Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 118 A World Reunited
Concert tickets weren't of much use to Gu Jingyi; he had originally planned to ask the other members if anyone still needed them.

Now, after receiving this call, he was actually somewhat relieved that he hadn't given it to her directly before.

If a friend asked for it, Gu Jingyi was naturally happy to give it to them. Concert tickets weren't anything particularly valuable; people's willingness to attend was a way of showing support. It was a gesture of respect and a recognition of his talent.

Which show do you want? How many tickets do you need?

After finishing his water, Gu Jingyi leaned against the wall to rest.

"Of course it's the 16th, that's your first concert. It'll definitely be the most meaningful and the best one yet."

Tian Xiwei replied without hesitation, then paused for a moment and lowered her voice slightly: "I want one...two...three...six."

Her tone grew weaker, and she sounded somewhat embarrassed.

Gu Jingyi heard other voices next to her on the phone, as if someone was directing her.

What a coincidence! This is the first time he's seen someone command Tian Xiwei...

"Okay... tomorrow then, it's too late today. Come to our company tomorrow at noon, and call me when you get there."

Halfway through her sentence, Gu Jingyi paused for a moment. Somewhat uncertainly, she asked, "You surely know how to get to Century Idol Company, right? It's not too far from your school. It's in Shanghai; just take the subway, transfer, and turn a few corners."

"Of course I know, I even waited for you downstairs at Century Idol's building before..."

Tian Xiwei was somewhat displeased; she felt like Gu Jingyi was treating her like a child. This guy was clearly a year younger than her—it was outrageous!

She only threw a small tantrum on the phone, arguing that she was already very familiar with the route to her idol's location. Then she happily agreed, "I'll go there after school tomorrow at noon, but it might be a little late."

"Okay," Gu Jingyi said, about to hang up the phone, but then seemed to suddenly remember something.

"Xiaotian, how did you do on your final exams?"

Before he could hang up the phone, Gu Jingyi heard a woman screaming in a somewhat distraught voice on the other end.

"Ugh...don't even mention it."

Gu Jingyi couldn't help but chuckle; he knew it.

"If you want to pursue me in the future, don't skip classes, it will really affect your participation grade."

"Tch...who doesn't know that?" Tian Xiwei grumbled, but her heart was incredibly tender.

Gu Jingyi had sharp ears and overheard a girl covering her mouth and whispering with Tian Xiwei on the other end of the phone.

They were saying things like, "Xiao Tian is so amazing" and "Sister, when did you meet Gu Jingyi?"

The call was abruptly disconnected, and Gu Jingyi shook his head with a smile as he watched the screen suddenly go black. He packed his bag and left the practice room.

The next day
Inside the practice room, the accompaniment to "EiEi" was playing continuously.

"Cai Xukun, swing your arms more!"

"Chen Linong, watch your pace."

"Zhu Zhengting, make your smile even wider."

With only two days left until Nine Percent's first concert, the atmosphere in the practice room is getting increasingly tense.

Fortunately, after these days of extra training, even Chen Linong and You Changjing, whose jumping movements were the stiffest, were able to keep up with the pace.

"Okay, everyone has worked hard, take a rest."

The song "EiEi" holds special significance for the "factory girls," as it represents the place where their dreams began.

Nine Percent won't release their group album until October, so theoretically, with just one theme song, "EiEi," it's not enough to support a two-and-a-half-hour concert, let alone a fan meeting.

But Tao Factory came up with a terrible idea: they directly had the debut group members perform songs from the three performances of "Idol Producer".

They continued in the group format, having the members sing copyrighted songs they had acquired at low prices, such as "Firework," "It is OK," "I Will Always Remember," and "Mack Daddy."

For well-known songs such as "The One I Miss", "Cant Stop", and "The Great Artist", Tao Factory only purchased the copyright once.

If the concert is to be performed again, we'll have to buy the rights from the original singer's company again.

Taobao, known for its stinginess, was naturally unwilling to spend the money. They were only holding the tour to capitalize on Nai Pao Sen's recent debut. With the talent show hype still high and the "March Show fans" not yet gone, they hastily put together this money-grabbing concert.

