To avoid exposing himself, Qin Zhao put on an act, trying to increase his affability by starting a casual atmosphere with the two male researchers, suggesting they play cards and have a late-night snack together.
Chu Xinyue naturally wouldn't indulge him, turning to go back to her room alone.
The others exchanged glances, knowing full well that Qin Zhao was just finding an excuse to spend more time with Chu Xinyue.
With the lead actress gone, everyone was ready to head back to their own rooms.
Unexpectedly, Qin Zhao actually intended to treat everyone to a late-night snack.
The trio of researchers was quite surprised and initially planned to politely decline.
Qin Zhao said, "I should have treated you guys sooner."
[Years ago, I failed to fulfill my duties as an engaged man and treat my fiancée's friends to a meal... sigh, hindsight is always 20/20.] Ji Fei, who had nowhere else to go at the moment, couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark after sensing his thoughts.
Qin Zhao's smile stiffened, affected by her inner voice.
The trio also felt quite awkward, as Chu Xinyue had just returned to her room, clearly signaling her unwillingness to get personally involved with Qin Zhao. Although they thought the two made a good match, they still had boundaries and didn't want to put Chu Xinyue in an overly difficult position and anger her.
One can be kind, but shouldn't force moral burdens on others.
Seeing their hesitation, Qin Zhao quickly changed his excuse, saying, "I actually wanted to get to know the members of your team better, so I can provide more detailed guidance for the investment later."
Although it was quite possibly an excuse, since he said it, refusing further would offend the investor.
So they were swept up by the atmosphere and ended up having a late-night snack in one of the male researchers' rooms.
Qin Zhao ordered a lavish spread for everyone, instantly eliminating any sense of distance. They even asked for autographs and photos, because even if they weren't Qin Zhao's fans, he was still a top star, and posting his photos on their social media would surely bring floods of likes and praise.
Soon after, Qin Zhao contacted Brother Gao, asking him to arrange two rooms on this floor.
Qin Zhao cunningly chose the room directly across from Chu Xinyue's.
In the end, Brother Gao and Xiao Tao came over to help cover up the lie.
However, seeing Brother Gao pull Qin Zhao aside for a private whisper, it was likely about Chu Xueqi's matter, but it was evident that Qin Zhao no longer wanted to hear anything about her.
With Qin Zhao's attitude, Gao Hao naturally felt free to take action, signaling to the outside world and cutting off all resources previously provided to Chu Xueqi.
On Ji Fei's side, she was happily eating barbecue with Xiao Tao when Qin Zhao approached and said in a low voice, "Come with me to bring some food to Xinyue later."
So he didn't dare go alone and wanted to use Ji Fei as a buffer?
Ji Fei refused.
She never intended to help bring Qin Zhao and Chu Xinyue together.
Qin Zhao gritted his teeth, "But I just transferred one million yuan to you, the money's still hot."
Ji Fei righteously stated, "One matter at a time, this is a separate fee."
Qin Zhao was stunned, incredulous at this principled (money-grubbing) person who had just taken his money without a hint of shame.
In the end, he had no choice but to transfer more money.
He couldn't help but complain, "I feel like I'm forming a conditioned response."
Paying people whenever he needed help.
Ji Fei smiled and accepted the money.
[So the prodigal son has indeed returned for the money! But is he stupid? Anyone else here would be a better buffer than me when accompanying him to deliver the food. They'd easily agree, but he chose me instead, giving me the best seat to watch the show. This is the first time I've encountered someone paying others to eat popcorn and enjoy the drama. Haha, I'm really starting to like this third brother more and more.]
Hearing her inner voice, Qin Zhao felt numb. That's right, why did he insist on choosing Ji Fei? Could it be that deep down, he considered Ji Fei as part of his family?
Just thinking about this possibility made him break out in an uncomfortable cold sweat.
Forget it, as long as someone accompanied him, it was fine.
After selecting some food for Chu Xinyue, Ji Fei suggested, "The grilled eggplant is quite good."
"She doesn't eat eggplant," Qin Zhao replied.
Ji Fei was surprised, "You still remember her preferences."
"Yeah." Qin Zhao didn't think it was a big deal.
Ji Fei couldn't help but feel a bit astonished. After all, with how distant their relationship had been, she thought Qin Zhao would only remember everything related to Chu Xueqi.
The two arrived at Chu Xinyue's room and Qin Zhao knocked on the door.
Soon after, Chu Xinyue's cool voice came from inside, "Who is it?"
Qin Zhao said, "It's me and Sister-in-law Ji, bringing you some late-night snacks."
It fell silent for a moment inside, clearly indicating Chu Xinyue's hesitation. After a while, she opened the door.
But as soon as the door opened, Chu Xinyue looked towards Ji Fei, her voice noticeably warmer, "Thank you, but I don't eat late-night snacks, so there's no need to waste them."
