Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

……

……

Just as Gu Qing and Zhao Liying were chatting and laughing in hushed tones while enjoying the local cuisine.

A sudden and rapid sound of high heels clicking on the floor shattered the harmonious atmosphere in one corner of the private room.

"Ding-deng-deng-!"

Sun Yi, who had just been pulled away by Dong Zijian to talk to Han Han, returned.

In stark contrast to her docile, shy, and expectant demeanor when she left, her once fair and pretty face now seemed covered with frost, her eyebrows raised, and her lips pressed into a displeased line.

Without uttering a word, and without even glancing at the others at the table, she strode quickly and heavily out of the private room in her high heels, her anger barely contained.

That slender figure carried an obvious sense of grievance and resentment.

"Yi Yi! Yi Yi! Wait for me, let me explain..."

Dong Zijian followed closely behind.

His face was a mixture of obvious guilt, helplessness, and a bitter smile. His steps were slightly unsteady as he chased after him, calling out softly in an attempt to salvage the situation.

But Sun Yi clearly had no intention of stopping, and her figure quickly disappeared around the corner of the corridor.

The young couple's sudden and abrupt departure instantly froze and cooled the previously lively and noisy atmosphere at the dinner table.

The group, who had been clinking glasses and chatting merrily, suddenly lowered their voices and exchanged puzzled glances.
Or they would lower their heads and pretend to be focused on picking up food or drinking wine, while a subtle awkwardness and probing silence filled the air.

Zhang Benyu, Gao Huayang, Xiong Li, and others who were not with Han Han exchanged strange glances and tacitly chose to remain silent, but the frequency with which they raised their wine glasses noticeably slowed down.

Mr. Jin Shijie remained calm and composed, leisurely savoring his dishes, seemingly oblivious to the minor disturbance before him.

What happened?

Gu Qing and Zhao Liying also put down their chopsticks, exchanging glances, both seeing the same confusion in each other's eyes. Gu Qing blinked and lowered her voice, "They were fine just a moment ago, how did they suddenly become so angry?"

Zhao Liying frowned slightly and whispered, "Even if Director Han didn't agree to give me the role, he wouldn't just walk away with a cold shoulder, would he? That's too much..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.

How can there be someone with even lower emotional intelligence than her?
Even Sister Zhao was impressed.

"Come on, everyone, let's continue, eat and drink well."

Han Han's face did look somewhat unnaturally pale, but he quickly adjusted his expression, pretending to be nonchalant. He stood up, raised his glass, and greeted them in a loud voice.

"Come, Director, let me offer you a toast separately to thank you for this opportunity!"

Soon, the shrewd old hands raised their glasses, offering compliments and clinking glasses with Han Han.

After a brief lull, the atmosphere was forcibly brought back to a lively state, but beneath that liveliness, there always seemed to be a lingering air of gossip.

Not long after,

The empty seat to Gu Qing's right suddenly sank in, and Deng Chao, who had just used the pretext of toasting to inquire about the situation, quietly sat back down.

He picked up a tissue to wipe his mouth, leaned closer to Gu Qing and Zhao Liying, and muttered in a low voice as if still shaken: "This meal was more exciting than filming a movie."

"Brother Chao, what exactly happened?"

Gu Qing immediately turned to the side and asked curiously.

"Sigh, what else could it be..."

Deng Chao was about to explain when he glanced under the table, his eyebrows shot up, his eyes widened, and he made an exaggerated expression of "dissatisfaction," lowering his voice but emphasizing his tone.
"What are you doing? What are you doing? I was only gone for a few minutes and you two are already holding hands again?"

"In broad daylight, in front of everyone, can't you be a little more considerate? Let go of my hand!"

As he spoke, he actually reached out and slapped Sister Zhao's hand away.

It's a perfect example of "Fahai reborn in the world".

"Xu Tailang! You just wait! When we're filming, you'll see how I 'take care' of you!"

Zhao Liying was furious and embarrassed. She gripped her chopsticks tightly and made threatening snorting noises.

"Brother Chao, stop fooling around and get down to business."

