I’m Keeping the Overbearing CEO After He Went Bankrupt [Rebirth] 25

Chapter 25: Qingbao’s Persistence

“You… what’s wrong with you!” Yuan Xiaoge was startled and found it utterly unreasonable. “It’s just a Rubik’s Cube, what are you crying for!”

Yuan Xiaoge only felt even angrier. Was he deliberately acting weak to deceive the audience? She had seen this kind of trick many times!

“Don’t deliberately use a small Rubik’s Cube to exaggerate the situation!” Yuan Xiaoge said angrily. “I’ve already apologized, so why did you have to get physical!”

Chu Qing wiped his eyes, his hands covering his face as he took deep breaths, trying to calm down.

“Teacher Chu…” An Yize stood to the side, a little worried. An Yize and Jiao Changxu were holding onto Chu Qing and could clearly feel his whole body trembling.

An Yize glanced at the staff and saw that someone had already gone to get Huo Li. Huo Li, being tall, had been called away by the others to help move things just now.

Chu Qing took a deep breath, and with a strength he didn’t know he had, he broke free from the two of them and rushed towards the balcony railing.

“Teacher Chu!!”

Amidst the chaos and screams, they saw Chu Qing, as if he had gone mad, climb over the railing and jump off the cliff face.

Someone grabbed Chu Qing’s clothes and hand, trying to pull him up, but Chu Qing stubbornly struggled downwards. At this point, Chu Qing was already hanging from the cliff face. Forcing the issue would be dangerous, so they had to let go.

“Quick! Call the climbing instructor!”
“Teacher Chu, come up!!”
“Oh my god, what do we do…!”

Everyone was terrified. They never would have expected Chu Qing to suddenly go crazy and jump down. The viewers in the livestream room were also scared, watching as Chu Qing jumped down as if to commit suicide. Even those who had been cursing Chu Qing for being delicate and dramatic didn’t dare to speak anymore.

Fortunately, the production team had prepared a climbing game next, so they had invited a professional climbing instructor.

However, before the climbing instructor arrived, a tall man rushed over, pushed through the crowd, and also climbed over the railing.

“What are you doing!”
“Wait for the climbing instructor to come!”

The contestants immediately grabbed onto Huo Li.

Huo Li was fuming. He directly pushed away the contestant who was holding onto him. How could an ordinary person’s strength compare to Huo Li’s? If he wanted to go down, no one could stop him.

What the hell…

Yuan Xiaoge looked at the chaotic scene before her, frozen in place, her entire face pale.

She… how was she supposed to know that the Rubik’s Cube was so important to Chu Qing! Was he sick in the head?

This, this cliff was very high! Although a fall wouldn’t kill him, it would definitely not be good. Don’t let anything happen and then blame it on her…

After Huo Li jumped down, he caught up with Chu Qing effortlessly, grabbing a protrusion on the cliff face with one hand and wrapping the other around Chu Qing’s waist. “Qingbao!”

Chu Qing clung to the cliff face, looking at Huo Li with a panicked expression.

Why did he come down…!

Chu Qing was afraid that Huo Li was in danger and didn’t want him to come down. But at this moment, his mind was in chaos, anxiety had overwhelmed all his rationality. He looked at Huo Li, trembling uncontrollably, but couldn’t force out a single word.

“Qingbao, don’t be afraid. I’m here. Nothing will happen,” Huo Li said, holding Chu Qing and pulling him into his embrace. “Calm down. I’m here.”

“I…” Chu Qing stared blankly at Huo Li.

“Be good. I’ll get the cube back for you. I’ll do as I say,” Huo Li said, leaning his head close to Chu Qing and speaking word by word. “The cube, I’ll get it back for you.”

The climbing instructor also arrived then.

Huo Li shouted upwards, “Throw down the rope! Don’t come down and cause trouble!”

The climbing instructor was being called “trouble.” The other contestants were a little surprised. What was this bodyguard’s background?

The climbing instructor did as Huo Li said and threw down the rope. Seeing Huo Li skillfully catch it and secure it on Chu Qing, all the while holding him and leading him to the safest spot, he let out a sigh of relief. “You can tell at a glance, this bodyguard is a professional. You don’t need to worry.”

Huo Li also secured a rope on himself, then said to Chu Qing, “You stay here. I’ll go down and get it. Don’t move, okay?”

