Chapter 44

Because of that kiss, Sheng Qingli almost missed out on the beef short ribs she had been craving.

Fortunately, the annoying ringtone kept ringing, pulling the two back from the brink of losing control.

After pushing Pei Qingci away and rushing back to finish cooking lunch, Sheng Qingli didn’t dare stay in the kitchen. She was afraid that if the teasing continued, lunch would turn into dinner.

Once back in the living room, she raised her hand to touch her flushed cheeks, feeling something was off. It wasn’t her first time dating him, so why did a kiss still make her heart race like when she was first in love?

Everything felt hot.

Her lips tingled slightly, so Sheng Qingli paused and decided to wash her face in the bathroom.

As she entered the bathroom again, she caught a glimpse of her rosy lips in the mirror, her ears turning even redder.

After a moment, when Sheng Qingli finally cooled down and went downstairs, Pei Qingci had already started frying a few other dishes.

Rich aromas wafted from the kitchen, and Sheng Qingli walked to the doorway, her eyes shining with desire.

Noticing her intention, Pei Qingci silently smirked and picked up a piece of beef short rib, asking, “Want to taste it first?”

Sheng Qingli didn’t hesitate: “Yes.”

Pei Qingci blew on it lightly before bringing it to her lips, “It’s almost ready, just try the seasoning.”

Sheng Qingli opened her mouth, her tongue reaching out to take the meat.

Pei Qingci watched her expression change, and when her eyes lit up, he knew her answer, “How is it?”

“Delicious,” Sheng Qingli said, somewhat at a loss for words, “I think your cooking has improved.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, “As long as it’s good.”

The beef short ribs were finished, and the plum pork ribs were ready too.

The other small dishes were quick to prepare as well.

Before long, the dishes Sheng Qingli ordered were served, all looking and smelling great.

She couldn’t help but pull out her phone and take a couple of photos.

Pei Qingci saw this and, narrowing his eyes, said, “Send me a copy of the photos.”

Sheng Qingli looked up, “Huh?”

Pei Qingci: “Don’t want to send them to me?”

“Not that,” Sheng Qingli replied, unsure why he thought she didn’t want to send them. She was just surprised, “Do you want to send them to someone else?”

Pei Qingci: “No, I’ll just keep them.”

This was their first meal together since getting back together.

Sheng Qingli replied with an “Oh,” sending him a copy of the photos, then picked one to send to Li Yuwei: “Ms. Li, please enjoy a meal through the clouds.”

Ten minutes later, she received three smile emojis from Li Yuwei, along with a threat: “If you send another, we’re done.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but laugh, replying with a food emoji, then putting down her phone.

Suddenly, she sensed something and looked up at the person across from her.

Their eyes met.

Sheng Qingli blinked lightly, “…Why are you looking at me like that?”

Pei Qingci raised his gaze: “You look good.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback by his straightforward compliment.

She opened her mouth to say something, “…Should I praise Mr. Pei for still being…?”

“Still what?” Pei Qingci asked, pressing.

Sheng Qingli: “Handsome.”

Pei Qingci replied smoothly, “Thank you.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli paused, unable to help but laugh at his teasing.

They chatted and ate, the atmosphere sweet and harmonious.

After the meal, Pei Qingci took care of the cleanup.

Sheng Qingli was hopeless at housework, partly because she was lazy; she didn’t like doing chores, and even when buying appliances like a robot vacuum, she was too lazy to learn how to use them.

An appliance could sit unused for half a year or longer until one day she suddenly remembered it and slowly opened the manual to figure it out.

—

After finishing the cleanup, Pei Qingci came out of the kitchen and looked at her wandering in the living room.

He leaned against the wall, watching her, and smiled silently as he approached, “Do you have any plans for the afternoon?”

Sheng Qingli looked up, about to say no, but suddenly remembered, “Ms. Wu messaged me yesterday.”

Pei Qingci: “Oh?”

“She invited me to her house for dinner and to discuss the script,” Sheng Qingli replied. “Did she ask you?”

Pei Qingci: “No.”

Noticing Sheng Qingli’s expression as if she wanted to say something but stopped, Pei Qingci chuckled softly, “Planning to go alone?”

