Chapter27

Cen Zhen was stunned for a moment. Slowly, she understood from Meng Fanchuan's gaze that he seemed to want her to admit her feelings for him.

He wanted her to say she liked him, cared about him, loved him, and that he was the only one in her heart.

When she realized this, Cen Zhen's heart suddenly began to race, as if she had been dragged from the shadows to the judgment stand, forced to face her own heart.

In the past, when she had only seen him as a transactional figure, Cen Zhen could calmly say all kinds of insincere things, because it didn’t matter—it was all just a performance.

But now, her heart’s scales had shifted. Sometimes, even she herself couldn’t tell what kind of feelings she had for Meng Fanchuan. Perhaps there had been a moment of affection, maybe a bit of fondness for the idea that "he’s different from other men," or maybe it was just a response to the fear of their unequal status.

At his mere gaze, she would automatically obey. When he said no, Cen Zhen wouldn’t resist; she would just agree.

Was it novelty, curiosity, liking, admiration, or even physical attraction?

Cen Zhen couldn’t tell.

She had never thought deeply about this issue before, and now, in this sudden moment, she didn’t know how to answer Meng Fanchuan.

She struggled to open her lips and, after a long pause, avoided the question, saying, "From now on, no matter what happens, I won’t hide anything from you."

"Is that all?"

"…" Cen Zhen looked at his eyes in silence, then suddenly took a breath and added, "I—"

Suddenly, a phone rang from outside.

It was Hua Xun.

He hadn’t gone to pick a bottle of wine. Instead, he had wandered around downstairs with nowhere to go and had to go back upstairs. Initially, he had planned to take the opportunity to grab his clothes and leave, but upon reaching the door, he realized the atmosphere inside was tense. Just as he was hesitating, his phone rang at the most inappropriate moment, completely interrupting the conversation inside.

"Sorry, sorry." Hua Xun saw Meng Fanchuan's murderous glare, grabbed his coat, and quickly said, "You two continue chatting, I’ll leave first."

"Who told you to leave?"

"…"

Meng Fanchuan's expression was indeed dark. He didn’t look at Cen Zhen again but just said to her, "I have something to discuss with Hua Xun, you go back first."

Cen Zhen: "…"

He seemed disappointed, and it seemed he no longer cared to wait for her answer.

Cen Zhen could tell.

By the time she returned home, the trending topic was gone.

Bai Yan had posted a statement on Weibo. Her mother, Xiao Yunqi, had sent her a message asking, and Qiao Tingting had even thought she was starting a new relationship. Her phone was full of gossip, one message after another. The whole world had fallen into chaos over a single photo.

But Cen Zhen seemed to see none of it. Her mind was focused on one person, thinking about the words he wanted her to say.

In the past, every night before bed, Meng Fanchuan would send her a good night message. But tonight, Cen Zhen lay in bed until midnight without receiving anything from him. She didn’t know if he was still with Hua Xun, if they were still drinking.

Cen Zhen knew, though, that he was truly upset today.

That night, Cen Zhen slept restlessly.

She dreamt a lot. Sometimes she dreamt of skiing with Meng Fanchuan, the two of them sliding in opposite directions, growing farther apart. Sometimes she dreamt of getting on and off a bus with him, sitting in her exclusive luxury car as it disappeared around the street corner. In her dreams, they kept separating, drifting further apart like strangers.

But Cen Zhen felt so sad.

Even when she woke up in the morning, that bitter, suffocating feeling from the dream still lingered in her mind, and it took a long time to return to reality.

The next day, there was still a mountain of work waiting. Even though she hadn’t rested well, Cen Zhen had to pull herself together and get out of bed.

The promotional collaboration that had been arranged earlier—Wen Hui had specifically booked a famous photographer from the circle to shoot for Cen Zhen. Early that morning, they were scheduled to fly to Shenzhen to shoot Cen Zhen's first fashion editorial.

Although the gossip had quieted down, and later even Teacher Sun couldn’t help but speak up through the school’s official statement, with Cen Zhen benefiting from the situation and receiving praise for being respectful to her mentor, to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Wen Hui decided to accompany her personally on this trip.

Once on the plane, Wen Hui, probably having kept an eye on the public opinion all night, seized the opportunity to nap in her seat.

Cen Zhen and Chi Yu sat together. Seeing that Cen Zhen looked exhausted, Chi Yu couldn’t help but ask, "How is Meng Shaoye? Did he listen to your explanation?"

