I'm Rich - 36
Chapter 36
In the capital's elite circles, everyone knew the Guan family had two daughters. But the one people actually knew was Guan Xi who thrived in high-society social circles. As for the other Miss Guan, apart from the few who were close to Guan Yuanbai, almost no one had ever seen her.
Because she had never run in their circles, and rarely accompanied her father or brother to big galas. Over time, people forgot she existed. That's why Guan Zhiyi had few friends outside the industry.
She was fiercely devoted to acting. In college, she threw herself entirely into the entertainment world. She was equally stubborn about her dream, willing to start from any tiny supporting role.
But in everyday life, Guan Zhiyi wasn't actually a brave or bold person. When she ran into something she couldn't handle, her first instinct was to retreat. Qi Chengyan was exactly that, a problem she couldn't solve. So the only solution she could think of was to avoid him as much as possible.
Guan Zhiyi stayed home for two weeks. During that time, Qi Chengyan came to the house twice. Once, when she learned he'd arrived, she chose not to go downstairs. Another time, she ran right into him at dinner, so she quickly shoveled down her food, greeted him with forced calm, and went back to her room.
In the past, she would have glued herself to Qi Chengyan's side, chattering endlessly about everything that happened on set.
"She's turned into a pig lately. She just stays in her room all day, either sleeping or eating." Guan Yuanbai said to Qi Chengyan, who was sitting in the living room. "See, she didn't even come over when you arrived. That's rare."
Qi Chengyan's eyes lowered slightly, watching the steam curl off the glass in his hand. His voice was flat. "Probably exhausted from filming."
"Maybe. She was really busy for a while there."
"Mm. If there's nothing else, I should go." Qi Chengyan rose.
Guan Yuanbai nodded. "Alright. I'll come by your office to discuss the details."
Qi Chengyan: "Sounds good."
He set down the glass and walked toward the door.
When he reached the staircase, he cast a quiet glance upward. The truth was, the business he'd come to discuss with Guan Yuanbai could have waited until they were at the office. But he'd come anyway, on instinct.
He'd wanted to see her.
No matter how much he tried to ignore it, his actions right now didn't lie.
But he hadn't seen her.
Qi Chengyan pressed his fingers to his brow and smiled bitterly. He'd never known he could feel this hollow ache simply from not seeing someone.
**
The Imperial Court aired its finale this week. By now, whether measured by online plays or discussion volume, it was unquestionably the biggest drama of the year. So on finale day, the production team organized a gathering, inviting the cast and crew to a celebration dinner.
The Imperial Court was a Yixing IP, Qi Chengyan was naturally a central figure at the celebration. When he learned the staff wanted to throw one, he had someone book a famous estate in the capital.
The estate had plenty beyond food and drink, all sorts of entertainment to reward everyone.
It was an internal event, no media invited. So that day, Guan Zhiyi threw on some light makeup and casual clothes and headed over.
"Zhiyi, you're here!"
Guan Zhiyi had left early, thinking she'd be one of the first to arrive. But when she walked in, plenty of staff and cast members were already there.
Zhao Mingming ran over the moment she spotted her. They hadn't seen each other since wrapping, and the reunion was all joy. Guan Zhiyi hugged her. "Long time no see."
"I know! Come on, let's catch up properly. What have you been up to lately?"
As Zhao Mingming pulled her along, Liu Yun spotted her too. She blinked, then hurried over and lowered her voice. "Why did you come alone? Wasn't President Qi going to pick you up?"
Guan Zhiyi: "Ah… he called me after I'd already left."
Liu Yun was baffled. "You came by yourself? Then why didn't you call me? I would've picked you up."
"No need, I can get here on my own."
Liu Yun pressed a hand to her forehead. "Oh my god, don't tell me you took a taxi? Do you have any idea you're famous now? What if someone recognized you?"
Guan Zhiyi didn't mention that the family driver had brought her. She just smiled. "Well… I got here safe, didn't I?"
"Guan Zhiyi, would you please use your head!"
"Okay, okay, I get it. Next time I'll definitely have you pick me up." Guan Zhiyi placated Liu Yun for a bit, then ran back to Zhao Mingming to chat.
The celebration started promptly at six. Qi Chengyan timed it perfectly, arriving right on the dot. Everyone had been chatting in their own groups, but when they saw him walk in, they quickly stopped and rose to greet him.
Qi Chengyan nodded at the people nearby, then looked toward Guan Zhiyi in the distance. When she saw him enter, she smiled at him and went right back to chatting with the people around her.
