Chapter 24

Fans who saw Pei Qingci’s new Weibo post immediately rushed to be the first to comment, racing against time to leave messages, without even taking a good look at what he had reposted.

It wasn’t until most of them were halfway through typing their comments that they realized something was wrong.

“Ahhh, I’m first!”

“Congrats to my bro on the new endorsement, let’s celebrate together… Wait, what’s going on?!”

“WTF?! Am I seeing things? I must be blind. Definitely blind.”

“…???”

“I’m going to lose it. Bro, did you repost the wrong Weibo? Do you even know what you just shared?”

“Husband looks so handsome! Ahhhhh, I’m buying everything my husband wears!!”

“Husband, if you’ve been kidnapped, blink twice.”

“…I’m completely speechless.”

Just as Sheng Qingli expected, Pei Qingci’s fans went from disbelief, thinking he had been hacked, to… completely losing their minds.

She checked it out using Tong Tong’s alt account.

In no time, the hashtag #PeiQingciRepostsShengQingliWeibo was trending.

Even bystanders who saw the trending topic were shocked.

“What? What’s happening? Did they go public with their relationship?”

“Holy crap! I can’t believe I lived to see this day?!”

“Ahhhh, I’m seriously going to lose it! How many years has it been?! I thought I’d never see them work together again, but not only did they announce a joint endorsement, hubby even reposted wifey’s Weibo! Pei Qingci, you totally understand us CP fans!!!”

“OMG, I can have dinner with this sweet moment tonight!”

“WTF, WTF, Sheng and Pei happiness overload today.”

“Am I really not dreaming? Is this real? My OTP actually gave us this sweet moment?”

“Five years. Five years. Do you guys have any idea how I’ve survived?”

Pei Qingci’s solo interaction on Weibo unsurprisingly garnered widespread attention.

It even became part of the “once in a lifetime” series. After all, ever since their movie Love Vow was released, the fact that these two had no further interactions left countless fans, CP shippers, and even casual observers scratching their heads.

For this reason, many people believed they had secretly dated, then broken up—most likely, not on good terms.

If this wasn’t the reason, everyone truly couldn’t understand why they have avoided each other so carefully and acted like strangers all these years.

Just as solo fans were confused, with some even shouting that Pei Qingci’s actions were going to make them stop being fans, relatively rational lead fans and followers stepped in to calm the situation.

“Is it such a big deal to repost a Weibo? My brother has reposted for others before.”

“Hahaha, what’s there to be happy about? Have you forgotten that a few years ago my brother even liked a post from an actress?”

“What’s there to be upset about with a repost of a collaboration? As everyone knows, my brother has always been cooperative with work. The two of them shot materials for ‘Love Vow’ to benefit fans, so isn’t it normal to cooperate by reposting a Weibo?”

“The other side is really stupid. My brother reposts one Weibo and you all get so excited?”

…

The fan circle was in an uproar.

Fights within fan circles were common, and Sheng Qingli was used to it, preparing to log out of Weibo. But before logging off, she glanced at Pei Qingci’s fan count.

Great, not only hadn’t it dropped, but it was also increasing rapidly.

Sheng Qingli no longer understood this online world.

She handed the phone to Tong Tong and continued training.

Just as she reached the martial arts instructor, Sheng Qingli heard Pei Qingci’s phone ring.

She glanced over just in time to see him decline the call.

Soon, the phone rang again.

If Sheng Qingli guessed correctly, the call should be from Xiang Rong.

At this hour, no one else would be calling Pei Qingci.

As expected, the call was indeed from Xiang Rong.

Pei Qingci also knew what he was going to say, so he simply hung up.

But Xiang Rong was too persistent, so Pei Qingci had no choice but to pick up the phone and step aside.

“Hello.”

“‘Hello’?! Don’t you know who I am?” Xiang Rong was furious.

Pei Qingci: “…”

“Why aren’t you speaking?” Xiang Rong was genuinely angry at this point. “Pei Qingci, do you really think I’ve had it too easy recently and want to cause me trouble on purpose?”

Knowing what Pei Qingci was thinking was one thing, but seeing it firsthand was another.

When Pei Qingci accepted Director Zhong’s invitation to appear as a guest star in his new movie, Xiang Rong had a vague feeling that Pei Qingci might do something unexpected.

He thought it would happen at least after filming started.

He didn’t expect Pei Qingci to start stirring things up before the movie was even officially announced.

Having worked with Pei Qingci for years, Xiang Rong always thought he knew him well.

Now, he realized he was still too naive.

“Sorry.” After hearing Xiang Rong’s words, Pei Qingci responded calmly. “Are the fans starting to curse you?”

Xiang Rong: “… Can’t you hold back a little? If you were with Sheng Qingli and did this, I wouldn’t say anything. But the problem is, you two haven’t even gotten back together yet.”

