Qi Feng was becoming more and more popular. His fans not only admired his good looks but also his talents and personality. This led to him being crowded in by fans wherever he went.
Some fans found out about Qi Feng’s photoshoot schedule today and spread the news. As a result, crowds of fans eager to catch a glimpse of Qi Feng gathered outside the studio early in the morning.
Cheng Yu, the President of Donghai Group, had also come to the studio in person to oversee the photoshoot. To ensure the safety of Cheng Yu and Qi Feng, the staff had arranged dozens of security guards to maintain order and closed the doors of the photography studio.
Inside, Qi Feng stood in front of the camera lights while Cheng Yu watched from below, eyes fixed on the dazzling boy.
One of Cheng Yu’s bodyguards hurried over and said in a low voice, “Mr. Cheng, President Pei…I mean, Pei Yan is here. He wants to come in, looks like he’s here to see Qi Feng.”
Cheng Yu glanced at the boy, a smile in his eyes. “Here to see Qi Feng? He still thinks he’s the president of Donghai Group? Tell him Donghai Group’s commercial shoot cannot be entered by outsiders.”
He emphasized the word “outsider”.
The bodyguard hesitated, then said “Yes” when he saw Cheng Yu’s cold stare.
Afraid he couldn’t handle it alone, the bodyguard called over other assistants and staff. Qi Feng, still on set, only saw a group of suited bodyguards marching out.
About five minutes later, the first set of shots was finished. Qi Feng got off stage for a costume change and rest while Cheng Yu sat nearby.
The group that had gone out returned. The bodyguard whispered to Cheng Yu, “Mr. Cheng, we’ve persuaded Pei Yan to leave. He looked…quite angry.”
“Angry? What else can he do?” Cheng Yu laughed as he looked at Qi Feng. “It’s good that he left. Don’t want him disrupting our shoot.”
Qi Feng didn’t hear the bodyguard’s words, but he had an intuition that Cheng Yu’s words were meant for him.
Left? Could it be Pei Yan came? And was chased away by Cheng Yu’s bodyguards? Was Cheng Yu’s authority so great?
Qi Feng showed no reaction as he sat calmly at the makeup table, letting the stylist blow dry his hair.
Fang Cheng, who had gone to fetch coffee, overheard whispers between some staff.
“See, Pei Yan was just chased away!”
“Now Cheng Yu calls the shots at Donghai Group. Pei Yan is completely finished. Even Chairman Pei Junhai can’t do anything.”
“A month ago, he was our esteemed president. Now he can’t even enter his own company’s photography studio. Who can stand this?”
“Mr. Cheng is really ruthless, sending bodyguards to drive him away without leaving any face.”
“…”
Fang Cheng’s brows furrowed as he listened. When no one was around, he quietly told Qi Feng what he heard.
Qi Feng was unmoved. “Don’t listen to rumors. Neither Pei Yan and Cheng Yu have anything to do with us.”
Fang Cheng pressed his lips together. “But Pei Yan could be considered our benefactor. We met him during our most difficult times…”
“Enough.” Qi Feng cut him off. “Everyone gets what they deserve. No need to make a big deal.”
Fang Cheng: “But…”
Qi Feng: “Don’t mention him again. He has nothing to do with me now.”
Fang Cheng’s expression darkened.
In truth, he was quite unhappy. During the time Pei Yan was with Qi Feng, he hadn’t done anything too out of line. On the contrary, he provided Qi Feng with resources, helped resolve his publicity crises, and got rid of Ning Yufei.
Now that Pei Yan had fallen from grace, was Qi Feng just casting him aside so heartlessly? Wasn’t that too cold?
At that moment, Cheng Yu was standing outside the break room and overheard the boy’s words.
The shoot went very smoothly for Qi Feng, and the results were excellent. The editing team chose a few photos for minor adjustments before directly using them for promotional material. The marketing team immediately finalized the selections, saving a lot of time by skipping rounds of photo review.
Cheng Yu thanked Qi Feng, “Our marketing team loves working with you. You are handsome and have a good personality. You also cooperate with our work so that they can easily complete the endorsement and publicity work.”
Qi Feng: “You flatter me, it’s just my job.”
Cheng Yu: “You’re the modest one. Always so polite with ‘Mr. Cheng this, Mr. Cheng that.’ There is no need to be so polite.”
Qi Feng just smiled.
Cheng Yu probed, “How about…we go eat?”
Qi Feng didn’t decline Cheng Yu’s invitation like previously. When boarding the car, Cheng Yu didn’t bring his assistants and bodyguards, driving Qi Feng himself instead.
Seeing this, Qi Feng also dismissed Fang Cheng.
This was the first time Qi Feng was alone with Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu drove in front while Qi Feng sat calmly in the back. The atmosphere in the car was tranquil.
Cheng Yu spoke, “Qi Feng, I’m very happy that you are willing to eat alone with me.”
Qi Feng asked, “I wonder what I’ve done to earn Mr. Cheng’s high regard?”
“You’re too modest. You saw how many people like you on set today. I’m just one of them, but more fortunate than them. Fortunate that we have a…cooperative relationship.”
