Chapter 66: The Secret Language of Popcorn

Chapter 66: The Secret Language of Popcorn

Jing Yi and Li Wenzhao returned to the Liang family's residence. Liang Jing personally escorted them to the reception hall and instructed the kitchen to prepare lunch.

This time, the atmosphere toward them was much warmer.

No longer probing or scrutinizing them, Liang Jing dropped his guard and had a meaningful conversation with Li Wenzhao. Li Wenzhao was unwavering when it came to work, and after their chat, Liang Jing's impression of him completely changed for the better. They began discussing potential collaborative projects.

At the dining table, Liang Jing and Li Wenzhao were fully focused on work, while Jing Yi was solely focused on moving the delicious meatballs on the table to his plate.

By the time he finished eating, the two across from him were still engrossed in conversation, as if they had met too late in life.

Jing Yi, having eaten too much, felt restless. Not wanting to disturb their discussion, he mentally bid farewell to Li Wenzhao and, with a burp, went for a stroll in the courtyard.

The Liang family's courtyard was quite scenic. As he wandered to the edge of a pond and watched the plump fish in the water, he heard some movement from the corridor.

Jing Yi gripped the railing and turned around, spotting Shen Shubai, who had not yet left and was standing under the corridor with a gloomy expression. Jing Yi's brows immediately furrowed.

Seeing Jing Yi, Shen Shubai was also taken aback but quickly composed himself, returning to his usual dignified and handsome demeanor: "Jing Butler."

Jing Yi's brows tightened in wariness.

What is the protagonist brother, now at his wit's end, trying to pull off?

"No need to be so defensive," Shen Shubai said. "If I wanted to harm you, I would have had plenty of opportunities."

Jing Yi sneered, "So I should thank you, huh?"

Shen Shubai approached the pond, glanced at the fish swimming in the water, and spoke as if to himself, "I've always been curious."

He turned to stare at Jing Yi, as if looking at something strange: "When you fell off the cliff, you had already lost all vital signs. The entire Capital Hospital was at a loss..."

Jing Yi's pupils contracted.

What on earth does the protagonist brother know?

"But after the hospital issued the death notice, Li Wenzhao hid you in a ward," Shen Shubai said with a half-smile. "I just want to know, how exactly did he save you?"

"Or rather..."

Shen Shubai's expression changed: "How did you come back to life?"

Jing Yi: "..."

Damn damn damn! Is this the sharpness of the protagonist brother?

Shen Shubai stared intently at Jing Yi's face, not missing a single expression. "The Li family was already within my grasp, but ever since you appeared, everything changed."

He sighed heavily: "Li Mingzhi didn't choose to elope with Ning Jiang, Li Wenzhao rejected Huo Cenxin, with whom he had mutual feelings, and even dug out all the spies I had planted within Li Corporation. As for Li Er and Li San, there's no need to mention them—their foolish infatuation suddenly cleared, and all my plans... fell apart."

Jing Yi's eyes widened in shock.

Although he had read the original novel, from the protagonist's perspective, Shen Shubai was just a young man who had worked hard to establish himself in the Capital. While he occasionally used underhanded methods, he was never portrayed as this dark.

Otherwise, Jing Yi wouldn't have finished the entire novel.

It's true that the four Li brothers were hopelessly love-struck, but that wasn't something Shen Shubai could control. The appearance of their official love interests wasn't Shen Shubai's doing; he merely took advantage of the situation after learning about it, using others to achieve his goals.

But now, from Shen Shubai's perspective, it seems as though he had orchestrated everything from the very beginning?

It's chaos, total chaos.

The original plot is a tangled mess, and Jing Yi's prized god's-eye view is completely useless now.

"I've been trying to figure out why all this is happening, but it just hit me," Shen Shubai said. "Your arrival marked the turning point for the Li family."

"So, Jing Butler, Jing Yi," Shen Shubai said, his gaze unwavering. "I want to know—how did you come back to life? Are you even human?"

Jing Yi: "..."

