Chapter 10: Zhang Shi's Quick Understanding

“Alright, alright, alright.”

“I know you’re not actually talking business—show some mercy! Please spare me!”

In Hu Ge’s private lounge, Zhang Yang and Liu Shishi had joined forces against him.

Some teasing remarks should never be uttered lightly; they can easily backfire on the speaker.

“Old Hu, you really ask for it,” Liu Shishi feigned annoyance, playfully waving her fist. Her slightly pale yet lovely face carried a hint of amusement, like a delicate orchid blooming in a secluded valley.

Rather than giving off a fiery impression, she seemed more like a symbol of serene times, someone one would hesitate to upset.

“You know well that I won’t date men younger than myself,” Liu Shishi added suddenly, though her tone suggested she was emphasizing this for someone specific.

Zhang Yang discreetly glanced at her, inwardly vowing, One day, I’ll make you eat those words.

A smile graced his handsome features as he chimed in agreement with Liu Shishi, “Old Hu, although I prefer older women—after all, ‘a woman three years senior brings gold and fortune’—I just can’t bring myself to pursue someone so familiar.”

Liu Shishi turned to look at Zhang Yang, her brows furrowing slightly.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was an unspoken meaning hidden within Zhang Yang’s words.

Before she could ponder it further, Hu Ge’s disdainful laughter cut through her thoughts. “Don’t I know you two? You’ve been single since birth with no dating experience. Telling me your preferences here—don’t you find that amusing?”

Zhang Yang remained silent.

Great, you’re digging your own grave now.

Strangely, Hu Ge’s words didn’t make him feel embarrassed or ashamed. In his previous life, Zhang Yang had dated far more beauties than actors Hu Ge had ever worked with. Already hurt by his parents’ divorce, he’d become a staunch opponent of marriage, free to enjoy himself as he pleased.

While he couldn’t care less about such things, Liu Shishi certainly did—with her thin skin and all.

“You’re done for!”

Liu Shishi snatched up the script Zhang Yang had left nearby and immediately went after Hu Ge.

Watching this spectacle from the side, Zhang Yang decided to smooth things over at the right moment. “Shishi-jie, Old Hu is thick-skinned. What difference can hitting him possibly make? Why not make him treat us to a fancy dinner instead? That’ll really sting.”

Liu Shishi paused and gave Zhang Yang a thumbs-up. “Good idea! What do you say?”

Her last question was naturally directed at Hu Ge.

“How dare I have any opinion on this matter.” Hu Ge, being quite the joker himself, put on an act of fear and said sardonically, “Sis, you decide.”

Liu Shishi didn’t hold back either, choosing a nearby western restaurant where she often met friends. It wasn’t cheap, but for a top-tier celebrity with strong earning power, it was manageable.

The three of them traveled together, Hu Ge and Liu Shishi fully armed against being recognized by fans.

Inside the elevator, Zhang Yang looked at the two of them, his eyes suddenly going blank.

Hu Ge noticed his expression, clearly misunderstanding what was on Zhang Yang’s mind. He said, “A-Yang, don’t look at us like we’re living large. Sure, we’ve got fame and fortune, but we lost our freedom. Even traveling or taking a vacation means we have to go abroad.”

Zhang Yang remained silent.

Are they trying to show off in front of me?

“If you want your freedom, just quit the industry,” Liu Shishi retorted mildly before turning to Zhang Yang with gentle words, “A-Yang, there’s no need to envy old Hu here. Your conditions are better than his. With a few more leading roles in hit shows, I’m sure you’ll be even more famous than him.”

Liu Shishi’s reassurance wasn’t entirely empty comfort.

In the past, Zhang Yang might have seemed too young and inexperienced; handsome yet immature compared to other heartthrobs in the entertainment industry. He lacked distinctive features or advantages.

But now, not only did he exude an instantly appealing aura, he also carried a unique charm that grew more captivating upon closer inspection—a type that became increasingly attractive as one spent more time looking at him.

