Chapter Six, A Hair's Breadth Apart

Shen Qinyan pressed her lips together and said, "I know a little."

I have taken an interest: "Can you play the guitar?"

In a few days, it should no longer be a concern

Other people's opinions are not important, as long as you have made up your mind, I said, take me to see your room

Well

I had classes all morning on Friday, and I had a quick lunch before taking the subway directly to Shen Qinyan's residence according to the address

I discreetly observed him from the corner of my eye. The car windows were tightly closed, and the fact that he and I were breathing the same air made the sense of unreality in my heart ripple outward like expanding circles, transforming into a dreamlike soap bubble that enveloped me. In the years when I was most infatuated with Gu Chijun, I had never had such a splendid dream—he drove me along a wide, straight road that reached up to the blue sky, our laughter filling the small cabin, and happiness was like freshly brewed honey, fragrant and sweet, as if it could overflow. In the years when I was most infatuated with Gu Chijun, I had never had such a splendid dream—he drove me along a wide, straight road that reached up to the blue sky, our laughter filling the small cabin, and happiness was like freshly brewed honey, fragrant and sweet, as if it could overflow.

Shen Qinyan looked helplessly at the bag of fruit and said, "You shouldn't have gone to such expense."

His words are few, but his demeanor is calm and steady, and he is humble. To say he knows a little must indicate a very good level. I then sighed, "Hmm, I wish I could hear it sometime."

Xu Zhen, you—" Shen Qinyan was somewhat at a loss for words due to my statement, and then spoke the address in a hoarse voice. Finally, he added, "Call me when you arrive, and I will go out to meet you."

Xu Zhen, you are truly unreserved in reminding me of my age, he said, the corners of his lips and eyebrows lifting in a smile that was not quite a smile, carrying a hint of inscrutable emotion, I am indeed already an uncle

Miss Li is a very nice person I said

I fell several steps behind him due to the phone call. His tall figure walked to the door, casually handing the car keys to the valet. At that moment, a flash of white light appeared as another flashy car stopped outside the restaurant

I let out a low sigh and quietly defended myself, "It's not entirely... Mr. Gu, you are so busy, it wouldn't be surprising if you forgot."

The natural history museum is quite large, and I guided Gu Chijun through its ins and outs, engaging in leisurely conversation as the afternoon swiftly passed. Gu Chijun is truly an excellent conversational partner; being with him makes time slip away like sand through an hourglass. It was only when I instinctively looked up at the large clock on the wall that I realized it was almost closing time, which took me by surprise

I widened my eyes, unable to hold back, and let out a soft laugh. "Alright, Mr. Gu, if you are interested, I can bring the art album to you in a few days, is that alright?"

The conversation among the three lasted for about two minutes, which seemed a bit long for small talk. I then thought to myself that given Lin Jinxiu's family background, it is not surprising for him to know a few celebrities.

I believe that while it is certainly enviable for celebrities to appear glamorous, the more one gains, the more one loses, be it in terms of films, relationships, or scandals. In this vast arena of fame and fortune in the film industry, the suffering endured is likely not something to be shared with outsiders, at least, there is no need to bring it up in my presence

Gu Chijun spoke lightly, my friend

No, he smiled and lowered his head to look at the menu, speaking on a very serious topic: "That assistant curator is absolutely right, you indeed carry the weight of three people."

It is not a shared rental; it is between the landlord and the tenant, and the other person is the owner of this room. His voice is low and hoarse, so I do not want you to come.

I stopped and said, "Will I cause you trouble then?"

Since Gu Chijun's debut, he has always been diligent. Outside of his busy filming schedule and engagements, he hardly has any personal time left, and naturally, he has little opportunity to meet people outside the industry with whom he has no vested interests. When he occasionally encounters me, given that my life and hobbies are completely different from his, he likely finds it fresh and interesting

Li Anning lowered her gaze and said, "We will have dinner in ten minutes," before entering the kitchen

It is somewhat absurd to be watching others prepare to eat while I do not partake myself, so I decisively took my leave, as there was no need to put myself in an awkward situation

Gu Chijun drives very slowly and cautiously, even the bulky trucks can arrogantly overtake us. Before I could say anything, he took the initiative to explain: "I haven't driven in a long time, so it's better to be careful"

As the guest follows the host's convenience, since I am already standing in this room, I can only pretend to be oblivious, putting down the large bag of fruit in my hand, and smiling at the two of them, saying, "So there is a landlord as well, that is wonderful."

