novelcity
Chapter 59
Chapter 59
Yan Xi was unaware of all the drama unfolding back home. After ending her call with Zhaozhao, she returned to Zhou Qingyu’s side.
Zhou Qingyu asked nervously, "Be honest with me—are you really sure you don’t like Shen Xinghe anymore?"
Yan Xi was torn between laughter and exasperation. "I never liked him that way! When you asked me on the plane, I told you it was just a fan’s admiration for an idol!"
Zhou Qingyu thought about it and realized Yan Xi had a point. She’d seen the way Yan Xi looked at Shen Xinghe on set—nothing like the way she gazed at Pei Yubai. Her eyes were too pure, too innocent. Zhou Qingyu deflated, disappointed. She’d been hoping to witness Yan Xi’s romantic escapades, but it seemed she’d been mistaken.
She side-eyed Yan Xi. "Was that call from the same roommate who splashed water on you last time?"
Yan Xi stiffened, hesitating before admitting, "...Yes."
She dreaded whenever Zhou Qingyu brought up Zhaozhao. After all, that whole incident had been staged—she’d asked Zhaozhao to play along, and to this day, Zhou Qingyu still believed Yan Xi had fallen for Zhaozhao’s boyfriend. Seeing Yan Xi’s discomfort, Zhou Qingyu softened. *Damn it! So it was that roommate again, dredging up painful memories for Yan Xi!* It had been so long, yet Yan Xi still couldn’t move on from that guy. Why did she have to be so devoted?
Zhou Qingyu patted Yan Xi’s shoulder reassuringly. "Don’t be sad. There are plenty of men out there—losing one doesn’t mean you won’t find another!"
Not daring to argue, Yan Xi could only nod vigorously. "Mhm!"
Back in their room, they washed up and settled into bed.
Lying there, Yan Xi couldn’t shake her guilt over tonight’s events. Lately, for the sake of this *damned plot*, she’d told Zhou Qingyu so many lies—and worse, Zhou Qingyu had taken every one to heart.
But even as guilt gnawed at her, some things couldn’t be avoided.
*"System, once my favorability points hit 100, I’ll tell Qingyu the truth."*
**[But you can’t tell her about the plot control. You can only admit you lied. Won’t the young mistress be furious?]**
*"It’s fine. By then, the plot won’t affect her anymore. Even if she’s mad, it won’t matter."*
---
**The Next Day**
The sky was clear, not a cloud in sight.
After breakfast, Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi discussed their plans for the day. Piao Baoyuan presented a travel itinerary—they had four days in Han City, three for filming and one for sightseeing, with plenty of attractions to choose from. But today, Zhou Qingyu ignored the schedule. Instead, she grabbed Yan Xi’s hand. "Come with me. *I* made plans!"
**[The young mistress actually planned something?]**
**[Look at how lively she is—I have a feeling this’ll be good!]**
**[Lucky I’ve been camping in the livestream! Something tells me today’s adventure will be *interesting*.]**
Yan Xi was baffled. Zhou Qingyu was the epitome of a free spirit—since when did she *plan* things?
Thirty minutes later, Zhou Qingyu led her into a styling studio. She picked out a dozen outfits and urged Yan Xi to try them on.
Yan Xi: "...So your ‘plan’ was to bring me here for a makeover?"
Zhou Qingyu: "Not just that! Hurry up and change—you *have* to look stunning today!"
Yan Xi cycled through outfit after outfit while Zhou Qingyu and Piao Baoyuan lounged on the couch, critiquing each look like judges in a dress-up game. Finally, Zhou Qingyu settled on a delicate pale green floral dress, paired with sleek heels. A makeup artist then applied a soft, elegant look, completing Yan Xi’s transformation.
**[Gorgeous! Xi’xi looks like a fairy now!]**
**[She was always pretty, but the young mistress overshadows everyone!]**
**[WIFE MATERIAL! WIFE, PLEASE NOTICE ME!]**
**[Is Yan Xi sure she doesn’t want to debut? That delicate face could fit so many novel heroines!]**
Zhou Qingyu eyed Yan Xi approvingly before adding a dainty white shoulder bag. "Perfect. *Now* you’re ready."
Yan Xi blinked. "If I’m dressed up, shouldn’t you change too?"
Zhou Qingyu flicked her hair over her shoulder with a smirk. "No need. I’m already *too* beautiful. Today, *you’re* the star."
Yan Xi laughed. "So what’s next?"
Zhou Qingyu’s eyes gleamed mischievously as she enunciated: "**Blind dates.**"
Yan Xi: "???"
---
Ten minutes later, Yan Xi stared at the three men before her, realizing Zhou Qingyu hadn’t been joking.
