Chapter 4

Pei Qingci ignored him and walked into the kitchen to get some water. Suddenly, he remembered what Sheng Qingli had said in the private room—that they weren’t close.

He smirked slightly and let out a short, cold laugh.

Xiang Rong, following him, noticed the “stay away” vibe coming from Pei Qingci and quietly stepped back.

His intuition told him that Pei Qingci was not in the mood for jokes tonight, and it was better not to press further.

However, he was indeed there to discuss something serious.

After some consideration, Xiang Rong had to speak up again. “How did your conversation with Director Wu?”

The reason Pei Qingci was accompanying Director Zhong in the private room that evening was because, after flying back to the city from the set in the morning, he had first visited Director Zhong’s home. Wu Nuanshu, Zhong Hongmao’s wife, was a well-known screenwriter in the industry, and Pei Qingci had previously played roles in her scripts.

He went there because Wu Nuanshu had an incomplete script she had written years ago. She hadn’t found a suitable actor at the time, and various external factors led her to set the script aside.

Now that she was older, she suddenly wanted to leave behind a piece of her past and hoped to tell the story in the form of a film, so that more people could see it.

With this idea in mind, Wu Nuanshu contacted Pei Qingci right away. Currently, he was her preferred actor for the role.

However, the script was a romance, and she wasn’t sure if Pei Qingci would be willing to take it on. In recent years, Pei Qingci had avoided romantic scripts, and even when he did take on a role, the romance in the film was usually minimal.

Nevertheless, Wu Nuanshu had sent Pei Qingci some of the manuscript to review when he had the time.

If he was interested, they could discuss it in detail when he returned to Beicheng.

“Not bad,” Pei Qingci replied lightly.

Xiang Rong raised an eyebrow, his eyes lighting up, “So you’re considering taking this role?”

Pei Qingci said, “Not necessarily.”

Xiang Rong frowned, “What do you mean?”

Pei Qingci glanced at him and replied lightly, “Director Wu’s script isn’t finished yet. It will take at least half a year to complete and prepare.”

“So you’re saying you might take on another movie during this six-month gap?” Xiang Rong was surprised, examining him closely. “You don’t plan to be inactive this year?”

Pei Qingci: “…”

He lifted his eyelids and asked casually, “When have I ever been inactive?”

Xiang Rong sarcastically said, “You should check your fans’ demands on Weibo.”

In recent years, Pei Qingci had maintained a one-movie-a-year pace. Apart from movie-related activities, he avoided other public events such as red carpets and variety shows.

Not only did he avoid such activities, but he could also disappear from the public eye for two to three months at a time.

Fans loved him for his dedication to every role, delivering perfect performances. They had no concerns about his professional abilities, given his accolades including two Best Actor awards from China’s top three film awards. With one more, he would become a grand slam actor at a young age.

He had also been nominated at the four major international film festivals, though he hadn’t won yet. His winning was just a matter of time.

At the same time, fans were frustrated by his lack of public appearances and minimal social media activity. They could only lament in fan forums and look through old photos.

Xiang Rong vaguely remembered that last winter, Pei Qingci’s fans had even bought trending topics to ask when he would be active again, as they were eager for new photos and updates.

Pei Qingci glanced at him, “I’m not looking. I’m tired.”

Xiang Rong choked, realizing that Pei Qingci wasn’t interested in hearing more complaints. He quickly said, “If you’re going to sleep, you still need to tell me whether you’ll take on a suitable script during this six-month gap.”

Pei Qingci replied, “Let’s talk when you find a suitable one.”

Xiang Rong said, “…Wait, I will find one.”

Pei Qingci started to head upstairs and casually said, “Don’t come looking for me in the next few days.”

He had just finished filming a new movie late at night, returned to Beicheng, and had not had a chance to rest after a long day of traveling.

Xiang Rong knew Pei Qingci’s routine—he needed a few days to decompress after finishing a film.

“Got it. I’ll stay here tonight and leave in the morning.”

Pei Qingci shrugged, “Suit yourself.”

Late at night, after Pei Qingci went upstairs and finished his bath, he found several unread messages on his phone.

