During the middle of the night, someone climbed onto the bed, but Cheng Qing’s eyelids felt heavy, and she didn’t open her eyes.

In her half-asleep state, she sensed someone’s back touching her forehead. Even though her eyes remained closed, she knew it was Luo Xi.

Cheng Qing rarely fell ill, but when she did, it was like a big disruption. That night, she slept deeply.

The next day, when she woke up, Luo Xi was no longer in the room, and she didn’t know when Luo Xi had left.

Cheng Qing touched her forehead but couldn’t feel anything, only weakness in her body.

“It seems my fever is not over yet.” She sat up on the bed and noticed a tray on the bedside table with a glass of milk and a sandwich.

Cheng Qing smiled, thinking it must have been prepared by Luo Xi.

To her surprise, when she reached for the milk, it was warm.

“Wow, how many times did you go up and down the stairs?” Cheng Qing chuckled, eyeing the delicious-looking sandwich.

“Thanks for your effort, Luo Xi.” Even though Luo Xi wasn’t there, Cheng Qing couldn’t help but say it as she started eating her breakfast from the tray.

The milk was warm and had a rich, creamy taste.

As she took a bite of the sandwich, Cheng Qing noticed that Luo Xi had added plenty of ingredients. There was a layer of omelet, lettuce, ham, and tomatoes, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

“You’re really good at making sandwiches,” Cheng Qing complimented, looking at the sandwich in her hand. She noticed that the cutting was a bit messy, so she laughed and said, “She needs to work on her knife skills.”

After finishing her meal, Cheng Qing changed her clothes and put on a thin knitted jacket, knowing that her illness made her more sensitive to the cold.

Even though the director had given her the day off, Cheng Qing didn’t want to just laze around all day, so she decided to go downstairs.

At that moment, everyone had just finished breakfast and gathered in the living room, chatting.

The live broadcast had also started, and fans were joining in to chat. However, they quickly noticed that there were only three members left in the fencing team today; Cheng Qing was absent.

With Cheng Qing not present, the appeal of the fencing team had diminished.

On the other hand, Li Mingyao and Ye Lingyun’s CP fans were particularly active today, as they didn’t have to compete with Cheng Qing and Luo Xi’s CP.

【Ahhhh, it’s been so long since we saw Li Mingyao CP together in such a sweet shot!】

【Ugh, our Li Mingyao CP doesn’t get enough screen time.】

【Ah, ah, ah, Li Mingyao is helping Ye Lingyun tuck her hair behind her ear! I’m dead, I’m dead.】

Since the Promise CP didn’t have any sweet moments to share, their fans stayed in the live chat and praised the Princess for her beauty.

The atmosphere in the live chat was harmonious. The excitement of stirring up drama had disappeared from the barrage.

When the time came, Zhou Yong and Zhang Lingling took their respective students for practice.

As for Luo Xi and her two companions, they didn’t have a teacher today, so they sat by the door, taking out their fencing gear. Liu Suoyu smiled and suggested, “Since the teacher isn’t here, we can’t be lazy. How about we practice fencing?”

【Hahaha, do you guys remember what Teacher said yesterday? She told you to exercise!】

【These three are taking advantage of Teacher Cheng’s absence to slack off.】

【They made it sound so nice, hahaha, I’m dying of laughter.】

Lin Shandie nodded, “Yes, let’s do some sword dancing!”

Luo Xi picked up a sword and smiled, “I think that’s a great idea!”

“Oh, really? Ahem, wasn’t that the opposite of what you said yesterday?”

Cheng Qing’s melodious voice suddenly interrupted, and the three students were surprised to see their teacher standing with her arms crossed behind them.

Luo Xi was even more delighted and jumped up, “Teacher Cheng!!!”

Cheng Qing, wearing a long knitted coat, exuded an air of scholarly elegance, appearing refined and cultured.

“Teacher Cheng!!!” The other two also realized and displayed their delight one after another.

Cheng Qing smiled as she looked at the three of them, her smile tinged with a touch of weakness due to her illness.

“I remember saying yesterday that we would go cycling today, right?” The smile on her face and the warmth in her eyes were as gentle as the autumn sun, but the hint of helplessness hidden at the corner of her mouth couldn’t prevent her from saying this bluntly.

