Chapter 64

As the sun had already set, they were all walking out of the karaoke bar, but everyone still seemed full of energy.

"Our lunch is my favorite part of the day," Sun Chuanchu said, leaning on Jiang Tianhao.

"We already know that, even if you didn't say it," Jiang Tianhao replied, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Their outing had been a success, and now they were getting ready to head home.

As they walked, Deng Xiaoqi was the first to bid farewell, having received a message from her mother that her ride was waiting for her.

Deng Xiaoqi hugged Miaomiao tightly. "See you later, Miaomiao. Just call me if you're coming over."

Lin Miaomiao hugged her back. "I'll message you," she said before letting go. "See you later," she added, waving as Xiaoqi walked away.

Their classmates also said their goodbyes to Deng Xiaoqi.

As Deng Xiaoqi got into her car, she couldn't help but glance at Jiang Tianhao, who was smiling and chatting with Liang Yunshu. "Let's go," she said to the driver.

While all this was happening, Lin Miaomiao was still looking at Deng Xiaoqi's car. Then she looked up at Ye Bai beside her. "Let's follow them."

Ye Bai and Lin Miaomiao walked side by side. "You ate quickly earlier, didn't you?" Miaomiao said to Ye Bai.

Ye Bai nodded. "I didn't expect to beat Sun Chuanchu earlier," he said, smiling as he remembered their expressions while eating.

"Why are you laughing?" Lin Miaomiao asked when she saw Ye Bai chuckling.

"You just looked so funny while eating, like a squirrel," Ye Bai replied, laughing.

Lin Miaomiao playfully hit Ye Bai on the arm. "Why are you noticing my face? You should have noticed Sun Chuanchu's face when he saw that I won."

...

As they walked, one by one, their classmates bid their farewells. Sun Chuanchu mentioned that his bus stop was on the other side. Everyone waved goodbye to him, wishing him a safe journey home.

Observing his classmates walking ahead, Qian Sanyi couldn't help but steal glances at Lin Miaomiao, who was animatedly chatting with Ye Bai.

He pondered when he started falling for Lin Miaomiao. Why did she annoy Miaomiao if he didn't? Maybe they were close like Ye Bai.

So many questions and "ifs" swirled in his mind, but he knew there was only one answer: he couldn't be with Miaomiao. Qian Sanyi smiled bitterly and walked a little faster.

"I'm going too," Qian Sanyi announced to his classmates.

Jiang Tianhao hugged him, which startled Qian Sanyi. "What? It's just a hug," Jiang Tianhao said with a laugh.

Following suit, Ye Bai hugged him as well. "I'm just copying Haozi," Ye Bai said, eliciting laughter from the other classmates.

Wei Xindi and Liang Yunshu also bid goodbye to Qian Sanyi.

Qian Sanyi gazed at Lin Miaomiao, a warmth in his eyes. "Goodbye, Sanyi. Take care on your way home," Lin Miaomiao said playfully, her hand gently tapping his shoulder.

A sincere smile graced Qian Sanyi's lips. "Thanks, Miaomiao," he replied, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. With a wave to everyone, he turned and walked away.

Lin Miaomiao couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise at Qian Sanyi's reaction; he seemed different somehow. Nevertheless, she brushed it aside and carried on.

She looked at Ye Bai, who was talking to Jiang Tianhao, who was waiting for his driver. Ye Bai would accompany his friends Wei Xindi and Liang Yunshu, as their houses were quite far.

"See you soon, Ye Bai," Jiang Tianhao said as he hugged Ye Bai and patted his back.

"Okay, see you soon," Ye Bai replied.

The girls also said their goodbyes to each other before going their separate ways. Once the three of them boarded their ride, Lin Miaomiao approached Ye Bai and held onto his arm.

Ye Bai glanced at her. "Looks like you've been wanting to do that since earlier," he remarked.

Lin Miaomiao blushed and nodded. Ye Bai held her hand and they walked slowly towards the bus station together.

...

Lin Miaomiao perched on the bench, her gaze spanning the entirety of the playground. It was a nostalgic spot, where echoes of their childhood laughter lingered in the air.

Slowly, Ye Bai approached Lin Miaomiao, carrying a bottle of water and potato chips. "Here," he offered, extending the water to her.

Accepting the bottle, Miaomiao examined it with a furrowed brow. "Why isn't it cold?" she asked, a hint of coquettish in her tone.

"Perhaps you forgot that your 'aunt' is arriving soon?" Bai replied casually.

A sudden pause from Miaomiao, her cheeks flushing in realization. She remained silent, unsure of what to say, opting instead to unscrew the water bottle and take a sip.

Observing Miaomiao's reaction, Ye Bai offered a reassuring smile. He tore open the packet of chips and handed it to her.

"It's rather amusing, isn't it? We were once just playmates here, and now you're my girlfriend," Ye Bai said, reminiscing about their childhood memories.

Miaomiao's lips curved into a reminiscent smile. "I never could've imagined that the little boy who used to follow me around here would grow into such a tall, handsome man."

A soft chuckle escaped Ye Bai's lips at her remark. Yet, as the laughter faded, a solemnity settled over his features. "If only we could rewind time again," he mused, his voice laced with a bittersweet longing.

Lin Miaomiao looked at Ye Bai intently. She held his hand tightly. Ye Bai gazed into her eyes, "Miaomiao," his tone serious.

Ye Bai took a deep breath, as he gathered his thoughts. "There's something I need to tell you," he said softly, his words hesitant yet resolute.