“…” Hearing this, Sheng Qingli vaguely understood what Pei Qingci meant. She blinked slowly and said deliberately, “Ms. Wu only invited me. If I bring someone along, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”

Pei Qingci lowered his head, his warm breath falling on her face, his voice deep, “What’s inappropriate about it?”

Sheng Qingli’s breath hitched slightly, and her lips moved, “It’s just not… mm…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Pei Qingci sealed her lips, preventing her from saying another complete word.

Kissing while standing was a bit tiring.

After a moment, the two stumbled back onto the couch.

With the practice they had from previous times, the two, who hadn’t engaged in this activity for a while, gradually picked it up again.

After a long while, Pei Qingci finally let her go.

Their breaths mingled, and Pei Qingci gazed at the person in his arms, her lips now bright red and moist from his kisses. His eyes darkened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed, “Are you really not letting me go with you?”

“…” Sheng Qingli steadied her breathing and gave him a playful glare, “I’m not the one hosting the event.”

The main issue was that she wasn’t that close to Wu Nuanshushu, so it would be awkward to directly ask if she could bring someone along.

It seemed a bit presumptuous.

Pei Qingci lowered his eyes and smiled helplessly, “Alright.”

He reached out and rubbed her flushed ear, asking in a low voice, “So, should I wait for you at home?”

Sheng Qingli was amused by his words and couldn’t help but ask, “Don’t you have other work?”

Pei Qingci responded earnestly, “I’m on vacation.”

Sheng Qingli was speechless and looked at him for a moment before saying, “Do whatever you want.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat unsatisfied, “Just like that?”

“Just like that,” Sheng Qingli got up from his lap, teasing, “You said it yourself.”

Pei Qingci: “…”

After being momentarily at a loss for words, Pei Qingci pinched the bridge of his nose in resignation, “Where are you going?”

Sheng Qingli: “I’m thirsty.”

Pei Qingci stood up, pressing her back onto the couch, “I’ll get some water.”

Sheng Qingli’s eyes curved, clearly enjoying his service.

After fetching the water, to avoid Pei Qingci continuing, Sheng Qingli poked his arm, “Have you read the second half of the script?”

Pei Qingci: “I’ve read the old version.”

He glanced at the script she picked up, “The new version?”

Sheng Qingli nodded, “I haven’t finished it yet.”

Pei Qingci hummed, brushing her messy hair behind her ear, “I won’t bother you, go ahead and finish reading.”

He knew Sheng Qingli wanted to finish the last part of the script before meeting Wu Nuanshushu, so she could understand the character better and offer deeper, more unique insights during their discussion.

“And you?” Sheng Qingli looked up, “Should I print a copy for you?”

Pei Qingci smiled, “No need.”

After a moment of thought, he said, “You read, I’ll nap beside you.”

Sheng Qingli suddenly remembered that he had only slept for four hours last night.

After a moment of hesitation, she turned to him, “Why don’t you sleep in bed?”

Pei Qingci glanced at her, his gaze deep, “Will you join me?”

“No,” Sheng Qingli answered without hesitation, “I need to read the script.”

Predictably rejected, Pei Qingci pretended to be aggrieved, “At least hesitate before answering me.”

Sheng Qingli looked at him with an innocent expression.

Pei Qingci thought for a moment, “I’ll sleep on the couch, you read.”

Sheng Qingli paused, her eyes flickering, “Should I draw the curtains?”

“How will you read the script if you draw them?” Pei Qingci squeezed her fingers lightly, “No need, this is fine.”

Sheng Qingli’s living room always had a layer of sheer, light-blocking curtains drawn.

Although her balcony faced the river, she was a public figure, and she preferred to be cautious. So, whenever she was home, she would keep the sheer curtains drawn to prevent any accidents.

Since Pei Qingci insisted on sleeping on the couch, Sheng Qingli gave up on trying to convince him otherwise.

She picked up the script from the coffee table and continued reading.

The living room fell silent.

Apart from the sound of Pei Qingci’s steady breathing in his sleep, there was only the faint rustling of pages being turned.

Sheng Qingli occasionally got distracted, glancing at the man sleeping beside her. Pei Qingci seemed genuinely tired, sleeping soundly.

