Chapter 52 (Second Update)

Lu Jinzhi went to rest at a neighboring villager's house. In unfamiliar surroundings, he had his own biological clock and woke up very early the next day. After a quick wash, he went to the village chief's house.

Qiao Wu was squatting by the pond in the yard washing up, her hair was wet, and her eyes were wet when she looked at him.

It's a pity the lighting was too dim last night; perhaps she had the same expression then.

Lu Jinzhi felt a little strange. He admired Qiao Wu's confident demeanor, but he also liked seeing her current expression, which seemed very vulnerable.

"When are you leaving?" Qiao Wu walked up to him.

Lu Jinzhi watched her intently until the tears in her eyes disappeared before speaking: "Immediately."

"You're really being willful." Qiao Wu put down the basin. "I'll take you to the village entrance."

Lu Jinzhi did not refuse, nor did he consider it a separation, since Qiao Wu would be going back in a few days.

He went to say goodbye to the village chief and the others, and Qiao Wu stood at the door waiting for him.

At this moment, Guo Liyan came around from another side path and saw Qiao Wu alone in the distance. He said, "Chairman Qiao, the eldest sister-in-law of the family I'm staying with made osmanthus-flavored cakes. They taste really good. You should try some."

He handed the wrapped sesame cakes to Qiao Wu with both hands: "There are a lot of crumbs, let me take them."

It smelled delicious. Qiao Wu was really hungry after getting up, so she took a small piece from his hand and tasted it. Her eyes lit up: "Delicious."

Guo Liyan couldn't help but laugh: "If you like it, I'll go buy some more from that lady later. She made a lot."

As he spoke, he handed the remaining sesame cakes to her and then used his other hand to catch the crumbs that fell.

"Take some and share it with the others." Qiao Wu took another piece and gently pushed his forearm away with the back of her hand. "I can't eat too much, just a taste is enough."

Guo Liyan did not insist: "Okay."

He walked around with the remaining cakes in his hand, and when he looked up, he saw Lu Jinzhi standing not far away with one hand in his pocket, looking at him indifferently.

He stopped abruptly: "Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu."

"Are you done?" Qiao Wu turned around and pointed to the sesame cake in his hand. "Want to try some? It's not very sweet."

"Okay." Lu Jinzhi smiled faintly, looking at Guo Liyan, and said, "Shall I try some?"

Guo Liyan hurried over to him and handed him the cake.

Unexpectedly, after Lu Jinzhi picked up a piece, he didn't eat it immediately.

Lu Jinzhi was about the same height as Lu Yingchi. When they were close, even a big man like Guo Liyan had to raise his eyes slightly to make eye contact with him.

But when Guo Liyan met those smiling eyes, she felt that the other person wasn't smiling at all.

Despite Lu Jinzhi's voice not being cold at all, he simply lowered his eyelids and asked in a low voice, "Why didn't you answer me?"

In the past, Guo Liyan would always hear from his brother and his father that Lu Jinzhi was a person in a high position who was unpredictable. He didn't think much of it when he first saw him from afar, but only now did he realize the oppressive feeling that the other party exuded from the bone.

Even a single word can make him uneasy.

Guo Liyan withdrew his gaze and opened his palm: "President Lu."

Lu Jinzhi smiled and walked right past him, saying, "No need, Assistant Guo."

The exchange between the two lasted only a few seconds. Qiao Wu didn't hear what they were saying at all. She took out a tissue from her pocket and handed it to Lu Jinzhi: "Here."

Lu Jinzhi took it, shielded himself from the crumbs, and ate the piece of fragrant cake.

The two figures disappeared together outside the courtyard gate.

Guo Liyan stood there for a long time, unable to come to his senses. It was a cool morning, but cold sweat inexplicably seeped out from his back.

The village chief came out and, seeing that he was out of sorts, asked with concern, "Mr. Guo, what's wrong?"

"It's alright." Guo Liyan handed him the remaining sesame cakes. "Try these."

