Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 234 A Chaotic Group Photo, Mr. Creditor
At 9:30 p.m., the formal proceedings of the banquet finally came to an end.

Under the dazzling lights of the banquet hall, the crowd moved about, and the noise intensified.

Sha Xiaoli held up the microphone, her voice filled with barely suppressed urgency, as she directed the group photo's positioning on stage.

"Come on, everyone, move over! Female artists, this way please! Make room in the middle! Dilraba, Liying, Mimi... Yes, yes, you all come to the center!"

Sha Xiaoli waved her arms, a little sweat glistening on her forehead.

However, the scene she had envisioned of vying for the center position did not materialize.

The center position, which many female celebrities used to fight tooth and nail for, seems to have become a hot potato this time.

However, considering the recent series of events in the entertainment and fashion industries, it all makes sense.

During this sensitive period, nobody wants to stand out.

Yang Mi was being held tightly by Yang Ying's arm. The latter's eyes were unfocused, her body stiffly turned to the side in a certain direction, and her voice was extremely low.

"Mi Mi, help me block him, he... he's over there..."

Yang Ying deliberately avoided looking at Chen Weiting, who was not far away.

Dilraba wanted to move closer to the center, but when she saw the heavyweights gathered there, such as Huang Xiaoming and Andy Lau, and noticed Yang Mi being pulled along by Yang Ying, she hesitated.

She glanced around looking for Jiang Qing, only to find that he was nowhere to be found.

The area above the stage was in chaos, and the view was completely obscured.

Zhao Liying stood quietly to the side, discussing Huace's new project with Zhao Yifang in hushed tones.

She wore a relaxed smile, seemingly detached from the situation, and appeared to have no intention of vying for a spot.

Li Xian subtly shifted his feet, trying to create some distance between himself and Zhong Chuxi. When their eyes met, they quickly looked away, creating a subtle atmosphere.

The scene became somewhat chaotic, and Sha Xiaoli's voice was almost hoarse from shouting before she managed to settle a group of big shots with different thoughts in the central area.

At this moment, Zhang Ruonan, standing at the edge of the stage near the curtain, seemed somewhat at a loss.

She looked at the crowded inner circle in front of her, then at the area at her feet that was clearly just a backdrop. She maintained a smile on her face, but her heart felt like it had been pricked by a needle.

As she hesitated whether to shamelessly squeeze in a little more or simply stand in this corner to take the group photo, a familiar tall figure appeared in her field of vision.

Jiang Qing had walked up to her without her noticing.

Zhang Ruonan opened her eyes wide in surprise.

"President Jiang? You..."

"Standing here?"

Jiang Qing raised her chin at the spot where she had just been standing, a place almost hidden in the shadows, and asked in a flat tone, as if asking, "How's the weather today?"

Zhang Ruonan's cheeks flushed, and she nodded somewhat embarrassedly.

"Hmm...it seems...it seems there's nowhere else."

Jiang Qing didn't say anything, but just tilted her head at her, signaling her to follow.

Then, taking long strides, he headed directly towards the central area, but not the absolute core.

Just then, Sha Xiaoli's anxious gaze swept across the entire room and finally caught him, her eyes instantly lighting up.

Her voice rose eight octaves, full of enthusiasm.

"President Jiang! President Jiang! You're here! Please come in, please come in! We've saved a seat for you here!"

She was referring to the empty space between Huang Xiaoming and Andy Lau, a position that was absolutely the most crucial of all.

Everyone present, including the media's dark cameras, instantly focused on Jiang Qing, and naturally also glanced at Zhang Ruonan following behind him.

Dilraba's smile froze for a moment, Zhao Liying frowned slightly, and Jing Tian's gaze shifted between Jiang Qing and Zhang Ruonan with a hint of inquiry.

Jiang Qing merely nodded slightly in response to Sha Xiaoli's enthusiastic call, but instead of stopping at the specially reserved center position, she naturally moved to a spot slightly behind Zhao Liying, where the lighting was equally good.

He stopped and turned to the side, glancing at Zhang Ruonan, who was still somewhat dazed, and gestured with his eyes to the person next to him.

