"Old Gu, what do you mean by that?" Su Yunjin frowned. Given her social circle, she had heard plenty and knew many people led wild lives, especially in the chaotic entertainment industry.
"What could I possibly mean? I'm just worried. That circle is a mess," Gu Guofeng frowned. "I'm just afraid Gu Ye might go astray. Even if he doesn't want to, what if he's led astray by others?"
"Don't talk nonsense. My son is as straight as they come; he likes girls," Su Yunjin said disdainfully, pointing a finger at him. "You're the one ruining our son's reputation."
"How is that me ruining it?" Gu Guofeng felt like he was being unfairly blamed. "He's the one constantly appearing in gossip news. Did I put him there? I've told him long ago not to work in the entertainment industry. It's not like the family needs his meager earnings."
Su Yunjin defended Gu Ye. "It's not like Gu Ye wants to be in the news. It's those unscrupulous media outlets making up stories..."
In the side room, Wang Xia was drinking water and looking at her phone when she saw Li Daming come in with a carton of cigarettes. "Well, Lao Li, your smoking tastes are getting more and more upscale. You're smoking this brand now."
"No, it's not like I could afford this," Li Daming said, tucking the cigarettes into his jacket like a treasure. "Madam gave them to me because she said the Master's health isn't good and he shouldn't smoke too much."
"Really?" Wang Xia was puzzled. "Madam seems to be in a strangely good mood today. She gave me something too."
"Madam is truly generous," Li Daming said cheerfully. He wasn't a heavy smoker, so this premium carton would last him quite a while.
Hearing faint voices from the living room, Wang Xia got up to take a look. "What are the Master and Madam talking about? I think I heard Gu Ye's name. I hope they're not arguing."
"Probably talking about Gu Ye," Li Daming lowered his voice and leaned in. "Didn't you see the news from the other day?"
Wang Xia was confused; she hadn't come across any news while scrolling on her phone.
"The one about going to a hotel. What good could come of that?" Li Daming shook his head, his tone full of disdain.
Lately, for some reason, his social media feed kept pushing him news about Gu Ye.
"He was photographed going to a hotel with a girl?" Wang Xia was eager for gossip. "Which actress was it?"
She wanted to see if she knew her and if she was pretty.
Li Daming had gotten the full scoop. "Not a girl, a guy. But the guy had long, flowing hair."
"What's the big deal about two guys staying in a hotel?" Wang Xia glared at him.
"You don't know? That's all the rage these days."
"What's all the rage? What are you talking in riddles for?" Wang Xia grew impatient.
"Two men being together," Li Daming said, touching his nose.
Wang Xia's mind spun for a moment, seemingly not quite understanding. She frowned and asked uncertainly, "Two men together doing what?"
"What do you think? Dating. It's not like only a man and a woman can date," Li Daming put on an air of being worldly and trendy. "There are quite a few like that online."
"Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Gu Ye wouldn't do such a thing," Wang Xia immediately waved her hands in denial. "Don't you go spreading nonsense."
"It's not me spreading nonsense. That's what they're saying online..."
Far away, Gu Ye had no idea that a false news story had made the rounds in his own home, nearly costing him his credibility and reputation.
After his last talk with Huang Ling, she had advised him to think it over again, not to act on impulse. She even offered him company shares once the business grew bigger and stronger.
She used a mix of soft and hard tactics, trying everything to keep him.
But Gu Ye's mind was made up. Seeing his determination, Huang Ling knew there was no room for negotiation and had to let him go.
They met for a meal at a restaurant.
Huang Ling looked at the cash cow sitting across from her, about to fly away, and her heart ached.
"So, what do you plan to do after leaving the industry?"
"Haven't really thought about it yet," Gu Ye said evasively. "Might take a break first and then see."
"If you haven't thought about it, then don't leave the industry yet. Wait until you have a plan."
Gu Ye gave a helpless smile. "Ling Jie..."
"Look at me, I just can't help it," Huang Ling apologized with a wave of her hand. "Sigh, it's just such a pity. You have such great potential."
"Several of your endorsement deals have about two to six months left on their contracts. Also, there's some work you've already taken on that still needs to be finished. That will take time too."
"How about this: you announce your departure from the industry six months from now?"
Gu Ye thought for a moment and asked, "Ling Jie, which of these endorsements expire first? And if we terminate them, what's the penalty?"
"I haven't looked at the details. I'll need to check the contracts when I get back," Huang Ling said.
Gu Ye: "Then could you please sort it out and send it to me?"
"Alright, I'll organize it and send it to you," Huang Ling's eyes shifted thoughtfully. "That childhood sweetheart girlfriend of yours, is she still working as a nanny at your house? You should bring her over. I'll treat her to a meal."
"She's working at a law firm now," Gu Ye replied. "When there's a chance in the future, she and I will treat you to a meal to thank you for taking care of me these past two years."
