Can't Hide My Love for You - Chapter 50

Tonight, Chi Yi returned to the Feng Mansion. Her uncle had specifically asked her to come home for dinner.

Her grandmother and aunt were out at a gathering, leaving only her uncle and grandfather at home. Upon entering, she saw the two family patriarchs sitting in the living room watching television.

The large 4K TV was playing a movie. As she walked in, a familiar face appeared on the screen—it was a much younger, more tender version of Huang Xinxi, likely from a production she filmed in her early twenties.

“This movie was shot so well. The plot is much more interesting than the films they make nowadays,” the father and son remarked, watching with great interest.

Hearing footsteps, they turned around and saw Chi Yi had returned. The old man, Feng Nian, beckoned her over. “Come quickly, accompany your grandfather in watching some TV.”

“Coming,” Chi Yi walked over briskly and sat on the sofa. “This movie was released ten years ago, wasn’t it? What made you think to watch it?”

“Just a whim,” the old man chuckled. Now that his granddaughter was home, he lost interest in the television and switched it off. He asked with a beaming smile, “I saw you organized an auction a few days ago. Why didn’t you tell your grandfather if you needed help?”

“It went very smoothly. I didn’t encounter any problems that required your personal intervention, so I didn’t mention it,” Chi Yi offered. “The event ended a few days ago, and the project is currently moving forward.”

“You’ve persisted in charity work for several years now, and now you’re independently organizing such a large event. Your grandfather is very gratified by your kindness and capability. So, your uncle and I have decided to offer some support.”

Feng Nian looked at his son. Feng Tianyuan continued, “Our Feng Group has decided to film a public service short film. The director and production team are already set; we’re just missing the actors. The short film will be broadcast for free on all major platforms, and all proceeds from the broadcast will be donated to the Yixin Foundation.”

Hearing the word “free,” Chi Yi subconsciously raised an eyebrow. “That will generate massive traffic. It will certainly boost the profile of both the director and the actors.”

“Indeed,” Feng Tianyuan nodded. “As for the director… I’ve chosen a young director who deserves some support.”

“Then Uncle, what do I need to do?” Chi Yi asked. It seemed this homecoming wasn’t just for dinner; looking at the setup, they wanted her involved in the project.

“As for you—the filming is handled by a professional team, so you won’t need to do much. Besides, you have your own work to attend to, so don’t worry about it. However, regarding the actors—I’ve seen you making a name for yourself in the entertainment industry lately, so you should be on good terms with many actors.”

“I know a few, but I’m not sure if they meet your and Grandfather’s requirements.” As she spoke, Chi Yi intended to recommend Cheng Yixin, though she wasn’t sure if Yixin’s schedule could be cleared, and she didn’t want to force it if it wasn’t feasible.

“Your grandfather and I already have a suitable candidate in mind.” Feng Tianyuan glanced at his father. “Huang Xinxi. Though she doesn’t film much anymore, it would be an excellent choice if you could invite her to perform.”

“Why choose her?” Chi Yi blurted out.

“Can we not choose her?” Feng Nian asked with a look of surprise. “Aren’t you two on good personal terms?”

“We are, but I’m not sure if she can participate.” Chi Yi paused, then added, “There are other actors who are also quite suitable. Why not consider them?”

“Who?”

Chi Yi instinctively wanted to recommend Cheng Yixin, but facing the gazes of her two elders, she held back the name at the tip of her tongue. Instead, she asked, “Grandfather, Uncle, from the perspective of personal preference, are you more inclined toward Huang Xinxi?”

Feng Tianyuan pondered for a moment and analyzed it objectively. “Indeed. I’ve consulted with my secretary; Huang Xinxi’s reputation in the industry is excellent, she has many years of experience and a vast body of work. She’s an actor who actively participates in charity and has a stable fan base. She is the optimal candidate.”

Feng Nian perceived his granddaughter’s thoughts and asked, “Yiyi, is there someone else you want to recommend?”

She wanted to say Cheng Yixin, but she was worried that mentioning a second person when they already had a favorite would create a bad first impression of Cheng Yixin.

