Chen Die thought Wen Liang must have taken the wrong medication, while her own face began to heat up.

She casually rubbed her ear with an outwardly composed expression and exhaled softly.

Feng Zhi smiled, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then returned to filming. Lu Chuan also didn’t say anything to increase the awkwardness. He nodded slightly at Wen Liang with a smile before leaving.

Chen Die followed Wen Liang outside before asking, “Did you do that on purpose just now?”

Wen Liang lowered his gaze and laughed lightly. “Yes.”

At least he admitted it frankly.

“…”

A car was parked outside, not the one Zhu Qicong had used to drop her off earlier. “Did you drive here yourself?”

“Mm-hmm.” Wen Liang raised his hand to press his brow bone. “Where do you want to eat?”

“Who agreed to eat with you?”

Wen Liang looked at her, his gaze shifting downward to linger on her leg for a second before moving back to her face, smiling lazily. “Aren’t you overestimating your current condition?”

Chen Die understood his meaning.

He was saying that whether she agreed or not didn’t matter—with her current fighting capacity, Wen Liang could simply pick her up and carry her off.

Sure enough, as soon as they left the film crew, he showed his true colors.

“Eat my ass,” Chen Die met strength with strength.

Wen Liang made a clicking sound with his tongue.

The warm sunshine streamed down, passing through the roadside tree leaves to cast dappled shadows that fell on Wen Liang’s face.

His features had a naturally aggressive quality—even without saying a word, his stern expression was enough to make people feel intimidated, though at the moment this seemed somewhat diminished.

His profile, illuminated by sunlight, appeared softer. His black eyelashes cast straight shadows downward, and one could almost detect a hint of gentleness.

Chen Die looked up at him, her heart gradually calming.

Then the embodiment of gentleness spoke: “Want to bet I’ll throw you over my shoulder and into the car?”

Hmph.

The gentle Wen Liang that Chen Die had momentarily conjured up in her mind based on pure physical attraction shattered completely with a crisp crack.

Chen Die rolled her eyes and limped into the car.

Behind her, Wen Liang curved his lips in a smile before following her into the vehicle.

The film city area mostly had small eateries, and there weren’t many tourists on weekdays. Wen Liang drove around for a while before Chen Die finally settled on a hot pot restaurant.

The hot pot restaurant staff frequently saw various celebrities coming to eat, so they remained calm when Chen Die and Wen Liang entered together.

They got a private room.

In a brass yin-yang pot, beef, lamb, and mushrooms bobbed up and down in the bubbling broth. Chen Die took off her jacket, put on a bib, and asked the server to bring her a can of cola.

She pulled the tab on the can, flipped over her upside-down cup, and poured a full glass with a gurgling sound. The bubbles fizzed continuously, rising to the surface.

“Want some?” Chen Die shook the half-empty can in her hand, asking Wen Liang.

“No.” He looked at Chen Die and suddenly asked, “Are you in a bad mood?”

Chen Die looked up, raising an eyebrow. “No, why?”

“Not worried about getting fat anymore?”

Because Chen Die had studied performance arts in college, she was always careful about maintaining her figure. High-sugar items like carbonated drinks were off-limits for her. Today’s combination of hot pot and cola was unusual.

“I know you went to Yiming Entertainment today,” Wen Liang said. “Did you see Chen Shao and Chen Zhiming?”

Chen Zhiming was the name of the Chen family patriarch.

Chen Die held her cup and took a sip, resting her chin on her palm as she looked up. “Mm-hmm.”

“What did Chen Zhiming say to you?”

“He asked me to return to the Chen family.”

Wen Liang asked, “What do you think about that?”

“I’ve never thought about going back,” Chen Die said softly.

She picked up a piece of lamb from the clear broth side, dipped it in some sauce, and ate it, then looked at Wen Liang candidly. “Besides, now that I’ve come out on my own, I can’t just go back without having achieved anything, only to be labeled as ‘the Chen family’s true daughter.'”

Wen Liang was silent for a moment, then eventually smiled.

“What’s so important about that title?” he said. “I’m here for you.”

Although it was vacation time, Chen Die only rested for three days. Once her leg felt a bit better, she returned to the film set to complete all the non-action scenes. After her stitches were removed, she would finish the remaining action scenes.

Fortunately, it didn’t drag on too long.

Everyone ate together at the wrap party, though Qi Cheng couldn’t attend due to other work commitments.

Half a month later, the release date was set for the Spring Festival period. Chen Die barely had a few days of rest before she had to start promotional activities with the crew.

