Chapter Fifty-One: Because I Have Asked for Help, I Understand Her

“What are you looking at?” Wang Situ’s brows knit slightly, her tone tinged with displeasure.

Chen Fang snapped back to reality. The advantage of having a thick skin was clear—he didn’t panic at all, and even let his gaze linger a moment longer. “Oh, your pants are dirty.”

At these words, Wang Situ glanced down at her trousers.

They weren’t dirty at all!

She’d worn new pants especially for today.

Wang Situ narrowed her eyes. “Do you want to touch them?”

“Yes.”

“…”

Chen Fang was speechless.

Girls these days had learned the art of baiting.

Wang Situ let out a cold laugh. She was used to it by now—every man who laid eyes on her would stare at her long legs for an age, and as for what went through their minds, it didn’t take much imagination.

“Did you want something from me?” Chen Fang asked.

So what if her legs were long?

Unconsciously, Chen Fang took another glance at Wang Situ’s shapely legs.

They really did seem impressive.

Still, Chen Fang pulled his thoughts back into line.

Ji Mei’s legs might not be as long, but the feel of them under his hand was unmatched.

Length wasn’t everything.

There ought to be some softness to hold on to.

Wang Situ spoke directly, “In the official program, let’s partner up.”

Chen Fang was taken aback. The other three contestants were already off on their own, eager to partner with the celebrities. After all, stars came with their own popularity—getting eliminated from the show wouldn’t matter so much if they could gain a few followers along the way.

Of course, the other three had considered teaming up with Chen Fang as well.

After all, his talent for original music was a tempting prospect.

But at the end of the day, the five of them were competitors; only one would come out on top, and teaming with Chen Fang meant they’d never reach the end together.

All things considered, a celebrity was the surer bet.

But here was Wang Situ, an exception.

“Why do you want to partner with me?” Chen Fang asked, though he knew the answer.

Wang Situ was forthright: “Your original songwriting is strong. If I’m with you, I don’t have to worry about running out of songs.”

Chen Fang glanced around. The staff were casting curious looks their way. He turned and spoke as he walked, “Let’s talk in my dressing room.”

Before long, they reached the dressing room.

Chen Fang shut the door.

Wang Siyu looked wary. “I’m trained in martial arts, you know.”

Chen Fang’s eyes lit up.

I knew at a glance that you had the bones of a warrior. Those long legs aren’t just for show.

“Oh?”

“What kind of dance did you train in?”

“Latin? Classical? Or… pole dance?” Chen Fang’s face was alight with anticipation.

Wang Situ fell silent.

It seemed Chen Fang was even more of a deviant than she’d imagined.

She looked around, then set her hands on the table. With a crack, she snapped a leg off the wooden table, thick as her arm. “I trained in karate.”

Chen Fang: …

The image was jarring.

A singer trained in karate?

That’s like a car mechanic showing up at a soccer match with a wrench.

Chen Fang discreetly put some distance between them, his smile unshaken. “Just a joke. I could tell from your build you’re no stranger to martial arts.”

At this, Wang Situ rolled her eyes at him.

She’d figured him out.

Chen Fang was all bark and no bite.

If only Chen Fang knew what she was thinking, he’d have retorted: Of course! You practice karate—who’d dare try anything?

“What about you?” Wang Situ asked.

Chen Fang pondered a moment. “I don’t do things without benefit to myself.”

He didn’t need to partner with anyone. Even if An Tinghan were here, he’d say the same. Performing solo was simple and convenient.

Partnering required chemistry and cooperation, which could hinder his performance.

From the start, Chen Fang had no intention of teaming up.

So if Wang Situ wanted his partnership, she’d have to offer something worthwhile.

Wang Situ was silent for a long time before finally blurting out, “I’ll let you touch my legs.”

For a moment, Chen Fang choked.

“Do I look like that kind of person?”

“Since we entered the dressing room, your eyes haven’t left my legs.”

Fair point!

Those legs were hard to ignore, but Chen Fang shook his head. “Honestly, I’d love to, but I can’t agree to that as a condition.”

He paused, then asked tentatively, “Is this episode of Starry Road that important to you?”

Wang Situ nodded.

Chen Fang could sense it.

For a woman as proud as her to offer her legs as a bargaining chip, this episode of Starry Road had to mean everything.

He didn’t probe further.

Wang Situ, too, fell silent.

She had nothing else to offer.

“Pay me, and I’ll partner with you,” Chen Fang said, backing down a step.

In truth, there was nothing wrong with partnering with Wang Situ. At least her voice was distinctive and her skills solid—she wouldn’t drag him down.

Unexpectedly, Wang Situ shook her head. “I have no money.”

“Hundred thousand?”

“No.”

“Ten thousand?”

“No.”

“Five thousand. That’s my bottom line.”

“Bottom lines can change.”

…

Not even five thousand? Why should I team up with you?

Chen Fang shook his head and got up to leave. Ji Mei was still waiting for him.

“Go find a celebrity,” he said. “I’m not interested in partnering with anyone for now.”

Those were his parting words.

Wang Situ watched his back, her gaze complicated. Just as Chen Fang was about to open the door, she called out again, “Can I owe you? I’ll pay you once I’ve earned the money.”

Chen Fang turned back, eyes narrowing. The two stared at each other for a long moment before Chen Fang gave a soft laugh. “I don’t like being owed money. I’ll give you two days. If you can earn five thousand in that time, I’ll partner with you.”

Two days to earn five thousand.

That was his condition.

Wang Situ said nothing more, took down his contact information, and then left the dressing room.

Chen Fang watched her go, lost in thought.

A moment later, someone tapped his shoulder.

Ji Mei’s slightly aggrieved voice sounded at his ear. “That girl’s long gone, and you’re still staring after her!”

Chen Fang snapped out of it, a smile playing at his lips. They were still backstage, so now wasn’t the time for any mischief. He took Ji Mei’s bag and explained, “You heard everything out there?”

“Yes,” Ji Mei replied, though she looked flustered. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

Chen Fang didn’t mind. “Doesn’t matter.”

After all, there was nothing between him and Wang Situ. Their whole conversation had been about partnering up, nothing more.

Leaving the venue, they hailed a taxi—Ji Mei hadn’t driven.

On the way back to the villa, Ji Mei hesitated, words on the tip of her tongue.

Now that there were no outsiders, Chen Fang boldly slipped his arm around her waist, his hand roaming up and down. “If you want to ask, just ask.”

“Five thousand yuan—it’s nothing to you,” Ji Mei said.

True enough.

What Chen Fang needed was real money, not a mere five thousand.

He buried his nose in her hair, the faint fragrance soothing both body and soul. “I know.”

“Then why agree to her request?”

Could it be… he really was tempted by Wang Situ’s long legs?

Ji Mei glanced at her own full, shapely legs—certainly not as long as Wang Situ’s.

Chen Fang was silent for a long time.

Only when they were nearly home did he smile and answer, “Because I, too, once begged someone in humility. So I understand her.”

…