Chapter 83: If He’s the Best Actor, Then I’m the Best Actress

Xia Wanqing hung her head low, feeling a touch of sadness. Lost in thought, she didn't notice the person in front of her and bumped right into him.

Before she had a chance to apologize, the other party spoke first, "How do you walk? Do you even know who you've just run into?"

His tone ignited Xia Wanqing's temper. "I didn't even bump into you, so why are you so worked up? I was going to apologize, but now it seems there's no need at all."

The assistant wanted to step forward and lecture her further, but Ye Ziyan stopped him. "It's just a small bump, nothing serious. We should hurry to the venue."

"You’re the reasonable one here. Fine, I bumped into you—my fault, I apologize. But you—" Xia Wanqing pointed at the assistant. "Your attitude is the real problem."

"My attitude is the problem? I suspect you ran into our Best Actor on purpose!"

Suddenly, the assistant covered his mouth, realizing too late what he'd just blurted out.

Three dark lines appeared on Ye Ziyan’s forehead. Was this person really suited to be his assistant?

Xia Wanqing laughed. "What did you say? He's the Best Actor? What a joke. If he's the Best Actor, then I'm the Best Actress!"

(Later on, as if by fate, both of these things seemed to come true!)

A dangerous glint flashed in Ye Ziyan's eyes. No one had ever dared to mock him like this before.

He ignored her and brushed past, with his assistant hastily following. As he left, the assistant tossed out a parting shot: "You're in trouble now!"

Xia Wanqing rolled her eyes at their retreating backs. Sure, the main guy’s attitude wasn’t too bad just now, but someone that arrogant couldn’t possibly be the Best Actor, could he? All dressed to the nines, did he think he truly was the Best Actor?

Well then, why shouldn't she be the Best Actress?

Still, the sting of being rejected by Ye Zuo lingered. But who was she? She was Xia Wanqing, and setbacks only made her stronger.

Her scenes were nearly wrapped up. She planned to invite Ranran out for dinner that evening; wouldn’t that mean he’d come along as well?

Ah, what luck! Xia Wanqing’s mood shifted from gloomy to bright.

Shangguan Ranran slept until three in the afternoon. When she woke, she found herself lying on the bed, with Mr. Huangpu sleeping right beside her.

She shifted closer, gazing at the man sleeping peacefully. Her hand couldn’t help tracing the lines of his face.

She noticed how flawless his features were. If he modeled for her, she was confident she could sketch a perfect portrait.

Sensing a change in her breathing, Huangpu Shenqing realized she was awake. Knowing how close she was—so close they could hear each other's breaths—he pretended to keep sleeping, curious about what his little darling would do next.

When nothing else happened, he cracked open his eyes and pulled her into his arms. "Ranran, what are you looking at?"

"I'm looking at you, Mr. Huangpu!"

"And what do you see?"

"I'm looking at how handsome you are, Mr. Huangpu."

Shangguan Ranran’s smiling eyes arched like crescent moons; her delicate nose tilted slightly, and her small lips made it impossible for Huangpu Shenqing to resist.

He pressed her head down.

Mmm—

Caught off guard, Shangguan Ranran's hands pressed against his chest, gently pushing as a soft sound escaped her lips.

Huangpu Shenqing took her hands in his, and a new round of passionate kisses began.

When she finally pulled away, her mouth was filled with his taste. Remembering how close things had come to getting out of hand, she couldn’t help but laugh to herself.

That evening, she agreed to Xia Wanqing’s invitation and went out to dinner with her.

Since she was inviting Shangguan Ranran, Xia Wanqing figured she ought to invite Ouyang Muya as well, so as not to appear too deliberate.

They chose to dine at Heavenly Place, a Korean restaurant that Xia Wanqing particularly liked. It was quiet, and each party there enjoyed a private room—small, but cozy and thoroughly Korean in style.

A long table sat on the floor, with eight floor cushions laid out for seating.

They ordered the restaurant’s specialties: two servings of Korean spicy bibimbap, two servings of Korean barbecue bibimbap, spicy stir-fried octopus, kimchi, spicy rice cakes, soybean paste stew, Korean short ribs, sweet and sour mushrooms, and spicy beef soup.

The flavors leaned toward spicy, so Ye Zuo opted for the Korean barbecue bibimbap.

Shangguan Ranran sat beside him, facing Xia Wanqing. Next to Xia Wanqing was Ouyang Muya.

Xia Wanqing happily ate her meal—finally, she was at the same table as him! It hadn’t been easy.

Shangguan Ranran soon realized Xia Wanqing’s true motive for tonight’s gathering—it wasn’t just a friendly invitation. She winked at Ouyang Muya across the table, who gave a slight nod, having come to the same conclusion.

So they were both just there as foils!

Ye Zuo kept his head down as he ate, finishing his meal in about five minutes. "Miss, I’ll wait for you outside," he said.

"You should eat more! Why did you eat so little?" Xia Wanqing stood and shouted after his retreating figure, but he left without so much as a glance back.

Dejected, she slumped into her seat, poking at her rice with her spoon. "Do you think he ate so quickly because of me?"

Shangguan Ranran replied, "What are you thinking? Maybe he just felt a little awkward and wanted to give us three some space."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"What do you think, Muya?"

Ouyang Muya put down her wooden spoon and analyzed the situation seriously, "Wanqing, have you fallen for Ye Zuo? Is that why you care so much whether he left because of you?"

Xia Wanqing’s face was full of worry. "I don’t know. Maybe I have. What should I do?"

Ouyang Muya and Shangguan Ranran exchanged a meaningful glance, both understanding each other's thoughts.

"These things aren’t easy to say. If you like him, tell him how you feel. If he likes you too, that’s the best outcome. If you don’t, then don’t lead him on—just stay friends as before," Ouyang Muya said, laying things out clearly so Xia Wanqing could consider what she really wanted.