You Must Be Good 84

Chapter 84

What does jealousy feel like?

Chu Xinrou had never felt it.

Since she was a child, she had never had a strong desire for anything. Those exquisite toys, those beloved dresses, as long as others showed a hint of desire, she would always nod and give them away. Xu Keqing often complained to Chu Yunji, “Our eldest daughter is good at everything, but she’s too detached. When we’re old, I’m afraid we won’t even be able to have a few words with her.”

At first, Chu Yunji had just listened in silence. Gradually, an imperceptible disappointment began to creep into his gaze towards his daughter. Those faint gazes were like fine needles, pricking invisible holes in Chu Xinrou’s heart.

She remembered that rainy night, when Chu Yunji had stood at the door of the study, his voice colder than the rain outside. “Xinrou, you are the successor I have personally groomed. You shouldn’t care too much about anything.”

But when she had really done it, he had looked at her with that strange gaze—as if he were looking at a precise, but cold, machine.

From that day on, Chu Xinrou had completely locked her heart. She had thought that the blood flowing in her veins was just this cold.

Until now.

The phone screen was glowing with a cold light. On the Weibo interface, two girls were smiling brightly. They were so close, and one of them was affectionately holding the other’s arm.

Chu Xinrou’s fingertips hovered above the screen, uncontrollably scrolling down. Each photo was like a fine needle, accurately piercing the softest part of her heart.

Is this jealousy?

A sourness rolled in her throat, and her breathing became light and rapid. She suddenly remembered those toys and dresses she had easily given away. It turned out that it wasn’t that she didn’t want them, but that she had never encountered something she truly desired.

The smiling faces on the screen were still constantly refreshing. Chu Xinrou finally turned off the phone. In the dark, she pressed her palm to her left chest, where a strange, sharp pain was coming from.

This… is this love?

When Qiao Xiaoxiao returned in the moonlight, the clock had already passed eleven. She pushed open the door to her home, exhausted. That familiar little orange lamp was still quietly waiting in the living room, its orange-yellow halo like a pair of gentle hands, gently brushing away her fatigue.

After taking a hot shower and blow-drying her long hair, Qiao Xiaoxiao habitually stood in front of her sister’s room for a while before she went to bed with satisfaction.

The new product promotion of Qingxin studio had unexpectedly gone viral. Before the advertisement was officially launched, the topic on social media platforms was already very high. What surprised Qiao Xiaoxiao even more was that in just a few days, seven brokerage companies had contacted her, wanting to sign this suddenly popular “commoner blogger,” and the prices they offered were not low.

It was as if she had become popular before the official promotion.

It was fine with others, but even the people in the studio were secretly shipping them. Every time Wang Tiantian came over, there would be a series of screams.

Xiaohua was the most excited and was almost becoming a fan leader.

“Xiao Qi, look at this!” Xiaohua rushed into the office with her phone. On the screen was clearly the CP super topic established by the fans. “‘Tianxiao’ CP has already rushed to the third place on the city list!”

Bai Qi was silently organizing documents on the side. Hearing this, she looked up. “Just look at it online.”

“Why?” Xiaohua’s eyes widened. “They’re clearly such a good match!”

Bai Qi shook her head. Her sixth sense told her that the person in Qiao Xiaoxiao’s heart was definitely not the one in front of the camera.

It was also because they wanted to ride on the coattails of this hot search that the final draft of the advertising creative plan was decided: to adopt a dual spokesperson strategy, with the professional athlete Wang Tiantian and the brand’s commoner representative Qiao Xiaoxiao respectively interpreting the two major product lines of Qingxin.

In terms of visual presentation, the two spokespersons formed a sharp contrast: Wang Tiantian appeared in a “light sports” style, wearing a mint-green training suit and biting a lollipop, highlighting the daily wearing comfort of the bracelet; Qiao Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, adopted a “professional competitive” style, with a light pink sportswear paired with basketball elements, showing the eye-catching side of the bracelet in intense sports scenes.

Contrast and comparison are common methods to attract attention.

The marketing department had prepared several backup plans when submitting the proposal, worried that the BOSS would object to this differentiated marketing strategy. However, at the proposal review meeting, after Qiao Xiaoxiao had quickly browsed through the core data and had heard that she would be filming herself and would not need to spend any more money, she had nodded in agreement and had quickly signed.

Wang Ning was older and had a more long-term perspective. Her years of experience had also taught her how deep the water was. “Xiaoxiao,” she took the contract with a worried look. “The internet is a double-edged sword. Do you want to reconsider?”

Qiao Xiaoxiao signed the last document without even looking up. “I’m not on the internet. They can say whatever they want.”

Wang Ning: …

It’s really the simple and direct method that can clear all barriers.

On the day of the shoot, Qiao Xiaoxiao was in a light pink sportswear, and Wang Tiantian was in a mint-green sportswear. The two youthful figures interacted naturally in front of the camera.

