Chapter 57 N-Shura

Around noon, Chu Beiling finally finalized the timing, general direction, and details of the promotional campaigns for "Conquer the World" and "Tales of Mountains and Seas" with the head of the marketing company.

Chu Beiling declined the enthusiastic lunch invitation from the person in charge, citing that they still needed to go to the dubbing company to discuss the character's voice acting.

With plenty of time before the agreed time, they went to the Bund first before heading to the dubbing company.

The Shanghai Three-Piece Tower stands tall in the sky, and many tourists take photos and check in at the Huangpu River.

Zhu Qing'an found a relatively quiet and excellent spot and handed her phone to Chu Beiling, saying, "Take a picture for me."

Chu Beiling took several photos of him and then handed the phone back to him: "I won't retake them for you if you're not satisfied. You'll have to edit them yourself."

"Mr. Chu is too modest. Your photos are always straight out of the camera and don't need any editing." Zhu Qing'an took the phone and admired it carefully.

He truly admired Chu Beiling; the relationship between the figures and the landmarks was harmonious, the composition and lighting were vivid, and the emotions and style were immersive.

What Zhu Qing'an found even more commendable was that even a simple photo of a person taking a photo of themselves could be captured with a unique sense of story.

He used to like having Chu Beiling take photos for him, and he even joked that Chu Beiling was definitely good enough to be a professional photographer. He also asked Chu Beiling if he had studied professional photography.

He said: No.

Zhu Qing'an still didn't believe it.

Then he remembered the painting Chu Beiling had drawn on Xing Yu's iPad that day, which seemed to be similar to his photography style.

Art can be divided into different categories, but aesthetics cannot. A highly unified aesthetic can dominate in every field that involves composition, color, light and shadow, thinking with the eyes and expressing with the hands.

If someone is already very professional in photography without having studied it, it means their other skill, drawing, must be even stronger.

So why did he stop painting?

If he continues down this path, Chu Beiling might become a professional painter. No, in Zhu Qing'an's humble opinion, he should already be capable of being a professional painter.

Chu Beiling sized him up: "You have something to say?"

"When are we eating? I'm hungry." Zhu Qing'an didn't ask aloud; this was a sensitive topic for Chu Beiling, and he didn't dare to step on it.

When Chu Beiling first joined the company, she knew that the art drafts for several projects had been sent back repeatedly, and no matter what, she was not satisfied and complained that their progress was too slow.

Zhu Qing'an was unconvinced and confronted him, trying to persuade him to use the proposed solution, or give them time to work on it, otherwise even a god couldn't meet his requirements.

As a result, Chu Beiling told him that if he wasn't capable, he shouldn't take on this difficult task. He dared to submit all sorts of garbage and thought he was something special. He told him that instead of spending time battling with him here, he should go and revise his painting.

Those who study art are all unconventional and arrogant, especially those who love to draw—they're all incredibly crazy.

How can anyone say that?

Zhu Qing'an immediately lost her temper and started cursing.

He forgot exactly what he was cursing, but the gist was:

Chu Beiling is the one who doesn't understand the ropes, doesn't know what art is, and just gives orders haphazardly. Let him do it himself if he's capable, instead of just talking big all day.

Chu Beiling was so angry that she trembled and almost lost her balance.

In the end, Fu Xingzhou stepped in and resolved the matter, telling him to listen to Chu Beiling, do whatever he said, and not to argue back, even if he was dissatisfied.

He then spoke to him privately, telling him not to mention anything related to painting in front of Chu Beiling, without explaining why.

Zhu Qing'an continued working in a huff and out of dissatisfaction, but then he realized that Chu Beiling was right, especially during the time when Chu Beiling had driven him to the point of almost going bald—

He broke through his bottleneck period, and with Fu Xingzhou's special reminder, Zhu Qing'an also learned his lesson and dared not act recklessly in front of Chu Beiling.

It was precisely because the two had a big argument, and both were somewhat persistent in their pursuit of art, that their relationship actually improved.

The restaurant was a well-regarded spot near the Bund. They arrived early, and there were a few window seats available even after reservations were made.

Directly opposite is a three-piece set of modern buildings, surrounded by architectural complexes representing seven countries that embody culture and history.

After placing his order, Chu Beiling put down his phone and looked down at the bustling traffic.

The waiter walked forward, and Xu Zeyi glanced at Xing Yu, who hadn't moved. Following his gaze, he saw Chu Beiling sitting not far away, resting her chin on her hand and looking out the window.

Across from him sat a handsome man with long, dashing hair. The waiter put down his plate, and Zhu Qing'an raised his hand and snapped his fingers in front of him to bring him back to his senses. They then exchanged plates.

Xu Zeyi raised an eyebrow and looked at Xing Yu beside him, who was practically soaking himself in vinegar, producing and brewing his own batch of vinegar.

