Chapter 176: Would You Please Just Fall in Love Already!

After dinner, Tang Zhichu and Chen Siyang sat in the courtyard.

When the lake water lapped against the shore, it made a rhythmic, splashing sound.

Looking out over the lake, one’s gaze would inevitably drift to the opposite bank, where the streetlights reflected upon the water, mingling with the moonlight in a breathtaking display.

Tang Zhichu stood up and nudged his chair closer to Chen Siyang’s until they were right next to each other.

Chen Siyang saw him do it, yet pretended not to notice, staring straight ahead. Feeling the atmosphere growing somewhat chilly, she offered, "It’s really pretty."

Tang Zhichu sat back down, turned his head to glance at her, and felt a quiet, unique sense of fulfillment.

Accustomed to being aloof, Chen Siyang naturally came across as cold and distant. But to Tang Zhichu, she simply seemed well-behaved, though she rarely spoke first.

Yet, whatever Tang Zhichu suggested, she would follow.

During dinner, she had only eaten half a bowl of rice. When Tang Zhichu urged her to have a little more, she had hesitated for a moment, then genuinely scooped up another small portion.

Her attitude was one of earnest consideration for his every word.

"Shall we listen to some music?"

"Okay."

"Never mind, too much trouble. I don't feel like moving."

Hearing that, Chen Siyang stood up and looked down at Tang Zhichu. "Is that speaker by the television?"

Tang Zhichu chuckled softly and tugged at the hem of her shirt. "Don't bother. Listening to the wind and the waves is nice enough."

Chen Siyang looked out at the lake, nodded, and then said with a playful reproach, "You really are full of sudden changes of heart!"

Tang Zhichu fell silent.

Chen Siyang sat back down, checked her phone, opened her mouth several times, and finally spoke again: "I... I can only stay until ten o'clock at the latest."

"No way!"

"The driver will rest after ten," Chen Siyang explained in a soft voice. "I can just come back tomorrow."

Tang Zhichu looked at her and shook his head. "You stay here. I'll go back to the dormitory later."

"Huh?"

"It's settled. If you're scared, just leave the light on. It's not like we're paying the electricity bill anyway, and running back and forth is too much trouble. Besides, it's not safe for a young woman like you."

Chen Siyang didn't reply, which was as good as tacit agreement.

Strictly speaking, this was the first time the two of them were alone together in a house.

Zhou Yun and Jiang Lan were different—they had taken the initiative.

With Chen Siyang, setting aside the original motives, Tang Zhichu had been the one to make the first move.

You couldn't just walk up to a girl you liked and say, "Let's sleep together," right?

"Sister Yu told me... she said my potential as an actress has a limit," Chen Siyang said, steering the conversation away.

"Why?"

"Well... maybe because my acting isn't good enough."

Tang Zhichu suddenly chuckled, then broke into a full laugh.

"What are you laughing at? I'm worried here."

"Then what do you think yourself?"

Chen Siyang had been leaning back in her chair, but at Tang Zhichu's question, she sat up straight and turned to face him.

"I feel like Sister Yu might have a point. Given my typecasting, the roles I get will definitely be relatively one-dimensional. You can't just shatter that kind of prejudice."

"The 'vase' prejudice?"

"Mhm."

Tang Zhichu reached out, took Chen Siyang's hand, and gently kneaded and rubbed it. Her skin was warm and soft as jade.

What had Tang Zhichu been laughing at earlier?

He was laughing at Liu Yu’s cleverness outwitting itself.

Liu Yu probably thought that his ruthless handling of He Shuyuan and Qiu Zhen on the music variety show was genuinely paving the way for Chen Siyang—paving what kind of way?

The path from actress to singer.

Would a young man in the prime of his youth, deeply in love, let his girlfriend keep burying herself on the path of an actress?

Therefore, Liu Yu had begun to PUA her.

Liu Yu must have thought this would count as doing them a favor.

Chen Siyang had realized the problem in her professional path, and the mere fact that she brought it up meant she was already hesitating.

"Or maybe that's not quite right. It's just that suddenly, it feels like I can see the end of my career all at once," Chen Siyang added.

Tang Zhichu offered no advice, only asking, "So, what are your thoughts?"

This question genuinely stumped Chen Siyang.

She had thought about plenty.

The roles she was playing now were fine, but what about afterward?