She hesitated and didn’t answer immediately. The old man thought for a moment and said, “Is it that… what’s her name, Yixin?”

“Cheng Yixin,” Feng Tianyuan noted. “She was considered previously, but how should I put it… she’s still not as good as Huang Xinxi, in all aspects.”

“Uncle, comparing an actor who has been out for five years to one who has been out for nearly thirty is unfair,” Chi Yi countered.

“That’s true.”

The atmosphere fell into a slight silence.

“Yiyi,” the old man finally spoke up. “If you want to choose Cheng Yixin, you can. You have the final say.”

She wanted to choose Cheng Yixin, but her reason told her she shouldn’t.

The public service short film was ultimately a Feng Group project. She was merely an outsider acting as a liaison to invite the talent. If they wanted to choose another actor, they wouldn’t have needed her to come over today. Since Feng Nian and Feng Tianyuan had basically already decided on the lead, if she stepped in now to change it to Cheng Yixin, it might not only make them look at Yixin with prejudice but would also be improper from a business perspective.

Furthermore, if Cheng Yixin found out she “stole” this job from someone else, she wouldn’t be happy.

“I’ll find a time to contact Huang Xinxi, but I’m not sure if she has an opening in her schedule.”

As she spoke, she clearly saw her uncle’s expression relax slightly. It seemed his heart was indeed set on Huang Xinxi; after all, she was an actor whose works he had watched for years, and he felt a certain familiarity with her.

“It’s alright. If she can’t do it, we’ll contact someone else.”

“Now that we’ve talked, let’s eat.” The old man stood up, chuckling. “I had the kitchen prepare several of your favorite dishes tonight, and the guest room is ready. Eat your fill and stay the night.”

Chi Yi was in no mood to stay. She only thought about going back after dinner to confess everything to Cheng Yixin to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

After dinner, the old man could only reluctantly watch his granddaughter’s Maybach drive away.

On the road back to Junshan District, Chi Yi sat in her seat, thinking over and over. She didn’t know how to explain it to Cheng Yixin so that she would feel comfortable and accept that Chi Yi hadn’t chosen her when her grandfather asked for her recommendation.

She stared at Si Wen across from her as if she were trying to bore a hole through her face.

“President Chi, is there something on my face?”

“Have you ever been in love?” Chi Yi asked out of the blue.

If her boss didn’t already have a girlfriend, Si Wen would have mentally composed a 100,000-word urban romance novel. “I have,” she replied without changing her expression.

Chi Yi glanced at her fingers; she wasn’t wearing any symbolic rings. “Why did you break up?”

“It was annoying and interfered with my ability to make money.”

“…” What a simple and unadorned answer.

“President Chi, if you have a question, just ask it directly,” Si Wen said. “If I can answer it, I will.”

“I don’t need you to answer a question. I want you to think from Yixin’s perspective.”

Chi Yi quickly explained that the candidate for the short film was Huang Xinxi, and that she hadn’t chosen Cheng Yixin when her grandfather gave her the choice.

“I don’t know if I did the right thing by not choosing her immediately. I wonder if she’ll feel betrayed,” Chi Yi said worriedly. “I don’t want her to misunderstand. In my heart, I really wanted to choose her.”

After Chi Yi spoke, there was a long silence in the car as even the capable assistant Si Wen thought it over seriously.

“I believe this matter is both right and wrong,” Si Wen began. “First, why it’s ‘wrong’—the girlfriend’s first reaction upon hearing this will certainly be one of grievance. As your close partner, she’ll be disappointed that your choice wasn’t her.”

“But as for why it’s ‘right’—my view is the same as yours. Teacher Cheng isn’t the type to accept ‘charity.’ If she knew she wasn’t the original choice and that she took someone else’s job… in her years since debut, she must have had roles stolen from her. Putting herself in those shoes, she’d feel as uncomfortable as if she’d swallowed a fly. Moreover, the other person is a popular senior; if word got out, it would undoubtedly make her enemies in the industry.”

