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

Chapter 309 A desperate gamble, the puppy hesitates.
At 6:30 a.m., Jiang Qing's biological clock precisely woke him from deep sleep.

The moment his consciousness returned, he immediately noticed the soft warmth in his arms.

Zhou Ye, like a small animal that has found a source of warmth, curled up beside him, his cheek pressed against his chest, breathing evenly and deeply, fast asleep.

He lowered his eyes and, by the faint light filtering through the curtains, could clearly see the tip of her nose twitching slightly with her breath, and her lips unconsciously pouting slightly. Her unguarded appearance made his heart melt.

Jiang Qing held her breath and moved very gently and slowly, gradually pulling her arm away from under the woman's neck. She then carefully straightened the corner of the blanket that the woman was pressing down on, making sure she wouldn't disturb her.

Only after confirming that she was still sound asleep did he silently breathe a sigh of relief, stepping barefoot onto the soft carpet and quietly leaving the master bedroom.

In the guest bedroom's bathroom, the faucet was turned to its lowest setting, the water flow was as thin as a thread, and it made almost no sound as it fell into the sink.

Jiang Qing quickly finished washing up and changed into sportswear and running shoes.

Before leaving, he went back to the master bedroom door, gently pushed it open a crack, and confirmed that Zhou Ye was still fast asleep in the same position before closing the door with peace of mind.

In the early spring morning, the air in the neighborhood was as crisp as chilled spring water, carrying the unique fishy smell of lake water and vegetation.

The thin mist had not completely dissipated, like a light veil shrouding the artificial lake.

Jiang Qing began jogging along the familiar plastic track.

The willows by the lake have sprouted tender yellow buds, which are reflected in the calm lake water.

He adjusted his breathing, his mind gradually clearing during his morning run, thinking about the key matters the company needed to handle that day.

His gaze swept across the shimmering lake, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

My lazy cat at home is probably still dreaming about counting stars.

Forty minutes later, Jiang Qing returned home, covered in sweat.

He changed into slippers in the entryway and went straight to the kitchen.

The kitchen was soon filled with the warm aroma of cooking.

The frying pan sizzled on the stove. Jiang Qing skillfully scooped up a spoonful of the prepared batter, and with a light twist of her wrist, the batter spread evenly on the bottom of the pan, quickly solidifying into a thin pancake.

He picked up an egg, tapped it lightly on the edge of the pan, and deftly cracked the egg mixture into the center of the pancake with one hand, the egg mixture quickly covering the edges of the pancake.

Once the egg mixture was partially set, he skillfully flipped the pancake with a spatula, brushed it with sweet bean sauce, added shredded lettuce and ham slices, and finally rolled it into a plump cylinder.

The movements are smooth and there is no pause.

In the small clay pot next to it, millet porridge was bubbling away, the aroma of rice mingling with the rising steam.

On the counter, two green-shelled salted duck eggs have been cut in half, their orange-red yolks glistening and tempting.

With everything prepared, Jiang Qing glanced at her watch; the hour hand was pointing to 7:50.

He washed his hands, dried them, and went back to the bedroom.

Pushing open the door, sunlight was already streaming brightly onto half of the bed.

Zhou Ye was buried in the blanket, with only a few strands of messy hair sticking out from the top of his head, sleeping in a way that made no sense of decorum.

"Ono."

Jiang Qing smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed, her voice low and soft.

"Time to get up, the sun's already high in the sky."

The person under the covers didn't react at all, and even shrank further in, making a nasal sound of dissatisfaction.

"Um...don't..."

Jiang Qing chuckled and gently reached out to lift the blanket covering her head.

"If you don't get up soon, your delicious egg pancake will get cold!"

"It's cold...but it's hot..."

Zhou Ye mumbled incoherently, his eyes still closed, subconsciously resisting the intrusion of light.

It seems the gentle awakening strategy failed.

Without further hesitation, Jiang Qing bent down, slipped his arms behind her neck and under her legs, and with a little force, pulled her out of the warm bed.

The sudden feeling of weightlessness made Zhou Ye gasp softly, instinctively tightening his arms around his neck. He groggily opened his eyes a crack and complained indignantly.

