Pretending Not to Love You [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 34

Chapter 34

After Zuo Qiu finished packing his own luggage, he touched the cup on his desk and finally placed it in the cupboard. The words that Xiao Baijun could discover were, of course, also discovered by the cleanliness-loving Zuo Qiu when he washed the cup. If he hadn’t seen the two words at the bottom of the cup, he could have dismissed it as a cup of friendship, but now, it was too ambiguous.

After showering, Zuo Qiu leaned against the headboard and scrolled through Weibo. Today, the second half of their episode of Come With Me had aired. In addition to his cross-dressing segment attracting attention, a shot of Zheng Yang’s suspected bulge caused a sensation. The previous trending topic about the Z.X duo had already brought more netizens to watch Saturday’s show, so as soon as the suspected bulge incident occurred on TV, Zheng Yang immediately trended. Everyone was discussing Zheng Yang’s private area and fantasizing about his sexual ability.

The TV broadcast time was over, so Zuo Qiu went to the website to watch the replay. The segment where Zheng Yang’s incident occurred was after he jumped into the sea and was pulled out. He was wearing ultra-thin sports shorts at the time. After getting soaked, his lower body was directly photographed with a noticeable bulge, and the camera scanned it multiple times without even a censoring mosaic.

As soon as the incident happened, Zheng Yang did not remain silent like Z.X. Instead, he appealed to netizens on Weibo not to be “crotch-staring cats” and asked to be spared.

Zheng Yang was an actor with a certain fan base, and having hosted Come With Me for four seasons, he attracted a large number of fans. Now that Zheng Yang’s lower body was being discussed, his fans were furious. They fought back against the haters while demanding an explanation from the production team. How could the production team exploit a veteran and regular guest like this? Couldn’t they have cut or censored the bulge shot?

Under pressure from public opinion, Z Station was forced to issue a statement. The main content of the statement had two points: first, all guests had signed a contract before joining the show, which clearly stipulated that the production team would not be responsible for the leakage of any private information during the program, including but not limited to body privacy and personal event privacy. Second, although the production team had the right mentioned in the first point, they usually respected the guests’ privacy, and this incident was purely accidental, not intentional. Furthermore, they would cut or censor these shots in the rebroadcast and contact online streaming platforms to use the new edited version.

Upon the release of this statement, most netizens expressed shock that one of the country’s top satellite TV stations would set such an unscrupulous, tyrannical clause. However, more people expressed understanding, as the contract had been personally signed and agreed upon by the guests, making it a “willing to beat, willing to be beaten” transaction. Furthermore, as the production team stated, the show had aired for four seasons without malicious incidents, and when someone was exposed, it was usually covered with a mosaic. Only a few of Zheng Yang’s fans were still struggling, believing this was a pretext from the production team: “The post-production staff must be blind; how could they not notice such an obvious situation?”

The production team did not respond further.

It was at this point that Z.X’s fans and support group found evidence to vindicate their idols. Since the production team was using the contract clause as an excuse, they would also use the clause. The production team stipulated that they could expose the guests’ privacy, but there was no clause stating that guests were forbidden from scaring staff members. If that was the case, why couldn’t guests prank the production team members in return? Besides, a group of staff members gathered to watch a guest change clothes—where was the professional integrity?

Also, if you say Z.X is rude, didn’t you see Zuo Qiu constantly taking care of everyone’s meals without complaint? Did Xiao Baijun actively help the photographer carry equipment? What’s wrong with fighting back after discovering someone was peeping at him? An ordinary person would call the police! Furthermore, Xiao Baijun was on the other side of the camera; how would he know if the peeper was a young girl or a smelly man? Therefore, the claim that Xiao Baijun deliberately scared the girls is completely unfounded!

One Z.X fan voiced the common sentiment: “As a wife fan of Junjun, honestly, I’m happy to see my husband’s body, as his physique is really eye-catching. But if many people stare at a certain part of my husband with vulgar eyes, it would definitely make me unhappy. I completely understand the feelings of Zheng Yang’s fans (Yang Mei Mei), feeling like their husband was violated. That’s why I’m so glad Junjun preserved his integrity. And as for the girls who were scared, hehe, can I say they brought it upon themselves?”

Zuo Qiu was very touched to see so many fans actively “pleading for them.” Although there were paid social media commentators hired by Baile among them, the majority were genuine fans. Just as Zuo Qiu was feeling touched and about to turn off his phone to sleep, he noticed that the official Z.X group account had posted a simple Weibo message: a red heart and the words “Thank you,” along with nine promotional photos of the duo.