"We won't eat it. It's all homemade. We'll leave it for Mr. Zhong to try." The village chief didn't know Lu Jinzhi's identity, but Lu Jinzhi had specifically gone to greet him before leaving.

Although the young man looked unusual and didn't talk much, he was quite nice.

"Chairman Qiao's friend came all this way just to see her. Actually, he's not a friend, he's her boyfriend, right?" the village chief asked gossipily.

Guo Liyan was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously shook his head.

"Isn't that right?" The village chief wondered if he had misjudged them. "I think they're a good match, and the young man has a good temper too."

Good temper...?

That's true; to outsiders, Lu Jinzhi always seems to be smiling.

He smiled and said, "He is the president of our Lu Group."

"What?!"

The village chief was startled.

So he's still Chairman Qiao's superior?!

Oh no! We didn't treat them well last night, and they've already let them go today!

“But he probably just came to see the chairman, not for work,” Guo Liyan said. “They are indeed just friends.”

He felt that if someone like Qiao Wu were to fall in love and get married one day, she would definitely tell everyone about her partner's identity without reservation.

Lu Jinzhi... should be one of them.

He couldn't convince himself that Lu Jinzhi's relationship with Qiao Wu's friends was simple, but he also knew that he wasn't the kind of person who could stand by Qiao Wu's side, so it was for the best.

Guo Liyan looked down at his hands, then placed the undistributed pancakes on the table and went to wash his hands.

On the other side, Lu Jinzhi and Qiao Wu arrived at the village entrance.

As he wiped his hands, he said, "You have a special feeling for Guo Liyan?"

"Guo Liyan?" Qiao Wu thought for a moment. "He's not particularly special, I just helped him a few times."

She briefly recounted what happened with Guo Liyan. Although she wasn't very confident, she acknowledged that Guo Liyan's transformation did indeed occur during that period.

Lu Jinzhi: "Did he come to the company because of you?"

"No, it was just a chance encounter. What's wrong?"

"fine."

However, Guo Liyan's gaze made him feel as if his territory had been invaded.

Lu Jinzhi opened the car door and got in, but the moment he closed the door, it was blocked by a force. He looked up at the hand and saw its owner.

“My surname and given name always make me feel very solemn,” Qiao Wu said with a smile. “And I have only ever invited one friend to stargaze.”

Having understood the meaning behind her words, Lu Jinzhi smiled for no apparent reason: "I understand."

He was still a very important friend of Qiao Wu.

-

Qiao Wu stayed in the village for another three days, and on the last day, he signed a contract with the village to complete the project ceremony.

Various media outlets had been preparing for this for some time, and upon receiving the notification, they rushed to the village overnight.

Qiao Wu got up and carried a basin out to wash his face when he was caught on camera.

These people are not only going to film the moment of the project ceremony, but also to capture footage of the people doing their work here.

Qiao Wu thought to herself, "Luckily, I was prepared in advance. During the investigation period, I had Guo Liyan shoot the footage. If these people had been there, I don't know how long it would have taken."

Few people usually read news and public welfare reports, but this time it was an exception.

The project signing livestream and the first episode of the actor training camp aired on the same day.

Actor training camps have always been the most watched variety shows during this time of year, and the pilot episodes have already topped the trending searches several times, and this time is no exception.

[I'm here. Let me see just how bad your so-called amateur actor's acting really is.]

[Thanks for the invitation. I did some research and found that the comments were absolutely right. Why would Lu Xuan, with such a handsome face, choose to act in such an eyesore web series?!]

[Before the first episode even started, Lu Xuan's online popularity was already at the bottom, a disastrous start.]

As its popularity gradually rises, the first episode of the actor training camp has also premiered.

Everyone's appearance was expected, bringing both joy and sorrow.

When it was Lu Xuan's turn, the barrage of comments reached an unprecedented level of excitement.

[Hilarious! When Teacher Jiang Qi was speaking, I was worried that Lu Xuan would rush up and flip the table.]

