"What do you mean?"
Su Chenzhu faintly guessed at a certain possibility. In previous years, people had sent attractive men and women to his side, but after he coldly rejected them, no one dared to attempt such a thing again.
"Perhaps some people misunderstood and thought they could use Assistant Chao to curry favor with you." The secretary, afraid that the boss would misunderstand Chao Musheng, quickly spoke up in his defense: "President Su, Assistant Chao's personal integrity and work ethic are beyond reproach—we’ve all witnessed it firsthand. Even when artists under our company tried to win him over, he remained unmoved. How could he possibly be swayed by outsiders?"
"People from the company’s film and television department tried to tempt Assistant Chao?"
The secretary fell silent for a moment. Looking at Su Chenzhu’s grave expression, she realized the boss had fixated on a detail that wasn’t the main point she had intended to convey.
"This is Luo Yixuan’s personal file." The secretary placed a document in front of Su Chenzhu. "Luo Yixuan comes from an ordinary background, has no vices, and his acting skills are among the better ones among recent rising stars. However, in recent months, because he refused to comply with the company’s arrangements, his access to good resources was cut off."
Su Chenzhu flipped open the file, his eyes landing first on a still from a drama.
"This is the role that made him popular—he played the devoted second male lead in a campus romance series."
Normally, files like these wouldn’t even reach the boss’s desk. But now, because of Assistant Chao, the boss had spared it a glance. For a moment, the secretary couldn’t tell whether this turn of events was fortunate or unfortunate for Luo Yixuan.
In that still, Su Chenzhu saw traces of many people—like Chao Chao’s friends.
Young, vibrant, their eyes brimming with hopeful expectations for the world.
He possessed wealth and status that others envied, yet a single photo had stirred unease and hesitation in him. Closing the file, Su Chenzhu handed it back to the secretary without reading further. "Take it away."
"What about Luo Yixuan’s contract…?"
Su Chenzhu remained silent. Just as the secretary thought he wouldn’t respond, he finally spoke.
"I’ll decide after I’ve spoken with Assistant Chao."
Did that mean everything hinged on Assistant Chao’s wishes?
"Understood, President Su." The secretary took the file and left the office, only to find several colleagues lingering in the hallway once the door closed behind her.
"The boss isn’t angry with Xiao Chao, is he?"
"What did the boss say?"
The secretary handed the artist’s file to the nearest colleague. "The boss didn’t say much, and he didn’t blame Xiao Chao. Whether Luo Yixuan stays or not depends on Xiao Chao’s decision."
"Xiao Chao couldn’t actually be interested in this Luo Yixuan, could he?" A colleague flipped through the file. "He’s good-looking, but compared to Xiao Chao, he falls short."
"He’s been quite popular lately—maybe Xiao Chao was just curious." The colleagues all got along well with Chao Musheng, and since the tech department regarded him as their savior, his position in the executive office was somewhat unique.
Xiao Chao was only twenty—could he really be involved in something like under-the-table dealings?
"Curious about what?" Secretary Liu approached with a stack of documents, noticing the group huddled together. "What’s Xiao Chao done now?"
Among all the secretaries and assistants in the executive office, Secretary Liu was the closest to Xiao Chao. Seeing him, the others passed Luo Yixuan’s file over. "Nothing major, just some outsiders misunderstanding Xiao Chao."
"An artist?" Secretary Liu frowned. He didn’t even handle the film and television department—why were they giving this to him?
"Newly signed by the company?"
"Not yet." The secretary who had just left the boss’s office chimed in. "But he might end up in Kunlun’s film and television division."
"What’s so special about him?" Secretary Liu skimmed through the file. The artist seemed decent—no vices, no moral issues—but that hardly warranted such discussion.
"You haven’t heard? This is a ‘gift’ from a partner company trying to win Xiao Chao’s favor." A colleague teased. "Our Xiao Chao only went on a one-day business trip, and he’s already received such a grand present."
Secretary Liu: "The boss knows?"
"Anything involving our executive office has to be reported to him." The secretary smiled. "Luckily, the boss isn’t upset with Xiao Chao. He’s even leaving the decision about this person for Xiao Chao to handle when he returns."
Secretary Liu: "…"
Was the boss not angry, or was he simply unwilling to direct that anger at Xiao Chao?
