Chapter 55

After spending a few days indulging in decadence with Pei Qingci at home, he finally had to leave for a brand event.

Sheng Qingli was the same. With Pei Qingci not at home, she arranged to meet Wu Nuanshu. Wu Nuanshu had promised to take her to meet the people in the story.

However, before their meeting, Sheng Qingli hadn’t considered that the location would be a cemetery.

Thinking it over, everything seemed to make sense, but she was reluctant to believe it.

In the cemetery, two tombstones leaned against each other, with photos on them displaying warm and happy smiles.

At the moment she clearly saw the words on the tombstones, Sheng Qingli’s eyes turned red.

She placed the bouquet she had bought with Wu Nuanshu down and looked at Wu Nuanshu with a pained expression.

Wu Nuanshu smiled gently, squatting down to brush the dust off the tombstone, and softly said, “I brought new friends to see you.”

She turned to Sheng Qingli, “Say hello to them.”

Sheng Qingli introduced herself, “Hello, I’m Sheng Qingli.”

She paused, pressed her lips together, and continued, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Seeing you all.

Wu Nuanshu noticed her teary eyes and comforted her softly, “Don’t cry; I’m afraid Qingci will come to find me for an explanation.”

“He won’t,” Sheng Qingli said, looking at Wu Nuanshu with teary eyes. “Did they leave right after they jumped?”

Wu Nuanshu shook her head, “No.”

It was fortunate that in the story, Sang Xue and Heng Yi really did jump from the snow-covered peak that night.

The snowfall was so heavy that Sang Xue and Heng Yi didn’t realize when they jumped, the height between the layers of snow wasn’t too high, and because of the snow’s “support,” they didn’t die immediately.

Of course, realizing this, the two didn’t get up right away from the thick snow.

They were holding onto the determination to face death.

They lay together, gazing at the pitch-black night, talking while waiting for life to slip away.

At the moment the first light of dawn appeared, Heng Yi no longer had a strong pulse.

His body had been weak for years, and it was a miracle he lasted that long.

Holding each other, Sang Xue felt the moment he vanished and was filled with regret. They actually had many beautiful moments left, many unfinished things.

Unfortunately, those things could only be completed in the next life.

Sang Xue closed her eyes, holding Heng Yi tightly.

Just when she felt her body temperature dropping, the butler and rescuers, who had been searching for them all night, finally found them.

They were saved.

Hearing the word “saved,” Sheng Qingli’s eyes lit up. “And then?”

“Then, they came back to life,” Wu Nuanshu told her. “But this part feels too dreamlike. When I was writing the script, I hesitated over whether to tell everyone the ending, but I thought leaving some things to the imagination might be better.”

Sheng Qingli nodded, “After coming back to life, they didn’t try to commit suicide again, right?”

Wu Nuanshu replied, “No.”

The two felt the passage of time, and when they woke up, Heng Yi first told Sang Xue that since heaven wouldn’t let them leave, they should be stronger and live better.

Sang Xue was resistant to life in the country, so they decided to settle abroad.

Later, they moved to Switzerland.

This helped both Sang Xue and Heng Yi with his health issues. During this time, they returned home for a while and adopted several children, providing them with a life and education, both boys and girls.

From time to time, they would travel alone, or they would take the adopted children along to explore more places that Sang Xue was curious about and wanted to visit.

As Wu Nuanshu reminisced about old stories, Sheng Qingli looked at her face lost in memories and gently asked, “Ms. Wu, you and them—”

Knowing what she wanted to ask, Wu Nuanshu smiled and told her, “I was one of the adopted children.”

She told Sheng Qingli, “So was Director Wan.”

Sheng Qingli was taken aback, “What?!”

“Surprised?” Wu Nuanshu smiled lightly, “Isn’t there been reports about us online?”

Sheng Qingli recalled, “I remember you have family.”

“That isn’t my family,” Wu Nuanshu replied.

Wu Nuanshu was abandoned. When she was born, most families were eager to have boys, and she was the fifth daughter in her family, which could not afford to keep her, so she was left at an orphanage.

