I’m Keeping the Overbearing CEO After He Went Bankrupt [Rebirth] 27

Chapter 27: Qingbao Tears Apart a Bad Guy

“P-Put me down…” Chu Qing tapped on Huo Li’s back helplessly. “The children are still here…”

Huo Li raised an eyebrow. “I won’t. I’m taking you back to get married.”

“An eagle and a mother hen… can’t get married!” Just then, a child said with great conviction, his hands on his hips, “A mother hen has to marry a rooster!”

“…Pfft.” Chu Qing couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ah, then is this a mother hen or a mother eagle on my shoulder?” Huo Li patted Chu Qing’s back. “Why don’t you make a sound and let’s hear it? How does a mother hen cluck?”

“N-No!” Chu Qing struggled to get down, but Huo Li was too strong.

Ngh… rogue.

“Alright, I won’t bully you anymore,” Huo Li said, putting him down.

After playing for a while, the production team’s car finally arrived.

The mountain road was difficult to navigate, so Huo Li had contacted the production team to request a pickup. But it seemed they couldn’t get down, and it was difficult for the car to get up, so it didn’t arrive until long after the rain had stopped.

An Yize and Jiao Changxu came with the production team to pick them up. When Jiao Changxu entered the park, he saw Chu Qing frantically trying to fend off Huo Li’s attack, protecting a group of little chicks behind him. His eyes were very serious, and he was hopping around like an alert little rabbit.

Jiao Changxu’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.

“What’s wrong?” An Yize looked at Jiao Changxu curiously.

Is he possessed?

“Nothing, nothing,” Jiao Changxu said, shaking his head.

He walked over and greeted Chu Qing. “Teacher Chu, we’ve come to take you back.”

“Ah, okay, thank you…” Chu Qing said, a little embarrassed. “Why did you come? I’m sorry to trouble you.”

“Not at all, not at all,” Jiao Changxu said with a gentle smile.

He had always had a good impression of Chu Qing.

When they first met, he was the first to show goodwill to Chu Qing, and it wasn’t entirely to push a ship; after all, the company had arranged for him to be with Li Tian at that time. It was just that seeing Chu Qing sitting quietly on the side, like a painting, he couldn’t help but approach.

Afterward, Chu Qing shone on stage.

And then, he had jumped off the cliff without a second thought, and the way he had cried in his bodyguard’s arms…

Jiao Changxu suddenly felt a strange protective instinct towards Chu Qing.

It was just a pity that Chu Qing was too cold to people. He looked so gentle and soft, but he was completely unapproachable.

Chu Qing said goodbye to the children, had Huo Li give everyone a piece of candy, and then went back with the production team.

“Let’s go,” Jiao Changxu said, opening the car door for Chu Qing.

Huo Li was in another car with the staff, and he frowned slightly.

After returning to the homestay, the contestants showered and then went to Angel’s Home to draw lots. The next round of the competition was no longer about adaptation, but required the contestants to create completely original songs. However, there were keywords, six in total. It seemed the production team had done it on purpose: twelve contestants, six keywords, so two people would get the same one, which could be compared to increase the buzz.

The keyword Chu Qing drew was “Waiting,” An Yize’s was “Forgetting,” and Jiao Changxu, by a strange coincidence, drew the same one as Chu Qing.

Which meant that Chu Qing’s and Jiao Changxu’s next creations had to be themed around “Waiting.”

At the same time, because Li Tian had withdrawn from the competition, the twelve contestants had become eleven. The straight-man contestant, Wang Shiwei, became the chosen one, drawing the only non-overlapping keyword, and was even laughed at by the bullet comments for having a real connection with Li Tian.

“Teacher Chu, we can discuss it together later,” Jiao Changxu said, who was also happy. At this moment, he also felt like he was the chosen one.

“Oh…”

After the lot drawing and recording ended, Jiao Changxu eagerly asked Chu Qing, “Is Teacher Chu going back to sleep now? Are you free later and tomorrow?”

Chu Qing subconsciously refused, “No.”

“…”

The refusal was so direct and blunt, without a hint of tact, that Jiao Changxu was stunned and didn’t know how to respond for a moment.

After a pause, Chu Qing said, “I’m sorry…”

“Ah, it’s okay…” Jiao Changxu gave a dry laugh.

“We can see if we have time tomorrow?”

“Ah.”

After Jiao Changxu left, Chu Qing turned his head with a sigh of relief and went to the music room.

There were several practice rooms in the homestay, and they were usually empty at night. Chu Qing liked to stay in them until his roommates were asleep before going back. Sometimes, he even preferred to just sleep on the sofa in the practice room.