Adding each member's solo performance and the game segment in between makes the concert last exactly two and a half hours.

This kind of operation was unprecedented in 2018; Taobao (the platform behind Taobao) didn't even bother with pretense anymore, just went straight into the fray to fleece its users.

Nine Percent巡演第一场梅奔场次开票1.2秒售罄，在咸鱼上内场票面价从1680元炒至2万元。溢价高达12倍，创下2010年后内地团体演唱会纪录。

According to Century Idol's report, the venue for Nai Pao Sen's concert actually had about 1.1 seats open, with an attendance rate of 98.7%, far exceeding EXO's attendance rate of 95.2% in the Shanghai market during the same period.

When EXO, the most well-known Korean group in China, was surpassed by Nai Pao Sen, industry insiders gained a new understanding of the concept of "the first year of idols".

The fan wars such as "EXO vs. Clover" and "EXO vs. Eason Chan," as well as the "Four Returned Sons," all demonstrate the fighting power of EXO fans and the popularity of EXO.

Nine Percent's concert broke EXO's record, leaving everyone speechless.

Even more outrageous is that the sales of merchandise for this single event exceeded 2300 million yuan. Among them, merchandise in Gu Jingyi's personal support color "black and gold" accounted for 63%, and these light sticks were tied to the legs of fans to be brought through security checks.

When the concert begins, the "Jingfei" fans will hold up light boards in the color of "Gu Jingyi" and cheer for him.

This is a two-way journey between fans and idols. Gu Jingyi knows that many fans are willing to buy scalped tickets to witness his first-ever concert. A few days before the concert, they will make their own "ita-bags" (decorated bags) to hold his figurines, badges, and other official merchandise.

She would arrive in Shanghai a day early, rest at the hotel, and then get up very early the next morning, wearing her prettiest dress and with her makeup done perfectly, to see him.

Some die-hard fans even rent cameras from online marketplaces like Xianyu (a second-hand marketplace) or Samsung cameras capable of recording 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, to capture the beautiful moments of the concert at the venue.

Although Gu Jingyi cannot change the program of the Milk Foam group for this concert, she can make her solo performance worthy of the fans' love.

He will sing a new song for these lovely fans.

Gu Jingyi had even thought of the stage design and some clever little ideas.

Sorry, Kun Ge, your things are your things. My things are still mine!

Cai Xukun noticed that Gu Jingyi's gaze had shifted away from him, and he couldn't help but feel a little flustered.

"Jingyi, is there something wrong with my face again?"

Kun Kun still has a lot of idol image to maintain. The last time Gu Jingyi stared at him like that was on the day of the performance.

Kun Kun, who had stayed up all night training the night before, ate instant noodles before going to bed, and woke up the next day with his face swollen like a steamed bun.

"No, I was just thinking that your skin has been looking much better lately. Even your pimples are gone, your skin really is much better."

Gu Jingyi's casual compliment made Cai Xukun feel inexplicably guilty.

"Haha, after all, I've already debuted and become an artist. I specifically went to a beauty salon for a treatment and skin care."

Kun Kun frantically tried to make amends, but Gu Jingyi nodded and didn't take it to heart.

"By the way, have you seen Xiao Ju? During the 'Firework' performance, he lost to me in the center position for the section with the stacked chairs forming the corridor. He looked unwell during rehearsals; I hope something goes wrong during the concert?"

Gu Jingyi and Cai Xukun started chatting again. Kunkun waved his hand and said indifferently, "Don't worry about him. When Lin Yanju suddenly appeared in fifth place during the finals, Bi Wenjun and Wang Ziyi's fans kept cursing him. They said he was a vote rigger and an ugly child of capitalists."

"They've only been a group for a short time, it's normal for him to feel disappointed. Although 'Firework' doesn't require high-level dance moves, it's still visually appealing."

As Cai Xukun spoke, he looked up at Gu Jingyi again, and seeing that handsome and elegant face made him feel a pang of sadness.

Damn, if only he had Gu Jingyi's looks. He wouldn't have to lie on a cold operating table, undergoing all sorts of plastic surgeries.

