Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Two days later, the show's inaugural recording commenced.

Zhou Huaichen deliberately cleared his schedule to accompany Ye Weian to the set.

Lin Chang and Ruan Min had already arrived, along with the other resident guests.

Backed by the formidable Ye and Zhou Corporations, the production team spared no expense, enlisting a renowned comedic host, a popular young actress, Lin Chang, Ruan Min, and the esteemed film stars Xie Siming and Yan Qing, totaling six permanent cast members.

Ye Weian was a guest participant, requiring only one recording session, which would be aired across two episodes.

Upon seeing Ye Weian, Lin Chang immediately approached him with a greeting: "Greetings, President Ye!"

Ye Weian nodded in response: "Hello."

Standing beside Ye Weian, Zhou Huaichen cast a fleeting, indifferent glance at Lin Chang.

Lin Chang: "..."

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the man accompanying President Ye exuded an inexplicably dangerous aura.

Ruan Min then approached, respectfully addressing Zhou Huaichen: "President Zhou."

Zhou Huaichen offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Lin Chang was taken aback.

Could this handsome yet perilous man truly be the head of the Zhou Group?

Just days prior, rumors had linked President Zhou with Yan Qing, yet now he was escorting President Ye to a recording… The thought of the Zhou Group's official blog issuing an overnight clarification sent a shiver down Lin Chang's spine.

"Ah, I see," he murmured, a sudden realization dawning on him.

He then completely relaxed. It seemed he no longer needed to worry about President Ye making any untoward advances.

After all, with a man as handsome, wealthy, and capable as President Zhou by her side, President Ye surely wouldn’t be interested in him.

Having delivered his greetings, he discreetly led Ruan Min away.

Several meters distant, he glanced back, observing Zhou Huaichen speaking in hushed tones to Ye Weian. The intimidating presence President Zhou had projected moments earlier had visibly softened.

Lin Chang: "..."

This, he mused, was likely the epitome of double standards.

Approximately ten minutes later, Xie Siming and Yan Qing made their belated entrance.

Upon spotting Ye Weian and Lin Chang seated on the sofa, Yan Qing's expression instantly soured.

His face darkened further when he noticed Zhou Huaichen accompanying Ye Weian, jealousy gnawing at him like a swarm of tiny insects.

He was truly resentful.

He possessed such undeniable charm; everyone ought to adore him.

Yet, Zhou Huaichen remained impassive, even openly displaying his disdain.

He believed Ye Weian had monopolized Zhou Huaichen's attention.

Without Ye Weian, he might have long since captivated Zhou Huaichen.

Sensing Yan Qing's distress, Xie Siming gently placed a hand on his shoulder and suggested, "The director and other guests are over there. Let’s join them."

Yan Qing took a deep breath and entered the studio with Xie Siming.

Ye Weian, engrossed in conversation with Zhou Huaichen, didn't even spare him a glance.

Yan Qing's anger flared anew. He strode purposefully towards Ye Weian, looking down at him with an accusatory gaze: "You're truly heartless, sending Bai Yuan to prison."

Ye Weian met his gaze with an impassive expression: "Bai Yuan hired a hitman. Prison is his rightful place. If you sympathize with him, you're welcome to join him."

Yan Qing: "..."

He was fuming.

Ye Weian must have intended to provoke him, suggesting he join Bai Yuan in prison!

His fury raged, but with guests and numerous staff present, he couldn't openly confront Ye Weian.

After a prolonged moment, he regained his composure, turning his gaze to Zhou Huaichen and adopting a plaintive tone: "President Zhou, the previous rumors were a misunderstanding. When Yong Nan returns, I'll accompany him to your home to explain."

He was clearly attempting to use Zhou Yongnan as a shield.

Zhou Huaichen didn't look at him, merely offering a noncommittal "Hmm."

Had Li Ceng been present, he would have recognized that the boss had no intention of letting Yan Qing off the hook.

However, Yan Qing, unfamiliar with Zhou Huaichen's demeanor, believed that by mentioning Zhou Yongnan, the matter was resolved.

He offered Zhou Huaichen a sweet, ingratiating smile: "President Zhou, you're truly kind."

Ye Weian blinked and glanced at Xie Siming.

When Yan Qing mentioned Zhou Yongnan, Xie Siming showed no reaction whatsoever.

…Was he not jealous?

The system quietly interjected: [Xie Siming is the archetypal loyalist in the book. He experiences jealousy, but he never outwardly expresses it.]

Ye Weian: "..."

Right, the book stated that Xie Siming had always known Yan Qing held no affection for him, yet he willingly sacrificed everything for Yan Qing.

