Chen Die helped Old Master Chen lie back down on the hospital bed, suddenly unsure how to begin.

“You don’t need to be like this,” Chen Die said carefully, keeping her voice gentle. “Among all the people in the Chen family, in the past, only you truly considered my interests. I don’t blame you.”

Once before, Old Master Chen had come to her school, wanting to take her back home.

Chen Die had refused then, saying she wasn’t the Chen family’s granddaughter.

She certainly knew that at that time, Old Master Chen could have completely ignored her opinion and taken her back anyway. At that point, Wen Yuan was still in Wen Huaiyuan’s hands, and even if Wen Liang had objected, he couldn’t have changed the situation.

But Old Master Chen had tacitly allowed her not to return. Chen Die didn’t know which of her words had changed his mind, but at least he had listened to her thoughts, only giving her his contact information and telling her she could come to him anytime if she had difficulties.

“Also, there are some things I should probably explain to you in advance.”

“Regarding Chen Shuyuan’s matter, I won’t forgive her, nor will I possibly write any forgiveness letter that would help reduce her sentence. Let her be sentenced however appropriate.” Chen Die paused briefly, then added, “In this matter, I am the victim.”

Old Master Chen nodded repeatedly, patting the back of her hand. “Of course, of course. We wouldn’t ask you to do such a thing. She’s the one who did wrong. If…”

Old Master Chen hesitated, still not saying the words “your mother”: “If Lin Quan comes to you about this matter, just tell Grandpa.”

Chen Die nodded.

“Then we’ll be going now,” she said as she stood up.

Old Master Chen called her back, appearing as if he wanted to say something but was hesitating. He said in a low voice, “Grandpa doesn’t expect you to forgive, but if you can let it go when you have time, you could come back for a visit. We could all have a meal together.”

Chen Die smiled slightly. “I’ll come see you when I have time. Please take care of your health.”

Wen Liang hadn’t said a word the entire time. When Chen Die was speaking, he had been leaning against the wall by the door. When she finished, he followed her out.

Chen Die put her mask and hat back on, giving him a sidelong glance. “You really don’t like Old Master Chen, do you?”

“I don’t like any of those people,” he said with mild contempt.

By the time they left the hospital, it was already dark. Chen Die bought a bottle of water from a convenience store and then sat in the car with Wen Liang. As soon as they closed the car door, her phone rang.

Wen Liang had tossed Chen Die’s bag onto the back seat earlier. He unfastened his seatbelt, leaned over to retrieve it, opened the clasp, and took out the phone. He lowered his eyes to look at it and snickered.

Chen Die instantly realized who was calling.

Wen Liang had already tossed her phone onto her lap with an annoyed expression. Chen Die picked it up and looked—sure enough, it was Chen Shao.

These two guys…

“Where are you?” Chen Shao asked as soon as the call connected.

“At the hospital.”

He paused, then laughed. “Too soft-hearted, little sister.”

Chen Die rolled her eyes. “What do you want from me?”

“Dinner. I’ll send you the address. Ye Chuqing is here too.”

Chen Die raised an eyebrow and teased, “Why should I crash your dinner date?”

“Why are you talking so much nonsense? I tell you to come, so come,” Chen Shao said.

“Can I bring a plus-one?” Chen Die asked tactfully.

Chen Shao was speechless. “…Whatever.”

Ye Chuqing and Chen Shao stood behind a screen near the restaurant bathroom, looking helpless.

“Is she coming?” Ye Chuqing asked.

“She’s coming,” Chen Shao lowered his eyes to look at her. “How did you end up here?”

“My aunt has been telling me hundreds of times about setting me up with a man. I was so annoyed that I came along just to make her give up. Who knew it would be you?” Ye Chuqing glared at him. “What about you? Surprising to see you on a blind date?”

Chen Shao gave a cold laugh. “Your aunt tricked me into coming. Who wants a blind date?”

“…” Ye Chuqing glanced up, looking through the screen at her aunt sitting like a door guardian. “What do we do now?”

“I’ll just tell her you’re not my type, so she can give up.”

“?”

Ye Chuqing stared at him with a “what’s wrong with you” look, almost laughing from anger. “If anyone’s going to say that, it should be me. Do you think you’re my type?!”

