What Should I Do if My Best Friend Is a Green Tea? [Transmigrated Into a Book]

In the homestay room, the light in another room was also on. Through the thin curtains, the light swayed gently, creating a play of shadows. Kang Boye poked his head out from under the covers, rubbing his sleepy eyes. Qin Li was sitting on the bed, holding a tablet, still reading the script.

Kang Boye glanced at the phone charging on the bedside table—it was already one in the morning. "Cousin? Still not sleeping?"

Qin Li flipped through the script; there was only one episode left to finish.

"You go ahead and sleep. I'll read a bit more."

Kang Boye tucked his head back under the covers. "Then get some rest soon." Qin Li spent another half-hour finishing the episode. When he was done, he felt a lingering sense of anticipation, eager to know what happened next. Jiang Tao had only given him three episodes of the script, but the content was rich. Qin Li had spent nearly two hours reading it. He didn’t know if the show would be a hit when it aired, but he was sure it would be well-received.

Qin Li was 27 years old. He had played both leading and supporting roles. The leading roles he got were mostly from low-budget web dramas, while the supporting roles were in big productions, but the spotlight was always on the male lead, not him.

Qin Li knew that in the idol drama arena, he had little room for growth. He wasn’t classically handsome, but rather had a more conventional, upright kind of attractiveness. Back in school, his teachers had told him he was suited for serious dramas.

Serious dramas might not bring instant fame, but they offered steady, long-term opportunities. Even by retirement, he’d still have work. So, Qin Li knew it was time for a career shift. He wasn’t ready for big-budget serious dramas yet, but a smaller production like *The Bottom Line* was a perfect opportunity.

Early the next morning, Qin Li went to see Jiang Tao. The door to the room was slightly ajar. Xiao Yu was in the bathroom washing up, and Jiang Tao, with a mouth full of toothpaste foam, opened the door while brushing his teeth. "Director Jiang, I really like Teacher Xiao’s script," Qin Li praised generously. "If there’s a chance, I’d love to be part of this show!"

"Oh ho!" Jiang Tao went to the bathroom to spit out the foam, rinsed his mouth, and came back, slapping Qin Li on the shoulder. "Young man, you’ve got good taste! Of course, my wife’s script is amazing! You’ve only seen three episodes so far, but I’m telling you, the later episodes are even more exciting!"

Three episodes were enough to showcase the writer’s skill, and Xiao Yu had a track record of success. If it weren’t for meddling investors, her later works wouldn’t have flopped. "I’m very interested in the role of Xiang Fei," Qin Li got straight to the point. "If I were to portray him, I could do it justice!"

Jiang Tao’s expression stiffened.

Xiang Fei was the male lead of *The Bottom Line*.

The role had already been cast. Shen Xinghe was a perfect match for Xiang Fei in terms of appearance and acting skills, and Jiang Tao wasn’t willing to change that.

"Qin Li, we’ve already chosen someone for the male lead. How about considering another role? The male second lead is also good, or even a special guest role…" Qin Li paused. "May I ask who’s playing Xiang Fei?" Jiang Tao scratched his messy hair. "A young actor, not well-known…" Qin Li breathed a sigh of relief. Not well-known meant little competition. "Director Jiang, *The Bottom Line* hasn’t secured funding yet, has it? If I were to play the male lead, the platform’s rating for the show would be higher, and it would be easier for you to attract investors. Don’t worry, I won’t take a salary. I can invest my pay into the production, saving you money. I can also help you secure funding. What do you think?"

Qin Li’s offer was tempting. If it weren’t for Shen Xinghe, Jiang Tao might have been swayed.

But Qin Li’s appearance didn’t quite fit Xiang Fei. While serious dramas preferred actors with a more conventional look, Xiang Fei was a rogue character. Before becoming a police officer, he had a dark past as a gangster. After turning over a new leaf, he became a cop, only to lose his memory and end up as a criminal.

It was Xiang Fei’s gangster background that made him so adept at being a criminal after losing his memory.

So, Xiang Fei couldn’t look too upright.

Shen Xinghe was a perfect fit for Xiang Fei. He had a roguish charm, a kind of destitute, untamed aura.

In terms of character fit, Qin Li wasn’t the best choice.

In the end, Jiang Tao politely declined Qin Li’s offer. He refused to be swayed by capital, and naturally, he wouldn’t let anyone interfere with the casting of the leads. If he couldn’t use the actors he believed were the best fit, wouldn’t that just repeat past mistakes?