After opening the door to the practice room and stepping inside, Chu Qing let out a long sigh of relief, as if he had finally returned to a safe place. He slowly slid down the door panel and sat in front of the door, a little tired.

He had woken up too early this morning, and no matter how tired he was, he couldn’t sleep. His mind was just groggy, a feeling that was not pleasant.

Chu Qing looked at his hands. His ten fingers and palms were wrapped tightly in bandages, leaving him no opportunity to pick at them.

Click.

The door he was leaning against suddenly opened. It was Huo Li, who had come looking for him.

Caught off guard, Chu Qing lost his support and fell backward onto Huo Li’s legs.

Huo Li reached out and rubbed the top of his head with a smile. “Silly, why are you sitting in front of the door?”

Chu Qing was stunned and immediately straightened up, trying to get up, but he had no strength.

Huo Li frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?”

He squatted down and saw that the corners of Chu Qing’s eyes were red, like a rabbit’s.

“What’s wrong?” Huo Li gently took Chu Qing’s hand. “Where are you uncomfortable?”

“My back hurts,” Chu Qing said, sniffling. “I’m not comfortable.”

“Come on, let’s get up first,” Huo Li said, carefully wrapping his arms around Chu Qing’s waist, making sure not to touch the painful spot, and gently lifted him onto the sofa.

Huo Li looked at Chu Qing’s wet eyes, his heart aching. “Does it hurt a lot?”

Chu Qing shook his head.

It didn’t actually hurt that much, but he just suddenly wanted to cry, because he was very tired.

“I’m sorry,” Chu Qing said, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t sleep…”

“Have you taken your medicine?”

Chu Qing shook his head, then took the medicine and thermos that Huo Li handed him.

“I’m sorry…”

“Where does your back hurt? Let me rub it for you,” Huo Li said, supporting Chu Qing and placing his hand on his back.

“Ngh…” Chu Qing flinched.

It seemed he had found the right spot. Huo Li began to rub Chu Qing’s back slowly and gently.

This time, he finally used the right amount of force, unlike when he had first started the job and had nearly killed his sponsor while kneading his leg.

Chu Qing’s back was to Huo Li. He kept wiping his eyes with his sleeve, his shoulders heaving.

“Be good, Qingbao…” Huo Li coaxed. “It’s okay, it’ll stop hurting soon…”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” Chu Qing said, shaking his head.

“Okay, don’t rub your eyes,” Huo Li said, taking his wrist.

Chu Qing sobbed, “I’m sorry.”

Huo Li sighed. He was helpless against this little one and could only hug him. “It’s okay. I’m with you.”

The medicine Chu Qing took had a sedative effect. After crying for a while, he leaned against Huo Li and fell asleep.

Huo Li held Chu Qing quietly, accompanying him, and held his wrist to prevent him from picking at his fingers through the bandages.

After Chu Qing fell asleep, Huo Li still held him, his hand not stopping its gentle stroking of his hair.

He understood. Chu Qing’s bad mood these past few days was because the work intensity was gradually increasing. After recording for several days in a row in an unfamiliar environment, Chu Qing was always sleeping poorly, on edge, and afraid of everything outside. Especially since he had woken up early today.

Huo Li had also thought about persuading Chu Qing to quit and go home to rest, but Chu Qing was very stubborn about his work.

Although Chu Qing didn’t say it, Huo Li could see it.

When Chu Qing was performing, participating in variety shows, in short, when he was working, he was always exceptionally serious, afraid of making a mistake. Sometimes, he clearly didn’t want to do it but still forced himself to do it well.

Chu Qing seemed to see work as some kind of benchmark.

If he were to persuade Chu Qing not to work, Chu Qing would definitely be very sad. All Huo Li could do was to be with him.

Huo Li sighed and held him in that position all night.

…

The next day, when Chu Qing woke up, he saw Huo Li’s head resting on his shoulder, asleep, and was startled.

“Mr. Huo…!”

“Ah, good morning,” the man’s voice was hoarse from just waking up.

Huo Li released his embrace and raised an eyebrow. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes…”

“Mmm, it seems my human pillow did a good job.”

Chu Qing was full of guilt. “I’m sorry…”

“It’s fine. Just arrange for compensation,” Huo Li said, holding out his hand to Chu Qing with a blank expression. “I don’t want money, I want extra benefits.”

“…”

Chu Qing looked at the hand held out to him and was a little confused for a moment.

