The mere thought of Zhong Canxi still coveting Ji Xiaoli made Zheng Nanfeng itch to take Ji Xiaoli home right away.
If he had known Zhong Canxi was coming, he would never have let Ji Xiaoli go out in the first place.
Ji Xiaoli knew full well that this man was jealous again.
She cast a helpless glance at him. "It's just a show. It'll be over soon."
There was a hint of sourness in Zheng Nanfeng's words. "You're thinking about the show, but who knows what some people are up to."
It was obvious he was referring to Zhong Canxi.
Ji Xiaoli raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're still jealous of him?"
"So what if I am? Having someone you like being so popular can be a headache too." Zheng Nanfeng was straightforward, making his feelings crystal - clear.
Ji Xiaoli was left speechless. She opened her mouth but said nothing.
Taking this opportunity, Zheng Nanfeng glanced at the director, who looked utterly confused.
When it came to people other than Ji Xiaoli, Zheng Nanfeng was not so easy - going. He simply ordered, "Just leave the program flow here. Xiaoli isn't feeling well. Come back when the show officially starts."
As an heir who had received elite education since childhood, his imposing manner was overwhelming.
"Yes, sir!"
The director shivered and quickly put down the script before leaving.
After he left, the director unconsciously touched his bald head.
Had he just been a third wheel?
Muttering to himself, the director turned towards the backstage.
Seeing him, Zhong Canxi immediately stood up. "Director, have you arranged the guests?"
The director had a good impression of him. "Thanks to your suggestion, I've talked to General Manager Ji. She's agreed to be our guest for the time being."
It was Zhong Canxi who had reminded him when he was at his wits' end.
"Really? That's great." Zhong Canxi smiled and casually chatted with the director for a few more sentences.
Then, seemingly inadvertently, he asked, "Director, you said General Manager Ji had agreed. Why haven't I seen her?"
Zhong Canxi had already walked around the backstage three times but still hadn't seen Ji Xiaoli.
The director scratched his head, feeling like a third wheel for sure. "General Manager Ji isn't feeling well. She's talking to General Manager Zheng in the lounge."
"Is she still not feeling better?"
Zhong Canxi's eyes dimmed. Although he had known Ji Xiaoli was injured before, he never had the chance to see her in person.
He came to the program with the hope of seeing how she was doing, but his wish hadn't come true.
The director wasn't stupid. He had heard the rumors about Zhong Canxi and Ji Xiaoli before.
He patted Zhong Canxi on the shoulder. "I've been around. I understand how you feel, but General Manager Ji already has someone. Forced love won't last."
"Director, that's not what I mean." Zhong Canxi forced a smile.
He himself wasn't sure what his feelings were. When Ji Xiaoli signed him into Canxing Entertainment regardless of the past, some of his feelings had gradually changed.
From initial disgust to present regret...
The director didn't say much. "Keep your feelings separate from work. Don't mess things up during the show."
"Yeah, I understand." Zhong Canxi was always dedicated to his work.
The director was about to leave but finally couldn't help saying, "General Manager Ji will also appear when the show officially starts."
"Thank you." Zhong Canxi said seriously.
The director nodded and went to urge the other stagehands.
After a while of hustle and bustle, the show officially began.
As usual, the two hosts first introduced the rules of the show and then started to invite the guests one by one.
There were two types of guests. One type, like Zhong Canxi, came to answer questions, and the other type, like Ji Xiaoli, just came to sit in on the show.
As a guest of the show, Ji Xiaoli was grandly introduced by the host at the beginning of the show.
Besides Ji Xiaoli, there were also two well - known professors as guests.
After the three greeted each other, the show continued.
The host's next guest was Zhong Canxi. As soon as his name was announced, there was a scream from the audience.
"I love you, Zhong Canxi!"
"Canxi, Canxi, as bright as the morning sun!"
Both boys and girls were shouting slogans.
Ji Xiaoli twitched the corner of her mouth. The enthusiasm was on par with her own when she was a star - chaser.
Zhong Canxi first glanced at Ji Xiaoli subconsciously and then made a gesture.
Such an ordinary - looking gesture took on a special charm when he did it.
Ji Xiaoli couldn't help sighing. He already had the aura of a top - tier superstar.
At this moment, the audience immediately fell silent. Zhong Canxi bowed slightly. "Hello, everyone. I'm Zhong Canxi."
The audience erupted into even louder screams.
Zhong Canxi smiled politely and walked towards Ji Xiaoli. "Xiaoli, long time no see. How's your health?"
As he spoke, the distance between them was less than 15 centimeters.
Ji Xiaoli subconsciously pushed her wheelchair and silently moved a bit farther away from Zhong Canxi.
Because of her action, Zhong Canxi's hand, which was about to help her push the wheelchair, froze in mid - air.
Ji Xiaoli coughed to cover her embarrassment and said with a smile, "Canxi, sorry. My body hasn't fully recovered yet. The doctor told me to be careful not to touch the wound."
On the surface, it was a good explanation, but Ji Xiaoli's subconscious avoidance still hurt Zhong Canxi.
"I'm glad you're okay. I was just going to help you push the wheelchair." Zhong Canxi calmly withdrew his hand.
He deliberately put on a professional smile, looking no different from usual.
Ji Xiaoli felt a bit awkward and immediately changed the topic. "Thanks for your concern, but I'm not disabled enough to need a friend to push my wheelchair."
As she said this, Ji Xiaoli deliberately made an exaggerated expression.
The host was very quick - witted and immediately chimed in, "I've long heard that you two are good friends. Now it seems that's really the case."
Ji Xiaoli nodded, looking very natural. "Canxi and I are from the same company. We're good partners and friends. Right, Canxi?"
"Right. We're good friends."
Zhong Canxi kept smiling as if the empty feeling in his heart didn't exist.
Yes, they were just friends now.
Although they said so, the atmosphere on - site became a bit awkward.
Ji Xiaoli twitched the corner of her mouth. She thought that maybe she should have listened to Zheng Nanfeng and not come to this show.
But things were already like this, and there was nothing she could do.
She thought for a while and said to the host, "Since everyone has been introduced, why don't we start the official question - answering session?"
Ji Xiaoli could feel a pair of eyes staring at the stage all the time.