Repercussions

Trigger: Abusive language

Disaster tended to strike whenever Wen Rui least expected it. He was in the company's gym with his personal trainer to discuss a training regime. One moment, he was talking to the trainer about incorporating some light weights into the routine every other day, and the next, he heard the trainer shout a warning before his head was jerked back violently and he was slammed into the wall by a livid Hong Si.

"You fucking bastard," Hong Si hissed out, shaking Wen Rui by the collar. "What did it take, huh? How many people did you offer your perky little ass to get the role back?"

Wen Rui reached up to try and brush him off but to no avail. Although he was more or less recovered from the incident, he still hadn't regained his full strength. The violent shoving and shaking also made his head spin and he covered his mouth to try and stem the acrid bile rising up the back of his throat. Dr Li had specifically warned him against physical exertion as it might exacerbate the concussion and Wen Rui guessed that this probably included getting into fights.

"Let go of me," he muttered, trying to push Hong Si back because he didn't want to throw up over the both of them. But Hong Si was so aggravated that it took two personal trainers to haul him off Wen Rui. And even then, they couldn't shut him up, his harsh, rude insults echoing around the entire gym for all to hear.

This sickened Wen Rui even more than the unexpected assault had.

"Come, tell us," Hong Si mocked. "Did you let the director have a go at your loose, little hole? Did you service the producer at the same time too? Or do you have some rich daddy patron out there—"

Hong Si cut himself short when a blow landed on his jaw. He stumbled backwards in shock, clutching at the ache blooming on his face as he glared poisonous daggers at Mu Feng.

Mu Feng stared at his fist in horror, like he couldn't believe he'd done that. Wen Rui couldn't believe it either, he only had a few days of memories of Mu Feng but just from this week alone, Wen Rui could tell that he was one of the gentlest people he'd ever met.

"S-Si Ge," Mu Feng stuttered. "Sorry, but. You should have said all that."

Hong Si let out a disbelieving bark of laughter. His eyes were wide with incredulity and bloodshot. He looked frenzied like he was at his wit's end, and Wen Rui watched his movements warily, ready to jump up and grab him if he suddenly attacked Mu Feng.

"Even little boys," Hong Si said, throwing Wen Rui a mocking smile. "That slutty face of yours has got all these men lined up to defend you huh?" He waved a hand carelessly around, to indicate the trainers and Mu Feng.

Mu Feng flushed red, but Wen Rui couldn't tell if it was with indignation or embarrassment. "That's not true!" he protested. It was the first time Wen Rui heard him raise his voice. "Si Ge, Rui Ge is our group member and my friend, you shouldn't be saying such things about him—"

"Tch, how naive can you get." Hong Si rolled his eyes dismissively as he stared at Mu Feng with undisguised scorn. "Wake up, only you think this here is a precious white flower. Don't be fooled, Younger Brother, it's a man-eating whore. Didn't you hear what Manager Qu said the other day? This young master's family has thrown him out, so where do you think his expensive cars and expensive clothes are coming from? If he doesn't spend his weekends writhing under some fat, rich old man, I'll do a live stream of myself cross-dressing."

[I'll help you buy the sailor uniform then.] The closest thing Wen Rui had to the so-called 'patron' Hong Si kept implying he had was Zhou Ye. And the only adjective in the list that Zhou Ye had anything to do with was 'rich'. Insert 'filthy' in front of it for greater clarity.

"Hong Si." Wen Rui was surprised to discover that his voice was so calm when he finally spoke. "I don't know what you're talking about but I won't let this incident go so lightly." But he didn't elaborate on his threat because he wasn't sure how best to approach the situation. If Mu Feng hadn't intervened, Wen Rui would have taken footage from the gym's cameras and asked the personal trainers to support him with evidence. He would have gone straight to management without hesitation. But because Mu Feng was now also involved, and he did it on Wen Rui's behalf, Wen Rui didn't want to drag him down.