The other mentors must all know Lu Xuan; they've been waving their hands until they're practically worn out.

However, Lu Xuan's words do indeed fit his online persona.

Two minutes later, before the performance, the program inserted footage of relatives and friends seeing the trainees off.

Wait a minute, who was that person who flashed across the screen just now?

I remember they mentioned in the trailer that her name was Qiao Wu.

The way these two are talking in the car sounds like they're coaxing a child. Did they forget they were wearing microphones?

[Why is this so endearing? You're already in first place.]

[The requirements are really low; it might actually be very difficult for Lu Xuan to achieve these things, haha.]

Sister, come and coax me! I'm much more obedient than him!

The performance officially began.

Lu Xuan's scene lasted less than two minutes from beginning to end.

But with the added camera angles and post-production filters, his acting skills were elevated to another level.

Actually, it's not bad?

[This is an improvement over the terrible shows; what he said actually makes a lot of sense. What a rebound reaction! Hahaha.]

Qiao Wu reappeared on the big screen.

This time she didn't say much, but her comment about "glowing" ignited a barrage of comments.

【Wait, why is someone forcing me to ship a couple?】

[It's clearly my older sister who's shining! !!!]

Lu Xuan's next acting student is few and far between.

Because Qiao Wu decided to become Liao Liao's friend and family member midway through the production, the production team later put all of Liao Liao's connections with her together.

This includes a few words that Qiao Wu is a capable person, someone she respects.

Then Qiao Wu reappeared on the big screen.

The comments section was a complete mess of couple pairings.

Did anyone record Lu Xuan's breakdown backstage? I laughed so hard my head almost fell off.

Holy crap, who is this woman? Men and women are all going crazy for her.

[After watching the program, please search for "Chairman of the Lu's Charity Foundation" on Daye Search.]

[I'm back after watching it, awesome plus!]

Many people flocked to the foundation's live-streaming room, drawn by its reputation.

Because it was a signing ceremony, Qiao Wu dressed formally and wore glasses.

She didn't ask everyone to prepare a grand scene. The entire venue consisted of just two tables pushed together, with a few sheets of white paper bearing the words "Signing Ceremony" and pasted in front of the tables. It was that perfunctory and simple.

But her face somehow elevates the overall look of the image, making it appear more sophisticated.

She gently adjusted the microphone in front of her, then smiled softly at the camera and said gently, "Hello everyone, I am Qiao Wu, the chairman of the Lu Group's charitable foundation. Today, on behalf of the Lu Group, I am signing a five-year agreement with Heqian Village..."

In front of her were the records she had kept every day going up and down the mountain over the past week. She explained her plans for the village to everyone watching on the screen in detail, and finally said confidently, "Everyone is welcome to supervise."

Cong Yi, standing at the back of the crowd, stared blankly at the woman.

In just one week, Qiao Wu showed her what it means to see the world with your own eyes.

It wasn't a show; Qiao Wu clearly demonstrated to everyone every night at the debriefing meetings under the lamp and every second he spent climbing the mountain every morning.

She suddenly realized that she had indeed said "I'm sorry" too softly.

[I watched the show and the live stream on two separate devices, and suddenly I felt that Lu Xuan, aside from his looks, wasn't really a good match for my sister.]

[One is still frantically vying for attention on the show, while the other has already signed charity contracts with zeros in the numbers. Lu Xuan, can't you be a little more responsible?]

The production team at this time.

Meng Xingxing brought another box of pastries to visit the set.

He carefully observed Lu Xuan and found that, apart from being dirtier and more disheveled than before, his mental state was surprisingly healthier than last time. So he boldly asked, "The first episode of the show aired today. Do you want to know the result?"

Lu Xuan lazily lifted his eyelids: "I don't want to."

"Don't worry, there won't be as many people criticizing your acting this time."

Lu Xuan: "As expected."

"They already finished criticizing it during the pilot episode."

Moreover, there's nothing left to criticize.

