As night fell, Jing Zejun had just finished a phone call with her manager, who had briefed her on the upcoming work schedule for the next few days.
Just as Jing Zejun was about to return to the villa, she saw Wen Qingyan approaching from a distance. This was their first time meeting alone since she learned of his feelings for her.
Jing Zejun pursed her lips and smiled softly as she greeted him, "Brother Qingyan, out for some fresh air?"
Wen Qingyan smiled back at her, "I came to find you."
Jing Zejun was momentarily taken aback, but quickly recovered her composure. "I just came out to make a phone call. Shall we head back?" She made a move to walk past him.
"Zejun," Wen Qingyan called out, stopping her. He turned to face her, his gaze filled with tenderness. "Can we talk for a bit?"
After a moment's hesitation, Jing Zejun nodded.
They walked a little further, stopping on a patch of lawn where the atmosphere was particularly quiet. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, creating a soft, whispering sound.
Wen Qingyan spoke first, "You seem to have been avoiding me lately."
Despite working on the same variety show and being cast in the same upcoming drama, Wen Qingyan had found it difficult to engage Jing Zejun in conversation.
Jing Zejun lowered her head, biting her lower lip lightly, remaining silent.
Wen Qingyan turned to face her fully, his eyes brimming with warmth as he asked softly, "Has my affection for you become a burden?"
He had been waiting for the right moment to express his feelings to Jing Zejun. Contrary to popular belief, their first meeting wasn't on the set of "Jun Lin." If he had developed feelings for every co-star he'd worked with, he wouldn't have made it this far in his career. He had been unsure of when the right time would be to confess.
It wasn't until he realized that he might miss his chance entirely if he didn't speak up that he began to openly show his interest. He wanted the public and fans to see that he had made the first move.
Jing Zejun looked up at Wen Qingyan, clearly seeing the tenderness in his eyes. "Brother Qingyan, it's not a burden. I just don't know how to interact with you," she said softly but earnestly. "The gap between us is too wide. You're an internationally acclaimed actor with numerous awards, while I can count my notable works on one hand."
A smile played on Wen Qingyan's lips. "If we're talking about gaps, isn't the difference in our family backgrounds even greater?"
Jing Zejun was momentarily stunned, catching the teasing tone in Wen Qingyan's voice. Her lips curved into a smile.
"Brother Qingyan, you know that when I say 'gap,' I've never meant anything outside of our professional achievements."
While he could easily face the disparity in their family backgrounds, Jing Zejun couldn't ignore the difference in their professional standing.
Wen Qingyan chuckled, "I know. That's why I wanted to talk to you. When I show my feelings, I'm not trying to pressure you into accepting them. My affection is my own business, but I wanted to make my intentions known first."
Wen Qingyan had indeed considered the issues Jing Zejun raised, even prioritizing them as matters to be resolved. He wasn't in a hurry for her to give him an answer; he just wanted her to be aware of his feelings. He feared that if he didn't speak up, he might lose the chance to pursue her altogether.
Jing Zejun looked puzzled. "Make your intentions known?"
Wen Qingyan smiled, his gaze intensifying. "I hope to be at the front of the line among your potential suitors. If you ever decide to consider a relationship, I want to be your first choice."
A gentle smile graced Jing Zejun's lips. "My life revolves around work. I hardly have the opportunity to meet any suitors."
Wen Qingyan laughed softly. She was clearly underestimating herself.
With things out in the open, Jing Zejun felt more at ease, and Wen Qingyan breathed a sigh of relief. Surely she wouldn't avoid him anymore.
Meanwhile, Jing Yi and Jing Zeqian were leaning on the windowsill, watching the distant figures.
The live stream chat was filled with confusion.
[Come on, at least show us what you're looking at outside!]
[What's so interesting out there that you've been staring for half an hour?]
[Young Mr. Jing, have you forgotten your position as Startrack CEO?]
[Ahhh, what are you looking at? Tell us!]
The two were whispering to each other. Jing Zeqian wore a displeased expression, his gaze fixed on the scene outside. "What could they possibly be talking about for so long?!"
Jing Yi lightly tapped his arm. "Keep your voice down. What if someone hears us?" These netizens had sharp eyes and ears; if they overheard, it would surely become the next hot topic.
Jing Zeqian remained unhappy. "If they're worried about being discovered, why don't they just come inside? Why chat alone outside?"
Jing Yi glanced at him. "They're just having a simple conversation. Why are you so concerned?"
Jing Zeqian's eyes widened. "It better be just a simple conversation. If he tries anything, I'll teach him a lesson!"
Jing Yi sighed, ignoring her brother's agitation as she continued to watch the pair in the moonlight.
[The road to winning Jing Zejun's heart is long and winding for Wen Qingyan... Not only does he have to face her father and eldest brother, but even her second brother seems tough to deal with. More importantly, Jing Zejun doesn't seem interested in romance at all!]
Jing Yi couldn't help but feel sympathy for Wen Qingyan. Beside her, Jing Zeqian let out a cold snort.
Did they think it would be easy to marry into the Jing family?
This thought led Jing Zeqian to consider Jing Yi. She was another cause for concern!
Jing Zeqian casually glanced at Jing Yi and probed, "Jing Yi, you don't have a boyfriend, right?"
Jing Yi gave him a strange look. "No, I don't. Why do you ask?"
Jing Zeqian breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm worried you might be too naive and get deceived."
Jing Yi glared at him. "Who's the naive one? Some people have already been fooled!"
Jing Zeqian was at a loss for words. She had to bring up that sore spot, and the most frustrating part was that he couldn't refute it!
Jing Zeyou, who had been working nearby, overheard their conversation and couldn't help but smile.
[Big brother is smiling! He looks so handsome!]
[I could watch the CEO work forever!]
[The previous commenter wants to work our CEO to death...]
[It seems Jing Yi was talking to the second brother about someone being deceived.]
Jing Zeqian tried to assert his authority. "As your brother, I'm just worried about you being deceived. You should be more respectful."
Jing Yi turned back to the window, ignoring him.
Feeling a bit sheepish, Jing Zeqian leaned on the windowsill again.
After a few seconds, still concerned, he advised, "Remember, all men out there are deceivers. You must keep your eyes open and not agree to be with someone just because they say a few nice things. You need to evaluate them thoroughly! It's best if big brother and I do the evaluation."
Jing Zeqian's rambling was giving Jing Yi a headache.
He continued, "But you're still young. Enjoy being single for a few more years. There's no rush to find a boyfriend. Jing Yi, are you listening?"
Jing Yi looked at him helplessly. "Yes, I hear you..."