The door closed, and Qin Li stood in the hallway, unconsciously clenching his fists. Suddenly, he heard faint footsteps behind him.

Qin Li turned around and saw Ye Luoyi.

Ye Luoyi was wearing an elegant green dress, her hair tied into a soft low bun. Bathed in the slanting morning sunlight, she looked gentle and radiant. She looked at Qin Li with a hint of apology. "Sorry, Brother Qin. I was just passing by. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop."

Ye Luoyi’s voice was clear and melodious, and Qin Li felt his heart skip a beat, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.

"It’s nothing."

For an actor like him, who wasn’t a top-tier star, being turned down for roles was normal. Unless you were a top star or someone like Zhou Qingyu, who came with her own capital, most actors had experienced rejection at some point.

But being seen in a moment of failure by someone he admired made Qin Li feel embarrassed.

Ye Luoyi comforted Qin Li. "Brother Qin, Director Jiang just thought the role wasn’t a good fit for you. That doesn’t mean anything. I’ve seen your work, and I really like the characters you’ve played!"

Qin Li felt the little figure of disappointment in his heart suddenly lift its head, and he grew excited. "You’ve seen my work?"

"Of course!"

Ye Luoyi subtly moved closer to Qin Li, and the two walked downstairs toward the living room together. "I’m a fan of the original works. I’ve watched all the IPs you’ve acted in. When I see you on screen, it feels like the characters come to life!"

The staircase was narrow. Ye Luoyi was wearing a sleeveless dress, and Qin Li had on a short-sleeved shirt. As they walked side by side, their arms occasionally brushed against each other. Qin Li could feel the warmth of her skin, like fine silk gently brushing past, carrying a tenderness that was hard to resist.

Qin Li’s heart began to race. Every time their arms touched, it felt like a faint electric current running through his body.

He secretly glanced at Ye Luoyi’s beautiful profile. Her delicate features looked even more enchanting in the morning light.

Qin Li had liked Ye Luoyi for many years.

Back in school, Qin Li had been overweight and was bullied by his classmates. One day, on his way home, he was cornered by some gangsters in an alley, demanding protection money. Qin Li was 17 at the time, tall and bulky, but it was all fat. Terrified, he handed over all his money. Just then, 14-year-old Ye Luoyi happened to pass by and called the police. After the gangsters left, Ye Luoyi ran up to Qin Li. "Big brother, it’s okay now! The police are here, and they’ve chased the bad guys away!" That was the first time in Qin Li’s 17 years that he felt like he had seen light. It was as if an angel had descended beside him.

After that, Qin Li couldn’t help but pay attention to Ye Luoyi. For her sake, he went from being a 300-pound teenager to a 140-pound handsome man. But he still didn’t dare approach her.

Ye Luoyi was kind, beautiful, and the only daughter of the wealthy Ye family. She was adored by many.

Qin Li, on the other hand, was just an ordinary person. He felt he wasn’t good enough for her. Even after becoming an actor and sharing the same industry as Ye Luoyi, Qin Li still felt she was out of his reach.

Perhaps someone like Pei Yubai, a young master from a wealthy family, was more suited for Ye Luoyi. "Brother Qin? Brother Qin?"

Ye Luoyi’s soft voice brought Qin Li back to reality. "Sorry, I was spacing out."

"It’s okay. I sometimes zone out too~" Ye Luoyi smiled understandingly, her smile as gentle as ever, like a spring breeze warming Qin Li’s heart.

Suddenly, Qin Li’s phone rang. The caller ID showed "Momo."

Qin Li glanced at it, his expression freezing, and he quickly hung up.

Ye Luoyi covered her mouth, teasing, "Is that your girlfriend? It’s late at night back home. She must be missing you!"

Qin Li’s eyes flickered with unease. "No, I’m single. It’s just a spam call."

Ye Luoyi: "Oh, you’re single too…"

Qin Li was startled. "Too?"

Ye Luoyi shrugged. "I’m single too!"

Qin Li quickly asked, "But aren’t you with Pei Yubai?" Ye Luoyi’s eyes widened in surprise.

