Chapter 36

Seeing Pei Qingci’s message, Sheng Qingli silently cursed in her heart—how could she not know that they were filming a kissing scene tomorrow?

If it were any other scene, she wouldn’t have refused his request for a rehearsal.

After a few seconds of silence, Sheng Qingli rubbed her cheeks, feeling a bit regretful.

Had she known, she should have firmly declined when the screenwriter suggested it. How could a disciple and master film a kissing scene? Is that even allowed?

Some novel sites don’t even permit stories about master-disciple relationships, let alone films with intimate scenes between them.

At this moment, Sheng Qingli felt a bit off.

Her phone buzzed again; it was still him.

Pei Qingci: “Alright, if Ms. Sheng doesn’t want to rehearse, then we won’t.”

He sounded quite wronged.

Sheng Qingli felt a lump in her throat and wanted to tell him that it wasn’t their first time filming a kissing scene, and they could probably do it well without preparation.

But no.

Thinking of this, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but cover her face. What was she thinking?

Sheng Qingli, get a grip and stay innocent.

After a moment of self-brainwashing, she replied to Pei Qingci with a straight face: “Mm.”

Pei Qingci: “…Goodnight, Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli: “Goodnight.”

After replying, she tossed her phone aside and calmly went into the bathroom.

When she finished her shower and came out, the other person had gone quiet too.

Sheng Qingli took a deep breath, carefully read the notice from the production team, and picked up the script.

Kissing scenes didn’t need rehearsal, but she needed to review the other scenes to ensure she could perform normally tomorrow.

After finishing, she wrapped herself in a blanket and fell asleep.

---

The next morning, when Sheng Qingli went to the hotel restaurant with Tong Tong, they coincidentally ran into Pei Qingci, who was sitting with his assistant.

After exchanging glances, Sheng Qingli was about to walk past his table when Pei Qingci called out to her, “Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli lowered her gaze.

Pei Qingci gestured, “Shall we sit together?”

He politely asked, “Shall we discuss the scene we’ll be working on tonight?”

“…”

The reason Pei Qingci gave was simply impossible to refuse.

Sheng Qingli had no choice but to agree.

Tong Tong and the observant Fang Li promptly stood up, “Sister Li, what do you want to eat?”

Sheng Qingli: “The same as before.”

After Tong Tong and Fang Li left, Pei Qingci glanced at her and pushed a cup of milk in front of her, “This one’s warm; you haven’t had it yet.”

Sheng Qingli quite liked drinking milk.

She stared at the transparent cup for a few seconds and said softly, “Then I won’t be polite, Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci: “Feel free, Ms. Sheng.”

The two sat facing each other, and their relationship didn’t seem particularly close.

Moments later, Tong Tong brought Sheng Qingli her breakfast. She had a sensitive stomach and preferred warm food in the morning.

Seeing the porridge and eggs, along with a piece of corn that Tong Tong brought over, Sheng Qingli suddenly realized that the milk she had just drunk was warm.

Thinking about this, she looked across the table.

“What’s wrong?” Noticing her hesitation, Pei Qingci asked softly.

Sheng Qingli thought for a moment but still didn’t voice her thoughts, “It’s nothing.”

Pei Qingci: “…”

The two ate in silence.

Halfway through the meal, Xu Xingyue and Yi Yehua entered the restaurant together.

Seeing them sitting together, Xu Xingyue didn’t show much surprise. He called out, “What are you two doing here so early?”

Sheng Qingli felt a bit tense and pressed her lips together, saying softly, “Mr. Pei is early; I just sat down.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingci casually raised his eyelids without explaining.

Xu Xingyue realized, “Well, that’s early. We’ll sit over there; see you at the filming location later.”

Sheng Qingli: “Okay.”

After they left, when Sheng Qingli accidentally met Pei Qingci’s gaze, her breath caught slightly, and her lips moved, “What are you staring at me for?”

“If you don’t emphasize it,” Pei Qingci said softly, “they won’t necessarily think too much.”

Others might not understand Sheng Qingli, but Pei Qingci did.