He had good sleeping posture, barely moving, not snoring, nor grinding his teeth.

Sheng Qingli found this quite satisfactory.

After openly watching him for a while, she refocused on the script.

The second half of the story was much more exciting than the first.

As she read further, Sheng Qingli finally understood why both Pei Qingci and Wu Nuanshushu repeatedly reminded her that this movie was rather bold.

Because of the male lead’s leg injury, in both their first meeting and reunion years later, all the intimate scenes were led by the female character.

Their first encounter was still innocent—both young and inexperienced, suppressing their emotions, though they were clear in their words.

But after their reunion, things were different.

Scene after scene of repressed emotions erupted, and in a dimly lit room, the woman, spurred by the man’s words, undressed herself and approached him, telling him everything she had learned during the years he was gone.

…

Wu Nuanshushu didn’t write the intimate scenes in much detail, but her writing was vivid enough that, with just a few sentences, she could paint a tantalizing and ambiguous picture in the reader’s mind.

The impact was quite strong.

Finishing the last section, Sheng Qingli felt a little dazed.

She slowly closed the script and picked up her phone to message Lin Lin: “I just finished reading the full script from Ms. Wu.”

Lin Lin always responded to her messages quickly, almost instantly: “What do you mean?”

Sheng Qingli: “…It’s even more outstanding than the first half.”

Lin Lin: “Do you want to act in it even more now?”

Sheng Qingli: “Yeah, but the scale is really quite big. I’m worried it might not pass in the domestic market.”

Lin Lin: “I was just about to tell you some news I heard: Ms. Wu’s script has been picked up by a director.”

Sheng Qingli: “It wouldn’t be Director Zhong, would it?”

Lin Lin: “Of course not. It’s an international director. Take a guess.”

A name flashed through Sheng Qingli’s mind: “It wouldn’t be Director Wan, would it?”

Director Wan was Wan Hongru, a well-known director in the industry, best known for his art films. His output wasn’t vast, but every movie he made won awards, garnering international acclaim and praise.

Of course, there were also those who said they couldn’t understand his films.

But whether people understood them or not, there was no denying that he was a director who constantly won major awards. Many actors in the industry wanted to work with him, even just to have a minor role in one of his films.

A few years ago, he said in an interview that unless he found a script he liked, he wouldn’t direct again.

In recent years, he hadn’t produced any new work and barely made any public appearances. The only two times he did show up were as a jury member at international film festivals.

Beyond that, there was nothing.

Some people said he had already retired abroad, and his last film was his farewell piece.

Because of this, Sheng Qingli had privately lamented that she might never get the chance to work with Wan Hongru in her lifetime.

Lin Lin: “It’s him.”

Sheng Qingli was shocked: “Is this information reliable?”

Lin Lin: “It’s just something I heard, not 100% confirmed yet.”

Lin Lin: “But if it’s him, I think you don’t need to hesitate. Just accept the role first.”

Even though it was quite bold, Lin Lin still suggested Sheng Qingli take it.

Sheng Qingli had been nominated at international film festivals but had never won an award.

Lin Lin knew she had regrets about that.

Given this, she should seize this rare opportunity. Besides, the movie Love for a Long Time might just be Wan Hongru’s final work.

As long as she acted well in it, Sheng Qingli wouldn’t have to worry about resources in the future.

Sheng Qingli understood what Lin Lin meant. After thinking for a moment, she replied, “I’ll talk to Ms. Wu tonight and let you know.”

Lin Lin: “Alright, do you need me to arrange a driver?”

Sheng Qingli: “No need.”

At this point, Sheng Qingli glanced at the person still sleeping next to her. After some thought, she told Lin Lin without hiding it, “Sister Lin, Pei Qingci and I are officially together.”

Lin Lin: “Congratulations.”

Sheng Qingli had expected her to say that and smiled, “Thanks, Sister Lin.”

Lin Lin: “As long as you manage your love life well, I have nothing to warn you about.”

Sheng Qingli: “Got it. I’ll stop bothering you now. I’m going to get ready.”

Lin Lin: “Call me if anything comes up.”

After putting down the phone, Sheng Qingli looked over again.

Pei Qingci, when asleep, didn’t seem so stern or aloof. His brow was relaxed, and his facial features softened.

