Chapter 3: To Meet or Not to Meet Whether Ming Huai would meet him ultimately hinged on a single thought, but retrieving the item was non-negotiable. Weighing the pros and cons and pondering Ji Tingqian's words repeatedly, Ming Huai decided it would be better to meet; after all, there was nothing to lose by seeing him. A faint smile unconsciously curved Ming Huai's lips as his fingers swiftly tapped twice on his phone screen, saving the string of numbers. Although Ming Huai had only been in the industry for two years, his resources were exceptionally good. However, he himself wasn't particularly career-driven, accepting engagements only if they appealed to him. Late last year, he took on a film role that wrapped up only at the end of February this year. Currently, he had just one variety show and two commercial endorsements left on his schedule; things couldn't get any lighter.

The variety show was preparing to record its final episodes. Ming Huai planned to take half a month or even a full month off once filming concluded, hoping to spend quality time with his child. That evening, Ming Huai's agent, Yu Fanglan, came to visit him. Yu Fanglan had visited Ming Huai's home many times before and was already acquainted with Dudu and Auntie Chen. Dudu, both adorable and sensible, was liked even by a decisive woman like Yu Fanglan, who always brought gifts for the little boy. Today, Yu Fanglan first held the child in her arms, playfully teasing him before turning to business. Knowing the two adults needed to talk privately, Auntie Chen led the child away to play in his room.

"Sister Lan, what brings you here so late at night?" Ming Huai asked with a smile.

Yu Fanglan shot him a glance.

"I'm just worried about you."

Ming Huai found this amusing and countered, "What exactly is there to worry about regarding me?"

Yu Fanglan lifted her cup, took a sip of water, then frowned.

"You vanished without a trace last night and didn't answer your calls. I was afraid something unusual might have happened."

Ming Huai dared not tell Yu Fanglan the truth, so he offered an excuse instead.

"Sister Lan, I know my limits. Besides, if you've done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear. Even if those reporters watch me day and night, they won't find anything."

Yu Fanglan set down her cup; it clinked crisply against the marble table. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Then do you know what they mean when they say 'words can be more fearsome than weapons'?"

Ming Huai fell silent. He pressed his lips together. His reputation in certain aspects within the industry was truly not great. Those rumors were false—obviously so upon hearing them—but there were simply too many people spreading them. Moreover, Ming Huai had never publicly addressed them over the years. Yet how could he respond to things that were entirely fabricated? Yu Fanglan stopped there and shifted the conversation to work matters. Previously, she had been deeply dissatisfied with Ming Huai's attitude toward his career, feeling a kind of frustration akin to "anger at someone's lack of ambition."

Look at all the excellent resources the company provided him, yet he would pick and choose until only one remained. However, over time, Yu Fanglan grew accustomed to it. After all, despite this approach, Ming Huai had secured a position comfortably between top-tier and second-tier status, thriving with a massive fanbase. When Ming Huai shared his plans with Yu Fanglan, she didn't say much. She understood his situation but knew certain matters still needed clarification beforehand. Holding her iPad and scrolling through it, she said, "Alright, I won't accept any new engagements for you, but this applies only when the opportunities are mediocre. If something truly worthwhile comes along, you must take it."

This request was reasonable, and Ming Huai immediately agreed. Yu Fanglan adjusted Ming Huai's schedule accordingly.

"By the way,"

she continued fiddling with her device, seemingly wanting to make casual conversation,

"Ji Tingqian also attended last night's banquet. Did you see him?"

Ming Huai paused briefly, a hint of unease flickering across his face. After a moment, he replied, "No, I didn't see him."

Yu Fanglan finished making the last adjustment, then set the iPad aside. Outside of work, the two were actually good friends.Hearing Ming Huai say this, Yu Fanglan felt a mix of emotion and amusement.

"What's going on between you and Ji Tingqian? You're both under the same company, yet you've never once met."

In truth, Yu Fanglan shared some history with Ji Tingqian. Initially, Ji Tingqian had signed his management contract with her, but after certain incidents, he left the entertainment industry for nearly a year. Upon his return, his contract had transferred to Xu Hanchao. Ming Huai lowered his gaze, the corners of his lips curving slightly. His fingers curled tightly at his side. When he lifted his head again, his smile widened considerably. With an air of helplessness, he remarked, "Perhaps we simply lack fate." Yu Fanglan laughed at his response.