I just came over to see you; since you are fine, that is all that matters

Receiving this response from him completely met my expectations. I joyfully expressed my gratitude, saying: "This is already very good, Mr. Gu."

In fact, the towel was right beside him, yet I still picked up the towel on the table and handed it to him

It was only after I saw Lin Jinxiu and Xiao Fei go upstairs, their figures disappearing around the corner, that I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I cautiously slipped out from behind the door and greeted Gu Chijun as if nothing had happened

There was a certain distance between us, and I could not hear the content of their conversation clearly. I only saw that after a few exchanges, Lin Jinxiu introduced Xiao Fei to Gu Chijun, and a hint of joy was added to Xiao Fei's already radiant face. During this time, Gu Chijun turned around once, and I knew he was probably looking for my whereabouts, but I absolutely did not want to encounter Lin Jinxiu at this moment and place, so I gritted my teeth and refused to show up.

A star of his caliber naturally has assistants and agents to drive him around. I waved my hand to indicate that I didn't mind, my tone surprisingly gentle and soft, "There's no rush, it's fine."

Shen Qinyan turned his head to look at me, his voice lowered slightly, "I may not play well, but if you really want to listen, please don't laugh."

I picked up my backpack, raised a smile, and thanked him before getting off the car

That is to say, what troubles him are other matters. I nodded to indicate that I understood, picked up the red tea brought by the waiter, and slowly savored it, while my mind involuntarily recalled the scene from when I first met him

Gu Chijun nodded to me, as usual, and said "Take care".

I took a breath, pulled a card from my wallet, and slid it across the table. "The first time I met my mother was at the Seaview Hotel. I borrowed some money from her, and you, Mr. Gu, are aware of this matter. However, my mother gave me a substantial amount of money, and I felt very uneasy. During this time, I have been looking for an opportunity to repay her, but I am afraid she will refuse to accept it. So, could you help me... deliver it to her?" During this time, I have been looking for an opportunity to repay her, but I am afraid she will refuse to accept it. So, could you help me... deliver it to her?

Why are you worrying about my wallet? I still have some money. By the way, you mentioned yesterday that there were questions you didn't understand; let me take a look at them.

I was taken aback and quickly lowered my voice, urgently saying to Shen Qinyan as if I had eaten gunpowder: "I apologize, I have an urgent matter to attend to, I will call you back later"

In fact, it is you who does not take this matter to heart

Your ?

I indeed had no other plans, so I readily agreed, packed my things, changed my clothes, and left the museum with him

The club we are in is not very crowded; we occupy a small area, engaging in back-and-forth exchanges. While running to seize the ball, I noticed his shirt bouncing vigorously as he swung his racket, revealing his firm and flat waist and abdomen. I couldn't help but think, if he were to participate in a match like this, who would still have the focus to play against him? At the very least, I would definitely be distracted.

The person smiled and said, "Your skills are quite good," before leaving

He nodded slightly, his voice somewhat resembling a sigh, "It is like this, it is just—" and then he fell silent for a moment

Of course, there is no need to call uncle. As for the rest, it's up to you

You do not like to appear in front of the camera very much

To my surprise, his landlord turned out to be a woman. I immediately smiled and greeted, "Miss Li, hello, I apologize for the sudden visit. I hope I am not disturbing you."

He seemed to be pondering: "Is it the little boy outside the museum, the one you gave a gift to, who kissed you on the cheek?"

"That must have been quite a hardship," I said, looking at Li Anning with a sense of emotion. "Having such a good landlord is truly a blessing."

