Chapter 48

The consequences of deliberately provoking someone can be severe. If it weren’t for the fact that they had just landed in the city and still had a dinner gathering with the cast and director later, along with a script reading tomorrow, Pei Qingci wouldn’t have let Sheng Qingli go so easily.

He blocked her lips for a long time, licking and teasing as if he wanted to devour her soft lips bit by bit.

After a long while.

It was only when Sheng Qingli’s face flushed and she leaned against his chest that he finally let her go.

As Pei Qingci withdrew, he couldn’t help but suck on Sheng Qingli’s full, rosy lips, causing her body to tremble and her breath to hitch.

“…”

After a brief moment of recovery, Pei Qingci straightened her clothes that had been disheveled from the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers, asking, “Do you want to rest for a bit?”

Sheng Qingli regained her composure and fluttered her long eyelashes, saying, “You… I want to take a shower.”

After flying for hours and with a dinner gathering in the evening, she wanted to wash up before meeting others.

Pei Qingci lowered his eyes, “I—”

“I don’t need your help.” Before he could finish, Sheng Qingli firmly refused, raising her eyes slightly, “Why don’t you go back to your own room first?”

It wasn’t appropriate for him to stay on her side for too long.

Pei Qingci thought for a few seconds, “Alright.”

Since they were going to act together, it was indeed necessary to maintain some distance.

After Pei Qingci left, Sheng Qingli found a set of pajamas in her suitcase and sent a message to Tong Tong, asking her to bring her four-piece set. Once they changed, Sheng Qingli went to wash up.

After washing, it was still not yet four o’clock.

The dinner gathering was at six, and after some hesitation, Sheng Qingli decided to take a nap.

Before falling asleep, she glanced at the online situation.

As expected, news of her and Pei Qingci arriving in the city had trended, with netizens discussing their upcoming collaboration.

Meanwhile, while the paparazzi and marketing accounts only uncovered that the two were collaborating without revealing any details about the movie, many netizens criticized them for being useless, saying they should be investigating more instead of spouting nonsense.

Sheng Qingli opened a comment under one marketing account and noticed that the fans of her and Pei Qingci’s pairing were the majority.

“The news about their collaboration has been circulating for almost half a month; how come there’s not a single additional piece of information?”

“Ahhh, these useless paparazzi!”

“When will these wasteful paparazzi finally get a video of them kissing? I want to see it!”

“Am I the only one who wants to know what kind of movie this is? That can bring these two back together?”

“I only care about whether they are the main leads; I don’t want to see who plays a supporting role! They should be a couple in the movie.”

“Can the paparazzi work a little harder? Give me some useful news instead of pushing the same ‘they’re collaborating’ story without any details! Even my grandma knows they’re collaborating; tell me what it’s about.”

“Please, directors and producers, consider giving them a script where they meet on the first day, kiss on the second, sleep together on the third, and have a baby on the fourth.”

“Ugh, I want to see that too.”

…

After reading for a while, Sheng Qingli quietly set her phone down.

She raised her hand to touch her nose, contemplating whether the fans of her and Pei Qingci’s pairing were a bit too passionate!

After saying a word to Pei Qingci, Sheng Qingli fell into a deep sleep.

An hour later, Sheng Qingli woke up.

When she checked her phone, she saw a new group chat on WeChat with several of the main creators of the movie “Love for a Long Time.”

In the group, several people were chatting about what time to go to the restaurant.

The dinner gathering that night wasn’t at the hotel but at a famous garden restaurant in the city, known for its local style, which offered more privacy and was suitable for their group to gather and chat.

As they chatted, someone noticed that Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci hadn’t spoken in the group, so both of them “Are the two teachers here?”

Pei Qingci still hadn’t replied.

Sheng Qingli responded, “I’m here; I just woke up.”

After chatting for a bit with the group, Sheng Qingli opened Pei Qingci’s chat: “I’m awake.”

Pei Qingci replied immediately: “Do you want to come over?”

