The Film Crew set the press conference in a five-star hotel, so they naturally didn’t skimp on hospitality. After the event ended, there was a small buffet reception in the adjacent Banquet Hall, and those who weren’t in a hurry to leave could stay and continue eating and drinking.
Qin Xiaoran and Yue Weiyu gave Director Mo face by staying at the reception for a little while before leaving one after another.
Of course, there were also those minor celebrities who weren’t usually paid much attention. They seized the opportunity to build rapport with the reporters, even asking them to write special features about themselves—mutual benefits all around.
Thanks to Qin Xiaoran, several reporters interviewed Chu Yi as well. Afterward, Lin Hang came over and explained some matters to him.
The gist was that once the TV drama aired, Chu Yi’s popularity would skyrocket. The company had already registered a Weibo account for him in advance, following the official Da Qing Feng Yun Film Crew account, Director Mo, and the main actors from the crew. Chu Yi needed to post daily updates regularly and interact with the other actors based on the airing plotlines.
“If you find it troublesome, I’ve already found an assistant for you. She used to work with another celebrity and has plenty of experience. You can leave it to her.”
Chu Yi replied, “No need, I’ll handle it myself.”
He found it quite interesting. He had become an actor to experience a different kind of life in the first place—what was the point if he left everything to others?
After talking with Lin Hang, Chu Yi glanced toward President Yu and saw that he was surrounded by several investors chatting with him. Not wanting to interrupt, Chu Yi went to the restroom first.
After handling his business, Chu Yi stood in front of the mirror washing his hands when someone else entered. The man walked straight to his side and, after a long moment, called out, “Yi Ge.”
Chu Yi looked up and, out of politeness, nodded. “Mm, you’re here too.”
The newcomer was none other than Liu Shengqing. At that moment, he looked rather pale, and even with makeup on, it was clear his complexion wasn’t good. He used to have a sunny and bright demeanor, but now he appeared extremely gloomy, with an even forced smile.
Chu Yi had actually noticed Liu Shengqing long ago, since they were at the same event. Liu Shengqing had stayed quietly in a corner without pestering him like before, so Chu Yi thought he had finally come to his senses.
Running into him in the restroom now—who knew if it was a coincidence…
Chu Yi quickly finished washing his hands and grabbed a paper towel to dry them as he said, “I’m heading out first.”
“Yi Ge…” Liu Shengqing panicked and reached out to grab Chu Yi’s sleeve.
He didn’t even know what he could say to Chu Yi anymore; he just instinctively wanted to keep him from leaving upon seeing him go.
No one knew how long he had waited silently for this chance. He had finally caught a moment when no one was around Chu Yi—even if it was just to exchange a few more words…
Before Chu Yi could dodge, another person entered through the door, directly interrupting Liu Shengqing’s action. “Chu Yi!”
Yu Qingxian strode in with his long legs, taking a few quick steps before slowing down, perhaps afraid Chu Yi might misunderstand.
He glanced at the pale-faced Liu Shengqing, then at Chu Yi. “What are you two talking about?”
Seeing President Yu’s brows furrow slightly, Chu Yi quickly said, “Nothing much, just a greeting. I was already about to leave.”
It wasn’t like he was the one entangled with Liu Shengqing; his partner had just arrived too quickly…
“Do you need to use the restroom?”
“No, I came to find you.”
Chu Yi smiled and, right in front of Liu Shengqing, took President Yu’s hand. As he led him toward the door, he asked, “All done talking?”
Yu Qingxian obediently let himself be led away. “All done.”
“Then let’s head back quickly.”
“Mm.”
Liu Shengqing watched their intimate gestures and familiar exchange, struck as if by lightning. “You two…”
Earlier at the venue, Chu Yi and Yu Qingxian had only whispered to each other without any eye-catching actions, considering it was a public occasion. So Liu Shengqing had felt stabbed but still clung to some hope. But now, he could no longer deceive himself.
Chu Yi stopped and turned back. “You’ve seen it now. I’m already together with Qingxian.”
He hoped Liu Shengqing would wake up and stop fixating on him. It would be better for both of them that way.
After the two left, Liu Shengqing stood there in a daze, staring at the used paper towel Chu Yi had tossed into the trash bin. His eyes gradually turned bloodshot and red—
Yu Qingxian! Why did he have to compete with him for everything? He had known Yi Ge first, liked Yi Ge first. Yu Qingxian had so many people he could choose from—why did he have to steal his?
Was this fate? Was Yu Qingxian born to be his nemesis? He had already taken his brother; now he came for him too?
His mother had named him Shengqing—victory over Qing—yet no matter how hard he tried, he still couldn’t win against him…
After Yu Qingxian was led out of the restroom by Chu Yi, even though Chu Yi released his hand quickly, he was still very happy.