I pressed my lips together and did not refute. In fact, I listened attentively to every word he said; how could I dare to take it lightly? I just felt that being so close to my idol was like a dream, somewhat deviating from reality. My life has always been like a mainstream soap opera, occasionally mixed with passionate interludes, but now it has transformed into a suspenseful drama full of twists and turns

Oh, that is a set of three-dimensional ancient plant albums, not for sale, but a gift. I explained, "The children are very clever and good at thinking, so charming, that is why I gave them a special gift"

It is because you all had dinner too late

"It's alright," Gu Chijun opened the car door for me to get in, "I also chatted a few words with someone I know"

I smiled faintly, making a concerted effort to appear modest, and said subtly, "That is my job."

As I walked outside the restaurant, I received a call from Shen Qinyan. He encountered several difficult problems and called to seek my advice. This is our usual mode of interaction; given his considerable self-learning ability, we typically resolve academic difficulties in person, with the remaining questions answered over the phone. I answered those relatively simple questions while walking, and due to the unusual nature of the conversation, Gu Chi Jun turned around and looked at me several times.

She glanced at me, then turned her face to look at Shen Qinyan, "Feel free to sit down. Since the person has been brought here, you can take a rest for a while."

I pondered for a moment and tentatively asked him what would happen if we were photographed together

A month ago, the place where I used to live became a dangerous building, and I couldn't find a place to stay for a while. Sister Anning said that she had an empty room in her house, and she could temporarily rent it to me.

Fortunately, they had no intention of calling me out, which allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief. Peering through the crack of the door, I indeed saw Lin Jinxiu elegantly stepping out of the car, and to my surprise, the young woman who emerged from the other side of the car was none other than my senior, Xiao Fei. In the academy, Xiao Fei had always been Lin Jinxiu's right-hand person at work, so it was not unusual for the two of them to go out for a meal together.

I leaned slightly forward, slowly moved my arms, and brought my hands together on the delicate red tea cup

He shook his head, "I am afraid you will have to wait too long."

After the meeting concluded, I quietly made my way to the backstage exit with my autograph book, hoping to wait for him so that he could sign it for me. I initially thought it would be a long wait, but just a few minutes later, I saw him. He emerged from the crowd, walking alone at the front. Unlike other celebrities who often wear exaggerated sunglasses wherever they go, he simply wore a scarf, exuding an air of elegance.

Shen Qinyan nodded

Gu Chijun responded in this manner, showing no mercy whatsoever

Li Anning is not tall, very slender, and appears petite; her features are conventionally attractive, but her skin is exceptionally fair, making her a young woman who easily evokes positive feelings. However, her gaze is fixed on me like a needle, and when she speaks, her tone is淡淡的, making it difficult to discern her emotions. Yet, the absence of emotion itself is a form of emotion; there is no doubt that the owner of this room clearly does not welcome my presence. Once this realization dawns on me, an awkwardness arises.

Electric guitar

This is not the case, he did not elaborate, "Let's go, I will take you back."

Che Tong drove away Lin Jinxiu's car. He and Xiao Fei ascended the steps side by side, just in time to have a face-to-face encounter with Gu Chijun, who was waiting for a car at the entrance. To my surprise, I saw that Gu Chijun and Lin Jinxiu did not merely pass each other; after a brief greeting, the two immediately began to converse. I shrank back into the doorway, wondering how they knew each other

I am joking, "Is he your friend?"

"Interesting," he raised his eyebrows slightly, "What do you think of me?"

"The last time we had a meal, didn't you promise to play basketball with me?" He looked at me quite seriously

In other words, regardless of whether the visitor is me or not, you will treat all visitors this way? Gu Chijun raised his eyes and smiled as he took over my words, "Yes, I believe you are also this kind of person, meticulous in your work and completely equal towards others, not treating me any differently just because I am a movie star"

You can call me by any name or surname you prefer

Returning to the dormitory, I called Shen Qinyan to explain the topic we had just been discussing before the call was disconnected

Why

"What happened to my face?" I asked nervously

I understand the nuances involved and nodded, saying: "To accomplish something, one must pay a certain price"

I casually ordered a set meal and thanked him, "Mr. Gu, I truly feel sorry for the expense you have incurred."

