Chapter 21

Hearing what Pei Qingci said, Sheng Qingli held her breath, her heart racing a bit.

But soon, she calmed down. She didn’t believe he had the ability to read minds or could guess that she had dreamed about their past.

At most, he had only picked up on a hint.

With this thought, Sheng Qingli shot him a cool glance, trying to be dismissive. “Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci replied, “Hmm?”

He lowered his gaze to watch her, his eyes deep.

Sheng Qingli said, “We’re just ordinary partners. You wouldn’t actually meddle in what dreams I have, would you?”

With that, Sheng Qingli turned and walked away.

As she left, she couldn’t help but mutter, “You don’t even live by the sea.”

Pei Qingci: “…”

Watching Sheng Qingli’s proud figure recede into the distance, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

He really wanted to tell her that his home could also be by the sea.

---

The advertisement shoot was set in a larger, old warehouse, specifically chosen by Ying Zheng.

The scene was already set up, waiting for Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci to arrive, get their makeup done, change clothes, and start shooting.

As soon as Sheng Qingli approached, Lin Lin opened her arms for a hug, pinched her cheeks, and said, “You’ve lost a little weight.”

“Training has been tough,” Sheng Qingli complained to Lin Lin, looking aggrieved. “After we finish shooting today, can I have a big meal?”

She hadn’t felt full in a long time.

Lin Lin hesitated, and just then, Ying Zheng walked over and coughed softly, covering his mouth. “That should be okay, right?”

He hesitated, then added, “After we finish, I’ll treat you to dinner. Ms. Sheng, what do you want to eat?”

Sheng Qingli blinked and looked at Lin Lin.

Lin Lin replied, “You choose; I’ll cover this meal.”

Sheng Qingli smiled, raising her eyebrows. “If Mr. Ying is treating, I won’t be polite.”

Ying Zheng waved his hand generously. “No need to be polite with me.”

It was just a meal; he could easily afford it.

“Then I’ll think carefully about what to eat later,” Sheng Qingli said.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, she went off to get her makeup done.

As soon as she and Lin Lin left, Pei Qingci came out from behind.

Ying Zheng looked him up and down, teasingly saying, “Weren’t you supposed to come with Teacher Sheng?”

Pei Qingci knew what he was hinting at without needing to guess. “What’s the problem?”

“Why didn’t you two come up together? Avoiding suspicion?” Ying Zheng speculated.

Pei Qingci’s expression was indifferent. “You think what you want to think.”

He couldn’t exactly tell Ying Zheng that Sheng Qingli hadn’t waited for him when they entered the elevator.

He had actually waited for the elevator a second time.

“?”

Ying Zheng looked at the man suspiciously, feeling that something was off, but for the moment, he couldn’t pinpoint why.

Just then, a staff member called from a distance, and Ying Zheng signaled, “Go get your makeup done first.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci didn’t need much time for their makeup. After years in the entertainment industry, with so many loyal fans and passersby supporting them, it wasn’t just their talent as actors but also their looks that contributed to their popularity.

They were naturally beautiful, known for their exquisite features and flawless skin.

Pei Qingci’s makeup was the simplest; he finished his look and changed into his outfit to shoot solo endorsement photos and materials.

By the time he finished, Sheng Qingli’s makeup and styling were also complete.

Their makeup rooms were side by side, but when Pei Qingci left, Sheng Qingli was still getting styled.

It wasn’t until he saw Sheng Qingli walk out, fully dressed and styled, that Pei Qingci’s calm expression faltered for a second.

She wore simple athletic wear in a pale pink color.

Sheng Qingli exuded an air of youthful vitality, but that wasn’t the key point. The highlight was her high ponytail, a look she had sported during the filming of “Love’s Vow,” which fans still remembered fondly.

Pei Qingci remembered it, and so did the crew members who had seen the film.

Someone couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, Bian Yue is back!”

Bian Yue was the name of Sheng Qingli’s character in “Love’s Vow.”

Hearing the staff’s comment, Sheng Qingli smiled shyly, her eyes crescent-shaped and bright, reminiscent of the moon. Her large, sparkling eyes were clear and radiant, just like when she had looked at the stars in the film and turned to the male lead, saying, “Soon, I’ll be there too; you’ll definitely recognize which one is me, right?”

