"Since you admit you're that kind of person, why not accept me? I don't mind if you try to force yourself on me right now." Xu Jiayi lowered his voice deliberately, making it sound suggestive.
Shi Xinxin turned her head away, ignoring Xu Jiayi. "Big star, do you know? You belong to your fans, not to me."
Xu Jiayi detested it when Shi Xinxin said things like that. So whenever she did, he would simply ignore her and lie down on another sofa.
"You always hurt my feelings," Xu Jiayi muttered.
After resting enough, the two of them left their room.
Coincidentally, just two floors down in the elevator, the doors opened. Suddenly, two or three men walked in, reeking of alcohol.
Sharp-eyed Shi Xinxin immediately spotted Sheng Chenjin, standing at the back.
He had been drinking. Besides the smell of alcohol, Shi Xinxin and Sheng Chenjin's eyes met for a moment as the elevator door opened. From his hazy gaze, Shi Xinxin could tell.
At that moment, Shi Xinxin felt a pang of discomfort. She hadn't expected to run into the sarcastic Sheng Chenjin right after entering the hotel, and now, as she was leaving after dinner, they were in the same elevator. This made Shi Xinxin feel incredibly uneasy.
Instinctively, Shi Xinxin averted her gaze from Sheng Chenjin, yet she could still feel his intense, scrutinizing stare on her.
Xu Jiayi noticed too. He reached out and pulled Shi Xinxin into his embrace. Although not a full hug, the gesture was quite intimate.
Hotel elevators were usually spacious, but even so, Shi Xinxin felt suffocated sharing the same confined space with Sheng Chenjin.
Finally, they reached the first floor. The other two men walked out first, exchanging pleasantries with Sheng Chenjin.
Xu Jiayi also emerged from the elevator, with Shi Xinxin in his arm. Shi Xinxin dared not look in Sheng Chenjin's direction, wanting only to escape. Her steps were quick, a fact Xu Jiayi couldn't miss.
Xu Jiayi couldn't help but scoff softly at Shi Xinxin. "Why are you so timid? What's the big deal even if you run into him? You said it yourself, he doesn't have any feelings for you. Why are you acting so guilty?"
"I..." Shi Xinxin was about to lift her head and explain to Xu Jiayi properly.
But a voice, slurred with alcohol, interrupted her. "You two seem to be enjoying yourselves, staying out so late for dinner. Coming from upstairs?"
Yes, it was Sheng Chenjin's voice. It came from behind them, forcing Xu Jiayi and Shi Xinxin to stop.
Turning to face Sheng Chenjin, Xu Jiayi whispered a warning to Shi Xinxin, "Be calm. Don't start crying and wailing."
Shi Xinxin nudged Xu Jiayi's chest. As they turned to face Sheng Chenjin, both of them involuntarily put on smiles. Shi Xinxin told herself that maintaining appearances was crucial.
Shi Xinxin wasn't worried about Xu Jiayi's sharp wit when dealing with Sheng Chenjin; her concern was her own lack of self-control.
Indeed, the moment he faced Sheng Chenjin, Xu Jiayi's face lit up with a gentle smile. "Mr. Sheng, we meet again."
Sheng Chenjin's gaze didn't land on Shi Xinxin. He smiled directly at Xu Jiayi. "Big star, you're quite the hot commodity now. Aren't you afraid of being photographed by paparazzi escorting a woman in and out of hotels? Your fans would be heartbroken."
Hearing Sheng Chenjin's words, Shi Xinxin felt a deep ache in her heart, especially from Sheng Chenjin, who was clearly intoxicated.
Initially, Shi Xinxin wondered if Sheng Chenjin might misunderstand something. But then she thought, what was the point of any misunderstanding? In the end, she and Sheng Chenjin had no relation anymore. What difference would a misunderstanding make?
Therefore, Shi Xinxin didn't want to say anything to Sheng Chenjin. She decided to let Xu Jiayi handle him.
Xu Jiayi appeared unfazed. "I'm focusing more on behind-the-scenes work now. My popularity isn't what it used to be. Besides..."
Xu Jiayi deliberately glanced at Shi Xinxin and spoke in a gentle tone, "How can popularity compare to the person you love? I'm willing to do anything to make the one I love happy. Sacrificing some career prospects for a smile from my beloved is nothing."
Upon hearing Xu Jiayi's words, Shi Xinxin knew he was doing it on purpose, trying to infuriate Sheng Chenjin.
However, Sheng Chenjin didn't seem angered by Xu Jiayi's words. Instead, he appeared very composed. "Is that so? Indeed, a big star loves his beauties. But whether the beauty in your arms is worth your affection, you really need to look closely."
As he spoke, Sheng Chenjin's gaze finally fell upon Shi Xinxin.
But his words made Shi Xinxin somewhat angry; he was clearly trying to slander her.
Shi Xinxin wanted to confront Sheng Chenjin, but what could she say? Feeling utterly disheartened, Shi Xinxin found herself unable to speak.
Sheng Chenjin continued his sarcastic taunts, "A woman who jumps into another man's arms right after ending a relationship. Big star, you should be careful with such women. Who knows what she'll do out there..."
"Mr. Sheng, I think you've had too much to drink." Xu Jiayi wouldn't let Sheng Chenjin insult Shi Xinxin like this. But without wanting to escalate into a conflict, Xu Jiayi simply cut Sheng Chenjin off.
Sheng Chenjin sneered, "Perhaps. After all, she's just a woman. It's not bad to try something new occasionally."
Shi Xinxin had initially intended to endure it further, but hearing Sheng Chenjin speak like this, she couldn't control herself any longer.
*Slap...* The loud sound echoed through the lobby. The few people present were drawn by the noise, their eyes turning towards the three of them.
Yes, Shi Xinxin could no longer tolerate Sheng Chenjin's words and finally slapped him.
Sheng Chenjin hadn't expected Shi Xinxin to slap him. He was stunned, and half his drunkenness seemed to vanish.
As for Shi Xinxin's action, Xu Jiayi felt like clapping immediately. This man deserved several more slaps.