The Unexpected Rise Before My Exit from the Entertainment Industry

Chapter 343

Zhang Cheng briefly introduced his understanding of Qin Wei, while in contrast, Qin Wei knew very little about him. She not only hadn't heard of him before, but was also unfamiliar with his best-selling work.

So she politely asked:

"I tried looking up your work online, but couldn't find any information. My assistant told me that you use a pen name. May I ask what name you publish your work under? I'd like to purchase and read your books."

Zhang Cheng responded humbly:

"I'm not a high-profile person. Recommending my own work on a TV show would be quite embarrassing. Why don't we talk about something else instead? For example, where would you like to go next? How about I take you shopping for some new clothes?"

"Go shopping for clothes?"

Qin Wei looked at him, puzzled.

Zhang Cheng nodded earnestly and offered his suggestion:

"Miss Qin looks very stylish in a suit, but it also obscures her feminine charm. In my eyes, you should have a beautiful, gentle, yet cute image - I think dresses would suit you better."

It sounded reasonable, but also felt somewhat inappropriate...

Before Qin Wei could think it through, she responded:

"But we each only have 1,000 RMB to spend..."

"I'm willing to use my 1,000 to buy you a dress."

Zhang Cheng's words prompted many viewers to send messages of support -

【Bro Cheng, well done, how manly!】

【He's willing to buy my sister a dress with only 1,000 RMB, I'll send him a tip of 1,000 later】

"Dresses aren't that expensive anyway. Today's mission is to buy each other gifts. I think even high-end brands only cost 300-500. There are also some that cost 3,000-5,000 RMB, but those are what female celebrities wear on the red carpet. That wouldn't be realistic for daily life. Even if you have money, you can't spend like that."

After Zhang Cheng finished speaking, the bullet screen was filled with rows of ellipsis -

【The red dress my sister wore in yesterday's video cost 30,000】

【Just the coat of the Prada suit I got for my goose today cost 30,000, and that's only the outer layer】

【I don't know why, but when I see Prada stuff, I think of their spokesperson. I feel like my sister didn't really spend money...】

【Alright, we know you celebrity ladies are rich. Bro Cheng isn't part of the fashion industry and he's a man, it's normal for him not to know how much women's clothing costs. My girlfriend spends 300 RMB on a lipstick and I don't get it at all. I've seen identical ones online for 59 RMB for a set of 3. Big brands are just ripping you off as leeks and you don't even realize it!】

The bullet screen kept buzzing with arguments. Qin Wei was unaware and didn't know how to respond. So she said:

"Wow, I didn't expect Mr. Zhang to be so thrifty and pragmatic."

Zhang Cheng didn't deny it. He explained to Qin Wei:

"Actually my income isn't low. I have stable royalty and copyright fees. I just prefer spending money on family - buying an apartment, the kids' education. At heart I'm quite traditional. I hope to have two children someday. My parents also wish for me to have a boy and a girl..."

When it came to family, he went on enthusiastically while Qin Wei listened silently with her eyes downcast.

Bullet screen messages:

【Goose is starting to wander in her imagination now...】

【He can't possibly be planning a future with my goose already...this is just a variety show, we aren't taking it seriously so you shouldn't either!】

【He can't really be wanting a romantic relationship with our Goose Lu...】

"I'm telling you this to let Miss Qin know that I'm a family-oriented, traditional man. If you truly become my girlfriend, my vision for the future will definitely include you. What about you, Miss Qin?"

Qin Wei nodded. "Starting today for the next three days, my plans include you."

...

Zhang Cheng did take her shopping, although Qin Wei said she didn't want to go anywhere too crowded. But he insisted, so she didn't want to slight him and went along.

As expected, it got very chaotic at the mall. Many people noticed the filming crew and came over to watch the excitement. With the growing spectators, the security guards had to step in to maintain order.

But Zhang Cheng didn't seem to mind too much. They went into a few stores where he asked about dresses he picked out, but apparently wasn't satisfied with the prices. So he just randomly bought some other things.

He also got Qin Wei a small gift - a fashion watch.

"This is for you," Zhang Cheng held up the gift bag to Qin Wei.

"I paid for it myself. Consider it a gift from me. I feel like delicate, feminine watches suit young ladies. It'll look beautiful on you."

Qin Wei politely thanked him and took a step back, signaling for Li Liang to take it instead. But Zhang Cheng looked unhappy and withdrew his hand.

"But I was hoping you could receive my gift personally and try it on."

Qin Wei smiled awkwardly.

Bullet screen messages:

【An over 1,000 RMB watch, not good enough?】

【This brand has been really popular lately. Bro Cheng obviously did his homework but QW is snubbing his thoughtfulness】

【QW is so materialistic, looking down on cheap stuff without even pretending a little】

【I can't, she's an ambassador for watch brands isn't she? How can she accept another brand's watch on camera? That would violate her contract!】

Li Liang also explained the situation to Zhang Cheng before he softened his expression a little.

"Sorry Miss Qin, I didn't know the rules in your industry. I was too rash."

"Oh no problem at all. No offense taken for things you didn't know about."

Qin Wei could only smooth things over with polite words.

Zhang Cheng then said to wait a moment because he wanted to pick out another gift. Qin Wei said she would look for a gift for him as well since they were separating anyway.

So the two went their separate ways while the filming crew evidently chose to follow Qin Wei. The camera thus trailed Qin Wei as she went upstairs to the bookstore in the mall...

...

"This is your gift for me?"

Zhang Cheng held the book Qin Wei gave him - Plato's Republic.

Qin Wei nodded. "Yes, I saw that you like books on philosophy. I read online that they released a collector's edition of this book and it was sold out everywhere. I noticed the bookstore still had one copy left so I got it for you."

The regular edition was 30 RMB while the collector's edition cost 130 RMB. Not cheap.

Zhang Cheng expressed his thanks. Then he presented his own gift to Qin Wei - a pink crystal bracelet.

This time, Li Liang came over to receive it and Zhang Cheng didn't object.

After exchanging presents, their filming session wrapped up. Zhang Cheng offered to send Qin Wei home but she politely declined.

Once filming ended, Qin Wei immediately went grocery shopping while Zhang Cheng stayed behind for his solo interview about the day.

Host: What do you think of Qin Wei?

Zhang Cheng: She's very beautiful and well-mannered but, to be honest, not quite wife material. Of course, her income level aside, it's not fair to call her a gold digger either since many young women today are like that, let alone someone of her status. It's just...there's still some way to go before she can become my ideal wife.

Host: ...

Host: So did you like the gift she got you?

Zhang Cheng sighed softly. As a bestselling author myself, it was quite delightful receiving such a thoughtful gift. But to be perfectly honest, it didn't touch my heart. When we were browsing the mall earlier, I purposely took her to browse some fountain pens...Though most writing today relies on computer keyboards, a fountain pen holds certain literary sentiment that I feel a writer should have.

Host: It doesn't seem Qin Wei matches your ideal type. After the 3 days, do you still consider continuing to date her?

Zhang Cheng nodded. Seeing her did trigger feelings in me so I'm hoping to slowly change her in the course of our interactions. I will try my best.

Bullet screen messages:

【The fountain pen he took QW to browse was a Montblanc...】

【I ran into them at the mall today. He returned the watch he gave QW since she didn't even take it herself】

【I won't make any judgments here. I'm just a little curious...what does this guy envision for his ideal wife?!】

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