Sheng Qingli stared at him for a while, suddenly curious enough to want to measure how long his eyelashes were.

Just as she reached out her hand, it was caught.

The two locked eyes from different heights.

Sheng Qingli froze for a few seconds, her eyes widening. “When did you wake up?”

Pei Qingci: “When you were chatting on your phone.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

She was momentarily speechless. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Didn’t want to disturb you.” Pei Qingci’s voice was hoarse from sleep. “Did you finish reading the script?”

Sitting up from the couch, he asked her in a low voice.

Sheng Qingli nodded. “I think the second half is more exciting.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a half-smile. “What part’s exciting?”

“…”

Realizing he was trying to trap her, Sheng Qingli shot him a look, annoyed. “I’ll complain to Ms. Wu about you later.”

Pei Qingci chuckled softly, looking at her with steady eyes. “I’m not afraid.”

This man had such thick skin, she didn’t know how to deal with him.

Sheng Qingli glared at him. “I’m done talking to you, I need to go do my makeup.”

Pei Qingci chuckled lightly, just about to say something when his phone rang.

“Go answer your phone.” Sheng Qingli stood up. “I’m heading upstairs.”

Pei Qingci glanced at the caller ID and nodded slightly. “Okay.”

–

Going to Ms. Wu Nuanshushu’s house for dinner meant her makeup shouldn’t be too dramatic.

Sheng Qingli did a simple, everyday look. After finishing, Pei Qingci entered the room at a leisurely pace.

“Help me pick an outfit?” Sheng Qingli was struggling with what to wear for the evening.

Pei Qingci chuckled softly, “Sure.”

“What style does Ms. Wu like?” Sheng Qingli asked.

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze, his eyes lingering on her. “Whatever you wear, she’ll probably like.”

Sheng Qingli: “…Be serious.”

Pei Qingci felt a bit wronged—he had been serious.

Meeting Sheng Qingli’s sidelong glance, he sheepishly rubbed his nose and looked at her, “What do you feel like wearing?”

Sheng Qingli: “Not a dress.”

Pei Qingci understood. “Something casual, then.”

He spoke softly, “Jeans?”

Sheng Qingli: “Works for me.”

In the end, Pei Qingci chose a pair of light-colored, loose-fitting jeans for her, paired with a form-fitting knit top.

As the weather turned cooler, she handed her a long khaki trench coat, which gave off a hint of a character’s vibe after a dramatic transformation.

Sheng Qingli’s height was considered tall among women.

She was 1.7 meters tall, had a great figure, and her skin was fair and luminous, glowing even in the dim room.

After changing clothes, Sheng Qingli was ready to head out.

The two of them went downstairs together.

When they reached the door to change shoes, Sheng Qingli heard the person lazily standing nearby ask, “What time will you be back?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “…I haven’t even left yet.”

Pei Qingci responded with a nonchalant “Hmm,” as if it were entirely justified. “Just asking.”

Sheng Qingli laughed and glanced at him. “In four hours?”

Pei Qingci looked at the clock on the wall and reluctantly agreed, “Alright.”

After putting on her shoes, Sheng Qingli really was about to leave.

Pei Qingci opened the door for her.

Sheng Qingli slowly shuffled outside. When she reached the door, she turned back to look at the person still standing there, gazing at her, and suddenly felt a pang of reluctance.

After a few seconds of hesitation, Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but say, “…Actually, I need a driver.”

Pei Qingci smirked. “Hmm?”

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he crossed his arms and lowered his gaze. “What?”

Sheng Qingli knew he wanted her to finish her thought.

After silently criticizing him for being stingy, she candidly said, “Mr. Pei, I’d like to ask you to be my driver for the evening. Is that okay?”

Pei Qingci asked, “Will you pay me?”

“?”

Sheng Qingli blinked. “You want money?”

“Well, that’s negotiable.” Pei Qingci’s gaze fell on her lips, which were coated with lip gloss, looking plump and rosy. His eyes darkened slightly. “You can repay me in other ways later.”

Feeling his intense gaze, Sheng Qingli’s cheeks flushed, and she shot him a shy glare. “So, are you going or not?”

