Chapter 44 Deliberate Action: "What is our relationship now?"...

Mo Ningzhi buried her head in her food, but her face grew hotter and hotter as she ate. Looking down seemed to affect the flow and circulation of her blood, so Mo Ningzhi looked up again and said somewhat hesitantly, "I was just joking, it's fake. Didn't I tell you not to worry about it?"

"Is this fake?"

Mo Ningzhi swallowed the steamed bun and said, "Mmm."

"So it must be true that you want to be my sugar daddy/sugar baby," Qin Weijin said calmly.

"..."

"He said it twice." Qin Weijin said it as if it were true, and even nodded seriously, as if it made him more credible.

Mo Ningzhi recalled seeing Qin Weijin on the balcony outside the banquet hall last time. When they met, Qin Weijin's reaction was very natural. Mo Ningzhi thought that he hadn't heard anything, but she didn't expect that this person not only heard it, but also remembered it.

There's a saying that goes something like this: when you're embarrassed to a certain extent, you lose all sense of shame. Mo Ningzhi coughed lightly and said with a straight face, "That's fake too."

Qin Weijin looked straight at him: "If it's been played twice in public, it doesn't seem like it's fake, does it?"

"..."

After a moment, Mo Ningzhi lowered his head and sighed, with a hint of pleading: "Brother Jin, can we turn the page on this? It was wrong of me to spread rumors about you, I won't do it again next time."

"What kind of rumor is this?" Qin Weijin said nonchalantly. "Besides, I'm quite willing myself. It's a mutual agreement. When do you plan to start implementing it?"

Mo Ningzhi: "..."

Forget it, he can't win an argument with Qin over Jin in words.

Mo Ningzhi finished her breakfast in a few bites, then slipped into the kitchen with her plate and didn't come out for a long time, clearly trying to avoid anyone.

Qin Weijin's gaze lingered on the direction of the kitchen for a moment before he slowly came back to his senses. He lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought. After a while, he picked up his plate and followed him into the kitchen.

Mo Ning washed two bowls by hand, and then rinsed them with cold water for a long time. He felt that he was very calm and his state was no different from usual. Just as he was about to go out and be a true warrior, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.

He took a deep breath, and his back slowly relaxed.

There was no one else at home; it was Qin Weijin who was approaching him.

The plates clinked crisply on the marble tabletop. Mo Ningzhi was completely absorbed, and he could hear the rustling of Qin Weijin's clothes as he moved.

After what seemed like an eternity, Qin Weijin finally spoke, "Why don't you use a dishwasher?"

Hearing that this was the topic, Mo Ningzhi unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, "There are only two bowls, it's faster to wash them by hand."

Qin Weijin nodded, stood by another basin, squeezed out dish soap, and began to wash by hand.

The kitchen was small, with two sinks close together, as were Mo Ningzhi and Qin Weijin's. Their arms occasionally bumped against each other, warm and dry.

Mo Ningzhi enjoyed this time together, his tense nerves slowly relaxing. But as it turned out, he relaxed too soon, because Qin Weijin asked the next second, "What is our relationship now?"

"..." Mo Ningzhi's bowl bumped against the edge of the basin.

Qin Weijin slowly looked over.

Mo Ning knew in his heart that this scene had finally arrived, and he and Qin Weijin would have to face this hurdle sooner or later.

The risks of celebrities confirming their relationships are self-evident, and both he and Qin Weijin are well aware of them. Moreover, he also holds the title of assistant, and a mishap could lead to accusations of unspoken rules and negatively impact Qin Weijin's career. Furthermore, while the public is less opposed to same-sex relationships now, it's not yet universally accepted. A celebrity dating is always big news, especially for Qin Weijin, who has been active on various film and television platforms in recent years. A relationship reveal would mean a devastating fan base, lost endorsements, and a bleak future. Mo Ningzhi didn't want him to take that risk.

"Aren't we doing pretty well now?"

Qin Weijin's expression turned cold, and he frowned: "You don't want to take responsibility?"

Mo Ningzhi was shocked upon hearing this, "What responsibility do I have for you? We're not related, and if anyone's been a scoundrel, it's you who broke into my house..."

Before he could finish speaking, Qin Weijin turned his head and kissed the corner of Mo Ningzhi's mouth as he continued to chatter, and Mo Ningzhi's voice came to an abrupt halt.

"Now that you've kissed, what's next?"

Then what?

Mo Ningzhi didn't know either.

He was a little dizzy, and all his senses seemed to be focused on that touch. Qin Weijin's body temperature was not as high as his, and he was a little cool when he leaned in. His lips were soft, and his eyes were half-closed, his gaze fixed on the area below his nose.