"Jiang Qing...you're so annoying..."

"Come on, wake up."

Jiang Qing carried her in his arms, like carrying a large doll, and steadily walked into the bathroom.

The cold marble countertop jolted Zhou Ye awake, instantly dispelling most of his sleepiness.

Forced to stand in front of the mirror, looking at her own disheveled hair and dazed eyes, she sighed and resignedly took the toothbrush with toothpaste already squeezed out by Jiang Qing, mechanically beginning to brush her teeth.

Jiang Qing stood behind her, picked up a comb, and gently combed her messy long hair.

The comb teeth brushed against his hair, bringing a slight tugging sensation. Zhou Ye squinted comfortably, mumbling a complaint with foam in his mouth.

"Next time... could you call me a little later...?"

"Tell me next time."

Jiang Qing spoke gently, but her hands continued combing her hair.

After washing up, Zhou Ye's soul finally returned to its place.

Jiang Qing magically produced a brand-new set of pajamas: a pure white, fluffy onesie with two round Samoyed ears on the hood and a large, bushy tail trailing behind.

"Wow! So cute!"

Zhou Ye's eyes lit up; he was instantly charmed, and his earlier morning grumpiness vanished. He quickly put the clothes on.

Her entire body was covered in fluffy fur, the two ears on her hat twitched with her movements, and her tail swayed behind her. With her rosy cheeks from just waking up, she looked exactly like a Samoyed puppy who had come to life.

Jiang Qing's eyes were overflowing with doting affection as he took her hand.

"Let's go eat."

The living and dining areas are connected by huge floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the morning sunlight to pour in unobstructed, bathing the entire space in a warm golden hue.

Jiang Qing had set up a small round table and two chairs in advance, which were perfectly bathed in sunlight.

On the table, golden-brown egg pancakes exude an enticing aroma, thick millet porridge steams with heat, and cut salted duck eggs ooze bright red oil.

Wow! Egg pancake!

Zhou Ye cheered and almost pounced on the chair. He grabbed a pancake and took a big bite, his cheeks puffing out immediately, and he squinted his eyes in satisfaction.

"Yeah! Delicious!"

"Slow down, don't choke."

Jiang Qing sat down opposite her and ladled out a bowl of millet porridge, pushing it towards her.

"Have some porridge to help you relax."

Zhou Ye's mouth was stuffed full. He nodded vaguely, picked up the bowl of porridge, and took a big gulp. The warmth slid down his esophagus, soothing his entire body.

She ate with gusto, devouring her food in a flash, while Jiang Qing leisurely sipped his porridge, his gaze gently falling on her, watching her eyes sparkle with delight at the food, her cheeks bulging with food, and her occasionally licking the sauce from the corners of her mouth.

The warm sunlight enveloped the two of them, and the only sounds in the air were the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks, mixed with Zhou Ye's satisfied chewing sounds.

Zhou Ye only slowed down after finishing one and a half pancakes and emptying a bowl of porridge, and then contentedly sipped the rest of the porridge.

"full?"

Jiang Qing saw her put down her chopsticks.

"Mmm! Super satisfying!"

Zhou Ye patted his round belly, leaned back in his chair, and basked lazily in the sunlight.

"Jiang Qing, your cooking skills are getting better and better!"

"nice! You love it."

Jiang Qing smiled, put down her spoon, picked up a tissue to wipe her mouth, and naturally got to the point.

"By the way, do you remember that script I mentioned to you yesterday?"

"Yes, I remember."

Zhou Ye nodded, holding the warm bowl of porridge in his hands to warm it, and looked at him with clear eyes.

"You picked it out for me, didn't you?"

"Ah."

Jiang Qing felt a warmth in her heart as she looked into her completely trusting gaze, and introduced the situation in a steady voice.

"The script is called 'All or Nothing.' All three platforms are trying to collaborate with me on an AI script screening system. This is the script I found in the Pants script library. It's about the rampant transnational online fraud, gambling traps, and fake high-paying job offers that lure people abroad and force them to engage in criminal activities. The main storyline revolves around two protagonists, a programmer named Pan Sheng and a model named Anna. Both are lured into supposedly high-paying overseas jobs and end up in the clutches of an overseas fraud operation. The story follows their desperate attempts to escape."

