Love Finds Its Time - Chapter 5

Shi Qingqiu had become the hottest celebrity on Weibo in recent days. A single post of hers, full of hidden meaning, had climbed to the very top of the trending list.

【The things you and I know.】

The post, paired with her graduation photos and candid shots from school, was clearly a subtle rebuttal to the plastic surgery rumors—something those familiar with her would easily understand. In her middle school graduation photo, Shi Qingqiu’s features were still youthful but already strikingly refined. In her university candid, her beauty was even more delicate, only lacking the mature charm she carried now.

The plastic surgery scandal was thus overturned, but instead of calming down, it only grew more heated. The top comments under the post were exactly the kind of buzz her manager Pan Jiawen was happy to see.

【LingfengChenxiHJ: Our goddess is all beauty, no need for words.】

【MingJiansu: With a face like this, who’d need surgery? If she did, it wouldn’t be plastic surgery, it’d be sabotage. [Hey, goddess, are you there? I just want to ask—why are you this beautiful! .jpg]】

【TryingtoActMature: The goddess’ biggest regret in life must be not being able to kiss her own perfect face.】

【SingleDogCravingDogFood: Am I the only one who thinks being mistaken for the goddess’ “before-surgery” face must be the luckiest thing that happened to that girl in her last life?】

【NanyuanKotpin: No VIP, can’t post pictures. I just want to ask if the goddess would sleep with me? If she doesn’t see this, I’ll ask again later.】

By the time Shi Qingqiu saw these comments, she was already at the wrap-up banquet. Because filming had kept the cast tied to the set from morning to night, she hadn’t had much time to check Weibo these past weeks. The celebration was only arranged once all filming was finished. Even then, things hadn’t wrapped up as quickly as expected. The final shoots alone had taken over a week, and with post-work included, Shi Qingqiu had been there nearly half a month.

The banquet was lively. After all, everyone had spent months together. Though some actors had left mid-way for other shows, tonight they were all gathered again. Drinks and laughter flowed freely, and with no reporters around, everyone could truly relax. The director and assistant director called over the leads, Shi Qingqiu and Qin Wang, along with other cast members to take commemorative photos. Compliments were exchanged, and the younger actors in particular were showered with praise.

The director, a kind middle-aged man with a bit of a belly, clinked glasses with Shi Qingqiu after patting her lightly on the elbow. Laughing heartily, he said, “Qingqiu, your performance these past weeks was excellent. This was our first time working together, and you’ve proven yourself a true talent. You didn’t let me down.” Turning to Qin Wang, he added, “And you as well, A-Wang. The two of you had flawless chemistry. If this film doesn’t smash the box office, I’d be shocked. I hope I get the chance to work with both of you again.”

They all raised their glasses and sipped their red wine.

Shi Qingqiu smiled politely and replied with humility, “You flatter me, Director Li. I’ve learned so much during this time. Being recognized by you is truly an honor.” 

Tonight, she wore a black off-shoulder floor-length gown, her long dark hair curled into waves. The elegance she always carried was now laced with a touch of allure. Every gesture seemed to command attention—without question, she was the most dazzling figure in the room.

Qin Wang, in a black suit, looked effortlessly dashing. He echoed her words with equal grace, “Yes, Director Li, it’s our honor. I hope we can work together again soon. We won’t let you down.”

The director, beaming under their praise, clinked glasses again, then patted Qin Wang’s arm. “You two do nothing but sweet-talk me. Honey-coated words, every one. All right, I’ll leave you to it.” With a nod, he and the assistant director moved off.

With formalities done, Qin Wang suggested they find a quieter corner. They grabbed some fruit and cake and sat together.

Sinking into his chair, Qin Wang groaned, “Honestly, wrap-up banquets are more exhausting than filming. Too many people.”

In their industry, such events were unavoidable. The benefit was building connections, but the downside was having to stay on guard, engaging with everyone even when drained, until the night finally ended.

Shi Qingqiu rubbed the stem of her glass between her fingers, fatigue clouding her features. “Careful. There might be paparazzi hiding here. Don’t get caught.” She wasn’t overly worried. His voice wasn’t loud, and the room was noisy. If anything clear leaked, that would be suspicious in itself.

“Hey, Qingqiu, didn’t Wen-jie scold you for that Weibo post?” Qin Wang asked around a mouthful of cake.

Ordinarily, scandals like the plastic surgery rumor were milked as hype for a new film. By clearing it up herself, she should have earned a scolding. That was the life of an artist. Sometimes you couldn’t even defend yourself without approval. Profit came first. Understandable, but bitter.

