Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Leighton fell silent.
“Can’t think of anyone?” Stella asked.
“It’s not that,” Leighton coughed. “There are too many.”
Stella was rendered speechless.
Previously, Leighton had clashed with a somewhat influential host on a variety show. Although the host was being offensive and
Leighton’s retort was praised by netizens, he was still new to the industry. The host, with his connections,
caused Leighton to lose some job opportunities and subjected him to plenty of difficulties.
Leighton’s rebellious and righteous nature made him intolerant of some people’s vile behavior, leading to many conflicts in the
entertainment industry over the years. It wasn’t impossible that someone might want to take this opportunity to drag him down.
The entertainment industry was already a place with too many people competing for too few resources. The top artists
monopolize over ninety percent of the resources. Taking him down could free up opportunities to benefit dozens of other artists.
After listening to several examples he provided, Stella interrupted him.” Those minor conflicts wouldn’t lead to something this
serious. Is there anyone who holds a deep grudge against you, someone who might want to see you utterly ruined or driven out
of the industry?”
Leighton shook his head. “No.”
Most of his conflicts stemmed from his temper. There was no one with a deepseated hatred wanting him dead.
Could he be overthinking it?
Stella sighed. “If you can’t think of anyone, just stay low for a few days. Trevor is working with the lawyer now. It should be sorted
out soon. Just keep yourself safe and find a place to stay out of sight. Don’t worry Uncle and Aunt.”
Leighton agreed, awkwardly adding in a low voice, “Thank my cousin for me. I owe him one.”
Stella laughed and called him a “silly boy” before ending the call.

Leighton put away his phone and, when he looked up, saw Nicole leaning against the door frame watching him. Her eyes carried
a hint of complexity, and her lips moved as if she wanted to say something but held back.
Leighton, oblivious to these nuances, felt a bit awkward when he remembered the photos of him on her phone. He averted his
eyes and, maintaining his usual tone, asked coolly, “All bandaged up?”
Nicole hummed in response, resuming her usual lazy demeanor.
“Okay, let’s go. I’ll take you home first.”
Nicole didn’t refuse and grabbed her coat to follow him.
On the way, Leighton kept mulling over Stella’s words, trying to think of anyone who could harbor such deep resentment against
him, but nothing came to mind.
“Hey,” Nicole tapped him, “set your phone password to my birthday.”
Leighton’s eyelid twitched. “In your dreams!”
Nicole said, “I already set my password to your birthday.
Her words reminded Leighton of her.
“fanatic” behavior, making his ears, turn a bit red. He retorted stiffly, “What’s that got to do with me? I didn’t ask you to do that!”
“
“How can it not matter? We’re a couple now. We should at least act like one, Change your wallpaper to my photo.”
Leighton refused. “No way. You’re so ugly-“
Before he could finish, Nicole stomped on his foot hard. Hewinded in pain, glaring at her. What’s wrong with you?”
Nicole squinted. “I’m ugly?”
Leighton, not one to back down under pressure, stubbornly said, “Not ugly, but not pretty either!”