The thought that Gu Jingyi's arrival was so effortless, and his handsome appearance was innate, coupled with his natural and refreshing expression—it was hard to believe that a face that had undergone plastic surgery couldn't easily express emotions.

Cai Xukun felt a pang of sadness. He said Lin Yanju was "awkward." But in a way, wasn't Gu Jingyi also "awkward" towards him?
He really wanted to experience this world with Gu Jingyi's face. If he had used Gu Jingyi's natural face to film "I Won't Be Bullied by Girls," his acting wouldn't have been so cringeworthy.

Seeing Cai Xukun's expression change, Gu Jingyi simply smiled and said reassuringly, "Alright, Kunkun, I know you mean well. Don't worry, even if Lin Yanju messes up on stage, I can handle it skillfully so the audience won't notice anything amiss. This little incident won't affect our first concert."

Cai Xukun nodded somewhat blankly, without saying anything.

Gu Jingyi is so kind. Cai Xukun suddenly reflected on his earlier sarcastic remarks about Gu Jingyi for three seconds.

After chatting for a short while, Gu Jingyi greeted the dance teacher and successfully asked for half a day off.

He took a shower and changed into his spare clothes.

Around two or three in the afternoon, Gu Jingyi, dressed in a gray hoodie and casual shoes, wearing black-rimmed glasses to create the illusion of no makeup, a bucket hat, and a mask, completed his three-piece disguise. With a shoulder bag slung across his shoulder, he strolled out of the company's side door, leisurely heading to meet Tian Xiwei.

After leaving the house, Gu Jingyi headed southeast, making several turns. After passing through an apartment complex, he arrived near the agreed-upon location.

Just across the intersection, Gu Jingyi spotted Tian Xiwei standing next to the road sign.

She was leaning against a telephone pole, looking down at her phone. Perhaps she was a little shy from being teased by a friend during a chat, as Tian Xiwei lightly rubbed her feet on the ground.

Her long, flowing black hair covered half of her face, barely revealing her nose and eyebrows. A gust of wind blew her hair, making Tian Xiwei's entire face somewhat indistinct.

She has a typical small face and striking features, but looking at her now, with the right atmosphere, she exudes an indescribable charm.

It's like a fog, impossible to see through yet irresistible to those who can't help but look into it.

Sensing Gu Jingyi's gaze, Tian Xiwei looked up. Upon seeing the figure she had longed for, she blinked slightly, then immediately recognized Gu Jingyi, who was completely disguised. She suddenly grinned and waved vigorously in his direction.

Gu Jingyi smiled knowingly and quickened his pace.

Their last encounter was on the debut night of "Idol Producer," when Tian Xiwei once again rushed towards him.

Gu Jingyi never asked her on WeChat if she would come, because he knew she would definitely come.

Even after his rebirth and the many days of no contact, Gu Jingyi remained confident that Tian Xiwei would come to witness his important moment, no matter what she tried.

He trusted Tian Xiwei just as much as he trusted himself.

No wonder she was able to be signed by Gong Yuhan, a top agent, before graduating from university; Tian Xiwei's demeanor is truly outstanding.

Even when no one is watching her, she stands alone on the roadside with her legs straight. Her posture is upright, without any hunchback or forward head posture, and she exudes star quality.

As he walked in, Gu Jingyi's gaze naturally swept over her.

Tian Xiwei seemed to have rushed over as soon as get out of class ended; her loose black clothes were a bit wrinkled.

Today she was wearing white sneakers and carrying a fluffy canvas bag. Her outfit was completely student-like, making her bright, sunny face appear even more youthful.

"Did you not wear makeup today?"

Gu Jingyi asked the question bluntly.

Upon hearing this, Tian Xiwei's face wrinkled slightly, and the joy she had felt upon reuniting with Gu Jingyi vanished. She felt a surge of pent-up anger erupt from her chest.

"Ugh, I hate it..."

After hearing what he said, Tian Xiwei quickly took out a small mirror from her bag to check if she was in a normal state.

She had just finished class today and took several different modes of transportation to get here. She was in such a rush that she didn't even have time to put on makeup.

Women dress up for those they love, and even a typical "Sichuan-Chongqing tyrant" like Tian Xiwei would care a lot about Gu Jingyi's opinion.

