My ‘Healing’ Game
Chapter 416: White Shoes

Chapter 416: Chapter 416: White Shoes

The festival’s main venue was bustling with people, even though it was just a warm-up activity, many journalists and social media professionals had already arrived early.

Supportive cheers and shouts of excitement could be heard everywhere as young actors and rising stars rushed to the main venue, displaying their most perfect selves under the cameras.

"Xia Yilan!"

"Look here, Sister!"

"What kind of divine beauty is this?"

Not just the fans, but even bystanders and staff members were amazed. Time hadn’t left a trace on Xia Yilan; her skin was as youthful as a young girl’s, and her features hadn’t changed much.

She sincerely smiled at everyone. Compared to ten years ago, Xia Yilan seemed to be even more beloved now. She possessed not only a stunning beauty but also a touch of mature charm.

Walking under the cameras and spotlights, she appeared as an immaculate goddess, every gaze she gave was captivating.

Gentle, beautiful, mature, sexy—she displayed herself exuberantly under the camera, as if she couldn’t wait for everyone to see her beauty.

Listening to the exclamations from fans and onlookers and seeing those astonished eyes, Xia Yilan felt immensely satisfied.

"Hello, my name is Han Fei."

A voice suddenly sounded behind Xia Yilan, its tone mild yet carrying a hint of coolness.

It was as if Xia Yilan had been doused with a bucket of ice water. She snapped back to reality amidst her fans’ cheers and turned her head to look at the person beside her.

"May I ask you a few questions?" After a very straightforward introduction, Han Fei was about to continue asking, but he suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

Seeing Xia Yilan’s face up close, it was incredibly beautiful, flawless, but Han Fei shivered.

In a moment, he felt as if he was seeing Xia Yi; the faces of these two women overlapped, connected by what seemed like strings of tiny worms.

Flaring his nostrils, Han Fei approached Xia Yilan and also smelled a rotten scent.

The scent was faint, perfectly masked by an expensive perfume, and Han Fei wasn’t sure where exactly it was coming from.

As fans and the public couldn’t enter, and with security guards on both sides of the road, Xia Yilan wasn’t worried that Han Fei was a bad person; she just really disliked people getting too close to her.

Her eyes initially showed some dissatisfaction, but her expression quickly changed when she saw Han Fei.

At that moment, Han Fei didn’t speak again; he seemed entranced by Xia Yilan’s appearance, frozen on the spot.

Perhaps he had never seen someone so attractive before?

It’s no wonder Xia Yilan thought this way; she had encountered many similar situations in the past.

"Han Fei? I’ve seen your performance in ’Twin Flowers.’ Among the younger generation, your acting skills are indeed top-notch." Xia Yilan’s voice was also very pleasant, and her praise could be empowering.

The displeasure in her eyes had vanished, and under the camera lenses, Xia Yilan was perfect.

She naturally reached out to Han Fei, seemingly intending to hook her arm through his as they entered the main venue together. This would give the impression that they were friends, easing the prior awkwardness.

Having been honed by the depths of the Deep World, Han Fei, now dressed in a suit, possessed a demeanor distinct from his peers. Xia Yilan felt that entering the venue with Han Fei, and being photographed together, could also add some talking points for both and enhance their mutual recognition.

As a senior in the entertainment industry, she was supposed to show a side that was gentle and caring towards her juniors.

Xia Yilan wore a smile on her face, but just as her hand was about to touch Han Fei’s, he instinctively took a half step back.

The smile became somewhat stiff; Xia Yilan had never encountered such a situation before.

Was his step back meant seriously?

With her hand already outstretched and hanging in mid-air, which was even more embarrassing, Xia Yilan forcibly stepped forward and lightly tapped Han Fei’s arm, as if she was helping him brush a small insect off his suit.

As Xia Yilan approached, Han Fei distinctly smelled the stench of decay, emanating from her.

"Do you need me for something? Let’s talk while we walk," Xia Yilan said, looking at Han Fei’s stupefied face, still unaware of the severity of the situation.

Touching his nose lightly, Han Fei smelled the scent of the Deep World on Xia Yilan—a scent of rotting and spoiling that he thought only existed in the Deep World.

Walking side by side with Xia Yilan, Han Fei occasionally used his peripheral vision to observe her. This woman was like an apple made by a witch, appealing and juicy on the outside, but possibly already rotten inside.