Chen Shao waved dismissively. “Petty. It doesn’t matter who says it.”

The two returned to the table. Just as Ye Chuqing was about to sit next to her aunt, her aunt pushed her back. “You young people sit together. Why sit with me?”

“…”

Ye Chuqing cursed inwardly and sat next to Chen Shao. “Auntie, I’ve known him for a long time. Honestly, we have no interest in each other. We’re barely even friends. You don’t need to worry about this.”

Her aunt waved her hand. “How can you conclude so quickly? You need to spend time together to know.”

She changed targets and asked Chen Shao, “What do you think of my niece?”

Chen Shao: “…”

She made it more specific: “Is she pretty?”

Chen Shao turned to look at Ye Chuqing. He had to admit, that Ye Chuqing could be called a beauty when compared to anyone. If you didn’t know her personality, she had the appearance of a very gentle, graceful Eastern beauty—waist-length curly hair, bright eyes, and white teeth.

Chen Shao nodded. “Pretty.”

Her aunt wore an expression that suggested “this child can be taught,” nodded, and said happily, “Her grades are good too! And she’s excellent at her job!”

Chen Shao nodded, unusually well-mannered and polite. “I know. We’ve worked together before.”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

“You’ve worked together?! Isn’t that a wonderful coincidence? Then you should chat properly, and this time not about work. Afterward, you can even go upstairs to watch a movie. I’ll be leaving now.”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

Chen Shao: “…”

She came in a hurry and left in a hurry.

Fortunately, Chen Die and Wen Liang arrived shortly after, entering the private room, making the situation less awkward.

Chen Die hung her coat and hat on the nearby coat rack, and sat down next to Wen Liang, across from them.

“Why did you suddenly call us over?” Chen Die asked.

“The seat you’re sitting in now—my aunt was sitting there just now.” Ye Chuqing wearily retold what had just happened.

Chen Die couldn’t help but laugh, looking the pair across from her up and down. “Then we’re not interrupting you two, are we?”

Ye Chuqing rolled her eyes. “Would you please shut up?”

Somehow, Chen Shao and Wen Liang had become mortal enemies. Although they could still exchange a few words at the police station last time, now they weren’t speaking at all, each too lazy to acknowledge the other.

At the dinner table, it was basically only Chen Die and Ye Chuqing talking. After Chen Shao asked about her hospital visit today, he had nothing more to say.

Wen Liang wasn’t talkative and didn’t like this kind of situation. He barely touched his chopsticks and even went out to take a phone call halfway through the meal.

As soon as he left, Ye Chuqing asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

“Huh?” Chen Die didn’t understand.

“Is he in a bad mood?” Ye Chuqing frowned. “What, does he think I’m ugly? Lost his appetite?”

Chen Die laughed. “No, this is just his temperament. He’s like an old man with no common topics with us, so he doesn’t like to talk.”

Ye Chuqing clicked her tongue. “Do you know what he looks like right now?”

“What?”

“Someone with social anxiety who has no interest in dining but insists on sticking by your side.”

“…”

Ye Chuqing muttered, “The first time I met him, he was so arrogant. I never imagined he would be like this.”

After Ye Chuqing mentioned this, when Wen Liang returned from his phone call, Chen Die asked with concern, “Whose call was that? Everything okay?”

“Zhu Qicong’s. It’s fine, just a small company matter.” As Wen Liang spoke, he took Chen Die’s left hand and placed it on his thigh.

Chen Die nodded, picked up a shrimp, and continued with concern: “Do you want to eat this?”

Wen Liang lowered his eyes, his eyelids drooping, looking uninterested. “Don’t want to peel it.”

“…”

Fine then.

Chen Die rolled up her sleeves and peeled the shrimp for him.

Across the table, Chen Shao watched in astonishment. What the hell kind of operation was this? My sister was taken home by this bastard at 16, and I’ve always thought she’s waited on hand and foot these years, but she has to peel shrimp for this ancestor?!

He moved quickly. Just as Chen Die was about to place the shrimp meat in Wen Liang’s bowl, Chen Shao used his chopsticks to snatch it away and put it in Ye Chuqing’s bowl beside him.

Ye Chuqing was also shocked by the scene of Chen Die peeling shrimp for Wen Liang. With perfect coordination, she immediately ate it.

