PAID

To prevent Ye Leyao and Huo Yan from getting into another argument, and to ensure everyone could peacefully enjoy the drama that was about to unfold, the Huo family members quickly stood up to diffuse the situation.

“Forget it, forget it. Little Yao, don’t bother with your clueless second brother,” Huo Mom said.

“You really shouldn’t say things like that so casually,” Huo Dad whispered as he pulled Huo Yan aside. “You know how easily embarrassed Little Yao is!”

Huo Ze hurried forward, stopping Ye Leyao in his tracks. “Alright, alright. You know Big Brother hasn’t been in many relationships all these years. He’s just jealous!”

Huo Jing nodded in agreement.

Huo Yan, on the other hand, gritted his teeth in frustration. *Jealous? What would I be jealous of?* He was about to argue back, but Huo Dad cut him off. “Enough from you! Stop talking!”

Qin Yao stood up at just the right moment, taking Ye Leyao’s hand. “How about we take a walk?”

Without waiting for Ye Leyao’s agreement, he gently pulled him outside.

The hottest part of the day had passed, and the crew members who had been resting began emerging from their lounges, preparing for the afternoon shoot.

Song Zhehan and Zhang Qiran followed the pair out as well. Zhang Qiran was just about to suggest they rest in his lounge when Ye Leyao tugged at Qin Yao’s sleeve. “Over there!”

The group’s gaze followed his.

Not far from their resting area, the director and assistant director stood outside, chatting with a young man who looked like a college student.

They were too far away to hear the conversation, but it was clear from the director and assistant director’s expressions and body language that they were very satisfied with the young man.

Ye Leyao’s eyes lit up. “That’s Cao Qu!”

He didn’t even need to say it—everyone had already guessed.

Song Zhehan glanced at the young man and let out a light scoff. “He looks like a person, at least.”

Zhang Qiran sighed, rubbing his forehead. “First of all, he *is* a person…”

Song Zhehan shot Zhang Qiran a glance.

Zhang Qiran instantly stopped talking.

Ye Leyao burst into laughter.

Qin Yao wasn’t quiet when he commented, “Looks like someone’s feeling a bit territorial.”@@novelbin@@

Ye Leyao laughed even harder, nodding his head repeatedly.

*Territorial?* It was more like the entire vinegar jar had tipped over!

Just then, the director and assistant director noticed Zhang Qiran and called out, “Xiao Zhang, come over here! I’ll introduce you to someone.”

Ye Leyao, always one to enjoy the drama, mimicked Song Zhehan and Zhang Qiran’s earlier tone, letting out a playful, “Wow, they’re even going to introduce you personally!”

Zhang Qiran groaned, “Stop stirring things up!” He glanced at Song Zhehan, and immediately felt a headache coming on.

Song Zhehan didn’t seem angry at all; in fact, he even had a faint smile on his face.

Zhang Qiran was about to take a step back when Song Zhehan placed a hand on his shoulder, flashing him a seemingly kind smile. “Why are you backing away? Didn’t you hear the director calling for you? Go on.”

Zhang Qiran took a deep breath and tried to explain, “…It’s just work between us!”

He emphasized again, “*Work!*”

Song Zhehan gave an indifferent hum in response.

Zhang Qiran added, “Besides, Ye Leyao already said it! That was the previous plotline. Now, it’s not certain that he’ll fall for me at first sight!”

Song Zhehan hummed again, just as indifferently.

Zhang Qiran felt like he was punching a cloud—there was no resistance. Frustrated, he shot a glare at Song Zhehan before turning to walk away.

Ye Leyao wrinkled his nose. “Why do I smell something sour?”

Qin Yao nodded in agreement. “I smelled it earlier. It’s a strong whiff of jealousy.”

As they watched Zhang Qiran walk away, Ye Leyao looked back at Song Zhehan, only to see his face had dropped. Ye Leyao couldn’t help but laugh again. “You’re really not going?”

With his hands in his pockets, Song Zhehan didn’t even glance in Zhang Qiran’s direction, pretending to ignore Ye Leyao’s teasing.

Ye Leyao giggled as he took Qin Yao’s hand. “If you’re not going, then Qin Yao and I will.”

As they walked, Ye Leyao whispered to Qin Yao, “I’ll message Mom and Dad. Looks like Cao Qu’s interview is over, and the real drama’s about to begin…”

Ye Leyao quickly sent a message but then noticed someone following behind them.

Turning around, he saw Song Zhehan with a cold expression on his face.