Chapter73

That was the first kiss in the long journey of love between Cen Zhen and Meng Fanchuan.

On such a gentle, tranquil night, they gave each other new identities, marking the start of their story and the unfolding of what would come next.

By the time the movie was nearing its end, the two people on the sofa had gone from sitting side by side to sitting in each other's embrace. Cen Zhen was leaning into Meng Fanchuan's arms, her lips gently pressed together. She would occasionally tilt her head to glance at him, meeting his gaze as he looked down at her. They exchanged a knowing smile, and Meng Fanchuan would lower his head to place another soft kiss on her lips. The scene was sweeter than the one playing on the screen.

At 11 PM, Meng Fanchuan carried Cen Zhen back to the bed. Cen Zhen's face was flushed, her heart racing. Though they had just confirmed their relationship, and she truly liked this man, it still felt like moving too fast to go straight to bed afterward.

But once he lay her down on the bed and tucked her in, he simply said, "Good night."

Cen Zhen froze. "Are you leaving?"

Meng Fanchuan replied, "I’ve booked a room next door. If you need anything, call me, and I'll come over."

Hearing this, Cen Zhen understood that Meng Fanchuan didn’t mean it like that. She realized she shouldn’t have overthought it. He had always respected her, and given that her leg was still injured, it was impossible for him to...

Cen Zhen felt relieved and then persuaded him, "Why waste money on a separate room? Just sleep here. The bed is big enough."

She looked at him earnestly and said, "I trust you."

Meng Fanchuan smiled, though it was a little confusing. "But I don’t trust myself."

Cen Zhen: "…"

Meng Fanchuan wasn’t a saint, nor was he some gentleman. At his age, with the opportunity to sleep next to Cen Zhen, he really wasn’t sure if he could control himself.

And besides, the girl still had an injured leg.

So, to avoid any possible issues, Meng Fanchuan wisely booked a room next door. "I’ll go first. If you need me, call me."

Cen Zhen blushed a little at his directness but nodded. "Okay."

The next two days passed like this.

In the mornings, Meng Fanchuan would come over to check on Cen Zhen’s injury and carefully apply her medicine. During the day, they would sit together and read, or watch movies, or sometimes do nothing at all. Cen Zhen would lie on Meng Fanchuan’s lap, and they could chat the entire day away.

That weekend, with Meng Fanchuan's company, became warm and cozy. Although it was unfortunate that her leg was hurt, Cen Zhen felt like it was a blessing in disguise.

She had gained what could be considered the perfect boyfriend. If she had to find fault, maybe he was a bit too fond of kissing her.

After their first kiss, as long as Cen Zhen was within Meng Fanchuan's line of sight, he would kiss her whenever she wasn’t paying attention. He would kiss her forehead, her cheek, her lips—he seemed to enjoy it endlessly.

On Sunday evening, when Meng Fanchuan drove Cen Zhen back to school, just before she got out of the car, he kissed her for several minutes. He kissed her until Cen Zhen was out of breath, only letting go when she gasped for air in the cramped car.

"Don’t look at your phone while walking," Meng Fanchuan reminded her, then paused before saying, "And don’t take the subway anymore."

Cen Zhen: "If I don’t take the subway, what should I take?"

Meng Fanchuan initially wanted to say he would arrange for a driver to pick her up, but worried that it might sound too abrupt. Furthermore, he was already planning to be honest with Cen Zhen about his family, so after thinking for a moment, he changed his response to, "Call me, and I’ll come pick you up."

Cen Zhen leaned on him. "Really?"

Meng Fanchuan gently cupped her face. "Isn’t it normal for a boyfriend to be a driver for his girlfriend?"

They locked eyes for a brief moment, and after a few words, their lips met again. Meng Fanchuan kissed Cen Zhen deeply, his lips moving over hers, his tongue exploring her mouth. The kiss went from gentle to intense, making Cen Zhen’s body go soft.

The black sports car drove silently through the night, its presence almost invisible. No one knew about the heated kiss taking place inside the car.

But one pair of eyes observed silently from the shadows, watching until Cen Zhen exited the car, pressed her lips together, and waved goodbye to the person inside.

The figure clenched their fist and took a deep breath.

Although Meng Fanchuan had told her he would pick her up anytime, Cen Zhen would never actually call him for every little thing. Besides, during that time, she was busy rehearsing for her graduation play. Most of the time, she didn’t need to leave the school, but whenever she missed Meng Fanchuan, a quick phone call was all it took, and he would come to visit her at school.