Chen Siyang looked at Tang Zhichu. "Actually... actually, doing variety shows is pretty good too."

Tang Zhichu slowly shook his head. "No. You only think variety shows are good at this exact moment. What does the scenery look like on top of the mountain? You have to climb it first; otherwise, that mountain will weigh on your heart for the rest of your life."

"Is that why you wrote that song for me?"

"Mhm."

Chen Siyang's gaze instantly softened. This guy really was playing the long game of cultivating his own girlfriend.

Even when she shared these vexations, he didn't give her answers, choosing instead to let her think for herself.

With shining eyes, Chen Siyang stared at Tang Zhichu. "Then what if I take on romantic dramas?"

Tang Zhichu grinned. "Then I'll start acting too. With my abilities, I shouldn't have any trouble landing the male lead in your script, right?"

Tang Zhichu, who had never expressed himself quite like this before, made such a bold statement out of nowhere.

Chen Siyang felt her heartbeat quicken a beat or two.

So, this guy had gone through such an elaborate roundabout way, just to let her experience what a true actor was really like?

"Back on the romance reality show, you were so decisive. Did you think our agency wouldn't give me scripts like that?" Chen Siyang asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Since you cared, why push me toward acting?

Tang Zhichu massaged Chen Siyang's hand and smiled. "Once the reality show ended, in the public's eyes, neither you nor I had really 'ended.' Does Tianhe want to milk the heat and traffic of that shipping fanbase? If they want to milk it, they won't let you touch a romance drama for at least two years."

Chen Siyang was dumbfounded. He could calculate even that?

In her dazed expression, there was a trace of inexplicable adoration that made Tang Zhichu feel even more triumphant.

"Besides, there's another logic to it: the more successful I become, the more they will make you ride our wave of popularity. A little bit of coordinated hype, and the traffic spikes all over again. Do you think they'd commit suicide by cutting off their own source of revenue?"

Chen Siyang pouted, let out a soft huff, and said, "Impressive, Master Tang. This little lady bows down in defeat. You are way too formidable."

The sarcastic words rolling off Chen Siyang's tongue lost all their chill, turning instead into soft, adorable coquetry, like spring flowers blooming in the brilliant glare of summer.

"I'm not telling you this to show off," Tang Zhichu emphasized.

Chen Siyang slowly nodded, lowering her gaze to look at her hand still held tightly in Tang Zhichu's. She had never once tried to pull it away.

"I know. I'm just happy."

***

From Chen Siyang's perspective, all the massive waves Tang Zhichu had stirred up on the reality show, all these preparations, were laid down for her sake.

And he had done it in a way that made her accept it with the utmost comfort.

Suddenly, she felt like chatting with He Jin again.

"And I'm doing one more thing," Tang Zhichu said again.

"What?"

Tang Zhichu leaned in closer. Chen Siyang was truly beautiful: her face was flawless and white, her gaze clear, her nose not particularly high, which instead accentuated a soft, gentle vibe, and her lips were moist and full.

Tang Zhichu felt his heartbeat speed up a notch.

This kind of eye contact was a bit hard to handle.

"I'm making a movie too."

Chen Siyang was still in a daze.

He was making a movie too?

What did that mean?

Yet, connecting it to herself, could this mean he was also starting to make a movie with her in mind?

Tang Zhichu didn't explain. The moment he finished speaking, he stood up.

"Alright, it's getting late. Get some rest early. See you tomorrow."

With that, Tang Zhichu stepped into the house and walked straight toward the front door.

Chen Siyang stood up, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and reluctance. "Hey!"

Tang Zhichu turned back. "What's up?"

"N-nothing."

"Then, goodnight!"

Long after Tang Zhichu had left, Chen Siyang was still leaning against the sliding glass door.

So, had he said that earlier just to keep her from feeling burdened?

Even if it was acting, she could keep doing it; if Tianhe couldn't be relied upon, she'd just produce her own work?

It was all too complicated. Her head hurt.

Chen Siyang cut off her train of thought.

Recovering her senses, she muttered under her breath, "He didn't say I couldn't stay here either. He ran off so fast!"

Yet she wasn't all that disappointed, because she still had He Jin.

She flopped down onto the sofa and pulled out her phone.

"Jin-bao, I saw Lao Tang. He feels... feels even better-looking than before, his build is a bit fuller. I wanted to poke his chest, but I didn't dare! Heehee!"