What she just said to Xu Xingyue was merely to emphasize that she and Pei Qingci didn’t come to the restaurant together—they hadn’t arranged it, just coincidentally met.

Sheng Qingli paused, opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately decided against it.

She did have that intention; habits are hard to change.

The two fell silent.

Pei Qingci didn’t speak again, while Sheng Qingli gathered her thoughts and lowered her head to continue eating her breakfast.

After finishing, they set off to the filming location with their respective assistants.

---

Upon arriving at the set, Sheng Qingli went to get her makeup done first.

She had a full day of filming ahead, starting with a challenging fight scene. The weather in Taolin County was still hot, and even a little movement made her sweat.

Once filming began, Director Zhong called for multiple takes due to NGs, and the makeup artist came over to touch up Sheng Qingli’s makeup.

“It’s so hot, Sister Li!” Tong Tong handed her a small fan. “Are you alright?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “I’m okay.”

Fight scenes are prone to errors. Sometimes it’s due to the actors not performing well, and other times it involves issues with wires, costumes, or hair.

After the touch-up, Sheng Qingli continued shooting.

After finishing the scene, she felt exhausted and didn’t want to move.

Having consumed too much energy, she stepped aside to rest.

Director Zhong was preparing to film other actors’ scenes based on what she had just shot.

As Sheng Qingli rested, she was about to call Tong Tong for a bottle of cold water when someone next to her handed her a bottle of mineral water with the cap loosened.

“…”

Sheng Qingli looked up and touched the bottle. “I wanted cold water.”

Pei Qingci replied calmly, “There isn’t any.”

Sheng Qingli was momentarily speechless. “But isn’t there a fridge over there?”

The production team had set up several large refrigerators, knowing the hot weather would make everyone want cold drinks. The staff had prepared them in advance for emergencies.

Pei Qingci replied indifferently, “But you can’t drink it.”

“Why not?” Sheng Qingli felt a bit exasperated. While her stomach wasn’t great, it wasn’t completely intolerant. She could still handle occasional cold drinks and spicy foods.

Pei Qingci looked at her. “You were just in the sun; drinking cold drinks now could easily lead to heatstroke.”

Switching between hot and cold could also lead to catching a cold.

Hearing this, Sheng Qingli paused, feeling somewhat stifled. “Fine then.”

She could drink it later.

Sheng Qingli, willing to heed his advice, took the bottle of water from Pei Qingci, drank half of it, and suddenly noticed something. “Director Zhong seems to be in a good mood today.”

She was surprised. “Is there some good news?”

Though the fight scene had quite a few NGs, Director Zhong had been smiling and not complaining, which felt a bit strange.

Pei Qingci replied, “Ms. Wu is here today.”

“Ms. Wu?”

She was momentarily stunned, then realized, “Zhong’s wife?”

Pei Qingci nodded.

“That makes sense,” Sheng Qingli muttered.

She knew that Zhong Hongmao had a very good relationship with his wife. Although he was a serious and professional director who could be harsh and uncompromising in public, at home he was a devoted husband and notoriously known for being controlled by his wife.

Similarly, Sheng Qingli knew that Zhong’s wife, Ms. Wu, was a well-known screenwriter in the industry, and Pei Qingci had acted in characters from her scripts.

While they were chatting, Director Zhong called for Pei Qingci.

Pei Qingci responded, glancing at Sheng Qingli before leaving. “Don’t drink cold drinks.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

How did he know she would drink them after he left?

In that moment of silence, Sheng Qingli helplessly looked at her assistant, “Tong Tong.”

Tong Tong: “What?”

Sheng Qingli tilted her head toward the glaring sun outside and sighed, “What’s the point of living if I can’t drink cold drinks on such a hot day?”

Tong Tong paused, then comforted her, “You have a lot of money. It would be a waste not to enjoy it before you die.”

Sheng Qingli: “…You might be right.”

Tong Tong chuckled, “Just drink more water.”

After a moment, Sheng Qingli didn’t feel like drinking cold drinks as much anymore.

---

After resting for a bit, once the other actors finished filming their scenes, it was Sheng Qingli’s turn.

The daytime scenes posed challenges for her but were conquerable.

