Hidden Affection - Chapter 08

Ning Zhi had no mood to speak for the rest of the way and just focused on walking, while Shen Yizhi also remained silent.

Jiang Peng deliberately sped up the pace, wanting Ning Zhi and Shen Yizhi to spend a little more time together.

After all, they were acting as rivals, so it wouldn’t do if they weren’t familiar with each other.

Moreover, he wanted Ning Zhi to leave a good impression on Shen Yizhi, so that future collaborations would be smoother, or for any other convenience, it would be easier to start a conversation.

No matter how glamorous Ning Zhi was, she had only debuted for a year, with little experience and few achievements. Especially since she was thinking of transitioning and refused to just be an idol living off her fans, there would be many times in the future when she would need to ask for favors.

He kept looking back from time to time, disappointed to find that although the two were walking together, there was no interaction between them.

What’s wrong with A Zhi? Jiang Peng wondered to himself. It’s not like she hasn’t interacted with well-known seniors in the circle before; she got along well with every one of them. After all, a lively and beautiful young woman like her easily wins others’ favor.

Why does she become so silent whenever she’s in front of Shen Yizhi?

They soon arrived at Shen Yizhi’s room, and the two groups separated.

…

…

Ning Zhi perfunctorily shook her hand at Shen Yizhi, barely glancing at her before walking away without a proper look.

It was still better that Jiang Peng stayed behind to say a proper goodbye.

“I’ve always heard that Shen Yizhi is hard to approach, but only when I met her did I realize just how difficult it is to get close to her. Even trying to say a word is not easy—though her two assistants are quite sociable.” Jiang Peng caught up with Ning Zhi, who was walking ahead in a few quick steps.

He was getting along well with them, speaking in a rather cheerful tone.

Ning Zhixin was deeply troubled and, upon hearing this, was very surprised. Was Shen Yizhi really difficult to approach?

“But it’s only natural to maintain a certain level of aloofness; after all, her status is what it is. If just anyone could approach her, where would she find the time to do anything else? Just dealing with people would be exhausting.” Jiang Peng added.

Ning Zhi’s attention, however, remained on the previous sentence. Upon careful thought, she realized that Shen Yizhi was indeed very difficult to approach.

Although their interactions so far had been quite gentle, Ning Zhi knew well that this was because she had not done anything to upset her.

Once Shen Yizhi gets angry, there is absolutely no room for negotiation.

She would leave decisively and cleanly; no matter how much she begged, it was useless. He wouldn’t soften his heart for her, nor would he spare her a second glance.

Ning Zhi looked down at the thick, soft carpet beneath her feet and recalled some past events.

But she still couldn’t stand hearing someone badmouth Shen Yizhi in front of her and couldn’t help but defend her: “She’s pretty good, not so high and mighty.”

Jiang Peng smirked dismissively, then laughed: “She is indeed pretty good to you. I even saw it on set. Did she give you some pointers on how to act?”

Upon hearing this, Ning Zhi’s heavy mood momentarily froze, then her spirits unfolded like a dried sponge thrown into water, accompanied by a swelling sense of satisfaction.

It seemed like such a great honor to receive special treatment from Shen Yizhi.

She curved the corner of her lips, and suddenly felt an urge to confide: “She’s actually just a bit cold by nature. As long as you don’t cross her bottom line, she treats people very well.”

Jiang Peng didn’t believe it. Having been in the circle for so many years, he had never seen a big shot who was truly approachable.

They all seem easy to get along with, but in fact, each one is more guarded than the last.

He thought of something else and asked, “The way she looks at you isn’t unfamiliar at all, as if you’ve known each other before. Have you two met before?”

As expected of people in the entertainment industry, each one seems to have a sixth sense, with sharp and keen minds.

Ning Zhi paused for a moment; after all, she couldn’t say that they had all been officially registered for several months.

But she was also very willing to listen to people talk about Shen Yizhi, so she mentioned another aspect of their relationship: “We used to be neighbors.”

Neighbors? What kind of neighbors?” Jiang Peng didn’t catch on immediately. Thinking of Ning Zhi’s internet addiction, he casually asked, “Online neighbors?

Ning Zhi: “……”

The sudden desire to chat was instantly and completely extinguished.

She pressed her lips tightly, not wanting to speak anymore.

Ning Zhi’s room was not far from Shen Yizhi’s; walking down the corridor to the end and then turning a corner would get you there.

Yangyang was the first to walk ahead and open the door.

They went inside, and Yangyang drew back the curtains, revealing the city’s expansive neon lights reflected on the glass window overlooking everything below.

