Chapter 299

"No! I don't agree!"

Liu Xiaoli was still doubting her ears,

and before she could react, she heard a "clatter" of a chair and a voice nearby speaking loudly.

Liu Xiaoli came back to her senses, turned her head, and saw her precious daughter standing up, her face flushed, staring straight at Qi Yuntian.

Qi Yuntian said, "Yifei, it's just putting on an act to fool outsiders, it's not real. Don't be so excited."

"No, no." Liu Yifei shook her head like a rattle, "I, I... don't agree."

Qi Yuntian smiled, "It's fake."

Liu Yifei said, "I know!"

Of course she knew it was fake.

But... this way, everyone would scold him.

And the most critical thing was that the moment she thought about having to pretend to be a couple with him in front of outsiders, possibly even making various intimate gestures, she panicked.

These past few days, she had been staying in her room alone, and even in Liu Xiaoli's eyes, she probably thought she was heartbroken.

In fact, only she knew it wasn't heartbreak.

Even though she had been scolded very, very badly by those people online this time, and the things said were very ugly, it might have been even worse than the "adulthood storm" three years ago.

However, compared to the anger and grievance of that year, her feelings this time were actually very different.

Locked in her room, she wasn't so much heartbroken as she was ashamed to face people.

Online, they said she had thrown herself at him.

Liu Yifei couldn't stand it when she saw that sentence.

She lay directly on the bed, covering her face with the quilt.

She wasn't crying.

She was secretly thinking with a flushed face... it seemed it really was like that.

If she hadn't wanted to come, when Liu Xiaoli first asked for her opinion, when Qi Yuntian suggested it, and when she and her mother were packing their luggage at home,

she could have refused.

She had countless opportunities to refuse, as long as she said "no."

Didn't she know the consequences of doing this?

She knew.

Having been in the entertainment industry for so long, Liu Xiaoli might think she was a child, but she really wasn't anymore.

Actually, she had thought of it all.

If outsiders discovered that she had actually run off to live in the same house as him, it would absolutely cause a huge storm, and it would definitely be very unfavorable for her.

On this point, she didn't know what Liu Xiaoli was thinking, or what Qi Da was thinking; why hadn't anyone pointed out the risks involved to her?

But actually, she didn't need them to say it; she knew very well in her heart.

Knowing that, she still came.

Pretending to be nonchalant, as if she were really just going to a friend's house to take shelter.

In fact, the moment she moved into this house, she was mentally prepared to face the current storm.

As for why... that reason no one knew; it was buried deep in her heart.

Returning from Palm Beach, when she went back to her home in Beijing and lived in her familiar bedroom,

she felt she couldn't stand it after only two nights.

That feeling was as if something crucial had suddenly gone missing from her surroundings, making her feel terribly uncomfortable.

When she ate, no one said she was eating too much anymore.

When she sat on the sofa watching TV, no one would say she was lazy anymore.

And no one would force her to go for a morning run or exercise in the gym anymore.

From morning to night, no one would be at odds with her by her side anymore.

She could play games all the time, or sleep all the time; Liu Xiaoli wouldn't manage her anymore, no one would manage her.

Because the only person who would manage her had left her side.

When did she start getting used to the feeling of being with him?

Of course, it started from Hubei.

From the moment she truly understood her own heart.

However, she could still endure it at that time.

After this trip to Cannes and Palm Beach, Liu Yifei didn't know why, but she found she couldn't endure it anymore.

She was used to it.

Used to the fact that when he was around her, the air was always filled with something invisible and intangible, yet clearly perceptible, sweet and warm.

She didn't know what this thing was,

but as long as it existed in the air, every breath would make her feel happy, and the corners of her mouth would lift unconsciously.

And when it was gone.

For example, when she returned to her own home, she would feel so lonely and desolate, as if falling into an ice cellar.

So when she found out she could actually borrow a room at his house, she didn't say anything on the surface, and her expression was indifferent, as if she didn't think it was a big deal.

But on the night before moving to Ziyu Villa, she almost didn't sleep all night, thinking the whole night about what expression he would have when he suddenly returned home and saw her living in his house?

Would he be happy, angry, surprised, or annoyed?

Would he give her a hug, or would he tell her to move out quickly?

