Chapter 6: Don't Worry

 Editor: A Friend

The photo on the projection screen was enlarged, and Li XingQian's features became clear. Xiao Qi closed his notebook, which was full of cartoon characters, pointed at the screen with his pen, and asked Fang Qun, "What do you think of him?"

“The most talked-about model in the last three months, and the one Feng Yue specifically requested last time. He's only been in the industry for a year and already…” Fang Qun was interrupted by Xiao Qi before he could finish.

“I meant, what do you think of his looks?” Xiao Qi corrected his question.

Fang Qun looked at the photo honestly, but just as he was about to answer, Xiao Qi threw another question at him: “Do you think he looks better or do I look better?”

Fang Qun, a few years older than Xiao Qi, used to be an assistant to Xiao WangHua. When Xiao Qi took over Ruichuang, Fang Qun was assigned to his side. Over the years, he had seen Xiao Qi grow from a novice into someone quite capable. Though Fang Qun was pleased, he was also sometimes puzzled by Xiao Qi's thought process.

“If you're planning to enter the modeling world, I think it’s best to inform Mr. Xiao and arrange for the transition,” Fang Qun replied.

“Brother Qun…” Xiao Qi sighed, realizing his question was childish.

When Xiao Qi first joined the company, life wasn't easy. There was a lot to learn and many complex issues to handle. Moreover, Xiao WangHua immediately gave him the position of deputy general manager, which made people uneasy despite Xiao Qi’s modest demeanor.

Fang Qun often overheard colleagues gossiping about Xiao Qi in the break room. Initially, he shared their doubts, thinking Xiao Qi was unfit for the role.

At that time, no one had faith in him. But Xiao Qi always chatted with them, except for Fang Qun, who felt compelled to say good things about him. Xiao Qi would laugh and joke with them, appearing carefree and easy to get along with. Fang Qun once thought this kid hadn’t matured and hadn’t inherited Xiao WangHua’s cunning or intellect.

It wasn’t until Xiao Qi took over his first project that Fang Qun saw a change. Xiao WangHua had him observe initially, so when Fang Qun accompanied Xiao Qi to a client dinner, he was prepared for failure. But Xiao Qi, though inexperienced, was clear and methodical, laying out terms concisely. The planning process and the profit margins for subsequent advertising were within Fang Qun’s expectations. Except for his poor alcohol tolerance, Xiao Qi handled client conversations well.

That night, after Fang Qun sent him back to the hotel, Xiao Qi called him as he was leaving and said, “Brother Qun, am I a bit awesome?”

“I know they laugh at me, let them. After all, my dad is Xiao WangHua. But just wait, I’ll prove I can hold this position. I’ll make Xiao WangHua call me 'dad' in front of them…” Xiao Qi mumbled this bold statement and fell asleep.

That was the first time Fang Qun saw something different in Xiao Qi. After that, he noticed Xiao Qi’s hard work and quick progress.

Now, hardly anyone in the company questioned his ability. In fact, in the poll for the most popular leader, Xiao Qi, with his looks and personality, was far ahead.

Many believed that Xiao Qi had matured a lot, but Fang Qun could see he was still quite childlike. He’d stay up all night playing games even if he had an important meeting the next day. He’d throw tantrums at Xiao WangHua, or give up profitable deals because of a client’s poor character.

As an assistant, Fang Qun didn’t interfere much with his actions or decisions but occasionally offered advice.

“I’ve investigated Li XingQian’s background. His parents are theater actors, and he did well academically. Aside from that one scandal, he has no negative news. And his studio clarified that scandal the next day. However, the issue is that the photographer from Feng Yue last time was his rumored boyfriend. A second collaboration could attract media speculation.”

“But it also creates buzz. Hard not to think Feng Yue planned this,” Xiao Qi spun his pen and said to Fang Qun, “Contact their studio and arrange a meeting. If it doesn't work out, we’ll switch quickly.”

“You don’t think highly of him?” Fang Qun rarely saw him make a judgment before meeting a partner.

“Of course I do. Didn’t everyone praise him?” Xiao Qi said, getting up and heading to the massage chair in his office, ready to relax in front of his assistant. “I didn’t sleep well last night. Call me if anything comes up.”

“Didn’t the melatonin work?” Fang Qun asked.

“It did, but it was affected by external factors,” Xiao Qi said, closing his eyes.