"We talked so much, I'm so happy. Please make this romance happen for me, Jin-bao!"

"Are you there, Jin-bao? Let me tell you, Lao Tang is amazing. I feel like he knows everything I'm thinking, like he's always right by my side. Is this what being in love feels like? That kind of feeling where the moment you meet, your heart beats like crazy, and just being silent together is enough."

He Jin: "..."

"You are there."

He Jin: "I am not."

"Nonsense, you are right there. All those problems I was talking to you about before, I feel like I don't need to stress over them anymore. He seems to have considered everything. The feeling of falling in love is wonderful!"

He Jin: "Bullshit. Try dating someone else and see. You think he genuinely doesn't mind you being an actress forever? I don't believe it."

Chen Siyang: "He said that since our agency wants to milk the heat from the reality show, they won't find me any scripts with romantic plotlines."

He Jin: "Then what happens after the reality show's hype dies down?"

Chen Siyang: "He said he's already making a movie."

He Jin: "!!!!!!!!!! I am so insanely jealous ahhhhhhh!"

Chen Siyang: "I think I'm starting to understand. Romance is a matter between two people; don't let the outside world interfere. You have to trust each other. If something feels off, just meet up, and everything gets resolved. Whether someone likes you or not, you can genuinely feel it, heehee!"

He Jin: "Did you guys sleep together?"

Chen Siyang: "What are you thinking? There's no way it's that fast! I was so nervous just holding hands my brain couldn't process anything, unless... unless he makes the first move."

He Jin: "You little rookie!"

Chen Siyang: "Hmph! Do you even have a boyfriend?"

He Jin: "Goodbye!"

***

Inside a building, a group of paparazzi had just finished their shift.

They were gathered together, eating.

"Ha, celebrities are human too, and things are a mess. From what I know, that Chen Yi from Stellar Alliance has hooked up with who-knows-who multiple times. Got reported once too, but it got swept under the rug."

"That's nothing. Liu Xingyun—the one right now is on his third marriage. Shen Jianxin—this one is his second marriage. There's a twenty-something year age gap between them."

Someone chimed in, "Second or third marriages are pretty normal in that circle, right?"

"You must be new to this industry. There are things you don't know. Back in the older generation's day, if the internet had been as developed, they'd all be finished. Keep this quiet, don't go spreading it outside, but boys, I know a real blockbuster piece of gossip. You know He Shuyuan? In the show, only Tang Zhichu could slightly suppress him, and outside the show, Tang Zhichu probably couldn't even suppress him. That guy is something else." At this, he lowered his voice. "Actually... actually, he's had a kid for ages."

Everyone stared in shock!

Before they could even process it, someone's phone rang.

Everyone shut up.

"Hello, I'm... I'm out eating. Ah? How did you know? Okay, I'm coming right now."

About ten minutes later, Wang Jun picked up Tang Zhichu.

He was driving the car Yu Hua had lent to Tang Zhichu.

As soon as Tang Zhichu got in the passenger seat, Wang Jun grinned broadly. "I was just curious, so I went to experience it."

Tang Zhichu waved a hand. "Never mind that, drive me back to the dorm."

Ever since arriving in Shu Du, Wang Jun had vanished.

Tang Zhichu knew what this guy was capable of; being a chef had simply sealed his true potential away.

He was the neighborhood king of children back in the day, let's put it that way.

During New Year's when they were kids, everyone liked playing with firecrackers.

Tang Chao, Tang Zhichu's cousin, belonged to the type who blew up cow dung. But Wang Jun?

The guy blew up actual bulls—and that wasn't a figure of speech.

The moment Tang Zhichu guessed it, he knew Wang Jun must have sneaked in.

"Don't go messing around with that messy garbage. Just stick by my side."

Wang Jun nodded. "Got it."

He didn't argue. Since Tang Zhichu had spoken, he would stop playing paparazzi.

Even though he thought it had been quite useful.

Wang Jun felt he didn't know much about the entertainment industry and wanted to grow, to see things from a different angle.

Of course, Tang Zhichu didn't think Wang Jun would do anything reckless, but Wang Jun was his driver—that was an official, public job.

***

The next day.

When Chen Siyang opened her eyes, she found an extra quilt draped over her.

The night before, she and He Jin had chatted late into the night. The house was huge, and it was an unfamiliar place; she really had been a bit scared.

She had fallen asleep on the sofa out of sheer exhaustion.

