44: Inviting people to dinner
Chang Qing wasn't particularly proactive about meeting fans. This wasn't due to arrogance, but simply because he had a bit of a phobia of large gatherings; the number of times he had participated in offline events could be counted on one hand.
Later, several reliable fansite admins from the fan club organized themselves, hoping to take photos of Chang Qing or do short video interviews every now and then, and Chang Qing had agreed immediately.
Moreover, whether it was the released photos or the short blessing videos, they were clearly full of sincerity.
Zhu Wen, acting as Chang Qing's part-time Agent, was responsible for coordinating this work. It happened about once a month and wasn't troublesome. Any good candid shots he took were usually packaged and sent directly to the site sisters, whose speed in releasing photos was top-notch.
Thus, the interaction between Chang Qing and his fans was unique and stable.
However, Zhu Wen hadn't expected his phone to suddenly run out of battery. Despite today having been scheduled a week ago, he had forgotten about it in his hectic schedule. This led to several fans being stranded outside the filming building during a torrential downpour, creating such an awkward situation.
“Brother Shen, why were you out getting air for so long?” Jiang You asked.
“It was nothing. I ran into a few of Chang Qing's fans and helped them out a bit,” Shen Lian said. “It looks like we won't be able to film today. Let's wait a bit longer; if it doesn't work out, we'll head back to the hotel first.”
A few minutes after Shen Lian sat down, Chang Qing hurried out. He had a slim and tall build, and one could tell without even thinking that he would look great in those long robes with wide sleeves.
With nothing to do, Shen Lian teamed up with his two assistants to play games.
Li Yi was surprised to find that Shen Lian was incredibly good at gaming, even pulling off a low-health reversal at the most exciting moment! Jiang You was playing a support role, and the feeling of being carried by such skill was truly wonderful, so she took charge of showering him with rainbow farts from the side: “You're amazing, Brother Shen! Your skills are beyond words!”
After a few rounds, just as they finished, the person in charge stepped forward with an apologetic expression: “Teacher Shen, I'm sorry, but the photography team says they can't shoot.”
It was still raining outside; it would be a miracle if they could still film.
Shen Lian expressed his understanding: “That's fine. We'll head back to the hotel first and discuss the details later.”
“Thank you! Thank you, Teacher Shen!”
Just as he stood up, he heard Wang Yueling over there grumbling and cursing again.
The brand representative offered to take Wang Yueling out to dinner, but was rebuffed by Wang Yueling with a snap: “Do I look like I'm lacking a meal from you?” But after a pause, Wang Yueling looked toward where Chang Qing had been sitting: “Did you invite that person too?”
The person in charge finally caught the underlying meaning. Wang Yueling was playing the diva, but he must have known the gap between himself and Chang Qing, so his tone was cautious. Yet, this caution was tinged with a bit of indignation, fearing the brand was treating the two of them to different tiers of hospitality.
Isn't that obvious? The person in charge thought to himself. Chang Qing was only secured after their Vice President drank three rounds of wine; despite how arrogant Wang Yueling was, inviting him really wasn't that much trouble.
The person in charge smiled apologetically: “Teacher Chang likely has other arrangements.”
Wang Yueling gave a soft snort.
By this time, Shen Lian and the others had already left the VIP area.
Li Yi went to get the car while Shen Lian and Jiang You stood at the entrance. Shen Lian turned his head and asked, “What do you want to eat tonight? My treat.”
Jiang You licked her lips. “Steak.”
“Alright, I'll treat you to steak.”
“Teacher Shen.” A cool yet gentle voice sounded from behind him.
Shen Lian turned around, his face showing surprise.
“If Teacher Shen doesn't mind, I would like to treat you to a meal,” Chang Qing added.
Shen Lian quickly realized it must be because of those fans. He smiled slightly. “It's no matter, just a small favor.”
“Then it's all the more reason to express my gratitude to Teacher Shen.” Chang Qing's expression was gentle, no longer appearing distant and indifferent. “I hope you won't refuse.”
