46: I'm worried you'll be scammed, worried you'll be sold off.
After a whole day of fussing, Shang Zhi didn't seem tired at all. She crawled into bed, took out her iPad, opened a website, and started rewatching Lu Ke's dramas. The picture quality wasn't very clear, but it was a reminder of the memories of youth that had once been ignited within her.
[Brother Lu, I've already had your clothes washed. When is it convenient for you? I can bring them to you.] Shang Zhi's heart was pounding as she texted Lu Ke. She didn't know that Lu Ke had also developed special feelings for her today. The image of her falling into the water and eating in his car lingered in his mind.
From the moment he first saw her, he was completely captivated.
Let's set a time; I'll treat you to dinner.
【Okay, okay!】 Shang Zhi agreed without thinking, and turned to look at President Pei standing to the side, who seemed unaware of anything.
The next few days went as usual. Pei Yanxiu continued to teach Shang Zhi many things, and when she couldn't keep up with her studies, he would take her out to play.
No matter where they went, Shang Zhi was always glued to her phone, constantly tapping on the screen. He knew who she was chatting with, but he didn't stop her. He suddenly realized that he wasn't as powerful as he thought. He used to think he had complete control over their relationship, perhaps because no one had truly threatened him yet. Once that person appeared, he would be at a loss, not knowing what to do.
Both of them tacitly avoided the topic until he discovered that Lu Ke was also staying at their hotel, and Shang Zhi had even dined with him at a restaurant, their behavior appearing quite intimate to him. He still tried his best to control his emotions, not to explode or get angry, but cautiously inquired why he had come.
But Shang Zhi's impatient attitude silenced him.
"It's their film crew who wants to stay here, what does it have to do with me?"
"Then why did you have dinner with him?"
"He helped me last time, didn't he? What's wrong with me having a meal with him? Besides, I have to return his clothes! Pei Yanxiu, aren't you being too nosy? Do you have to control my social life? Do you have to control who I befriend? I'm not a child anymore!"
"What do I care about you? Xixi, haven't I been talking to you nicely all along? Don't go too far!" Pei Yanxiu felt a pang of sadness. He knew that his anxiety stemmed from caring too much about her. Between the two of them, his love was stronger, which was why he often lost control, but he had already tried his best to restrain himself.
But I couldn't control myself.
You can't hide your love for someone; it's irrational and there's nowhere to escape it.
It is a heart that is imprisoned.
It was a willing descent into the sea.
I can't find where I am.
He was filled with regret. He had brought her here to hide from Pei Qing'an and protect her. If he had known she would be so reckless, he would have just stayed in Hong Kong and left her to her fate! He always thought of her best interests, but she always went against him!
Pei Yanxiu held her wrist. Shang Zhi tried to shake him off, but he held on even tighter. Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, someone knocked on the door.
Pei Yanxiu didn't want to pay attention, but Shang Zhi insisted on opening the door. The culprit was standing there, handing the roses in his hand to Shang Zhi.
"Brother Lu? What brings you here?"
"I passed by a flower shop while filming today and thought this bouquet of roses would suit you very well."
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask for your help with."
"you say."
"When we chatted last time, you said you studied dance, right? We need a dancer for a scene in our play, and I think you'd be perfect for it. Could you do me a favor and fill in for a couple of days?"
“She’s busy, she has other things to do…” Pei Yanxiu spoke up before Shang Zhi could answer.
"I'm free, I can!" Shang Zhi quickly contradicted him.
"Brother Lu, wait for me. I'll change my clothes and we can talk in detail."
After closing the door, Pei Yanxiu watched Shang Zhi busy in the room and felt that he was about to lose control of his emotions.
"XiXi, what exactly do you want? Can't you just behave yourself? Are you trying to drive me crazy?"
"Yeah, I'm going to drive you crazy. Not only will I drive you crazy, but I'll also inherit your estate and use your money to support my new boyfriend. How about that?"
