Although Ning Qiuxiu had read a lot of smut novels, ABO stories were new to her, and this was her first romance novel of that kind.

She had been hit by various plot devices all along, but it was this particular setting that finally pushed her over the edge.

She couldn’t take it anymore.

In tears, she decided to unfollow the author.

Since she had genuinely enjoyed the work, Ning Qiuxiu felt she should leave a message of encouragement.

After all, she had been reading on Weibo for free for so long and hadn’t spent a dime.

[Moon Grain Specialist]: The author is amazing, I’m sending you a kiss (kissing emoji)

After leaving the message, Ning Qiuxiu was ready to log out of the account, never to return.

Unexpectedly, the author was online today and replied to her message almost immediately.

[Moon Grain Specialist] replied: Thank you for the support, little angel! I haven’t seen you for several chapters and thought you had unfollowed me, sob sob sob.

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

She indeed had been preparing to unfollow.

But with the author’s response like this, she felt embarrassed to do so.

She replied [Moon Grain Specialist]: I’ve been busy with work lately. Keep up the great work! I’ll keep following it, looking forward to Zhan Qingyue’s child ~~

[Moon Grain Specialist] replied: Okay, I’ll work hard to make sure Zhan Qingyue has a big chubby baby (kissing emoji)

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

No way, just imagining that scenario was enough to make her cry.

She needed to calm down.

Feeling she couldn’t be the only one suffering, she looked at the next scene which wasn’t set up yet and opened WeChat to pull up Zhan Qingyue’s chat.

[Ning Qiuxiu: (crying) I’m pregnant]

She was looking forward to Zhan Qingyue’s reaction, thinking of the playful pregnancy announcements people make on social media.

However, until the director called for preparations, Zhan Qingyue hadn’t replied.

She wasn’t sure if he was busy or if she had scared him.

After work, Ning Qiuxiu changed clothes and sat back in the van. When she got her phone from Xiao Chi, she finally saw Zhan Qingyue’s reply.

[Abstinence for 1 Year: Pregnancy tests are usually done around 10 days after conception, with blood hCG tests the earliest around 9 days after conception, and ultrasound at 5 weeks. So, Mrs. Zhan, we only had sex 4 days ago. How did you find out?]

[Abstinence for 1 Year: Also, I remember using protection. Is this the legendary… remote fertilization?]

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Remote fertilization, seriously? Ning Qiuxiu was floored by his description.

And about the timing of the test, couldn’t he be a bit less professional and more humorous, Zhan Qingyue?

[Ning Qiuxiu: No matter what, I’m pregnant! I’m running away with the baby!]

Zhan Qingyue, on his way home from work, saw Ning Qiuxiu’s message while driving. Given the context, he understood what she meant by “running away with the baby.”

This person… Zhan Qingyue chuckled and, while waiting at a red light, sent her a voice message: “Then I’ll need to prepare in advance. I’m freezing your bank account, otherwise, if you run too far, I won’t be able to catch up.”

Ning Qiuxiu: “???”

This person is a big problem!

[Ning Qiuxiu: (crying) You’re so cold and heartless, you’re going to starve our child!]

After sending that, Ning Qiuxiu was amused by her own unreasonable behavior.

Xiao Chi glanced at her, who was laughing like a silly girl, and silently felt like she was once again witnessing dog food.

Ning Qiuxiu was so sweetly affected that she felt like falling in love.

Zhan Qingyue responded by transferring 520 yuan to her, accompanied by a voice message saying, “Milk money, come back to me when it’s finished.”

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Who could outmatch Zhan Qingyue in witty comebacks!

The day before the wrap-up of “School Bully,” San Tian came over to pick her up and help her with the social engagements planned for the next day.

Since important people from the crew would be there, her manager had to be present.

At Zhan Qingyue’s request, San Tiao brought Ning Qiuxiu some white-cut chicken made by the Zhan family’s chef.

Seeing Ning Qiuxiu happily taking pictures and showing off, San Tiao, accustomed to the couple flaunting their affection, calmly reminded her, “Be careful not to gain weight.”

“……” Just as she finished showing off on social media and was about to eat, Ning Qiuxiu’s hand froze.

She felt a pang of regret.

Seeing her gloomy expression, San Tiao realized her comment might have been too harsh.

She smiled and said, “I was just joking. It’s fine, you can afford to gain a bit. Go ahead and eat.”