Li Anning was setting the table with bowls and chopsticks, "Young men are always so careless and do not take care of themselves; how can I not look after them."

He pondered, "Have you not considered that by saying this, your mother will feel sad? Refusing to help can sometimes be a very hurtful act"

In everything, where there is one, there is also two. After the first time I played tennis, Gu Chijun greatly praised my skills and would call me out to play with him almost every few days. Although overall, I could only win one out of three sets against him, when I performed well, I could match him in a short period of time

There is no need to rush so urgently; it is no trouble for me to wait a moment.

Of course, this statement is not entirely accurate; there was also a child in a wheelchair who asked me many questions related to paleontology. What a clever child he is

He repeatedly said, "No need, it's just a slight cold, it will get better in a day or two"

Just as I was about to refute, Shen Qinyan interrupted us, "Sister Anning, the kitchen."

I acted as instructed. When I raised my head again, the car slowly drove out against the autumn sunset, and he lowered the sunshade, significantly reducing the blinding light.

He let out a sound of acknowledgment, "Alright."

No, no. How can I call you by name, I cannot call you by name

Why? He smiled.

During the intermission, the adjacent court was occupied by others. Someone came over to greet Gu Chijun and glanced at me, smilingly inquiring about my identity.

Not opening the box naturally indicates a plan to be ready to move at any time. This is a matter between him and Li Anning, and I have no position to express any opinions. I smiled, averted my gaze, and caught sight of the quietly lying black wooden gourd-shaped instrument case on top of the box, which made me pause: "That is..."

Such words leave me both amused and perplexed. I explained to him, "This is impossible. I need to earn money, and I will never resign."

He led me into the club hall and pointed out the women's changing room to me

Based on my years of understanding of your mother, although she never speaks of it, each of her films reflects, to varying degrees, her guilt towards her children. The money she gives you is merely a way of making amends

Gu Chijun plays tennis quite beautifully, at a remarkably professional level. Dressed in a white tennis outfit, he stands at the other end of the court. I steal a glance at him—broad shoulders, narrow waist, sturdy and long limbs, utterly captivating.

Gu Chijun took a bag out of the trunk of the car and handed it to me. Upon opening it, I found that it contained the sportswear and racket prepared for me

I smiled thinly

As one of the most economically developed cities in the world, the entire Jinghai City is filled with densely packed skyscrapers resembling needles, yet there still exist a considerable number of relatively older houses. Those closely situated low-rise buildings, packed together like plump corn, appear thriving and flourishing from a distance

Once again, while having dinner with Gu Chijun, I mentioned my schedule, including my studies, work, and helping friends review for the college entrance examination courses. He was slightly surprised and said, "How are you busier than I am? The restaurant job takes up too much of your time. If it's that hard, just quit that job."

This statement is by no means a compliment, and I say it with genuine sincerity. Regardless of whether he approaches me with ulterior motives or not, the fact that he has learned to this extent is truly not something that an ordinary person can achieve

Isn't that certain? I retorted, I don't like being observed by others

Gu Chijun took a sip of mineral water and took the towel from my hand to wipe his sweat

I breathed a sigh of relief

I said lie without changing my expression or my heartbeat that I had eaten

He smiled without answering, merely nodding his head

Ah, Mr. Gu, that is not what I meant either

However, after a long time, he still did not answer the phone, so I stopped calling. I can meet him at least four days a week, so there is no rush. The next day when I arrived in Manluo, I learned from Shubing that he had caught a cold, had a fever and a cough, and was taking leave at home. Unlike other industries, it is certainly not acceptable to work while sick in the catering industry

A twenty-year-old young man is full of vigor and often likes to show off. He can claim to lift 100 pounds when he can only manage 50, and if he can only eat two bowls, he insists on forcing himself to eat four. Even when he is sick, he pretends to be fine, and he is certainly no exception. I did not argue with him; instead, I took out my trump card: "If you don't give me the address, I will just ask the manager directly"

I widened my eyes: "Oh, you actually saw it?"

