Chao Musheng stared at the bizarre headline for a couple of seconds before giving in to his curiosity and clicking on it. He was genuinely puzzled—when did Mr. Su get a new romantic partner? How come he didn’t know about it?
Upon opening the article, the first thing that caught his eye was a heavily pixelated screenshot. In the image, a person was bending over to push someone in a wheelchair, with only a leg visible from the seated figure and half a face from the one pushing.
Wait… wasn’t that him?
Reading further, he realized the screenshot was taken from Song Xu’s livestream. The article’s title was sensational, but the content was stiff and dull, filled with endless ramblings about the list of guests invited to some high-profile charity fashion event. Only at the very end did it tack on two lines: "Some viewers speculated that the long-legged person in the wheelchair was the CEO of Kunlun Corporation and shared an exceptionally close relationship with the company representative pushing them. What do you think after reading this article?"
Having wasted two precious minutes on this garbage, Chao Musheng felt utterly exasperated.
If you can’t write properly, just don’t. What a waste of his time.
"Editor-in-chief, are we really not going to get sued by Kunlun’s legal team for publishing this?" The junior editor shivered behind their battered computer.
"We didn’t say anything definitive—just repeated what netizens speculated. What’s the issue?" The editor-in-chief munched on a steamed bun bought from downstairs. "Even if Kunlun’s PR department comes knocking, we can just kneel, apologize, and delete the article. As long as no real damage is done, a giant like Kunlun won’t bother crushing small fry like us."
Within two hours of posting, the article’s clicks skyrocketed like a jet taking off. Though the comments section was flooded with complaints about clickbait, he couldn’t care less.
Being criticized was nothing—being ignored was the real fear.
What surprised him most was that Kunlun’s PR team hadn’t reacted even two hours after the article went live. Months ago, when he’d tried riding on the coattails of Kunlun’s CEO, the article was taken down within five minutes after a stern phone call. The backlash had been so intimidating that he’d pinned an apology letter at the top of their page for 48 hours straight.
Truthfully, he hadn’t wanted to provoke Kunlun again, but the buzz around this topic was too irresistible.
Well, if Kunlun wasn’t reaching out, he wasn’t deleting the article.
Fortune favored the bold—in the world of self-media, traffic was everything, and dignity was expendable.
After freshening up, Chao Musheng stepped out of his bedroom, where a bodyguard approached him. "Mr. Chao, Time Magazine would like to conduct a 20-minute video interview with you. If you agree, they’re willing to accommodate your schedule anytime today."
Chao Musheng was taken aback—his mother hadn’t mentioned this. "Which department at Time made this request?"
"They introduced themselves as editors from the New Media Operations and Editorial Department," the bodyguard replied, following Chao Musheng downstairs where breakfast was already laid out. "The two editors are still waiting outside. Would you like to meet them after breakfast, or should I send them away for now?"
Knowing Mr. Chao’s relationship with Time’s editor-in-chief, the bodyguard had treated the junior editors courteously despite their low rank.
Chao Musheng took his seat at the table. "Invite them in first."
Perhaps because he’d started his day with that ridiculous article, the word "editor" now reminded him of that absurd headline.
"Romance Exposed: Legs Longer Than the Editor’s Lifespan…"
Romance? Nonexistent. But the legs were indeed long—and his tailored trousers always looked better than those of other CEOs.
The New Media team hadn’t held high hopes for securing an interview with Mr. Chao, but with public interest in him at an all-time high, this was a golden opportunity for Time to expand its reach. So they’d mustered the courage to try their luck.
As the saying went, "You’re already here—might as well shoot your shot. What’s there to lose?" Maybe Mr. Chao would take pity and agree.
When the bodyguard ushered them inside, the two editors couldn’t help but tense up. Under the stern gazes of the security team, they tiptoed through the entrance.
The floors of White Mansion gleamed like mirrors, reflecting the crystal chandelier above as they kept their heads slightly bowed.
"Mr. Chao, good morning. We’re editors from Time Magazine. Apologies for the intrusion."
"Good morning." Chao Musheng gestured warmly. "Have you eaten? If not, join me for breakfast."