She thought for a whole night, thought of many answers, but didn't expect the final result to be so ordinary.

When he saw her wearing pajamas, rubbing her eyes, and coming down for breakfast that morning, he just said indifferently, "You're here."

"You're here?"

Just those three words, not enthusiastic at all; she looked unhappy at the time, but her heart was so happy she wanted to jump up.

Hey, really.

Clearly, this person still looked at her with displeasure, so why did she feel he was much more interesting than those men who had been fawning over her since she was a child?

Even in the following days, she didn't know why, but Liu Xiaoli seemed to have become a different person, not letting her stay at home to play, arranging a lot of work for her every day, making her terribly tired.

But no matter how tired she was,

as long as she returned here, the thought of being under the same roof as him would make her mood improve instantly.

Sometimes Liu Yifei wondered if she couldn't live without him anymore?

If that were true, what should she do?

If the day of parting were to come, what should she do?

At the time she didn't know, but now she knew.

Just this morning, when she went to find Liu Xiaoli and said the words "go home,"

she knew,

so she cried.

"Xixi, calm down."

After Qi Yuntian, Liu Xiaoli's voice also sounded, but Liu Yifei's messy mood didn't calm down because of it.

She shook her head and said, "Mom, don't say anymore; anyway, I don't agree. I'm going to continue packing, and we'll leave in a while."

After saying that, she walked away as if escaping.

The remaining three looked at each other.

Qi Yuntian spread his hands nonchalantly and said, "Liu Ayi, what is your opinion?"

Liu Xiaoli's mood was unusually complicated.

What opinion could she have?

Her purpose in bringing Liu Yifei to move here was originally to seek justice for Liu Yifei.

Now, by a stroke of luck, her goal had been achieved, so how could she have any opinion?

It was just that doing so under the current circumstances was equivalent to shifting the focus of the conflict from Liu Yifei to Chen Nuo.

Liu Xiaoli didn't believe Chen Nuo didn't understand this principle,

but he still decided to do so.

"Little Chen, Xixi and I certainly have no problem. It's just... have you considered it?"

Chen Nuo was a bit surprised; he didn't expect Liu Xiaoli to still be considering him at this time, so he couldn't help but laugh, "Liu Ayi, don't worry, it's fine."

It would be strange if it were fine.

Liu Xiaoli didn't think it would be fine.

This was definitely not fine. Especially with him announcing his relationship again, it would definitely be a blow to many of his female fans; there was no telling how many people would leave the fandom overnight.

She felt that even if Chen Nuo won eight more awards, this couldn't be avoided.

Wasn't he unwilling to go public before because he was worried about this?

Now he had changed his mind and stood up at a critical moment.

Just for this, Liu Xiaoli felt that this man surnamed Chen was indeed a man.

No wonder Xixi was so devoted to him.

It wasn't in vain that she had helped him hide his affair with Gao Yuanyuan.

Liu Xiaoli sighed faintly.

It seemed now that she would have to continue helping him hide it in the future. She hoped he wouldn't go too far in the future.

Otherwise, really... she, as a mother, would be too sorry for Xixi; she felt so guilty.

The subsequent four-person meeting turned into a three-person meeting, which not only had no problems but was even smoother.

After discussing for a while, they negotiated some details.

Finally, it was decided that Qi Yuntian would draft a statement, which would then be finalized by Chen Nuo and Liu Xiaoli together before being released to the outside world.

As for what to do about the person who ran away? Who would persuade her?

After the meeting ended, the three looked at each other, and the eyes of two of them fell on someone's face simultaneously.

Liu Yifei returned to the bedroom on the second floor, having no mood to pack anything at all.

She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling restless, her small, white, jade-like face turning red and then white, her heart feeling like a ball of messy hemp, her whole person dizzy.

Someone twisted the door, and then the door opened.

Liu Yifei turned her head to look quickly, then turned her head away even faster.

"Xixi, are you free?" someone said with a smile.

Hearing this "Xixi," Liu Yifei didn't know why, but her whole body softened a bit, her heart beating as if ten thousand little white rabbits were jumping in her chest,

she said loudly, "Don't think about persuading me. I won't agree."

Chen Nuo said indifferently, "When did I say I was going to persuade you?"

Liu Yifei said even louder, as if to bolster her own courage, her voice clear and bright, "Then, then what did you come here for?"

