CH 25

This small assistant also came over here to buy books? Su Zhihe, who used to look for second-hand books around here was surprised by this coincidence.

And because he was curious, he paid more attention to Qin Qing in the bookstore for a while.

Coincidentally, he also happened to run into Ru Han.

At first, Su Zhihe was wondering why this little assistant was standing by the bookshelf and casting glances at the glass door of the bookstore from time to time like he was waiting for someone.

That was until a group of students came in and Qin Qing’s gaze fixed on a girl with outstanding looks among them.

The girl was carrying a schoolbag and two books in her hand. Together with her classmates, wandered through bookshelves as if they were bored and just came to browse around. She didn’t buy anything and after staying for a while was ready to leave.

When she was leaving, the two books she was holding were left on a cabinet. Su Zhihe saw Qin Qing pick them up and chase after her, calling out: “Ru Han.”

The girl turned her head around, her face showing surprise. There was an unfamiliar look in her eyes. Obviously, she did not know Qin Qing.

Qin Qing handed over the book: “Your book.”

The girl took it and suddenly said, “Oh, thank you. I almost forgot.”

The classmate to the side, perhaps seeing Qin Qing’s very handsome face, with a pleasantly surprised expression, touched Ru Han with their arm: “Do you know each other?”

Ru Han: “Ah? I don’t know ah.”

Qin Qing smiled and explained to them: “it’s the name on the book.”

The girl who asked whether she knew him, covered her mouth and giggled, then whispered something to Ru Han.

Ru Han squinted her eyes and the shape of her lips seemed to be saying: it’s not, you, don’t talk nonsense.

After saying that, she took a glance at Qin Qing, said thank you again, and then followed her companions to run out of the bookstore.

That day, Su Zhihe immediately knew that Qin Qing knew that girl. It was obvious that he was specifically waiting for her in the bookstore and by means of returning books, said a few words to her.

He had even sighed at the pure and innocent love of young boys and girls and if not for his own interest in this little boy, after seeing this scene, he’d have to sincerely bless the lovers to finally become married*

t/n: 有情人终成眷属 literally: have lovers finally become family.

That was until he heard the name “Ru Han” from Kou Jiang’s mouth.

In an instant, the scene in the bookstore that day appeared in his mind, and many matters he believed at that time were corrected.

Qin Qing waited for that girl in the bookstore wasn’t because of any innocent and hazy interest of young boys and girls.

–Qin Qing at that time, more than a desire to get closer, it was more of a restrained observation.

And now, Qin Qing also didn’t stay at home to study. He was obviously uneasy and very concerned about Ru Han and even knowing that Kou Jiang deliberately trapped him using Ru Han, he still had to come over to see.

So Su Zhihe didn’t go back to his place but drove directly to the bookstore. When he saw the figure in front of the bookshelf, he knew that Qin Qing and Kou Jiang were indeed the same.

They both came from 15 years in the future.

they were both matured souls contained in young bodies.

When the candy in his mouth melted, the co-driver’s door was opened.

The boy who got into the car did not show any unusual behavior. He carried two bags of books. One for himself that was placed at his feet and the one for Su Zhihe, which was transferred to the back seat.

He even asked in a natural tone: “Finished drinking tea with Kou Jiang?”. He no longer referred to Kou Jiang as that intern.

Su Zhihe’s elbow was placed on the window edge: “Finished.”

As he said this, he reached over to the back seat to lift a bag and handed it to Qin Qing: “Coffee.”

Qin Qing took it: “Thank you.”

As the cup lid was opened, the aroma of coffee floated in the not-small car.

Su Zhihe asked as Qin Qing drank it: “doesn’t drinking two shots of espresso taste bitter to you?”

Qin Qing: “It’s not bitter. I’m used to it.”

This was a bug he found not long after his rebirth: it is reasonable to say that since he was clearly reborn with the same physical body as when he was a teenager, his palette should be the same as when he was young.

