Why is the system taking my request to photograph a cosplayer seriously?

Chapter 243 My Brothers Have Grown Up

After seeing Long He off, Ding Heng turned his car around to return to school. As he passed the TV station gate, he happened to see a black van slowly stop.

The car door opened, and three young women got out one after another.

Longhe's teammates, Zhou Yi and Zheng Shiyu, and Jin Canya who was walking at the back.

A large number of fans and reporters had been waiting on both sides of the gate for a long time, and the flashes of the cameras were going off everywhere. Many people were shouting at the top of their lungs.

Ding Heng parked the car on the side of the road, rolled down the window, and looked into the distance.

Zhou Yi walked at the front, her face mostly covered by a mask. She walked quickly inside with her head down, not glancing at the fans on either side of her the entire time.

Zheng Shiyu followed behind her, also wearing a mask and sunglasses, covering herself up completely, and walked even faster than Zhou Yi.

Only Kim Chan-ah was left out last.

She didn't try to hide her face, and kept waving to the fans on both sides, occasionally stopping to sign autographs, her attitude gentle and patient.

A reporter suddenly rushed out from the crowd, shoving the microphone almost into Zhou Yi's face.

"Zhou Yi! Why didn't Long He come with you today? Has she left the group and is preparing to go solo?"

Zhou Yi did not answer and quickened her pace to walk inside.

The reporter followed relentlessly.

"There are rumors that internal conflicts within your team have intensified, and Longhe is about to go solo. Is this true?"

"Do you still have contact with Longhe privately?"

"Zheng Shiyu! Zheng Shiyu, can you say something?!"

Zheng Shiyu lowered her head and didn't say a word. She rushed into the hall as if she were fleeing, and almost tripped over the threshold, stumbling half a step before regaining her footing.

Kim Chan-ah was stumped by two questions at the same time, so she had no choice but to stop and smile politely at the camera.

"Thank you all for your hard work and for your concern! Today was just a regular self-recorded segment, nothing special. Longhe does have her own work commitments, but please believe that we are always a team!"

After speaking, Kim Chan-ah bowed slightly and followed the two people in front of her.

The three figures disappeared behind the revolving door, while the screams of the fans continued.

Ding Heng looked away, picked up his phone, and opened Weibo.

In the past two days, three topics related to Longhe have appeared on the trending search list.

#Longhe goes solo#, #AuroraEos team discord#, #Longhe absent from program recording#

Ding Heng clicked on the first topic; the trending Weibo post was a long article by an entertainment blogger titled, "From Intimate to Strangers, How Far Can AuroraEos Go?"

The article is written in great detail, starting from last year's tour, and listing various signs that Longhe and his teammates are "drifting apart": subtle expressions during interviews, reduced interaction on stage, and the absence of photos of each other on their respective social media.

Finally, he also posted a screenshot of the red sausage Weibo post that Longhe made this afternoon, along with a metaphorical interpretation.

A bag of red sausage snacks can be interpreted in eighteen different ways, and some people in the comments section are even applauding it, with opinions varying widely.

Some people expressed their sympathy: "[Sister Long is carrying the entire group single-handedly, it's only a matter of time before she goes solo.]"

Some people mocked: "[He's already going it alone before even going solo? He really doesn't respect his teammates!]"

Some more balanced perspectives suggested: "These women are never really on the same wavelength; forcing them together is pointless. It's best to part ways amicably."

Ding Heng scrolled down and saw a new report: someone photographed Long He leaving the airport alone after landing in Xingcheng, instead of going to the hotel with his teammates.

Some people in the comments section have already started making a big deal out of it, saying that Longhe is deliberately acting like a big shot and doesn't want to be in the same frame as his teammates.

They even analyzed frame by frame the way Longhe looked at his teammates, saying it was "indifferent," "aloof," and that he "didn't want to stay any longer."

Ding Heng exited WB and threw his phone onto the center console.

He remembered Long He's complaints in the capital very clearly. Now it seemed that the conflict between her and her teammates was much more serious than Ding Heng had imagined.

This afternoon, Long He suddenly appeared at Hunan University, saying he was "just passing by and stopping by." Now that I think about it, it was probably more than just "just passing by."

With the show's recording imminent, she was unwilling to stay with her teammates, preferring to squeeze out time to spend with him rather than face them in the van.

Off-camera interactions are probably negligible, and they're not even bothering with the pretense.

Ding Heng withdrew his gaze, started the car, and drove away from the TV station.

After the last class in the afternoon, Ding Heng drove to Zhongnan University to pick up Zhao Yanxi, and they returned to their duplex apartment by the Xiangjiang River together.

As soon as I opened the door, the aroma of food wafted out.

Wenjing, wearing an apron, was busy in the kitchen, while the clay pot on the stove was bubbling and steaming.

Hearing the door open, the little white rabbit poked its head out and smiled at the two of them: "You're back? Just ten more minutes."

Zhao Yanxi took off her coat and threw it on the sofa, then slumped into it, saying, "I'm starving! I'm starving! I had a full afternoon of classes, and I only had a sandwich for lunch."

"Don't you always say you want to lose weight?"

