Chapter 25

Sheng Qingli was caught off guard. She turned around in shock to see someone approaching her slowly and calmly. “Pei Qingci, what are you doing?”

Pei Qingci raised his eyelids, his expression indifferent as he looked at her, his face cold, his tone calm and steady. “Not calling me Teacher Pei anymore?”

“?”

What does that have to do with what’s happening now?

Sheng Qingli felt that he was being inexplicable.

“Stop right there.” When Pei Qingci was only a few steps away, Sheng Qingli spoke up. “What do you want?”

Pei Qingci furrowed his brows, looking at her wide-eyed gaze, his voice low and soft. “I need to ask you something.”

“What?” Sheng Qingli was cautious. When she met his gaze, she vaguely felt that the heavy aura surrounding her was suffocating, making it hard for her to breathe.

The sense of pressure he brought was overwhelming.

Pei Qingci took in her reaction, his expression frighteningly cold. “What did you say to Yin Yanyan?”

Sheng Qingli’s expression froze when she heard Yin Yanyan’s name, and she looked up at him. “Do I need to report my conversations with her to Teacher Pei?”

“If your conversation didn’t involve me, maybe not.” Pei Qingci’s face remained indifferent, giving off an air of authority without anger.

“…” Sheng Qingli was speechless and couldn’t find anything to refute. “I… so what?”

Sheng Qingli thought Pei Qingci was being unreasonable. Gossiping about him was her fault, but wasn’t him coming to question her a bit too authoritarian? “So, Teacher Pei doesn’t even allow people to talk now?”

Pei Qingci’s face was stern, his lips moving slightly. “What do you think?”

“If Teacher Pei forbids it, then I won’t mention you to anyone again. I—” Sheng Qingli felt frustrated, but before she could finish, Pei Qingci interrupted her. “Sheng Qingli, isn’t your focus wrong?”

Pei Qingci really didn’t know what to do with her.

Sheng Qingli pressed her lips together, starting to get angry. “What’s the focus?”

Pei Qingci closed his eyes for a moment, suppressing his irritation, then asked in a cold tone, “Did you tell Yin Yanyan to pursue me?”

“When did I ever—” Halfway through speaking, Sheng Qingli remembered her conversation with Yin Yanyan earlier that evening.

“Yes or no?” Pei Qingci took a step forward, pressing her, his breath heavy.

Sheng Qingli hadn’t noticed how close he was. She carefully recalled her conversation with Yin Yanyan. “What did she say to you?”

Pei Qingci: “…I’m the one asking the questions.”

“I didn’t tell her to chase after you,” Sheng Qingli said calmly. “It was her own idea to pursue you.”

It didn’t really have much to do with her.

Besides, she wasn’t anyone to Yin Yanyan. Would she really chase after Pei Qingci just because she suggested it, or not if she didn’t? That’s impossible.

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze, his eyes deep. “What did you say to her?”

“What could I have said to her?” Sheng Qingli’s temper flared as she was questioned. “You should ask her what she asked me.”

She didn’t want to waste more words on Pei Qingci. “If you came to my room just to ask that, I’ve already given you an answer. I only casually talked about you with her. Are you satisfied with this answer? If so, could you please…”

Before she could say “leave,” Pei Qingci suddenly leaned down, lowering himself to her level, his deep gaze locking onto hers.

Sheng Qingli’s breath hitched as she looked at his face, now so close, and she involuntarily held her breath.

Pei Qingci had beautiful eyes—classic peach blossom eyes that made everything look full of affection.

Sheng Qingli was very familiar with those eyes. She knew every emotion they had ever shown. But in this moment, a dense fog seemed to linger in them, obscuring their meaning, making it impossible for her to see through or understand his intent.

His warm, hot breath brushed her cheeks, and Sheng Qingli’s heart began to race abnormally. She let out a subtle breath, about to ask him what he meant, but Pei Qingci spoke first. “Sheng Qingli.”

He narrowed his eyes slightly, taking in her nervous reaction, and then said something completely unexpected. “Don’t always say one thing while meaning another.”

Sheng Qingli was stunned, not having time to react before Pei Qingci straightened up. “Sorry to disturb your rest, Teacher Sheng.”

