As the year drew to a close, Yifan Entertainment gathered all its artists to prepare for a grand New Year’s Eve gala. They invited directors, producers, and brand sponsors of their artists.
Fang Cheng handed Qi Feng a stack of blank invitations and asked, “Xiao Feng, Mr. Tang said to show sincerity, you should personally write invitation letters to the executives of the brands you currently endorse. Gourmet Boutique, Yipin Men’s Wear, those are easy, but for Donghai Investments…who are you going to invite?”
Without hesitation, Qi Feng replied, “Of course, I’ll invite President Cheng. He’s currently the president of the Donghai Group.”
Feng Cheng gently suggested, “Actually, you could invite multiple people from each sponsor company.”
Qi Feng said, “If President Cheng wants to bring others, of course he can.”
Fang Cheng clicked his tongue, “You really won’t invite Pei Yan? He’s no longer with Donghai Investments. If you don’t invite him, he won’t be able to come.”
Qi Feng took out an embossed red invitation and wrote ‘Cheng Yu’ in the blank space for the name.
He retorted, “Since Pei Yan is no longer with Donghai Investments, what’s the point of inviting him? To see him be laughed at?”
“Fine, do as you wish,” Fang Cheng’s brows furrowed as he dejectedly put down the stack of invitations and walked away.
Qi Feng glanced at the departing Fang Cheng and sighed softly, “Truly the bonds from our past lives, even without any memories, Fang Cheng stands by Pei Yan’s side and speaks for him.”
Donghai Group Headquarters – The president’s assistant knocked and entered Cheng Yu’s office to deliver the invitation. “President Cheng, I just received an invitation that Qi Feng personally sent you for Yifan Entertainment’s New Year’s Eve gala.”
Cheng Yu took it and opened it, his brow relaxing, “It really is written by Qi Feng himself.”
He traced his fingers over the bold black characters spelling ‘Cheng Yu’. The writing was flowing and graceful, yet the strokes contained an unyielding vigor. It was undoubtedly Qi Feng’s handwriting.
“How many did he send to Donghai Investments?”
“Just this one for you, sir.”
The assistant took the chance to say something Cheng Yu liked to hear, “I asked around. Mr. Qi only invited you, not Pei Yan. On the night itself, Pei Yan can’t get in without an invitation.”
Cheng Yu scoffed, “If Pei Yan wants to go, he doesn’t need an invitation. He just has to show his face, and Yifan Entertainment will let him in. After all, he’s Pei Yan.”
Assistant: “Then…will he go?”
Cheng Yu raised his brow and retorted, “What do you think?”
Of course, Pei Yan would go.
Whenever Young Master Qi performed on stage at Yong’an Music Hall on days ending in 5, Pei Yan would be there. Even if it meant spending all his savings, pawning his valuables, or borrowing from his subordinates, he would lavish thousands on Young Master Qi.
Even when General Pei broke his leg, he still dragged his injured body to see the young master in his heart.
He wanted everyone in the city to know that Young Master Qi of Yong’an Music Hall was the one in Little General Pei’s heart. No one dared to easily buy his freedom from the music hall and claim him or speak crudely about him.
It was Pei Yan’s protection of Qi Feng and Cheng Yu’s own hidden desires.
—
– On the day of the gala –
In the grand, extravagant ballroom gathered over a hundred celebrities under Yifan Entertainment’s banner, as well as leading figures from fashion, entertainment, and business circles. Beautiful men and women gathered brightly, showcasing their looks, talents, and financial power.
As a current A-list celebrity, Qi Feng naturally became the center of attention. He mingled gracefully and effortlessly with the guests.
Due to his work connections, Li Junzhuo of Yipin Men’s Wear was also present today. The troublesome character Qi Feng first encountered upon awakening in this world.
In just over a year, the relationship and status between the two had changed tremendously.
Li Junzhuo felt rather awkward facing him and lightly coughed, “About that matter back then…I really owe you an apology. I was infatuated at the time…ahem, now I appreciate your talents even more.”
Qi Feng indifferently smiled, “President Li, what are you saying? This past year, I’ve relied entirely on your support.”
Hearing this made Li Junzhuo even more ashamed.
Over the past year, Qi Feng’s worth had risen several fold, yet he was still under the two-year contract signed as a newbie at a low price. But after Qi Feng became popular, their Yipin Men’s Wear’s sales exploded and grew several times.
Li Junzhuo rubbed his nose and said, “If you don’t mind, can we renew the contract? Of course, the endorsement fee will be up to you.”
Qi Feng: “I’m certainly most willing. Thank you, President Li.”
The business circle was like this, no permanent enemies or friends. Everyone maintained good relations based on mutual benefits.
A girl with a refreshing, capable look walked over and cheerfully greeted Qi Feng, “Hi Qi Feng, thanks for the invite. This is my first time seeing so many celebrities!”
Despite her words, she mingled smoothly and effortlessly among the big shots.
She was Yang Meiyi, the hostess of Gourmet Boutique livestream, and the daughter of Gourmet Boutique’s founder.
When Qi Feng first endorsed Gourmet Boutique, she was the host alongside him. Her straightforward and humorous commentary made the food-focused Qi Feng even more adorable.
Afterwards, whenever Qi Feng was on their livestream, she was the host. The success of every livestream was directly related to her quick wit. She was a clever and capable girl.
