Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Ye Weian almost blurted out his agreement.

Whether they hugged or not was secondary; what he truly yearned for was to once again breathe in the crystal-core-like grape scent emanating from A Chen and to feel A Chen's muscles beneath his touch.

Alas, before he could utter a word, the system's cold, unfeeling voice cut him off.

The system earnestly advised: "We're here to complete missions, and some things are simply off-limits."

Ye Weian: "Such as?"

The system: "Such as embracing Big Boss Zhou!"

Ye Weian: "..."

He could only cast a regretful glance at Zhou Huaichen, reluctantly stating, "Perhaps not."

—"I really want to hug him!"

—"Never mind, I'll just wait for A Chen's post-bath/shower photos."

Zhou Huaichen wasn't particularly disheartened by the rejection.

He lowered his head and chuckled softly.

It seemed that upon returning home today, he must ensure he was impeccably fragrant; otherwise, how could he possibly entice such a fresh and tender "cabbage"?

...

After a brief respite, filming for the show resumed.

With Xie Siming and Yan Qing's incidents, only six guests remained, including Ye Weian.

The director had no immediate plans to add new guests for this episode and proceeded with the script as planned.

Fortunately, Xie Siming and Yan Qing had only recorded a quarter of their footage, making it easy to edit out their scenes in post-production.

Without Yan Qing present, Lin Chang became noticeably more animated.

As everyone busied themselves searching for clues, Lin Chang sidled up to Ye Weian and said, "President Ye, thank you for your mentorship. I was wondering when you might be free? I'd like to treat you to a meal."

Having confirmed that Ye Weian had no intention of exploiting his position, Lin Chang felt significantly more at ease around him.

Ye Weian replied calmly, "No need. Just focus on your work and strive to achieve popularity quickly so you can generate revenue for me."

Lin Chang: "..."

Director Qi was indeed right; President Ye was promoting him solely to profit from his success.

Naturally, he wouldn't be ungrateful and immediately pledged, "Rest assured, I will work diligently!"

Whether he became popular or not was a matter of fate, beyond his control.

However, he would do his utmost, and he possessed a certain confidence in his acting skills, having played numerous minor roles previously, and Director Qi had acknowledged his talent.

Ye Weian cast a warm glance his way: "Yes, I believe in you."

He couldn't help but confide in the system: "Lin Chang is truly an exceptional employee."

Despite being implicated by him last time and nearly killed by Bai Yuan, Ye Weian felt a pang of guilt. He arranged for the company to provide Lin Chang with bodyguards, a top-tier agent, and additional resources. This was meant as compensation, yet Lin Chang was overwhelmingly grateful.

The system: "..."

Ye Weian's expression softened even further.

Lin Chang, sensing that Ye Weian wasn't as aloof as he appeared, wished to converse with him a little longer.

However, for some inexplicable reason, he suddenly felt a chill emanating from nearby.

He instinctively glanced to his left and saw President Zhou standing among the crew, observing him with a cool gaze.

Lin Chang: "..."

He understood—he would promptly distance himself and maintain a ten-meter radius from President Ye!

The recording continued for several more hours before finally concluding.

By then, it was nearing evening. The director approached Ye Weian and Zhou Huaichen: "We're planning a dinner gathering later. Would you two executives have time to join us?"

As this was the first recording, the director hoped the guests and crew could foster a closer rapport.

As the show's financial benefactors, it would be ideal if Ye Weian and Zhou Huaichen could grace them with their presence.

Ye Weian looked at Zhou Huaichen, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

—"Don't want to go. I want to see A Chen fresh out of the shower."

Zhou Huaichen curved his lips into a smile and told the director, "You all go ahead. I'll cover all the expenses."

The director smiled and readily agreed, not pressing them to attend.

In truth, without President Zhou and President Ye, everyone might feel more uninhibited.

Before departing, the director couldn't resist leaning in to whisper a reminder: "There's a storm brewing online right now, with everyone discussing Xie Siming and Yan Qing's situation. There might be reporters staking out President Ye... President Ye, please be careful."