Despite the physical distance of the school, it couldn’t stop the sweet, passionate love they shared.

One day, while Cen Zhen was rehearsing at the school theater, the department head called her. He said he had good news.

When she went to his office, he told her that a company in Hu City was interested in signing her.

This wasn’t an unusual occurrence. Most of the students in the department who had gone to film had signed contracts with companies. After all, big trees provide shade, and signing with a suitable agency meant a team would handle things, saving them from having to fight their own battles.

A few years ago, a company had also wanted to sign Cen Zhen, but her mentor had advised her to focus on her studies, so she had declined. Now, as graduation approached, the department head said to her, "I don’t know about other companies, but this one is different. They’re just starting their actors' division, and you’re the first one they’ve chosen."

Cen Zhen flipped through the materials the department head handed over. The company was located in Hu City, called Zhongshi Culture. Their past projects were impressive, and Cen Zhen commented, "But they don’t have experience managing artists."

The department head waved his hand. "Who needs experience? Just look at the kinds of projects they’ve done. In other words, they already have mature capital behind them, almost the best in the industry. If you sign with them, they’ll throw a few resources your way every year, enough to keep you busy from start to finish."

After speaking, the department head seemed curious too. "But they never sign artists. I don’t know why they made an exception this time, and it’s even President Wang who specifically chose you."The department head nodded affirmatively after a moment, "It must be because you're too outstanding."

He pointed to a stack of documents behind him. "Here are a few other companies that want to sign you. I’ll give them to you, and you can choose. But personally, I’d recommend Zhongshi. After all, haven’t you always said that after graduation you want to go to Hu City and be closer to your family?"

Cen Zhen: "…"

She had thought about it before, but she had never expected to meet Meng Fanchuan just before graduation, or to have a local boyfriend from Beicheng.

Cen Zhen thanked the department head, took the information on the companies back to her dorm, and compared them one by one. Whether in terms of company qualifications or the terms of the contract, the company in Hu City truly stood out as the best option.

For an actor, aside from personal professional skills, having an excellent management team was also very important, as it directly affected one’s future prospects.

Cen Zhen had spent four years honing her acting skills, with the dream of shining on the screen after graduation. But now, with graduation approaching, she suddenly found herself at the crossroads of career and love—

If she went to Hu City, would she and Meng Fanchuan still be together?

If she stayed, would she miss out on a good company?

It seemed that, like many other university graduates, graduation season also meant breakup season.

But they had been in a relationship throughout university, and they had only just gotten together. Now, they were already facing such a dilemma. It felt a bit cruel.

This problem troubled Cen Zhen for several days. She wanted to talk to Meng Fanchuan about it but was afraid he would overthink it.

After much contemplation, she decided to subtly test him with a message: "Would you accept a long-distance relationship?"

To her surprise, Meng Fanchuan immediately called her and asked, "Where are you going?"

Cen Zhen knew she would have to tell Meng Fanchuan about this sooner or later, so she didn’t hide it anymore. On the phone, she told him that she might sign with a company in Hu City.

Love was hard to let go of, but career was just as important.

Cen Zhen had been studying for four years, and she not only carried her own dreams but also the expectations of her mentor and family. She was very clear that a good company played a crucial role in her future.

And right now, Zhongshi Culture was indeed the best option among all.

"I'm sorry. Do you think I'm selfish?"

"Why would you say that?" After confirming that Cen Zhen wasn’t planning to go elsewhere, Meng Fanchuan let out a sigh of relief. "I would make the same choice."

"…"

"If I were you, I would seize every opportunity to succeed."

Cen Zhen was stunned. "So you mean… you support my decision?"

"Of course."

All the unease Cen Zhen had been feeling for several days instantly lifted at that moment. She smiled happily at the screen. "Then I’ll go to Hu City on Wednesday to officially sign with them!"

Meng Fanchuan frowned. "They didn’t send anyone to Beicheng to sign with you? Why do you have to go all the way there?"

"I just want to see it for myself. After all, the contract is for ten years. What if it's a shell company, and I sign without knowing and end up getting taken advantage of?"

Meng Fanchuan seemed to think of something on the other end of the phone. He paused, then chuckled softly. "That’s fair."