This was how Chu Qing was when he had just woken up. His already slow brain was even slower now, unable to process things, and he looked at Huo Li with a blank expression.

He stared at the open palm, and a TikTok video he had accidentally seen before suddenly flashed through his mind.

So, Chu Qing lowered his head and obediently rested his chin in Huo Li’s palm.

…

Huo Li: “…”

Huo Li: “…!!!”

“Mr. Huo…?” Chu Qing looked up, puzzled.

“…”

As if he had been electrocuted, Huo Li pulled his hand back and rubbed his face. “Mmm, it’s nothing.”

His voice was even hoarser.

Chu Qing was even more confused.

Little did he know that Huo Li, on the side, had nearly died on the spot, killed by Chu Qing’s cuteness, a goofy grin on his face even before his death.

“Let’s go, let’s go back to the room,” Huo Li said, standing up and taking Chu Qing’s hand. “Let’s go back and get you a change of clothes.”

“Mmm, okay.”

On the way, Chu Qing said with his head bowed, “I’m sorry about last night…”

“Qingbao, if you apologize again, I’ll kiss you.”

Fierce, very fierce.

“…”

Chu Qing had woken up late. After he returned to his room, the other contestants had already left. He let out a sigh of relief, washed up, and changed his clothes.

After getting ready, just as he was about to go to the main hall to meet everyone, his phone rang.

It was a call from Yu Weixi.

Chu Qing was stunned and answered it.

“Xixi…”

“Qingbao!” On the other end, Yu Weixi’s voice was filled with anger. “Why didn’t you reply to my WeChat!”

Chu Qing was startled. “I…”

“You don’t reply to messages, you don’t answer calls, are you trying to ascend to heaven?!”

Chu Qing gave a dry laugh. “I’m sorry, Xixi…”

“Don’t apologize!”

“…” Chu Qing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

After a pause, Yu Weixi asked, “Are you okay? I just finished my tour and saw your news.”

He was referring to the Rubik’s Cube incident.

“Mmm… I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”

“Good,” Yu Weixi said. “Good luck, Qingbao. I’ll go find you for a meal after I get back. I’m so tired…”

“Okay… good luck, Xixi,” Chu Qing said, and after a pause, added, “I’ll work hard too.”

He chatted with Yu Weixi for a while, catching up on each other’s recent situations, before hanging up.

Clutching his phone, Chu Qing’s mood was even better.

Yu Weixi was not like others. He didn’t mind Chu Qing’s lack of initiative, nor did he try to force a stronger connection. They contacted each other occasionally, giving each other encouragement, which made Chu Qing feel needed. This kind of interaction made him very comfortable.

Huo Li stood to the side with his arms crossed and said coolly, “Yo? You guys are pretty close, huh?”

Chu Qing looked at him, puzzled.

Huo Li continued in a snide tone, “You’re really close. I’m even envious.”

Only then did Chu Qing understand that Huo Li was jealous again.

“…Pfft.” Chu Qing said helplessly, “Xixi already has a child, and he has someone he likes. We’re just friends.”

“Also?” Huo Li sat down next to Chu Qing with a smile. “You have someone you like?”

Chu Qing’s body stiffened.

That’s not what he meant.

He explained, “I mean, Xixi has a child, and he has someone he likes. Doesn’t Mr. Huo know…”

“Oh?” Huo Li smiled. “You’re so sure I know?”

“You looked him up,” Chu Qing muttered. “You looked him up after we met that day… Xixi told me that Shao Fanxing looked him up.”

Huo Li had indeed looked up everyone around Chu Qing. Of course, to cover his tracks, he had used the name of the tool, Shao Fanxing.

Yu Weixi was the number one top-tier celebrity in the industry who had stood firm for many years, his face ranked in the top three most handsome in the world, with countless people crazy for him. But what was little known was that he had a child, his biological child.

Huo Li changed the subject. “Then how does he have a child?”

“Ah… that’s a bit complicated. He had a child by accident with someone he liked a few years ago, but for some reason, they’re not together, so he’s raising the child on his own,” Chu Qing said with a smile. “But Xixi is amazing, really, really amazing. He’s a workaholic, very self-disciplined, and spends all his time practicing dance, creating, and working, and he also raises the child himself. The child is also very sensible. It’s like nothing in the world can defeat him.”

“And he’s really confident, he walks sideways in the entertainment industry…” Chu Qing’s tone was full of longing and admiration.

Huo Li paused.

He could understand why Chu Qing admired Yu Weixi.

“What about me?” Huo Li smiled and wrapped his arms around Chu Qing’s waist. “Am I amazing?”