Sheng Qingli: “…No, I’ll be going out soon.”

Pei Qingci didn’t push her, only asking, “Did you sleep well?”

Sheng Qingli: “Not bad.”

Putting down her phone, Sheng Qingli pulled back the covers, got out of bed, and went to wash up.

After simply tidying herself up, Sheng Qingli changed into a more casual outfit. Once she was ready, she sent a message to Tong Tong, asking her to notify the driver to wait for her downstairs.

---

When Sheng Qingli opened her door, the person from the adjacent room also opened theirs.

The two exchanged glances and pretended to be casual, “Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci replied, “…Ms. Sheng, what a coincidence.”

After some forced small talk, they walked toward the elevator.

As they crossed the thickly carpeted corridor, a male actor from another room stepped out. “Qingli, Mr. Pei.”

Sheng Qingli looked up and paused before saying, “Brother Ye.”

The male actor in front of her was Ye Guangyuan. He and Sheng Qingli were already acquainted; they weren’t close, but they were on better terms than she was with Pei Qingci. Most importantly, he played Sheng Qingli’s husband in the movie “Love for a Long Time.”

Sheng Qingli didn’t expect him and Pei Qingci to run into each other like this.

Ye Guangyuan didn’t notice the tension between the two. He smiled and chatted with Sheng Qingli, “Going out to eat?”

Sheng Qingli nodded.

The three of them stepped into the elevator together.

Pei Qingci wore a long black coat today, and even though he paired it with loose jeans and a casual shirt, he looked a bit more aloof than usual.

Not to mention, his calm demeanor made him seem distant.

Feeling Pei Qingci’s gaze on her, Ye Guangyuan sensed something was off. He glanced at the two beside him but didn’t notice anything strange.

Am I overthinking this?!

Ye Guangyuan pondered, turning his attention to the elevator panel, eager to reach the underground garage.

They smoothly arrived at the underground garage.

Upon exiting the elevator, Ye Guangyuan spotted his driver. “Qingli, Mr. Pei, my car is here. I’ll head off first; see you at the restaurant later.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Okay.”

Pei Qingci nodded in agreement.

After Ye Guangyuan got into his car and left, Sheng Qingli adjusted her mask and quietly said, “Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci looked at her eyes peeking out from the mask. “Hmm?”

“You seemed a bit cold just now,” Sheng Qingli reminded him.

Pei Qingci feigned ignorance, “Did I?”

He was obviously asking on purpose.

As Sheng Qingli walked slowly toward the car with him, she mumbled, “Just don’t be too obvious about it.”

“I got into character,” Pei Qingci said seriously.

“?”

Sheng Qingli was momentarily stunned and turned to ask, “Into character?”

Pei Qingci lowered his gaze and affirmed, “Isn’t it fine to get into character?”

“…”

Sheng Qingli blinked, considering that they were rivals in the movie, so it made sense for him to be cold toward Ye Guangyuan after getting into character.

After a moment of silence, Sheng Qingli muttered, “Aren’t you afraid of rumors about you being difficult to work with?”

Pei Qingci smiled, “That shouldn’t happen.”

He was merely a bit aloof; being difficult to work with was still a stretch.

“Anyway, just try to be a bit more polite,” Sheng Qingli said earnestly. “We have to shoot together for three months.”

Hearing this, Pei Qingci felt a slight stirring in his heart and promised her, “I’ll try my best.”

After a brief chat, they each got into their respective cars.

Tong Tong and the driver were already waiting for her in the car. When she got in, Tong Tong turned to ask, “Is it cold?”

“A little,” Sheng Qingli replied. She was from the south, and Shanghai was also a southern city.

But she had spent little time back in her hometown these past few years; sometimes she didn’t even return for the New Year. So, experiencing the damp cold of a southern winter again, she found herself somewhat unaccustomed.

Tong Tong sighed, “Me too. It’s so cold.”

Sheng Qingli chuckled and thought for a moment before saying, “If we finish eating early, let’s go shopping.”