What truly made her anxious were the late-night scenes with Pei Qingci.

In the script, Xin Xiao sneaks into her master’s room late at night, wanting just to take a look before quietly leaving. But upon seeing him asleep, she recalled being rejected earlier during the day, making her feel it was a bit of a loss to leave without doing anything.

So, taking advantage of her master’s slumber, she audaciously stole a kiss.

“…”

The scene took place in the dark of night, and Director Zhong had high requirements for timing; he liked to capture natural transitions in time.

Thus, the scene with Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci wouldn’t begin filming until at least ten o’clock.

Since filming was still early, after having dinner in the RV, Sheng Qingli pulled out her script.

Before she could read it, her phone buzzed with a message from Pei Qingci, asking if she was in the RV.

Sheng Qingli: “Are we going to rehearse the night scene early?”

Pei Qingci: “Ms. Wu is here; Director Zhong asked me to see if you want to come over and chat.”

Sheng Qingli was surprised: “With Director Zhong’s wife?”

Pei Qingci: “You can chat with me if you want.”

Sheng Qingli rolled her eyes at her phone where Pei Qingci couldn’t see. Who wanted to chat with him?

That said, she still asked him honestly: “Where are you?”

Pei Qingci: “In the break room on set.”

Actually, Sheng Qingli’s question was unnecessary. She tidied herself up quickly, and when she opened the RV door, she saw the man walking toward her from the set.

The two exchanged glances for a few seconds before Sheng Qingli walked over to him. “Why are you out here?”

Pei Qingci put away his phone, his tone indifferent. “I was afraid you’d go to the wrong room again.”

“?”

Sheng Qingli was momentarily stunned, recalling the last time she met Director Zhong. She had made an excuse about getting the room wrong when she saw Pei Qingci in the box.

After a brief pause, she couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Pei, do your fans know you’re this particular?”

Pei Qingci replied, “Do you want them to know?”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

As they spoke, they arrived at the lounge.

Just as they reached the door, Sheng Qingli heard voices coming from inside.

Pei Qingci knocked on the door and gestured for Sheng Qingli to enter.

Seeing the two of them enter, Zhong Hongmao smiled and introduced his wife. “This is Qingli.”

“This is my wife. You can call her Ms. Wu.”

Sheng Qingli responded, “Ms. Wu, I’ve heard so much about you.”

Wu Nuanshu smiled warmly and said, “Qingli is even more beautiful than in the movies.”

Sheng Qingli was surprised.

Wu Nuanshu gestured for her to sit next to her and asked with a smile, “Are you surprised? I’ve seen quite a few of your films.”

Sheng Qingli was genuinely a bit taken aback.

She knew her works were decent and had garnered a fair audience, but she hadn’t expected Wu Nuanshu to have watched them.

Zhong Hongmao chimed in, “We discussed casting you for this movie together.”

One evening, they had randomly chosen the movie starring Sheng Qingli in the cinema.

It was the film where she played the character Shu Lili.

It was also Wu Nuanshu who suggested it, saying that Sheng Qingli’s poster looked great, prompting them to watch it.

Afterward, Zhong Hongmao told his wife, “I think I’ve discovered a promising talent.”

Wu Nuanshu smiled and remarked, “She’s improved a lot.”

Before the film with Shu Lili, Wu Nuanshu had watched “Love Vow.”

While watching “Love Vow,” she paid more attention to Pei Qingci.

This was why they later had the chance to collaborate.

…

Hearing them mention Shu Lili, Sheng Qingli was momentarily dazed and softly said, “You both are too kind.”

“It’s not flattery,” Wu Nuanshu looked at her and said. “You really have made significant progress.”

When watching “Love Vow,” while Wu Nuanshu thought Sheng Qingli’s performance was good, the character suited her perfectly, and combined with her acting skills, it made for an impressive result.

But Shu Lili was entirely different.

The fact that she could portray the character so well was due to her hard work and considerable improvement.

Feeling flattered by Wu Nuanshu’s praise, Sheng Qingli felt a bit shy.

Noticing her embarrassment, Wu Nuanshu said, “Director Zhong told me you did very well in this film. I’m looking forward to its release.”

