"Although my debut wasn't that long ago, you, as a senior who's been in this industry for years, should know that time is the cheapest thing in this circle, right?"
"Some people, after a decade in the industry, are still just background characters, while others, from the moment they debut, get to play the lead and be in the center."
"That... depends on luck."
The female guest rambled on, twirling a strand of her long hair with her fingertips, her eyes scanning Lin Yirou from head to toe. "You're good-looking, sure, but this industry never lacks beauties."
"If you're smart, I might be able to help you. After all, my sugar daddy is a famous investor in the film and television industry."
"But, if you insist on being foolish..." the female guest snorted, her lips curling in disdain. "Then I'll happily oblige."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yirou finally looked at her and drew a conclusion: "You're threatening me."
She wondered why this person was blocking her path, spewing so much nonsense.
So, she had come specifically to threaten her.
"Don't put it so harshly. How could it be a threat? It's just good-intentioned advice to be sensible." The female guest crossed her arms and chuckled. "After all, you're a 'senior' in this circle. I should be respecting you, not threatening you."
Her voice paused, and then the female guest seemed to recall something. "Speaking of which, you haven't played a lead role yet, have you? Your best role so far is probably the second female lead in 'The Immortal's Legend', right?"
"See what I said earlier? Time is the cheapest thing in this circle. Unlike me, I debuted as a lead role. Even if it's just a web drama, my starting point is different from yours. I'll only be taking on lead roles from now on."
The female guest beamed like a blooming flower. "Oh, excuse me~ I'm not trying to brag. It's just that if you're willing to cooperate, I'm naturally willing to give you a hand."
"No need," Lin Yirou refused directly. "My requirements for scripts and roles are probably different from yours. We're not on the same path."
"You!" The female guest sensed the subtle disdain in Lin Yirou's words, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes. "Don't be ungrateful. Ruining someone like you is as easy as flipping a hand for me!"
"Then, good luck," Lin Yirou walked past the female guest, her gaze lazy, a hint of innate allure curling up at the corners of her mouth. "Don't make me look down on you."
With that, Lin Yirou headed straight back to her room.
Pushing the door open, Lin Yirou saw someone already in her minimalist room.
Ji Jun.
Just as Lin Yirou was about to ask Ji Jun why he was there, she saw him shake the recording device in his hand and then put a finger to his lips, motioning for her to be quiet.
Seeing this, Lin Yirou simply closed the door.
The female guest stood outside the door, spewing insults with her claws out for a few moments before stomping her feet in exasperation and turning away.
After the female guest had completely left, Ji Jun turned off the recording device and said, "The door to this room isn't very soundproof. I recorded it quite clearly."
"Why are you here?" Lin Yirou asked.
"I was going to chat with you, but when I saw her coming over, I hid in here to avoid being bothered by her," Ji Jun chuckled, looking at Lin Yirou with a teasing glint in his eyes.
"What are you laughing at?" Lin Yirou felt a little flustered under Ji Jun's gaze and shifted her eyes away uncomfortably.
"Nothing, it's just that for so many years, I've always treated you like a sleepy little kitten, protecting you, forgetting that kittens also have claws." Ji Jun moved closer to Lin Yirou and said.
Lin Yirou took a step back, her back hitting the door. As she looked up, she met Ji Jun's eyes.
"Tomorrow is the final heart-selection," Ji Jun said, looking at Lin Yirou. "Choose me."
"You... want that watch for achieving the heart-matching?" Lin Yirou turned her head to the side, her tone seemingly casual. "You're too close to me."
'First Step of Heartbeat' had always been generous with gifts. The initial prizes were gold bars, and the guests who successfully paired up and held hands in the final heart-selection would receive a pair of limited-edition couple's watches.
"Yes, I want the watch," Ji Jun replied, showing no intention of stepping back. Instead, he lifted Lin Yirou's chin with his fingertips, turning her face towards him. "Otherwise, who do you want to choose?"
"I haven't thought about anyone else," Lin Yirou found Ji Jun a bit strange. "What about you? Aren't you considering other guests?"
"Who? Ji Meina is clearly paired with Tong Shao. Why should I interfere and make a fool of myself? As for the female guests who came later, their affected behavior is the type I dislike the most. That leaves Xia Qingtian. Her personality is good, she has great taste, and she's also very beautiful."
"You rarely give such high praise." Lin Yirou knew Xia Qingtian was excellent and liked her very much, but hearing it made her feel a little uneasy. Her gaze lowered, her long, thick eyelashes concealing the loneliness in her eyes, but failing to hide the hint of bitterness in her tone.
"She deserves it," Ji Jun seemed satisfied with Lin Yirou's reaction. He paused before adding, "But in the end, we're not from the same world."
"Not from the same world?" Lin Yirou didn't quite understand this comment. She looked at Ji Jun with curiosity. "Then, who are you from the same world as?"
"You," Ji Jun looked at Lin Yirou, his gaze certain.
"Yes, yes, yes, because we're childhood sweethearts, right?" Lin Yirou subtly rolled her eyes at Ji Jun.
"Yes, because we're childhood sweethearts," Ji Jun said, hands in his pockets. "So, we're destined to be from the same world."
"I understand. I'll choose you. You can go back now." Lin Yirou waved her hand and walked past Ji Jun, intending to go to bed for a nap.
Seeing Lin Yirou's attitude, Ji Jun's lips twitched slightly.
You don't understand anything!
Ji Jun regretted bringing up their childhood sweetheart relationship so often. He had taken advantage of their growing up together to freely protect her and like her.
What he had once considered a convenient identity had now become a genuine constraint.
Even his confession might sound like just another usual remark to Lin Yirou.
Because they were childhood sweethearts, they had to go home together after school.
Because they were childhood sweethearts, they had to watch his favorite movies together during holidays.
Because they were childhood sweethearts, she had to choose the same school as him.
Because they were childhood sweethearts, he had the right to be responsible for her safety.
Because they were childhood sweethearts, he had reasons to drive away any ill-intentioned individuals of the opposite sex around her.
Because they were childhood sweethearts, his confession had also become meaningless...
"Close the door for me." Casually lying on the bed, she pulled the small blanket over her stomach, which was prone to catching a chill, and Lin Yirou prepared to take a nap.
"Really..." Ji Jun took a deep breath and walked directly to Lin Yirou's bed.
With one hand on Lin Yirou's shoulder and the other propping himself up on the edge of the bed, Ji Jun flipped over and pinned Lin Yirou beneath him.
"!" Lin Yirou was startled by Ji Jun, blinking her eyes and looking at him blankly.
"Even childhood sweethearts want to do bad things."