“Sure.” Pei Qingci was prepared, grabbing a mask from the door and putting it on as he stepped outside with her. “After I drop you off, I’ll head somewhere else. Call me when you’re done.”

He instructed Sheng Qingli.

She paused, surprised. “Actually, you could come in with me.”

Given Pei Qingci’s connections with Ms. Wu and the others, Sheng Qingli believed they would be welcomed even if he didn’t announce his arrival.

When she rejected him earlier in the afternoon, it was purely to tease him.

Pei Qingci said, “I know.”

He turned to look at her. “But I hope your conversation with Ms. Wu tonight won’t be interrupted by me.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback, understanding his meaning.

After a moment of silence, she asked, “So where are you going?”

“I have a meeting with a friend.” He told her, “Just to meet up and grab a bite.”

Sheng Qingli nodded and didn’t ask who his friend was.

Wu Nuanshu and Zhong Hongmao lived in a somewhat remote area, which took about forty minutes to get to from Sheng Qingli’s side.

Pei Qingci drove steadily, dropping Sheng Qingli off before they parted ways.

“Message me when you’re about to finish,” he reminded her.

Sheng Qingli replied, “Got it.”

She unbuckled her seatbelt, paused for a moment, and said, “Drive safely.”

Worried about ruining her makeup, Pei Qingci pinched her earlobe lightly and said softly, “See you later.”

As Sheng Qingli stepped into the yard with her gifts, Pei Qingci drove away.

---

“Ms. Wu.” Sheng Qingli discovered upon entering the house that Director Zhong was not home today.

Wu Nuanshu responded and smiled upon seeing what Sheng Qingli was carrying. “You child, why did you buy things when you came over?”

Sheng Qingli handed her the flowers and replied, “They’re nothing valuable, just some fruit.”

Wu Nuanshu accepted the flowers and remarked, “I haven’t received such beautiful flowers in a long time.”

“I’ll mention it to Director Zhong next time I see him,” Sheng Qingli replied.

Wu Nuanshu chuckled at her. “Alright, I’ll count on you.”

The two hadn’t seen each other for a while, but when they did meet again, there was no sense of strangeness.

It was strange; although Sheng Qingli wasn’t very sociable, she didn’t have to rack her brain for topics when she was with Wu Nuanshu.

Wu Nuanshu was going to cook, and Sheng Qingli offered to help her.

Wu Nuanshu asked, “Can you cook?”

Sheng Qingli hesitated for a few seconds and honestly said, “Not really.”

“Then it’s better you don’t,” Wu Nuanshu winked at her. “Leave these things to the men from now on.”

Sheng Qingli smiled. “I think so too.”

As they chatted, realizing Sheng Qingli hadn’t eaten much in the evening, Wu Nuanshu only made a few simple dishes with lower calories.

“Is Director Zhong not coming back for dinner tonight?” Sheng Qingli asked.

Wu Nuanshu replied, “He’s busy editing your film and won’t be back until around nine.”

They chatted while eating.

During dinner, their conversation revolved around mundane daily matters.

After finishing the meal, their discussion shifted to the main topic. “Have you finished reading the script?”

Sheng Qingli nodded and sat down on the sofa with Wu Nuanshu, seriously saying, “I really liked the latter half of the story, and I loved the open ending.”

Wu Nuanshu smiled knowingly. “I guessed you would like it.”

Sheng Qingli responded honestly, “Ms. Wu, why did you want to choose me?”

Wu Nuanshu anticipated this question. After a moment of silence, she smiled and said, “Maybe I saw her shadow in you again.”

“Her?”

“The female protagonist of the story.” Wu Nuanshu sipped her tea. “You have a certain energy about you that resembles her in the script.”

Sheng Qingli understood.

“I really like this script and the character, but my only concern is…” Sheng Qingli looked at Wu Nuanshu, biting her lip, unsure of how to articulate her thoughts.

“What are you worried about?” Wu Nuanshu asked gently. “Just say it, it’s fine.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “You mentioned earlier that you have your eyes on Mr. Pei Qingci for the male lead.”

Wu Nuanshu said, “Apart from him, I can’t think of a more suitable actor.”

“Aren’t you afraid he’ll refuse?” Sheng Qingli asked curiously.

Wu Nuanshu pondered, “I don’t think he will.”

