APCF – Chapter 77 Photos

“Xingxing, slow down while eating! It’s all yours, no one’s going to take it from you.”

In the morning, at the dining table, Qi Yujie watched her younger brother gobbling up his food and reminded him with concern.

“It’s fine,” Qi Xingchen stuffed two shrimp dumplings into his mouth, cheeks puffed up as he praised, “So delicious!”

Qi Yunxiao frowned slightly, unable to watch any longer. He lowered his voice and said, “Xingxing, don’t force yourself if you can’t eat anymore. It’s okay.”

“Who said I can’t eat? I can eat a lot!!” Qi Xingchen kept picking up food with his chopsticks, happily enjoying his meal without any sign of struggle.

Qi Yunxiao and Qi Xiaoming exchanged glances, both looking confused.

—For the past two days, their little Xingxing had been energetic and eating heartily. He even enjoyed Qi Yujie’s cooking.

Had something possessed their little Xingxing?

Or had he been completely brainwashed by his sister?

Yet, aside from that, everything else about him seemed normal. In fact, he was smiling all the time, making him even more lovable.

How strange.

While his brother and father couldn’t figure out the reason, Qi Xingchen himself knew exactly why.

—He was Bo Ye’s “special follows”!

There was the word “special” in “special follows.”

Which meant that, in Bo Ye’s eyes… he was special!

His mood was so good he could practically fly up and stand shoulder to shoulder with the sun.

After finishing breakfast, he took a twenty-minute walk to calm himself down before getting in the car with Old Qin to head to Noah Entertainment.

He still remembered his first day at Noah, staring at the honor wall filled with photos of the company’s artists—it had felt so surreal and dreamlike.

And now, his photo was up there among them.

Qi Xingchen spread his hand open and measured the distance between his photo and Bo Ye’s with his fingers.

One palm, two palms, three palms… He was on the fourth row from the bottom, while Bo Ye was at the very top.

There was a three-palm gap between them.

He would work hard to climb higher.

He wanted to be closer to Bo Ye.

“Xingxing,” An Ran called out from the end of the hallway, standing on tiptoe while carrying a thick stack of documents. “Come on, head into the meeting room.”

“Okay.” Qi Xingchen took one last glance at Bo Ye’s photo before stepping inside.

Inside the meeting room, aside from An Ran, there were two other employees. An Ran introduced them one by one: “This is the publicity manager, and this is the business manager.”

The publicity manager handled PR and promotional planning; the business manager took care of commercial performances, brand deals, endorsements, etc.; and An Ran, as the executive manager, was responsible for arranging Qi Xingchen’s schedules and securing film, drama, and variety show opportunities.

From a Buick business car to a luxurious RV, from just An Ran and Old Qin to now a five-person team—it could be said that at this moment, Qi Xingchen’s team was finally complete.

An Ran poured a cup of water for Qi Xingchen. Even though she was now the leader of this team, she still kept up the habit of looking after him.

She wouldn’t feel at ease if anyone else did it.

She took out the proposal they had discussed over the past two days and explained the key points. After listening, Qi Xingchen said, “No need to create a set persona for me. However I naturally am, that’s how I want to present myself to my fans.”

An Ran: “…Alright, we’ll do as you say. Then here, take these two notebooks.”

Notebooks?

Qi Xingchen took the file folder that An Ran pushed toward him.

After opening it, he found two scripts inside.

“One is for a second male lead in a primetime TV drama, and the other is for the main lead in a web drama,” An Ran paused before continuing, “I selected these from four offers. Both have good storylines and production teams. Take a look when you have time… Or, if you have enough energy, the filming schedules are one month apart, so you could prepare for both simultaneously.”

The entertainment industry thrives on youth. Aside from a few evergreen actors, many capitalize on their popularity by quickly turning their fame into opportunities.

However, Qi Xingchen replied, “I won’t take on overlapping projects. I don’t have the credentials to juggle multiple roles yet. I’ll read them first and let you know.”

“OK.”

Holding the scripts, Qi Xingchen got out of the car. Before he could even enter his house, Liang Jing, who had finally managed to free up some time, pulled him away to the Liang family’s horse-riding club.

The Liang family’s equestrian club was located next to their golf course, both situated in the outskirts of H City, about a 50-minute drive away. Not long after the car started moving, Qi Xingchen unknowingly fell asleep, only waking up when he heard a soft voice beside him.

“Xingxing, wake up.”

“…Hmm.” He rubbed his eyes and sat up, feeling something slide off his body.

Looking down, he saw it was a jacket. He picked it up and apologized, “Sorry, I got it dirty.”

“It’s fine,” Liang Jing said. “I brought it for you anyway.”

With that, Liang Jing got out of the car first. When Qi Xingchen saw him walking toward the passenger side, he quickly opened the door himself and jumped out.

