubbles, creating a mirage for those outside the industry who are desperately trying to catch a glimpse.

Meng Yu noticed that he was lost in thought and did not know what he was thinking, so she patted him on the shoulder and said, "The banquet hall is over there; you can go eat something first before starting your work"

Meng Yu's mood was exceptionally good, and with a beaming smile, she gave him a light tap: "Alright, let's go over there too"