Chapter26

A person’s body is often the most honest.

The two of them, who had agreed to only a goodnight kiss, were far more honest with their bodies than their minds. Meng Fanchuan held Cen Zhen and immediately returned to his room, raising his foot to close the door, leaving no one to know what was happening inside.

He directly laid Cen Zhen down on his bed. The kiss never really stopped, and their hot breath spread from her cheek to her ear and neck. The ambiguous sounds of their lips and tongues entangled in soft, lingering bursts. Cen Zhen was kissed into a dazed state, intermittently releasing quiet whimpers, still aware of Meng Wenluo in the next room, her unstable breath pushing at him. "Your sister..."

Meng Fanchuan had already said he wasn't some gentleman, and right now, he didn't care if it was his sister or the Jade Emperor. Once that door was shut, he just wanted to do what he wanted with the person he liked.

Although it wasn’t her first kiss with Meng Fanchuan, tonight’s kiss was clearly different, full of intense desire, which made Cen Zhen panic and nervous.

Although it came a bit later than she expected, they had finally reached this step.

He wasn’t a pervert, nor was he rough.

On the contrary, when he kissed the sensitive area behind Cen Zhen’s ear and neck, she trembled with pleasure. Her body felt as though it was electrified, uncontrollable. She was a little scared of this feeling of losing control. Only now did she realize how naive her previous thoughts had been. She had thought that once the lights were off and her eyes closed, it would be over. She had ignored the primal aggressiveness of men, as well as her own lack of experience.

More importantly, she hadn’t realized that, somewhere along the way, the label of a benefactor was slowly slipping off Meng Fanchuan, replaced by something vague that Cen Zhen couldn’t clearly define.

Her different social background made Cen Zhen hesitate to think about it. In such a moment, although her body instinctively responded, her mind still lingered, somewhat detached.

If it were for the resources, Cen Zhen might have readily complied with him.

But if she wanted him... could she afford him? Could she really take this step with him?

Cen Zhen was lost in Meng Fanchuan’s relentless kiss, her mind tangled, until his hand reached the bottom of her sleepwear. Cen Zhen suddenly regained some clarity, her legs tensing.

Meng Fanchuan froze, looking down at the girl beneath him, hoarsely asking, "What’s wrong?"

Cen Zhen gasped lightly, the corners of her eyes wet with moisture. She pulled herself out of the haze and parted her lips, about to speak, when there was a knock on the door. "Ge, Ge! Have you seen Cen Jie?"

Cen Zhen panicked, sitting up to straighten her disheveled sleepwear, but was immediately pushed back down into the bed by Meng Fanchuan. "Wait for me, I’ll be back soon."

Cen Zhen: "..."

He calmly got out of bed. Cen Zhen heard him walk out and open the door, answering Meng Wenluo nonchalantly, "I sent her to the guest room upstairs."

"Huh? Why?"

"I told her she has work tomorrow. If you have any questions, you can ask her when you see her next time."

"Okay."

"Don’t go bothering her on the third floor."

"…Got it."

Thus, Miss Meng was tricked by her older brother.

Once back in the room, Meng Fanchuan turned off the lights with the remote, then lay down and pulled Cen Zhen into his arms, kissing her forehead. "Sleep early."

He didn’t continue, which surprised Cen Zhen. After a moment of silence, she still couldn’t help but ask, "Aren’t you going to ask me?"

"It’s my fault." Meng Fanchuan had reflected on his actions during those few minutes when he went outside. He had, without thinking, lost control and brought her from the next room, starting their first time in such a rushed manner. He hadn’t considered things thoroughly.

Meng Fanchuan kissed the top of Cen Zhen’s head again. "We’ll talk when you’re ready."

Cen Zhen: "..."

That thing that had sprouted in her heart seemed to be growing silently and wildly again. In the pitch-black room, Cen Zhen lowered her gaze, then slowly, tentatively, reached out to rest her hand on Meng Fanchuan’s chest. Her fingertips hesitated for a moment, but she was soon enveloped by an irresistible sense of security and sank into it. She hugged him deeply, for the first time giving herself permission to fully lean into his embrace.

So this is what it feels like, so comfortable, so relaxed.

Just being held like this was enough.

Cen Zhen closed her eyes, her lips curling into a faint smile as the sound of rain and the safe, warm presence beside her lulled her to sleep.

In order not to let Meng Wenluo notice anything unusual, Cen Zhen woke up early the next day. She was tightly held by Meng Fanchuan in his arms.

With someone else’s body heat, even the cold winter night didn’t feel so cold anymore, and she finally didn’t have to endure cold hands and feet until dawn.