Calling me out, huh? Well, you started it.

"If you're so curious," Jing Yi shot back, frowning, "why don't you give it a shot?"

Shen Shubai: "..."

He was torn between anger and amusement. "While I'm still asking nicely, you'd better come clean. You know what happens when you cross me. There's no escaping me."

Jing Yi rolled his eyes. Do all overbearing CEOs talk like this? That cheesy, old-school style went out of fashion years ago, and you're still clinging to it.

Jing Yi said helplessly, "If you're that bored, maybe you should get a hobby."

Shen Shubai was both angry and amused. "Jing Butler, are you defying me? Do you know what happens to those who defy me? What do you have to resist me with?"

"..."

Jing Yi took a big step back, as if startled.

"Wait, can you not use the lines meant for the female lead on me?"

It's so cringe-worthy.

Shen Shubai: "..."

"You just want to know how I came back to life, right?" Jing Yi said angrily. "Fine, I'll tell you."

Shen Shubai was taken aback. "Don't try to trick me."

"It's simple. I can play dead."

"..."

"You domineering CEOs can't even do that?"

"..." Shen Shubai was so angry he wanted to curse. Is this even within the realm of being domineering?

Realizing he was being toyed with, Shen Shubai immediately activated his CEO skill—changing his expression. In an instant, his face turned dark and menacing, as if the surroundings had frozen over.

A withered yellow leaf was blown by the wind, swirling twice in the air before slowly falling into the pond.

Jing Yi: "..."

Is this... just for show?

It's so awkward it's suffocating.

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you the truth," Jing Yi sighed helplessly. "If I have to watch you any longer, I won't need to buy oil for the next decade."

Shen Shubai showed a confident expression. "Speak."

Jing Yi: "Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang are my friends."

Shen Shubai: "..."

"I died, went to the underworld for a trip, and they said my life span wasn't over yet, so they sent me back to the living."

Shen Shubai: "...... You're talking nonsense!"

Jing Yi: "..."

See, nowadays, no one believes the truth.

"Believe it or not." Jing Yi was annoyed, turned around and left, muttering angrily: "Day after day, pestering people with endless questions. I told you, but you don't believe me, so what do you expect me to say? That I ate some immortal elixir? Really, even a gold miner couldn't dig up someone as dense as you."

Shen Shubai: "..."

He snapped out of it, "Stop!"

Jing Yi was startled and ran away. Only a fool would stay to help you out.

Shen Shubai: "..."

Jing Yi ran quickly, his heart still thumping. He reached a hidden spot, hid in the corner, and looked back for a while. Seeing that Shen Shubai hadn’t chased him, he breathed a sigh of relief.

The protagonist is quite sharp, finding him so quickly.

But even if Shen Shubai is smart, he would never think that Jing Yi came over with a god's perspective.

No, this matter must be told to Li Wenzhao as soon as possible.

To prevent Shen Shubai from being cornered and killing him again.

This time, he might not be so lucky...

Jing Yi sighed. He should have asked about his life span when he was by the Naihe Bridge.

He patted the dust off his hands, turned around, and prepared to leave.

He looked up and was stunned.

Where is this?

Jing Yi felt his pocket; the phone wasn’t there: "..." Oh no.

He looked around; the ancient buildings made it impossible to figure out the layout or direction. He wandered aimlessly, and after more than ten minutes, he ended up back where he started.

Jing Yi gave up.

"Young Master?"

There was silence.

"Young Master!"

After raising his voice, Li Wenzhao's distant voice finally came through: "What's wrong?"

Jing Yi cupped his chin and whispered: "I'm lost."

"..."

Li Wenzhao remained silent for a long time, "Stay put, describe any landmarks around you."

Jing Yi looked around: "There are houses, flowers, grass, and a gate."

"..."

"Why don't you just say you're under a cloud?"

Jing Yi giggled, stood up, and looked around, "We're near the back mountain, and there's a big willow tree outside the wall."

"Got it, I'll be right there. Don't wander off."

