The next day, Qiao Shu was summoned to the company early in the morning by his manager, Yu Qiong.
Yu Qiong, a sharp-witted older sister, was twenty-eight years old and managed three artists.
She pushed two scripts toward Qiao Shu, saying, “These are the better web drama scripts available at the moment—one with a male lead and the other with a second male lead. The male lead’s script follows the typical growth trajectory, but personally, I recommend you choose the second male lead’s role. Of course, I respect your decision.”
Every newcomer dreams of playing the lead role. Although Yu Qiong wasn’t particularly optimistic about the male lead script, she respected her artist’s choice.
Qiao Shu replied, “Thank you, Sister Qiong. Let me take them back and review them.”
Yu Qiong nodded. “Sure, but decide quickly. The production team is waiting for a response.”
Qiao Shu agreed, “Understood.”
After discussing the scripts, Yu Qiong brought up more work-related matters. “The drama you guest-starred in, “General”, is about to premiere. Next Wednesday, the main cast will be recording an episode of “We’re Here” in Lancheng to promote the new show. I’ve secured a spot for you.”
Qiao Shu raised an eyebrow in surprise.
He was familiar with that drama. “General” was a high-budget prime-time series where the original lead played the sickly younger brother of the male protagonist. However, he only appeared in two episodes.
Given that his role was minor and his current fame wasn’t significant, it was clear that Yu Qiong had put in considerable effort to secure him a spot alongside the A-list actors during the promotion of “We’re Here”, a popular variety show.
Qiao Shu replied earnestly, “Thank you, Sister Qiong. I’ll do my best.”
Yu Qiong emphasized, “Doing your best is essential, but remember not to steal the limelight from your seniors. Show humility and respect in their presence, understood?”
“I understood.” Qiao Shu nodded solemnly. Yu Qiong said, “There’s nothing else today. Go back and prepare well.” Qiao Shu replied, “Goodbye, Sister Qiong.”
Back in the apartment, Qiao Shu sat cross-legged on the woolen blanket in the middle of the living room. He started by reading the script for the male lead.
The script was for a modern fantasy drama, following the classic pattern of building tension before delivering satisfying moments. However, as Qiao Shu read through it, he felt that the climaxes weren’t quite as thrilling as he’d hoped.
Moreover, the male lead’s character lacked a distinctive appeal, and there were too many ambiguous interactions with various female supporting characters.
Qiao Shu shook his head silently.
He closed the script for the male lead and picked up another one, this time for the second male lead.
His phone rang.
Qiao Shu checked the caller ID—it was Secretary Wu!
Could it be that the promised fifty million yuan was arriving after just one day?
Qiao Shu’s eyes sparkled at the thought. Clearing his throat, he suppressed his excitement and answered the call.
Qiao Shu: “Hello, Secretary Wu.”
Secretary Wu: “Hello, Mr. Qiao. I apologize for the interruption.”
“Here’s the situation: President Gu would like to meet with you. May I ask if you’re available?”
“Ah?”
Qiao Shu froze. Wasn’t it supposed to be the fifty million yuan?
Gu Chenyan wanted to meet him? Qiao Shu was puzzled; this plotline wasn’t in the book.
As far as he remembered, the original host had smoothly rejected the marriage proposal, and Gu Chenyan hadn’t said a word, directly sending a lawyer to have the contract signed with the original host.
“May I inquire,” Qiao Shu hesitated, “what does President Gu want to discuss with me?”
Secretary Wu: “As the sole descendant of Old Master Qiao, Mr. Gu was repeatedly instructed by Old Master Gu to find you and take care of you. Moreover, as a junior, Mr. Gu should personally pay respects to Old Master Qiao.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
The reason was compelling, and he couldn’t refuse!
But it was strange; the book didn’t unfold this way. Qiao Shu scratched his head, ultimately attributing it to the butterfly effect caused by his transmigration.
Secretary Wu: “Mr. Qiao, when would be a convenient time for you? President Gu said he’d arrange it according to your schedule.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
It felt odd.
Secretary Wu: “Hello, Mr. Qiao, excuse me.”
Qiao Shu snapped back to attention. After a moment’s thought, he asked cautiously, “Is the day after tomorrow possible?”
Secretary Wu: “Certainly. How about meeting at the café right across from your apartment?”
Qiao Shu: “Alright…”
After hanging up, Qiao Shu reassured himself. In a society governed by law, meeting at a café across from his apartment in public view should be safe.
He spent the afternoon reading through the script for the second male lead. Just as Yu Qiong had mentioned, this role was even more impressive.
Qiao Shu quickly made up his mind.
At the same time, he recalled a plotline from the book.
After the protagonist, Jiang Jiayu, finished filming “Daybreak,” he immediately took on the lead role in a campus idol drama. Envious, the original protagonist followed suit by accepting a major male lead role in an online drama.
However, his luck ran out—the production company faced financial trouble midway through filming, and the project was disbanded.
Qiao Shu: Could it be this one?
He shared his decision with Yu Qiong.
Yu Qiong: “Good. I’ll respond to the production team. This is a martial arts drama with intense fight scenes that require physical stamina. Before joining, make sure to exercise daily, avoid posting sweet treats on social media, and attend the company’s weekly performance classes whenever possible…”
Qiao Shu listened attentively and obediently replied, “Understood.”
The next day, Qiao Shu completed the previously scheduled announcements.
On the third day, Qiao Shu woke up early and dressed himself. Considering President Gu’s status, he couldn’t afford to be careless; he might inadvertently offend someone. It was best to proceed with caution.
His life was his responsibility.
Qiao Shu arrived at the café well in advance, an hour ahead of schedule. He took deep breaths to calm his nerves.