Cen Zhen nodded and then shook her head, leaving Chi Yu confused. "What do you mean?"

Cen Zhen didn’t know how to explain the complicated situation to Chi Yu. She stared out the window at the scenery, and after a long silence, she finally asked, "Xiao Yu, do you know what it feels like to like someone?"

It was rather ironic. When Cen Zhen asked herself this question and tried to relate it to her past relationship with Song Wang, she realized she didn’t have an answer.Did she ever like Song Wang? Or was she moved by his four years of dedication? Why is it that during the time they were together, there were no intense, heart-thumping memories?

But with just a few months with Meng Fanchuan, her heartbeat was impossible to hide.

Chi Yu patted her head, the observer in the clear, "Isn’t liking someone just when you see him and feel your heart race? When you’re with him, you feel happy, and every little thing with him seems romantic. When he's happy, you're happy; when he's upset, you're upset. Isn't that what liking someone is?"

After saying that, Chi Yu pressed her lips together, "Don’t think about it too much. From how nervous you were yesterday, it’s obvious you like the young master."

Cen Zhen was caught off guard by Chi Yu’s insight. Her lips moved, but she couldn’t refute it.

Wasn't she?

Just a dream of separation had left her feeling sad for so long after waking up.

But when did it start?

Was it in Mingzhou, or was it in Hong Kong, or was it in the little moments of getting along after returning to Hu City?

"The young master certainly has some of that spoiled rich kid temper, after all, in the North City, he’s always been pampered by others. Seeing you in a scandal with another man must have upset him. Just coax him a little, and everything will be fine. Men, they’re all like that, just a little coaxing and they’re good," Chi Yu said confidently.

The thoughts that had been blocking Cen Zhen's heart suddenly cleared at that moment. She lowered her head and smiled, "You really understand. Then teach me, how do I coax him?"

Chi Yu cleared her throat, preparing to teach, "For example, you can call him ‘brother’. Men love being called that. Just say ‘brother, I only like you,’ or ‘brother, I care about you alone,’ wow, wouldn’t the young master be so happy?"

Cen Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at her exaggerated words. As she laughed, she couldn’t help but think in her heart, if she really called Meng Fanchuan that, how would he react?

Would he be happy? Would he, like Chi Yu said, feel his heart bloom?

Twenty minutes later, the plane landed in Shenzhen. While waiting for her luggage, Cen Zhen kept thinking about Chi Yu’s suggestion. Several times, she took out her phone, wanting to text Meng Fanchuan, but the airport was too noisy, and it seemed like she couldn’t express such mushy words in this setting.

After hesitating, she finally settled for sending a simple message: "I have something to tell you when I get back."

The photographer that Wen Hui arranged for Cen Zhen was Bella Wang, a top figure in the fashion industry. With extraordinary camera skills, every one of her works was considered a masterpiece, and she regularly graced the covers of major fashion magazines.

Having only ever worked with top celebrities and stars, Bella rarely accepted invitations. But this time, she agreed to Wen Hui's request to shoot Cen Zhen's first sportswear ad.

After disembarking from the plane, Wen Hui, Cen Zhen, and Chi Yu hurried to the studio where Bella Wang was waiting. On the way, Wen Hui received a call from a local well-known media outlet. They had learned that Cen Zhen would be shooting here today and wanted to conduct a brief interview.

Since this wasn’t part of the original schedule, Wen Hui considered it and then asked Cen Zhen, "Are you okay with this? If you are, we can arrange the interview after the shoot. They’ll come directly to the studio for a ten-minute interview."

Cen Zhen had no problem with it, "Sure."

Wen Hui then had them send over the interview questions for Cen Zhen to review, and the group continued their busy journey to the studio.

The studio was a 5000-square-meter professional photography warehouse, equipped with several different styled studios. It was a regular venue for collaborations with major magazines and brands. One could occasionally spot tall, beautiful models entering and exiting the premises.

As soon as Cen Zhen entered the door, her phone rang. She swiped to check the message: It was Meng Fanchuan's reply: "Can't wait, tell me now."

Cen Zhen gently pressed her lips together. The thoughts that had been in turmoil all night somehow softened. "It’s what you want to hear, but I need to tell you in person when I get back."

After a night had passed, Meng Fanchuan seemed to be in a better mood. He asked her, "Are you in Shenzhen?"