Luo Xi: “…”

Liu Suoyu: “…”

Lin Shandie: “…”

As soon as Cheng Qing appeared, the barrage of comments flooded the screen, quickly drowning out Li Mingyao’s fans who were welcoming her.

【Welcome Teacher Cheng!!!】

【Welcome Teacher Cheng!!!】

【Welcome Teacher Cheng!!!】

【Ah ah ah, Teacher Cheng is the best!】

【Why is Teacher Cheng sick?】

【Hahaha, as soon as Teacher Cheng arrives, Luo Xi, who was just acting arrogant, becomes obedient.】

【Hahaha, I noticed that too.】

Hearing that they were going out for exercise again, Luo Xi muttered, “She’s still making us go even though she’s sick.”

Cheng Qing smiled and shook her head, saying, “It’s my duty.”

Kong Mingyan and the others looked at her as she came down and joked, “If you’re sick, then rest!”

Cheng Qing replied, “I can’t do that. If our team loses, it will be a big responsibility on my part.”

Everyone laughed, and Cheng Qing looked at her three students and said, “Although we don’t have many days left, this kind of exercise can still be somewhat helpful.”

Liu Suoyu placed both hands behind his head and said, “We don’t have bikes, and the director didn’t arrange any.”

Cheng Qing still spoke calmly, “Is that so? Well, there are shared bikes about a kilometer away from here. You can run there and borrow one, perfect timing.”

All three students gasped in shock, and Liu Suoyu looked at Cheng Qing with lifeless eyes, “Teacher, you’re so cruel.”

Luo Xi was instantly discouraged and slumped down, saying, “I don’t want to run!”

Cheng Qing walked over to her, half-squatting with a smile, “Be good, after you finish running, I’ll help you cook together.”

Luo Xi turned her head away, “No need, you’re already sick, I won’t boss you around!”

【Oh my goodness, Princess is so caring about Teacher Cheng!】

【I’m in awe of this level of concern.】

【I heard they’re getting some behind-the-scenes footage ready to promote this week’s broadcast.】

【Why can’t they just announce it on the official website?】

【I can’t wait, I’ll be here crying three more days until the next episode airs. At least I’ll get to see lots of hidden footage!】

【Why is the live stream only three hours each day? Can’t they offer VIP access after the three hours? They shouldn’t underestimate our ability to stay awake!】

【Exactly, I’d be willing to pay to keep watching!!!】

【Please let the investors know about us! We’re the most enthusiastic fans ready to be thrilled!】

【Begging to be thrilled!!!】

After Luo Xi finished speaking, she looked at Cheng Qing suspiciously and asked, “You’re not planning to go with us, are you? Didn’t Director Kong give you a day off?”

After hearing Luo Xi’s words, Cheng Qing simply asked, “Do you want me to accompany you?”

Of course, Luo Xi didn’t really want her to accompany, but she couldn’t help complain, “Why weren’t you this easy to talk to last night? You even rushed me.”

【Last night??? Rushed???】

【So, what did our Teacher Cheng say last night?】

【Just a little couple’s joke! Even if she really offended Princess, can’t the Princess forgive her?】

【Do you look down on our Teacher Cheng? If she really offended you, she can still be coaxed back into your good graces!!!】

【That’s right, I’ve witnessed it happening!】

【Teacher Cheng is amazing!!!】

Cheng Qing couldn’t help but smile and gently patted Luo Xi’s head, saying, “Yeah! I need to apologize to you sincerely.”

Luo Xi laughed, “You’re teasing me again.”

Cheng Qing reassured her, “I’m not teasing you, I’m just concerned about you. It’s better to stick close to them when you’re alone.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Xi shook her head, “Hmph, I’m not a child. Why would I need to follow them around?”

Cheng Qing explained, “It’s not that I think you can’t handle things on your own, I’m just afraid you might get lost.”

Luo Xi: “…”

【Hahaha, I’m laughing so hard.】

【Luo Xi, the one who often gets lost. It could really happen!】

【I’m already imagining how she’d call Cheng Qing for help.】

【Ahhhh, please let Luo Xi go alone! I want to see her make that phone call.】

Unaware of the playful comments in the chat, Cheng Qing clapped her hands and said, “Let’s go! It’s just an hour of biking.”