Chu Qing shook his head. “I, I’ll go down…”

Huo Li glanced at Chu Qing’s hands. His gloves were torn, revealing palms that were bloody and scratched from the cliff face and branches.

“Be good, Qingbao.”

Huo Li didn’t want to take Chu Qing down with him. Chu Qing’s entire face was pale, his eyes filled with anxiety and panic. It was clear that he had already had an emotional breakdown.

The people above could only vaguely see two figures, not knowing what they were doing. The climbing instructor shouted, “Are you guys okay?”

“We’re fine!” Huo Li shouted back. “Pull Teacher Chu up first!”

He coaxed, “I’ll take you up first, then I’ll come back down to get it.”

“No, no, no, no…” Chu Qing grabbed Huo Li’s hand and shook his head desperately, as if he were afraid he would be left behind.

Huo Li said helplessly, “Then I’ll go down and get it. Can you wait here for me? You can watch me, okay?”

Chu Qing had no choice but to agree, nodding his head.

“Hold onto the rope,” Huo Li said, pinching Chu Qing’s ear. “Don’t be afraid.”

With that, Huo Li gripped the rope, leaned back, and walked down the rock face step by step.

Fortunately, the cube was stuck on a branch not far away. Huo Li let out a sigh of relief, carefully retrieved the cube, put it in his pocket, and then went back up to find Chu Qing.

“See, I found it,” Huo Li said, handing the cube to Chu Qing.

Chu Qing took it, his voice hoarse. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, it wasn’t hard to get. Let’s go up.” Huo Li held Chu Qing and led him up.

The climbing instructor helped pull the two of them up. After they successfully returned to the balcony, the staff and contestants immediately crowded around.

Chu Qing hugged Huo Li, his hands gripping his arm tightly, and buried his face in his chest as if he were afraid to face the crowd, not wanting anyone to see him at that moment.

Huo Li held Chu Qing, blocking others’ view. “Sorry, I’m going to take Teacher Chu to get his wounds treated first.”

“Stop filming,” Huo Li said with a frown, blocking the camera.

At a subtle cue from the host, the cameraman also stopped filming Chu Qing, letting Huo Li take him away first.

Yuan Xiaoge and the other contestants watched as Chu Qing tightly clutched the cube with his bloody hands, not knowing what to say.

After a long moment, Jiao Changxu said to Yuan Xiaoge, “You should go apologize to Teacher Chu later…”

“Mmm…” Yuan Xiaoge now felt that she had caused a disaster and was extremely scared. She tried to defend herself, “I, I was also splashed with orange juice by him… How was I supposed to know he…”

“Alright, alright.” The host thought, How can this female guest be so clueless? Worried that she would attract more hatred the more she spoke, he quickly changed the subject and led everyone to continue with the night’s activities.

…

Huo Li took Chu Qing to the infirmary.

He didn’t plan on calling the production team’s medical staff; he could do it himself.

At this moment, Chu Qing was sitting on the edge of a bed, while Huo Li first cut open his gloves, then carefully disinfected his hands with a cotton swab.

Chu Qing’s shoulders kept heaving as he sniffled and cried, clearly trying to hold it in and calm down, but he couldn’t, his body trembling uncontrollably.

“I’m with you. I’m here,” Huo Li said gently.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

If only I had hidden the cube properly from the start, Chu Qing thought. If only I could have handled it more calmly, Huo Li wouldn’t have had to climb down the cliff.

He was always such a failure, always making things spiral out of control. If it were anyone else, how could it have turned out like this?

“I’m sorry…” Chu Qing sobbed. “I’m sorry…”

As he cried, he started to cough and felt a little nauseous.

Actually, it wasn’t about the cube anymore. The cube had been retrieved, but Chu Qing just couldn’t control those inexplicable emotions. Even all his past experiences came flooding back, and his mind was in a chaotic mess, so chaotic that he even wanted to scream.

Huo Li stopped using the cotton swabs and directly used his hands, quickly disinfecting, applying medicine, and bandaging Chu Qing’s hands. Then he washed his hands and took Chu Qing’s medicine out of his pocket.

“Be good, Qingbao. Take your medicine first,” Huo Li said, remaining calm, holding Chu Qing with one arm and gently patting his back, while handing him the medicine with the other.

Chu Qing took the water and medicine and swallowed them anxiously.

