Chapter 10: "Hurry, Bring a Gift for Brother"

The press conference hall was packed with an enthusiastic audience. On stage, a massive movie poster loomed behind the main cast, who were busy promoting the film. Zhang Hening held a sign high above her head while whispering into Song Xi’s ear.

"When the Q&A session starts, be sure to raise your hand and go up to interact with my second brother."

Song Xi tilted her head, looking puzzled. "Why me?"

"My second brother is worried about haters attacking him. These Q&A spots are all pre-selected, so it’s safer if you go up."

"Then why don’t you go?"

Zhang Hening replied, "He has too many obsessive fans; I’m afraid they’ll tear me apart."

Song Xi countered, "And you aren't worried they’ll tear me apart?"

Zhang Hening explained with complete composure, "If they scold me, my second brother will just laugh it off. But if they scold you, he won’t be laughing—he’ll step in to save you."

Song Xi closed her eyes, emphasizing for the ninety-ninth time, "How many times do I have to say it? I have a husband. I really cannot think of your second brother in that way. It’s a matter of morality."

Zhang Hening remained unmoved. "It’s fine, babe. I know you were forced to marry a scheming fraud. Even if you cheat, I won’t judge you. It’s okay. With me by your side, go ahead and pursue your true love."

Song Xi was momentarily speechless. She didn't have any "true love"; that had long since withered away under the repeated betrayals of her scumbag husband. With so many people loving his second brother, who was she to claim such a title?

As they spoke, the cameras on stage began to scan the audience to select fans for interaction. Zhang Hening, quick as a flash, shoved Song Xi forward and pressed a pre-prepared gift into her hands.

"Go on! Give the gift to your idol!"

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the spotlight landed on Song Xi. The staff and the host all turned to look at her, making her the center of attention. She was still wearing the "He-clan" fan club headband, which was blinking brightly, leaving her caught in a dilemma. If she ran away now, it would make Zhang Hexing look bad.

Song Xi cursed that little brat Zhang Hening a thousand times in her heart. *Fine, so I have to play the fan, do I?*

She took a deep breath and forced herself onto the stage. Among the cast members, Zhang Hexing stood on the right. Tall and lean, his peach-blossom eyes shimmered under the stage lights. His face was devastatingly handsome, with every strand of hair perfectly in place. He wore a faint smirk and arched an eyebrow at her.

Meeting an acquaintance like this was excruciatingly awkward. Song Xi cleared her throat, summoned every ounce of her acting ability, and delivered a bombshell:

"Ahhh! I’m so excited! I finally get to see you! This is a little gift I prepared for you—please, you have to accept it! Ahhhhh!"

Luckily, she had been forced to watch enough fan-interaction videos by Hening that she was able to mimic the essence of it perfectly.

Zhang Hexing’s slender eyebrows arched even higher; he looked as if he might burst out laughing at any second. However, mindful of the live broadcast, he held back his laughter and thanked her politely: "Thank you for your support. I’ll be waiting for you to come see me again next time."

Song Xi didn't care about "next time." She thrust the gift into his arms and turned to bolt, only to be stopped by the host.

"Wait a moment, young lady! Since you’ve finally met your idol, don’t you want a hug from him?"

Song Xi blinked. "Huh?"

"Come on, everyone, let’s give her a round of applause! Give her some courage and good luck!" The host worked the crowd into a frenzy.

In an instant, the hall was filled with cheers and applause. *Is this host sick in the head? Why is he so dramatic?* Which eye did he see her wanting a hug from her idol with?

Trapped on stage, Song Xi couldn't leave or stay. She wasn't good at refusing people, so she braced herself and turned back, her head buzzing. *It’s fine,* she thought. *It’s just a hug. Consider it a bonus for meeting a celebrity. Not a bad deal.*

Zhang Hexing had already opened his arms, moving toward her with the confidence of a peacock displaying its feathers. Song Xi closed her eyes and steeled herself to meet him.

The next moment, a figure suddenly stepped onto the stage and wedged themselves between the two. A bony, distinct hand reached out, gripped Zhang Hexing’s wrist, and forced his arms down. In a flash, Song Xi caught a glimpse of a men’s wedding band on the stranger's slender, elegant ring finger.