[Plot: Ling Yan inadvertently witnessed Dou Xi’s performance, sparking interest in him. He initiated discussions with Dou Xi’s company to arrange a meeting. After the variety show recording ended, the manager introduced him to others. Upon learning of this, Rong Jinghe swiftly rushed to the scene for rescue, bringing the affected Dou Xi back. The bond between the two deepened.]
[Mission: Await rescue.]
Chu Qianze sat in the car, watching the screen that appeared before him, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. “So, what does this have to do with me?”
Moreover, Dou Xi didn’t even come to record the program.
The screen blinked a few times, seemingly entangled.
[I’m not entirely sure, but based on analysis, it should be like this.]
[Anyway, as long as the host completes the mission, there’s no need to worry about the plot, right?] This statement clearly lacked confidence.
Already having no hope for the plot, Chu Qianze thought to himself, ‘Waiting for rescue, huh? I understand.’
Wang Bailin sat beside him, quietly observing Chu Qianze. The other person’s entire demeanor had undergone a qualitative leap, truly much more outstanding than before.
“How have you been lately? The program recording must have been tough. You look like you haven’t rested well, and you’ve lost quite a bit of weight compared to before.”
Chu Qianze, who had been eating well, drinking well, and sleeping well, brought his gaze back from the outside. “It’s okay. I haven’t really felt anything.”
Wang Bailin nodded, a hint of relief on her face.
Chu Qianze’s way of speaking had also changed, noticeably more confident. Who would have thought that this person, who couldn’t even speak in front of a camera before, had transformed so much.
Thinking back to Chu Qianze’s opening dance performance just now, it had to be said that it was really charming, no wonder he caught someone’s eye.
“It seems like you’ve learned a lot from the program,” Wang Bailin sighed.
Chu Qianze smiled but didn’t say anything more.
The car headed towards the underground parking lot.
“We’ve arrived. Let’s go out,” Wang Bailin opened the car door, inviting Chu Qianze to get out.
“Sister Wang, where are we going?” he looked curious and a bit unsure. He had never been here before.
Seeing his tension, Wang Bailin smiled reassuringly. “Just follow me. There’s a gentleman who wants to be friends with you, so he invited us for a meal. Don’t be nervous; just be yourself, as you did on the show.”
If he behaves like he used to, what if the other party doesn’t like it? The potential cooperation could go down the drain.
Chu Qianze stood in the elevator, leaning against the handrail, and chuckled softly, “Making friends?”
His tone was leisurely, with a hint of mockery.
Wang Bailin instinctively glanced at Chu Qianze but found him slightly lowering his head, seeming a bit awkward and conflicted.
What was that just now? Maybe I misheard.
“Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious, just a meal. But…” Wang Bailin hesitated, clearly indicating there was more to it.
“Sister Wang, what’s the matter? Just tell me,” Chu Qianze cooperated.
Seemingly swayed by Chu Qianze’s inquiry, she sighed slightly and leaned in, speaking softly, “I’ll tell you the truth, but I mustn’t repeat it. I see an opportunity for you, and I don’t want you to miss it.”
“Sister Wang, what is it? I promise I won’t say anything!” Chu Qianze whispered in response.
“That gentleman is a crucial business partner for us. Although he claims to want to be friends, that’s just a formality.”
“In fact, Mr. Ling values your abilities and talents. This meeting is primarily to assess your skills. If you meet his standards, you won’t lack resources in the future. So, although you can relax and speak freely, you should still show the necessary respect,” Wang Bailin emphasized.
“You mean… someone values my abilities and wants to support me?” Chu Qianze’s face lit up with joy.
“Yes, so be respectful. That gentleman might have some expectations. In reality, he wants to gauge your capabilities,” Wang Bailin said, looking at Chu Qianze’s hopeful expression. A sense of guilt inexplicably surfaced in her heart.
This person trusts me so much, and here I am…
The thought emerged but was quickly suppressed. Compared to the commitments from the company, Chu Qianze was not that significant. He might have some fame now, but it’s ephemeral, and he could fade after the variety show ends. Instead of waiting for that time to come, it’s better to negotiate some favorable terms now.
“Sister Wang, don’t worry. I’ll make a good impression.” Chu Qianze stood up straight, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves.
In a situation like this, not performing well would be unacceptable.
“Yeah, I believe you can do it,” Wang Bailin encouraged.
This person is more capable than I imagined.
Chu Qianze responded with a smile, “Thank you, Sister Wang. I won’t let you down.”
The system, still online at this time, observed the entire conversation, and the data became a bit chaotic.
Walking out of the elevator, Wang Bailin led him towards the private room.
Upon reaching the door, before Chu Qianze entered, he glanced at the neighboring room’s door.
The private room was empty.
Wang Bailin, noticing the situation, was momentarily puzzled. She picked up her phone, checked the time to confirm it was correct. Odd, didn’t they say they should have arrived by now? Why isn’t anyone here?
Without any flaw in her expression, maintaining a basic composure, she said to Chu Qianze, “It seems Mr. Ling might have been delayed for some reason. Please wait here for a moment. I’ll make a call to inquire.”
Chu Qianze didn’t hesitate and simply took a seat.