Secretary Liu scrutinized Luo Yixuan’s file again. The man was undoubtedly talented, but not enough to captivate Xiao Chao in a single day.
Someone like Xiao Chao, raised in love and excellence, had never lacked affection from others.
But precisely because of that, such people were the hardest to sway.
A person who feasted on sweets daily would never crave a single candy.
"Xiao Chao wouldn’t have any special interest in him." Secretary Liu returned the file and knocked on the boss’s office door.
"Come in."
"President Su." Secretary Liu entered and placed several documents on Su Chenzhu’s desk. "The Linhai branch is celebrating its third anniversary. The general manager has invited you to attend the celebration—will you be going?"
Linhai City was also where the upcoming fashion charity event was being held.
"When is the anniversary celebration?" Su Chenzhu asked.
"Tomorrow noon." Secretary Liu pretended to forget that, days ago, Chao Musheng had already been assigned to attend. "The Linhai branch’s performance growth in the first half of the year has been outstanding. Your presence at the event would greatly motivate the team."
"Fine." Su Chenzhu nodded. "Secretary Liu, arrange it immediately."
"President Su, due to the fashion charity event in Linhai, flight seats are—"
"Apply for a private jet route." Su Chenzhu cut him off. "Expedite the process."
"Yes, President Su." Secretary Liu set down the files and immediately contacted air traffic control.
The boss was getting impatient.
What was obvious to bystanders often eluded those caught in the throes of emotion.
Ah, love—what a terrifying thing.
Chao Musheng remained unaware that, in just a few hours, someone had prepared a grand "gift" for him. At lunch, while exchanging pleasantries with a few executives he’d met aboard the Moonlight cruise, he multitasked by responding to urgent messages from the tech department.
"Mr. Chao." A vaguely familiar man approached with Luo Yixuan in tow, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Chao, Xiao Luo is a local of Linhai. If you’re interested in the city’s culture, he’d be happy to show you around this afternoon."
"With Mr. Luo’s popularity, going out might be inconvenient." The moment Chao Musheng spoke, the man’s smile stiffened. "No worries—with a mask, glasses, and a hat, no one will recognize him."
The temperature in Linhai today was 37°C. Wearing a mask outside would be suffocating.
Chao Musheng waved his hand, signaling Luo Yixuan to sit beside him. "No need to go out. If you have time, Mr. Luo, why not share some interesting stories from the film set? I’ve never been involved with a production crew before, so I’m quite curious."
The man immediately brightened and turned to Luo Yixuan. "Xiao Luo, our guest must be properly entertained. As a local, you should take good care of Mr. Chao, understand?"
Luo Yixuan nodded, his face pale.
Half an hour ago, he had learned that his contract had been sent to Kunlun Entertainment’s film division. Though there was no official response yet, he knew his future in the entertainment industry now rested in the hands of the young man beside him.
Too many people around them were eager to curry favor with Mr. Chao. He could practically feel the envious and jealous glances directed his way.
How ridiculous—that anyone would envy a mere gift.
As an outsider to the industry, Mr. Chao stood out strikingly among the middle-aged tycoons, yet no one found it absurd that men in their fifties and sixties were fawning over a twenty-year-old.
Luo Yixuan moved to refill Chao Musheng’s half-empty glass of juice, but a wealthy businessman beat him to it, not only pouring the drink but adjusting the glass to the most convenient position for him.
Who said these moguls didn’t know how to be considerate? They were practically experts.
He didn’t understand software or economic trends, but he could read the expressions of these powerful men. They hung onto every word Chao Musheng uttered, practically trembling with excitement, as if they’d give anything to take Luo Yixuan’s place beside him.
Yet when the food arrived, they all restrained themselves, careful not to disrupt Mr. Chao’s dining experience.
"Are these all local specialties of Linhai City?" Chao Musheng noticed Luo Yixuan sitting stiffly beside him, too nervous to speak, and took the initiative. "I’ve just recovered from a cold, and my doctor advised against spicy food. Could you recommend a few dishes for me, Mr. Luo?"
Snapping out of his daze, Luo Yixuan stood and used serving chopsticks to place a few mild-flavored local dishes on Chao Musheng’s plate. "These are all famous Linhai specialties. Please give them a try, Mr. Chao."
