Chapter 19: Treasure [Bug Fix]

When Yu Chi had previously claimed he’d been in three relationships, Sheng Li had believed him at the time. After all, it was perfectly reasonable for a handsome and rebellious guy like him to have dated a few times. But after returning from Beijing, she began to doubt.

Some say that having three relationships in a lifetime is ideal—any more makes you seem like a player, and any fewer makes you appear overly pure.

So, was Yu Chi just saying he’d had three relationships to fit this norm?

Reflecting on her recent actions, Sheng Li realized she did come across as somewhat of a heartbreaker. But with Yu Chi, conventional methods wouldn’t work—Zhao Shutong’s pursuit was proof of that. No matter how many wingmen or assistants were involved, traditional tactics were useless.

Thus, even when Yu Chi called her out for being a heartbreaker, she didn’t feel offended.

The car slowed as it turned a corner, passing by a 24-hour convenience store. Sheng Li said to the front seat, “Yuan Yuan, go buy me some gum.”

“There’s gum in the wrapper,” Yuan Yuan replied before realizing what she’d said. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt. “Oh, right! I’ll go buy some and grab a few necessities while I’m at it.”

Lao Liu pulled the car under a tree with dense foliage, casting the interior into even deeper shadows. Sensing the tension, Lao Liu cleared his throat. “I’ll step out for a cigarette.”

After Yuan Yuan and Lao Liu exited the car, the cabin fell silent, save for the sound of their breathing.

Sheng Li rubbed her wrist where he had gripped it earlier, looking up at him with a playful smile. “So, your first kiss really was with me.”

Having confessed the truth, Yu Chi felt a sense of relief. Still lounging lazily in his seat, he sneered, “Yes.”

“So you’ve been lying to me too—are you not interested in me? Or are you playing hard to get?” Sheng Li adjusted to the dim lighting, gradually making out Yu Chi’s silhouette. He wasn’t flushed from drinking—his skin remained cool and pale. If not for the faint scent of alcohol lingering in the air, she might have thought he hadn’t touched a drop.

Seeing he wasn’t responding, Sheng Li continued teasing him. “I said last time that I’d take responsibility.”

Yu Chi turned his head toward her, his voice still hoarse. “How?”

“Date me,” Sheng Li stated matter-of-factly, narrowing her eyes slightly. “You don’t actually want that sponsorship contract, do you? Being my boyfriend comes with both title and benefits. Why would you still be thinking about that contract?”

Yu Chi noticed something shiny in her hand but didn’t ask what it was. Instead, he looked up at her, a self-deprecating smile tugging at his lips. “Dating is emotionally draining. I already told you—I don’t want my first love to be wasted on a heartbreaker like you.”

Sheng Li raised her hand to his face and suddenly opened her palm, revealing a shimmering pendant dangling in front of him. “Just now, I was trying to give this to you.”

So that was why she had reached for his neck?

“Don’t give me anything else.” Yu Chi frowned. The dim light made it hard to see the pendant clearly, but judging by its appearance—and remembering the laptop incident—he assumed it wasn’t cheap.

Sheng Li lowered her hand and turned to him. “Did you ever play the treasure hunt game when you were younger and worked as an extra on set?”

Yu Chi replied coldly, “No.”

“This is something I dug up during a treasure hunt years ago. I was seventeen, filming in the desert. After only six days off for Chinese New Year, the crew buried about twenty small boxes in the sand—some valuable, others not. They let us minors dig them up, and whatever we found was ours. It was like a lucky red envelope to kick off the new year.” Sheng Li opened her palm, revealing the tiny pendant glowing faintly. “I found this—the most valuable one. Now, it’s not worth much, maybe two or three thousand yuan. But it was my treasure back then, and I’ve kept it in my bag ever since.”

Yu Chi was silent for a moment before asking quietly, “Why are you giving it to me?”

The pendant’s cord was red, handwoven.

Sheng Li stretched the cord open and suddenly stood up, one leg propped on the seat, the other knee resting on the cushion. She leaned forward, almost face-to-face with Yu Chi. With just a slight shift to the right, she could straddle his lap.

Yu Chi’s body stiffened, but he didn’t move. He tilted his head up to look at her, his breath seemingly suspended.

Sheng Li slipped the pendant around his neck, her cool fingers fumbling behind his nape to tighten the cord. His skin was warm, and though she had started focused, her hands began trembling inexplicably after a few failed attempts.

Yu Chi remained motionless, his head tilted slightly back, his gaze fixed firmly on her face.

Sheng Li glanced down at him, their eyes meeting. Both paused their breathing, the atmosphere growing charged and ambiguous. Suddenly, she felt nervous, her mouth dry. Gathering herself, she quickly secured the cord but didn’t pull her hands away. Instead, she cupped his face, bending her left knee between his spread legs, leaning closer until they were nearly nose-to-nose. “Because I think you’re like the treasure I stumbled upon by accident.”

