Chapter 19

In the hotel suite, just as Sheng Qingli was about to fall asleep with Trophy resting soundly on her chest, the phone in her hand buzzed. It was a message from the person staying across the hall: “Under the door.”

Sheng Qingli coldly replied: “OK.”

After that, she didn’t continue chatting with Pei Qingci.

However, as she set her phone down, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but wonder why Pei Qingci had gone out so late.

This wasn’t Beicheng, so there shouldn’t be any random social engagements, right?

After thinking for a bit and not finding an answer, Sheng Qingli decided to stop worrying about it.

Who cares what he’s doing outside, even if it’s murder and arson, it has nothing to do with her.

Thinking this, Sheng Qingli hugged the trophy and fell asleep, drowsy.

She wasn’t sure if it was because of the trophy or some other reason, but she slept deeply on the sofa, clutching the trophy.

It wasn’t until Lin Lin called that she was woken up.

“Hello,” Sheng Qingli didn’t even open her eyes. She instinctively stroked the little cat in her arms that had been woken up as well and asked, a little out of breath, “Who is it?”

Lin Lin: “It’s me.”

Hearing Sheng Qingli’s voice, Lin Lin couldn’t help frowning, “What are you doing? Running?”

Her breathing was so heavy.

“…”

Sheng Qingli was a bit embarrassed, “No, you’re overthinking it.”

Lin Lin: “Then what are you doing?”

“The trophy fell asleep in my arms, and I was kind of being squashed by it, so I couldn’t breathe.” Sheng Qingli explained truthfully.

“The trophy? In your arms?” Lin Lin couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “You and Pei Qingci—”

“I just borrowed the trophy from him to play with for a while,” Sheng Qingli quickly explained, trying to avoid Lin Lin overthinking.

Lin Lin was silent for a few seconds, her tone somewhat skeptical, “Just for a while?”

“I swear,” Sheng Qingli said.

Lin Lin sighed lightly, not bothering to argue about how truthful the vow was, “So, when you asked me if I wanted to see a cat, you meant the trophy?”

Sheng Qingli responded with a hum, “What were you busy with just now?”

Lin Lin: “Just finished a meeting.”

She had just returned to her office and hadn’t had a chance to say much more when her assistant hurriedly pushed the door open, “Sister Lin.”

Lin Lin looked up, “What’s the matter?”

The assistant handed her a tablet, “The news about Sister Li and Pei Qingci collaborating on an athletic brand endorsement was leaked early.”

Lin Lin glanced at it, “Got it. Go out for now; I’m on the phone with Qingli.”

After the assistant left, Lin Lin asked, “Did you hear?”

Sheng Qingli frowned, got up from the sofa, and grabbed her tablet, “Is it trending already?”

“Yeah,” Lin Lin had just taken a look. The marketing account’s post was quite suggestive, barely stopping short of mentioning their names directly. Both were popular actors, well-regarded for their talent and appeal. Any slight hint could send fans and netizens into a frenzy, putting them on the trending list.

Upon hearing this, Sheng Qingli sighed, “Is Weibo desperate for traffic lately?”

Why was she always trending?

Lin Lin chuckled, “Whether they are or not, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

She opened her computer and logged into Weibo, scanning the comments, “Your solo fans and his are really going at each other.”

Sheng Qingli: “…Once Pei Qingci’s fans find out he’s got just a small role in Director Zhong’s film, they’ll fight even harder.”

Lin Lin: “By then, Xiang Rong will probably get roasted badly.”

At moments like this, Lin Lin felt grateful that managing Sheng Qingli was relatively easy. Although Sheng Qingli sometimes caught her off guard, it was always within a controllable range.

Pei Qingci was a different story.

When it came to Xiang Rong and Pei Qingci, Pei Qingci made all the decisions.

Xiang Rong, as his manager, didn’t have much say and was often overworked by Pei Qingci. But there was nothing he could do because Pei Qingci was just that capable.

Xiang Rong had been utterly loyal since Pei Qingci had terminated his contract with his previous agency and chose him over his original manager. Since then, Xiang Rong had practically obeyed Pei Qingci’s every command.