Miss Qiao is truly a genius; this move is a fatal blow.

"..."

Lu Xuan felt that his new agent was really good at talking, almost as good as Lu Jinzhi.

Meng Xingxing hadn't noticed Lu Xuan's expression yet, and continued, "This time they scolded you for being immature and useless."

For a moment, Lu Xuan thought someone had broken into the Lu residence and seen the family rules.

He frowned: "What nonsense is this?"

"Didn't you know?" Meng Xingxing took out her phone to show him, "Today was the signing ceremony for your family's Lu Foundation project, and Miss Qiao was there."

Lu Xuan immediately became alert: "Lu Jinzhi took her on a business trip?"

"Can't you read it first and then say something?" Meng Xingxing pointed to the large title, "Chairman Qiao Wu."

Chairman…

What new term is this for butler?

Lu Xuan's understanding of the company's positions was limited to the president, secretary, and certain managers, so his first reaction was that Lu Jinzhi was doing something inhuman again.

"The first-choice candidate can get someone to go on a business trip for free? I despise him."

He glanced down, then his gaze suddenly stopped.

A very unfamiliar Qiao Wu.

It had been so long since they last met, but strangely enough, Qiao Wu's impression on him had become even more vivid.

Confident and composed.

Although the person on the screen was still the same, he was a bit tanned compared to when he left, but the light in his eyes was even brighter.

This kind of light was not in Qiao Wu's eyes before.

This time, without Meng Xingxing saying anything, he clicked on other related reports and followed the clues to finally figure out what Qiao Wu was doing.

“She…” Lu Xuan suddenly stood up, “She resigned?!”

The sound was so loud that the entire group turned to look.

Lu Xuan tossed the unfinished food in her hand to Meng Xingxing: "I'm going back to find her."

"Are you crazy?!" Meng Xingxing frantically grabbed him. "Brother, you're still recording the show!"

“What show am I recording? Do you know why I’m recording a show? She’s already resigned!” Lu Xuan’s mind was buzzing. “She didn’t keep her word.”

"Resign from what position?" Meng Xingxing didn't understand at all.

Lu Xuan's hands trembled slightly, and her voice was somewhat blank: "She's not going to be my housekeeper anymore."

I should have locked her in the suitcase and not let her leave!

"What are you talking about?" Meng Xingxing used her weight to hold him firmly. "Isn't she right here? Why did she send me to see you!"

"look……"

Lu Xuan was stunned for a moment: "Look at me?"

Meng Xingxing also broke down. Taking this opportunity, she grabbed the man and whispered, "Brother, I send her messages about you every day. How could she not be your housekeeper? She just said she would stick to it and talk to him properly. Why are you still so impatient?"

Lu Xuan snatched his phone and started watching the signing ceremony in silence.

What did they agree on? They agreed that if he proved himself strong, she wouldn't leave.

If she goes back on her word, he will definitely confront her and settle the score.

Meng Xingxing sighed deeply. No wonder people online were so obsessed with it; even he would have been tempted to do the same.

Meng Xingxing stuffed the pastry back into Lu Xuan's hands and said, "I was going to tell her that you did a great job when I got back today, but why did this happen all of a sudden?"

Lu Xuan didn't bother arguing with him: "What do you know?"

“I don’t understand,” Meng Xingxing said. “But haven’t you seen what the internet says? Miss Qiao is clearly a strong woman. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for you to always treat her like your housekeeper? If I were her, I would definitely want to do something even more impressive.”

“My housekeeper is different from ordinary housekeepers.” Lu Xuan frowned. “She is more capable than many people. She can manage Lu Jinzhi’s people.”

"Isn't that a butler too?"

Lu Xuan was too lazy to argue with him, and instead talked about reading those reports over and over again.

It's been two weeks; he hasn't spoken to Qiao Wu for two weeks.

Thinking that Meng Xingxing still had to go back to report, he hesitated for a moment: "Don't tell her about today's events."

