Chapter Forty: Everyone Is Left Bewildered

Inside the little shop, the young cook Jin’er was already at her post, busy as ever, while the chubby baby Xi’er was wildly riding her little rocking horse, her infectious laughter echoing through the space. The Tan sisters had seamlessly blended into this cozy, joyful home.

“Brother, come back early, Qiu’er will miss you,” little Qiu’er clung to Yang Qing’s neck, reluctant to let go, her fondness for him clear as day.

“Alright, be good,” Yang Qing nodded gently. “I’ll come home as soon as I’m done. You and Xi’er must listen to Sister Jin’er while I’m gone. When Dong’er wakes up, give her a cup of milk and a bun.”

“Mm-hmm, I know! I’ll take good care of Dong’er. After all, I’m her big sister.”

“Haha, our Qiu’er is growing up.”

“Hee hee…”

After bidding farewell to the little ones, Yang Qing glanced oddly at Fang Du, who was standing beside the busy Tan Jin’er.

“Why do I get the feeling you really want to work here?” Yang Qing mused.

Fang Du: … No! I don’t want to work here—I’m interested in someone who works here!

“Uh, Yang, shall we get going?” Fang Du tried to change the subject.

“Yes, let’s go.”

Fang Du drove Qin Xue’s car with Yang Qing as his passenger, and the busy Jin’er looked up briefly as they left.

Sudden enthusiasm always leaves one at a loss, and silent care and concern can be even more unsettling.

With a soft sigh, Tan Jin’er watched the car disappear from view, the corners of her mouth lifting in spite of herself.

May our hearts hold hope, and may we live up to time’s passing.

…

“Yang, I’ll take you straight to the editing department,” Fang Du said as they arrived at the Yangcheng TV station. He led Yang Qing into the building with a smile. “The team leader has already arranged with the station for a studio in the editing department—all equipment provided.”

“Hm? The editing department?” Yang Qing was surprised. “I thought you all had a falling out—how did you still manage to get a studio?”

“Heh…” Fang Du forced a laugh. “It’s the station’s resources, not anyone’s personal property.”

He leaned closer to Yang Qing and whispered, “Actually, the team leader wields a lot of influence around here.”

“Oh? What kind of influence? Tell me,” Yang Qing’s curiosity was piqued. He’d always found Qin Xue mysterious, as if a mist shrouded her, making it impossible to see her clearly.

That very mystery left him uncertain whether the flutter in his heart was excitement or unease.

“Uh… well… I’m not really sure, just that she’s really influential.” Fang Du scratched his head.

Yang Qing: →_→

If you don’t know, why act so secretive? I thought I was about to get some juicy gossip!

The editing department was on the fifth floor. They took the elevator up, sharing the ride with several men and women. Fang Du greeted everyone politely; as for Yang Qing…

Perfect! He didn’t know a single one of them!

After exiting the elevator, Yang Qing followed Fang Du, looking about curiously—until he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“Hm? Yang, what’s wrong? Come on, we’re almost there,” Fang Du called back in confusion.

Yang Qing didn’t reply. He stood still, listening intently. After a moment, he asked, “That singing sounds familiar… Is that… Wang Ying?”

“Gah!” Fang Du was stunned. He stared blankly at Yang Qing. “You can recognize someone from just a few broken notes drifting through the hall?”

“Of course,” Yang Qing said matter-of-factly. “I’ve never heard her sing, but I know her voice. Everyone’s tone is unique—it’s their signature.”

“You… are something else.” Fang Du was speechless for a moment, then muttered, “You’re right, that’s her. Do you want to take a look?”

Yang Qing hesitated. “Uh, are we allowed?”

“Probably, but only from backstage. I can check if you want.”

“Forget it, let's take care of business first.” Yang Qing shook his head, teasing, “You look a little anxious—maybe you don’t want me to go.”

“I do not! You’re making things up!” Fang Du immediately protested, then grinned sheepishly. “I am a bit anxious. Xiao Rou and Xiao Xi called yesterday—they’ve already finished filming two sets of culinary segments with Director Wu, and they’ll bring them back tomorrow. Meanwhile, we…”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be quick,” Yang Qing assured, patting his shoulder.

“Mm!”

When they reached the editing department, Yang Qing spotted Qin Xue waiting by a studio door, dressed impeccably in business attire. Heads poked out from nearby studios, curiosity piqued.

A beauty standing alone, single and approachable.

There were always admirers hovering around a beauty like her. Sure enough, someone, seeing her wait so long, even brought her a cup of coffee.

“Thank you, but no—I’m waiting for someone,” Qin Xue replied blandly. Then, seeing Yang Qing approach, her flawless face blossomed into a smile.

The admirer was instantly entranced. He only snapped out of it when the three entered the studio and the door closed behind them.

“Damn! Who is that guy? He’s not even that handsome! Why is the goddess smiling at him? Wait… he looks familiar…”

“That’s it!” The man seemed to recognize Yang Qing. He slapped his forehead in frustration, then rushed to the department head’s office.

“Director! Team Leader Qin brought someone into the studio!”

“Who? Someone from the industry?” The editing director, Zhou Xiaoming, asked coldly, his gaze sharp. “If it’s someone from the industry…” He sneered, leaving his threat unspoken.

The man shook his head, his expression complicated. “No, it’s the owner of the pancake stand from the film we edited.”

Zhou Xiaoming: ???!!!

The owner of a pancake stand?!

Are you kidding me?!

He erupted, “Do you think you’re funny? Has Qin Xue lost her mind, bringing a pancake vendor into the studio? Is this a field trip?!”

“Well… maybe,” the man stammered.

“Get out! Go find out what’s really happening!”

“Okay, okay, I’ll go. You get back to work, Director.” The man slipped out and headed for the studio door, intending to knock.

But just then, the door swung open.

“Hm? Do you need something?” Fang Du asked, puzzled.

The man stared back, equally confused.

Has he predicted my move?

“Uh… nothing, just… looking around.”

“Looking? Alright, suit yourself.” Fang Du stepped aside, then, seeing the man frozen in place, said, “You’re blocking the way—move over a bit.”

“Oh… right,” the man replied, stepping aside. He watched as Qin Xue and Yang Qing emerged as well, growing more confused than ever.

Are they really just here for a visit?

He wasn’t alone in his confusion—Fang Du and Qin Xue were equally baffled.

A few minutes earlier, in the editing studio:

“What are the requirements for the segment?” Yang Qing asked.

“The theme must be clear, the message strong, the visuals appealing. It should promote our nation’s culinary culture and uphold our heritage,” Qin Xue replied.

“Alright, let’s see the footage.”

“Do you want to watch the raw material?”

“No, show me the edited version.”

After less than a minute of viewing, Yang Qing closed the computer and turned to Qin Xue.

“Do you have a portable camera and a small filming drone here?”

Qin Xue was taken aback. “We do. What do you need them for?”

“To shoot, of course. Come on, let’s make the most of our time.”

And so, the earlier scene unfolded, with three people now left in a haze of confusion.

“Fang Du, come with me to borrow the equipment. Yang Qing, you…”

“Ah, don’t worry about me. I’ll wait here—just be quick.”

“Alright.”

Qin Xue and Fang Du departed, leaving Yang Qing waiting on a chair in the corridor. Growing bored, he got up and wandered toward the source of the singing he’d heard earlier.

It had come from that direction. Time to take a look.