Ning Qiuxiu handed the biggest drumstick to San Tiao with a cheerful smile, “Thanks, Sister Tiao.”

“Oh no,” San Tiao quickly refused, “This was definitely meant for you by CEO Zhan. If I eat it, I might lose my salary for the month. The cost is too high.”

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Could it really be that serious?

Since the whole chicken was quite large, Ning Qiuxiu invited her other two assistants to join.

The white-cut chicken, a specialty of the Zhan family chef, had firm yet tender and juicy meat with a rich aroma, making everyone’s mouth water.

After they finished eating, Xiao Chi started cleaning up while San Tiao discussed work with Ning Qiuxiu.

“I’ve already picked your next project,” Santi said. “It’s a Xianxia drama. I’ll send you the script via email later. It’s an adaptation of an IP, not as big as ‘School Bully,’ but the production team is very strong. Our company is also investing in it, so the budget is guaranteed.”

“When will filming start?” Ning Qiuxiu asked.

“Tentatively early August, but the exact date isn’t set yet.”

Ning Qiuxiu nodded. The timeline was acceptable.

Santi’s development strategy for her was clear: focus on quality projects, with occasional reality shows, variety shows, and commercial performances to maintain her popularity.

The final scene of “School Bully” was a wedding between the main characters.

After various separations and reunions, they finally ended up together. In the last scene, they exchanged rings, and the male lead kissed the female lead on the forehead as prepared fireworks exploded, marking the end of the drama.

“That’s a wrap,” Director Xiao Sheng announced after reviewing the playback. “Congratulations to Song Chu and Qiuxiu for wrapping up.”

Everyone cheered.

It wasn’t just the leads who wrapped up; it was the end of the entire production.

Almost all the key crew members were present. Ning Qiuxiu received words of encouragement and congratulations from the director, producer, and others, along with various small gifts.

San Tiao directed the assistants to bring over the pre-prepared gifts to distribute to everyone.

After three months together, the crew had formed strong bonds.

Some people were even crying from reluctance to part. Ning Qiuxiu, affected by their emotions, also felt a bit sad.

“Here’s something for you,” Song Chu, still dressed in his groom’s costume, handed Ning Qiuxiu a half-meter-tall Peppa Pig plush toy. “Wishing you an early encounter with a little golden man, reaching the pinnacle of life, and becoming a social person like Peppa Pig.”

“It’s 2019, and you’re still playing with that joke,” Ning Qiuxiu laughed. Then she sincerely said, “Thanks, same to you.”

“Where’s the gift you promised me?” Song Chu glared at her when he saw she hadn’t given him anything.

Ning Qiuxiu: “I forgot.”

“……” Song Chu was momentarily at a loss for words, then he jumped up and said, “You stingy woman, I’m going to expose you!”

Ning Qiuxiu chuckled and handed him what she was holding. It was a small red pouch, no bigger than her palm.

Song Chu took it with interest: “So tiny, could it be gold?”

“It’s a safety talisman to keep you safe,” Ning Qiuxiu said.

She wasn’t sure if the talisman papers she had were still effective, but the ones she had prepared earlier were useful.

“You still believe in this,” Song Chu said with a sneer. “But since you went to the trouble of getting it for me yourself, I’ll accept it.”

Seeing his disdainful look, Ning Qiuxiu tapped him on the head: “It might not work for big issues, but it’s useful for small ones, at least you won’t step in dog poop when you go out.”

Song Chu: “……”

The wrap party was scheduled for the evening, and everyone who could attend did, making it very lively.

They even invited the media, and the event didn’t wind down until quite late.

They had planned to return the next day, but this afternoon, Ning Qiuxiu saw there were still tickets for a flight back to City A at 11 PM, and on a whim…

So, after the wrap party, Ning Qiuxiu hurried to the airport, ready to give Zhan Qingyue a little surprise.

The flight from the city where she was filming to City A was only about an hour, but by the time she got home, it was already close to 1 AM.

Standing at the door, Ning Qiuxiu reflected on her impulsiveness, but the thought of seeing Zhan Qingyue soon made her very happy.

Even though they had only been apart for a few days, she was already impatient to see him.

She never realized before how much she liked Zhan Qingyue.

What exactly did she like about him?

She wasn’t sure, maybe it was because Zhan Qingyue had so many admirable qualities that attracted her.

—Although he was often annoying, argumentative, and would set her up.

Ning Qiuxiu entered the courtyard of the Zhan family home.