“Huh?”

“It’s almost New Year’s Day,” Sheng Qingli looked at her. “I’ll buy you some new clothes.”

Tong Tong smiled and thought for a moment before agreeing, “Sure.”

She didn’t hesitate; Sheng Qingli often prepared many gifts for her throughout the year, celebrating various holidays. Sometimes it was red envelopes, and sometimes it was accessories from brand sponsors, which she would let Tong Tong choose first.

People often say being an assistant is difficult, but Tong Tong didn’t feel that way.

She had a great artist, so she really enjoyed being an artist’s assistant.

After more than twenty minutes, Sheng Qingli arrived at the restaurant.

When she got there, the other actors had also arrived. In addition to Ye Guangyuan, whom she had just met at the hotel, there was Cen Jie, who played the young girl in Hengyi Xiaoqingmei, and Qu Hongying and Chen Jian, who played Sang Xue’s parents.

“Qingli,” Qu Hongying, who had worked with Sheng Qingli before and played her mother, stood up and hugged her with a smile. “Long time no see.”

Sheng Qingli smiled back, “Sister Ying, long time no see.”

After a few exchanges, Wu Nuanshu, Director Wan, and other producers also arrived.

After a simple introduction and greeting, everyone started eating and chatting.

Director Wan Hongru’s crew didn’t have any toasting activities, making it a very harmonious meal. He didn’t have the bad habits that some directors had; if people wanted to drink, they could, and if they didn’t, they didn’t have to.

The investors wouldn’t force anyone either.

Everyone enjoyed the meal thoroughly.

When they were almost done eating, Wan Hongru prepared to head back to the hotel.

He had other matters to attend to and reminded everyone before leaving, “Don’t be late for the script reading tomorrow.”

Wu Nuanshu also reminded, “Director Wan hates latecomers the most, so everyone remember to be on time.”

After Wan Hongru and Wu Nuanshu left, the gathering also dispersed.

“Qingli,” Qu Hongying looked at her. “I’ll head back to the hotel to rest and take a look at the script. You can come to my room to hang out if you have time.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Okay, Sister Ying.”

After parting at the entrance of the restaurant, Sheng Qingli also got into the car.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Pei Qingci: “Directly back to the hotel?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Tong Tong and I are going to stroll around a nearby mall.”

Pei Qingci: “Be safe.”

Sheng Qingli: “Yeah, I’ll tell you when I get back.”

After browsing the mall for a while and buying a few clothes, the two returned to the hotel.

Just as they got back to the hotel, Lin Lin called Sheng Qingli.

“Hello.” Sheng Qingli hadn’t even put her things down yet. “Sister Lin, did you install surveillance on me?”

Lin Lin: “Just arrived at the hotel?”

Sheng Qingli: “Just opened the door.”

Lin Lin chuckled, “What a coincidence.”

Sheng Qingli nodded, “You want to ask me how dinner was tonight?”

“Half right. How did it feel?” Lin Lin asked.

Sheng Qingli thought for a moment. “Brother Ye I’ve worked with before; he’s very dedicated. Sister Ying I’ve also worked with, and she’s quite good too. The other two teachers I haven’t collaborated with, but they seem like easygoing people.”

Lin Lin responded, “The main creative team this time is indeed quite good. Teacher Chen has a great reputation in the industry; his acting is well-known for being excellent. As for Cen Jie, I don’t know much about her, but I asked some friends who’ve worked with her, and she’s a decent actress.”

Sheng Qingli felt relieved.

“By the way, you were photographed tonight.” Lin Lin mentioned the issue of the other half she was looking for.

Sheng Qingli paused, “Not unexpected. With so many of us together, it’s normal to get photographed.”

Lin Lin replied, “One week until the official announcement. You and Mr. Pei should… restrain yourselves a bit these days.”

“…” Sheng Qingli felt a little embarrassed and touched her warm ear. “Don’t worry.”

Lin Lin knew she was measured in her actions and didn’t say more.

