Although Xiao Yi presented his case convincingly, Xia Wei Liang remained unconvinced.
Could this be a trap?
After careful consideration, Xia Wei Liang declared, "While I want to learn acting from him, in my heart, our Yi Shen will always be my top priority!"
"Heh..."
This "heh" carried a rather insightful tone.
Xia Wei Liang dared not utter another word.
"You don't need to be nervous. Since I agreed to let you learn from him, I meant it sincerely and didn't set a trap for you."
"Then I shall... strive for the rise of my career?"
"Heh, go ahead and fight."
"Alright!"
After hanging up the phone, Xia Wei Liang finally felt at ease.
However, on the other end, the person who had just ended the call slowly put on a stern expression.
Yan Zhi's heart pounded. "Brother Yi, if you don't like it, just tell Mangmang directly. Why pretend to be magnanimous and push her away? Moreover, Xi En has approached Mangmang several times. If he doesn't have ulterior motives, I, for one, wouldn't believe it!"
Noticing the Film Emperor's gaze, Yan Zhi quickly shut his mouth.
Meanwhile, Da Yang, oblivious, continued his analysis, frowning. "Right, logically speaking, he's a Film Emperor, incredibly popular, and swamped with work. How could he have time to teach others? If he's trying to piggyback on Mangmang's popularity, that's too conspiratorial, as he doesn't lack that traffic. Plus, he's intended to reduce his exposure for a long time. So, as Brother Zhi said, he's interested in Mangmang, he..."
Da Yang slapped his thigh and looked up, about to deliver a concluding remark, when he was met with his boss's chilling gaze.
"He, he just saw Mangmang's talent and wants to cultivate her well..."
Da Yang's voice trailed off, and even he didn't believe his own words.
Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh and said unhurriedly, "Since he has time to do good deeds, let him."
"But..." Yan Zhi was a bit anxious. "If he takes the opportunity... and Mangmang... then Brother Yi, you... the result would be..."
As if afraid Xiao Yi wouldn't understand, Da Yang helpfully translated, "If he tries to poach her, and Mangmang is not steadfast, then Brother Yi will have no recourse. The result will be a mutual parting."
Yan Zhi turned his head stiffly to look at him. "Da Yang, do you know how you'll die?"
Da Yang frowned. "I know you're going to say I'll die from stupidity, but did I say anything wrong? Haven't I answered it correctly!"
Yan Zhi gritted his teeth and forced out the words, "So you think Brother Yi doesn't understand?"
Some things don't need to be said so explicitly! It can be very awkward!
Da Yang: "..."
Xiao Yi leaned back against the car seat, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes. "He can't poach her."
Yan Zhi raised an eyebrow. Such confidence?
Da Yang also felt something was amiss and continued his analysis. "One is a Film Emperor, the other a Film King. Their status is comparable; in terms of looks, both are top-tier handsome men, even their heights on Baidu Baike are the same! As for personality, neither is particularly likable..."
Yan Zhi quickly reached out and covered his mouth. "No one will think you're mute if you don't speak."
Xiao Yi glanced in his direction and said, word by word, "Not likable?"
Yan Zhi plastered on a smile. "Da Yang means he's even less likable than you!"
Xiao Yi let out a scoff, closed his eyes, and said slowly, "If there's anyone in this industry I admire, it's this guy. Unlike the performance style in film, his is more nuanced and fluid. Compared to me, he is indeed the best candidate to teach her acting."
Upon hearing this, Yan Zhi applauded movedly. "Listen to that! What noble sentiment, what great awareness! I envy Mangmang!"
Xiao Yi suddenly added, "Keep an eye on Liu Yaozong. Guard against any malicious attacks."
"Rest assured! I've already arranged for people to monitor him 24 hours a day. I'll receive news the moment anything happens!"
***
Xi En's first teaching session after the Lunar New Year was still at Xia Wei Liang's place.
He brought gifts, giving them to both her and Xiao Jinzi.
"Thank you."
Xiao Jinzi accepted the gift and looked at Xia Wei Liang, who affectionately patted her little head. "Go to your room and unwrap them."
Xiao Jinzi was delighted and scampered back to her room.
Xi En walked in. "Xiao Jinzi seems to be in better spirits than before."
"She's a normal child. It was her living environment that affected her. I just need to administer the right treatment to help her return to normal."
Xia Wei Liang said this while making him tea.
Xi En watched her busy herself in the kitchen and suddenly said, "I watched 'Rekindle.' Your performance in it was very eye-catching."
Xia Wei Liang was startled. "It's not easy to hear praise from Teacher Xi!"
Xi En raised an eyebrow slightly and, after a moment of silence, asked her, "So you think I have a prejudice against you?"
"No, no, absolutely not!"
Xia Wei Liang brought the tea over and respectfully placed it before him. "You are my acting teacher, so it's only natural for you to have high standards and be demanding. It's for my own good. Not praising me casually is also to prevent me from getting too conceited and flying too high."
Xi En stared at her and chuckled twice.
For some reason, she felt that Xi En had changed somewhat, yet he still had that seemingly gentle but distant face. There was just something different.
"Um, Teacher Xi, where should we start learning today?"
Xi En took a sip of tea and put down the cup. "Today we'll have a practical lesson."
"Practical? Where are we going?"
"We'll go for a walk outside."
"Just like that?"
"Mm."
Receiving the disbelief in her eyes, Xi En chuckled. "Don't worry, since I've come here, I won't be perfunctory with you. That would be a waste of my time too."