Chapter Eighty-Two: The Show Put on Hold

Green Cilantro watched him and grew anxious on his behalf, unable to fathom what could possibly cause Xie Jinchuan such turmoil. Unless, of course, it was something related to Shen Qingli’s path to immortality. Green Cilantro felt as though it had stumbled upon a monumental secret. Fearing that Shen Qingli might discover it, it quickly bid farewell to Xie Jinchuan and hurried away.

When Shen Qingli and Gu Qingming finished their meal, Gu Qingming didn’t forget to invite her to the movies. “Sister Shen, I heard there’s a new film out. Let’s go see it together.” Shen Qingli thought about her plans for the evening. She didn’t have anything pressing to do, so a little relaxation wouldn’t hurt.

Dong Yang, working overtime alone at the office, felt uneasy. He sighed, resigning himself to working for Shen Qingli.

“Alright, let’s go,” she agreed.

The two of them headed toward the cinema. Gu Qingming wore a mask; he hadn’t returned to the country in years, so many had long forgotten his face. Yet his features were delicate and attractive, drawing the attention of several girls who snapped photos of him, dubbing him a “mask heartthrob.” It was a pity, though, that Shen Qingli was at his side. If not for her, plenty might have approached him for his contact information.

They bought tickets and, after waiting outside for a while, purchased a bucket of popcorn before heading in to find their seats. Before the film started, advertisements played. Shen Qingli, on a whim, snapped a photo of their two tickets and posted it to her social feed, making sure not to block anyone—especially a certain someone.

Gu Qingming watched her actions, his heart pounding wildly, heat surging through his veins. Did this mean Shen Qingli was willing to give him a chance? If only that were true. But then he remembered all those rumors about her and Xie Jinchuan, and jealousy bubbled up within him. If only Shen Qingli belonged solely to him. Yet, unfortunately, she was ambitious and driven; he shouldn’t confine her to his own small world. He ought to let her soar.

Shen Qingli had no idea how, in just a few minutes, Gu Qingming’s imagination had already raced ahead, even picturing their future marriage and children. Clearly, he’d need to make more money if he hoped to win her heart.

Shen Qingli kept her eyes fixed on the screen. She could feel Gu Qingming’s intense gaze, but refused to look back, pretending not to notice.

The guilt pricked at her—she was, after all, using Gu Qingming. Because of that, she felt compelled to go along with any requests he made. What she hadn’t expected was for Green Cilantro to relay everything to Xie Jinchuan.

The silver lining was that Gu Qingming had signed with their company, which meant Xie Jinchuan couldn’t make a move against him without implicating their business as well. He was already on thin ice with Shen Qingli; any further mishap might truly turn her against him for good.

The movie soon began—it was a romance, and all around them people wept uncontrollably. Shen Qingli, however, stifled a yawn, thoroughly unimpressed. The film was dreadful; she had no interest in it at all. Noticing her boredom, Gu Qingming leaned over and whispered, “Would you like to rest your head on my shoulder for a bit?” His words were soft, his breath caressing her ear like a feather.

Uncomfortable, Shen Qingli edged away and shook her head. “Thank you, but there’s no need. I’m not very tired right now.”

Gu Qingming felt a pang of disappointment but said nothing, merely murmuring his assent. Next to them, a young couple— the girl nestled on the boy’s shoulder—whispered to each other and soon burst into laughter. The sight was enviable.

Shen Qingli looked away; the film proved as dull as she’d expected. Gu Qingming silently made a mental note that she disliked such movies. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was already half past nine.

“Sister Shen, let me take you home,” he offered, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her.

Shen Qingli hesitated, then declined. “No need. I came out by myself today; I can get home on my own.”

What a pity—he hadn’t had any chance to make a special impression tonight. Gu Qingming glanced at the bouquet of roses in her arms and smiled faintly. “Then be careful on your way home, Sister Shen. Call me when you arrive.”

“Alright.” She accepted the concern without protest; it was, after all, for her safety.

Neither of them noticed Xie Jinchuan sitting in the cinema’s lounge area, watching their interaction with cold eyes. He had been seated just a row behind them during the movie, witnessing Gu Qingming lean in, though he couldn’t tell exactly what was said or done.

But whatever it was, it left him deeply displeased.

Green Cilantro noticed Xie Jinchuan’s presence and sighed inwardly but was powerless to intervene. Shen Qingli trusted it not at all anymore; if it dared speak up for Xie Jinchuan, she’d find a way to force it out—an end that would mean its utter destruction.

After parting ways with Gu Qingming, Shen Qingli made her way to the underground parking lot, pausing to inhale the sweet scent of the roses in her arms. Her mood was buoyant.

Suddenly, someone seized her wrist. Shen Qingli’s heart leapt into her throat and the bouquet tumbled to the ground. In the next moment, a strong force pulled her into an embrace, her face pressed against a familiar chest. His heartbeat thudded powerfully; his scent was cold and unmistakably familiar.

Swallowing nervously, Shen Qingli closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, then resolutely pushed Xie Jinchuan away. “Are you insane?!”

Xie Jinchuan, watching her bristle, felt a fleeting satisfaction. Just one embrace was enough—even if it made her angry, he could accept that.

Her eyes shimmered with emotion, softening the heart of anyone who looked upon her. Xie Jinchuan pressed his lips together and apologized, “I’m sorry. When I saw you just now, I had my doubts and wanted to make sure.”

It was a feeble excuse—full of holes. If it hadn’t been her, would he have simply embraced any woman passing by?

Shen Qingli frowned, steadying her emotions. “If there’s nothing else, Mr. Xie, please don’t disturb me again. If anything urgent arises, contact my assistant to schedule an appointment.”

She bent to retrieve the fallen bouquet. Looking at the vivid roses, Xie Jinchuan found them unbearably garish and couldn’t help but ask, “Is he good to you?”

Shen Qingli was momentarily taken aback, a trace of confusion in her eyes, before realizing he meant Gu Qingming. Her lips curled into a mocking smile. “You even know about Gu Qingming. You must have looked into me quite a bit. Then you should already know he treats me very well. So please, Mr. Xie, don’t seek me out again.”

“I intend to pursue a new relationship now, and for that, I really must thank you. If not for you, I would never have met Gu Qingming.”