Chen Nuo said solemnly, "I came to talk to you about work."

"Zonglei, this matter was handled well this time."

In the chairman's office of Huayi, Wang Zhongjun lit a treasured Havana cigar with satisfaction, feeling the slight sting of the cigar smoke in his mouth, and then slowly exhaled it. The pale blue smoke filled the air, smelling incredibly fragrant, making one feel refreshed and happy.

The phone on the desk was on speaker, and the voice coming from it was also high-spirited, "Haha, I didn't expect the effect to be so good either. Really didn't expect it, there are so many people who can't stand that guy!"

Wang Zhongjun smiled, "From this, it can be seen that it's not that he is so amazing that he is as stable as Mount Tai and can't be moved. Even if he himself has three heads and six arms, are the people around him all the same? As long as you find the right method, you can still make him miserable."

A burst of laughter came from the phone, "Yeah, brother, Liu Yifei has already suspended her activities these past few days. I'm preparing to have them dig up her old black history again and stir it up, guaranteeing that she won't dare to show her face for a year or a half."

Wang Zhongjun crossed his legs behind the desk and said, "Follow your plan. But be careful. Don't make phone calls for things that can be ordered in person, and definitely don't send text messages. Chen Nuo must know someone is messing with him behind his back, and he really wants to know who it is... don't let the wind out."

"Don't worry, brother, I know. After the Yang Ying incident last time, I've been very careful. This time I didn't show my face at all; I let Little Liao do the contacting."

Wang Zhongjun thought for a moment: "Do you know who is working with you?"

"Don't know. But last time Liu Yifei intervened and snatched the lead role in Zhang Yimou's movie, plus before that, those media outlets hyped her as the first popular Chinese female star in Japan, so there's no telling how many people in the circle can't stand her."

"If we were dealing with Chen Nuo, those people probably wouldn't dare, but wouldn't they dare to deal with a Liu Yifei? It looks like quite a few people paid out of their own pockets this time to follow us in smearing her."

"This is called 'a just cause enjoys abundant support, an unjust cause finds little.' Chen Nuo has been arrogant and domineering for so long, everyone has been enduring it."

Wang Zhongjun laughed and said, "That's the principle. Then what do you think that kid will do next?"

Wang Zonglei said very firmly on the other end of the phone, "What else can he do? He can only handle it coldly. Put it aside and ignore it, wait for the matter to pass by itself. Besides, the more you explain these things, the darker they get."

Wang Zhongjun thought for a while and shook his head, "That's not necessarily true; that kid Chen Nuo often doesn't play by the rules."

Wang Zonglei said, "Brother, what can he do? Say Liu Yifei has nothing to do with him? Is that possible? Who would believe it! They're already living together, and they have nothing to do with each other?"

"His fans are now following us to scold Liu Yifei. If he speaks up for Liu Yifei, he's going against his own fans."

"So, as long as he isn't stupid, he definitely won't stand up. For him, playing deaf and dumb is the best choice. What is Liu Yifei? Just a woman. Is he short of women?"

Wang Zhongjun pondered in his heart.

He felt Wang Zonglei was right. If he were Chen Nuo, he would only have Liu Yifei avoid the limelight. The main thing was that the evidence was conclusive, and coming forward to clarify wouldn't have any effect.

"By the way, brother, that matter I told you about last time... how have you considered it?"

Wang Zhongjun was just thinking about it, so he couldn't help but freeze for a moment, "What matter?"

"That High School Musical thing..."

Wang Zhongjun suddenly realized, "You're quite concerned about this. I'll say the ugly words first: you can play around, but don't cross the line."

"I know, brother, I have a sense of it."

Wang Zhongjun thought for a while and felt it wasn't a big deal; whoever he supported was the same, so he said, "Have her contact Li Shengtian of the project department; I'll say a word when the time comes and give her a chance to audition. But whether it works or not, I won't guarantee."

Wang Zonglei's voice instantly went up three degrees, "Okay, brother, thank you, brother."

Wang Zhongjun laughed lightly and was about to give a few more instructions,

when suddenly, the office door was knocked twice.

"Come in."

The secretary who had been with him for many years pushed the door open with an incredible expression, stood at the door and said, "President Wang, there is news about Chen Nuo."