To his surprise, Gu Chenyan arrived even earlier than Qiao Shu had imagined. After waiting for just ten minutes, Gu Chenyan walked in.
Gu Chenyan was easily recognizable. Even though they hadn’t met before, Qiao Shu instantly identified him.
Very handsome.
Extremely handsome.
And tall.
So much so that at first glance, Qiao Shu was almost stunned.
Beyond his looks, Gu Chenyan exuded an unmistakable air of authority, with a hidden touch of aloofness.
Qiao Shu’s heart skipped a beat as he observed him.
However, as Gu Chenyan approached, Qiao Shu sensed that he intentionally reined in his imposing presence.
Qiao Shu: “???”
Gu Chenyan stepped into the café, his polished shoes tapping against the floor. His gaze immediately fell on the slightly nervous young man sitting by the window.
Clearly, the young man had made an effort today. His soft black hair was styled with hair spray, giving him a simple yet somewhat mature appearance.
Good-looking
Gu Chenyan approached.
Qiao Shu, who was sitting, immediately stood up nervously and extended his hand somewhat stiffly. “Hello, sir.”
His voice stumbled.
Gu Chenyan reached out, clasping Qiao Shu’s fair hand. In that moment of contact, he found himself momentarily entranced.
The hands were soft, and the palms slightly damp.
Was he really this nervous?
Gu Chenyan remained composed. “Qiao Shu, I am Gu Chenyan.”
“!!!”
That voice!!!
Qiao Shu widened his eyes, staring in astonishment at the impeccably dressed man before him.
Mummy Mr. Gu?!!
Gu Chenyan remained calm. “I apologize for keeping it from you.”
“Ah!”
Qiao Shu emitted a single dumbfounded sound, and a few seconds later, he regained some semblance of his wits. “Oh, it’s okay.”
He hesitated, wanting to sit down.
His hand tightened.
Qiao Shu glanced down and noticed that Gu Chenyan was still holding his hand.
Qiao Shu: “…”
He looked at Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan calmly released his grip.
They both sat down.
Gu Chenyan spoke first, reiterating, “I apologize for concealing my identity at the hospital. I wasn’t injured; there were other reasons for my appearance.”
Qiao Shu swallowed nervously. “It’s… it’s okay. I don’t mind.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm. If there’s time later, I’ll explain the reasons.”
Qiao Shu: “???”
Curious and perplexed.
Gu Chenyan: “Qiao Shu.”
Suddenly, he became serious.
Qiao Shu, almost involuntarily, straightened his posture. “What is it?”
Gu Chenyan chuckled softly. “No need to be nervous.”
Qiao Shu scratched his cheek. “Oh.”
Gu Chenyan turned to Chen Wenyuan, who had been invisible all this time, and took a briefcase from him.
Qiao Shu: “???”
Following Qiao Shu’s puzzled gaze, Gu Chenyan pulled out a thick stack of documents from his briefcase and placed them in front of Qiao Shu.
Qiao Shu: “???”
Gu Chenyan: “This document summarizes my personal assets.”
Qiao Shu was even more bewildered.
Gu Chenyan said, “Qiao Shu, let’s get married.”
Qiao Shu: “!!!”
Was he hallucinating? Or was he dreaming right now?
Gu Chenyan’s dark eyes captured Qiao Shu’s flustered expression. “Yesterday, I asked you, and you said you didn’t have anyone you liked.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Qiao Shu felt completely flustered, and of course, surprised as well.
This meeting was completely different from what he had imagined. Wasn’t it just an ordinary meeting? Wasn’t it about taking care of him and then both of them going back to their hometown to pay respects to his grandfather?
How…
Qiao Shu made an effort to swallow, feeling like his brain was struggling to process.
How did they suddenly jump to discussing marriage?
After a long pause.
Qiao Shu asked with difficulty, “Why?”
Why me?
Gu Chenyan: “Father hopes that we can get married.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Gu Chenyan continued, “During the few times we met at the hospital, I had a favorable impression of you. I could tell that your feelings toward me were also positive.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Indeed, they were.
Because your voice is pleasant.
Gu Chenyan summarized, “So I thought that marrying you would be a good choice since we’re both considering marriage.”
Qiao Shu: “But…”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu, lowering his head, whispered, “But I’m not prepared for marriage at all, and I’ve never thought about getting married.”
Gu Chenyan: “You can think about it now.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Silence.
Very quiet.
Qiao Shu’s mind was a jumble, unable to process. He occasionally stole glances at the incredibly handsome man across from him—look, lower his head, look again, lower his head.
He had no idea how much time had passed.
Gu Chenyan: “I should look decent, right?”
Qiao Shu hesitated.
He nodded awkwardly. “Very handsome.”
Gu Chenyan: “Or is there something about me that you’re dissatisfied with?”
Qiao Shu: “…”
As he considered Gu Chenyan’s question, what could he possibly be dissatisfied with?
Handsome appearance—that was his preference.
A pleasant voice—that was his infatuation.
Wealth—his dream life.
Personality?
Setting aside the perspectives of others in the book, Qiao Shu carefully recalled their limited interactions…
Qiao Shu: “!!!”
There was nothing to be dissatisfied with! In fact, the more he thought about it, the more satisfied he became!
At that moment, Gu Chenyan added, “If we get married, according to Father’s will, you’ll receive a 5% share in the Gu Corporation.”
Qiao Shu: “!!!”
Gu Chenyan: “And everything under my name will be shared with you.”
Qiao Shu stood up abruptly.
Gu Chenyan watched him.
Qiao Shu declared firmly, “Let’s go! Get married!”
⌈Weekend chapters: 2⌉ ⌊Progress: 1/2 ⌋