Sheng Qingli fell silent for a moment and whispered, “I kind of feel bad for Brother Rong.”

Lin Lin: “Don’t feel bad for him just yet. Feel bad for me first.”

She looked at the hateful comments under the marketing post, “Your fans are cursing me.”

Most fans are fiercely protective.

Lin Lin had known this long before she became a manager.

So, in comparison, she usually ignored comments that insulted her abilities. This time, she was just joking with Sheng Qingli.

“Do you want to suppress the trending topic?” she asked Sheng Qingli after checking it out.

Sheng Qingli also looked at it and thought for a moment, “Let’s lower the heat for now. Before the collaboration is officially announced, there’s no need for unnecessary trending.”

Lin Lin: “Got it.”

After discussing work, Lin Lin quickly hung up to handle the trending issue.

Bored, Sheng Qingli lingered on Weibo for a while longer.

Aside from the solo and CP fans of the two, most netizens were just curious about the collaboration and how true it was.

More rational fans refused to believe anything until an official announcement.

Less rational ones, of course, started cursing. They cursed the marketing account for making up stories and their rival fans for clout-chasing.

All sorts of accusations were flying around.

But compared to other fandoms, the solo fans of Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci were relatively polite.

At least most wouldn’t resort to personal attacks or spread outrageous rumors.

The news about Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci’s upcoming collaboration caused mixed reactions.

The happiest group was, of course, the CP fans of the couple.

After hearing the news, it felt like New Year’s had come early for them.

“Ahhh, is this real? Could this really be the year they get back together?!”

“Sis, be bold and guess! Maybe they never broke up at all.”

“Ahhh, if this is true, you deserve a spot in the ancestral temple!”

“Sports brand? Does that mean we’ll get couples’ outfits? Ahhh, brand, please notice me! Let Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci shoot a couples’ video, full of chemistry! I’ll buy ten sets on the spot!”

“Only ten? I’ll buy a hundred and give one to everyone I meet.”

“Ahhh, are we finally getting new content? Please, please, I’ve watched all the videos on Station D until they’re practically worn out. I want something new, something spicy, haha. Maybe the talented editors can fulfill my little wish?”

“I want to see them holding hands, kissing, and going to bed tonight, and then a video of them having a baby tomorrow!”

…

Sheng Qingli accidentally clicked into a CP fan forum and quickly exited Weibo, her toes digging into the ground.

She hadn’t collaborated with Pei Qingci for years. Why were their CP fans getting bolder?!

Noticing her movement, her sleepy cat, Trophy, called out to her.

Sheng Qingli snapped back to reality, picked up the little cat rubbing against her calf, and kissed its pretty face. “Miss me, huh?”

Trophy stared at her with its round, bright, deep blue eyes, looking as beautiful as glass beads.

“Meow.”

It meowed while rubbing against her palm, its tail swaying playfully.

Watching the affectionate little cat, Sheng Qingli felt her heart melt.

At that moment, she suddenly understood why some couples fight over custody of pets after breaking up.

If she and Pei Qingci had raised Trophy together for years before breaking up, she would undoubtedly want to fight for Trophy’s custody too. Because right now, she really wanted to have Trophy all to herself.

---

Meanwhile, on the other side, after meeting with the magazine editor, Pei Qingci returned to the hotel with Xiang Rong.

As soon as they got into the car, Xiang Rong’s phone rang.

After answering the call, he cast a resentful glance at the person beside him who was resting with their eyes closed.

Pei Qingci: “… Did I trend again?”

He was quite self-aware.

Xiang Rong: “Someone leaked that you and Sheng Qingli are collaborating on an endorsement.”

“… It was only a matter of time.” Pei Qingci turned to look out the window nonchalantly. “If it didn’t come out today, it would next week.”

Xiang Rong admired his calm demeanor. “Aren’t you worried about fans reacting negatively?”

He reminded him, “Today’s the endorsement; in a little over a month, they’ll find out about you being paired with Sheng Qingli. That will be a blow to your strong fans.”

“Xu Xingyue’s role is the supporting one,” Pei Qingci corrected Xiang Rong. “I’m just a guest star.”