I have been traveling with my father since childhood, and my physical fitness is quite good. I do not possess many skills that can be used to impress others, but tennis is one of them. In the past, Lin Jinxiu often invited me to play tennis with him, but I always made excuses not to go—I did not want to interact with him too much.

She gave birth to me, that is true, but I cannot accept this money, I really cannot accept it

He said: "No need to be polite, because of you, I had a very pleasant afternoon"

I can now be considered at least a semi-professional in the catering industry. Just by looking at the shine of the floor, I can tell that this restaurant is just like the one I work at, Manro, absolutely the kind that is exorbitantly priced without any justification. Dining in such a place is entirely about the ambiance; do not expect much in terms of flavor.

He wanted to get up to see me off, but I shook my head, pressed him back into his seat, nodded to Li Anning, exchanged a few polite words, and then left. She appeared indifferent, showing no desire to keep me there.

He paused for a moment, picked up the racket again, gestured for me to stand up, and then continued to play.

The smile on his face slightly faded, yet his tone remained very relaxed, "Acting is the simplest thing for me among all matters"

No wonder she has a poor attitude towards me; she is like an older sister who is deeply protective of her own child, maintaining that protection to the utmost degree

I moved my steps towards the dormitory, perhaps during this period, I have interacted too much with Gu Chijun, and our relationship has become too close, so close that it has blurred some boundaries

I thought about it, and "as long as it is not Italian cuisine, anything else is fine."

Many people I know are willing to pay any price to gain fame, glory, and the spotlight

Gu Chijun took me to a members-only restaurant in the city center, which was quiet and comfortable. To protect the privacy of celebrities, the measures taken were thorough; without a membership card, one cannot even enter the main door

Interacting with others is a skillful endeavor; even a small gesture can harmonize relationships. However, these actions must be infused with sincerity, just as a meal cannot do without salt. Initially, they are a technique, which, through sincerity, evolves into our habits, and ultimately transforms into a certain charm

The matters that trouble him are naturally beyond my ability to offer suggestions, so I can only ask with concern, "Is filming too exhausting? I find it quite tiring just watching you all."

Shen Qinyan introduced to us: "Li Anning, my landlord; Xu Zhen, my friend"

As soon as she entered the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile, looking at Shen Qinyan with great interest. However, he appeared embarrassed, lowering his voice, "Sister Anning... does not think highly of my thoughts."

I am basically clueless about movies, and this seemingly familiar theory makes me furrow my brow. However, I do understand that Gu Chijun is thinking from my mother's perspective. In front of Gu Chijun, I always unconsciously lower my own position, and asking him for this favor is a last resort out of helplessness. If he doesn't agree, then so be it

Sister Anning comes home from work to cook at noon, so the time is relatively late

He glanced at the card, clearly dismissive of my words, "She is your mother and has the obligation to take care of you"

I nodded in a manner that was not surprising. Her coat and handbag were casually thrown on the sofa, showing clear signs of haste

"Not at all," I waved my hand. "Of course, I regard you differently, because you did a great deal of preparation before coming to the museum, while others wouldn't even ask me so many biology questions."

Uh, Mr. Gu, what is this—" I looked at him

Gu Chijun glanced at me and said, "It's no trouble."

The living room and dining room are connected. I sat in the living room, watching Li Anning serve two dishes and a soup. Her culinary skills are truly impressive, with a perfect combination of color, aroma, and taste. Shen Qinyan offered to help set the table but was glared away by her, "You don't need to help on ordinary days, so why are you getting involved now? You are sick, just sit still."

He thought for a moment, then pushed the card towards me, saying, "I can help you persuade Director Liang, but you need to give her the money yourself; I cannot pass it on for you"

This is merely a remnant of my dignity I suppose I thought to myself as I lowered my gaze

"Perhaps there are such people, but I am certainly not one of them. Mr. Gu, what about you?"

Thank you, Mr. Gu

Li Anning's expression was quite displeased, "Whether he goes to university or not is of no importance."

Shen Qinyan was somewhat surprised, "Are you leaving just after arriving?"

