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

Chapter 304 Thirteen's Analysis, the Scapegoat Cunzi

At 7:30 p.m., the city of Luyang was lit up with lights, and the traffic on Huizhou Avenue was like a river of flowing light.

Jiang Qing stood by the window, looking down at the bustling street below.

The private room was filled with the rich aroma of Anhui cuisine, a blend of dried bamboo shoots, ham, and oil, while outside the window, the city pulsed as bustling as ever on the seventh night of the Lunar New Year.

He had a Bluetooth earphone in his left ear and his right hand unconsciously stroking the cold windowpane.

"Thirteen, tell me about the current situation of 'Sihai'."

"Alright, my dear Dr. Jiang!"

The phone screen lit up instantly, and in the dim blue light, Thirteen appeared as a cute, chibi-style butler in a tuxedo and monocle.

It bowed exaggeratedly, and magically produced a stack of virtual data reports, which spread out on the screen.

"The situation... tsk!"

Thirteen began with a melodious and rhythmic broadcasting tone, then switched to a bitter and resentful one.

"One word to describe it—horrific! Two words—hemorrhaging! Three words—unbearable to look at!"

Its tiny human form instantly transformed into one dressed in mourning clothes, pounding its chest and stamping its feet.

"As of 6 PM today, the total box office is a pitiful 470 million! The screening rate has dropped to 4.8%, the Maoyan score is 8.5, and the Douban score is 5.6, both falling below the passing grade! This has created the lowest point in director Han Han's career! It's a complete Waterloo!"

Screenshots from various platforms flashed rapidly across the screen, filled with red negative review bars and glaringly low scores.

"Let's take a look at the online attacks!"

Thirteen transformed into an angry little man wielding a virtual hammer.

"The main problems are a fragmented plot, illogical arguments, and unclear character motivations! What could have been a proper island youth film has been turned into a bizarre and incoherent mess! Oh, and by the way, your cameo as Brother Xiuta..."

The scoundrel immediately put on a fawning smile and rubbed his hands together.

"He's the only breath of fresh air in the entire movie, the highlight, the fig leaf! Netizens' original comments: 'It was only because of Jiang Qing's few minutes that I didn't get a refund,' and 'That turn of Xiuta's head was worth half the ticket price!'"

Jiang Qing ignored its flattering words and frowned slightly.

"What about the other actors?"

"Ugh!"

Thirteen's face immediately fell, and he shrugged and spread his hands.

"Lead actor Liu Haoran has been criticized for his declining acting skills, unlikable character, and inability to carry the male lead role. As for our beautiful and lovely Ms. Liu Haocun..."

The little figure has been transformed into a bewildered emoji with a huge question mark and exclamation mark on its head.

"It's a disaster area for negative reviews! The lines are distracting, the expressions are monotonous, the character is just a tool... these are the mild ones. What's worse is that because her parents' old story was brought up again and repeatedly rubbed into the past, many of Liu Haoran's fans also put the blame for the movie's failure squarely on her head, saying things like one bad apple spoils the whole bunch, and seeing her makes them lose immersion... the insults they hurled at her were absolutely awful!"

Several screenshots of malicious comments highlighted in red popped up on the screen instantly, and Thirteen quickly swept them away with his small broom.

"Oh dear, such foul language! It's an insult to the ear! Hey... Master, is your heart alright?"

Jiang Qing remained silent, the unabashed comments from the afternoon movie screening seemingly echoing in her ears again—"This movie is really bad," "Liu Haocun's acting was so awkward," "What a waste of Jiang Qing's few minutes..."

And in the backstage corridor of the roadshow, although the girl was smiling, her eyes couldn't hide the exhaustion and sadness she was trying so hard to maintain.

"Actually."

Thirteen pushed up his non-existent glasses, striking a pose like an analyst.

"To be fair, the biggest problems with 'The Four Seas' are its terrible script structure and the director's lack of control. But online public opinion always needs a concrete culprit to vent its anger on. Unfortunately, Ms. Liu Haocun, with her controversial acting skills and negative family background, became the most conspicuous target. This is what you call a weak plot making the actor take the blame! It's truly unfair! It's truly tragic!"

Thirteen made a throat-slitting gesture and collapsed in the corner of the screen, pretending to be dead.