More importantly, Pei Qingci didn’t choose this role solely because of Sheng Qingli. He was an actor who, despite being reckless elsewhere, felt a responsibility towards himself and his fans when it came to acting.

He clearly understood that the role of the Master was standout, at least more than Xu Xingyue’s leading role.

The character’s restraint, patience, and the underlying emotions between him and his disciple were the most captivating.

Of course, Xiang Rong understood what Pei Qingci meant, but most fans wouldn’t get it, and the bystanders wouldn’t either.

They would only think Pei Qingci had lost his mind, passing up a good leading role for a minor supporting one.

Thinking this, Xiang Rong sighed in headache, already foreseeing a long period of receiving criticism ahead.

Silence fell for a moment. Xiang Rong turned his head and suddenly noticed the person next to him was staring intently at their phone, not knowing what they were looking at.

Xiang Rong leaned over to take a look and was speechless. “What are you staring at? Did someone text you?”

Even if they did, it should be from a fan.

Pei Qingci glanced at him indifferently, not replying.

Xiang Rong: “I’m talking to you.”

Pei Qingci: “Just because you don’t have any messages doesn’t mean I don’t.”

“?”

Xiang Rong paused, staring at him with intense focus, suddenly understanding. “… You’re texting Sheng Qingli?”

Pei Qingci shot him a warning glance.

Xiang Rong couldn’t help but chuckle, “No way, you haven’t added Sheng Qingli on WeChat yet?”

At this, he looked down on Pei Qingci. “You’ve been here supervising for nearly half a month. Seems like your charm has decreased compared to back in the day.”

“Do you want to be thrown out of the car?” the man being teased asked coldly.

Xiang Rong choked momentarily, but before closing his mouth, he muttered, “You’re just getting angry out of shame.”

Pei Qingci ignored him.

He lowered his eyes, pondered for a moment, and sent a message to Sheng Qingli: “How’s Trophy?”

Five minutes later, Sheng Qingli replied: “Very good.”

Pei Qingci: “Is it still with you?”

Sheng Qingli: “Yes, it hasn’t asked for food or to go to the bathroom.”

Pei Qingci: “… I’ll be at the hotel soon.”

Sheng Qingli: “?”

Pei Qingci: “What?”

Sheng Qingli: “Didn’t you go out for something? Why are you back so soon?”

It was clear Sheng Qingli didn’t want him to return so quickly.

Pei Qingci was at a loss for words, rubbing his brow with his hand, his long fingers moving slightly: “The meeting’s done.”

Sheng Qingli: “… Oh.”

Pei Qingci looked at her cold reply for a moment, smirking silently as he put away his phone.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated.

He opened it to find a message from Ying Zheng: “The news was leaked by one of the employees.”

Pei Qingci wasn’t surprised: “Next time you recruit, remember to hire someone more discreet.”

Ying Zheng: “…”

Ying Zheng: “Has it caused you or Sheng Qingli any trouble?”

Pei Qingci: “Yes.”

Ying Zheng: “?”

Pei Qingci: “There are many people online accusing her of being opportunistic.”

Ying Zheng: “… Do you want me to handle it?”

Pei Qingci: “Should I do it instead?”

Ying Zheng: “Okay, this is my side’s problem. I’ll take care of it. How have you and Sheng Qingli been lately?”

Pei Qingci: “Very good.”

Ying Zheng: “?”

Ying Zheng: “Is that true or not?”

Pei Qingci: “?”

Ying Zheng quickly retracted his last message and awkwardly added, “Then congratulations to you.”

Pei Qingci: “Don’t message me unless it’s important.”

He was just as sarcastic as Xiang Rong.

Ying Zheng: “…”

He felt a bit choked up but didn’t call him out: “Alright, I won’t disturb Teacher Pei at the set. See you next week.”

Pei Qingci: “Mm.”

Ending the conversation with Ying Zheng, Pei Qingci returned to the hotel.

When the doorbell rang, Sheng Qingli was sprawled on the sofa with the trophy, going over the script. The scene was cozy.

Perhaps sensing who was outside, the trophy quickly jumped off the sofa and cautiously walked to a stool nearest the door.