He let out a sound of "hm" and focused intently on dealing with that car using his clumsy driving skills, no longer speaking

Lead the way

I deliberated carefully and decided to choose a reason he would believe. "Mr. Gu, you may consider it as me being petulant. No matter how magnanimous I am, I can never forget the incident when she abandoned us, father and daughter, all those years ago. I believe this chasm will always exist. I can borrow money from my mother with dignity, but I cannot take such a large sum without justification."

After reuniting with my mother, I have become much more at ease with such gazes, calmly and steadily continuing to drink my water

I slightly furrowed my brow and shrank back a little further behind the door

What happened? I do not understand

Gu Chijun subtly exclaimed, "Since I am also considered studious, why is there no gift?"

And now, he will meet with me and invite me to dinner, not only because of my mother, but I fear that to a large extent, it is also because he feels I can bring him some novelty

"That's right, I was climbing down the ladder, I completely forgot. You all go ahead and eat."

In the film and television industry, Gu Chijun is renowned for his excellent reputation, which is almost comparable to his acting skills. In every entertainment news article I have read about him, it seems impossible to find any malicious slander. Everyone praises him; newcomers say he supports emerging talent, seniors say he respects the elderly and values the virtuous, and the staff describe him as a man of integrity.

However, I usually have a lot of things to attend to, and Gu Chijun is even busier than I am. When filming movies, he works day and night, and we often find it difficult to coordinate our schedules.

He understood, "Do you think I am just being polite with you, brushing you off, and then turning around to forget my own words?"

When I called him, I found that he seemed to be quite ill. His voice was heavily nasal when he spoke, and within the one or two minutes of our conversation, he coughed at least five times, and his voice was also hoarse. When I asked him if he had taken any medicine, he only gave a vague response, saying "I took a little."

Others may not take care of themselves, but Shen Qinyan certainly does not belong to that category. In this world, the relationship between landlords and tenants may take on countless forms, yet it invariably revolves around the concept of interests; however, the relationship between the two individuals before me is indeed difficult to define, especially since Shen Qinyan is an exceptionally handsome young man.

Hand me the towel

I boldly reached out and patted his shoulder, "Of course, I won't make fun of you, but I will remember this."

Cultivated through exercise

I cannot help but feel a sense of pride: fortunately, I wisely and skillfully hid away

To me, being an actor is an interesting profession. You can become many different people and experience a variety of lives

No matter in which field, to achieve success, one must first learn to be a person. I used to think that this was the reason why Gu Chijun was so meticulous in his conduct, work, and speech. However, it now seems that my understanding of him was flawed. After all, a person cannot reach this level in the entertainment industry solely by relying on hypocrisy and flattery, or merely by speaking beautiful words

He rubbed his temples and said, "You shouldn't be so short on money. Director Liang will not, and cannot, be stingy with you"

Gu Chijun did not give a clear answer and directly asked me, "Have you seen Director Liang's movie?"

Shen Qinyan felt a slight embarrassment; he seemed to be somewhat uneasy, and now he was even more at a loss. After thinking for a while, he asked me: "Have you eaten? Come eat with us."

It's okay, I have already talked to the landlord. We have arrived.

... ... Hmm

I just realized that the door was slightly ajar. He pushed the door open, and accompanied by the voice of "Qin Yan, you are back," a young woman in her twenties walked out of the kitchen, bringing with her the aroma of food.

"Did you eat too much while working?" He couldn't help but chuckle, "Then I'll make the arrangements. Buckle your seatbelt."

I actually do not wish for him to give me a ride, but he insists on his opinion, and I continue to thank him as always

During the journey back, we spoke little. He still had not become familiar with driving, and the car moved as slowly as a snail. Thoughts kept swirling in my mind, such as "I drove faster than your speed when I first drove at the age of thirteen," "I wonder who would win in a race between a car and a bicycle," and "Driving a car that can reach three hundred at only thirty is indeed a rare talent." Just as these words were about to boil over with my body heat and leap from my lips, I finally caught sight of the school gate in the distance.

