Chapter 109 Waiting for an Opportunity

Yan Baiqing held her, the warmth of his fingers seeping into the thin fabric, right next to the skin on the inside of her arm.

Chen Qing stepped back, "Sorry..."

The button of Yan Baiqing's coat hit her forehead, leaving a red mark.

He stretched out his hand, "Does it hurt?"

Chen Qing dodged it, then realized it belatedly and rubbed it there, "It's okay."

Yan Baiqing lowered his arms and said, "Wei Yin's role has been added to this performance."

"Yeah, I see."

"Mother Jiang entrusted me with this, so I have no choice. It's likely that the band will take extra care of her."

"I see."

He chuckled, "I don't think you quite understand."

Chen Qing was stunned, thinking in his mind, which sentence was left out?

Yan Baiqing sighed helplessly and tried to keep his words simple and understandable. "If there's a conflict, Wei Yin has someone to back her up."

Having said this, Chen Qing suddenly understood.

Whether it's a school or an association, it's human nature to adapt to the situation. Wei Yin and Madam Jiang were on the same side, so naturally they'd try to bring her and Jiang Jingyan together. Madam Jiang disapproved of petty tactics, and it was inconvenient for her to use them, so she had to let someone else do it. With this permission, no matter what Wei Yin wanted to do, the people here would make it easy for her.

Chen Qing took a deep breath. "The Pipa player and I only collaborate on stage. We're from different schools, so we don't have any interactions in private."

Yan Baiqing was silent for a moment. "In short, be careful. I brought this person here, and Mrs. Jiang is behind her. If you have a conflict, I won't be able to protect you."

"It's okay." She pursed her lips. "I can handle it myself. Thank you, Mr. Yan."

The door of another locker room in the corridor was pushed open. Chen Qing quickly said goodbye and ran back to Yuan Hui.

Yan Baiqing looked at her ponytail and laughed.

Chen Qing was exceptionally measured in her interactions with him, her sense of boundaries too strong. It wasn't that he wasn't interested in women; he'd even briefly chosen them. With his connections, anyone would eagerly announce even just the acquaintance they knew. Even if they didn't resort to bullying, they wouldn't shy away from it, as if it were something they'd done wrong. Many actors in the theater found loverdom blissful, free from responsibility and the burden of procreation. They sacrificed their youth and bodies for the glory they desired, each taking what they needed. When the time came, they could part ways amicably, and if sensible, they could even leave behind a "springboard" of friendship to continue their glorious journey. Chen Qing never publicly exploited her emotions; every detail was carefully considered. Perhaps this was why Jiang Jingyan couldn't bear to part with her.

The rehearsal process went very smoothly. Yuan Hui was not far away from Wei Yin and she was always observing her out of the corner of her eye.

After the end, Yuan Hui concluded, "He's a master."

Chen Qing sorted his things and nodded, "Wei Yin is the best in her major. Our school's pipa player seemed to have lost his rhythm in the middle, but she pulled it back together. We really can't compare."

"Who told you that? I mean, she's very patient and a master at relationships."

Chen Qing didn't say anything.

Yuan Hui leaned closer to her face and said, "You are more patient and able to cope with all kinds of changes with the same attitude. You are an expert."

"Come on."

"Seriously, Mr. Yan has taken care of you so many times, yet you're still so obedient as to squeeze into the same dressing room with us. Look at other people, they have their own room, air conditioning, and fruit bowls."

"Are you envious?"

"Nonsense, I'm dying of heat." Yuan Hui fanned herself with her hands. "You're so down-to-earth. If I were Mr. Yan, I would definitely choose you and not cause trouble for myself."

"Mr. Yan and I just have an ordinary relationship, not even friends. Why did you choose me?"

No matter how she explained, Yuan Hui refused to listen and stubbornly gave her advice.

Today is the first rehearsal, and the organizer is going to gather the actors for a meeting.

Chen Qing arrived at the door of the conference room, and Wei Yin happened to have just arrived.

"Qing'er." She waved and greeted, "I heard Mr. Yan call you that, so I followed his lead. Do you mind?"

There were some other staff members around. They looked at each other, pretended nothing had happened, and slipped to their seats.

Chen Qing was uneasy with the violin case strap, "Miss Wei, please do as you please."

"Are you free after this? I don't know anyone, can we go back to the city together?"

"I have an appointment, sorry." She found her seat.

Yuan Hui quietly gave a thumbs-up below, "That's it, don't give the other party any chance to play tricks."

Chen Qing was helpless. She didn't want to assume Wei Yin was out to harm her, but the words she had just said at the door seemed to be intended to mislead others about her relationship with Yan Baiqing, so she had to be on guard.

The next day, Chen Qing got up early.

She returned to the Luo family with Mrs. Luo last night. Jiang Jingyan only called her briefly to say hello before arriving in Zhounan.

When I went downstairs, I heard conversation in the living room.

Chen Qing listened carefully for a few seconds and interrupted in surprise, "Are you leaving?"

The Luo couple sat on the sofa. Mr. Luo put down his glass and said, "We haven't had time to tell you yet."

Mrs. Luo pulled her to her side and said, "Your Uncle Luo has found a house. There are only some paperwork left to be done."

Chen Qing's eyes suddenly turned red, "Are you leaving too?"

"The Luo family's business has limitations in China, and I also want to change places and change my mood."

"Not coming back?"

Mrs. Luo's heart softened and she put her arm around her shoulders. "Come back and visit once in a while. The house is still there, and it's for you."

Chen Qing wiped his eyes and grabbed her sleeve.

Mr. Luo tried to lighten the mood and said jokingly, "Qing'er, you can't bear to leave. Come with us too. Uncle Luo will send you to study abroad."

Mrs. Luo rolled her eyes. "Don't give her any advice. She's just settled down. She should listen to her aunt and develop her career in China."

"Our Qing'er is excellent, where can't she develop?"

"Come on, the Luo family's network is only in China. When you go abroad, are you going to rely on your fair-weather friends in the business world? Don't lead her astray again."

Chen Qing was overwhelmed with emotions. Over the past few years, the Luo family had treated her so well, taking her daily life and life plans into account. It would be a lie to say she wasn't sad about their sudden separation. In the afternoon, she went out alone to choose a gift for them.

There is a jewelry store in the center of Zhounan City. When she was eighteen years old, Mrs. Luo bought her a ruby ​​necklace here. She never wore it and kept it in a box.

Chen Qing divided the money she had on hand very clearly, which part would be returned to the Luo family, which part would be kept for emergencies, and the rest was earned from commercial performances.

In fact, the wool comes from the sheep, and no matter how it is divided, it all belongs to Jiang Jingyan.

Chen Qing picked out a brooch. It was not very expensive, but its style was elegant and luxurious, matching Mrs. Luo's temperament.

Before paying the bill, she called Jiang Jingyan.

Tip: No one answered.

Chen Qing sent a text message and followed the clerk to swipe the card, not noticing that there was someone in the rest area.

After buying the things, she waited for a bus on the roadside, carrying her bags.

Not far away, a man wearing a baseball cap was sitting outside the coffee shop. He glanced at which car Chen Qing got on and dialed the number.

"Mr. Yan." He stood up and headed straight for the parking space. "Ji Mingyin has caught up with Miss Chen."