Five days flew by in a flash. By the final day, Qin Tian realized his infatuation with Naza had only deepened. After all, having studied acting, she was practically a seasoned veteran who had already starred in television dramas; such shooting tasks were an absolute breeze for her. Moreover, through their days together, Qin Tian discovered that despite her sophisticated, scheming appearance, Naza was actually a pure-hearted girl at heart, speaking with the straightforwardness and individuality typical of the post-90s generation. She truly was a friend worth making.
The shooting on the final morning went exceptionally smoothly, and in the afternoon the two of them even arranged to have a meal together. This time it was a pure "two-person world," with no one else to disturb them. They were happier than words could express.
In fact, after five days, Naza had more than an inkling of Qin Tian's intentions. The guy made it far too obvious; not only did he not try to hide it, but his affection was practically overflowing. Still, Naza preferred a more mature and steady type. A "puppy-dog" like Qin Tian was not quite to her taste at the moment; she probably wouldn't consider someone like him until after she turned thirty.
As for breaking into the industry through a talent show, it was brutally difficult! While Qin Tian's current popularity was quite high, it was all superficial. To stabilize that popularity, he would need subsequent works to back him up. Therefore, he wasn't a match for Naza yet, and Qin Tian knew that very well in his heart. He believed he would become famous later on, but nobody else knew that yet.
Initially, Naza had agreed to shoot this music video not only to make some pocket money, but also to ride the coattails of The Voice's massive traffic. Just look at how wildly popular The Voice was—even Lost in Thailand had jumped on the bandwagon for promotion. Without connections, getting even a glimpse of screen time was harder than ascending to heaven.
So, in a way, Naza had indeed gained that traffic, and along with it came an "ulterior-motive" scheming man—Qin Tian.
That evening, the two met for dinner at a nearby, relatively private Western Regions restaurant. As for the food, Qin Tian had already checked it out—it was guaranteed to be authentic!
Upon meeting, they exchanged brief greetings, and the atmosphere immediately turned a bit awkward. After all, with everyone knowing what was really going on, there was no need for excess words.
Naza had originally planned to catch a flight back to Beijing that evening to resume her classes, but she later figured that if she didn't make things clear, Qin Tian might continue to pester her in the future. He who hesitates is lost! So, she decided to spell it out for him. Even though the guy was handsome and talented, he was far too young for a romantic relationship.
Besides, artists were simply not allowed to date. Naza's public persona was the "pure maiden," and she was already starting to regret taking on this music video. Handsome and talented as Qin Tian was, she still resolved to turn him down.
With that, Naza took the initiative: "Qin Tian, I think I understand your meaning a little bit. Even though you're talented, have a great personality, and are handsome..." Right there, Naza almost regretted her words, thinking that if she kept going like this, she'd end up regretting turning him down altogether.
She pressed on: "However, you're much too young. You've only just reached adulthood, and you don't yet understand what liking someone really means. It's probably just a budding adolescent phase where you think I'm pretty—that's just an appreciation of beauty, and it's not wrong."
Qin Tian inwardly muttered, *My, aren't you confident, blowing your own horn like that? Still, you've certainly got the capital to back it up.*
Naza continued, "When you grow up, you might have entirely different pursuits. So you can become even better; don't do anything that will make you regret your life later..." She tried her best to let Qin Tian down gently.
Qin Tian silently grumbled, *Good thing she didn't call me a 'nice guy.'* Then he explained, "Naza, I understand everything you're saying. I originally didn't want to bring it up, but since you've pierced that window paper, I might as well share what's truly on my mind."
Hearing this, Naza was instantly displeased: "What do you mean by *I* pierced the window paper?"
Qin Tian smiled and said, "Back in 2010, when I saw you get selected for the cast of The Last Supper, I fell in love with you at first sight. Even back then, I thought you were breathtakingly stunning, and I wanted to chase after your footsteps and get closer to you. So I started studying music and arrangement. While other people spent one day, I spent two; while others spent two days, I spent a whole week. That's the only reason I've been able to write so many songs. It's not because I'm exceptionally talented, nor because I want to prove anything—I'm simply running as hard as I can to catch up to you."
Hearing this, Naza was completely dumbfounded. She stared wide-eyed and asked, "Am I really that amazing? How come I had no idea?"
Qin Tian spoke with absolute earnestness: "I will pour every ounce of my energy into my career, using my musical achievements to fuel my struggle in the entertainment industry. Next year! Yes, next year, I'll be able to call you Senior Naza. I just want to get closer to you, step by step."