Cheng Yu chose his words carefully.
Qi Feng agreed, “I’m also fortunate to be working with Mr. Cheng. After all, us entertainers need support like yours.”
At a red light, Cheng Yu glanced back at Qi Feng, “I also hope we can continue this cooperation.”
When he turned back, he noticed a car stopped next to his. Pei Yan sat inside with the window down, looking at him.
Cheng Yu started, then smiled, “Look, Pei Yan’s been following us. He went to your shoot earlier, too, but I was worried he would cause you trouble, so I didn’t let him in. Hope I did the right thing.”
Qi Feng saw Pei Yan sitting in the car beside them.
Pei Yan looked furious, eyes icy as he stared at Cheng Yu. Like someone had snatched what was his, full of predatory hatred.
Qi Feng looked away, uncaring. “You did the right thing, he would have disrupted me. Thank you.”
“That’s good then.” Cheng Yu said, “I knew you wouldn’t like it.”
The light turned green. Cheng Yu stepped on the gas, leaving Pei Yan’s car behind in contemptuous dismissal. His white sports car raced ahead with disdain.
But Pei Yan persisted relentlessly, following close behind in his black SUV.
At this time, Cheng Yu made a quiet call, murmuring a few instructions. When they reached the restaurant, Cheng Yu’s car smoothly entered the underground parking lot, while Pei Yan’s was stopped by several men.
Qi Feng’s eyes flicked over dispassionately.
Cheng Yu said as he drove, “I can also let him in.”
Qi Feng shook his head. “No need. What can he do if he comes in?”
Clearly, Cheng Yu held all the power now. He could easily bar Pei Yan from the photoshoot and just as easily block him outside this restaurant. The current Pei Yan was reduced to a powerless nobody, just as those people said.
The corner of Cheng Yu’s mouth ticked up imperceptibly. “If Pei Yan had been more low-key from the start, things wouldn’t have deteriorated to this point. I heard he argued with Uncle Pei, insisting he wanted to like you, to marry you.”
Qi Feng’s hands clenched slightly where they rested at his sides.
“Uncle Pei was strongly opposed and very angry. He had always wanted Pei Yan to marry the Li family’s daughter. To pressure Pei Yan, he removed him from his company position. If Pei Yan had acquiesced then, Uncle Pei would have made him president again. Unfortunately…”
Unfortunately, Pei Yan had chosen to defy Uncle Pei more extremely―running away from home, stirring up public opinion, and brazenly pursuing Qi Feng. The infuriated Uncle Pei completely gave up on Pei Yan, expelling him from the Pei family and Donghai Group. This led to Pei Yan’s current downfall.
This was the sequence of events Qi Feng could have deduced initially. It was also what Cheng Yu and everyone else concluded had happened.
However, Pei Yan was reckless, but he was by no means a fool.
Qi Feng had known this since he was little.
He gave a cold, mocking laugh. “Yes. It’s really stupid and reckless.”
Cheng Yu parked the car and got out to open Qi Feng’s door, extending a hand. “I’m not that kind of person. I have enough patience to wait and will respect the wishes of the one I care for.”
Qi Feng hesitated briefly before placing his hand in Cheng Yu’s.
Cheng Yu was a man who valued face and knew how to elevate another. For this dinner with Qi Feng, he had booked the entire upscale Western restaurant. The luxurious yet understated decor featured pristine tablecloths and artistically presented place settings, with a bouquet and flickering candles in the center. A pianist in a tailcoat sat by the window, playing a lively waltz.
The ambiance was perfectly romantic. Anyone would feel moved and flattered by such special treatment.
Cheng Yu raised his glass towards Qi Feng with refined warmth. “Let’s celebrate today’s successful shoot and our pleasant cooperation.”
Qi Feng’s glass rim gently tapped his. “Thank you, Mr. Cheng.”
“Still so polite.” Cheng Yu gave a helpless laugh yet was fully indulgent. He was willing to wait.
The gourmet Western cuisine was exquisite and delicious. Setting other things aside, this was a satisfactory meal for Qi Feng. After all, the man dining with him had been called a…plaything by Pei Yan.
Qi Feng chatted casually with Cheng Yu, and they ate for nearly an hour.
At one point, Qi Feng went to the restroom and unexpectedly ran into Su Qiao.
Leaning against the wall with arms crossed, Su Qiao gave a cold laugh. “Qi Feng, you’re really something. To make men like Pei Yan and Cheng Yu so obsessed with you, what have you done to them?”
This person was probably a plaything too.
Qi Feng was indifferent. “I’d also like to know the reason. But some troubles I don’t want at all.”
Su Qiao was easily angered by this. He cursed, “Rising by stepping on Pei Yan, now that he’s fallen, you say he’s trouble. Actors are ruthless. This is true since ancient times.”
Qi Feng leisurely washed his hands. “If you’re so set on scolding me, go find Pei Yan instead. He’s so down and out now, you might even have a chance.”
“Chance?” Su Qiao’s chest heaved. He pointed to the corner of his lips, “If you had never shown up, they would have been mine. I thought you were a stand-in, but it turns out I’m the one who is.”