Shi Qingqiu took a sip of wine, her voice clearer after the rich liquid slid down her throat. “This time, it was a lucky hit. Instead of being drowned out, it went straight to number one. Why would Wen-jie scold me? She called that same night just to praise my instinct.”

She remembered seeing missed calls and messages from Pan Jiawen that evening, insisting she call back no matter how late. 

When she did, Pan Jiawen praised her but warned her not to act alone again—luck wouldn’t always be on her side.

“Impressive. Anyone else would’ve been cursed out, told to ‘wait until before the release to clarify,’ blah blah. They’d have found a dozen excuses to chew them out.” Qin Wang popped a cherry from his cake into his mouth.

Shi Qingqiu only smiled.

“Oh, by the way, I’ve got inside info—both of us are basically confirmed for the next episode of Inside and Outside the Drama,” Qin Wang suddenly perked up, whispering conspiratorially.

Even without him saying it, Shi Qingqiu already knew. With one film wrapping and another about to release, her fame was at its peak. And Qin Wang was one of the most requested guests by audiences. The timing was perfect.

“I know,” Shi Qingqiu replied, leaning back, legs crossed, her gaze sweeping the banquet hall.

“Reality shows aren’t new to me, but this one’s different. Ratings are sky-high…” Qin Wang rambled on while eating cake, not caring whether Shi Qingqiu listened.

Her brows knit slightly. The show was unusual—not just a typical variety program. But it was already set. All she could do was let things run their course. Relaxing, she set her glass down and smoothed her lips into a faint smile.

The banquet ran until dawn. Afterward, everyone returned to their hotels.

Exhaustion was etched into Shi Qingqiu’s face. She dismissed Yang Xiao, removed her makeup, washed up, and collapsed onto her bed.

Tomorrow she’d finally fly home. Relieved, she lit up her phone, only to see a missed call and message from Wen Qinghan: Call me back when you get to the hotel.

She sat up instantly, checked the time, and decided to try. As usual, the call connected quickly. In the silence of night, she could hear faint sounds she never noticed in the day, like the even rhythm of the other woman’s breathing.

“Qinghan, it’s so late. You’re not asleep yet?” she asked softly.

“Mm, not yet,” Wen Qinghan replied, shifting against the headboard, her spine creaking from sitting too long. She’d kept the same posture for hours.

Shi Qingqiu tucked her hair behind her ear, chuckling. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Are you coming to pick me up?”

Wen Qinghan adjusted the blanket over her waist. “Mm,” she answered, then asked, “What time’s your flight?” Her voice carried, breath brushing faintly against Shi Qingqiu’s ear.

Holding her phone with one hand and absentmindedly tracing patterns on the bed with the other, Shi Qingqiu recalled the ticket details. “Around six in the evening. Probably delayed though.”

“Mm. That’s just after I finish work. Call me when you land,” Wen Qinghan replied.

It was their usual routine. Whoever arrived first waited at the airport. No explanation was really needed. But since becoming closer, they sometimes restated things unconsciously, as though rediscovering old habits.

After she spoke, silence fell between them. Both seemed to notice the faint awkwardness. Wen Qinghan smiled slightly, and Shi Qingqiu laughed too.

“It feels kind of weird between us,” Shi Qingqiu admitted.

“Mm, it does,” Wen Qinghan answered quickly.

“There’s really no difference, though. We can still be friends. Just with more responsibility for each other. We’ll be side by side for years to come. Don’t you think?” Shi Qingqiu lay back against the bed, phone still pressed to her ear.

“Right,” Wen Qinghan said, a trace of laughter in her voice. But leaning her head back and closing her eyes, the curve of her lips looked almost bitter. “We’ve always been friends. Before, and now too.”  In your heart, I’ll always just be a friend. Even now, when our relationship could mean more, you never think of me that way. Because you never saw me through the lens of love.

Shi Qingqiu couldn’t see her face, but she imagined Wen Qinghan’s frosty beauty softened with a faint smile, strikingly beautiful.

Wen Qinghan had always been a woman who could stir hearts. Shi Qingqiu knew it well. But her cold, untouchable air kept people at a distance.

“Qinghan, talk more with me from now on. Chat with me more often. That way we’ll communicate better,” Shi Qingqiu urged, frowning slightly, already thinking of other habits Wen Qinghan might need to change.

“Okay, I’ll remember,” Wen Qinghan replied, opening her eyes to the night sky full of stars.

They still had a lifetime to spend together. Just that thought alone eased the sourness in Wen Qinghan’s heart.

Even if she wasn’t the one, there would be no one else.