"Yes, should I send you some behind-the-scenes shots from the shoot?"

His reply was firm: "I don’t want to see them."

Cen Zhen knew Meng Fanchuan had never been too fond of her doing sportswear shoots, but Wen Hui had believed it was the best project for now to help establish Cen Zhen’s healthy and positive image, so Meng Fanchuan had reluctantly agreed.

Now, with his "don’t want to see" response, Cen Zhen just tapped her fingers, "Okay."

Not three seconds later, he sent another message: "Let Chi Yu take clear shots."

Cen Zhen couldn’t help but lower her head and smile. She looked up, wanting to share this with Chi Yu, but saw Wen Hui frowning at something in the distance, as though she had run into someone. Curiously, Cen Zhen asked, "What’s wrong, Aunt Hui?"

"It’s nothing," Wen Hui said, pulling her gaze away. "Let’s go, we’re heading into the studio. Bella’s waiting."

This was Cen Zhen's first time entering a studio. She had expected the famous photographer to be very strict, but she was surprised by how kind Bella was. Bella even praised Cen Zhen's fashion sense, saying it rivaled that of top celebrities. The entire shoot went very smoothly, finishing half an hour earlier than planned.

After the shoot, Cen Zhen changed clothes and came out, only to find that Wen Hui wasn’t around. She asked Chi Yu, "Where’s Aunt Hui?"

Chi Yu pointed toward the door, "She seems to have run into a friend, and went outside to greet them."

Cen Zhen walked out of the studio and indeed saw Wen Hui talking to a tall young woman near the window. The woman was very tall and seemed like a professional model.

Thinking that Wen Hui was busy, Cen Zhen decided not to interrupt and went back to the studio to check her phone.

When sending behind-the-scenes shots to Meng Fanchuan, Chi Yu, of course, didn’t slack off. She captured every angle just as Bella Wang directed. With Cen Zhen’s beauty, even the casual behind-the-scenes shots looked like professional photos—flawless.

"You’re sending him too many," Chi Yu teased.

Cen Zhen was scrolling through the endless photos, replying to Meng Fanchuan: "Sorry, Chi Yu might have bombarded you with too many."

After a few seconds, Meng Fanchuan’s slow reply came: "You’re wearing so little. You bombarded me a bit more than expected."

Bella Wang, of course, didn’t just take pictures of the underwear. Cen Zhen wore a white sports bra paired with an open oversized denim jacket. She rested her elbow on the side of the couch, her head tilted back slightly. Her long, wavy hair cascaded lazily, and her slender neck elongated, her full chest naturally healthy, her waist slim and firm—her entire body exuding an effortless sensuality.Anyone who sees it is in for a visual assault that they can't take their eyes off of.

Cen Zhen was amused by Meng Fanchuan’s words and was about to reply when Wen Hui walked in with a few people, introducing that the media for the interview had arrived.

Cen Zhen quickly put away her phone, greeted them politely, and then sat down to accept the interview.

She had already seen the questions beforehand, so it was mostly just a formal procedure. After answering all the questions gracefully, the reporter across from her smiled and suddenly asked, “We’re all curious about the hot search topic yesterday—what’s your relationship with Bai Yan in real life?”

Wen Hui’s face immediately darkened, and she interrupted quickly, “This question wasn’t part of your planned inquiries.”

Cen Zhen smiled and signaled that it was fine. This wasn’t a sensitive question, and she could take the opportunity to clarify things, “Bai Yan is my senior, and a guiding light in my acting career. He has many qualities worth learning from. We are very good friends.”

The matter should have ended there, but Cen Zhen paused and suddenly added, “And… I have a boyfriend.”

Wen Hui: "…?"

Chi Yu: "!!!"

Cen Zhen wasn’t impulsive. The moment Wen Hui had told her that once she became famous, every detail of her life would be magnified, she had already thought about putting an end to it all at once.

She didn’t want any more rumors and didn’t want Meng Fanchuan to be caught in such an awkward situation.

She didn’t want him to be unhappy.

“I have a boyfriend,” Cen Zhen smiled and repeated, “We knew each other before entering the industry, and our relationship is stable. I hope everyone won’t misunderstand in the future.”

The reporter, knowing that her KPI for the day was secured, eagerly continued, “Then your boyfriend must be amazing. What kind of person is he?”