"That sounds so realistic, it feels like it would be very meaningful."

Zhou Ye listened attentively, his eyes revealing his interest in the story itself.

"Ali Pictures is one of the main investors, and the production team is quite reliable."

Jiang Qing changed the subject, her tone becoming more deliberate.

"However, after carefully reviewing the character descriptions, I realized that the role I want you to play isn't very big; it's a supporting role."

"Supporting roles are fine too, good roles come in all sizes!"

Zhou Ye immediately expressed his opinion, looking calm and showing no sign of disappointment.

Seeing her reaction, Jiang Qing felt somewhat relieved and continued to explain.

"The main thing is the female lead, Anna. The script requires her to be beautiful and sexy, with a very outgoing and impactful personality. I think..." He paused, looking at Zhou Ye honestly.

"This trait doesn't quite suit you. If you insist on playing those extremely beautiful and sexy roles, it might be a thankless task."

"Oh……"

Zhou Ye seemed to suddenly understand, drawing out the words in a drawn-out tone. Far from being unhappy, he nodded vigorously in agreement, his face even showing a hint of "you understand me so well" in his expression.

“Glamorous and sexy… well, that’s definitely not my style.”

She tilted her head and answered the question naturally.

Who will play the role of Anna?

Jiang Qing observed her expression and, after confirming that she was genuinely just curious, felt relieved to tell her.

“I think Sister Meng’s appearance fits the character’s description well. I mentioned it to Ah Li’s team, and they also thought it was good.”

"Sister Meng?"

Zhou Ye blinked, and almost without hesitation, a smile immediately bloomed on his face, revealing shallow dimples.

"That's perfect! Sister Meng is so beautiful, has a great figure, and exudes a very feminine charm. She would definitely be very convincing in playing such a glamorous role! Plus, she's a great actress, she'll definitely bring Anna to life!"

Her tone was full of genuine approval, even a little excited, showing no sign of anything amiss.

Looking into her open and honest eyes, Jiang Qing's last trace of worry about the words "Sister Meng" might cause completely dissipated.

It's he who thinks too much.

This girl is simple-minded and open-minded.

"Well, I'm glad you understand."

His tone completely relaxed, and he smiled.

"The script has a solid overall structure and the subject matter is also relevant to reality. If it's filmed well, the response should be quite good. Although you don't have many scenes, I think acting in this kind of work will help you gain experience and build audience appeal, which is better than just sticking to idol dramas all the time."

"Yes, yes! I trust your judgment!"

Zhou Ye nodded vigorously, his smile radiant.

"I'm so happy to have a role to play! And to be able to act with Sister Meng is just wonderful!"

She seemed completely unconcerned about being a "supporting role" or having "few scenes," and instead began to daydream.

"I wonder where it will be filmed? Will it be filmed abroad?"

The two chatted about the script for a while longer, in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long patches of light on the floor, and time slipped by quietly amidst warm, casual conversation.

After breakfast, Zhou Ye took the initiative to stand up and clear the dishes.

"I'll do it this time! You made such a delicious breakfast, so I have to wash the dishes!"

She deftly stacked the dishes, and although most of them went directly into the dishwasher, she still carefully wiped the table clean with a cloth and gave the stove a quick cleaning.

Jiang Qing watched with a smile as she bustled around the kitchen like a busy little bee, the fluffy Samoyed tail swaying with her movements.

Only after she put the last bowl into the dishwasher and pressed the start button did he pick up his coat, which was draped over the back of the chair.

"I'm going to the company now. Message me if you need anything."

He went to the entrance to change his shoes.

"Uh-huh!"

Zhou Ye immediately followed, leaning against the wall in the entryway with a big smile on his face.

Be careful on the road!

Jiang Qing changed his shoes, straightened up, and habitually reached out to rub her head, which was covered by a Samoyed hat. The fluffy touch made him feel happy.

"Got it. Rest well at home. If you get bored, read a script or watch a movie. I'll have Chen Duo send it to you later. There's fruit and snacks in the fridge."

"Mmm! Don't worry!"

Zhou Ye nodded obediently, his smile still bright, his eyes curving into little crescents.