Her breath hitched, her heels suddenly unsteady. Zhou Qingyu slung an arm around her shoulders. "Don’t like Shen Xinghe? No problem! The world’s full of men—if not him, we’ll find someone else! I handpicked these three last night. See if any catch your eye. They can show you around Han City today!"
Yan Xi: *"!!!"*
*ABSOLUTELY NOT!*
But Zhou Qingyu was too excited for Yan Xi to refuse. The men smiled politely, their gazes fixed on her.
**The first candidate was a sweet, puppy-like boy.**
At first glance, Yan Xi was startled—he bore a *striking* resemblance to Si Ye.
Zhou Qingyu whispered, "He’s a year younger, studying in Korea. His family’s from Hai City’s elite—they collaborate with Zhou Corporation." Then, conspiratorially: "You’ve been into Si Ye lately, right? You even asked Wen Rou for his autograph. But idols can’t date. *This* is the next best thing!"
As if on cue, the "Si Ye substitute" magically produced a rose from his jacket.
"*Jiejie*, you’re so pretty~ May I have the honor of treating you to dinner?"
**[DO IT DO IT DO IT!]**
**[Aww, he came prepared with a rose!]**
**[Rich, handsome, young—why don’t *I* have a friend who sets me up with catches like this?!]**
Yan Xi took a deep breath.
Her interest in Si Ye was purely *appreciative*—Zhaozhao was the one who’d wanted his signature! Forcing a strained smile, she gently declined. The puppy-eyed boy looked heartbroken, blowing her a kiss as she retreated. Yan Xi: *"..."*
**The second candidate was a muscle-bound hunk.**
Calling him "muscle-bound" was an understatement—his *pectorals* were *impossible* to ignore. Even in a button-up, the top few buttons strained helplessly over his bronzed, sculpted chest. Yan Xi gulped.
*Holy hell. His biceps were wider than her head.*
*And his chest… was bigger than hers.*
Zhou Qingyu whispered again, "*Not* marriage material, but great for *experiences*. You’re young—no need to settle down yet. Explore a little!"
Yan Xi shook her head so violently it could’ve spun off. "*No no no!*"
She’d probably *die* in bed within two days.
The hunk’s face fell at her rejection. Suddenly, he grabbed her hand and pressed it against his bare chest, pouting.
"*Really* not even a chance? I’m good-looking, and I’ll give you *anything* you want."
Yan Xi: *"!!!"*
*Damn, that’s* hard*!*
**[LMAO Yan Xi’s eyes just lit up!]**
?That muscle looks so fun to squeeze~?
?The young mistress is right! At Yan Xi's age, she should experience more—this muscular guy clearly promises great "pleasure"!?
?Hey there, put your pants back on!?
Zhou Qingyu leaned closer to Yan Xi. "Feels nice, doesn’t it? Go on, squeeze some more!" Yan Xi’s face burned crimson. "How could I possibly—!"
Yet her hand… didn’t pull back.
Not that she didn’t want to, but the muscular man’s grip was too strong! He was twice her size—she simply lacked the strength to break free!
Beside them, Piao Baoyuan chimed in with mock seriousness, "Youth is for dating around. From a romantic experience standpoint, this one’s a solid choice. Good texture equals good quality, right? Look how happy Yan Xi is!"
Yan Xi: ?
*I’m not, I didn’t, don’t you dare frame me!!!*
---
Meanwhile, at Zhou Corporation, Hai City
Zhou Yanci had recently adopted a healthier lifestyle, even eating meals on schedule. At noon sharp during the company’s lunch break, he’d head to the executive dining room in the Zhou Corporation building. Lately, he’d made it a habit to watch *The Journey* livestream while eating—Yan Xi and Zhou Qingyu were usually dining around then too, and the girl’s cheerful appetite made for good viewing.
Today, Zhou Yanci turned on the private suite’s TV as usual.
And there she was—Yan Xi, her hand planted firmly on a man’s sculpted pectorals.
Zhou Yanci: *"…Must’ve opened this wrong."*
Deadpan, he switched the TV off and on again. The image remained unchanged: Yan Xi’s fingers now *squeezing* the muscular stranger’s chest, while his own sister egged her on from the sidelines.
Zhou Yanci: *"………"*
---
Back at the styling studio, Yan Xi finally wrenched her hand free with Herculean effort. Zhou Qingyu sighed in disappointment. "Guess buff guys aren’t your type. No worries—we’ve got a third option!"
After the first two "candidates," Yan Xi was ready to bolt. Sure, they were objectively attractive, but they’d be the death of her! Yet when she saw the third man, she froze momentarily.
Dressed in a casually elegant T-shirt jacket with no visible branding but made of premium fabric, he stood with one hand tucked loosely in his pocket—no over-the-top posturing, just effortless charm.
