Chapter 2: Does That Include You?

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“When did you come back? How was it abroad?” Chengdu asked casually as he poured her a drink.

Ji Xueli took the glass. “A few days ago, I guess. It was just okay.“

“Did you come back for someone?” Chengdu smiled as he probed. Though their friendship wasn’t as strong as before, he was still someone who valued past relationships.

Hearing this, she couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Duan Qingyu. Her heart confirmed something—yes, this must be the male lead.

Ji Xueli swirled the liquid in her glass and responded lightly, “I returned after completing my studies, naturally.“

“Makes sense. You left so decisively back then,” Chengdu raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by her. Breaking up with Ji Yanzhou one day and fleeing to Germany the next—her mentality was truly something else.

Ji Xueli studied his expression and tone. He seemed very familiar with the original owner of this body, possibly even knowing a lot about her past.

She was about to dig for more information when someone interrupted them.

“Brother Du, the actress you like is here!” someone shouted from below.

“She’s here?!” Chengdu instantly perked up. “Xueli, excuse me for a bit. Wait for me, alright?“

An actress? Ji Xueli craned her neck in curiosity. What does she look like? She hadn’t seen a real celebrity up close before.

Duan Qingyu noticed her staring in that direction and raised an eyebrow before speaking first. “Duan Qingyu.“

He lifted his glass toward her with a smirk.

“Oh… long time no see,” Ji Xueli snapped out of her thoughts and returned a polite smile, clinking her glass with his before downing it in one go.

Long time no see…

Duan Qingyu leaned against the railing, his deep red lips curved in a faint, unreadable smile. “Looks like Miss Ji still remembers me.“

“He’s definitely the male lead,” the system suddenly chimed in. “He’s purposely saying that to mock you.“

“I know. Shut up.“

Ji Xueli remained composed. “Of course. How could I forget a nobleman of Huacheng?” She avoided looking at him directly, aiming to create the persona of a cold but nostalgic ‘white moonlight’—the one that got away.

Duan Qingyu’s eyes darkened slightly. It seemed she had forgotten those unpleasant memories from years ago.

Well, for her, he probably never really mattered much to begin with…

“Why are celebrities at a yacht party?” Ji Xueli asked, watching Chengdu already flirting with the idol downstairs.

“Aren’t celebrities your profession as well?” he countered.

Oh, right. The original owner was also an actress—she had gone abroad to study acting.

Duan Qingyu leaned in slightly, his deep and lazy voice carrying a hint of mischief. “If Miss Ji finds someone she likes, you can take them away too.“

Hearing this, Ji Xueli finally understood. So, this was a place for transactions.

She smirked. “Anyone?“

“Naturally.“

Ji Xueli turned to look at him seriously. “Does that include you?“

She was merely testing him—to see if the male lead still had any lingering feelings for her. Though, it probably didn’t matter.

Duan Qingyu stared at her for a moment before chuckling. His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, and his dark gaze was unreadable. “Miss Ji, you just got back and you’re already teasing me.“

Ji Xueli smiled back. “Just kidding. Don’t get nervous.” She really couldn’t see through this man.

“Your Highness.“

A soft, sweet voice called out nearby. Ji Xueli turned her head and saw a beautifully dressed woman, though her features looked a little unnatural—likely enhanced.

A celebrity.

An unknown one.

Ji Xueli instantly recognized that and took a sip of her drink.

Duan Qingyu glanced at the woman. “What is it?“

“I wanted to propose a toast to you,” she said, stepping closer. Her neckline was so low that her perfectly full chest was completely exposed.

Ji Xueli didn’t know whether Duan Qingyu looked or not, but she certainly couldn’t stop staring.

Is that real? That big…

“I don’t want to drink,” Duan Qingyu replied indifferently, his gaze already back on the scene below.

Ji Xueli watched as the actress’s smile froze in embarrassment.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Wanting to ease the tension, Ji Xueli reached out and pulled the woman’s arm. “Come on, accompany me to the restroom.“

It was also a good chance to get some intel…