·

Twenty minutes later, Li Wenzhao found the lost butler sitting on the steps in the depths of the Liang residence, staring blankly.

"Did you think the Liang residence was your personal adventure map?"

Hearing this, Jing Yi looked up, delighted: "Eldest young master."

Li Wenzhao met his sparkling eyes, his expression still soft and surprised, and immediately swallowed the words that came to his lips.

"This boost is quite powerful," Jing Yi said with a smile, "It can even be used as a navigator."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

He glanced around and asked, "How did you end up here?"

"I got scared."

Li Wenzhao: "?"

Jing Yi said, "Shen Shubai seems to be on the verge of discovering my secret. He thinks all the changes in the Li family are because of me."

Li Wenzhao's expression paused slightly, his gaze fell: "Are you hurt?"

"No," Jing Yi replied, "I ran fast."

Li Wenzhao looked somewhat serious, "Let's head home."

"Have you finished talking with Mr. Liang?"

"Almost," Li Wenzhao turned around, walking as he spoke, "We've initially established trust and a cooperative intention, just waiting for a project to collaborate on later."

Jing Yi nodded, "Then it wasn't a waste for us to make this trip."

Li Wenzhao choked, patiently, "That's not how 'making this trip' is used."

"..."

·

After New Year's Day, it was Monday again.

Jing Yi spent two of his three-day holiday running around, taking a break that felt like no break at all, closing and opening his eyes, and the holiday was over.

If he had known, he wouldn't have opened his eyes.

New year, new atmosphere, after a short break, the employees of Li Corporation were very enthusiastic about their work.

Li Wenzhao had never seen the employees treat the company as their own home like this before. "If I had known that a large bonus would have such an effect, we should have implemented it earlier."

Jing Yi turned his face and muttered under his breath, "Eldest young master, the country doesn't allow giving stimulants to cattle and horses."

Everyone is working so hard, and you still think it's not enough.

After all, the essence of capitalism is exploitation.

Li Wenzhao: "..."

The young butler now mutters openly.

"Mr. Li." Fan Ming greeted as usual, nodding amiably to Jing Yi, "Jing Butler, Happy New Year."

Jing Yi: "Happy New Year, Secretary Fan~"

Li Wenzhao glanced sideways slightly, "What's the schedule for today?"

Fan Ming immediately switched to work mode, reported the full day's work schedule, and added, "Young Master Mingzhi has joined another new show recording. As per your request, Li Corporation has invested 80% of the funds. The show starts filming at 3 PM, and the director group wants to invite you to the opening ceremony."

Li Wenzhao initially wanted to decline. But the young butler behind him curiously asked, "What show?"

Fan Ming said, "A variety show that combines travel, food, adventure, mystery-solving, and skits."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

"Sounds interesting." Jing Yi leaned in and asked, "Eldest young master, can I come too?"

Li Wenzhao: "..."

What's so interesting about this strange show?

·

Jing Yi lazed around until noon and followed Li Wenzhao to the shooting location, which was in a neighboring city, requiring a two-hour drive.

He was really looking forward to this new show.

It's bizarre, peculiar, and of course, it should be exciting enough.

Jing Yi was full of anticipation.

The opening ceremony was more like a small press event. Li Wenzhao, dressed formally, stood among a group of young celebrities from the entertainment industry, not overshadowed at all. Instead, the noble aura he exuded was very attractive.

Jing Yi watched from afar, slightly tilting his chin up.

His boyfriend is so handsome.

Just after muttering, he saw Li Wenzhao, surrounded by people on the stage, suddenly glance over, with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.

"..."

Wow, can he hear from so far away?

Jing Yi quickly turned his head.

"Jing Butler, want some bubble tea?" Fan Ming sidled up next to him.

Jing Yi: "Yes."

Clutching a steaming cup of milk tea, Jing Yi was watching the opening ceremony from afar. Li Mingzhi and Li Wenzhao were both standing on the stage, surrounded by a group of well-known stars from the entertainment industry.