Fortunately, she was adopted by the characters Sang Xue and Heng Yi in her story, who supported her education and gave her everything she has now.

Sheng Qingli was taken aback and reached out to hug her, “I’m sorry, Ms. Wu. I didn’t know the specifics.”

Wu Nuanshu smiled and patted her head, “I don’t mind. At my age, I’ve already stopped caring about those things.”

Sheng Qingli looked up, “If you don’t mind, Mr. Pei and I can be your juniors.”

Wu Nuanshu: “Sure.”

She looked at Sheng Qingli, “I’ve told you before, I really like you and Qingci.”

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci are entirely different couples from Heng Yi and Sang Xue, but for some reason, when Wu Nuanshu sees them, it feels like she is looking at the young Heng Yi and Sang Xue.

Perhaps it’s her inner desire, hoping that the young Heng Yi and Sang Xue were just as happy and carefree, without too many burdens. The happiness they radiate reflects the joy Wu Nuanshu longs to see in Heng Yi and Sang Xue.

The two stayed at the cemetery for a long time before leaving.

After leaving the cemetery, Wu Nuanshu invited Sheng Qingli to her home for dinner that evening.

Sheng Qingli readily agreed.

Zhong Hongmao was busy with a film project and wasn’t home.

The two busily prepared dinner and ate together.

Despite the age gap, Sheng Qingli and Wu Nuanshu surprisingly hit it off.

They chatted until late, and only then did Sheng Qingli head home.

Before she left, Wu Nuanshu reminded her to come over with Pei Qingci whenever they had time; she and Director Zhong were always welcome.

---

Upon returning home, Pei Qingci’s video call came through.

“Hello.” Sheng Qingli hugged her trophy, pushing its face into the camera, “Mr. Pei.”

Hearing her voice, Pei Qingci responded softly, “Are you tired?”

Sheng Qingli: “Not really.”

She set the struggling trophy down, lay on the couch, rested her chin on her hand, and looked at the person on the other side of the camera with a bright smile, “Mr. Pei, you look so handsome today.”

Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow, looking at her charming expression, “Only today?”

Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but chuckle, “You’re handsome every day.”

Pei Qingci said nothing, but looked at her intently, “Why do you look like you weren’t happy talking to Ms. Wu?”

“It’s not that.” Sheng Qingli shook her head slowly, “I’m just a bit sad.”

Pei Qingci was taken aback, knowing she had visited Wu Nuanshu at the cemetery today and was aware that the two characters from the story had passed away over twenty years ago.

He paused for a few seconds before saying gently, “Lili.”

Sheng Qingli raised her gaze, “What?”

Pei Qingci looked at her, with a question on the tip of his tongue.

After a long moment, he still didn’t voice the question, “Have you ever thought about getting married?” Instead, he decided to wait a little longer; at least, he wanted to ask her in person rather than in this casual video call.

“I’ll talk to you about it when I return,” Pei Qingci said.

Seeing his serious expression, Sheng Qingli blinked slowly, “Okay.”

They chatted for a while longer before reluctantly hanging up.

After the call, Sheng Qingli received a work itinerary from Lin Lin. In a few days, there was a brand event in Gangcheng that she had to attend, and she would fly over the day after tomorrow.

After discussing work with Lin Lin, Sheng Qingli got up to wash up.

After washing, she climbed into bed, and the trophy cozily nestled beside her, snuggling against her arm like a pet. Sheng Qingli smiled and poked its cheek, then recorded a video to send to Pei Qingci.

After watching the video, Pei Qingci replied: “I’ll let it keep you company for one night.”

Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but laugh, “The trophy says thank you.”

Pei Qingci: “No need to be polite.”

They chatted for a while longer before Sheng Qingli finally put down her phone and went to sleep.

The next morning, Li Yuwei, who had just wrapped up filming, came to see her and check out the trophy.

They hadn’t seen each other for a while, and as Li Yuwei looked around the room, she exclaimed, “Your place has gotten a bit more lively.”