“Yes, it’ll be better after you take it… It’s okay,” Huo Li said, holding Chu Qing gently. “It’ll be better after you take it. Don’t be afraid, I’m with you.”

After taking the medicine and drinking water, Chu Qing’s stomach suddenly churned. He had already been feeling nauseous, and now it was even worse after putting something in it.

Chu Qing pushed himself up, ran to the infirmary’s bathroom, and threw up over the toilet.

Huo Li could only stay with him, wiping his mouth and tears, holding him and gently rubbing the back of his head.

After throwing up, Chu Qing gradually calmed down. He leaned against Huo Li, sitting on the bathroom floor, and slowly stopped crying.

“Be good, Qingbao. The floor is cold. Let’s get up first,” Huo Li said, lifting Chu Qing into a princess carry and placing him on the bed.

“Look at you, like a little stray cat,” Huo Li said, pinching Chu Qing’s cheek with a smile. “Where did this little stray cat come from? Can I give you a kiss?”

Chu Qing’s eyes were swollen, his cheeks flushed red. He looked a complete mess.

He sniffled, not speaking.

The medicine Chu Qing had just taken had been thrown up before it could be digested. He glanced at Huo Li’s pocket and said in a small, hoarse voice, “I want to take my medicine…”

“Is your stomach still upset?” Huo Li touched Chu Qing’s stomach.

Chu Qing shook his head.

“Good.”

Huo Li fed Chu Qing his medicine, then gave him a milk candy.

The sweet taste of milk spread across his tongue. Chu Qing sat there blankly, sucking on the milk candy, smacking his lips.

“You really are a little stray cat.”

Huo Li used a tissue to wipe the little stray cat’s face, coaxing him, “What are you crying for? If the sky falls, I’ll be here. The cube fell, you could have just asked me to go down and get it for you, right? The next time something happens, just call me, okay?”

Chu Qing lowered his head, letting Huo Li do as he pleased.

After a long pause, Chu Qing finally said slowly, “Can, can it be cured…”

Huo Li was stunned.

Chu Qing sniffled, his eyes red. “Can it be cured?”

Huo Li said without a shred of doubt, “It can be cured.”

“Really?”

“Mmm, it can be cured,” Huo Li said firmly. “Of course it can be cured.”

“…”

“Qingbao,” Huo Li said, gently taking Chu Qing’s wrist. “This is the first time I’ve seen you lose control of your emotions since I’ve known you.”

“…?”

“I know you’re often unhappy, often want to vent, want to cry, but you don’t. I know you’re trying.”

Chu Qing was stunned. He sniffled, wanting to cry again.

“You’re doing very well. You can participate in the show, you can create, you can work, and you can carry on with your daily life,” Huo Li said, hugging Chu Qing and pressing him against his chest with a smile. “From now on, I’ll be with you. If you want to cry, then cry. If you want to lose your temper, then lose your temper.”

“No,” Chu Qing said, his face pressed against Huo Li’s chest, hiding himself so that Huo Li wouldn’t see him crying again.

Huo Li gently patted Chu Qing’s back. “If you don’t want to go back to the dorm tonight, then don’t. You can sleep here.”

“Mmm…” Right now, there were four people sleeping in one room at the homestay. Chu Qing really didn’t want to go back.

He closed his eyes, feeling a little tired and wanting to sleep.

After sitting for a while, Chu Qing drowsily fell asleep, hugging Huo Li.

Huo Li sighed and lay down with him, adjusting him into a comfortable position on the bed.

Chu Qing’s hand was still clutching Huo Li’s sleeve.

Huo Li pulled the blanket up for him and pinched his ear. “What would you do without me, little stray cat.”

The night grew deeper.

Chu Qing was fine now and was sleeping comfortably in his canary’s arms. But online, things had exploded once again.

Real-time trending topics:

XXX: Oh my god… I was so scared watching that. Teacher Chu already said not to touch it, not to touch it! Why did Yuan Xiaoge have to be so provocative! That’s not funny at all. I really screamed when Teacher Chu jumped down. That Rubik’s Cube really means something different to Teacher Chu. Yuan Xiaoge, please apologize immediately!

XXX: Regardless of what kind of person Teacher Chu is, Yuan Xiaoge was really in the wrong this time. Yuan Xiaoge’s fans, stop trying to defend her. You can’t fake something like this. Didn’t you see what Teacher Chu looked like?! He didn’t even care about his own life. What did his hands look like when he came up?