"Why don't you say it?" Meng Xingxing remained rational. "Brother, Miss Qiao wants to see you change. If you hide it and it gets discovered, the situation will be more serious. Besides, I think you're putting a lot of pressure on her."

"pressure?"

Meng Xingxing nodded: "You almost broke your contract because of her. Do you think she'll be happy or angry because you value her?"

angry.

Lu Xuan didn't even need to think about the second answer.

But he didn't understand why he had to choose between these two options.

When it was time to rest, Meng Xingxing packed her things and reached for her phone back: "Okay, I have to go now. I'll come see you again next week."

"Was it her who allowed it?"

"right."

Lu Xuan nodded expressionlessly, then turned and left.

Seeing him approach, Jiang Qi asked gossipily, "What were you all fussing about just now?"

"Throwing a tantrum." Lu Xuan glanced at him. "Want to see what I'm capable of?"

Jiang Qi had already heard about Lu Xuan's glorious deeds from the other mentors, so he immediately shook his head: "Then no thanks. You've been very well-behaved this week, so don't keep causing trouble for yourself."

Although she still grumbles about the dirty clothes and complaining about staying up late every day.

But he never actually got angry.

"You've made great progress." He was indebted to Jiang Qi, so Jiang Qi praised him, "You have a natural talent for this."

Lu Xuan paused, then asked him, "Why did you start acting in the first place?"

Jiang Qi said directly, "I want to be famous and make money."

"Not because you like acting?"

"I wouldn't say I like it," Jiang Qi said honestly. "When I was an extra, I earned money by acting. Later, I found out that I could earn more money by acting with lines, so I learned to do that and have been doing it ever since."

This honesty and simplicity were more convincing to Lu Xuan than empty words.

He was quite impressed with his mentor.

As if sensing his confusion, Jiang Qi asked, "What's wrong?"

"What do you think if you want to act for someone else?" Lu Xuan asked.

"As long as you act well, I won't say anything even if you're acting for a pet." Jiang Qi laughed. "There aren't that many dream artists in this world. Everyone has their own desires. Money and fame are normal. Acting is just a job. How many people in the world truly love their jobs?"

He patted Lu Xuan on the shoulder: "But once you get this job, you have to take it seriously. Actors have to be responsible to the script, the character, and the audience. It's also about being responsible to yourself. The reason you want to act is just your initial motivation. Initial motivation and perseverance are two different things."

These words left Lu Xuan stunned for a long time.

But he seemed to understand what Qiao Wu meant when he said that as long as he persevered, he would be number one.

Qiao Wu didn't care whether he could act well or not. As long as he took it seriously and was responsible for himself and his profession, she already thought he had done a good job.

"Stop overthinking." Jiang Qi waved the sign in front of him. "Get ready to take your positions."

When Qiao Wu landed, her family driver picked her up. As they approached the Lu residence, she suddenly noticed a familiar figure on the road, struggling to ride a bicycle.

She wondered if she was seeing things: "Is that Lu Yingchi?"

"It's the Fourth Young Master."

“Slow down,” Qiao Wu said. “How could he have imagined…”

Before he finished speaking, a smaller figure appeared in front of Lu Yingchi.

Lu Ning was also riding a bicycle, a four-wheeled one, carrying a schoolbag, and she was also struggling to ride.

Qiao Wu asked in shock, "What happened?"

"I don't know." The driver was also puzzled these past few days. "The second young master said when he came back a few days ago that the driver no longer needs to pick up and drop off the fourth young master and the young lady."

Qiao Wu: "..."

So Lu Jinzhi didn't say anything that day, but was waiting for them here?

She rolled down the car window and called out, "Lu Yingchi."

The two slammed on the brakes, and their faces turned green the moment they saw her.

"Qiao Wu!" Lu Ning was the first to abandon the car and run to her. "You're finally back!"

Qiao Wu told the driver to stop the car: "You don't have any money on you?"