Operations Editor: "Thank you, Mr. Chao, but we’ve already eaten."
Yeah, right—they’d rushed out the door without a bite.
Growl.
The Operations Editor’s stomach chose the worst possible moment to betray her.
Mortifying.
She could feel her scalp prickling with embarrassment.
"Even if you’ve eaten, feel free to have a little more." Chao Musheng motioned for them to sit. The bodyguard promptly brought over tableware and served them breakfast.
"Thank you, Mr. Chao." The Editorial Editor blushed furiously. She was a new hire, barely two months into the job, and her seniors had pushed this risky assignment onto her to avoid offending Mr. Chao themselves.
Breakfast filled their empty stomachs and eased their nervousness.
Who knew Mr. Chao would be this considerate? They were both surprised and deeply touched.
"Could I take a look at your interview outline first?"
"Of course—here you go." The Editorial Editor immediately pulled the prepared script from her bag and handed it to him with both hands.
The questions were tame, even including a few that subtly promoted Kunlun’s latest products—free advertising, really.
"Thank you for the publicity on behalf of Kunlun." Chao Musheng set the outline aside. "I can do the interview, but I only have about an hour. After 9:30, I have to attend Editor-in-Chief Chao’s panel discussion, and the rest of my day is packed."
"That’s more than enough!" The editors nearly jumped for joy. "We’ll call the visual team right away!"
Mr. Chao was not only devastatingly handsome but also incredibly kind—the world’s most perfect man!
In under ten minutes, the crew arrived, and the styling team even gave Chao Musheng a quick touch-up.
Most questions were standard fare, but when the topic veered toward romance, the Time staff held their breath, bracing for the young tycoon’s potential irritation.
Editorial Editor: "Many netizens have praised your looks. We also found an interview clip from two years ago—do you remember this?"
The editor’s tablet played a snippet of Chao Musheng being interviewed right after his college entrance exams.
"I do. I’d just finished my last exam and couldn’t wait to go back to my hometown for vacation." He smiled at his younger, more carefree self on screen. "A summer without homework is everyone’s dream."
Next, they showed him a viral clip of him petting a lion statue’s head. "This video trended recently, with countless comments admiring your looks—and some even expressing romantic interest. Would you mind sharing a bit about your relationship status?"
"Thank you all for the compliments—I’m a little embarrassed," Chao Musheng paused, then recalled the comment about "the big boss's legs being longer than the editor's lifespan" and couldn’t help but chuckle. "I’ve been so busy since adulthood that I’ve never had time for romance."
"Would you mind answering a highly upvoted question from the comments section?"
"Go ahead."
"A netizen mentioned that the big boss of Kunlun has incredibly long legs. Is that true?"
The interviewer was clever—they didn’t directly ask whether the person sharing the car with Chao Musheng last night was the Kunlun boss, but still satisfied the curiosity of the online audience.
"It’s true," Chao Musheng laughed softly. "Our boss is the definition of long legs."
Watching the smile on Chao Musheng’s face, the staff internally screamed.
Ahhhhhhh!
He actually answered that question!
Half an hour later, the TimeLight operations team had already edited the interview clip and uploaded it to several official social media accounts—astonishing efficiency.
Before the symposium even began, Chao Yin saw her son’s interview video on the company’s official account. "Whose idea was it to interview Musheng?"
"Probably a joint plan between the editorial and operations teams," the assistant observed Chao Yin’s expression, noting she didn’t seem displeased, and continued, "From yesterday noon till now, the new media team has released solo interviews with several artists, all receiving great feedback."
Chao Yin let out an ambiguous laugh. "The artists’ interviews are just a few minutes long, but Musheng’s is over ten minutes."
Other artists’ comment sections were flooded with fan-controlled praise, but under Musheng’s video, the comments were all genuine reactions and playful memes.
She clicked into the video. The post-production team had worked swiftly—within just half an hour, they’d even added special effects.
In the video, Musheng spoke with measured grace, his expression relaxed and natural. Even without formal styling, he shone brilliantly under the camera’s gaze.