Chen Shao laughed angrily. “Wait, did you two swap genders or something?”

He pointed at Chen Die with a look of deep disappointment. “What’s wrong with you? Have you no dignity? He didn’t even ask you to peel it, why are you peeling shrimp? Does he not have hands? Can’t he peel it himself? Do you peel shrimp for him every day at home too?”

Chen Die: “…”

Well, not really.

Wen Liang straightened his back, leaned against the chair, and slightly raised his chin, revealing a section of collarbone through his open shirt collar. Expressionless, he looked at Chen Shao.

He was angry.

Wen Liang was truly annoyed with Chen Shao, always acting like Chen Die’s brother, controlling her—one moment taking off Chen Die’s ring, the next stealing his shrimp.

Chen Die looked at Wen Liang, then at Chen Shao.

She felt exhausted.

These two giant babies…

“Alright, alright,” Chen Die called a stop, holding Wen Liang’s hand to soothe him while putting some meat in Chen Shao’s bowl with her chopsticks. “You eat too!”

Chen Shao threw the meat back onto the bone plate. “I’ve never eaten lamb.”

Wen Liang pulled Chen Dieback by her shoulder, giving a light snort. “Why should she remember what you like to eat?”

Chen Die: “…”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

This meal was eaten in constant tension, always having to watch that the two giant babies didn’t start fighting and needing to immediately extinguish any sparks and mediate once they appeared.

By the time they finally finished eating, Chen Die was completely exhausted.

Ye Chuqing went to the bathroom, and when she returned, she looked nervous. She slipped into the room and quickly closed the door.

Chen Die looked up. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s a group of students outside. Feels like a whole class came. They’re all standing at the entrance,” Ye Chuqing said. “If you go out like this, you’ll probably be recognized.”

Chen Die looked at Wen Liang.

It was unimaginable what kind of uproar it would cause if she and Wen Liang were photographed having dinner together.

While she was hesitating, Ye Chuqing had already provided a solution: “This way, you two go out first.” She pointed at Wen Liang and Chen Shao. “If you’re not discovered, we two will follow later.”

Chen Die looked at the two men.

Wen Liang and Chen Shao had no objections to this plan. They picked up their coats and stood up.

Chen Die tugged at Wen Liang, reminding him softly: “Don’t argue, okay?”

Wen Liang gave her a languid glance. “Don’t worry.”

“…”

Look at your behavior just now—was that someone who could be trusted not to argue?

Wen Liang and Chen Shao left one after another. They attracted a few glances just for their appearances, but fortunately, no one recognized them.

Walking to the garage, they sent messages to the two inside saying they could come out.

Wen Liang put away his phone and leaned against the car door. Chen Shao’s car was parked right next to his.

The two had nothing to say to each other and stood quietly.

Chen Shao took out a cigarette, but when he tried to light it, he realized he had left his lighter in the private room. He cursed under his breath and was about to put the cigarette away when Wen Liang tossed his lighter over.

Chen Shao caught it.

They each lit a cigarette, and blue-white smoke intertwined.

After a moment, Chen Shao flicked away some ash and suddenly asked, “Do you really like Chen Die?”

Wen Liang wouldn’t discuss this sort of topic with another man. He raised his eyes carelessly. “Is your company now managing this too?”

“Do you have to be such a jerk?” Chen Shao lost his temper. “Now that Chen Shuyuan can never come back, and everyone outside knows that Chen Die is the Chen family’s daughter, who knows how many clueless people might come to the Chen family to propose? Do you think Chen Die can only choose you?”

Wen Liang narrowed his eyes, looking arrogant. “Besides me, see if she’s willing to choose anyone else.”

“Usually, the ones who end up most hurt are overconfident people like you,” Chen Shao said.

Wen Liang couldn’t be bothered to talk to him anymore.

When Chen Die and Ye Chuqing came out together, they were recognized by the students at the entrance after all. They were surrounded by noise, had several photos taken with them, and had to sign autographs before finally escaping.

At least she hadn’t come out with Wen Liang.

Chen Shao saw the two coming from around the corner in the distance. He threw away his remaining cigarette, put his hands in his pockets, and said quietly, “Treat her well.”

Wen Liang turned his head toward Chen Die. “I know.”