From the way Chu Xinyue stood at the doorway, it was evident she had no intention of inviting them inside.
Ji Fei instantly understood that Chu Xinyue was truly on high alert.
Before Qin Zhao could get anxious, Chu Xinyue suddenly spoke up, "By the way, Sister Ji."
Ji Fei was taken aback, feeling that Chu Xinyue's way of addressing her had become much more intimate.
Chu Xinyue said very sincerely, "Thank you for the matter with Cao Ya. I'll remember this favor, and if there's ever anything I can help with in the future, feel free to let me know."
She finished with a serene, sincere smile, truly expressing her gratitude to Ji Fei.
If Ji Fei hadn't seen through and exposed Cao Ya and Kang Zhi's true nature, Chu Xinyue would still be in the dark. She had wanted to thank Ji Fei for a while, but Qin Zhao's presence had prevented her from doing so. She could only take this opportunity to express her thanks.
Ji Fei waved her hand dismissively, "It was just a trivial matter. It just shows you were lucky enough for me to accidentally witness their true selves. Otherwise, if you kept helping them, that violent man would have eventually targeted you."
Chu Xinyue frowned, having had the same premonition. "I only pitied her because she seemed unfortunate. I didn't expect... I was wrong."
"As the ancient wisdom goes, 'The most pitiable person must have the most deplorable side.'" Ji Fei sighed.
Recalling the information Ji Fei's inner voice had conveyed, Qin Zhao couldn't help but grind his teeth and say, "Someone like Cao Ya is just wicked and stupid, wasting your kindness. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Actually, I did do something wrong," Ji Fei said, picking up a piece of barbecue from the plate and munching on it as she spoke.
Qin Zhao exclaimed, "Hey!"
Chu Xinyue looked towards Ji Fei.
Ji Fei continued, "When you first advised her to break up, and she agreed but then got back together, you should have realized she wasn't the type to listen to advice. At that point, you should have permanently avoided getting involved in her romantic issues instead of repeatedly trying to persuade her. Some people do need guidance and help, but others don't. For those types of people, you need to let go of the desire to help and respect their fate, otherwise you'll eventually end up harming your own life because of their karma."
Chu Xinyue listened, stunned for a moment, before nodding, "You make a very valid point."
Qin Zhao was also quite surprised, even a little appreciative, as he looked at his sister-in-law who had suddenly transformed. Could it be that because of her unique ability to see through others' lives, Ji Fei had truly achieved enlightenment?
No, that couldn't be right. An enlightened person wouldn't be so greedy for money.
As he was thinking this, Ji Fei flashed a brilliant smile and said, "Like me, I basically never advise anyone to break up or stay together!"
The implication in her words made Chu Xinyue pause briefly before laughing, "Right, I'll learn from Sister Ji from now on."
Ji Fei smiled, waved her hand, and headed back.
Chu Xinyue, without looking at Qin Zhao in front of her, said softly, "It's fine, I need to rest now." She moved to close the door.
"Wait!" Qin Zhao panicked and reached out his hand.
A dull thud was heard as his hand got caught in the door.
Chu Xinyue was startled and quickly released the door handle.
But before Chu Xinyue could close the door again, Qin Zhao had already propped it open with his hand, not giving her another chance to shut it.
"Xinyue, I have something to tell you!" Qin Zhao's tone was urgent as he lowered his gaze, deeply staring at her.
Chu Xinyue felt as though she was being pressed down by an invisible pressure, completely enveloped by Qin Zhao's overwhelming aura, making her physically uncomfortable.
She frowned, and when she met his gaze, her eyes were cold and indifferent, causing a pang of pain in Qin Zhao's heart, but he stubbornly refused to back down.
[Tsk tsk tsk, the persistent pestering tactic won't work on Chu Xinyue. Silly fool.]
Qin Zhao was taken aback, how could he still hear Ji Fei's inner voice when she had already left?
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the door to the neighboring room was wide open, with more than one shadowy figure visible through the crack.
Clearly, a group of people had gathered there to watch the drama unfold.
But now he had already lost his face, and couldn't miss the opportunity to talk to Chu Xinyue any longer.
Qin Zhao was about to open his mouth when he heard Ji Fei mocking again.
[Alas, I bet there's no chance.]
Qin Zhao: No, he hasn't even started yet! Don't be so pessimistic!
[It's not enough to just put on a humble attitude to make the past hurt go away. Chu Xinyue is now waiting for Qin Zhao to say what he has to say and put an end to everything. If he doesn't say it well this time, Qin Zhao will be completely finished.]
Qin Zhao was instantly aghast, staring at Chu Xinyue's icy cold face in astonishment. Although he had guessed that it wouldn't be too smooth, he didn't expect there to be almost no hope at all!
It was simply like a death row inmate's last plea before sentencing, and he was so nervous that his throat started to tighten.
But he had to say it, he still owed Chu Xinyue three sentences.