XXX: Am I the only one who thinks… that bodyguard is so handsome!! Although I can’t see his face, he’s so handsome. Didn’t Jiao Changxu’s fans say before how much their brother cares about Teacher Chu and how much he’s done for him? But from this incident, I didn’t feel his care at all : )

XXX: You’re not alone… I’m already shipping them… so reliable! The soft and cute little singer and the super-strong, tall bodyguard, I’m so here for it! Any fanfic writers out there, look at me, I’m so here for it!

Everyone was demanding that Yuan Xiaoge apologize and was criticizing her.

Yuan Xiaoge’s fans were unhappy, but they couldn’t withstand the onslaught from the vast number of passersby and righteous fans. They had to lower their stance and didn’t dare to attack Chu Qing anymore.

Because of this incident, Chu Qing actually gained a lot of fans.

XXX: I now believe what those people said before. Maybe Teacher Chu is the one with depression. He really doesn’t seem mentally healthy. My best friend was exactly like Teacher Chu is now when she had depression. Even if Teacher Chu doesn’t have depression, his condition is not good right now.

XXX: Right, I can kind of understand him now. If you look closely at his past negative rumors, apart from the bed-climbing one, the rest were all just because of his personality, not because he’s a bad person. It’s purely an emotional flaw, right?

XXX: Right, right! And that solid proof of him bed-climbing wasn’t that solid, was it?! I really feel bad for him.

XXX: Yeah… it’s not at all like what the press releases said. You really have to understand for yourself.

XXX: And have you guys noticed that Teacher Chu is really slow and dull in front of the camera! But it was interpreted as being cunning and cold. He really was just slow to react! He’s so cute in a dazed way!

By participating in a live show and showcasing his talent in a suitable place again, Chu Qing had already attracted many fans. And afterward, by slowly letting everyone understand his personality, he had changed many people’s opinions.

Chu Qing gained a lot of fans, especially “mom fans.” They were now active on Weibo, hoping that Chu Qing would go online to report that he was safe. And Yuan Xiaoge was being condemned by the entire internet.

Wu Yueshan would naturally help handle the storm online. The next day, after Chu Qing woke up, Wu Yueshan told him through Huo Li to post on Weibo.

“…Why?” At that moment, Chu Qing was washing his face, preparing to go back to the dormitory to continue filming.

“To let your fans know you’re safe,” Huo Li said, organizing Chu Qing’s clothes on the side.

Chu Qing was stunned. “I have fans?”

“Of course you do. And there are more and more now,” Huo Li said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “How could my Qingbao not have fans?”

“Oh…”

Chu Qing went online and obediently posted.

@ChuQing_Teal: Thank you all for your concern. I’m fine, I’m okay. /smiley face

Looking at the encouraging words and countless rainbow farts in the top comments, Chu Qing still felt it was a bit strange and unreal.

[T.N:Rainbow farts: This is a very popular internet slang term for over-the-top, exaggerated compliments, especially those given by fans to their idols.]

“Silly Qingbao, you attracted a lot of fans with your first performance. It’s just that last night’s incident brought everyone together,” Huo Li said, pinching Chu Qing and handing him his clothes.

After washing up, Chu Qing went to the dormitory, and everyone cautiously gathered around to greet him.

Chu Qing was a little embarrassed and also felt ashamed. “I… I’m fine, really. I’m sorry about last night…”

He was starting to regret it. His disgraceful state last night had been seen by everyone.

Ngh.

And to make matters worse, there was a blunt contestant who said with a worried expression, “We all heard you crying in the infirmary. Are you really okay?”

“…”

Chu Qing wished he could dig a hole and bury himself in it.

The person in question was now regretting it, regretting it very much.

Seeing Chu Qing’s face flush red, not knowing what to do with his hands and feet, An Yize didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Alright, let’s not talk about Teacher Chu anymore. Let’s hurry up and go see the children.”

Today’s filming was for the contestants to go to the mountain school together to teach the children to sing and play with them.

“Um… Teacher Chu!”

On the way to their destination, Yuan Xiaoge called out to Chu Qing.

“Teacher Chu, I’m sorry about last night…” Yuan Xiaoge said. “I was wrong last night. Please don’t blame me. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Chu Qing was stunned and also said, “I was also at fault. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have splashed you with juice, and I shouldn’t have shouted at you.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Yuan Xiaoge just smiled.

