Nighttime, Chen Feng's office.
Chen Feng paced back and forth like an ant on a hot pan, his anxiety palpable as his footsteps echoed across the floor.
In his hand, he clutched a document folder, his palm slick with cold sweat.
Inside was Su Qianqian's harsh artist contract.
Today, he had witnessed firsthand how Young Master Shen and Young Master Gu had personally stepped in to defend her.
Though no scandal had broken out, it was now an undeniable fact—Su Qianqian belonged to Young Master Gu.
And Lin Shu? That once-arrogant superstar who had flaunted Young Master Gu's favor in his face, basking in her glory...
Now, it was clear she had fallen completely out of Young Master Gu's graces, not a shred of affection remaining.
This industry had always been ruthless, quick to elevate the favored and trample the discarded.
But this time, he had picked the wrong side.
How had he been so foolish? Under Lin Shu's pressure and manipulation, blinded by the arrogant assumption that even if Su Qianqian had a backer, she could never compare to Gu Chengyu's influence, he had forced her to sign such a predatory contract?
At least he had left some room for mercy.
He hadn't actually used the contract to force Su Qianqian into quick-money schemes.
So far, the only income she had received was the meager payment for her minor role as the courtesan—of which the company had taken ninety percent, leaving her with practically nothing.
In fact, the company had invested far more in her—expensive vocal training, acting classes, dance lessons, all taught by top-tier instructors.
And thank heavens he had assigned Brother Wang to her.
Brother Wang, shrewd as he was, genuinely admired artists with real talent and pure hearts.
He must have shielded Su Qianqian from the worst of the contract's terms, nurturing her instead.
But the contract itself was still a ticking time bomb.
It gnawed at Chen Feng, leaving him restless.
He knew all too well how terrifyingly protective men like Gu Chengyu could be.
Today, he had made Lin Shu and Qiao Xi vanish without a trace, all for Su Qianqian.
What would happen tomorrow if he found out that Chen Feng had once shackled his new favorite with such an insulting contract?
A shudder ran through Chen Feng. He didn’t dare dwell on it.
This contract could not remain in his hands.
He had to confess and beg for mercy—maybe then, he’d have a sliver of hope.
---
Shen Media Group, top floor.
The light in Shen Que's office still burned, a solitary beacon in the deep night.
He wasn’t working, though. Leaning back in his black leather chair, he gazed absently at the glittering cityscape beyond the window.
His computer screen displayed a few candid photos Su Qianqian had posted on Weibo.
The girl radiated a bright, untarnished charm.
No wonder Chengyu had dragged him along to personally intervene the moment he heard she’d been dragged into that drinking party.
Lately, Shen Que had deliberately kept his distance.
This was the first time Chengyu had ever been so fiercely protective of someone. Instinctively, Shen Que had wanted to stay far away from her.
And yet...
His eyes lingered on the screen, his expression inscrutable, fingers tapping lightly against the desk.
---
Chen Feng stood outside the closed door, taking several deep breaths to steady his pounding heart.
Finally, he raised a trembling hand and knocked.
"Come in." Shen Que's voice was neutral, giving nothing away.
Chen Feng pushed the door open.
Shen Que’s gaze shifted from the screen to the ashen-faced man at the door—and the folder in his hand.
"Young Master Shen..." Chen Feng’s voice was hoarse, strained with fear.
He hurried to the desk but didn’t sit. Instead, he bowed deeply, his posture submissive.
"It’s late. What is it?" Shen Que’s tone was calm, but the unspoken pressure was suffocating.
Straightening, Chen Feng placed the folder on the desk with both hands.
"Young Master Shen, I’ve come to admit my mistake."
He inhaled sharply. "Regarding... Su Qianqian’s artist contract."
Shen Que’s eyes flicked to the folder, then back to Chen Feng’s face, sharp and expectant.
"Originally, this contract was signed under Lin Shu’s pressure and manipulation," Chen Feng rushed to explain, not daring to omit a single detail. "At the time, I thought she was still Young Master Gu’s favored one, at the height of her influence. I didn’t dare cross her."
"She implied that Su Qianqian was just an insignificant assistant trying to climb over her. She insisted on using the harshest contract to keep her in place, to make sure she knew her role and couldn’t cause trouble..."
Chen Feng’s voice dropped, thick with regret. "I... lost my judgment."
"Part of me believed a newcomer didn’t deserve better terms. And part of me feared offending Lin Shu and bringing trouble to Shen Media because of her connection to Young Master Gu. So I signed it."
Shen Que listened in silence, his face unreadable.
He opened the contract. Sure enough, it was the lowest-tier agreement, signed at the bottom with the girl’s delicate handwriting—Su Qianqian.
A slow, simmering anger built in Shen Que’s peach-blossom eyes.
"Ninety-one split. Twenty million penalty for breach. Complete control over her roles and schedule."
His fingertip pressed against the paper, his voice suddenly sharp. "Chen Feng, tell me—if this contract had fallen into the hands of one of those bloodsucking, exploitative agents... Do you have any idea what she would have endured?"
Chen Feng flinched at the outburst, hastily defending himself. "Young Master Shen, please! I may have been blind, but I wasn’t reckless. That’s why I assigned Brother Wang to her immediately!"
"You know Brother Wang’s reputation. He values talent and integrity. He would never mistreat Miss Su!"
"Besides, the company has invested heavily in her training and resources—all top-tier."
"Enough." Shen Que cut him off coldly, though the edge in his gaze had dulled slightly.
Brother Wang did have a decent reputation in the industry—one of the few agents who genuinely cared about an artist’s potential rather than shortcuts.
Though his marketing skills were strong, his taste in scripts was questionable, which was why talented artists usually avoided him.
Shen Que’s expression softened marginally, though his displeasure remained.
Sensing the shift, Chen Feng seized the opportunity, gesturing nervously at the contract.
"Young Master Shen, what should we do with this now? Should I destroy it immediately? Draft a new, top-tier contract for Miss Su?"
Shen Que’s gaze returned to the open document.
His finger traced absently over the clause: The artist must unconditionally accept all acting projects, promotions, and schedules arranged by the company.
A dark, secret thought took root.
Wouldn’t this contract also give him a legitimate reason to... orchestrate a few chance encounters?
The idea sent an unexpected thrill through him, his pulse quickening.
"Leave the contract."
His voice was even again, betraying nothing. "I’ll handle this. You’re dismissed."
Chen Feng exhaled in relief, as if granted a pardon.
"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Young Master Shen!"
He responded repeatedly, nearly stumbling backward as he left the office, gently closing the door behind him.
The office fell into silence once more.
Shen Que leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting again to the open contract on the desk. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
He convinced himself that this was all for Nian'an's sake—to pave the way for the Shen family's future ascent.
Besides, it was just a chance encounter. He wouldn’t actually do anything to Gu Chengyu’s woman.
Shen Que lifted his eyes, his attention returning to the computer screen.
On the screen, Su Qianqian smiled brightly at the camera.
He reached out, his fingertips brushing lightly over the cold surface of the screen, tracing the delicate contours of her face. His eyes darkened, unreadable.