He wasn’t used to waiting for someone to open the door for him.

Liang Jing paused for two seconds before turning around and opening the trunk. He took out two sets of riding clothes, two pairs of riding boots, and helmets. “I rushed out of the hospital, so I didn’t have time to carefully pick the styles. Hope you don’t mind.”

Qi Xingchen knew nothing about horseback riding gear. If Liang Jing hadn’t mentioned it, he would have just worn his regular clothes.

“Of course I don’t mind. Thank you,” he said, looking around. “Is there a place to change?”

“There’s a changing room inside. Follow me.”

The Liang family’s equestrian club operated on a membership system, primarily serving the elite. However, at that moment, there wasn’t a single person or horse in sight on the field. As Qi Xingchen and Liang Jing walked side by side toward the facility, he was just about to ask why when—

A staff member drove up in a patrol cart and stopped in front of them. “Young Master, Second Young Master Qi.”

Liang Jing nodded. “The closure notice has been posted, right?”

“It has been handled as per your instructions.”

“Good. Bring the horses in with a trainer.”

The horses were in the transport truck behind them, and the staff member immediately followed the order. Qi Xingchen, curious, asked, “Why is the club closed today?”

“…Because you’re here. You’re a public figure. If someone takes pictures and spreads them, it wouldn’t be good for you,” Liang Jing sighed. “Idiot.”

Qi Xingchen: “…Oh.”

After changing into his riding outfit, Qi Xingchen had another realization.

“Huh? This outfit fits me perfectly.”

“We grew up together. I know your exact clothing and shoe sizes for every stage of your life,” Liang Jing tapped him lightly on the helmet. “Alright, start warming up.”

Qi Xingchen, embarrassed by his words, shut his mouth and focused on stretching. Meanwhile, Liang Jing explained important safety precautions—what to do if the horse got startled and went out of control, how to protect himself in case he accidentally fell off, and more.

He carefully memorized the instructions before moving on to the practical steps.

Over the past few days, the Qi family’s caretakers had equipped the horse with a full set of saddles, reins, stirrups, and freshly re-forged horseshoes. Seeing the Akhal-Teke horse, now with an even glossier coat than when Qi Jiaze first gifted it to him, Qi Xingchen felt a surge of excitement. He turned and said, “I kind of forgot how to mount a horse.”

He couldn’t outright admit that he didn’t know how to mount at all, so he could only use forgetting as an excuse.

“No rush,” Liang Jing said, amused by his eagerness. “Here, extend your hand and place it on the side of its neck.”

Qi Xingchen followed the instructions and placed his hand on the horse’s neck.

“Can you feel its warmth and pulse?”

Qi Xingchen’s eyes widened slightly. “Yeah.”

“It’s a living being, your friend,” Liang Jing said, placing his hand over Qi Xingchen’s. “Feel its emotions carefully.”

The warmth from the touch spread across his skin, and Qi Xingchen instinctively tensed his forearm, discreetly pulling his hand away.

Liang Jing paused briefly before continuing, “If it starts showing signs of irritation, you need to check its health and feeding conditions right away. It could be sick or have eaten something that’s not part of its usual diet. Right now, it’s quite calm—you can try bonding with it.”

“Okay, how do I do that?”

“Start by…”

Liang Jing patiently guided him, while Qi Xingchen listened attentively. Before they knew it, an hour had passed, and the horse had become much more familiar with Qi Xingchen.

“Now you can try mounting it,” Liang Jing said. “Stand next to its left shoulder, grab the reins and the mane… Yes, hold the stirrup with your right hand, then lift your left foot—”

Seeing Qi Xingchen hesitate slightly, Liang Jing instinctively stepped forward, ready to support him.

But just as he was about to touch him, Qi Xingchen suddenly swung himself onto the horse with a swift, fluid motion—so quick, as if he were avoiding something dangerous.

Liang Jing’s eyes darkened.

Once mounting was mastered, riding itself became much easier. Liang Jing led the horse by the reins, guiding it forward at a slow pace so that Qi Xingchen could get used to the feeling of movement. He explained how to use the reins and his body to control the direction and speed.

Qi Xingchen tried each technique one by one. By the time he had learned most of the basics, he exclaimed excitedly, “Let me try on my own!”

Liang Jing let go of the reins as requested.

Qi Xingchen squeezed his legs against the horse’s sides, and with a sharp whinny, the horse broke into a brisk trot.

Liang Jing stood there, his hands empty. The moment he let go of the reins, it felt as though he had let go of something important.

For a beginner, horseback riding shouldn’t last too long. After a few rounds at a faster pace, Liang Jing mounted his own horse and followed behind Qi Xingchen. Soon, they slowed down, leisurely trotting toward the changing rooms under the golden hues of the setting sun.

“How was it? Did you have fun today?” Liang Jing asked.