The topic had merely been a casual remark from her, and soon their conversation shifted elsewhere. After staying for thirty or forty minutes, Yu Fanglan departed. Ming Huai exhaled in relief, yet thoughts of certain matters soon made his heart hang uneasily again, trapped in a tormenting state of suspension. Seeing that their discussion had concluded, Aunt Chen brought Dudu downstairs. Eagerly, Dudu rushed to Ming Huai, who effortlessly lifted him into his arms.

"Dad, Dad! Grandma Chen said you'll sleep with me tonight and tell me stories. Is that true?"

Dudu wrapped his arms around Ming Huai's neck, his eyes sparkling brightly. Ming Huai carried him to the sofa, gently rubbing Dudu's soft, fair cheeks. Smiling, he confirmed, "Yes, it's true."

Upon receiving this affirmative answer, obvious joy spread across Dudu's face. Yet, glancing around, he noticed Yu Fanglan was gone. A hint of confusion appeared on his little face as he asked, "Where did Auntie go?"

Ming Huai explained that Yu Fanglan had returned home. Immediately, Dudu seemed somewhat disappointed, mentioning he wished to play with her a bit longer. Ming Huai chuckled silently; apparently, Yu Fanglan's efforts at winning him over had indeed borne some fruit.

"Aunt Chen, please attend to your tasks. I'll take care of Dudu tonight,"

Ming Huai turned to say to Aunt Chen beside him. She nodded in agreement, then reminded Ming Huai of several important points to keep in mind. That evening, Dudu remained extremely excited. Ming Huai told him story after story, yet sleepiness still eluded the boy. Completely at a loss, Ming Huai finally adopted a stern expression, warning that if Dudu didn't fall asleep immediately, he would have to sleep alone the next day. Upon hearing this threat, Dudu instantly closed his eyes and fell asleep shortly afterward. Ming Huai replied to the message only the following day. He and Ji Tingqian agreed to meet two days later. Although Ming Huai had casually suggested the date himself—being freely available anytime—he hadn't expected Ji Tingqian to actually be free, given he knew nothing about Ji Tingqian's schedule. Both were top celebrities. Ming Huai, who generally disliked socializing, wasn't sure which locations offered sufficient privacy.

However, this concern proved unnecessary; on the very day they scheduled their meeting, Ji Tingqian had already finalized the venue. For Ming Huai, these few days of waiting felt no different from usual. Yet Aunt Chen noticed his recent uplifted mood, as though clouds had finally parted. His smiles no longer seemed veiled by a misty haze. Ji Tingqian had just finished shooting a magazine cover when the editor-in-chief asked if they could share dinner that evening. Before Xu Hanchao could respond, Ji Tingqian politely declined, stating he already had plans. Hearing this, the editor said nothing further. Once inside the car, Xu Hanchao asked, "Since when do you have plans tonight?" Ji Tingqian replied,

"I'm somewhat tired today and wish to rest at home."

Understanding dawned on Xu Hanchao. Nodding, he said, "Then rest well."

Ji Tingqian's primary residence was a duplex apartment located in a high-end residential complex not far from the city center. The area boasted excellent landscaping, remained quiet, and offered exceptional privacy. Whenever Ji Tingqian was in the country, he typically stayed there. After briefly going upstairs to put on a necklace, Ji Tingqian retrieved his car from the garage and drove toward the café. When Ji Tingqian arrived, Ming Huai had not yet shown up. He chose a corner seat by the window and, to the waiter's delighted surprise, ordered two cups of coffee.Each booth here was spaced far apart, with clever designs between them ensuring separation. Both the distance and sightlines gave a strong sense of privacy. The necklace had already been placed by Ji Tingqian into an exquisite box. He ran his fingers over the box's surface, his mind occupied with thoughts of Ming Huai. Ming Huai's reputation was truly poor.

Ji Tingqian couldn't recall how many times, intentionally or not, he'd heard gossip about this man's romantic entanglements: today with a male director, tomorrow with a female actress, the day after with some investor. Naturally, Ji Tingqian wouldn't judge Ming Huai solely based on others' words. Yet while hearsay often holds truth, it rarely arises from nothing; if people spoke of Ming Huai that way, he must have done something to warrant it. Ji Tingqian had taken the initiative to contact Ming Huai for two reasons. First, to return what belonged to him. Second, to understand what Ming Huai was truly after. That day, Ji Tingqian had intended to freshen up before discussing matters thoroughly with Ming Huai, but upon emerging, the man had already vanished. Ultimately, Ji Tingqian simply couldn't believe Ming Huai approached him without any ulterior motive. Lost in thought, Ji Tingqian was suddenly addressed by a voice across from him, both familiar and strange: "Mr. Ji, hello."