Yet, where had the quilt come from?

Proping herself up, she looked over and saw a figure in the kitchen.

"Lao Tang, why are you up so early?"

Tang Zhichu walked out holding a bowl and smiled. "With me around, could I let you go hungry?"

"But... but I'm not even hungry," Chen Siyang said, rubbing her eyes.

"Then eat three bites. I've already made it."

Chen Siyang got up, looked at Tang Zhichu, and a smile bloomed on her face. "Fine, then I'll eat five bites!"

When Chen Siyang finished washing up and came out, she picked up the bowl of noodles left on the dining table.

It gave her a surreal sense of déjà vu, as if she were back on the romance reality show.

She immediately shook her head. What was there to reminisce about? Right now was a thousand times better than the reality show!

Tang Zhichu stood in the courtyard, leaning against the wooden-framed railing filled in with tempered glass, staring blankly at the lake.

The final episode was about to be recorded. Would any unexpected trouble pop up?

Ever since last night, Tang Zhichu had been conducting a comprehensive review.

Had he missed any blind spots?

Before he knew it, Chen Siyang was standing beside him.

Tang Zhichu glanced back at her.

"I finished eating, and I cleaned up the kitchen too," Chen Siyang said softly.

Tang Zhichu made a grand sweeping gesture with his arm. "Let's go, time for a walk!"

Chen Siyang froze for a second. "Is that a good idea?"

"Guess we won't go then."

Chen Siyang frowned, suddenly remembering someone calling her a little rookie last night.

With a hmph, she swung her hand out and gave Tang Zhichu's hand a light swat.

Tang Zhichu acted as though he hadn't reacted in time, looking over at her.

Chen Siyang's face turned slightly pink. Gritting her teeth, she simply took his hand instead.

"Let's go then!"

It was still early, the sun just peeking over the horizon, not yet too hot.

The most distinct sign of summer was the sound of cicadas.

*Buzz, buzz.*

Inside the resort, a few people were out jogging.

Seeing Tang Zhichu and Chen Siyang, they exchanged greetings.

Then they would run a few steps and look back—over and over again.

Walking together yesterday, and going for a morning stroll together so early today?

Online, everyone was just guessing. Here, it was cards on the table.

This was also what Chen Siyang had been hesitating about. But if Tang Zhichu wasn't afraid, why should she cower?

"Lao Tang!"

"Hmm?"

"Nothing."

Chen Siyang had originally wanted to ask about the others from the reality show, but she decided it wasn't necessary.

The morning sunlight was just right, accompanied by a gentle breeze.

The young woman held her head slightly high, her posture graceful as a crane.

Seeing Chen Siyang smile, Tang Zhichu bumped her gently with his elbow.

Chen Siyang bumped him back, the two of them playfully shoving each other.

On the lakeside boardwalk, someone was watching them.

Zhan Zihua. The sunlight really was fine—a bit too blinding, actually.

He took out his phone, opened WeChat, and tapped on Chen Siyang's chat box.

Three messages sent, but the other party hadn't replied.

Hadn't seen them?

Impossible.

Seen them?

Why had it had zero effect?

With just a little digging, given Chen Siyang and Tang Zhichu's level of familiarity, anyone could find out that that had been the funeral of Tang Zhichu's father.

Yet Jiang Lan was the one helping Tang Zhichu handle things. What kind of relationship warranted that?

Why show it to Chen Siyang?

An off-field game. Never underestimate the psychological state of a musician.

Without the right state of mind, forget writing songs—writing anything was a struggle.

Moreover, it involved some internal industry matters.

Chen Siyang was at Tianhe, currently being pushed strategically.

The crux was that Chen Siyang wasn't even an artist under his management.

So why not just leak it directly?

Because he was a Tianhe man himself; playing petty behind-the-scenes tricks was fine in principle, but if you blew it up into a massive scandal, you were breaking the rules of the game.

"Seeing you two get along like this puts my mind at ease," Zhan Zihua typed out another WeChat message and hit send.

Then he stared, dumbfounded.

A bright red exclamation mark was more glaring than the morning sun.

Zhan Zihua let out a dry laugh, then looked back in the direction of Chen Siyang and Tang Zhichu.

"Interesting. No wonder her career development was so rocky before she met Tang Zhichu. The girl really has spine," Zhan Zihua muttered to himself.

Since this path was blocked, he would just have to find another way.