“I did!” Qi Xingchen hadn’t had such a refreshing and carefree experience in a long time. He nodded with a bright smile.

“The riding club will be closed to the public for the next few days, so you can come anytime. Just give me a call beforehand, and I’ll arrange my schedule to accompany you.”

“…No need, no need!” Qi Xingchen was embarrassed to trouble him any further and waved his hands quickly. “One time is enough, plus I’m heading back to the show’s filming set the day after tomorrow.”

Liang Jing was momentarily stunned. “I heard from Yujie-jie that your break is almost ten days long. Why are you leaving so soon?”

Initially, Qi Xingchen had planned to stay for the full break. But…

But he missed Bo Ye—not just a little, but a lot.

“My friend is alone in S City,” Qi Xingchen’s voice softened. “I don’t want him to feel bored, so I’m going back to keep him company.”

Such a close friend, for Xingxing to care so much… Liang Jing nodded silently, saying nothing.

Soon, they arrived at the changing room entrance. A thought crossed Qi Xingchen’s mind, and he took out his phone, adjusting the angle to snap a half-body selfie.

After changing back into his own clothes, he caught a ride home with Liang Jing. Once he got back, Qi Xingchen went straight to the bathroom for a shower. When he came out, his hair still dripping, he grabbed his phone, fingers moving rapidly across the screen.

Xingxing: [I’m home~]

Originally, he had added an exclamation mark at the end but deleted it, making the sentence sound more like a simple notification— Rather than eagerly reporting back to someone.

Bo: [Mm. What did your company say?]

Xingxing: [They said my upcoming work will mainly focus on acting, no variety shows for now.]

Bo: [That’s the right decision. You need solid works to maintain your popularity.]

Popularity without real achievements is fragile, and fans can leave easily. Qi Xingchen understood this well and continued typing.

Xingxing: [So An Ran picked out two scripts for me.]

Bo: [Movies or TV dramas?]

Bo: [What genre?]

Xingxing: [TV dramas. One is a web drama with a realistic theme, and I’d play the male lead. The other is a prime-time urban workplace drama, where I’d be the second male lead.]

Bo Ye was probably considering the options, as it took a moment before he replied:

Bo: [Which one are you leaning towards?]

Qi Xingchen was about to share his thoughts but suddenly had an idea.

Xingxing: [I haven’t decided yet. There’s no rush to reply, so when I get back the day after tomorrow, can you help me analyze them?]

That way, he’d have an excuse to see Bo Ye! He couldn’t help but praise himself— Qi Xingchen, you’re such a clever little fox!

But Bo Ye saw through his little scheme instantly.

If Qi Xingchen really needed help choosing a script, then what was the point of his entire management team?

Still, Bo Ye didn’t call him out. Instead, he indulged him.

Bo: [Alright, we’ll analyze them together.]

Xingxing: [Hehe~]

Xingxing: [It’s a deal then!]

Bo: [Mm, it’s a deal. How are you coming back the day after tomorrow? Driving?]

Xingxing: [Flying. My driver had some family matters, so he’ll take the nanny van and meet me two days later.]

In truth, Qi Xingchen had given Old Qin a nine-day break, but since he was suddenly returning early, he didn’t want to interrupt the driver’s vacation.

Bo: [Be safe.]

Xingxing: [Don’t worry.]

Qi Xingchen grinned at his screen for a while before typing again:

Xingxing: [Oh, by the way, I learned how to ride a horse this afternoon!]

Bo: [Did you master it?]

Xingxing: [Pretty much.]

Xingxing: [Here, let me show you.]

He selected the photo he took earlier in front of the changing room and sent it.

A second later, Bo Ye’s screen lit up with an image of the smiling young man.

Bo Ye instinctively tapped on it, zooming in.

The young fan was dressed in a light cyan slim-fit top, black riding pants, and mid-calf riding boots that emphasized his long, straight legs.

The protective helmet made his face look even smaller and more delicate. His head tilted slightly, eyes curved in a smile, radiating a bright and warm energy under the red hues of the sunset.

As Bo Ye gazed at the boy in the picture, his expression softened.

Then his eyes shifted downward, scanning the image—checking the condition of the Akhal-Teke horse.

That’s when he noticed, in the lower-left corner of the photo, the unintentional appearance of another man’s face.

The man looked refined and handsome, wearing thin-framed glasses.

Bo Ye suddenly recalled—this was the childhood friend of his little fan!

Not long ago, this same man had visited Qi Xingchen in S City.

Back then, his arm had been casually draped over Qi Xingchen’s shoulder, the gesture so natural as if he had done it a thousand times before.

A strange, unexplainable feeling rose in Bo Ye’s chest.

The warmth in his smile faded instantly.

After a brief pause, he typed:

Bo: [What time does your flight land the day after tomorrow? I’ll pick you up.]