Cen Zhen gently pressed her lips together, planning to go to Meng Wenluo’s room to change clothes. However, as soon as she lifted Meng Fanchuan’s arm, he tightened his hold on her, pulling her back. "Where are you going?"

His voice was lazy, hoarse from the previous night’s restraint.

Cen Zhen: "I really have a schedule today, I need to go back early."

Meng Fanchuan held her tightly before releasing her. "I’ll take you."“No need.” Cen Zhen just wanted to quietly leave on her own, without attracting Meng Wenluo’s attention. “If you go with me, what will happen to your sister?”

“She’s 18 now.”

“I’m also of age.”

Meng Fanchuan paused for a moment, taken aback by Cen Zhen’s rebuttal, then laughed silently. “Can it be the same?”

This was the first time Cen Zhen had argued with him softly. “It’s not the same. I’m two years older than her, so you should be more at ease.”

“…”

She actually made a valid point.

Meng Fanchuan was both amused and exasperated as he sat up. “Is that what I meant?”

“No matter what you meant, I still want to go alone.” Cen Zhen didn’t want to overshadow her first meeting with his sister. After a brief pause, she compromised, “If you’re really worried, you can have Uncle Chen send me.”

Perhaps seeing her resolve, Meng Fanchuan didn’t insist further. “Fine.”

But as he spoke, he pulled Cen Zhen back into the covers. “Then sleep for five more minutes.”

Cen Zhen: “…”

Five minutes later, Cen Zhen was finally “released” by Meng Fanchuan. She quietly went to Meng Wenluo’s room to change, and as she looked at the sleeping girl, recalling her cute moments from yesterday, she left a note for her:

"Nuonuo, I have to go for work. It was nice meeting you."

Leaving the villa again, this time in Chen Xiangan’s car, Cen Zhen felt much more relaxed than before. She remembered what Uncle Wei had said last night and realized that perhaps she had harbored too many subjective assumptions about Meng Fanchuan.

She had seen too many rich, spoiled men, too many who played with people’s hearts for money. But now, Meng Fanchuan was slowly changing her prejudices about these wealthy young masters, one step at a time.

The weather was good today. The sunlight streamed through the car window, casting a large patch of light onto the seat, landing on Cen Zhen’s hand.

Cen Zhen opened her palm, and as she remembered how Meng Fanchuan would hold her hand, it was as though the warm light in her hand now was the same as his touch, gently knocking on the door of her heart.

Cen Zhen thought to herself, he’s really different from them…

For the entire week, Cen Zhen’s schedule was packed. Although she didn’t have any official projects yet, major marketing accounts had already placed her at the top of their “rising stars” list.

Cen Zhen’s past could withstand any scrutiny. She had been accepted into North City Film Academy with the top score in her class, and during her time there, she was low-key, grounded, and steadily making progress. Her mentor, Sun Qiming, had produced several popular stars.

Just this flawless background alone was enough to outshine many other rising stars. It was only a matter of time before she became an overnight sensation.

The government of Mingzhou had also expressed great appreciation and satisfaction with the promotional video Cen Zhen and Bai Yan had made. Therefore, they were invited to attend a business cocktail party held during the ski festival.

Wen Hui didn’t really want Cen Zhen to attend such social events, but since it was a government invitation, and her promotional video was gaining popularity, turning it down could lead to negative speculation. Weighing the options, Wen Hui decided to send Chi Yu and assistant Xiao Lin along with Cen Zhen to Mingzhou for the cocktail party.

Bai Yan also managed to make time from his rehearsals in North City. The two met again in Mingzhou, exchanged pleasantries, and Bai Yan smiled at Cen Zhen. “It’s true, being in the limelight really does make you shine. Just ten days, and you look even more radiant.”

Cen Zhen smiled lightly in return. “Is that so?”

Maybe it’s the glow from fame, or maybe it’s the glow of “affection,” Cen Zhen didn’t know.

She only knew that after some emotional knots were unraveled at the villa the other day, she seemed to have become less conflicted, and interacting with Meng Fanchuan had become more relaxed and pleasant.

Even Chi Yu noticed the change in her, laughing that her eyes sparkled every day, filled with an overflow of sweetness.

Bai Yan: “I’m not sure, but if you have time, would you come watch your senior’s new play?”

Bai Yan’s current play gathered several heavyweight teachers from the industry. It was the National Theatre’s year-end tribute play, set to premiere in mid-December in North City. Cen Zhen had already planned to go, and she replied, “Of course, I’ll go.”