The group’s Weibo was always managed by Zhao Zhixian, who adhered to a principle of keeping a low profile. He usually posted the group’s work schedules, set photos, or promotional pictures and rarely expressed personal opinions. Although there were only two words this time, fans felt the sentiment was profound. The day before, the Z.X group was almost constantly trending, facing various criticisms. Many people didn’t understand why a small prank was infinitely magnified, and why anyone who spoke up for them would be attacked by a group of people. The intention to manipulate the narrative was too obvious. Such treatment for a pair of recently debuted newcomers suggested they had either offended someone or blocked someone’s path. Netizens let their imaginations run wild, with various conspiracy theories emerging.

After netizens speculated about the meaning of the Weibo content, many began to sympathize with the enduring duo, stating that the two handsome guys deserved sympathy and should be pampered.

Thus, this self-directed and self-acted “hype” came to an end. The Z.X duo successfully “cleansed their image,” gained a wave of new fans, and subtly conveyed a message to the public: someone was trying to suppress the young duo, so anyone thinking of doing something to them in the future should think twice.

The next morning, the magazine that had interviewed the Z.X duo released the interview video, capitalizing on the still-high level of buzz surrounding the pair. The interview was well-edited, highlighting the intelligent Zuo Qiu and the straightforward Xiao Baijun vividly. Especially the final question about hitting someone with a rock, netizens did not feel offended on behalf of the two seniors; instead, they thought the relationship between them was quite good.

Because the interview content involved Deng Chong and Ou Sheng, some busybodies deliberately tagged Deng Chong and asked for his reaction. Within five minutes, Deng Chong reposted the video with four words: “Misjudged my friends.”

Ou Sheng’s reaction was even more extreme. Ou Sheng was at a program recording when a reporter asked him: “A video of the Z.X duo’s interview was released online recently. In one segment, the host asked them if you and Deng Chong fell into the water, and they had a brick, who would they hit? Xiao Baijun said he’d hit whoever saved them. What are your thoughts on this?”

Ou Sheng listened to the long question, his face showing confusion. “Who did you just mention?”

The reporter prompted: “Z.X duo, Xiao Baijun.”

“Who is that?”

The reporters present were all stunned. The duo had just worked with him; how could he not recognize them? Had Movie Emperor Ou forgotten, or was their relationship not as good as the public thought?

Just as a reporter was about to press further, Ou Sheng feigned realization: “Oh, I only know Z.X’s Zuo Qiu. Oh, so the other one is called Xiao Baijun!”

Everyone present laughed upon hearing this. It turned out he was joking.

“Ou Sheng, you’ve worked with them. What do you think of them? Will there be opportunities for future collaboration?”

Ou Sheng didn’t want to reveal too much and kept them guessing: “Anything is possible. Just wait and see.”

At this moment, Xiao Baijun, who was sitting in the airport waiting area watching the TV, looked indifferent, while Zuo Qiu sighed next to him, “Thankfully, Brother Deng and Brother Sheng didn’t expose the lie.”

If this interview incident hadn’t been handled well, it could have easily offended the two seniors and their fans.

Zhao Zhixian said: “I called Deng Chong, and he’s a reasonable person. And Ou Sheng probably gave you the benefit of the doubt because you’ll be collaborating in the future.”

Ou Sheng was known in the industry as a “troublemaker.” Because he had the talent and powerful backing, he didn’t care about having a good reputation in the entertainment industry. For him, the entertainment industry was just a side gig he was dabbling in. In his own words, if he couldn’t make it, he would just go home and inherit his billions.

Zuo Qiu looked at Ou Sheng on TV, his eyes full of admiration for his idol and a yearning for his own future. His lifelong wish was to be like Ou Sheng—to have a certain status in the entertainment industry and a loving partner.

Xiao Baijun saw Zuo Qiu’s look of longing and also turned to look at the spirited Ou Sheng on the TV.

Zhao Zhixian, secretly observing the two, gained a clearer understanding of the current situation: Second Young Master Xiao was interested in Zuo Qiu, but Zuo Qiu didn’t seem to reciprocate that feeling. Sigh, poor Second Young Master.

This time, besides the three of them, there was also a female acting coach for Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun. The teacher, surnamed Xiang, was in her fifties and had recently retired from the Film Academy. She was very kind and had been hired by Xiao Bailin for a large sum of money. She would accompany the crew for a month to guide their acting.