He didn’t even want to tell Pei Qingci that Sheng Qingli’s fans were already cursing him, accusing him of clinging for fame and attention.

Knowing what Xiang Rong wanted to say, Pei Qingci looked up at the person training not far away, his voice softening slightly. “It doesn’t make much difference to me.”

“Your fans—” Xiang Rong wanted to say something more, but ultimately gave up. “Think about your fans’ feelings.”

Pei Qingci remained silent.

After scolding him for a bit, Xiang Rong stopped talking. “Forget it, saying more won’t help. I know you keep your work and private life separate and feel that your personal life is none of your fans’ business. Over the years, you haven’t wronged your fans, and you don’t need them to vote or do anything else for you. But they love you and have expectations, so when it’s possible, you should consider how your solo fans feel.”

Xiang Rong understood Pei Qingci’s mindset, but the fans might not.

Some fans felt that everything Pei Qingci had now was because of them.

Without them, Pei Qingci would be nothing.

Of course, rational fans didn’t think that way. Pei Qingci earned all his resources step by step through his own efforts.

Whether it was starring in a major director’s film or securing high-end endorsements, he achieved it because he stood out.

Xiang Rong sighed. “I know you don’t care if fans stop supporting you or insult you, but it’s still better to be cautious.”

Pei Qingci wanted to say something but ultimately didn’t. “Got it.”

Xiang Rong: “…”

He probably didn’t get it.

But there was no point in saying more, so Xiang Rong sighed. “Don’t go online for the next couple of days. Let me review anything before you post.”

Pei Qingci: “Hanging up.”

“…”

After ending the call, Pei Qingci lowered his gaze and saw a few unread WeChat messages from a few minutes ago.

The Second Most Beautiful and Adorable Girl in the World: “Did you and Sheng Qingli get back together?”

The Second Most Beautiful and Adorable Girl in the World: “I just saw the trending topic. Everyone’s talking about it.”

The Second Most Beautiful and Adorable Girl in the World: “Is it true or not?!”

…

Pei Qingci glanced at the messages and typed, “Did you take your phone to school again?”

The other side went quiet.

Pei Qingci put away his phone and, by chance, caught someone’s gaze from across the room.

After locking eyes for a few seconds, he walked over. “Teacher Sheng, are you done practicing?”

Sheng Qingli: “…What did Brother Rong say?”

“Not much,” Pei Qingci lowered his gaze, “Want to take a break?”

Sheng Qingli: “I’m not tired yet.”

Pei Qingci nodded. “Then continue, Teacher Sheng.”

“?”

Watching Pei Qingci walk away, Sheng Qingli felt slightly perplexed.

What does this person mean?!

—

The trending topic on Weibo cooled off that evening.

After finishing her training, Sheng Qingli returned to the hotel. Just a few days before wrapping up, Li Yuwei, who hadn’t contacted her in a while, couldn’t hold back and called her via video.

She immediately asked about the Weibo incident.

Sheng Qingli glanced at her and said seriously, “I think you’ve got the wrong person.”

Li Yuwei blinked.

Sheng Qingli continued, “If you want to know the details, you should call Pei Qingci.”

Li Yuwei shot her a look, “Oh, so if I call Pei Qingci, you won’t be jealous?”

“Why would I be jealous?” Sheng Qingli replied sternly, “We have nothing to do with each other.”

Li Yuwei chuckled, “Ex-boyfriends and girlfriends aren’t nothing?”

“You said ‘ex,’” Sheng Qingli corrected her. “That’s the past tense.”

Upon hearing this, Li Yuwei smiled slightly, “Then swear right now that you and Pei Qingci will only ever be exes in this lifetime.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

Noting the speechless expression on Sheng Qingli’s face, Li Yuwei proudly huffed, “Little one, do you think I don’t know you?”

“…” Sheng Qingli felt a bit flustered and angry. “I’m hanging up!”

Li Yuwei was left speechless, “That’s your only threat?”

Sheng Qingli huffed, acting quite childish. “If it works, it’s fine even if it’s few.”

After chatting for a while, Li Yuwei sighed, resting her chin on her hand as she stared at her.

Sheng Qingli glanced at her, “What’s wrong?”

“Since we’re about to wrap up, I’m feeling a little reluctant,” Li Yuwei expressed.

Sheng Qingli paused, understanding her feelings, “Where there’s a gathering, there’s a parting.”

Li Yuwei replied, “That’s true, but after spending a few months together, I still feel a bit reluctant.”

Even though she should have been used to it by now.

As wrapping approached, the melancholy still surged.

After a moment of silence, Li Yuwei waved her hand, “Enough with the sad talk. When is your film starting? Can I attend your opening ceremony?”

