Qin Jiran smiled awkwardly and, feeling too embarrassed to speak again, he simply buried his head in his breakfast.
Laughter danced in Su Yanyi’s eyes, clearly, the man had forgotten what happened yesterday. Should she tell him? After some thought, Su Yanyi decided to wait a bit longer before telling him and let him fret for a while—it was quite amusing to watch.
Unaware of Su Yanyi’s thoughts, Qin Jiran was probably better off not knowing. Even if he had been aware that he was being teased, he wouldn’t have had the heart to settle accounts with Yanyi.
After an uneasy breakfast, Qin Jiran and the film crew got back to work. This time, the set was built on the outskirts of the villa, including some intense gunfight scenes. However, Su Yanyi had to leave; she had a meeting in the morning and had to rush back.
Qin Jiran had spent the morning filming, rolling around on the ground so much that he was covered in dust, but fortunately, the footage turned out quite well. Guo Zekai, very satisfied, patted Qin Jiran on the shoulder, saying, "Jiran is truly impressive, not just in acting but also in drinking."
Upon hearing the words "drinking," Qin Jiran felt a discomfort and, looking at Guo Zekai, said, "Yanyi’s drinking tolerance is even better."
In reality, the three of them had drunk about the same amount the night before, but judging by the outcome, it was clear that Yanyi was the best drinker.
Guo Zekai choked for a moment, then forced an awkward smile and said, "Indeed, Her Majesty the Queen deserves her title, even her drinking tolerance is impressive, it’s truly humbling."
It was humbling indeed, and he was humiliated, but he couldn’t admit it! Qin Jiran gave Guo Zekai a cold stare. If it weren’t for Guo Zekai, he wouldn’t have drunk too much. It was all Guo Zekai’s fault!
"Cough, why are you glaring at me? Could it be that Her Majesty the Queen scolded you for drinking too much yesterday?" Guo Zekai suddenly became excited and stared at Qin Jiran curiously, the very image of someone delighting in another’s misfortune.
Being scolded would have been better; at least, it would mean the matter was over. But Her Majesty the Queen hadn’t said anything, leaving him feeling quite uncertain about whether he had committed any embarrassing acts.
Qin Jiran certainly didn’t believe that just because Yanyi hadn’t shown anything, nothing had happened. He always felt that something must have occurred for Yanyi to be so calm, and it was hard to say whether she might still be holding it against him.
Thinking this, Qin Jiran started to get a headache. Competing in both wits and bravery with his beloved really wasn’t his forte!
In the evening, since there was still a full day of shooting ahead, Qin Jiran had to stay at the villa. But when he returned to rest after dinner, the phone rang in his room. The service staff informed him someone was waiting to see him outside the villa—it was Zhang Yuanzhuo, Old Master Qin’s personal assistant, whom he had spoken with over the phone several times.
To meet or not to meet? Qin Jiran felt only annoyance. The thought of the Qin family and their behavior at the birthday banquet made him not want to deal with anything related to the Qin family. If possible, he truly wished he were just an orphan—even the kind without any relatives would be more comfortable than this identity!
In the end, Qin Jiran chose to meet. After all, avoidance was not a solution; if he didn’t meet now, there would always be a time when he would have to face them.
Qin Jiran arranged for a small reception room, and Zhang Yuanzhuo came alone. The two sat down face to face.
Zhang Yuanzhuo was somewhat well-known in City A, considered a top player in the assistant circle. In his forties, he had served Old Master Qin for quite some time and held significant influence, along with being a trusted confidante of Elder Qin, privy to many things Qin Jiran did not know.