"Miss Yan," Cheng Xun greeted, his smile refined and courteous. "What a coincidence, meeting again." Yan Xi recognized him—the stage director from last night’s concert. His family’s business specialized in event productions, headquartered in Hai City with branches in Korea.
When Cheng Xun extended his hand for a polite shake, Yan Xi, almost on instinct, reciprocated. His grip was brief, just grazing her fingertips before retreating—perfectly measured.
"Small world," Yan Xi replied, her tone noticeably lighter as she smiled.
?!!!?
?Are those *sparks* I see?!?
?Cheng Xun’s leagues better! Humble and polished—I’m shipping this!?
?This one’s a keeper! Yan Xi, go get that sweet romance! ??
---
In the dining suite, Zhou Yanci’s expression was glacial.
His medium-rare steak lay before him. Knife in hand, he sliced through the meat with surgical precision, the blade glinting crimson.
He wasn’t eating—just *dicing*.
When Assistant Sun entered, he found Zhou Yanci reducing the steak to mincemeat, still carving relentlessly. A glance at the TV showed only the variety show livestream. *Did the young mistress provoke him again?*
…Unlikely.
Assistant Sun was baffled.
Onscreen, Cheng Xun introduced himself:
"I’m the only heir, though I’m independently building my career before taking over the family business. Annual earnings hover around 100 million."
Zhou Yanci sneered. *100 million? I make that before lunch.*
Cheng Xun: "I studied at Korea University—"
*Not even top 50 globally,* Zhou Yanci scoffed inwardly. *My alma mater ranks top 10.*
Then Cheng Xun glanced at the muscleman and added softly, "As for muscles… I’ve got those too, if that’s your preference."
Zhou Yanci gritted his teeth. *Who doesn’t? I’ve got an eight-pack.*
---
Zhou Qingyu pressed Yan Xi to pick one suitor for an afternoon outing. Yan Xi hesitated. "Isn’t this a travel show? Wouldn’t this derail things?"
But the comment section exploded:
?DO IT DO IT DO IT!?
?Romance arc activated! Date! Date! Date!?
?The puppy-eyed one’s cute, the muscle guy’s hot, but Cheng Xun’s the total package… Tough choice!?
?Team Cheng Xun! Their chemistry’s electric!?
Yan Xi chose Cheng Xun, and the "date" was set.
Truthfully, she didn’t mind. As long as Zhou Qingyu avoided being unfairly compared to Ye Luoyi on the show, it made no difference whether this was a travel or dating program. A staged outing to prove she’d moved on from her "heartbreak"? Fine by her.
Post-lunch, their "date" began.
Having zero dating experience—her "relationship" with Chu Mo under the Lin family’s watch had been chaste and transactional—Yan Xi found Cheng Xun’s respectful distance refreshing. No pressure, just easy companionship as he guided her through Han City’s highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong’s cafés, the aquarium at 63 Building.
Not heart-fluttering, but pleasant enough—like having a private tour guide.
Exiting the aquarium, Yan Xi noticed an LED ad for Zhou Corporation’s ski gear. The spokesperson had been replaced by Shen Xinghe, one of their agency’s artists.
*Qiao Yan works fast,* she mused, lips quirking. *Our people are already reaping the benefits.*
Cheng Xun followed her gaze. "Do you like snow?"
"Absolutely!" Yan Xi blurted. *More snow equals better ad impact equals skyrocketing sales.* Dollar signs glittered in her mind.
"A pity it’s not winter," Cheng Xun said. "Han City’s snowfall is breathtaking."
Yan Xi sighed dramatically. "Why *isn’t* it winter now?"
?She wants to share a snowy moment with him! Korean drama vibes!?
?Is this her indirect confession?!?
?OMG THEY’RE TOTALLY INTO EACH OTHER!?
At a nearby bakery, Cheng Xun brought over a slice of cake. "This place is famous for their desserts."
"Thanks!" Yan Xi beamed.
Yan Xi was hungry. Traveling around all day had burned calories, especially since she was wearing eight-centimeter heels—pure torture. "Yan Xi," Cheng Xun said, "may I call you that?"
"Sure. 'Miss Yan' always sounded a bit too formal anyway. First name is fine."
Cheng Xun turned off his lapel mic. "The young miss said you were heartbroken, but you don’t seem like it to me."
He’d seen plenty of girls after breakups—his ex, his female friends—but Yan Xi was oddly composed. Her politeness wasn’t the guarded distance of someone unwilling to move on; it was the deliberate space of someone who just wanted to stay friends.
Yan Xi didn’t reply, switching off her mic as well.
"It’s fine. Everyone has things they’d rather not talk about," Cheng Xun continued when she stayed silent. "You don’t owe me an explanation. I only agreed to this blind date to build ties with Zhou Corporation anyway."