Forever maintaining her beauty, Xia Yilan must have paid some price.

Often smelling various kinds of foul odors in the Deep World, Han Fei had to admit that the stench on Xia Yilan was unique. It didn’t emit a dangerous vibe, merely making him feel eerie and uncomfortable.

Maintaining a certain distance, Han Fei’s fingers were slightly curved, always ready to respond to any sudden situations.

Unaware of Han Fei’s inner turmoil, Xia Yilan only knew that Han Fei was looking at her. Not only did she not point it out, but her lips also curled up slightly. Being glanced at by a handsome, potential-rich man who was not keen on fame and much younger than herself satisfied Xia Yilan’s vanity; she might have seen it as recognition of her beauty.

Each harboring their thoughts, they walked side by side toward the main venue, followed by an embarrassed Bai Xian. He truly hadn’t expected Han Fei, who suffered from severe social anxiety, to become familiar with Xia Yilan so quickly.

Outside the main venue, there were reporters and self-media workers everywhere, wielding their cameras and neither of the actors dared any improper behavior.

Han Fei didn’t speak again until they entered the lobby on the first floor of the venue. When Xia Yilan was about to leave, he stopped her.

Seeing Han Fei hesitate all the way and finally stopping her when they were about to part, Xia Yilan chuckled softly, "Is this your first time at such an event? Don’t be so tense. Here’s my digital business card, think of it as making a friend."

"Are you sure?" Most of Han Fei’s friends didn’t breathe and their body temperatures were perennially below zero.

"This year’s Outstanding Young Actor Award has to go to you. Plus, with Director Zhang valuing you so highly, your rise to a top-tier star is just a matter of time. If you become successful later, it might be difficult even to add you as a friend," Xia Yilan said warmly and graciously, but she was about to say more when someone else came over.

She smiled amiably as she said goodbye to Han Fei. This woman didn’t even glance at the new actors; her treatment of them was entirely different from her attitude towards Han Fei, as though her smile was reserved for those who were useful to her.

"Brother Han!" Zhan Lele ran excitedly to Han Fei’s side, followed by other young actors from the "Twin Flowers" crew: "Long time no see! How does it feel to work with Director Zhang? Let me tell you, Director Jiang now really regrets it. He’s afraid you’ll never work with him again."

"What are you muttering about?" Director Jiang also came over, his eyes filled with gratification when he saw Han Fei. Han Fei was one of his students, and he had always believed in Han Fei’s potential. Now, Han Fei had truly made it: "I’ve studied the teaser concept of ’Mystery Novelist’ a few times, and your acting has improved again. I never realized you were this brilliant back when you were in school."

Director Jiang could be sure that in terms of sheer talent, no one in Han Fei’s age group was a better actor. Once "Mystery Novelist" was officially released, Han Fei would definitely become a sensation.

How does that saying go? "As the roc spreads its wings among the winds, it soars ninety thousand miles."

Director Jiang had always thought this phrase was an exaggeration, until he met Han Fei, who fully showcased his talents on the screen.

"Director Jiang, do you remember the real-life story project we discussed before? I’ve already brainstormed a few cases; as soon as this is over, we can start filming right away." Grateful for the opportunities Director Jiang gave him during his tough times, Han Fei, now inspired by good leads, naturally wanted to give something back.

"Stop it, I can’t afford your film salary," Director Jiang joked, though he really didn’t want to hold Han Fei back.

"No worries, just like when we shot ’Twin Flowers,’ we can split the box office revenue. If it flops, I’ll bear the loss with you; if it makes money, we’ll all share it." Han Fei hadn’t joined any entertainment company to this day. He was thinking of someday founding his own with trustworthy people, focusing solely on films for victims.

Previously, Han Fei lacked confidence in himself, but having since mastered various professions such as building chief, shop manager, security guard, teacher, and the Midnight Butcher, he felt starting a business wouldn’t be much of a problem.

After chatting with Director Jiang and Zhan Lele for a while, the evening’s event was about to officially start.

Actors began arriving one by one, while Han Fei continuously checked his watch on his phone.

He was now certain that there was something wrong with Xia Yilan. It wasn’t a coincidence that this woman and Xia Yi looked so alike; even Xia Yi’s death was probably related to her.