This action couldn't be clearer.

Zhang Ruonan felt as if something had suddenly clenched and then released her heart, causing blood to rush to her cheeks.

She held her breath and, despite the complicated gazes from all directions, quickly walked to Jiang Qing's side and stood there.

At this moment, she could clearly feel her cheeks burning, but an unprecedented power surged through her body.

She straightened her back and tried her best to flash the brightest smile at the camera.

Jiang Qing stood there calmly, as if nothing had happened, her gaze fixed straight ahead.

The celebrities present witnessed this scene, and many exchanged glances, all revealing knowing and ambiguous expressions.

Seeing this, Sha Xiaoli didn't say anything more and raised her hand to signal forward.

"Crack! Crack! Crack!"

The sound of camera shutters rang out like a sudden downpour, and the flashes created a dazzling white light.

The group photo was taken at this moment.

Zhang Ruonan's dimples were shallow, and Jiang Qing's lips were slightly upturned; the scene was captured by countless cameras.

After the photos were taken, the crowd began to disperse, and the guests headed towards the inner exit to leave.

Jiang Qinggang had just finished exchanging pleasantries with Huang Xiaoming and Liu Dehua when he was stopped by Zhao Yifang, Yu Dong, and a few others for a few more words, which delayed him for quite a while.

When he finally escaped the various conversations and stepped into the elevator leading to the parking lot, he immediately spotted the slender figure in a pink floral dress.

She was leaning against the wall at the entrance of the passageway with her head down, her toes occasionally tapping the ground lightly, and there was no agent or assistant in sight.

Upon hearing footsteps, Zhang Ruonan immediately looked up.

Upon seeing Jiang Qing, her eyes lit up, and she quickly put on a smile and took a few steps to greet her, her movements deliberately relaxed.

"President Jiang! We've finally waited for you, you busy man!"

Her voice was clear and crisp, with a hint of complaint, or perhaps a touch of coquetry.

Jiang Qing stopped and looked at her.

"Is something the matter, Teacher Zhang?"

"Of course there is something!"

Zhang Ruonan nodded hurriedly, immediately took out her phone from her handbag and waved it, her actions conveying an air of undeniable authority.

"Last time I was in such a rush at the airport that I didn't even get your contact information! I can't do that again this time, can we add each other on WeChat? I promised to treat you to dinner next time, I've already thought of a place, and I promise you won't be photographed by reporters!"

She spoke very quickly, as if afraid of being rejected by him, so she finished speaking in one breath.

Then she raised her phone, the screen displaying a WeChat QR code, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

Jiang Qing looked at her awkward yet sincere expression and couldn't help but chuckle. He remembered the last time in the airport VIP lounge, she had also been so energetic and proactively signed autographs for him, her radiant smile seemingly able to instantly dispel the fatigue of the journey.

He took out his phone, quickly scanned her QR code, and added her as a friend.

With a "ding," the friend request was accepted.

Zhang Ruonan looked at the new chat box on her phone screen with the contact name Jiang Qing, and couldn't help but smile. Her heart felt like a small firework had exploded.

She quickly typed "savior + meal ticket creditor" into the notes field before looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

Her smile was even brighter than before, tinged with a hint of smugness.

"Got it! You can't escape now!"

Jiang Qing looked at her bright smile and smiled slightly.

"It's just a meal, Teacher Zhang, there's no need for such a big fuss."

"That won't work!"

Zhang Ruonan immediately shook her head like a rattle-drum.

"If it weren't for you, I would have had to take a picture with that sponsor's advertising truck today. Just thinking about it makes me so embarrassed!"

She made an exaggerated expression of suffocation before regaining her composure, her tone tinged with doubt.

"However... Mr. Jiang, I've actually been wanting to ask you, why did you help me? It's happened twice already."

The parking lot passageway was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of the wall lamps casting a warm glow.

Jiang Qing looked into the girl's confused eyes, her clear pupils reflecting tiny glimmers of light.