But the strange thing was that his palette and his body were more like him in the previous life than it was now.

For example, when he was 18 years, he obviously couldn’t drink alcohol, but when he was still working as an assistant to the trainees and he invited the four boys out for a late-night snack, Guan Yiyun opened two bottles of beer and poured half a glass for him. He picked it up and drank it and not only did he not find it hard to drink, but he finished it with the same feeling as drinking plain water. It was exactly the same feeling as drinking beer in the previous life.

Again, for example, the last time peeling lychee, it felt just like his 18-year-old hands had both peeled a sack of lychee.

When drinking coffee, regular flavors always feel tasteless. It had to be an expresso, at least 2 shots.

However, he usually only drinks two shots, because his body wasn’t good in the previous life, and the doctor warned him not to drink too much coffee.

Now, Su Zhihe was asking him whether or not it was bitter, of course, this question merely wasn’t about coffee.

Qin Qing had replied that he was used to it. He said he’s accustomed to it. This wasn’t about how an 18-year-old boy could be accustomed to two servings of espresso, rather, he was talking about his original self.

“I’m usually too busy. I fly everywhere and have less time to rest. I don’t smoke, so I need something else to help refresh my mind.”

As Qin Qing was saying this, the arm holding the coffee was also braced on the edge of the window.

The leaning posture clearly did not change but his expression became a little more relaxed. The temperament and aura of a young man had completely changed.

It bécame a little deep and heavy, and there was also a bit of inconspicuous severity in it.

But you couldn’t say that this was (now) a matured adult or even his real face. You even more so couldn’t say that his past performance was all fake.

Su Zhihe quietly felt that this type of change was more like a “relaxation”.

The relaxation after exposing oneself.

And the wonder was that after Qin Qing “relaxed”, he still retained some feeling of youthful purity.

And still did not show any ** ambition for things and people as Kou Jiang did after exposure.

t/n: asterisk is, I think something blotted out by the system. ‍️. pretend its not there

His entire person was like his name: light and clear.

Su Zhihe was really curious, his gaze went towards the bookstore outside the car and then to the person beside him: “You are really planning to go back to school?”

You’re not interested in anything else?

Qin Qing sipped his coffee: “hmm, yes.”

Su Zhihe found it abit interesting: “This kind of “rebirth” opportunity “you’re just using it to study, revise and go back to school?”

Because even if you go to school, you will graduate and after graduation, you still have to find a job, and looking for a job was still in order to earn money to live.

Life in every aspect couldn’t be separated from the word money.

People’s everyday lives cannot be inseparable from it, and naturally the more money you have the better.

As Kou Jiang said, he has the ability and experience in the entertainment industry. Since he has already dropped out of school to work, why not simply use the present advantage to obtain even much more glory and money more smoothly and earlier than before?

Wasn’t this the path a reborn person should take?

Unless, this road, he simply didn’t want to walk it again.

As for the reasons why he didn’t want to walk that road again ……

Su Zhihe thought of the girl in the bookstore.

Su Zhihe: “Ru Han.”

Qin Qing was slightly stunned. He was originally wondering why Su Zhihe was able to suddenly find the bookstore, and now he mentioned Ru Han as if he already knew Ru Han?

Su Zhihe explained: “coincidence.”

Coincidence?

Su Zhihe: “There was a time I went to the bookstore and happened to see you and that girl.”

Qin Qing very quickly thought about which “a time” referred to.

He also thought that it was indeed too much of a coincidence as he was still in Cuckoo Entertainment at that time and didn’t know Su Zhihe at all.

Su Zhihe however said: “Let’s talk about how you are going to help Ru Han.”

Qin Qing silently turned his head to lock eyes with this big film emperor beside him.

Su Zhihe, this man, whom he had only heard about in the rumors of his previous life, was too special.

He could see through Kou Jiang at once and had a keen sense of intuition. He would consider matters that other people would think as purely strange and had also met him and Ru Han by chance at the bookstore.