He was going to have to go home and think about this carefully. But one thing was for sure, he was not letting Hong Si off the hook. Wen Rui could forgive a jealous gripe or a disgruntled complaint but he had a limit. He refused to be accused of something he didn't do and he definitely hadn't asked a non-existent sugar daddy to solve his problems for him.

Although, he had a faint suspicion he knew what this might be about.

"I am going to speak to Manager Qu," he said.

Hong Si sniffed derisively. He was unfazed, of course. Manager Qu hadn't even tried to hide the fact that he was supporting Hong Si. Wen Rui just couldn't tell if this was by order of the big bosses on top or if Manager Qu had a private arrangement with Hong Si.

He didn't particularly care. He might not be the doted upon heir of the Wen Family anymore but he still wasn't afraid of anyone.

"Rui Ge…" Mu Feng followed behind Wen Rui like a giant, kicked puppy. Wen Rui had to resist the urge to ruffle his messy hair. It was styled in curls today, for some reason, maybe Mu Feng had a separate photoshoot for an advertisement?

"It's fine," Wen Rui said. "Thanks for standing up for me."

Mu Feng's mouth twisted into a sulk. "Hong Si is too much of a bully," he said, not using the respectful address of 'big brother' anymore now that Hong Si was no longer within earshot. "You probably don't remember anymore, but Pei Ge didn't use to be so introverted…it was Hong Si that made him like this."

Wen Rui didn't remember. He considered asking but they were already outside Manager Qu's office. He made a mental note to check another time before waving Mu Feng off.

"You sure you don't want me to accompany you?" Mu Feng asked worriedly.

Wen Rui shot him an amused look. "Accompany me how?" he teased. "By standing there and shivering like a cornered rabbit?"

Mu Feng's face, which had finally gone back to its normal colour, flared up again. "I—I—"

Before he could find the words to defend himself, Wen Rui was already knocking and entering, leaving him alone on the corridor ruffling his hair and pacing in agitation.

Manager Qu's dark, beady eyes were hostile when he looked at Wen Rui. The stacks of paperwork on his desk were conspicuously missing today like he'd cleared the entire lot just so he could have this serious face-off with Wen Rui.

"Isn't Manager Qu going to tell me what's going on?" Wen Rui asked at last when it became evident that Manager Qu wasn't going to speak first. He didn't want to waste too much time here, he'd already booked one of the recording studios for vocal practice.

Manager Qu didn't look offended but his smile was politely mocking. Lately, a lot of people around Wen Rui had been using this expression, like they didn't think Wen Rui was worth more than their derision. But it was fine. Wen Rui could empathise because he had the same feelings towards them too.

"Should I be congratulating Young Master Wen?" Manager Qu asked. "Director Fu recalled out of the blue that you're his ideal for the role of the male lead and that he absolutely cannot have anyone else. Did Young Master trigger his memory personally or did someone do that for you?"

Wen Rui chuckled. He didn't bother taking a seat, crossing his arms and standing in front of Manager Qu's desk as he looked down at him. "Or maybe Director Fu is true to his art," he said airily. "And realised that if the company was going to recommend him a miscast, he'd be better make the right decisions."

Manager Qu laughed too. "And you think you're the right decision?"

"I already told you that I think Mu Feng is the right decision. But since I have already signed the contract before my amnesia, I will fulfil my obligations."

This was a 180-degree turn in personality from the conceited spoiled brat that Manager Qu was used to dealing with. This Wen Rui had a natural air of superiority around him that had nothing to do with arrogance. It grated on Manager Qu's nerves. So what if Wen Rui was brought up posh? He was nothing more than an idol under Manager Qu's control now.

"Talk is cheap," Manager Qu retorted. "If you fuck up one more time, I won't wipe your ass for you."

Wen Rui turned to go. His gaze was lowered to hide the flash of viciousness in his eyes. "When have you ever?" he said demurely. "But don't worry. I won't give you a reason to." He won't fuck up again. He won't give others another weakness to use against him.

And as for Manager Qu. Well. He'd better pray he didn't make a mistake in front of Wen Rui.