Dating the Heartthrob Superstar-Chapter 50: Unrestrained and Unscrupulous

Chapter 50: Brazen

Lin Qin is not the same anymore; he’s even more extraordinary and eye-catching than what Meng Chao remembers.

Fang Minghui stared at Lin Qin with a dazed expression, love surging in his eyes.

A "white moonlight" is indeed a "white moonlight." All these years have passed, with people coming and going around him, but Lin Qin still occupies the most important position in his heart.

Fang Minghui’s gaze toward Lin Qin was completely indulgent, with hints of boldness that were impossible to ignore. Just looking at Lin Qin gave the impression that he wanted to strip the clothes off Lin Qin’s body, as though his eyes were doing something disgusting.

Fang Minghui’s gaze was so blatant that Yi Ran, who was with him, couldn’t possibly fail to notice. Following Fang Minghui’s gaze, he saw Lin Qin.

Indeed, Lin Qin is stunning, something Yi Ran also acknowledges. But seeing Fang Minghui so bewitched by Lin Qin unsettled Yi Ran. Fang Minghui was supposed to be here for him, to participate in this ridiculous reality show, so why was he staring at one of the MCs now?

Still, Yi Ran knew that their relationship amounted to nothing more than that of a sugar daddy and his little lover. He had no right to dictate where Fang Minghui could look or throw a tantrum in front of him. Yi Ran pretended not to notice and tugged at Fang Minghui’s clothes, quietly saying, "Ming Hui, let’s go."

Only then did Fang Minghui withdraw his gaze from Lin Qin, giving Yi Ran a faint glance before heading toward the small villa hidden deep in the bamboo forest.

Both Meng Chao and Lin Qin naturally sensed Fang Minghui’s earlier presumptuous gaze. Lin Qin instinctively shrank into Meng Chao’s arms. Just as Meng Chao wanted to reach out to comfort Lin Qin by holding his hand, Lin Qin shook his head slightly and took a deep breath.

Meng Chao didn’t interpret this as Lin Qin avoiding hand-holding due to the camera’s presence. He understood Lin Qin’s intent—Lin Qin wanted to face it on his own.

At this moment, Meng Chao still didn’t know what Fang Minghui had done to Lin Qin in the past. If he had known, combined with Fang Minghui’s rude gaze just now, Meng Chao’s anger would undoubtedly be hard to contain, and he might have beaten Fang Minghui senseless.

A short while later, Fang Minghui and Yi Ran arrived in front of them.

Even in Lin Qin’s presence, Fang Minghui showed no sign of restraint. He only felt that Lin Qin had grown more outstanding up close. His facial features had shed their former immaturity, now exhibiting a refined maturity. His eyes had less timidity and more resolve, making him even more captivating.

Fang Minghui stared at Lin Qin for a very long time before speaking with a smile, "Lin Qin, long time no see. Do you still remember me?"

His voice was lowered, magnetic and husky, undeniably sensuous. When saying Lin Qin’s name, his tone slightly rose at the end, carrying an air of teasing.

But the voice didn’t bring any sense of nostalgia to Lin Qin—only a bone-deep fear. His eyes widened, pupils contracted, sweat began to bead on his palms, and his entire body grew stiff with unease.

Even though Lin Qin had mentally prepared himself, facing the source of his fear in person still dragged him into the depths of terror.

Until a large, warm hand enveloped his clenched fist, and a reassuring voice sounded in his ear, "What’s this? Mr. Fang and Qinqin know each other?"

Meng Chao stepped forward, discreetly shielding Lin Qin with his body, creating a haven within which Lin Qin could feel safe.

For the first time, Meng Chao used Lin Qin’s nickname "Qinqin" in front of the other guests, a clear declaration of his authority over Lin Qin.

Seeing Meng Chao’s steadfast back and feeling the familiar warmth through his hand, Lin Qin’s tense body gradually loosened. The warmth spread from his hand to his whole being.

Yes, with Brother Chao here, why did he need to be afraid?

Lin Qin moved forward and stood beside Meng Chao again, his lips curving into a polite smile. "Fang Minghui, long time no see."

Then, introducing him to Meng Chao, Lin Qin added, "Fang Minghui, my senior from high school."

Meng Chao keenly picked up on the term "high school senior." Coupled with what Chu Hong had mentioned to him earlier, and Lin Qin’s reaction upon seeing Fang Minghui, Meng Chao began to form his suspicions, his expression darkening slightly as a glint flashed in his eyes.

Nonetheless, he maintained his composed demeanor as he replied, "Meng Chao. Thanks for taking care of Lin Qin back then." The words "taking care" carried an extra emphasis, transforming their meaning.

Fang Minghui’s gaze shifted between Meng Chao and Lin Qin before he chuckled ambiguously. "Fang Minghui. You’re welcome—though I wish I had taken even better care of him."

The two extended their hands and shook. Despite the smiles on their faces, an unspoken contest of strength erupted between them as their clasped hands became the battleground.

After about a minute, Fang Minghui surrendered, pulling his hand away. His palm was red and swollen—a stark contrast—and he couldn’t help but feel his bones were on the verge of breaking from Meng Chao’s inexplicable strength.

As Fang Minghui lowered his hand, he slyly shook it to alleviate the pain, while Meng Chao, unbothered, didn’t even furrow his brow.

"Please, go ahead," Meng Chao said, acting as if nothing had happened, gesturing Fang Minghui and Yi Ran into the villa.

As Yi Ran passed Lin Qin, his footing slipped, and he suddenly fell to the ground.

His backside landed squarely on a rock, causing Yi Ran to grimace in pain.

Lin Qin kindly asked, "Are you all right?"

Yi Ran snapped at him, "Don’t pretend to care. If you hadn’t purposely stuck your foot out, would I have fallen?"

Lin Qin felt utterly wronged. He had been standing there minding his own business, yet this baseless accusation had been thrown on him.

Recognizing Yi Ran as someone he brought with him, Fang Minghui stepped forward to help him up while saying, "Are you sure Lin Qin tripped you? This ground is full of rocks; maybe you made a mistake."

Yi Ran felt even more aggrieved that Fang Minghui would doubt him in favor of Lin Qin. Coupled with the pain, tears welled up in his eyes. "Fine. Lin Qin is the Cannes Best Actor, and I’m just a no-name, project-less internet celebrity. Of course, that means I deserve to be bullied by him!"

"Shut up!" Fang Minghui’s brow furrowed deeply. He had expected Yi Ran to be more compliant, never realizing he’d be so much trouble.

Yi Ran swallowed his frustration and kept quiet, but not before fiercely glaring at Lin Qin, his expression thoroughly pitiful.

Finally, Lin Qin found a chance to explain. "I didn’t stick my foot out to trip you, nor do I have any reason to."

Indeed, as Yi Ran himself had pointed out: Lin Qin was a Cannes Best Actor, and Yi Ran was a lesser-known internet celebrity. Their statuses were worlds apart. Lin Qin had no reason to stoop down to embarrass Yi Ran.

Yi Ran retorted sharply, "And why wouldn’t you? You’re jealous that I’m the one with Fang Minghui now!"