Sheng Qingli chuckled, “You’re welcome, but Director Zhong probably won’t invite the media.”

Li Yuwei was surprised, “A secret opening?”

“More or less,” Sheng Qingli explained. “He’s used to announcing things only after filming wraps, so the opening ceremony won’t be very lively.”

Li Yuwei shrugged, “It’s fine; I’m going to see you.”

Sheng Qingli called her out, “I think you’re just there for the spectacle.”

Li Yuwei grinned, “As long as you know, there’s no need to say it out loud.”

Returning to the main topic, Li Yuwei asked, “What does Pei Qingci really mean? Is he pursuing you?”

Sheng Qingli: “…No.”

“He posted that on Weibo; isn’t that him trying to be nice to you?” Li Yuwei exclaimed.

Sheng Qingli opened the script on the table and replied slowly, “Did you not see the comments from his fans?”

Li Yuwei: “What?”

“He used to like posts from his co-stars and retweet promotional posts for his collaborators. It’s perfectly normal for him to retweet mine after we filmed an advertisement together,” Sheng Qingli said leisurely.

Li Yuwei: “…”

She was momentarily speechless, looking at the person on the screen, “Is it really normal? Do you think it’s normal?”

Sheng Qingli fell silent.

Li Yuwei didn’t bother to confront her further. She checked the time, “I won’t talk to you anymore; I have filming in the morning. I’ll go rest.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Good night.”

“Good night.”

After hanging up, Sheng Qingli decided to look at the script for a while.

Yet, for some reason, the conversation with Li Yuwei played in her mind like a mantra.

Is it normal?

Not normal.

Pei Qingci wasn’t the kind of person to interact with co-stars, even familiar ones, on Weibo.

Except for a long time ago.

In the past, their personal Weibo accounts would sometimes be used by the company for interaction and publicity with other artists.

But in recent years, Sheng Qingli managed her own Weibo, and so did Pei Qingci.

Neither wanted others to interfere with their personal Weibo content, not even their agents or assistants. Moreover, the post Pei Qingci made today was one she saw him publish.

Sheng Qingli actually disliked guessing.

She hated speculating on anything, let alone trying to figure out Pei Qingci’s thoughts.

She despised doing comprehension exercises, yet when it came to Pei Qingci’s actions, she couldn’t help but spiral into conjectures about why he said this or did that.

After thinking for a while, Sheng Qingli developed a headache.

Feeling somewhat defeated, she closed the script and decided to sleep.

Once asleep, she wouldn’t think about it.

—

Because they officially announced their endorsement, both Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci gained a significant number of followers on Weibo.

However, Sheng Qingli didn’t pay much attention. With the filming approaching, she focused more on her training.

A week before filming began, Zhong Hongmao also arrived.

The on-site construction was nearing completion, and on the day Zhong arrived, Sheng Qingli had a meal with them.

The next day, the other actors started to arrive one after another.

Several key actors gathered for a meeting to read through the script.

Some of the actors knew that the female lead was Sheng Qingli, but they didn’t know that Pei Qingci would also be participating in the film.

Thus, when they spotted Pei Qingci in the reading room, several of them displayed surprised expressions. Fortunately, they were all “actors,” so even though they were astonished, it didn’t last long.

On the first day of the script reading, Sheng Qingli met a new actress selected by Director Zhong, named Yin Yanyan.

She had just graduated from university and was five years younger than Sheng Qingli.

On the way back to the hotel after the reading, she curiously asked Sheng Qingli, “Sister Qingli, what’s your relationship with Mr. Pei?”

She was very direct.

Sheng Qingli paused for a moment, looked at her, and said, “My relationship with you is the same as my relationship with him.”

“Really?” Yin Yanyan was surprised. “You two aren’t dating?”

Seeing the excitement on the girl’s face, Sheng Qingli hesitated and replied, “Why do you ask?”

“Is Mr. Pei single right now?” Yin Yanyan smiled shyly. “I really like him. If he’s single, I want to pursue him.”

“…”

Hearing the girl’s bold and straightforward words, Sheng Qingli was momentarily stunned, slowly shaking her head. “I’m not really sure.”

“Yeah,” Yin Yanyan said casually. “He seems like the kind of person who doesn’t talk much about his personal life.”

Sheng Qingli didn’t respond.

Yin Yanyan cheerfully added, “But thanks for telling me that you and Mr. Pei aren’t in a relationship.”

Sheng Qingli smiled faintly. “No problem.”

Yin Yanyan had asked, and it was only natural for her to respond.

She paused, looking at the girl’s bright smile, unable to resist asking, “Are you sure you want to pursue him?”

“I’ll pursue him if he’s single,” Yin Yanyan said honestly.

Sheng Qingli pressed her lips together and asked softly, “Aren’t you afraid of rejection?”