Sheng Qingli was slightly speechless, “Is it that exaggerated?”

Li Yuwei opened the fridge, “When you weren’t dating Mr. Pei, your fridge only had milk, eggs, yogurt, and face masks.”

Now, however, there were vegetables in the fridge.

Sheng Qingli had no way to refute that.

After turning around, they returned to the couch to relax.

Li Yuwei played with the trophy for a while before suddenly remembering something, “Have you seen the new movie that you and Mr. Pei released for New Year?”

Both of their new movies were released during New Year.

Unfortunately, they were filming in Switzerland at that time, so both Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci could only Ms. the promotional events, sharing notifications on Weibo, and interacting with the audience through video connections with the directors and other actors.

By the time they returned after filming, the movie was already nearing its end.

Typically, movies are screened for about a month, but because the new films of Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci performed well and had high attendance rates, their screening periods were extended.

When their movies were released on the same day, netizens jokingly commented that this couple, who had been in a BE for years, were at it again.

Some even secretly placed bets on whose movie would perform better at the box office.

When Sheng Qingli first heard this news, she really had to put her forehead in her hand.

Her movie is completely different from the one that Pei Qingci is releasing at the end of the year. Her movie is relatively more depressing and isn’t really suitable for watching during the New Year.

However, the production team decided to rush the release for the New Year, leaving Sheng Qingli with no choice.

As for Pei Qingci’s movie, although it’s not exactly a happy film for family gatherings, it’s still much better than hers.

There’s no doubt that Pei Qingci’s new movie will perform better at the box office.

Thinking about this, Sheng Qingli shook her head, “Not yet.”

Although she and Pei Qingci have been less busy lately, they’re under too much scrutiny.

Hearing this, Li Yuwei teased, “Staying at home every day?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “…He wasn’t home yesterday.”

Li Yuwei was speechless.

After a brief silence, Li Yuwei leaned on her shoulder and asked, “When do you two plan to go public?”

“Maybe after the new movie is released,” Sheng Qingli said.

Li Yuwei nodded and turned to look at her, asking, “How long do you plan to date?”

Sheng Qingli shot her a glance, “Why are you asking this?”

Li Yuwei raised her eyebrows, curious, “Has anyone else asked? Who, Sister Lin?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “No.”

Although Pei Qingci didn’t say it outright last night, combining his recent actions, Sheng Qingli could roughly guess what he wanted to say.

In fact, she hadn’t thought seriously about marriage before filming “Love for a Long Time.”

But during the shoot, she did some reflection and consideration.

Li Yuwei raised her eyebrows, “What was the conclusion?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “…I won’t tell you.”

“…”

Li Yuwei shot her a look, “Do you believe I’ll expose your relationship with Pei Qingci right now?”

“I don’t believe it,” Sheng Qingli said confidently. “You wouldn’t do that.”

Li Yuwei felt a little choked up and confused, “It seems like you have me figured out.”

Sheng Qingli chuckled and thought for a moment, saying, “When we wrapped up, Ms. Wu told me something.”

Li Yuwei asked, “What was it?”

“Enjoy the moment,” Sheng Qingli said.

In the past, she always worried about everything. She was concerned that going public with their relationship might affect Pei Qingci’s career, her own career, or even cause trouble for the company and the team, among other things.

She also worried about how awkward it would be if they broke up one day.

In summary, she had a lot of concerns.

The story of Sang Xue and Heng Yi, along with what Wu Nuanshu said that day, awakened Sheng Qingli. She realized that she didn’t need to think so much; she should just do what she wanted to do in the moment.

She shouldn’t lose the courage to start over.

Over the years, aside from Pei Qingci, she hadn’t met anyone else she liked.

So she wanted to be impulsive this once and enjoy the moment.

After hearing her, Li Yuwei blinked in confusion and said, “You don’t mean you want to propose to Mr. Pei, right?”

“Is that not okay?” Sheng Qingli asked.