“Bring that coat from the car, you’ll need to change into formal wear later,” Fang Ruan had been accompanying her to various events during this period. After a moment, she took out a scar removal cream from her bag. “Remember to apply this.”

Chen Die thanked her.

With her delicate skin, although her leg had healed for some time, the scab hadn’t come off yet, leaving a faint ring of scarring around it. Fortunately, her skin was fair, so it wasn’t too noticeable.

Tonight was a major film industry conference.

In the banquet hall of Yancheng World Entertainment Plaza, all the filmmakers with movies scheduled for release around the New Year had arrived on time.

The entrance ceremony for the film industry conference was live-streamed in its entirety. All attendees needed to enter for photos and sign the giant poster behind them.

The “Hairpin Flower” crew, due to director Feng Zhi and producer Lu Chuan’s status, would enter last.

Chen Die and Qi Cheng, as the male and female leads, entered first.

Chen Die wore an off-shoulder blue dress with her long hair tied back in a neat, clean ponytail, showcasing her swan-like neck and squared shoulders. Beside her, Qi Cheng wore a light checkered white suit with tie patterns that complemented Chen Die’s dress.

As soon as the two appeared on the livestream screen, the bullet comments began scrolling rapidly.

Perfect match!!

I can’t wait to see “Hairpin Flower,” their visuals are truly exceptional.

Sorry, I’m only shipping them for three minutes.

Hope they have opportunities to collaborate in the future.

I love Qi God ahhhhhhh!!

Chen Die’s legs are stunning ahhhh, wasn’t she injured before? Looks like she’s fully recovered.

Die is so beautiful.

I’ve noticed Chen Die has never tried to create a buzz with Qi God during their collaboration. I quite like her for that.

My favorite on-screen CP.

…

After Chen Die and Qi Cheng signed their names and posed for several photos for the reporters below, they exited from the side.

With the entrance ceremony for the film industry conference concluded, the main event officially began.

Chen Die entered with the film crew members. Fang Ruan brought her a silk shawl to drape over her shoulders. “Make sure you don’t doze off. Any small issue can be blown out of proportion these days. Keep smiling.”

Chen Die’s first movie hadn’t been released yet, so technically she wasn’t even a debuted actress.

But thanks to the variety show “Wild Kitchen” and the widely publicized major production “Hairpin Flower,” she had a good rapport with the general public. As long as her acting in “Hairpin Flower” won audience approval, she would have scored a complete victory.

So recently, many people have been paying attention to Chen Die’s status.

Chen Die nodded, but before she could respond, a commotion suddenly erupted behind her.

Reporters at the entrance crowded together, camera flashes rapidly firing. Even Feng Zhi personally went to welcome the newcomer.

Chen Die turned around to see a young woman being escorted in by everyone. She looked gentle, with waist-length curly hair, smiling and waving at the cameras.

She then shook hands with Feng Zhi, smiling as they exchanged a few words in low voices.

Even Chen Die had to admit that this woman was truly beautiful, on par with any female celebrity in the entertainment industry.

“Who is that?” Chen Die turned and whispered to Fang Ruan beside her.

Qi Cheng answered instead. “Ye Chuqing, the chairperson of this industry conference.”

“She’s so young?”

“Yes, she’s the eldest daughter of the Ye family. Her mother was an actress who later became a director. Ye Chuqing has followed in her mother’s footsteps, dedicating her energy to this field. A genuine talented woman, I’d say.” Qi Cheng explained.

Soon, the conference officially began.

This industry conference also incorporated an awards ceremony. Before long, Feng Zhi and Qi Cheng both won awards for their previous works—”Most Innovative Director” and “Most Influential Male Actor” respectively.

After the awards ceremony, at the after-party, Chen Die got up to use the restroom. Her leg still couldn’t stand for long periods; after standing for a while, the skin around her wound would start burning and aching.

Having had some champagne earlier, her lips were slightly moist. Chen Die took out her lipstick to touch up her makeup in the mirror while the voice of a woman came from one of the stalls behind her.

“I already told you I don’t want to go on blind dates. Your daughter is so beautiful that men are lining up to Paris to pursue me, yet you want me to settle for some guy on a blind date?”

“So what if he’s handsome? Do you know how many male celebrities were at the industry conference today? Those with fans numbering in the hundreds of millions. You think I still care about looks?”

“What do you mean ‘not the young idol type’? There are plenty of rugged, masculine types in the entertainment industry too. What type haven’t I seen? Oh come on, why are you sending me his photo? Who cares?”