Avoiding people, Chen Die said goodbye to Ye Chuqing and got directly into the car, letting out a heavy sigh of relief. “That was terrifying. I thought we were going to be exposed.”

“What happened?” Wen Liang asked.

Chen Die told him about being recognized at the entrance, then asked, “What were you and Chen Shao talking about just now?”

Wen Liang: “Nothing much.”

Chen Die stared at him suspiciously. “You didn’t argue again, did you?”

“Who would want to argue with him?”

“…With that attitude, you couldn’t be older than five.”

Wen Liang glanced at her. “He told me to treat you well.”

Chen Die paused, clearly not expecting Chen Shao to say such a thing. After a moment of surprise, she couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, you should treat me well.”

Early the next morning.

Chen Die officially rejoined the crew and began filming again.

At first, Wen Liang still wanted to accompany her. The previous incident had greatly affected him, and he was worried about letting Chen Die stay alone in the crew.

After Chen Die’s persistent persuasion, he finally didn’t insist on staying with her at the set, though bodyguards were still necessary.

After Chen Die became famous, the company only arranged bodyguards when she entered crowded places like airports. This was the first time she had bodyguards at a film set.

At least they just stood guard near the filming location.

However, with their black clothes, black pants, and black sunglasses, there wasn’t a single aspect that could be associated with “low profile.”

Xue Mu shouted as soon as he walked onto the set in the morning: “Holy shit, what’s with those men in black outside?! They scared me to death! Who hired bodyguards?”

Chen Die was getting her makeup done and raised her hand very slowly, extremely embarrassed. “Mine.”

“…” Xue Mu was very understanding. Before asking why, he first offered a reason. “Sister Chen Die, do you have some super crazy stalker fans who follow your schedule every day?”

Chen Die couldn’t think of any other reason, so she nodded along. “…Yes.”

Xue Mu nodded and sat down next to her, very understanding. “A friend of mine also has fans like that. It’s too scary—car chasing, stalking, and such. You need bodyguards.”

“…”

Because of her previous absence, Huang Sheng had filmed several scenes without Chen Die in advance. The content for the next few days was all scenes with Chen Die that had been pushed back, concentrated together, with a large amount of filming each day until very late.

Wen Liang would work overtime at the company until evening, then come to wait for her near the set when she was about to finish.

Even though it was just a few steps from the set to the hotel.

Chen Die thought it was making a big deal out of nothing and was afraid he would find it tiring, they had to secretly meet to avoid some crew members. But after telling him several times without effect, she just let him be.

That day, filming ended at eleven o’clock at night. The early summer night had a pleasant temperature and dim stars.

Chen Die had been filming all day in a form-fitting qipao with her hair down. Her body was sticky with sweat, and all she wanted was to get back to the hotel immediately for a shower.

After spending time together on set, Chen Die was no longer reserved. She changed into a loose, long T-shirt that covered most of her body, instantly transforming from the charming, sensual woman of moments ago into someone with a student-like appearance.

She also removed two false eyelashes, threw them into a box, said goodbye to everyone, and prepared to leave.

Just as she was about to walk outside, Xue Mu called out to her: “Sister Chen Die!”

Chen Die stopped. “What is it?”

“Wait for me! I’ll go back to the hotel with you!”

Chen Die blinked. “Huh?”

“Didn’t you say you have stalkers following you recently? It’s not safe to go back alone. I’ll accompany you!”

“It’s fine, don’t trouble yourself. There are bodyguards outside.”

Xue Mu was very enthusiastic and full of energy. “It’s no trouble. I’ll change my clothes and be right out!” With that, he ran into the changing room.

These college students nowadays…

Chen Die stared at the changing room door as it opened and closed, daydreaming for a moment. Then she took out her phone to send a message to Wen Liang asking where he was.

Just as she pulled out her phone, a familiar tobacco scent suddenly wafted around her nose.

Also known as the scent of danger.

She was about to turn her head when an arm wrapped around her neck from behind, pulling her into an embrace.

Chen Die stumbled backward, the back of her head pressing against his chest. She smelled Wen Liang’s scent.

“How much longer are you going to stare at him?” His voice was very displeased.

“Who’s staring at anyone?” Chen Die pushed away his arm and turned to look at him.

