Showbiz Scandal: The Official Announcement of My Ex and Myself-Chapter 172: Is That Cheng Yiding?

Female celebrities really have it rough in these events; just last year there was an actress who fainted from the cold on the red carpet.

But Xie Qingci wasn’t very familiar with such situations, and he looked at those pale calves peeking out from under the hem of the dress, pursing his lips tightly with the urge to wrap his suit jacket around her.

"Xie Qingci, how’s filming going lately? Haven’t you met Lin Lian when you were at the company last time? Why don’t you say hello?"

Shu Ran didn’t know when she had stopped chatting with Yu Xia and began questioning Xie Qingci instead.

He pulled back his gaze and raised his eyes to look at the person next to Shu Ran.

Others couldn’t help but follow suit and glance over.

Lin Lian lived up to her reputation; she truly resembled a cold, glass-like bead, less flashy and bold than Xie Qingci, more like a jade Buddha sitting in meditation.

Yu Xia took a couple of extra seconds, comparing him and Xie Qingci in her mind.

She was thoroughly engrossed when suddenly she felt a gaze that couldn’t be ignored from beside her. Turning to it, she found Xie Qingci looking at her expressionlessly.

Her eyelids twitched, smoothly shifting her gaze to one side, settling it on Shu Ran.

Originally, Shu Ran was chatting intermittently with Xie Qingci and Lin Lian, but her eyes kept darting to the entrance of the inner hall. Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she spotted someone or something, stood up, and began waving towards the back.

Everyone turned their heads, even people at other tables sensed something and looked towards the entrance.

By this time, the red carpet outside should be almost over, and those entering last were the main guests—the ones with high popularity, great fame, and considerable prowess, meeting all the strict criteria.

The people walking in fit these demanding requirements perfectly.

Leading the group was a man in a tailored suit, tall and handsome with a strikingly attractive face. Even as he occasionally glanced around, his profile dominated the room, outshining all the beauties present.

His enchanting eyes, praised by many, were softly gazing at the woman next to him, gently speaking with a faint smile at his lips.

The woman he was leading wore a Klein blue satin evening gown, with his suit jacket draped over her shoulders. She listened attentively to him while widening her eyes to wave at Shu Ran, smiling brightly and radiantly.

The few people behind them kept conversing. Li Yang, who had been seen once on a show previously, emerged tiptoe-like from behind, signaling friendly waves at Shu Ran but was quickly pulled back by an arm from behind.

"Is that Cheng Yiding?" Yu Xia overheard Wei Yaoyao and others wondering in surprise, "Is such beauty even possible?"

"Oh my, he’s so handsome, undoubtedly at the apex of the beauty hierarchy. Is that lady his wife?"

"He’s married?"

"Of course, are you living under a rock? They already have kids."

Yu Xia couldn’t help but stare even more until they seated themselves next to Shu Ran.

She recalled that the night banquet sponsor seemed to also be an investor in "Limited Youth," and letting the newly debuted boy band sit with Cheng Yiding was quite a favor for the boy band.

But that interaction was limited to a formal greeting, engaging in conversation was unimaginable.

Shu Ran had already abandoned them for her own small circle, so Yu Xia and the others were left talking among themselves.

She went on to check with each member, thoroughly displaying her concern and affection as a mentor for her trainees.

"Wei Yaoyao, why does your curly hairstyle look so uncurly?"

Wei Yaoyao looked defeated: "They wanted to straighten it, but I insisted on keeping it with much effort!"

Ning Yunchao teased him, "You were questioned about wearing a wig on the show, and you told the agent you wanted it straight! Then you changed your mind the next day."

Wei Yaoyao sighed forlornly, "Success and failure both due to curly hair, it’s so tough. If Song Xi hadn’t convinced me of the benefits of curly hair, I’d really have gone for straightening it."

Since Song Xi was mentioned, avoiding him further was impossible. Here, Yu Xia simply inquired briefly about Song Xi.

"I heard you were so tired you got a fever lately? Take good care of yourself."

Song Xi toyed with the eyeglass chain hanging behind his ear, and politely nodded upon hearing this: "Thank you, Yu Xia, it was just a slight cold."

"Usually you wouldn’t catch a cold easily, the body’s resistance must be worn out," she advised them like an older sister, "All efforts must be grounded in good health, don’t rush too much."

Song Xi continued to smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. His forced smile looked rather glaring, like an oppressive ruler pleasing Xie Qingci while scorning others.

How long had it been since they last met? Ever since debuting, they hadn’t encountered each other. Xie Qingci clung tightly to her side as he managed to secure time with her, while Song Xi barely acquired her contact details.

Though the relationship between him and Yu Xia was one filled with hostility and disgrace, people seemed to have a side that self-degrades, making him unable to suppress thoughts about her.

Remembering moments of laughter while she scratched the skin on his body; recalling her gentle voice stating her dislike towards him; frequently reminiscing about her nails digging through fabric and impaling his chest.

He was utterly besotted, unable to forget her—no matter the cold showers or repeatedly convincing himself about the improper relationship between her and Xie Qingci.

Song Xi took a deep breath, sipping his wine from the glass on the table.

"Feeling down?" Wei Yaoyao suddenly leaned in, grinning as he asked.

Song Xi gave him an unfriendly look and scoffed, "You sure have a good rapport with him."

Wei Yaoyao knew exactly who the "him" referred to and understood the implications of this seemingly headless comment.

Keeping his jovial manner, he murmured softly, "I’m also close with you. Without my remark, no greetings would come your way."

Song Xi glared coldly at him.

Wei Yaoyao cheerfully turned back to chat with Yu Xia.

"Yu Xia, do you think I should try acting too? My company’s considering it, though I’m not sure I’m cut out for it."

Unaware of their secret maneuvers, Yu Xia earnestly gave him advice: "I think you’re more suited for variety shows, or perhaps heading towards comedy? Or you could focus on composing and being a singer."

"Makes sense, I’ll ponder over it when I get back."

Not long after the conversation, He Ci and their manager group arrived, standing behind the respective artists as the night banquet commenced.

He Ci brought her a heated shawl and enthusiastically initiated conversations with the managers around her, eager for potential collaborations as though she could secure a dozen gigs instantly.

Yu Xia concentrated on the stage, occasionally nibbling a piece of dessert from in front of her.

There was a red cherry atop the dessert; she had just taken it into her mouth when suddenly warmth crept beside her leg.

Confused, Yu Xia glanced down, seeing Xie Qingci’s legs somehow spread, the right leg nestled against her fluffy coat, the leather shoes crossed behind her high heels, stretching underneath her skirt. Through the thin layer of fabric, his calf was pressing against her calf, filling her with infectious warmth.

She knew him to be like a furnace—hugging him for sleep was incredibly comforting.

However, upon feeling his leg leaning, her first thought surprisingly was—

He’s not wearing thermal pants.