He swiftly returned to his usual composed, gentlemanly demeanor. “Goodnight.”

“……”

“What?” Li Yuwei was visibly excited in the video call after hearing Sheng Qingli’s complaint, “You’re saying Pei Qingci pushed you into your room tonight, asked a few questions, and then left?”

Sheng Qingli was washing up in the bathroom and gave her a half-smiling glance after hearing her slightly regretful comment. “What else would he do?”

Li Yuwei clicked her tongue in regret. “He already went into your room.”

Sheng Qingli smiled.

“Hey, I didn’t mean it that way.” Li Yuwei, always perceptive, rested her chin on her hand, watching Sheng Qingli remove her makeup. “I’m just a little surprised.”

Sheng Qingli glanced at her. “Surprised about what?”

“My surprise can’t be said,” Li Yuwei was careful, “I’m afraid you’ll block me.”

Sheng Qingli: “…… Then just keep it to yourself.”

Li Yuwei choked a little. “You’re so cruel.”

Sheng Qingli didn’t respond.

Li Yuwei muttered from the other side, “But I’m kind of curious what Yin Yanyan said to him.”

“You can ask him,” Sheng Qingli said.

Li Yuwei rolled her eyes. “He’s your ex-boyfriend, not mine.”

If he were her ex-boyfriend, she would definitely ask.

Sheng Qingli let out a casual “oh.”

Seeing her reaction, Li Yuwei curiously asked, “Did he leave right after you told him that you encouraged Yin Yanyan to go after him?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Yeah, you tell me, isn’t he just being ridiculous?”

“Whether he’s ridiculous, I’m not sure,” Li Yuwei said sharply, “But I think you’re truly cruel.”

Sheng Qingli looked at her.

Li Yuwei continued, “Even though you and Pei Qingci aren’t together anymore, you’re still okay with another girl pursuing him right in front of you? I have to say, I admire you a little.”

Hearing this, Sheng Qingli’s expression slightly shifted. She slowly said, “And if I didn’t accept it, would that stop her from pursuing him?”

“You could have discouraged her when she told you she wanted to go after him, instead of encouraging her.” Li Yuwei mumbled.

“I didn’t encourage her,” Sheng Qingli corrected, “And how exactly should I have discouraged her?”

She looked at Li Yuwei, her tone calm, “Should I have said, ‘I think you won’t be able to win him over, so give up early,’ or ‘He’s my ex, so I’m a bit uncomfortable with you pursuing him’?”

Sheng Qingli paused and then asked, “Wouldn’t she think I’m crazy?”

“……”

Of course, Sheng Qingli didn’t care if others thought she was crazy; she wasn’t in a position to say those things anyway.

She couldn’t predict whether Yin Yanyan would be able to win over Pei Qingci, and no one could tell what the future held. She also couldn’t use the excuse of him being her ex to convince Yin Yanyan not to pursue him.

Pei Qingci was her ex-boyfriend, not her current one.

After hearing Sheng Qingli’s analysis, Li Yuwei nodded in agreement, “Indeed, from your point of view, what you said to Yin Yanyan didn’t have any issues.”

Sheng Qingli stayed silent.

Li Yuwei thought for a moment and then realized a key point, “But why did Pei Qingci only ask if it was you who told her to go after him? Does it really make that big of a difference?”

She was confused. “And why did he leave right after getting the answer? Couldn’t he have talked with you a bit more?”

Sheng Qingli: “…… You’re asking me? Who should I ask?”

The two stared at each other for a few seconds. Li Yuwei frowned, “Never mind. When I visit the set, I’ll ask him myself.”

Sheng Qingli: “……”

She glanced at her, annoyed. “You better dare.”

Li Yuwei was always timid around Pei Qingci; Sheng Qingli had known that from day one.

Li Yuwei smiled awkwardly. “Don’t expose me like that.”

Sheng Qingli didn’t say more.

After a moment of silence, Sheng Qingli glanced at the time, “I’m done talking to you. I’m going to shower and get ready for bed.”

Li Yuwei: “Alright, talk tomorrow.”

After ending the video call, Sheng Qingli washed up and got into bed.

The script reading earlier had exhausted her mentally, and after walking around the streets in the evening, her energy was spent. She thought she would fall asleep quickly once she lay down.