For a moment, only the faint sound of traffic outside the window and the lingering echo of Thirteen's quirky "last words" remained in the private room.

"Tuk tuk tuk..."

Three clear and restrained knocks sounded on the door.

The number thirteen on the screen vanished in a flash, and the blue light went out instantly.

Jiang Qing quickly took off her Bluetooth earphones, stuffed them into her pocket, and turned to walk towards the door.

The door opened a crack, and a figure wrapped in a large black down jacket, wearing a baseball cap and a mask slipped in like a nimble fish, then deftly closed the door behind them.

"Phew—I was suffocating!"

The person ripped off their mask and hat, shook their slightly messy hair, revealing a tired face.

Liu Haocun took off his heavy down jacket and casually tossed it onto the back of the chair next to him, revealing a soft, off-white turtleneck cashmere sweater underneath that accentuated his slender waist.

She fanned herself with her hand as she quickly walked to the table, her eyes sparkling as she stared intently at the several cold dishes that had already been served.

"I'm starving! I feel like I could eat a whole cow right now!"

She pulled out a chair, plopped down, picked up her chopsticks, and headed straight for the plate of tempting crystal pork jelly.

"I've only eaten half a cold sandwich since noon! Director Han and the others are still having a meeting at the hotel to review the proceedings. I made an excuse that I wasn't feeling well and slipped out. Pretty clever, right?"

She picked up a piece of glistening, translucent braised pork and stuffed it into her mouth, squinting her eyes in satisfaction as she chewed, her cheeks bulging, like a little squirrel that had stolen a pine cone.

It was as if the brief confrontation in the backstage corridor that afternoon and the overwhelming criticism online had nothing to do with her, who was now immersed in the delicious food.

Jiang Qing looked at the girl's nonchalant and greedy appearance, said nothing, but walked to her side, pulled out the chair in the main seat and sat down.

Just then, the waiter brought in a steaming hot pot, and the rich aroma instantly filled the entire private room.

"Be careful of the burn."

Jiang Qing took the stinky mandarin fish casserole from the waiter and placed it steadily in the center of the table. She then naturally picked up the small bowl in front of Liu Haocun, scooped out a large piece of snow-white and tender fish meat with a serving spoon, carefully removed the large bone in the middle, poured on the thick and delicious soup, and finally sprinkled some bright green scallions before gently placing it in front of her.

Next up is hairy tofu, with a golden-brown, slightly charred outer skin and a soft, stretchy, cheese-like interior.

Jiang Qing used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of fish and placed it steadily next to the fish in her bowl.

"Try this, it's a specialty of Luyang."

"And this Hu Shih Hot Pot is rich in ingredients and has a thick broth that warms the stomach."

"Eat slowly, have a sip of soup to help you relax."

He barely touched the chopsticks in front of him, spending most of his time taking care of her.

Adding soup, removing bones, serving vegetables, handing over tissues... the movements are meticulous and focused, conveying a silent tenderness.

When Liu Haocun choked on a small piece of chili, Jiang Qing promptly handed her warm water at just the right temperature and gently patted her back.

Liu Haocun was initially immersed in the comfort of the food, eating heartily and mumbling praises such as "delicious" and "this is amazing."

But as Jiang Qing continued to provide this overly attentive care, her chewing speed gradually slowed down.

She swallowed the delicious fish, put down her chopsticks, picked up a tissue to wipe her mouth, then turned her head to the side, her large, clear eyes staring intently at Jiang Qing with a look of inquiry.

"Jiang Qing."

Her voice was soft, slightly hoarse from the spiciness of the food.

What's wrong with you today?

Jiang Qing had just ladled a spoonful of fresh bamboo shoots and ham into her bowl when he heard this and stopped.

"Ok?"

"It's so wrong!"

Liu Haocun slightly furrowed her delicate brows, leaned her body towards him, and looked at him with a charmingly questioning expression.

"I've never seen you this... um, so domestic? Picking fish bones out of me? Patting my back? Unsolicited kindness is always suspicious! Tell me, did you do something to wrong me? Or..."

Her eyes darted around, and she deliberately dragged out her words.

"You feel sorry for me because I'm being criticized so badly online?"

Jiang Ying met her gaze, her eyes clear yet with a touch of stubborn inquiry, as if trying to see through his calm exterior to discern his true thoughts.

He put down the soup spoon in his hand and turned his body slightly towards her.

