The actor put down his beer can, looked hard at it, and smiled frankly. “Yes, that’s right. I got to where I am by performing sexual favors. I was a kept man several times previously. You can think of me as a pretty boy or a canary in a cage. Anyway, I don’t have the right to choose my own life!”

At that time, he was doing well in school. He had always hoped that by studying, he would be able to get into the university of his choice. After graduation, he would have a good job. Then, he would have a wife he loved deeply and his own family to go home to. But his hopes were dashed when his mother left home.

The endless gambling debts, the scares, the unease, the turbulent life, left him with no sense of security.

“At the time, I knew my father had sold me. But at that moment, I actually felt grateful that I could finally be free of that man!” Before he knew it, the actor had downed four cans of beer, and his voice sounded distant.

He could hold his liquor very well to begin with. After all, he’d been escorting and drinking for many years. In order to cater to his financial backers, he developed a good tolerance for alcohol. However, perhaps it was because of the soul swap.

Liang Yin’s tolerance for alcohol was pathetic. She could not hold a drink at all. Therefore, Hua Jin, who was now occupying her body, inherited her pitiful tolerance for alcohol as well. To the extent that he got drunk after only a few cans of beer.

“I don’t even know how I managed for many years after I left my father. But I did believe that if I were to get through it, there would be a light at the end of the tunnel.” Hua Jin turned to her suddenly and said, “Do you have any idea how hard I’ve worked for my freedom and to get where I am today?”

His eyes were bloodshot, and his voice became extremely cold. “I won’t allow anyone to ruin all my efforts! No one!”

“…”

The actor drained his can of beer again and shook his head, clearly frustrated. “Strange. Why am I telling you all this.”

“…”

Liang Yin had not expected him to tell her these things. She actually found it rather heartwarming. Did that mean he considered her a close friend?

“I know that Tang Yu’s popularity is on the rise and nothing must go wrong at this point. If word gets out that the girl was pregnant with his child, maybe he’ll lose his reputation without good public relations. Hence he wants to make me a scapegoat, use me and crush my reputation in order to move up.”

“He…”

“Don’t trust the superficial impressions of a celebrity.” The actor laughed at himself. “Just like how I’m supposed to be the number one period drama actor… I always have to pay attention to my dressing and how I present myself to my fans. I have to be polite, like a delicate, beautiful man.”

He had had enough of this role-playing. It was no different from following a script every day. Even when asleep, he must not forget his persona.

“When I’ve made enough money, or, when I meet someone I like, I’ll opt for retirement. Quit show business, get married, have kids, whatever I do in the future. I’ll never be an actor.” As he said this, Hua Jin inhaled deeply. “How much effort did I put in, to be where I am today?! That’s why I won’t let Tang Yu get away with it! He wants to destroy me. Heh, we’ll see!”