Can't Hide My Love for You - Chapter 48

Should romantic relationships focus on being of equal social standing?

Seeing the topic projected on the large screen behind the host, Cheng Yixin was momentarily stunned.

The first to speak was the debater for the affirmative side.

“In love, matching backgrounds are, of course, the most important. To quote a well-known line from a film: ‘Love without a material foundation is like a pile of loose sand; it collapses after a few steps without even needing the wind to blow it away.’ For example, suppose you find a girlfriend who is outstanding and comes from a good family. She doesn’t mind that your conditions are average. But can mutual affection truly last? Setting aside the parents’ attitudes, the two individuals’ spending habits won’t be on the same level.”

“She buys you a pair of sneakers worth thousands. You want to give her a gift in return, but you simply don’t have that much money, so you can only buy a small gift worth a tenth of the price of the sneakers. Your girlfriend doesn’t care about the monetary value. But over time, you begin to regret your inability to reciprocate with a gift of equal value. Even if the other person doesn’t care, your self-esteem takes a hit, and friction gradually develops… Therefore, matching backgrounds are vital.”

“Counter-argument!” the opposing debater cut in. “I believe your example is inappropriate. Is it not possible that the ‘man’ in this scenario simply has an inferiority complex, causing him to obsess over expensive gifts? If you feel you lack money, then work hard to earn it rather than wallowing in self-pity. That’s unfair to your partner. Someone who loves you won’t care about your family background. I believe that postnatal effort can make up for congenital deficiencies.”

“As for whether ‘matched’ marriages are happier—in ancient times, matching backgrounds were strictly required, yet how many people in those marriages actually found happiness? Even today, ‘wealthy family’ alliances focus on cultivating genuine feelings. Compared to background conditions, the alignment of values—the ‘Three Views’—is far more important.”

“A partner who can perceive your emotional shifts, stay by your side when you’re sad, and make you feel at peace just by looking at them provides psychological solace. Even if one feels their conditions aren’t a match, they will work hard for a better future together…”

Both sides held their ground, and the debate unfolded with steady logic.

During the final voting segment, the guests were asked to cast their votes and state their views.

Lu Qing cast her vote for the affirmative side. Three cameras focused on her face, and the large screen projected her somewhat meaningful smile as she looked at Cheng Yixin beside her.

“In the past, my view on love was as naive as the opposing side—thinking true love could conquer all,” Lu Qing said with a smile. “Compatible values are important, but if you don’t live in the same social circle, trying to share your life with someone only to receive a perfunctory response is quite draining. There’s nothing wrong with matching backgrounds. Education, family, insight, and experience are aligned; when conditions are equal, at least there’s no inferiority from ‘climbing high’ or frustration from ‘marrying down.'”

“Yixin.” She tossed the question to Cheng Yixin, asking with a beaming smile for the cameras, “What do you think?”

Cheng Yixin also smiled, meeting Lu Qing’s gaze directly and calmly. “My view is the exact opposite of yours.”

“To me, matching backgrounds aren’t that important. I place more value on inner feelings—whether I can get along with the person and what their character is like.” She paused and continued gracefully, “After all, the human heart is complex. Some are good at pretending; they look harmless on the surface but do hurtful things behind people’s backs. Such people do exist.”

“But Teacher Cheng,” the affirmative debater said impatiently, “you say that because you are already part of the ‘high gate’ (elite). To many, you are already the ‘high climb,’ which is why you feel matching backgrounds don’t matter.”

The debater’s words were a bit aggressive. The host quickly stepped in to smooth things over, saying with a laugh, “I understand Yixin’s point. She means that character is the priority in choosing a partner, and whether one can find emotional fulfillment in the relationship is what matters most.”

“Correct,” Cheng Yixin nodded. “As long as it’s someone I like, I won’t care about their family background. Whether I’m ‘climbing high’ or ‘marrying down,’ I won’t set limits based on family status.”

“Then, if I may make a hypothesis,” Lu Qing said with a squinting smile, “what if the person you love holds a position much higher than yours, and their family demands a match of equal status? What then?”

“What happens then depends on my partner’s attitude,” she parried flawlessly. “I’m not in a relationship with their family.”

Lu Qing wanted to say more, but Cheng Yixin tossed the topic to the next guest.

She could see it clearly: today’s debate topic carried the scent of an old grudge. It seemed President Lu had finally realized she’d been “fleeced” for hundreds of thousands of yuan previously and had come to settle the score.

Once the recording ended, Cheng Yixin didn’t linger and went straight to the dressing room. Just as she sat down, Lu Qing arrived and knocked on the door.