“Since you are lovers who share your true hearts, tell her everything exactly as it happened. Don’t hide anything.”

“Explanations are for rational people. I think Teacher Cheng will be able to understand you after weighing the facts.”

“If she can’t even understand your predicament…” Si Wen paused and said nonchalantly, “Then there’s no point in being in this relationship.”

“Love should be a positive force for two people; it shouldn’t just be one person’s effort,” Si Wen said, looking at Chi Yi. “I remember those were the words you used two years ago to comfort a heartbroken employee.”

Chi Yi was silenced by Si Wen’s last sentence. She pursed her lips. “If it’s her, I’d be willing to dig up wild vegetables for 17 years (be a devoted martyr).”

Si Wen: “…”

Wild vegetables don’t cure a ‘love brain.’

The car fell silent again. Si Wen was shocked for a long time by the “wild vegetable” comment. She was truly curious about how much of an attraction Cheng Yixin held for Chi Yi. The usually shrewd and capable President Chi would actually say such “love brain” things—had Yixin saved her life??

“President Chi… I’ve always been curious why you like Teacher Cheng.” She couldn’t help but ask. In her view, Cheng Yixin was beautiful, but the industry was full of beautiful actors. Her popularity wasn’t explosive, she only had two or three notable works, and she hadn’t won any major awards. Before this, her name was constantly linked to male costars in scandals, and she had chosen to compromise when her relationship with Chi Yi was photographed. Honestly, Si Wen felt she was a bit of a mismatch for someone as outstanding as Chi Yi.

“Because she is very good, very warm. She is the best and kindest person I have ever met.” When speaking of Cheng Yixin, Chi Yi’s expression always softened subconsciously. Using a string of praise like that was the highest form of compliment.

Si Wen smiled. Love is like drinking water; only the person knows if it’s hot or cold. What she saw as an outsider wasn’t necessarily the truth. After all, in private, Teacher Cheng was indeed very attentive toward President Chi.

The Maybach entered Junshan District. Chi Yi stepped out of the car and instinctively looked at Cheng Yixin’s house. Not long ago, Yixin had said she was finished with work; the lights were on now, so she must be back.

Chi Yi paced back and forth at the door, mentally rehearsing what she was going to say, when she suddenly heard Cheng Yixin’s voice.

“What are you doing standing at the door?” She turned to see the person she was thinking of standing behind her. “Isn’t it cold out here?”

Saying this, Cheng Yixin took her hand. Chi Yi felt the warmth of her palm; by comparison, her own hand was a bit cold.

“…I have something I want to tell you in person. I was thinking of how best to say it.”

“Then let’s go inside and talk,” Cheng Yixin said, pressing her thumb to the fingerprint lock and pushing open the courtyard gate, pulling Chi Yi home.

The living room was brightly lit. Chi Yi sat on the sofa with a somewhat stiff posture; she was anxious. It was the first time she had felt this way—afraid that if she didn’t explain clearly, she would make Cheng Yixin angry.

“…Yixin!” Chi Yi took a deep breath. “First, I want to apologize to you!”

“Huh?” The sudden apology left Yixin dazed.

“I don’t know if I can explain this clearly to you…” Chi Yi said. “Tonight, my uncle told me about a project. The Feng Group is filming a public service short film, and they want me to help invite the actors. Other than that, I won’t be involved in the filming.”

“Okay, and?” Cheng Yixin asked. “Why are you apologizing?”

“…It’s just.” She observed the other’s expression. “My uncle and grandfather have a preferred candidate, and it’s Huang Xinxi. They feel we’ve been in contact lately, so they want me to help negotiate.”

She saw Cheng Yixin’s expression tighten slightly, a complex mix of disappointment and dejection flashing in her eyes.

“Why I’m apologizing is what happened next. In my heart, I wanted to recommend you, though I didn’t know if your schedule was free. But I hesitated, because they already had a favorite, and I was afraid that if I spoke up and they chose you because of my recommendation, they’d have a bad impression of you.”