Six or seven years had passed, yet she had changed not at all.

Pei Qingci quietly gazed at her, speechless.

Feeling a deep, intense gaze, Sheng Qingli’s breath hitched slightly, and she feigned nonchalance as she met his gaze.

Their eyes locked.

After a few seconds, Ying Zheng was the first to regain his composure. He cleared his throat and redirected everyone’s attention, saying, “I knew choosing Teacher Sheng was the right call.”

He joked, “This year’s performance will depend on Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli chuckled softly and replied, “You’re putting too much pressure on me, Mr. Ying.”

“Relax,” Ying Zheng advised.

Sheng Qingli nodded slightly and went to the photo studio to take pictures.

As she walked in front of the camera, Ying Zheng elbowed the person next to him, lowering his voice, “Teacher Pei, you should snap out of it.”

He teased, “If you don’t snap out of it, Pei Qingci staring at Sheng Qingli is going to trend.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingci glanced at him nonchalantly and said, “Remember to increase her endorsement fee.”

Ying Zheng: “…”

He choked slightly, feeling absurd, “We haven’t even sold anything yet.”

Pei Qingci replied, “You can start preparing the stock.”

He looked at the vibrant person in front of the camera and said softly, “Bian Yue’s fanbase is much larger than you think.”

Bian Yue was a character beloved by Sheng Qingli’s fans, including many casual viewers. Whenever there were polls for white moonlight characters, Bian Yue always ranked first.

In truth, before her makeup, Sheng Qingli hadn’t planned to ride the “Bian Yue” wave.

But today’s outfit was too fitting, and her stylist suggested she try a high ponytail.

After hesitating for a few seconds, Sheng Qingli made her decision.

Of course, she felt she had changed significantly from the girl who played Bian Yue six or seven years ago.

At the very least, she had aged nearly seven years; her appearance hadn’t changed much, but she had grown more composed.

She was no longer the naive girl in her early twenties; yet, the moment she caught her reflection in the mirror after getting styled and then met Pei Qingci’s eyes, she suddenly felt like… she was still Bian Yue, and Pei Qingci was still that person who would greet her and playfully steal kisses until she could hardly breathe.

After the personal promotional photos of the two new endorsers were completed, the photographer began to take duo shots.

For an athletic brand, the duo endorsement photos typically wouldn’t be overly intimate or special.

However, when Pei Qingci and Sheng Qingli stood together, the photographer couldn’t help but be inspired.

After changing into two different setups, the photographer politely suggested to both of them, “Teacher Pei, Teacher Sheng, how about we shoot one more set that’s a bit special?”

Hearing the word “special,” Sheng Qingli was surprised. “Something special?”

The photographer replied, “Yes, I actually want to recreate a popular close-up shot from ‘Love’s Vow.'”

At this, the photographer shyly added, “I’m a fan of both of you.”

In “Love’s Vow,” they had taken many photos together.

Among them, the most memorable for fans was when they ran into a roadside bookstore, discovered a photo booth, and took many silly and cute close-up pictures.

Because of that scene, taking close-up photos had briefly become a trend.

And the bookstore they visited was still seeing fans drop by to check it out.

“But isn’t that a bit inappropriate for an athletic brand?” Sheng Qingli hesitated.

Just as the photographer was about to speak, Ying Zheng interjected, “How about we take a few sets as fan benefits?”

He thought of a way to say, “Once the official announcement is made, we’ll print them as posters and postcards to be given away in a fan lottery. What do you think?”

Normally, both Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci wouldn’t agree to such a “losing” deal.

But it had truly been too long since they had worked together, and they knew very well what the fans of “Love’s Vow” most wanted to see after learning about their collaboration.

After a moment of contemplation, Sheng Qingli asked, “Shouldn’t there be no restrictions on special requests?”

Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow. “Of course.”

He understood what Sheng Qingli meant, “We won’t require fans who want postcards and posters to buy the clothes to participate in the lottery.”

Having received Ying Zheng’s promise, Sheng Qingli went to see Lin Lin.

Lin Lin knew her thoughts and pondered for a few seconds, “Mr.Ying.”