After Gu Jingyi said that, she felt that she had all sorts of problems with the person in the mirror.

His bangs were soaked with sweat and stuck to his scalp, making him look a little dazed.

My eyes are a little puffy from staying up all night editing footage.

I've been eating too much fried food lately, and a small pimple has appeared on my chin.

Tian Xiwei grew increasingly agitated as she looked at the scene. She covered her face with her hands and let out a soft "ooh." Seemingly realizing that her posture was inappropriate, she suddenly squatted down as well.

She buried her nose and chin deep in her arms, paused, then raised her hand and hurriedly pulled down the stray hairs that had been tucked behind her ears to cover them. She then squatted down again, hiding the lower half of her face completely.

"Xiao Tian, ​​are you squatting by the roadside counting mushrooms?"

"Okay, actually I was just teasing you."

As Gu Jingyi looked at the small figure, a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

Tian Xiwei then realized she had been tricked. She hesitated for a moment, but couldn't resist kicking Gu Jingyi's calf. Then she covered half of her face with both hands, leaving only her big eyes staring at him.

"Wow, Xiaotian. You're angry so quickly? I thought you'd changed completely after all these years. When I saw you just now, you seemed so gentle..."

Gu Jingyi looked innocent and shook his head with some disappointment.

"You've really gone too far..."

Tian Xiwei was infuriated by his shameless, victim-like act and wanted to yell at him. But when she found the words in her vocabulary and was about to blurt them out, she couldn't bring herself to yell at him. After holding it in for so long, she couldn't help but raise her voice.

Tian Xiwei used the most arrogant tone to say the most cowardly word: "Gentleness has never been my true nature, so why should I cater to other people's aesthetics? It's torture to put yourself into an unsuitable mold."

"Let me tell you, those gentle girls that you guys see are mostly only like that in front of guys. In private, they're all incredibly mean to other girls. Honestly, who can be emotionally stable and gentle all the time? It's all an act. You can't see those mean girls, but I've seen plenty of them in private."

After trying her best to explain, she finally became somewhat downcast.

It seems she was thinking of those Mean Girls from her high school days who brought her unpleasant memories.

Tian Xiwei looked up at Gu Jingyi with a pitiful expression, emphasizing, "Anyway, you know my personality. And I'm not fierce at all, at least none of my friends say I'm fierce. You keep saying that being gentle means caring too much about other people's opinions or trying to please them all the time. If resentment builds up for too long, it will lead to disappointment. Maybe one day it will explode and bring the relationship to an end."

"I think I'm fine as I am right now, but if you insist that I be particularly gentle in front of you," Tian Xiwei said with her eyes closed and her neck stiffened in a somewhat resigned manner, "then I'll think of something else..."

"Very good, very good. Xiaotian is a very good girl."

Seeing that the girl was getting more and more aggrieved, Gu Jingyi stopped teasing her.

He turned the shoulder bag around, unzipped it, took out the concert tickets from the bag, and handed them to her.

She continued to agree, saying, "You're a really, really good girl, I know."

Seeing Gu Jingyi's words, even though she knew he was being somewhat perfunctory, Tian Xiwei wrinkled her nose and selectively listened to the parts she wanted to hear.

There was nothing he could do; after all, he was the bright moon hanging high in the sky in his heart.

Moreover, thanks to a bit of luck and foresight, he managed to stand out from Gu Jingyi's millions of fans. Having more contact with him is already fortunate enough.

After being teased and coaxed by Gu Jingyi, Tian Xiwei's temper flared up and subsided just as quickly. She even felt her heart race uncontrollably at the sight of his lowered eyes and hidden affection as he handed her the tickets.

Her ears felt hot, and even without looking in a mirror, she knew that the tips of her ears must have been stained with rouge.

As if to maintain her pride, Tian Xiwei glared at him. Her eyes sparkled, and her cheeks flushed. Then, she stopped hiding her face and reached out to take the ticket.

After receiving the gift, Tian Xiwei's hand remained still. She didn't immediately take it back, and her expression suggested she felt a little embarrassed about receiving it for free.