“Grandfather saw through me and told me to recommend whoever I thought was suitable. In the end, I still didn’t say your name and went along with their plan to invite Huang Xinxi.”

Chi Yi lowered her head, nearly shrinking into the sofa in a posture of admitting fault. “I feel I was wrong to do that. I didn’t choose you unconditionally in the first moment. Even if there were other concerns, they shouldn’t be a reason not to choose you… but then I felt I shouldn’t choose you because I was afraid you’d feel uncomfortable knowing the job was originally Huang Xinxi’s, and I was afraid of upsetting Grandfather and Uncle. Anyway… I’m sorry.” Chi Yi’s explanation grew more frantic; before she opened her mouth, she thought her logic was sound, but once she started, it was a mess.

The living room fell silent. Hearing no response from Cheng Yixin, she felt uneasy. She didn’t know what Yixin was feeling—if she was so angry she didn’t want to speak to her.

“Sister Wenjing told me about this a few days ago. She heard the news early from a friend and hoped I could get the opportunity.” Cheng Yixin’s tone was very calm.

Chi Yi’s heart thumped.

“Even though I said I’d leave it to fate and see what you chose, in reality, I still held onto some expectation. I hoped you would choose me. So when I heard you say you chose Huang Xinxi, I did feel disappointed, and in that moment, I was indeed angry. Angry that you didn’t choose me when I’m the one closest to you.”

“However… since Uncle and Grandfather only wanted your help to contact an actor and had already made their choice, you really shouldn’t have interfered. You did the right thing.”

“I just want to know: if this project wasn’t the Feng Group’s, but your own, would you have chosen me?”

“Of course!” Chi Yi raised her head instantly and blurted out, “I wouldn’t choose anyone but you!”

“Then there’s no problem.” Cheng Yixin smiled. “Though I’m a bit unwilling, who can blame them? The other person is a legendary senior with a long history; if I were the producer, I’d choose Huang Xinxi too.”

“You suffered from being young. To people of my father’s and grandfather’s generation, Huang Xinxi is a household name. In 30 years, when you’ve been in the industry that long, it will be the same for you,” Chi Yi said seriously.

“Who comforts people like that…?” Cheng Yixin couldn’t hold it in. She straightened her face again and asked, “You seem to have gotten quite close to Huang Xinxi lately. In your view, what kind of person is she?”

“She has a gentle personality, she’s observant, and she doesn’t put on airs. She’s like an older sister.”

“Could you fall in love with her?”

Chi Yi answered her seriously: “I only have a female cousin; I don’t have an older sister. To me, Huang Xinxi feels as familiar and kind as a sister I’ve known for years—it’s strictly friendship. I won’t love anyone but you.”

“If it makes you feel insecure, I will stop contacting her immediately.”

“With such a serious affirmation, how could I still feel insecure?” Cheng Yixin touched her face. “But don’t say things like ‘I won’t love anyone but me.’ Life is long and full of unknowns.”

At this point, she feigned a relaxed tone and teased, “Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone better than me.”

Chi Yi wanted to argue but changed her mind and said, “Then if I do meet someone, what will you do?”

“What do you want me to do?” Cheng Yixin asked.

“Defeat her. Stand over her like a victor and tell her that I’m yours, then tell her to get lost,” Chi Yi said.

Cheng Yixin burst out laughing, her entire face brightening. It seemed she had been successfully amused.

“Alright. If I can’t beat her, will you help me?”

“The best solution is for such a person to never appear.” Chi Yi hooked her pinky finger with Yixin’s. “Though tomorrow’s promise is far less than today’s action, I still want to say: I will only choose you.”

“I like you so much, so much, so much, so much, so much, Teacher Cheng.” Feeling that words weren’t enough, Chi Yi pulled her into an embrace and gave her five consecutive kisses.

Yixin hooked her arms around Chi Yi’s neck, her eyes sparking as if she were sending an electric charge. “I like Baby Chi Yi, too.”

Chi Yi always knew exactly how to soothe her negative emotions the moment they cropped up.