The coffee shop below Meiyu Tower.
Xia Wei Liang and Chu Qiao appeared simultaneously, creating a stir in the café.
Although they were from the same company, there was a distinction between top-tier artists and those in the lower or mid-tier.
For instance, Xia Wei Liang and Chu Qiao were currently at the top!
While Xia Wei Liang was undoubtedly the undisputed leader in terms of discussion and national recognition, after the recent rumors with Lin Zhuo Nan, Chu Qiao’s name was all over every platform!
The aspiring young artists were excited, coming over one by one to greet them and ask for photos. Both of them were quite approachable in private, especially Xia Wei Liang, who was even more surprised to see her fans than they were to see their idol. She obliged every request.
After posing for a round of photos, both of them were exhausted.
Chu Qiao rubbed her stiff smile and looked up at Xi Chi, "Chi Chi ah…"
"Just say what you want to ask."
Upon hearing his reply, Chu Qiao and Xia Wei Liang exchanged surprised glances, then their faces revealed an expression of "I admire you!"
"Um… I do want to discuss something with you. It’s just… can I borrow you for a bit, to… with me…"
Seeing Chu Qiao stammering and unable to form a complete sentence, Xia Wei Liang glared at her, thinking, "Why are you so timid!"
She then looked up and said, "She wants to be in a relationship with you, the officially announced kind."
Chu Qiao stared at her blankly.
Uh, no… Sister, what did you say back in the elevator?
You said to be subtle, to hint, to beat around the bush!
You said not to scare him away, as there weren't many resources that could be easily manipulated at the moment!
And the result?
If this isn't considered "direct," how can "direct" even exist?!
Chu Qiao’s lips curved slightly upwards. Timidly, she lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him, and after a long pause, managed to utter one word: "Mm-hmm."
Xi Chi seemed genuinely startled, gazing at her blankly, momentarily lost for words.
Xia Wei Liang’s heart also tensed, fearing she might scare the boy away!
"Uh… it’s also that we were too hasty, making decisions without consulting you, and didn't consider your personal situation. Perhaps you already have a girlfriend…"
"No."
Xi Chi suddenly spoke.
Xia Wei Liang and Chu Qiao exchanged glances and immediately came back to life!
Good!
Very good!
Chu Qiao immediately put on a loving smile, "Don't worry, it's just a fake CP. After we resolve this public relations crisis, we'll find a suitable time to break up! We'll go our separate ways and find our own happiness."
Xia Wei Liang was very supportive, clapping immediately, "Great! Well said!"
Their eyes conveyed: Excellent job!
"We'll go our separate ways, find our own happiness~"
Xi Chi murmured the phrase, his gaze towards Chu Qiao so pure it made one feel guilty and unable to look directly.
Chu Qiao’s heart skipped a beat. Did she feel like she was deceiving a child?
"Heh heh…"
He lowered his eyes and smiled.
Xia Wei Liang felt uneasy by his smile. She looked at Chu Qiao again. Back in Director Du's office, she had an aura of "Sister is about to register!"
In just a short while, she had become so timid, obedient, and infuriating!
Alas!
This matter still required her to step in!
Xia Wei Liang made a decisive move, slapping the table and standing up abruptly—
"I just remembered, my car is still parked outside! I need to go check on it!" She picked up her jacket and grabbed her bag, about to leave, waving at Xi Chi, "See you later!"
Chu Qiao was shocked!
What happened to the friendship you promised?
It collapsed so quickly!
She grabbed Xia Wei Liang’s arm, forcing a smile, "What did you say just now? And what are you doing now?"
Xia Wei Liang pushed her hand away as if fearing being associated with her, "Don't do this, don't do this! We're in a mature relationship now, let me go! If I delay any longer, I'll get a parking ticket!"
"You're riding a shared bike and you're afraid of getting a ticket? Are you trying to fool a kid!"
"Don't… let go of my hand…"
The two of them began a subtle struggle, like practicing Tai Chi.
Xi Chi stood up, walked over, directly held Chu Qiao’s wrist, clasped her hand in his, and gave Xia Wei Liang a slight nod.
"Goodbye."
Xia Wei Liang waved her hand enthusiastically, then turned and left.
"Xia Wei Liang! You unfaithful woman!!"
Chu Qiao was furious.
What did she mean by leaving her alone?
If you're so brave, take me with you!
Xi Chi turned around, his eyes, which always carried a hint of detachment, quietly gazed at her, "Do you have something to say to me?"
"Do, do, do I?"
Chu Qiao suddenly became timid again.
Actually, the normally straightforward Sister Qiao wasn't like this. She was a formidable person!
But for some reason, facing this younger boy, she couldn't muster any assertiveness!
It was as if, with just a flick of her little finger, he could guess what she was thinking!
How terrifying!
Seeing her so timid, Xi Chi didn't make things difficult for her and spoke first, "You want me to be your boyfriend?"
"...Mm-hmm."
"To divert attention from Lin Zhuo Nan?"
"...Mm."
"Why help him?"
This was what he cared about most.
"It's not exactly helping him. He and his wife's company have put quite a bit of pressure on Meiyu… You know our President Jiang, right? He's so timid, I can't even bear to watch!"
Xi Chi focused on the key point, "So, he agreed to use you as a sacrifice?"
When Chu Qiao heard this, she quickly shook her head, "I'm not that miserable! Actually, I was the one who proposed this fake CP…" Remembering Director Du's instructions, she immediately told him her initial idea, stating seriously, "Oh, right, at first I said I wanted to find someone to get married directly!"
Xi Chi's eyes changed slightly, "You want to get married directly? To anyone?"
His voice trailed off, and the surrounding air seemed to become thin, a chill wind blowing.
"How can you say 'anyone'! You're not just anyone either!"
"You… you thought of me from the beginning?"
"Yes!"
Chu Qiao nodded repeatedly, "That's what I told them, but they stopped me." Su Dan Novel Network
The cold air suddenly disappeared.
It was replaced by a gentle spring breeze, warm and comforting as it brushed against one's skin.
"So, from the very beginning, whether it was marriage or a relationship, the person you thought of was me?"
"Uh…"
The way that question was phrased…
It seemed to have no flaws.
Chu Qiao replied, "Mm-hmm."
She had no one else to choose from. There were few men in the industry she fancied, and even if she did, they might not be willing to cooperate.
After careful consideration, Xi Chi was the most suitable!
Moreover, as her assistant, developing feelings for each other over time was a natural progression of the script.
"So… are you agreeing?" she asked cautiously.
Xi Chi, lost in thought, lowered his gaze. A faint blush colored his fair, jade-like cheeks.
Is this…
Shyness?
Impossible!
"Uh, it’s like this, I know this request is quite difficult, and it might even affect your future girlfriend. After all… your 'first love' is me, the naming is too high! It will create psychological pressure for subsequent girls…"
She prattled on opposite him, her red lips moving.
Xi Chi remained silent, propping his cheek with one hand, gazing at her with a smile.