Chapter 15: Playing With Fire Will Eventually Get Burned

Human desires are truly a miraculous thing, invisibly expanding continuously. Saying one won’t be greedy, but fame and fortune are within reach. How easy is it to give up?

When Ji Zhen Tang was getting her food in the cafeteria, she glanced at her follower count. Just the day before, it was 301, but today it dropped below, leaving only 298.

But fortunately, she had recently taken a small order to design a jade pendant. Ji Huan helped her find a factory to process it, and she just received the final payment yesterday, so there’s still a surplus in her account. Her father’s assistance was limited to this, but it was better than nothing, saving her some production costs.

“Do you want to try being in front of the camera? Beauty is a scarce resource now, and pretty girls have an advantage in self-media.”

While Ji Zhen Tang was hesitating whether to eat a five-yuan chicken leg, Lin Guixue suddenly asked her.

In the end, she took the plate with the chicken leg and said, “Being scrutinized in front of the camera, my fragile heart will suffer from depression and suicide by wrist-cutting.”

She used her meal card to scratch her wrist slightly, saying, “Like Ruan Lingyu.”

Lin Guixue said, “I see you’re too tangled up. Why not give it a try? If you can rely on your looks, why bother with talent? If you become popular because of your face, you won’t need to stay up late to rush design drafts. Just shoot some atmospheric videos, toss your hair, flirt with your eyes, and your followers will skyrocket. Livestream, endorsements, making money every day. Oh my god, I’m roommates with an internet celebrity!”

Seeing her lost in thought, Ji Zhen Tang turned around, tossed her hair, flirted with her eyes, and raised her eyebrows, “Like this?”

The advantage of a truly beautiful woman suddenly manifested itself. With just a casual movement, she effortlessly exuded charm to the core, and Lin Guixue exclaimed, “Yes, yes, that’s it! You’ve got the vibe!”

“Using beauty to serve people, beauty fades and love weakens,” she smiled indifferently, “How many years can I flirt? My ambition lies elsewhere. Besides, I’m not concerned about having 300 followers anymore, nor do I care about this account.”

Curiously, Lin Guixue asked, “Why the sudden change of heart?”

With a broad-minded face, Ji Zhen Tang said, “Those who achieve great things do not fuss over trifles.”

As she spoke, they split up to pay the bill.

Just as Ji Zhen Tang put down her tray, to pay the bill, and she was about to swipe her card.

Ding—

Faster than her, a hand from behind belonged to a guy.

The lunch fee was deducted from Zhong Heng’s account.

Ji Zhen Tang looked at the person in front of her in surprise, “How did you…”

Someone still had that arrogant demeanor, “To see you.”

Zhong Heng said, then checked his phone for the payment notification, “Eighteen yuan, just WeChat it to me.”

“…”

You wish!

Ji Zhen Tang remained composed, “That’s just right, the mental trauma and breakup fee for dining at your house haven’t been claimed yet, so let’s make it eighteen. No need to overpay.”

Zhong Heng: “?”

She didn’t turn back, carrying her tray to find a seat.

Lin Guixue was about to come over but saw Zhong Heng and wisely went around.

Zhong Heng followed Ji Zhen Tang and sat opposite her.

Ever since she found out about Zhao Siqi’s scandalous affairs, Ji Zhen Tang held the view of “birds of a feather flock together” and shifted her anger onto Zhong Heng, seeing him as no different from Zhao Siqi.

Even giving him a glance seemed like too much patience.

“The hovering ghost,” she mocked.

“Yeah,” he had already abandoned his dignity in front of her.

“What about your next girlfriend?”

“Not interested in finding one. It’s been four months since I’ve been single.” How could he make her hear a bit of his swagger and invite praise?

Ji Zhen Tang: “Wow, the prodigal son repents in just four months and starts to lament about loyalty. Should I erect a monument for you?”

Zhong Heng didn’t eat, nor did he answer, watching her eat with an indifferent expression, as usual.