Wang Zhongjun frowned and said, "What news."

The secretary shook her head, calmed down from that dazed state, and said, "President Wang, Huanran Yixin just contacted the news media and issued a statement. The statement says..."

Wang Zhongjun looked at her, "Says what?"

The secretary's voice grew louder, with disbelief, "He said Liu Yifei is his girlfriend."

Wang Zhongjun forgot to even shake the ash off the cigar in his hand, which immediately fell onto the desk, and he shouted in disbelief, "What?"

Wang Zonglei on the phone, not understanding, kept asking, "Brother, brother, what's wrong? What happened? What did Chen Nuo say?"

The secretary said, "President Wang, this is the full text of his statement; I've already printed it out."

"Bring it here quickly!"

Wang Zhongjun didn't have time to respond to Wang Zonglei.

He couldn't wait to take the A4 paper from the secretary's hand, and saw it written clearly in unambiguous language:

"Mr. Chen Nuo has recently noticed that some rumors and gossip have appeared on the internet regarding Ms. Liu Yifei and himself. Among them are many slanderous and smearing words, which have seriously affected the daily work and life of Ms. Liu Yifei and Mr. Chen Nuo.

Therefore, this company, entrusted by Mr. Chen Nuo, hereby makes this statement.

Mr. Chen Nuo and Ms. Liu Yifei became acquainted in 2005 while filming The Return of the Condor Heroes.

Over the past four years, the two have developed a deep friendship due to their compatible personalities and similar ages.

Last year, after filming Director Zhang Yimou's new movie, Mr. Chen Nuo and Ms. Liu Yifei's understanding of each other deepened, and their original friendship was sublimated.

After the film wrapped, Mr. Chen Nuo and Ms. Liu Yifei decided to try dating after careful consideration. As of now, it has been three months and seventeen days.

The two are currently in a sweet romantic relationship, and their feelings are stable. Thank you all for your concern.

After this statement, regarding this matter, this company, as well as Mr. Chen Nuo and Ms. Liu Yifei, will not make any further responses.

If any individual or media continues to slander the reputation of Ms. Liu Yifei and Mr. Chen Nuo, this company reserves the right to pursue their legal responsibility.

Beijing Huanran Yixin Film and Television Media Culture Co., Ltd.

June 23, 2009."

The statement was neither long nor short, but Wang Zhongjun stared at it, reading it over and over again many times.

Wang Zonglei on the phone kept saying "hello" several times, but he didn't respond.

Finally, Wang Zhongjun suddenly said, "Zonglei, hurry up and go online to see. Chen Nuo issued a statement."

Wang Zonglei said in surprise, "What's wrong with him? Did he issue a clarification statement?"

"No, not a clarification. He didn't clarify. Um, you should look at it first."

Wang Zhongjun frowned; he really couldn't believe it.

Thinking about it over and over, he couldn't figure it out.

Not clarifying, but instead admitting to the mistake and directly acknowledging this matter, admitting that he and Liu Yifei were dating?

In the discussion just now, neither he nor Wang Zonglei had considered this situation.

Was he crazy?

Protecting that woman to the death?

Everyone else sacrifices the pawn to save the knight, but for him, it's sacrificing the knight to save the pawn?

Was he really not afraid of his fans exploding?

Breaking up with Wen Yongshan, in Wang Zhongjun's view, was a brilliant move by Chen Nuo, not only hyping up The Message but also regaining popularity by returning to being single.

It could be said that his recent popularity wasn't just because he won awards, but also had a lot to do with his "single" persona.

Now, when his fans were scolding Liu Yifei under their incitement, wasn't he afraid that his fanatical fans would feel a sense of betrayal by issuing such a statement?

Could the public relations department of Huanxin Company let him do this?

It was one thing to put on an act after winning an award at the Oscars, acting like he wanted to be one of the "Top Ten Outstanding Youth" and saying some nonsense, but was he still this indifferent at a time like this?

Was he really not afraid of offending his fans, really just thinking he had too many die-hard fans and hoping they wouldn't chase stars but study hard instead?

Damn it, how is that possible!

"Brother, I've finished reading it; is that kid... is that kid crazy?" Wang Zonglei said on the phone.