Lin Miaomiao felt a flicker of unease flutter in her chest, her heart rate quickening with apprehension. "What is it?" she pressed, her voice barely above a whisper.

•••••

The accident involving Zhang Zifeng, Zhao Jinmai, and Ye Bai has made headlines on major news platforms, becoming one of the most significant stories involving celebrities and their fans.

Several prominent artists also shared their thoughts on the incident, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries in fan interactions.

Yang Mi stated, "As celebrities, we appreciate the support of our fans, but recent events remind us of the necessity of boundaries. Stalking or harm is never acceptable. Let's prioritize each other's safety and well-being."

Liu Yifei also express her experience, "As someone who's been assaulted and tackled by fans, recent events hit close to home. Let's remember the importance of boundaries and respect in our interactions. Safety should always come first for everyone involved."

Luhan echoed similar sentiments, saying, "We're thankful for our fans' love, but recent events underscore the need for mutual respect and boundaries. Stalking and violence have no place in fandom. Let's uphold safety and respect for all."

Zhang Zifeng's name also gained more attention due to the incident, especially since she's the most well-known among the three involved.

"We just needed to take a photo while looking after Ye Bai," Lin Ming expressed, feeling frustrated when Zifeng didn't cooperate.

Zifeng sat in her room, contemplating. It had been a week since the accident, and now her management was trying to capitalize on the news.

"I can't exploit Ye Bai's accident for my own fame," Zifeng responded to the proposed plan. Despite wanting to support Ye Bai, she couldn't go against her conscience. She informed Ye Bai's mother and apologized.

Upon hearing about Zifeng's company's intentions, Wu Qian became angry. Zifeng apologized and decided not to visit for a while, waiting for the news to quiet down. Wu Qian understood and reassured her not to worry.

Disappointed, Lin Ming left Zifeng's room as the news about her started to fade. Zifeng missed the opportunity to boost her image using the accident. She could have portrayed herself as a caring girlfriend in the public eye but chose not to.

She called Zifeng's assistant, Liu Ying, giving her strict instructions. "I want you to closely monitor Zifeng's actions. Report everything she does, especially her visits to the hospital. Do we understand each other?" Li Ming instructed.

Liu Ying nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand."

With that, Li Ming left the house to update her boss on the situation.

...

In bustling Beijing, Starlight Entertainment shines as one of Longguo Country's top three entertainment powerhouses, led by CEO Wang Xin and his brother, Wang Han.

"CEO Wang Xin, Li Ming is here," the secretary said over the intercom.

"Let him in."

As Li Ming enters CEO Wang Xin's office at Starlight Entertainment, he's greeted by an atmosphere of power and prestige. The expansive room, overlooking Beijing, radiates sophistication, with Wang Xin's meticulously arranged desk commanding attention. Despite its elegance, there's an unmistakable air of arrogance, a reminder that in this realm, success is the only currency that matters.

"What updates do you have?" Wang Xin leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing.

Nervously, Li Ming delivered the news. "Zhang Zifeng declined our proposal to leverage Ye Bai's situation."

Wang Xin tapped his fingers on the desk. "Zifeng's becoming quite stubborn."

Li Ming bowed his head in deference.

"How are Zifeng's projects progressing?" Wang Xin inquired.

"She's lined up for 'Detective Chinatown 3' and she also has secured three sponsorships. Additionally, there's season 4 of 'Back to Field'," Li Ming reported. "But

Wang Xin nodded thoughtfully. "Select the two lowest-tier sponsors and reassign them to other talents. Zheng Shuang is performing well and is compliant. Let her have them," he directed Li Ming.

Feeling a bit heartbroken that it should have been Zifeng's, Li Ming responded, "I understand."

You may go now," Wang Xin instructed before pressing the intercom. "Please summon Wang Han to my office."

"Yes, CEO Wang Xin," the secretary acknowledged.

Moments later, Wang Han strode in, accompanied by an actress holding its waist. Wang Xin's brow furrowed at the sight, his disapproval evident. "Wang Han, I've told you not to bring actresses into my office."

The actress beside Wang Han paled. "Don't worry, I'm here," Wang Han reassured her.

"Big Brother, meet our newest talent, Yu Shuxin," Wang Han introduced.

"Hello, CEO Wang Xin, it's a pleasure to meet you," Yu Shuxin greeted with a respectful bow.

Wang Xin nodded in acknowledgment; he was familiar with Yu Shuxin, as her family was prominent in the real estate sector. "Likewise. You may leave for now," he dismissed her.

With a smile, Yu Shuxin exited the office. Wang Han quickly took a seat on the sofa, ready to listen. "What's the matter?"

"You're handling Zheng Shuang's affairs, correct? There's a new sponsorship opportunity for her—take care of it," Wang Xin informed him.

"Is there a new sponsor?"

"It's one of Zifeng's sponsors. This kid is getting a bit stubborn," Wang Xin explained.

"Why not let me manage her? I can ensure she complies with the company's wishes," Wang Han proposed, smiling evilly.

"Don't even entertain the thought. Zifeng already wields considerable influence in the industry. Don't take actions that could tarnish the company's reputation. I may turn a blind eye to your dealings in the shadows, but remember, there are lines you shouldn't cross," Wang Xin cautioned his brother.

"Fine, fine. I was just joking. If that's all, I'll take my leave. I have other matters to attend to," Wang Han said, rising from his seat and departing from the office.

Wang Xin sighed, shaking his head as his brother exited the room.

•••••