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t like being ostentatious, but whenever she was with Zhong Heng, her popularity inevitably soared, and she absolutely hated being caught up in rumors related to him. So, she transferred her resentment, feeling very irritated as she said to him, “Can you—”

He interrupted, suddenly serious, “Can you find someone better?”

“What?”

“A better boyfriend.”

Ji Zhen Tang: “…”

“How do you know I can’t?”

“In this school, there’s no one better than me.” Zhong Heng told her solemnly, “Unless you’re looking for my third uncle? He’s single.”

Ji Zhen Tang was taken aback.

“I was joking. If you took it seriously, I advise you to dismiss the thought. Zhong Yu Bai is extremely guarded, he won’t let anyone get close, let alone be a partner. I’m telling you to stay away from him, don’t take it lightly. My brother has been exiled by him for several years now and still can’t return to the country.”

Ji Zhen Tang tried hard to catch the information, “Your brother?”

“Yeah.” Zhong Heng was about to speak, to communicate with her, then remembered something, pointing to her phone on the table, “Transfer the money first, I’ll tell you in detail.”

“…”

Ji Zhen Tang was annoyed by his attitude.

When she couldn’t bear her temper, she really wanted to act out, kick under the table, but she missed, feeling even more frustrated. She got up and left.

“Ji Zhen Tang!”

Zhong Heng suddenly called her.

He said, “I know you have great ambitions, but the fact is, among the people you can choose from, you won’t find anyone better than me. And those you can’t choose, can’t control, it’s best to cut losses in time—ever heard of the phrase? Playing with fire will eventually get you burned.”

In the slow pace of her contemplation, he finally said, “Take care of yourself.”

–

The day Ji Zhen Tang received Zhong Heng’s warning, she decided to visit Chenzhang Garden.

Chenzhang Garden was located in a remote area, close to the neighboring city of Su, and Ji Zhen Tang had to take a bus and then transfer to the subway, winding her way for two hours before reaching the nearest subway station. Throughout the journey, her mind was filled with a cliché phrase: “Knowing there are tigers in the mountains, yet still heading towards the mountains.”

Was she afraid? It didn’t seem like it; she was quite calm.

However, Zhong Heng’s words lingered in her mind like a haunting specter.

As she approached her destination, walking along the long street paved with bluestones, the sky had turned dusky with the setting sun, and she could faintly hear voices in conversation from a distance. A luxurious car was parked in front of the entrance gate, with Chenzhang Garden’s imposing vermilion gate towering beside it.

The threshold of the main gate reached up to the waist, demonstrating the nobility and prominence of the owner, effectively blocking out visitors from the outside.

Mrs. Xu stood inside the gate.

A middle-aged man in a suit stood in front of his car, saying, “Please, wait. Don’t close the door just yet. Mr. Zhong should also understand how difficult it is for a business to thrive. The current financial situation is dire, and the Zhao family’s brand is at risk. The entire jewelry market has been on a downward trend in stock prices, which is not a good sign. Can you ask him to reconsider the financing situation?”

Mrs. Xu sighed, “It’s useless for you to tell me all this. Mr. Zhong has his own attitude. His decisions are based on his own reasons, and a few words from you won’t change that.”

The man looked embarrassed, “I’m not asking you to tell me, can you convey my thoughts to him? Please tell him my ideas and plead on my behalf.”

After a moment of consideration, Mrs. Xu said politely, “Mr. Zhao, please go back. Today, Mr. Zhong finally has some free time, and he wants to rest. You should also give him some space.”

Mr. Zhao sighed and said reluctantly, “Alright, thank you. I’ll come earlier next time.”

Mrs. Xu didn’t say much more; with a courteous smile, she escorted the man away.

As Mr. Zhao walked around the front of his car to open the door, Ji Zhen Tang caught a glimpse of his face and suddenly remembered seeing this person in Zhao Siqi’s circle of friends; he was his father.

The Zhao family held a certain position in the jewelry industry, which was why they had sent their son into the fashion world. It seemed that being born into privilege truly paved the way for them.