She appeared very sincere, although she didn’t actually feel much remorse in her heart.

Yuan Xiaoge still felt that Chu Qing was too delicate, too dramatic, and too emotional, making such a big fuss over a small matter, causing her to be cursed by everyone online and ruining her public image.

Yuan Xiaoge had also seen the online speculation that Chu Qing might have depression, which made her even more dissatisfied. What was there for Chu Qing to be depressed about? As for public opinion, everyone had to face it. It wasn’t like he was the only one being cyberbullied. And Chu Qing was already so fortunate. He was so talented, and a single song he wrote could be a cash cow, his works popular everywhere. What right did he have to be depressed!

There were clearly many people who had it worse than him.

Chu Qing didn’t know what Yuan Xiaoge was thinking. In any case, the matter was more or less over.

When they arrived at the school’s park, they saw a group of children already there, led by their teacher. They were all cuter than the next. Seeing these handsome big brothers, they immediately came forward to greet them, looking very lively and not at all shy.

“Big brother, big brother! The teacher said you can teach me to sing!” Two of the children, perhaps seeing that Chu Qing was good-looking and gentle, ran up to him and tugged on his pant leg.

“Mmm… mmm.” Chu Qing was a little slow to react.

“Come over to big sister’s side, big sister is giving out candy!” Before Chu Qing could even squat down, the children were all attracted to Yuan Xiaoge.

Yuan Xiaoge held out a bag of candy, her smile as cheerful as Santa Claus.

She was very good at amusing children, and with her lively personality, she immediately hit it off with the group, singing with them and instantly outshining all the other contestants.

Chu Qing stood to the side and immediately felt it.

Yuan Xiaoge is targeting him.

Right now, Yuan Xiaoge was leading a group of children, while the other contestants were singing with a few kids. But whenever Chu Qing tried to do something, Yuan Xiaoge would also make a move, subtly leading the children to her side.

Perhaps an outsider wouldn’t notice, but Chu Qing was the one it was happening to, and he was more sensitive than an ordinary person.

Chu Qing frowned slightly and simply stopped doing anything, turning to leave the filming site.

The staff and cameramen still remembered what happened yesterday and didn’t dare to follow him, which made things much easier for Chu Qing.

He left the park alone and wandered around, only to see a small figure hiding behind a large tree.

The little girl looked at Chu Qing timidly, blinking like a little rabbit.

Chu Qing smiled. “Hello, are you a student here too?”

The little girl was also wearing a school uniform.

She didn’t speak.

Chu Qing walked over. “I’m a big brother who’s here to teach the children to sing. My name is Chu Qing.”

He could see that the girl wanted to talk to him but was too shy, so he took the initiative.

“Are you a teacher too…? Can you teach singing… so are you here to teach me?” the little girl asked, her eyes blinking with anticipation.

“Of course I can teach you,” Chu Qing said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “If you go to the park over there, there are many more big brothers and big sisters who can teach you.”

“I can’t… I can’t,” the little girl said, lowering her head in disappointment. “If I have to go over there… I can’t.”

“Hmm?”

After a few words with Chu Qing, the little girl was no longer afraid of him. She stopped hiding and stood next to him, complaining, “The teacher only chose the talented ones to go. I wasn’t chosen.”

Chu Qing asked curiously, “Aren’t all the children in the park?”

“Mmm-hmm!” the little girl said, disappointed. “There are many others who weren’t chosen. The teacher said the big brothers from the city want brave children. We’re not lively, and we don’t talk much, so we can’t go.”

So that’s how it was…?

“Then where are you and the other children?”

“On the field!” the little girl pointed in one direction, pouting. “We’ve finished our homework, but we still can’t go sing.”

Chu Qing squatted down. “I’m also a big brother from the city who can sing. I can teach you guys.”

“Really…?”

Chu Qing nodded. It was a small effort.

“Wow!!” The little girl was overjoyed and hurriedly pulled Chu Qing along.

Huo Li had also followed them, quietly trailing behind Chu Qing as he left.

Chu Qing spent the afternoon with the shyer, unchosen children. There were about ten of them, so it took a bit longer to teach them, and he didn’t finish until evening.

“Thank you for your hard work. You’re such a good person,” the children’s teacher came to thank Chu Qing personally with a smile. “These children were so sad before because they weren’t chosen.”

