uninvited guest
White spotlights swept across the dancers, who bowed to the judges and audience in gratitude. Gao Junxiao and Qingcheng exchanged a glance and gracefully walked out of the dance floor. The two walked tacitly to the bar and clinked their glasses together without saying a word.
"Miss He, don't you think our tacit understanding just now was worth at least a ten?" Gao Junxiao said with a double meaning.
Hearing this, Qingcheng couldn't help but laugh. She turned her head to look at Gao Junxiao, whose gentle eyes unconsciously revealed a hint of pride. She could only reply half-jokingly, "I don't know, let nature take its course."
It was only then that Qingcheng realized she was still wearing someone else's suit. She was about to take it off and return it to Gao Junxiao when she was stopped. The man said that she shouldn't catch a cold after dancing and being exposed to both hot and cold temperatures.
Is that really the case? Or does he have other intentions? Qingcheng thought that Gao Junxiao's seemingly nonchalant attitude didn't mean he didn't mind. Later, it wouldn't just be dancing; he would inevitably chat and laugh with Xu Xi, and who knows what might touch his heart.
Should she find an excuse to officially appoint him as a wife first? To reassure him. But Qingcheng has a hurdle in her heart that she can't get over. Besides doubting the man's initial motives, she can't distinguish whether she's moved or infatuated. If it's mostly moved, it's not fair to him.
"I've always taken a laissez-faire attitude," Gao Junxia said, swirling her wine glass with a pitiful expression. "I even thought about just being a minor character in your book, someone who could catch glimpses of the female lead from time to time."
"So why do you want to be the male lead now?" Kiyosumi asked, suppressing a laugh.
"As the saying goes, a soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier. Given the chance, I won't be an outsider. Besides, I've noticed that as you write, the sentiments revealed in your words ultimately point to me, while you yourself remain oblivious. Life is long, and a book with a good male lead is ultimately different." Gao Junxiao revealed a meaningful smile.
"Hmm, it does seem a bit different. If you want to be an insider, can you tell whether my feelings for you are more of a favor or a sentiment?" Since Qingcheng couldn't figure it out, she wanted to throw this difficult question at him and hear his opinion.
“I don’t need to distinguish between them. Gratitude and affection are not contradictory. You wouldn’t have been able to return home alive without me, and I wouldn’t have been able to recover without you. Neither of us would be who we are today. I believe that loyalty can make our affection for each other even deeper, so the two are not contradictory in themselves,” Gao Junxiao replied readily.
Kiyosumi nodded in agreement after listening, then rolled her eyes and asked, "But I feel that your motives for pursuing me are not entirely pure."
"This is the difference in thinking between men and women. Men believe that the more complex and complicated a relationship is, the less likely it is to break down, rather than the purer it is, the better. Because normal men are very realistic, we generally consider how high the cost of betrayal is. You're so smart, you should know how to plan things out next," Gao Junxiao said without changing his expression.
In an instant, Qingcheng felt enlightened. The surrounding noise disappeared, and she could hear the thumping of her own heartbeat. She felt that she no longer needed to struggle with her own feelings, just as she no longer needed to struggle with his motives for pursuing her. Humans are the most complex creatures, and we are all just ordinary people.
Despite the bustling crowds and vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai, he walked only towards her.
"The Three Obediences and Four Virtues don't exist in my dictionary. I don't care how many lovers you had before, whether you published a statement in the newspaper or wrote a letter, you must cut them all off before you start dating me." Kiyosumi propped her arm up, indicating that she couldn't tolerate any dishonesty.
"My backyard and house are spotless, not a single weed in sight. I'm just waiting for the lady of the house to move in with me," Gao Junxiao said with a smile, gesturing for her to join him.
"Give him a little leeway and he'll dare to take advantage," Qingcheng rolled her eyes at him and said, "Then you can wait and see. Don't get impatient and do something drastic. I may not be as powerful as you, who wields a gun, even though I'm just a writer, I'm not someone to be trifled with."