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Yin Yanyan, just graduated, was full of courage and enthusiasm. “If he rejects me, then he does. I can’t just assume he’ll say no and not take any action.”

Yin Yanyan wasn’t into the whole secret crush thing.

She told Sheng Qingli that she chose to act because of Pei Qingci.

In high school, she watched one of Pei Qingci’s movies and became a fan. Back then, her feelings were those of an admirer towards an idol.

Now that she had met him and learned he wasn’t dating Sheng Qingli, she couldn’t help but feel the urge to pursue him.

If she could date Pei Qingci, it would be a dream come true.

She then turned to Sheng Qingli and asked, “By the way, Sister Qingli, since you and Mr. Pei worked on the same project before, do you know what he likes to eat?”

“…Sorry.” After hearing her question clearly, Sheng Qingli replied, “I can’t tell you that.”

Yin Yanyan wanting to pursue Pei Qingci was none of Sheng Qingli’s business, and she wouldn’t interfere.

But she wouldn’t disclose Pei Qingci’s preferences.

Yin Yanyan was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, “There’s no need to apologize! It’s only natural that you can’t tell me.”

Sheng Qingli smiled. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Of course,” Yin Yanyan said. “I won’t keep you longer, Sister Qingli. I see Mr. Pei up ahead, so I’ll go ahead.”

Before Sheng Qingli could say anything else, Yin Yanyan eagerly ran past her to catch up with the person walking ahead.

Watching the figures fade into the distance, Sheng Qingli’s steps hesitated, and she suddenly didn’t feel like returning to the hotel.

Noticing her sudden pause, Tong Tong, a few steps behind, walked up beside her. “Sister Li, why aren’t you going? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No,” Sheng Qingli glanced at her. “Tong Tong.”

“Yeah?” Tong Tong replied.

Sheng Qingli pulled out her phone to check the time. “Let’s go explore somewhere else.”

Tong Tong blinked, slightly hesitating. “Okay, where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere is fine,” Sheng Qingli said, having no particular destination in mind, just not wanting to return to the hotel too soon.

After thinking for a moment, Tong Tong recalled a place the staff had mentioned. “There’s a lively little street nearby. How about we go shopping there?”

Sheng Qingli nodded in agreement.

—

The two of them asked the driver to take them to the street in Taolin County.

Having been in Taolin County for a while, this was Sheng Qingli’s first time shopping in the town center.

The county was bustling at night.

Wearing a mask and a hat, Sheng Qingli wasn’t really recognized.

With no specific items in mind to buy, they strolled around leisurely.

In the end, Sheng Qingli bought quite a few cute little things to cheer herself up.

They returned to the hotel around ten o’clock.

Tong Tong intended to walk her to her room, but Sheng Qingli declined.

Holding her bag of small purchases, she waved her hand. “I can go up myself. All the people on our floor are staff; what are you worried about?”

Tong Tong’s concern for accompanying her stemmed from worries about potential fans or ill-intentioned people lurking on her floor, waiting for her to appear.

Such incidents had happened before, so Tong Tong was very cautious in this regard.

At the same time, she forgot that after Director Zhong and the others arrived, the floor where Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci stayed had been entirely booked for the convenience of the actors.

Director Zhong certainly wouldn’t want any scandals to emerge halfway through the filming.

Tong Tong exclaimed, “I forgot.”

She looked at Sheng Qingli. “Just let me know when you get into your room.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Got it.”

With her little treasures in hand, Sheng Qingli walked to her floor and stepped out of the elevator.

What she didn’t expect was that near her room, just as Tong Tong had guessed, there was indeed someone standing there.

But it wasn’t a fan or an ill-intentioned stranger; it was Pei Qingci.

Hearing the movement, the man leaning against the door lifted his eyelids to look at her.

Usually, at ten o’clock in a hotel corridor, it should be bustling.

However, their floor had been entirely booked, and the actors who had read the script all day were tired and had returned to their rooms early to rest. Thus, the surroundings were quiet, where even the slightest footstep could be heard clearly.

Their gazes met.

Sheng Qingli looked at Pei Qingci standing outside her room, uncertain if he was on the phone or… waiting for her, or perhaps for someone else.

Their rooms were near the end of the corridor, somewhat distant from the elevator.

Sheng Qingli walked over slowly, feigning calmness as she greeted the man whose gaze was deeply fixed on her, “Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci didn’t respond; he simply lowered his gaze at her, emanating an innate coldness.

Sheng Qingli bit her lip, regretting that she had greeted him.

She averted her gaze from him, choosing not to embarrass herself further, and silently took out her room card to unlock the door.

Just as she pushed the door open, a force suddenly came from behind.

Caught off guard, Sheng Qingli was pushed into her room by Pei Qingci, who followed her in and casually shut the door behind him.