But half an hour after closing her eyes, she was still wide awake.

Sheng Qingli sighed deeply and opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling.

She liked to leave a light on when she slept, not enjoying being entirely surrounded by darkness. As she stared at the dim, warm light projected on the wall, Sheng Qingli found herself thinking of the way Pei Qingci had looked at her two hours earlier—

For some reason, whenever she recalled that gaze, Sheng Qingli felt an unfamiliar stirring inside her.

His eyes were so filled with emotion, so much that she couldn’t help but overthink and speculate about the real reason he had asked her that question.

Did he care that she encouraged Yin Yanyan to pursue him?

Why?

Was it what she thought, or was there another reason?

Sheng Qingli pondered for a while, and her head started to ache.

Annoyed, she turned over and grabbed her phone from the bedside table, deciding to browse the internet to kill time and lull herself to sleep.

As soon as she logged onto Weibo, Sheng Qingli saw some freshly posted gossip.

It was about her and Pei Qingci.

Apparently, due to Zhong Hongmao’s arrival in Ancheng, some sharp-eyed netizens noticed that Pei Qingci’s IP address was still in Ancheng as well.

Considering the recent rumors from marketing accounts about “Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci possibly working together again,” some netizens couldn’t help but ask online whether the two of them were really going to collaborate again.

But wasn’t the male lead in Director Zhong’s project supposed to be Xu Xingyue?

Could Pei Qingci be playing a supporting role? How is that possible?!

“No way, no way, Pei Qingci playing a supporting role for Xu Xingyue? How does he even dare?”

“…Isn’t the focus supposed to be on Sheng Qingli? Pei Qingci and Xu Xingyue are worlds apart; these two aren’t even in the same league. Someone should stop causing trouble.”

“Playing a supporting role for Sheng Qingli is also bizarre, brother! Have you lost your mind?”

“Help… I just asked a friend in the industry, and the news is 100% confirmed. It seems Pei Qingci didn’t even get a major supporting role.”

“Oh my… I’m speechless.”

“Is Pei Qingci some kind of hopeless romantic?”

“Are they really together?”

…

Watching the heated discussions and speculations online, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but think about how Pei Qingci’s team would handle the PR after the movie’s official announcement.

She admitted that the role of the mentor was excellent, and if portrayed well, it could steal the spotlight from the male lead. But until the movie was released and people actually went to theaters, she was convinced that 90% of the netizens and fans wouldn’t understand Pei Qingci’s actions.

After thinking hard for a while, Sheng Qingli realized—why was she even worrying about Pei Qingci in advance?

She felt speechless at herself and quickly erased the name “Pei Qingci” from her mind. Exiting Weibo, just as she was about to struggle to sleep again, night owl Li Yuwei suddenly sent her a message.

Li Yuwei: “I figured it out.”

Sheng Qingli: “?”

Li Yuwei: “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Sheng Qingli: “A bit of insomnia. What did you figure out?”

Li Yuwei: “Is Pei Qingci upset because you asked Yin Yanyan to pursue him?”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

Li Yuwei: “I think the reason he asked you for confirmation was to find out whether you still have even the tiniest bit of lingering feelings for him.”

If Sheng Qingli had no lingering feelings at all, it would explain why she could encourage someone else to chase after him.

And the reverse was also true.

Sheng Qingli: “… You stayed up past one thinking about this?”

Li Yuwei: “This is important, okay? Do you think my analysis is right?”

Sheng Qingli initially wanted to say “no,” but after typing it, she deleted the message.

Holding her phone, she thought for a moment, then replied, “I don’t know.”

Li Yuwei: “?”

Li Yuwei: “Wow, it’s rare for you not to immediately say I’m wrong today.”

Sheng Qingli: “Because I’m tired. I don’t want to argue with you.”

Li Yuwei: “That lousy excuse might work on Pei Qingci, but it won’t fool me.”

Sheng Qingli: “… I’m really a bit tired.”

Li Yuwei: “Alright, then good night.”

Knowing Sheng Qingli well, Li Yuwei didn’t insist on getting an answer right away.

Sheng Qingli: “Good night.”

After exchanging goodnights, Sheng Qingli truly put down her phone.