Tian Xiwei noticed that the seats Gu Jingyi offered were the family seats, which were practically impossible to get. Not only would she have an excellent view of the stage, but she would also be able to meet the families of other members. If these seats were actually released, they would sell out instantly even if they cost as much as 100,000 yuan each. It wasn't just Gu Jingyi's fans who were scrambling for them; even other "Idol Producer girls" couldn't resist the temptation.

This is practically a disguised "meeting with the father-in-law," and its impact on female fans is devastating. "Alright, put it away. It's not that valuable, so it's fine as a gift."

Tian Xiwei's thoughts were so easy to understand; her small face changed expressions rapidly.

"Liar..."

Tian Xiwei couldn't help but rub her fingertips together as she gripped the ticket. She wasn't stupid; how could she not understand how valuable the ticket Gu Jingyi had given her was?

If it were a front-row seat in the inner area, she would definitely transfer the money to Gu Jingyi without hesitation.

Why did Gu Jingyi give out tickets to family members? It's too easy to speculate!

Why did he specifically give me a family ticket? Did he want me to become his "family member"...?

Unrequited love is like a sour candy, or a bottle of carbonated drink. Gu Jingyi's seemingly casual gesture could stir up a storm in Tian Xiwei's heart. One thought after another rose like bubbles in her mind, and Tian Xiwei lowered her eyes, pondering silently.

Please, even if it's just a dream. Even if she knew there was a cliff ahead, she couldn't bear to spend money to give this "family ticket" any value.

Tian Xiwei clutched the ticket stub tightly in her hand, looking as innocent as a child.

"Why is it still the same as before?" Gu Jingyi could no longer hide his smile.

He looked at the somewhat uncomfortable girl, hesitated for a moment, and said, "If you feel it's too much of a burden, send me some local delicacies next time you go home... like that houttuynia cordata you mentioned last time, and handmade hot pot broth."

"it is good!"

Tian Xiwei glanced at him, smiled sweetly, and responded. Then she carefully put the ticket away and placed it in the zippered compartment of her bag.

Gu Jingyi glanced at her fluffy bag, wanting to complain but holding back.

Oh well, everyone has their own aesthetic sense.

Have you eaten yet?

Gu Jingyi glanced around and prepared to take her out for a meal.

"I ate it on the subway."

"You're kidding, what could you possibly eat on the subway?"

"A rice ball, a sandwich, a bag of Judith's peanut butter cookies, and a pan-fried dumpling."

Gu Jingyi nodded. "You've come all this way, and it's so hot. Let's go, I'll treat you to a milk tea. There's a pretty good shop nearby; Fan Chengcheng often buys her drinks there."

Tian Xiwei just ate things that can be bought at convenience stores, so it's normal that she could eat so much given her appetite.

Gu Jingyi, worried that she might be thirsty, waved for her to come over. Then he walked towards a beverage shop nearby that had a good reputation among the members of Nine Percent; the shop wasn't far away either.

Tian Xiwei turned the plush bag around and held it in a different direction, then remembered the tickets and hugged them tightly to her chest. Like a student going on her first spring outing, she obediently followed behind him, step by step.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the trees, gently falling to the ground. A breeze rustled the leaves, bringing coolness.

The sunlight cast a long shadow of Gu Jingyi, and she looked at that shadow with boundless tenderness in her heart.

Actually, she had just lied; she only knew that she was going to meet Gu Jingyi today. She had been looking forward to it since yesterday afternoon.

Why would she eat on the subway just for a moment's pleasure?
She's very conscious of her image, and that food wasn't nearly enough for her.

But Gu Jingyi's concert was scheduled for tomorrow and the day after, and he dragged his tired body out of the practice room. Although he was wearing a mask, the weariness between his brows was impossible to hide.

How could Tian Xiwei bear to let Gu Jingyi take her out to eat just to spend a little more time with him?

He should get some rest; after all, once he debuts, we'll likely meet again in the industry.

She'll have plenty of time to spend together in the future, and she's reluctant to part with it...

But there was still a subtle bitterness in my heart; people are always greedy.

Although Tian Xiwei was already quite sensible, she still couldn't help but strike up a conversation with Gu Jingyi. Even just a few scattered words were enough for her to ponder over and over again in her heart.

