Time flew by, and half a month later, today marked the wrap-up of the filming for "Asking Heaven." After the wrap-up banquet, Lin Qinghe secretly tugged on You Rong's hand and whispered, "Let's go."
Before You Rong could reply, Lin Qinghe pulled him away without further ado.
Once they reached the parking lot and got into the car, Lin Qinghe smiled and said, "Fortunately, we left in a hurry. My dad wanted me to go back and stay with him for a few days."
You Rong rubbed Lin Qinghe's head and smiled indulgently, "Director Zhang hasn't seen you for many years. Now that he's finally recognized you, he wants you to spend more time with him. That's only right."
Lin Qinghe gazed at You Rong, "But... I want to spend a few days with you more. After you join the cast of the movie 'Breaking the Cocoon,' I'll have to rush off to shoot other new dramas. It will be difficult for us to see each other again."
You Rong, who had originally intended to persuade Lin Qinghe to return with Zhang Shanghua, found himself reluctant when he met her bright eyes.
He leaned in and kissed her, "Mmm... I'll spend these few days with you properly. I'll apologize to Director Zhang later."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Qinghe's phone rang. She picked it up, shook it at You Rong, it was Zhang Shanghua's call.
Lin Qinghe hung up the phone, sent Zhang Shanghua a message, and then looked up at You Rong with a radiant smile, "Alright! Let's go!"
You Rong nodded and started the car, leaving. Wearing masks and sunglasses, they went shopping and watched movies like ordinary people, happily enjoying themselves for the entire day. Lin Qinghe even fell asleep in the car from exhaustion.
You Rong stroked her cheek and asked softly, "Shall I take you home?"
Lin Qinghe mumbled unintelligibly, "No... don't. We agreed to spend a few days together. I don't want to go home..."
You Rong had no choice but to drive to the apartment rented for him by his company. He gently carried the sleeping Lin Qinghe upstairs.
Opening the door and entering the house, You Rong kicked it shut and carried Lin Qinghe towards the bedroom. He placed her on the large bed, pulled the covers over her, and looking at her peaceful sleeping face, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, whispering, "I love you... goodnight."
Just as You Rong was about to get up and leave, Lin Qinghe suddenly opened her eyes. Her arms wrapped around You Rong's neck, and as their eyes met, the atmosphere became intimate.
"Qinghe, are you... mmmph..."
Lin Qinghe kissed You Rong first. You Rong was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted and took the lead, responding to Lin Qinghe's kiss. It was impossible to tell who had started it as clothes were discarded onto the bed, one by one...
You Rong pressed his forehead against Lin Qinghe's, breathing heavily, "Qinghe... is this really okay?"
Lin Qinghe's eyelashes fluttered twice. She didn't answer, but instead, looked up and kissed You Rong again, using the kiss to convey her answer.
You Rong's expression darkened. His self-control, which he had been struggling to maintain, completely crumbled at that moment. He lowered his head and kissed Lin Qinghe almost like a nibble...
After a night passed, Lin Qinghe opened her eyes, her body aching all over. Looking at the familiar ceiling, Lin Qinghe opened the system to check the progress bar. She found that the progress bar had increased by one percent, making the total progress ninety-nine percent.
Lin Qinghe sighed softly. She had thought that the progress bar would reach one hundred percent last night. However, with only one percent left, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Just then, You Rong pushed the door open and entered from outside. He sat by the bed, took Lin Qinghe's hand, and kissed it. He said softly, "You're awake? Are you tired?"
Lin Qinghe sat up, leaning on You Rong, and playfully punched his chest, "How dare you ask? I clearly said I was tired, and you still..."
You Rong chuckled softly, lowered his head, and kissed her, "It won't happen again next time. It's my fault. I've made breakfast. I'll carry you to wash up, and then we'll eat together, okay?"
Lin Qinghe nodded, "Mmm."
You Rong carried Lin Qinghe to the bathroom and personally brushed her teeth and washed her face. His deep, dark eyes were filled with an unshakeable, profound affection.
The fact that he could have her completely filled him with joy.
After breakfast, Lin Qinghe nestled in You Rong's arms, watching television listlessly. Their past collaboration, "A Love Like Cheng Qing," had premiered. Lin Qinghe browsed Weibo and discovered that many people were shipping their characters as a couple. She even lamented that You Rong hadn't played the male lead, exclaiming what a pity it was.
Lin Qinghe touched You Rong's chin and smiled, "I'll discuss with the company and take advantage of this opportunity to promote the drama 'Asking Heaven.' It will definitely boost our popularity and perhaps make up for the regret of fans who ship us."
You Rong nodded, "Mmm, I'll have Brother Gu discuss it with the company."
"You know... our fan base is growing. Should we consider going public with our relationship?"
Lin Qinghe had said it casually. She knew that You Rong's career was just starting, and making their relationship public would undoubtedly be the wrong move. However, to her surprise, You Rong furrowed his brow and said, "Not yet. Give me some time. I'll find a suitable moment to announce it."
Lin Qinghe felt a strange stirring in her heart. She paused for a moment before pretending to be unfazed and said, "Mmm, I understand..."
Lin Qinghe lowered her eyes, feeling a little down. She didn't know that You Rong actually wanted to announce their relationship immediately, but he couldn't yet. He needed to work hard to be worthy of Lin Qinghe, to stand in the spotlight and declare to everyone that he loved her!
After a few days of sweet affection, You Rong joined the cast to film the movie "Breaking the Cocoon." Lin Qinghe occasionally visited the set. She tried every means to get closer to You Rong, but the remaining one percent of the progress bar just wouldn't increase.
Lin Qinghe didn't pay much attention to it, assuming that the progress bar would be filled once You Rong won the Best Actor award for the movie "Breaking the Cocoon."
When the character photos for You Rong's "Breaking the Cocoon" were released, they generated considerable buzz online. Coupled with his outstanding performance in "A Love Like Cheng Qing," You Rong, who had once been a top celebrity two years ago but had since fallen from grace, suddenly reappeared in the public eye.
In the entertainment industry, when you become famous, you naturally attract rivals who want to blacken your name. Suddenly, old rumors about You Rong resurfaced online. Various marketing accounts began to spread gossip and smear You Rong.
Lin Qinghe had anticipated all of this. She had secretly ordered an investigation into the evidence of those who were slandering You Rong. As a fellow artist, she could more easily obtain this evidence.
Lin Qinghe handed the evidence to Gu Wensheng. Gu Wensheng hesitated for a moment. Releasing this evidence would undoubtedly allow You Rong to make a triumphant comeback. However, for Lin Qinghe, everyone in the industry would know it was her doing, and she would instantly offend a large portion of the industry.
Lin Qinghe smiled; she didn't care and told Gu Wensheng to release it.
The evidence of artists, companies, and teams fabricating rumors and slandering You Rong was released. The online sentiment of doubt and boycott against You Rong immediately reversed. The artists involved were boycotted by the entire internet. People sympathized even more with You Rong, and his popularity soared to its peak once again. His fans were deeply moved and became even more determined to protect You Rong and prevent him from being bullied in the entertainment industry.
After this evidence was released, Lin Qinghe was plagued by constant negative rumors. It was obvious who was behind them. These rumors caused Lin Qinghe's reputation to plummet. Lin Qinghe could do nothing, as many of these incidents were indeed things the original host had done, and she couldn't deny them.
Lin Qinghe didn't care. She directly informed the company that she needed to take a break for a while, disregarding the online舆论.
That evening, the doorbell rang at Lin Qinghe's apartment. When she opened the door, her face was filled with surprise, "You Rong?! Why are you back? Weren't you going abroad with my dad for filming?!"