Chapter 21: These Two Senior Sisters Are Quite Charming

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Zhao Qi, born on October 28, 1987, in Zibo, graduated in 2008 from the Magical City Academy of Drama, where she was classmates with Chen Chichi and Zheng Kai, among others. She worked part-time as an advertising model and was hailed as one of the "Top Ten Campus Beauties" at the academy. She played Xin’er in "Reversed Meteor," winning the Best Comedy Film Creation Award at the College Student Film Festival. In November 2008, she appeared in the TV series "Love Apartment," which premiered on Jiangxi Satellite TV on August 5, 2009. She portrayed Lin Wanyu, a character who quickly became one of the most popular female roles among men due to her gentle and adorable image.

Having suffered from severe anemia and unable to adapt to the demanding life on set, she ultimately chose to retire from the industry. This brief information caused Zhang Li to momentarily lose focus. He hadn’t expected that a casual act of kindness—helping someone—would bring such insight. Zhao Qi, with only the role of Lin Wanyu to her name, had to leave the entertainment world due to health reasons. Yet, even after physical contact, he could foresee a glimpse of her future, which underscored just how explosive the popularity of "Love Apartment" was. The rapid rise of Zhao Qi, thanks to Lin Wanyu’s character, earning her the title of “one of the most beloved female roles among men,” was similar to his earlier prediction of Liu Yifei’s portrayals of Wang Yuyan and Little Dragon Girl.

“This means ‘Love Apartment’ is at worst a hit and could very well be a phenomenon-level drama,” he mused. “Lin Wanyu could become the signature role for an actress.” He resolved to keep a close eye on this show. When opportunities arose, he would invest or take roles that suited him. Planning to soon review "Love Apartment" in his mind, he aimed to select characters fitting for himself while also identifying other actors to connect with, perhaps even signing them to his agency.

“Are you alright?” Zhang Li asked Zhao Qi, though his mind was busy with other thoughts. The young woman was tall but frail, her face unnaturally pale.

“Thank you,” Zhao Qi replied, recovering slightly with a faint smile on her pale face. “A bit of anemia, my old problem. Rest will help.”

“Where’s your seat? I’ll help you there,” Zhang Li offered, determined to see his kindness through.

“Thanks, it’s over there,” she pointed. He helped her walk over and rang the bell to summon a flight attendant.

“Hello, ma’am, how can I assist you?” A well-groomed attendant quickly appeared beside Zhao Qi’s seat.

“She’s a bit dizzy from anemia. Could you bring her some chocolate or something with calories and sugar?” Zhang Li requested.

“Of course, please wait a moment.” The attendant immediately complied, recognizing Zhao Qi’s condition.

“Thank you,” Zhao Qi said for the third time. After a short rest, her complexion improved noticeably.

“You’re welcome. If you need anything, just call the flight attendants.” Zhang Li politely excused himself and returned to his seat.

As soon as he sat down, Yang Mi’s teasing voice rang out beside him: “Oh, a hero rescuing a beauty, huh?”

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Zhang Li looked at her calmly. “So, are you going to repay me with your heart?”

Yang Mi blinked in surprise and retorted instinctively, “What does that have to do with me?”

“Exactly,” Zhang Li narrowed his eyes. “What’s it to you?”

Yang Mi was stunned. This guy’s comebacks were sharper than she expected.

“I’ve decided to ignore you,” she said, pulling the curtain closed over her seat.

Seeing this, Zhang Li didn’t try to coax her. He drew his curtain as well and closed his eyes, ostensibly resting but actually watching "Love Apartment."

“A sitcom? No wonder it’s so popular,” he thought. “Hmm, it feels a bit like ‘Friends’.”

“Could this be the plagiarism controversy mentioned in future news about Zhao Qi?”

Zhang Li’s lips curved into a smile as he mentally reviewed "Love Apartment." He also resolved to use his contacts in the U.S. to acquire the adaptation rights for "Friends." Maybe he could join the "Love Apartment" production through that.

“Bastard!”

After half an hour, Yang Mi opened her curtain again, only to find Zhang Li’s curtain still drawn.

“Let’s see if I’ll even acknowledge you!” she huffed, pulling the curtain shut once more.

The rest of the journey passed quietly, and after several hours, the plane landed at the capital’s airport. Hearing the announcement, Zhang Li opened his eyes and pulled back his curtain.

“Honey,” Zhang Li called to Yang Mi, but she turned to look out the window instead.

“Your zipper is undone,” he reminded her.

Yang Mi’s pupils contracted sharply, and she immediately covered herself, lowering her head. But she realized she was wearing tight pants with no zipper.

“You...” Yang Mi was about to curse.

“Don’t blame me,” Zhang Li shrugged. “You played me first.”

“You insisted on coming with me today, said you’d drive me to school, be my guide, and tell everyone you’ve got my back. Then after landing, you just abandon me. Can’t I get a little revenge?”

“Ahem.” Yang Mi coughed guiltily.

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Indeed, Zhang Li had told her two days ago that he would be going to the capital and could stay at Liu Yifei’s place. He had plenty of time to go to school, with Liu Yifei as his guide. But Yang Mi insisted on tagging along, claiming she could be his support.

“Plans don’t always work out. I even got you first-class,” Yang Mi said, her tone weakening.

“Nope. You didn’t want me in first class?” Zhang Li smiled faintly. “If I wanted, I could’ve used Yifei’s miles to upgrade.”

“Fine, I admit I broke my promise. How about I treat you to dinner?” Yang Mi scratched her head.

“Deal,” Zhang Li accepted graciously.

The plane had now come to a halt, and passengers began to disembark.

“Hello,” Zhao Qi approached Zhang Li with a smile, offering her phone. “Thank you so much for your help earlier. Could I have your contact? Maybe I could treat you to a meal sometime.”

“Sure,” Zhang Li replied without hesitation.

Having just finished watching the first season of "Love Apartment," he thought the roles he could play were Lu Zhanbo or Lu Ziqiao. Either way, he might work with Zhao Qi, so it was good to get acquainted early.

After exchanging numbers, Zhang Li followed Yang Mi off the plane.

“There’s enough time. I’ll have the driver take you to school first,” Yang Mi said, putting on sunglasses.

“In that case, I won’t be polite,” Zhang Li said, donning his own sunglasses.

The elite siblings were now on the scene.

Minutes later, Zhang Li appeared at the entrance of the Beijing Film Academy. It was nearly 11 a.m., and he needed to register at the third floor of Teaching Building A in the Haidian campus.

At the gate, senior students from various departments awaited newcomers. Zhang Li headed straight toward the Acting Department.

With his striking looks, he instantly became the center of attention, sparking whispers among the crowd.

Not wanting any romantic entanglements, Zhang Li planned to find a senior to act as his guide. Before he could speak, two girls stepped forward.

“Junior, are you looking for a guide?”

Zhang Li glanced up, eyes brightening as he assessed the two. These seniors were quite attractive. Perhaps they would become well-known in the entertainment industry someday.

“Yes, greetings to both of you. Could you help me?” he asked.

The two exchanged a look, their eyes meeting with a spark.

“Junior, I’m Jing Tian. I can help you.”

“Junior, I’m Zheng Yuqin. I might be younger than you, but I’ll show you around.”