Seeing that he didn't react, Qin Weijin leaned in and kissed him again.

Unlike his previous half-hearted attempt, Qin Weijin's actions this time were very gentle. At first, it seemed like a test, but when he realized that Mo Ningzhi did not resist, he became somewhat forceful.

The atmosphere in the kitchen changed instantly; the temperature rose, and the air conditioning couldn't bring it down.

Mo Ningzhi's eyes and head were burning. He tilted his head back slightly, breathing in the familiar scent of Qin Weijin. He felt dizzy and lightheaded. Just as he was about to sit on the table, he suddenly came to his senses and pushed Qin Weijin away. "Brother Jin, my cold is still not better. Be careful not to infect me."

Qin Weijin's breathing became a little erratic, his gaze fixed on the spot he had just kissed. "It's a bit late to remember now."

Mo Ningzhi was cornered against the kitchen counter. Qin Weijin was much stronger than him and blocked his way completely. This posture was actually very oppressive, and it made one's scalp tingle. Mo Ningzhi turned his head to catch his breath and spoke under Qin Weijin's piercing gaze, "You're a big star. Do you know what it means to date your assistant?"

Qin Weijin pondered for half a second, "Does that mean I can have a boyfriend?"

"..."

Mo Ningzhi: "It means you've put a time bomb in your pocket, and you'll be living in constant fear until someone finds out."

"Are you worried about my career development?" Qin Weijin asked.

Mo Ningzhi nodded seriously: "After all, I am an assistant."

"So you're going to steal Zhan Linzhou's job." Qin Weijin's tone was very soft, with a special sense of intimacy.

Mo Ningzhi thought for a moment and said, "After all, I am the person involved."

"You're not the only one in a relationship," Qin Weijin said logically. "Don't overthink it."

Mo Ningzhi said soberly, "I just want to take responsibility for both of us."

Qin Weijin nodded: "It's good that you're willing to take responsibility."

"..."

How did the conversation turn out like this?

Mo Ningzhi stood there dumbfounded, staring at Qin Weijin's face with a silly expression. Qin Weijin rubbed the back of his head and couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, boyfriend, go out and get some rest. You have to catch a flight tomorrow morning."

Mo Ningzhi took a couple of steps before he seemed to realize what Qin Weijin had said. The adult world was simple and straightforward, unlike the student days when even eye contact seemed intense. But Mo Ningzhi liked this straightforwardness, liked Qin Weijin's directness. He pondered for a while.

Qin for Jin: "Is there anything else?"

"Ah." Mo Ningzhi came back to her senses: "It's okay...boyfriend."

Qin Weijin's gaze followed Mo Ningzhi's back until she disappeared around the corner. He stared at the wall for a few seconds, then, not knowing what to do, he turned on the tap and washed his hands without revealing his emotions.

Mo Ningzhi walked back to the living room awkwardly. He didn't know what Qin Weijin was still doing in the kitchen. Anyway, the water in the sink was running, but he didn't hear any sound of washing dishes.

He sat on the sofa to calm down, but his heart was still pounding too fast, so he ran to the water dispenser and gulped down two glasses of water.

When the phone rang, he was still in a daze and answered without seeing who it was, saying, "Hello."

"Ningzhi, it's me, Aunt Zhou."

Perhaps because of the truce with Zhou Yaozheng, Mo Ningzhi was less resistant after receiving Zhou Suiyin's call. He blinked lightly and asked, "Aunt Zhou, is something the matter?"

"Here's the thing, your dad just had his assistant restore the cards you used before, and also had the housekeeper sort out your old cameras. They're all in good condition. I'm free right now, so I'm bringing them to you?" Zhou Suiyin said.

Mo Ningzhi's previous equipment had all been confiscated by Mo Tingzhou at home. Unless he was going on a long trip, he didn't like to change lenses and matched camera bodies according to his own preferences. Over the years, he had bought nearly twenty cameras, which weighed over a hundred pounds in total. Zhou Suiyin couldn't possibly move them.

Mo Ningzhi thought for a moment and said, "No need, Aunt Zhou. The things are too heavy. I'll go on a business trip in a couple of days and then come back to pick them up."

"Ah..." Zhou Suiyin paused for a moment, then said, "Your dad assigned me two assistants, so I won't be too tired. I happen to be free this afternoon, and I made some soup at home, so I'll bring you some too?"

Since things had come to this point, Mo Ningzhi really couldn't refuse. "Okay, it's the same address as last time. Call me when you arrive and I'll come pick you up."

