Can't Hide My Love for You - Chapter 96

Cheng Yixin endured the nausea brought on by that repulsive man and somehow managed to finish recording the show.

Due to her “height attack,” she had been repeatedly ridiculed by Chen Fei at the table. He even brought up the rumors of her and Feng Nian—the ones spread by marketing accounts about a “sugar daddy”—and feigned ignorance while asking her about it. He clearly knew Feng Nian’s background but pretended to be ignorant, hoping that after the show aired, everyone would follow the trail and dig up this “black material” again.

However, the production team, having signed a contract with Cheng Yixin, would never—out of consideration for future cooperation—allow such a controversial topic to be edited into the final cut.

Returning to her private dressing room after the recording, the first thing Cheng Yixin said while taking off her earrings was, “How unlucky.”

“Don’t mind him,” Xiao Yu said, handing her a hot drink. “I think he came here specifically to be a nuisance.”

Once the show aired, Chen Fei’s blatantly offensive attitude wouldn’t be seen as normal by any sane person. Some fans would likely try to whitewash it by saying the production team arranged for Chen Fei to play the “villain” role. Just thinking about it made her want to gag.

With such a repulsive man in the male guest lineup, Cheng Yixin felt it would be difficult to finish the series smoothly. Moreover, after the previous airport lounge incident, Chen Fei clearly harbored hostility toward her. He deliberately tried to squeeze her in front of the camera, banking on the fact that she would value her image and remain composed like the other female guests.

But the current Cheng Yixin was no longer in the mindset to swallow her anger. Especially since Chen Fei’s gaze was greasy and lecherous; it was hard not to snap back at him.

She was waiting for Chi Yi to pick her up from the TV station, so she didn’t leave the dressing room immediately. She sat for a while and only headed out once the time was about right. Unexpectedly, upon opening the door, she saw a person standing by the window opposite, hands in his pockets, shrouded in a cloud of smoke.

“Sorry about the recording earlier,” Chen Fei turned around and apologized proactively upon hearing the door open. “I said those things for the sake of the show’s effect. You know, a show only gets traction if there’s controversy.”

“If I offended you, I hope you don’t mind,” Chen Fei said sincerely, showing a completely different face from the one on camera.

“Was it only me you offended?” Cheng Yixin’s brows knitted slightly. “I have nothing to say to someone like you. There are no cameras here; no need to act with me.” She turned to leave.

“Fine. Seeing you like this, I assume you’re going to complain to Chi Yi.” Chen Fei’s smile faded. “I figured as much. Backed by a rich boss, of course you have to use those resources. I’ve seen plenty of people like you in the entertainment industry—once they’ve played with you enough, you’ll be dumped sooner or later.”

Cheng Yixin stopped and turned back to look at him.

“Don’t try to provoke me,” she said with a mocking laugh. “I’ll tell Chi Yi every single word you said today.”

“Last time Chi Yi made you look like a stray dog, and you just had to suffer in silence. Now you’re acting with me; it’s clear you’re terrified of her.”

“Do you think she would break ties with our Chen family because of you? Even Feng Siqi has to be polite to me. Last time was just because I was unguarded; this time, I won’t let her catch me out.” Chen Fei’s profligate “Crown Prince” attitude was on full display, arrogant and overbearing.

Cheng Yixin rolled her eyes. “Just you wait; this show is only the beginning.”

“Mhm, okay, sure.” Cheng Yixin nodded dismissively, acting as if she hadn’t heard a word, and walked straight toward the elevator.

Once inside the empty elevator, Xiao Yu spoke up. “Sister Xin, I recorded what Chen Fei said just now. If he tries to use this to hype things up later, we have evidence.”

Cheng Yixin glanced at her and smiled. “Quite sharp of you.”

Xiao Yu gave a hum. “But that creep said all that to you and you didn’t even get angry. It seems your temper is getting better and better.”

“One does not argue with a fool.”

Coming out of the TV station, the white Volvo was already parked in its spot. She waved goodbye to Xiao Yu and trotted over to the car.

The movement of opening the door and sitting down was seamless. The heater was at a comfortable setting, instantly driving away the chill in her chest.

“What are we having for dinner?” Chi Yi asked. “Do you want to eat out?”

“Hmm…” Cheng Yixin thought for a moment. “It’s been a long time since I ate your cooking. Let’s buy some groceries and make it ourselves at home. I also want some fruit.”

“Alright, let’s go to the supermarket.”