Gu Qing smiled, picked up her rice bowl, and gestured towards the door with her chopsticks. "What exactly happened? What did Director Han say that made him so angry that he left the table?"

Even if they didn't give me a role, does it have to be like this?

"It's not as simple as whether or not you get screen time."

Seeing that the two had "obediently" separated, Deng Chao withdrew his hand with satisfaction, leaned forward, lowered his voice, and said, "Zijian went to find Director Han, and just mentioned wanting to give his wife a small role to show her face. He hadn't even finished speaking..."
Director Han told him clearly – no way.

His eyes held a mixture of sympathy and amusement: "Director Han was very direct. He said that before Sister Hua left, she sent him a message, repeatedly instructing him to keep a close eye on Zijian and absolutely not let his little wife play any role in the movie, not even a passerby who flashes by in the background."

Sister Hua's exact words seemed to be, "No matter who pleads for me, it's useless; this is the bottom line."

"My goodness, Sister Hua could have foreseen this in advance? She blocked the road before she left?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Liying even forgot to pretend to be angry. She picked up a piece of braised pork and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing it slowly while her round eyes widened in a mixture of fear and admiration.
"No wonder it made Sun Yi so angry that she went berserk... This is simply a dimensional attack, a complete and thorough blockade! It leaves no hope at all."

For a young girl who dreams of becoming a star and tries to enter the entertainment industry with the help of her husband's family resources.

This kind of clear and merciless attack from the "mother-in-law" was undoubtedly a blow to the head, not only shattering illusions but also representing a naked denial and rejection.

It is entirely understandable that Sun Yi would feel humiliated and angry.

"Zijian's relationship... is probably going to be difficult."

After listening, Gu Qing shook his head thoughtfully.

"What's up, bro? Besides acting, singing, and investing, you're also doing fortune telling now?"

Deng Chao was amused by his old-fashioned assertion and laughed out in surprise.

"Why bother with fortune telling? A little reasoning will make it clear."

Gu Qing took a bite of rice and said, "Sister Hua is a top-tier businesswoman with strong skills and sharp insight."
He wields real power and has extensive connections in both the industry and the financial world, and it can be said that he firmly controls the family's economic lifeline and core resources.

If a mother genuinely dislikes and disapproves of her daughter-in-law, even to the point of being overly protective, how long do you think that relationship can last?

Glancing at Zhao Liying and Deng Chao, who were listening intently, Gu Qingyou said quietly, "It's fortunate that we live in a society governed by law. If this were an ancient palace drama, having a powerful and scheming 'mother-in-law' who doesn't like you would be a nightmare."

I'm afraid it won't take more than a few years to completely destroy you, leaving you emaciated and utterly ruined, and yet no outsider will be able to find fault with you.

"Why...why are you looking at me like that? I'm not Sister Hua's daughter-in-law!"

Zhao Liying shivered, reached out her small hand, and pinched Gu Qing's chin with a slightly reproachful look, forcibly turning his face towards the dining table, "Eat! Don't make wild guesses!"

"Thank goodness, thankfully my mother and the Empress get along like mother and daughter, and the Empress is also sensible and filial..."

Deng Chao was also a little uneasy after Gu Qing's analysis. He quickly took a sip of wine to calm himself down, sighed with relief, and then picked up his chopsticks, "Come on, let's eat!"
As for their family's dramatic feud, let's just be bystanders and not get involved—we can't afford to. Our goal is to make a good film, *Duckweed*.

This dinner party, which was full of twists and turns, finally ended in a somewhat complicated atmosphere.

Han Han is clearly not the kind of director who likes to organize a second or third round of karaoke and drinking activities after dinner; he values ​​efficiency and the overall atmosphere more.

As soon as the dinner ended, he made it clear that everyone was free to do as they pleased, but they must make sure to get enough rest so as not to affect the official opening ceremony the next morning.

The director set an example by himself, and the three lead actors were even more exemplary.

After dinner, Gu Qing, Deng Chao, and Zhao Liying went straight back to their hotel and went into seclusion to make final preparations for the next day's filming, repeatedly studying the script and pondering the characters' states.

