CEO's Sweetheart is a Super Idol-Chapter 397 - 389: Teacher and Student Dining Together
Banquet venue
Yuwei was extremely surprised at this moment.
Because she had just won the Best Newcomer Award for online movies.
Although it wasn’t a famous film award, it was still given by a legitimate organization.
Looking completely dazed, she walked onto the stage to accept the award amidst the host’s congratulatory remarks.
When the audience below heard her mention her title as the "Natural Girl," the applause seemed even more enthusiastic than before.
Long Zitao watched Yuwei humbly bow to accept the award, and an inexplicable sense of pride welled up within him.
This was his student, the one who accompanied him through those unforgettable three-plus months.
The award presenter was a seasoned elder, who noticed how nervous she was, as her face flushed red.
This look carried a mix of restraint and charm. His eyes scanned her from head to toe, seemingly imagining something.
Lan Yening was also clapping his hands, his gaze equally fervent.
He knew a secret that no one else present here did.
That secret was a hidden red mole of Yuwei’s, which he had accidentally glimpsed while working at a certain place.
Yuwei was naturally unaware of the thoughts and tastes these men had towards her.
She left the stage after bowing and expressing gratitude.
"Sister Yezi, that’s amazing! Winning an award at your first awards ceremony." Lu Yunxi looked at her with a hint of envy.
"It’s all thanks to everyone’s hard work. Thank you all," Yuwei responded with sincere clarity.
The award ceremony concluded, and next came a scheduled cocktail party in the adjacent hall.
However, not many people attended; many just left after receiving their awards.
Back then, people used to treat cocktail parties as essential networking occasions.
Nowadays, many avoid them, as such events have become crowded and chaotic, requiring enduring those with ulterior motives.
Genuine connections and resources are mostly exchanged in private now.
Yuwei headed to the backstage dressing room, changed her clothes, removed her makeup, and left directly.
She did not bring her assistant along but instead went to the restaurant where she had agreed to meet Long Zitao.
However, what she didn’t expect was that her movements were already being tracked by someone.
"Mr. Long, you really went above and beyond, reserving the entire floor like this." Yuwei took in the scene and immediately understood Long Zitao’s intentions.
"Isn’t it better to eat in peace and quiet? All the noise and commotion can ruin the appetite." Long Zitao waved his hand as the waiter began serving the dishes.
Hearing his explanation, Yuwei couldn’t help but smile softly. This man always had a stubborn way with words—caring yet reluctant to admit it.
Long Zitao froze for a moment. Under the warm lighting, the beauty sitting across from him was truly breathtaking.
During his youth, he had once pursued a girl in the islands, but compared to the young woman before him now, it was like the moon against a mere firefly.
"Yuwei, you’re all so popular now, always busy, and can’t even spare the time to call your teacher."
"Haha, Mr. Long, you’re the one who’s busy! It’s impossible for us to book time with you."
"You’ve really become skilled at talking. I didn’t notice this before."
Long Zitao raised his glass and took a sip with her.
The rich aroma of the wine seeped into his being, heightening his confidence.
"Back then it was all just a performance! I had to act the proper lady."
"Good heavens! You—acting ladylike? How many times did Wang Na and her group get knocked down by you?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
Without outsiders present, Long Zitao spoke quite freely.
"I wasn’t like that. I was just fulfilling my responsibility as the team captain."
The more they talked, the livelier their conversation became, as if reliving those months filled with trials and triumphs.
"How do you feel about entering the entertainment circle now?" Long Zitao asked.
"It’s alright, just so busy!"
"I bet you’ve got quite a few admirers chasing after you now."
"Who’s chasing after me? I’m always under Mr. Zhou’s supervision."
"... Does that mean you had to report this dinner to him too?"
"Of course I had to report it. Otherwise, what if rumors start circulating? Teacher-student romances are always hot topics."
Long Zitao, hearing this, shook his head furiously and put down his chopsticks angrily.
"Yuwei, you’re overthinking! A teacher-student romance? I’m just inviting you for a meal, that’s all."
"That’s good then! I haven’t had such a good meal in ages."
Long Zitao was left speechless by her response.
This girl always found a way to use softness against hardness, neatly dismantling his defenses.
"Mr. Long, do you have many women around you?"
"I don’t. I’m a straight guy and don’t like those coquettish types."
"You dislike them, so why did you become mentor to a girl group?"
"I was the initiator, not the mentor—it’s just a job."
Long Zitao felt like Yuwei might drive him crazy with her remarks; she had a knack for pressing his buttons.
"Mr. Long, you’re also an investor. Don’t all sorts of women vying for fame love to gather around people like you?"
"I surrender! You make it sound like I go around exploiting people."
"I definitely believe in your character, but those women are a different story—always circling like flowers, young and beautiful, acting so carefree. Shouldn’t they be treated gently and kindly?"
"What about you? Do you ever think about finding a man who can invest in you?"
Long Zitao suddenly turned serious; his sharp gaze locked onto Yuwei.
"Do I need a man? I’ve got corporate backing behind me!"
Long Zitao nearly burst out laughing at her straightforward answer.
"Fine! But from what I’ve seen, most resources from Mr. Zhou have been allocated to the top three."
"Mr. Long, are you trying to sow discord here?"
"Do I need to? Just look at your schedules and it’s obvious."
"Oh! So you’ve been keeping tabs on all of us. I thought you were only concerned about me."
Long Zitao felt like he couldn’t hold his ground anymore.
In the past, women always made the first move towards him; he thought he was a master in the art of flirtation but lacked actual experience.
He quickly changed the subject: "Sister Yezi, you looked absolutely stunning tonight—the most eye-catching one in the room."
"Teacher, you’re making me both shy and happy. I’ll take that as a compliment."
"I’m genuinely complimenting you; you’ve misunderstood me too much."
"Not just me; all the girls in the academy say they’re afraid of you."
"Afraid of me? As long as they don’t prank me, I’d be thankful."
Long Zitao felt that being around her was too much fun, as if she truly understood him.
"Thank you, Mr. Long. It’s already late, and I need to head back now."
Long Zitao paused, reluctant to let her go but still said, "I’ll drive you home."
"Alright! It’s so late—taking a cab would make me uneasy."
They left the restaurant, got into the car, and shut the door. In the confined space, Long Zitao felt the strange sensation of actually being alone with her.
Yuwei’s unique fragrance wafted toward him, making him restless yet afraid to take any action for fear of scaring her away.
The drive passed quietly until Yuwei arrived at her villa.
He stood beside the car, staring up at the small building, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss, like he had parted with something precious.
He didn’t realize that someone upstairs was watching him.
Duan Yuxin only set down her binoculars after seeing him enter his car.
Her face showed shock, her eyes filled with sorrow—she hadn’t expected the one who had escorted Sister Yezi home to be her most respected Mr. Long.
Not yet 18 years old, her heart ached with jealousy but also confusion and helplessness.
When she heard Yuwei’s footsteps ascending the stairs, panic overwhelmed her, and she burrowed under the covers, terrified her feelings might be discovered by her older sister.
Soon after, she silently berated herself for her cowardice.