Jiang Qing opened the door, and the cool morning air rushed in.

He turned and glanced at her again. Her fluffy white pajamas, paired with her sweet and gentle smile, looked like a warm painting under the warm yellow light of the entryway.

"gone."

He bid farewell gently.

"Bye-Bye!"

Zhou Ye waved his hand forcefully.

The door closed gently behind Jiang Qing, shutting out the outside world.

The door lock clicked softly, like an invisible switch.

The bright and radiant smile on Zhou Ye's face, as warm as the spring sun, froze almost instantly, and then, like the receding tide, it faded from her face at a visible speed until it disappeared completely.

Those eyes, which had been brimming with smiles and curved into crescents just seconds before, now held only an almost empty calm as they stared straight at the tightly closed security door.

The bright light in the entryway fell on her face, making her appear somewhat cold.

The relaxed and pleasant conversation at the dinner table, the discussions about the script and the characters, were now playing back in her mind as clearly as if rewinding a tape.

Jiang Qing's calm voice, his clear and logical analysis, his judgment that she was not suitable for the "glamorous and sexy" role... and the natural and confident tone he used when he mentioned Sister Meng.

"I think Sister Meng's appearance is more in line with the character's setting."

“I mentioned it to Ahri, and they thought it was a good idea too.”

……

Zhou Ye slowly turned around, leaning against the cold door panel.

The fluffy Samoyed hat drooped down, obscuring part of her vision and concealing the turbulent emotions surging in her eyes.

I understand.

She said it to herself silently.

Of course I understand.

My appearance and temperament are definitely not what one would call "glamorous and sexy".

Cold, sharp, cute, even vicious – these are the labels others use to describe me.

Jiang Qing's analysis was objective, professional, and without any problems.

He helped me avoid unsuitable roles; he was thinking of me.

but……

Why Sister Meng of all people?

Although she had a good relationship with Sister Meng, for some reason, when Jiang Qing mentioned her this time, it felt like a tiny thorn had unexpectedly pierced a corner of her heart.

This isn't the first time.

The subtle yet familiar attitude of Wuwen Technology employees when mentioning Sister Meng, the occasional whispers in the break room, and... the very popular "Yi Jian Qing Xin" (Artistic Love at First Sight) CP fan group of Jiang Qing and Sister Meng.

Sister Meng had a crush on Jiang Qing; she had always known that.

She simply believed that Jiang Qing could handle it.

But... are they just the kind of friends I thought they were?

Zhou Ye slowly lowered his head, looking at his fluffy white pajamas, his fingers unconsciously tugging at the Samoyed's tail hanging by his side.

The soft, downy texture was delicate to the touch, but it couldn't dispel the sudden doubt that had risen in my mind.

He so naturally decided to cast Sister Meng as the female lead, and so confidently recommended her to Ali.

His kindness towards her seemed to have long since crossed the line of ordinary friendship.

That familiar trust...

And what about her?
She, his so-called "girlfriend," only learned about the script and that he was going to recommend her for a minor supporting role after he told her about it.

He didn't even ask her for her opinion beforehand, nor did he discuss with her "what do you think of Sister Meng playing Anna?" It was as if all of this was a matter of course and a natural outcome.

Sunlight streamed through the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows, casting large, bright patches of light on the floor that stretched all the way to the edge of the entryway, yet failed to reach the shadow behind the door she was leaning against.

The warmth of the sunlight on the dining table just now seems almost unreal when I think back on it.

Zhou Ye leaned quietly against the door and stood there for a long time.

Beneath the fluffy hat, her expression remained calm and undisturbed. Only in the depths of her clear eyes was something silently settling and churning, ultimately being carefully concealed.

She loosened her grip on the hem of her pajamas, which she had twisted slightly, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled.

A faint, but cold smile returned to her face, as if the moment of distraction had never happened.

Turning around, she walked barefoot across the cold floor, dragging her fluffy tail as she slowly made her way to the living room.

The sunlight fell on her again, making her white fur almost transparent, but it couldn't dispel the cloud of doubt that was quietly spreading in her heart.

Jiang Qing... Sister Meng...

I hope I'm just overthinking it.

(End of this chapter)