Reba: Thanking Nazha for the Warmth She Sent

Screech!

Nazha's pretty face turned bright red, almost to the point of bleeding.

She stared at Zhang Yang with her beautiful eyes, a layer of mist gradually forming, as if she were about to cry.

These silent accusations made Zhang Yang feel like he was sitting on pins and needles, like being pricked by thorns.

This is bad, Zhang Yang thought to himself.

Nazha was still too thin-skinned, not yet seasoned in the entertainment industry, and not familiar enough with Hu Ge and the others to take jokes well.

In this situation, he absolutely couldn't apologize or comfort her, or Nazha would burst into tears instantly, which would truly mess things up.

But he also couldn't play dumb, or this might become a thorn in Nazha's heart, difficult to remove later.

Hu Ge and the others also sensed that something was wrong, their minds churning as they considered how to salvage the situation.

I've got it.

At the critical moment, Zhang Yang had a flash of inspiration and came up with an idea.

He pretended not to notice Nazha's discomfort, cupped his chin in thought, and said, "This is great. Next time I see Junior Student Reba, I can tease her. Turns out not all Uyghur compatriots can sing and dance."

Nazha's eyes widened subconsciously.

Had she embarrassed her Uyghur compatriots?

Wait, Reba. Uyghur.

"Who is this Reba you're talking about?" Nazha's attention was diverted.

"Dilireba. Her full name, I think..." Zhang Yang pondered for a moment, then turned to Nazha, "Dilireba Dilimulati. Yes, that's it."

"She's my high school classmate," Nazha's emotions subsided, and her tone became excited.

She used to be quite close with Dilireba. They were playmates of the same age in the song and dance troupe, and there was no competition between them.

"What a coincidence?" Zhang Yang feigned appropriate surprise. "But how are you a year behind Junior Student Reba?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Yang seemed to realize something and said, "Right, you told me you didn't make it to the college entrance exam last year, so you repeated a year. Then you and Junior Student Reba are actually in the same cohort."

"That's right. We both auditioned for the role of Consort Yu in Director Lu Chuan's The Banquet last year. But because I was eliminated early, we didn't get to get together afterward," Nazha's face was filled with regret.

Seeing this, Zhang Yang secretly signaled Hu Ge and generously offered, "That's simple. When I get back from Hengdian, I'll treat you two to a meal."

Hu Ge silently gave Zhang Yang a thumbs-up in his heart and turned to start picking songs.

Qi Wei "tsk-ed," shifted her butt slightly closer to Tang Yan, and whispered in her ear, "A'Yang has the potential to be a scumbag."

Tang Yan, who was eating a Hami melon, looked at Zhang Yang upon hearing Qi Wei's words.

In the dim, flickering light, his facial features were more defined, and his already superior looks gained an extra layer of color.

Tang Yan nodded in agreement. "Just like us, he's blessed by heaven with good looks and plenty of admirers. But that doesn't necessarily make him a scumbag. Sister Qi, you're being one-sided."

Qi Wei: "..."

There were too many points to argue, and she didn't know where to start.

She had meant that Zhang Yang was good at sweet-talking and could easily fool a beautiful but naive person.

"It's a good thing A'Yang probably isn't interested in you, or you'd be finished," Qi Wei said with genuine emotion.

"Are you looking down on me?" Tang Yan touched her face. "I'm quite attractive too. Maybe A'Yang likes older women?"

"But you're right about one thing. If he were to pursue me, I might not be able to refuse."

Qi Wei: "..."

This naive girl was beyond saving. Whatever.

Zhang Yang was unaware that Qi Wei had seen through his true nature and was still talking to Nazha about Reba.

Nazha had already forgotten what had just happened, or perhaps she had selectively forgotten, as she didn't sing anymore.

"I'm getting a bit sleepy. I have to film tomorrow, so I'm going back to bed," Qi Wei glanced at the time and suggested they end the night.

No one objected, and they all took a car back to the hotel.