At first, Qiao Xiaoxiao was not used to being in front of the camera, but with Wang Tiantian there, guiding her, “You don’t have to look at so much. Just pretend it’s our high school training before.”

Hearing this, Qiao Xiaoxiao was amused. “High school training? Then wouldn’t I have to kick your butt?”

The scene was immediately filled with laughter, and the tense atmosphere dissipated.

At the beginning, they were still filming a proper scene. Later, they were laughing and fooling around. An hour later, it had turned into a scene of them chasing each other and playing. They were really like two children who hadn’t grown up. Time passed by quickly.

Qiao Xiaoxiao didn’t know what the final film would be cut into, but the big stone had fallen, and she was very happy in her heart. “Come to my house tonight. I’ll take you to have hot pot.”

Wang Tiantian glanced at her. “Oh, your sister is finally willing to see me?”

Her schedule was very full. After the commercial was filmed today, she would have to see if there were any reshoots needed tomorrow morning. She would be leaving in the afternoon to fly back to Australia for training.

Before she left, she always had to see the person Qiao Xiaoxiao was reluctant to part with, so that she would give up.

Qiao Xiaoxiao said with a smile, “What do you mean, finally willing? We have to meet sooner or later.”

Her sister, she had never thought of hiding her. If her sister completely accepted her in the future, Qiao Xiaoxiao would openly bring her to see her relatives and friends. Wang Tiantian was her best friend, and she had no intention of hiding this matter.

“Oh, by the way, the captain is also coming tonight.”

Qiao Xiaoxiao’s expression became a little more serious. She looked at Wang Tiantian. “Do you think… we should still call her ‘coach’?”

Wang Tiantian thought for a while. “Last time, I saw that Coach Lu was clearly still thinking of our captain. How about we give her a call and ask? Let her decide for herself?”

Qiao Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement. She thought for a moment. “As for the captain’s side, I’ll also be honest and see if she wants to come.”

At this, both of them felt a little sorry for their situation. Wang Tiantian’s voice was low. “How did it turn out like this? I remember in high school, the captain really liked the coach. She was usually so flippant, but the moment the coach called, she would go over immediately.”

She was an old member of the track and field team and had seen much more of the past than Xiaoxiao.

At that time, Lu Chen had just graduated and had come to the school as an assistant coach. She was still very “young” and had none of her current authority or presence. She was often bullied by the young people on the team.

Every time, Chu Ge would see it and would smile, not saying anything. But after the team was dismissed, she would immediately change her expression, clench her fists, and go up with a dark face.

For this, she had been called to the parent-teacher conference several times and had even gotten into a few fights. But Chu Ge would just chew her gum and not care.

Over time, everyone had become honest and well-behaved. Slowly, Lu Chen could control the team members, and later, she became very skilled.

And the captain was still the same. She would always be smiling and indifferent to other people’s affairs. But whenever it was related to the coach, she would always be the first to go.

This had persisted for three years, rain or shine.

Wang Tiantian had thought that they would end up together…

Qiao Xiaoxiao sighed. “Something must have happened that made her really give up.”

For Chu Ge, she could empathize even more.

But the current scene was what she least wanted to see.

If they had really broken up, Xiaoxiao would rather see the coach not have any lingering feelings, instead of being so regretful and sighing like now.

…

This “family banquet,” Qiao Xiaoxiao had been planning for a long time. She had also not really relaxed for a long time.

Because there were many people, they had prepared to eat directly in the courtyard. As the sky darkened, the aroma of hot pot was already wafting from the small courtyard.

Qiao Xiaoxiao was wearing an apron and was shuttling between the kitchen and the living room, peeking at the door from time to time. Wang Tiantian had been ordered by her to wash the vegetables and cut the meat. The champion athlete was now clumsily dealing with a cabbage.

“Where’s the tofu?” Qiao Xiaoxiao lifted the pot lid and asked.

Yang Feitang said with a smile, “Your sister went to buy it.”

The tofu at the wet market was sold out. They had originally said that if there was none, they wouldn’t eat it. But Xiaoxiao loved tofu the most. Chu Xinrou had insisted on going out to buy it.

She had always spoiled Xiaoxiao like this, and Yang Feitang was used to it.

Hearing this, Wang Tiantian didn’t even look up. With a few chops, the cabbage on the cutting board was already a miserable sight.

The doorbell suddenly rang.

Lu Chen was standing in the entryway in a white dress. The silk fabric outlined her smooth waistline, and the V-neck design faintly showed the beautiful lines of her collarbones. The muscle lines from her years of training were wrapped in the soft fabric, and she actually showed a rare gentleness.

“Coach…” The ladle in Qiao Xiaoxiao’s hand fell to the floor with a clang. Wang Tiantian was even more so, frozen on the spot, her hands, which were covered in vegetable leaves, forgotten to be wiped.