"Thinking too much."

His tone was calm, with his usual smile playing on his lips.

"You look so hungry, I'm afraid you'll choke to death in front of me."

"Liar!"

Liu Haocun immediately retorted, her small mouth slightly pouting, showing a hint of relentlessness.

"You must know! You saw what I said at the movie theater this afternoon... and all those nasty things online, didn't you?"

Although she tried to maintain a light tone, the fleeting sadness deep in her eyes betrayed her true emotions.

Jiang Qing didn't answer directly, but simply reached out and used her fingertips to wipe away the little bit of sauce on the corner of her mouth.

The movements were very gentle, with a warm touch.

"Focus on your meal."

He withdrew his hand and his gaze returned to the dishes on the table.

"Food doesn't taste good when it's cold."

Liu Haocun was taken aback by his gentle wipe. Looking at his calm profile, he felt a mix of inexplicable grievances and the shame of being seen through, making him feel suffocated.

In a fit of pique, she picked up a large piece of fermented tofu, stuffed it into her mouth, chewed it vigorously, and stopped talking.

Only the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks remained in the private room.

The atmosphere became somewhat quiet in the latter half of the meal.

Liu Haocun buried herself in her food, but she was clearly not as excited as she had been at the beginning. Jiang Qing continued to take care of her, but her movements were quieter.

Finally, Liu Hao put down his chopsticks, took a tissue, and wiped his mouth, declaring the battle over.

"I'm so full! I'm stuffed!"

She leaned back in her chair, patting her belly with a satisfied and slightly lazy air.

"Shall I take you back to your hotel?"

Jiang Qing picked up the damp towel next to her and wiped her hands.

"do not want!"

Liu Haocun immediately sat up straight, shaking his head vigorously. The little bit of awkwardness from before seemed to have been instantly forgotten. He looked at him with bright eyes, full of expectation.

"I heard your place is super cool! All high-tech! Can you take me to see it? Anyway, I don't fly until early tomorrow morning, and going back now would just mean listening to them sighing and complaining, it's so annoying!"

Her eyes were moist, filled with a longing that said, "Let me see this!"

Jiang Qing watched her quick change in expression and nodded decisively without the slightest hesitation.

"it is good."

"Yay! Jiang Qing, you're the best!"

Liu Haocun immediately beamed and jumped up to grab his hat.

The black car smoothly blended into the traffic of Luyang at night, passed through the neon-lit city, and headed towards the Binhu New Area.

The car windows shut out the noise from the outside world, and soothing light music flowed inside the car.

Liu Haocun leaned back in the passenger seat, looking out the window at the dazzling night view, occasionally pointing to a huge LED screen or a strangely shaped building and asking Jiang Qing what it was.

Jiang Qing gave a brief reply, her gaze fixed intently on the road ahead.

The car entered the underground parking garage of Binhu Shuangxi, and the elevator rose smoothly to the top floor.

Jiang Qing walked to the heavy front door. The smart sensor area on the door lit up with a soft blue light, and an invisible scanning beam swept across his face.

"Identity confirmed. Welcome home, Mr. Jiang."

A soft, pleasant electronic female voice sounded, and the heavy door lock made a slight "click" as it slid open automatically.

"Wow!"

Liu Haocun let out a soft gasp and followed Jiang Qing inside.

The motion-sensor light in the entryway turned on automatically, casting a soft glow.

The interior design is minimalist yet futuristic, featuring large areas of white and light gray, accented with warm wood tones and cool metallic lines.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the night view of the artificial lake and the city skyline is dazzling, like a flowing galaxy painting unfolding before your eyes.

Liu Haocun looked around curiously, as if he had entered the Grand View Garden, with his hands behind his back and his steps light.

"This light turns on by itself?"

"Yes, human body sensing plus light sensing."

Wow! Can you see inside through this glass?

"It's one-way; you can't see in from the outside."

"My God! Is this TV wall invisible?"

She pointed to the wall, which was as smooth as a mirror.

"It will appear when needed."

As soon as Jiang Qing finished speaking, a minimalist black bracelet on his wrist lit up slightly, and the previously empty wall opposite him instantly lit up, turning into a thin, paper-like screen that played a tranquil underwater world.

"Awesome!"

Liu Haocun clapped his hands excitedly.

