Chapter 22: Huang Xiaoming

After finishing dinner, Qin Lan packed up the leftover cake, and the two left the restaurant.

Yu Yanli had wanted to find a place to sing, but Qin Lan thought singing together was boring and suggested taking a walk in the small grove—it was quiet and cool.

Today was Qin Lan’s birthday, so she had to be obeyed.

It was nighttime, and the small grove had no streetlights, so they wandered along the nearby streets; it was hot, and Yu Yanli bought two ice creams—one for each.

“Oh, by the way.”

Yu Yanli bit into his ice cream and pulled a small box, egg-sized, from his pant pocket: “Almost forgot your birthday gift.”

Qin Lan opened it and found a blue crystal necklace; under the light, it sparkled beautifully.

She let Yu Yanli help her put it on, then couldn’t stop caressing the crystal with her fingers, though she pretended to object.

“This must’ve cost a lot—you took me out to dinner and bought cake already, you’re spending too much. Let’s return it.”

“Not expensive.”

Yu Yanli waved his hand: “Bought it at a jewelry shop on Pedestrian Street—75 yuan, no receipt.”

Qin Lan: “...”

How did his ex-girlfriend ever fall for him!?

Even though she learned the price was under a hundred yuan, Qin Lan had no intention of taking off the necklace—she accepted the gift gracefully.

After that, they talked about their future plans.

Restricted by confidentiality rules, Yu Yanli spoke vaguely—essentially, he’d return to Beijing to seek opportunities; Qin Lan’s plans were clear and specific.

Although Qin Lan starred in Qiongyao’s “My Fair Princess 3,” she was not an artist under Qiongyao’s Zhongjie Media.

The actresses who played Xiao Yanzi and Princess Mu Sha—Huang Yi and Liu Tao—were under Zhongjie Media, and Jiang Qinqin, who also appeared in “My Fair Princess 3,” was affiliated with Zhongjie too.

Qin Lan’s current company was [Huaxia Film], under Hunan Provincial TV, and also the producer of the “My Fair Princess” series.

[Huaxia Film], backed by Hunan TV, was not well-known publicly but had strong strength.

Having starred in “My Fair Princess 3,” Qin Lan would naturally be valued by the company; even before filming ended, her agent had already lined up her next role.

“My agent told me that if ‘My Fair Princess 3’ does well, they might secure me a leading role.”

Qin Lan shared her agent’s promise with Yu Yanli, her face glowing with hopeful dreams of a bright future.

In truth, Qin Lan had played female leads before—but not in proper productions: one was a short drama, the other a rural series, neither even aired.

So when she said “leading role,” she meant the female lead in a legitimate film or TV drama—the greatest dream of countless unknown young actresses.

Yu Yanli’s dream was to play a male lead once!

At present, achieving that goal still seemed distant, but Yu Yanli, confident in his system, remained hopeful.

Relaxed in spirit, Yu Yanli teased Qin Lan: “When you become famous and I’m still stuck, I’ll come beg for your help.”

Qin Lan waved it off: “Don’t worry—I’ll protect you then.”

…

They walked, paused, and chatted for over an hour, then Yu Yanli offered to walk Qin Lan back to her hotel.

Qin Lan wasn’t ready to end the evening but didn’t refuse; they strolled slowly toward her hotel.

As they neared the hotel, Yu Yanli had just convinced Qin Lan not to see him off at the train station when a male voice called from behind.

“Qin Lan?”

Yu Yanli turned and saw a handsome bald man staring at them; the dim streetlight cast a faint look of sorrow and bitterness on his face.

Yu Yanli had met him before when dropping off Qin Lan—he immediately recognized him.

The cheap senior from Beijing Film Academy + Qin Lan’s suitor—Huang Xiaoming

Yu Yanli’s first instinct was to glance at Qin Lan; if the woman didn’t speak, he couldn’t tell how to handle this suitor—clarify, be civil, ignore, or cold-shoulder him.

Qin Lan didn’t hesitate—she reached out and linked her arm through Yu Yanli’s, affectionate and intimate, then calmly greeted Huang Xiaoming.

“Oh, Teacher Huang? What are you doing out so late?”

Huang Xiaoming’s smile was forced: “Just taking a walk after dinner. Who’s this?”

Qin Lan kept her arm linked with Yu Yanli’s, subtly nudging his heel with her foot; he understood instantly, smiled warmly, and stepped forward to shake Huang Xiaoming’s hand.

“Hello, I’m Qin Lan’s boyfriend, Yu Yanli.”

“Hello, hello.”

By the dim light, Huang Xiaoming sized up Yu Yanli—well, not bad-looking, taller and broader than him; his heart grew heavier, yet he still clung to a sliver of hope.

“Where do you work? I never heard Qin Lan mention you.”

“Can’t say I’m high up—I just get by on the neighboring set.”

Yu Yanli pulled out a cigarette pack, offered one to Huang Xiaoming, lit one for himself, and gave Qin Lan a look; she shot him a silent glare but obediently took the lighter and lit his cigarette.

He exhaled a slow puff of smoke, then smoothly slipped his arm around Qin Lan’s waist, pulling her half against his chest.

Then, watching Huang Xiaoming’s complex expression, he continued.

“We’ve only been dating a short while—Qin Lan’s company has strict rules about relationships, and with so many people on set, we kept it quiet.”

“I see.”

Huang Xiaoming nodded, glanced again at the two clinging together, and forced a thin smile.

“You two are perfectly matched. Won’t disturb you—I’ve got things to do, I’ll be going.”

Yu Yanli warmly urged: “Stay a bit longer—Qin Lan said you took good care of her on set. I haven’t properly thanked you yet.”

“No, no.”

“Alright then, go ahead, we’ll talk next time—I’ll definitely thank you properly then.”

Yu Yanli kept smiling and waved goodbye; Huang Xiaoming bowed his head and hurried off, his back looking like he was fleeing.

“This guy isn’t as shameless as you made him out to be.”

Yu Yanli clicked his tongue, thinking Qin Lan had exaggerated; she stared at him strangely and couldn’t help retorting.

“You’re even more shameless than him.”

“Qin Lan, how can you say that? I’m doing this for you—you’re being unvirtuous.”

“Pfft.”

Qin Lan feigned nausea, glanced at his hand still around her waist, and blushed slightly.

“Take your hand off.”

“Don’t rush—I’m not sure if that guy still has designs on you. He might be hiding somewhere watching. If he sees us break contact, he’ll bother you again.”

Hearing this, Qin Lan’s reluctance faded further, and she yielded more willingly.

“Then… wait a little longer.”

Yu Yanli held her quietly for a while; with a beauty in his arms, his hands inevitably grew bolder, brushing and touching. Qin Lan endured it until his hands expanded their range—then she gritted her teeth.

“Is this also to prevent him from having designs on me?”

“Yeah.”

Yu Yanli nodded confidently and added: “I think this isn’t enough—we need to add more.”

Qin Lan laughed in exasperation: “What else are you going to add?”

Yu Yanli turned to face Qin Lan; before she could react, he cupped her head and kissed her hard—held it for over ten seconds before letting go.

“That’s the extra.”

Saying that, Yu Yanli let go and ran off, tossing over his shoulder: “You kissed me first, remember?”

He’d waited days—finally reclaimed this dignity!

Watching Yu Yanli’s quick escape, Qin Lan, who had been indignant moments ago, touched her lips—and suddenly smiled sweetly, her eyes soft as waves, whispering softly.

“Rogue.”

In the corner of the hotel lobby, a certain Huang man, secretly watching, felt his heart shatter into pieces…

(End of Chapter)