Ye Weian nodded and thanked him.

Zhou Huaichen appeared thoughtful.

Both he and Ye Weian had bodyguards, but it would be prudent to exercise extra caution these days.

Perhaps he could pick up and drop off Ye Weian from work daily.

As the two exited the studio, Sister Long and Li Ceng arrived.

They had just come from the police station, and their expressions were grave.

Sister Long stepped forward to report to Ye Weian: "Xie Siming adamantly claims he was the one who threatened Yan Qing."

With Xie Siming identified as the mastermind, and Yan Qing having caused no substantial harm to Ye Weian, it was likely Yan Qing would evade legal repercussions.

Ye Weian shrugged.

This was the outcome he had anticipated, so he wasn't surprised.

Li Ceng, meanwhile, reported to Zhou Huaichen: "I've contacted Mr. Zhu, but he's currently abroad."

Zhou Huaichen understood the implications, stating, "Whether Hong Ke intervenes or not makes little difference."

It seemed Yan Qing might still manage to escape accountability in this matter.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, instructing Li Ceng to continue monitoring Yan Qing, then added, "If Yong Nan returns, inform me immediately."

Li Ceng acknowledged the order.

Zhou Huaichen turned to Ye Weian, his stern face softening as he gently said, "The Dongpo Pork Knuckle is ready."

He knew Ye Weian wasn't unhappy, but he wanted to feed him something delicious to lift his spirits.

Ye Weian instantly perked up: "Let's go!"

He cheerfully climbed into Zhou Huaichen's car.

Sister Long: "..."

Watching the car speed away, she felt a strong need to have a serious conversation with the old butler and Brother Zhang.

Brother Zhang was also a special assistant, and like her, had been one of the children sponsored by Elder Ye years ago.

Elder Ye was a benevolent man who not only nurtured them but treated them as his own children, offering immense help and guidance throughout their lives.

After Elder Ye's passing, both she and the old butler had vowed to assist Ye Weian for the rest of their lives.

Of course, regarding his personal life, the old butler had also instructed them to keep an eye on him.

In previous years, Ye Weian had pursued Yan Qing. Since Yan Qing was a celebrity, Sister Long believed that no matter how much Ye Weian stirred things up, no serious harm would come of it, so she hadn't intervened much.

But now, the object of President Ye's pursuit had changed to Zhou Huaichen!

This was the head of the Zhou family!

Sister Long felt the situation was extremely serious, a monumental issue, and she absolutely had to discuss it with the old butler and Brother Zhang.

...

On Ye Weian and Zhou Huaichen's journey home, the police released an official statement regarding Yan Qing's livestream incident, confirming that Xie Siming was the mastermind.

Netizens, who had been eagerly awaiting the results, flooded the Weibo post with tens of thousands of comments the moment the announcement went live.

"It was actually Xie Siming?"

"I watched the entire livestream, and only Yan Qing appeared... I can't believe Xie Siming was behind it!"

"I also suspected something... but I trust the police won't make mistakes!"

These were the normal comments from netizens, but Yan Qing's studio had also hired a team of internet trolls to specifically shift all blame onto Xie Siming.

"I never imagined Xie Siming, who had a clean record for over a decade, would pull such a major stunt."

"I used to think Xie Siming was the most reputable person in the industry; it seems I misjudged him."

"Starting today, I'm unfollowing him and becoming an anti-fan!"

Though Xie Siming was still detained at the police station, he wasn't entirely cut off from the outside world.

He had already instructed his studio not to engage in online arguments and to allow Yan Qing's trolls to defame him. As for the lawyer sent by the Xie family, he dismissed them with a few words.

He made it clear he intended to take full responsibility for the crime.

It was rumored that Elder Xie had been so enraged by his actions that he had to be hospitalized.

Before Yan Qing left, he tearfully told Xie Siming, "You've always been the best to me," but as soon as he exited the police station, he contacted his studio to mobilize the internet trolls.

