As dusk settled, Gu Chengyu returned home.
He took off his suit jacket and casually draped it over the entryway cabinet. Underneath, he wore a crisp white shirt, its top two buttons undone, revealing his collarbone.
Su Qianqian was seated on the sofa, engrossed in the drama unfolding at Qiao Xi’s home, courtesy of 007’s live feed.
She watched intently, marveling at Qiao Xi’s masterful performance. With just a few words, Qiao Xi had managed to sway her furious parents, turning their anger into pity—while painting Su Qianqian, the oblivious newcomer, as the villain.
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What had she even done to deserve this?
Qiao Xi was truly a pro at twisting the truth.
Hearing the sound at the door, Su Qianqian snapped out of her thoughts and looked up.
Finally, the expert was home!
It was already seven—half an hour later than usual.
Her face lit up with unrestrained delight.
Like a sprightly little bird, she dashed over, her footsteps light and quick.
“Chengyu! You’re back!”
Gu Chengyu naturally opened his arms, catching the petite figure that flung herself into his embrace.
The warmth and softness of her against him was intoxicating.
He looked down at Su Qianqian, her face tilted up toward him, and couldn’t help but smile.
“Mhm, I’m back,” he murmured, his large hand instinctively ruffling her silky hair.
“I have good news to share!” Su Qianqian eagerly wrapped her arms around his waist, her eyes sparkling. “Director Li officially invited me to play the female lead’s best friend in his new drama!”
“Really?” Gu Chengyu arched a brow, his smile deepening.
Taking in her expression—so clearly begging for praise—he bent down and planted a loud, smacking kiss on her dewy cheek.
“Baby, you’re amazing.”
His deep voice dripped with undisguised adoration and pride.
Su Qianqian blushed at the kiss, her heart swelling with sweetness.
She nuzzled her face against his firm chest, rubbing like an affectionate kitten.
Gu Chengyu wrapped an arm around her slender waist and guided her to the spacious sofa, sitting down before pulling her onto his lap with a firm tug.
Su Qianqian let out a tiny “ah!” but quickly settled, sitting sideways with one delicate arm looped around his neck.
He secured her with one hand at her waist to keep her from slipping, while the other naturally captured her free hand—the one resting on her knee—and cradled it in his broad palm.
Gu Chengyu lowered his gaze, utterly captivated by the delicate hand in his hold.
Her fingers were slender and pale, her nails trimmed into neat, rounded ovals—like the freshest bamboo shoots in spring.
Each joint was perfectly proportioned, her skin smooth and warm to the touch, as if boneless.
Suddenly, he recalled a charity gala from over half a year ago.
Several so-called “socialites” had approached to toast him, including Miss Song, whom his mother favored.
Their hands, meticulously maintained and praised as “an artist’s hands,” had barely held his interest.
At the time, he’d spared them only a passing glance, finding nothing particularly striking.
But this little hand before him—fragile and exquisite, like tender scallions—was entirely different.
He couldn’t resist running his calloused fingertips over the back of her hand, then tracing each slender finger, utterly enchanted.
“Chengyu?” Su Qianqian twitched her fingers slightly, tickled by his touch, and peered at him in confusion.
Gu Chengyu met her clear, questioning gaze, his smile widening.
“Nothing. Just thinking… my Qianqian’s hands are even prettier than those of pianists.”
Su Qianqian found his infatuation with her delicate hands rather amusing.
But she hadn’t forgotten the matter at hand. Nestling closer in his embrace, she softly recounted the predicament Director Li Mo had mentioned.
Finally, she withdrew the arm looped around his neck, picked up the black card from the sofa, and dangled it playfully before him.
"I have money, but aside from that, I don’t know how to do anything else."
"I’ve heard producing a drama is incredibly complicated—it’s not something money alone can solve."
Gu Chengyu chuckled lowly, his chest vibrating with a hint of arrogant amusement.
He lifted the small, soft hand he’d been toying with and pressed a kiss to it. "Such a trivial matter, and it’s got you worried?"
His tone was casual. "The investments in the entertainment industry? They’re barely a ripple in my world."
"As for all those convoluted procedures…"
He scoffed, his voice laced with the disdain of a man who held power. "Let Shen Que pass along a word. Let’s see who dares to stand in the way of your project."
Gu Chengyu looked down at the girl in his arms, her eyes instantly brightening, and continued, "Finding people is even simpler."
"I’ll not only double their market rates but also attach the prestige of a Gu Group production."
"The top producers, editors, and art directors will be clawing over each other just to add ‘collaborated with the Gu Group’ to their resumes."
"For them, that’s worth far more than any paycheck."
His words were bold, confident.
And rightly so—what seemed like an insurmountable challenge in the entertainment industry was nothing more than a snap of his fingers for someone who held the reins of influence.
Su Qianqian listened, her lips parting slightly in awe. Leaning softly against his shoulder, she murmured in admiration, "Chengyu, you’re amazing…"
The adoration in her gaze pleased him immensely.
Internally, he resolved not to delegate this to a subsidiary. The Gu Group’s main branch would directly fund this, backing his little girl in full force.
They’d even build a new set from scratch.
For costumes and props, he’d commission high-end designers and cultural heritage masters to handle everything.
If he overlooked anything, he’d have Assistant Zhao contact Li Mo later—no compromises, no cutting corners. Her second acting role had to be nothing short of perfection.
Gu Chengyu pressed another kiss to her smooth forehead, holding her delicate frame close, utterly content.