Now, not only did he discover everything, but also he knew that he wants to help Ru Han change her life trajectory?

Su Zhihe saw Qin Qing looking at him, the edge of his lips pursed into a slight smile, and explained: “I guessed.”

Su Zhihe: “Kou Jiang used Ru Han to trap you and sent ‘Ru Han has entered the circle”. He didn’t say anything else. When he mentioned Ru Han, he only said that she had entered the circle, so I guessed that you were very concerned about the matter of Ru Han’s entry.”

Su Zhihe: “You don’t want her to enter the industry?”

He was entirely able to guess all this. Qin Qing simply wanted to kneel in admiration.

t/n: he was completely and thoroughly convinced of SZHs strength

Su Zhihe saw his expression and knew that he had guessed it correctly. He hummed a laugh: “You and Kou Jiang should be glad that I retired from films 15 years later.”

If he hadn’t retired, Kou Jiang and Qin Qing, whichever one of them happened to meet him, and in the event that something happened, there was no guarantee that they won’t eat a lesson from him*.

t/n: suffer/learn a serious lesson

Qin Qing however said: “Kou Jiang didn’t know that I’m not going to do anything about it”

Su Zhihe: “Hmm?”

Qin Qing said something that teased Su Zhihe: “I’m not going to offend big boss.”

Seeing Su Zhihe smile when heard this. Qin Qing resolutely said: “Really.”

Su Zhihe couldn’t help smiling and smilingly asked: “you’re so well behaved?”

However, this wasn’t a question of whether or not he was well behaved.

Qin Qing truthfully said: “I am mainly afraid.” Afraid of all sorts of things and also afraid of trouble.

Su Zhihe returned Qin Qing’s gaze: “Are you afraid of me now?”

Qin Qing thought about it and shook his head.

Su Zhihe looked at him: “I’m so good towards you, so if you’re afraid of me. Isn’t it all in vain?”

Qin Qing was stunned and blinked his eyes.

He didn’t perceive it wrongly. At this moment and also that moment in the bookstore, Su Zhihe’s attitude towards him had changed very much.

Where has changed and what specifically was the difference, Qin Qing hasn’t carefully thought about it yet. Su Zhihe once again said: “Since you want to help Ru Han, you must know the exact period and exact details.”

Once again, this conversation resumed.

But Qin Qing did not answer immediately.

Wanting to help Ru Han change the trajectory of her life was his own business. Whether it was before or now, he did not think that a third person should be involved.

As a result, when Su Zhihe saw that he didn’t say anything, he came out with the sentence: “I just said that I won’t offend big boss.”

Qin Qing: “…”

Su Zhihe serenely said: “be obedient. Big boss wants to know. Say it, let big boss listen.”

Qin Qing: “…”

He knows where has changed.

——— he has become “shameless”.

Before Su Zhihe had a bottom line and he kept his behavior and manner within one baseline when talking to him.

Now there was a totally big change.

Maybe because he knows that he’s not really 18 years old and assumed that he can be a little casual with an adult in a teenager’s shell?

Su Zhihe saw that Qin Qing still didn’t say anything. He raised his eyebrows: “salary will be deducted.”

Qin Qing: “?”

Su Zhihe raised his hand to check the time: “will deduct a thousand every 5 seconds.”

In wake of Qin Qing’s continued silence, Su Zhihe said: “200, 400, 600, 800, 1000.”

Su Zhihe: “1200, 1400…”

Seeing that Qin Qing still didn’t say anything, he turned his head to look back, asking: “Is it that you can deduct a lot of two hundreds from your salary, or am I just usually too good to you that it makes you think that I’m joking?”

Su Zhihe once again looked back at the time: “2600”

Qin Qing: “……!”

Just said one must not offend the big boss!

This is a lesson in blood*!

t/n: very painful lesson/paying high price

Can salary deduction not make people’s hearts drip blood?

Qin Qing rapidly said: “I want to stop Ru Han from entering the industry.”

