Qin Sizheng felt guilty. “Of course I know… it’s just… polite, I can’t exactly tell Director Zhou I don’t want to go.”
Lu Xianqing tugged him gently, pressing him against a pillar. “Hey, when I won that award, you said I was losing my moral compass and even called out her acting specifically. You were pretty harsh. Holding a grudge?”
Qin Sizheng was momentarily speechless.
Lu Xianqing traced his lips with his finger for a moment, recalling the satisfied moment from last night, a faint smile deepening in his eyes.
“How could that be?”
He leaned close to Qin Sizheng’s ear, speaking in a voice only he could hear. “Is it because of me?”
Qin Sizheng immediately denied it. “No!”
“No need to deny so quickly.” Lu Xianqing pinched his ear, gently kneading it while murmuring as if in private. “You’re the first person who let me stick my tongue out in a kissing scene and tape ourselves up for a bed scene. That’s something to brag about—much prouder than filming a sibling scene with Wen Li, right?”
Qin Sizheng’s ear flushed under his touch. “I’m not bragging about it.”
Lu Xianqing chuckled inwardly, leaving him too embarrassed to respond—this kind of shyness wasn’t something everyone could muster.
“Fourth Brother, Sizheng, go back and remove your makeup.” An Ning was getting impatient and waved them over. It was getting late, and darkness was approaching.
Qin Sizheng didn’t mind; there was still a half-blind person to look after carefully.
“Do you still need me to act opposite you tonight?” Lu Xianqing asked.
Qin Sizheng shook his head. “Not tonight. Xu Zhao said I should do a livestream and promote a product.”
“Alright, go ahead.”
After removing his makeup, Qin Sizheng returned to the hotel. The livestream was scheduled around 8:30 PM. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Chen Qiu packing, two large suitcases in the room.
“Chen Qiu, what are you doing with these?”
Chen Qiu restrained the truth, wearing a calm expression. “The crew said it’s a bit inconvenient for us to share a room. Anyway, money isn’t an issue, so they set up another room for me. From now on, we each have our own room.”
Qin Sizheng asked, “Do you think it’s inconvenient to stay with me?”
Chen Qiu quickly replied, “No! I really like staying with you, but… well, money isn’t a problem, haha. Also, I talk too much and disturb your rest. If I move out, you’ll have peace and quiet.”
Qin Sizheng never felt disturbed by him; aside from You Si, he liked Chen Qiu the most. Talking to him was always relaxing.
“Do you really have to move?”
Chen Qiu scratched his head internally. He didn’t want to move either, but with Lu Xianqing’s suggestion, staying might cause trouble.
“I’ll come see you often.”
Qin Sizheng saw there was no way to persuade him and didn’t press further. He helped pack Chen Qiu’s things and brought them to the door. “I’ll have Chang Feng order some late-night food. After my livestream, we’ll eat together. Don’t sleep too early.”
Chen Qiu nodded repeatedly. “Alright, I’ll stay downstairs!”
Back in his room, Shen Changfeng had already set up the computer and camera.
On the way back, Shen Changfeng had him watch a few product livestream videos as a crash course and briefly explained the flow. He also said Qin Sizheng didn’t need to follow typical livestream conventions—just be natural.
Qin Sizheng showered, changed into his casual clothes, and once the time was near, had Shen Changfeng start the camera.
Shen Changfeng sat across from him, requesting a small blackboard from the hotel front desk to write out the flow, ready to give prompts if needed.
Fans were already waiting in the livestream room. Qin Sizheng hadn’t posted on Weibo since the last “Growing Together” post months ago. If it weren’t for knowing he had joined the crew, they might have thought he was out of touch.
The moment fans saw his face on camera, they went wild, filling the chat with waves of comments.
Unlike last time, this livestream was full of affection and kindness.
“Ahhh, my treasure! Finally see you again! Mom missed you!!”
“You little heartless one, no Weibo updates, no posts… trying to make us die of longing? Heard you had a food allergy and went to the hospital—are you okay? Let mom see.”
“Hug, baby! I almost freaked out when I heard you fainted. Luckily you’re fine!”
Qin Sizheng curved his eyes in a gentle smile, dimples forming. “I’m fine. Just a little rash left, nothing else. Don’t worry.”
He leaned slightly, revealing red marks on his collarbone, drawing even more concern from fans.
“Damn it! What’s with Yao Jinwei? Idiot! She should rot in jail! How could she touch someone with a food allergy? Never thought she was this cruel!”
“Is Bao doing a livestream for product promotion today? Me, chives, ready to be cut! Come on!”
The products Qin Sizheng was promoting were a few lipsticks—a popular small-luxury brand with three new autumn limited shades.
The positive energy in the chat relaxed Qin Sizheng’s mood. He laughed, “Why are you all so eager? My sickle isn’t even sharp yet. Little chives, don’t rush.”
“Hahaha, why not? Chives can’t have their own ideas? I’ve grown up and need to be cut. Sickly sickle, are you up to it? If not, I’ll do it myself!”
Qin Sizheng couldn’t help laughing. “Cut, cut, cut. Let me sharpen the sickle first, then we’ll cut.”
Three lipsticks were on the table. Qin Sizheng picked one up and held it toward the camera. “I’m recommending three lipsticks for girls. Kind of strange for me to do this, right?”