Chi Yi made a U-turn, heading for Future City. The atmosphere in the car was quiet, so Cheng Yixin turned on the radio.

“How was the recording this afternoon? Did it go smoothly?”

If Chi Yi hadn’t asked, it would have been fine, but once she did, Cheng Yixin thought of that annoying creep. “I saw a repulsive creep. You’d better not participate; I’m afraid you’ll be disgusted to death.”

“Who?” Chi Yi’s tone suddenly became serious.

“That Chen Fei we saw at the airport before.” Mentioning the name made Cheng Yixin feel physically uncomfortable. “Anyway, he’s very annoying. Let’s not talk about him.”

Chi Yi looked thoughtful for a moment but didn’t pursue the question further.

They arrived at Future City. The massive screen on the building’s exterior wall was still broadcasting the weather forecast. Before getting out, Chi Yi took a mask from the center console and handed it to Cheng Yixin.

Cheng Yixin pushed it away. “I’m not wearing it. I’ll be recognized whether I wear it or not. It’s not like it’s my first time here anyway.”

Chi Yi let out a “ha.” “Thank you, Teacher Cheng, for the free advertising.”

Cheng Yixin raised an eyebrow. “If you really want to thank me, how about hiring me as a spokesperson?”

“That can be considered.”

“No mall actually hires a spokesperson,” Cheng Yixin laughed. “At least, I’ve never seen it.”

The two talked as they got out and headed toward the less-crowded West Gate. Upon entering, Cheng Yixin saw a small table in a conspicuous spot with a suggestion box on top. A note was attached: Call for suggestions for the Future City Anniversary promotion plan.

“Is it your anniversary soon?” Cheng Yixin asked curiously. “When?”

“In April.”

“That’s still a while off. Aren’t you afraid of taking a huge loss by letting customers suggest promotions?”

“…” President Chi said gloomily, “No matter the loss, it won’t be as bad as the loss on your debut anniversary.”

Cheng Yixin was instantly delighted. “I saw online that the total turnover for the mall that day was several tens of millions. Is that true?”

“It’s true. The luxury counters were almost empty.”

“Then you actually made a profit, right?”

“Indeed, we did,” President Chi paused. “The only one who lost money was me; I paid for all the coupons.”

Cheng Yixin burst into laughter. “When I asked you before, you wouldn’t say. Why are you answering so frankly this time?”

Seeing her so happy, Chi Yi said, “Because what’s mine is yours. Rounded up, it was your loss.”

“…” The laughter died instantly. Her heart was bleeding.

“Hahahaha…” Chi Yi laughed and reached behind Cheng Yixin to ruffle her hair. “You were worth it.”

Due to the massive promotion for Cheng Yixin’s anniversary, many customers who didn’t care about celebrities now knew her, which earned her a wave of “passerby” goodwill.

“How annoying,” Cheng Yixin chided.

“So sweet…” As they were flirting, a small exclamation came from behind them. Cheng Yixin turned to see someone secretly recording them. Once discovered, the person guiltily lowered their phone and pretended to look at the scenery. She only glanced once before withdrawing her gaze, taking Chi Yi’s hand and walking quickly toward the supermarket entrance, not caring if the lens was pointed at them.

With nearly a month to go before the Spring Festival, the mall already had a New Year atmosphere. Walking in, the most conspicuous shelves were hung with couplets and window paper-cuts.

Chi Yi joked, “Tell Mom and Dad not to buy couplets this year. Just come here and take whatever you want.”

“I think that works. Hey, don’t you know calligraphy?”

“I do… but I’ve never written New Year couplets.”

“Fine, then I’ll tell Dad not to buy them. I’ll leave it to you to write them.”

“Huh… what??”

“Do you have an objection?”

“No…” Chi Yi hadn’t expected that her attempt to tease would result in trapping herself.

They wandered the supermarket hand-in-hand, buying vegetables and fruit. The harmonious scene looked to others like a real couple—and even more so in the shots taken by passersby.

The headline: Cheng Yixin and Chi Yi shopping at the supermarket hand-in-hand. They really look like they’re dating.

@YixinYiyiSZD: Be confident. Remove the ‘look like.’ They ARE dating! The couple is too sweet!

@RenChunChunCuiCui: Wherever Yixin Yi-yi is, I am there! I’m really looking forward to when they get a chance to collaborate!

@MeiRenChaoCaiEE: Upstairs, don’t worry. According to a classmate who works at the TV station, Cheng Yixin and Chi Yi are very likely to appear together on a reality show! The contract is already in process!