Seeing Ning Zhi suddenly lose interest in the conversation, Jiang Peng also felt that what he said was unreasonable; after all, they might really be neighbors.

He hurried to make amends, not wanting the little ancestor to get upset, so he smiled and walked over to her side, pretending to be very interested, and asked, “So you’re neighbors? Did you used to live next door?”

Ning Zhi no longer wanted to talk, lifted her eyelids slightly, and said indifferently, “Right across the door.”

Then, he turned to Yang Yang and said, “I’m hungry, let’s order some food.”

“I’ve already ordered it; it will be delivered soon,” Yangyang said immediately. Just now, when Ning Zhi said to order whatever in the elevator, she chose a dinner that Ning Zhi wouldn’t dislike.

Ning Zhi headed to the bedroom, muttering as she threw out a sentence: “I’m going to take a shower. Just leave the dinner there when it arrives. You guys do whatever you need to do, don’t just stand here.”

Jiang Peng was met with a cold shoulder and turned to Yangyang awkwardly, saying, “Why is she so fierce today? Isn’t she usually quite friendly?”

Even when unhappy, she would be lazy and seem indifferent, not bothering to argue with you. She would never appear so cold on the surface while hiding such sharp emotions.

Yangyang thought so too, but she was just an assistant, not as strong-willed as Jiang Peng, so she didn’t want to comment on anything. She just smiled and smoothed things over: “Maybe it’s because it’s the first day of filming and she hasn’t gotten used to it yet.”

Ning Zhi listened to the buzzing voices outside but didn’t want to pay any attention at all.

She filled the bathtub with hot water, took off her clothes, and submerged her entire body.

The water was a bit too hot, making her skin burn red.

Ning Zhi leaned her body back and closed her eyes.

The steam spread thickly and hazily, and before long, her hair was damp with moisture, and the skin on her face was flushed from the heat.

Shen Yizhi’s ever-present figure took advantage of her weakened will from soaking in the hot water and slipped into her mind through every crack.

She did not lie to Jiang Peng; she and Shen Yizhi had indeed been neighbors living across the door from each other, but that was six years ago.

During those six years in between, they were like strangers, so unfamiliar that they didn’t see each other even once.

Oh, not exactly; to be precise, they never met in real life, but she never missed any of Shen Yizhi’s movies, any of her shows, or even her fan topics. She checked in every day. Before debuting, she even organized a few fan movie viewings through posts, effectively turning herself into a super fan.

Like other fans who admired Shen Yizhi, looking up to her was the only way she could get close to her during those six years.

Ning Zhi recalled how Shen Yizhi asked her earlier that day if she ever felt proud enough to want to see all the flowers of Chang’an in a single day.

She said yes.

Indeed, it was last year when she first tasted the thrill of great fame and success. Whatever she did, countless people supported her; whatever she said, countless people listened, took it seriously, and even revered it as wise counsel.

It was as if the Earth revolved around her.

After just one summer, the name Ning Zhi was known by everyone. Her fans were so passionate that, in their descriptions, Ning Zhi had countless virtues. Everyone she met wore a warm smile, adored her, and indulged her. These people and events captivated her eyes, making her mistakenly believe that in this world, no one could fail to love Ning Zhi.

She was the most commercially valuable star of the past year, the fastest to reach the top in popularity, shining brilliantly and basking in immense glory.

What was she thinking back then?

Ning Zhi raised her hand to cover her face, her cheeks burning intensely, unsure if it was from the heat or from her own narrow-minded thoughts.

She was truly naive at the time, actually thinking that since she was so popular, Shen Yizhi must have heard of her. Would she be surprised?

Does she deserve to receive his gaze?

At least they should be able to have an equal conversation.

Until one day, she went to a TV station to record a variety show, where she met Shen Yizhi.

Shen Yizhi did not see her; many people were gathered around her. Ning Zhi recognized some of them, including the station director, an investor, several directors, and producers—all influential figures in the industry who carried themselves with ease.

The reason she recognized them was that the night before, she had dinner with that investor.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was fairly harmonious, and the investor did not put on airs, speaking to her warmly. However, Ning Zhi had been sensitive to people’s expressions since childhood and was particularly attuned to subtle changes in their facial expressions.

No matter how gentle the investor is, he still cannot hide the arrogance in his bones, sizing Ning Zhi up like a commodity.

Even if placed in a locked display case, a priceless item is, after all, still just a commodity.

At this moment, he was smiling politely beside Shen Yizhi, though he couldn’t get close to her, separated by two or three people, smiling with eagerness.