For the first time, Chao Yin realized with startling clarity that her child had grown up. He was now outstanding enough to stand on his own—even capable of being her support.
She felt both pride and an indescribable ache.
A fledgling eagle must eventually spread its wings and soar.
"Our boss is the definition of long legs."
Hearing this response, Chao Yin smirked. Knowing her son’s personality, the fact that he could joke about his superior meant their private relationship was genuinely close.
She put away her phone and prepared for the upcoming symposium—a closed-door gathering of investment tycoons and fashion moguls.
Most attendees were notoriously difficult personalities, and Chao Yin usually had to brace herself when dealing with them. But today, they seemed unusually amicable, and the event proceeded smoothly.
After the symposium ended, the big shots didn’t leave immediately. Instead, they surrounded Chao Musheng, offering congratulations for his branch company’s anniversary celebration.
"Thank you all. I’ll personally relay your well-wishes," Chao Musheng checked his watch. "I need to head to the branch now. Please enjoy your stay—I’ll take my leave first."
"Safe travels, Mr. Chao," the crowd parted respectfully. "We’ll seek your insights again at the evening banquet."
"You flatter me. I still have much to learn from all of you. Until then." With a polite nod and a discreet wink at Chao Yin, he exited the room.
"What remarkable talent at such a young age," Big Shot A watched as Chao Musheng departed surrounded by bodyguards, sighing admiringly. "The new generation surpasses the old. Mr. Chao’s future is limitless."
The moment Chao Musheng appeared at the estate, some had tried digging into his background—only to receive an inquiry call from government authorities instead.
Upon learning he was a state-prioritized talent, who dared probe further?
Yet privately, they couldn’t help feeling sour. Such a prodigy was surely only retainable by an entity like Kunlun.
"Editor-in-Chief Chao," Big Shot B turned to Chao Yin. "Given your rapport with Mr. Chao, if there’s ever an opportunity where we might be of service, do bridge the connection for us."
"Should such an occasion arise, it would be my honor. But someone of your stature hardly needs my intermediation," Chao Yin deftly sidestepped with a smile. "The kitchen just received a shipment of premium ingredients today—gentlemen, please do stay and indulge."
Their motives were transparent, but Chao Yin was slippery as an eel—dishing out pleasantries without committing to a single concrete favor.
Those who reached this level were no simpletons.
And yet, her luck held. Mr. Chao maintained polite detachment with everyone—except her, whom he treated with noticeable warmth.
Initially puzzled by his selective attendance at certain meetings, they later noticed the speaker lists and realized: he only came for Chao Yin.
Likely, Kunlun’s decision to send a representative to this charity gala was solely because Mr. Chao wanted to support her.
This alone spoke volumes about his standing within Kunlun.
Chao Musheng returned to the white mansion to change clothes. Descending the stairs, he spotted a black car parked outside.
Its tinted windows revealed nothing, yet he instinctively knew—Mr. Su was inside.
He knocked on the window. It lowered gradually, unveiling Su Chenzhu’s refined features.
"Mr. Su." Chao Musheng opened the door and slid into the seat beside him. "What brings you here?"
"My residence isn’t far. I thought I’d pick you up on the way." Su Chenzhu noticed the bare spot on Chao Musheng’s bowtie and retrieved a velvet jewelry box. "Forgot your accessories?"
Inside lay an emerald-green gemstone pendant on a delicate chain. He fastened it to the bowtie. "A perfect fit."
Chao Musheng glanced down at the silver chain tethering the gemstone—it resembled a miniature version of the chain on Su Chenzhu’s glasses.
"I’d prepared accessories for tonight’s gala," he admitted, running a finger over the cool metal. "What is this material? It feels unusually icy."
"Don’t worry. I have plenty of these." Su Chenzhu’s lips curved slightly. "Before the charity evening, you can visit my place to choose more."
Chao Musheng wanted to say Mr. Su was being excessively generous, but his gaze involuntarily dropped to the man’s legs.
Indeed, Mr. Su’s legs were impressively long. Had the car been any smaller, they’d have nowhere to rest.