After a pause, she added, “I might bring someone along.”

“Oh?” Bai Yan smiled meaningfully. “Then I’ll save two tickets for you.”

“Thanks.”

The cocktail party was smoothly held at the hotel set up by the Mingzhou government. After the event ended, Cen Zhen and her assistants returned to Hu City the next day.

Before boarding the plane, Cen Zhen checked her Weibo. The official account of the Mingzhou government had posted some photos from the cocktail party the previous night and expressed gratitude for Cen Zhen and Bai Yan’s attendance. The comments section was full of harmonious responses.

“I declare that Xie Qingzong is truly the best casting director. These two look perfect together!”

“Perfect! Wuxia version, ski version, and now the banquet version. Can we dream of a second collaboration?”

“Cen Zhen, the goddess of ancient Greek charm, so beautiful!!”

“She’s been out for half a year with no work? Isn’t that a bit unreasonable? Are all the directors in this industry blind?”

“Maybe something big is brewing (just my guess).”

At 2 PM, before the plane took off, Cen Zhen turned off her phone.Before this trip, Meng Fanchuan originally planned to have her fly over on his private jet, which would save her from a lot of complicated procedures, but Cen Zhen refused.

She had Chi Yu by her side, as well as her agent and stylist, and Wen Hui, still uneasy, even sent along the makeup artist. It was a whole little team, if they all took the private jet, how could she explain it to others?

Even without an explanation, if the media caught wind of a newcomer with a bit of fame flying on a private jet, there would be countless unnecessary speculations.

So, in the end, Cen Zhen insisted on flying commercial.

After nearly three hours of flight, the plane finally landed in Hu City. Chi Yu stretched and relaxed, then casually turned on her phone. She had been enjoying reading how others praised Cen Zhen before the phone was turned off, and now, after landing, she was about to continue when she suddenly saw Cen Zhen's name trending.

And behind it, was Bai Yan?!

Chi Yu, half stretching, froze, clicked into it, and after seeing the content, she widened her eyes and quickly handed the phone to Cen Zhen. “Zhen Zhen, you and Bai Yan—”

Cen Zhen saw the change in Chi Yu’s expression and looked down at the screen.

"Cen Zhen and Bai Yan already have a nest in North City? They entered a certain residence together and stayed for three hours before coming out."

“Recently, a reporter unintentionally followed Bai Yan and a mysterious woman, who behaved intimately. The two entered a certain community in the afternoon and came out three hours later. It was only later discovered that the mysterious woman was none other than Cen Zhen, who had just worked on a promotional video with Bai Yan. On that day, both of them wore similar-colored jackets, suspected to be couple’s outfits.”

Cen Zhen stared at the words in disbelief, the first time experiencing what it was like to have lies told right to her face. Public opinion could be brutal and merciless.

She was clearly just visiting a teacher, yet the rumor twisted it into them entering a “love nest” for three hours. They just happened to wear light-colored coats, but it turned into a “couple’s outfit”?

Cen Zhen immediately turned her own phone on, and sure enough, saw the message Wen Hui had sent her:

“Call me back after landing.”

Just those four words were enough to show the severity of the situation.

Cen Zhen didn’t dare delay. She immediately called Wen Hui. After two rings, before Wen Hui could speak, Cen Zhen took the initiative to explain, “Aunt Hui, it’s not true. How could I be with Senior… I was just going to see the teacher. I went with him to North City to see the teacher. I told you about it earlier.”

“Besides seeing the teacher, was there anything else that happened?” Wen Hui needed Cen Zhen to tell the truth. “You can’t lie to me.”

“Of course not!” Cen Zhen hurriedly replied, “After seeing the teacher, I went back to the hotel, and the next day, I returned to Hu City. It was only at this cocktail party that I met Senior again.”

“Good.” Wen Hui didn’t doubt her, “I’ll handle this. The trending topic will be removed soon, and you don’t need to worry. This is what happens when you get popular; all the details of your life get magnified. It’s my fault for not reminding you to be careful. But…”

Wen Hui paused for two seconds, “I don’t know if Fanchuan will believe it.”

“…”

After finishing the call with Wen Hui, Cen Zhen and Chi Yu had already picked up their luggage and were walking out of the airport. Many people recognized her along the way, but Cen Zhen had no mood to entertain them, keeping her head down and hurriedly getting into the car.

She nervously sent Meng Fanchuan a message: “Where are you?”

It took several minutes for Meng Fanchuan to reply, saying he was at the club with the hidden wine room from last time.