Early in the morning, before the live stream had started, the room was set up with cameras, but none of them were turned on. Ye Luoyi felt a bit uneasy and somewhat lost. "Mr. Qin, you've misunderstood. Pei Yubai and I are just friends. Everything online is just marketing." Yesterday, in front of the cameras, Ye Luoyi had also said that she and Pei Yubai were just friends. Qin Li had initially thought that the two didn’t want to make their relationship public, but what was said in front of the cameras was one thing, and what happened off-camera was another. Now, with no cameras rolling, Ye Luoyi was still saying the same thing... Qin Li's eyes gradually brightened, and a smile of uncontrollable joy spread across his face. Ye Luoyi glanced up at the time. In the center of the living room of the guesthouse hung an old-fashioned bronze pendulum clock. It was almost eight o'clock, and staff members were starting to enter the guesthouse to prepare for the live stream. Ye Luoyi sighed, "It's almost time for the live stream again. I heard Zhou Qingyu has ordered a French breakfast at the Royal Hotel. I guess her live stream will be the most popular again today."

Qin Li was so filled with joy that he couldn’t care less about anyone else. "Zhou Qingyu only attracts viewers because she flaunts her wealth. People are just curious. Your live stream is much better. Your travel guides are more thoughtful."

Ye Luoyi agreed but still lowered her head in disappointment. "Sigh, what’s the use of being thoughtful? I still can’t compare to her."

Qin Li felt his heartstrings tugged. Seeing Ye Luoyi so disheartened made him ache with sadness.

At eight in the morning, the live stream began, and the two stopped chatting, heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Ye Luoyi, mindful of her figure, made a light salad. She finished quickly and carried her meal to the living room.

Not long after, Kang Boye came downstairs. As he passed through the living room, he greeted Ye Luoyi. Kang Boye then entered the kitchen and placed a hand on Qin Li's shoulder. The kitchen had only one camera, and from Kang Boye's angle, he was just out of its view.

"Cousin, don’t you think Ye Luoyi looks a lot like your wife? Especially her eyes—they’re practically identical!"

Kang Boye whispered, even turning off his microphone so the live stream wouldn’t pick up his words.

Qin Li frowned, shaking off Kang Boye's hand impatiently. He also lowered his voice, "Momo and I are just friends. Don’t go spreading rumors."

After eight, the other guests began to wake up one by one. After breakfast, everyone set out to various locations according to their travel plans.

Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi were still in their room. Even though the room's camera was already on, it didn’t stop them from lazing in bed.

[The live stream has started, and they’re still not up!]

[But staying in bed is so comfortable. I’m still in bed too~]

[Zhou Qingyu already said they don’t have a travel plan. They can get up whenever they want. Traveling is just living in a different place. If they have to force themselves to get up at a set time, what’s the difference between that and going to work?]

[This kind of carefree travel is so amazing!]

[My best friend and I are the same! But when I travel with my parents, they always wake me up early. Anyway, I’m going back to sleep...]

Around nine, Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi finally got out of bed lazily. After washing up and doing their makeup, they headed to the Royal Hotel for a French breakfast. Later, under Louis’s arrangement, they visited two tourist spots in Li City. Louis was not only an excellent travel consultant but also a great photographer, capturing many atmospheric shots of Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi. The stretch limousine slowly drove through the quaint streets, with the majestic Seine River on one side. The riverside was bustling with tourists, lively and vibrant. The Seine was dotted with sailboats of various shapes and sizes, gently swaying in the breeze. Yan Xi leaned against the window of the limousine, and as they passed by, some pedestrians enthusiastically greeted her.

"Li City seems especially lively today."

Louis explained, "Today is the Li City Sailboat Festival. There are many sailboat-related activities, including these boats on the Seine. Tourists can board them, and in the evening, there will be a simple sailboat race, along with street performances and fireworks."

Zhou Qingyu leaned closer to Yan Xi, looking out at the sailboats scattered across the river. Some were small and delicate, while others were tall and imposing, each with its own unique style. Many tourists wanted to board the sailboats, but with so many people, long lines had formed outside the larger ones. As the limousine passed by one of the larger sailboats, Yan Xi noticed the production crew was also there. Although there was a long line outside, Ye Luoyi didn’t have to wait. She walked up the gangway with a handsome young Frenchman.

On the deck, the two chatted and laughed. Ye Luoyi introduced the Sailboat Festival to her fans through the camera, while the man gazed at her affectionately.

"She really is the queen of charm!" Yan Xi complained to her system in her mind. The system replied, [Men can’t help but fall for her. That’s what makes her the queen of charm. It’s normal for a foreign guy she meets during her travels to take a liking to her~]

Yan Xi: "Won’t the shippers have something to say about this?"