"You think your pen can ruin my reputation? Well done. Women shouldn't be too kind. I think only incompetent men would resort to force. You're capable of liking someone but not of making them like you back. Forced relationships are never sweet, and you'll have to bear the bitter consequences yourself. Why bother?" Gao Junxiao jokingly gave an example.
"You have such a good attitude." Qingcheng admired Gao Junxiao's broad-mindedness.
"Of course, I can't bear to part with it." Gao Junxiao blinked at her teasingly, "My melons have to be sweet."
Is it too shallow of me to soften my heart as soon as I hear sweet words? Qingcheng forced herself to remain calm and glared at the man: "Tch! You can just spout these honeyed sweet words off the top of your head. Who would believe that you don't even have a wildflower in your backyard? Don't step on it without even noticing."
"Are you talking about yourself, little wildflower?" Gao Junxiao gently smoothed Qingcheng's bangs and said softly. He didn't stay for long before Qingcheng angrily slapped his hand away. How annoying, he was making fun of her nickname again.
Suddenly, Gao Junxiao beckoned to her mysteriously. When Qingcheng got closer, he stepped forward and whispered in her ear, "I'll tell you another secret. I actually prefer to be passive because I'm afraid of being rejected. Don't tell anyone else."
Qingcheng chuckled; she truly hadn't realized it. So, he meant he only became proactive towards her, but she had rejected him so many times before, how could he keep trying despite repeated failures? Wasn't that a contradiction?
After staring into Gao Junxiao's eyes for a long time, Qingcheng couldn't figure it out. On the contrary, the man felt uncomfortable under her gaze, his eyes darting away from Qingcheng's scrutiny like a small fish.
Just as he was about to give him a way out, Gao Junxiao suppressed his smile and softly said, "If the smoke of war can be cleared after the victory of the Revolution, I am willing to ride with you to appreciate the beauty of the land. We will brew wine with pine pollen and make tea with spring water, just you and me."
His words instantly ignited a fire within her, and a blush unconsciously rose on Qingcheng's face. The two were truly of one mind. From Paris to Shanghai, what she wanted to do most was to fight for a peaceful and dignified new world for the 400 million compatriots, and then ride the wave of the times to travel all over the beautiful rivers and mountains of the motherland. Perhaps they could try traveling together in the future.
She seemed to understand why this man had rushed towards her so resolutely; perhaps the words "shared ideals" were enough. Who wouldn't want their talents recognized and their companions found? Qingcheng immediately decided not to run away. She liked what she liked and wouldn't regret it, saying generously, "I'll give you eight points for what I just said."
After speaking, Gao Junxiao subconsciously straightened his spine and counted on his fingers, looking somewhat bewildered, as if he couldn't believe the score he had just heard. His embarrassed appearance made Qingcheng find it a little funny. Was this still the same old, shrewd Supervisor Gao?
Suddenly, Gao Junxiao gulped down a glass of champagne, touched his neck as if he wanted to say something, but couldn't say anything. He just grinned and gestured for a while before awkwardly saying, "Thank you."
What kind of answer is that! Qingcheng laughed and cursed "idiot," then, taking him by surprise, slung her suit jacket over his head and left the banquet hall with an air of nonchalance.
Taking advantage of her long legs and familiarity with the terrain, Qingcheng walked to the restroom in a few steps. As she passed the cleaner, she felt her fingers tighten and a familiar cigarette appeared in her palm. It was a hand-rolled cigarette, thin at both ends and thick in the middle, like a simple shuttle.
Fortunately, no one around noticed this detail. Qingcheng quickly slipped into a small cubicle, just like on a ship returning home. She emptied the tobacco and unfolded the cigarette paper. The white paper was covered with black dots of varying lengths. This time, the coded message did not need to be heated to display.
Translated from Morse code, it means: Watch out for drinks, don't dance with Seo Seok, get out of here!