Suddenly, his gaze locked: "Huh? Hmm..."

Fan Ming was surprised: "What's wrong? Did the milk tea burn you?"

"..." Jing Yi said, "I saw someone I know, which was a bit surprising."

Fan Ming: "Ex-boyfriend?" (teasingly)

Hmm. Jing Yi turned his face to the side: "Secretary Fan, you seem to have come back from vacation a bit too lively."

Fan Ming said indifferently, "Yes, Zou Ting said the same."

Jing Yi nodded: "I still prefer your original self."

"Can't help it, spending so much time with Butler Jing, one inevitably picks up his habits."

"..." o̅_o̅

"Let's not talk about this," Fan Ming changed the subject: "Who did Butler Jing see?"

Jing Yi also generously didn't argue with him: "Ke Minghua."

Fan Ming was surprised: "He's quite popular recently, some of my friends like him too."

Jing Yi took a light sip of his milk tea, "Tell your friends not to idolize him; it'll all come crashing down."

Fan Ming was startled: "Do you have inside info?"

Jing Yi said, "No."

Fan Ming was puzzled: "Then how do you know?"

"I can tell fortunes," (smirking).

"..."

In the world of novels, Ke Minghua isn't very noticeable—he's not even a supporting character. In the early stages, he only had some minor antics, faking donations and doing fake public welfare for fame. But after becoming popular, he was exposed for trying to climb into the bed of a certain city's big shot late at night, failing, and being kicked out of the room, running into reporters, losing all his reputation.

Why is Ke Minghua even in this program?

If he causes a scandal later, won't the young master be implicated? Working so hard on a program, only to have it ruined by a colleague with bad behavior.

It's not fair.

Jing Yi thought, biting the straw.

·

Li Wenzhao briefly showed his face, then left the stage, and the director personally escorted him outside the set.

"Thank you, Mr. Li, for taking the time to attend the opening ceremony," the director said politely.

Li Wenzhao nodded slightly and exchanged a few polite words.

Walking outside the venue, Jing Yi stood up, "Is it over?"

The director, seeing Jing Yi suddenly appear, was surprised for a moment, his eyes scanning the features of the person before him, making a guess: "This is the one Mr. Li brought..."

A stroke of luck?

He didn’t dare to voice it.

Any boss who’s poured a lot of money into the crew has their own agenda. Today they demand script changes, tomorrow they specify an actor, and occasionally they insert a favoritism pick. He’s used to it.

This time, though, the favoritism pick is top-notch—pure yet alluring, with a clean look that fits right into the show.

Fan Ming chimed in, “Jing Butler, done with your milk tea? Hand me the trash.”

Director: “?”

Jing Yi said, “This feels awkward.”

Even so, he handed over the empty box: “Well, since you insist, I’ll take you up on it. Thanks.”

Fan Ming: “...”

Fan Ming walked off, at a loss for words.

The director didn’t quite understand the move of bringing a butler when going out, but after a second thought, he felt relieved. What wealthy family doesn’t have its quirks? A high-profile CEO has to keep up appearances when stepping out. Bringing a butler is nothing; even bringing dozens of bodyguards and nannies is quite normal.

“Director Chen, no need to walk me out,” Li Wenzhao said. “I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t stay longer. Good luck with the shoot.”

“Haha, thanks, Mr. Li, for coming by to check in. Safe travels!” Director Chen’s crow’s feet relaxed a lot.

Jing Yi looked reluctantly at the set: “Are we leaving already?”

He hadn’t seen anything yet.

Li Wenzhao said, “Coincidentally, Li Corporation has a project here. The crew’s progress isn’t that fast. I’ll bring you to see it tomorrow.”

Jing Yi pursed his lips: “Alright then.”

Director: “?”

You big shots... call that a butler?

Director Chen stood in place, watching until Li Wenzhao and Jing Yi disappeared at the set entrance. Just as he was about to return to the crew, he noticed someone had quietly appeared behind him.

“!”