“Amazing…” Chu Qing’s ears were a little red. “Mr. Huo is also amazing…”

“Where am I amazing?”

“…”

The car had started unexpectedly, and Chu Qing immediately shut up.

Seeing that Chu Qing was not speaking, Huo Li touched a sore spot and returned to the previous topic. “Do you have someone you like?”

Chu Qing was stunned.

“Who is it?” Huo Li lowered his gaze. “Who do you like?”

“I… don’t.”

“You don’t have anyone you like?”

“No…” Chu Qing lowered his head, not daring to look at him.

“No?” Huo Li raised an eyebrow.

Chu Qing said nothing.

Huo Li lowered his head and leaned in close to Chu Qing, his voice low. “Do you have any feelings of liking for me at all?”

“…”

“Not at all?” Huo Li was persistent, like a broken record.

“I don’t know…”

This was the truth. Chu Qing really didn’t know.

“Then is this annoying?” Huo Li reached out and gently stroked his waist.

Chu Qing flinched.

“Mr. Huo, I, I have to go meet everyone…”

Looking at the person fleeing in panic, Huo Li smiled.

It seems he’s not annoyed.

…

Chu Qing went to the practice room, ready to start creating.

The keyword was “Waiting.” He sat at the piano, gently tapping a notebook with a pen.

He thought, This time, I have to do better, better than last time.

Yu Weixi had called this morning, and last night, Huo Li had held him, and he himself hadn’t slept well…

Chu Qing secretly made up his mind to work even harder.

“Teacher Chu.”

Jiao Changxu’s arrival interrupted his thoughts.

He looked up at him.

“Shall we discuss it together, Teacher Chu?” Jiao Changxu said with a grin.

Chu Qing was stunned.

If it were someone else, a normal person, should I not refuse?

He thought for a moment, and while he was still hesitating, Jiao Changxu sat down next to him.

“Does Teacher Chu have any ideas for this keyword?” Jiao Changxu asked.

“Mmm,” Chu Qing paused. “I want to write about a love that can’t be waited for.”

He had no reason for it; it was just the melody and idea that had automatically appeared in his mind when he saw the topic.

Jiao Changxu smiled. “Ah… I’m the opposite of Teacher Chu. I’ll probably write about looking forward to and waiting for love.”

“Mmm, that suits you,” Chu Qing nodded.

“Then does Teacher Chu want to add any special elements?” Jiao Changxu asked, trying to find a topic and also learn from him. Everyone knew that you could learn something just by talking to Chu Qing about music for a few sentences, but it was a pity that he was so difficult to talk to.

“I want to add dance…” Chu Qing said, unsure. “If I can, I want to dance myself. I’ll see if I can learn it well.”

His idea was a love that couldn’t be waited for, and a waltz for one.

If he could, he wanted to sing while dancing a waltz by himself, to create a romantic and sad loneliness. This was the image that had appeared in his mind.

In any case, he really liked it and was very satisfied with this work. But what worried him was that he had no dance foundation. If he didn’t dance well, it would ruin the mood.

“I’m good at dancing,” Jiao Changxu said. As a former boy band member, he was confident that teaching the zero-foundation Chu Qing to dance was not a problem. He patted his chest with a smile. “I’ll teach you.”

“Ah…?” Chu Qing subconsciously waved his hands. “N-No, you don’t have to… I can just have a teacher teach me.”

“I can really teach you. It’s no trouble.”

The bullet comments were also a little restless at this moment, and Jiao Changxu’s fans were very dissatisfied.

XXX: What the hell, is Chu Qing still so arrogant and proud? Someone has already offered to teach him, what’s with that attitude? Playing hard to get? Acting high and mighty? Does he think he’s really amazing and the whole world loves him? Is he enjoying his white lotus script?

XXX: Our brother is so kind, it’s a pity the b*stard on the other side doesn’t appreciate it

XXX: So annoying, when is Chu Qing going to quit the show? Our brother is so pitiful. For the sake of the show and his own kind personality, he has to keep interacting with this Chu Qing

There were those who were dissing Chu Qing, and those who were speaking up for him.

XXX: ??? What the hell, your Xu is kneeling and licking Teacher Chu’s boots, and you’re blaming Teacher Chu? Why don’t you blame your own brother for being a b*tch??

XXX: Teacher Chu’s discomfort is about to burst through the screen, are you guys blind??? Is it interesting for Jiao Changxu to keep pestering him?