"Thank you." Chao Musheng took a bite of fish—neither good nor bad, nothing compared to the fish Su Chenzhu had once made for him.
He tried another dish, but it was similarly mediocre, lacking the freshness of Su Chenzhu’s cooking.
"It’s quite good, thank you." Chao Musheng glanced at Luo Yixuan. "Why aren’t you eating? Are you watching your weight?"
Luo Yixuan shook his head with a polite smile. In a setting like this, it wasn’t his place to start eating first.
"Xiao Luo, since Mr. Chao is being so kind to you, shouldn’t you toast him three times to express your gratitude?" one of the tycoons interjected. "Mr. Chao, I have some fine liquor here—would you care to try it?"
"My apologies, I don’t drink." Chao Musheng raised his juice glass instead. "But I’ll toast you with this. Thank you for your kindness."
"Alcohol is bad for the health—it’s good that you avoid it!" The tycoon lifted his glass with both hands, grinning. "Allow me to toast you instead."
Someone shoved a full glass of liquor into Luo Yixuan’s hands. Clutching his aching stomach, he was about to down it when a slender, immaculately clean hand pressed down on his glass.
"Mr. Luo still has to show me around Linhai this afternoon. It wouldn’t do if he got drunk."
"Ah, of course! How careless of me to forget!"
Almost instantly, the alcohol was whisked away from Luo Yixuan’s place, replaced by a steaming bowl of nourishing soup.
As he watched Chao Musheng being showered with attention, no one bothered him anymore. His tense nerves gradually relaxed.
He took a silent sip of the soup, and his cramped, starving stomach finally found relief.
Once the pain eased, he picked up the serving chopsticks again and placed another piece of fish on Chao Musheng’s plate.
Chao Musheng turned his head and smiled at him. "Don’t worry about me. Just eat."
Though the fish was eventually eaten, Luo Yixuan noticed Chao Musheng never touched it again for the rest of the meal.
So he didn’t like it after all.
Staring at the breathtakingly beautiful young man beside him, Luo Yixuan felt an indescribable emotion stirring in his chest.
"I believe there’s an artist interview session this afternoon?" Chao Musheng led Luo Yixuan out of the restaurant, waiting until the other tycoons had left before speaking. "Shall we have the crew come to the White Building for it?"
Luo Yixuan froze, then quickly recovered. "Mr. Chao, it’s fine if I don’t do the interview."
"That won’t do. Without you, there’d be endless speculation, and your fans would worry." Chao Musheng smiled. "Your autographed photos sell for four figures online. You give me one, and I’ll lend you a place for your interview—fair exchange, don’t you think?"
In that moment, Luo Yixuan suddenly realized that Mr. Chao was different from those businessmen.
To him, Luo Yixuan was an artist—a shining star—not some bargaining chip.
"Thank you," Luo Yixuan repeated softly. "Mr. Chao, thank you."
"Shengsheng." Chao Yin, returning from outside, spotted the artist trailing behind her son and beckoned him over.
Chao Musheng hurried to her side, lowering his voice. "Mom, you’re back?"
He said it so quietly, afraid of causing her trouble if overheard.
"You know this artist?" Chao Yin recognized him—a recently popular idol, though his company was notorious for controlling its talents, having turned down several good opportunities on his behalf.
"I saw him being harassed this morning and helped out a little." Noticing her high heels, Chao Musheng frowned. "Go rest. Are your feet sore?"
"It’s fine." Though well-versed in the industry’s darker side, she didn’t disapprove of her son’s actions. "I’ll head back now."
"Go enjoy yourselves." Chao Yin nodded at Luo Yixuan, who stood waiting a short distance away. "It’s quite hot today. If you plan to go out, wait until after five or six."
"Mm." Chao Musheng nodded obediently. "I’ll join you for your afternoon meeting first."
Chao Yin had already heard about how the tycoons had gathered for a meeting that morning, only for Shengsheng to skip it entirely. She couldn’t help but chuckle. "Alright."
Back at the VIP building, she overheard guests discussing how someone had transferred Luo Yixuan’s contract to Kunlun Entertainment’s film division to curry favor with Chao Musheng.
"Who would do something so thoughtless?" Chao Yin’s brow furrowed. On the surface, it seemed like a gift to Shengsheng, but in reality, it was a gesture to Kunlun—and a trap for her son.