“Ah, Xiao Ke, when did you get here? Walking silently, you scared me.”

“Director Chen,” Ke Minghua looked at the retreating figures, “Was that our crew’s big boss just now?”

Director Chen nodded: “Yes, this show is quite unconventional. Not many bosses dare to invest. Mr. Li will be back on set tomorrow, so perform well.”

Ke Minghua looked at the tall man’s figure in the distance and nodded: “Does he live nearby?”

Director Chen turned to walk back, speaking without much caution: “Yes, he’s staying at the same hotel as us. From the sound of it, he’ll be here for a few days. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet in the future.”

Ke Minghua paused, then asked: “Is the young man beside him a new addition to the crew?”

Director Chen said, “What, afraid he’ll steal your spotlight?”

Ke Minghua scratched his head sheepishly: “A bit worried, his looks are quite good.”

Director Chen laughed heartily, patting his shoulder reassuringly: “Don’t worry, that’s Mr. Li’s accompanying butler. He won’t be joining the crew to compete with you for popularity.”

"..."

Ke Minghua was stunned. A butler?

Not Li Mingzhi's patron.

Damn, so he had been tricked last time.

Well, Jing Yi was clearly using the patron excuse to pick a fight and back Li Mingzhi up.

A butler.

He’s not worthy of it.

Ke Minghua’s face flushed with anger. He had thought he was being warned by a big shot and had been behaving himself. Only now did he realize that Jing Yi was merely a butler.

That made everything he did before seem a bit stupid.

Ke Minghua turned his head, gazing blankly into the distance.

·

It was already evening. Fan Ming considerately booked the rooms and handed the key card to Li Wenzhao.

Jing Yi peeked over: "Don’t I get a key?"

Fan Ming said seriously: "The business trip budget only covers two rooms."

Jing Yi: "..."

Even a stray dog wouldn’t buy that lie.

But he had lived with Li Wenzhao before, so asking for his own room now would seem a bit pretentious. Whatever, he’d just share a room one more night.

Jing Yi turned and went upstairs.

The suite was on the top floor, with a huge balcony overlooking the city skyline and nearby green mountains.

Jing Yi leaned on the balcony railing and took a deep breath: "The air is so fresh, no wonder you tycoons love to buy up land and build mansions. You can monopolize the oxygen of an entire mountain."

Li Wenzhao raised an eyebrow: "Privacy and security are important too."

The uninteresting topic was quickly dropped.

Jing Yi did a quick tour of the room and discovered there was even a small private theater.

"Eldest young master, let’s catch a movie together."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

He paused while taking off his jacket, glancing at the dark and intimate theater in the corner, his eyes flickering.

Jing Yi turned on the equipment and even found popcorn and cola in the corner.

He quickly grabbed them, found a cozy spot to sprawl out, and patted the space beside him: "Eldest young master, come on, let's start."

Li Wenzhao took off his jacket and went over to sit down.

Jing Yi picked out his favorite program and turned the TV on, with the 3D sound system taking the viewing experience to the next level.

As soon as the screen lit up, Li Wenzhao's expression froze: "You’re into skits?"

Jing Yi didn't even blink as he stared at the screen: "Yeah, skits are hilarious and so much fun."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

The romantic vibe disappeared in a flash.

He should have known—the young butler never takes the conventional path.

Li Wenzhao, irritated by the skits' loud laughter, asked helplessly: "Can we change it?"

Jing Yi: "What do you want to watch?"

Li Wenzhao: "..."

He didn’t know what to say.

After waiting for a moment, Jing Yi shoved a box of popcorn into Li Wenzhao's hand, "It’s way more fun to snack while watching."

Li Wenzhao: "Jing Yi..."

Before he could finish, Jing Yi popped two pieces of popcorn into his mouth. "Eldest young master, do you know the secret meaning of popcorn?"

Li Wenzhao: "..."

What’s this quirky butler up to now?

Jing Yi spoke earnestly and seriously: "No talking during the movie."

Li Wenzhao sighed, speechless.