This was a classic case of heaven offering you food on a platter; all it needed was the right opportunity.

Moreover, Zhang Yang had decent professional skills as well.

“Let’s borrow Sister Liu’s auspicious words,” Zhang Yang said with a smile. Then he turned to Old Hu with an air of superiority and declared, “Old Hu, Sister Liu’s discerning eye can never be wrong. There will surely come a time when you’ll need me.”

“You’re quite the charmer, Junior Brother,” Hu Ge remarked as he walked over to Zhang Yang. Suddenly, he grabbed his hand and said, “Big brother, I’ll definitely rely on you from now on.”

Liu Shishi looked on, puzzled.

“Well then, I won’t hesitate to enjoy this lunch.” Zhang Yang appeared thoroughly pleased. “Little Hu, I’ll make sure to treat you when the time comes.”

“Many thanks, Bro Yang. You’re truly impressive!” Hu Ge responded effusively.

The two exchanged glances and burst out laughing mischievously, as if they’d just completed some sort of quid pro quo deal.

Liu Shishi watched in silence.

Men are certainly peculiar creatures, she mused.

Still, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat envious of such camaraderie between brothers.

Her own so-called close girlfriends were nothing like that—unreliable at best.

Before long, the trio arrived at the restaurant and settled into a private room. Hu Ge waved his hand dismissively, indicating they should order whatever they liked.

Despite their banter earlier, Zhang Yang and Liu Shishi didn’t take advantage of Hu Ge. They simply ordered steaks, vegetable salads, drinks, and Zhang Yang added an extra portion of pasta for himself.

Hu Ge wanted some red wine as well, but his requests were politely declined by both Zhang Yang and Liu Shishi.

Midway through their meal, Hu Ge received a call from his agent and excused himself after apologizing for the interruption.

Although familiar with each other, this was the first time Liu Shishi and Zhang Yang had dined alone together. The former appeared visibly awkward throughout the encounter.

Zhang Yang, on the other hand, felt quite at ease; he even took the opportunity to admire her beauty while noticing her discomfort. Being an experienced man with women, he knew that making a good impression during this private moment could lead to future opportunities. If things went well, Liu Shishi might even initiate dinner dates herself in the future.

It reminded him of intimate relations—there’s only zero times, one time, or countless times.

“Po Shi-jie, I heard you’re a fan of Uncle Long,” Zhang Yang began conversationally. “Did working alongside him in Step by Step feel like living out your dreams?”

“Liu Shishi initially didn’t recognize who he meant and hesitated before chuckling softly. Her eyes sparkled playfully as she asked, covering her mouth, “Do you mean Wu Qilong?”

“That’s right.” Zhang Yang nodded. “Your childhood idol and co-star in Step by Step, isn’t it just him?”

“You certainly know your stuff,” Liu Shishi remarked, her cheek propped up by one hand as she stirred her coffee with the other. “But shouldn’t you call him ‘Brother Long’?”

Back on the Step by Step set, everyone had referred to Wu Qilong either as “Brother Long” or “Mr. Wu Qilong.” She’d grown accustomed to it.

“‘Brother Long’?” Zhang Yang looked conflicted. “He’s a whole generation older than me. Calling him ‘brother’ might be a bit much—like I’m trying too hard to cozy up to him.”

Liu Shishi was momentarily speechless.

Wu Qilong was born in 1970; Zhang Yang, in 1990. It was now 2011.

He was indeed a whole generation older.

“You’ve got quite the way with words,” Liu Shishi chuckled, momentarily pausing her hand. “As for the feeling of achieving my dream? Honestly, it doesn’t feel that way at all. I’m not really a fan of Wu Qilong himself, just someone who appreciates some of the characters he’s played.”

“I get it,” Zhang Yang feigned sudden understanding. “It’s like how I enjoy Long Kui and Mu Nianci, but only have respect for Po Shi-jie.”

”…Respect?” Liu Shishi repeated, raising an eyebrow.

This boy can certainly apply what he learns to new situations!