Her Shengsheng wasn’t Kunlun’s CEO. If word reached the actual boss, they’d only see him as a pleasure-seeking dilettante, harming his reputation.
What a vicious move.
Turning to her assistant, she ordered, "Find out who’s behind this."
They were all industry insiders. If someone dared scheme against her son, they’d face her retaliation.
As Luo Yixuan followed Chao Musheng into the White Building, Wang Xiaojuan was sprawled on the sofa, engrossed in a video game.
After numerous embarrassing incidents, Wang Xiaojuan had learned one thing: choices matter more than effort. In this world where celebrities were everywhere and surveillance cameras lurked in every corner, the safest place was by Chao Musheng’s side.
Hard work didn’t bring luck—only more misfortune.
From morning till now, five more players had been eliminated.
"Chao-ge," Wang Xiaojuan set down her phone and noticed a stranger following behind Chao Musheng. "Who’s this?"
"Luo Yixuan, a rising star," Chao Musheng glanced at her. "He’s been dominating the entertainment industry these past few months."
Damn it. She’d been too casual in front of Chao-ge, letting her guard down completely.
"I’ve been busy with work lately, so I haven’t kept up with the entertainment scene," Wang Xiaojuan forced a relaxed smile. "No wonder he’s so handsome."
"Your work… is quite demanding," Chao Musheng nodded, seemingly buying her excuse, then introduced her to Luo Yixuan. "This is my friend, Wang Xiaojuan."
"Miss Wang, it’s a pleasure," Luo Yixuan hurriedly greeted her.
From his overly cautious demeanor, Wang Xiaojuan sensed something off. Could this celebrity be…?
Her eyes widened. Chao-ge, does Boss Su know about this?
In that instant, her mind raced, scrambling for ways to help Chao-ge cover it up.
Morals were for strangers—when it came to Chao-ge, she’d always choose to protect him.
Upon hearing that Luo Yixuan’s autographed photos were worth four figures, Wang Xiaojuan shamelessly asked for several. Just as she was about to stash them away, Chao Musheng’s phone on the table buzzed—an incoming call from Mr. Su.
S-Su… Boss Su?!
Wang Xiaojuan glanced at Luo Yixuan, then at the caller ID on the phone, feeling the autographs in her hand burn.
"Chao-ge, Boss Su is calling you."
Chao Musheng looked up from his computer, picked up the phone, and answered. "Mr. Su, my apologies. My phone was on silent—I didn’t hear it ring."
Su Chenzhu stepped into the plane cabin. "It’s fine. How are you adjusting to the weather in Linhai City?"
"It’s alright, just a bit hot today." Chao Musheng leaned back on the sofa, his tone softening. "It’s going to rain in Jing City this afternoon. Be careful on your way home."
Su Chenzhu glanced at the darkening sky outside the window. "Alright."
"Chao-chao," he paused for two seconds. "Have you met any interesting friends in Linhai City?"
"I’ve been staying at the villa these past two days—haven’t even stepped outside." Chao Musheng shot a look at Wang Xiaojuan and chuckled. "Though I did run into Xiaojuan again. She’s changed jobs again."
Wang Xiaojuan shrunk into her shoulders, sneaking a peek at Luo Yixuan, who sat obediently in the corner. Chao-ge, you really didn’t have to mention me right now.
Su Chenzhu’s expression relaxed slightly. If Chao-chao didn’t even bring someone up, they probably weren’t important.
Secretary Liu whispered a reminder, "Boss, the plane is about to take off."
"Chao-chao, I have something to attend to now. Let’s talk again in two hours."
"Alright." After hanging up, Chao Musheng stared at his phone for a few seconds, sensing something odd in Su Chenzhu’s tone earlier.
"Chao-ge," Wang Xiaojuan scooted closer to him on the sofa. "Was Boss Su looking for you?"
Chao Musheng gave her a puzzled look. Wang Xiaojuan had always been discreet—why was she so fixated on this call?
"Yeah," he nodded. "Just asked about my time in Linhai City. Nothing major."
Oh no.
Wang Xiaojuan sighed inwardly. Boss Su probably already knows Luo Yixuan is with Chao-ge.