After hanging up, Sheng Qingli sent a message to the person in the next room: “I’m back at the hotel. We were photographed at dinner tonight. Sister Lin asked us to keep some distance these days.”

Two minutes after sending the message, Sheng Qingli received a video call from the person in the next room.

Seeing the person on the screen, she raised an eyebrow slightly. “Were you just in the shower?”

On the other end of the camera, Pei Qingci’s hair was still dripping wet. Lower down, his somewhat enchanting peach blossom eyes caught her attention.

They exchanged glances.

Pei Qingci lifted his eyelids slightly and responded in a deep voice, “What did you buy?”

“I bought Tong Tong two coats,” Sheng Qingli said. “New Year’s gifts.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow: “New Year’s gifts?”

“Yeah, New Year’s is in half a month,” Sheng Qingli didn’t notice Pei Qingci’s unusual reaction. “I’m giving them early since it’s too cold in Shanghai.”

Pei Qingci replied, “Hmm,” then suddenly asked, “Sister Lin wants us to keep our distance these days. How should we maintain that?”

Hearing this, Sheng Qingli glanced at him and touched her hot ear, her gaze drifting. “It’s just a literal meaning. You definitely understand.”

Pei Qingci didn’t want to understand.

After a moment of silence, Pei Qingci sighed, “Do we have to?”

Sheng Qingli nodded, “For the sake of the two agents and the PR team, you just have to endure it.”

Pei Qingci fell silent.

Sheng Qingli looked at him and urged, “You should go dry your hair first. I plan to look at the script.”

Pei Qingci had no choice and said quietly, “If you need to rehearse, just call me anytime.”

Sheng Qingli: “…”

She thought that she probably wouldn’t ask Pei Qingci for a rehearsal before the script reading was finished.

After hanging up, Sheng Qingli went online to check the situation.

It was pretty much as she expected; the trending topics included her, Pei Qingci, and Director Wan Hongru dining together, raising suspicions of collaboration.

After this topic emerged, many fans and netizens were astonished.

“Who? Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci are collaborating with someone???!!!”

“Oh my gosh!!! I thought Director Wan stopped making movies? Turns out he’s still filming!”

“I just checked; Director Wan hasn’t made a movie in five years. After five years, he’s back, and Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci are collaborating with him. That’s too lucky!”

“…Forget it, I’m starting to envy the fans of these two; they’re really being lifted by the main characters.”

“Ahhhh Director Wan?! Oh my gosh, I have a romance film to look forward to!”

“Help, I thought the two would collaborate with a well-known director, but I never expected it to be Director Wan. His movies must be aiming for international awards, right?”

“Bro, that’s amazing!!! Giving a thumbs up.”

“Being carried by my sister, my career fans are very reassuring.”

Most netizens felt a bit regretful that the only information revealed was that Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci were collaborating with Director Wan; the theme of the film remained unknown.

Of course, some also said it was unlikely. How could these two be so lucky to work with Wan Hongru, who had been in seclusion for five years?

Such comments were generally silenced by fans who scolded them.

Since no one clarified the collaboration rumors, most people in the industry were already aware that Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci collaborating with Director Wan was a confirmed fact.

If their film won awards after shooting, they would truly leave their peers far behind.

---

The next day’s script reading took place in a garden villa in Shanghai, which was relatively close to the hotel.

The script reading was not much different from usual; the actors expressed their opinions and analyses on the script’s plot, dialogue changes, and so on.

The screenwriter was Wu Nuanshu, without any other supporting screenwriters, so the script didn’t need significant revisions.

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci were not actors who would steal the spotlight in supporting roles; they respected the screenwriter and the story. Whatever direction it needed to develop in, that’s how it would proceed.

The time passed extremely quickly during the script reading.

Before they knew it, a week had gone by.

Once the script reading was over, the crew prepared to start filming.

The day before filming, Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci arrived at the set to take promotional photos. Pei Qingci had many outfits; he was the sole heir of the Heng family. Although he had mobility issues, he spared no expense on his appearance.