Qingcheng's eyelids twitched, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart. She stared blankly at the cigarette paper, unsure of what to do. The organization wouldn't send her a message for no reason. Maybe she could try to get in touch with Xu Xi through Chen Yao's connections later...
However, Qingcheng quickly dismissed the idea. Time was of the essence, and she had to get the document before Emerald returned. She could forgo the drinks, but it would be too much to ask her to be a coward after finally finding a chance to be alone with Xu Xi.
This time, even if it was her own decision, the thought urged Qingcheng to tear up the coded paper and pull the rope to flush away the evidence. Before opening the door, she paused, closed her eyes, gathered all her courage, and pushed open the cubicle door.
Lighthearted notes echoed in the noisy banquet hall. Qingcheng immediately saw Gao Junxiao, Chen Yao, and Tan Baozhen sitting and chatting, while her godmother, aunt, and several other ladies stood in front of the bar drinking. Almost everyone was enjoying the feast, but she felt isolated in another world.
"Miss He, why don't you go sit for a while?" Xu Xi's voice came from behind. Turning around, she found that Xu Xi was not alone. Song Li was holding Xu Xi's arm, his face still as cold as ice.
"Mr. Xu is also with his wife. Hello, Miss Song." Qingcheng took the initiative to shake hands with Song Li. If she guessed correctly, the danger the organization had warned of still came from the spies around Xu Xi that were not visible.
Song Li graciously shook her hand in return. Xu Xi, perhaps feeling the atmosphere was good, introduced Song Li. Qingcheng could only nod in agreement, secretly laughing to herself, "I've known her since I was born, okay?"
Xu Xi happily introduced his profession: actors work for an agency, clocking in and out on time. Filming outdoor or night scenes counts as business trips or overtime. Of course, Xu Xi had already established his own studio and become the boss; his manager was the one who worked for him.
"Isn't this just the life of an ordinary office worker?" Song Li remarked, seemingly unaware of Xu Xi's work.
"It's just like that, I'm not lying. You'll see next time I take you to the set for a day," Xu Xi said with a smile.
“Okay, take us to the film set next time, but it would be best if we could schedule an interview with Mr. Xu first.” Qingcheng showed great interest in the interview with Xu Xi.
"An exclusive interview? Which newspaper does Ms. He work for?" Xu Xi immediately became alert.
Seeing his helpless expression, Qingcheng couldn't help but chuckle. He was probably driven crazy by those tabloid reporters who would fabricate stories based on rumors if they couldn't get a photo, stories that were completely different from the truth. But the public just loved reading sensational gossip, and who cared about the facts?
"Mr. Xu, rest assured, we at Shenbao are all professionals with high ethical standards. The main thing is that I always felt that the new profession of film actor was very mysterious. I didn't expect Mr. Xu to remove the veil of mystery in just a few words. I would like to ask Mr. Xu to share his experience." Qingcheng generously extended an olive branch.
“Bai Xi, I think you’re a good opportunity to change the public’s prejudice that movie actors are just entertainers. Shen Bao is a major newspaper, you could do an interview at my coffee shop,” Song Li suggested.
“No, if I’m recognized, it will affect your business. You know I’m like a thief when I go out; I can’t just show my face.” Xu Xi patiently explained to Song Li. There was no way around it; he was a public figure, and his every move was being monitored by the media.
“Mr. Xu, there’s no need to worry. We can arrange the interview location elsewhere, such as the film set, your studio, or your residence, whichever is convenient for you. We mainly want to hear the thoughts of industry professionals,” Qingcheng said, suppressing his emotions and speaking in a businesslike tone.
Xu Xi and Song Li exchanged a glance and conceded: "I can give you an exclusive interview, but I will refuse to answer any overly private questions."
Seeing that Xu Xi was softening, Qingcheng immediately pressed her advantage, patting her chest and assuring him, "Mr. Xu, rest assured, we are a well-known newspaper, and we are responsible to the public for what we write. We will not raise overly private issues. I can let you review the press release before it is published. Do you have any other requests? I will try my best to help you."
