CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 16: SINGING FOR HIM

He opened the large door, leaned out, and asked, "What’s up?"

Huaiyi immediately looked up and glanced at the injury on the corner of his right eye, which was bruised with a noticeable patch of congestion.

She then offered the items in her arms with both hands, saying, "This is for you."

Xiang Qichen leaned against the door frame and looked down at the things in her hands.

Medicinal liquor and a boiled egg.

"This medicinal liquor works very well. My dad is a doctor, and he recommended it to me. There’s also a boiled egg. Before applying the medicinal liquor, use the egg to rub gently on the bruise to ease the pain, and then use the liquor to massage it away, which helps it heal faster. You know how to use a boiled egg, right?" Huaiyi explained as she took an egg from the bag, demonstrating with a serious demeanor, "First, you peel the shell off, then gently rub it over the bruise. As for the liquor, put a bit on your hand, and when you rub, use some force to disperse the bruise. It will get much better by tomorrow."

After finishing her long explanation, Huaiyi looked up to meet his gaze.

Xiang Qichen remained silent, only lifting his lips in a slight smile.

The most awkward is when silence suddenly falls...

Huaiyi immediately felt as dumb as a pig... His assistant must have already prepared these things for him...

Embarrassment

After about a minute of awkward silence, Huaiyi nervously withdrew her hand, saying, "Sorry for disturbing you..."

"Thank you."

The clear, pleasant voice was so familiar.

The next second, Huaiyi felt her palm lighten, and when she looked up again, the items were already in Xiang Qichen’s hands.

He smiled gently, warm and amiable like a spring breeze.

Huaiyi pursed her lips, her voice turning thin and soft: "...You’re welcome."

"Bang—"

Her response was the loud sound of the door closing.

Huaiyi: "......"

Behind the door, Xiang Qichen looked at the bag of items he was holding, feeling a sudden heat rise in his ears, causing his heart to unconsciously speed up.

——

In late August, it was Huaiyi’s last night on the film set, coinciding with the Chinese Valentine’s Day, Qixi Festival.

The considerate director wrapped up filming a little after eight, allowing those with partners to spend time together and the singles to find company.

Thus, Liu Yang, the head of the single group, organized a last-minute Qixi single celebration, which was essentially an excuse to gather together during a rare break.

And, to bid farewell to Huaiyi.

Xiang Qichen also attended the gathering that evening.

Liu Yang stood in front of the sofa, taking advantage of a song’s interlude to suddenly pick up the microphone and say, "Taking advantage of tonight’s gathering, I’m here to send off my junior sister. Her two-month internship with the film crew concludes tomorrow..."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Qichen, who was sitting with the producer, paused with his water cup in hand, then discreetly took a sip of the juice.

Huaiyi was momentarily stunned, suddenly realizing she was being called out...

"This junior sister of mine, she’s a bit silly but a really good person. I genuinely thank her for diligently helping me out these past two months, and providing me with endless amusement..."

Before he finished speaking, Huaiyi pinched Liu Yang hard on the arm.

Senior Brother Liu gritted his teeth in pain and simply pushed her into another pit: "In our recording department... everyone has a music background, so there’s no shortage of singers. Today, with this great opportunity, let’s have my junior sister sing a song for everyone!"

The sound of applause immediately followed, and Huaiyi was momentarily stunned.

"Come on, what do you want to sing, little brother will pick for you." Liu Yang’s raspy voice offered.

Huaiyi: "......"

Liu Yang had already walked over to the karaoke machine: "What do you want to sing, Huaiyi?"

Huaiyi’s gaze flickered as she glanced at Xiang Qichen, who was sitting on the left sofa. With determination, she said, "Wang Fei’s ’Legend’."

Huaiyi always had a small wish, which was to sing a song he likes in front of Xiang Qichen...

Although she didn’t know what songs Xiang Qichen actually liked, at least she could fulfill half of that wish tonight—

To sing a song in front of him.

Mr. Xiang pursed his lips, slightly raising them as he watched the screen intently.

The prelude started to play, and Huaiyi, holding the microphone, sat on the sofa, leaning leisurely against the corner.

Though she appeared calm on the surface, inside she was so nervous she felt like she was about to explode.

Fortunately, singing wasn’t really a difficult task for her.

"Just because I glanced at you in the crowd, I’ve never been able to forget your face..."

As soon as she started singing, the murmur of conversations and the sound of rock-paper-scissors in the room suddenly died down.

Everyone turned their amazed eyes towards Huaiyi.

Xiang Qichen leaned back on the sofa, his gaze falling on her serene profile as she sang, suddenly understanding why she once critiqued his singing skills.

He shook his head in resignation, breaking into soft laughter.

In front of such a professional, his attempts were indeed laughable.