Su Zhihe was still raising his wristwatch. He turned his head, obviously, that’s not enough information.

Qin Qing: “Her birthday is this weekend. She told me that when she was 17 years old on her birthday she was stopped by a talent scout on the road and asked for her number. Only then did she take the opportunity to enter the industry.”

Su Zhihe put down his hand and guessed again: “You intend to not let her meet that scout on her birthday?”

Qin Qing nodded: “Yes.”

Su Zhihe once again looked at his watch: “Saturday or Sunday?”

Qin Qing silently looked at Su Zhihe.

Su Zhihe: “2800

Qin Qing: “…Saturday.”

Su Zhihe nodded: “Saturday then.” After saying that, he started the car.

Qin Qing wondered, what about Saturday?

Su Zhihe started driving: “I’ll accompany you on Saturday.”

Qin Qing was surprised: “… myself…”

Su Zhihe: “3000.”

“…”

Qin Qing was entirely speechless to death. He stuffed the coffee back into the bag and turned his head to look at the person driving beside him: “brother He!”

Su Zhihe continued: “Don’t call me brother. You are actually older than me. I’ll call you brother.”

Qin Qing: “…?”

Maybe since they were familiar and get along with each other, there wasn’t a fear of Su Zhihe’s reaction, and maybe he also knew in his heart that Su Zhihe would also not really deal with him.

Qin Qing was silent for a moment, then suddenly said: “Then you should call it.” Call me brother.

Su Zhihe: “3200.”

Qin Qing: “????” Wasn’t it you yourself that said you’ll call out brother??

Su Zhihe then said: “Call me that again.”

Qin Qing: “?”

Su Zhihe: “How did you refer to me just now?”

Qin Qing: “Brother He?”

Su Zhihe curled his lip: “So obedient. No more deductions.”

Qin Qing was stunned and didn’t say anything back. After a while, he picked up the coffee again and drank it.

Only after drinking this time did he realize that the taste of this double espresso with sugar only seemed a bit wrong. The taste was too light.

Qin Qing took a sip then held up the coffee and looked at it.

Su Zhihe’s voice sounded: “Before when you were working so hard, you needed coffee to refresh your mind but now you should not drink such strong coffee. I didn’t get you an espresso, just a cup of regular Americano with some sugar.”

Qin Qing had subtle feelings in her heart and was quiet: “…… thank you.”

Su Zhihe then said: “It’s good to go back to school.”

Qin Qing turned his head to look at him.

Su Zhihe: “You and I are the same. I also want to live a simple life.”

So that was why he retired later?

Su Zhihe glanced sideways, looking back as he drove the car. He asked: “What do you want to eat tonight?”

The subtle feeling in Qin Qing’s heart, like the candy Su Zhihe held in his mouth not long ago, melted, spread, and then sunk to the bottom of his heart.

That taste made Qin Qing unable to help wanting to take the initiative to “reciprocate”.

“Go back to eat and make two dishes.”

Su Zhihe: “I’m not very good at cooking”

Qin Qing: “I can do it. Let me do it”

As a result of his “I can do it”, was that as soon as he arrived at Shang LingLong, Qin Qing stood in front of a cooking table in an open-style kitchen, handing ingredients.

Behind him, not far away, Su Zhihe leaned against the cupboard, drinking water. The gradual deepening of his gaze was directed straight towards the kitchen.

From Qin Qing’s neck, which was exposed when he bowed his head, to the back of his shoulders, and then to the waist ……

Su Zhihe looked in silence, drinking water. The knot in his throat rolled up and down from swallowing.

The psychological barrier of him being too young and not being able to start something had disappeared

t/n: literal translation would be “stretch out (his) hand” (towards QQ) lol

It was possible to go to|bed in advance.*

t/n: alternatively: He’ll be able to ‘sleep’ at any time.

t/n: the was a ‘|’ between 上 and 床. I don’t know this significance, so I included it as well.