Seeing Mr. Zhao’s humble plea for help, it was hard to imagine his son’s high-handed and domineering demeanor.

Although it had nothing to do with her, Ji Zhen Tang inexplicably felt a sense of satisfaction in her heart, and she couldn’t help but smile.

After Mr. Zhao’s Mercedes drove away, Mrs. Xu, who was about to close the door, noticed Ji Zhen Tang standing on the street corner.

She raised her eyebrows, her eyes lighting up as if she had seen an old friend, and greeted her with a smile, “You’re here?”

Ji Zhen Tang was taken aback; why did her tone sound like she had been waiting for her for a long time? She nodded blankly, “Um.”

Mrs. Xu said, “Come in.”

Without explaining her purpose, Ji Zhen Tang effortlessly gained entry.

Walking along the corridor, twisting and turning towards the depths of the mountains and rivers, Mrs. Xu didn’t ask her what she was there for, but simply led the way, saying, “There were so many people here today. One by one, they were all sent away, and the gifts they brought almost filled the entire room. But there’s nothing we can do; Mr. Zhong said it’s his vacation time, and he doesn’t want to see anyone.”

Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t help but smile and said, “He’s quite principled.”

Mrs. Xu replied, “Without principles, how can one achieve great things?”

This statement was very apt, hitting the nail on the head. It diminished the fun of her jokes and brought about some philosophical thoughts.

Sure enough, those who could work by Zhong Yu Bai’s side were all clever people.

As they approached a vacant waterside pavilion, Ji Zhen Tang could faintly hear the enchanting sounds of ancient qin and melodious bamboo flute. She couldn’t help but ask, “Is someone playing the flute?”

Glancing at her phone, Mrs. Xu murmured, “It’s not over yet.”

Then she explained, “Oh, today an actor came to perform Kunqu opera, and Mr. Zhong is still watching.”

Surprised, Ji Zhen Tang looked in the direction indicated by Mrs. Xu’s gaze towards a pavilion deep in the artificial mountain, murmuring, “He still enjoys this?”

Mrs. Xu replied, “Mainly to accompany the old gentleman, Mr. Zhong’s father.”

From a distance, Ji Zhen Tang saw two men sitting in the pavilion on two grandmaster chairs, with an antique lantern hanging above them, casting dim shadows.

Watching them from behind, Ji Zhen Tang observed their solemn yet somewhat relaxed figures.

Insignificant as it seemed, this inconspicuous location on the top of the artificial mountain clearly displayed the status of these two individuals.

At this moment, the sight of rivers and mountains, or even beautiful women, seemed less important. Ji Zhen Tang looked up for a moment and felt that in the darkness, the peak appeared distant and indifferent without the hustle and bustle.

And she, at the foot of the mountain, seemed so small and dim.

Next to Zhong Yu Bai sat a man slightly shorter than him, who appeared even more refined.

“What kind of person is Mr. Zhong’s father?” Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t help asking.

“He’s a professor at a university who just retired a couple of years ago,” Mrs. Xu replied with a gentle smile, “He’s a very nice person, usually loves reading and watching performances.”

Standing with Mrs. Xu on the gravel path, Ji Zhen Tang looked at the faint figure of Zhong Yu Bai drawn by the water’s reflection, leaning casually, with no guard up, beside him was his seemingly even more gentle and amiable father. The old gentleman wore a pair of framed glasses, exuding a friendly aura as he smiled and watched the captivating dance performance ahead, engaging in lively conversation with Zhong Yu Bai.

Zhong Yu Bai seemed to be smiling but not smiling, casually gazing at the flowers and moon on the other side of the water, his gaze seemingly absent-minded.

Perhaps he was tired, or perhaps he wasn’t particularly interested, but since he was here, he decided to accompany his father to watch the show.

Ji Zhen Tang shifted her gaze to the performance on the water pavilion.

Behind a round, grayish-white curtain stood a large folding screen.

The dancer was behind the screen, her delicate shadow outlined on the curtains. As the elegant music played, her water sleeves fluttered gracefully, dancing lightly and gracefully.