Wenjing brought out a plate of sliced ​​fruit from the kitchen and placed it on the coffee table: "Have something to eat first."

Footsteps echoed down the stairs as Lin Man descended.

"The boss is back?"

She sat down next to Ding Heng, picked up a piece of apple and fed it to him: "Why are you so late today?"

"There's a bit of traffic."

Ding Heng reached out and pinched her cheek, gently stroking it and praising, "Your makeup looks good today, you look quite innocent."

Lin Man squinted her eyes, looking like she was enjoying herself.

Zhao Yanxi leaned closer, trying to win his favor: "Sister Man, can you please stop acting all coquettish as soon as you get back?"

"What do you mean?" Lin Man said innocently. "I just said hello to the boss and you're jealous now."

"You call that a greeting?"

"What's it called?"

"Call----"

Zhao Yanxi struggled for a long time but couldn't come up with a suitable word.

Lin Man laughed and gently patted Zhao Yanxi's thigh: "Alright, alright, I won't fight you for food tonight, okay?"

"That's more like it—"

Zhao Yanxi gave a smug hum.

As the group played together more and more times, their comments became increasingly unrestrained, ranging from crude to explicit.

In the past, Zhao Yanxi would have blushed and spat in anger, but now she can respond without batting an eye.

Wenjing brought the dishes out of the kitchen, and the four of them sat down around the table.

Zhao Yanxi was the first to pick up her chopsticks: "Mmm—Xiao Jingjing's cooking is getting better and better."

Eat more.

Lin Man picked up another piece of food for her and turned to Ding Heng: "By the way, boss."

"Um?

'

"Should we get a bigger bed in your room? I didn't think it through—it felt a bit cramped when the few of us were sleeping in it."

Wenjing almost choked on her soup: "Isn't that unnecessary?"

Zhao Yanxi echoed Lin Man, saying, "I think it's necessary! Don't you guys think it's not good to experience it together as a group?"

"What's wrong with it?"

"There are too many people, sometimes it feels a bit chaotic."

"How dare you say that?"

Wenjing rolled her eyes at her: "You're always the one who shouts the loudest."

Zhao Yanxi retorted, unconvinced: "Who said that? Sister Man's voice isn't any quieter than mine!"

"Don't change the subject."

Lin Man thought for a moment and said, "I think Yan hope is right. Too many people do affect the experience! How about we take turns from now on?"

'

"Rotation?"

Zhao Yanxi blinked.

Lin Man began to make arrangements: "Seven days a week, with Sister Qing not around, the three of us will each pair up and take turns, so that everyone can get a good rest and have a good experience."

Zhao Yanxi thought about it seriously: "Then how should it be done? By drawing lots?"

"The lottery is too random. What if someone keeps getting a bad draw?"

"Then how do you suggest we take turns?"

"Let's go in order. Monday and Tuesday, me and Wenjing; Wednesday and Thursday, you and Wenjing; Friday and Saturday, me and you; Sunday, a free-for-all."

Lin Man spoke in a serious tone, as if she were arranging a work meeting.

Wenjing blushed furiously: "You guys—can you please stop talking about this at the dinner table?"

"Where shall we talk?"

Zhao Yanxi said matter-of-factly, "There are no outsiders in the house."

"Zhao Yanxi!"

Wenjing reached out to pinch her, but Zhao Yanxi laughed and dodged.

Ding Heng didn't say a word from beginning to end.

Ultimately, no matter how the arrangements are made, the final decision rests with him.

Suddenly, Ding Heng's phone rang, and the caller ID on the screen displayed: "Sister Long is a dragon, not a milk dragon."

The atmosphere in the restaurant suddenly froze.

None of the three girls spoke, but all three pairs of eyes were simultaneously fixed on Ding Heng's phone.

Ding Heng stood up without changing his expression: "I'll take this call."

He picked up his phone, turned around, and walked towards the balcony, the glass door closing gently behind him.

After a few seconds of silence in the restaurant, Zhao Yanxi spoke first, her tone tinged with sarcasm: "They were even discussing taking turns, but I bet none of us will get to eat tonight since the men aren't home."

Wenjing said softly, "It can't be that bad—maybe something's just wrong."

"Something wrong? Yes, something is wrong. You probably didn't know that Long He is in Xingcheng recording a program today, did you?"

Zhao Yanxi pouted: "And did you notice the expression on Ding Heng's face when he looked at the caller ID just now? It was clearly something was off."

.

Lin Man put down her water glass and casually remarked, "I have a feeling that there might be an extra person at home tonight."

"How about we make a bet?"

"What are we betting on?"

"Let's each gamble for one day!"

"OK!"

Zhao Yanxi and Lin Man gave each other a high five, making a crisp sound.

On the balcony, the night breeze was slightly cool.

Ding Heng pressed the answer button and held the phone to his ear: "Bro, what's up?"

"Nothing much — just calling to ask what you're doing."

Long He's voice was softer than usual, as if he was afraid of being overheard.

Ding Heng leaned against the railing, gazing at the distant river: "Stop beating around the bush, just say what you need to say."