“Sister Yixin…” Xiao Yu blocked Lu Qing at the door and turned to ask for Yixin’s instructions.

Cheng Yixin saw Lu Qing through the vanity mirror and figured she was there to talk more nonsense. “Let her in,” she said, removing her earrings without turning around.

Upon entering, Lu Qing didn’t harass her. Instead, she sat on the sofa, waiting for Yixin to finish her business.

“If you have nothing to say, please leave. Don’t delay my clock-out time.”

“Can’t we catch up? Even if we didn’t spend much time together, we’ve known each other for a while.”

“I don’t think we have any ‘old times’ to catch up on.” Cheng Yixin sat on the sofa opposite her, forming a confrontation. “What, does President Lu want to buy jewelry again? Unfortunately, I’m off-duty.”

“Still as sharp-tongued as ever,” Lu Qing chuckled. “Your attitude on the show was quite proper.”

“What does that have to do with you?”

“It doesn’t. I just feel a bit sorry for Chi Yi,” Lu Qing said nonchalantly. “You talk a big game about morals, but when things went south a while ago, didn’t you abandon her just to protect your own job?”

“Honestly, I thought your personality would be more courageous than others.” Lu Qing wore a mocking smirk, staring straight at her. “Turns out you’re no different. You’re afraid to admit you like women, afraid to be labeled a lesbian, and afraid to lose the fan popularity you have now.”

“I truly feel sad for Chi Yi. She gives you her heart and soul, and in return, you don’t even have the courage to publicly acknowledge her.”

“You really have an overactive imagination.” Cheng Yixin almost laughed. “Maybe you should go write novels.”

“If I did, Chi Yi’s character would be the tragic ‘second male lead’ type—never chosen by the one she loves, forever forced to hide in the shadows.” Lu Qing paused. “Oh right, doesn’t she have that auction today? I heard Huang Xinxi was invited. Look at how big a star she is—half the entertainment industry showed up.”

“I told you long ago, you two aren’t from the same world. You can’t support her career. Once she has better resources, she won’t feel the need to keep you around.”

“Perhaps you’ve stayed in the entertainment industry too long, being pampered by ordinary people, and think you can climb into a wealthy family. In reality, you don’t even have the qualifications to cross the threshold.”

“Just because you are that kind of person, don’t assume others are too.” Mentioning Huang Xinxi touched a nerve for Cheng Yixin, who was already a bit sensitive about not being able to attend.

“Angry? That means you’re afraid. Afraid of being replaced by Huang Xinxi. A beauty like her… few could resist her charm. I hear she appeals to both men and women alike~”

“What, did she ‘kill’ you? Are you interested in her? If you like her, go chase her. Use that thick-skinned persistence you used on me. Maybe if she’s as blind as I was, you might stand a chance.” Seeing Lu Qing’s face change slightly, Cheng Yixin felt refreshed and added with a grin, “Driving a wedge between us won’t work. Chi Yi and I are doing great. Don’t trouble yourself.”

Failing to provoke her, Lu Qing felt like she had swallowed a fly and left dejectedly.

Once she was gone, the smile on Cheng Yixin’s face cooled instantly.

Climbing high. She hated that phrase.

She took several deep breaths to regain her composure, packed her things, and finished work.

The auction livestream started at 4:00 PM and lasted until 7:00 PM.

Cheng Yixin glanced out the window. The autumn sky darkened early; at only five o’clock, it was already dim. When she clicked into the livestream, the auction was already underway.

The front rows were filled with celebrities, and the seats behind were packed with audience members who had bought tickets—enough people to fill a small concert.

The camera frequently cut to Chi Yi, who was sitting in the same row as Huang Xinxi. Their black and white evening gowns complemented each other perfectly. Just sitting there, they were a feast for the eyes.

The items were being auctioned in alphabetical order of the donor’s surname. After watching for a few minutes, her donation was displayed. The nine Starry Sky Bears were lined up and auctioned off one by one.

When Cheng Yixin’s name was mentioned, the camera cleverly panted to Chi Yi’s face. The subject was talking to Huang Xinxi; the two were laughing and chatting, though she couldn’t tell about what.

Judging by Chi Yi’s expression, it wasn’t a perfunctory or polite smile; it was a posture of complete relaxation and comfort.

She watched for a bit longer, then turned off the livestream.

Xiao Yu, hearing the silence, asked in confusion, “Sister, not watching anymore?”

“I’m tired and want to sleep. I’ll watch the replay later.”

She leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. She wasn’t actually sleepy; she was just thinking.

“By the way, what’s for dinner? That restaurant from the day before yesterday?”

“I’m not hungry,” Cheng Yixin replied. “Don’t order for me.”

Xiao Yu assumed she had plans with Chi Yi and didn’t say more.

Back home, it was just dark, and Cheng Yixin had already showered and climbed into bed. It was the first time she had gone to bed so early.

Opening Weibo, the materials from the auction were everywhere. The trending searches were as busy as a major festival. One of the “out-of-the-circle” viral moments was Chi Yi and Huang Xinxi’s entrance.

The black-and-white pairing, the custom fishtail gowns—Chi Yi had gentlemanly supported Huang Xinxi’s hand as they slowly walked onto the stage. The bullet comments were flooded with “What a match.”

Three trending topics were about them: #ChiYiHuangXinxi#, #XinYiConnected#, and #HuangXinxiRunwayEntrance#.

She clicked into the comments. It was pure harmony. Huang Xinxi’s fans were praising Chi Yi for being beautiful and holding her own next to the goddess.

It was nothing like the comments about her and Chi Yi, where some solo fans acted like they had a blood feud, wanting to tear Chi Yi apart.

@XinYiConnectedGOAT: Younger loyal dog x older elegant lady! I declare the most compatible CP of the year has been born! I love it!

@SunShangxiangSeizeTheDay: My god, why does Chi Yi have chemistry with everyone? Before, I thought she and Cheng Yixin were a match, but now… the way she looks at Huang Xinxi is electric! As expected, everyone loves a “Big Sister”!

@YixinYiyiIsReal: Keep the shipping to your own circles, don’t mention others randomly. Hard pass. [Handshake]

Seeing these shipping comments made Cheng Yixin feel awkward, yet she felt a masochistic urge to keep looking, testing her own mental resilience. She finally understood how Chi Yi felt when she saw her being shipped with other actors.

She eventually threw her phone aside and curled into the blanket to try and sleep.

Dozing off, she was eventually awoken by her ringtone.

“Teacher Cheng, are you resting?” It was Si Wen.

Cheng Yixin checked the time—past 10:00 PM. She had slept for two or three hours. “No, what is it?”

“I just dropped President Chi home. She’s had a bit too much to drink. Is it convenient for you to come over and check on her?”

Cheng Yixin remembered the time Chi Yi got drunk and fell asleep in the bathtub. “Okay, I’m coming right now.”

She hurried downstairs, not even bothering to change her shoes. Opening her door, she saw the Maybach still parked at the gate. Si Wen hadn’t left yet.

“Teacher Cheng,” Si Wen greeted her.

“Is she very drunk?”

“Not exactly,” Si Wen replied. “President Chi has been very busy lately with little rest. She just came back from the celebratory banquet. I arranged a hotel room for her, but she insisted on coming home.”

Si Wen paused and smiled. “She probably wanted to see you as soon as possible.”

“Oh~” Cheng Yixin pressed down the corners of her twitching mouth. “She didn’t know to call me.”

“When she got home, she felt it was too late and didn’t want to disturb your rest. I didn’t tell President Chi I was calling you… it’s a ‘shoot first, ask later’ situation.”

Yixin gave an OK gesture. “I’ll just say I was out for a walk.”

She walked toward the house across the way, paused, and doubled back. Looking at Si Wen, she hesitated. “Si Wen… I saw the trending topics from tonight. I’m a bit… bothered.”

Si Wen was incisive. “Is it the press releases about President Chi and Huang Xinxi?”

She didn’t deny it.

“Part of it is from the event planning team—leveraging their mutual influence. They have a normal working relationship. I heard them talking, and it was all about the auction.”

“I don’t suspect them of anything,” Cheng Yixin said, sounding even to herself like she was making excuses.

“It’s just jealousy,” Si Wen laughed. “It’s normal. President Chi was actually quite jealous when she saw you and Yu Siyang being shipped. But she also knew there was nothing there; it’s just that she cares too much.”

Since even Si Wen said so, she’d accept it as jealousy.

After saying goodbye to Si Wen, Cheng Yixin walked quickly into the villa. She walked inside, expecting to see a drunken President Chi rolling on the bed, acting spoiled and complaining of discomfort.

Following a clattering sound from the kitchen, she saw the “drunk” Chi Yi wearing an apron, spatula in hand, looking like she was about to fire up the stove to cook something.

She didn’t look drunk at all—she looked like she was sneaking a midnight snack behind her back!