Li Yuwei replied, “Of course it’s okay, but I’m worried Ms. Sheng will cause you trouble.”

“It won’t happen,” Sheng Qingli said firmly. “If she causes trouble, it’ll be for Pei Qingci.”

Li Yuwei chuckled, “Have you thought it through?”

Sheng Qingli replied, “I’ve thought it through; I’ll tell him when he gets back.”

“Alright,” Li Yuwei hugged her. “I’ll support you unconditionally.”

Sheng Qingli smiled and said, “I knew you would support me.”

Li Yuwei nodded and thought for a moment, saying, “Don’t you think you should tell Sister Lin as well?”

“I will,” Sheng Qingli said. “In a couple of days, she’ll accompany me to Hong Kong for an event; I’ll tell her then.”

Li Yuwei felt reassured.

After having lunch with Sheng Qingli, Li Yuwei went back. Pei Qingci was returning in the afternoon, and she didn’t want to be a glaring third wheel.

What she was more worried about was stumbling upon the young couple being intimate.

After Li Yuwei left, Sheng Qingli went back to her room for a nap.

When she woke up, she saw a message from Pei Qingci saying that a family elder was sick and hospitalized, so he wouldn’t be able to come over for the time being.

Sheng Qingli was startled and quickly asked, “What’s the situation now? Are you at the hospital?”

Pei Qingci replied after a while, “I’m at the hospital, and the situation has stabilized for now.”

Sheng Qingli felt relieved: “That’s good. Are you going to stay overnight at the hospital?”

Pei Qingci replied, “I’ll stay at the hospital for the next couple of days.”

Sheng Qingli said, “Okay. Take care of yourself.”

They exchanged a few brief messages.

As Sheng Qingli set her phone down, she suddenly remembered something and logged onto Weibo to take a look.

Sure enough, when Pei Qingci was spotted at the hospital, the news broke. Netizens were speculating about what was going on since he hurriedly rushed to the hospital after getting off the plane.

Li Yuwei and Lin Lin also messaged her to inquire about the situation.

Sheng Qingli didn’t know much and could only tell them that everything was fine, as for the rest, she was unsure.

Lin Lin comforted her, “Don’t think too much; since Mr. Pei said it’s fine, it’s definitely fine.”

Sheng Qingli replied with a “Hmm” and changed the subject, “By the way, have you seen any good scripts lately?”

Lin Lin replied, “You workaholic.”

Sheng Qingli felt innocent, “I’m bored.”

Lin Lin was speechless. “There are some, but none I’m particularly satisfied with.”

Sheng Qingli said, “Okay then.”

“Take a couple of days off; you’re going to Hong Kong soon,” Lin Lin advised.

Sheng Qingli replied, “Alright.”

---

Two days later, Sheng Qingli appeared in Hong Kong for an event.

Pei Qingci saw her trending on Weibo with photos from the event while he was in the hospital, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

“Qingci, what are you looking at?” The old man Gu noticed the smile on his face and curiously asked.

Pei Qingci initially wanted to talk about his girlfriend, but he realized he hadn’t even mentioned his romantic relationship to the old man yet. He paused for three seconds and said, “Do you want to see the person I like?”

old man Gu was surprised, “The person you like? Who is it? I want to see.”

“A very beautiful actress,” Pei Qingci handed him his phone, “Take a look, isn’t she beautiful?”

old man Gu took the phone and examined it seriously, “She’s beautiful, and you two are a good match.”

He vaguely recalled that a few years ago, Pei Qingci had said something similar to him. Remembering this, he hesitated and asked, “Is it Li Li?”

Pei Qingci replied, “Yes, it’s her.”

He looked at the old man, “You remember.”

old man Gu said, “Of course, you even told me that when you both weren’t busy with work, you would bring her home to see me. Then you never mentioned it again.”

Pei Qingci smiled helplessly, “We…”

Before he could finish his sentence, the door to the hospital room was pushed open from the outside.

Seeing the two of them leaning together, Gu Heng casually asked, “What are you looking at?”