This stark contrast was laid bare before her, shattering the surprise of encountering Shen Yizhi before it could even spread, mocking her for being so naive and foolish.

Only then did she realize that the little achievement she was so proud of probably meant nothing at all in that person’s eyes.

She was still as annoying as the child six years ago who had nothing and was clueless about the world.

Just then, as if Shen Yizhi sensed her gaze, she turned around. Ning Zhi immediately felt as if scorched by fire, not daring to even make eye contact, and fled in panic.

After that day, she went from looking forward to reuniting with Shen Yizhi to fearing the encounter.

Shen Yizhi is like a mountain; in the past, she could only look up to her, and now she thinks she is right in front of her, but it is just an illusion—she is still far away.

And the only thing that comforts Ning Zhi is that Shen Yizhi is doing very well.

Shen Yizhi is doing very well; her life does not need multiple Nings.

She quietly pushed back the budding hope, not daring to think any further, but fate played a joke on her again—she and Shen Yizhi got their marriage certificate and became legally bound to spend their lives together.

Although she didn’t know how long this relationship could last, Ning Zhi thought that as long as she didn’t cross the line, and as long as Shen Yizhi hadn’t met someone she liked, it should be able to continue for a while longer.

It was just that Ning Zhi herself didn’t understand what the point was of maintaining this fragile relationship so cautiously.

What wasn’t hers would eventually leave her.

She had been soaking in the bathtub until her skin was almost wrinkled before she finally rinsed off and got out.

Jiang Peng and Yang Yang had already left. Yang Yang was thoughtful; worried that the dinner would get cold, she put the food in the microwave to warm it up and even left her a WeChat message explaining that she would come to pick her up at six in the morning.

Ning Zhi had no appetite and didn’t touch her dinner. Holding a towel, she wiped her hair while playing with her phone for a while, recalling that she had only halfway registered on that overly cutesy dating app.

Ning Zhi tossed the towel aside and brought up the “Orange” interface to continue registering.

After filling in the nickname and relationship status—two basic pieces of information—and completing a few psychological quizzes, the entire test took less than a minute, and the account was registered.

Ning Zhi jumped to the homepage to study those matching mechanisms.

There are three types in total.

Voice pairing, distance pairing, and soul pairing.

I won’t talk about the first two; the last one pairs you with a stranger based on the psychological test you just completed.

After any type of pairing is completed, the interface will look like a night sky filled with stars. Each star represents a user and displays their nickname. By clicking on a star, the pairing is successful, and you can open the chat window to start a conversation directly.

The gameplay is very simple.

Just during the one or two minutes she spent studying the gameplay, five messages suddenly flooded in, all from different strangers.

Ning Zhi opened the chat interface to take a look and found that, just like WeChat, the entire screen only showed one avatar, one nickname, and an input box at the bottom. Clicking on the avatar allowed her to see basic information.

All five people sent greetings, and one of them, more confident, said, “Let’s chat. That’s my avatar; you should be satisfied, right?”

Ning Zhi: “……”

Why does this person talk like that, so strange and odd?

She didn’t even open the profile picture before deleting this person.

There were still four left, but she had no motivation to communicate.

Bored, she randomly tapped on the screen a few times. Ning Zhi suddenly found herself a bit funny. As soon as she heard that she could find a “tree hole” to talk to relieve stress, she downloaded this app. Could she really share those little secrets she didn’t even dare to mention with a stranger?

She was mocking herself and about to exit the app when a new message popped up.

The new person who appeared had a nickname made up of numbers: 0929.

Ning Zhi paused for a moment when he saw this set of numbers, then opened the message. 0929 didn’t say anything, not even a greeting; the screen was blank.

Ning Zhi was puzzled when a late message suddenly popped up at the top of the screen.

Puppy.

Ning Zhi instantly bristled, taking the word “puppy” as a provocation, and retorted aggressively, “Who are you calling puppy?”

She played a word game, saying “Who is the puppy calling?” instead of “Who is calling the puppy?” As long as the other side responded, it meant admitting that they themselves were the puppy.

After Ning Zhi sent the message, he furrowed his brows tightly and stared at the screen.

There was no response for a while, and just when Ning Zhi thought the other party wouldn’t reply anymore, 0929 finally responded.

What bad intentions could a little puppy possibly have?

Sent her nickname once.

Ning Zhi reacted for a moment, then understood the meaning of 0929; it should mean that you want to be called by this name yourself.

It was like a punch hitting cotton; Ning Zhi immediately lost his temper and replied weakly, “Then you’re not allowed to call it a puppy.”

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