"You're here," Xu Jiayi said, pulling down his baseball cap and taking off his sunglasses to look at Tang Tang. "I haven't personally apologized to you for what happened last time, all because of me."
Tang Tang shook her head. "That was nothing. I don't take it to heart. After all, I understand you're a celebrity, and it's unavoidable."
"I was just worried it would affect your life." Xu Jiayi ordered a coffee. Truthfully, he didn't know why, but in front of Tang Tang, he felt very relaxed.
Perhaps it was because Tang Tang was such a smart and generous woman, as if nothing could escape her notice. This made Xu Jiayi feel very transparent and direct when facing her.
Tang Tang looked at Xu Jiayi, sensing he had something to say but wasn't sure how to phrase it.
Xu Jiayi, however, seemed to have figured it out. "When we chatted last time, I felt you were a very straightforward girl. Since you've actively sought me out this time, is it about Shi Xinxin?"
Tang Tang smiled faintly. She understood; Xu Jiayi was also a sharp person.
"That's right, I asked you out because of Shi Xinxin," Tang Tang leaned back in her chair. "Initially, some things could have been discussed over the phone. Given your special status, I know you don't want to be exposed too much. But I really wanted to see how you are now, and to observe your reaction when I mention Shi Xinxin."
Xu Jiayi gave a wry smile. "I can see you're testing my feelings for Shi Xinxin."
Tang Tang nodded with a serious expression. "Indeed, I am testing your feelings for Shi Xinxin."
"But you've revealed your test before we've even started talking. Aren't you afraid I'll put on a fake show?" Xu Jiayi said deliberately.
Tang Tang shook her head. "I wouldn't have been this direct, but the moment you sat down, you mentioned Shi Xinxin. That's why I'm certain about your feelings for her. At least, I can trust them."
Xu Jiayi said with emotion, "I never expected Shi Xinxin to have such a good friend as you. She's truly fortunate."
Tang Tang didn't dwell on that topic. Instead, she furrowed her brow and asked Xu Jiayi, "Have you been in contact with Shi Xinxin?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Jiayi sighed. "We promised that as soon as she arrived in America, she would let me know she was safe by any means necessary. But that girl, after going to America, has completely vanished. I have no news of her whatsoever."
Hearing Xu Jiayi say this, Tang Tang wasn't surprised. After all, Shi Xinxin hadn't contacted her either, let alone Xu Jiayi.
"What about you? Have you managed to contact Shi Xinxin? You're her best friend, I imagine she would have reached out to you proactively."
Actually, Xu Jiayi had considered calling Tang Tang these past few days to ask if she knew anything about Shi Xinxin's whereabouts. But he worried about disturbing her. After all, he and Tang Tang had only spoken once; they weren't very familiar with each other otherwise.
Furthermore, after the scandal, Xu Jiayi felt even more hesitant to call Tang Tang first.
Tang Tang nodded. "Shi Xinxin hasn't contacted me proactively. I even had to make two video calls before she finally answered."
Hearing that Tang Tang had managed to reach Shi Xinxin, Xu Jiayi became very excited. "How is Shi Xinxin? Is she doing well in America? Has she adjusted?"
In his excitement, Xu Jiayi then said to himself, "Actually, I had planned to fly to America to see Shi Xinxin last time. But because of the scandal, I feared paparazzi would follow me abroad, so I didn't dare to go. I wanted to wait for this scandal to die down, for the storm to pass, and then go to America to see Shi Xinxin."
"I had the same intention, but my current work is quite demanding, and I can't get away," Tang Tang also appeared very worried when speaking of Shi Xinxin. "I video-called Shi Xinxin the night before last. She has a cold and a fever."
"She's sick?" Hearing this news, Xu Jiayi became even more concerned about Shi Xinxin.
Tang Tang nodded. "Looking at you, you must be very worried about Shi Xinxin as well. I originally wanted to tell you this news, hoping you would go to America to look after that silly girl."
Tang Tang sighed and continued, "That silly girl, even though she doesn't say it, and even puts on a happy front during video calls, I actually know she's not doing well. From her expression and tone of voice, I can tell. We've been old friends for over a decade, how could I not see it?"
Hearing Tang Tang say this, Xu Jiayi also furrowed his brow. "It seems I really need to go to America. That silly girl. All alone in a foreign land, talking about taking care of herself is impossible. She must be hiding somewhere, secretly heartbroken."
Tang Tang watched Xu Jiayi's visibly worried demeanor, carefully observing his expression.
Finally, Tang Tang decided to voice the thought that had been in her mind and share it with Xu Jiayi. "Actually, the reason I'm telling you all this is because I have some thoughts about you and Shi Xinxin."
Xu Jiayi looked up at Tang Tang.
At this moment, Tang Tang had reverted to the calm and composed demeanor she displayed when they first met.
"Xu Jiayi, do you know? A woman is most emotionally vulnerable when she's heartbroken, especially when she's unable to forget someone she's lost. If, at such a time, a man can enter her life and accompany her, the success rate for this man and woman is very high."
Tang Tang's words were a clear hint to Xu Jiayi. Although initially, when she learned the person pursuing Shi Xinxin was a major celebrity, Tang Tang had some reservations. A celebrity, such a figure, might be beyond Shi Xinxin's grasp, and the entertainment industry was filled with temptations, deceptions, and lies.
Tang Tang worried that Shi Xinxin wouldn't be able to handle it.
However, through these interactions with Xu Jiayi, Tang Tang had come to understand what kind of person he was. Therefore, when facing Xu Jiayi, Tang Tang now felt that he and Shi Xinxin might actually have a chance together.
And so, Tang Tang directly conveyed her thoughts to Xu Jiayi. "Frankly, if I had to choose between you and Sheng Chenjin to be with Shi Xinxin, I would prefer you."
Xu Jiayi was greatly surprised. "I thought you would think that someone from the entertainment industry like me, with my complicated background, wouldn't be a good match."