Wang Zhongjun made up his mind and said, "He might really think he's practicing the 'Golden Bell Shield and Iron Cloth Shirt.' Tell your people over there, from now on, don't worry about Liu Yifei anymore; change the target to him! Go online and incite those 'Sticky Rice' fans! I want to see if he really has three heads and six arms. Damn it, even Liu Dehua couldn't withstand it, I don't believe he can!"

"Breaking News: Chen Nuo and Liu Yifei announce their relationship today! Love blossomed from acting, relationship exposed!"

"First Hua Zai, now Chen Nuo. Why do stars hide their relationships? Are the feelings and money fans put in worth it?"

"Chen Nuo faces a fan-loss crisis. As of now, eight Chen Nuo fan clubs on Sina Blog have announced they will no longer update news about Chen Nuo."

"Famous 'Sticky Rice' fan 'Big Cousin' announced on Fanfou that she is leaving the fandom and drawing a line with Chen Nuo."

"Fan Bingbing, when interviewed, called Liu Yifei her good friend and Chen Nuo her boss, and said she sincerely blesses this relationship."

"Wen Yongshan refuses to comment on the matter in Hong Kong."

"Famous actor Zhou Xun, when interviewed at the airport, said she hadn't been in touch with Chen Nuo for a long time and didn't know about his love life."

"Famous actor Chen Sicheng, star of the Cannes entry Spring Fever, said in an interview today that he saw Chen Nuo and Liu Yifei being intimate in Cannes and was not surprised that they went public with their relationship today."

"Actor Wen Zhang, while promoting a new film, declared: I don't know Chen Nuo as a person, but Mr. Li Lianjie once taught him that one should be honest and not do things that let down family, friends, and fans."

When he saw this last item, imagining Wen Zhang's solemn appearance and the various things he had heard in his past life, Chen Nuo finally couldn't help but laugh.

Liu Yifei, who was looking at this news summary with him, said with some dissatisfaction, "You can still laugh? Except for Sister Bingbing, everyone else is scolding you."

Chen Nuo ignored her and turned his head, "Who made this news summary?"

Qi Yuntian said, "Little Zhang at the front desk, why?"

"Summarized well, give her a chicken leg."

Looking at the street scene outside the car, knowing it would be a while before they reached the school,

after reading this online news that made him feel quite good, Chen Nuo turned to the next page and continued reading.

The second page was a collection of headlines from local print media.

"Beijing Daily: Explosive! The Return of the Condor Heroes, finally together! After years of waiting, fans are teary-eyed!"

"Sanxiang Daily: Countless Condor fans declare that dreams have become reality, and they believe in love again."

"Huaxi City Daily: Chen Nuo goes public with a relationship again, fans say they expected it long ago."

"Wenhui Daily: Jin Yong speaks out, blessing Chen Nuo and Liu Yifei, calling them his favorite Yang Guo and Little Dragon Maiden, hoping they will have a happy ending."

What does all this mean? Why is there such a big difference between online and offline?

Damn it, this society is too fragmented.

Online, men and women are opposed, the people are miserable; in reality, they are like milk and water, a harmonious world.

Which one is real?

Actually, it doesn't matter which is real or fake; the key is to be consistent!

Otherwise, I'd really think I'm living in The Truman Show!

Chen Nuo sighed, didn't want to look anymore, and said to Liu Yifei, "We're almost at school, remember what I told you?"

Liu Yifei looked at the headlines on the second page, blushed a little, and nodded, "I remember."

"Remember, this matter has nothing to do with you. It's all for the movie, for work. Director Zhang changed the commercial film into an art film to cooperate with us winning awards. Then we must cooperate with the promotion; what's the problem with me getting scolded? The key is you, you have to make this 'fake girlfriend' act look real, natural, don't let people see the flaws later."

Liu Yifei bit her lip, her face even redder, "But, it's fine usually. Today is your graduation ceremony, there are so many people, and your parents will be there. When we meet later, seeing, seeing us holding hands or something... will they..."

Chen Nuo laughed, "Will they what? Misunderstand? Don't worry, I've made it clear; they all know you're fake. No matter what, they won't misunderstand."

"... No matter what?"

"Right, no matter what."

PS:

Originally wanted to release two chapters together, but it feels like it won't work. Sigh.

(End of chapter)