"Okay, then I'll get straight to the point. Do you have a contracted author named Kongkong Daoren?" Xu Xi asked.
"Isn't the Taoist Kongkong from 'Dream of the Red Chamber'?" Song Li asked doubtfully.
"Not only that, it's also a writer's pen name. He wrote a series of articles, and he suddenly stopped updating halfway through. I was so tormented that I couldn't eat or sleep. I checked the newspaper every day hoping to see him start updating again." Xu Xi said angrily, "Miss He, I want to see him and scold him to wake him up. How can he stop updating? Can't he finish the article properly?"
Qingcheng was surprised that Xu Xi would bring this up, and her face flushed red. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into and awkwardly smiled, not knowing how to answer.
"What did that person write? I'll take a look when the time comes." Gao Junxiao appeared out of nowhere to save the day.
"Brother Zexiu, I highly recommend that book. The first story is about Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin, the second is about Hong Fu's elopement, and the third is about the Black and White Division, adapted from The Assassin Nie Yinniang. I still remember that line: 'In the Black and White Division, there are Black and White Guards; when the Black and White Guards appear, impermanence arrives.' I was immediately captivated, but then it ended. It was so exciting to read that it just stopped!" Xu Xi became increasingly angry as he spoke.
“Oh, from ancient chivalrous novels.” Gao Junxiao glanced at Qingcheng as he spoke. “Now that the end of the year is approaching, I think that person has probably gone back to his hometown for the New Year.”
“Yes, yes, I remember now. Mr. Kongkong did go back to his hometown early. He will update again after the New Year. However, he has a strange temper, so I won’t introduce you to him yet.” Qingcheng spoke vaguely and lingered as she backed away from Gao Junxiao.
“It’s alright. As long as Mr. Kongkong finishes the story, I’ll personally fund its publication. I can also prepay 10,000 yuan for the film adaptation rights. Miss He, please ask him for his account details and tell me directly.” Xu Xiyi waved his hand and said generously.
Upon hearing the amount, Qingcheng felt her heart suddenly race. Excitedly, she grabbed Gao Junxiao's arm and immediately calculated in her mind that 10,000 yuan could buy 3 cars or 10 small lofts, and that was just a deposit!
"Loosen your grip, don't get too greedy," Gao Junxiao whispered in her ear, in a voice only the two of them could hear.
Only then did Qingcheng realize that she might have been holding him too tightly, so she immediately let go and obediently rubbed his arm. Just then, the saxophone's humorous and smooth tone sounded, indicating that the third final was about to begin.
"Our break is over, let's go register," Qingcheng said to Xu Xi after putting on her mask.
"Brother, Miss He, lend me your room for a bit, I'll return it to you later." Xu Xi then gave Song Li a few more instructions.
"Go ahead." Gao Junxiao nodded slightly to Song Li after saying that.
Just as Qingcheng received her competition number, she suddenly felt a cold breeze on her back. A short man dressed conservatively, cursing "8 bastards 8 people 8," splashed the red wine in his hand at Qingcheng. Before she could dodge, she was suddenly pushed aside.
Amidst the gasps of the crowd, she only saw Xu Xi stepping aside to shield her, his white suit dripping with red wine. Just as she was about to take out a handkerchief to wipe Xu Xi's face, a reminder from the organization suddenly flashed through her mind: Be careful of the wine.
Oh no, this is all aimed at her. The occasional flashes of white light around her felt like the gaze of a giant beast. She could imagine being swarmed by reporters when she helped Xu Xi wipe his clothes, asking about their relationship. If Xu Xi then kindly shielded her from the bright light and said they had nothing to do with each other, the media would interpret it as an affectionate act of protecting a flower.
After this incident, she couldn't explain herself no matter how hard she tried, and to avoid suspicion, Xu Xi dared not have any further contact with her. Her family also wouldn't allow themselves to be involved in such a scandalous affair.
