Chapter Eight, Bagua

After sending Ning Qing away, I found myself unable to sleep. Ning Qing is like gentle water, while Yi is like fierce fire. Ning Qing does not put too much pressure on me, whereas Yi makes it hard for me to breathe. However, I have never been able to develop feelings for Ning Qing, even though I do feel joy when I am with him. But that joy is limited to the warmth of friendship. As for Yi, the Yi I vowed never to see again. I do not wish to return to the trajectory of life with Yi; his face, his voice, his embrace, I am deeply nostalgic for. But that nostalgia is also limited to the warmth of friendship. Yet, for Yi, the Yi I vowed never to see again. I do not wish to return to the trajectory of life with Yi; his face, his voice, his embrace, I am deeply nostalgic for. I still love him this way, and this realization truly breaks my heart

Looking at the eager faces craving gossip, I felt compelled to satisfy them. I said, "This is just the beginning." Assistant Xiao Wang immediately handed over a cup, coffee! This kid. I couldn't help but laugh, feeling like a storyteller. I took a sip of tea to clear my throat and began to unfold the tale. "Well, the sea is one of the parties involved; can we have him come in to provide additional clarification?"

If something like An Ning happens again, I will be beyond redemption

A fervent light shone in Ning Qing's eyes: "Ziqi, I am afraid that if I do not propose soon, it will be too late."

The sea said with a bitter smile: "Isn't it just a pile of matters as soon as I arrive in Beijing?" I understood.

The sea has made me laugh: "Being in fortune yet unaware of it, how many women wish to lean on wealth but cannot attain it. You only need to nod, and you can become a plump, diamond-studded rice worm, how wonderful that is"

Everyone exclaimed: "Wow! A romantic encounter!" "The newspaper didn't mention it!" and so on. The sea was taken aback. I continued, "This person is Zhan Yunyi, he likes Meizi." Everyone nodded in understanding. I continued, "This person is Zhan Yunyi, he likes Meizi." Everyone nodded again in comprehension. I quickened my speech: "In order to prevent Meizi from being swept away by the sea, Zhan Yunyi rushed to the set to accompany her, not letting his guard down for a moment. As a result, the media caught wind of this and immediately pressed him with questions. Zhan Yunyi blurted out that he was visiting his fiancée, causing Meizi to turn pale with anger. To avoid hurting his beloved, he quickly shifted the focus onto me, a non-public figure. For the sake of the company's interests, Da Hai and I chose not to confront him on the spot. We fought our way out and escaped back to Lingnan. That's it. If there are any questions, please ask the person involved, Hu Dahi." They were all stunned. After I finished speaking, I pushed through the crowd and quickly walked towards the office. But after just a couple of steps, I was surrounded by everyone again.

After a night of sleep, the train departed from Beijing and headed south towards the sea. I said to the ocean: "When I return, I will still resign and leave."

But it's strange, too strange. It's one thing for Ning Qing not to contact me, but how could Xiao Ruo not reach out to Da Hai? I feel a cold sweat breaking out on my back; could it be that Zhan Yunyi has done something again

The sea also smiles: "I still look quite photogenic, huh, huh, now I've become famous, I wonder if anyone is looking for me to shoot a film?"

Gossip is just like that; once you've heard it, it loses its novelty, and the old folks gradually disperse. Good lad, quite impressive. I secretly gave him a thumbs up. The boss was very pleased and rubbed his hands together, saying: "Good, good, with this layer, we can expect to secure the general agency for Yuntian very soon. I will contact Yuntian right away"

The sea remained silent for a long time and said: "Ziqi, it has been four years, and I believe there is nothing to worry about. Moreover, even if there is something, we are here to help you. Think carefully, with Zhanyun Yi's social connections, we can be considered a top company domestically. If he wanted to find you, do you really think he couldn't have done so in these four years? Hiding is not a solution."

Xiao Ruo chuckled and said, "I just want him to think about it. If I don't call, he won't even think about it, how boring is that? By the way, um, sister, today's newspaper..." Before she could ask, I quickly handed the phone to Da Hai to avoid the question with sweet words.

If Yi were still like before, perhaps marrying Ning Qing would not be a bad choice. I feel deeply ashamed of this thought that has arisen in my mind

As I continued to read, I exclaimed again: "Dahai, look at this!" Dahai took it and looked: "Damn, that was quick! Yuntian is holding a press conference this afternoon! Wow, your relationship with Zhan Yunyin has been exposed, and it's even more detailed than what you told me. Tsk tsk, childhood sweethearts, over eight years of resistance, and there are even your old photos." After finishing, he said with a grin: "Let me read you a passage: According to insiders, Zhan Yunyin and Tang Ziqi made a marriage pact since childhood. Due to their youth, they agreed to prioritize their careers, which led to their separation for four years. Currently, Zhan Yunyin is the Executive Chairman of Yuntian and will soon take over as the head of the Zhan family. After taking over, the two will get married. Ziqi, actually, Zhan Yunyin is quite affectionate towards you. I told you before, he is simply a diamond-studded golden turtle."

I stared at him and said: "If he finds out that I touched your hand, he will chop your hand off. If you like me, I will touch you all over, letting you suffer a slow death by a thousand cuts"

The sea scratched its head and said: "Well, Zhan Yunyi privately told us that Meizi threw a huge tantrum, and Yuntian could only make the best of a bad situation. After this storm passes, he will personally come to Lingnan to apologize. The photos were provided by Ziqi, and all of this is for the benefit of the company"

I was quite surprised by his question, so I answered him honestly: "No, why?"

