"What streamer on X website are you watching tutorials from? Give me the link so I can bookmark it. I want to make it myself when I get a craving in the future," said Qin Wei.
In a short while, Sun Tiantian had nearly finished the noodles and took a sip of the soup before picking up a crab leg claw to eat.
"Oh, uh..."
Qin Wei came back to her senses and unconsciously rubbed her brow. What strange thing was she thinking about? She had clearly watched the tutorial before making it - it was taught by that food vlogger.
She was overthinking things...it was just her imagination running wild.
...
On the third day, they made plans with the aunties to go grocery shopping together again. The difference today was that Sun Tiantian had the day off and was also invited by Qin Wei to come along. At first, this introvert didn't talk much but after getting familiar, she also happily chatted with the aunties.
Later, Sun Tiantian summed up why the few of them could get along - mainly because they didn't pay attention to entertainment news or passionately chase stars. Their conversations revolved around family matters and the trivial details of daily life.
Moreover, they just treated the two young girls as younger neighbors, understanding that their jobs were not easy, so they wanted the girls to feel carefree.
Gradually, Sun Tiantian was able to understand why Qin Wei enjoyed playing with children and old aunties. Although every age group had its flaws, they were still quite lovely.
Over those three days, Sun Tiantian finally loosened up without feeling particularly constrained. She had lots of fun with Qin Wei.
Spending mornings on group activities, afternoons grocery shopping and cooking at home, evenings playing instruments and dancing, or chatting in the pavilion. They'd have fruit juice when going home and cozy up on the sofa to watch shows, laughing and crying together at the storylines, then end the beautiful day with a sound sleep!
It was rare for Sun Tiantian to sleep so well. During the TV show "Against the Wind," her sleep reached its worst, even seeking medical help for it.
After ending "Against the Wind," her condition alleviated somewhat but she still occasionally suffered insomnia.
Possibly because the past few days were so fulfilling and relaxing without anything to worry over, she felt really great - this was truly the imagined perfect vacation!
She woke up to another beautiful day and Sun Tiantian even felt a tinge of anticipation to go out and play with Qin Wei.
...
After listening to the aunties' choir performance in the Senior University, they promised to meet up that evening to dance square dances. Sun Tiantian was in high spirits as she went downstairs to the small neighborhood square. But soon, she heard the sounds of arguing.
Several square dancing aunties stood scolding a man wearing a black hoodie.
Qin Wei glanced over and just from his garb - a Canon r5, she knew he was a paparazzo specialized in secretly photographing celebrities.
Qin Wei whispered to herself:
"Facial recognition focusing, high-speed continuous shooting without blurring pictures...Sweetie, do you think he's shooting you or the aunties?"
Sun Tiantian curled her lips. "We can say this - isn't there a possibility he's here to secretly photograph you?"
What Sun Tiantian said was right.
The aunties were happily dancing away when they noticed this sneaky guy holding a camera, skulking about.
Although not a high-end neighborhood requiring check-ins, the residents here were mostly familiar with one another. This kid had an unfamiliar face with shifty, furtive eyes, seemingly searching for something. Upon the good-hearted aunties questioning him several times yet receiving evasive answers, the argument erupted.
Under the barrage of verbal attacks and warned threats of calling the cops, the young man finally couldn't withstand it and opened his camera for the aunties to see. Inside were all secretly captured shots of Qin Wei.
So he really was a little paparazzo!
These past days, a lot of the neighborhood aunties had gotten acquainted with Qin Wei so seeing her secretly photographed, they were indignant for her and loudly demanded he delete everything.
The little paparazzo also pathetically cried to everyone, "Sisters, I'm forced by life circumstances...and there are more than just me out there hiding and shooting..."
This sentence agitated the crowd to further clamor about calling the cops to catch those damned paparazzi.
Auntie Zhou walked over to comfort Qin Wei, saying "Little Qin, don't be afraid! You know us aunties have a lot who are your fans. Your fans will protect you so you have nothing to worry about..."
The other aunties also crowded over to console her but Qin Wei was still filled with turmoil inside. While mouthing thanks to the aunties, her mood had drastically soured.
It feels like I'm bringing inconveniences to people around me...
If I continue to reside here, those paparazzi won't leave...
She suddenly understood why Qiao Sixiao had said when house-hunting, to not consider normal neighborhoods. Not only was privacy not protected, even residents' lives would be affected...
Perceiving her distress, Sun Tiantian patted her back and told the aunties not to bother about the paparazzi. Then, she led Qin Wei home.
Several close aunties were concerned so they followed too.
And at this time, downstairs, a Mercedes-Benz V260 was parked with a license plate Qin Wei found familiar.
"Miss Qin Wei."
The car door opened. He Hong got out with a smile on her face, calling Qin Wei over. Compared to the past, her attitude today was much gentler with calmer expressions.
"Ms. He, how..."
...did you find this place?
Qin Wei trailed off. There was no need to ask how she tracked it down since even paparazzi could find their way here, let alone her powerful agent, He Hong?
Qiao Sixiao definitely did not tell her but that didn't mean He Hong had no other means to obtain the information.
"Don't look at me like that. Your broker Li Yao is also here. If it's convenient, may I borrow a room to talk?"
He Hong said while glancing at Sun Tiantian.
Sun Tiantian didn't recognize her so she turned to Qin Wei in bafflement again.
Seeing Li Yao also get off the car, Qin Wei asked Sun Tiantian, "Can we use your living room to sit for a while?"
Sun Tiantian nodded. "Of course."
...
They took the elevator to Sun Tiantian's home. In the living room, Qin Wei briefly introduced everyone but omitted the relationship between He Hong and Qiao Sixiao, only mentioning that she was an agent of Happy Link Entertainment.
He Hong seemed rather satisfied about this. In her perspective, Qin Wei was not that smart but she spoke quite prudently.
As the hostess, Sun Tiantian naturally offered drinks to Li Yao and He Hong then asked again, "Do you need me to give you privacy?"
"That's unnecessary. We have two reasons for coming today. One is to see how Ms. Qin Wei's injury is recovering. Two is to bring her to attend a social gathering..."
As He Hong spoke, she lifted a hand to sweep aside Qin Wei's hair.
Qin Wei subconsciously dodged, appearing a bit impatient.
He Hong didn't hold malice but Qin Wei's intense reaction was unexpected, causing the atmosphere to freeze over awkwardly.
Li Yao promptly smoothed things over. "Oh my apologies, Director He! It's my mistake, my mistake. I've accompanied her for nearly ten years and this lass has always been like this - apart from makeup and styling, she dislikes others touching her hair. I forgot to tell you about it."
Whether truth or lies, He Hong's expression relaxed somewhat at this, dissolving the tense air.
"I only wanted to see your injury."
He Hong explained,
"The recovery seems fine with barely any traces visible. It can be concealed with concealer.
Miss Qin Wei, I've brought an evening gown for you. Is it convenient for me to do your makeup now?"