Sheng Qingli watched, unable to suppress a smile.

When the door opened, Pei Qingci saw Sheng Qingli’s smiling face, her eyes bright and lively, something he had always known.

When she smiled, her cool demeanor softened, becoming bright and gentle.

Uncontrollably, Pei Qingci paused for a moment.

Suddenly, Sheng Qingli caught a scent and raised her eyes, putting away her smile, “Have you been drinking?”

Pei Qingci hesitated for a moment, looking down as he replied, “The magazine’s editor-in-chief came by.”

Sheng Qingli: “Ah?”

She was momentarily taken aback but realized Pei Qingci was talking about the things they did out at night.

“Was it for the magazine shoot you did last night?” she asked instinctively.

Pei Qingci nodded.

The editor-in-chief came over partly to see Taolin County; when Pei Qingci went to the city center for the magazine shoot, they chatted a bit, and the editor seemed quite interested in Taolin County.

She knew Pei Qingci was working on Director Zhong’s new film and that Taolin County was a primary filming location.

After hearing Pei Qingci say that Taolin was a great place, she became interested in coming over for inspiration for the next magazine theme.

Since Pei Qingci’s magazine shoot went until four in the morning, the editor felt guilty and insisted on treating him to dinner.

Upon hearing Pei Qingci’s explanation, Sheng Qingli nodded lightly, “How could it take that long?”

Detecting her probing, Pei Qingci replied calmly, “The photographer wanted a backdrop with the morning light and clouds.”

Sheng Qingli understood.

She responded with an “Mm,” but before she could say more, she noticed the trophy circling around them, trying to get their attention.

Watching it, she smiled and squatted down to rub its head, picking it up and handing it to Pei Qingci, “Here you go.”

Hearing this, Pei Qingci’s eyes flickered as he took it, “This doesn’t count.”

His voice was deep and soothing in the quiet, dimly lit corridor.

Sheng Qingli was momentarily confused, “How doesn’t it count?”

Wasn’t returning it to herself what made it a complete return?

Noticing her bewildered expression, Pei Qingci felt a shift in his heart and restrained the urge to pinch her cheeks and pull her into his embrace. He didn’t offer further explanation, “It’s nothing, get some rest.”

Sheng Qingli frowned, a bit annoyed at his habit of being vague, “Can’t you be clearer?”

Pei Qingci composed himself, his tone indifferent, “I’ll tell you later.”

“?”

It was only after closing the door and entering the bathroom that Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but murmur, “Who said anything about a future with you?”

But the person across from her didn’t hear.

---

After the trophy arrived at the set, the frequency of conversations between Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci clearly increased.

Previously, when they were at the training base, Sheng Qingli was training, and Pei Qingci had a lot on his plate. Aside from having meals together with her and Xu Xingyue and occasionally giving them pointers, he was usually out of sight.

Now, while they still didn’t talk much on set, after training and returning to the hotel, Sheng Qingli found herself unable to resist borrowing trophy to play with in her room for a while.

A long time ago, Sheng Qingli had wanted to raise a well-behaved, quiet kitten that could keep her company while she worked on her script, but she had been allergic before.

Later, once the allergy was gone, she was too busy with work.

Most kittens aren’t convenient to take around, as they don’t adapt well to travel.

Eventually, she dropped that idea.

Now that she finally saw trophy again, Sheng Qingli genuinely couldn’t help herself.

She felt a void whenever she didn’t see it for a day.

To this, her friend Li Yuwei, who was on a video call with her, remarked sharply, “Pei Qingci is really cunning!”

After a pause, she added, “And your willpower is as weak as ever.”

Sheng Qingli: “When do you finish filming?”

She didn’t take the bait.

Li Yuwei glanced at her, “In half a month. After we wrap up, I’ll rest for a few days and then come to see you.”

Sheng Qingli nodded, about to respond when Li Yuwei turned her attention to the trophy, raising her voice, “Come here, trophy, give Aunty a kiss, and Aunty will buy you some canned food.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

Trophy was currently lying beside Sheng Qingli, exposing its belly.

Seeing Li Yuwei’s fawning behavior towards the trophy, Sheng Qingli felt a bit speechless, “You have no dignity at all.”