The sea does not know what I want to say, standing by with a silly smile. You little rascal, do you think this has nothing to do with you? I pointed at the photo of Mei Zi and said to everyone: "This is the female lead of this advertisement, Mei Zi, and she has fallen in love with the sea at first sight"

Finally arrived in Lingnan. As soon as we walked out of the station, we saw Ning Ruo happily waving at us, with Ning Qing standing beside her, calm and composed. I was quite afraid they would ask about that "fiancé," and I repeatedly instructed Dahai not to say too much. The Ning siblings also seemed to have an unspoken agreement, not mentioning a word about it.

Find the text message he sent and reply, saying: "Do not push me, I am tired"

The crowd quickly pushed the sea over. I spoke again: "Um, could you bring me a copy of the newspaper with pictures? I need to look at the illustrations." The request was promptly fulfilled.

"Ziqi, there are photos of you from when you were a child. It’s said that we were childhood sweethearts, what’s going on?" I felt like I was at the end of my rope, having forgotten about the press conference for Yuntian Kai. I cast a pleading glance towards the sea. I glared at him and said with my eyes, be careful with your words!

There has been no news from there. I am increasingly anxious, God knows what kind of actions he might take

I showed it to the sea, and the sea frowned. After a moment, he ran down to buy a newspaper and came back. Looking at a stack of colorful reports, I let out a groan and weakly collapsed onto the bed. The sea was engrossed, occasionally suppressing bursts of laughter, which piqued my curiosity to look at the reports as well. One article was particularly bizarre. The headline read, "Yun Tian Zhan's Quadrangular Love Affair, Fiancée Escapes Wedding on Site," suggesting that Yun Tian Zhan's fiancée ran off with a handsome man at the scene, shattering the dreams of the star Mei Zi of entering high society. The article was accompanied by several large photos. Our backs, as we held hands and fled in panic, were captured particularly clearly. I gasped for breath and laughed, pointing it out to the sea: "Sea, look at your expression, my goodness, you really look like a knight breaking through the siege with a princess!"

I say: "A turtle is still a turtle, whether it is made of gold or diamonds, has it changed its kind? I still find this way of life comfortable now"

I quickly picked up the phone to call Xiao Ruo, and by the grace of the heavens, the call connected. At that moment, Xiao Ruo's voice was like a celestial melody: "Sister, are you all coming back soon? Let me know the time, and I will come to pick you up." I glanced at the sea; this kid was eavesdropping intently. I asked Xiao Ku, "Why haven't you contacted the sea these past few days? He misses you so much he might go crazy."

Since discovering that I have been harboring a romantic relationship for so many years, the sea has been eager for me to get married soon. It keeps speaking highly of Zhan Yunyao: "What if he changes?"

I sighed; this girl nearly scared me to death. I am alone in Lingnan, and both the sea and Xiao Ruo care for me and treat me well, just like family. I am truly afraid that Zhan Yunyi will harm them.

He said: "Come back, and I won't pressure you anymore"

I said: "No!"

I am so tired; God knows I just want to take a nap right now and not think about anything. Lazily, I said to Ning Qing: "Ning Qing, you know, we have always just been friends."

Ning Qing looked at me quietly and said: "Are you really rejecting me because of Zhan Yunya? Is what the newspapers say about you and him true? You must be tired; take a nap and think it over. The Ning family may not be as good as the Zhan family, but my feelings for you may not be any less than his."

It is quite strange; there have been so many things happening these days that I haven't paid any attention to whether Ning Qing has called or sent any messages. Upon thinking of this, I almost spoke simultaneously with Da Hai: "Did Xiao Ruo call you?" As soon as the question was asked, both Da Hai and I were taken aback. I asked him: "Why haven't you been in contact with Xiao Ruo?"

Returning to the company for work, I have made ample preparations. The moment I stepped into the office, I regretted why I had chosen to work for an entertainment company. Chatting about gossip with everyone is enjoyable, but once I became the subject of gossip, I could no longer find any joy in it. At this moment, all I could hear was the buzzing of flies and mosquitoes, while everyone from the boss to the tea lady surrounded me, their faces lit up with excitement as if they had just won a five million jackpot. I searched for Da Hai in the crowd; this guy was wiping his sweat, and his eyes told me that he had just died once before.

As I was speaking, the phone rang; it was a text message. The message read: "Ziqi, did you sleep well on the train? Have you seen the newspaper?" I was not surprised; nothing he does now astonishes me. He knows I am taking the train, he knows my phone number, what else is there that he does not know?

"What to do? He is such a domineering person, almost carving 'Obey me and prosper, defy me and perish' on his forehead!" I said with a bitter face, "Dahai, what should I do? It seems I can't stay in Lingnan any longer; I can only go up the mountain and live as a wild person so that I won't be recognized!"

The sea said: "I find it strange, during your last business trip, Ning Qing was keeping an eye on things, but why is it not the case this time?"

I am dizzy, and yet they are beating drums and gongs to welcome him

I feel dizzy, I truly wish to faint and no longer concern myself with the affairs of the world. Over there, I am still troubled by matters, and here another suitor has appeared. I looked at Ning Qing, momentarily at a loss for words.

After dinner, Ning Qing accompanied me home. He insisted on sending me to my doorstep, so I had no choice but to let him. I opened the door and turned back to Ning Qing, saying: "Thank you, it's too tiring to take the bus, so I won't invite you in to sit down." Just as I was about to close the door to see him off, Ning Qing suddenly grabbed my arm and said: "Zi Qi, Marry me!"

Da Hai lay on the bunk and suddenly said: "Zi Qi, has Ning Qing contacted you these days?"

If we are to live, we shall live together; if we are to die, we shall at least have someone to share the burden. I shouted, "Do you want to hear me speak?" The crowd responded in unison, "Confess for leniency!" I shouted again, "It's a long story!" But only one voice replied, that of the boss: "Today we have a business summary meeting, you summarize."