In the evening, the four arrived at the film city in M City. The director of the drama, Director Zhao, was currently commanding work on set. The three went directly to the set.

This drama was co-produced by Baile and H Station, so the director was also someone Zhao Zhixian was familiar with.

As soon as Director Zhao saw the four of them, he quickly stepped forward and shook Zhao Zhixian’s hand. “Brother Zhao, a rare guest, a rare guest.”

Zhao Zhixian: “I’m entrusting these two newcomers to you. Please teach them well.”

Zhao Zhixian had a lot on his plate and could only stay in M City for two days, so the director needed to look after them while they were on set.

“Don’t worry, with me here, no one dares to bully them,” Director Zhao promised.

After speaking, Director Zhao turned to observe the two newcomers. One was gentle, the other aloof. Their temperament and appearance indeed somewhat matched their roles. Director Zhao nodded internally, but why did the aloof young man look somewhat familiar?

Zuo Qiu saw Director Zhao looking at him and smiled as he greeted him: “Director Zhao, please guide us.”

Xiao Baijun maintained his usual expressionless demeanor, merely nodding slightly.

After the introductions, the director looked around. “Is it just the four of you?” This new duo was quite low-key, not even having an assistant.

Zhao Zhixian smiled: “Isn’t it good to save you some expenses?”

Regarding the assistant, he had asked the two before they set off. Zuo Qiu felt he could handle his own affairs and didn’t need the trouble of an assistant, and Xiao Baijun had no opinion; since Zuo Qiu didn’t need one, neither did he. Thus, the matter of the assistant was dropped.

Director Zhao didn’t say anything more and had a staff member take the group to the nearby hotel.

The hotel arrangements were reasonable; the four were on the same floor. Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun’s rooms were connected, while Zhao Zhixian and Teacher Xiang’s rooms were slightly further away.

Zuo Qiu entered his room and started organizing his clothes. Before he was done, he heard a knock on the door. Zuo Qiu went to open it, and it was Xiao Baijun. Zuo Qiu looked at Xiao Baijun at the door, his eyes lingering for a second on the black cup in his hand.

Xiao Baijun took a sip of water while wandering around Zuo Qiu’s room, looking it over. Finally, he asked: “You didn’t bring that cup?”

Zuo Qiu continued to organize his clothes. “No.”

“Why? Don’t you like it?”

Zuo Qiu looked down and said: “That cup looks very expensive. I was afraid of losing it, so I didn’t bring it.”

Xiao Baijun was a little downcast. The pleasant feeling of wanting to enjoy the privilege of a couple’s item instantly plummeted to the bottom. He guessed Zuo Qiu was avoiding suspicion because he had seen the two words at the bottom of the cup. Looking at the black cup in his hand, Xiao Baijun suddenly found it particularly irritating.

Zuo Qiu saw Xiao Baijun sitting on the small sofa, expressionless and silent. He carefully asked him: “Do you want me to help you pack your luggage?”

Xiao Baijun glanced at Zuo Qiu. “No need.” He then walked out of Zuo Qiu’s room with the cup.

After Xiao Baijun left, Zuo Qiu took out a white cup from the innermost part of the wardrobe and touched it. Ever since Xiao Baijun broke up with Zeng Xinyi, he felt Xiao Baijun’s feelings for him had changed, becoming more playful, saying ambiguous things. Those words felt like hints, yet also like simple jokes, but the old Xiao Baijun would never joke with him like that. And now, he must have seen the words at the bottom of the cup, but still brought his, so he must like himself too, right? Zuo Qiu felt a little joy and a little melancholy at the possibility. Did they have a future?

…

After the four finished arranging their luggage, they met at the hotel restaurant. They discussed the schedule for the upcoming days while eating.

“Neither of you has formally studied acting, so my suggestion is that after dinner today, I’ll explain some shooting precautions. Tomorrow, on set, I’ll observe your acting in person and then decide what specific areas I need to focus on,” Teacher Xiang offered her opinion first.

The others had no objections. Zhao Zhixian felt there was no better way, and Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun simply didn’t know enough, so whatever the teacher said was final.

Tomorrow morning, the crew would hold a simple opening ceremony, followed by the first scene. The first scene tomorrow would also have media observers, making it especially important. The success of the opening hinged on this first scene.