"What are you looking at?"
"Just... admiring your famously long legs, Mr. Su."
"Hmm." Amusement glinted in Su Chenzhu’s eyes. "I heard you praised them as ‘the definition of long legs.’"
"Mr. Su, you’ve seen TimeLight’s official interview?" Chao Musheng touched his nose sheepishly. That damned editor and their "legs longer than lifespans" comment had imprinted Mr. Su’s legs permanently in his mind.
So many adjectives, and not a single decent one among them?
"I read them." The smile in Su Chenzhu's eyes faded slightly. "The netizens in the comments section were quite enthusiastic too."
A little too enthusiastic, if you asked Chao Musheng.
He pulled out his phone and scrolled through the comments, his face flushing at some of the bold remarks.
These netizens really had no sense of boundaries.
His fingers flew across the screen until he stumbled upon an even more outrageous comment:
[That amateur smiled so tenderly when mentioning the big boss’s long legs—he’s totally smitten.]
???
What the hell was this?
He quickly locked his phone and stole a glance at Su Chenzhu from the corner of his eye.
Good. Mr. Su hadn’t noticed that comment. He could relax now.
A dimmed star, its fall destined to stir a tsunami of uproar.
The security guard stood along the path where celebrities would pass, his gaze sweeping over each tall or slender figure. Tonight was the red carpet event for the Fashion Charity Gala—which star was fated to meet their end?
With the entire red carpet being livestreamed, if a celebrity were to meet misfortune at this moment, wouldn’t the shockwaves be even greater?
Did the system care about which star would fall?
Or did it simply crave the fall of any star, no matter who it was?
The glamorous celebrities brushed past the guard, barely sparing him a glance. He studied their necks, as if selecting the most suitable candidate for death.
"Hurry up!" Song Xu snapped at his assistant. "Several others have already released their styling photos, and I haven’t even finished my makeup. How did you even coordinate with the styling team?"
The assistants trailed behind him, laden with outfits, not daring to utter a word.
"Brother Xu, don’t panic," the manager soothed. "Being first doesn’t mean being the most outstanding. No male artist has made a splash with their look yet."
"Right now, everyone’s curious about tonight’s red carpet. Whether it stands out or not, the ones who release their styling photos first will always—" Song Xu was mid-sentence when he collided with a security guard, stumbling back and landing on the ground.
"What the hell?" Song Xu scowled, dusting himself off as he stood. "Are you blind?"
The guard looked at the sharp-tongued celebrity and offered a hollow smile. "My apologies."
"Such a half-hearted apology." Already irritated, Song Xu’s anger flared at the guard’s dismissive tone. "What’s your name?!"
"Brother Xu, let it go," the manager whispered in his ear. "If someone films this and posts it online, accusing you of bullying a security guard, it’ll be trouble. Let’s just go finish your styling."
Song Xu clenched his jaw, suppressing his rage. Over the years, he’d mastered the art of reading people to please Song Cheng. This guard was clearly looking down on him—his gaze was downright condescending.
He was the top star of Kunlun’s film division!
What right did a lowly security guard have to disrespect him?
No matter how furious he was, he swallowed it down. The last thing he needed was netizens dragging him for moral misconduct.
Brother Xu?
The guard quickly identified the celebrity in his mind—Song Xu, Kunlun’s film division star.
If even the big shots were currying favor with Kunlun’s headquarters, then the film division must hold significant influence in this world.
And if the biggest star of Kunlun’s film division were to die…
The guard watched Song Xu’s retreating figure, a cold smirk curling his lips.
Then you’ll be the chosen one.
Lucky guy.
Linhai City Branch Office.
The general manager adjusted his suit for the umpteenth time, even smoothing his hair repeatedly.
"General Manager, is the big boss really coming in person for the anniversary celebration?" The other executives were no better, all lined up at the entrance, craning their necks in anticipation.
"Yes, I confirmed with Secretary Liu half an hour ago." The general manager wiped his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief. "Everyone, stay sharp. And don’t be nervous—we can’t let the big boss think we’re unprofessional."