A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, but in reality, it was only a fleeting moment. Mr. Tang on the judges' platform loudly called for security, his face dark as he demanded that the person be removed.
Qingcheng immediately abandoned her original idea and chose to bow to thank Xu Xi. At the same time, she called a waiter to take Xu Xi to change into spare clothes. Generally, people who are particular about their appearance will store a set of clean clothes in advance at the hotel to prevent the clothes from getting dirty or other undignified situations.
"I'm sorry to have startled Miss He." Mr. Tang then turned to Xu Xi and said softly, "Ms. Xu's dry cleaning expenses will be covered by me. I will strengthen security and will never let such shady people in again."
Onlookers criticized the short man, but even as security guards held him down, he continued to curse: "You little whore, those obscene and rotten articles you wrote have corrupted my wife, and now she wants a divorce."
"You're crazy. If your wife wants a divorce, go find your own problems. Why blame a complete stranger?" Xu Xi retorted irritably. His agent rushed up to tell him to shut up and protected Xu Xi from the surrounding media, indicating that he would not be giving interviews for the time being.
"Gag him and kick him out!" Mr. Tang ordered the security guard with a look of disgust on his face.
The media failed to capture the sensational photos they wanted, and Xu Xi went to change clothes again. They could only surround Qingcheng with questions. Qingcheng was squeezed in the crowd, and waves of dizziness assaulted her senses. At this moment, she had only one thought: to escape, to escape this meaningless noise.
The flashes of light were blinding. Qingcheng tried to break free from the crowd, but after taking a few steps back, she weakly bumped into someone. Just as she was about to apologize, a large hand covered her eyes. That hand was incredibly warm, and the cuff still carried a familiar fragrance—her perfume.
She knew who was behind her! Sure enough, when she turned around, she saw Gao Junxiao's handsome face. Suddenly, her heart exploded with brilliant fireworks. Qingcheng happily reached for the man's other hand and let him lead her out of the crowd.
Mr. Tang and the security guards quickly stepped in front of the camera to quell the situation: "This is because Mr. Tang's security was inadequate. It's a small misunderstanding. Everyone, please disperse. Just give Mr. Tang some face. Thank you all."
The big shot's influence finally had some effect; the reporters quickly put away their cameras, and the two of them rushed to the elevator. Qingcheng, listening to the commotion in the banquet hall behind her, shyly thanked Gao Junxiao.
"What are you thanking me for? I told you long ago that I'm your asset." Gao Junxiao pressed the elevator button and said proudly.
This incident ruined her plan to dance alone with Xu Xi. Fortunately, Song Li had previously acted as a go-between, and she still had an interview opportunity. But when it comes to female companions, where is Song Li?
"Oh, should we tell Ms. Song, Xu Xi's female companion, that we're heading back now?" Qingcheng asked tentatively.
“Miss Song was just called away by a woman in red, and I don’t know where she is now.” Gao Junxiao shook his head to indicate that he didn’t know. “Don’t worry, Chen Yao should have Xu Xi’s contact information. Give him a call later.”
The woman in red, could it be Zhang Lulu? Qingcheng vaguely felt that something was wrong. If the person wanted to ruin her time alone with Xu Xi, that person had already done so. Why go to the trouble of leading Song Li away?
Just then, the elevator doors opened, revealing Xu Xi and his manager, who had changed their clothes. Xu Xi had just greeted the two when the junior reporters who had been keeping watch in the corridor rushed forward and surrounded the four of them.
Suddenly, someone behind them said, "Miss He and the others worked together on the stage play 'Thorn Rose' before, so are they already together?"
This topic thrilled the young reporters. Perhaps because they saw two men and a woman, the media's focus immediately shifted to a melodramatic love triangle. Gao Junxiao silently pulled He Qingcheng behind him. Qingcheng's mind was in turmoil, and she was filled with regret. The consequences of her acting on her own were far too severe.
If they don't explain well, there will be a deluge of rumors tomorrow, and none of the three of them will escape it.
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