Yan Qing attempted to regain Zhou Huaichen's attention: "President Zhou, may I visit your home the day after tomorrow?"

He deliberately omitted Zhou Yongnan's name.

Zhou Huaichen had no desire to prolong the conversation with Yan Qing, but given their recent rumored association and the numerous eavesdropping individuals—even Ye Weian was listening intently—he wished to prevent any misunderstanding on Ye Weian's part.

He fixed Yan Qing with a cold stare and declared: "As an elder, I will not interfere with your interactions with Yong Nan."

"However, whether I choose to forgive you for Yong Nan's sake is entirely my prerogative."

"The previous rumors were orchestrated by you and caused me considerable distress. Should there be a next time, we will meet in court."

His tone was remarkably calm, and though he remained seated while Yan Qing stood, he exuded an inherent authority. The palpable pressure he emitted not only paled Yan Qing's complexion but also left everyone else in awe.

Only Ye Weian gazed at him with sparkling eyes.

—[Piggy is so handsome!]

—[The grape scent is even more appealing now, I want to taste it!]

Zhou Huaichen couldn't help but crack a smile.

His previously aloof expression softened, as if spring snow had melted.

Yan Qing, still reeling from Zhou Huaichen's threat, failed to notice the change in his demeanor. He stammered, "You… you're going to sue me?"

His tone implied Zhou Huaichen was the heartless one.

Ye Weian shook his head and offered a benevolent suggestion: "You seem to have an inflated sense of self-importance, believing everyone should love you. I recommend you consult a therapist."

He turned to Zhou Huaichen, "Do you have any recommendations for a psychologist?"

Zhou Huaichen: "Leshui Sanatorium."

Leshui Sanatorium was a renowned psychiatric facility in the novel; it seemed the two minor characters who had offended Yan Qing had been confined there.

Ye Weian stroked his chin: "Sounds good."

Yan Qing trembled with rage.

These two… were clearly deliberately humiliating him!

He yearned to leave immediately.

However, recalling his plan for the day, he had no choice but to remain.

Xie Siming approached, shielding Yan Qing behind him, and stated with a cold sneer, "Isn't it inappropriate for two executives to make such jokes?"

Zhou Huaichen and Ye Weian both looked at him, their faces devoid of expression.

Though neither uttered a word, Xie Siming still felt a pang of embarrassment.

The atmosphere in the room became stagnant.

The production crew members were avidly observing the drama unfold.

First, Yan Qing was embroiled in a scandal with Lin Chang, then rumors circulated that President Ye had pursued Yan Qing for five years. Subsequently, Yan Qing was linked to President Zhou, and now Xie Siming had entered the fray…

My goodness, what a wealth of gossip!

Lin Chang, observing from the sidelines, was equally stunned.

As one of Yan Qing's rumored romantic interests, he feared being drawn into the escalating conflict and quickly retreated behind Ruan Min.

Ruan Min: "..."

Fortunately, the director appeared just in time, rescuing the rapidly chilling atmosphere.

The director briefly outlined the rules of "Today's EyeOpener."

The script, hastily penned by the production team, featured a relatively straightforward mystery. The crew had constructed an elaborate simulated setting, allowing guests to improvise freely within it.

In essence, the recording primarily relied on the guests to generate comedic moments.

This episode's theme was "Ancient Mansion Mystery." The plot revolved around a group of university students spending three days and two nights in an abandoned ancient mansion. On the first night, they discover their tour guide deceased in his room, leading to a subsequent investigation to uncover the killer.

Ye Weian drew the role of an eccentric young master, named "Young Master Ye" in the script. He had few lines and could largely coast through the episode.

As the director put it, President Ye merely needed to serve as a mascot.

Yan Qing portrayed a student secretly enamored with Young Master Ye.

Upon reading the script, Yan Qing couldn't help but pout, suspecting the director had intentionally assigned him such a role.

Lin Chang and Ruan Min played a couple, a move intended to generate early buzz for their on-screen pairing in "The Year the Wind Rose."

As filming commenced, Ye Weian found the entire process effortless.

However, each time it was his turn to deliver a line, everyone struggled to suppress their laughter.

For instance, one of Young Master Ye’s lines was: "You scared me to death!"

Ye Weian delivered it with an utterly blank expression, devoid of any emotion.

The quick-witted male host promptly interjected: "You certainly look like you were scared to death."

His sarcastic tone elicited a burst of laughter from everyone.

Another example occurred when everyone mistakenly believed Young Master Ye was the killer. His line was: "This young master enjoys a life of luxury; I have no reason to commit murder."

Paired with Ye Weian's utterly serious face, it was remarkably convincing.