"Second Uncle! Stop the card!" Lu Ning was so angry that she couldn't speak coherently, and after a long pause, she finally managed to gather her thoughts. "Give us ten yuan a day! In cash!"

So she couldn't even take a taxi; she had to ride her bike to the nearest bus stop to take the bus.

There are no bus stops near the Lu residence, so she has to get up half an hour earlier every day!

Half an hour!

She doesn't get enough sleep, she'll definitely not grow tall!

Qiao Wu suppressed a laugh and looked at Lu Yingchi: "You're also paying ten?"

With his car keys confiscated, Lu Yingchi, who couldn't even ride a motorcycle, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Thirty."

But even that's not enough to get a taxi!

Young Master Lu even looked up how to take the subway!

Qiao Wu asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

He said if he dared to bother you, he wouldn't even get ten dollars.

"..."

Lu Yingchi said indignantly, "We're reporting this openly and honestly, why is he reacting like this!"

Qiao Wu chuckled, opened the door and got out of the car, letting the driver drive away first.

Let's go back together!

Lu Ning really didn't want to ride a bike anymore; four-wheeled vehicles were just too embarrassing.

"Do you want the maid to come back and help you push the cart?" Qiao Wu took her schoolbag off and handed it to her. "Let's go, I'll walk you back."

Lu Ning tugged at her clothes: "I don't want to get up early anymore."

"Okay." Qiao Wu held onto the other handlebar. "I'll have the driver take you tomorrow."

"What about Second Uncle?"

Qiao Wu thought for a moment and said, "If he objects, I'll take his car keys too."

Actually, she felt that Lu Jinzhi's punishment of the two should only end today, and would stop once she returned.

The two of them knew they had done something wrong, that they had exaggerated the matter that day, so they had kept quiet and endured it for the past few days.

Lu Yingchi pushed the cart along the other side and couldn't help but ask, "Why would he go there to look for you?"

And he returned the next day, and there's no mention of him in today's reports, which is unusual.

Qiao Wu: "Tell me what you have to say."

Lu Yingchi's expression twisted: "Can't I make a phone call?"

Qiao Wu countered, "Did you call me?"

"...That's different."

Lu Yingchi just felt something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Qiao Wu: "Can you understand his logic in doing things?"

"...That makes sense."

Lu Jinzhi acts without logic.

Damn, 30 yuan, only he could come up with that!

You monkey!

Lu Ning hadn't seen Qiao Wu for a while, and unconsciously moved closer to her: "We're going to watch the first episode of Lu Xuan's show tonight, do you want to watch?"

"You two can watch variety shows together now?"

“Nothing else will do, but Lu Xuan will,” Lu Yingchi said, raising an eyebrow. “He’s good with rice.”

Why not take advantage of someone complaining about Lu Xuan with me?

Qiao Wu felt a little helpless.

However, she has been very busy lately and hasn't had time to watch Lu Xuan's show yet.

So after dinner, when the two finished their homework and came to find her, she went with them to the media room.

They laid out melon seeds, fruit, and throat lozenges on the table, and even dug out the preview episodes they had already seen to watch again. Lu Yingchi even dug out the web series that Lu Xuan had filmed back then, looking like he was going to complain about it until dawn.

Qiao Wu had watched the two episodes live, so she wasn't as focused as the others. She sent a message on her phone to Lu Jinzhi, who was still working overtime, saying that she had lifted the "car restriction order".

No sooner had the message been sent than Meng Xingxing sent her a summary report of her visit to the set that day.

Qiao Wu read through the entire content from beginning to end, and frowned slightly.

If there's nothing wrong, she won't contact Lu Xuan or Lu Yingchi on her own initiative. It's just that she realized they were too dependent on her and wanted them to wean off. But Lu Xuan's withdrawal reaction was stronger than she expected.

Just as she was thinking of someone, that person showed up. The next second, she received a call from Lu Xuan.

It was past midnight, very late. Qiao Wu glanced at the two people who were still engrossed in their conversation, and finally got up and went outside to answer the phone.