“Why not?” Sheng Qingli inquired.

“Because of you,” Wu Nuanshu looked at her. “Since you agreed, he will too.”

Sheng Qingli paused for a moment and opened her mouth, “So you’re not worried about us…”

“What about you two?” Wu Nuanshu caught the difficulty in her expression and smiled knowingly. “Dating?”

Sheng Qingli hesitantly nodded.

“What’s there to worry about?” Wu Nuanshu was a bit more open-minded than Sheng Qingli. “You both are professional actors. Even if you start dating, I believe you will separate work from your personal lives.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback. “I’m mostly worried that if something comes out about us, it might affect the movie.”

Wu Nuanshu said sternly, “Qingli, you don’t need to worry about that.”

She realized why Pei Qingci had told her that Sheng Qingli was indecisive; she overthought everything and put too much pressure on herself.

She told Sheng Qingli, “You just need to answer whether you want to take the role. Everything else is not a problem. Regarding the dating issue you mentioned, regardless of whether you and Qingci are together now, even if you are, it might not necessarily get exposed. Besides, if you’re dating normally, even if it does get exposed, it wouldn’t have a huge impact on the film.”

At this point, Wu Nuanshu paused. “Of course, there will still be some viewers who think it’s distracting, but I’ve always felt that the distraction doesn’t come from you being real-life couples playing couples in the movie. Distraction is definitely…”

She looked at Sheng Qingli and said, “It’s because you don’t perform well enough.”

Wu Nuanshu’s words were sharp and direct, pinpointing the issue.

After listening, Sheng Qingli was silent for a long time. “Ms. Wu, I understand now.”

Wu Nuanshu smiled knowingly. “So, can you tell me your answer today?”

“Yes.” Sheng Qingli looked up. “I’m willing to play this role.”

Wu Nuanshu smiled. “I knew that would be the result.”

Sheng Qingli felt a bit shy. “I was overthinking.”

“Indeed, if you want to go far in this industry, you should consider various aspects,” Wu Nuanshu commented. “Do you have anything else you want to ask?”

Sheng Qingli suddenly realized, “Is this movie already confirmed?”

Wu Nuanshu nodded. “The team is ready; we just need the actors.”

“What about the director?” Sheng Qingli asked curiously.

Wu Nuanshu replied straightforwardly, “Director Wan, Wan Hongru.”

Sheng Qingli asked, “Is he really coming out of retirement to direct a film?”

“Yes,” Wu Nuanshu smiled gently. “In fact, I showed him this script a few years ago. At that time, we both thought the script needed improvement, and due to other reasons, we didn’t start working on it.”

This year, Wu Nuanshu suddenly had an idea and dug out the script again, then contacted Wan Hongru.

The communication went very smoothly.

When mentioning Wan Hongru, Wu Nuanshu looked at Sheng Qingli. “Soon, I’ll take you to have a meal with Director Wan.”

Sheng Qingli’s heart tightened, and she perked up. “Then I’ll trouble you, Ms. Wu.”

Wu Nuanshu honestly said, “I really like you and Qingci.”

Sheng Qingli blinked gently. “Then I’ll come to see you whenever I have free time. I wonder if Ms. Wu would welcome that.”

Wu Nuanshu laughed lightly and teased her, “I welcome you, but if you and Qingci come together, I’d welcome it even more.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “…I’ll work hard at that.”

She didn’t directly tell Wu Nuanshu that she and Pei Qingci were together for now. She thought it was better to wait until things were more stable between them.

After chatting with Wu Nuanshu about Director Zhong returning home, Sheng Qingli prepared to leave.

She texted Pei Qingci in advance, and after he arrived, Sheng Qingli waved goodbye to Wu Nuanshu and the others.

---

Once in the car, Sheng Qingli immediately noticed a faint smell of alcohol.

She turned her head. “You—”

“I didn’t drink,” Pei Qingci knew what she was about to ask. “It’s from someone else.”

Sheng Qingli raised an eyebrow and fastened her seatbelt, asking, “Who did you have dinner with?”

“Teng Wenhua.”

“Who?” Sheng Qingli asked uncertainly.

Pei Qingci repeated, “Former manager.”