Qi Feng’s hands stilled, clear eyes gazing at him. “What do you mean, stand-in? I don’t understand.”
Su Qiao scoffed. “I don’t understand either. Why do they only like you? Could they have met you when you were young?”
Qi Feng: “You misunderstand. I’ve never met them before.”
Su Qiao: “Tch, who knows.”
As he left, Su Qiao suddenly pulled Qi Feng close and glanced around warily. In a low voice, he said, “Let me warn you about something. Back when Pei Yan cared for me, it was Cheng Yu who secretly told Pei Yan’s father. After that, Pei Yan was sent abroad by his father, breaking off our relationship.”
“If you’re smart enough, you should realize Cheng Yu’s aim. He doesn’t care about you, only about what Pei Yan wants from you.”
Qi Feng looked at him for a while, then shook off his hand. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Cheng Yu was waiting in the restaurant. Seeing Qi Feng coming out, he walked over gracefully and patiently. “It’s late. Let me drive you home.”
Qi Feng actually laughed. He asked Cheng Yu, “Surely Mr. Cheng didn’t invite me to dinner for just a meal?”
Cheng Yu understood his meaning. With perfect etiquette, he countered, “If I were to make further requests, would you think I’m greedy? Avoid me?”
Seeing Qi Feng’s hesitation, he quickly added, “Like I said, I’m very patient and respect your wishes. I won’t make you feel awkward until you dislike me.”
Qi Feng breathed a sigh of relief. “Mr. Cheng, I think we can be friends.”
Cheng Yu placed a hand over his chest. “I’m very happy right now to be considered your friend. So, sending a friend home is proper too.”
Qi Feng: “Then thank you.”
He gave Cheng Yu the address of his apartment. He knew even if he didn’t provide it, Cheng Yu had the means to find out where he lived. Might as well tell him directly.
Cheng Yu very gentlemanly bid Qi Feng farewell after dropping him off at the complex, not asking to go up to his home.
After watching Qi Feng walk away, he made a call. “Su Qiao, send me the recording of you and Qi Feng in the restroom just now.”
Su Qiao: “Heh, is Mr. Cheng so impatient in case I say something out of line?”
Cheng Yu: “Stop talking nonsense and send it to me.”
Su Qiao scoffed. “You two are insane!” But he sent Cheng Yu an audio file of his conversation with Qi Feng in the restroom, recorded in its entirety.
Cheng Yu heard Su Qiao say: “I thought you were a stand-in, but it turns out I’m the one who is.”
Qi Feng’s reaction after that was very surprised, as if he had no idea what Su Qiao meant.
It seemed Qi Feng also didn’t know about their past lives.
How wonderful.
Cheng Yu smiled, coldness in his eyes.
Only he knew about their past lives.
He had known since childhood what he had experienced in his past life.
Pei Yan, an arrogant fool, willful and reckless. Yet with just his identity as the general’s son, he lorded over Cheng Yu in every way.
No matter how talented he was, how strategic he was, or how many military exploits he had, he could only kneel before Pei Yan, calling himself a subordinate.
Even the boy he had loved since youth, he could only watch with gritted teeth as Pei Yan ardently pursued and pestered him.
Listen as Pei Yan confessed to the boy, “I will bring home a great victory, then can you please play ‘Phoenix Seeking Phoenix’ for me.”
He, too, wished to convey his feelings, but their difference in status left him unable to utter a single word. He still had to go to battle, risking his life fighting for Pei Yan’s victories.
Why?!
Su Qiao, hearing Cheng Yu’s long silence, asked, “Mr. Cheng, did you want me to say that to test Qi Feng about something? He clearly had no idea about you and Pei Yan. When have you met Qi Feng before? When did you start liking him?”
Cheng Yu was pulled back from his thoughts by Su Qiao’s voice. He asked heavily, “What else did you tell him?”
“Nothing else. The recording has it all.” Su Qiao’s tone lifted, suppressing his unease.
He had turned off the recording for his last sentence to Qi Feng. But he wasn’t sure if Qi Feng was dumb enough to take that sentence and ask Cheng Yu about it.
“Cheng Yu, let me warn you too. Pei Yan isn’t so easily manipulated.”
Cheng Yu contemptuously scoffed and hung up.
His eyes were icy cold as he muttered to himself, “He’s just a reckless man, he won’t live long.”]
—
When Qi Feng stepped out of the elevator, he saw Pei Yan waiting for him to get home.
The man’s deep eyes watched him, smiling as he asked, “Did you have fun?”
“Not bad.” Qi Feng walked past him towards his apartment. “Seeing a certain someone get driven away was quite fun indeed.”
Pei Yan stepped forward eagerly. “Don’t go yet. Talk with me a little. Without your consent, I don’t dare enter your home. My phone is monitored, so I don’t even dare message you.”
Qi Feng’s hand rested on his door. Coldly he said, “Pei Yan, there’s no possibility between us. Current events have nothing to do with Cheng Yu. Don’t hope anymore, your father will never agree to us. Never.”
Pei Yan retorted, “Then, if my father did agree, you wouldn’t be angry with me anymore?”
Qi Feng opened his door and went inside, shutting it with a bang.
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