XXX: Don’t apply your boy band fan circle logic to Teacher Chu, ok?? He’s just a musician who is not good at socializing

While the two sides were still arguing, Yuan Xiaoge arrived.

“Are you guys practicing?”

She was carrying a lunch box. “I made some snacks for everyone. The others have already taken them! You’re the only ones left.”

“Thank you,” Jiao Changxu said, taking it. “Miss Yuan is so thoughtful.”

“I should.”

Chu Qing stared blankly at the two of them.

“Good afternoon, Teacher Chu,” Yuan Xiaoge said kindly. “Teacher Chu and Teacher Jiao are so close, I’m even envious.”

“What are you guys doing? Can I join?” she said, and sat down.

Chu Qing: “…”

It’s only the first day of his resolution to get along well with others, and already… Chu Qing: This is too hard.

: )

Chu Qing didn’t like Yuan Xiaoge, so he didn’t reply when she spoke to him.

“Ah… learning to dance? I can waltz too. How about Teacher Jiao and I dance a bit for Teacher Chu to see?” Yuan Xiaoge volunteered.

Jiao Changxu was a little dissatisfied in his heart, but he still said okay with a smile on his face.

When Yuan Xiaoge had participated in the talent show before, Jiao Changxu had joined as a dance mentor with his top-tier celebrity status. At that time, many of the female contestants had liked to create ships with him to create buzz. The most popular one at the time was Yuan Xiaoge and him.

When a man and a woman create a ship, it’s usually the woman who benefits. Especially since Yuan Xiaoge was sunny and lively, and her public image was a gentle and beautiful girl, while Jiao Changxu’s was a sunny and masculine man.

Therefore, Jiao Changxu was not happy about it, especially now that Chu Qing and Yuan Xiaoge were at odds.

But despite his reluctance, the two of them still started dancing.

Chu Qing sat on the side, a little dazed.

How did these two end up dancing?

“Brother Xu dances as well as before,” Yuan Xiaoge said, her hand on his shoulder as they danced a gentle waltz to the music.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman, looking ambiguously close, was naturally a pleasing sight.

After the dance was over, Yuan Xiaoge even said to Chu Qing, “Brother Xu and I knew each other before.”

“Oh…” Chu Qing nodded.

“Brother Xu did very well on the variety show before. He instantly became the dream lover of many girls.”

“Not at all,” Jiao Changxu said, shaking his head. “It’s Miss Yuan who everyone likes.”

After that, because Yuan Xiaoge was there, and because she was deliberately guiding the conversation, Jiao Changxu couldn’t get a few words in with Chu Qing.

Jiao Changxu maintained his attitude and smile, Yuan Xiaoge kept talking to him, and Chu Qing quietly wrote his music, happy to be left alone. So the final picture was that Yuan Xiaoge and Jiao Changxu were having a great conversation, and Chu Qing was like a third wheel.

Yuan Xiaoge’s fans in the bullet comments were so proud.

XXX: My sister is so considerate! No wonder all the contestants except that weird Chu Qing like her! 😭😭😭 My sister is so beautiful and has such a good personality, what normal man can resist

XXX: That’s right, that’s right! Teacher Jiao must like her too. This ship is so beautiful. Chu Qing is like a third party intervening : ) He’s leeching off Teacher Jiao and destroying their relationship. No wonder little sister Xiaoge doesn’t like him

XXX: Chu Qing is really like a b*tch who intervenes in other people’s relationships! Xiaoge and Brother Xu have known each other for so long and have such a good relationship. Is it interesting for Chu Qing to cling to them? You smelly third party!

XXX: …Yuan Xiaoge’s fans are crazy, and the ship fans are crazy too. Can’t you see with your own eyes whether Jiao Changxu likes her or not? If you don’t need your eyes, you can donate them to a cave salamander

XXX: Oh my god, do you really think you’re a heartthrob? Yuan Xiaoge’s fans are so shameless. Did Teacher Chu, the one being leeched off of, say anything?? He’s happy to be left alone, and you guys are still fighting. Jiao Changxu and Yuan Xiaoge are still being b*tches to each other, and our Teacher Chu is already creating, ok?? The difference between people, tsk tsk

Yuan Xiaoge and Chu Qing had a feud, so their fans naturally fought whenever they saw each other. At this moment, in this Shura field, everyone was fighting even more happily. And with Jiao Changxu’s fans stirring the pot, desperately trying to clear their brother’s name.

It wasn’t until evening, when the contestants had to go back to wash up and prepare for the dinner party, that the three of them dispersed.