After the four finished eating and discussed a few more details, they prepared to return to their rooms.

“Brother Zhao, why didn’t I see the female lead today?” The first scene was his character’s first meeting with the female lead. If possible, Zuo Qiu wanted to get acquainted with her first.

Zhao Zhixian frowned. “The female lead hasn’t joined the crew yet. I heard she’s arriving early tomorrow morning.”

Zuo Qiu was a little surprised. He exchanged a look with Xiao Baijun. Was the female lead a big deal? Wouldn’t arriving only tomorrow morning delay the opening ceremony?

Although Zuo Qiu didn’t voice his doubts, Zhao Zhixian understood his meaning and explained: “The female lead, Dai Ni, is the biological daughter of H Station’s director.”

Zuo Qiu had looked up Dai Ni’s name beforehand. She had starred in a few idol dramas, with mediocre acting skills. Despite airing on H Station, which was known for its viewing guarantee, her leading roles hadn’t made much of a splash, and Dai Ni remained in the second and third tiers. Zuo Qiu thought that with both the male and female leads coming in through connections, he was a little worried about the future of the drama. He just hoped they wouldn’t be too heavily criticized by the original novel’s fans.

Leaving the restaurant, the group moved to Teacher Xiang’s room. After Teacher Xiang shared some small tips with the two, she began rehearsing tomorrow’s first scene with Zuo Qiu, as requested.

Zhao Zhixian saw the teacher and students getting along well and returned to his room.

Xiao Baijun sat bored on the side. He didn’t have scenes tomorrow, and given his lazy nature, he could have gone back to his room right then, but he would be alone there. At least here, he could watch Zuo Qiu, so he stayed.

Sitting on the small sofa, Xiao Baijun watched the intensely rehearsing Zuo Qiu and wondered about his thoughts. Since becoming single, he had constantly tried to pursue Zuo Qiu, being kind to him, flirting with him. He thought he was being obvious enough, but after all this time, Zuo Qiu seemed to have no reaction. He was a little confused about what Zuo Qiu was thinking.

At this moment, he thought of someone who had offered to help him, so he sent a message to that person: How should I quickly win over Zuo Qiu?

Ou Sheng replied a few minutes later: Just push him down and conquer him in bed.

Xiao Baijun seriously considered the feasibility of this approach, but finally shook his head.

Xiao Baijun: That seems too desperate.

Ou Sheng replied instantly: Aren’t you desperate?

Xiao Baijun certainly was desperate, or he wouldn’t be asking Ou Sheng for advice.

Xiao Baijun: Next one.

Ou Sheng: Force him.

…

At ten o’clock at night, after class, Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun bade farewell to Teacher Xiang and left the room together.

“How do you feel today?” Xiao Baijun asked Zuo Qiu.

Zuo Qiu was still excited. He replied: “I learned a lot. I think if time allows in the future, I want to attend the Film Academy for advanced studies.”

He hadn’t felt this way when he didn’t know much, but after listening to just one class from the teacher, Zuo Qiu realized he had so much more to learn, and the process of learning was incredibly interesting.

“Mmm, that’s doable.” Xiao Baijun thought that by the time Zuo Qiu genuinely had time for advanced studies, he would have taken over Baile. Therefore, this request didn’t need to be fully considered. No, not just this small request; in the future, he would agree to anything Zuo Qiu wanted.

Zuo Qiu didn’t catch the deeper meaning in Xiao Baijun’s words and simply took Xiao Baijun’s response as support for his decision.

…

At eight o’clock the next morning, Zhao Zhixian took the three to the set. Teacher Xiang, being an outsider to the crew, did not need to be present before filming started. Director Zhao found an empty room for her to rest in.

Zuo Qiu saw many people carrying cameras and holding photographic equipment inside. These were likely the reporters invited by the crew.

As soon as the reporters saw Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun arrive, they immediately stepped forward, ready to interview. The currently trending duo, serving as the male lead and male supporting role, was quite eye-catching.

Zhao Zhixian stepped forward to block Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun and told the reporters: “Please hold your horses. There will be a dedicated media interview session after the opening ceremony. We will try our best to meet your needs then. We still have a lot of preparatory work to do now, so please bear with us.”

Having received a promise, the reporters didn’t press them further and stepped aside after taking a few photos of them entering.

Zhao Zhixian took the two to find the director. They eventually found Director Zhao in a quiet corner. The first thing Zhao Zhixian said when he saw Director Zhao was: “Has the female lead arrived?”