"General Manager, Assistant Chao will probably be accompanying him, right?" The PR manager hinted quietly. "If Assistant Chao is here, I think it’d be best to seat him next to the big boss."
"Tsk." The general manager frowned. "That might not be appropriate. There are other company heads attending today—"
"It’s appropriate." The PR manager pulled him aside and played a video.
In it, a young man swiftly pushed someone halfway out of a car back inside. The PR manager replayed the clip several times.
The general manager didn’t get the point and hesitated before praising, "This young man moves pretty fast, huh?"
"General Manager, the one being pushed back in was CEO Su. The one doing the pushing was Assistant Chao," the PR manager explained patiently. "Their relationship is… special. I checked with colleagues at headquarters—CEO Su trusts and values Assistant Chao immensely."
That was CEO Su and Assistant Chao?
The general manager’s expression shifted. He’d thought it was some couple flirting.
He glanced at the PR manager, relieved he hadn’t blurted out, "Which lovebirds are these?"—otherwise, he’d be finished.
"General Manager, the car is almost here. Get back out front!"
The general manager dashed to the front of the reception line.
Under the clear blue sky, Chao Musheng spotted the giant red balloons bobbing above the branch office entrance from afar. Flower baskets and banners from other companies lined the doorway, festive yet tacky.
Compared to Kunlun’s sleek headquarters, it was like night and day.
Once the car stopped, he and Secretary Liu, who was in the passenger seat, stepped out first. Just as Chao Musheng bent to shield Su Chenzhu from the car’s roof, Su Chenzhu had already swung one long leg out.
His gaze involuntarily dipped downward. Those legs really were unfairly long.
Realizing his own thoughts, Chao Musheng snapped his eyes back up.
"CEO Su, welcome!" The general manager scurried over, holding up a large umbrella to shield Su Chenzhu from the sun. "We’re honored by your presence at Linhai Branch."
Chao Musheng looked up and saw a red banner with gold letters stretched above the entrance: "Warmly Welcome CEO Su for His Inspection of Our Company." A gust of wind sent it fluttering like seaweed.
"This branch’s general manager used to work in academia," Secretary Liu murmured to Chao Musheng. "He has a thing for banners, but his work ethic is solid."
"Secretary Liu, Assistant Chao." The general manager hurried over to shake their hands enthusiastically.
Chao Musheng glanced back at Su Chenzhu. The umbrella was now in Su Chenzhu’s hand, and the refined man stood amidst the sea of banners with an effortless elegance.
Noticing his gaze, Su Chenzhu walked over, tilting the umbrella to shade Chao Musheng from the glaring sun.
"Please, come in, come in." The general manager finished shaking hands with the main entourage and turned around to see Mr. Su holding an umbrella for Chao Musheng. He discreetly gave the PR manager a thumbs-up—thankfully, the PR manager was well-informed, or else he might have upset Mr. Su.
He jogged forward, trying to take the umbrella to shield both of them, but Mr. Su avoided his hand.
"No need." Su Chenzhu's shoulder lightly brushed against Chao Musheng's. "We can manage the umbrella ourselves."
"O-of course." The general manager smiled and withdrew his hand. "Please follow me, Mr. Su, and everyone else."
Chao Musheng followed the general manager into the company building. Noticing Su Chenzhu was still holding the umbrella, he chuckled, took it from his hand, closed it, and handed it to a nearby staff member. "Thank you."
Staff member: "No problem."
Su Chenzhu glanced at the now thirty-centimeter gap between their shoulders and lowered his eyes slightly.
"Mr. Su, the anniversary celebration is on the third floor. This way, please."
The group headed toward the elevator. Just as they reached the elevator doors, a loud video playback echoed from the emergency stairwell—a mechanical AI voice droned without emotion.
"Shocking romance reveal: Kunlun's CEO caught in love affair! Netizens can't get over how handsome his partner is, calling him one lucky man."
General Manager: "..."
Who—who on earth was hiding in the stairwell watching videos without headphones at a time like this?!
It had to be his rival, jealous of his outstanding performance this year, trying to sabotage him!
Sweat poured down his back.
