Chapter 216
Chapter 216
Chapter 216 - A Female Celebrity That Was Hidden away
After a hairpin turn, the roar of the road lion echoed as it charged toward the oncoming car, startling Yang Jingjing.
She quickly noticed an elderly man shakily crossing the road ahead of the vehicle. Given the car's speed, it was clear that stopping in time to avoid hitting him was impossible.
Zhang Xiaolong was at the helm of the road lion, skillfully maneuvering to avert the impending disaster.
The elderly man, realizing the peril, looked on in terror, paralyzed by fear.
The oncoming car was indeed trying to brake, but as Yang Jingjing had observed, it was futile; the car wouldn't be able to stop before striking the man.
In the nick of time, the road lion interposed itself like a colossal beast between the man and the vehicle.
Bang!
The luxury sedan collided with the front of the road lion, the force of the impact sending the woman driver inside screaming as she lurched forward.
“Are you okay?” Zhang Xiaolong immediately checked on Yang Jingjing, concerned she might have sustained injuries from the jolt.
“I'm fine. Let's go see if anyone else is hurt,” Yang Jingjing urged.
They both leapt out of the car and approached the elderly man who had fallen in fright.
“Sir, we're not trying to scam you, are we?” Zhang Xiaolong discerned at a glance that the man was unharmed, merely shaken. He offered a hand to help him up, soothing him with a touch of divine energy.
“No, no…” the old man hastily responded, “I can't thank you enough, young man. If you hadn't risked diverting your car, I might not have made it.”
Yang Jingjing gave Zhang Xiaolong a stern look. That was no way to speak to someone. “Sir, please sit here and catch your breath for a moment.”
“I'm alright now. Let's quickly check on the driver, and I can be a witness for you,” the old man said, eager to do the right thing.
As they spoke, people emerged from the other car. A man in his thirties, clearly agitated, bellowed at them, “Do you even know how to drive? Is this a bumper car ride to you?”
“I'm sorry, I didn't have time to think it through just then. I had to swerve the car to avoid an accident. Otherwise, you definitely would have hit that elderly person,” Zhang Xiaolong empathized with the other person's feelings. He wasn't a driver and hadn't seen the situation unfold, so he might have assumed the collision was intentional.
“Mr. Bao, it's not their fault. I was driving too fast,” the female driver said as she stepped out of the car, her hair disheveled and blood on her face. “If it weren't for them, we surely would have hit someone.”
Seeing the woman's reasonable response, Zhang Xiaolong's anxiety eased somewhat. Otherwise, clarifying the situation would have been quite challenging.
“Wenwen, don't get out. Check to see if you're injured,” Mr. Bao urged her to stay seated.
Wenwen did as told and remained seated, feeling dizzy as soon as she tried to stand.
“I'm truly sorry. Even though it was to save someone, I can't shirk my responsibility,” Zhang Xiaolong quickly apologized again, “I'll cover the medical expenses, car damages, and any other losses.”
“Can you really handle this responsibility?” Mr. Bao grabbed Zhang Xiaolong, looking ready to throw a punch.
Zhang Xiaolong slightly furrowed his brow. He had explained himself clearly, but the man's aggressive demeanor was unsettling. He easily brushed off the man's hand, “I believe I can handle it.”
“You…” Mr. Bao grew even angrier.
“Mr. Bao,” Wenwen cut in, “this was our fault to begin with. I was too hasty and drove too fast. If they hadn't collided with us, we would have caused a fatality. We actually owe them our thanks.”
“We've waited so long for a good opportunity, and finally, we have one. It's just a small gig, but I've done some research. This company is very reputable and has potential. They're well-regarded, and they're looking to choose a spokesperson from a select few during this event. If they pick you, it could significantly boost your visibility, even if the pay isn't substantial,” Mr. Bao explained, then looked at Wenwen's face with concern, “But in your current state…”
Wenwen glanced in the rearview mirror, noticing that the recent collision had caused her nose to bleed and left her forehead bruised. These marks wouldn't fade quickly.
Time was already against her, and even if she could make it to the venue on time, how could she perform looking like this?
“This must be my fate,” Wenwen sighed. “I'm sorry, Mr. Bao, for dragging you into this mess. When we return, you should find yourself a new partner. It seems my career is at its end.”
“Eh, are you… Chu Wenwen?” Yang Jingjing suddenly recognized the girl before her.
“Yes, it's me…” Chu Wenwen paused, then offered an awkward smile. “I'm surprised anyone can recognize me in this state.”
“Xiaolong, Wenwen is an exceptional actress, and she has a beautiful singing voice,” Yang Jingjing earnestly told Zhang Xiaolong. “I've only seen her play a supporting role once, but she outshone the lead actress. I've been a fan ever since. I just don't understand why she hasn't appeared in more films…”
Mr. Bao interjected with a complaint, “Because a wealthy heir took an interest in her and wanted to keep her for himself. But Wenwen refused, and in retaliation, he sidelined her for years. She's only just found a new opportunity after his family's downfall, and now this has happened because of you…”
“Mr. Bao…” Chu Wenwen cut in, “I've said it before, it's just my bad luck. No one else is to blame.”
Yang Jingjing smiled. “Is that so? I think you're quite fortunate. Even if things were tough before, meeting him will surely turn things around.”
She gestured towards Zhang Xiaolong.
“Him?” Mr. Bao scoffed. “Running into him is the last thing we need!”
Chu Wenwen wanted to respond but realized they were only expressing their sympathy. With a sigh, she chose to remain silent.
With the situation resolved, Zhang Xiaolong suggested the elderly man leave on his own, then added with a smile, “Jingjing thinks highly of you, and you've managed to stick to your principles. I believe good fortune is definitely on your side.”
As he spoke, he stepped closer to Chu Wenwen and gently cradled her face in his hands.
“You…” Chu Wenwen couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
She wasn't a celebrity by any means, but having a man touch her face like that would make any girl uneasy.
She had initially felt some fondness for the man before her, but now it had completely dissipated.
“Take your filthy hands off her!” Mr. Bao erupted in anger. To be so brazen as to take liberties with Wenwen right in front of him was utterly contemptible.
“Don't be alarmed,” Zhang Xiaolong hurriedly interjected, “The bruise on your face is no issue. I know how to make it disappear right away.”
“Really?” Chu Wenwen was both surprised and skeptical.