@XianQueQiuQianSuo: Holy crap, for real?! I’m looking forward to that so much!! I’ll even buy a membership to watch!

The news of the two possibly appearing on a show together spread from one to ten, then to a hundred; the rumors became truth.

“President Chi, looking at the public outcry for you, if our show has the honor of cooperating with you, I believe it will be quite beneficial for your company’s promotion. I’ve come with sincerity this time; I hope you will definitely participate in our show!”

The producer of Is It Only Me Whose Heart Is Fluttering? spoke with deep feeling, looking exactly like a boss painting a grand vision for an employee. “Of course, if you need, we can appropriately add some ‘soft ads’ for the supermarket, free of charge.”

Chi Yi smiled. With the public outcry being so loud, she didn’t need to guess to know that the people from the production team were the ones who started stirring this up to see the netizens’ reactions. The result indeed met with great anticipation, so naturally, the production team wouldn’t let such a good traffic opportunity go. A popular CP on a dating show—just thinking about it was exciting; there would be no lack of topics.

“I don’t need embedded ads,” Chi Yi said. “As for your sincerity, I’d like to see it.”

“Yes, of course. Here is the contract we drafted; you can take a look.” The producer hurriedly handed over the contract.

Chi Yi pushed it back. “The pilot for the second season—I want to see the unedited raw footage.”

The pilot had gone online two days after recording. Chen Fei’s scenes had been cut to shreds, and his attempt to use Cheng Yixin to persuade Chi Yi to join, as well as his offensive remarks, hadn’t been edited into the final cut.

“This…” The producer’s expression froze, and he hesitated.

A massive swimming hall had been chartered for the day. Chen Fei was in the pool, doing a dog paddle. The closed doors of the hall were suddenly opened, and the outside light flooded in. Several companions chatting on loungers by the pool looked toward the door. One of them whispered, “Brother Fei!”

Chen Fei lifted his head and looked toward the door following his lackey’s hint. He stopped, grabbing the ladder at the edge of the pool. “Isn’t this President Chi? You have such an interest in swimming today?”

Chi Yi walked to the edge of the pool, looking down at Chen Fei, and said, “Come up. Let’s talk.”

Seeing Chi Yi was alone while he had several lackeys, Chen Fei’s sense of security became arrogant. He signaled his lackeys to surround Chi Yi from behind.

“You want to talk to me, and you want me to come up? You come down.”

“Then I’ll just be direct,” Chi Yi said calmly. “I want you to withdraw from the show.”

“Huh?” Chen Fei looked as if he had heard a joke. “Why should I withdraw for no reason? What, President Chi, is your business reach this wide now?”

“Come, come, everyone, hold up your phones and record this. Don’t say us men are bullying you. Since you’re the one asking me to withdraw, you should show some sincerity, right?”

If it weren’t for the fact that if a conflict arose, he had to prove to his father it wasn’t him who started it, he wouldn’t bother recording evidence. Since the opponent was Chi Yi, if things got messy, he wanted to be in the right; even if it reached Old Man Feng, he would have to weigh “who was right and who was wrong.”

Chi Yi naturally saw through his thoughts and let out a light sigh. “You’re in your twenties; how are you still so naive?”

“You’re the naive one. I’ve signed a contract with the production team in black and white. You want me to withdraw for no reason? You have to at least give me some mental compensation. How about two hundred million? That’s pocket change to you, right? I’ll take the money and scram immediately. Otherwise, you’ll see those idiot netizens fantasizing about me and your girlfriend—there might even be R-rated fanfics, you know.” Chen Fei said smugly.

“I can pay your liquidated damages, but nothing else.”

“Ha?” Chen Fei laughed loudly. “If there’s nothing else, then what’s there to say? Stop wasting my time. If you want to stand up for your little lover, just forget it. Stop pretending to be a hero.”

“I have always believed in ‘courtesy before force’.” Chi Yi let out a regretful sigh and looked toward the door. “Come in.”

Ten tall bodyguards in black suits flooded into the swimming hall, along with five burly men in swimming trunks showing off their eight-pack abs, ready to jump in and grab someone at any moment.

Seeing this formation, Chen Fei’s lackeys scattered instantly, leaving Chen Fei isolated and helpless.

“Do you know why I called you naive?” President Chi smiled. “I don’t need a reason to beat a dog, much less pick a day.”