The show required several hours of recording. The director called a halt, instructing everyone to break for lunch and resume filming in the afternoon.

Yan Qing removed his microphone and glanced at his agent.

The agent subtly nodded, indicating that everything was prepared.

Yan Qing then approached Ye Weian: "Mr. Ye, do you have a moment? I'd like to speak with you privately."

He used to address the original host as "Mr. Ye," a title the original host favored.

After Ye Weian's transmigration, Yan Qing, exasperated by Ye Weian's outrageous behavior, spitefully switched to calling him "President Ye."

Now, Yan Qing had reverted to "Mr. Ye," clearly signaling his ulterior motive.

The system was thrilled: [Here we go!]

System: [He's definitely going to lead you to the lounge and accuse you of assault.]

System: [Huh, Zhou Yongnan isn't here. How will he manage this alone?]

In the original novel, this plan was executed by Yan Qing and Zhou Yongnan together.

This time, it was likely with the assistance of his agent and Xie Siming.

Ye Weian observed Yan Qing, remaining silent.

Yan Qing suppressed his anger, repeating in a soft tone, "May I speak with you privately?"

He deliberately adopted a shy expression, "I've given your previous proposal considerable thought and decided to accept."

Ye Weian raised an eyebrow: "You've changed your mind? You're willing to be with me?"

No sooner had the words left his lips than he felt the ambient temperature plummet several degrees.

He tilted his head, gazing at Zhou Huaichen with a puzzled expression.

—[What's wrong with A Chen?]

Zhou Huaichen stared at him in silence, not uttering a word.

The surrounding staff members pretended to tidy up, all the while avidly observing the unfolding drama.

Yan Qing harbored a deep dislike for Ye Weian, but for the sake of his impending plan, he could only nod and continue shyly, "Yes, I've reflected a great deal recently. Mr. Ye has been the kindest to me, and I cannot bear to be apart from you."

Ye Weian decided to play along with Yan Qing.

He looked at Zhou Huaichen and said, "We'll be right back."

Zhou Huaichen remained silent, simply gazing intently at him.

Ye Weian: "?"

System: [So foolish, Big Boss Zhou is simply jealous.]

Ye Weian: "..."

—[But I must go.]

If he didn't go, how could Yan Qing execute his plan?

Zhou Huaichen, hearing his thoughts and recalling his repeated declarations of wanting to be with Yan Qing, his eyes darkened further.

After a moment, he murmured, "Alright."

Though he agreed, the sweetness had vanished from his voice, replaced by a hint of bitterness.

Ye Weian was troubled.

—[He sounds so bitter.]

—[A Chen is unhappy.]

—[I'll make it up to him when I get back.]

Zhou Huaichen cast a deep gaze upon him.

This person still remembered to return and appease him… He sighed softly and gently urged, "Go on now."

Ye Weian pondered for a moment, then instructed Yan Qing, "You go to the lounge first; I'll be right there."

Yan Qing, eager to contact his agent, turned and departed.

Once Yan Qing had left, Ye Weian turned to Zhou Huaichen and whispered, "Come find me in five minutes; there's a good show about to unfold."

Zhou Huaichen appeared slightly surprised.

Ye Weian, trusting him implicitly, continued in a voice audible only to the two of them: "Yan Qing intends to frame me. I'm merely playing along."

—[Yan Qing's agent must have already started the livestream.]

—[I'm curious how Yan Qing plans to frame me for assault later.]

Zhou Huaichen's eyes narrowed.

Was Yan Qing planning to livestream framing Ye Weian for assault?

He stated in a low voice, "I'll accompany you."

Although Ye Weian had received advance warning and likely made preparations, he was unwilling to see Ye Weian face even the slightest risk of being framed.

Assault.

That was a grave accusation.

Ye Weian wanted to decline.

However, the system interjected: [Let President Zhou accompany you. Yan Qing is not thinking clearly right now. What if he loses control and strips to force himself on you?]

Ye Weian: "..."

He possessed considerable strength and could easily fend off Yan Qing.

But observing Zhou Huaichen's grave expression, he suddenly found himself unable to refuse and agreed, "Then let's go together."

Zhou Huaichen nodded, summoned bodyguards to follow, and then accompanied Ye Weian to Yan Qing's lounge.

The lounge was unlit, casting it in a dim light.

The agent had already initiated the livestream. Yan Qing pushed open the door, feigning ignorance of the broadcast, and leisurely began removing his jacket behind the door.

As soon as Ye Weian entered, he planned to pounce, then scream for help, creating the illusion that Ye Weian was assaulting him.