Chen Die had no intention of eavesdropping, but the woman’s voice carried clearly through the quiet restroom from the stall.

“Is this photo him? Not photoshopped?”

“Looking at it this way, he does seem quite handsome.”

“I’m in.”

“Send me his WeChat.”

“Thank you, Mama, mwah!”

Chen Die, who had unintentionally heard the entire conversation: “…”

Thinking it might be awkward if she and this enthusiastic beauty-chaser met after the woman came out, Chen Die quickly finished her makeup, quietly put her lipstick back in her handbag, and was just about to leave when the stall door opened.

Chen Die looked up and paused—it was Ye Chuqing.

Ye Chuqing hadn’t expected anyone else to be there either and also hesitated briefly.

Chen Die nodded slightly and was about to leave when Ye Chuqing called out to her.

She hurriedly washed her hands and walked quickly to Chen Die’s side. “You’re Chen Die, Director Feng’s female lead, right?”

“Yes, what is it?”

Chen Die was surprised that Ye Chuqing knew her name.

Given her current status, it would be normal for Ye Chuqing not to recognize her. However, Ye Chuqing was dedicated to her role—as the chairperson of this industry conference, she had studied the list of all invited performers in advance, memorizing their faces and names.

Besides, Chen Die’s face could indeed leave an impression.

“What’s the color number of your lipstick?” Ye Chuqing asked.

“Huh?” Chen Die hadn’t expected this question.

She took out the lipstick from her bag again and checked the color number before answering. “Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color, shade number 4.”

Ye Chuqing gave her a thumbs up. “Beautiful.”

“…Thank you.”

“Your formal dress is also very beautiful.” Ye Chuqing stepped back to look her over. “Is it from Chanel’s fall/winter show collection?”

This persona was quite different from what Chen Die had imagined for the so-called eldest daughter of the Ye family.

She smiled. “I’m not sure; the company handles the formal wear for events.”

“It should be from the fall/winter show,” Ye Chuqing nodded to herself, confirming it. “You look exactly my type.”

“Thank you.”

Chen Die recalled her “I’m in” declaration in the bathroom and this very familiar way of chatting and complimenting, and suddenly thought of someone.

Chen Shao.

These two would be a perfect match; they should meet.

Walking out of the restroom.

As luck would have it, Chen Die had just turned the corner when she bumped into a man holding a wine glass. The glass tilted slightly, and the red wine spilled right down her chest, instantly soaking a large part of her dress.

To make matters worse, Chen Die was wearing a water-blue dress today, making the red wine stain very obvious.

“Ah, I’m so sorry, I didn’t notice you,” the man immediately apologized.

Chen Die’s fine eyebrows knitted together as she looked at the mess on herself, but there was nothing to be done—it was indeed her fault for turning the corner carelessly. “It’s alright, I’ll just wipe it off.”

Returning to the restroom, Ye Chuqing was just finishing her makeup and about to leave when she turned and saw Chen Die.

She paused, noticing her clothes. “What happened?”

“Bumped into someone and spilled wine,” Chen Die said, feeling a bit exhausted.

“This fabric definitely won’t clean up once it’s stained with wine.” Ye Chuqing frowned. “There’s still a group photo session, and there are many reporters outside. Do you have another formal dress you can change into?”

“No, I’ll ask my manager.” Chen Die said, “Don’t worry about me, please go ahead with your duties.”

As the chairperson of the conference, Ye Chuqing indeed had many matters to attend to, but she didn’t feel right leaving a guest in this situation, especially since she had taken a liking to Chen Die despite having just met her.

“Let me give you my contact information. If you can’t resolve it, call me. I’ll ask my assistant if we can borrow a dress from somewhere nearby.”

With that, Ye Chuqing took out her phone, opened her QR code, and let Chen Die to scan it.

Chen Die thanked her again. After adding her as a friend, Ye Chuqing left.

Just as Chen Die was about to message Fang Ruan, her phone vibrated. Wen Liang had sent her a message.

[Wen Liang: Come out.]

[Chen Die: ?]

[Wen Liang: Isn’t your dress stained?]

How terrifying was this person?

Chen Die had the false impression that his eyes were everywhere around her.

But she was helpless at the moment. Having been frequently praised for her beauty, Chen Die naturally cared about her image. She had no interest in letting people see her in this state, which would likely lead to more online discussions.

Fang Ruan couldn’t possibly get a new formal dress at such short notice.

Chen Die let out a soft sigh and walked out.

Wen Liang stood in the shadows. The corridor was spacious and empty. Hearing footsteps, he quickly looked up.