She pulled the blanket up, covering herself from head to toe in its soft, comfortable warmth, blocking out the world and forcing herself to sleep.

–

The next day, a sleep-deprived Sheng Qingli appeared in the script reading meeting room.

By the time she arrived, Xu Xingyue, Yin Yanyan, and a few others were already there.

After checking the time and confirming she wasn’t late, Sheng Qingli took a seat opposite Xu Xingyue.

As soon as she sat down, she couldn’t help but yawn.

Seeing this, Xu Xingyue couldn’t resist smiling and asking, “What’s going on with you all? Did none of you sleep well last night?”

“We?” Sheng Qingli was confused. “Who else?”

Next to her, Yin Yanyan raised her hand, “And me.”

Turning her head toward Sheng Qingli, Yin Yanyan asked, “Qingli, did you have trouble sleeping too?”

Hearing the word “too,” Sheng Qingli hummed lightly in acknowledgment. “You as well? New place jitters?”

It was only their second day there, so it was normal for Yin Yanyan to have trouble sleeping in a new bed.

“No.” Yin Yanyan replied, “It’s because—”

Before she could finish, Pei Qingci and Director Zhong entered the meeting room together.

“I’ll tell you later.” Yin Yanyan whispered to Sheng Qingli.

Sheng Qingli nodded, glanced at the two people who had just walked in, then looked over at Yin Yanyan, who had fallen silent the moment Pei Qingci appeared. She couldn’t help but wonder—

Did Yin Yanyan’s insomnia also have something to do with Pei Qingci?

The script reading was fairly tedious, but everyone was an experienced actor, discussing their roles with enthusiasm.

Sheng Qingli liked this kind of environment. She appreciated when everyone expressed their opinions and refined their characters. Only when actors truly understood and dissected the core and thought processes of their characters could they bring them to life more realistically.

Characters need to be infused with vitality by actors.

A character without vitality is like a sudden rain shower—it vanishes once the sun comes out.

The script reading session lasted until 11:30, after which everyone took a break for lunch.

With the official shooting about to start, Sheng Qingli had been eating low-fat meals with barely any oil or flavor for both lunch and dinner these past few days, leaving her feeling quite miserable.

Yin Yanyan was in the same boat.

Director Zhong thought she had gained a lot of weight since her audition, so he gave her the task of losing more than five pounds within the next five days, before filming officially started.

Because of this, her lunch was even simpler than Sheng Qingli’s.

After taking a bite of the sour grapefruit, Yin Yanyan turned to Sheng Qingli, “Qingli.”

Sheng Qingli swallowed the greens in her mouth and glanced at her, “What is it?”

“It tastes so bad,” Yin Yanyan sighed. “I want to eat meat.”

Knowing about her weight-loss plan, Sheng Qingli consoled her, “You can eat it tomorrow. Just hang in there a little longer.”

Yin Yanyan sighed and looked down at herself. “I haven’t gained any weight; Director Zhong must have made a mistake.”

“Camera adds weight,” Sheng Qingli said gently. “Movies can exaggerate it more than TV shows. Director Zhong wants your figure to be slimmer and more graceful.”

Yin Yanyan sighed again. “I understand, but—”

“You definitely don’t want to wait a year until the movie comes out and see the audience saying you’re fat, or even making memes from unflattering angles, right?” Though Sheng Qingli’s words were harsh, they were effective.

Hearing this, Yin Yanyan imagined it and quickly shook her head. “Oh my, that’s too scary.”

Sheng Qingli smiled. “So just eat well; I’ll be here with you.”

In response, Yin Yanyan nodded. “Sister Qingli.”

“Yes?”

“You’re not at all like what they say online,” Yin Yanyan remarked.

Sheng Qingli blinked, curious. “What do they say about me online?”

Yin Yanyan looked at her, hesitating.

Sheng Qingli raised an eyebrow. “Not convenient to say?”

“…A little,” Yin Yanyan admitted. “None of it is flattering.”

Since her debut, Sheng Qingli’s career had gone smoothly, which naturally led to rumors about her identity and more. Because she didn’t cultivate a “public persona” and had few friends in the industry, many said she was arrogant and unfriendly.

Sheng Qingli understood. “If it’s not convenient, don’t share. We’re public figures, and there will be both good and bad opinions online. Everyone has their own perspectives. Just focus on being yourself and don’t take others’ views too seriously.”