It was a beautiful and splendid shadow dance.

The last time I saw such a performance was probably on a TV station’s large-scale evening program.

Seeing is believing, and indeed it was astonishingly impressive.

Soon, as the melody subsided, a dancer in a long gown walked out from behind.

Seeing her face, Ji Zhen Tang frowned, “This actress is—?”

“Her name is Fang Mo, she graduated from the Dance Academy.”

She exclaimed, “Ah, it’s really her.”

Mrs. Xu asked, “Do you know her?”

She hesitated, “Um, yes, I’ve seen some of her dramas, just a little.”

Ji Zhen Tang’s curiosity grew stronger, and she asked again, “Does she… not have a job?” implying that she thought all celebrities had endless engagements.

Mrs. Xu smiled, “Dancing for Mr. Zhong is also her job.”

“…”

Ji Zhen Tang blinked in surprise for a moment, then softly uttered, “Hmm,” and watched Fang Mo exit. As she tidied her sleeves and walked forward, her figure was excellent, graceful and elegant. She came along the path, slightly out of breath after dancing a vigorous dance, heading towards the pavilion to find Zhong Yu Bai.

Mrs. Xu hurriedly intercepted her. 

“Miss Fang, it’s late today, Mr. Zhong has been working hard all day and also needs some personal space. If you have anything, let’s discuss it next time.”

Fang Mo, true to her name, was fresh and elegant, her graceful fragrance reaching Ji Zhen Tang’s nostrils. With a big star so close, it was hard not to be amazed, she held her breath slightly.

Understanding Mrs. Xu’s unspoken words, Fang Mo’s face stiffened for a few seconds, then she tactfully smiled, “Can’t I even see him for a moment?”

Mrs. Xu shook her head slightly.

Fang Mo said with disappointment, “Okay, I have nothing to discuss with him anyway.”

Then, she glanced towards Zhong Yu Bai and said hastily, “I hope Mr. Zhong can honor me with a meal another day.”

Mrs. Xu smiled and said, “Let’s talk about another day when the time comes.”

She was also a person who left no room for doubt.

Taking the tissue handed to her by her assistant, Fang Mo awkwardly wiped away some sweat.

“I’ll go back first, see you.” After instructing Mrs. Xu, she glanced at Ji Zhen Tang again, a hurried glance that clearly showed she didn’t care about her.

Then, she left with her assistant.

Ji Zhen Tang complained inwardly, It’s so difficult to see Zhong Yu Bai…

However, just as she was thinking this, her pass worked again, and Mrs. Xu led her up to the artificial hill.

In the pavilion above, Zhong Yu Bai’s father stood up, glanced at Ji Zhen Tang, didn’t ask about her background, just smiled gently, nodded, showing no hint of hostility in his demeanor. Then he said to Zhong Yu Bai, “I’m going to rest, you handle your affairs, go to bed early.”

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t respond, nor did he look back at her, just lightly supported his chin, a faint smile on his face, nodding slightly.

“My things are here.” Watching Mrs. Xu and his father leave, Ji Zhen Tang’s heartbeat suddenly accelerated, feeling somewhat nervous, she went straight to the point.

After a long absence, her sudden opening seemed a bit lacking in tact.

Ji Zhen Tang spoke while urgently rummaging through her bag for her earphones, wanting to present evidence.

She tried very hard to emphasize her intention, with a hint of desperate emphasis.

In the pavilion ahead, the sound of bamboo flutes continued, gracefully floating on the moonlit water.

Zhong Yu Bai reached out and picked up the dice cup placed on the nearby table.

His fingers were long, reaching deep into it. Two seconds later, he gently picked out her earphones.

“This?” 

Ji Zhen Tang blushed, “You knew it was mine? Why didn’t you tell me?”

The man turned his face slightly, his peripheral vision encompassing her, and said softly, “Since the benefactor has come, why bother making a fuss?”