With the lead actors so "cooperative," the other actors and staff in the crew, even if they had some ulterior motives about getting together privately to strengthen their bonds, felt embarrassed to organize it.

then,

The night before filming began, the entire crew's residence was unusually quiet.

Everyone was conserving their energy, waiting for that iconic moment after dawn.

The next day, as dawn broke,
The crew of "Riding the Waves" held a formal opening ceremony on the meticulously decorated set.

A red silk cloth was laid out on the table, incense smoke curled from the burner, and offerings such as roast suckling pig and fruit were placed on the table. The main cast and crew members took turns offering incense, praying for a smooth filming process and box office success.

The most eye-catching thing at the ceremony was not the traditional sacrificial process, but the long lenses and microphones that almost completely blocked the entrance to the film set—entertainment reporters from all over the country.

When the news of Gu Qing joining "Duckweed" spread like wildfire, Han Han and the production team didn't need to spend a single penny to invite the media.

These astute "uncrowned kings" had already caught wind of this and spontaneously gathered here to seize the best spots.

The appearance of the three main actors, Gu Qing, Deng Chao, and Zhao Liying, together has undoubtedly injected new vitality into the somewhat stagnant Chinese entertainment industry.

To avoid premature leaks of plot and character details, Han Han strictly followed conventions and did not give any interviews at the opening ceremony, only allowing reporters to take photos in designated areas.

But this did nothing to stop topics related to "Sisters Who Make Waves" from soaring to the top of the trending lists on major social media platforms at breakneck speed.

#Gu Qing, Deng Chao, and Zhao Liying collaborate on a new movie#
#Filming begins for "Duckweed"#
#Gu Qing Zhao Liying's Third Collaboration#
#ChaoDi duo reunites#
A series of related trending topics appeared, instantly igniting the internet.

The Chinese entertainment industry, which had been stagnant and silent for a long time, was suddenly stirred up by the influx of several boulders.

"Huh?! Am I seeing things? Gu Qing and Deng Chao are acting together?!"

"I'm so moved! Where are the original Running Man fans?! Our 'Brother Chao' has reunited in another form?! Brother Chao and Brother Chao have finally collaborated!!"

"Ying Bao is here too! My goodness, is this her third time partnering with Gu Qing?"
"My 'Qian Gu'! My 'Er Ya'! CP fans are ecstatic! It's like Chinese New Year!!"

"What an amazing lineup! Gu Qing + Deng Chao + Zhao Liying, just seeing these three names makes me want to buy tickets!"

For almost two weeks, the Chinese entertainment industry has been devoid of major scandals, relying solely on follow-ups to "food replenishment campaigns" and sporadic gossip to keep things going.

It has finally returned to its former glory, a scene of flourishing flowers and constant discussion.

Nostalgic fans of the original Running Man cast, a large "Gu family" (fans of the original cast), and the formidable "Yinghuochong" (fans of the original cast).
And a huge number of casual viewers and moviegoers were all caught up in a sea of ​​cheers and heated discussions.

nowadays,
Gu Qing's popularity and audience trust have almost reached a peak.

His image as a "model taxpayer" is deeply rooted in people's hearts. His acting skills are backed by "Nirvana in Fire," his box office appeal is proven by "Detective Chinatown," and his musical talent is also obvious to all.

Whenever news breaks that he is starring in or participating in a film or television series, the project's popularity and anticipation will instantly soar to the highest level.

The blind support of fans and the willingness of casual observers to place their trust and expectations on the entertainment industry create a positive effect that is almost "blindly obedient," which is terrifying in today's entertainment circle.

not to mention,
This collaboration features Deng Chao, who enjoys immense popularity, and Zhao Liying, with whom he has had two successful collaborations and whose on-screen chemistry is deeply ingrained in the public's mind.

"The Journey of Flower" and "The Mystic Nine" are released one year each, and each one is a blockbuster hit of the year. This is the most top-notch and stable guarantee of word-of-mouth.

The "brotherly" friendship established between Deng Chao and Gu Qing through "Running Man," as well as the precedent of Chen Hechi and Gu Qing's successful collaboration on "Detective Chinatown," further solidified their bond.

The "Chao Di" duo has filled countless viewers who have fond memories of the original "Running Man" with endless imagination.