Cen Zhen didn’t pick up on the vague implication in his words. She simply thought her boyfriend was fully supporting her career. While feeling grateful, she also felt a bit guilty. She reassured him, "Don’t worry, even if I go to Hu City, I’ll come back to Beicheng often. You know, filming means traveling around the country... I’ll definitely find time to visit you."

Meng Fanchuan’s reaction was very calm. "Mm."

After hanging up, Cen Zhen found herself overthinking—

Why was he so calm? It was as if he didn’t care at all?

This was a long-distance relationship. Just thinking about the upcoming separation, and how their meetings might only happen once a month, made Cen Zhen feel sad.

But why was he so calm?

Was he being too rational? Or...

Everyone was an adult. When time and distance became distant, would their hearts also drift apart?

Would he really have the patience to continue this relationship, even when they were far apart?

Cen Zhen didn’t dare, and didn’t want, to think too deeply about this question.

There weren’t many classes next semester, and her defense was already over. Now, only the graduation play in late May remained. Cen Zhen asked for two days off from school and personally went to Hu City.

But unexpectedly, just before she was about to leave—

Song Wang came to find her. "Do you know who your boyfriend is?"

Cen Zhen was confused by his question. "What do you mean?"

"Zhen Zhen..." Song Wang sighed. "I don’t want you to be deceived. I don’t want you to be toyed with by those rich playboys who have you fooled into thinking it’s true love."Cen Zhen frowned slightly in disgust. "What are you trying to say?"

Song Wang said, "The car that sent you back the other day, with the license plate of five zeros, right?"

Cen Zhen remained silent.

"In Beicheng, do you think an ordinary person could have that kind of license plate?"

Her mind instinctively placed herself and Meng Fanchuan on opposite sides due to the implied suggestion in his words. Cen Zhen’s heart raced, but she still stayed silent, waiting for him to finish.

"I asked some people in the industry. That license plate belongs to the second son of the Meng family."

"Do you know how much that car costs? Over 60 million, and there are only seven in the world."

The sudden mention of the "second son of the Meng family" made Cen Zhen’s mind buzz, and for a brief second, she froze. She still tried to maintain her calm and asked, "Which Meng family?"

She didn’t know much about the wealthy families in Beicheng and rarely kept track of such things.

Song Wang shook his head, realizing Cen Zhen had no idea, and said, "You don’t know the Meng family, but you must have heard of Yawan Group."

Cen Zhen’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

It was a name that frequently appeared in the news. Even if she were somewhat unaware of the outside world, she had heard of it.

"The second son of Yawan Group. I heard his engagement was arranged long ago. Do you think a man like that could be sincere? Hiding his identity and playing with you, what do you think he’s after? It’s not just your face or body. He’s afraid that you’ll find out about his wealthy background and try to take advantage of him," Song Wang said, growing more agitated. "Zhen Zhen, you’ve always been so clear-headed. How could you be so confused now?"

"…"

Cen Zhen remained frozen, staring at him.

Should she be shocked?

Maybe a little, but to be honest, she wasn’t entirely unaware.

Although Meng Fanchuan had never mentioned his family, Cen Zhen could tell from their interactions that his family background was probably quite wealthy.

Especially after the Shen Zesheng incident, why could a simple “girlfriend” make the other party bow down and apologize? Cen Zhen had long suspected that Meng Fanchuan might have some background, but since he didn’t bring it up, out of respect, she never probed into it.

She never imagined it would be such a top-tier, wealthy family.

The shock was too much, and Cen Zhen didn’t know how to respond. She slightly parted her lips, took a breath, and instinctively said, "Impossible."

Song Wang was stunned. "Impossible? What do you mean?"

Cen Zhen calmly replied, "He’s not playing with me."

"…"

Song Wang knew that Cen Zhen had definitely fallen for Meng Fanchuan, but he had to admit that the young, rich gentleman was indeed better than him in every way. His family background, appearance, everything was top-tier. Even if Song Wang were to become a top celebrity or an award-winning actor, seeing Meng Fanchuan would probably make him bow down and say hello.

What did he have to compete with Meng Fanchuan?

The only thing he could compare with was perhaps his sincerity toward Cen Zhen.

Song Wang didn’t want to give up. "Zhen Zhen, I can go with you to Hu City."

He eagerly brought out his only advantage over Meng Fanchuan, "Will that young master do that? Will he give up the connections and circles in Beicheng to go with you to a strange place and start over?"