"Chao-ge, the artist interviews are scheduled for this afternoon," she hinted subtly. "Shouldn’t Mr. Luo return to his room for his session?"
"No need. I’ve already arranged with the organizers to conduct his interview at the White Villa later." Chao Musheng continued typing, unwilling to explain Luo Yixuan’s precarious situation to Wang Xiaojuan and embarrass him. "I have some remote work to handle. You two can do as you please."
Wang Xiaojuan turned to Luo Yixuan. "Do you play games?"
Whatever. If Boss Su asks later, she’d just say Luo Yixuan spent the whole time gaming with her—she had the records to prove it!
"I’m not very good," Luo Yixuan admitted sheepishly.
"That’s fine," Wang Xiaojuan patted her chest. "I’ll carry you."
Half an hour later, staring at her disastrous in-game stats, she forced a smile. "It’s okay. You’re new—getting killed a few times is normal."
It’s fine. She wasn’t mad. Not at all.
She was happy to strategize for Chao-ge!
At 3 p.m., the big shots lounging in their rooms received word: Mr. Chao was attending the conference again.
The big shots: "…"
An assistant cautiously asked his boss, "Sir… are you going?"
"Of course." The boss heaved himself off the sofa, tucking his round belly into his shirt. "If Mr. Chao is going, how can I not?"
What’s wrong with this Mr. Chao? One moment he’s skipping meetings, the next he’s attending like it’s life or death. Who the hell is in that conference room that he’s taking it so seriously?
"Mr. Chao, your notebook." Luo Yixuan placed it in front of him, then glanced at the back door, where a big shot was sneaking in, hunching over before shooing away his own assistant to take the seat.
He quickly averted his gaze, opening his own notebook and preparing to focus.
Within ten minutes, the conference room was packed again. Chao Yin started her presentation.
When it ended, Chao Musheng led the applause, and the room erupted in thunderous claps, giving Chao Yin the recognition she deserved.
Chao Yin smiled at him, signaling for him to leave quickly—otherwise, the big shots would stubbornly stay seated just to match him.
"His luck is insane," one artist muttered, watching his rival follow Chao Musheng out. His tone was so sour it could’ve curdled milk. "I heard the organizers went to the White Villa just to interview him today."
"Don’t envy him too much," his agent pulled him aside to console him. "You know how rotten his company is. Even if he’s living well under Mr. Chao’s protection, it’s nothing compared to your standing in our agency."
"That’s true." The artist felt slightly better. "I heard he’s been gifted to Mr. Chao."
"It’s not that simple." The agent sighed. "If they really wanted to gift him, they wouldn’t have transferred his contract to Kunlun Entertainment’s division. Someone’s using Luo Yixuan to set Mr. Chao up."
Once Mr. Chao realized he’d been tricked, the first casualty would be Luo Yixuan—the disposable pawn.
When these big shots played their games, who cared about the fate of a mere tool?
As Chao Musheng stepped out of the conference building, he spotted a vaguely familiar figure in the distance. He paused, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
"Mr. Chao?" Luo Yixuan didn’t understand why he’d stopped and turned to him in confusion.
Su Chenzhu immediately spotted Chao Musheng standing out in the crowd. He took a few steps forward but paused when he noticed the unfamiliar man beside Chao Musheng.
"Mr. Su." Recognizing the figure beneath the tree as Su Chenzhu, Chao Musheng’s lips curled into an unconscious smile as he quickened his pace toward him. "Mr. Su, what brings you here?"
Today, Su Chenzhu wore a subtly patterned dress shirt, its top button undone, lending him a more relaxed air than usual.
"The branch company’s anniversary celebration. The general manager insisted I attend, and after some consideration, I decided to come in person." Su Chenzhu glanced at Luo Yixuan in the distance before reaching out to smooth the unruly strands of hair sticking up on Chao Musheng’s head. "Having fun in Linhai City?"
Chao Musheng shook his head. "I haven’t had the chance to explore yet. Do you have plans later? If not, let’s go out together?"
"Sure." Su Chenzhu smiled.
Wang Xiaojuan, who had sprinted over upon hearing the news, skidded to a halt at the sight before her: "..."
Well, she wouldn’t need to cover for Brother Chao after all.
Boss Su didn’t even dare to put on a stern face around him.
He was utterly smitten.