“The girl Qingci likes,” old man Gu answered, “Do you want to see? She’s a very beautiful actress, Qingci…”

Before old man Gu could finish his sentence, Gu Heng frowned, his sharp eyes turning to Pei Qingci, “What actress? Sheng Qingli?”

He knew that Sheng Qingli existed.

Pei Qingci met his gaze, “What’s the problem?”

Gu Heng was taken aback, wanting to ask Pei Qingci if he still considered him a father, but felt that such a question would only lead to trouble.

His indifference toward Gu Heng and the company over the years had long proven that he didn’t take him seriously.

Realizing this, Gu Heng snorted lightly, “There’s nothing to see; all celebrity photos are edited.”

Pei Qingci was silent.

He ignored Gu Heng and turned to old man Gu, “Grandpa, she’s even prettier in person than in the photos. After some time, if she agrees, I’ll bring her home to see you.”

“Why wait?” old man Gu asked, puzzled, glancing at him. “Can’t you do it now? Or is it that you haven’t won her over yet?”

Pei Qingci smiled, “I’ve won her over, but I need to ask for her opinion before bringing her to meet you. She’s busy with work recently, so I’ll ask her after you’re discharged.”

“Okay.” old man Gu nodded, “You should respect the girl’s feelings and not force her.”

Pei Qingci replied, “I won’t.”

Gu Heng listened to their conversation, chuckling, “Dad, you’re worrying too much about this.”

old man Gu asked, “How am I worrying too much?”

Gu Heng replied, “Your grandson has no status at all in front of that actress; she doesn’t need his respect.”

old man Gu was confused, “Huh?”

Gu Heng continued, “You probably don’t know, but your grandson wants to be a live-in son-in-law at the actress’s house.”

“…”

Hearing the words “live-in son-in-law,” Pei Qingci raised an eyebrow and looked at Gu Heng, “You seem to know a lot.”

Gu Heng retorted, “…”

He cleared his throat, trying to sound calm, “I just happened to see it.”

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

His tone was clearly disbelieving.

Seeing the father and son about to bicker again, old man Gu timely interrupted, “Don’t argue in front of me; Qingci rarely comes back.”

Gu Heng obediently kept quiet.

He shot a sideways glance at his disappointing son and moved to sit on a nearby sofa.

The hospital room fell silent.

After a while, Pei Qingci stood up, “I’m going out to make a phone call.”

old man Gu said, “Go ahead.”

Leaving the hospital room, Pei Qingci went downstairs.

He took out his phone, initially intending to call Sheng Qingli directly but worried that she might be busy and unable to answer.

Thinking this, Pei Qingci first sent her a message.

After sending the message, he waited for a long time but didn’t receive a reply from Sheng Qingli.

At this hour, she should be having dinner.

Pei Qingci frowned, pondering whether to message Tong Tong to check the situation when he noticed a call from Yu Tingyun.

“Hello.” Pei Qingci answered, “What’s the matter?”

Yu Tingyun replied, “I saw your girlfriend.”

Pei Qingci was startled, “What happened?”

If nothing was wrong with Sheng Qingli, Yu Tingyun wouldn’t have called him.

Yu Tingyun reassured him, “Nothing’s wrong; I just saw her with that actress you asked me to keep an eye on.”

“Yin Miaojing?” Pei Qingci furrowed his brows, “How did they end up together?”

Yu Tingyun said, “Not sure.”

Pei Qingci frowned, thinking for a few seconds, “Follow them and ensure her safety.”

Yu Tingyun replied, “There are bodyguards nearby; don’t worry.”

It was impossible for him to feel completely at ease.

Pei Qingci knew Yin Miaojing had gone to Gangcheng to develop her career and had friends there keeping an eye on her. He didn’t know how Sheng Qingli had crossed paths with her, nor did he understand why they were together.

Remembering the crazy things Yin Miaojing had done before, even with Yu Tingyun and bodyguards following them, Pei Qingci still felt uneasy.