Long He said awkwardly, "Um—brother, do you have a place to stay for the night?"

Ding Heng frowned slightly: "What?"

It's hard to explain in a short time.

Long He sighed: "Anyway, there's a problem with the hotel arranged by the company. You know, it's inconvenient for me to use my ID to check into other hotels. If I get photographed, it'll be trending on social media again."

Ding Heng glanced back at the three girls in the restaurant. Zhao Yanxi was looking this way. When she met his gaze, she quickly looked away.

"Okay, I'll arrange it for you—"

His original intention was to have Long He stay at the Chujiang Hotel for one night; arranging a room there would be a simple matter of a word for him.

Before he could even speak, Longhe beat him to it.

"Is your house still habitable?"

"My home?"

Ding Heng was taken aback.

Longhe was probably referring to his parents' old house.

"OK.

Ding Heng agreed: "Where are you now? I'll come pick you up."

Long He gave an address, his voice urgent: "Then hurry up, I'll wait for you."

"Um."

Ding Heng hung up the phone, pushed open the glass door, and walked back to the restaurant.

The three girls all turned around at the same time.

Zhao Yanxi asked first, "Are you going out?"

"Um.

Ding Heng picked up his coat from the sofa and retrieved the car key from the coffee table.

Zhao Yanxi lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Wenjing asked softly, "Are you coming back for dinner? I'll save some for you."

"Bu Shi, you should go to sleep early."

Ding Heng walked up to Zhao Yanxi and gently pinched her cheek: "Don't be jealous. I'm going to the capital to see Hua Qing next weekend, okay? Take you with me, alright?"

Zhao Yanxi pouted, her expression brightening from cloudy to sunny: "You said it, you can't go back on your word."

"No regrets."

Ding Heng patted her head again, then turned and walked towards the door.

Lin Man followed, took his sneakers from the shoe cabinet, and squatted down to arrange them: "Boss, are you coming back tonight?"

"uncertain."

Ding Heng put on his shoes: "You should all go to bed early."

Lin Man straightened up and smiled at him: "Boss, drive carefully on the road."

"Um.

""

The door closed, and the footsteps faded into the distance in the corridor.

In the darkness of night, the black Mercedes drove smoothly along the Xiangjiang River.

Following the directions sent by Long He, Ding Heng found her at the entrance of a secluded alley.

Long He opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat, rubbing his arms: "Phew—I didn't have time to put on my coat, I'm freezing."

"Put them on."

Ding Heng tossed his coat aside, started the car, and asked, "What exactly happened?"

Long He wrapped Ding Heng's coat tighter and rubbed his temples: "I just finished recording a program and was about to go back to my hotel room. Sister Song suddenly called me and said that they found a listening device and a miniature camera in my hotel room."

Ding Heng's expression suddenly turned serious: "Who did this?"

"have no idea."

Long He said thankfully, "I'm fine. I came to find you as soon as I got off the plane and didn't even have time to go to the hotel. But Jin Canya went back to her room to get dressed first—everyone is worried that some videos or recordings might be leaked."

Ding Heng gripped the steering wheel tightly: "Didn't your agent give you the Shianzao New Hotel?"

"The jujubes have been placed, but as soon as Sister Song finished placing the jujubes, my mom called."

Long He said nervously, "She told me not to trust anyone, to come to you as soon as possible, and preferably to stay at your house for the night."

Ding Heng remained silent.

He could probably guess what Yang Sijie was thinking.

AuroraEos stayed at a high-end hotel with top-notch security, especially since it was a celebrity room. The fact that they were able to get in and install listening devices and cameras suggests there might be an inside mole.

Sister Song is Yang Sijie and Anzao's agent, so theoretically she should be one of the most trustworthy people.

But at this critical juncture, Yang Sijie dared not gamble—what if the other party was crying wolf?

She's currently in Hong Kong discussing a project and won't be back anytime soon. After much thought, the only person Longhe can completely trust is Ding Heng.

Ding Heng, gathering his thoughts, asked, "What about your three friends? Where does she live?"

"Sister Song is tentatively staying at the Chujiang Hotel."

"————What a coincidence."

"6

"What do you mean?"

"It's nothing."

Ding Heng chuckled and sighed, "Have you eaten? Would you like something to eat?"

Longhe's eyes lit up: "I want to eat hot pot, milk tea, and crayfish!"

"Okay, let's eat!" Ding Heng agreed indulgently.

Long He was about to cheer when he suddenly deflated: "Hmm—maybe I'll just forget about it."

97

"What's wrong?"

"I have an official event for CCTV tomorrow and the day after, so I have to sing." Long He leaned back in his chair, his tone helpless. "I need to stay in shape these next few days and can't eat anything too stimulating. If I have a problem with my voice, I'll be trending again."

Ding Heng glanced at her.

Long Heheng never had these concerns before. When she first debuted, she ate and drank as she pleased. She even dared to go out for spicy hot pot the day before a rehearsal and still sang on stage the next day.

Now she has begun to exercise self-control, completely treating "celebrity" as a profession, and becoming increasingly dedicated to it.

My brother has grown up.

Ding Heng was very pleased.

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