Chapter 15
That afternoon, two prominent figures arrived at the “Ascending to Immortality” filming set: Chang Wenyan, the CEO of Chang Group, and Qin Ai, the CEO of Qin Group.
The arrival of one would have been exciting enough, but now two had come at once. Most importantly, it was said that these two big shots were a couple. However, considering the conversation between Chang Wensi and Zuo Bian in the makeup room on the first day of filming, the relationship between these two seemed even more complicated.
Everyone had their own thoughts, but no one dared to show them on their faces. No one dared to offend these two powerful figures.
Chang Wenyan stood with his arms crossed, his expression unpleasant. No matter what he said, Qin Ai seemed to be completely ignoring him.
Chang Wenyan had been “pursuing” Qin Ai for a long time. If it weren’t for Qin Ai’s exceptional qualities, he would have given up and found someone else.
Among his peers in the same circle, Qin Ai was the only one he admired. If he had to choose someone to marry, being with Qin Ai was the best option.
Qin Ai was beautiful and capable, and being with her would be a true power couple. But for some reason, Qin Ai always rejected his proposals.
Could it be because she was captivated by that woman named Zuo Bian?
Chang Wenyan looked at Zuo Bian, who was filming in front of the camera, his eyes narrowing slightly.
What was so good about this woman who only had looks? Just a little bit of acting cute could make Qin Ai completely smitten.
This kind of beautiful and coquettish woman like Zuo Bian absolutely could not stay by Qin Ai’s side. Even if he couldn’t be with Qin Ai, the person with Qin Ai shouldn’t be Zuo Bian.
Zuo Bian, who was filming, suddenly felt a gaze on her. She subconsciously glanced in that direction and happened to meet Chang Wenyan’s eyes.
Chang Wenyan sneered and glared at Zuo Bian.
Zuo Bian felt baffled, but she didn’t dwell on it.
After this scene ended, Director Chen announced an early break. They wouldn’t be filming the night scene because President Chang said he was treating everyone to dinner.
Hearing that President Chang was treating them, everyone cheered. No one could withstand the high-intensity work with almost no rest. It was good to relax occasionally.
Zuo Bian wasn’t interested in the reason why Chang Wenyan was treating them. She was more interested in talking to Qin Ai.
When it was time to sit down, Zuo Bian naturally sat next to Qin Ai, completely ignoring Chang Wenyan’s murderous gaze.
Chang Wensi walked up to Zuo Bian and put on a fake smile. “Miss Zuo, could I switch seats with you?”
Zuo Bian looked up at Chang Wensi and smiled, getting up from her seat. Just as Chang Wensi thought Zuo Bian was going to agree, she saw Zuo Bian pick up a piece of spare rib.
“I don’t want to switch seats with you. Hmm, the garlic spare ribs are a bit far.” After saying that, Zuo Bian sat back down firmly.
Chang Wensi’s face flushed red, and she stomped her foot, letting out a forceful snort before angrily sitting next to Chang Wenyan.
【Host, you’re getting more and more mischievous. Look, Chang Wensi and Chang Wenyan both want to throw you out.】
‘I just think she’s too self-righteous, so I don’t want to agree.’
【Host, just keep doing what you’re doing.】
‘Mm-hmm.’
Everyone at the table wished they could turn invisible and become air. The atmosphere was too awkward. It was impossible to enjoy the meal in this atmosphere. They would rather eat boxed lunches on set.
Only Zuo Bian was seriously eating, and she was eating with gusto. Everyone admired Zuo Bian in their hearts. As expected of someone who could navigate between two powerful figures, her mental fortitude was extraordinary.
“This is delicious, try it.” Zuo Bian used the serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of spicy chicken for Qin Ai.
“Thank you.”
Chang Wenyan put down his chopsticks. In fact, he hadn’t eaten anything at all.
How could he eat when he saw Qin Ai sitting with Zuo Bian?
“Qin Ai, are you still not considering what I told you last time?”
Qin Ai didn’t even lift her eyelids. Instead, she said to Zuo Bian beside her, “Do you want some shrimp?”
Although Zuo Bian didn’t understand why Qin Ai suddenly asked her if she wanted shrimp, she nodded anyway. “Yes, please.”
“I’ll peel them for you.”
Qin Ai put on gloves and slowly peeled the shrimp shells. Soon, a perfect piece of pink shrimp meat appeared in her hand.
The tender shrimp meat, dipped in sauce, was brought to Zuo Bian’s lips. Zuo Bian subconsciously opened her mouth and took the shrimp meat into her mouth.
The delicious and tender juices burst in her mouth, and Zuo Bian couldn’t help but smile. “Delicious.”
Qin Ai picked up another shrimp. Her fingers were long and slender, each one like a meticulously carved piece of jade, making it seem like these hands shouldn’t be doing something like peeling shrimp that might get them dirty.