After some thought, he returned to the hospital room and glanced at the old man, “Grandpa, I have something urgent to attend to. I’ll let Gu Heng take care of you at the hospital tonight.”

old man Gu observed his anxious demeanor and nodded, “You go take care of your business; I’m fine here now.”

He just needed to rest, and being in the hospital was more convenient.

Pei Qingci nodded and glanced toward Gu Heng.

Gu Heng stood up and walked with him outside the ward. “What’s going on?”

“Can I borrow your private jet?” Pei Qingci spoke softly.

Gu Heng was taken aback. Given the current situation, he didn’t bother to press Pei Qingci for details. “Where are you flying to?”

“Gangcheng.”

Gu Heng replied with an “mm,” and added, “You can head to the airport now; I’ll make a call.”

“Thanks,” Pei Qingci said.

Gu Heng shot him a glance but didn’t respond.

As he watched Pei Qingci hurriedly leave the hospital, Gu Heng dialed a number to arrange a flight to Gangcheng.

---

In Gangcheng.

It was pure coincidence that Sheng Qingli ran into Yin Miaojing. After finishing her daytime activities, she returned to the hotel with Lin Lin and Tong Tong.

Lin Lin had plans to meet some friends for dinner, while Tong Tong, exhausted from the day, wanted to stay in. Sheng Qingli decided to take a stroll by herself since she loved the night view of Gangcheng. The streets, though old and narrow, were full of life.

She intended to wander around Goldfish Street.

Just a short distance from the hotel, Yin Miaojing intercepted her.

Seeing the person standing in front of her, Sheng Qingli glanced back at the hotel, feeling a bit more at ease. She looked down at the person blocking her path and said in a flat tone, “Do you need something?”

Yin Miaojing glared at her fiercely. “Did you do this?”

“Do what?” Sheng Qingli replied.

“Get the industry to blacklist me.” Yin Miaojing gritted her teeth and asked, “You did it, didn’t you?”

Hearing this, Sheng Qingli found it amusing. “Ms. Yin, what makes you think I have such power?”

She paused, looking down at her. “And even if I did, I wouldn’t bother using it on you. Do you know why?”

Without waiting for Yin Miaojing to respond, Sheng Qingli pointedly stated, “Because you’re not worthy.”

To Sheng Qingli, Yin Miaojing had once been a rival worth considering, a strong competitor. But over the years, she had long since lost that status.

Sheng Qingli looked down on her underhanded methods of vying for roles.

She felt that regarding her as a competitor was an insult to herself.

“You…” Yin Miaojing was taken aback by her words and let out a cold laugh. “You’ve certainly become quite sharp-tongued.”

Sheng Qingli smiled slightly. “I’ve always been sharp-tongued; you just didn’t know.”

She lazily raised her gaze. “If you have nothing else, could you step aside? The hotel is just behind you, and you wouldn’t want me to call security, would you?”

Yin Miaojing scoffed, “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Why don’t you try?” Sheng Qingli replied.

She looked at her calmly and said, “Yin Miaojing, save yourself a bit of dignity. I don’t want to, and I’m not willing to publicly tear you apart on Weibo.”

With that, Sheng Qingli attempted to walk away.

Yin Miaojing wanted to follow her and teach her a lesson.

But before she could take a step forward, a strikingly handsome man appeared not far away, followed by several bodyguards. Yin Miaojing recognized that overly handsome face vaguely, “You are—”

Yu Tingyun didn’t even glance at her, his expression indifferent as he walked up to Sheng Qingli. “Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli looked up. “You are… Mr. Yu?”

She had seen his photo with Pei Qingci.

Yu Tingyun nodded. “Where are you headed? I can have my driver take you.”

Sheng Qingli instinctively wanted to refuse. Just as the words were about to leave her lips, she turned back to see Yin Miaojing blocked by the bodyguards. She said softly, “I’m going to Goldfish Street, thank you.”

Yu Tingyun replied, “No need to be polite, let’s go.”