He swiftly took off his suit jacket, walked over to Chen Die, and draped it over her shoulders. With his broad shoulders, the jacket easily covered the wine stain on her chest.

The restroom had been cold, leaving Chen Die’s shoulders chilled. Wen Liang’s body-warmed jacket immediately brought warmth as it covered her, carrying his scent.

Chen Die lightly tugged at the jacket. “How are you here?”

She hadn’t noticed Wen Liang’s presence earlier.

She had been busy attending promotions in various places over the past few days and had even recorded a variety show with the production team. It had been more than half a month since she last saw Wen Liang.

“The company has been investing in this direction recently and was also invited,” Wen Liang said. “Want to go change your clothes?”

“Where?”

“Back home,” Wen Liang said calmly.

Chen Die was taken aback and looked up. “What?”

Wen Liang didn’t repeat himself.

World Entertainment Plaza was close to the West Suburb villa, and when Chen Die had left before, she hadn’t taken the expensive clothes with her, including several haute couture dresses that could serve as evening gowns.

Chen Die understood. “If we leave now, reporters will see us.”

Wen Liang pointed in another direction. “We’ll use the VIP passage.”

Chen Die had no other choice. She thanked him quietly and let Wen Liang lead her away from the crowd. It was only after they got into the car that she remembered something.

“How did you know my dress was stained?”

“I know the person who bumped into you. He mentioned it when he came back, and I guessed it was you.”

Counting the time, it had been several months since Chen Die left the West Suburb villa.

This place where she had lived for six years, where she had stayed from her first day in Yancheng, now felt strangely unfamiliar upon her return.

Wen Liang got out of the car, entered the password, and went inside.

Chen Die hesitated at the doorway, not entering.

Wen Liang looked back at her. “Aren’t you coming in?”

“It doesn’t seem appropriate,” Chen Die looked at him. “Just help me get the blue dress from the closet.”

Wen Liang laughed softly. “It’s not appropriate to come in, but you find it appropriate to ask me to bring clothes from your closet.”

Wen Liang didn’t waste words with her. He directly pulled her into the house, turned to take a pair of slippers from the rack, and tossed them at her feet.

They were the slippers she used to wear in winter—light pink fluffy slippers.

Initially, all the slippers in this house were identical blue and white striped ones. Later, during high school, Chen Die bought a pair of slippers during a visit to a home goods store.

She had hidden her little secret—the pair she bought was one pink and one blue, connected by a hook, with “Couple Slippers” written on the tag.

Chen Die brought them home, secretly cut off the tag, and tucked it into her book like a bookmark, cherishing it.

She placed the pink and blue slippers on the top of the shoe cabinet, waiting for Wen Liang to discover them when he came home. But this man seemed to be born without a romantic bone in his body.

He never noticed Chen Die’s intentions at all and just wore them like ordinary slippers.

Afterward, Chen Die never actively bought new slippers again. It was always the housekeepers who bought the same two colors of slippers every year when winter came.

Until now.

Chen Die hadn’t expected that her slippers would still be on the shoe rack.

She had left in the summer.

With no time to think more about it, Chen Die put on the slippers and followed Wen Liang upstairs.

The closet was also just as it had been. Chen Die quickly found the blue dress she was looking for.

Holding the dress, standing in this bedroom with Wen Liang again, she felt a sense of how things had changed, her fingers curling awkwardly. “I’ll change in here?”

“Go ahead.”

After entering the bathroom, Fang Ruan messaged asking where she was.

Chen Die briefly explained the situation but didn’t mention that she had left with Wen Liang.

She had only worn this dress once since buying it; this would be the second time.

After changing, Chen Die found a bag to put the stained formal dress in, then returned Wen Liang’s jacket to him.

Wen Liang reached out to take it.

Chen Die touched his fingers and found them abnormally hot.

She looked up. In the bright bedroom light, Chen Die noticed that Wen Liang’s face also had an unnatural redness, and his amber eyes weren’t as clear as usual.

“Are you feeling unwell?” Chen Die asked.

“Hmm?” Wen Liang raised an eyebrow. “No.”

Chen Die moved closer, stood on her tiptoes, and reached up to feel his forehead.

It was burning hot.

She frowned. “You have a fever.”

“It’s nothing. I don’t feel uncomfortable.”

“Are you still going back to World Entertainment Plaza? You’ll have to drink when you get back.”

With Wen Liang’s status and position, even if he didn’t attend due to circumstances, it wouldn’t have much impact. No one would say anything. Chen Die said, “You should rest here first.”