“It’s nothing, just a small effort.”

“Big brother! Big brother! For you!” One of the children hugged Chu Qing’s leg and handed him a piece of fruit candy.

“Thank you, I like it very much,” Chu Qing said, taking it with a grin. He also took the milk candy out of his pocket. “Here, let’s trade.”

When the other children saw this, they immediately rushed over.

“Brother Qing! Brother Qing!”
“Brother Qing, I want one too!”

Chu Qing only had one and looked at the children in front of him, a little nervous.

“I…”

“Here, there’s more here.”

Just then, Huo Li walked over, his hands full of candy.

Chu Qing looked at Huo Li, a little surprised.

Huo Li winked at him.

“Thank you, big brother!”
“Are you coming tomorrow, big brother? Will you come sing with us tomorrow!”
“Brother Qing! Come tomorrow, Brother Qing!”

The teacher explained, “Tomorrow, the children’s math teacher is retiring, and they have a performance. They want to invite you to go with them. They’re all in the same class.”

These children thought, This big brother can sing with us unchosen children, so he’ll definitely be willing to come tomorrow.

“Ah… okay?” Chu Qing thought. Anyway, the show usually has free time in the morning, and team-building or filming for creation only happens in the afternoon and evening. I’m always sleeping in the morning and not doing anything.

After making a promise to the children, Chu Qing and Huo Li headed back.

“You weren’t at the park, so you weren’t filmed. You’re going to be cursed for slacking off again later,” Huo Li said. He could already imagine what Yuan Xiaoge’s fans and Chu Qing’s anti-fans would say.

Chu Qing was stunned.

“Ah…?”

Huo Li smiled. “You’ll know what I mean when you go on Weibo.”

Chu Qing thought for a moment, then shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I’d rather play with these children than fight for screen time with the other contestants and be targeted by Yuan Xiaoge over there. In any case, you don’t do charity for the camera. As long as it’s done, that’s what matters.”

The people at the park didn’t need him, but these children really did.

Chu Qing had spent the afternoon with the children and knew that they were the ones whose grades were relatively poorer and who were shyer than the ones at the park. So when they heard that a big brother from the city was coming to teach singing, they were very excited, but none of them were chosen.

Then, Chu Qing added, “If someone curses me, I’ll just tell them where I went. I wasn’t slacking off.”

But anyway, no one will probably curse me… no one probably even noticed I was gone.

“Silly Qingbao,” Huo Li said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “Hurry back. If you’re late, you’ll miss dinner.”

“Okay.”

That night, after returning to the homestay, Chu Qing didn’t go straight back to his room but practiced in the practice room instead.

Mainly because this time at the homestay, there were four people to a room. Although An Yize was still there, Chu Qing still felt nervous and thought it was better to wait until everyone else was asleep and go back in the middle of the night. It was a good opportunity to practice in the practice room.

Scattered notes jumped from his fingertips. Before he could finish a song, he saw Huo Li come in with hot water.

“Stop playing,” Huo Li said with a frown, taking Chu Qing’s wrist. “The bandages haven’t even been taken off yet. Don’t torment your hands anymore.”

“It doesn’t hurt…”

“Even if it doesn’t hurt, you’re not allowed to play,” Huo Li said sternly. “And don’t play with the cube either. Rest for now.”

“Oh.”

Chu Qing lowered his head in disappointment.

“That cube… where did you get it?” Huo Li sat down next to Chu Qing, looking at the piano with him. “Can you tell me?”

Chu Qing was stunned.

Huo Li turned his head and looked at him intently.

Chu Qing fidgeted with the hem of his clothes, not really wanting to say.

“Tell me,” Huo Li said, very persistent.

“If I tell you… don’t laugh at me,” Chu Qing said, turning his head away in a low voice. “You can’t laugh at me.”

“How could I,” Huo Li said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

“Really?”

“Mmm.”

“The cube was… a gift from the orphanage,” Chu Qing said, his head bowed, his voice like a mosquito’s buzz. “It was sponsored by Huiying.”

Huo Li was stunned.

What?

Chu Qing explained, “It was… the first gift Mr. Huo gave me.”

When he was little, Chu Qing remembered that his mother had also loved to play with a Rubik’s Cube and often played with him, saying it was good for the brain. But after his parents passed away, his home and everything in it were taken away by his relatives all at once. Chu Qing was left with nothing.