He picked it up and checked the messages. In addition to family asking when he would come home for dinner, there was a message from his friend, Ying Zheng: “Are you back? Let’s discuss things at the company tomorrow noon?”

Pei Qingci was about to decline when an entertainment news alert popped up on his phone.

He skimmed through it disinterestedly, his eyes paused briefly, and he typed a reply: “Sure.”

---

The next morning, Sheng Qingli woke up naturally.

Soon after she got up, Tong Tong and the makeup artist arrived. Her new movie had wrapped up recently, and she was in a rest period.

Of course, her rest period wasn’t truly a break. With multiple endorsements, she still had to attend various brand events during her downtime.

That afternoon, there was a grand opening for a new store she endorsed. As the spokesperson, she had to make an appearance.

After her makeup and outfit were ready, Sheng Qingli first went out with her team to take a few sets of photos.

Afterward, she returned to the car to head to the mall.

“Tong Tong, Sister Li Li is so beautiful,” Tong Tong remarked as she reviewed the unretouched photos sent by the photographer. “I think these photos don’t need retouching. The raw images would amaze the fans even more.”

Sheng Qingli was indeed beautiful and radiant.

She had a very distinguished oval face with excellent bone structure. Her high cheekbones and smooth, three-dimensional facial lines made her striking. Her eyes were bright and full of life, with clear black and white pupils. Her nose was straight and her lips full and sensual, and her skin was fair and translucent, able to handle high-definition cameras from all angles.

Hearing this, the makeup artist laughed and said, “If you really posted the raw photos, you and the photographer would be criticized.”

Fans were protective and wanted to see their idol in the best light. Even if they agreed with Tong Tong, Sheng Qingli had paid them to work, so they had to maintain a high standard.

Sheng Qingli smiled, “Fans just want us to look our best.”

Tong Tong nodded and looked at Sheng Qingli, “Sister Li Li, you haven’t posted a selfie in a while. Should I take a few photos for you to post on Weibo?”

Sheng Qingli thought for a few seconds and said, “Sure, take some photos of me with the fans at the event.”

She emphasized, “Make sure to get pictures with the fans.”

Tong Tong, who was also good at photography, agreed, “No problem.”

As they spoke, the group arrived near the mall.

Knowing Sheng Qingli was coming, the mall and its surroundings were already filled with her fans. From the car, Sheng Qingli saw banners and support messages from fans. She looked at the fans waiting outside, slightly tilted her face up, and glanced at the glaring sun in the sky.

“Tong Tong,” Sheng Qingli said.

Tong Tong, who was busy editing photos, responded, “Sister Li Li, what’s up?”

Sheng Qingli pointed outside and said gently, “When we get out of the car, please ask the mall staff to bring a few boxes of water and drinks over here.”

Tong Tong glanced sideways and quickly nodded, “Okay, then should I tell them that it was you who prepared this for everyone?”

Sheng Qingli said, “No need.”

As they entered the underground parking lot, Sheng Qingli stepped out of the elevator from the mall’s hotel entrance.

The moment she appeared, the fans on site couldn’t control their screams, going wild.

Today, Sheng Qingli was wearing a vintage silver sequin dress with wide straps. The dress was fitted, accentuating her beautiful curves, with a skirt hem that swayed with tassels.

As she moved, the delicate tassels fluttered gracefully and lightly.

“Ah ah ah Qingli!!”

“Qingli, you look so beautiful!!!”

“Woo woo woo Qingli, look at me, look at me!!”

“Wifey!!”

The fans’ screams were incessant, surrounding the mall so tightly that it was impenetrable.

Sheng Qingli smiled and waved to everyone. When she reached the center of the event area, cameras from all directions were focused on her, and the shouting around was even more intense than before.

It wasn’t until the host came out to control the crowd that it quieted down a bit.

Sheng Qingli took the microphone from the staff and greeted the fans on site.

As expected, there was another wave of excitement among the crowd.

---

Everyone in the mall was watching the glamorous star at the center of the event with intense interest, including people passing by.

Ying Zheng didn’t expect that, during his rare appointment with Pei Qingci, he would coincidentally encounter his rumored girlfriend at the event. This mall is connected to the adjacent office building.

After finishing the business, Ying Zheng personally escorted Pei Qingci downstairs.