"So, after saying all that, what I really want to express is that I like you, and I'm completely serious. It's been thoroughly thought through—it's definitely not just a young man's passing impulse. Even inviting you to shoot this music video—my company actually opposed it, but I paid for the production out of my own pocket, just to be closer to you. And those two songs you heard, The Chaser and Mercury Recorder—they were actually written about you. My entire album is called Unrequited Love, and all nine songs were written exclusively for you."
Looking at Qin Tian's serious expression, it was hard to believe he was just a young man who had only recently come of age.
"Naza, after two years of hard work, I've finally achieved my goal. Just being able to sit here and have a meal with you makes me feel successful. To me, you are the guiding light of my life, the lighthouse on my voyage. I don't think idolizing someone is wrong at all; you are the reason I've become a better person."
Qin Tian delivered this deadpan boast like a total bootlicker. Naza was completely baffled, thinking to herself: *Have I run into a mental patient? How can you say something like that? This is way too terrifying. Could I have run into a crazed superfan? Is it too late for me to run away? ╥﹏╥*
My dear, there is more to this chapter, please click the next page to continue reading, the rest is even more exciting!
Then, Qin Tian's demeanor underwent a drastic shift. With a look of serene resignation, he said, "I really am young, and I'm probably not your type. I've thought it through. I'll listen to you—maybe it really is true that... I don't understand enough. I'll seriously consider your advice."
Naza inwardly ranted, completely bewildered: *Wait a second, wasn't you just acting like a total bootlicker a second ago? How did your attitude flip so fast? When did I ever give you advice? What advice did I give you? How come I have no idea?*
"Even though the two of us aren't meant to be, and I no longer have a chance, you will always be my idol. I will keep working hard to catch up to your footsteps, and finally, I wish you all the happiness in the world," Qin Tian concluded.
*What a psycho! When did I ever say there was no chance? No, wait, even if there's no chance, shouldn't you keep trying a bit harder? How can you give up so easily? That just shows you weren't sincere at all! What did I even say for you to just give up like this? Is this how all you post-95s confess your feelings? Who asked you to wish me happiness? You scumbag, fickle and half-hearted, you don't know how to persevere at all! I was right to reject you, you jerk!* Naza cursed furiously in her mind.
Although Naza didn't say a single word out loud, her inner drama was quite rich! Oh, women—they are always like this: you confess, and they reject you; you stop chasing them, and they get mad anyway. There's always bound to be a bit of tug-of-war!
Naza forced a tight smile and said, "It's wonderful that you can see it that way. I'm very proud to be your idol. You still have the Peak Night coming up, so you have to do your best!" But in her mind, she was screaming: *Scumbag, scumbag, why does a girl like me always run into scumbags!*
"I will, Naza. You do your best too!" Qin Tian smoothly replied.
*Scumbag, scumbag, scumbag...* Naza's head was ringing with those three words.
"Naza, I wrote a song for you a while back and saved it on an MP3 player. I originally planned to confess to you after releasing the album, but I guess I won't be needing it now." Qin Tian put on a slightly desolate expression. "Still, I'd like to give it to you anyway. I hope you won't refuse to listen to it. After that... well, I won't disturb your romantic life anymore."
*What on earth? Not disturb me? You're a total mental case!* Naza accepted it with a smile, mostly because she was curious to hear what kind of song this talented young man had written for her.
The dinner came to an end!
Had Qin Tian given up? Of course not! How could he? This was all part of his master plan. First, act like he liked her but keep it unsaid (to startle the snake in the grass); then, express that his feelings were serious and no joke (casting a brick to attract jade), leading naturally into everything he had done for her (sneaking through Chencang in the dark).
Next, talk about how hard he worked for her to spark her curiosity (fishing in troubled waters). Then display a deep, unwavering affection—though he had to master the dosage, as pushing any further might become annoying. Before she could truly grow annoyed, he immediately pivoted to accepting her rejection, framing it as though he were giving up entirely out of obedience to her wishes (turning the guest into the host).
Finally, obey her by promising never to bother her in romance again, and say goodbye (playing hard to get). And to top it all off, leave a small parting gift to lay the groundwork for his next wave of attacks (interlocking stratagems).
Qin Tian had truly mastered Sun Tzu's Thirty-Six Stratagems to perfection!