Sheng Qingli softly replied, “I’m looking forward to it too.”

She found the role of Xin Xiao quite enjoyable.

After chatting for a bit, Director Zhong stepped out to start filming.

That evening, Sheng Qingli only had scenes with Pei Qingci, but Pei Qingci had his own solo shots.

As they went outside to film, Wu Nuanshu suggested, “Shall we go out and take a look?”

Sheng Qingli agreed. “Sure.”

She was also interested in observing.

The two sat down in a vacant spot next to Director Zhong. Wu Nuanshu glanced at Pei Qingci, who was walking a short distance away, and remarked, “Pei Qingci’s aura has changed completely.”

Sheng Qingli wholeheartedly agreed. “Mr. Pei’s acting is widely recognized as excellent.”

“Mr. Pei?” Wu Nuanshu raised an eyebrow. “You call him Mr. Pei?”

Sheng Qingli was caught off guard and, meeting Wu Nuanshu’s gaze, hesitated before nodding. “…We’re just joking around.”

Wu Nuanshu couldn’t help but laugh. “I see.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

For some reason, she felt that Wu Nuanshu’s look at her was a bit strange.

Before she could ponder further, filming was about to start.

She and Wu Nuanshu maintained silence as they watched Pei Qingci get into character and perform.

…

By ten o’clock, the other scenes were nearly done. Director Zhong called out to Sheng Qingli, “How’s your preparation going?”

Sheng Qingli feigned calmness and said, “…There shouldn’t be any problems.”

The kiss was one-sided, and Sheng Qingli believed she could do it in one take.

Director Zhong nodded. “Alright, go touch up your makeup and get ready.”

Sheng Qingli nodded.

–

When Sheng Qingli finished her makeup and stepped out of the dressing room, Pei Qingci had also changed into a different outfit.

They ran into each other in the hallway.

Noticing Sheng Qingli’s red ears, Pei Qingci silently smirked. “Nervous?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Just a little.”

Pei Qingci asked, “Nervous about what?”

Sheng Qingli thought he was asking on purpose. After a moment of silence, she turned the tables. “Aren’t you nervous?”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow. “Why would I be nervous?”

He was the one being kissed. He could just close his eyes and pretend he didn’t know anything.

“…”

After a few quiet seconds, just as Sheng Qingli was pondering how to rebut him, Pei Qingci suddenly said, “Relax.”

He paused for a moment and added, “If it really doesn’t work out, you can think back to that photo.”

Sheng Qingli was puzzled for three seconds before realizing what he meant. “Pei Qingci.”

She glared at him, her cheeks quickly flushing red. “Don’t go too far.”

Pei Qingci smiled innocently. “Ms. Sheng, I didn’t say anything.”

Sheng Qingli held back for a moment but couldn’t resist kicking him. “I’m not talking to you anymore.”

Watching Sheng Qingli stomp away in anger, Pei Qingci chuckled softly, just like before, easily provoked.

The set was ready.

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci also prepared themselves.

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent.

The night was thick, and the evening breeze whistled past her ears.

On camera, Xin Xiao, dressed casually, gracefully pushed open the master’s door and stepped inside.

On her shoulder, she carried a small bundle, containing all her belongings—the things she had brought up the mountain.

She left everything from the mountain, including what her master had given her.

Upon entering the room, Xin Xiao saw the person lying on the bed, deeply asleep.

The bright moonlight poured into the room, illuminating his cold, serene features, which captivated Xin Xiao’s gaze.

She tiptoed closer, holding her breath.

“Master…” she whispered gently, but the person in bed did not respond; he was in a deep slumber.

Perhaps Xin Xiao’s presence felt familiar to him; he remained undisturbed by the night breeze.

Standing by the bed, Xin Xiao quietly watched him.

Emotions surged in her eyes, betraying her admiration and affection for him in a place where no one could see.

After a long moment, it seemed she had looked enough and turned to leave.

After taking a couple of steps, she recalled something and turned back.

For a few seconds, under the gaze of the camera and moonlight, she cautiously crouched down by her master’s bed, leaning in—

“Cut!”