On the table were three glass cups and a water pitcher. One of the cups had half a glass of water, and the water inside had cooled, indicating that the other party had arrived some time ago.
Glancing at Wang Bailin making a call on the balcony, Chu Qianze propped his chin up, picked up a cup beside him, casually inspected it, and lightly tapped his fingers on the glass.
‘Keep an eye on the outside. If someone comes out from the neighboring room, let me know.’
[Sure thing.]
[Someone has come out of the private room. They closed the door and walked toward us.]
Chu Qianze raised an eyebrow and set the cup in his hand down.
[He’s putting on a coat, wiping off the lipstick on his neck, and tidying up his clothes.]
The system continued to provide real-time updates.
‘Alright, stop. Keep an eye on the door of the private room. Let me know if someone comes out.’
[Is there someone inside?]
‘Who knows.’
[I want to go inside and check.]
‘Then go check, and let me know what you find.’
[System regulations don’t allow that.]
A scoff escaped Chu Qianze’s lips, and he didn’t say anything more.
[Why did he book two private rooms? Is this what they mean by having too much money and not enough sense?]
The sound of the door opening echoed, and a man walked in from outside. “Sorry for the wait.”
“We just arrived not long ago. Hello, Mr. Ling,” Wang Bailin stepped forward, extending her hand for a handshake.
“Hello,” Ling Yan greeted with a refined smile, his gaze falling on Chu Qianze and lingering. Chu Qianze appeared even more charming than he had imagined, and he wondered what he looked like beneath those clothes.
“Is this Mr. Chu?” Ling Yan inquired.
“Yes, he’s my artist, Chu Qianze. Say hello to Mr. Ling,” Wang Bailin introduced.
“Hello, Mr. Ling,” Chu Qianze’s lips curved slightly, forming a courteous smile.
“I know. I’ve seen you on ‘Debut, Trainee!’ You were quite popular, and your performance was excellent.” Ling Yan looked Chu Qianze up and down, observing him from head to toe as if assessing something.
“Even more handsome in person than on TV.”
“Don’t just stand there, come sit. I’ll have the waiter bring the dishes. I’m very interested in your filming experience. Tell me about it later, okay?” Ling Yan seemed to realize and reached out, attempting to lead Chu Qianze towards the round table.
Chu Qianze skillfully evaded, walking towards the edge of the table.
Seeing this, Ling Yan didn’t comment. Playing hard to get, these tactics were familiar to him. Occasionally, a bit of teasing added some fun to the proceedings.
Wang Bailin came over and directly said, “Xiao Chu, why don’t you sit next to Mr. Ling? It’ll be more convenient for conversation.”
Chu Qianze didn’t bother with the suggestion and sat back in the same position they were before, directly across from Ling Yan. “I’m fine here.”
He wasn’t in the mood for unnecessary trouble.
Observing this, Ling Yan narrowed his eyes.
It started as playful, but it’s not interesting if it’s overdone.
This kid is not cooperative at all.
Wang Bailin, feeling a bit embarrassed, tried to mediate, “Mr. Ling, Xiao Chu is a bit introverted and not used to getting close to people. Please understand.”
“If Xiao Chu wants to sit there, then let it be there,” Ling Yan smiled gracefully, appearing very accommodating.
Hearing the term “Xiao Chu,” Chu Qianze’s eye twitched.
[Host, someone has really come out, a man and a woman. There seem to be quite a few people inside.]
“Take a look and see what you’d like to eat. Just choose directly, no need to be polite.” Ling Yan pushed the menu over, and as Chu Qianze took it, he casually touched his hand, gently caressing his palm with his fingers.
An exasperated expression appeared on Chu Qianze’s forehead.
[Host! Stay calm, Host!!]
Seeing Chu Qianze looking at him, Ling Yan’s lips curled slightly.
Chu Qianze completely ignored him and marked two of the cheapest dishes on the menu.
“Just these? Will it be enough for you to eat?” Ling Yan looked at Chu Qianze, his eyes trailing down his collar, and a hint of heat flashed through them.
“In addition to these two, one serving of everything else,” Chu Qianze politely told the waiter.
Hearing this, Wang Bailin couldn’t sit still. She stopped the waiter who was confirming the order and said to Chu Qianze, “It’s too much; you won’t be able to finish all of this. You’re really…”
Are you trying to get yourself killed? How can you order so much?!
Chu Qianze: “I have a big appetite; I usually eat a lot.”
“It’s okay, let’s go with this order. It’s normal to eat a lot at a young age; otherwise, your stamina won’t keep up, right? I like your youthful energy; it’s very vibrant.” Ling Yan chuckled lightly.
“Let’s have a drink first.” In the midst of Ling Yan’s words, the waiter had already opened the wine and quietly exited the room.
“I’m not good at drinking,” Chu Qianze said.
This guy really doesn’t know how to read the atmosphere!
Worried that Chu Qianze might ruin the opportunity, Wang Bailin took the wine glass from the waiter and gestured to him, “Mr. Ling said we should have a drink together.”
“That’s right, it would be impolite not to.” Ling Yan agreed.
Chu Qianze accepted the wine glass, and the light filtered through the liquid, creating a brilliant halo at the bottom of the glass.
‘The same routine.’
[What?]
‘Literal meaning, I suspect there’s something in the drink.’
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