Yan Xi nodded. "I know."
High-society marriages were transactional. Zhou Qingyu had set this up, and Cheng Xun’s willingness to meet was just business. Yan Xi saw nothing wrong with that. If he’d claimed love at first sight, *that* would’ve been unsettling.
"What do you think of my company?" Cheng Xun asked.
Yan Xi considered it carefully. "You’re very capable."
Just yesterday, his team had set up an entire stage in record time—lighting, sound, ten camera angles. She’d seen the livestream; the results were flawless.
"Then let me propose a long-term partnership with Xing Yao." He handed her his business card. "I watched last night’s performance. US, your two-year-trained boy group, was stellar, and Han Shu has serious potential. Xing Yao will need concert planners moving forward, and my team can deliver the best—"
Meanwhile, in a stretch Lincoln trailing them, Zhou Qingyu and Piao Baoyuan watched from a distance.
Too far to hear the conversation, but the two seemed to be getting along.
Zhou Qingyu slapped her thigh. "This is a good sign!"
At first, they’d walked two meters apart. Now? Sitting side by side, chatting animatedly—clearly hitting it off! "Piao Baoyuan, I think this might actually work!"
Piao Baoyuan nodded eagerly. "I think so too!"
Earlier, she’d doubted Cheng Xun’s chances—Yan Xi’s gaze had been too indifferent. But after the aquarium? There was a *spark* in her eyes when she looked at him.
Exactly like the spark Piao Baoyuan had on payday when checking her salary!
"Let’s go!" Zhou Qingyu told the driver. "They’re fine on their own. No need to lurk like creeps."
The car promptly turned around.
[Wait, they’re leaving?! I wanted to see them kiss!]
[Not even hand-holding? Such a waste~]
[But did you see those *looks*? That’s something!]
The PD team was split—some filming Yan Xi, others with Zhou Qingyu. Though Yan Xi’s mic was off, they could guess the conversation’s gist.
The PD hesitated. "Maybe... listen to what they’re actually saying before leaving?"
Zhou Qingyu shot him a look. "Eavesdropping on a date? That’s *disgusting*."
PD: ???
[LMAO I’m at the cake shop nearby! They’re talking *business*! Cheng Xun wants to handle Xing Yao’s concerts! Miss Zhou, you’ll regret leaving!]
[Wait, seriously??]
[No wonder Yan Xi’s eyes lit up—it was the glow of *money*! ?]
[Miss Zhou, don’t gooo!]
Alas, Zhou Qingyu couldn’t see the comments, merrily driving off. With only one PD team, they followed her. By the time Yan Xi and Cheng Xun wrapped up, the entourage was long gone.
Checking her phone, Yan Xi saw Zhou Qingyu had returned to the villa, playing poolside with Yaozu.
Cheng Xun grabbed his jacket. "Let me drive you back?"
"That’s too much trouble."
"It’s nothing."
Dusk painted the sky in fiery hues—crimson and gold woven together, a cool evening breeze stirring. Cheng Xun’s Mercedes stopped at a side street near the villa. Yan Xi asked to pause there; the corner shop made excellent bubble tea, and she wanted to bring some home.
As she stepped out, Cheng Xun suddenly called her name.
He’d agreed to this date for Zhou Corporation’s sake. But maybe it was the sunset’s glow, or the way the girl’s smile caught the light, her hair tousled by the wind—
His heartbeat stuttered.
Swallowing hard, he said, "Yan Xi, I’ve never believed in love at first sight, but today with you... I—"
"Yan Xi."
A voice cut through, drowning his last words in the breeze.
She turned. At the street’s end stood a man in a tailored white shirt, sleeves rolled to reveal toned forearms. His tie was loose, top button undone, leaning lazily against a Bentley. The hood was cold; he’d waited awhile.
Cheng Xun saw it instantly—the way Yan Xi’s eyes brightened, like stars igniting, at the sight of him.
"President Zhou?" Yan Xi blinked, then glanced back at Cheng Xun. "Mr. Cheng, I have some personal matters. Let’s discuss work another time."
Reluctantly, he nodded. "Of course."
She shut the car door and dashed toward Zhou Yanci. The wind lifted her hair, her smile radiant.
"President Zhou, what brings you here? Business?"
He flicked her forehead lightly. "Where are the manners I taught you last night?"
It didn’t hurt, but she rubbed the spot anyway, pouting. "What’s impolite about 'President Zhou'?"
"Mm?"
After a pause, she mumbled, "...*Gege*."
Zhou Yanci smirked. "Want to see snow?"
Yan Xi stared. "*Now?* It’s summer!"
He held her gaze.
"So? Do you?"