"Cheng Xi, an unknown entertainment reporter, probably wants to make some money," Chi Ye said dismissively, his hands clasped in front of him.
Jiang Cheng was his territory. With a single word from him, such things would never see the light of day, even with the internet.
Yu Wenli's eyes deepened as he put down the photos. "Can you investigate him thoroughly?"
"You think he's not simple?"
"Intuition."
"Alright," Chi Ye nodded, making a call.
Yu Wenli's gaze lingered on the dozen or so photos spread across the table. Although the young girl was often photographed because of him, it was usually due to the gossip of fans or schoolmates, and the pictures would end up on fan pages and forums. After Chi Zerui had given instructions, such incidents had decreased. But these photos were clearly different. The angles and composition were filled with intimacy.
When Yu Wenli was at his most famous, he hadn't been without paparazzi demanding money, showing blurry photos. But this paparazzo clearly wasn't after money. After all, these photos were already a week old. If they wanted money, they would have asked by now. Moreover, Jiang Cheng was Chi Ye's territory, and any entertainment reporter from anywhere had to be somewhat restrained here, otherwise, his and the young girl's matters would have spread long ago.
"On the surface, there's nothing wrong," Chi Ye received a reply quickly. "His family background isn't complicated either. He and his sister are from the capital. Should I send people to keep an eye on them?"
The capital… Yu Wenli's eyes deepened, then he shook his head. "Perhaps I'm overthinking it."
Meanwhile, Wen Tingxue, holding her cup, mustered her courage several times before finally speaking. "...Thank you for what happened last time."
"Hmm?" Xing Jiahe, lost in thought, turned his head slowly. His blank gaze seemed a bit dismissive. Wen Tingxue recalled Xie Jin Yi's evaluation of him: "Even if you go out of your way to talk to him, he won't look you in the eye. Is he arrogant? Not really, but he's just so... reclusive?"
Wen Tingxue thought she was right. Xing Jiahe really didn't like looking at people directly. Even if he did, it was only for a fleeting moment. Just like now, he glanced over, the look not lasting half a second before he quickly averted his gaze.
"It's nothing," his voice was cool and clear, like melting snow. Coupled with his fair, almost glowing skin and his noble, slightly curly golden hair, he looked like a male lead from a manga, aloof and arrogant, looking down on everyone. Yet, his face was so handsome that one could overlook all his flaws.
Wen Tingxue racked her brain but couldn't find anything to talk about. She decided to quietly move away from him, not wanting to bother him. Yi Yi's summary was correct; he was indeed the most unapproachable.
Xing Jiahe noticed the young girl's action, his expression unchanged as he continued to stare blankly into space. That day was purely coincidental. On his way to a piano performance, he inadvertently heard Shang Ziqian's voice. Then he noticed her, and thinking she was connected to Brother Yu, he jumped down from the second floor to help. Later, at the hospital, he went to get sleeping pills and saw her again. However, he didn't like interacting with girls, so he left quickly.
Recalling this, Xing Jiahe paused, and belatedly remembered the girl's name: Xu Ke Xin. The dark horse renowned across various universities, a miraculous girl who had risen from the back of the rankings to the top ten in a short period.
Yu Wenli came downstairs and spoke to Chi Zerui in a low voice for a while. From a distance, no one could hear what they were saying, but it was faintly perceived that Chi Zerui's expression wasn't very pleasant. Afterward, Chi Zerui turned and went upstairs. Yu Wenli stood still, watching for a moment. The flashing lights cast a detached glow upon him, creating a sense of distance.
Wen Tingxue instinctively stepped forward. As he turned, he naturally pulled her into a hug. The faint, fresh scent filled her nostrils, masking the decadent aroma of the bar. Wen Tingxue, nestled in his embrace, sensed something was off with his mood. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "How did you know it was me?" What if it had been someone else? That would have been awkward.
Yu Wenli buried his face in her shoulder for a moment, then looked up, took her jacket, and draped it over her. His voice was lazy. "Because regarding you, your brother has a special ability." He smiled, pinching her nose. "Let's go, I'll take you home."
The temperature was low in the early morning. It was fine for Yu Wenli to ride his bike alone, but with her, he worried about her catching a cold from the wind. He decided to take a shortcut home, as it wasn't that far. Unexpectedly, it started to rain, but fortunately, there was a 24-hour convenience store not far away. The two of them ran inside to buy an umbrella.
While tidying his clothes, Yu Wenli's gaze swept over the various ready-to-eat food items on the shelves. He remembered she had only been drinking beverages at the bar for so long. She was probably hungry. So, he pinched her cheek and pointed to the shelves, asking, "Is there anything you'd like to eat? I'll treat."
Wen Tingxue followed his gaze and said a little shyly, "I don't know much about these. You pick." She looked up, her cheeks faintly flushed, likely from the heat at the bar, which hadn't dissipated yet. "Whatever Brother Yu picks, I'll eat."
Her words suddenly reminded Yu Wenli of her speaking close to his ear at the bar, and his ear tips turned red again. "Ahem," the young man cleared his throat a bit uncomfortably. Then he nodded and said, "Alright, I'll pick something to eat, and you pick an umbrella." He paused and added, "One large one will be enough."
"Oh." Wen Tingxue didn't think much of it and turned to pick out an umbrella obediently. The store clerk stifled a laugh as she introduced the largest umbrella. Wen Tingxue instinctively reached for her wallet to pay, but accidentally picked up his phone. She happened to see a missed call.
"Brother Yu, you have..." Before she could finish, another message came in. The young girl changed her tune, "New message!"
Yu Wenli remembered the child liked sweets and was standing in front of the shelf, contemplating which one was tastier. Hearing her, he replied nonchalantly, "Mhm, help me see."
Wen Tingxue: "..." So willful? Wasn't he afraid she'd see something she shouldn't?
"Oh." The young girl's voice carried a barely perceptible hint of excitement.
However, after entering the password—
[Incorrect password]
Well, there was indeed nothing to fear. The password had been changed.
"..." Wen Tingxue stared at the incorrect input screen, unsure how to speak. Yu Wenli, realizing this belatedly, approached with a basket.
"021411."
"Huh? Oh." Wen Tingxue instinctively looked at him, then understood and quickly entered the numbers. The phone screen unlocked successfully.
"It's Mr. Jiang," the young girl reported diligently. "Both the calls and texts are from him. He said..." Familiar warmth approached, and she looked up. "Here, you can see for yourself." She handed him the phone.
Yu Wenli glanced at it briefly, then took the phone and paid.
Wen Tingxue: "..." As the barcode scanner beeped, the young girl quietly looked up, quickly glancing at the young man beside her. Then, she lowered her eyes, as if wanting to say something but holding back. What did his new password mean? 021411. It wasn't his birthday, nor was it hers... Could it be...? Wen Tingxue had a sudden inspiration.