“What about you?” Wen Liang asked.

Chen Die: “I’ll take a taxi back later. It’s not far anyway.”

Before Wen Liang could say anything, Chen Die pushed him to sit on the bed, then went downstairs to the storage room to find a forehead thermometer and fever medication from the medicine cabinet.

“It’s almost 39 degrees. Don’t go back, just rest for a while.”

Wen Liang looked at her. “Will you stay with me?”

Chen Die’s hand stopped as she was pouring water. “No, my manager was just urging me to go back. There are still interviews and group photos afterward.”

She checked the expiration date on the fever medication, poured one packet into the water, and placed it on Wen Liang’s bedside table. “Drink your medicine.”

Then she took out her phone, found Zhu Qicong’s number, and notified him to handle Wen Liang’s absence from the rest of the conference.

After sending the message, she looked up. The medicine still hadn’t been drunk.

Chen Die picked it up and held it to Wen Liang’s lips. “Drink it quickly.”

Wen Liang obediently drank the entire cup of medicine from her hand, then looked up to see the young girl’s eyes sparkling as she asked, “Is it bitter?”

“Yes,” he answered honestly.

Chen Die smiled happily, picking up the torn medicine packet from the bedside table and waving it. “Specially brewed for you, the sugar-free version.”

“…”

Revenge is sweet!

Chen Die was delighted as she patted Wen Liang’s shoulder. “Lie down.”

Wen Liang was unusually obedient, drinking his medicine and dutifully lying down.

Chen Die tucked the blanket around him, marveling at herself for being such a beautiful, kind-hearted, and magnanimous fairy who, instead of kicking her ex-boyfriend when he was down, was personally taking care of him.

She felt his forehead again—still quite hot.

A fever of 39 degrees was serious.

But Chen Die knew that unless Wen Liang couldn’t bear it anymore, he generally refused to go to the hospital.

She thought for a moment, then went to the bathroom to get a towel, soaked it in cold water, and placed it on his forehead.

Wen Liang lay in bed, his gaze following Chen Die as she moved around.

Regarding his illness, Chen Die didn’t show excessive concern. She seemed quite pleased about the sugar-free medicine from earlier, even humming a tune while getting the towel, her steps light and quick.

The once spacious and quiet room was filled with life again.

Wen Liang remembered how Chen Die used to turn the bathroom into a concert hall when she took baths, and how he always complained she was too noisy.

Chen Die rinsed the cup that had held the medicine and refilled it with warm water, placing it beside him.

Standing by the bed, she said, “I’m leaving now. If you feel unwell, go to the hospital. Don’t hold back.”

An indescribable emotion spread through his heart.

That day when he returned home, Housekeeper Zhang had rushed out anxiously to tell him that Chen Die had run away.

And now she was humming happily, carefree, telling him she was leaving again.

His mouth was still bitter from the medicine, mixed with a bitterness rising from his heart.

Chen Die picked up her handbag from the side, but just as she was about to leave, her wrist was grabbed firmly and pulled backward with force. Chen Die immediately fell sitting on the bed.

Wen Liang raised his arm around her back and pulled her into his embrace.

This was the first time in many days that Wen Liang had held Chen Die like this.

Chen Die instinctively pushed him away, but he only held her tighter. Her nose pressed against his shoulder, held so tightly she could barely breathe.

“Wen Liang, let me go!” Chen Die frowned, with slight anger in her voice.

Wen Liang was always like this—doing whatever he wanted. Chen Die had nearly fallen when he pulled her, and now her eyes were covered by her hair, their breaths intermingling, tugging at her nerves.

Chen Die couldn’t figure out what he was trying to do.

After all, Wen Liang could be said to have no boundaries and was not constrained by any rules or regulations.

In his eyes, he was the supreme king, and everyone served him.

Chen Die was on guard.

At least Wen Liang had a high fever, so his fighting strength should be somewhat reduced.

The room was completely quiet except for the sound of breathing. Chen Die could feel Wen Liang burying his head against the side of her neck as he held her tightly.

His hair was somewhat prickly against her neck.

Very bristly.

“I miss you so much,” he said.

His voice was hoarse, his lowered neck a vulnerable posture.

Chen Die was stunned.

Her hands, which had been ready for battle, lost their strength.

She had never seen Wen Liang like this before and even suspected he might be delirious from the fever.

Finally, she slowly raised her hand and gently stroked his hair, struggling to respond. “You’re already hugging me so tightly I can barely breathe.”

“But I,” Wen Liang said hoarsely, “still miss you so much.”