"Just the members? Do you also buy things here?"

"Yes, I've never been here before."

"How do you know this shop has good drinks, and how do you know its location?"

"Little Question Mark, why do you have so many questions?"

Gu Jingyi turned around and looked at her with the same eyes she used to look at Justin: "The other members will buy it for me... Don't you think Chengcheng and the others will buy it for me?"

"Why are you being so fierce?" Tian Xiwei was hurt by Gu Jingyi's look, which was as if he were looking at an idiot.

Then, remembering that she had indeed asked a pointless question, Tian Xiwei smiled at Gu Jingyi again, revealing her teeth. Her beautiful eyes were filled with a multitude of emotions.

Gu Jingyi, however, didn't notice much and "hurried down."

He shook his head helplessly and strode forward.

Tian Xiwei was also on high alert, and she had to jog to keep up with Gu Jingyi's pace.

"What do you want to drink?"

Standing in front of the beverage shop, Gu Jingyi noticed that Tian Xiwei's eyes were fixed on the dazzling array of drink illustrations on the signboard. He then asked her a question, fully respecting her opinion.

This is the quietest time of day, with only one or two customers here and there.

"Either is fine, it's up to you."

Tian Xiwei looked at the menu for a while, then looked up and said.

"Then let's have taro milk tea."

Gu Jingyi nodded, picked up his phone, and was about to go to the counter to place his order.

I had only taken a few steps when I heard Tian Xiwei's voice behind me.

"Actually, I don't really like taro paste..."

"Then let's have mint milk green tea."

I don't like mint either.

"Da Hong Pao Pearl Milk Tea"

"I hate eating pearls."

"So, Xiaotian, what you mean by 'anything'?"

Gu Jingyi was so angry he laughed, and his expression was priceless as he turned around.

"Don't be so loud," Tian Xiwei said, feeling a little guilty. She forced a somewhat unnatural smile and touched her nose.

So... what should we drink?

"........."

That headache returned, and Gu Jingyi remembered spending an afternoon shopping with his mother, looking around but not buying anything.

The other person was very happy; he and his father were sitting together, and he had no complaints.

"Just like you," Tian Xiwei smiled sweetly at Gu Jingyi.

"Then I'll have green tea Yakult... Large? 30% sugar? OK."

Noticing that Tian Xiwei had finally made up her mind, Gu Jingyi breathed a sigh of relief and went to the counter to place his order.

A moment later, he returned with two cups of green tea Yakult and handed one to Tian Xiwei. The two of them, with straws still attached, walked off in another direction.

Gu Jingyi stuffed the straw inside his mask and took a couple of leisurely sips. The sweet and sour taste of the green tea and Yakult seemed to dispel some of his fatigue.

"Is it to your liking?" he asked, glancing at Tian Xiwei beside him.

"Mmm, delicious," Tian Xiwei said, squinting her eyes happily as she took another sip.

Gu Jingyi prepared to see her off at the bus stop, as Nine Percent's afternoon rehearsal was about to begin. They would be traveling to the venue together in a van with the rest of the group.

Tian Xiwei probably has class in the afternoon, so it would be better for her to go home early.

Just then, a man and a woman walked over from not far away. The two looked intimate and were feeding each other.

Upon noticing Gu Jingyi's gaze, the man paused. He quickly spotted Gu Jingyi and placed the snack in the girl's hand.

He ran over at a breakneck pace, like a frolicking husky.

"Brother Jingyi!"

"Chengcheng?"

Although the other person was also disguised with a mask and hat, Gu Jingyi recognized her at a glance as his teammate Fan Chengcheng.

She immediately relaxed and greeted him with a smile.

Fan Chengcheng has been disappearing during her rest time lately, I didn't expect to run into her here now.

No wonder he always brings back a drink when he comes back from going out; it's not that the drink is particularly delicious...

"Jingyi, you're buying drinks too? You could have just let me know, I'm not..."

Fan Chengcheng immediately recognized the origin of the drink Gu Jingyi was holding and almost let it slip.

