C6 Experiment

Faced with such an unabashed expression of feelings, Xia Wanxin was left speechless. She had guessed right—this playboy had fallen head over heels for Zhenzhen at first sight. She glanced subtly at Qu Zhenzhen beside her. Despite the unexpected compliment, Zhenzhen seemed unfazed, as if she were merely an observer.

Resting her chin on her hand, Zhenzhen looked at the slightly blushing Jing Yuanhao across from her and replied with ease, "I'm honored to receive such praise from a star like you. It seems we'll make quite the team in this project."

She skillfully sidestepped the core of the issue without offending anyone. Although Yuanhao might feel a bit slighted, it was a tactful approach. The boss, who had been quietly observing Zhenzhen, was very pleased with her response. He knew he hadn't misjudged her; in today's entertainment industry, someone with her integrity was rare. Most would latch onto any opportunity to climb the ladder.

Xie Yaotian's lips curled slightly as he tapped his knife and fork against Yuanhao's plate. "Since we're here to celebrate, let's stick to topics related to the script. Enjoy your meal."

Yuanhao snapped back to reality, reluctantly poking at his food, puzzled. "I was so straightforward, and she didn't react at all? What's going on? Have I finally met my match in the dating game?"

Distracted, he finished his meal, and the group gradually left the restaurant and boarded the van. Watching Xia Wanxin chatter away with Zhenzhen ahead, Yuanhao's mind began to scheme.

In the following days, Yuanhao continued filming on set. To help Zhenzhen quickly get acquainted with the crew and interact more with her co-stars, Yaotian arranged for her to stay on set.

Xia Wanxin had just wrapped up filming and had some time before her next project started, so she decided to take the opportunity to relax and recharge. Every few days, she would drop by the set to hang out with her friend Zhenzhen.

One afternoon during a break, Jing Yuanhao slipped away from his entourage of assistants, carrying two cups of coffee that he had them specially fetch. He quietly approached Wanxin, who was sitting alone.

"Here, this is for you," he said, handing her one of the coffees with ease and taking a seat beside her.

Wanxin was a bit surprised but politely thanked him. She glanced around, wondering where Zhenzhen had disappeared to, as she was just there a moment ago.

"So, Mr. Handsome, how come you have time to spare? Finished shooting for the day?" she teased.

Yuanhao shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee and letting out a sigh. "Not a chance. We’ve only managed to get through a few takes this morning. Looks like it's going to be another late night."

"That's unusual for you. Not feeling it today?" Wanxin asked, puzzled. Yuanhao, despite being a young heartthrob, was known for his talent, which had helped him thrive in the industry.

Yuanhao put on a dramatically aggrieved expression, his handsome features slightly scrunched up. "The actress I'm working with is just a pretty face with no talent whatsoever."

"You mean that rising star? She's quite the sensation lately. Be careful, or her fans might come after you," Wanxin warned with a smile.

Yuanhao smirked arrogantly. "If the script wasn’t decent, I wouldn’t waste my time with her."

Then, as if by chance, Yuanhao leaned closer to Wanxin and whispered in a magnetic tone, "I’d much rather work with someone as sharp and talented as you. If only you were my co-star."

After speaking, he didn’t leave her side but instead gazed even more affectionately at Xia Wanxin, whose face was flushed.

Caught off guard by Jing Yuanhao’s sudden words, she was flustered and unsure of his intentions, feeling her ears heat up in embarrassment.

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden? Get away from me!” Xia Wanxin threatened to hit him, confused by his behavior. Just a few days ago, he was seriously confessing to Zhenzhen, and now he was saying such ambiguous things to her.

Jing Yuanhao seemed quite pleased with Xia Wanxin’s reaction, laughing triumphantly while dodging her playful punches.

“I knew it, my charm is unbeatable. Look, you’re blushing!”

“You…” Xia Wanxin realized she’d been teased and felt so embarrassed about her blushing that she wished she could disappear.

“You’re so annoying! Ugh!” she exclaimed, turning away and stomping off, her shoulders shaking with anger.

Jing Yuanhao stood there, smugly satisfied with himself. Suddenly, he felt a smack on the back of his head.

“Ow! Who’s got a death wish?” he shouted, rubbing his head and turning around to see Qu Zhenzhen looking at him with disdain.

“You’re picking on Wanxin again! I should beat you up for her.”

Seeing Qu Zhenzhen, Jing Yuanhao toned down his playful demeanor.

“I wouldn’t dare bully her. It was just a little experiment. Hey, where were you just now? I didn’t see you.”

His attempt to change the subject was obvious, and Qu Zhenzhen rolled her eyes dramatically, deciding not to bother with him.

“I was just discussing the start of the new show with the big boss. Once you wrap up this series, our time-travel drama should be next on the agenda.”

Upon hearing that he would finally be acting alongside Zhenzhen, Yuan Hao was so excited he could hardly wait for filming to wrap up. Yet, he couldn't resist teasing her, saying, "There are quite a few crying scenes in this movie. Don't keep messing up and wasting my time."

"Smack!" Another firm slap landed on the back of his head, leaving Yuan Hao grimacing in pain.

"Hey, I was just joking around. Are you addicted to hitting me or something?!"

After getting slapped twice, Yuan Hao was starting to get annoyed. This girl seemed so delicate, yet she had quite the strong hand. His head was buzzing.

"I think you have too much free time," a deep male voice chimed in.

Wait, that wasn't right. Was he hearing things? Yuan Hao turned around, puzzled, and was stunned.

The slap hadn't come from Zhenzhen but from the big boss, Yaotian.

But why? He hadn't offended him. Why would Yaotian slap him out of the blue?

It wasn't until he saw Wanxin standing behind Yaotian, looking upset, that he understood.

So, the little girl had gone to tattle to the boss! What a miscalculation. How could he forget that she and Yaotian were childhood friends? Ever since Wanxin entered the entertainment industry, she had been the leading lady at Ruocan, with Yaotian always watching her back. No one dared to spread rumors about her.

It was clear how much Yaotian doted on her. If she got upset, of course, she'd turn to the boss to stand up for her.

Realizing he was in the wrong, Yuan Hao sheepishly scratched his head and said, "I just wanted to joke around with Wanxin. I didn't think she'd take it seriously. I was about to explain when she ran off, blushing."

Wanxin, hearing this, made a move to hit him again, but Zhenzhen, who was enjoying the show, stopped her.

"Forget it, Wanxin. I already gave him a piece of my mind. Let's not stoop to his level," Zhenzhen said, shooting Yuan Hao a glance before linking arms with Wanxin. "I know a place with amazing afternoon tea, and I'm starving. Let's go check it out!"

As the two walked away, Yuan Hao finally breathed a sigh of relief, rubbing the back of his head. He suddenly remembered someone else was still there.

"Mr. Xie, is there anything else you need? If not, I'll head back to the set."

Yaotian didn't press him further. "Just focus on the script," he advised before turning to leave.