Especially the most widely circulated photo on the hot search: Deng Chao intimately put his arm around Gu Qing's shoulder, the two of them facing the camera with bright smiles on their faces, making the classic "V" sign.

That natural familiarity and joy almost brought many longtime fans to tears.

The film has only just been greenlit, and not a single scene has officially started filming yet, but the shrewd domestic cinema chains are already getting restless.

They began frantically contacting Han Han and the production company through various channels, inquiring about the film's release schedule in advance, and expressing a strong intention to purchase the film.

This unprecedented buzz before filming allowed Han Han, who was collaborating with such a top-tier celebrity for the first time, to truly witness the terrifying power and market appeal of a "top-tier celebrity."

This is a world of difference from his previous experience when he used newcomers and actors with some fame.

online,
After the initial excitement and celebration of the lineup, observant netizens and seasoned gossip enthusiasts quickly discovered a blind spot.

"Duckweed? Wait, why does that name sound so familiar?"

"Yes, yes, I feel the same way. It seems like I saw it in some news report not long ago..."

"Hahaha! I remember now! Isn't this the new movie that Huang Xiaoming and Yang Ying, that 'flop couple,' promoted so much but then suddenly flopped?!"

"Holy crap! It really is! That project that Huayi was heavily promoting before! Then it went silent!"

"So... now the drama has fallen into Gu Qing's hands? And he even got Zhao Liying and Deng Chao involved?"

A single word awakened millions.

In an instant,
The entire internet has become an ocean of joy and gossip.

"Hahaha! Did my little brother 'snatch' the show from them?!"

"How could it be outright robbery? It's probably because Huayi itself is in dire straits, withdrew its investment, and the project was shelved, which is why Gu Qing took over."

"What a perfect 'perfect' choice! Of all the projects to take on, why did they have to take on the one that this 'flop couple' had been pushing so hard for?"

Gu Qing even specially brought along Zhao Liying, who had worked with him three times, and Deng Chao to act together...tsk tsk tsk, you guys have to savor the flavor!

"Wow—! That's so exciting! This is fucking thrilling!! This is a real-life 'Return of the King,' 'Reclaiming Everything That Belongs to Me'?!"

"Is Gu Qing seeking 'revenge'? Is it for the lingering resentment from 'Running Man' back then? Or is it for Li Ying?"

"A passerby is asking for clarification! What kind of grudge could this be?"

"Of course it's the love feud between the original Running Man cast members! The love-hate relationship in the Chinese entertainment industry, the eternal emperor and empress of the CP circle, the indelible mountain of younger-older-younger relationships. Go check it out, it's guaranteed to be exciting!"

When topics such as #GuQingSuspectedRevenge# and #GuQingTakesOverHuangXiaoZhu'sOldProject# trended on social media again, the entire Chinese entertainment industry was completely engulfed in controversy.

Here are fans who gloat and mock the "fallen couple," enjoying a kind of "what goes around comes around" satisfaction.

There are fans of the "Gu Qing Zhao Liying" CP who are so obsessed with it that they faint and shout "The best thing is when the main characters give out candy!"

There are also Gu Qing's "career fans" and "dream girl fans" who are so excited and their hearts race when they see him take over the rival's project in such a "domineering" way and assemble a super strong lineup. They are immersed in a climax of excitement and pride.

All the emotions, all the discussions, all the attention were focused on the "Riding the Waves" project.

Even before it's been launched, it already possesses all the elements of a blockbuster hit: a top-tier cast, grudges and rivalries, the benefits of on-screen pairings, and high expectations for its quality...

Meanwhile, on the other side of this media storm, the couple jokingly referred to by netizens as the "fallen couple"—

The current situation of Huang Xiaoming and Yang Ying presents a cold and cruel contrast to the clamor and excitement on the internet.

Midnight,

Inside a valuable mansion, the lights were on, but they couldn't illuminate the low pressure that permeated the air.

"Why?! Why did they end up acting in this drama?! Why!!"

Yang Ying's pretty face flushed red with anger, and her usually sweet smile was now pressed into a straight line that showed her displeasure and resentment.