“I’m sorry, Teacher Chu…” At this moment, the camera was not following them. Jiao Changxu said to Chu Qing apologetically, “I didn’t know Miss Yuan would come.”

“…You don’t have to apologize, right?” Chu Qing asked, puzzled. “Why is Teacher Jiao apologizing for Yuan Xiaoge coming…?”

“Ah… because…” Jiao Changxu didn’t know how to say it for a moment.

Chu Qing shook his head. “It’s okay if you and Yuan Xiaoge are on good terms. I don’t mind.”

“I’m not on good terms with Yuan Xiaoge,” Jiao Changxu said, and after a pause, he gathered his courage. “I like you more.”

Chu Qing didn’t think of “like” in that way, just as a friendly liking, and felt that this person was too strange. If he liked him, why did he spend the whole day talking to Yuan Xiaoge and ignoring him?

“Teacher Jiao likes me more than Yuan Xiaoge…” Chu Qing blinked. “Then why was Teacher Jiao so happy with Yuan Xiaoge today…?”

Although Chu Qing was happier that he was ignored, but for this person to turn around and say he liked him more… was he schizophrenic?

“I…” Jiao Changxu was stunned.

Chu Qing continued, “Then you don’t have to come find me tomorrow. I don’t mind. Yuan Xiaoge is leaving tomorrow night. You can be with her.”

“…”

Jiao Changxu regretted it deeply now, regretted that he had insisted on maintaining his image in front of the camera.

“Teacher Chu… you’ve misunderstood. I like you in my heart. I have no feelings for Yuan Xiaoge at all, really.” Jiao Changxu had originally wanted to score some points with Chu Qing, but now, not only had he failed, but he had also pushed him further away.

“Oh…” Chu Qing lowered his head, thinking, Whatever you say.

Jiao Changxu explained, “I had no choice today but to pretend to be on good terms with Yuan Xiaoge in front of the camera.”

Chu Qing paused, then asked in a low voice, “Then are you pretending now…”

He was a little disgusted and annoyed, feeling that this person was not honest at all. Why pretend?

“Then if you didn’t talk to me today because you had no choice, then tomorrow you’ll be with her because you have no choice, and in the future,” Chu Qing said with a frown. “Then Teacher Jiao doesn’t have to meet me tomorrow… I want to create alone. I don’t want to watch you guys dance and chat…”

This kind of half-heartedness… Chu Qing felt he would rather be comfortably writing music in his room.

“I…” Jiao Changxu was so directly questioned by Chu Qing that he couldn’t say a word.

“Um…” Chu Qing said, “I’ll go back first. See you tonight.”

He turned and left for his room.

Jiao Changxu watched his retreating back, his heart beating faster and faster.

Ah… he was going crazy.

…

Chu Qing went back to his room, showered, and changed his clothes. Huo Li brought him some snacks.

“I’m not eating,” he said, shaking his head.

“Oh? You’re full from chatting with Jiao Changxu?” Huo Li said sourly. “The snacks aren’t fragrant anymore, are they?”

“…”

“What’s wrong?” Huo Li could tell from his expression what had happened. “Did you not get along?”

Chu Qing frowned. “They’re always deceiving when they talk, there’s no truth. Teacher Jiao said he wanted to be friends with me, but he’s not sincere with me either.”

Huo Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Of course. They’re adults in society. How could they still be as open as children?”

“Mmm,” Chu Qing nodded.

“Let’s not talk about him. Eat some snacks,” Huo Li said, stuffing the cookies into his hand.

Chu Qing had no choice but to sit on the side and eat his snacks first.

Just then, the phone in Huo Li’s pocket vibrated. He opened it and saw that it was a file from his assistant.

The file name was three large characters—Yuan Xiaoge.

Found it.

Yuan Xiaoge’s information was now laid bare before Huo Li, without any privacy or reservation. It was too easy to investigate someone. The reason Yu Weixi knew Huo Li had investigated him was, one, because Huo Li had not deliberately covered his tracks, and two, because Yu Weixi was a top-tier celebrity who had been established for many years, and the person he liked was a semi-capitalist with shares in Starry Sky.

But for someone like Yuan Xiaoge, it was just a matter of time. She had no chance against Huo Li.

Huo Li opened it with satisfaction.

Perhaps Chu Qing didn’t mind, or chose not to pursue it, but Huo Li was not someone who would let things go easily. Yuan Xiaoge had thrown the thing Chu Qing cherished down the cliff, nearly costing him his life. It was impossible for Huo Li not to pursue it.