However, upon seeing Tian Xiwei behind Gu Jingyi, the child instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

She winked mischievously at Gu Jingyi, "Chengcheng? Is this the Jingyi you always mention?"

At this moment, the woman who had just walked with Fan Chengcheng also came over. She looked at Gu Jingyi warmly and greeted him with a smile: "Emperor Jing, I have always wanted to meet you. I am hidden in the forest, hello."

She looked to be in her early twenties, with exquisite makeup. She had delicate features and a tall, slender figure. She wore a figure-hugging dress, and her headlights were particularly eye-catching.

Her typical internet celebrity look is indeed quite attractive to young boys.

"Hello"

Gu Jingyi nodded, then looked at Fan Chengcheng, his eyes asking, "Is this your girlfriend or...?"

"..."

Fan Chengcheng didn't say anything, but she raised an eyebrow at him with a hint of smugness. The meaning was clear: this was the female internet celebrity he was secretly dating. Although she might be a bit older, she was still quite pretty and had a good figure.

I never expected that with the concert just around the corner, Fan Chengcheng would be able to go on a date during her lunch break.

He's a true master of time management...

However, Gu Jingyichi himself had no right to criticize Fan Chengcheng; in other people's eyes, wasn't he also...?

Gu Jingyi exchanged a few polite words with the people hiding in the forest. Fan Chengcheng noticed Tian Xiwei standing nearby, looking somewhat awkward. She glanced at Gu Jingyi with a mischievous look and asked in a strange tone, "Is this your sister-in-law...?"

The last tone was deliberately drawn out, clearly implying a mocking tone.

"No, it's a friend of mine. She studies at Shanghai Opera School and will probably debut in the future."

Gu Jingyi waved his hand and stated the facts.

Hello, I am Tian Xiwei.

Tian Xiwei also returned to normal and greeted Fan Chengcheng with a smile.

As Gu Jingyi's friend, Fan Chengcheng was naturally very approachable. She greeted Tian Xiwei with a smile and, hiding in the woods, kept praising Tian Xiwei's beauty.

Tian Xiwei also held the hand hidden in the forest, exchanging compliments.

No wonder she's a star; she's not stage-frightened at all.

"We'll be going now..."

After chatting for a few minutes, Fan Chengcheng and Gu Jingyi waved goodbye. But as they passed each other, Fan Chengcheng gave Gu Jingyi a wink and secretly gave him a thumbs up.

Seeing his expression, Gu Jingyi knew that this guy had misunderstood something.

But it doesn't matter anymore; a filthy person sees everything as filthy. Unlike him, whose heart is always full of beauty and love.

"Xiaotian, the bus is coming. Make sure you have your ticket safe, I don't have any extras if you lose it."

Seeing the bus arrive, Gu Jingyi breathed a sigh of relief and said goodbye to Tian Xiwei.

"Yeah, I know you're so long-winded."

Tian Xiwei nodded, looked up at him, and her tone was full of smiles.

"The talkative Gu Jingyi is going back now. Next time, Tian Xiwei should go out for milk tea with someone who isn't so talkative."

Gu Jingyi chuckled in exasperation. He had kindly offered a reminder, yet Tian Xiwei called him long-winded—it was utterly absurd.

"I just love the talkative Gu Jingyi, okay?"

Seeing that Gu Jingyi was somewhat unhappy, Tian Xiwei took the initiative to soften her stance.

"..."

Gu Jingyi gave her a somewhat speechless look, and then left.

Just then, the bus arrived, and Tian Xiwei boarded and found a window seat.

She hugged the plush bag containing the concert ticket stubs to her chest, looking down and grinning foolishly.

Every tone of Gu Jingyi’s voice and every expression he made when he spoke to her were still fresh in her mind.

"Just thinking of you fills me with strength; please help me, so I can stop crying."

"The feeling in this moment, we will be together forever, and we will meet again."

The Bluetooth earphones carried Kim Tae-yeon's powerful high notes, while Jessica Jung's harmonies raised the song's pitch.

The sound spilled out, and the girl sitting behind her tapped Tian Xiwei's back with her fingertip.

"What song are you listening to? It's so nice."

Tian Xiwei remained silent, only offering a faint smile.

(End of this chapter)