Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 54

Han Ning was furious, but Shen Xi understood her completely. If it were her, she would probably be sulking for three days and nights, taking it out on Han Ning.

“Ning Ning…” Shen Xi gently squeezed her hand and looked at Han Ning’s profile, coaxing her with a soft, sweet voice, “Don’t be angry~” Her tone had a slight whine to it, making it sound incredibly endearing.

Han Ning glanced at her, sighed, and said, “I’m not mad at you. I know you had no choice…” As she spoke, a rare look of sadness crossed her face, and she murmured, “We both had no choice…”

Shen Xi looked into Han Ning’s eyes for a moment, then turned her head away and pressed her lips together, as if trying to suppress her sadness. When she looked back at Han Ning, her eyes were calm again. She smiled and spoke optimistically, not wanting Han Ning to worry about her or for them to waste their precious time together crying.

Han Ning understood Shen Xi’s thoughts, so she lifted her spirits and joked around like usual. The two continued discussing their next steps.

“It would be great if A-Tian were here…” Shen Xi suddenly said after a moment of silence.

“A-Tian… It’s been a long time since we heard any news about him…” Han Ning frowned, took a sip of tea, and said, “Even if we find him, how can we be sure he’ll help us?”

“I’m not sure, but I want to try.” Shen Xi took out her phone and showed Han Ning a document A-Tian had once compiled about Nie Lan. “I remember asking him how he knew so much about Nie Lan. A-Tian told me that his mentor, Zhong Kai, gave him this information.”

“Zhong Kai…” Han Ning repeated the name, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “I know him!”

Shen Xi smiled and said, “Of course you do! He’s like the godfather of paparazzi, a big shot in the industry. You’re in the entertainment world—how could you not know him?”

She thought Han Ning had only heard of Zhong Kai. His reputation was so widespread that even she, an outsider, had heard of him.

“Back in school, we heard all kinds of gossip and shocking scandals—most of them were leaked by him,” Shen Xi said, picking up some food and eating it.

“No, I mean, I think I’ve actually met him. When you first said his name, I didn’t remember, but now that I see his photo, it all clicks…” Han Ning pointed at the picture of the elderly man with white hair. “When I first entered the industry, I filmed a few dramas and gained some recognition. Our boss, Zhou Heyang, wanted me to collaborate with his godmother, Senior Shu Ningxiang. He took me to her house once.”

Han Ning had nearly forgotten about this. When Zhou Heyang signed her, Cheng Nian was in a relationship. His company had only a few artists, and besides Cheng Nian, the only other one with real potential and natural talent was Han Ning.

From both a business and artistic perspective, Zhou Heyang had high hopes for Han Ning. He tried his best to support her, even taking her to meet Shu Ningxiang, hoping the veteran actress would guide her and help elevate both Han Ning and his company.

“That day, when I arrived, Senior Shu was entertaining a guest. We waited for a while. Not long after, we heard her voice—she was furious, shouting and banging on the table. Then, a slouched old man walked out, looking miserable. I always thought he was her husband, but now that I see this photo, I realize…” Han Ning covered her mouth in surprise. “So that was Zhong Kai, not her husband!”

Shen Xi burst into laughter, feeling unexpectedly cheerful. She summed it up, “Then it’s settled. Looks like Shu Ningxiang has the ability to control Zhong Kai. You should ask your boss to use his connections and dig up everything on the Nie family. At the very least, we need to find A-Tian.”

“Alright!” Han Ning slammed the table with determination. After finishing their meal, they reluctantly parted ways, not wanting to raise Nie Lan’s suspicions and ruin their plan.

After leaving White Bear Restaurant, Han Ning didn’t go home. Instead, she headed straight to her company and found Zhou Heyang. “Boss! I need a vacation!”

Zhou Heyang was drinking tea when she stormed in. He choked on his tea and turned red.

After coughing for a while, he finally said, “What… got into you?”

“Didn’t you always tell me to take a break? You said if I kept going like this, I’d burn out. Well, I finally understand—health is the priority. I want a one-month vacation.

That’s not too much, right?” Han Ning sat down across from him, pouring herself a cup of water.

“…Han Ning, if you’re heartbroken, you don’t need to do this…” Zhou Heyang looked at her sympathetically, assuming she was upset over breaking up with Shen Xi. “As your responsible leader, I’m not just your boss—I’m also your big brother. I know you’re hurting, but—” He suddenly changed his tone, “That doesn’t mean you can be reckless.”

“Who’s being reckless? It’s just a vacation. I’m not tearing down your office ceiling,” Han Ning rolled her eyes and slumped onto the sofa, crossing her legs like a rogue.

“Han Ning, have you forgotten? After ‘Thorny Rose’ wraps up, you have another drama and a survival reality show. The contracts are signed! And now you want a vacation?” Zhou Heyang’s voice cracked in disbelief. “If this isn’t reckless, what is?!”

“Uh…” Han Ning blinked, then smiled awkwardly. “I forgot.”

Zhou Heyang gave her an exasperated look.

“But I still want a vacation. After the next drama wraps up, I’m taking a month off.

Consider this my early notice.” Han Ning grinned.

“Fine,” Zhou Heyang said, sipping his tea.

“Boss… I have another favor to ask…” Han Ning kept her smile, even picking up the teapot to refill Zhou Heyang’s cup. His eyelid twitched, and he covered his cup defensively. “What do you want?”

Han Ning hesitated before saying, “This is complicated, and I can’t explain everything.

But I need a contact. Someone I have to find.”

“Who?” Zhou Heyang asked.

“Someone Senior Shu knows—Zhong Kai.”

“Zhong Kai… why do you need him?” Zhou Heyang wasn’t surprised but looked at Han Ning cautiously. Then his expression changed. “Wait—you didn’t get caught by his paparazzi, did you?!”

“What?! Boss, your imagination is amazing…” Han Ning said with a disgusted expression.

“Am I that kind of person? I just need his help. But I really can’t tell you why. Just give me his contact, and I’ll handle the rest.”

Seeing her urgency, Zhou Heyang softened. He didn’t have Zhong Kai’s number, but he did have the contact of one of his apprentices—Tian He, or A-Tian, the same paparazzo who had once taken pictures of Han Ning.

After all that searching, they ended up back at A-Tian…

Han Ning felt like crying, but at least if she found A-Tian, she could find Zhong Kai. She had no choice but to add A-Tian.

Leaving the office, she checked the time—it was already 10 p.m. She wandered the streets like a lost soul, reminiscing about how she used to be home with Shen Xi, relaxing with their cat at this hour.

She walked farther and farther, feeling heavy-hearted. Eventually, she sat in a small park near the Yuhe Star Garden, lost in thought.

She looked up at the sky, then toward the southwest where Nie Lan’s villa was. Was Shen Xi thinking about her too?

“Cough…” A faint cough came from the bushes. In the quiet night, Han Ning heard it clearly. She held her breath and listened. There was weak, shallow breathing coming from the bushes.

Han Ning tiptoed closer and parted the leaves. There, lying injured and bruised, was someone she recognized. Her eyes widened in shock. “A-Tian?!”