Although the atmosphere between the two was subtle, based on Xu Zeyi's experience, the two were definitely not a couple, but someone next to him seemed to have misunderstood something.

Thinking of Chu Beiling's reactions to Xing Yu during their previous encounters, and considering Xing Yu's rare enthusiasm, Xu Zeyi decided to lend Xing Yu a hand.

He gestured with his chin toward the two men: "President Xing, President Chu seems to be here. I'll go say hello."

Before Xing Yu could answer, Xu Zeyi strode towards Chu Beiling.

Helpless, Xing Yu had no choice but to hurry up and catch up, lest Xu Zeyi, this thousand-year-old fox who had become a demon, get there first.

Xu Zeyi doesn't care about anything else; he always gets his hands on it first.

Xu Zeyi smiled and said, "President Chu, do you mind if I sit here?"

Chu Beiling was surprised to see the newcomer, and then she noticed Xing Yu walking over with him.

Chu Beiling gripped the cutlery tightly with her fingertips, her throat suddenly becoming dry and then itchy.

He never expected to run into Xing Yu and Xu Zeyi in Shanghai today, and he didn't understand why Xu Zeyi insisted on sharing a table with them when there were so many seats to choose from in the restaurant.

If it were someone insignificant, he could simply refuse. But Xu Zeyi is an industry leader who is usually impossible to meet, and they are bound to cross paths in the future, so even if he doesn't like him...

He cannot and should not act willfully, and he cannot miss the opportunity to talk.

Chu Beiling nodded slightly, pulled out the chair next to her, and invited Xu Zeyi to sit down: "President Xu."

Xu Zeyi chuckled: "Thanks."

Instead of sitting down, he pulled out the seat next to Zhu Qing'an and turned to greet her: "Hello, Xu Zeyi."

"President Xu," Zhu Qing'an replied politely, "ECho, Zhu Qing'an."

Xu Zeyi smiled: "It's a very nice name."

"Thanks."

Xu Zeyi was well-known, and Zhu Qing'an had also heard of him: he looked at Xing Yu, who had come with Xu Zeyi, and imagined a whole bunch of drama unfolding in his mind.

And they quickly pieced together what Chu Beiling had said some time ago: if Xing Yu had someone, and the other half was Xu Zeyi, then it would indeed be difficult to snatch him away—

In just a moment, Zhu Qing'an scoffed at Xing Yu, who had actually abandoned his former lover for the sake of his own interests, and immediately labeled him a scumbag.

That scumbag doesn't deserve Chu Beiling.

That concludes my summary, Qing'an.

Xing Yu, who had been labeled a scumbag, also disliked Zhu Qing'an, this playboy. He didn't want Xu Zeyi to sit down and talk to Chu Beiling, but the other party had already started to make friends with both sides.

Left with no other option, Xing Yu pulled out the chair next to Chu Beiling and sat down: "When did you arrive?"

“Yesterday,” Chu Beiling said.

Xing Yu: "When are you going back?"

Chu Beiling thought about the schedule: "If nothing unexpected happens, tomorrow."

Xu Zeyi looked up and asked, "How long does President Chu plan to stay in Shanghai?"

Xing Yu answered first for him: "I'll go back tonight."

Chu Beiling withdrew her gaze and replied calmly, "Yes, tonight."

Xu Zeyi nodded, his expression seemingly a little regretful: "I would like to invite President Chu to our company to sit down and talk about the game industry. I am quite interested in it. Since that's the case, we'll have to wait until next time."

Under the table, Zhu Qing'an lifted her leather shoe and hooked it around Chu Beiling's leg, meeting his gaze: "Not necessarily. Maybe we won't go back until things are resolved, right, Beiling?"

Xing Yu stiffened and looked up at Zhu Qing'an, who had a half-smile and a hint of provocation. His gaze darkened. "Is that so? President Chu has always been very capable. If he can solve something today, he definitely won't drag it out until tomorrow. The problem you mentioned shouldn't exist."

Then, without any mercy, she kicked away his mischievous foot: "Some things you don't want, you can donate them."

Zhu Qing'an: "..."

"Xing Yu." Chu Beiling wouldn't allow Xing Yu to talk back like that, so Zhu Qing'an spoke up for him directly: "Mason wasn't wrong either. I was too confident just now."

"..." Xing Yu picked up his phone and sent him a message: [Go home tonight.]

Chu Beiling glanced at the lit screen, then at Xing Yu out of the corner of her eye, before looking at Xu Zeyi across from her, who was leaning back in his chair with a wine glass in his hand, watching them lazily.

He didn't speak, but his smiling crescent-shaped eyes seemed to be observing something, sharp and straightforward, as if they could see into people's hearts.

Chu Beiling felt quite uncomfortable under Xu Zeyi's gaze. She unlocked her phone and sent a message to Xing Yu: 【You really want me to go back that badly?】

Xing Yu nudged him with his knee: "Let's go back to Hangzhou once this is resolved."