The two took turns being photographed.

After Sheng Qingli changed into her character’s clothes and finished her makeup, Pei Qingci also emerged from another room.

He even came out sitting in a wheelchair.

Hearing the movement, Sheng Qingli looked up and, upon seeing the handsome man in the wheelchair, she paused slightly, her gaze landing on the gold-rimmed glasses resting on his nose.

In the script, Heng Yi was nearsighted.

The prescription wasn’t strong, so not wearing glasses daily wouldn’t have much of an impact. But after taking over the Heng Family, he started wearing glasses regularly. The glasses made him look more mature and authoritative.

However, Sheng Qingli didn’t agree.

She thought that Pei Qingci, with his glasses on, indeed appeared more gentlemanly and composed, but at the same time, he seemed more of a refined rogue. He wore a meticulously tailored dark suit, had deep-set features, and sharp facial contours, exuding a cold and shadowy aura that made people hesitant to approach him.

Sheng Qingli found it hard to describe how Pei Qingci made her feel at that moment.

Until she overheard a staff member behind her whispering, “Help! After Mr. Pei put on his glasses, he looks even more intense than without them.”

Yes.

He had an added tension that made people want to conquer him; it was as if he wore a mask, and those who saw him wanted to tear it off.

Noticing her attention, Pei Qingci lifted his eyelids and looked over.

The lenses of his glasses were dark and deep, and the corners of his eyes were slightly raised. “Ms. Sheng.”

“…” Sheng Qingli snapped back to reality and said, pretending to be calm, “Mr. Pei looks quite good in glasses.”

At this, Pei Qingci curled his lips. “Is that so?”

Sheng Qingli nodded. “If you don’t believe me, you can ask the other staff members.”

The mentioned staff members all nodded, and even the photographer couldn’t help but say, “Once this look of Mr. Pei is exposed, he’ll gain even more female fans.”

Pei Qingci: “… Just a few more fans would be fine.”

He didn’t want any female fans.

The promotional photo shoot began.

The two shot from noon until night.

They took numerous solo and group photos.

By the end of the shoot, Sheng Qingli felt even more exhausted than after a full day of filming.

After changing back into her own clothes, Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci left the set, with their cars following one after the other back to the hotel.

They both got out of the car at the same time and entered the elevator with their assistants.

After Tong Tong and Fang Li exited the elevator first, Sheng Qingli turned her head to glance at the man next to her, who had one hand in his pocket and was silent. “Mr. Pei.”

Pei Qingci gave her a sidelong glance.

Sheng Qingli lifted her masked face to look at the surveillance camera in the elevator and moved her lips slightly. “We start filming tomorrow. Are you nervous?”

Pei Qingci replied, “Not nervous.”

Sheng Qingli said, “Oh, I’m a bit nervous.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Hmm?”

Just as Sheng Qingli was about to speak, the elevator door opened.

“Let’s step out first.”

The two walked out one after the other, slowly making their way to their rooms. The entire floor had been booked by the crew, so they didn’t need to be overly cautious.

Sheng Qingli’s room was at the very end, while Pei Qingci’s was a bit before hers.

“Do you want to come in and sit for a bit?” Pei Qingci asked as they reached the door to her room.

Sheng Qingli originally intended to refuse, but as she turned to look at the silent, empty hallway, she changed her mind. “Then you should open the door quickly.”

Pei Qingci was actually surprised she agreed; he thought she would firmly refuse.

After opening the door, he let Sheng Qingli enter first.

Once she was inside, Pei Qingci glanced back at the empty corridor and then followed her in with relief.

As the door closed, just as Sheng Qingli was about to reach for the light switch, her wrist was grasped by the person who had come in after her.

His palm was warm and hot, not at all like the body temperature typical for winter.

“Aren’t you going to turn on the lights?” Sheng Qingli asked softly.

Pei Qingci leaned down and scooped her up, walking toward the sofa. “Later.”

