Zhao Xiyin: "Mm."
Dai Yun thought to herself, "What kind of relationship do you two have?"
"Remarry," Zhao Xiyin answered frankly.
Dai Yunxin nodded, "But I'd like to remind you that you signed an agreement with the production team before filming 'Nine Thoughts.' During filming, you were prohibited from having any personal romantic relationships."
Zhao Xiyin looked up, completely taken aback by this.
"Of course, as the largest investor, Zhou Qishen let him do as he pleases. But he's not an insider, Xiaoxi. You're going to be in this industry for a long time. If these things are publicized by people with ulterior motives, your public image and how the industry views you will definitely suffer."
Dai Yunxin spoke logically and methodically, “Do you want to continue with the reputation of having a sugar daddy behind you? Xiao Xi, with your professional skills, you can completely avoid this. Don’t let trivial things cause you to be criticized. A dancer’s golden period of development is only a few years. Now is your best time. You need to weigh the pros and cons and know how to make choices.”
Dai Yunxin had a firm grasp on her thoughts, targeting what she cared about most, what she wanted most, and what she was most unwilling to accept. After saying that, she didn't linger, "I'm leaving. Think it over carefully, and I'll wait for your reply."
The Mercedes drove away, stirring up the remaining fallen leaves on the ground.
——
That evening, Zhou Qishen picked her up for dinner and asked her what she wanted to eat. Zhao Xiyin replied listlessly, "I don't want to go out to eat."
"Okay, let's go to the supermarket to buy some groceries, and I'll cook for you."
Zhao Xiyin tugged at a decorative pattern on his sleeve and said, "Brother Zhou, I want to eat instant noodles."
Zhou Qishen laughed, "Why are you eating instant noodles during the New Year? I'm not mistreating you."
Zhao Xiyin grabbed him and shook him violently.
Zhou Qishen pressed down on her hand, "Don't shake it, you'll shake your head off."
Zhao Xiyin looked at him pitifully.
Zhou Qishen raised his hand and patted her head, reluctantly giving in, "Okay, instant noodles."
Back at Fanyue, the two of them each had a bucket of Master Kong instant noodles. Zhou Qishen was a bit of a germaphobe, so he made sure to close his bedroom door tightly before making the noodles to avoid the smell from spreading. Zhao Xiyin sat cross-legged on the floor, watching TV and eating heartily, pointing excitedly at the female celebrity on the variety show: "It's An Lan! I really like her!"
Zhou Qishen glanced at it and said calmly, "Hmm, do you still remember Tang Qichen?"
“I remember,” Zhao Xiyin said. “Your friend from Shanghai.”
"When you eat with him in the future, don't mention him. Especially in front of his wife."
Zhao Xiyin understood immediately and said, "Just like you, you've dated celebrities, haven't you?"
Zhou Qishen raised an eyebrow. "If you consider yourself a celebrity, then I have indeed dated someone."
Zhao Xiyin seemed to think about it very seriously before saying, "I don't want to be a star."
“I know.” Zhou Qishen stood up from the sofa and then sat down next to her on the carpet. “My Xiaoxi doesn’t need to be anything, just be yourself.”
Zhao Xiyin smiled broadly, scooped up a spoonful of instant noodles, and brought it to his mouth, saying, "This is a treat for you."
Zhou Qishen turned his face away in disgust. "Tsk, it smells awful."
Zhao Xiyin only ate a little bit to satisfy her craving, as she had to start filming after the New Year and dared not eat too much. Since returning to dancing, she has maintained a healthy body fat percentage, which is a basic professional requirement. After eating five or six bites of instant noodles, she obediently threw them into the outside trash can.
Back in her room, she continued watching. She had a habit of watching the entire series in one go when she got engrossed in a show. Zhou Qishen glanced at her several times, finally losing his patience. He grabbed her hand and forcibly turned her around, saying unhappily, "Don't your eyes need a rest?"
Zhao Xiyin leaned closer and said, "Brother Zhou, give me a massage."
Zhou Qishen couldn't resist her coquettishness and obeyed her every word, circling her eyes with his index finger. At first, he did it quite well, but gradually, the pressure changed. His finger moved down, burning along the girl's nose, lips, and chin, finally stopping at her collarbone.
Zhao Xiyin instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, but Zhou Qishen hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her close, saying in a voice that sounded like a spell, "I'm not leaving tonight."
Zhao Xiyin's heart pounded like thunder. "I didn't bring any clothes."
“Wear mine,” he said.
Zhao Xiyin held up one finger, "Then... let me watch one more episode of a variety show?"
Zhou Qishen frowned. "You've even started bargaining now." In the end, he went along with her and patted her bottom rather gently. "Go ahead."
Later, Zhou Qishen went to take a shower. Zhao Xiyin figured he was almost done, so she went to his bedroom closet to find a change of clothes. Zhou Qishen always had good taste in clothes, and he kept them neatly organized. Zhao Xiyin casually picked up a shirt and threw it on the bed, then paused, blushing as she changed the white shirt into a black one.
Just as she was lost in thought, she heard Zhou Qishen call her from the bathroom, "Xiao west, get me a bottle of shampoo."
He gave the instructions in a very serious manner. Zhao Xiyin didn't think much of it and went to the bathroom door after finding it in the storage room.
"Open the door, I'll hand it to you."
The door lock turned softly, just a crack.
The man's wet hand dripped water slowly. Zhao Xiyin handed him the shampoo, but as soon as she touched it, her wrist was grabbed hard.
Zhao Xiyin screamed and was dragged into the bathroom.
With a "bang," the door slammed shut, and a long-awaited kiss fell.
Hot water splashed, steam filled the air, and the high temperature made it hard to breathe. Zhou Qishen was too rough; water from the showerhead even splashed into her mouth. Zhao Xiyin pressed against him and whispered, "I swallowed so much bathwater, let's go...outside, okay?"
Zhou Qishen gripped the person tightly, "Okay, we'll go later."
In the mist, in the eye contact, in the rising temperature.
Words are superfluous; just one glance reveals the road we came from and the path leading to the distance. This journey was bitter at first but sweet later, with endless aftertaste.
Zhao Xiyin was actually a little nervous, having been inexperienced for a long time, while Zhou Qishen's demeanor was quite formidable. She kept reassuring herself, "Relax, don't be tense." A prelude to a life-or-death struggle ensued, with Zhou Qishen taking the lead and stirring up trouble throughout.