Shen Lian considered it briefly and nodded in response. “Alright.”
Just as they left, Wang Yueling appeared not far behind them, his face looking terrible.
Chang Qing chose a high-end, quiet Western restaurant. The atmosphere wasn't as stiff as imagined but was very harmonious. Jiang You buried her head in her food, feeling thoroughly satisfied.
Shen Lian and Chang Qing exchanged a few words occasionally, and both had a good impression of each other.
The phone rang. Shen Lian's expression changed slightly when he saw the caller ID. “Sorry, please take your time eating.”
He went to the side to take the call. The distance wasn't far, and while Chang Qing didn't mean to eavesdrop, Shen Lian's words drifted into his ears anyway.
“I'm eating. A big shot is treating me.”
“Why treat me? Naturally because I'm so lovable that everyone adores me.”
“Alright, I'll stop teasing you. I helped the other person with a small favor. What about you? Have you eaten?”
“Takeout won't do. Go home right now and have Aunt Fen cook for you, or I'll be angry.”
“A ball cactus arrived today?! Is the flower shop owner crazy? I'll call him in a bit! Hmm... that works too. If you like it, keep it. Those things are easy to keep alive and can even bloom.”
It was all mundane chatter, and because of that, it made the relationship seem intimate—perhaps even a bit too intimate.
Chang Qing remained calm, but he knew very well what that tone represented.
Shen Lian really didn't hide it at all; the person on the other end was likely his girlfriend.
After a few more words, Shen Lian hung up and returned to the table. The meal was a pleasant experience. As they left and got into their respective cars, no one noticed a camera flash that vanished instantly in the shadows.
Unfortunately, after returning to the hotel, it rained continuously in Lin City for another two days.
Shen Lian didn't want to trouble Li Yi to drive back and forth; it would be too high-maintenance. What if the rain stopped halfway? It hadn't been easy for Hu Kailan to get this resource. While Shen Lian could endure it, Chu Yilan's resentment was clearly rising.
The man kept saying "it's fine," but every word was stiff, and the emotions he conveyed were filled with "I'm unhappy." Left with no choice, Shen Lian spent the evenings coaxing him over video calls.
Their feelings had only just begun to stabilize, and Chu Yilan had a sensitive nature, which Shen Lian understood well.
Finally, on the third day, the rain stopped as soon as they opened their eyes.
Almost at the same time, the brand representative called.
Everyone hurried to get things moving.
Especially during the noon period, the sun even made a very helpful appearance.
Regarding the black drop-crotch pants he was endorsing, in Li Yi's words, if the model weren't Shen Lian, they would be completely unwearable.
Shen Lian had his hands in his pockets and slightly raised his chin, cooperating with the photographer to strike a disdainful and arrogant look. Halfway through the shoot, a nanny van pulled up, and Chang Qing stepped out.
Chang Qing was also a professional artist. The perfume advertisement was easy to shoot, and his progress was even faster than Shen Lian's.
At this moment, Chang Qing was leaning against the car door wearing sunglasses.
On the night after their dinner, he had looked up some information on Shen Lian. To be honest, he was surprised; at the very least, the person described online was completely different from the Shen Lian he had interacted with.
“Is Teacher Chang just passing by?” Shen Lian finished this segment and walked forward with a smile.
“I suppose so; everyone is basically filming in this vicinity.” At this point, Chang Qing looked toward a van behind his own nanny car. “Of course, there's also something I'd like to trouble Teacher Shen with.”
“Go ahead.”
“One of my site sisters would like your autograph.”
Shen Lian was surprised. “Mine?”
“Yes!” The van door opened, and a Young Girl jumped out. She was none other than one of the site sisters Shen Lian had helped that day. She was holding a photo, which was a highly edited screenshot of Shen Lian from a recent variety show.
Shen Lian understood. “No problem! Come here.”