Qi Feng admired her a lot, so he personally wrote her an invitation to the New Year’s Eve gala. A young man and woman chatting drew attention and led to speculation.
Cheng Yu originally intended to keep his distance and wait for Qi Feng to take the initiative to find him, the investor. But seeing Qi Feng’s genuine smile with Yang Meiyi, he could no longer restrain himself.
He walked over with a wine glass in hand and politely asked, “Pardon me, may I interrupt?”
Yang Meiyi tactfully smiled and exited, “I’ll let you two chat. I’m going for some autographs.”
Cheng Yu watched her leave from the corner of his eye, laughing, “You’re really popular. Everyone wants to find you. If I don’t take the initiative, I probably won’t get a chance to talk to you all night.”
His low voice carried traces of sourness.
“President Cheng exaggerates.”
Qi Feng said self-deprecatingly, “I’m just an entertainer. Without President Cheng and others believing in me, where would I be today? I would probably be starving.”
Cheng Yu: “Don’t be so modest. You deserve this fame. Your talents alone draw countless eyes. If not for your endorsements, small businesses like Yipin Men’s Wear and Gourmet Boutique wouldn’t have grown so quickly.”
Qi Feng was a little embarrassed by his praises. His fair and delicate cheeks flushed slightly, his eyes dodged shyly, “President Cheng, you flatter me. This past year, I mainly relied on you.”
Qi Feng was always calm and tranquil, his clear eyes seemingly unconcerned with anyone. But now he was bashful before him. Could it be that he…
Cheng Yu’s heart beat faster, and the feelings hidden in his heart started expanding. He deliberately pointed to a corner of the gala and suggested, “Why don’t we go over there to chat?”
Qi Feng followed his pointing finger, glanced around the crowded gala, and hesitated, “Would it…attract too much attention?”
A clear conscience wouldn’t care about others’ gazes unless one was concerned.
Cheng Yu probed, “Then, after the gala ends, shall we go for a drink?”
Qi Feng nodded, “Alright.”
Cheng Yu’s eyes suddenly lit up with joy.
The gala was suddenly disturbed by a commotion as people looked towards the entrance.
Qi Feng followed their gazes: Sure enough, Pei Yan had arrived.
Cheng Yu sneered coldly, “He really does follow you everywhere.”
Qi Feng sighed lightly, “What can I do?” His tone carried resignation. After all, he was just a small celebrity relying on hype and connections, he really couldn’t do anything to Pei Yan.
“Don’t worry, I’m here,” Cheng Yu said, “As long as you don’t want it, I won’t let him be reckless.”
Qi Feng looked up at him and lightly nodded, his clear eyes flickering with faint anticipation as if wanting to rely on him.
Cheng Yu’s swelling feelings instantly burst. At that moment, his blood boiled with excitement. Qi Feng was his now, he could protect him from now on.
Pei Yan’s sudden appearance shocked and panicked many. In the past few months, Pei Yan had openly pursued Qi Feng, yet not only did he get no response from Qi Feng, but he also even angered Pei Junhai and got kicked out of Donghai Group.
Yet Qi Feng had only invited Donghai Group’s new president, Cheng Yu.
Wasn’t Pei Yan here just to cause trouble?
Everyone’s gazes shifted between Pei Yan and Cheng Yu and Qi Feng, fearing a fight over a lover at this high society gala.
Not disappointing expectations, Pei Yan strode over to Cheng Yu with a cold, fierce expression.
Right in front of Cheng Yu, he grabbed Qi Feng’s wrist and pulled him to his side, saying, “Come here, I have something to tell you.”
“Let him go!”
Seeing Qi Feng’s slender body pulled off balance by Pei Yan, Cheng Yu went forward to grab Pei Yan’s arm and angrily shouted, “Pei Yan, even if you’re being willful, watch the occasion.”
Pei Yan flung his arm and shoved Cheng Yu heavily to the ground, eliciting gasps from the guests.
“Pei Yan, what are you doing?! You, you’ve gone too far.”
Qi Feng angrily said before hurrying over to help Cheng Yu up from the floor, “President Cheng, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”
Seeing the boy’s anxious expression, Cheng Yu instantly felt the fall was totally worth it.
Moreover, at a high society gala like this, the one who struck first would lose face.
Haha, General Pei was still so reckless and rude even in his reincarnation.
Cheng Yu got up from the floor with poise, rubbing his sore arm, and maintained the etiquette an adult should have, “Pei Yan, if you have something to say, how can you resort to violence in front of so many people?”
Pei Yan scoffed, “I’m just taking away what’s mine. Are you trying to stop me?”
Saying so, he reached to grab Qi Feng again.
Seeing this, Cheng Yu quickly stepped in front of Qi Feng protectively and warned, “Pei Yan, if you want to take Qi Feng away, you should ask if he’s willing first. This isn’t a place for you to do as you please.”
Pei Yan stared coldly at Cheng Yu for a good while before commanding, “Qi Feng, come here.”
Qi Feng’s expression was aloof. “If you have anything to say, just say it here.”
Pei Yan’s voice lowered a few degrees, “Come here.”
The onlooking crowd surrounded them, but no one dared step forward to block Pei Yan. A dangerous, heavy atmosphere hung over the gala.
“Pei Yan, you bastard!”
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