At that time, Chu Qing had regretted it. He should have at least taken one thing with him. But he was too young and too timid then, and didn’t even dare to resist.

Things like some photos, his father’s harmonica, his mother’s Rubik’s Cube.

Later, their orphanage was sponsored by Huiying. The director told him that Mr. Huo Li of Huiying was very rich and that Chu Qing could write down his birthday wish for Huiying to fulfill.

Chu Qing wrote “Rubik’s Cube.”

That year, he really did receive the gift.

It was the first gift Mr. Huo had given him, the first wish of his that had been fulfilled.

It carried all his past.

Huo Li stared blankly at Chu Qing.

He had never inquired about the supplies for the orphanage; his subordinates had always handled it, just using his name.

“Silly Qingbao…”

Huo Li felt a sourness in his heart and couldn’t help but reach out and hug Chu Qing.

“Silly Qingbao, why are you so silly,” Huo Li’s voice was hoarse.

“Qingbao, I’ll give you more in the future, much more,” Huo Li thought. I’ll give the whole world to Chu Qing, everything to Chu Qing.

Chu Qing was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace and couldn’t react for a moment.

“H-Mr. Huo…”

“I promise, I’ll give you more in the future, everything,” Huo Li said, for once, a little emotional, his rationality finally stirred. “Don’t be afraid of losing the cube. How can you be afraid of losing the cube… I’m all yours.”

Chu Qing paused.

Because the cube is inanimate, it will never leave.

But Huo Li will…

When Huo Li has money again, he’ll leave. They were never on the same path to begin with.

Chu Qing said nothing.

Huo Li sighed.

He thought, Even though I’ve been trying so hard, Chu Qing still treats me with an invisible barrier between us.

Forget it. There’s still a long way to go.

After that, Huo Li sat on the side, looking at his documents, while Chu Qing, unable to practice, could only scroll through his phone out of boredom.

As he scrolled, he, as expected, saw the gossip about him.

Alright then.

Why are these netizens so idle…

Chu Qing felt that he was too lazy to even “like” a post. How did these people have so much energy to curse people every day? Weren’t they tired?

XXX: Heh, same as Li Tian, right? Just because he has depression, he can be willful and slack off? Look at how much little sister Xiaoge has done, and then look at how much Chu Qing has done.

XXX: Agreed! This show is not for Master Chu to inspect the mountains. If you don’t want to participate, go home. If you’re sick, get treated. Don’t just parade around, ok?

XXX: You guys are going too far?? And Teacher Chu isn’t necessarily depressed! Don’t take things out of context, ok?! We don’t even know what he went to do!

Chu Qing’s fans and Yuan Xiaoge’s fans started fighting again.

An Yize had explained to him before that on the surface, it looked like Chu Qing’s and Yuan Xiaoge’s supporters were fighting for their respective idols, which was correct, but not entirely.

There were also Chu Qing’s anti-fans, Yuan Xiaoge’s anti-fans, water armies, rival fans… in short, a fan war was bound to be a complex web of interests.

This was all too complicated. Chu Qing didn’t want to understand, but looking at these comments, he thought for a moment and still went online to post.

@ChuQing_Teal: I do not have depression. I am fine and healthy. Please do not spread rumors. Last night was just an accident. I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused everyone.

Then, since he wasn’t sleepy anyway, Chu Qing simply started a livestream to sing for everyone, to prove that he was really okay.

Huo Li watched Chu Qing’s livestream from the side and shook his head helplessly.

Wu Yueshan had originally told him to just let the depression rumors spread, as it would be good for clearing Chu Qing’s name. But… forget it. As long as the little one was happy, he could do whatever he wanted.

And…

Huo Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Chu Qing was usually afraid of crowds and disliked exposing himself, but tonight, he had taken the initiative to livestream.

Not just a simple post, but a direct livestream.

It was a big step for him.

It was probably not just because he wanted to prove that he was okay, but also because of what happened last night…

Silly Qingbao.

On the other end, Chu Qing was singing “Wish” to the camera.

XXX: 😭😭😭😭😭 I’m dead, I’m dead. Qingqing, Mommy loves you! My baby’s singing is so beautiful!

XXX: Qingqing seems to really like this song “Wish.” It always gets special treatment.

XXX: Qingqing, you have to take good care of yourself! Are you okay, Qingqing?