She hadn’t even seen the trophy’s face and was already ready to buy it canned food.

Li Yuwei shot her a sideways glance, “I’m just learning from you.”

Sheng Qingli shot back, “I won’t take the blame.”

After chatting for a while, the doorbell rang.

Li Yuwei understood, “Is Teacher Pei here to pick up the cat?”

Sheng Qingli: “Yes.”

She reached out to touch the trophy’s head, feeling reluctant. “I don’t want to give it back to Pei Qingci. You should come and visit me on set.”

Li Yuwei was a bit confused. “You’re not wanting to return the trophy to Pei Qingci has what to do with me visiting you on set?”

Sheng Qingli replied seriously, “It does.”

Li Yuwei blinked.

Sheng Qingli: “We can partner up to steal a cat.”

Li Yuwei: “…”

She shot her an annoyed look and said bluntly, “If you steal a person, you won’t have to worry about the cat.”

Sheng Qingli maintained a straight face: “I’ll call it off, I’m going to send the cat.”

Li Yuwei: “Say hi to your ex-boyfriend for me.”

“…”

Of course, she wouldn’t say hi.

Sheng Qingli originally planned to return the trophy to Pei Qingci and then wash up and go to bed.

What she didn’t expect was that when she returned trophy, he suddenly called out to her, “Want to go together tomorrow?”

Tomorrow was the day they were collaborating on a brand endorsement.

Sheng Qingli paused and looked up at him. “I think not, I have a driver.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, amused. “I know.”

Sheng Qingli: “Then you—”

Before she could finish, Pei Qingci interrupted with a light, teasing tone, “When I said together, I meant two cars going together.”

He looked deeply into Sheng Qingli’s eyes. “I didn’t mean for you to take my car.”

“…”

Pei Qingci’s straightforwardness was not unexpected, and he was met with a door slammed in his face.

Watching the door close, he silently curved his lips into a smile, catching the little cat that tried to claw at the door and said slowly, “Don’t get greedy.”

Trophy: “Meow… meow…”

It didn’t have any.

Even if it were greedy, its previous owner loved it.

Pei Qingci had raised the trophy for so many years, and despite the communication barrier between humans and cats, he could still understand some of its meanings.

Thinking of this, he sneered, “Canned food is canceled tonight.”

Trophy immediately fell silent.

---

The next morning, Sheng Qingli got up early to wash up.

After a simple wash, Tong Tong came over.

“Sister Li Li, are you putting on makeup today?” Tong Tong was quite good at makeup.

Sheng Qingli thought for a moment. “No, I’ll do it when I get there.”

Lin Lin should have brought her makeup team.

Tong Tong nodded. “Shall we set off now?”

Sheng Qingli agreed.

The two opened the door to leave when Tong Tong was about to ask if they should invite Pei Qingci to go with them when the door across the hall opened as well.

Their eyes met.

A few seconds later, Tong Tong broke the silence. “Good morning, Teacher Pei. Are you also getting ready to leave?”

Pei Qingci responded and looked down at what Tong Tong was carrying. “Do you need help?”

Tong Tong was taken aback and quickly shook her head. “No, it’s not heavy.”

The three of them walked towards the elevator.

Sheng Qingli hadn’t said a word to Pei Qingci.

It wasn’t until the elevator doors opened in the underground parking lot and they were about to part ways to get into their cars that Sheng Qingli finally asked, “Is the trophy okay by itself in the room?”

Pei Qingci replied, “Mr. Rong will take care of it.”

Sheng Qingli was slightly taken aback and asked in surprise, “Isn’t he going to the city with you?”

Pei Qingci: “He’s too lazy to move.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

She nodded and suddenly realized something. “So you’re driving to the city alone today?”

Pei Qingci nodded and said with a downcast expression, “I didn’t bring a driver.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

After a moment of silence, Sheng Qingli finally spoke, “…If you don’t mind, then you can ride with us.”

Her vehicle was a van; adding Pei Qingci wouldn’t be a problem, even if Mr. Rong came along too.

Pei Qingci looked at her deeply for a moment and said slowly, “It’s my honor.”