Chapter 86: The Golden Ticket

Shen Qingli looked at the competition rules, listening to Gu Linglong’s explanation, and gradually understood what she meant. She couldn’t help but look at Gu Linglong with a hint of surprise; she hadn’t expected that such a program was entirely planned and orchestrated by her alone.

Catching Shen Qingli’s gaze, a flush crept up Gu Linglong’s ears and she asked quietly, “Is there something wrong?”

“No, not at all. I just think you’re incredible, Miss Gu—you truly have a talent for this.”

No one dislikes being praised, and Gu Linglong was no exception. The corners of her lips lifted in a shy smile. “Thank you.”

No wonder Qingming liked her—Shen Qingli possessed a subtle, magnetic charm that drew people in. Especially with her beauty; even at first glance, Gu Linglong felt the urge to sit beside her. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the courage, and besides, she and Shen Qingli weren’t all that familiar with each other.

Noticing the hint of regret in Gu Linglong’s eyes, Shen Qingli felt a little puzzled but said nothing, merely voicing her own thoughts.

With the adjustments the two of them made, the show became even more refined. Both Shen Qingli and Gu Linglong felt confident—this program was destined to be a hit!

And with Gu Qingming participating, it would be difficult for the show not to explode in popularity.

If she sought out singers now, there would undoubtedly be many who’d agree. After all, they needed exposure, and this program could give them exactly that.

Shen Qingli wasn’t worried about a lack of participants; only Gu Linglong appeared anxious, as if afraid they wouldn’t have enough contestants and the show couldn’t proceed.

“Don’t worry. If I say it’ll work, it definitely will.”

Shen Qingli reached out and took Gu Linglong’s hand, holding it gently in hers.

Gu Linglong took a deep breath and nodded firmly. “Alright!”

Just as Gu Qingming finished filming a commercial, he came over to join them for a meal, only to find he’d arrived in time for leftovers.

“Cousin, why didn’t you save me anything?”

His tone was a little aggrieved. The smiles that Shen Qingli and Gu Linglong shared faded, replaced by Gu Linglong’s irritation. “You should be glad there’s food left at all, so don’t be picky. Can’t you behave?”

Shen Qingli expected Gu Qingming to retort, but surprisingly, he lowered his head obediently and said nothing. If he had ears like a dog, they would have drooped right then.

“It’s alright, we can just order a few more dishes,” Shen Qingli said with a smile.

Gu Qingming’s eyes lit up; he’d thought Gu Linglong would pay, so he didn’t stand on ceremony. “Great, I’ll go order now.”

“Hey, Gu Qingming!” Gu Linglong called, but he thought she was about to scold him and hurried out, closing the door behind him, giving her no chance.

Gu Linglong looked at Shen Qingli apologetically. “I’m sorry, President Shen, that’s just how he is. I’ll transfer you the money in a bit.”

She hadn’t expected Gu Qingming, who usually acted mature and steady in front of her, to be so childish with family.

Shen Qingli shook her head, smiling. “No need. He’s the company’s cash cow, after all. Treating him to a meal is hardly a problem.”

With that, it would seem petty to argue further. Gu Linglong could only agree, making polite promises to treat her next time.

When Gu Qingming returned, Gu Linglong didn’t warn him; she wanted to see his reaction when Shen Qingli paid the bill.

“Sister Shen, are you done talking?”

He’d rushed over right after his shoot but still didn’t make it in time.

“Yes, we just discussed the competition rules and procedures today. The rest can be resolved later,” Gu Linglong replied.

“What sort of competition process? Tell me!” Gu Qingming’s eyes sparkled.

Gu Linglong had little patience for him, as if she were tired of caring for a child. “Read it yourself. Why so many questions?”

Their sibling dynamic was amusing. Shen Qingli couldn’t help but smile and took a sip of cola.

Gu Qingming caught her smile and his heart skipped a beat.

Seeing her cousin’s hopeless expression, Gu Linglong felt she’d have to take the initiative, or else who knew how long he’d take to win over a wife.

“President Shen, if you have time, I’ll cook for you myself next time.”

Gu Linglong smiled so warmly it seemed sincere, but Shen Qingli instinctively felt something was off. Weren’t they just talking about eating out next time? Why had it suddenly become a home-cooked meal?

She turned to look at Gu Qingming, hoping for some support. After all, they weren’t very close, and visiting someone’s home out of the blue was rather awkward.

Gu Qingming hadn’t figured out what Gu Linglong was up to either. He was about to help Shen Qingli refuse when he suddenly remembered that his parents were temporarily staying across from Gu Linglong’s apartment.

Since Gu Linglong lived alone and the two families were close, his parents often worried she wasn’t eating well, so they joined her for every meal, spending their other time alone. But if he let Shen Qingli visit his parents without telling her, she’d likely be upset.

Gu Linglong, seeing her silly brother’s hesitation, was itching to force him to speak up and get Shen Qingli to agree.

But after some inner struggle, Gu Qingming decided to side with Shen Qingli. “Sis, my parents are staying across from you. If I go home, they’ll definitely nag me. Let’s just eat out.”

In that instant, Shen Qingli understood Gu Linglong’s intention and felt a touch of helplessness. Divorcing Xie Jinchuan had been liberating, but it brought plenty of trouble as well.

Like now.

“What’s there to worry about? Worst case, we’ll coordinate with Aunt and Uncle’s walk in the park and eat while they’re out.”

After all, she could always call ahead and have them leave for a while.

Shen Qingli saw Gu Qingming wanted to say more but couldn’t find a suitable reason. In the end, she had no choice but to agree, “Alright then, we’ll arrange a time when we’re free.”

Gu Linglong’s eyes lit up as she shot Gu Qingming a triumphant look: See? I’m better at this.

Gu Qingming found her embarrassing and turned away, already wondering how to explain things to Shen Qingli.

As for Shen Qingli, she was thinking about how to make things clear to Gu Qingming. Although he hovered at the edge of ambiguity, not even amounting to flirtation, she couldn’t be too direct—she could only hint subtly that she wasn’t interested, that her heart belonged to someone else.

But she couldn’t make it too obvious, or else that little traitor Green Cilantro would surely tell Xie Jinchuan. She couldn’t let that happen, or it would be far too awkward if the two of them ran into each other.