Pei Qingci opened her eyes and met Sheng Qingli’s gaze, who was still crouched beside her.

In that instant, both exchanged subtle expressions.

Zhong Hongmao, oblivious to their unusual interaction, called from a distance, “Qingci, why did you move just now?”

Pei Qingci sat up and looked at Director Zhong. “I think he should be aware of this.”

Zhong Hongmao paused.

Pei Qingci explained, “He is a character with high combat ability. Even if he is familiar with his disciple’s presence, he would still sense it when she enters the room.”

The reason Lian Hui kept his eyes closed was twofold: one, to see what his disciple would do, and two… deep down, he had suppressed feelings for her, and on some dark level, he was looking forward to her doing something.

“I think Qingci makes a good point,” Wu Nuanshu, who had read the script earlier, said softly. “Qingci needs to give some response, but it shouldn’t be too obvious—at least not enough for Xin Xiao to notice.”

Pei Qingci nodded, explaining, “She can sense it, but she can’t show that she has.”

Since Xin Xiao was just firmly rejected by her master, she had decided to come down the mountain for revenge.

After discussing, Director Zhong decided to shoot two different versions: one where Lian Hui shows no response, and another where he unconsciously reacts.

They resumed filming.

Sheng Qingli took a deep breath, trying to suppress her racing heart, reminding herself… it’s just acting, be professional.

The person lying in front of her isn’t Pei Qingci, but her master Lian Hui.

After giving herself a mental pep talk, Sheng Qingli adjusted her emotions.

Crouching down again by the bed, she used the moonlight streaming in from the window to raise her hand, sketching her master’s features. She wanted to remember this face, every frown and smile, every contour, all etched in her mind.

Her fingers traced downwards.

When she reached his soft, close-fitting lips, her hand paused, hesitatingly brushing against them.

Lian Hui’s long lashes fluttered slightly.

However, the nervous Xin Xiao was oblivious; at that moment, her mind was filled with just one thought: her master’s lips were so soft, and if her fingers felt this soft… would kissing him feel even softer?

She struggled at the edge of the bed for a long time but ultimately couldn’t resist her inner desire and slowly leaned in.

The camera zoomed in for a close-up.

Xin Xiao stared directly, longingly, greedily at Lian Hui.

Then, gathering her courage, she pressed her lips against his soft-looking ones.

For a few seconds, their lips were together, but the person on the bed did not react.

Only the wind outside ruffled their hair.

Xin Xiao held her breath, her heart pounding in her throat.

She fixed her gaze on the sleeping figure, and knowing he hadn’t woken up, she boldly leaned in for another kiss. Before pulling away, she lightly bit Lian Hui’s lower lip and then, frustrated, released him, muttering to herself, “Who told you to reject me?”

After doing this, she felt guilty and quickly walked toward the door.

Reaching the door, Xin Xiao hesitated, glancing back with reluctance. It wasn’t until she heard a bird call in the distance that she forced herself to turn and leave.

As the door closed behind her, Lian Hui clenched his fist at his side, opened his eyes, and looked at the camera with a cold expression, sitting up from the bed, his gaze fixated on the closed door.

“…”

—

After several takes, they finally wrapped the scene.

When Director Zhong announced that it was a wrap, Sheng Qingli quietly sighed in relief.

Suddenly, she felt a burning gaze.

Sheng Qingli looked up and met Pei Qingci’s deep eyes.

He gazed at her unwaveringly, just as “she” had gazed at “him” moments before, his eyes dimmed, filled with suppressed desire.

They had dated before.

Sheng Qingli knew very well what his gaze meant.

With a rush, Sheng Qingli’s ears felt hot. She breathed tightly, biting her lip, hurriedly turning away, “I need to touch up my makeup.”

There was still a scene of her descending the mountain to film later.

Seeing Sheng Qingli leave, Director Zhong exclaimed from behind the monitor, “Is Qingli not going to review her performance today?”

Pei Qingci approached. “She went to touch up her makeup.”

Director Zhong looked puzzled. “She’s shooting a scene from behind later. What does she need makeup for?”

Pei Qingci didn’t respond.

He raised his hand to open the recently filmed shots and paused. “Director Zhong.”