Lu Xuan didn't expect her to answer so quickly: "You're not asleep yet?"

"Um."

Listening to others complain about you.

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone, and Qiao Wu waited patiently.

It wasn't until Lu Xuan spoke again that he said, "I lost my temper today."

Qiao Wu felt a sense of relief: "Is this all?"

“I know what you mean.” Lu Xuan’s voice was much lower than usual, and it sounded a bit tired. “You want me to take responsibility for myself.”

Qiao Wu silently curved her lips into a smile.

“I will,” he said softly. “I’m learning.”

But he still didn't hear Qiao Wu's voice. Lu Xuan lay on the big bed in the hotel that he never wanted to touch, staring at the ceiling, feeling a little dizzy.

“I just finished showering,” he said, “but I can’t go to sleep yet, I still need to memorize my lines.”

"The boxed lunches were awful, my clothes were dirty, the floor was dirty, my hair was dirty, I was exhausted, and I still got yelled at." He paused, then added, "I tried my best not to talk back."

"I……"

He didn't say anything more.

But this time Qiao Wu spoke up: "Lu Xuan."

"Um."

“If you regret it now and don’t want to take this path, you can give up after it’s over,” Qiao Wu said gently. “But you have to know that everyone has gone through the same thing as you, and you will feel different kinds of fatigue when you do other things in the future.”

Lu Xuan: "Someone like you who climbs so many mountains still lives in a village?"

"So that's hard work?" Qiao Wu smiled. "It's nothing. There are many people who work much harder than us."

“I know.” Lu Xuan’s voice was even lower. “I didn’t want to give up, and I didn’t tell anyone else, I only told you.”

Even if he chose this profession because of Qiao Wu, he has to do it well.

He could see so many people staying up all night together every day, whether they were his mentors or staff, so he couldn't get angry or complain.

He just hadn't spoken to Qiao Wu in a long time.

He feared that Qiao Wu would be disappointed in Meng Xingxing's ability to relay information.

So, I gave up on him.

He remained silent.

"You've worked hard," Qiao Wu said with a smile. "Don't cry."

Lu Xuan is prone to crying; he doesn't want to cry, but he can't help it.

But now that he heard that Qiao Wu was still willing to talk to him, he felt that he could cry for a while, and he wasn't tired anymore.

"You should rest," he said. "I need to memorize my lines."

Qiao Wu reminded him: "This is an exception; you can't make phone calls next time."

"..."

"But you can send me a message, I'll read it."

The call ended quickly on the other end. Qiao Wu stared at his phone screen for a moment, then sighed.

Lu Xuan was very principled. For two weeks, he not only didn't call Qiao Wu, but he didn't even send a message about Qiao Wu's approval, because he felt that Qiao Wu wouldn't reply even if he did.

On the day the show ended, he did not win first place, but he did receive an improvement award and a collaboration invitation from Jiang Qi.

When he came out of the studio, he was holding his phone, and for the first time during the day, he was able to contact people outside.

But he didn't know how to tell Qiao Wu that he hadn't gotten first place, even though Qiao Wu didn't care.

Several trainees in the same group recently noticed that Lu Xuan's temper wasn't as difficult to get along with as rumored, and they took the initiative to ask, "Teacher Lu, would you like to go out for dinner together?"

Thinking that every second counts, Lu Xuan was about to nod when he suddenly saw a familiar figure outside the studio.

His steps froze on the spot.

The man was talking to Liao Liao with a faint smile.

Even after a month apart, it's still so vivid and clear.

The students recognized Qiao Wu and exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't that your friend?"

Qiao Wu turned around when he heard the sound.

Seeing Lu Xuan standing there in a daze, she said a few words to Liao Liao and then walked over: "What's wrong?"

Lu Xuan's eyes reddened before she could even utter a sound.

What brings you here?

Qiao Wu smiled and said, "Let's give the first place a reward."

"What?"

"You've worked hard." Qiao Wu handed him the prepared tissues. "Let's go home."