Xia Qingtian and Ling Fenghan had collaborated many times before, their默契 (mòqì – tacit understanding) was unquestionable. Their creative thoughts aligned, and Ling Fenghan knew Xia Qingtian's vocal strengths and vocal characteristics.
What was expected to be a three-to-five-hour meeting concluded in an hour and a half.
Director Zhao exclaimed his good fortune, feeling like he'd struck gold. He praised Xia Qingtian and Ling Fenghan for being so easy to work with, saying he wanted to collaborate with them more often. He even invited them out for dinner on the spot.
Xia Qingtian remembered her promise to Gu Yaoyang and politely declined. Ling Fenghan also mentioned having family matters to attend to and needing to return early that day.
Director Zhao himself was a very busy person. Seeing that both youngsters had prior engagements, he didn't press further, only mentioning getting together again sometime and reminding them about the progress.
According to their plans, Princess Yingyue's character song was to be the first of its kind. The higher-ups attached great importance to it, and promotional activities were to commence that very day. After taking a few photos for promotional purposes, the meeting adjourned.
After the meeting, Xia Qingtian left the company with Ling Fenghan.
Xia Qingtian, riding in Ling Fenghan's car, spotted his agent.
Xia Qingtian greeted Ling Fenghan's agent enthusiastically, but the latter seemed indifferent, appearing as though they had something to say but were hesitant.
Xia Qingtian found it a little strange, but Ling Fenghan quickly steered the conversation back to work. Xia Qingtian's attention was diverted, and she accompanied Ling Fenghan back to his private residence.
Having experienced a prior incident with a sasaeng fan breaking into his home, Ling Fenghan had chosen this residence quite carefully. The security was excellent, and the location was also good.
Upon arriving at Ling Fenghan's home, Xia Qingtian had no time to admire the interior design before spotting another familiar face.
"Xiaoxiao!" Xia Qingtian gave Li Mengxiao a big hug as soon as she saw her.
When she had semi-retired, Li Mengxiao was the person she worried about the most.
She had feared Li Mengxiao would be bullied by that unreliable artist she was following, but fortunately, Li Mengxiao later joined Ling Fenghan.
Seeing Li Mengxiao with rosy cheeks, a plump face, and bright, sparkling eyes, it was clear she was doing very well.
"Qingtian, I missed you so much!" Li Mengxiao held Xia Qingtian's hand, a radiant smile on her face. "I even dreamt of you last night!"
"That's wonderful," Xia Qingtian said, shaking Li Mengxiao's hand. As she was about to say more, she noticed Li Mengxiao's loose-fitting clothes and that her stomach... seemed to be bulging.
Had she really gained that much weight?
"Qingtian, you two chat. I'll go wash some fruit for you," Li Mengxiao said, moving towards the western kitchen bar, but Ling Fenghan stopped her.
"You two should continue your conversation," Ling Fenghan said with a gentle smile to Li Mengxiao, then proceeded to the kitchen himself.
"Mmm..." Xia Qingtian blinked. Even with her usual lack of perceptiveness, she realized something was amiss. Her gaze fell back to Li Mengxiao's abdomen. "This... this isn't just from gaining weight, is it..."
Li Mengxiao's cheeks flushed. She first linked arms with Xia Qingtian and led her to the sofa, then took Xia Qingtian's hand and placed it on her abdomen. "I'm only five months along, and since it's twins, I look bigger."
"Hiss..." Xia Qingtian gasped, pulling her hand back. After a moment, she suddenly stood up. "You, Ling Fenghan! I asked you to take good care of Xiaoxiao! And you've gone and gotten her pregnant?!"
"No, no, no, Qingtian, don't misunderstand!" Li Mengxiao said anxiously. "It was my decision!"
Ling Fenghan chuckled sheepishly and placed the fruit platter on the table. "Didn't you wonder before why I wanted to reduce my on-screen appearances and opportunities?
It's actually because Xiaoxiao is pregnant, and I want to spend more time with her. I also don't want extreme fans to threaten Xiaoxiao and the babies in her womb.
Qingtian, it's because of you that I met Xiaoxiao. If we manage to hold our wedding smoothly, I hope you'll be our witness."
As Ling Fenghan spoke, he sat down beside Li Mengxiao, put his arm around her shoulders, and smiled tenderly and dotingly.
"Qingtian... I've always wanted to tell you, but... I didn't know how to start, and you've been so busy..." Li Mengxiao smiled shyly. "Qingtian, I'm truly happy right now."
"You two really..." Xia Qingtian was momentarily speechless and could only give Li Mengxiao a big hug. "Your happiness is what I wish for the most!"
"Mhm!" Li Mengxiao also hugged Xia Qingtian back. She felt truly fortunate to have met such a wonderful artist like Xia Qingtian when she first entered the industry, and to have found the man she truly loved.
"Ling Fenghan, let me say this first. Xiaoxiao is the most innocent and lovely girl. If you ever do anything to betray her..." Xia Qingtian warned with a hum. "Don't blame me, your number one fan, for unfollowing you and turning against you!"
"Mhm, I won't," Ling Fenghan said earnestly. "She's the one who helped me through my depression. She is my light and hope. I will never fail her in this life."
"I'm not as good as you say..." Li Mengxiao said shyly, her plump cheeks flushed with bashfulness.
Xia Qingtian smiled with relief as she watched the two of them. In a daze, she recalled the strange attitude of Ling Fenghan's agent in the car and understood.
Xia Qingtian, considerate of Li Mengxiao's pregnancy, didn't overstay her welcome. After spending a short while with Ling Fenghan and Li Mengxiao, she claimed to have other engagements and left.
Ling Fenghan saw Xia Qingtian off from the residential complex. Before she got into her car, Xia Qingtian couldn't resist warning him, "Xiaoxiao might seem carefree, but she's actually very sensitive. And she's carrying twins.
You've been in this industry for a long time; you know some people will do anything to climb up. Don't let yourself be used.
If any scandalous rumors with unsavory women were to surface, frightening Xiaoxiao, even as an idol, I wouldn't forgive you!"
"Mhm, I'll remember that," Ling Fenghan replied with a smile. "Fans are always welcome to supervise and scrutinize me."
Xia Qingtian chuckled at Ling Fenghan's words, waved goodbye again, and said she would visit him and Li Mengxiao again soon.
As they parted ways, they were oblivious to a suspicious individual in a minivan parked across the street, aiming a camera with a black lens at them, capturing the moment with a click.
After leaving Ling Fenghan's home, Xia Qingtian couldn't help but laugh to herself as she sat in the car.
Li Mengxiao and Ling Fenghan were quite well-matched in terms of personality.
Thinking that she had one prediction coupon left, Xia Qingtian used it on Li Mengxiao.
[May all your endeavors be smooth, free from illness and disaster, with one son and one daughter, a century of love, and a peaceful passing at ninety-three.]
Hearing the feedback from the prediction, Xia Qingtian felt greatly pleased. Seeing that she still had time, she made a trip to the supermarket to buy some fresh fruit, and then headed to Gu Yaoyang's home.