“Not strange at all! Hurry, I’ve got my cart ready! I’ve been looking for fall-winter shades—here you are!”
“I’ll test it on my lips! Previously Bao Yu tried the rose rouge on his lips, now I’m testing my husband’s! Mr. Cao understands me!”
Qin Sizheng gasped. “Calm down… I don’t think Mr. Cao really wants to understand you.”
Shen Changfeng almost couldn’t hold back his laughter, shoulders shaking as he awkwardly wrote reminders to keep him on track.
Qin Sizheng cleared his throat and steered back to the main topic. “Let’s start with the first one. The case design is really pretty, adorned with a floral pattern and crystals—very girlish, perfect for you.”
“Let’s look at the lipstick itself. It’s delicate, with a very light, natural floral scent. There are tiny gold flecks—hard to capture on camera, but visible to the naked eye, sparkling beautifully.” Qin Sizheng glanced down at the mirror and pressed his lips together. “I’ve never worn lipstick before. If I apply it badly, don’t laugh.”
【Not laughing! If it doesn’t look good, I’ll fix it for you. Hubby, look at me—I’ll use my mouth to apply it!】
【Bao, just apply it however you want. Fill in the lip shape, it’ll look good either way! Self-aware of being a fan!】
Qin Sizheng carefully applied the lipstick. Awkward and unskilled, he finally finished. His ears flushed bright red as he looked at the camera unnaturally. “Hmm… the color is really pretty, suits skin tone, not too bright. Lips look soft and hydrated. I’m rather ordinary-looking; you guys will look even better wearing it.”
【I’ve never felt more like a little chive in my life. You guys will look better. My hand shakes slightly while placing the order.】
【Bao, you’re so good at this.】
【Wait, is this a new kind of humblebrag? I’m ordinary-looking? The chive feels like it’s been struck by a million points of injury—needs hubby hugs and kisses to recover.】
The comment flashed by quickly; Qin Sizheng only caught the last part about the hugs. On impulse, he replied, “Hug, hug, hug. Later I’ll give you coupons—buying with them will be cheaper.”
【??? Earlier sisters, I’m going to pull an all-nighter and assassinate you!】
Qin Sizheng took the makeup remover pad Shen Changfeng handed him, wiped off the lipstick, and picked up the second one. “This one is simpler in design. Sleek, gold square tube, very light in hand.”
“The color is a bit deeper than the first, a more subdued maple shade, brightening the skin. The texture is light and thin, not greasy at all…”
Knock, knock.
Qin Sizheng turned; Shen Changfeng gestured for him to continue and went to open the door.
“Why are you here?”
Lu Xianqing held a takeout dinner, peeking inside. “Not convenient to let me in?”
“No, Sizheng might be busy livestreaming and can’t attend to you. If you don’t mind, wait a bit and come in.” Shen Changfeng didn’t dare push him away and stepped aside to let him enter.
【Wait! Did I just hear Fourth Brother’s voice? OMG, it’s really him! Qing Shan has Sizheng! Sisters, I’m losing it.】
Qin Sizheng’s eyes caught a comment and he looked back—seeing Lu Xianqing.
“Fourth Brother?”
“You continue.” Lu Xianqing sat in a chair, out of the camera frame. Shen Changfeng poured him some water and brought a little fruit, then sat back opposite Qin Sizheng.
Earlier, Qin Sizheng had interacted with fans, joking and chatting, and although his livestream style was unconventional compared to other hosts or celebrities, it was surprisingly effective.
With Lu Xianqing there, he almost couldn’t speak, especially with lipstick still on his lips—his face flushed instantly.
“Why aren’t you continuing?”
Qin Sizheng glanced at the camera, then at him, hesitating. “Would you like to go back first? I can finish and come to you afterward.”
Lu Xianqing crossed his legs, propping his head with one hand, smiling at him, showing no intention of leaving.
Qin Sizheng pursed his lips. “Did you come for something?”
“What, kicking me out?”
Slightly hesitant, Qin Sizheng said, “No, I’m just busy—afraid I can’t attend properly.”
“You don’t need to attend me. I brought my own things.” Lu Xianqing nodded toward the table—he’d brought dinner.
Earlier, he had planned just to secretly watch from the shadows, but seeing Qin Sizheng lightly applying lipstick to the camera, with hints of red on his lips, reminded him of last night.
“An Ning, do these livestream sales give any profit to the host?”
Lu Xianqing didn’t handle such things, so he had no idea. An Ning was about to explain, then saw Qin Sizheng in the camera and exclaimed, “It’s Sizheng’s first livestream! Don’t disrupt him!”
Lu Xianqing said, “I won’t, just giving him a little traffic.”
In just that short time, the comment feed was so dense that Qin Sizheng could barely see his own face. Speaking of flow, Lu Xianqing himself was the largest traffic magnet here!
【Qing Shan has Sizheng forever!!!! As long as I live, this CP will definitely show up together and share sweetness!】
【Since Fourth Brother is here, don’t leave! Join my Bao in the livestream! First time ever, please!】
【Thank you, Lu Xianqing, for fulfilling my dream.】
Lu Xianqing read the comments aloud, chuckling. “I’d like to join, but I wonder if my Bao wants me to take this first shot.”