In the open kitchen, the smart coffee machine senses the owner's return home and emits a soft hum to preheat.

The glass door of the temperature-controlled wine cabinet lets in a soft light, and inside are displayed various wine bottles.

In the center of the living room, a sleek white robot silently glides by, performing basic cleaning.

"This is Xiaobai, who is in charge of cleaning."

Jiang Qing gave a brief introduction.

"Can it talk?"

Liu Haocun squatted down and curiously poked the robot's round head.

"Basic responses are fine. Xiaobai, say hello."

The ring light on top of the robot emitted a soft blue glow, and a gentle electronic voice sounded.

"Hello, Ms. Liu Haocun, welcome to Mr. Jiang's home. I'm Xiaobai, and it's a pleasure to serve you."

Wow! It recognizes me?

Liu Haocun looked up at Jiang Qing with surprise.

"When we entered, the access control system had already synchronized the visitor information with all terminals."

Jiang Qing explained with a smile.

"I see!"

Liu Haocun stood up and wandered to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, his face almost touching the glass.

"This view... is absolutely amazing! Jiang Qing, sitting here every day, don't you ever feel like you're ruling the world?"

Jiang Qing walked to her side and handed her a glass of warm water.

"I just feel that the electricity bill is a bit expensive."

Liu Haocun chuckled, took the water glass, took a sip, turned around, and leaned against the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

The myriad lights outside the window became a flowing backdrop behind her, with light and shadow dancing on her beautiful profile.

The initial excitement on her face gradually subsided, and she quietly looked at Jiang Qing a few steps away.

He stood there, tall and straight, the warm yellow light outlining his clear features, his expression as calm and gentle as ever.

After the initial excitement of the visit subsided, the things that had been temporarily suppressed by the delicious food and novelty quietly resurfaced in my mind.

The online storm, the forced smiles during the roadshow, the malicious speculations and overwhelming accusations... all rolled in silently like a cold tide.

She held the warm glass, her fingertips tightening slightly.

The smile on her face faded, and her usually bright and mischievous eyes now clearly reflected Jiang Qing's figure, filled with complex emotions.

There's a hint of vulnerability, a touch of grievance, and above all, uncertainty.

"Jiang Qing."

Her voice rang out in the overly quiet living room, a few decibels lower than usual, with a hint of cautious probing.

"You...you were so nice to me today, taking me out for delicious food and showing me your house...is it because..."

She paused, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, but finally looked him straight in the eye and asked.

"Because of the insults I received online? Are you... pitying me?"

After asking the question, she pursed her lips slightly and stared intently at Jiang Qing's face, trying to catch the most truthful answer from the subtle changes in his expression.

The neon lights outside the window flickered in her eyes, revealing the unease hidden beneath her feigned composure.

Jiang Qing stared at her.

The girl stood with her back against the boundless night, her figure appearing somewhat frail. When she asked the question, she tried to straighten her back, like a small animal raising all its thorns yet yearning for warmth.

He didn't answer immediately, but simply strode towards her.

Footsteps made a soft sound on the polished floor, each step shortening the distance between the two, which was only a few steps.

Until he stood in front of her, close enough to see the slight trembling in her eyes beneath her curled eyelashes.

Jiang Qing smiled.

It wasn't the usual teasing smile, but a smile that conveyed doting indulgence.

He lowered his head slightly, bringing his gaze level with hers. His voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear and resolute.

"It's my own girlfriend, I'll cherish her myself, what's wrong with that?"

The way he said the word "girlfriend" in such a natural and confident tone was like a warm beam of light, instantly dispelling all the gloom and uncertainty in Liu Haocun's heart.

Liu Haocun's eyes suddenly lit up. All the gloom, grievances, and forced strength vanished at that moment, leaving only an almost overflowing joy and sweetness.

My heart felt warm and swollen, and even the tip of my nose felt slightly sore.

"Jiang Qing..."

She called out softly, her voice carrying a tender dependence that she herself was unaware of.

All words seemed pale at this moment. She simply raised her bright and beautiful face, her clear eyes reflecting his figure, conveying a silent invitation.

Her rosy lips parted slightly, like a flower bud waiting for the morning dew.

Jiang met her burning gaze, and the smile on his lips deepened.

Without further hesitation, he slowly lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against her cheek, and gently covering her soft lips...

(End of this chapter)