Chapter 424: Convincing Su Xiaowei

Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue arrived at a newly completed film base on the outskirts of town. They had eaten lunch in the car on their way. The film crew had rented out an area designed to look like a village, but the two arrived a bit early and found the crew still shooting a scene.

It seemed to be a period drama. The once glamorous Su Xiaowei now appeared as a rustic farm woman, performing a scene with a moderately famous male actor. There were many people on set, and no one noticed Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue slip in.

The male actor passionately shouted, “12345678!”

Su Xiaowei tugged at his sleeve and said, “Xinmin, do you have to go to your death? The Japanese have already taken Beiping. What difference will your participation in the war make?”

The male actor replied, “12345678! 87654321!”

Lin Dongxue stifled a laugh, “What kind of acting is this?”

Chen Shi remarked, “Probably dubbing later.”

The argument reached its climax, and the male actor pushed Su Xiaowei, causing her to fall to the ground. Then he showed concern and helped her up.

The director shouted, “Cut! The fall looked fake. Do it again! Start from the sleeve-tugging.”

They repeated the scene, but the director cut it again, “Can’t you fall properly? You need to fall backward, land on your butt. You have to lose your balance and sit on the ground to make it look real.”

Some people nearby laughed, and Su Xiaowei blushed with embarrassment.

They shot the scene again, and this time, Su Xiaowei fell hard. The director praised her, “Good job. The expression was excellent. Let’s change the angle and shoot it again.”

The crew immediately got busy, a group surrounded the male actor to give him water and touch up his makeup, while Su Xiaowei remained on the ground, maintaining a pained expression. It seemed she was genuinely hurt from the fall.

In the bustling crew, no one paid any attention to her.

“Acting is tough,” Lin Dongxue remarked sympathetically.

Finally, it was time for lunch. The male actor’s assistant brought him a special meal, and he returned to his van to eat. Su Xiaowei received a boxed meal, thanked the crew, and found a secluded corner to eat.

Seizing the moment, Chen Shi nodded at Lin Dongxue, and they approached Su Xiaowei. Seeing them again, she looked a bit annoyed, wiped the rice from her mouth, and asked, “How did you find me here?”

“Nothing escapes the police,” Chen Shi handed her a bottle of water.

Su Xiaowei thanked him quietly, and Chen Shi said, “No rush. Finish your meal first.”

Lin Dongxue asked, “Don’t you have an agent or an assistant?”

“They’re not here today,” Su Xiaowei deflected, continuing to eat.

Chen Shi said, “It’s too sunny here. Why don’t you eat in our car?”

“No… it’s fine.”

After finishing her meal, Su Xiaowei said, “You’ve come in vain. I’ve told you everything. Unless you want me to commit perjury.”

Lin Dongxue said, “We checked your communication records. You have no personal connection with Luo Zuyu. You’ve never worked together on any film or show, even though you belong to the same company. On the 14th, you claimed to have gone on a date with him. I find that hard to believe.”

“We…”

Lin Dongxue interrupted, “You understand the gravity of this lie. It’s Luo Zuyu’s alibi. The bigger the lie, the greater the cost. Let me show you a photo. This girl is six years younger than you. On the night of the 14th, she was killed by Luo Zuyu. The entire police force knows he’s the killer, but without evidence, we had to watch him walk out of the interrogation room. Don’t think a few lies will stop our investigation. We’ve discovered he’s involved in multiple homicides. Even without witnesses, we will find physical evidence. The net is tightening, and he will face justice. But you, if you perjure yourself, you’ll face dire consequences too. You’ll end up in prison, and with your low profile, no one will even know you existed. I know your family situation isn’t great. Your mother sold your house to put you through art school. You’re not like Luo Zuyu and his crew. Once you fall, you won’t get back up. Even a short prison sentence can end your career. After six months in jail, who will hire you to act?”

Su Xiaowei lowered her head, hiding her tears.

Seeing that her approach was working, Lin Dongxue continued, “I don’t know what Ji Xingyao promised you, but it’s not worth trading your conscience and future. You’re still young. Many stars find success in their thirties. You have potential, but this isn’t the opportunity you’re dreaming of. They’re using you for their benefit. Their promises are just illusions. If you swallow this bait, they’ll keep using you or find ways to silence you. Right now, the police lack crucial evidence. Your testimony is vital. Speak now, and you’ll be helping us without facing charges. If we uncover the truth on our own, you’ll have no choices left.”

Su Xiaowei shouted through her tears, “I’ve been an actress for ten years and never had a lead role. The agency gave me chances, but I blew them. They stopped caring and gave resources to new talent. I know I’m average, plain, without talent or connections. This is the only chance I have. They promised to make me famous by linking me to Luo Zuyu. Offers and gigs would flood in! If I miss this, I might never get another chance. I play a forgettable village woman now, and in ten years, I’ll play a forgettable old lady. I can’t accept that! We’re all human, why must I remain anonymous forever?”

Lin Dongxue gripped her shoulders, “You believe such lies? Luo Zuyu can’t even save himself. Being his rumored girlfriend will only bring you infamy!”

“Even infamy is fame… I want to be famous!” Su Xiaowei sobbed.

Chen Shi said, “When Luo Zuyu’s crimes are exposed, it will be a bombshell. Helping the police will make you a hero. Isn’t that the fame you want?”

Su Xiaowei hesitated, “But… if I betray Ji Jie, she won’t forgive me.”

“Does your contract require you to perjure yourself for a murderer? When they’re in court, their power will be meaningless. The law is the strongest force!”

With teary eyes, Su Xiaowei slowly said, “On July 14th, I didn’t see Luo Zuyu. In fact, I’ve never met him in private.”