I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

Fang Yutong's expression froze for a moment, then her smile slowly faded.

She didn't speak again, but just looked at Shu Zi, the temperature in her eyes gradually decreasing.

Shu Zi looked at her expression, smiled, tilted her head slightly, and spoke with a hint of casual mockery:

"Liang Zihao is stupid, but his father isn't. Would he let you use Liang Zihao like that?"

Fang Yutong didn't say anything, she just stared at her.

Shu Zi looked at her and said again, her tone light and airy, "Do you think you can keep what you've done a secret for more than a few days?"

Fang Yutong was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly spoke, her voice noticeably colder than before:

"You're only doing this because you have the Shu family backing you up. Without the Shu family, you're nothing."

Shu Zi was not angry when she heard this; instead, she smiled gently.

She looked at Fang Yutong, her tone neither hurried nor slow:

"From the first day I entered the entertainment industry, I have never relied on anyone. Every step I have taken to get to where I am today is due to my own abilities."

She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over Fang Yutong's face:

"You knew my identity all along, why didn't you say so?"

"First, you're unsure of the Shu family's stance, and second, you know in your heart that I've never used any of the Shu family's resources."

"Speaking out won't do you any good; it will only give you more leverage."

Fang Yutong looked at her without saying a word.

Shu Zi stopped smiling, looked at her calmly, and said in a light tone:

"Don't think you can hide your innermost thoughts from everyone at the company."

"As for Su Yanhuan's matter, you know the truth in your heart."

After saying that, she didn't linger and turned to walk towards the villa.

The seawater surged up in waves and then receded, as if nothing had happened.

Fang Yutong stood there, watching Shu Zi's figure grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared into the darkness beyond the reach of the streetlights.

The expression on her face turned completely cold.

Her phone vibrated. She picked it up, glanced at it, read it expressionlessly, and then deleted the message.

She opened her WeChat chat history with her agent again; the latest message was from yesterday.

Zhou Min:

"Gu Yan and Shen Yihuai are out of the question. You should try Jiang Yunyou. The sibling-like couple is quite popular right now."

"I've already asked around, and we can temporarily switch partners for tomorrow's mission. Think of a way to prioritize Jiang Yunyou."

At the very bottom is her reply: "Okay".

In suite 301, Shu Zi had already taken a shower and changed into her pajamas. She was sitting cross-legged on the living room sofa, tapping on her phone screen.

Gu Yan came out of the room and saw that her hair was wet and hanging over her shoulders. He frowned and said, "You didn't dry it again."

Shu Zi didn't even look up: "Too lazy to move."

Gu Yan didn't say anything, turned around and went into the room, took out the hair dryer, plugged it in, and stood behind the sofa.

Shu Zi felt him approaching, turned her head slightly towards him, and continued what she was doing.

[Ughhhhh, this scene is so relatable!! I'm dying!!]

[OMG! He exudes a strong husband vibe!!! Hehe, just wanting someone else's boyfriend isn't enough!]

What did Shu Zi just say? Gu Yan turned around and went to get the hairdryer. Is there anyone who can read lips who can help?!

I can't hear clearly, but it's so sweet, my blood sugar is about to explode!

Gu Yan's movement of bending down to blow-dry his hair was so practiced; it was obviously not the first time.

[I'm begging you, production team! Can you please do something about the guests not wearing microphones?! Also, why isn't that broken camera on the wall recording audio?!]

The sound of a hairdryer filled the quiet living room, warm air flowing through her hair as his fingers deftly parted it.

"What did you talk about at the beach?" His voice was mixed with the noise of the hairdryer, not too loud, but just loud enough to be heard.

Shu Zi stared at her phone screen and casually replied, "Mm."

"What did you talk about?"

"Um."

Gu Yan raised an eyebrow, his hands continuing their work, and lowered his voice: "Did you hear what I was saying?"

"Um."

He paused for a moment, then said with a hint of a smile, "Nuonuo."

"Um."

"May I kiss you?"

"Um."

As soon as he finished speaking, a triumphant smile flashed in his eyes.

He freed one hand, picked up his phone, and sent a message.

A few seconds later, the indicator light on the camera in the corner of the living room went out silently.

【？？？？？】

What does it mean when the camera goes out? Is it broken again? It's breaking down way too often! Is there something we can't see?!

[Director Liu!!! You need to send someone to investigate right away!!! It's not bedtime yet!!!]

[I remember last time Gu Yan picked up the phone, and then the camera "broke" (smile)]

Those who know, know; those who don't, explanations won't help. I'm outta here, bye!

Did anyone notice that Gu Yan smiled just now? What was he smiling about? What did he say? My curiosity is driving me wild!

【No, I've already accepted the lack of sound, so why aren't I getting any video either?!】

The hairdryer stopped.

Gu Yan put the hairdryer aside, ran his fingers through her hair to make sure it was almost dry, and then withdrew his hand with satisfaction.

Shu Zi was still looking down at her phone, completely unaware that the noise behind her had stopped, nor that the indicator light on the camera in the corner of the living room had gone out.

Gu Yan stood behind her, looking down at her focused profile, a slight smile curving his lips.

He didn't say anything, just stood there quietly for two seconds.

Shu Zi finally sensed the excessive silence behind her and asked without turning her head, "Finished playing?"

"Um."

She said "Oh," but didn't look up; her fingers were still tapping on the screen.

Gu Yan looked at her completely oblivious expression, and the smile in his eyes deepened.

He leaned forward, one hand resting on the back of the sofa, and leaned close to her ear, his voice low:

"Nuonuo".

"Hmm?" Shu Zi still didn't look up, her tone perfunctory.

"I just asked you, may I kiss you?"

"Um."

"You said 'hmm'."

"Um……?"

Shu Zi's fingers paused.

She slowly raised her head, turned slightly to look at him, and met his smiling eyes. She paused for two seconds, stunned.

"...What did you just ask me?"

Gu Yan looked at her and patiently repeated each word:

I asked you, "May I kiss you?" You said, "Yes."

???

Shu Zi's expression changed from bewilderment to shock. She said, "...You tricked me?!"

Gu Yan chuckled softly, not denying it, and moved a little closer:

"Nuonuo, you promised this yourself."

"It was clearly you—"

He interrupted me before I could finish speaking.