Qi Wei and Tang Yan went upstairs with their assistants. Nazha was taken by Hu Ge's female assistant to arrange a room. Zhang Yang and Jiang Jinfu didn't need such trouble, as they were heading to Hengdian tomorrow and could just stay one night in Hu Ge's suite.

"I'll get a room then."

As they walked through the lobby, Jiang Jinfu's gaze swept over Nazha, who was checking in at the front desk, and he suddenly stopped.

"Isn't that a bit of a hassle?" Zhang Yang guessed what he was thinking but pretended not to understand why Jiang Jinfu wanted to waste money.

"I have my reasons," Jiang Jinfu didn't mention that he had called Cai Yinong.

He only saw Zhang Yang as a rival to surpass and didn't want to make another enemy.

"Then suit yourself," Zhang Yang didn't force the issue and left with Hu Ge.

"A'Yang, you're truly brave."

In the hotel elevator, Hu Ge gave Zhang Yang a thumbs-up.

Thinking of Nazha's flushed face just now, he admired Zhang Yang's courage.

"Stop talking, I regret it," Zhang Yang took a tissue from his pocket and wiped his hands. He turned to Old Hu and said, "When you take her tomorrow, remember to help me fix her image again."

"How can I help you?" Hu Ge spread his hands. He wasn't good at manipulating people.

"Just say I was actually training her," Zhang Yang had already prepared his speech and wasn't nervous at all. He pursed his lips, "In the entertainment industry, you'll encounter all sorts of interviews and strangers' gatherings. Don't just talk about well-intentioned teasing; there are also malicious attacks and hidden arrows. Teach her to discern them."

"As for why I didn't say anything tonight, it's of course because I didn't want to overstimulate her and make her feel wronged."

After speaking, Zhang Yang saw Hu Ge didn't respond and raised his eyebrows in confusion, "Is there a problem with this explanation?"

"No problem," Hu Ge's eyes turned strange. He said, "If you hadn't told me in advance that this was a remedial measure, I would have thought this was your actual goal."

"Oh~" Zhang Yang nodded thoughtfully and smiled at Hu Ge, "Yes, this is my goal. I'm a responsible Senior Brother, unlike you, a goofball."

Hu Ge: "."

Get lost!

Meanwhile, Jiang Jinfu handed his ID to Hu Ge's female assistant. "Sister, please get me a room too. I'll be following Senior Brother Hu Ge from now on."

The female assistant looked a bit confused but complied without asking.

Nazha, who had been lowering her head in thought, didn't hide her confusion. "Aren't you going to Hengdian with Brother Yang tomorrow?"

Brother Yang was the nickname Zhang Yang requested, as calling him "Senior Brother" sounded too distant.

"I'm just following Sister K's arrangements," Jiang Jinfu didn't elaborate.

"Oh," Nazha saw Jiang Jinfu wasn't very talkative and decided to ignore him.

She watched as the assistant booked the room, then took her ID and room key. Without a word, she grabbed her suitcase and turned to leave.

Jiang Jinfu couldn't help but clench his fist.

Nazha's attitude towards him was completely different from her attitude towards Zhang Yang.

He had to win!

Nazha didn't know his thoughts, otherwise, she would have said, "Isn't it just that you don't look like you want to talk to anyone?"

She went to her room alone. After simply putting down her suitcase, she lay down on the bed and took out her phone, sending a text message.

[Guess who I am.]

"Hmm?"

Reba, who had just finished washing up and was getting into bed, looked at her phone screen.

Seeing the message, a smile appeared on her lips.

[Reba]: Is there a prize for guessing correctly?

[What reward do you want?]

[Reba]: Treat me to ten meals! (Each meal not exceeding one hundred)

"This foodie, she hasn't changed," Nazha happily kicked her feet.

[Fine, guess. I won't give you any hints.]

[Reba]: Okay, Nazha owes me ten meals.

[Nazha]: How did you know it was me?

[Reba]: Senior Zhang Yang texted me a few minutes ago saying you've become his junior fellow disciple and gave me your contact information. Is it that hard to guess?

[Nazha]: You're all bullying me.

"Ah?"

Reba scratched her cheek.

Why did she say "all"?