Cen Zhen then changed the address with the driver. Chi Yu immediately understood that the place was related to Meng Fanchuan and anxiously asked, “Will Young Master Meng be angry?”

But Cen Zhen wasn’t sure.

Netizens loved to stir up trouble. Bai Yan’s reputation was always good, and he was recognized in the circle as an outstanding actor with excellent character. It was rare for him to be photographed, and with Cen Zhen and him both working together recently, this rumor spread to the point where it was already being blessed before even being confirmed.

“No wonder they look so in sync, turns out they’re a couple.”

“Perfect match!”

“I heard Cen Zhen and Bai Yan have the same mentor, so forget about the Kunlun Mountain Senior Brother and Dance Assassin—she’s clearly the little disciple! I ship them!”

“I ship them +1.”

“Please get married immediately, I’ll contribute 200!”

Cen Zhen still vividly remembered the feelings she had when Song Wang and a female star trended before. That awkwardness, the ridiculousness, the disappointment—all of them hit her head-on. If Cen Zhen felt like this, how could Meng Fanchuan not feel the same?

A woman he had raised up, only to have her go off and “enter a love nest” with another male star… Even ordinary people couldn’t endure such humiliation, let alone someone like Meng Fanchuan.

The car quickly turned onto Jia'an Road No. 1, arriving at the familiar club once again.

The front door was tightly closed, but the attendant, who had been informed by Meng Fanchuan that Cen Zhen would be arriving, had already been waiting at the entrance. After she got out of the car, he quietly led her inside.

“Meng Young Master and Hua Young Master are on the second floor. You can go up directly.”

“Alright.”

The club, located in a lively nightlife district, was unusually quiet today. The last time Cen Zhen came here, she had just met Meng Fanchuan. Now, however, their relationship had already changed. Nervously, Cen Zhen walked upstairs. When she reached the room the attendant had mentioned, the door wasn’t closed.

Two young men were sitting on the sofa, with wine glasses and bottles in between them.

Hua Xun turned around when he heard the noise, and upon seeing Cen Zhen, he froze for a moment. “Oh? Aren’t you Miss Cen from last time?”

Meng Fanchuan’s gaze shifted past Hua Xun and landed on her, cold and indifferent.

With just that one look, Cen Zhen could sense a storm brewing.

Her heartbeat quickened with nervousness, and she took a deep breath before walking in. “Hello, Hua Young Master. I’m here to talk to Meng Young Master. It won’t take long. Can you…”Hua Xun's gaze shifted between the two, quickly realizing that Meng Fanchuan's bad mood today was definitely related to the woman in front of him. Although he was itching to gossip, he still stood up to cooperate. "Alright, I’ll go pick a bottle of wine from the cellar."

The door closed, and silence fell.

Meng Fanchuan didn’t say a word. He lowered his gaze, picked up his wine glass, and continued drinking.

Cen Zhen walked in front of him and sat down, pausing for a moment. "I’m sorry."

"What are you sorry for?" His voice was calm, with no emotion.

"The time I went to North City to see the teacher, I went with Bai Yan."

Meng Fanchuan’s chest subtly rose and fell with his breath. "Why didn’t you tell me then?"

"You had just returned from Hong Kong, and you weren’t in a good mood. I didn’t want you to misunderstand."

"But I still misunderstood."

"…"

Meng Fanchuan, who was usually so proud and aloof, had never cared about the trivialities of the entertainment industry. Today, however, he was forced to see gossip and rumors about Cen Zhen and another man again and again.

God knows how annoying and disgusted the words, pictures, and comments made him feel.

"Netizens are saying you two are a perfect match." Meng Fanchuan spoke, his voice emotionless, as though he were an outsider.

"Bai Yan and I are just friends. Nothing more than that—"

"Let them get married on the spot."

"…"

Cen Zhen understood that these comments were making Meng Fanchuan unhappy. She had felt the same way before and could only focus on explaining the matter to him. "I really just went to see the teacher. If you don’t believe me, you can check and see I’m not lying. The teacher had surgery, and I went with Bai Yan—"

The person in front of her seemed a bit impatient. "What’s there to check? I just want to hear you say it."

Cen Zhen was taken aback and then said, "There’s really nothing between me and Bai Yan."

After a few seconds, she lowered her gaze and added, "I don’t like him."

"And?"

Cen Zhen tried to remember if she had left anything out, and then suddenly recalled her clothes. "That jacket was a coincidence. It really wasn’t a couple’s outfit."

There was a long silence.

"Cen Zhen."

Meng Fanchuan looked at her silently, as if his patience was running out.

"Don’t you really know what I want to hear?"