Ying Zheng replied, “Sister Lin, you say it.”

Lin Lin smiled gently, “You have to keep your word.”

Ying Zheng assured her, “Don’t worry.”

Even if he wanted to do something despicable, Pei Qingci wouldn’t allow it. Besides, Ying Zheng wasn’t that petty.

As he spoke, he looked at Pei Qingci, “What do you think, Teacher Pei?”

Pei Qingci replied, “Whatever.”

He didn’t have strong opinions.

With both of their agreements, the photographer began to work.

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci’s shoot today was destined to break the perfect distance they had maintained.

To please everyone, the two even recreated two poses from “Love’s Vow.” They accidentally bumped their foreheads and gazed at each other in a daze. Meanwhile, Bian Yue complained that the person next to her was too tall, prompting him to squat slightly and lean on her shoulder, making her pose for the camera, freezing that moment in the lens.

…

–

After the shoot, Sheng Qingli quickly returned to the makeup room.

Lin Lin, who had been supervising nearby, paused and followed her.

Ying Zheng glanced at Sheng Qingli’s retreating figure, then at Pei Qingci, who was leisurely walking out of the set, narrowing his eyes slightly.

“What did you do?” he asked as he approached Pei Qingci.

Pei Qingci looked puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Ying Zheng whispered, “Don’t pretend. If you hadn’t done anything, would Sheng Qingli run that fast?”

“…”

Pei Qingci was speechless and genuinely felt that Ying Zheng had a deep misunderstanding of him. “There were so many people around just now; what could I do?”

Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow, incredulously asking, “So if there weren’t so many people, you would do something?”

Pei Qingci shot him a cold glance.

Ying Zheng fell silent, following him toward the makeup room, still skeptical. “… You really didn’t do anything to Teacher Sheng?”

Pei Qingci didn’t bother to respond.

He truly hadn’t done anything to Sheng Qingli; they were just too familiar with each other. The impression left from years ago when they took those big-headed stickers was too deep, and recreating it made them inevitably recall what had happened back then.

Pei Qingci thought of it.

He guessed Sheng Qingli felt the same way.

If not, she wouldn’t have run away so quickly.

After changing back into his clothes in the makeup room and taking a big gulp of water, Sheng Qingli felt she had been pulled back to reality.

Lin Lin stared at her, glancing at Pei Qingci, who was changing clothes on the other side, and asked quietly, “Are you okay?”

Sheng Qingli shook her head, “… I’m fine.”

She bit her lip and checked the time. “Shall we go eat later?”

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci had performed so well in front of the camera that they finished over an hour earlier than expected.

Lin Lin wasn’t too sure, “Let’s ask later.”

After pondering for a few seconds, she looked at Sheng Qingli, “If you don’t want to go, we won’t.”

Considering Sheng Qingli’s current status, declining a dinner invitation was completely fine.

Sheng Qingli paused, then quietly said, “Let’s go.”

Lin Lin frowned, “You—”

“It’s fine,” Sheng Qingli said.

Just as they were discussing, Ying Zheng approached.

“Teacher Sheng, shall we go eat directly later?” he asked.

Sheng Qingli nodded, “I’ll follow Mr.Ying’s arrangements.”

Moments later, Pei Qingci had also changed back into casual clothes, standing tall and elegant.

He had removed his makeup, revealing a strikingly handsome face that could tempt someone into “crime.”

Sheng Qingli glanced at him once and quickly turned her gaze away.

Thus, she didn’t notice that the person she had looked at had silently curved his lips into a smile.

Once everyone was ready, they headed to a well-known seafood restaurant in Ancheng.

Sheng Qingli planned to indulge a bit, mainly sampling high-protein seafood that wouldn’t make her gain weight.

Ying Zheng had booked two private rooms.

One was for Sheng Qingli, Pei Qingci, and their group, while the other was for the other staff members.

After entering the room, Sheng Qingli took off her mask.

She intended to sit at the edge, but Ying Zheng spoke first, calling her over, “Teacher Sheng, please sit here.”

With no choice, Sheng Qingli had to sit where he indicated.

Once seated, someone who had lagged behind her took the empty seat next to her.