"He won’t," Song Wang said. "You two are from two different worlds, understand?"

At that moment, Cen Zhen suddenly recalled Meng Fanchuan’s calm reaction when she mentioned a long-distance relationship. Could it be that he already understood—they were from two different worlds?

Whether it was a long-distance relationship or staying in Beicheng, would the result be the same?

Maybe that’s why he seemed so indifferent?

But Cen Zhen didn’t believe it.

Her intuition, her instincts, all the reactions of her body and mind told her that Meng Fanchuan wasn’t that kind of person.

While waiting at the airport, Song Wang’s words "He won’t" and "You two are from two different worlds" left Cen Zhen feeling a brief moment of helplessness and sadness. She opened WeChat and found her conversation with Meng Fanchuan, her fingers typed and deleted several times, but before the plane took off, she still didn’t send anything.

Not knowing how to start, and fearing she wouldn’t be able to explain things clearly over text, Cen Zhen decided to give herself some time to calm down and ask him in person when she returned to Beicheng.

Two hours later, the plane landed in Hu City.

Cen Zhen took a taxi to Zhongshi Culture, following the address. The department head had given her the contact information of the person in charge of the company, and before coming, Cen Zhen had already contacted Assistant Wang, who told her to go directly to the company.

The taxi drove straight for half an hour and stopped in front of the company building. Cen Zhen called the assistant, and within a few minutes, a young woman came out of the elevator to greet her. "Hello, are you Miss Cen Zhen?"

The person who came was also a cute young girl who introduced herself as Chi. After the introductions, Cen Zhen followed her into the company.

Cen Zhen had come to get a sense of the company. After all, she would be signing a ten-year contract, and she didn’t dare sign without seeing it for herself. Assistant Chi, following the instructions of Vice President Wang Yuan, personally showed her around. From the background wall, Cen Zhen learned about the company culture, which indeed set it apart from other entertainment companies. As the department head had said, the company followed a high-end route, with many projects geared toward international exposure.

After seeing everything firsthand and touring several floors of office spaces, Cen Zhen finally felt more at ease. When she asked about the signing details, Assistant Chi said, "The boss knows you’re here. He’s upstairs waiting for you and wants to personally sign the contract with you."

Cen Zhen had heard from the department head that she had been personally selected, so she asked, "Is it Mr. Wang Yuan?"To her surprise, Assistant Chi shook her head. "It’s the new boss who was transferred from the headquarters recently."

Cen Zhen: "…"

There’s another boss?

Transferred from the group headquarters?

But after thinking it through, Cen Zhen realized it didn’t really matter to her. Whether it was President Wang or this new boss from the headquarters, they were both people she had never met before, and this was the first time meeting either of them.

So Cen Zhen nodded. "Then please lead me over."

The two of them made their way to the 37th floor and stopped in front of an office door. The assistant said to Cen Zhen, "You can go in now."

Cen Zhen opened her mouth. "Alone?"

"Yes, the boss said you can just go in directly when you arrive."

"…"

After Assistant Chi left, Cen Zhen stood at the door, dazed for a moment, then looked down to adjust her clothes. Even though she was told to go in directly, Cen Zhen still knocked politely before entering, waiting for a response before pushing the door open.

The office was large, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the river. It was bright and comfortable, and the first impression was just as she had imagined—everything from the decor to the furnishings radiated a serious, orderly vibe. But strangely, in this very businesslike space, Cen Zhen sensed an oddly out-of-place yet familiar youthful aura.

She wasn’t sure where this feeling came from, but right now, she didn’t have the luxury of dwelling on it. She needed to greet the new boss sitting at the desk first.

The person was sitting with his back to her. Cen Zhen was about to speak but didn’t know how to address him.

It was her own oversight. She should have asked Assistant Chi what the new boss's name was earlier.

Cen Zhen could only brace herself and say, "Hello, I’m Cen Zhen."

The person at the desk finally turned around slowly—

A familiar black figure she could never forget, casually sitting in the chair, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

When her eyes met his, Cen Zhen’s mind went blank. She widened her eyes slightly. "You… how come…"

"Might not work for a long-distance relationship," Meng Fanchuan tilted his chin slightly, his posture relaxed as he looked at her and smiled. "How about office romance instead?"

Cen Zhen: "…!"