Chapter 6: A Waste of Brain Cells

Liu Shishi stared intently at Zhang Yang, a faint curve playing on her lips.

Their eyes met briefly, and beneath Zhang Yang’s calm exterior, a ripple stirred in his heart. He thought to himself, no wonder she’s destined to be a leading star.

Her long jet-black hair was tied back neatly, framing a delicate face as radiant as a blooming flower, imbued with an ethereal gentleness and innocence. A subtle smile was like a ray of warm sunlight penetrating the soul. Her figure was flawless, and her bearing exceptional, standing upright like a celestial being from a painting.

The only flaw some might mention was her eyes, lacking sparkle due to nearsightedness. After acting for so long, she had even earned the nickname “Blind Sister.” Now, wearing contact lenses, she exuded an added allure.

“Shishi, what a coincidence,” Zhang Yang said awkwardly, pulling out a small bag. “I planned to go camping at Mount A in Hangcheng with some friends. These are things I bought to put inside my shoes for cushioning—walking thousands of miles without sore feet or smelly shoes. They can also act as desiccants.”

It was a carefully crafted excuse. Many university students nowadays use such items during military training.

He wanted to prevent any misunderstanding Liu Shishi might have about him.

“This stuff can be used like that?” Liu Shishi tilted her head slightly, a curious look on her face.

She didn’t doubt Zhang Yang’s words but was simply intrigued.

With Zhang Yang’s appearance, it was impossible he had any ill intentions.

“Yeah, I actually learned this trick last year watching juniors during military training. You can even look it up online,” Zhang Yang explained, eager to share his newfound knowledge.

“I see,” Liu Shishi replied, her expression one of enlightenment. Suddenly inspired, she held out her hand. “The shoes I’ve been wearing for filming have been rubbing my feet raw. Since you say these work wonders, give me a pack.”

She silently praised her own quick wit for finding such a natural excuse—no embarrassment needed.

“Shishi, help yourself,” Zhang Yang eagerly handed over the bag.

He felt a quiet satisfaction; opportunities favored those prepared.

The excuse served both him and Liu Shishi—spared her from any awkwardness in asking, and thus she wouldn’t feel indebted to him.

“I’ll just take this one,” Liu Shishi said as she opened the bag and found the exact style and size she used, delight sparkling in her eyes.

She already liked Zhang Yang, the younger junior, but now she found him even more appealing.

At that moment, a teasing male voice rang out nearby: “Hey, what’s this shady deal between you two?”

Zhang Yang and Liu Shishi turned to see Hu Ge approaching with a smile.

As the company’s top female star, Liu Shishi’s exclusive lounge was directly opposite Hu Ge’s, the leading male star’s lounge, so encountering each other here was no surprise.

Hu Ge knew well that Liu Shishi and Zhang Yang shared no secret dealings—after all, they were in full view—so he only joked from a distance.

But as he drew nearer and glimpsed what they held, his smile froze, and his expression turned peculiar.

It couldn’t be that Liu Shishi was giving Zhang Yang sanitary pads, so the only possibility was that she had asked him to buy them for her.

Since when had their relationship progressed to this level?

Hu Ge’s gaze grew strange.

“Ahem...” Zhang Yang feigned embarrassment, looking away.

Liu Shishi, usually shy, blushed deeply, her beauty stunning.

The situation led Hu Ge to a complete misunderstanding. He teased, “Are you two dating? The company doesn’t forbid that, don’t worry—I’ll keep it secret.”

Liu Shishi froze. Zhang Yang’s inner voice: Well played.

“Old Hu, you’ve got it wrong. Shishi and I are completely innocent,” Zhang Yang quickly interjected before Liu Shishi could explain. “Here’s what happened…”

He recounted the story in detail.

This approach had two benefits.

If Liu Shishi was sensible, she’d appreciate his thoughtfulness and like him more.

If she was self-absorbed, she might feel defiant: “You’re so eager to clarify things—is it because you don’t fancy me?” Either way, he’d leave a strong impression.

No matter the outcome, he wouldn’t lose.

“I see,” Hu Ge said, unsure whether to believe him or not, then extended his hand. “Give me a pack too. I’ll try cushioning my shoes.”

Zhang Yang thought, Classic Hu Ge.

“Here you go,” Liu Shishi handed him a large pack, then deftly changed the subject. “You haven’t met Sister K yet, right?”

She had only recently returned from Cai Yinong’s place; if Hu Ge had visited Cai Yinong, their conversation wouldn’t have ended so quickly.

“I’m going to wash my hands first, then I’ll go,” Hu Ge nodded.

“Go ahead and wash up. I’ll put this away and find you to talk,” Liu Shishi said, returning the bag to Zhang Yang before turning to enter her lounge.

Just as she was about to close the door, her gaze flickered back to Zhang Yang, her eyes twinkling as she said, “You should come along too.”

Zhang Yang sensed something good was about to happen and obediently nodded. “As you command, Shishi.”

Liu Shishi’s beautiful eyes rolled slightly as she shut the door.

Hu Ge hooked his arm around Zhang Yang’s neck, grinning. “Yang, you and Shishi really aren’t dating?”

“Old Hu!” Liu Shishi reopened the lounge door, showing half her face. “I’m not gone yet!”

“Ah, damn!” Hu Ge exclaimed, startled, hurriedly pulling Zhang Yang into his lounge.

“Yang, want something to drink?” Hu Ge’s smile remained as they entered.

At the company, Zhang Yang was among Hu Ge’s closest friends.

They shared the same instructor for acting classes at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, not only alumni but also like senior and junior brothers.

Besides, in 2006, Hu Ge had a car accident. That night, if Zhang Yang hadn’t had a vague premonition and warned him to be careful, both Hu Ge and his assistant might have lost their lives instead of just being hospitalized.

During his hospital stay, Hu Ge’s then-girlfriend was busy filming three dramas and two variety shows, having just signed with the top agency Huayi, leaving her no time to care for him. She even broke up with him shortly after he was discharged.

During that time, Zhang Yang and Yuan Hong took turns caring for him in Hong Kong for months, comforting and encouraging him.

So in Hu Ge’s heart, Zhang Yang held a special place.

“Longjing tea, my gift to you,” Zhang Yang said without hesitation.

“You really don’t lose out,” Hu Ge replied, fetching tea leaves and brewing a cup for Zhang Yang. After chatting briefly, he excused himself to wash his hands.

A few minutes later, he returned to find Zhang Yang chatting with Liu Shishi.

“Shishi, what did you want to talk about?” Hu Ge sat down on a separate sofa.

“The usual,” Liu Shishi sipped warm water. “Sister K asked me to persuade you to take the lead male role.”

“Why bother persuading?” Hu Ge’s handsome face twisted into a grimace. “I really don’t want to do period dramas anymore. Taking the second male lead was my way of hoping Sister K would back off, thinking she wouldn’t make me play a supporting role for a newcomer. Didn’t expect she’d agree.”

“But if I really have to do it, I’d rather play the second male lead—a role that’s neither fully good nor bad, starts heroic but turns villainous. That’s more challenging.”

If not for feeling indebted to the company and owning shares in it, Hu Ge might have argued with Cai Yinong.

At his age, he no longer wanted to be labeled an idol.

“I knew you’d say that,” Liu Shishi set down her cup, glanced at Zhang Yang, and said, “I didn’t intend to get involved, but seeing Yang just gave me an idea.”

Hu Ge was momentarily stunned, then looked at Zhang Yang with bright eyes. “Yang, do you want the second male lead?”

Zhang Yang was speechless.

You two make me feel like all the brain cells I lost last night were utterly wasted!