Indeed, it was true.
"I wonder who leaked this?"
Sheng Xiangsi was also puzzled. "Photos like that wouldn't be easily accessible to just anyone, right?"
"Definitely not," Bai Ran agreed. "It's likely Diao Yan's actions stepped on someone's toes in the entertainment industry."
There are many people in the entertainment circle, but the opportunities are limited, especially for an outsider like Diao Yan.
"Probably," Sheng Xiangsi said, rubbing her stomach. "I'm getting hungry."
"Me too, let's go."
...
Two days later, the typhoon passed, and the performances resumed.
Since Diao Yan's departure, Sheng Xiangsi's time with the dance troupe had become much more pleasant. All she needed to focus on were her rehearsals and performances.
For her, it was as natural as breathing or eating.
After finishing the performance in Haicheng, they moved on to several other cities.
After a performance one evening, Sheng Xiangsi was checking her phone, counting the days until she would be in Philadelphia.
Her phone rang—it was Yu Huanxi.
"Mama! Mama!"
Upon answering, she saw Junjun and Yu Huanxi cheek to cheek, with Yu Huanxi imitating Junjun's voice.
"Good girl, both of you," Sheng Xiangsi laughed heartily.
"It's great," Yu Huanxi said, noticing how Sheng Xiangsi had become more radiant and beautiful since focusing on her career.
"Auntie," Junjun protested, "Mommy is always the prettiest! The prettiest ever!"
"Haha..." Yu Huanxi laughed, "Junbao is right! What about Auntie?"
"..." Junjun hesitated for a long moment, then said, "Auntie is also the prettiest!"
"Oh," Yu Huanxi continued teasing her, "What about Junbao?"
"Huh?" Junjun scrunched her little face in confusion, "Junbao is also the prettiest."
"You little smart aleck!" Yu Huanxi tapped Junjun's nose. "So many prettiest!"
"Yes," Junjun explained, giving her aunt an example, "Just like the candies in Junbao's drawer, each one is the best-tasting!"
"Junbao is really smart," Sheng Xiangsi said, watching them with a smile. "Junjun, Mama will be in Philadelphia in a week."
"Wow!"
Junjun's eyes sparkled like grapes. "Really?"
She started counting on her fingers. "Mama, Junbao will wait for Mama! Junbao can see Mama soon! Mama, Junbao misses you so much."
"Mm," Sheng Xiangsi's nose stung with emotion. "Mama misses Junbao so much too."
Mother and daughter chatted sweetly for a long time, and when it was time to hang up, Sheng Xiangsi didn't feel as sad as before.
After all, they would see each other soon.
"Junjun, Mama loves you. Goodnight."
"Junbao loves Mama too!"
As soon as she hung up, her phone rang again.
It was a message from Zhong Pei.
[Are you coming back to Jiangcheng tomorrow?]
[Yes.]
[Can I pick you up?]
Zhong Pei had already returned to Jiangcheng after finishing his business in Haicheng. Recently, with Sheng Xiangsi busy with performances, they had only occasionally been in contact by phone.
[We'll be returning to the troupe together. You could wait for me at the dance troupe's entrance. I'll send you the time. If it doesn't work out, I'll head back on my own. It's no problem.]
Zhong Pei didn't insist, respecting their agreement.
[Alright, I should be able to make it. Let me know.]
[Okay.]
Sheng Xiangsi put down her phone and saw Bai Ran smiling meaningfully. "So, have you two settled things?"
"No," Sheng Xiangsi shook her head.
They hadn't even met in person for a long time, so there was nothing to confirm.
"Still hesitating?" Bai Ran winked at her. "He's handsome and treats you well... but being cautious isn't a bad thing."
"Mm."
Meanwhile, Zhong Pei was with Qin Yanzhi and others.
He had just put his phone down when Qin Yanzhi grabbed him for a 'grilling'. "So, you've made up?"
"..." Zhong Pei smiled shyly and nodded. "I guess so."
Though Xiangsi hadn't explicitly agreed, he could feel she was open to him.
As long as he kept trying, success was within reach.
"Not bad, kid."
"..."
Nearby, Zhou Jinting glanced at Fu Hanjiang, who was silently drinking. In a low voice, he asked, "Did you waste that helicopter trip in the storm?"
"Hmph."
Fu Hanjiang chuckled faintly, giving him a sidelong look. "What right does a bachelor like you have to mock me?"
Zhou Jinting: ...
What did being single have to do with this?
Annoyed, he said, "Being single is better than being an abandoned fool!"
"Hah."
Fu Hanjiang sneered. "Abandoned fool? Please, she's not worth me pining over!"
He downed his drink in one go and stood up.
Zhou Jinting asked, "Where are you going?"
"I'm leaving! Heading to Philadelphia early tomorrow!"
Fu Hanjiang was telling the truth. He had to go to Philadelphia to meet with a supplier.
Back at the Fu residence.
When Fu Hanjiang went upstairs, he passed by Fu Hanchuan's room just as the caretaker was coming out.
"Second Young Master."
"Has my brother not slept yet?"
"The First Young Master is reading for a bit before bed."
"I'll close the door; you can go."
"Alright."
Fu Hanjiang pushed open the door to say goodnight but found Fu Hanchuan leaning against the headboard, lost in thought.
A book lay open on his lap, but he wasn't reading it. Instead, he held a tortoiseshell hairpin, seemingly deep in thought about its owner.
Fu Hanjiang had a hunch that his brother couldn't let go of the hairpin's owner.
Who could it be?
He felt a pang of surprise that he knew nothing about this person who meant so much to his brother.
In the end, Fu Hanjiang decided against saying goodnight and quietly left. Fu Hanchuan didn't even notice.
The next morning, before dawn, Fu Hanjiang left Jiangcheng and headed to Philadelphia.
Upon arriving, he didn't have time to adjust to the time difference and immediately contacted the supplier, diving into work.
His physical condition had always been good, so he didn't think much of it.
However, this time, he felt unwell as soon as he got off the plane.
Rong Zheng took his temperature. "Sir, you have a fever."
"Mm."
Fu Hanjiang nodded. "I know."
He could feel the heat radiating from his breath.
"Sir, you should go to the hospital."
"No need."
Fu Hanjiang shook his head. He didn't have time for the hospital. Not handling things with the supplier properly would cause big problems.
"Just get some medicine for me."
"But..." Rong Zheng frowned, trying to persuade him, "Sir, you don't have to push yourself so hard."
"Not push myself?"
Fu Hanjiang smiled wryly. "My brother has been unconscious all these years, and I've been holding down the fort. Now that he's awake, I need to hand the business back to him in perfect condition. I can't afford any mistakes."
Without my brother, I wouldn't be where I am today.
"...Yes." Rong Zheng couldn't argue. "I'll get the medicine."
After taking the medicine, Fu Hanjiang met with the supplier that night, busy negotiating deals.
For two days straight, he worked intensively. Despite taking the medicine, his fever wouldn't go down.