The car drove far away, and Uncle Qu still stood on the bridge, watching.
He wiped his eyes and turned slowly, his steps pausing.
Xia Weiliang was still squatting under the tree, waiting for him, tracing patterns on the ground with a twig.
After a long while, Uncle Qu withdrew his gaze and walked over, "Girl, let's go home with your master."
"Oh!"
Xia Weiliang quickly got up and went to support him. As they walked, she said, "Master, what do you think of that child Xiao Zheng? I think he's quite good, not like some children from wealthy families who are full of bad habits."
Uncle Qu didn't speak, he smiled contentedly, listening.
"To be able to raise a child like Xiao Zheng, Mrs. Zheng must be a reasonable person."
"Don't worry, Sister Tian won't be at a disadvantage. Even if she is, tell me, and I'll go settle the score with Xiao Zheng!"
"Also..."
Xia Weiliang kept chattering along the way, and Uncle Qu nodded occasionally.
In the sunset, an old man and a young girl walked in the bluestone alley, their figures lengthening with the setting sun...
Xia Weiliang stayed behind, helping Uncle Qu clean up everything before leaving.
"Master, what do you want for breakfast tomorrow?"
"...Soy milk."
"Got it!"
The wooden door opened, and she emerged from inside.
As she looked up, she saw the man squatting opposite, staring at a small black cat at his feet.
"Xiao Hei!"
Xia Weiliang recognized it immediately. This was the cat that could…
He gritted his teeth and smiled at her, "You're quite principled. Good, very good."
"Of course! After all, with my current status... hehe, you should know, my Weibo fans... hehe, only twenty million or so! Oh dear, not that many~"
Thinking of the fans she gained daily, she was overjoyed.
So many natural fans meant saving so much money!
Seeing her so smug, and knowing she was in a good mood, Xiao Yi chuckled and indulged her.
Xia Weiliang glanced over. Xiao Hei was walking on Xiao Yi's other side, acting as if they were old friends. Seeing her look, the cat's eyes flicked towards her, completely ignoring her!
Hey!
Getting feisty, are we!
Without a word, she took Xiao Lan out of her crossbody bag—
"Lan! Go!"
Xiao Lan, just waking up, poked its head out of her bag lazily.
Xiao Hei suddenly stopped, all its fur standing on end, its tail stiffening. With a yowl, it sprang forward.
"Heh, trying to fight me?"
Xia Weiliang gently stroked Xiao Lan's head, "Alright, it knows it was wrong."
Xiao Lan, not quite understanding what was happening, slowly retreated.
Xia Weiliang was extremely pleased. Xiao Yi looked at her with amusement, saying, "After the post-production of 'Rekindled' is finished, I will take a two-month break. During this time, I need to go back and handle some family matters."
"So long?" Xia Weiliang was a little surprised.
Film Emperor Xiao was known as a workaholic in the entertainment industry, and his private life was rarely heard of.
He tilted his head to look at her, "You'll miss me?"
"Not really," Xia Weiliang said truthfully.
After the variety show ended, apart from 'Challenge!', she would be declining other engagements to focus on learning acting.
With her resilient and studious nature, wouldn't she learn with complete dedication?
"Your family..." She wanted to ask for specifics, but she was too shy and worried he might think she had ulterior motives. So, she waved her hand, "Just go back. I'll take on the mission of reviving the entertainment industry."
He looked at her with a half-smile, "What? Have your eyes on my position?"
She patted his chest, "Don't worry, I won't bite the hand that feeds me."
He withdrew his gaze and warned in the gentlest tone, "During my absence, if you dare to create any scandals, just you wait."
"But... but how can I guarantee that? You know my irresistible charm, can I control it?"
"Heh..." He chuckled and nodded, "Then let's make it official."
Xia Weiliang stopped and corrected him sternly, "I hate scandals the most."
He raised an eyebrow, "But you can't control these things... It's better to announce it officially, a permanent solution."
"I can! I can do it! I have no problem!"
She clenched her fists, nodded forcefully, her gaze determined, "I am an actor, and my career is my priority. Scandals will only hinder my progress!"
Xiao Yi smiled and reached out to pat the top of her head, "Very good."
As they were nearing the house, he said, "I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning."
Xia Weiliang blurted out, "So soon?"
"Yes."
He looked at her, his dark eyes holding the night.
She was lost in his gaze.
"I've arranged for some people outside the village. If you need anything, just call. I'll leave you the numbers later."
An indescribable sense of loss enveloped her, making her look dispirited, "No need to trouble yourself, I can take care of myself."
"It's better to have them."
"Oh."
Although they were both in the entertainment industry, his schedule was always packed, and she was in a rising phase, desperately needing to learn and practice. Unless they were working on the same project, they couldn't meet whenever they wished.
Sensing her reluctance, a hint of pleasure appeared on the man's handsome face.
He pinched her cheek, "Didn't you find a master? I heard your aptitude is quite good. Perform well and don't embarrass me."
Xia Weiliang immediately perked up, raising her chin proudly, "With my intelligence and talent, I'm making my master happy!"
The door suddenly opened, and Dazhuang stood in the doorway, dazed.
Then, he squinted hard, "Hey! Hey hey hey... I can't see again..."
He reached out to grope his way forward, stumbling with each step, completely ignoring them as he passed.
Xia Weiliang watched and said sentimentally, "Dazhuang is a good child."
Xiao Yi: "Mm, he's perceptive."
As the two were about to go inside, Xia Weiliang was suddenly tripped.
She looked down. Xiao Hei had her trouser leg in its mouth, dragging her forcefully. Its hind legs were on the ground, its body arched, pulling outwards with all its might.
Xia Weiliang: "..."
Xiao Hei couldn't drag her, so it shook its head vigorously.
"...I say, that's going too far."