“…”

Once in the car, Sheng Qingli felt a bit reserved and turned to Yu Tingyun. “Mr. Yu, did Pei Qingci last contact you when?”

“About half an hour ago,” Yu Tingyun looked at her, recalling Pei Qingci’s instructions, and replied in a flat tone, “He might be busy with other matters at the hospital.”

Sheng Qingli nodded. “Thank you.”

Yu Tingyun didn’t say anything more to her.

Suddenly, Yu Tingyun’s phone rang.

Sheng Qingli caught a glimpse of him answering the call, noticing that his tone was significantly gentler compared to when he spoke to her.

Girlfriend?

Sheng Qingli started to speculate.

A few minutes later, the call ended.

After a while, they arrived at Goldfish Street.

As Sheng Qingli was about to thank Yu Tingyun and say goodbye, he said, “Ms. Sheng.”

Sheng Qingli asked, “What is it?”

“My girlfriend really likes you,” Yu Tingyun asked, “Could you give me a signed photo?”

Sheng Qingli was momentarily stunned. After a few seconds, she came to her senses and replied, “Mr. Yu, I don’t have a signed photo with me right now, but I can sign one when I return to North City and have Pei Qingci bring it to you.”

Yu Tingyun nodded.

Naturally, Yu Tingyun didn’t accompany Sheng Qingli shopping, but for her safety, he arranged for a bodyguard to follow her before leaving.

The bodyguard kept a certain distance from Sheng Qingli, and she would occasionally glance back, relieved to see him trailing not far behind.

Strolling leisurely, Sheng Qingli bought things as she went along.

It was still early, so Sheng Qingli stopped by a local specialty shop in the port city to eat something.

After wandering for several hours, Lin Lin called her to ask where she was.

Sheng Qingli: “It’s a bit hard to describe. I’ll send you the address; are you coming over?”

Lin Lin: “…Send it to me.”

After sending her location to Lin Lin, Sheng Qingli continued to wander the streets.

She wore a mask and a hat, keeping a low profile. In this unfamiliar, fast-paced city, no one recognized her or noticed her presence.

After wandering around for half an hour, Lin Lin still hadn’t arrived.

Sheng Qingli, puzzled, sent her a question mark: “Have you arrived?”

Lin Lin: “Stuck in traffic, wait a bit longer for me.”

Sheng Qingli: “…I’m a bit tired.”

Lin Lin: “Then find a place to rest.”

Sheng Qingli: “Alright.”

Naturally, there was no place to rest.

Sheng Qingli didn’t want to go into a shop. Just as she was pondering whether to buy a juice, she caught sight of a brightly lit cinema across the street.

Sheng Qingli raised her eyebrows, took out her phone, snapped a photo, and sent it to Lin Lin: “I’m going to check this place out.”

Lin Lin: “Okay.”

Crossing the road, Sheng Qingli walked inside.

Before she even stepped into the cinema, she unexpectedly bumped into someone.

Caught off guard, Sheng Qingli was about to apologize when the person she collided with remained silent.

Confused, she looked up and saw that the person she bumped into had a deep voice, teasingly saying, “Ms. Sheng, it’s been a few days. What a big surprise you’ve given me.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli widened her eyes, incredulously staring at the person appearing in the alley, “How come you…”

Pei Qingci looked at her gently, lowering his mask and asking, “Surprised?”

Sheng Qingli was clearly surprised.

But soon, she recalled that Pei Qingci had been unreachable by phone, and Lin Lin was running late.

“Did you tell Lin Lin you were coming?”

Pei Qingci nodded.

He looked her up and down, “Are you okay?”

Sheng Qingli replied with a sound, tilting her face up to look at him, “Nothing much was going on.”

But now that he was here, things were even better.

Their gazes intertwined.

In the dimly lit alley, Pei Qingci looked at the person he hadn’t seen in days, his eyes darkening. He lowered his eyelashes and softly said, “Ms. Sheng, do you want to…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Sheng Qingli proactively stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled down his mask, and kissed his lips, saying, “I do.”