Chang Wenyan had known Qin Ai for so many years, but he had never seen her peel shrimp for anyone.
These were the hands that were supposed to be signing contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. What kind of magic did this Zuo Bian possess to make Qin Ai peel shrimp for her?
Zuo Bian was happily eating when she suddenly felt someone staring at her intently.
She looked up and met Chang Wenyan’s gaze.
‘Chang Wenyan seems to really hate me. Every time I see him, he’s glaring at me.’
Seeing that Zuo Bian not only didn’t feel guilty when she met his gaze, but even dared to stare back at him directly, Chang Wenyan’s anger grew even stronger.
【Oh my god, look, look, look. Host, Chang Wenyan is looking at you like you’re a seductive concubine who bewitched the emperor.】
‘Aren’t his eyes tired? I’m tired, I’d rather just lower my head and eat.’ Zuo Bian nonchalantly looked away and continued eating with gusto, especially with Qin Ai peeling shrimp and serving her food.
Chang Wensi felt that Zuo Bian and Qin Ai were being overly affectionate. She snorted softly and comforted Chang Wenyan in a low voice, “Brother, don’t be sad, Sister Qin Ai is just temporarily blinded by beauty. After a while, she’ll know who is truly suitable for her.”
In the eyes of Chang Wenyan and Chang Wensi, Qin Ai was a foolish emperor bewitched by a seductive concubine. Because of the concubine’s whispers, they, the true and virtuous consorts, were being neglected by the emperor.
“Take your time, everyone. I’m going to make a phone call.” Chang Wenyan stood up and smiled, but there was no mirth in his eyes.
Everyone knew why Chang Wenyan was in a bad mood, so they could only pretend to be oblivious and continue eating.
Without Chang Wenyan glaring at her, Zuo Bian ate even more happily. However, she seemed to have drunk too much and needed to use the restroom.
“I’m going to the restroom.” Zuo Bian whispered to Qin Ai beside her and got up from her seat.
Not long after Zuo Bian left, Qin Ai also stood up. “Excuse me for a moment.”
With all three people who made the atmosphere awkward gone, everyone at the table finally dared to breathe a sigh of relief.
The production assistant wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I feel like I’m going to have indigestion today.”
The makeup artist said, “I bet there’s definitely a big drama unfolding where we can’t see.”
Another staff member said, “This is a Shura field, a Shura field. I feel like Miss Zuo Bian has a better chance of winning. Just look at President Qin’s completely different attitude towards Miss Zuo and President Chang.”
Slap—
Chang Wensi slammed her hand on the table, startling everyone.
Chang Wensi also realized she had lost her composure. She said awkwardly, “It’s best not to gossip about things you don’t know about.”
Chang Wensi’s words immediately silenced everyone.
Meanwhile, Zuo Bian finished washing her hands and came out of the restroom. After taking a few steps, she heard a voice.
“Miss Zuo, I have something to say to you.” Chang Wenyan leaned against the wall, his eyes dark.
============================================
At the end of the corridor was a large balcony. From here, one could see a corner of the city with its flickering neon lights, colorful, dazzling, and noisy, a completely different world from the quiet balcony.
“I know what you want to say to me.”
“You do?” Chang Wenyan frowned.
Zuo Bian nodded. “Mm, do you want to warn me to stay away from Qin Ai? If so, I can only say I’m sorry, I can’t listen to you.”
“You and Qin Ai are not from the same world, what do you understand about her?”
Zuo Bian countered, “Then do you understand her? If I were to tell you to stay away from Qin Ai, would you be willing?”
Chang Wenyan’s expression darkened. “Are you trying to order me around?”
Zuo Bian tilted her head, looking at Chang Wenyan with confusion. “You’re not willing to do it yourself, but you want others to listen to you, isn’t that strange?”
Chang Wenyan wanted to refute Zuo Bian’s words, but he couldn’t think of anything to say for a moment.
“I’ll give you one last piece of advice: stop approaching Qin Ai. People from different worlds can never be together.” Perhaps afraid that Zuo Bian would say something else that made sense, Chang Wenyan hurriedly left after finishing his words, his retreating figure resembling someone fleeing in defeat.
Zuo Bian muttered, “If you want to be with Qin Ai, why are you always coming to me? It’s useless to look for me.”
Even Zuo Bian could see that Qin Ai had no feelings for Chang Wenyan. Zuo Bian understood the principle that you can’t force someone to love you, but Chang Wenyan just didn’t get it.
【Sigh, since ancient times, the first reaction of the legitimate wife when she discovers her partner is cheating is to attack the mistress, rarely do they consider whether the problem lies with their partner.】
‘So, am I successful? Has the plot been pushed forward?’
【Yes, yes, but we’re still far from success. It’s only 3.4% now.】
‘Okay, then I’ll keep working hard.’
A faint click sounded, and Zuo Bian subconsciously followed the sound.
A cluster of blue flames flickered in the darkness, casting a faint light on a beautiful and alluring face.