Liu Suoyu was shocked, “One hour!!!??”

Cheng Qing reassured him, “It’s okay, 40 minutes will do too. Just do your best!”

The three of them immediately looked disappointed but had no choice but to head out with heavy steps.

Worried that they might slack off, Cheng Qing reminded them, “If you come back from the exercise without sweating, then I’ll consider you didn’t run at all.”

Liu Suoyu protested, “That’s too unfair! What about me, who doesn’t sweat easily?”

Cheng Qing didn’t believe him, of course, “After returning the bike, you still have to run one kilometer back. You’re a human, and humans sweat, so don’t worry.”

Liu Suoyu: “…” He almost forgot about that.

【Cheng Qing is so clever, and I love it!!!】

【Me too! I like Cheng Qing’s strong and mysterious style.】

After seeing the three students run off from the villa, the camera naturally switched to the celebrities. Cheng Qing then turned around and prepared to go upstairs. She didn’t think ordinary people would have much interest in recording.

However, as she passed by the tea room, Kong Mingyan called out to her, “Cheng Qing, come here and have a chat with me.”

Cheng Qing didn’t think much of it and after walking around for a while, she felt much better. She went over and sat down. Kong Mingyan poured her a cup of tea, and Cheng Qing thanked him.

“What are your plans after this, Cheng Qing?” Kong Mingyan asked while preparing the tea, glancing at Cheng Qing to observe her expression.

Cheng Qing took it as the director wanting to chat and followed his topic, saying, “I don’t have any specific plans, just thinking of going back to being a teacher.”

Kong Mingyan laughed heartily, “Your talent is remarkable, especially in singing. It’s not an exaggeration to say you’re a phenomenal talent. In the past few days, many people have come to me wanting to buy that song. Why do you just want to go back to being a teacher? It’s such a waste of your abilities.”

Cheng Qing was well aware that the song had nothing to do with her. She didn’t have such a thick skin, so she smiled and said, “That song has nothing to do with me.”

Kong Mingyan raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Then who is the creator?”

Cheng Qing awkwardly smiled, “…I really can’t say.”

Kong Mingyan didn’t press on about the song, and since Cheng Qing didn’t want to discuss it, he changed the topic and asked her, “Don’t you want to work in the entertainment industry?”

Cheng Qing was taken aback, “The entertainment industry?”

Kong Mingyan clarified, “Yes, the showbiz industry.”

This time, it was Cheng Qing’s turn to burst into laughter, “No.” Her answer was straightforward, “I know myself well. Singing is just a hobby, and I have no acting skills whatsoever. I’m not a student in that field either. As for appearance, there are plenty of people in this industry with good looks. My major is quite ordinary, and there’s really nothing outstanding about me.”

Kong Mingyan was curious and asked, “Which school did you graduate from?”

Cheng Qing hesitated for a moment and replied, “An art academy.”

Kong Mingyan: “…” So, you ended up becoming a fencing teacher? What’s the connection here?

Cheng Qing: “…”

Both of them fell silent for a moment. Kong Mingyan couldn’t resist asking again, “So, why did you become a fencing teacher?”

Cheng Qing simply said, “Interest.”

“Interest” is a commonly used word, and Kong Mingyan didn’t probe further.

He praised her again, “You underestimate yourself. The entertainment industry is quite peculiar. Sometimes, whether someone becomes popular or not is like seeking blessings from gods and buddhas; it’s mysterious and unpredictable.”

However, Cheng Qing remained indifferent and had a very open-minded attitude towards fame and fortune. She said, “It doesn’t matter if I become popular or not. I only care that the people I cherish and like are healthy and happy. In one’s lifetime, there are only a few decades, and being well-fed, well-clothed, and free from illness and pain is the greatest blessing.”

Kong Mingyan admired her detachment from fame and fortune.

However, today, when he sought Cheng Qing out, he was actually testing the waters.

He continued, “If we need to extend the invitation later, I wonder if you will be available?” He paused for a moment and added, “Would our program have the honor of having you?”

Cheng Qing was taken aback, furrowing her brows slightly, and asked uncertainly, “Are you saying… a contract extension?”

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