On the set, Qin Cha sat quietly in a corner, reading the script carefully.
Even though her role in this production wasn't that big, it had some important moments.
As the connection between the male and female leads, Qin Cha played a poor and desperate person who had to steal to survive.
She got caught stealing the female lead's purse by the male lead, but was forgiven in the end by the kind-hearted female lead.
Qin Cha really thought about her character deeply and wanted to do her best, even though it was just a small role.
"We're about to start filming. You, the thief, get into position!" shouted the assistant director through a loudspeaker.
Qin Cha handed the script to her assistant Xiao Mei and got herself emotionally ready.
"Scene 18, action!" ordered the director through his walkie-talkie from behind the camera.
Qin Cha stepped onto the set looking messy and miserable, dressed in torn-up clothes.
She quietly circled around the female lead, staring at the big purse tied to her waist.
After hesitating for a second, she suddenly rushed forward, grabbed the purse, and ran off as fast as she could.
"Thief!" the female lead's maid shouted in shock.
Right then, the male lead showed up and blocked Qin Cha's way.
She looked super scared and tried to run, but the male lead caught her by the collar.
The female lead came over a moment later. With nowhere to run, Qin Cha looked terrified. She knelt on the ground, shaking, and returned the stolen purse.
Her voice cracked as she begged, "Please don't punish me, sir. I was just too hungry and couldn't take it anymore, that's why I stole the young lady's money. I didn't want to."
Qin Cha showed the pain and hopelessness of someone struggling at the bottom of society really well.
Her acting made people both hate and feel sorry for her. In the end, her amazing performance even got the director's praise.
"You did a good job. What's your name?"
Qin Cha stayed calm and polite as she gave the director a slight smile. "Director, I'm Qin Cha. I look forward to learning from you."
"Not bad. Hope we can work together again," the director replied, hinting he wanted to cast her in the future.
Qin Cha understood what that meant and smiled brighter. "It's my honor to be in your film."
After leaving the set, Qin Cha's assistant Xiao Mei ran up to her, super excited.
"Qin Jie, you were amazing! Even the director praised you!"
Xiao Mei had just graduated from college and was full of energy and positivity. She was cute and innocent but also hardworking and smart. Qin Cha was really happy to have her as an assistant.
"Thanks," Qin Cha said as her phone suddenly buzzed. It was a call from her brother, Qin Mo.
"Little sister, where are you?" Qin Mo asked.
"I'm in the western suburbs. What's up, Second Brother?" Qin Cha said, looking around for a signpost.
"Grandfather knows you're back and is holding a family banquet tonight. He told me to bring you home. It's about time, so I'm coming to get you now."
Family banquet?
Qin Cha's face darkened.
Her parents had moved overseas to run their company, and her older brother had been abroad for years too.
Other than her and her second brother, only her two uncles' families and Qin Yun were still in the country.
It had already been three years, and her bet with Qin Yun was still going.
Qin Cha also really wanted to know whether Qin Yun was the one who slept with her and caused her amnesia three years ago.
She didn't believe that everything that happened back then was just a coincidence.
Dong!
The sound of a car horn snapped her out of her thoughts.
She looked up and saw her second brother Qin Mo getting out of a luxury car, looking as handsome and cool as ever.
When Xiao Mei saw him, her jaw practically dropped. "Qin Jie, look! A total hottie! He's coming this way! I can't even breathe!"
Qin Mo took off his sunglasses and naturally took Qin Cha's bag, gently patting her head.
Qin Cha couldn't help but laugh at Xiao Mei's reaction.
The Qin family had good genes, and if Qin Mo entered the entertainment industry, he would definitely become a new star with just his looks.
"Get in the car."
Qin Mo took Qin Cha's hand, and they left together. Along the way, Qin Cha stayed quiet, deep in thought. Qin Mo noticed her low mood and comforted her in a deep voice, "Don't worry, sister. Grandpa doesn't know where you've been these past three years or what happened to you."
The old man had gotten older, and Qin Mo had been hiding the fact that his sister had disappeared for years. But… did Grandpa really not notice anything? Qin Cha sighed, her heart feeling a little sour.
She hadn't seen her grandfather in three years.
Three years wasn't short, especially for someone his age. Luckily, he was still in good health, otherwise, she'd definitely regret it.
At the old mansion, the butler was already waiting at the gate. "Miss, Second Young Master," he greeted them respectfully.
Chen Bo had taken care of Qin Grandpa for fifty years and was also a close friend.
To Qin Cha, Chen Bo felt more like a relative.
"It's been a few years, Miss, and you look even more beautiful now. But why do you have dark circles under your eyes? You're still young, but your health is important. You can't overwork yourself," Chen Bo said kindly.
Qin Cha hadn't been sleeping well for days. She had dark circles, even though she tried to cover them with powder, but Chen Bo still noticed it right away.
"I haven't been sleeping well these days because I've been staying up playing too much, but I'll take care of myself. Chen Bo, you don't have to worry," Qin Cha replied with a smile.
"Your grandfather's been waiting for you for a long time. Please go in quickly," Chen Bo said with a warm smile.
Qin Cha obediently nodded and walked into the old mansion with her younger brother.
Inside the spacious living room, Qin Mingyuan sat straight on a heavy antique pear wood chair.
His presence was powerful, even without saying anything. Qin Cha took a deep breath and calmly stepped inside with her brother.
"Grandpa."
"Grandpa."
Qin Cha stood next to Qin Mo and greeted Qin Mingyuan at the same time.
Qin Mingyuan raised his head and looked at her with a stern expression.
He didn't respond right away, just stared at her seriously. Qin Cha couldn't help but avoid his gaze.
After a moment, Qin Mingyuan finally said in a deep voice, "Hmm, it's good that you're back. Your second uncle couldn't make it, but your younger sister is here."
Right after he finished speaking, Qin Cha saw Qin Yun walk out from the kitchen wearing a super noticeable designer outfit.
Her pretty and delicate face, paired with that innocent vibe, made people easily let their guard down.
"Grandpa, Yunyun cut some fruit for you," Qin Yun said sweetly. She put the plate next to Qin Mingyuan and then turned her eyes to Qin Cha.
A hint of teasing flashed in her eyes as she smiled softly. "Long time no see, sister."
Qin Cha and Qin Yun locked eyes.
They both smiled politely, but their gazes were full of sparks, like a silent battle. Qin Cha was sure, Qin Yun had something to do with what happened three years ago.