“…”

The darkness amplified emotions and sensations.

Hearing Pei Qingci’s low, husky voice, Sheng Qingli’s heart raced, and her long lashes trembled. “We’re filming tomorrow.”

Pei Qingci responded, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I know.”

He raised his hand to caress her cheek. “We won’t do anything, just kiss for a while.”

With that, he didn’t give Sheng Qingli a chance to refuse and leaned down to kiss her lips.

Although they had seen each other every day this week for nearly ten hours, they had very little time alone together. Not to mention Pei Qingci’s longing, Sheng Qingli missed him too.

She slightly parted her lips, inviting him in.

The kiss was tender and lingering.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless and a little disoriented.

Pei Qingci held her in his arms, resting his forehead against hers. “Ms. Sheng.”

At that moment, when he called her “teacher,” it was clearly a tease.

Sheng Qingli was about to respond when she suddenly felt something. Her already flushed ears became even hotter, and she mumbled, “Hmm.”

Pei Qingci held her, calming his breath.

After a while, it was still Sheng Qingli who felt a bit guilty; she raised her hand to poke his chest and asked, “Do you need me… to help you?”

Pei Qingci lowered his eyes, affectionately rubbing against her soft lips. “How do you want to help?”

“…Hands?” Sheng Qingli whispered, “There are too many hotel staff; we can’t be here.”

At least, they couldn’t do it in this hotel.

If the bedding was soiled and certain things went missing, the hotel staff would definitely notice. Although the hotel staff generally kept quiet, there was no guarantee against unexpected situations.

They were about to start filming, and Sheng Qingli didn’t want to cause any trouble.

Hearing her response, Pei Qingci closed his eyes, letting out a heavy breath. “No need.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback, somewhat surprised. “Why?”

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself.” Pei Qingci kissed her lips again. “Can we kiss a little longer?”

Sheng Qingli hummed in response, wrapping her arms around his neck, feeling that he was asking for trouble. But she had to admit that kissing Pei Qingci felt really good.

She wasn’t sure if it was because they had spent over half an hour kissing after returning to the hotel, depleting the last bit of her energy, or if it was something else.

That night, the night before filming began, Sheng Qingli slept very well.

The next morning, after a week of gloomy weather, the sun finally came out in Shanghai.

Although the temperature was still low, the sun was shining.

Director Wan’s opening ceremony was quite similar to Director Zhong’s; both directors were not very high-profile, so they didn’t even invite any media reporters.

After holding a low-key opening ceremony, the staff began setting up the scene for the afternoon shoot. Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci went for makeup. Today, they only had scenes with the two of them, filmed at the garden villa where Heng Yi usually resided.

While getting her makeup done, Sheng Qingli received a group message notification, informing her that the film’s official Weibo announcement had been posted.

Director Wan’s film announcement typically only featured the leading actors, with other cast members not being revealed yet. In addition, the announcement only included the film’s title and a classic line.

【Official Weibo of the movie “Aijiu Mixin”: Loving you makes me clumsy, yet it also enriches me.

Starring: @Actor Pei Qingci @Actor Sheng Qingli

Director: Wan Hongru】

In the announcement, Pei Qingci’s name was listed first, followed by Sheng Qingli.

Just when netizens thought Pei Qingci was the primary lead and Sheng Qingli the secondary, someone noticed that in the announcement photo, Sheng Qingli’s name was before Pei Qingci’s.

Both had similar levels of fame, so fans were expecting this arrangement.

After reading the announcement and seeing the couple’s photo, netizens were even more confused:

“Can we get more information?”

“…What can we even deduce from this?!”

“Oh no, all I can tell is that it’s a romantic movie.”

“Ahhhh, please, Director Wan, can you shoot more bed scenes and kissing scenes for them?! Give me more beautiful shots of these handsome men and beautiful women.”

As Sheng Qingli climbed onto Weibo to repost, she happened to see this comment.

She was caught off guard and choked a little. How could her and Pei Qingci’s fans be like this?