Meanwhile, the agent had already enlisted a marketing firm to generate buzz on Weibo.

The previous marketing firm, having been warned by the Zhou Corporation, dared not accept Yan Qing's commission. However, such companies were plentiful, and Yan Qing's high offer quickly secured another willing participant.

Shortly after Yan Qing entered the room, "#YanQingLivestream" surged to the top of the trending topics.

The topic seemed inexplicable, but Yan Qing had been embroiled in numerous scandals recently, prompting many netizens who relished drama to eagerly click on it.

Paid trolls were already manipulating the narrative in the livestream chat.

[Why isn't Qingqing showing his face? Does he not know he's livestreaming?]

[He probably accidentally started the livestream.]

[Someone should remind him to turn it off quickly… Huh? Is he taking off his clothes? He has such a nice figure… His waist is so slim…]

Just then, Ye Weian knocked on the door from outside.

Yan Qing opened the door and, as planned, lunged forward, shouting, "President Ye, let go of me! Don't tear my clothes!"

In reality, his clothes had already been pre-cut, and he was tearing them open himself.

He deliberately struggled, enacting an entire scene by himself.

Unfortunately, the room was unlit, the camera footage was dim and distant, making it difficult for everyone to discern clearly.

The blurry image suggested that Yan Qing was being sexually assaulted by Ye Weian.

The paid trolls in the livestream chat began frantically manipulating the narrative.

[Is this sexual assault?]

[Oh my god, in broad daylight, a major celebrity like Yan Qing is being forced? That CEO surnamed Ye is truly despicable!]

[Rapist, disgusting!]

The netizens erupted.

[What's happening?]

[Is it really sexual assault?]

[Whoa, wasn't it said that President Ye has a good reputation? How can he be so repulsive!]

The system, witnessing this, was almost beside itself with rage: [How cunning!]

System: [Just wait! I'll zoom in the camera to reveal the truth!]

The next second, the livestream's camera feed sharpened, and netizens, upon seeing the situation at the doorway, were all stunned.

[Huh, I don't see Yan Qing. I only see President Ye and a very handsome man embracing.]

[Ahhh, they're actually hugging!]

[The atmosphere is so strange, so charged… why am I suddenly blushing?]

The paid trolls were bewildered.

What was happening?

Unbeknownst to everyone, the moment Yan Qing lunged at Ye Weian, Ye Weian kicked him away.

However, due to the excessive force, he lost his balance slightly.

Behind him, Zhou Huaichen instinctively wrapped an arm around his waist. To steady him, Zhou Huaichen had to press him against the door.

The two were pressed tightly together.

The fresh scent of pine emanating from Ye Weian enveloped Zhou Huaichen.

Zhou Huaichen was momentarily disoriented.

Ye Weian's head was inadvertently resting on his shoulder, and inhaling the crisp, clean scent of Zhou Huaichen, he too was momentarily stunned.

The two stood there, neither moving.

Their profiles were perfectly aligned with the camera.

Their combined attractiveness and the palpable atmosphere elicited screams from netizens.

Ye Weian, naturally, was unaware of the livestream.

He merely felt their posture was awkward and attempted to push Zhou Huaichen away, but his hand encountered Zhou Huaichen's firm muscles.

Ye Weian: "!!!"

Maintaining the position with his head resting on Zhou Huaichen's shoulder, he whispered, "A Chen, please let go first."

—[If you don't let go, the little cabbage is going to pounce on the piggy!]

Zhou Huaichen: "?"

System: "?"

Host, could you repeat that?

Author's note: Dear readers, here it is!

This story will be published tomorrow (Thursday, September 30th). After it's published, I'll commit to daily updates, posting every night~ I hope you all continue to show your support~ After publication, I'll send red envelopes for the first two comments~ Thank you for your unwavering support~ Love you all~

By the way, for newly registered users, reading on the APP is the most affordable (same as for existing users)~

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Also, please check out my upcoming story "After Marrying the Underworld Boss, I Got Carried Away"~ Mwah~

Wen Shu has been able to see spirits since childhood and has always had delicate health, so he was raised by his grandparents in the countryside. A village fortune-teller predicted he wouldn't live past eighteen and needed to enter into a ghost marriage.

So, on his eighteenth birthday, he acquired a husband.

That night, his husband appeared in his dream and had his way with him, but by morning, he was nowhere to be found.

After summer break, he carried his husband's memorial tablet to university.

He discovered that the university was teeming with spirits, but thankfully, his husband protected him QAQ.

Underworld boss gong X gentle and obedient shou.

[Not scary, still sweet and sweet.]

Thank you all so much for your support; I will continue to work hard!