Before leaving Liu Family Village, Xia Weiliang specifically had Liu Yaozong set up a table and small stools at the village entrance. She sat there, pen in hand, diligently recording.
"Grandpa Zhang... a new big black pot..."
"Uncle Liu's grandson wants to eat KFC..."
"Brother Guo Si's wife wants a set of cosmetics..."
"Shen Xianshu wants a signed photo of the goddess..."
"Xiao Mei... studies..."
Xia Weiliang looked up and saw the little girl opposite her with her head down. "You..."
As if sensing her unspoken question, Sun Xiaomei softly said, "Mom and Uncle, and a younger brother. He'll be starting school soon too. At home... Dad doesn't earn much, and there's my brother..."
Her voice grew softer as she spoke, her small hands tugging at her clothes, her cheeks turning a deep red.
"If... it costs a lot of money, then never mind. I'll just ask for a schoolbag for my brother." She then looked up, giving Xia Weiliang a shy smile.
Xia Weiliang put down her pen and looked at the girl kindly. "Xiaomei, you don't need to worry about the money. As long as you want to study, no matter how far you go, I will continue to sponsor you!"
Sun Xiaomei’s head shot up, her eyes filled with disbelief.
Xia Weiliang had asked the villagers to make wishes, promising to help them realize them. The villagers were honest and kind, and no one had proposed a request that would cost so much money.
Therefore, Sun Xiaomei had hesitated for a long time. She truly wanted to study, so she had come without her mother's knowledge.
She was only in junior high, relying on donations from netizens. But if she wanted to continue her studies, it would be a great strain on her family. Aunt Chunhua had also helped them a lot, but everyone was not well-off. Her only way to change her situation was through education!
Upon hearing Xia Weiliang's promise, Sun Xiaomei squatted down and covered her face, crying.
What she said was not "thank you," but "I'm sorry."
I'm sorry for becoming your burden.
Xia Weiliang also felt a pang in her heart. This was a sensible child, and she hoped fate would be kind to her.
Even as she left, she was still thinking about Sun Xiaomei. "Do you think she'll be alright? Will that Liu family treat her well? What if..."
Knowing what she was worried about, Xiao Yi handed her a bottle of water. "I've got Shen Xianshu's number. I'll call her regularly to check on her situation."
"Oh, right!"
Xia Weiliang slapped her forehead. "You always think of everything!"
She quickly saved Shen Xianshu's number, entrusting her with the task of regular inquiries from then on.
On their return journey, as they exited the airport, both were heavily disguised, maintaining distance from each other.
However, the increasingly loud screams of "Ahhhhh" from the crowd made Yan Zhi realize something was wrong. He quickly signaled, and along with Da Yang, they formed a protective cordon around Xiao Yi.
Unexpectedly, the three of them passed through the crowd safely under everyone's watchful eyes.
Safely passed.
Passed.
Through.
Yan Zhi was stunned.
What was going on?
Could it be that they were too well-covered, leaving no chance for fans to recognize them?
No, if they were coming to pick someone up, they would have confirmed the celebrity’s arrival. They wouldn't just "miss" them!
For some reason, Yan Zhi felt a bit unhappy.
It felt as if... as if Brother Yi was losing popularity!
Whoosh.
"Ahhhhh—"
Another wave of screams.
He turned his head and saw Xia Weiliang, who was surrounded in the center. She looked bewildered, wearing a mask, her beautiful large eyes still appearing sleepy.
Were they... here to pick her up?
Liu Yaozong was also experiencing this kind of scene for the first time. He was so flustered he almost wanted to hide behind Xia Weiliang.
Remembering his roles as driver, bodyguard, and assistant, he suddenly awakened!
"Sister Liang! Get behind me!"
He struck a pose, spreading his hands to shield her.
"Roar! Ahh! Niangniang! Niangniang!"
"Oh my god, it's Niangniang!"
"I saw Niangniang!"
"Niangniang, I'm a Liang fan!"
The fans hugged each other excitedly, screaming and jumping.
Despite their usual sharp tongues online, upon seeing the real person, and seeing Niangniang's adorably clueless demeanor, they felt an overwhelming surge of affection!
How could she be so cute?!
Ahhh!
Niangniang is addictive!!
Xia Weiliang finally realized that they were here to pick her up!
She blinked her eyes and cleared her throat. "Uh... everyone, listen to me, listen to me! There are too many people now, please be safe and don't disturb other passengers."
Liu Yaozong immediately joined in to maintain order. "Please be safe!"
With people taking pictures, signing autographs, and posing for photos, Xia Weiliang was completely overwhelmed.
"Isn't it that I'm so popular now? Haven't you noticed anyone else? For example... someone with a bigger name than me?"
At this moment, she definitely needed a fellow cultivator's assistance!
But the fans weren't listening to any of this!
A girl shouted, "Don't talk! We're here to see you!!"
The crowd erupted in laughter.
Xia Weiliang also laughed. "How did you know I was coming back today? Who told you? Tell me secretly, so I can clean house."
"We saw it on Weibo!"
A fan had found Liu Yaozong's Weibo. He had posted a photo that looked very ordinary, just a smug selfie.
But!
The sharp-eyed fans, from the reflection in the mirror, discovered the flight ticket on the table opposite!
And so, the large group had assembled.
"Hmm..."
Xia Weiliang turned to look at Liu Yaozong, who had already shrunk into a corner, trying to make himself as small as possible.
"I'll deal with you when we get back!"
Upon hearing this, the fans quickly pleaded for Liu Yaozong, as such a slightly petty assistant was hard to find!
That sticky-sweet sister looked harmless, but she was too shrewd. She played and joked with fans every day, but you could never get any information out of her!
Comparatively, their Yao Zong was much better!
Xia Weiliang's hand was getting sore from signing autographs. She suggested, "How about we save some for next time?"
Everyone said in unison, "No!!"
Just then, a figure in black pushed through the crowd. His tall, slender figure stood out amidst the throng.
He walked to Xia Weiliang's side, put his arm around her directly, and said, "Excuse me, the time borrowed from you has expired. I need to take her away."
Upon hearing this voice, the surrounding crowd nearly exploded.
"Oh my god, it's the Film Emperor!"
"Brother Yi!"
This CP is just too easy to ship!
In front of everyone, Xiao Yi pulled Xia Weiliang into his embrace and led her directly out of the crowd.
Xia Weiliang turned her head to look at the man beside her. From his cheekbones to his jawline, his features were incredibly striking. His eyes were dark, his expression composed. He was truly a man who exuded unparalleled handsomeness!
"Staring at me like that, do you want me to kiss you in public?"
"..."
Ahhh, Brother Yi! You can't be so cheesy!
But... but why am I still feeling my heart race?
It turns out, whether something is cheesy or not, depends on one's appearance!
With Brother Yi's face, even if he pinned her against a wall and domineeringly said: Woman, are you playing with fire?
She would eagerly nod: Yes, yes, yes. Do you want to play together?
Seeing her smile becoming increasingly mischievous, Xiao Yi chuckled and raised his hand to tap her nose. "I'll take you to eat something delicious later."
"Mmm!"