Yu Chi’s breathing hitched. They were so close that their breaths mingled. One small move from either of them, and their lips would meet in an explosive kiss.

Knock knock knock—

Someone tapped on the car window.

Yu Chi snapped out of his daze, subtly turning his face away and pushing her back into her seat. Sheng Li sat back down smoothly, turning to look at him with a sigh. “What a shame. That moment was perfect for a kiss.” She arched an eyebrow. “The way you were looking at me just now, I thought you were going to kiss me.”

Which was why she hadn’t made the first move.

Yu Chi touched the pendant around his neck, feeling its shape—a fish. Without looking at her, he stared straight ahead and chuckled dryly. “You’re overthinking things.”

Sheng Li thought, Keep pretending.

She rolled down the window and looked at Yuan Yuan, who was carrying several shopping bags. “Let’s go. Time to head back.”

The car stopped at the entrance of Yu Chi’s apartment complex. He stepped out briskly, walking with long strides through the gate.

It wasn’t until he opened his door, flipped the light switch, and the room illuminated that Yu Chi finally saw the pendant hanging around his neck—it was indeed shaped like a fish.

He took a deep breath, yanked the pendant off, and placed it on the unopened box containing the computer. Then, he headed to the bathroom. Sheng Li was right—in the car just now, he had nearly lost control and kissed her.

Even knowing she might be playing games, his defenses crumbled alarmingly easily in her presence.

________________________________________

The next day, because Director Liu was holding auditions for the role of Yang Lingfeng, the crew only filmed a few scenes featuring supporting actors in the morning. Sheng Li effectively had half a day off and decided to sleep in for once.

At 1 PM, Sheng Li arrived at the set but didn’t see Yu Chi.

She pulled out her phone and messaged him: [Auditions start at 2 PM. Everyone’s already here. It should wrap up by 5 PM at the latest. Don’t forget to come.]

Lu Xingyu was dismissive of the audition. Glancing at the other actors who had shown up, he complained, “What is Mother Rong thinking, making me audition for a fourth-tier role? Look at these guys… Do they even need to audition? A word from her, and Director Liu would cast me directly.”

Sheng Li snorted. “You can forfeit and buy a ticket to leave right now.”

Lu Xingyu gestured to his two assistants. “Sister, do you see them? They’re here specifically to keep an eye on me. If I dare leave, Mother Rong will freeze me out.” He lazily stretched his neck. “I’ll just go through the motions. If Director Liu isn’t blind, he won’t pick anyone else.”

The audition script was fixed.

Lu Xingyu had skimmed it the night before and told Director Liu he’d go last.

As others performed, he showed no interest, choosing instead to lounge outside and play games.

Once everyone else had finished, he sauntered in lazily.

Several lead actors were present, including Sheng Li, who sat behind the director, anxiously staring at her phone.

Yuan Yuan: [Yu Chi hasn’t arrived yet...]

Sheng Li pursed her lips. What if Yu Chi really didn’t show up?

Was she just supposed to let it go?

But she couldn’t shake the feeling of reluctance. Deep down, she believed acting was what Yu Chi truly wanted to do. If he missed this chance, who knew when she’d be able to break through his barriers again? Her thoughts were consumed by Yu Chi. She barely paid attention to Lu Xingyu’s performance when her phone buzzed again.

Yuan Yuan: [Yu Chi is here!]

Sheng Li’s eyes lit up. Just as Lu Xingyu finished his act, he confidently smiled at Director Liu, waiting for confirmation.

Director Liu turned to Sheng Li and whispered, “Is that Yu Chi coming?”

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

The assistant opened it, and someone walked in.

Yu Chi stopped beside Lu Xingyu and addressed Director Liu. “Director Liu, I’m here to audition.”

Lu Xingyu stared at him, his voice rising in disbelief. “What did you say? Audition?”

“Yes, is there a problem?” Yu Chi glanced at him indifferently.

“Aren’t you supposed to be a top student? Aren’t you a temporary assistant? Do you even know how to act? You think being handsome makes you an actor?” Lu Xingyu fired off questions rapidly.

Sheng Li burst out laughing. “Lu Xingyu, you’re done. Get out and stop disrupting others’ auditions.”

Lu Xingyu still couldn’t believe it, pointing at Yu Chi. “Sister, are you telling me he’s…”

“He’s nothing. He debuted before you and has an agency.” Sheng Li casually glanced at Yu Chi, reminding Lu Xingyu, “Fair competition. Don’t cause trouble.”

Lu Xingyu was stunned. This guy had an agency?

Yu Chi gave him a sidelong glance, his tone calm. “What, are you scared?”

Lu Xingyu felt as if he’d heard the biggest joke in the world, his eyes wide with disbelief. Me? Scared of you? Little did he know, this was only the beginning of his rivalry with Yu Chi.