Fang Qun quickly found out that Li XingQian had just finished a photo shoot and was in Yiping City. His studio suggested contacting Li XingQian directly, as it might be easier.

“Have you contacted him?” Xiao Qi, feeling better after a massage, asked.

“Not yet. Should I do it now? His studio hinted he might be hard to reach,” Fang Qun replied.

“Then we must contact him,” Xiao Qi opened his phone and looked at Fang Qun. “Brother Qun, give me his number. I’ll ask him myself.”

Arriving at the address Li XingQian provided, Xiao Qi saw a gaming competition advertisement at the mall entrance. Following the directions and number, he found the competition area.

It was a five-person team competition, with four people already seated. Xiao Qi noticed a person in the corner wearing a baseball cap and mask and approached.

“Your seat is here,” Li XingQian didn’t ask his identity and directly pulled him to sit next to him. “Don’t worry if you’re not good. Just here to make up the numbers, okay?”

“No problem, but you’ll have to carry me. I don’t want to embarrass you by losing,” Xiao Qi laughed inwardly but didn’t reveal his identity.

After the competition, they left the mall, and the sky was gray. Li XingQian took off his mask and cap, his smile much more vivid than in photos, though he spoke with a hint of naivety, “Xiao Qi, why didn’t you warn me you were this good?”

“I wanted to lower expectations and give a surprise,” Xiao Qi handed him the trophy. “The group photo, fans won’t recognize us, right?”

“I was just showing off at the start. Didn’t expect to win. As for the photo, it’s no problem. Fans know I love gaming. I even posted it on my Moments just now,” Li XingQian took out his phone, showing Xiao Qi the post. “Forgot to ask your permission. If you mind, I’ll delete it.”

“Isn’t it a bit late to ask?” Xiao Qi saw a familiar avatar flash by. When he wanted a closer look, Li XingQian had already put away his phone.

“Should I delete it?” Li XingQian asked, looking embarrassed.

“No need, it’s just a photo,” Xiao Qi smiled, his mind elsewhere, then said, “Let’s add each other as friends. I want to see how it turned out.”

After adding each other, Li XingQian sent him the photo, and they chatted a bit more before saying goodbye. Since they both had plans for the evening, their business discussion was postponed until the next day.

Back in the car, Xiao Qi opened Li XingQian’s Moments and saw Jiang QingChi’s like and his comment: "?"

Li XingQian probably didn’t understand his meaning and replied with a question mark, but Jiang QingChi didn’t respond.

Xiao Qi liked Li XingQian’s post and commented that he had a great time. After a while, he went back to the chat interface and refreshed the message list.

After waiting two minutes with no new messages, Xiao Qi laughed at himself and threw his phone aside. Then he noticed the blue game console in the seat gap.

He was sure he had brought it on his business trip to Lian City, as he checked it at the bar, but couldn’t find it after returning to Yiping. This was the first time he drove this car since Jiang QingChi had given him a ride home.

Xiao Qi was stunned for a moment, thinking it over repeatedly, but the conclusion was the same. Jiang QingChi likely already knew he liked him.

Xiao Qi had imagined many times how Jiang QingChi would find out—whether he’d confess out of impatience or mention it casually after moving on.

But he hadn’t expected it to be in such a ridiculous way—finding out after a drunken incident. No wonder Jiang QingChi kept asking if he was okay and wanted to introduce him to someone else.

A message notification sounded. Xiao Qi glanced at the phone on the passenger seat, mechanically opening the message list. Li XingQian had sent two voice messages, but just as he was about to relax, Jiang QingChi’s message popped up.

JQ: “Why were you gaming with Li XingQian?”

Jiang QingChi sent the message during a break in his shoot, casually leaning back and staring at his phone, not realizing how focused he looked.

Five minutes later, he got a reply.

XQ: “He dragged me into it.”

JQ: “Don’t be silly. Don’t go next time.”

XQ: “Okay.”

Xiao Qi read the chat record three times and suddenly felt frustrated. He felt

 like an idiot, being toyed with, without even understanding Jiang QingChi’s intentions.

Before he could reply, Jiang QingChi sent a photo of the game console found in the car, now discovered.

XQ: “I get it now. I won’t bother you. Don’t worry.”

Jiang QingChi immediately called, his face unusually serious as he waited for Xiao Qi to answer.

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