She had informed the butler in advance, asking him not to lock the door and not to tell Zhan Qingyue, so she could give him a surprise.

Whether it would be a pleasant surprise or a shock would depend on Zhan Qingyue’s tolerance.

Ning Qiuxiu entered through the small living room door.

The house was quiet and empty, so she didn’t turn on any lights, instead using her phone’s flashlight to find her way.

She went up to the third floor to her room to take a shower, then quietly slipped into Zhan Qingyue’s room.

Zhan Qingyue’s room door had an identification lock. Due to his health issues, he didn’t have a habit of locking the door, in case something unexpected happened and someone needed to get in.

The weather in early May was still a bit cool. Ning Qiuxiu carefully opened Zhan Qingyue’s door.

The room was dark, so she covered her phone’s flashlight with her hand, using the faint light to find Zhan Qingyue’s bed.

—Ning Qiuxiu felt like a thief, a flower thief.

Zhan Qingyue was sound asleep on the bed. Ning Qiuxiu turned off her phone light and placed it on the nightstand, then carefully lifted the covers and snuggled in.

The bed was warm and carried his unique scent. As Ning Qiuxiu settled in, she felt her whole body relax.

Just as she was starting to unwind, she was suddenly yanked with great force. Ning Qiuxiu was startled and let out a startled “Ah,” only to have her mouth covered by a familiar scent enveloping her completely.

The kiss wasn’t exactly tender; both of them were in a sweet period, and being forced apart, their reunion naturally became somewhat frenzied.

As Ning Qiuxiu endured Zhan Qingyue’s relentless kisses, she finally pushed him away by his shoulders, saying, “Hey—”

Zhan Qingyue, with a touch of punishment, bit her lip and said, “Sneaking in in the middle of the night, huh?”

As he spoke, he reached out and turned on the bedside lamp.

“I wanted to give you a surprise,” Ning Qiuxiu said, puzzled. “When did you wake up?”

“Since you came in.” Zhan Qingyue reluctantly got off her, pulled her into his arms, and answered.

But she really hadn’t made any noise. It was just past 1 AM, the time when people are usually in their deepest sleep: “You’re too alert.”

Zhan Qingyue: “I’m a horse.”

“……” Ning Qiuxiu buried her head in his shoulder and asked, “Are you happy to see me a day early?”

“I could be even happier.” Zhan Qingyue’s voice was slightly hoarse as his hand suggestively rubbed her waist.

Ning Qiuxiu’s cheeks flushed: “It’s very late.”

“It’s fine,” Zhan Qingyue said as he pressed close to her, letting her feel his warmth, “it hasn’t rested yet.”

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Since it was so late when she returned, Ning Qiuxiu naturally knew that something would happen.

They spent a passionate night, enjoying their reunion until after 3 AM, before taking a shower and finally falling into a deep sleep.

When they woke up the next day, Zhan Qingyue had to go to work.

Normally, he would get up at 6:30 AM, exercise, and have breakfast, but since he had already completed his exercise in the early morning, he slept until 7:15 AM.

Hearing him get up, Ning Qiuxiu also climbed out of bed.

As Zhan Qingyue was putting on his clothes and preparing his tie, he came over to kiss her and said, “It’s still early, sleep a bit more.”

“No, I need to go to the airport later.” Although she was exhausted and still felt uncomfortable, she couldn’t skip work.

Zhan Qingyue was taken aback: “Another flight?”

“Just for a photo op,” Ning Qiuxiu stuck out her tongue and said. “Sister Tiao released my schedule, and there will be fans at the airport to pick me up. I can’t miss it.”

“……” So this was the case.

But as long as she wasn’t leaving, Zhan Qingyue’s mood lifted. He handed her the tie and asked, “Can you manage it?”

He was likely attending some formal event today, dressed in a crisp suit that accentuated his tall, handsome figure, adding an air of seriousness to his already striking appearance.

Unfortunately, Ning Qiuxiu said, “I can only tie a red scarf. Is that okay?”

Zhan Qingyue: “……”

Ning Qiuxiu was also frustrated by her lack of skill. For a classic romantic scene in novels, she ended up being the one who spoiled it.

1551!

She vowed to learn and make Zhan Qingyue see her in a new light!

After breakfast, Zhan Qingyue went to work while Ning Qiuxiu went back to her room to get ready and head to the airport for her photo op.

However, on the way, Ning Qiuxiu received a shocking revelation: her fan account had been exposed!