The man’s brows were slightly furrowed. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, and he was looking at her with drooping eyelids.

Chen Die looked around again. Everyone was still packing up and preparing to return to the hotel, and someone could come out at any moment. Chen Die quickly pulled Wen Liang to a shadowy area behind the stairwell.

The surroundings were pitch black, with the smell of dust floating in the air.

Chen Die sniffed and said, “If we go out now, he’ll follow and see you. Let’s stay here for a bit.”

Wen Liang tilted her chin up, lowering his voice as if threatening: “Afraid of being seen? Is that why you took off the ring too?”

“…” Chen Die looked up and sincerely said, “Who wears a ring while filming?”

Just as she finished speaking, Xue Mu ran out having changed from his costume, circled outside the door looking for Chen Die, then ran back into the building, muttering, “Strange, where did she go?”

Chen Die peeked out, then took another step into the shadows, pulling Wen Liang with her.

He was tall, completely blocking Chen Die from view, making the light even dimmer.

“Chen Die!” Xue Mu called out.

Chen Die: “…”

She was thinking about whether to send Xue Mu a message saying she had something to do and had already left.

Just as she took out her phone, Wen Liang stepped forward, his chest pressing tightly against hers. He held her face up and bent down to kiss her lips.

Chen Die made a muffled sound, and tried to pull back but was grabbed by the waist and pulled back.

After struggling a few times, her hands were pinned.

Zeng Liya also came out and heard Xue Mu: “What are you doing? I saw her leave earlier.”

Xue Mu scratched his head. “I asked her to wait for me. I just went outside and didn’t see anyone. She left so quickly—I hope nothing has happened?”

“What could happen? She’s a grown adult,” Zeng Liya said, playing with her hair. She raised her arm to put it around Xue Mu’s shoulders and teased, “What’s with you? Do you like Sister Die?”

Xue Mu stiffened. “Don’t say nonsense.”

Wen Liang bit Chen Die’s lip hard. Chen Die felt the pain but couldn’t escape. She raised her foot to step on his.

Though she put quite a bit of force into it, Wen Liang didn’t seem to feel any pain at all. He even smiled against her lips, their hot breaths intermingling.

Chen Die was afraid his voice would alert the people outside, so she pinched his waist.

The two were squeezed into the dim area under the stairs, kissing while fighting.

Outside, Zeng Liya and Xue Mu’s voices came through clearly.

“Doesn’t Sister Die have a rumored boyfriend? That show she recorded earlier, ‘One Day Three Meals,’ wasn’t that invested in by that CEO Wen?” Zeng Liya said.

Xue Mu didn’t quite believe it. “I think that news is fake. Neither of the parties involved has ever made a statement. It might just be some random gossip.”

As the words fell, Wen Liang bit Chen Die’s lip again.

Chen Die: “…”

What. The. Hell.

Zeng Liya asked, “Have you asked Sister Die about this?”

“No, why would I ask her about that?”

“If you like her, shouldn’t you know your competition?” Zeng Liya slapped his shoulder. “Don’t you know how to pursue a girl?”

Xue Mu’s face turned red, wearing an expression that showed he couldn’t stand her. “Why are you so nosy? I’m just being a gentleman wanting to escort her back to the hotel!”

With Zeng Liya’s interruption, Xue Mu finally stopped looking for Chen Die, and the two walked away chatting.

Chen Die and Wen Liang waited until everyone from the crew had left before coming out from the dark stairwell. Her lipstick was long gone.

That night at the hotel, Xue Mu sent Chen Die a message asking if she had arrived safely. Chen Die made up an excuse, explained, and apologized to him.

Xue Mu sent her another message, but before Chen Die could read it, Wen Liang had already half-embraced her and thrown her onto the bed.

He pressed down on top of her, opened the bedside drawer, took out those little squares, hooked one up with his finger, and tossed it down, asking languidly, “Filming for so long, and so many left. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Chen Die was puzzled and blurted out, “Shouldn’t you be the embarrassed one? What does this have to do with me?”

As soon as she said it, she knew—oh no.

A man’s pride is unquestionable.

She had touched a sore spot.

Sure enough, Wen Liang narrowed his eyes and laughed coldly. “Fine, we’ll use them all up today.”

“…”

Bro, calm down.