Sheng Qingli understood and licked her lips, asking, “Did you talk about anything?”

Pei Qingci nodded. “About the phone call, he admitted he did it on purpose.”

“I knew it,” Sheng Qingli was angry. “He has ulterior motives.”

Pei Qingci nodded, staring straight ahead. “He asked me to apologize to you on his behalf.”

“I won’t forgive him,” Sheng Qingli replied.

Pei Qingci said, “I refused him.”

“And then?” Sheng Qingli pressed. “That dinner must have been quite torturous for him, right?”

Pei Qingci agreed. “I think I was the one who found it more torturous.”

Sheng Qingli was puzzled. “How were you tortured?”

“I’m not talking about tonight,” Pei Qingci said.

Sheng Qingli vaguely understood what he meant. She opened her mouth and said with a hint of amusement, “Speaking of Teng Wenhua, don’t play the victim, Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci felt wronged.

After a few seconds of silence, Sheng Qingli asked, “Did you do anything else tonight?”

Pei Qingci replied, “No.”

He only treated Teng Wenhua to dinner and had a few strong drinks. As for how he drank, he couldn’t tell Sheng Qingli. He didn’t want her to know that side of him.

After chatting a bit about Teng Wenhua, Sheng Qingli didn’t ask more.

Pei Qingci said he would handle it, so she left it to him. She believed he wouldn’t let her down.

The two drove back home.

When they got out of the car, Pei Qingci went to the trunk to grab something, and Sheng Qingli realized that Pei Qingci had found time to return home.

Looking at the bag he took out, Sheng Qingli blinked in slight confusion and curiously asked, “Are you planning to… stay at my house for a long time?”

Hearing this, Pei Qingci raised his eyebrows slightly. “Not welcome?”

Sheng Qingli was about to say it wasn’t very welcome when Pei Qingci spoke first. “During your time off, I can be your driver, your chef, and—”

“And what else?” Sheng Qingli asked.

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze and leaned closer to her ear, saying, “A bed warmer?”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback by his words, her face instantly flushed. “As for that last point, I’ll think about it.”

Pei Qingci spoke in a teasing tone, somewhat aggrieved. “A bed warmer as handsome as me, and you still have to think about it?”

Sheng Qingli responded, “…Mr. Pei.”

She ground her teeth and complained, “You’re a bit narcissistic.”

Pei Qingci replied, “You said that this morning.”

Sheng Qingli recalled that she had indeed complimented him on his looks earlier in the morning.

She choked slightly, not expecting him to retaliate so quickly.

As they chatted, they arrived home.

Pei Qingci then asked, “How did it go talking to Ms. Wu?”

Mentioning this, Sheng Qingli’s eyes lit up. “I agreed.”

Pei Qingci asked, “To take this movie?”

Sheng Qingli nodded and tilted her face up to ask, “What about you? Are you taking it?”

“Whether I take it or not depends on Ms. Sheng’s performance,” Pei Qingci said, trying to assert himself.

Sheng Qingli looked confused. “What performance?”

Pei Qingci gazed at her, “What do you think?”

“…”

It was indeed strange. The scenes from the script she saw in the afternoon flashed through her mind.

She widened her eyes, incredulously looking at the person in front of her. “You can’t possibly want me to…”

Pei Qingci leaned down and affectionately brushed his lips against the corner of hers. “What?”

Sheng Qingli’s ears turned red, and she couldn’t help but say, “You’re a bit perverted.”

Pei Qingci chuckled softly. “I didn’t do anything.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Your gaze has done a lot.”

The way he looked at her was simply too intense, too blatant.

Hearing this, Pei Qingci said slowly, “I just wanted to rehearse with Ms. Sheng in advance. I didn’t know if Ms. Sheng would be willing?”

“There’s no…” Sheng Qingli, feeling the warm breath on her face, struggled to get the words out. “In the end, you’ll be the one uncomfortable.”

She reminded Pei Qingci.

Pei Qingci responded with an “Mm,” his gaze deepening. “So, does that mean Ms. Sheng agrees?”

“I don’t…” The words of agreement couldn’t come out, and Sheng Qingli collided with Pei Qingci’s bright, alluring eyes.

Her heart raced, and she nervously swallowed. “Which part do you want to act out?”