She looked at Yin Yanyan, reminding her, “Of course, we should listen to good suggestions and feedback. You just entered the industry and are already working with Director Zhong. After the announcement, there will be plenty of commentary. Just remember the useful parts.”

Yin Yanyan nodded obediently.

Sheng Qingli wasn’t fond of lecturing; she preferred to make her points succinctly.

After a moment of silence, Sheng Qingli suddenly remembered something. “Why couldn’t you sleep last night? Too much pressure?”

“Not really.” Mentioning it, Yin Yanyan sighed. “Sister Qingli, I really feel like I’m doomed before I even start.”

Sheng Qingli asked, “Huh?”

She didn’t quite understand. “What do you mean?”

Yin Yanyan glanced at the group eating outside and lowered her voice. “I told you I wanted to pursue Teacher Pei, right?”

Upon hearing that familiar name, Sheng Qingli pressed her lips together slightly. “…And then?”

Yin Yanyan continued, “So I went to find Teacher Pei, and guess what happened?”

“…I don’t know.” Sheng Qingli confessed. “What did he say?”

Yin Yanyan nodded, feeling dejected. “He rejected my pursuit.”

Sheng Qingli was stunned. “What did you say?”

“I wanted to pursue him, so I had to ask if he had a girlfriend, right? If he did, I wouldn’t take any action.” Yin Yanyan was quite sensible about it.

Sheng Qingli paused, about to nod, but suddenly realized something and incredulously asked, “Did he say he has a girlfriend?”

Yin Yanyan replied, “Not exactly, but it’s close.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“He said he has someone he likes.” Yin Yanyan told Sheng Qingli. “And he emphasized that no matter how I pursued him, he wouldn’t agree. If I wasn’t willing to give up, I could try.”

Sheng Qingli was speechless. This did sound like something Pei Qingci would say.

After a few seconds of silence, Sheng Qingli lowered her eyes, nervously biting her lip, and quietly asked, “Did he say who the person he likes is?”

“No,” Yin Yanyan said, looking sad and pouting. “I asked, and he said it wasn’t convenient to tell me, and I should keep it a secret.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback. “But now you’re telling me?”

“…Oh right.” Yin Yanyan reacted slowly and quickly closed her mouth, her long eyelashes fluttering. “Sister Qingli, you’ll keep it a secret, right?”

Seeing her pitiful look, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course, don’t worry.”

Yin Yanyan sighed in relief and slapped her mouth lightly. “My mouth just can’t keep secrets.”

“…”

The two continued chatting and laughing, changing the subject.

After finishing their meal, Sheng Qingli went to wash her hands.

As she walked to the sink, she had just turned on the faucet when someone entered behind her.

Their eyes met in the mirror.

A moment later, Pei Qingci came to her side and turned on another faucet.

Sheng Qingli casually glanced at him, momentarily distracted by his long, slender fingers.

Suddenly, he turned to her and asked in a gentle tone, “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

Sheng Qingli snapped back to attention and met his gaze.

She lightly hummed in response and couldn’t help but mutter, “I should’ve put on makeup today.”

She hadn’t worn any makeup, just a bit of sunscreen.

Hearing her, Pei Qingci noticed her gloomy expression and subtly smiled. “It’s not dark circles.”

“?”

Sheng Qingli exclaimed in surprise, “If it’s not dark circles, then what is it?”

Pei Qingci replied calmly, “You’ve yawned several times.”

Sheng Qingli was speechless.

She fell silent, trying to recall, “Did I?”

She had no memory of it at all.

Pei Qingci didn’t answer whether she had yawned or not.

After a few quiet seconds, Sheng Qingli suddenly remembered the overlooked detail and blurted out, “How do you know so clearly?”

As soon as the words fell, the surroundings fell silent.

How did he know?

What else could he know?

Sheng Qingli inwardly scorned herself for asking a question she already knew the answer to. Just as she was about to calmly change the subject, Pei Qingci spoke before her.

“I thought you knew.”

Sheng Qingli asked, “What?”

Pei Qingci pulled a paper towel from the nearby dispenser and handed her a piece, then said leisurely, “I was watching you.”