Not to mention, Yuan Xiaoge had shown no remorse afterward, not a single bit of apology, and had even intensified her efforts to step on Chu Qing, with her team also guiding the fans to slander him.

The treasure he wanted to hold in his palm, to keep in his mouth, was not for others to bully like this.

Huo Li turned around and saw Chu Qing sitting on the side, slowly eating a cookie. He raised an eyebrow. “Is it that bad?”

He had been holding a mouthful for who knows how long, chewing reluctantly. You’d think he was eating hay.

“I’m not hungry…”

“You have to eat even if you’re not hungry. You never eat at group dinners outside. That’s not good for your stomach,” Huo Li teased. “Little one, you’re still young.”

“…I’m not a little one,” Chu Qing said with a frown. “And I don’t think you’re that old…”

“Is that so.”

As Chu Qing was eating, he heard footsteps outside. It seemed the other contestants had also finished practicing and were coming back to wash up. He immediately stood up and subconsciously wanted to go outside to avoid everyone.

Huo Li followed him helplessly, and the two of them left for Angel’s Home first.

At this moment, there were only a few scattered staff members and Wang Shiwei, who had arrived first, at Angel’s Home. The other contestants were probably still preparing.

“The camera is getting ready, and Wang Shiwei is also here. Don’t go in yet,” Huo Li said, stopping him at the door of Angel’s Home. “Don’t let everyone see you eating cookies. They’ll start gossiping again later.”

“Oh…”

Chu Qing took his cookies to a small, empty balcony to continue eating.

Although he didn’t like it, it was from Huo Li, and there was only one bag, so he would still finish it.

Huo Li wanted to go up to accompany him, but he was called away by the other staff to help move chairs.

He sighed, thinking, Chasing a wife is not easy. I even have to move bricks.

“Here.”
“Brother! You’re so skilled,” Wang Shiwei said when he saw Huo Li, recognizing him as Chu Qing’s bodyguard. He came over with a smile. “When I saw you jump down the cliff before, woc, that was so cool!”

“Thank you,” Huo Li nodded.

“With your skills, why are you a bodyguard for Teacher Chu?” Wang Shiwei said bluntly, then quickly added, “Not that Teacher Chu is bad, but… usually, people like you work for those big bosses or big tycoons, right?”

Huo Li paused. “Teacher Chu has been kind to me.”

This was not a casually made-up reason.

The mouth under Huo Li’s mask couldn’t help but turn up, as if he had remembered something beautiful.

“Ah, so that’s how it is! You’re so loyal! The production team is all talking about your skills, and I see a lot of people praising you online too!” Wang Shiwei instantly started to admire him.

Huo Li’s performance that day had really gained him a lot of fans. Chu Qing’s fans were happy and relieved, while the others were extremely envious, constantly guessing about his appearance and identity.

“Thank you.”

Huo Li continued to move chairs.

A moment later, it was Yuan Xiaoge who arrived first.

She also noticed Huo Li. Seeing a contestant like Wang Shiwei fawning over a bodyguard, she felt very contemptuous in her heart.

Just a bodyguard… and he’s so in the limelight.

Yuan Xiaoge had always disliked Chu Qing. Now that she had the chance, she couldn’t help but feel a little gleeful.

“Hey!” she said, sitting down in a chair next to Huo Li, placing her expensive bag on the table, and crossing her legs. “You’re a handyman here, right? Get me a glass of water.”

She pointed to the self-service water dispenser on the side.

Huo Li raised an eyebrow.

Yo?

He wasn’t angry at all. In fact, he found it… interesting.

In all his life, this was the first time someone had ordered him around like this. Although he had been helping out on the set, no one dared to order him around. At most, they would ask for help or lend a hand to each other. And in the past, everyone else was afraid of him, even including Chu Qing.

If Huo Li hadn’t been a little thicker-skinned, a little less principled, and hadn’t thrown tantrums and acted shamelessly with Chu Qing, Chu Qing might still be afraid of him now.

This experience was too new.

“Sure,” Huo Li said.

He went to get water for Yuan Xiaoge in a very happy mood.

He could guess what she was going to do next. That day, she had been splashed with juice by Chu Qing, losing a lot of face, and held a grudge.

She couldn’t splash Chu Qing, so she would splash his bodyguard to vent her anger.

Huo Li poured the water and placed it on the table next to her.

“Miss, your water,” he said, his lines on point.

Yuan Xiaoge also began her performance. She picked up the glass, took a sip, then frowned and cursed, “Why is this water so hot!”

Huo Li’s face was impassive, his tone steady. “Girls should drink more hot water.”