[Ye Luoyi already said they’re ‘just friends.’]

[The essence of a harem is that until the very end, they’re all ‘just friends.’]

"Xi Xi, do you want to go take a look?" Zhou Qingyu asked Yan Xi. "These sailboats might not compare to yachts, and they look a bit old and small, but if you want to check them out, I’ll go with you."

Yan Xi couldn’t help but laugh.

The young lady looked down on any ordinary activity with equal disdain. To her, they all seemed shabby. Just like how her wardrobe was filled with high-end luxury items worth thousands, she couldn’t comprehend the existence of an app like Pinduoduo, where clothes could be bought for as little as ten yuan. She respected it but didn’t understand it. She knew about it but had no desire to try it.

As for the sailboats... she could reluctantly accept them.

Yan Xi pointed at a few of the larger, more beautiful sailboats on the Seine. "Those look nice. Let’s go check them out!"

Louis glanced over. "You’ll probably have to wait in line."

Zhou Qingyu asked, "Ye Luoyi didn’t have to wait in line. Why do we have to?"

Louis explained, "The young man accompanying Miss Ye likely owns a sailboat and is a member of the sailboat club. With that status, he doesn’t need to wait in line to board other club members’ sailboats."

Zhou Qingyu waved her hand dismissively. "What’s so hard about that? We’ll just buy one."

[Classic Zhou Qingyu moment: Someone else has a private jet? Buy one! The guesthouse is too shabby to renovate? Buy it! Have to wait in line to see a sailboat? Buy one!]

[It’s so fun following the young lady—it’s all about buying things!]

[Are sailboats really that expensive? Can you just buy one like that? Last time Zhou Qingyu said she was going to buy a private jet, but she didn’t.]

[I looked up sailboat prices. Small ones can be bought for under a million, but the larger ones can cost tens of millions.]

[Zhou Qingyu will probably just buy a small one!]

The next second, Zhou Qingyu excitedly pointed at the largest sailboat on the Seine. "Xi Xi, that one’s the biggest and most beautiful! Let’s buy that one!"

Louis quickly estimated the price. "A sailboat of that size would cost at least twenty million."

Zhou Qingyu happily stroked her chin. "Hmm, that’s quite affordable!"

[???]

[Zhou Qingyu has redefined the word ‘affordable.’]

[Are they talking about Zimbabwean dollars?]

[Even in Monopoly, I’d hesitate at that number!]

[Has Zhou Qingyu forgotten about Director Jiang? He’s going to cry if he finds out she’d rather buy a sailboat than invest in him.]

Yan Xi also thought of Jiang Tao. So far, Jiang Tao hadn’t given up on Zhou Qingyu and still believed she might be a potential investor. Yan Xi whispered, "Director Jiang is going to cry if you do this."

"Director Jiang? He’s not worth it!" Zhou Qingyu lifted her chin disdainfully. "There are too many projects in the world that need investment. How could I possibly invest in all of them? Besides, he hasn’t given me a reason to invest."

Unless Pei Yubai needed the resources, Zhou Qingyu would consider investing. But Pei Yubai didn’t need it, and neither did she. Xingyao also had no interest in it, so Jiang Tao naturally wasn’t on Zhou Qingyu’s investment list.

Most of the sailboats participating in the Sailboat Festival were privately owned, and it was rare for brand-new sailboats, especially large ones, to be sold here.

But nothing could stump the ever-resourceful Louis. Through his extensive network, Louis quickly found a large sailboat available for sale, docked on the Seine River. Raymond was a sailboat dealer, and he felt like he was cursed. Two years ago, a friend approached him to commission a custom sailboat. The friend was wealthy, and Raymond, desperate to expand his business, signed a contract with him despite its lack of thoroughness. After signing, the friend claimed he was short on cash and only paid a small deposit, leaving Raymond to cover the rest of the construction costs. Raymond thought to himself, "This friend is a big shot, dealing with billion-dollar businesses. Surely, he wouldn’t default on such a small amount."

But as soon as the sailboat was completed, the friend’s company went bankrupt, and the friend fled with the money, leaving the sailboat behind.

Raymond felt like he wanted to die.

The friend had only paid a deposit of 100,000 euros, and Raymond had covered the rest. To secure this deal, Raymond had already poured in who knows how much. Now, he was left with nothing.