Zhou Suiyin smiled and said okay, then hung up the phone.

On the hospital bed, Zhou Yaozheng put down the magazine he was reading to pass the time. "So, did he agree?"

"He agreed and told me to deliver it later." Zhou Suiyin smiled. "It seems he has really let go of his worries. He was smiling when he spoke just now, and his voice was very soft. I have never seen him speak like this before."

Zhou Yaozheng paused upon hearing this: "He's laughing?"

“Yes.” Zhou Suiyin picked up a knife to peel an apple, saying, “You rest first, and I’ll go back and bring Ningzhi some of the nourishing soup from home. Oh? Are there still guests staying at his house? I think I should bring more. I remember there’s a thermos for four people in the kitchen…”

She quickly peeled an apple, handed it to her son, and then got up to get her bag.

"Mom," Zhou Yaozheng suddenly called out to her, "Wait."

"What's the matter?"

Zhou Yaozheng put down the apple, took out a black brocade box from the drawer, and opened it to reveal a luxurious and dazzling diamond watch. "It's almost your and Uncle Mo's wedding anniversary. This is a gift I prepared for you."

Zhou Suiyin smiled and said, "There are still a few days until the anniversary."

Zhou Yaozheng said, "This watch is beautiful and suits you well, so I bought it in advance. Shall I put it on you?"

Zhou Suiyin didn't really like watches. Many women's watches on the market had thin straps that couldn't hide the scars on her wrists, so she always preferred wristbands and bracelets that fit snugly against her skin. But this was, after all, a gift from her son. Zhou Suiyin smiled gently and took off the bracelet from her wrist. "Okay, don't spend money recklessly next time. By the way, I heard that Miss Shen has a party in a couple of days. Have you prepared a gift for her?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yaozheng's expression darkened slightly: "Mom, we're not a good match, we've already broken up."

"How did you break up? Weren't you fine just a few days ago?" Zhou Suiyin frowned. "Did you bully her?"

“No. She doesn’t like me,” Zhou Yaozheng said.

"Nonsense! I could tell she really liked you that day, and she was very polite to us. Did you do something to upset her? If there's a problem, you need to resolve it. Why are you bringing up breaking up all the time?"

Zhou Yaozheng frowned and quickly fastened his watch. "Alright, Mom, aren't you going to Ningzhi's place? Hurry up and come back. Your son is waiting for you on an empty stomach."

"I know, but this topic isn't over yet. I'm waiting for you to give me a proper explanation later."

Zhou Yaozheng gripped his watch and said earnestly, "When you see Ning Zhi, remember to remind him to come home more often. I saw Uncle Mo sighing over Ning Zhi's room just a couple of days ago."

"Really?" Zhou Suiyin asked in surprise.

"Well, so whether or not you can persuade him to come back depends on you, Mom."

Zhou Suiyin withdrew her hand, the watch sliding on her wrist, its presence very noticeable. She was rather thin, with delicate joints, so even when the watch was tightened to its smallest setting, it was still loose and would bump and knock with the slightest movement.

"Don't buy me a watch next time. You just gave me one two months ago, and I can't even wear them all."

Zhou Yaozheng smiled and said, "Okay."

After Zhou Suiyin left, Zhou Yaozheng remained motionless in his original position, staring intently at a point outside the window. About twenty minutes later, a man who looked like an assistant entered the ward. "Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Yaozheng slowly turned his head around. "How is it?"

The assistant gently placed several documents in front of him. "I've checked them all. These are the details of Qin Weijin and Mo Ningzhi's itinerary over the past few months. I've looked at them carefully. They're not that close. Many of the trending topics are just netizens making a fuss over nothing."

Zhou Yaozheng quickly glanced through it. "It's all work schedule. What about home?"

"This..." The assistant hesitated for a moment, then reminded him, "We can't check the information at home. Checking these things would already be considered an invasion of privacy."

Zhou Yaozheng's gaze suddenly fell on a certain spot on the document, "They're going to the Northwest to film next week?"

"That's right, this is Qin Weijin's public schedule."

“I remember the Northwest branch proposed last month that the head office provide technical support. Go and arrange a meeting place nearby.”

It's really unnecessary for the big boss to go through all that trouble and expense for such a small matter, but the assistant didn't say anything, only hesitatingly said, "Then, about your health..."

"It's alright, go ahead and do it."

"Okay, I'll book the tickets right away."

The ward fell silent again. After a moment, Zhou Yaozheng slowly lowered his eyes.

At the top of the document were several high-resolution photos, all featuring Qin Weijin and Mo Ningzhi. In one of them, the two stood on a small boat, stumbling and embracing each other.