Qin Ai leaned against the railing with her arms crossed, playing with a silver lighter in her left hand. Her black hair swayed gently in the night breeze.
Click—
The faint light extinguished, and Qin Ai emerged from the darkness. The light from the corridor slanted onto her body, leaving half her face shrouded in shadow.
“Qin Ai, were you here all along?”
Qin Ai parted her lips. “I’ve always been here.”
“Chang Wenyan is so strange, he keeps saying we’re not from the same world. Don’t we all live in this world?” As Zuo Bian spoke, she suddenly remembered that she wasn’t originally from this world, but Chang Wenyan obviously didn’t know that.
Qin Ai suddenly chuckled. “Mm, he’s right. We’re indeed not from the same world.”
Zuo Bian took two steps forward, stopping half a meter away from Qin Ai. “Who made that rule? I can be with whoever I want, I can talk to whoever I want, can’t I?”
Qin Ai looked into Zuo Bian’s eyes, which were as clear and innocent as when they first met. The emotions in those eyes were so pure that Qin Ai could clearly see the confusion in them.
After a long silence, Qin Ai finally spoke. “No one made that rule.”
Zuo Bian immediately broke into a smile. “So, we can still meet next time, right?”
“Yes.”
Zuo Bian took Qin Ai’s hand and walked inside. “It’s a bit cold outside, let’s go in.”
However, after taking two steps, Zuo Bian realized that Qin Ai had stopped. She turned back to look at Qin Ai and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Qin Ai stood under the light, her dark eyes seemingly filled with emotions that Zuo Bian couldn’t understand.
“I want to ask you for a favor. We’re friends, you’ll help me, right?”
Zuo Bian nodded matter-of-factly. “Of course, I’ll do my best to help with anything I can.”
“In the future, if Chang Wenyan is present, just act like you did today.” Qin Ai said.
“Act like I did today?”
“Pretend that we have a very good relationship.”
Zuo Bian nodded as if she suddenly understood. “Oh, okay. But we don’t need to pretend, right? Aren’t we friends now? It’s normal for friends to have a good relationship.”
Qin Ai nodded. “Let’s go, it’s time to go back.”
“I haven’t finished my drink yet. That Wanglaoji* drink is so good, sweet and refreshing, especially after eating spicy food.” Zuo Bian said, savoring the taste.
Soon, the two returned to their seats. Chang Wenyan had already returned to his seat. He still hadn’t touched his food, and now he was even drinking alcohol.
Chang Wensi wanted to persuade her brother, but Chang Wenyan ignored her.
The production assistant tried to lighten the mood with awkward laughter, but it only made things more awkward. In the end, he could only remain silent.
Finally, at nine o’clock, the tense dinner ended. Everyone at the table, except for Zuo Bian, hurriedly said their goodbyes, claiming to have urgent matters to attend to.
Chang Wenyan forcefully put down his glass, making the whole table shake.
“Qin Ai, what are you thinking?” Chang Wenyan looked up at Qin Ai.
Qin Ai gracefully wiped her mouth, her smile polite and distant, the same smile she wore in the office. “My thoughts are none of your business, President Chang. If you have so much time, why don’t you focus on more projects and earn more money? After all, isn’t that what you Chang family members love the most?”
These last words were like a knife, piercing straight into Chang Wenyan’s chest, leaving him speechless.
“Are you full?” Qin Ai glanced at Zuo Bian.
Zuo Bian finished the last sip of her drink and nodded. “I’m full.”
“Then let’s go.”
Qin Ai got up and left, Zuo Bian following closely behind.
Only Chang Wenyan and Chang Wensi were left. Chang Wensi’s expression wasn’t much better either.
“Brother…”
Chang Wenyan raised his hand to interrupt her. “Don’t say anything, let me be alone for a while.”
“Okay.” Chang Wensi picked up her small bag and left, looking back at Chang Wenyan repeatedly before she left.
Chang Wenyan lowered his head, his slightly long bangs covering his eyes, hiding his emotions.
Back when the Qin family had faced misfortune, the Chang family, who had a good relationship with them, could have helped, but they chose to stand by and watch. Chang Wenyan had protested, but he was young and had no say in the matter. Later, although Qin Ai had managed to pull the entire Qin Group through the crisis, the relationship between the Qin and Chang families was never the same again.
The decision back then wasn’t made by Chang Wenyan, but he was a member of the Chang family, and Qin Ai included him in her resentment. Chang Wenyan didn’t dare to complain.
No, perhaps Qin Ai didn’t even feel resentment towards him, she just treated him as a stranger who frequently appeared in her life.
After the Qin family’s misfortune, Chang Wenyan realized that he could no longer understand Qin Ai. She had armored herself, shutting out the outside world and forbidding anyone from entering her heart.
***
Note:
Wanglaoji is a leading brand in the Chinese herbal tea market
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