Chapter Seventy-Two: The Scatterbrained Girl Treats Everyone

On the second day of the National Holiday, Lin Qihua received a call from the scatterbrained Zhang Zilin.

“Brother, do you have time today?” She was as lively as ever. “I want to treat you to dinner.”

“I’m free,” Lin Qihua chuckled. “You didn’t go home for the break?”

“Nope. Let’s meet this evening at Linhai Department Store.”

“Alright.” Lin Qihua agreed, fully aware this must be about Liao Chengping. When Liao had mentioned casting for his film, both he and Lin Qihua had recommended Zhang Zilin. Liao had promised to reach out to her later; now, with the movie almost released, he likely finally had time to follow through.

In the afternoon, Lin Qihua changed clothes, went out, hailed a cab, and headed straight for Linhai Department Store. Upon arrival, he realized, as a girl, Zhang Zilin probably wouldn’t arrive so quickly; he’d come early.

He didn’t hurry her, instead wandering around the area, casually browsing clothes and such. It had been ages since he’d gone out, and he felt somewhat disconnected from the world. Stepping out to relax a bit was a good way to reset his own state.

After circling the department store twice, countless people passed by him. Though he attracted plenty of attention, no one stopped to chat. Probably, his fame wasn’t quite enough for people to recognize him by face—perhaps they’d heard his name, Lin Qihua, but didn’t know what he looked like. His looks and nearly six-foot frame drew the glances; otherwise, he’d just blend in with the crowd.

That was one reason he chose to make his comeback on “The Singer.” Simply releasing songs was too slow; even if people liked his music, they had little impression of him personally. It paled in comparison to the nationwide focus of “The Singer,” where overnight fame wasn’t a myth or miracle—it required only talent and a bit of luck.

After two loops, Zhang Zilin finally arrived, breathless and flushed, clearly having run the whole way.

“Catch your breath,” Lin Qihua said, bemused. “What’s the rush?”

“I was late!” she replied adorably. “I was the one who invited you, but ended up late myself—so embarrassing! That’s why I hurried.”

“Heh, it’s fine. I wouldn’t blame you.” Lin Qihua ruffled her hair. She’d grown taller in the past few months, now nearly five foot seven—a truly excellent figure.

She was dressed formally today: a royal blue long dress, heels, and even her usual twin ponytails had been replaced with a more elegant hairstyle. She’d completely transformed, drawing glances from all around. It was clear her outfit was striking.

In contrast, Lin Qihua’s casual attire was rather simple.

“I wanted to look formal for dinner with you. Yuyue helped me pick this,” Zhang Zilin stuck out her tongue.

“You look wonderful,” Lin Qihua praised without hesitation. “It suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you!” she beamed, eyes crinkling into crescents—the face of true happiness.

“Alright, weren’t you going to treat me to dinner?” Lin Qihua rubbed his stomach deliberately. “I ate very little for lunch today, just to make sure I could eat plenty on your dime.”

“Hehe, go easy on me! I don’t have much money, not like you, a billionaire.” Zhang Zilin led the way with a laugh.

“Easy on the wallet, but not the appetite.”

“Then my wallet’s doomed today!” she giggled.

Chattering and laughing, the two reached a Western restaurant on the fifth floor. After giving the reservation number at the front desk, they were led to a booth by the window.

“VIP treatment, huh,” Lin Qihua said, glancing around. The place was tranquil, and outside was the rooftop garden, offering a pleasant view—a prime spot.

“I booked through Lulu,” Zhang Zilin revealed. With Qin Lulu’s fame and connections, securing such a seat was no trouble.

“Oh, I see. Do you keep in touch often?”

“Yes. Lulu is busy filming right now, and her studio is in the preparation stage—renovations, hiring, training. She’s swamped. The studio’s expected to open after the New Year. We’ll visit together then.”

“Sounds good.”

After carefully reading the menu, Zhang Zilin picked up the self-service ordering device, chose her favorite cod steak set, consulted Lin Qihua, then ordered a steak set and other dishes.

“Careful you don’t turn into a little chubby,” Lin Qihua teased.

“No worries! I never gain weight no matter how much I eat,” she replied breezily. Her figure was indeed enviable, so she had nothing to fear.

“Alright, you win.”

“Hehe, this meal is to thank you, brother.”

“Director Liao reached out to you?” Lin Qihua smiled.

“Yeah!” Zhang Zilin laughed, recalling, “I was so startled—who was this? How did he suddenly find me? I haven’t even debuted yet!”

“So what happened next?”

“He mentioned your name, and the teacher beside me said he was a big director. Only then did I relax,” she said dramatically, patting her chest. “He met me, said a few words, then told me he’d invite me to act in his film as the lead actress. I was stunned—why me? Did luck really drop from the sky?”

“So, luck really did drop from the sky?”

“Yes! And he wasn’t annoyed, just pleased,” she recalled. “He said I was exactly the type he needed, and he’d cast me in his next film. That’s when I realized luck truly does fall from the sky—unbelievable! Brother, how did you recommend me?”

“You’re exactly the kind he was looking for,” Lin Qihua explained with a smile. “He directed ‘My Teenage Years,’ and the theme song is my ‘Little Luck.’”

“Oh right! I watched it later and loved that song—felt like it was written about me,” Zhang Zilin swayed her head, “But I liked your version best.”

“No need to flatter me,” Lin Qihua shrugged off her compliments. “Xiao Xiao’s version fits the movie better—I knew that, which is why she sang it. So your flattery missed its mark.”

“Still, you’re the best in my heart,” she insisted.

“Alright, I’m the best.”

“I mean it!” she dragged out the words, acting spoiled.

“Okay, okay, I believe you. I’m the best, I must be the best,” Lin Qihua immediately surrendered.

“That’s more like it,” Zhang Zilin said, satisfied. “Director Liao set a time with me. He’ll send the script once he’s finished so I can prepare.”

“I’m sure it won’t be long, and you should get ready,” Lin Qihua agreed.