Xu Zeyi is in greater danger than Zhu Qing'an.

Chu Beiling felt as if a balloon had been suddenly filled with air, leaving him feeling sore, bloated, and unable to release it.

He slowly exhaled, but it didn't help. He could only stare blankly at the screen, unsure of what to say for a moment.

moment--

Chu Beiling typed in the chat box, "You don't need to be afraid or worried about anything, I won't affect your current relationship." Just as he was about to send it, he remembered that it was Xing Yu who had provoked him.

He deleted and retyped it, 'What are you worried about? When have you ever been someone who dared to do something but didn't dare to admit it?!'

Xu Zeyi smiled faintly: "President Chu is very busy?"

Chu Beiling glanced at Xing Yu deleting the line of text out of the corner of her eye, then looked up at Xu Zeyi and smiled, casually making up a lie: "I just dealt with something, and it's resolved now."

"That's good." Xu Zeyi said with a smile, "It's rare for President Chu to come to Shanghai. He happens to be free this afternoon, so how can I not show him hospitality? I'll accompany President Chu for a stroll this afternoon."

"I have an appointment with a business partner this afternoon and I'm not free. If Mr. Xu doesn't mind, how about tonight?" Chu Beiling glanced at Xing Yu, who was protecting Xu Zeyi and preventing him from speaking to him, then casually looked away and gestured with his chin towards the opposite bank of the river.

"I visited the Bund many years ago. At that time, the Shanghai Tower was just a foundation. I wanted to go to the main observation deck to take a look. I heard that there are undisclosed private clubs inside. If that's true, I wonder if Mr. Xu could take me there to broaden my horizons?"

He and Xing Yu had come here once many years ago, and only once. The day before they came, his phone fell from the fifth floor to the third floor, and the screen was smashed and cracked with spider webs. It hadn't been repaired yet, so he came to the Bund with Xing Yu.

He had no choice but to draw to record things, while Xing Yu used photos to record things.

At that time, the Shanghai Tower was just starting to be built, surrounded by green railings. They had to climb up the second sphere of the Oriental Pearl Tower to vaguely see the rudimentary foundation of the Shanghai Tower, which was blocked by the Jin Mao Tower.

Tourists around them were chatting that the Shanghai Tower would become the third tallest building in the world. At that time, they couldn't imagine that such a tall building would actually exist.

Chu Beiling and Xing Yu agreed that after the Shanghai Tower was completed, they would go to the top floor to overlook the Shanghai night view.

It's been a really long time since the last time.

Xing Yu's gaze never left Chu Beiling.

Xu Zeyi didn't ask why. He looked at the two people with an awkward atmosphere and smiled faintly, "Okay, no problem."

After leaving the dubbing company, Xu Zeyi sent a car to pick them up and take them to the Shanghai Tower.

Zhu Qing'an was afraid of heights and didn't want to come up, so she went to the middle floor first, and then went with Xu Zeyi, who was arranged by the private club.

Of course, he also had his own selfish motives.

Only Chu Beiling and Xing Yu took the ultra-high-speed elevator together to the observation deck at the top of Shanghai.

As dusk settles, the colorful lights on both banks are reflected on the river, creating vibrant fragments. The bustling streetlights and car headlights blend into the darkness, dazzling and splendid.

It has a rather decadent and extravagant feel to it.

The two found a quiet spot by a floor-to-ceiling window and stood there. Xing Yu watched Chu Beiling walk in and hold onto the railing, saying, "If you're scared, you can go down."

Chu Beiling was confused: "What?"

Xing Yu pointed in the direction of the Oriental Pearl Tower across the street: "I remember you're afraid of heights."

Chu Beiling stuck out her tongue and laughed awkwardly, "That time was an accident, and this place isn't as scary as the Oriental Pearl Tower."

Back then, when he and Xing Yu stood on the glass observation deck of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the wind blew their hair up and the red light under their feet was dazzling. Before coming up, he and Xing Yu kissed for a long time in a secluded corner.

As soon as Chu Beiling stepped onto the glass walkway, her legs went weak. She could only slowly squat down and lie on it, too afraid to move. Xing Yu even took pictures of her and laughed at her for a long time.

Xing Yu seemed to recall that year as well, and laughed along, "It was indeed unexpected."

The two stared at each other from a very close distance, Xing Yu's dark pupils reflecting the lights of the entire Lujiazui area.

Unable to suppress her heartache and excitement, Chu Beiling turned her head to look at the night view: "You only remember my embarrassing moments."

The distant red light reflected off Chu Beiling's profile and eyes, making them appear as if they were uncontrollably turning red.

Xing Yu just looked at him like that: "How do you know... that what I remember isn't all of you!?"

He remembers everything about him.

Chu Beiling laughed: "That's true, I did have a lot of embarrassing moments in the past."

He skillfully evaded his question, but Xing Yu pursed his lips and couldn't help asking, "Why did you come to the Shanghai Tower?"