Gu Chijun is clearly a regular here. As soon as he entered, a waiter dressed in black and wearing a bow tie addressed him as "Mr. Gu". The waiters moved like shadows, walking silently as they led us through a courtyard planted with hibiscus trees, eventually entering a small hall with a flowing stream and a small bridge.

What gift did you send

The films you collaborated on have been watched

He responded with a sound and was about to enter the house when he was called to a stop by Li Anning

Gu Chijun appeared to be as expected, turning to look at me, indicating that if I had no other plans for the evening, we could have dinner together

However, unexpectedly, three or four days later, Gu Chijun called me again to invite me out. In addition to personally making the call, he also personally drove to the school to pick me up, never entrusting the task to an agent or any of several assistants.

You speak

He celebrated his thirty-first birthday six months ago, and is a man who has already passed the age of standing firm. Although his temperament and demeanor are certainly not those of a twenty-year-old lad, his appearance still exudes youthfulness, with hardly any lines around his eyes and brows. A casual smile from him could enchant all the women and most of the men on the street. I elevated his status, describing him as if he were an old man, which he would undoubtedly find rather displeasing

It is truly a relief at this moment

Xu Zhen, his voice so gentle, I have always felt that you are too distant, just call me by my name from now on

It's not much, you need not worry about it

Oh ... ...

Just like Gu Chijun in front of me

I bought a large bag of fruit at a nearby supermarket and then called Shen Qinyan. Ten minutes later, when I looked up at the entrance of the supermarket, I saw Shen Qinyan running towards me at full speed

For someone like him, who earns tens of millions for a film along with several luxury brand endorsements and shares in a film company, three hundred thousand is probably not considered a large amount

He was about to open the car door when he suddenly halted his movement upon hearing those words. He stood under the hibiscus in the courtyard, surrounded by a lingering sound. Gu Chijun initially remained silent, looking at me with the most beautiful phoenix eyes in the world, calling my full name. I saw the starlight of the Milky Way reflected in his eyes, and I felt somewhat dazed.

Ah?

It's almost time for dinner, why are you still holding a book? Have you forgotten how you got sick?

He did not respond, his gaze lingering on my face. I saw his eyes flicker, a smile seeping from his gaze, imbued with a heartwarming warmth and tenderness—my heart began to beat uncontrollably once again.

He strode forward while answering the phone, and the news coming from the other end was evidently bad, causing his brow to furrow tightly, a stark contrast to his previously charming and amiable demeanor during the meeting. His expression grew increasingly anxious, and his voice became several times more severe—"What happened?" The four words were spoken quickly and urgently, striking towards me like a sword, making my hand tremble slightly

I casually asked, "This room looks quite large, do you share it with someone?"

Please give me your address, I have a day off tomorrow, and I will come to see you after class

The campus is bustling with people, this is the world I am familiar with. I take a deep breath, stand at the door and look back, Gu Chijun's car once again merges into the flow of traffic.

Although we are quite familiar with each other now, it is still inappropriate to say such things. Indeed, I saw the smile in Gu Chijun's eyes instantly replaced by sharpness, and that emotion was definitely not one of pleasure

By the time I realized what he said, I was taken aback and kept shaking my head.

Ultimately, it is the capacity of a prime minister to accommodate, possessing a great tolerance, and even when described in such a manner, remains composed and unperturbed

Mr. Gu, you flatter me, I let out a gentle sigh

After Gu Chijun got into the car, he took off the frightening black-framed glasses, revealing his bright eyes. He then turned his head to look at me and asked, "Where would you like to go for dinner?"

As he mentioned, it is not very large; although the decor is somewhat old, it is evident that it is very comfortable. The only issue is that the room is cluttered with four or five large boxes, which makes the already small space feel even smaller. I glanced over and noticed that the boxes bore the name of a moving company.

I just went to the restroom, Mr. Gu, thank you for your patience.

Is that true? He stared at me

It really looks like an older sister scolding her younger brother, and I turned my head slightly and smiled quietly

I smiled gently, "Mr. Gu, you are certainly... well, quite adept at thinking and asking questions."

He is so unconcerned that I feel somewhat relieved. Moreover, during the past few months of reuniting with my mother, I have spent some days by her side and have heard that the speed at which the film company handles news is absolutely top-notch.