"Xia Yilan is a public figure, it’s not easy to strike up a conversation. It’s better to make use of the police force." Standing outside the hall, Han Fei was about to call Li Xue when suddenly a nasty voice came from a distance.

"Isn’t that Han Fei? I thought you were too good to attend such a promotional event, mingling too closely with our circles isn’t good for maintaining your public image," Acheng walked towards the hall with the male lead of "Urban Secret Love" and their boss, who was also on the phone with a gloomy expression.

Han Fei couldn’t be bothered with Acheng; in fact, he had already forgotten the full names of those two people.

Those who posed no threat simply weren’t worth his time and energy.

"Quite confident, aren’t you? Do you really think you’re that sure of yourself?" The male lead of "Urban Secret Love" cracked a slight smile, stopping Acheng, and proceeded into the hall.

"Just wait for the show to begin. Those without ’wings’ to protect them, the higher they fly, the harder they fall." Acheng seemed to know something, and it appeared they had already prepared everything.

After the two of them entered the hall, their boss remained in the middle of the hall, talking faster and growing more impatient.

"I haven’t gone home, I have a very important event tonight. If you’re scared, just go somewhere else to hide."

"What ghost? You’re just scaring yourself! Okay, no more talk, I’m going in."

"Let me tell you one last time! That white shoe has nothing to do with me, hurry up and get rid of it!"

"Nonsense! How could it possibly be me who picked it up again? You never got rid of it!"

"How was I supposed to know it would appear under the bed? What does the child you dreamt about in your nightmare have to do with the shoes? Tomorrow I’m taking you to see a psychologist! Hanging up!"

After hanging up, the man prepared to enter the venue, but just then his phone rang again.

Sitting there jaws clenched, his already gloomy face twisted even further.

"What on earth do you want? This is my final warning, stop causing me trouble!" the man said, walking toward the main venue’s restroom with his phone in hand. His expression grew more ferocious, and veins bulged on his forehead, completely different from his usual demeanor.

Han Fei also saw that man. They had met once beneath Han Fei’s building, and Han Fei had a poor impression of him.

Moreover, according to the clues provided by Jin Jun, Han Fei suspected that it was that man who had hired Flowing Light.

"He seems to have aged several years in just a few days." Han Fei was investigating Xia Yilan’s case and didn’t want any complications, but he overheard the man mentioning something over the phone—a pair of white shoes.

Xia Yi had also worn a pair of white shoes in her last selfie before she died.

"Did white shoes also appear in his house?" The event was about to start, and the actors were entering the venue one after another. The restroom was located at the end of the corridor, where there were hardly any people.

Han Fei was just curious about the man’s phone conversation. He quietly followed but just as the man entered the restroom at the end of the corridor, Han Fei saw a worker carrying a bucket of paint also enter the restroom, head down.

He was certain that person hadn’t been there at the beginning of the corridor.

"There shouldn’t be any need for painting at the main venue, what’s up with that staff member?" Han Fei had only glanced from afar but spotted the problem immediately.

He turned on the recording function of his phone and headed toward the restroom. The closer he got, the more something seemed off.

Whether it was the air conditioning no longer heating or something else, the temperature at the end of the corridor was very low.

Han Fei gently pushed open the door to the restroom. He didn’t see anyone in the difficult restroom. He opened the stalls doors, and as he pushed the third one, a man’s scream suddenly echoed from the women’s restroom!

"He’s in the women’s restroom?"

When Han Fei stepped out from the men’s restroom, he just happened to see Acheng’s boss standing in front of the mirror, gently touching his face like a woman, then slowly started to peel the edges of his face as if he intended to tear it off entirely.

Blood was already streaking from his cheeks, but the man seemed utterly unaware. His expression was enchanting and intoxicated as he kept his eyes on the mirror, muttering a phrase unconsciously.

"Have you seen Mr. Butterfly who lives in the Butterfly Garden No. 24? There’s a child in white shoes looking for him."

The word ’butterfly’ was a taboo for Han Fei. He immediately prepared to go over, but just then, the man hiding in the women’s restroom slowly began to recover his composure.

He looked at the blood marks on his face, his expression growing even more somber and terrifying.

"Damn it, what the hell is going on?"