Chapter 22: The Fallen Child Star (22) part 1

Xu Weiheng poured his heart and soul into charitable work with boundless enthusiasm.

He devoted an entire evening to compiling a meticulous two-page book list, aiming to establish another reading corner for the children at the Summer Orphanage.

Yao Rong scanned the list and noticed only two of the Four Great Classical Novels were included. “Aren’t you getting the other two?” she inquired.

“The orphanage already has those,” Xu replied, explaining that his carefully curated selection ensured a balance of literary and entertaining works while avoiding any duplication with the existing collection.

Yao Rong nodded approvingly and continued perusing the list.

Suddenly, her eyes caught a title she knew all too well.

“Starry Sky?” Yao Rong drawled teasingly. “I thought you said all these books were chosen from required reading lists for primary and secondary school students. When did my novel make that prestigious cut?”

Xu Weiheng cleared his throat and quietly defended his choice, “Reading science fiction helps enrich children’s imagination.”

As he spoke, Xu Weiheng grew more confident in his reasoning. “I’m not sneaking it in for personal reasons. Your book made the list because it’s genuinely well-written.”

Yao Rong couldn’t help but laugh, causing Xu Weiheng to feel slightly embarrassed.

He swiftly reclaimed the list, folded it neatly, and tucked it into his pocket. “I’m heading out to the bookstore,” he announced.

“Want me to come along and help?” Yao Rong offered, knowing he had many books to purchase and carry.

Xu Weiheng shook his head. “No need. I’ll just make a couple of trips. You go ahead with your own work.”

It was clear he wanted to complete this meaningful task entirely on his own.

After two full days of effort, Xu Weiheng successfully set up the additional reading corner at the orphanage.

On the opening day, he invited Yao Rong to accompany him to the orphanage.

Upon arrival, Xu Weiheng received an enthusiastic welcome from many of the children. Having spent the past two days there, he had become familiar with them, and they had naturally overcome any initial shyness.

Qin Lele was there too, and her fondness for Xu Weiheng had clearly surpassed her affection for Yao Rong. Apart from sweetly calling out “Sister” when she first saw Yao Rong, Lele spent the rest of the time circling around Xu Weiheng, constantly pleading, “Brother, please tell us a story!”

Xu Weiheng looked tempted and glanced towards Yao Rong.

She smiled encouragingly, “Go with Lele. I’ll wander around on my own.”

So Xu Weiheng left with the excited Qin Lele.

Yao Rong took a complete tour of the orphanage, inside and out, before returning to the classroom corridor.

Standing outside, she peered through the clear glass at the brand-new reading corner.

In that small, cozy space, Xu Weiheng sat surrounded by eager children.

He perched on a deep blue dinosaur-shaped stool that was comically small for his tall frame. In his arms, he cradled a picture book, his face adorned with a relaxed and contented smile.

Yao Rong could read a single, unmistakable emotion radiating from him—pure enjoyment.

At that moment, Yao Rong’s phone suddenly rang.

Glancing down, she saw a message from the production team informing her that they had booked flights for her and Xu Weiheng to G City for tomorrow afternoon.

Contemplating the upcoming second episode of the variety show, a faint, cold smile played at the corner of Yao Rong’s lips.

Now that Xu Weiheng’s life was gradually returning to normal, she didn’t want the Xu family to affect his emotions any further.

This was the perfect opportunity to settle everything once and for all.

The next afternoon, Yao Rong and Xu Weiheng, along with Ping’an, arrived in G City.

As they exited the airport, Yao Rong spotted the production staff waiting for them.

“They must be here to pick us up. Let’s head over,” she said to Xu Weiheng.

Xu Weiheng, carrying his guitar in one hand and holding Ping’an in the other, smiled and agreed.

The staff jogged over, greeting them: “Thank you for your hard work, teachers. Please get in the car and rest. Another group of guests will arrive shortly, and we’ll depart once they’re here.”

Yao Rong replied, “No problem, we’re fine with waiting.”

The cameras in the car were already rolling, and as soon as Yao Rong and Xu Weiheng boarded, the live stream began.

The other guests didn’t keep them waiting long. Yao Rong had barely taken a couple sips of water when they arrived.

“Hello!” A bright, cheerful voice came from outside the car.

Wen Qiu, a popular young actress, removed her sunglasses and shook her chestnut-golden curls as she poked her head into the car, greeting Yao Rong and Xu Weiheng. “Have you been waiting long?”

“Ms. Wen Qiu, we just arrived ourselves,” Xu Weiheng replied politely, standing to offer his seat.

Wen Qiu, cradling her Persian cat, smiled as she got into the car. “Don’t be so formal. I’m only a few years older than you, so just call me Sister Wen Qiu.”

Responding to her friendly gesture, Xu Weiheng’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Sister Wen Qiu, I’ve watched your drama ‘Jing Zhe’. I really enjoyed your performance in it.”

Wen Qiu looked at Xu Weiheng with surprise.