Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The magazine cover from that day’s shoot turned out unexpectedly well—once released, it sold out instantly.

On the cover, Song Nian went for a pure and seductive vibe. His gentle, innocent features held no aggression, but paired with a collarbone chain and deep V-neck, they became irresistibly alluring.

The lipstick deliberately smeared at the corner of his mouth heightened the contrast to the max.

He carried both the sunny, boy-next-door charm and a dangerous, captivating aura that made people willingly give in.

Many non-fans, drawn by Song Nian’s looks, bought a copy just for collection, pushing the issue’s sales to a new high.

The previously obscure Song Nian rode this wave to a modest rise in popularity, becoming known as that good-looking newcomer, attracting fans who liked his looks, boosting his recognition.

Not only was Song Nian himself surprised, but his agent, