The two of them went back and forth, nearly making the usually punctual Chu Yan late. Fortunately, as the general manager, his colleagues knew how hard he had been working lately. So when they saw him arrive late for once, they simply expressed concern, telling him to take care of his health and that it was fine if he came in a bit later.
Chu Yan—the notorious workaholic and overtime addict—was well-known among the employees for his relentless dedication. They had all witnessed it firsthand. Besides, Chu Yan wasn’t actually late; he had just arrived later than usual, given that he typically showed up at the office well before the official start time.
Bombarded with their warm and caring words, Chu Yan recalled the events of that morning—and the intimate contact (ahem) from the night before—feeling his ears grow slightly red. Thankfully, he managed to maintain his composure and didn’t let his carefully cultivated image crumble too much. After calmly exchanging a few words with his subordinates, he retreated to his office, closed the door, and pulled out a hidden round pillow, burying his face in it while leaving only his flushed ears exposed.
Yes, this was Chu Yan’s secret method of venting his embarrassment—no one else knew that the composed and capable general manager kept such a soft, girlish pillow in his office and indulged in such childish behavior.
Once he had released his pent-up emotions, Chu Yan took a deep breath, exhaled, and instantly transformed back into the steady, mature, and reliable general manager.
Meanwhile, Xu Yi’an, who had returned home from Chu Yan’s place, excitedly announced to his parents, older brother, and sister-in-law: “I’ve found the person I like!!!” Completely unaware of the shockwave his bombshell had sent through his family.
In fact, Xu Yi’an was still happily scheming about how to take advantage of their proximity. After all, if he remembered correctly, the company where Chu Yan worked was a subsidiary under his father’s control. What was this if not fate?
Elsewhere, in a hotel room, a woman woke up on a large bed next to a short, fat, balding middle-aged man, feeling physically and mentally exhausted from the night’s activities. Disgusted by the stickiness and discomfort on her body, she cursed inwardly. But the moment she noticed the man beside her, she immediately put on a shy, satisfied smile, leaning in sweetly and whispering flattering words.
The man, thoroughly pleased by her attentions, grinned repulsively and promised her the resources she desired, ensuring her a brighter future in the entertainment industry.
With his promise secured, the woman’s smile grew even sweeter. She spent the rest of the morning entangled with him until he had to leave for work, parting with an “unwilling” farewell.
The moment the door closed, her sweet and alluring expression vanished, replaced by disdain and contempt. In her eyes, if not for the man’s connections and influence—capable of elevating her career—why would a flower like her ever stoop to such a pile of dung? Not to mention how rough and inconsiderate he had been, leaving her still sore.
Though she hadn’t enjoyed much of the experience, the woman caressed her beautiful face and smiled smugly as she tallied the benefits she had gained. Indeed, beauty was an advantage!
With that thought, she flashed a charming smile, her lovely face and flawless skin making her appear stunning—yet the ruthless ambition and scheming malice in her eyes tarnished her beauty.
Armed with the greasy old man’s credit card, she indulged in a shopping spree, purchasing luxury items she had once only admired from afar. Laden with bags, she returned to the shabby apartment she shared with her boyfriend. The moment she opened the door, the man waiting in the living room opened his bloodshot eyes, looking utterly haggard.
Recognizing the logos on her shopping bags, he closed his eyes and feigned calm. “Sisi, you’re back.”
Han Siyu—the woman—faced her legitimate boyfriend with a twinge of guilt, having just returned from her “transaction.” But after taking in the cramped, run-down apartment and comparing it to the luxurious hotel room, she quickly justified herself. “Ahui, I want a better life—one you can’t give me. I think it’s best we end things here.”
Dreaming of her future stardom, Han Siyu grew even more convinced of her decision. After all, wasn’t it human nature to prioritize oneself? She was only pursuing a better life—what was wrong with that?
Sure, she had cheated, becoming a mistress to a married man with children in exchange for resources and benefits. But hadn’t she paid with her body? So why should she be judged? Chin held high, she strode in with her shopping bags, accidentally knocking over a glass of water in the cramped space. The glass shattered, water spilling everywhere.
The stark contrast between the dingy apartment and the opulent hotel room only reinforced her belief that she had made the right choice.
As she tilted her head, faint red marks on her neck became visible. Having been in a relationship, Li Hui immediately recognized their origin. His heart ached as he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced himself to remain composed. “Fine, Sisi. We’re done.”
Pleased with the outcome, Han Siyu, determined to sever all ties to prevent Li Hui from leeching off her future fame, pressed further. “Good. From now on, we go our separate ways—strangers if we ever meet again. Let’s pretend nothing ever happened between us…”
Still uneasy, she pulled out paper and pen. “Ahui, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but in this industry, it’s better to be cautious. Let’s… sign a contract.” That way, she wouldn’t have to worry about him exposing their past.
Li Hui’s chest tightened with pain, but he quietly signed the contract, picked up the luggage he had packed the night before, and left.
He smiled bitterly. Perhaps he had already anticipated this when he packed his bags. Back then, his parents had vehemently opposed his relationship with Han Siyu, even threatening to disown him. When he had decided to become an actor, they hadn’t been nearly as furious.
Truly, the older generation saw things more clearly.
With Li Hui gone, Han Siyu paced around the apartment, utterly dissatisfied with her surroundings. How could a future star live in such a place? She pulled out her phone, ready to arrange for better accommodations. But before she could dial, she stepped on the spilled water from the broken glass, slipped, and hit her head against the corner of a cabinet.
Knocked unconscious, Han Siyu collapsed on the spot.
Unaware of her misfortune, Li Hui dragged his suitcase down the street, exhausted and disheartened. Nearby, Xu Yi’an, happily chatting with Chu Yan at a milk tea shop, caught sight of a familiar figure. The more he looked, the more certain he became.
Chu Yan, blissfully sipping his drink—because sweets were the best—noticed Xu Yi’an’s distracted gaze and followed it to a somewhat disheveled man. Though the man looked weary, his physique and facial features were undeniably attractive. A faint pang of discomfort stirred in Chu Yan’s chest.
As for why Chu Yan and Xu Yi’an were here—that story began earlier that morning.
After parting ways with Xu Yi’an, Chu Yan had returned to work, while Xu Yi’an went home and excitedly announced that he had found someone he liked.
Under his family’s “interrogation,” Chu Yan’s identity quickly came to light—not that Xu Yi’an had any intention of hiding it. From the start, he had planned to live openly with the person he loved, with his family’s blessing.
Xu Yi’an’s father, familiar with Chu Yan as a capable and outstanding subordinate, had full confidence in his character and abilities.
Once assured of Chu Yan’s suitability, the Xu family not only refrained from interference but actively helped Xu Yi’an create opportunities.
Thus, Xu Yi’an was conveniently assigned to the subsidiary where Chu Yan worked.
Coinciding with a major collaborative project between the parent company and the subsidiary, Xu Yi’an was dispatched to Chu Yan’s side under the guise of “assisting with cooperation.”
Far from suspecting any ulterior motives, Chu Yan interpreted this as a sign of trust—Xu Yi’an’s father entrusting him with grooming a promising newcomer (and his own second son) while fostering a relationship with the future successor.
Wasn’t that the ultimate vote of confidence?
Xu Yi’an’s father had already informed Chu Yan that Xu Yi’an was being groomed as his successor. Once he inherited the family business, Chu Yan—as his trusted right-hand man—would have boundless opportunities ahead.
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