When arguments escalate, Shang Zhi can say anything. She's always been like this, taking advantage of his love for her and acting with impunity.
He was furious. He raised his hand, which hovered in mid-air, and she saw that the anger in his eyes intensified.
"You want to hit me? Come on!" It wasn't that he hadn't hit her before, but when a lover spanked her, it was with a hint of doting affection. But the hand hanging in mid-air was aimed at her face, a complete humiliation. Shang Zhi felt only anger.
Even though the slap didn't ultimately fall, he still couldn't bring himself to do it, but the fact that he had this thought was unbelievable enough to Shang Zhi.
She shook off his hand and left without looking back.
Pei Yanxiu didn't know what was wrong with him; he couldn't even control his own emotions. The disappointed look in Xixi's eyes when she left made him feel like his heart was breaking.
I'm too exhausted to chase after it anymore.
The argument with Pei Yanxiu affected Shang Zhi more than she had imagined, to the point that she was distracted even while having dinner with Lu Ke.
"What are you thinking about?"
"It's nothing, Brother Lu. Is it alright for us to eat like this? What if you get photographed? Won't people misunderstand?"
"It's okay." He smiled and pinched her cheek.
"A misunderstanding is a misunderstanding."
"Xixi, if anything happens to you here, you can tell me. Can you join the crew with me next Tuesday? It'll only take about two days, very quickly."
"Sure, I don't have anything to do lately."
"Should we tell our family?" He asked, a smile playing on his lips as he stared at her.
Shang Zhi knew what he meant.
"I......"
“I know he’s your husband, Xixi.”
"It's okay, I don't care." Lu Ke had been in the entertainment industry for many years and had seen all kinds of situations. Even knowing she was married, he still acted with an air of certainty. Marriage and divorce were just certificates; they didn't prove anything.
"I think people should have the right to choose their own lives, don't you think?"
Shang Zhi didn't know how to answer.
After dinner, Lu Ke took Shang Zhi back to her hotel, and then rushed to the film set. Just as Shang Zhi was about to get on the elevator, she saw that familiar figure in the lobby.
He seemed drunk, leaning against the sofa in the hotel lobby. She felt terrible seeing him like this; she had never seen this man so out of control.
She walked over to him and gently shook him. He reeked of alcohol and didn't react to her touch. She tried to lift him up, but couldn't, and they almost fell over in the process.
However, Pei Yanxiu finally woke up. When he saw her, he immediately pulled her into his arms.
"Xixi, you're back."
"I'm sorry, I was emotional today, I shouldn't have done that to you."
"sorry."
He repeated this sentence many times.
"Uncle Pei, this is the lobby, shall we go back to our room first?" Shang Zhi felt bad seeing him like this, even worse than if he had hit her.
She helped him back to the room. He staggered as he walked, but his mind was clear. He sank into the sofa, pulled her to his side, and hugged her legs, gently rubbing them.
It's like saying sorry over and over again.
How much did you drink?
"not much."
"I thought you weren't coming back today. Being a big star is great, so handsome and attractive."
"I didn't mean anything by it, I was just worried about you."
"Worried about me? Worried about what?"
"I'm worried you'll get scammed, worried you'll be sold off for kidneys." The sarcastic tone made Shang Zhi want to laugh.
"I admit that I really like Lu Ke. He is my idol. His sudden appearance in front of me gave me the feeling that my childhood dream had come true. I was unconsciously attracted to him and longed to work with him."
"But that's all, Uncle Pei. I really don't have any other thoughts. I think you should trust me more."
"Xixi, I've always believed in you. I just don't trust those men outside. I know all too well what men are like. I simply can't trust any man who tries to get close to you."
"If I could, I would make a chain and keep you on my body all the time."
"I know I should be more generous, more magnanimous, pretend I don't care, pretend I'm very tolerant."
"I know that would make you happier, I know."
"But I can't do it, Xixi."
I miss you so much, you know?
"We've only been apart for a short while, what's there to worry about?"
"But it feels like it's been a very, very long time."
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