Chapter 103: The Purchase

“Is that so?” Lin Qihua’s voice faltered slightly as he asked, “When did this happen?”

“Just last week, and it only came out in the past couple of days,” Qin Lulu replied, her mood somewhat downcast. “Although I’ve left Huayi, I still hold Minister Lin in great respect. I never imagined he would resign.”

“Do you know why?”

“Not really. I heard he went to the chairman to tender his resignation. He spent a long time in his office, and when he came out, he officially stepped down. Long Gang took over.”

“Oh.” Lin Qihua didn’t press further. His feelings toward Minister Lin were complicated. During the training camp, Minister Lin had paid close attention to him and offered significant help. Yet, when conflicts arose with Guo Shaochong, Minister Lin didn’t step in to defend him. The same was true in the cases with Han Dong and Qin Lulu, which ultimately led to their departures. Lin Qihua neither blamed nor resented him, understanding his choices. Though in the end, Minister Lin gave him the best option, allowing him to leave easily, could a head of the artists’ department who couldn’t help artists solve their problems still command their gratitude?

Recalling the deep wrinkles on his forehead, Lin Qihua mused, “Perhaps this is the best relief for him.”

“Has the opening date been set?”

“Yes, a day after New Year’s. It won’t affect your competition,” Qin Lulu said with a smile.

“All right, I’ll definitely be there.”

“Good.”

After hanging up with Qin Lulu, Lin Qihua called Xiao Mihui and learned she was currently preparing for the art exams.

“When did Director Liao say filming would start?”

“Not yet. He’s probably still working on the script,” Xiao Mihui answered. “A few days ago, he even came over to talk to me and had me perform several scenes. He said they wanted to tailor a role specifically for me.”

“That’s great. That way, your rookie shortcomings can be well concealed,” Lin Qihua chuckled. “Don’t get too cocky.”

“No way! I’m working hard on my skills, preparing for the art exams and the acting. I’m determined to nail it.”

“That’s the spirit. Your big brother’s got your back.”

“I love you the most, brother,” Xiao Mihui said sweetly, and Lin Qihua could almost picture her adorable scrunched-up nose on the other end of the line.

Thinking of this made him consider buying a smart device capable of direct holographic calls. These were high-end gadgets, unaffordable for most, but incredibly useful and convenient.

“Yeah, I’ll go check one out tomorrow,” Lin Qihua decided.

He also recalled that Ma Xiaoqian hadn’t seemed herself lately. Taking her out shopping might lift her spirits.

When Lin Qihua extended the invitation, Ma Xiaoqian’s feelings were conflicted. If it had been before, she probably wouldn’t have been able to sleep all night from excitement.

But now, her emotions were tangled. The more time she spent beside him, seeing him almost daily, the wider the invisible distance between them felt—not one they created, but one Ma Xiaoqian sensed keenly. Though she could almost reach out and touch him, he felt as distant as the horizon. Every time she saw him shine brightly on stage, the feeling grew stronger.

“I’ll think about it later,” she told herself uncertainly.

Yet, thinking about their date to go shopping the next day made her heart flutter. It would be their first time alone together.

What should she wear?

And so, she found herself agonizing again, wondering if she’d be able to fall asleep that night.

The following day, Lin Qihua waited at the agreed spot for Ma Xiaoqian. Although both lived in company-assigned dorms, to avoid the ever-present Shen Manni, they had to meet discreetly outdoors.

Ma Xiaoqian had dressed carefully—a playful, cute white floral dress that made Lin Qihua’s eyes light up.

“Let’s go.” He hailed a passing taxi, and the two headed straight to their destination.

They went to Yanjing’s Tech Electronics City, the largest marketplace for smart devices and tech products. Entering the area felt like stepping into a sci-fi world, with countless bizarre structures soaring upward—spaceship shapes, battleship designs—all exuding a futuristic vibe.

They chose the largest-looking building, the flagship store of FutureTech, the leading producer and seller of smart devices.

Inside, the space was vast and pleasantly uncrowded despite the many visitors. Approaching a counter, a smiling attendant greeted them, “Looking to purchase a smart device?”

“Yes,” Lin Qihua nodded. “We need a device capable of holographic calls.”

“That’s precisely what we specialize in,” the attendant said sweetly. “Holographic effects are one of the 21st century’s greatest inventions, and integrating them into smart devices solves real-time audio and video transmission perfectly. It even enables instant video conferences far smoother and more lifelike than traditional internet-based video calls.”

“I’m aware,” Lin Qihua smiled. “The other key technology is magnetic levitation.”

“Exactly. Holographic calls are powered by advanced smart chips with strong encryption and numerous features. These high-end chips allow lossless, smooth communication where you can see every gesture, every smile or frown of the other party. It’s true face-to-face real-time interaction. Plus, the holographic interface lets you manipulate operations directly on the projection. Paired with holographic glasses, it offers a multidimensional visual experience, a wonderful feature for movie lovers.”

“Great, we understand. Please recommend the two latest, top-of-the-line models. I trust your expertise.”

“Certainly.” The attendant’s smile grew even warmer, and with a few taps on the screen, a slit opened in the ceiling. A massive mechanical arm extended downward, carrying two boxes.

Patting the mechanical arm, the attendant retrieved the boxes, which retracted immediately.

“These two are our newest smart devices.” Opening a box, she revealed a smartwatch-like device. “The men’s model comes in black, white, silver, and mixed colors. The women’s model is available in white, pink, and silver. Each is a masterpiece of our company—guaranteed not to disappoint.”

Lin Qihua examined the two devices. The men’s model gleamed silver and white; the women’s was a soft blend of pink and white. They lay quietly, a subtle, enchanting glow passing over their bodies, exuding elegance.

Ma Xiaoqian’s eyes widened. She’d seen high-end smart devices before, but the attendant’s carefully recommended models still amazed her with their unique beauty.

The attendant demonstrated the devices’ various functions once more, especially the holographic calls, which projected the other person and their surroundings with crystal clarity. Both voice and image were indistinguishable from speaking face-to-face.