Lu Chen’s ears turned red from being looked at. “Am I… not dressed appropriately?”

She usually appeared in front of everyone in sportswear and rarely dressed so “sexy.” She had also gone all out. If… this was really the last time, she hoped that the impression of herself that remained in Chu Ge’s mind was beautiful.

“It’s appropriate! Very appropriate!” Wang Tiantian rushed forward. “Coach, you should have dressed like this a long time ago!” She looked her up and down, then looked at Qiao Xiaoxiao. “Xiaoxiao, do you think I would look good if I dressed like this?”

Qiao Xiaoxiao smiled. “A child wearing adult clothes?”

Wang Tiantian roared in anger, “Qiao Xiaoxiao!!!”

…

The glass window of the kitchen was covered in mist, and the sound of Yang Feitang tuning the stereo came from the living room.

Chu Ge came a little late.

After not seeing her for a long time, she had lost a lot of weight. Her cheeks were almost a size smaller, making her eyes look even clearer. When she pushed the door and came in, Lu Chen clearly stiffened. Her fingers unconsciously clutched the hem of her dress, her gaze fixed on her. But Chu Ge didn’t even give her a glance and just walked straight to Qiao Xiaoxiao, handing her the bag in her hand.

“Where’s Teacher Chu?” The corners of her lips lifted slightly, her tone light. “I brought her some walnut cookies.”

After speaking, she tilted her head to look at Wang Tiantian, her eyebrows raised, her smile deepening. “Oh, you’ve changed. You really have the air of a champion now.”

She greeted everyone one by one, only skipping Lu Chen.

The light in Lu Chen’s eyes dimmed a little, and her lips were pressed tightly together. Qiao Xiaoxiao secretly glanced at her, her heart clenching a little, but she was helpless—in matters of love, an outsider could ultimately not interfere.

Chu Xinrou was the last to return.

By the time she got home, the hot pot was already set up, the red broth boiling, and the aroma filling the air. The string of lights in the small courtyard was lit, and the warm yellow glow swayed gently in the night, like a sky full of fallen stars.

The moment Chu Xinrou pushed the door and entered, the entire small courtyard seemed to be enveloped in moonlight.

She was only wearing the simplest white dress, with no extra decorations, but it made her skin look as white as snow and her dark hair as black as ink. The hem of her dress swayed gently with her steps, like a clear spring flowing by, untainted by any dust.

The light fell on her, plating her in a soft, warm color, and even her hair had a fine, sparkling light. Her features were as gentle as a painting, and the corners of her lips held a faint smile. Her whole being was as clean as if she had walked out of an ink wash painting.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, and even the bubbling sound of the hot pot became distant.

Sensing everyone’s gaze, Chu Xinrou smiled slightly. “Sorry, I’m late.”

Qiao Xiaoxiao stood up and walked over, very skillfully taking the bag from her hand and raising her hand to touch her cheek. “Are you hot?”

This was a very common interaction between them.

In the eyes of others, it was nothing, just a deep sisterly affection.

But today, below were a group of battle-hardened gay girls. This feeling was immediately different.

Yang Feitang was long used to it. She tactfully saw Lu Chen’s awkwardness and low spirits and pulled her to sit beside her, directly opening a bottle of Wuliangye with a flourish. “Come, come, coach. Let’s drink. We’ll make CEO Qiao bleed today.”

Wang Tiantian stared at the two of them for a long time, then lowered her head and said in a muffled voice, “Sister Yang, I want to drink too.”

Yang Feitang protected the wine bottle. “That won’t do. You have training tomorrow.”

Wang Tiantian’s voice was low. “Please, Sister Yang. Just let me indulge for once.”

After today… she could completely give up and bury the years of secret crush that had not yet seen the light of day.

Just as she had finished speaking, Chu Ge also handed over her cup. “Pour me some too.”

“Captain, you’ve started to drink?”

Qiao Xiaoxiao brought over the cut tofu. Chu Ge glanced at her and said lightly, “Yes. My girlfriend likes to drink, so I had a couple of drinks.”

The moment she said this, Qiao Xiaoxiao’s hand trembled, and the tofu fell into the pot. The splashing broth almost burned her. Fortunately, Wang Tiantian was quick and pulled her back.

“You have a girlfriend?”

Yang Feitang glanced at Lu Chen and asked in surprise.

Chu Ge nodded, her tone light and airy. “Yes. She has something to do today. I’ll bring her to a gathering next time.”

Holy shit?

What is going on?

Yang Feitang looked at Chu Xinrou for help, wanting to ask her what to do. But the moment she looked up, Sister Yang saw that Chu Xinrou’s gaze was fixed on Wang Tiantian’s hand, which was holding Qiao Xiaoxiao’s arm.

Yang Feitang: …

Alright.

She understood now.

Tonight was a battlefield of jealousy.

She would just watch the show.