His words seemed to imply that losing these earphones wasn’t very smart. And he was so confident that she would come looking for them.

Ji Zhen Tang lightly and tepidly said, “Oh.”

It seemed she wasn’t very satisfied with his answer.

Zhong Yu Bai’s voice softened a few degrees as he glanced at her, then smiled warmly, changing his words, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled too, walking to his side, and said, “I’ve finished the medicine, couldn’t find the Chinese doctor you recommended. Maybe it’s because of my physique, Western medicine doesn’t work for me, but Chinese medicine is effective!”

This statement seemed to blame him for not taking the initiative to contact her for too long, which was inappropriate.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t get up, sitting lazily with crossed legs, looking very easygoing, he smiled lightly and said, “Just been on a business trip for two months, only came back the day before yesterday.”

“…”

“Are you in a hurry?”

He lifted his eyes, looking at the young girl in front of him.

Ji Zhen Tang hesitated slightly. She should have asked “in a hurry for what” with a clear gaze, using the power of questioning to express: What am I in a hurry for?

But now she hesitated, wondering if she still had the need to speak. Their contest seemed trivial to her.

After all, he could read her mind, and she seemed like a transparent person in front of him.

Even false confidence would be instantly seen through by him without any warning.

Zhong Yu Bai slowly comforted her, “Don’t worry, sit down and talk.”

Soon, the earphones were placed in her palm, and he smiled again, “You remembered to come get them after two months, impressive.”

Every sentence seemed to carry a hidden meaning.

She suddenly lost her usual eloquence, as when a person’s face is full of desire, lacking kindness, and more pretense, they easily become nervous.

Ji Zhen Tang put away the earphones, muttering after a while, “You only remembered after you needed to use them.”

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her calmly for a moment.

Today, she didn’t tie up her hair, her shoulder-length hair was loose and natural, with a natural curl and length, the strands of hair by her ears held by two white hair clips side by side, revealing a delicate ear and a smooth jawline.

The exquisitely refined bone structure made her effortlessly beautiful.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at the girl’s ears, then stood up.

Across a chess table.

He suddenly leaned forward.

Ji Zhen Tang was startled by this and naturally moved back.

With little room to spare, she didn’t move far. Zhong Yu Bai reached out, his intention obvious, and moved aside her hair, revealing the two hair clips.

The blue and white jade guifei dog was cute and trendy.

The man gently held the two hair clips with his fingers, looking at them calmly for a moment. The deep pools in his eyes were as calm as the night, neither dim nor bright.

Her body was covered in his shadow. A brief tilt brought the two closer in breath.

His breath was close to her ear.

Surprisingly warm.

Ji Zhen Tang realized he was looking at her clips, then breathed a sigh of relief and raised her finger to point, indicating, “Newly bought, it’s called Ji Xiaogou.”

Then, Zhong Yu Bai calmly let go and complimented, “It suits you very well.”

She smiled happily.

Zhong Yu Bai also lightly smiled, calmly sat back, and then straightforwardly asked, “Any new needs?”

Ji Zhen Tang’s smile abruptly stopped. Fear alone was no longer enough to describe the feeling of being seen through now. More likely, it was stimulation. Desire filled her with the courage she didn’t dare to try before. She stared at Zhong Yu Bai and asked seriously, “Will you help me?”

Zhong Yu Bai spoke slowly, “To ascend to heaven and pluck the moon, I’m afraid it’s not possible.”

“…”

Apart from that, everything else is manageable.

Then, Zhong Yu Bai gestured with his eyes, indicating she could speak now.

But Ji Zhen Tang still didn’t speak. She dared to continue and asked, “But I want to know, what reasons do you have to satisfy me?”

Zhong Yu Bai thought for a moment, smiled lightly, with a clear gaze in his eyes, “Everything needs a ‘why’?”

Not everything.

But in an unequal relationship, she always needed to see clearly what kind of weight she could hold onto.

Zhong Yu Bai adopted a relaxed posture as if unwilling to ponder deeply, simply saying, “Following your heart is the best reason.”

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