Zhong Hongmao turned his head. “Hmm?”

Pei Qingci glanced at the footage. “Which one do you think is better?”

Pei Qingci pointed to the third take they had filmed.

Zhong Hongmao smiled. “We’ll probably use that version; your response was great.”

He had just contemplated their analysis and found it quite reasonable.

At this, he teased Pei Qingci again. “Didn’t you say you weren’t close with Qingli?”

Pei Qingci feigned ignorance. “What?”

“You and Qingli had great chemistry in that kiss scene,” Zhong Hongmao remarked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I can see it, and so can others.”

Pei Qingci paused slightly, shifting his gaze to the paused shot of the kiss scene. “Director Zhong.”

“Yes?” Zhong replied.

Pei Qingci calmly reminded him, “That line was said by your film’s leading lady.”

He had never claimed to be unfamiliar with Sheng Qingli.

Just then, Sheng Qingli returned from the restroom and overheard their conversation. She immediately felt a surge of embarrassment and considered escaping.

Before she could turn away, Pei Qingci spotted her. “Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli stiffly forced a smile. “Director Zhong, Mr. Pei.”

Zhong Hongmao nodded. “Come take a look at the scene we just shot.”

He continued, “I was discussing with Qingci which of these takes would be the most suitable.”

Trapped, Sheng Qingli had to comply. “Okay, I’ll take a look.”

After watching the takes where she had stolen kisses from Pei Qingci, she calmly selected the third take.

Seeing her choice, Zhong Hongmao chuckled. “You and Qingci really do have great chemistry.”

Sheng Qingli fell silent.

After a brief pause, she analyzed, “Considering the character’s setup, Mr. Pei’s reaction in this take is the most fitting.”

Zhong Hongmao smiled but said nothing. “Alright, we’ll tentatively go with this one.”

He added, “For the others, we’ll make the final decision during editing.”

Sheng Qingli nodded, her face flushed.

After finishing the last shot of her departing figure, they wrapped for the day.

Upon hearing the wrap announcement, Sheng Qingli rushed toward the changing room. However, no matter how fast she was, she couldn’t outpace those who had already changed.

Once she changed into her casual clothes and stepped out, she saw someone waiting at the entrance.

She managed to force a smile. “Mr. Pei, what are you doing here?”

Pei Qingci glanced up. “Waiting for you.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback by his straightforwardness. She opened her mouth. “Isn’t there something you could say later?”

Pei Qingci fixed his gaze on her. “I worry you’ll be too tired to talk later.”

Sheng Qingli was at a loss for words. “…Not really.”

Feeling slightly awkward, she bit her lip and glanced away. “Let’s head back to the hotel.”

Pei Qingci lowered his eyes. “Are you sure?”

Sheng Qingli nodded, her lips moving. “I want to see the trophy.”

In the end, Pei Qingci believed her.

They drove back to the hotel in separate cars.

On the way, Sheng Qingli had a vague idea of why Pei Qingci was looking for her, but she wasn’t entirely certain.

Resting her chin on her hand, she gazed out the window, her thoughts drifting.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message from Li Yuwei: “Here’s a piece of advice for you.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “?”

Li Yuwei texted back: “Unless necessary, don’t record variety shows. It’s exhausting.”

Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but chuckle. “Did your variety show run from morning till now?”

Li Yuwei had gone back early because her manager had booked her as a guest on a variety show, which she had to attend.

She usually filmed dramas but occasionally needed to appear on variety shows for visibility.

Li Yuwei: “Yeah, I’m about to collapse.”

Li Yuwei: “Variety shows are way more tiring than filming.”

Sheng Qingli thought for a moment. “I probably won’t be recording.”

Li Yuwei: “Avoid competitive shows, but other types are fine.”

Sheng Qingli: “Like what?”

Li Yuwei: “You could participate in a dating show with Pei Qingci and get to date for free.”

Sheng Qingli: “…I’m not that hard up for money.”

Li Yuwei: “Do you know how expensive it is to record variety shows now?”

Sheng Qingli: “How much?”

