Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 49

Shen Xi felt like the phone in her hand was a ticking time bomb. Her eyes were fixed on the four words “I am Nie Lan”, as if she could stare through the screen. In an instant, countless questions flooded her mind.

How did Nie Lan get her phone number?

She said she wanted to have her—why? Was this to hurt Han Ning?

Had her mother already been targeted as well?

Shen Xi’s breathing became rapid. She glanced at Han Ning, who was beside her, focused on tomorrow’s schedule. She opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say…

Her first instinct was to tell Han Ning, to show her these two messages. But then she hesitated—what could Han Ning do even if she saw them?

Fight against Nie Lan for her again?

Could Han Ning even win against Nie Lan? That would be like an arm wrestling a thigh—completely futile.

Han Ning had already done enough for her…

Thinking about the investigation she had asked A-Tian to conduct, Shen Xi knew Nie Lan’s background was far beyond that of a simple criminal. She had no doubts about the authenticity of A-Tian’s findings.

“What are you thinking about?” Han Ning reached out and pinched her cheek. Seeing the worry between her brows, she assumed Shen Xi was feeling regret over Thorn Rose being canceled. “Are you thinking about Thorn Rose?”

“Hm?” Shen Xi snapped out of her thoughts, looked into Han Ning’s eyes, and smiled faintly before shaking her head. “No, I’m just a little tired. I want to sleep.”

“This early…? It’s only around nine o’clock.” Han Ning was surprised. Shen Xi was a well-known night owl, full of energy, never sleeping until the second half of the night.

“Maybe I’ve been too tired lately, and I haven’t fully recovered from being sick a few days ago…” As she spoke, Shen Xi avoided Han Ning’s gaze. She was afraid that if she looked into her eyes, her own fear would spread to Han Ning, dragging her down as well…

“Maybe…” Han Ning also felt that something was off about Shen Xi, but she couldn’t pinpoint it. Perhaps she was just in a bad mood and wanted to be alone. After they returned to the hotel room, Han Ning didn’t disturb her. Instead, she sat quietly on the balcony, reading her script.

Shen Xi lay on her side, unable to sleep, deep in thought about Nie Lan’s intentions.

Was she simply using her to attack Han Ning?

But she and Han Ning were just in a relationship—breaking up and getting back together was normal. How was Nie Lan so certain that Han Ning would be affected?

The more she thought about it, the more fear spread through her. If this wasn’t just about hurting Han Ning, then given Nie Lan’s twisted nature and ruthless methods, she was probably in serious danger…

The phone vibrated twice beside her pillow. Shen Xi’s hair stood on end. She glanced at the screen—sure enough, another message from Nie Lan:

“I’ll give you and Han Ning three days to enjoy your time together. You can’t escape~”

Shen Xi shut her eyes in exhaustion and pain, gripping the bedsheet tightly to keep herself from breaking down completely.

That money still hadn’t been deposited, but Nie Lan didn’t bother counting it. Even if there was less than expected, she wouldn’t care—it was just a drop in the ocean for her.

She sat on the floor, leaning against her suitcase, gently swirling the wine in her glass.

In her other hand, she held her phone, displaying a photo of Shen Xi.

She didn’t particularly like Shen Xi—she just thought she was pretty. Her personality wasn’t soft, and she often treated her like she was invisible.

But to Han Ning? She could smile so brightly, delay work for her, and even enjoy it.

Why?

Han Ning was nothing but a minor actress. If not for sheer luck, she wouldn’t have been discovered by Liang Xun and signed into the entertainment industry. She wouldn’t have the wealth and fame she enjoyed now.

What a joke!

Nie Lan sneered disdainfully.

And yet, this minor actress was making waves. That infuriating personality had somehow attracted countless fans, with people praising her as genuine and straightforward?

Her old-fashioned acting skills were being hailed as extraordinary, and she was even being worshiped as a future Best Actress?

Why?

Nie Lan had received formal training, yet she was still being outshined by this nobody?

In Nie Lan’s eyes, Han Ning had simply been lucky. She lacked social skills and had no political sense. With her arrogant personality, it was only a matter of time before she fell. Luck runs out eventually, and when that day came, Han Ning’s career would be as short as a rabbit’s tail.

Nie Lan chuckled, took a sip of her wine, and muttered, “Han Ning… without Shen Xi, you’re just a cat without claws and fangs. A useless cat. Hahaha…”

Her eerie laughter echoed through the empty living room.

Shen Xi woke up again at three in the morning. She had slept early and naturally woke up after only a few hours. She had a nightmare—Nie Lan had threatened her with Han Ning’s life, saying she would kill her if Shen Xi didn’t obey.

Startled awake, she sat up abruptly. The movement woke Han Ning, who sat up sleepily, concern filling her eyes. “Xi Xi, what’s wrong? You’re sweating so much…” She pulled out a tissue and wiped Shen Xi’s forehead.

Looking at Han Ning, Shen Xi’s eyes shone as if she had found a lost treasure. She threw her arms around her, her voice trembling. “Thank goodness… you’re still here… you’re okay…”

Han Ning blinked, smiling. She patted her back gently and whispered, “Did you have a nightmare? Dreamed that I left? But dreams are the opposite of reality. I’ll always be here. I won’t leave.”

Her soft words calmed Shen Xi’s breathing, but she still held onto her tightly, afraid she would disappear.

“Baby, I feel like you’ve been acting strange lately. You seem normal, but sometimes you look like you have something heavy on your mind…” Han Ning adjusted their position so they could lie comfortably and talk.

“I was afraid I was overthinking, so I didn’t ask… but am I really imagining things, or is there something you can’t tell me?”

Shen Xi’s face was unreadable in the darkness. Her eyes flickered before she lowered them again, the light in them dimming. She shook her head, remaining silent.

Han Ning could tell now—Shen Xi was hiding something. And it was serious. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be this distressed. The nightmare was probably related to it, too.

“If you don’t tell me, how can I help you? We’re partners, not just distant friends.

What’s there to hide from me?” Han Ning turned on the bedside lamp and looked at her seriously.

Shen Xi hesitated, then finally spoke through teary eyes. “I… I just want to be with you…”

She buried her face in Han Ning’s shoulder, crying helplessly.

Her heart ached like it was being crushed. She recalled Nie Lan’s message—only three days left with Han Ning. She couldn’t fight back, and she didn’t want to drag Han Ning down…

“I’ll stay with you. Don’t be scared… I won’t leave…” Han Ning wiped her tears and spoke gently. “But you have to tell me what you’re afraid of. That way, we can figure out how to deal with it together.”

“It’s Nie Lan…” Shen Xi clenched her teeth as she said the name. She handed Han Ning her phone. Seeing the messages, Han Ning’s eyes burned with fury.

“She’s threatening you?”

Han Ning turned off the phone and looked at Shen Xi.

Shen Xi sobbed, looking delicate and vulnerable.

Han Ning stroked her head softly. “Don’t be afraid. Let me think of a plan…”