Chapter 10: The Cold Heart Moved Slightly, A Nearly Undetectable “Hmm…”

This skydiving mission, titled “Jumping the Mountain,” was a commercial for the show Heartbeat Accelerated. It was intended to promote the newly developed glider project from the Huo Group before its official release.

The glider is easy to operate, requiring just a hand lever to control the direction of flight. Once you wear the specially designed gliding safety suit, there’s no need to worry about getting scratched, and even if danger arises, the back of the suit has a parachute that deploys automatically when you press the button on your wrist, ensuring a safe landing.

In a past life, Huo Qi didn’t tell the production team about his severe fear of heights and chose to use the glider like everyone else. Due to his aloof nature and cold demeanor, no one noticed his pale complexion. However, during the flight, his fear of heights triggered an attack, leaving him paralyzed with fear, and the glider veered off course uncontrollably, crashing between two large trees. Fortunately, he was unharmed.

Following the incident, many netizens questioned the safety of the glider, and the project, along with sabotage from rival companies, was delayed indefinitely. Huo Qi was also disowned by the Huo family, who declared that they had no son by that name. However, what no one knew was that the glider project, which was initially dismissed, was Huo Qi’s brainchild—he had dug up this gold, hidden in the dirt.

To get the glider project running, Huo Qi tirelessly worked to secure funding and, through numerous experiments and trials, gradually perfected it. Despite his fear of heights, he tried to overcome it and intended to personally complete the final test flight. However, during that test, someone sabotaged the glider, causing Huo Qi to get injured. His father then handed the project over to his foolish younger brother.

The other project leaders were swayed by money from his stepmother and brother, betraying him.

…

Ning Qingyan thought deeply and realized that Huo Qi must have joined Heartbeat Accelerated not just to lay low and hide himself, but possibly to seek revenge after learning that the show was handling the Huo Group’s new glider ad.

Huo Qi seemed to sense her gaze and looked over. His face was slightly pale, with sharp, handsome features, and his long, narrow eyes were as dark as ink, making it hard to gauge his emotions.

Their eyes met. Ning Qingyan frowned slightly and asked gently, “You don’t look well. Is everything alright?”

Huo Qi paused for a moment, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes. Despite his aloof and distant nature, why had she noticed his discomfort and shown concern?

Green Tea System: “Huo Qi’s affection +1.”

Just then, the program director’s voice came through the male guests’ earphones.

“Please carefully read the instructions and take precautions. If you have any special concerns, report them promptly. The princesses are waiting for the princes’ rescue at the foot of the mountain. Princes, do your best!”

As the director finished, Huo Qi shifted his gaze, his lips pressed into a thin line. He spoke quietly, “It’s fine.”

He turned his attention to the familiar glider in the distance, his eyes deep and unreadable.

If the golden opportunity he’d spent years polishing was not meant to be revealed through him, then let it remain buried, just like when no one appreciated it in the beginning.

Just as he had never been liked in the past, and perhaps never would be.

…

Ning Qingyan sighed, used to his dismissive response. She had expected it. If skydiving was his choice, and if he remained unharmed, she wouldn’t try to intervene under the pretext of “saving him.”

However, looking back, she couldn’t help but admire his ambition. Even with his fear of heights, Huo Qi was using it to his advantage in the quest for revenge. This ruthless, take-no-prisoners attitude was proof of the kind of person who would one day rule an empire.

But Ning Qingyan remained skeptical about the “sacrificial” nature of the incident. The glider was just too “conveniently” wedged between two trees, leaving him unharmed while netizens celebrated his good fortune.

As her thoughts wandered, the four of them got ready for their jump, which would be done one by one based on their weight to avoid collision.

First was the tall Gu Si, followed by Wen Shijin, Huo Qi, and finally Ning Qingyan.

At 178 cm, Ning Qingyan was tall among women but still shorter than the 185 cm men around her, not to mention her weight was even less significant.

When she stepped on the scale, Gu Si, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “With that small frame, I could take on ten of you. Do you know why you can’t find a boyfriend? No girl would want someone so fragile.”

Ning Qingyan glanced at him seriously, causing Gu Si to feel uneasy, lowering his voice. “What are you looking at? Want to fight?”

She tilted her head, her bright, clear eyes filled with curiosity as she asked, “So, with your strong frame and your expert skills in romance, do you have a girlfriend?”

Gu Si: …

“Uh, no… I mean… who says you have to have a girlfriend…” Gu Si stammered, but Ning Qingyan interrupted him with a teasing smile.

“Don’t tell me, big brother, that you’re the ‘master of romance’ but you don’t even have a girlfriend. Don’t mislead others; give me back my tuition fees.”

Gu Si: ?

“What tuition fees? When did I take your money?” Gu Si questioned, but before he could respond, Ning Qingyan’s playful expression shifted, her smile mischievous as she hooked her finger under his chin.

“Want to learn? Then smile for me,” she teased.

Her mocking gesture reminded him of the time he had teased her with his playful advice about romance. His fingers tingled as she held his chin, sending shivers through him, snapping him back from his memories.

Green Tea System: “Gu Si’s affection +1.”

Embarrassed, Gu Si slapped her hand away, raising an eyebrow. “What are you talking about? You’re learning from me now? Don’t pretend like you’re a master.”

Ning Qingyan calmly replied, “But you don’t have a girlfriend.”

Gu Si, undeterred, said, “So what? Even if I don’t have a girlfriend, it doesn’t mean I’m not a master. The highest level of romance is: passing through the forest of grass without touching a leaf. We can’t give up the whole forest for one tree, you know?”

Ning Qingyan smiled and responded, “So I don’t have a girlfriend, just like you, because we’re not giving up the whole forest.”

Gu Si, for the first time, had no response.

The message was clear: by mocking her lack of a boyfriend, he was mocking himself.

Before Gu Si could say anything further, the director’s voice sounded once again.

“The equipment checks are complete. The first guest, Gu Si, is ready for his jump.”

Gu Si ruffled her hair playfully and said, “When I rescue the princess later, you’ll see how it’s done.” With that, he jumped first.

The glider deployed smoothly, and Gu Si easily took control, performing tricks mid-air while the viewers screamed in excitement.

Next was Wen Shijin, who, after finishing his analysis of the new glider, took his turn, providing some tips for Ning Qingyan and Huo Qi before flying gracefully into the sky.

Finally, Huo Qi took his turn, maintaining a calm, cold demeanor.

Ning Qingyan watched his back, calling out, “Be careful. Watch your safety.”

Huo Qi paused slightly, and in response to her concern, he gave a barely audible “Hmm.”

Green Tea System: “Huo Qi’s affection +1.”

And then, he glided off the cliff.

Ning Qingyan stepped to the spot where he had stood, watching his glider descend quickly, like a bird shot from the sky. Her heart skipped a beat as she clenched her fists.