“…”

Everyone in the room was familiar—besides Ying Zheng and Sheng Qingli, there were Lin Lin and the director of Ying Zheng’s company’s publicity department, along with two other key staff members.

The meal was quite pleasant.

Ying Zheng was an open-minded leader; he didn’t have the annoying habit of forcing drinks like some big bosses, nor did he compel employees, including spokespersons, to do things they disliked.

Sheng Qingli, surprisingly, ate a bit more.

By the time the meal ended, it was only seven o’clock.

Since Taolin County was somewhat far away and driving on the highway at night wasn’t very safe, Ying Zheng had arranged hotel suites for them early on.

On the way to the hotel, Pei Qingci didn’t ride with Sheng Qingli anymore.

He walked with Ying Zheng.

Seeing who was getting in the car, Ying Zheng chuckled lightly, “Why aren’t you riding with Teacher Sheng anymore?”

Pei Qingci cast a sidelong glance at him, speaking flatly, “Are you free lately?”

Ying Zheng shrugged, “Not too bad.”

Pei Qingci remained silent.

Ying Zheng turned his head to watch Sheng Qingli’s car merge onto the spacious road, unable to resist his curiosity, “Actually, I’m a bit curious—what do you and Sheng Qingli count as now?”

Pei Qingci glanced down at his phone, where Rong had sent him a few messages, including videos of two trophies.

Pei Qingci opened the messages and replied, “How is it today?”

Xiang Rong replied, “Very good! It’s not my first day taking care of it; why are you worried I can’t handle it?”

Pei Qingci responded, “Hmm.”

Xiang Rong: “…”

There was no need to be so blunt.

He was slightly at a loss for words, “How about you? Was the shoot smooth?”

Pei Qingci answered, “It’s all done.”

Xiang Rong asked, “When will it be officially announced?”

Pei Qingci replied, “I’m not sure. Why?”

Xiang Rong: “I need to disconnect from the internet in advance.”

Pei Qingci: “…”

He silently scoffed, his long fingers moving, “It’s not that exaggerated.”

Xiang Rong: “You still don’t understand your fans well enough.”

Pei Qingci stated, “I think my fans are pretty great.”

Xiang Rong: “Please don’t view them through idol filters.”

Not wanting to chat with Xiang Rong any longer, Pei Qingci put down his phone.

Suddenly, he remembered something and opened the text to send: “Want to see the trophy?”

When Sheng Qingli saw Pei Qingci’s message, she had already returned to the hotel room with Lin Lin.

After a long day of shooting, she was too tired to do anything but lie down.

Lin Lin, noticing how exhausted she looked, picked up her phone and said, “I should really take a picture of you like this to show your fans.”

“…” Sheng Qingli replied innocently, “I’m tired.”

She slumped onto the sofa and asked Lin Lin to bring her phone.

Lin Lin handed it to her.

With half-closed eyes, Sheng Qingli opened her phone and immediately saw the message from Pei Qingci.

She paused slightly, hesitating for three seconds before replying, “Not looking.”

It wasn’t like she didn’t have pictures and videos of trophies on her phone already.

After sending that message, Sheng Qingli met Lin Lin’s gaze.

After a brief moment of surprise, she obediently sat up straight from the sofa, asking, “Do you have something to ask me?”

She knew Lin Lin well.

Lin Lin leaned against the dining table in the suite, arms crossed as she looked at her. “Why did you run off so quickly after shooting the material?”

She inquired, “Pei Qingci really didn’t do anything to you?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “No.”

“Then it means you recalled your past together,” Lin Lin said directly, “Is that right?”

Sheng Qingli fell silent.

Seeing her like this, Lin Lin sighed softly, “What are you thinking?”

Sheng Qingli raised her eyes to meet Lin Lin’s gaze for a moment, saying, “I don’t know.”

Lin Lin pressed, “Did he say anything?”

Sheng Qingli shook her head.

“If he said he wants to get back together with you, would you agree?” Lin Lin asked the crucial question.

Sheng Qingli hesitated, recalling what she had said before, and quietly responded, “He probably wouldn’t—”

Before she could finish, Lin Lin interrupted her, reminding her, “Others may not know, but both you and I know that he reached out to you after your breakup.”