He recalled the figure who sincerely interacted with fans in the airport VIP lounge, and the fleeting embarrassment and helplessness in her eyes when she saw the advertising vehicle on the red carpet today.

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his voice carrying a casual air of nonchalance.

"Perhaps it's because...you signed my name?"

Zhang Ruonan was stunned for a moment, then realized that this was referring to their first encounter at the airport.

She signed his autograph, and today he essentially "returned" her favor twice?
"Pfft!"

She couldn't help but laugh out loud, and two shallow dimples appeared clearly on her cheeks.

"President Jiang, your reason... is too far-fetched! One autograph for two rescues? Wouldn't I be making a killing?"

Her shoulders trembled slightly as she laughed, and the disappointment and resentment she had felt earlier due to the difference in their positions and status seemed to have been largely dispelled by her laughter.

The man before her possessed a status that commanded respect and a charm that even top female stars would flock to. Yet, when he helped her, the reason he gave was so... well... so casual, and so irrefutable.

Jiang Qing looked at her bright and pretty face, a faint smile flashing in his eyes.

"Is that far-fetched? I think it's perfectly reasonable. I'm leaving now, let's talk again next time."

He nodded to her without saying anything more, then turned and walked towards the car.

Chen Duo was already waiting by the car.

"Goodbye."

Zhang Ruonan uttered two words and stood there without leaving immediately.

She watched Jiang Qing's tall and straight back as he walked towards the sleek black sedan, then deftly opened the door and got in.

The car started, its taillights casting two warm red glows in the dimly lit underground parking lot, before slowly pulling away and merging into the lane, eventually disappearing around the corner.

The surroundings suddenly became quiet, with only the unique echo of the empty parking lot and the faint sound of vehicles passing by in the distance.

The commotion in the banquet hall, the tension of being surrounded, the awkwardness of the position, and the undisguised fervent gazes of the female celebrities towards Jiang Qing... all receded like the tide.

She was all alone, with only her heart beating exceptionally clearly and strongly in her chest.

Plop, plop, plop...

A mix of excitement, palpitations, resentment, and intense longing coiled around me like vines, tightening its grip ever tighter!

She recalled his joking remark about "because of an autograph," the arm he had extended to her, and the composed, even slightly aloof, calm he exuded when facing female celebrities like Dilraba and Yang Mi...

This man was powerful, composed, and possessed an almost detached clarity, yet he inadvertently exuded a fatal attraction that was irresistible.

"Jiang Qing..."

Zhang Ruonan murmured the name over and over, as if she wanted to engrave it in her heart.

The inexplicable competitive spirit that had risen within her now burned fiercely like a flame doused with oil.

Why should those female celebrities be allowed to get close to him as a matter of course?

Why should she only be able to watch from afar, and even getting a little closer to him requires his help?
Is she really that far behind?

An unprecedented determination exploded within her, accompanied by a frantic heartbeat.

She clenched her fist tightly, her nails almost digging into her palm.

Just give it a try!
Who is afraid of whom!
As if possessed, she suddenly stretched out her right arm and waved it in the air.

"come on, come on, come on!!!"

"Zhang Ruonan, you can do it!!!"

You will definitely get better and better!!!

"One day you will be able to stand proudly beside him!!!"

"Huh...huh...huh..."

After a series of violent arm swings, she lowered her arms, panting heavily, and took deep breaths to catch her breath.

The cold air from the parking lot filled her lungs, yet it made her feel feverish all over.

Belatedly realizing what was happening, she suddenly felt a belated sense of shame and quickly glanced around.

Thankfully, no one was there!

Once her breathing had stabilized, she took out her phone and opened the new chat window: "Savior + Meal Ticket Debtor".

My fingertip hovered above the screen for a few seconds.

Then, with a do-or-die determination, she typed out a line.

"Mr. Creditor! Let me know when you get to the hotel, don't forget I still owe you a meal (food) - the kind you're ready to pay up at any time (grinning)"

After sending the message, she hugged her phone to her chest and let out a long sigh of relief.

Immediately, a brilliant smile curved her lips.

"Looking forward to seeing you again, Mr. Creditor."

(End of this chapter)