To extricate himself from the situation, he had no choice but to cast Xie Siming as the villain.

He even made a video call to Zhou Yongnan, tearfully complaining about Zhou Huaichen's heartlessness and how much he detested Ye Weian.

Zhou Yongnan immediately declared he would rush back that very night.

Compared to the shock and regret of the general public, Xie Siming's fans were consumed by fury.

"I refuse to believe he's that kind of person!"

"I've heard rumors before that he was involved with someone, and that person was stringing him along. Now, he's sacrificing his entire career to take the fall for that person!"

"Sisters, my eyes are swollen from crying. Why? What's so special about that person that he's willing to give his heart and soul?"

As long-time fans and admirers of Xie Siming, they were well aware that Yan Qing had once flirted with him, and Xie Siming had indeed been smitten.

However, they believed the two had long since settled into a casual, holiday-greeting-only relationship, never expecting Xie Siming to suddenly make such a drastic move.

It clearly demonstrated the depth of his feelings for Yan Qing.

The fans were utterly devastated, many of them in tears.

After reading the official announcement, Ye Weian shook his head and remarked to the system, "Yan Qing got off easy."

System: "It can't be helped; Yan Qing is the protagonist, after all."

The system suddenly grew anxious: "Yan Qing will definitely resent you even more now, Host. I think you might never be able to win him over in this lifetime."

Ye Weian leaned back lazily in his seat: "If it truly doesn't work out, I'll just revert to the original plan."

System: "?"

Ye Weian: "Extract his heart."

System: "..."

Ye Weian turned his head to gaze at Zhou Huaichen's handsome profile, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

—"Whether I end up with Yan Qing or not is a matter for the future."

—"Right now, I just want to see A Chen's abs."

Zhou Huaichen gave him a deep look.

This person had been fixated on his physique since their afternoon nap, still muttering about it now.

He smiled, covering his mouth with his fist to conceal his amusement.

Fortunately, his physique would not disappoint.

Soon, the car arrived at the villa.

Ye Weian, having been there many times, familiar changed his shoes and entered.

The kitchen had indeed prepared the Dongpo Pork Knuckle, and its enticing aroma instantly invigorated Ye Weian.

—"Food! Food!"

He walked briskly towards the dining room.

Zhou Huaichen followed behind him, calling out softly, "Wei An."

Ye Weian turned around.

Zhou Huaichen's gaze, deep and contemplative, settled on his handsome face as he deliberately asked, feigning indecision, "Should I eat first, or bathe first?"

Ye Weian: "?"

Zhou Huaichen smiled at him. "I've been out all day—I want to take a bath, but I also want to eat with you. I'm a little torn."

Ye Weian: "..."

He fell into deep thought.

Eating meant Dongpo Pork Knuckle.

Bathing meant A Chen fresh out of the shower, with abs to admire.

Ye Weian's eyes lingered on Zhou Huaichen.

Zhou Huaichen wore a white shirt that expertly concealed his physique, only serving to ignite more tantalizing speculation.

...Oh, he really wanted to see those abs.

And after a bath, a fragrant A Chen would surely exude an even more alluring grape scent.

He then looked towards the kitchen.

The aroma from there continued to waft over!

Ye Weian: "..."

He wanted both!

—"Why must the world present choices?"

—"Can't I have both?!"

Zhou Huaichen found him utterly adorable and wished to tease him a little longer.

Slowly, he unbuttoned his cuffs, then slowly unbuttoned his collar—each movement graceful, imbued with a subtle, alluring charm.

Ye Weian's eyes widened.

Zhou Huaichen chuckled softly: "I'll go shower first, alright?"

Ye Weian: "!"

—"Yes, yes, yes!"

—"Go! Hurry!!"

System: "..."

Host, perhaps wipe your drool?!

Author's Note: Darlings, the second update is here~

Red envelopes have been distributed~ This chapter will also have red envelopes~

Thank you all so much for your support. I'll keep working hard!