Second Take On Romance - The A-List Actor Wants Me
Chapter 37 : Visiting Emperor Yan (1)

Chapter 37: Chapter 37 : Visiting Emperor Yan (1)

Zhu Dongyi had a good sense of notifying Wen Guilin before he dropped Shen Jingwei at Yan Renzhong’s apartment building, the Red Jade Pavilion.

"You only have one hour," Zhu Dongyi reminded Shen Jingwei before he exited the car. "Don’t spend too much time up there. I will be waiting for you over there, under the tree."

Zhu Dongyi pointed at a tree some distance away from them.

"Got it."

Shen Jingwei took a deep breath and gazed ahead of him.

This architectural titan, a soaring behemoth consisting of 88 stories altogether, was home to a staggering 268 exclusive residences.

It stood as a gilded cage for the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry, a constellation of stars drawn together under its imposing glass facade.

Within its opulent confines dwelled the most celebrated actors, whose names were synonymous with box office triumphs; the chart-topping singers who commanded legions of devoted fans; the visionary directors who shaped cinematic landscapes; and the most successful music producers whose brilliant touch gave birth to chart-topping hit singles.

This exclusive enclave facilitated a constant, high-level interplay among industry titans, fostering an environment of creativity, competition, and collaboration.

Yet, entry to this rarified world was not a matter of mere financial prowess; it was a privilege bestowed upon those who had ascended to the absolute zenith of their careers, a testament to their extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication.

Residence in the building was a symbol of achievement, a tangible manifestation of success in an industry where dreams were forged in the crucible of public scrutiny.

It was a place where legends were born and nurtured, where the boundaries of entertainment were constantly pushed.

Standing in front of its imposing gates made Shen Jingwei feel awkward.

His discomfort did not lessen when the security guard asked him for his identification card and asked him to wait while he checked with Yan Renzhong.

"Mr. Yan, a certain Mr. Shen Jingwei is here to see you."

"Oh, you know him? Alright, I will send him up shortly."

The security guard returned his identification card with a polite smile.

"Please follow me, Mr. Shen."

The lone building stood like a menacing tower, its austere silhouette softened by a tranquil expanse of green that stretched out at its base.

A long, stone pathway wound its way from the imposing gates to an underground garage, where the building’s residents housed their vehicles.

"Over here, Mr. Shen."

The security guard led Shen Jingwei onto another pathway, reserved for visitors.

Residents accessed their upper-floor residences via the basement elevators, while visitors were required to be escorted by security personnel to their desired floor.

Each floor had space for three lavish apartments, but they did not even share an elevator, let alone a corridor.

The elevator they took opened up to floor 58C, revealing a brief, red-carpeted corridor ending at Yan Renzhong’s front door.

To the left, a petite end table was positioned between twin lighting columns, their soft glow casting an ethereal light upon a grand vase filled with artificial blooms.

On the opposite wall hung an architectural masterpiece with a detailed portrayal of a European castle.

"Mr. Yan, I have brought Mr. Shen," the security guard spoke through the intercom after ringing the bell.

The door opened with a soft click, revealing Wen Guilin.

"Thank you," she nodded at the security guard before beckoning Shen Jingwei inside. "Come in, Little Shen. Do you want tea? Coffee? Juice?"

Shen Jingwei scratched at his temple with a finger.

"I think a glass of clear water will do."

"I will get you mint-infused water," Wen Guilin said with a smile. "It is good to ward off internal heat."

"Hm, okay."

Shen Jingwei followed Wen Guilin inside.

As expected, Emperor Yan’s apartment was as opulent as a real monarch’s private quarters.

Everything inside, starting from the huge crystal chandelier hanging in the living room down to the white marble floor with a distinctive water pattern screamed luxury.

Although, once someone started living in Red Jade Pavilion, it made sense to surround themselves with extravagance.

They wouldn’t want a distinguished guest to come in and see anything less impressive.

On the other hand, all these dazzles and sparkles only hurt Shen Jingwei’s eyes.

If he had so much money, he might renovate his old house in Nanwu Town instead.

Or get a better apartment for himself.

"Little Shen, Little Yan is still sleeping. I need to go get his medicine for a bit. Can you wait here?" Wen Guilin grabbed her purse before Shen Jingwei even said yes. Or no.

"Actually, I just wanted to drop this gift," Shen lifted a gift bag in his hands. "I need to go soon. Old Zhu is waiting for me downstairs..."

"Really? Old Zhu is waiting? Wonderful. I will ask him to drive me to the apothecary for a bit. Thanks for the help, Little Shen."

Wen Guilin left like a gust of wind, not allowing Shen Jingwei to object further.

"..."

Shen Jingwei put the gift bag on the living room’s glass table with a sigh.

He was already here. Might as well see what Wen Guilin left for him.

Shen Jingwei had to search around for a while before he located Yan Renzhong’s bedroom.

It was not locked.

Shen Jingwei gently pushed the door, allowing a spalt of light to paint a streak of yellow light in the dark room before he quickly entered and closed the door behind him.

The sole source of lighting in the room was a small lamp on the end table. It emitted a warm yellow light with very low intensity.

On the bed, Yan Renzhong lay in a state of slumber, his form barely perceptible in the muted light.

His face, usually so composed and serene, was flushed an unnatural hue, and his breathing was labored and irregular.

Shen Jingwei gingerly placed a hand across Yan Renzhong’s forehead.

A wave of heat radiated from his skin.

Yan Renzhong was burning with fever.

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Author’s note :

Mini theater!

Wen Guilin : Hi, Old Zhu! Please drive me to the apothecary, thanks!

Zhu Dongyi : Manager Wen??? There is an apothecary just across the street.

Wen Guilin : *clicks tongue* Not big enough. Let’s go to one across the city. Take your time.