The person before him smiled, his features even more striking, a shallow dimple appearing on his left cheek, radiating excellent spirits.

"Hello," Ji Tingqian replied, his gaze heavy.

Shortly after Ming Huai took his seat, the waiter brought the coffee they had ordered earlier. Unlike Ji Tingqian, Ming Huai appeared completely at ease, acting as though they were old acquaintances. He lifted his cup, took a small sip, and offered Ji Tingqian a relaxed smile.

"Thank you for the coffee, Mr. Ji."

Ji Tingqian's lips parted slightly, his brows furrowing.

"No need for thanks," he said.

The two usually had no interaction; now, sitting at the same table, they found nothing to say. Ji Tingqian was reserved, so one couldn't expect him to initiate conversation.

Meanwhile, Ming Huai, who could talk, sat calmly sipping his coffee, all the while watching Ji Tingqian openly and without concealment. The atmosphere grew increasingly awkward. Though Ming Huai remained composed, Ji Tingqian, under that steady gaze, felt an unusual discomfort. Consequently, he looked back at Ming Huai. They stared at each other until finally, Ji Tingqian looked away first. Shifting his gaze to the box beside him, he pushed it toward Ming Huai.

"The necklace is inside."

A complex emotion flickered briefly in Ming Huai's eyes. After a pause, he reached for the box. When he looked up again, he wore that same smiling expression. Sitting up straight, his voice sounded utterly sincere: "Thank you, Mr. Ji."

Ji Tingqian couldn't be bothered to analyze how much of Ming Huai's smile and words were genuine or feigned. He only wanted clarity on one matter. However, when he opened his mouth, he stumbled over how to address the other man. Looking at Ming Huai's youthful face, every form of address felt wrong.

Finally, after careful consideration, he spoke slowly: "Mr. Ming, what exactly do you want?"

Ming Huai looked slightly startled. Placing the box aside, he laughed softly.

"I truly don't intend anything, nor do I want anything. That night was merely an accident. Mr. Ji is also an adult; surely you won't keep dwelling on this incident?"

Ming Huai gazed at Ji Tingqian, striving to convey sincerity. Unexpectedly, Ji Tingqian suddenly asked, "Could it be that this isn't the first time Mr. Ming has encountered such a situation?"

The moment the words left his lips, Ji Tingqian wished he could swallow them back. It was too late. He silently berated himself; this was Ming Huai's private affair—why ask such a thing? Ming Huai was instantly rendered speechless. Whatever he said now seemed inappropriate.

Finally, he could only murmur vaguely, "That has nothing to do with this matter, does it?" Ji Tingqian said nothing more, temporarily setting the issue aside in his mind.

He rose to take his leave. The man who had seemed somewhat restrained moments ago suddenly regained his vitality. Ming Huai followed him out. Since Ming Huai had also driven his own car, the two walked together to the parking area.Their routes were the same. Ji Tingqian, assuming Ming Huai's car was parked nearby, didn't think much of it. He stopped when he reached his own parking spot, unlocked the door, and settled into the driver's seat.

Suddenly, just as he closed his door, the other side swung open. Before surprise could even register, something soft and warm pressed against his lips, carrying a gentle breath. He heard Ming Huai's low voice: "Mr. Ji, just call me Ming Huai."

It was a kiss—a light one. Including the incident at the hotel, this marked the second time Ming Huai had forcibly kissed him. Yet now, Ming Huai's expression was undeniably delighted, even tinged with the satisfaction of a successful prank.

"Ji Tingqian, goodbye!"

This time, Ming Huai didn't address him as "Mr. Ji."

By the time Ji Tingqian regained his composure, Ming Huai was already far away, heading in the exact opposite direction. Leaning back in the driver's seat, Ming Huai tilted his head upward and quietly exhaled, releasing his palm, which had grown damp with sweat. He had been terrified; kissing Ji Tingqian had been purely impulsive. The moment their lips met, regret flooded him. As soon as he felt those thin lips beneath his, his mind conjured up hundreds of scenarios where Ji Tingqian would push him away. Fortunately, none came true. Fortunately, Ji Tingqian hadn't pushed him away.