Just as they exited the elevator, they heard a deafening noise from not far away.

Ying Zheng raised his eyebrows and asked with mild curiosity, “What’s going on over there?”

His assistant, who lagged behind him, said, “A female celebrity is attending a new store opening event.”

Ying Zheng casually asked, “Which female celebrity?”

The assistant glanced at the indifferent Pei Qingci and whispered, “Sheng Qingli.”

“…”

Upon hearing Sheng Qingli’s name, Ying Zheng paused for a few seconds and then turned his head with a half-smile, “Your rumored girlfriend? Did you know she was participating in this event?”

Pei Qingci shot him a glance but didn’t respond.

“How about we go and take a look?” Ying Zheng teased, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen a female celebrity.”

Pei Qingci responded with a cold, “Is that so?”

“Are we going or not?” Ying Zheng remembered something, “I wonder if Sheng Qingli will have time later. I have a collaboration I want to discuss with her.”

Pei Qingci remained silent.

Ying Zheng gave him a once-over and asked, “Do you have her contact information? Can you ask her for me?”

Pei Qingci replied, “Ask her yourself.”

Ying Zheng clicked his tongue, “You won’t even help with this small favor?”

Pei Qingci shot him a sidelong glance.

Ying Zheng couldn’t help but chuckle, “Alright, I’ll handle the collaboration details myself. Could you at least give me her WeChat contact?”

Pei Qingci replied, “I don’t have it.”

Ying Zheng: “…”

He was taken aback and incredulously asked, “Aren’t you ex-rumored lovers?”

He emphasized the “ex” part.

Pei Qingci ignored him.

Ying Zheng couldn’t tell him that after their breakup, Sheng Qingli had blocked and deleted him.

Even through his mask, Ying Zheng could sense that Pei Qingci’s expression had darkened slightly. He awkwardly decided not to bring it up again.

After a moment of silence, Ying Zheng couldn’t resist asking, “So, can Teacher Pei now do me the favor of accompanying me to check out your rumored girlfriend?”

Ying Zheng, who was in the sports brand business, had never sought female celebrities for endorsements before. On one hand, he felt it unnecessary, and on the other, he found the prices of those he liked too high, and those at lower prices were not appealing.

When his assistant mentioned Sheng Qingli, Ying Zheng suddenly recalled that Sheng Qingli’s previous endorsement for a sports brand seemed to have expired. He could discuss potential collaboration opportunities with her team.

Before Pei Qingci could refuse, Ying Zheng signaled to his assistant, “Go buy a hat for Mr. Pei, and if there are sunglasses, get those too.”

The assistant quickly ran to the nearby store, bought two hats, and handed them to them. When he gave one to Pei Qingci, the assistant seemed a bit excited. He felt distressed; he seemed to have discovered a big secret today, but he couldn’t say anything.

Neither Pei Qingci nor Ying Zheng noticed anything unusual about the assistant. They walked to the outer area of the event.

It was tightly surrounded inside, and they couldn’t see anything.

Ying Zheng frowned and asked the assistant to greet the event organizers, and then he and Pei Qingci went to the front row staff area.

Among the crowd, they blended in without drawing attention.

Ying Zheng glanced at Sheng Qingli in the center and said quietly, “Sheng Qingli is really beautiful.”

Pei Qingci glanced at him. Ying Zheng, unaware of the effect of his words, continued, “Her temperament is special, and her figure is perfect—”

At this point, Ying Zheng belatedly realized something. He turned his head slightly and met Pei Qingci’s sharp gaze.

After a moment, Ying Zheng silently closed his mouth.

It seemed that some men have possessive feelings toward their ex-rumored girlfriends, and he decided to avoid provoking them.

As the noise died down, Pei Qingci’s gaze shifted to the woman not far away.

Compared to her initial brand event appearance, Sheng Qingli now appeared calm and at ease, not showing the slightest hint of nervousness.

Pei Qingci observed her intently, and the person on stage seemed to sense it.

Noticing a particularly intense gaze, Sheng Qingli instinctively looked down to search. When she saw a pair of very familiar eyes among the staff, she was stunned—

How could Pei Qingci be here? And why is he with the staff?

Has he lost his mind? Isn’t he afraid of being spotted?