If Dai Ni still hadn’t arrived, today’s opening ceremony might have to be canceled.

Director Zhao nodded: “She’s in makeup.”

Zhao Zhixian and Zuo Qiu simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. People with such backing couldn’t be criticized or scolded, let alone casually dealt with, so they could only hope the other party had some professional ethics and would cooperate with their work.

The group talked for a few minutes, and then they saw a girl in a mint-green long dress rushing over, holding up her skirt.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m late.”

Zuo Qiu turned to look at the girl and recognized her as the actress playing the female lead, Dai Ni.

Director Zhao politely said: “It’s fine, it’s fine, time hasn’t started yet, Miss Dai. Let me introduce you to the male lead and the second male lead of this drama…”

Dai Ni interrupted Director Zhao, her eyes fixed on Xiao Baijun, saying: “I know, I know. They are the hottest newcomers online right now, Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun.”

When she mentioned Zuo Qiu, she didn’t even spare him a glance.

Xiao Baijun was a little displeased to be stared at so enthusiastically by a girl. He frowned and looked away.

Dai Ni seemed unaware of Xiao Baijun’s displeasure and continued to express her already obvious intention: “I really like you. You performed so well in the reality show. Let me ask you, do you have a girlfriend?”

Zuo Qiu watched the girl in front of him confessing to Xiao Baijun, whom she was meeting for the first time, and found it somewhat unbelievable, yet subtly envious. Not everyone had the courage to admit they liked someone. He turned to look at Xiao Baijun, waiting for his answer.

“Does it concern you?” Xiao Baijun retorted coldly.

“Of course it does! If you don’t have a girlfriend, I’m going to pursue you,” Dai Ni stated.

Xiao Baijun sneered: “Oh, well, I do now.”

The reply was extremely perfunctory, but the meaning was obvious: Please don’t pursue me.

Zuo Qiu wanted to laugh at Xiao Baijun’s answer. He looked at Dai Ni and saw that her expression hadn’t changed at all; she still looked full of confidence.

“Fine, then I’ll start sharpening my hoe. Tell your girlfriend to be careful.” (A Chinese idiom meaning to prepare to steal another’s partner.)

Zhao Zhixian, who was enjoying the drama, quickly intervened as Xiao Baijun looked about to get angry: “The opening ceremony is about to start. Let’s go to the front.”

Director Zhao also stepped in to mediate. It was only the first day; he couldn’t let the female lead and the second male lead develop an animosity, especially since they had many scenes together in the drama. “Right, right, let’s hurry over. Miss Dai is dressed so beautifully today. I offer you my arm for free.”

Director Zhao bent his right arm, waiting for Dai Ni to take it.

Dai Ni didn’t even look at Director Zhao. She pointed at Xiao Baijun and said: “I want to take his arm.”

Xiao Baijun completely ignored Dai Ni and walked straight ahead. In his dictionary, chivalry? Non-existent.

Zuo Qiu rubbed his nose, glanced at Dai Ni, and followed Xiao Baijun with Zhao Zhixian.

Dai Ni stomped her foot, watching Xiao Baijun’s retreating figure. She reluctantly took Director Zhao’s arm and walked forward.

Director Zhao, leading the main cast and crew of I Think I Love You, stood on the temporarily set up stage and gave a brief introduction of the main lineup, thanking the media for their attendance. The opening ceremony concluded quickly.

At the media’s request, the crew members stood in a row for photos. Dai Ni, somehow, managed to move from the director’s left side to his right and successfully squeezed herself between Zuo Qiu and Xiao Baijun.

Dai Ni whispered “Excuse me” to Zuo Qiu, then turned to Xiao Baijun and gave him a menacing look: “You better not let me get you, or I’ll make you regret it.”

Xiao Baijun was not to be outdone. Without moving his lips, his voice came out directly: “Don’t worry. I’d rather like a pig than like you.”

“You!” Dai Ni was furious. Was she worse than a pig? Thinking of something, Dai Ni smiled again: “Fine. Then from today on, I’ll be a delicate piggy girl, eventually becoming your beloved ‘palm-sized pig’ (a play on words for darling).”

The third male lead beside Xiao Baijun burst out laughing upon hearing their conversation. This female lead was too hilarious! He couldn’t stop the smile on his face, eventually suppressing it only after receiving a glare from Dai Ni.