His pockets were empty, he was drowning in debt, and he couldn’t even afford his daughter’s tuition for the next semester.

Unlike ordinary items, large sailboats are expensive and are usually privately owned by the wealthy. They are typically custom-made, and it’s rare for someone to buy one off the shelf. This time, Raymond brought the sailboat to the Li City Sailboat Festival, hoping to get lucky.

But who would want to buy a large sailboat? Even if someone was interested in sailboats, they’d probably just buy a small one for fun. From start to finish, no one had inquired about the sailboat. Only a few tourists wanted to take a look.

When the phone rang, Raymond was sitting listlessly on a stone bench by the Seine, watching the colorful sailboats pass by. He thought his sailboat was the most beautiful, but unfortunately, no one seemed to appreciate it.

"Hello, is this Mr. Raymond?" Louis asked in French.

"Yes," Raymond replied, not expecting anything special from the call. "This is Raymond. Who is this?"

"Hello, my name is Louis. My client is interested in buying a sailboat. Are you still in Li City? We’d like to take a look at your sailboat."

Buy a sailboat?

A customer!!!!

Raymond was so excited he could barely contain himself. His voice rose with enthusiasm. "You’re in Li City? I’m in Li City too! I’m near the Île de la Cité. Do you want to come over? Or I can come to you! I’m free anytime!"

Louis glanced around. "We’re also near the Île de la Cité. Which sailboat is yours? Send us a photo, and we’ll drive over."

Raymond happily took a photo and sent it to Louis. He waited nervously, rubbing his hands together. The other party said they were nearby, so it shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. At forty years old, Raymond had never felt ten minutes pass so slowly. His palms were sweating with anticipation.

Ten minutes later, a stretch limousine pulled up beside Raymond. His heart leapt with joy. The limousine’s sleek black exterior gleamed in the sunlight, its iconic Lincoln grille exuding an air of prestige and authority.

Raymond knew that stretch limousines were expensive, and only the wealthy could afford to ride in them.

Rich people could definitely afford his sailboat!

Louis stepped out of the limousine first. He was dressed in a sharp three-piece suit and slightly bowed as he opened the door. Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi gracefully stepped out.

"Miss Zhou, Miss Yan, this is Mr. Raymond," Louis introduced in French. "Raymond, these are my clients. They’re interested in purchasing a sailboat."

Raymond stared at Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi, unable to distinguish their Asian features. All he could see were two beautiful young women who looked incredibly youthful. Were they even adults?

Raymond felt like they were younger than his own daughter.

This was a problem. There was no doubt that these girls were from wealthy families, but how much financial power could such young women have? Buying a small sailboat for fun was one thing, but would their parents allow them to purchase a large sailboat worth nearly three million euros?

Raymond felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. His excitement gradually faded.

Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi admired the sailboat before them.

The sailboat, still unsold and unnamed, sat quietly on the Seine. The river sparkled, reflecting the majestic silhouette of the boat. The hull’s lines were smooth and elegant, the white sails pristine. The deck was wide and sturdy, equipped with all the necessary amenities. The metal fittings gleamed in the sunlight, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

As a sailboat dealer, even though Raymond knew these two women were unlikely to buy his sailboat, his professionalism compelled him to courteously and thoroughly introduce the boat to them.

Every introduction and tour was a showcase of Raymond’s hard work. He had poured his heart into this boat.

The sailboat was made of high-strength aluminum alloy, making it both lightweight and durable. In addition to the basic living spaces, it featured a KTV room, a billiards room, a cinema, and a tea room.

The top deck had an open-air barbecue area with a view of the surroundings. For a recreational sailboat of this size, it was well-equipped.

Zhou Qingyu wasn’t particularly impressed. Recreational sailboats, private jets, and yachts all had similar features. She owned a yacht with all these amenities.

But it was Yan Xi who wanted this, and Yan Xi’s happiness was what mattered.

"Do you like it? If you do, I’ll give it to you."

Yan Xi: !!!

Wait, wasn’t the sailboat bought just so they wouldn’t have to wait in line to see it? And now it was being gifted to her, just like that?

Yan Xi whispered, "It’s too expensive. If you give me something this valuable, I won’t be able to return the favor."

Zhou Qingyu paused, then angrily put her hands on her hips. "It’s just a sailboat. If I give it to you, you take it. Talking about returning the favor—are you looking down on me?"