Chu Qing’s fan base was not huge, and not many people had caught his unannounced livestream, so he was able to reply to them one by one.

“Mmm, I really like this song.”

“Okay, I’m fine.”

Chu Qing paused, then said, “If you really want to care about me, don’t care about me personally, but pay attention to my work… I would be very happy.”

XXX: 😭😭😭😭😭 OKAY!!! How can Qingqing be so soft!!

XXX: Hahahahaha is it my connection or is Qingqing always half a beat slow when he answers questions? So cute

XXX: See it but don’t say it. It’s your connection /doge face

XXX: Give the kid some face. Let’s talk about something else. Why does Qingqing especially like “Wish”? Is it because of the “you” in the song? Hehehe…

XXX: Ahhh, Qingqing is still young! Mommy won’t let you fall in love!!

The tips of Chu Qing’s ears were a little red. He shook his head. “I’m not in a relationship.”

Sitting opposite him, Huo Li raised an eyebrow slightly.

Noticing Huo Li’s gaze, Chu Qing’s ears turned even redder. “This song… isn’t sung for anyone.”

XXX: Wow, Qingqing, your ears are so red!!

XXX: Hahahahaha Qingqing, be honest. Who is this song for!

“It’s not sung for anyone. I’m not in a relationship.”

…

“I don’t have anyone I like.”

“Mmm, yes, I’m single.”

“My ideal type… um… I don’t have one.”

Huo Li propped up his chin, watching Chu Qing repeatedly deny it, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

Hehe, just you wait.

“I’m not blushing…!” Seeing the entire livestream laughing at his blushing, Chu Qing simply turned off the camera, leaving only his voice.

“I’m not talking to you guys anymore. I’ll sing for you.”

Chu Qing then turned on the music and sang another song.

Seeing that the camera was off, Huo Li smiled and went over to hug Chu Qing.

Chu Qing’s whole body stiffened, and he almost went off-key.

Mr. Huo…!

Chu Qing turned his head and stared at Huo Li with wide eyes.

Huo Li raised an eyebrow at him.

Single? No one you like?

No ideal type?

Chu Qing looked back at Huo Li pleadingly.

Don’t mess around… I’m still live!

Huo Li didn’t care. He was determined to tease Chu Qing and gently touched his stomach.

Chu Qing’s fingers curled, his body stiff.

Taking advantage of the musical interlude, Chu Qing also turned off the sound and turned his head to say through gritted teeth, “Mr. Huo…! Don’t be like this…”

“Like what?” Huo Li pinched Chu Qing’s waist, holding him in place with a laugh. “Little kitty, you said you were single?”

“…”

“Hmm?”

“I…” Chu Qing was getting anxious. The music was already halfway through.

“If you don’t answer me properly, I’ll keep touching you when you sing later,” Huo Li hinted. “Touching downwards, that kind.”

“…”

Huo Li’s hand was still pinching his waist, sending a tingling sensation through him.

Chu Qing glanced at his phone screen, and swallowing his shame, he said through gritted teeth, “I, my ideal type is…”

Huo Li paused.

Chu Qing lowered his head, his voice like a mosquito’s buzz. “My ideal type is Mr. Huo…”

With that, the wordless musical interlude ended, and Chu Qing continued to sing, pretending Huo Li didn’t exist.

Huo Li held Chu Qing and didn’t continue to cause trouble, because he himself had also… been defeated.

The cube, and now the ideal type. Who could stand it?

This little rascal Chu Qing…

Huo Li completely forgot that he had been the one to start it all and just wanted to bully Chu Qing fiercely.

He wiped his face and stood up directly.

If he held him any longer, he’d have to go to the toilet again, bringing trouble upon himself.

After finally waiting for Chu Qing to finish singing and close the livestream, Chu Qing also felt utterly mortified.

“Mr. Huo!” Chu Qing was a little angry. “Don’t… do that when I’m live.”

“Okay, the livestream is over now,” Huo Li said. “So we can do that now?”

“…”

…Do what?

“I’m going back to sleep,” Chu Qing said.

“Wait.”

Huo Li stopped him.

“…?”

“I’m out of money,” Huo Li said.

“…”

Chu Qing said helplessly, “I’ll transfer it to you later.”

“Mmm,” Huo Li said, blinking. “So, you know what I mean, right? Hmm?”

“…”

“…??”

Sorry, I don’t.

What are you trying to do now.