…

Yuan Xiaoge: “…???”

“…Pfft.”

Wang Shiwei, who was watching on the side, had originally disliked her ordering people around. Hearing what Huo Li said, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“You… you…!” Yuan Xiaoge’s face flushed red. She stood up and cursed, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?! Are you trying to scald me to death!”

As she spoke, she waved her hand, about to throw the water in the glass at Huo Li.

Her actions were like a slow-motion video in Huo Li’s eyes. He raised his hand and slapped the glass upwards. The force was so great that the cup tilted back, and the water splashed onto her face instead.

Splashed in the face again, Yuan Xiaoge: “…”

Yuan Xiaoge: “??????”

Drip, drip.

The water streamed down her delicate face, taking her makeup and foundation with it, and dripped from her chin.

…

The world fell silent.

“…” Wang Shiwei held it in for a moment, then couldn’t help it again. “…Pfft hahahaha…”

Not to be that guy, but is this Yuan Xiaoge stupid? The other person is a professional bodyguard who can jump down a cliff to save someone!

Could it be that she really had a princess-syndrome flare-up and thought he wouldn’t dare to do anything to her?

“Are you crazy?!” Yuan Xiaoge stared at Huo Li, dumbfounded, her whole body trembling with anger.

She was about to get a complex from being splashed.

“Sorry, I thought you wanted to give the glass back to me so I could get you another one,” Huo Li said sincerely. “I can get another glass for you, miss.”

“You…!” Yuan Xiaoge was so angry her eyes turned red. She shouted, “Are you a man!”

Huo Li said nothing, just looked at her as if she were a monkey.

“What’s going on…!”

When Chu Qing rushed over, he saw Yuan Xiaoge, her face wet and her makeup ruined, pointing at Huo Li’s nose and cursing, with a few drops of water also splashed on Huo Li’s shoulder.

Wang Shiwei roughly explained the situation to him.

“Nonsense…!” In any case, there were no cameras now, so Yuan Xiaoge didn’t have to worry so much. She cursed angrily, “It was this bodyguard who deliberately gave me water that was too hot! He wanted to scald me to death! Just a low-class bodyguard who works for others! What’s he so proud of?”

Chu Qing looked at her, his eyes narrowing, his voice low. “So you threw scalding water at my bodyguard?”

Huo Li stood behind his Sponsor Daddy, feeling the taste of being protected, both moved and happy. He even tugged on Chu Qing’s sleeve. “My shoulder hurts.”

Wang Shiwei: “…”

Woc.

A strong man acting cute.

The picture is a bit beautiful.

Chu Qing, however, started to feel heartache.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Huo…”

Mr. Huo was bullied and ordered around by others, and was almost splashed with hot water…

“Miss Yuan, may I ask why you ordered my bodyguard around and threw water on him?” Chu Qing said to her with a cold face. “Please give me an explanation.”

Yuan Xiaoge said coldly, “Why can’t I throw water on him? Teacher Chu didn’t explain when you threw iced juice in my face that day. An eye for an eye, fair is fair.”

At this moment, there were no cameras, and the two of them had completely torn off all pretense.

“Good. An eye for an eye, fair is fair. Miss Yuan is right,” Chu Qing paused, then said slowly, “It’s not wrong for Miss Yuan to throw water.”

Yuan Xiaoge raised her eyebrows triumphantly.

Then, they saw Chu Qing pick up the bag she had placed on the table, and before anyone could react, he threw it over the cliff.

That expensive and beautiful bag flew through the air in an equally beautiful arc and fell down the cliff.

…

Yuan Xiaoge’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“You…”

“Ahhhhhhh—”

She screamed and rushed to the edge of the balcony. She didn’t jump down, but her entire face was pale.

That bag was a custom-made designer brand, unimaginably expensive. Not to mention, it also contained her lipstick, wallet, makeup…

“Are you sick in the head?! Chu Qing, you f*cking uneducated bastard!!!”

Chu Qing said, “You said it yourself, an eye for an eye. I don’t blame you for throwing water, because I did the same that day. And that day… you also threw my Rubik’s Cube down.”

That “uneducated” was like a slap in the face. Yuan Xiaoge’s face alternated between red and white.

Huo Li stood behind Chu Qing, as surprised as everyone else.

He hadn’t expected… Chu Qing to do this.

He hadn’t expected him to be so angry. The person who was usually never angry, who had even chosen to tolerate it when his most cherished cube was thrown down, had become so… just because he had been ordered around.

So… charming.

Oh my god.

I’m going to die.