He felt something was off, that this wasn't how things usually were between them. But when he really thought about it, what was wrong, exactly? He couldn't quite say.
For a while now, he'd wanted to keep some distance from this girl. But now that the distance was actually there, he realized he was the one who couldn't adjust.
"Since President Qi is here, let's all take our seats."
"Yes, yes, everyone sit." The director said, "Today is The Imperial Court's celebration. Tonight, no one goes home sober. Let's make it count!"
"Director, if we're drunk, we don't need to go home. This estate is huge, plenty of rooms!"
"Exactly, and we have President Qi to thank for that!"
Qi Chengyan smiled faintly. "Don't mention it. The Imperial Court's success is thanks to everyone's hard work. It's the least I could do."
As he spoke, everyone found their seats.
Zhao Mingming had originally been sitting next to Guan Zhiyi. When she happened to glance up and saw Qi Chengyan walking over, she froze.
She didn't believe those old rumors about "Qi Chengyan keeping Guan Zhiyi." But she had always sensed something unusual in Qi Chengyan's attitude and feelings toward Guan Zhiyi. Especially now, when he looked at her with a smile. He didn't say a word, but the message was crystal clear: get up and give me your seat.
So without him even having to ask, Zhao Mingming stood and moved to another spot.
Guan Zhiyi finished talking to Xiao Ran and turned to say something else to Zhao Mingming, only to find Qi Chengyan sitting beside her. She immediately scanned the table, and there was Zhao Mingming across from her, winking.
Guan Zhiyi: "…"
"I told you to wait for me earlier. Why did you come on your own?" Qi Chengyan asked quietly.
Guan Zhiyi looked away.
Earlier at home, he had indeed called to say he'd drive her over. She'd made an excuse and left first. She thought for a moment. "I can come by myself. If we showed up together, people might get the wrong idea."
Qi Chengyan paused. "The wrong idea?"
"Mm." Guan Zhiyi said matter-of-factly. "To avoid rumors like before, I think it's better to keep some distance in front of others."
Qi Chengyan: "You—"
"Come on, everyone, let's raise our glasses! To The Imperial Court!" Just then, the director called out.
The conversation was cut off.
Guan Zhiyi raised her glass and stood, playing along cheerfully. "Cheers!"
She didn't want to talk to Qi Chengyan much, and she certainly didn't want to sit next to him.
Being near him only made her heart remind her over and over: this man was awful. He treated her so well, made her fall for him, and yet had no feelings for her in return…
She knew, really, that he hadn't done anything wrong. But the moment she saw him, she couldn't help feeling sad. Sad enough to almost resent him.
So once everyone started drinking and chatting, she didn't want to stay in her seat beside him anymore. She just wandered around, drinking and talking with others.
As an investor and the head of Yixing, Qi Chengyan was naturally the center of attention at an event like this. Besides the cast, plenty of staff had come today, and one by one they came over to toast him, pinning him in place. He could only watch as Guan Zhiyi roamed around, laughing and chatting and downing drinks with everyone.
After a while, probably a bit too drunk, the girl came back for a few sips of water. But once she'd finished, she had no intention of sitting for even a moment and stood to head out again.
Qi Chengyan frowned and caught her wrist.
"What are you doing…" Guan Zhiyi turned to look at him.
She'd really had a lot to drink. Through her light makeup, he could clearly see the flush rising from beneath her skin, her whole face rosy.
Qi Chengyan: "Sit down properly. Stop drinking."
"That won't do." Guan Zhiyi wagged a finger. "I still have to go drink with Teacher Li Xuan. He said I look like I have a low tolerance. As if! I can drink plenty, you know."
"Plenty how much? You really think you can hold your liquor?" Qi Chengyan's eyes darkened. "Listen to me. No more drinking."
Why wouldn't he let her drink?
She was already this unhappy. Couldn't she just cut loose for once?
So annoying… really so annoying!
Guan Zhiyi looked at that face, the one that always drifted through her dreams, and the frustration she'd bottled up for months suddenly erupted. She yanked her hand free, her expression sharp in an instant. "I'll drink if I want to, I can do whatever I want. What business is it of yours!"
The room was loud, and her voice wasn't, no one else heard what she said to Qi Chengyan.
But Qi Chengyan heard it.
He looked at her, and for a split second there was shock in his eyes, disbelief.
Anyone would be shaken, would feel a chill, if someone who had clung to them since childhood, who had always depended on them and adored them, suddenly said something like that.
He narrowed his eyes, his jaw tight. "Guan Zhiyi—"
"Ge, stop worrying about me." Her voice was faint, yet unexpectedly cold. "You have no right to.”
---
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