However, a slight doubt still arose in my heart. What if I were photographed with Gu Chijun by reporters, and they wrote colorful tabloid news about it? Gu Chijun has maintained a relatively clean image in this circle. From what I have seen, he has always tried to avoid sensationalizing his private life and is very cautious in his actions. ... I am only worried that if reporters dig deeper into my relationship with my mother ... ... I personally do not care, but if it leads to an investigation into my father ... I am only worried that if reporters dig deeper into my relationship with my mother ... ... I personally do not care, but if it leads to an investigation into my father ...

It is false to say that I was not surprised; I also made an effort to carve out time to go out with him. It was only after getting in the car and arriving at the destination that I realized he had taken me out to play tennis

He is as accommodating as flowing water; in fact, since I have known him, he has always patiently listened to me

I followed in his footsteps and entered a nearby four-story building, then went up to the third floor. This building has two households on each floor, and the number of residents is not large; occasionally, I can hear someone shouting loudly. The door of one household on the second floor was wide open, and I accidentally caught a glimpse inside, discovering that the room was much larger than I had imagined. I have a rough idea of Shen Qinyan's income; his tips have always been more generous than others, but it is still unlikely for one person to live in a two-bedroom apartment.

I let out a soft "ah." Indeed, during our last meal together, when we talked about our regular exercise routines, I mentioned that I often swim and play tennis. He nodded and said, "I also really like tennis. Are you working tomorrow or the day after? Well then, we can make it and have a little sparring session." I laughed and agreed, not taking it to heart. I didn't expect him to actually put it into practice. He nodded and said, "I also really like tennis. Are you working tomorrow or the day after? Well then, we can make it and have a little sparring session." I laughed and agreed, not taking it to heart. I didn't expect him to actually put it into practice.

The waiter quietly left with the menu and then brought two cups of black tea. Gu Chijun loved the black tea here; its aroma was so delightful that it felt like a dream. In this wonderful moment, I spoke from the heart, "Since we are on the subject, Mr. Gu, may I ask you for a favor, um, in the name of friendship."

Gu Chijun said: "You look so thin, yet you are incredibly explosive"

His expression was like the ocean, inscrutable and devoid of any discernible emotion, yet he did not press further

Li Anning expressed slight displeasure: "He already has a lot of things to deal with on a daily basis, and when he returns home at night, he still has to read and complete the exercises you left for him until two or three in the morning. Recently, the temperature has changed rapidly; how could he not catch a cold?"

Nervousness can bring out a person's quick wit. I took a slight breath and managed to say, "You are quite a bit older than me, and you are a friend of my mother. Speaking of which, you could be considered my elder. It wouldn't be inappropriate for me to call you 'uncle.' To address you by your name directly feels rather disrespectful."

"You will eventually realize that I have never had the habit of being polite," he stated succinctly, "Xu Zhen, I haven't been this happy in a long time"

Gu Chijun has an apartment in the city. After we finish playing basketball and having dinner, it is often past 9 or even 10 o'clock in the evening—our dinner time is always exceptionally long, as we spend almost the entire meal talking. I share with him my experiences from my early years with my father, talk about my classmates and teachers from school, and even discuss the content of my ongoing thesis in detail. Because our conversations go on for too long, and returning to the Seaview Hotel from the city center takes too much time, he simply stays in the city.

That car attracted too much attention; it was impossible not to recognize it. Instinctively, I looked for a place to hide, and I swiftly darted into the shadows behind the entrance of the restaurant, resolutely hiding behind the door like a thief. This caused the two receptionists to exchange glances in confusion. I was so anxious that I was jumping up and down, repeatedly signaling them to "shh" with my hands. I felt that my appearance was truly unworthy of the taste of this establishment.

I lowered my gaze, "I only care about the plot when watching movies, and I never think deeply about them. Mr. Gu, if you find it inconvenient, then forget it. I understand that it can be somewhat awkward for anyone to do this... Just consider that I never mentioned this matter."

He said, "Oh, is that so?"