She was dressed in loungewear, but there was none of the relaxed air one would expect at home; her body was tense, and her voice trembled slightly with excitement. She stared at Huang Xiaoming, who was slumped on the luxurious sofa in the living room, and demanded, on the verge of losing her temper, "Aren't you a shareholder of the company?! Go ask the company!"

Even if we can't act it ourselves, we can't let them act out this script!

"Anyone can play the role, just not them!!"

Huang Xiaoming's current state is far removed from his usual glamorous and domineering "CEO" image.

As you get older, you inevitably become a bit lazy.

He had a stubble beard and a somewhat messy hairstyle. He was wearing a wrinkled casual T-shirt, and his whole demeanor exuded a sense of dejection and helplessness after being hit by reality.

Faced with his wife's questioning, he rubbed his face and coaxed her gently, "Honey, calm down... I didn't know things would turn out like this."

You know the company's situation; it's barely surviving now. That project was officially terminated a long time ago, and the copyright has been transferred to the director.

Even if I still have some shares, what good are my words at a time like this?

"Are you just going to stand by and watch them use this show to slap us in the face?!"

Tears welled up in Yang Ying's eyes, a mixture of grievance, anger, and a sense of shame as if she were being publicly executed. "Those people online are laughing at us now!"

They're mocking us for being "losers"! You're completely helpless?!

"Me, invest in it? Buy the show back?"

Huang Xiaoming gave a wry smile, spread his hands, and said in a tone full of helplessness, "Baby, let alone that I don't have the cash flow right now, even if I did, the contract has already been signed, and Gu Qing has already brought her own investment to the production. How are we supposed to buy it?"
Can you imagine the amount of the penalty for breach of contract?

Besides... you know about Gu Qing and Li Ying's relationship. He even specifically sought out Li Ying when he took over this project..."

"enough!!"

Yang Ying abruptly interrupted him, her voice shrill, as if she had touched a nerve, "What does it have to do with me whether he and Zhao Liying are together or not?!"

How many times have I told you not to mention his name in front of me!

I don't want to hear anything about him!

"Not even a single bit!!"

She shouted these words almost hysterically, her chest heaving violently, clearly on the verge of breaking down.

During this period, both the stagnation in her career and the endless ridicule and comparisons online have pushed her nerves to the limit.

The name "Gu Qing" is like a switch, always able to instantly ignite all her suppressed emotions.

"Okay, okay, let's not talk about him, let's not talk about him, baby, don't get agitated."

Seeing her like this, Huang felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

Look how much my precious child avoids and loathes that kid surnamed Gu.

This shows that the most important person in her heart, the one she cares about the most, is still me.

He tried to reach out and hug his wife to comfort her as she lost control of her emotions.

"Don't touch me!!"

Yang Ying recoiled as if she had been electrocuted, dodging his touch. Her eyes were filled with disappointment and accusation. "People online are cursing and mocking me. How can you still be thinking about these things?"

You don't love me at all! You can't help me with anything! You only care about yourself!

finished,

Unable to bear being in that suffocating space any longer, she turned and rushed back into the room. A moment later, carrying an expensive LV handbag, she angrily headed back for the door.

"Baby! Baby, where are you going?! It's so late!"

Huang Xiaoming quickly got up and tried to chase after him.

"Don't worry about it!"

Yang Ying left without looking back, slamming the door shut.

The loud slam of the door slamming echoed through the empty villa, lingering for a long time.

Huang Xiaoming chased after them to the door, but upon seeing the tightly closed door, he finally stopped in despair.

He slowly walked back to the living room, slumped back into the sofa, ran his hands through his hair, and sighed deeply.

An unprecedented sense of exhaustion and alienation welled up inside me.

He didn't know how long he had been sitting there when he blankly raised his head and looked around at the large house, which was luxuriously decorated but now seemed cold and empty.

He suddenly felt that the obedient and gentle "treasure" in his memory, who only had eyes for him and in her heart and regarded him as the whole world, seemed to be gradually fading away.

She began to have strong career ambitions, developed more and more temper and opinions, and became less obedient.

More things began to be reflected in her eyes.