She genuinely didn’t know. Sheng Qingli had mentioned to Lin Lin that she wanted to maintain an air of mystery so that audiences wouldn’t be distracted when watching her films.

Being slow to warm up, she wasn’t great at humor, so variety shows didn’t suit her.

Unless necessary for promotion, she turned down offers.

Thus, over the years, she had only appeared on two talk shows and a few promotional variety programs, all unpaid.

Li Yuwei: “Second- and third-tier celebrities get paid hundreds of thousands per episode. What do you think?”

Given Sheng Qingli’s status, she could earn at least five million or more per episode.

Sheng Qingli: “Is variety that lucrative?”

Li Yuwei: “Of course. Otherwise, why would so many celebrities want to be on them?”

Sheng Qingli: “That makes sense.”

After chatting a while longer, Li Yuwei said she was tired and would head back to the hotel for a shower.

Ending the conversation, Sheng Qingli closed her eyes to rest for a bit until the car came to a stop.

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci’s cars arrived at the hotel almost simultaneously.

The two exited their cars with their assistants and entered the elevator together.

Seeing Pei Qingci, Tong Tong quickly left her floor and stepped out.

In an instant, the elevator was left with just the two of them.

The late-night elevator was exceptionally quiet, quiet enough that it seemed they could hear each other’s breathing.

Similarly, Sheng Qingli could feel Pei Qingci’s gaze on her.

After a few seconds, the elevator doors opened.

Sheng Qingli lowered her head and walked forward. When she reached her room, the person trailing her by two steps somehow managed to open the door a step ahead of her. Just as Sheng Qingli was taking out her room card, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his room.

Caught off guard, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but grit her teeth and shout, “Pei Qingci.”

Pei Qingci remained calm, looking down at their intertwined hands, and gently reminded her, “If you shout any louder, the people next door will hear you.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback and glared at him, “What are you doing?”

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze and leaned in closer to her, “Aren’t you here to see the trophy?”

“…”

The trophy had long since jumped out of the room at the sound of their commotion.

Sheng Qingli looked down and saw the little cat with its tail up approaching them, her long lashes fluttering. “Then you didn’t need to pull me in like that.”

“Oh.” Pei Qingci replied nonchalantly, “I was afraid you’d run away.”

Sheng Qingli was speechless and shot him a sidelong glance. “Don’t slander me.”

At this, Pei Qingci chuckled softly and suddenly asked, “How does it feel to shoot at night?”

Sheng Qingli, who was teasing the cat, didn’t understand his implication. “What do you mean? Are you talking about the NGs or—”

Before she could finish, Pei Qingci answered, “The kissing scene.”

Sheng Qingli’s breath caught for a moment. When she met his gaze, she felt a bit nervous and bit her lip. “I didn’t feel anything.”

Pei Qingci asked, “What do you mean by not feeling anything?”

Sheng Qingli answered him dismissively, “The literal meaning.”

They were working, after all. What feelings could she have?

As soon as she spoke, Sheng Qingli sensed a shift in the atmosphere of the room.

She discreetly glanced at the person standing not far away, unable to decipher his thoughts.

Suddenly, Pei Qingci shifted his gaze to the trophy and walked over to the cat. He picked up the trophy and said, “You go play in your room for a while.”

The trophy meowed.

However, Pei Qingci ignored it and directly shoved the cat into the room, closing the door behind him.

Sheng Qingli was astonished. “Why did you close it?”

“It was too noisy,” Pei Qingci said.

Sheng Qingli was at a loss for words and quietly remarked, “It wasn’t noisy just now…”

Before she could finish, Pei Qingci interrupted, “With it here, your attention will only be on it.”

Sheng Qingli was dumbfounded, incredulously asking, “Why are you even arguing with a cat…”

“Is that not allowed?” The rest of his words were swallowed as Pei Qingci leaned closer to her.

As their distance closed, his warm breath brushed against her cheek, making it slightly tingle.

After a few silent seconds, Sheng Qingli controlled her racing heartbeat and opened her mouth to remind him, “Didn’t you have something to—”

“I do, but it’s not urgent.” Pei Qingci replied, and just as he finished the last word, his lips tilted down slightly and kissed hers.