Meanwhile, Zuo Qiu felt bitterness inside. This kind of dialogue was like flirting between a couple. After knowing Xiao Baijun for three years, he had never seen a girl like this around him. Even Zuo Qiu himself felt this girl wasn’t annoying and was even a little cute… Xiao Baijun probably liked her too.

Xiao Baijun glanced at Zuo Qiu’s suddenly dimmed face, a slight smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.

During the subsequent interview session, after the reporters asked some questions about the drama, they began to ask the questions they were truly interested in.

“Zuo Qiu, Xiao Baijun, you now have eight million Weibo followers, surpassing many artists who have debuted for years. Congratulations.”

Zuo Qiu took the microphone handed to him and smiled: “Is it really that many? I’ll have to ask the company if they paid to buy followers for us.” Zuo Qiu heard the implied question of “Did you buy followers?” in the reporter’s words and addressed it directly, making it difficult for the reporter to challenge them further on the issue.

Another reporter asked a different question: “There are rumors online that you were suppressed by a large company as soon as you debuted. Is there any truth to that?”

“I also saw that rumor online. Whether it’s true or not, I’m sorry, I’m not very clear.”

This answer was taught to Zuo Qiu by Zhao Zhixian. The meaning of this statement was twofold: first, to distance themselves, making it clear that the claim did not originate from their side, and second, as for the truth of the matter, you can guess for yourselves.

The reporters present were not satisfied with this ambiguous answer. Just as they were about to press further, Zhao Zhixian in the corner signaled to Director Zhao. Director Zhao quickly stepped in to smooth things over: “Everyone, don’t just focus on the male lead. Our female lead is very beautiful today, don’t you think?”

Even though the reporters present felt the female lead’s news value was nowhere near that of the currently trending duo, the director had spoken, and Dai Ni also had backing, so everyone asked Dai Ni a few symbolic questions.

Dai Ni clearly enjoyed being the center of attention and spoke non-stop to the media, allowing Zuo Qiu to secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

…

After the opening ceremony concluded, the director immediately announced the start of the first scene’s filming.

The first scene was when Qian Youtu brought Qian Xuduo back, renamed him “Qian Xuduo,” and hosted a party for all the important, well-known families in S City, announcing that he, Qian Youtu, finally had an heir.

At this time, Qian Xuduo had just arrived in the metropolis from a small town. Faced with such a grand occasion, he maintained a seemingly calm, faint smile, but his slightly trembling legs betrayed him. His half-siblings and the guests present inwardly scorned the illegitimate child for being so unsophisticated. Thus, when Qian Xuduo went to a quiet area to catch his breath, a sister his age brought a group of people over to mock him.

The female lead was among this group. Due to family reasons, she particularly despised illegitimate children, but because of her upbringing, she didn’t say a single word directed at Qian Xuduo. Later, the group felt that mocking wasn’t enough and started pushing and shoving. Amidst the chaos, the male lead and female lead both fell into the family’s swimming pool.

“CUT! First take, clear!” Director Zhao’s voice rang out, relieving all the staff on set. The opening was finally successful! The director was also quite clever in choosing the scene. In the first scene, the male lead and female lead were essentially mute, without a single line, and their actions and expressions were simple. The plot was entirely driven by the supporting characters. This couldn’t have been better for the two rookies.

Zuo Qiu and Dai Ni were just rescued from the water, looking like drowned rats, sitting in a resting area. They had to film the second scene shortly, so the director asked them not to change clothes yet. The two were wrapped in thick towels but were still slightly shivering.

Just then, they saw Xiao Baijun walking toward them with a thermos cup. Their eyes lit up. Dai Ni stretched out her hand, reaching for the cup in Xiao Baijun’s hand, but Xiao Baijun ignored her and handed the cup to Zuo Qiu.

“Xiao Baijun, are you even a man? Don’t you have any pity for women?” Dai Ni pouted and complained.

Xiao Baijun sat down on Zuo Qiu’s other side and replied: “If you want to drink, go pour it yourself.”

Dai Ni glared: “I’m freezing to death right now! How can I pour it? Then, be a good Samaritan and ask my assistant to get me a cup of hot water, can’t you?”

“No time.”

Zuo Qiu sat between the two, listening to the usually quiet Xiao Baijun and Dai Ni chatting happily, back and forth. He instantly felt that the plain water he was drinking must have had goldthread added to it; the bitterness spread from his mouth to his heart, making him feel like an extra, a redundant third wheel.