Fame and fortune, comparisons, and resentment—it's no longer just about his figure.

This feeling of being out of control
It made him feel irritated, and also a little inexplicably panicked.

After sitting for a while, the feeling of tightness in my chest did not dissipate.

Huang Xiaoming finally managed to stand up, supporting himself on his knees with some difficulty.

He didn't want to chase after Yang Ying, but rather wanted to go out for a walk alone, get some fresh air, and sort out his tangled thoughts.

He walked out of the villa alone.

Night had fallen, and the luxury residential area boasted excellent landscaping, with meticulously manicured trees and lawns lining the winding roads.

The dim streetlights cast a soft glow, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of plants, making the night peaceful and pleasant.

But this pleasant scenery could not soothe the depression in Huang Xiaoming's heart at this moment.

He walked aimlessly along the quiet path, his hands in his pockets, head down, his stubble and slightly disheveled hair...

It made him look like an ordinary old man experiencing a midlife crisis and emotional setbacks, completely different from the radiant idol on screen.

He walked on absentmindedly, his thoughts drifting.

Career setbacks, marital problems, and external criticism... all these troubles intertwined, leaving him feeling a profound sense of powerlessness and loneliness.

suddenly,

A gentle, fragrant evening breeze swept by.

Huang Jiaozhu subconsciously looked up and saw a slender figure walking towards him under the streetlight not far ahead.

She was a young girl. She wore a soft white dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps.

The streetlights cast a soft glow on her, outlining her slender figure. She seemed to be bowing her head slightly, as if lost in thought, or perhaps enjoying the evening breeze.

Seemingly sensing someone in front of her, the girl also looked up.

Eyes facing each other.

Huang Xiaoming glanced at it casually, but his gaze suddenly became fixed on it.

It was a remarkably refined and technologically advanced face.

She has a small, pert nose, a pair of large, round eyes that appear exceptionally bright and moist under the light, a classic oval face with a pointed chin, and fair, delicate skin that looks white and smooth in the night.

Her appearance,

It is precisely the type that Huang Xiaoming's aesthetic greatly favors—pure with a touch of naivety, charming and touching.

"Ah Qiu~ Hmph~"

Just then, a slightly stronger evening breeze blew by, lifting a corner of the girl's white dress and making her feel a slight chill.

She raised her slender hand and gently covered her artificial nose, letting out a soft moan that sounded both coquettish and reproachful, and neither quite panting.

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of grievance. She shrank slightly, her slender waist swaying like a willow in the wind, so delicate and frail, she looked pitiful.

"hiss--"

Huang Xiaoming involuntarily gasped, his heart skipping a beat as if something had gently bumped into it.

A long-lost thrill, a mixture of amazement and protectiveness, suddenly swept over me.

Oh no... Could this be... the feeling of falling in love?

Just as he was in a daze,
The girl seemed to finally see his face clearly; her small mouth opened slightly, and a perfectly timed look of surprise and delight quickly appeared on her face.

She gently covered her mouth with her slender white fingers, her voice soft and sweet, tinged with disbelief and joy: "You...you are...Teacher Xiaoming?"

Her eyes were wide open, and Huang Xiaoming's figure was clearly reflected in her watery eyes. The light shining in them was pure worship and the joy of encountering an idol.

"You are……?"

Huang was indeed a little confused. He quickly searched his memory, but couldn't place the girl. The girl in front of him was beautiful, but he was certain he didn't know her before.

"I'm Keke~"

Seeing his confusion, the girl pouted slightly, the curve perfectly controlled, and her eyes quickly welled up with a tearful, aggrieved look. Her voice also carried a just-right hint of disappointment and coquettishness.
"We just met at XX's private party last time..."

Teacher Xiaoming is so forgetful, surely he hasn't forgotten about someone as insignificant as me so quickly? I...I'm so sad.

As she spoke, she lowered her head slightly in agreement, her long eyelashes trembling, looking both aggrieved and afraid to say more.
It could melt even the heart of a straight man like him.

"Oh, I remember now."

Huang Xiaoming suddenly realized what was happening and slapped his forehead.

Indeed, I met him at a high-end private party some time ago.