Cen Zhen easily recognized that the reporter was trying to get information, but as Meng Fanchuan’s image flashed in her mind, she lowered her head and thought for a moment before answering, “He is a very important person to me.”

He was the one who helped her out of difficult situations, who brought her joy, hope, and courage.

“Alright, let’s stop here. Cen Zhen has other things to do.” Wen Hui finally snapped out of her shock, using an excuse to send the media off. After they left, she turned to Cen Zhen and asked, “Are you crazy? You just debuted, and you’re saying you have a boyfriend. How are you going to attract fans in the future?”

It was indeed a risky move, but Cen Zhen was very calm: “Aunt Hui, I’m an actress. An actress only speaks through her work.”

This was one reason, and the second reason was that Cen Zhen had experienced something like this before. She knew how much reassurance a firm stance in a relationship could provide to the other person.

In the past, Song Wang had refused to acknowledge her. She didn’t want to become the second Song Wang.

Although there was no clear relationship between her and Meng Fanchuan yet, in Cen Zhen’s heart, as she had said—

He was already an important person.

“You guys decide what to have for dinner. I’ll go to the restroom first,” Cen Zhen said lightly as she walked out of the studio.

Wen Hui and Chi Yu exchanged glances, both with a bewildered look as if to say, “Am I crazy or is the world crazy?” Wen Hui pressed her forehead, calmed herself, and called Meng Fanchuan, “Do you know what Cen Zhen just did?”

Meng Fanchuan was confused, “What?”

Wen Hui: “She just publicly admitted in front of the media that she has a boyfriend!”

Cen Zhen went to the restroom on this floor. Chi Yu didn’t follow her, so she went in alone. After finishing washing her hands, someone pushed the door open from outside.

Cen Zhen didn’t notice at first, but soon recognized the tall figure. This was the woman who had been talking to Wen Hui outside earlier.

The woman walked straight to the mirror to retouch her makeup.

Cen Zhen only glanced at her once before returning her gaze to her own reflection, continuing to wash her hands. The two of them stood side by side, not bothering each other, until Cen Zhen turned off the faucet and was about to leave. Then, the woman casually spoke up.

“Are you Meng Fanchuan’s new girlfriend?”

Cen Zhen froze, looking at her in the mirror, but didn’t say anything.

“You don’t have to look at me like that,” the woman smiled lightly. “I’m his ex.”

“…”

“Well, to be precise, I wouldn’t even call myself an ex. I’m just one of the women Meng Er Shaoye played with on a whim.”

Cen Zhen stood there, her words seemingly taken away from her.

“He played with me for a week. How long has he been with you?” The woman finished her makeup, turned to look at Cen Zhen as if nothing was wrong, and seeing that Cen Zhen remained silent, she smiled again, “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not here to cause trouble.”

The woman looked down at her lipstick, twirling it in her hand. “We’re both women, and we happened to run into each other. I’m just kindly reminding you not to take it too seriously. The Meng family’s marriages are all decided beforehand.”

“Oldest son Meng Qinghuai married Hong Kong’s first daughter last year, and Meng Fanchuan’s future wife is also already decided. She’s the only daughter of the Qin family in Beicheng. They’ll probably marry next year. No one in Beicheng’s circle doesn’t know about it.”

After saying that, the woman looked at Cen Zhen with self-mockery, “People like you and me, we’re just passing by.”

Cen Zhen: “…”

Cen Zhen pressed her palm against the counter, her throat suddenly feeling tight, but she still calmly asked, “How do you know about me and him?”

The woman chuckled, “I saw you with Wen Hui. You’ve been very popular lately, and he’s probably the one supporting you, right? It’s normal. He used to go watch my shows too.”"Wen Hui, the one who cleans up Meng Fanchuan’s messes. My breakup fee was also paid by her."

"…"

Cen Zhen heard every word the woman said clearly, but it felt like she couldn’t understand a single one. The words seemed so distant, hitting her with a heavy force, ringing in her ears, leaving her mind blank and buzzing.

Cen Zhen lowered her head, her body trembling for a moment. "I don’t know you, and I won’t believe you."

"Whatever." The woman shrugged, zipping up her handbag. "Sis, don’t tell me you naively think that someone from the Meng family would have a happily-ever-after with you?"

She paused for a moment, then nodded knowingly. "But you are indeed beautiful. If you're willing, a long-lasting love affair might not be impossible."