However, at the time, we only exchanged a brief greeting and did not discuss anything in detail.

"I remember you. You're Miss Ye, right?"

Huang Xiaoming's tone softened unconsciously, and his signature "wicked" smile appeared on his face. "You live around here too?"

"Yes~"

The girl's sorrow immediately turned to joy, and her toes unconsciously twitched slightly, showing the excitement of a young girl.

She took two steps forward, getting less than a meter away from Huang Xiaoming—a distance that was neither too intimate nor too distant.

She tilted her head slightly to look at him, her eyes filled with undisguised shyness and admiration. Her slender fingers unconsciously clenched together, and her voice was so sweet it could drip honey.
"I've invested a little bit in this business here, and my family helped me rent an apartment in this neighborhood to stay temporarily so that it would be convenient for me to work."

What a coincidence, Teacher Xiaoming! I never expected to meet you here, it feels like a dream…

She paused, her gaze boldly yet shyly sweeping over his face, then spoke in a tone brimming with adoration.
She added softly, "You're even more handsome in person than on TV... You're so manly, so masculine."

"Manly...manly? Heh...heh, do I...do I?"

Huang Xiaoming was a little embarrassed by her straightforward praise, but he was also extremely pleased. He subconsciously raised his hand to touch his chin and grinned foolishly.

He looked into the girl's bright, sparkling eyes, as if they were filled with stars, and saw his own reflection clearly in them.

When he looked at her, she would shyly lower her head quickly, seemingly "shocked" and "captivated" by his "wicked and arrogant" smile.

A long-lost, intense sense of control, like waves crashing back after the tide has receded, instantly washed away the previous dejection and self-doubt.

"Miss Ye..."

He cleared his throat, trying to regain some of his former composure.

"Oh dear, Teacher Ming, don't call me that so formally!"

Ye Ke immediately interrupted him, her voice soft and sweet, with a coquettish ending, "Just call me Ke Ke~"

"Keke...that's a very nice name."

Huang Xiaoming readily agreed, his smile deepening. "You build your career all by yourself? I didn't expect you to be such a strong woman."

"Hmm~"

Ye Ke responded with a satisfied sigh, two perfectly placed blushes rising on her cheeks. She quickly explained, "I'm just a young girl. If there were a man as outstanding as you, Teacher Xiaoming, willing to protect me, I would be very willing too."

On this moonlit night with a gentle breeze,

On this quiet lane in the luxury residential area,

A disheartened middle-aged male celebrity and a beautiful, youthful "little fan" he met by chance naturally walked side by side and began to take a walk.

Unbeknownst to Huang, he began to confide his recent emotional frustrations to this girl he had only known for a short time but who made him feel very comfortable. He complained about his wife's lack of understanding, her unreasonable behavior, and the pressure she brought him.

This girl surnamed Ye, on the other hand, always played the role of a perfect listener.

She tilted her head slightly, her expression focused and gentle, occasionally offering him encouragement and resonance with her expressive eyes.

After Huang Xiaoming finished speaking, she immediately used her soft, sweet voice, so delicate it seemed like it could be squeezed to release water, to gently comfort him:

“Teacher Xiaoming, I think you are right. She doesn’t know how to cherish such a good, outstanding, and responsible man like you.”

"My God~ How can a girl be so rude and inconsiderate to her lover? If it were me... I definitely wouldn't do that."

As she spoke, she discreetly raised her eyelids, glanced quickly at Huang Xiaoming, then quickly lowered them again, her voice even softer.

"Unlike me... I only feel sorry for my brother~"

The two walked along the path, their shadows lengthening and shortening under the streetlights, gradually disappearing into the distance.

The conversation gradually faded into inaudibility, leaving only the rustling of the night wind through the leaves and a quietly growing, ambiguous atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Yang Ying, driving alone and heading to her usual bar to drown her sorrows, was waiting at a red light.

Suddenly, without warning, I felt a sudden heaviness in my head, and my vision even went black for a moment.

She quickly gripped the steering wheel, shook her head, and muttered to herself involuntarily:
"What's wrong... Is it low blood sugar?"

……

...(End of chapter)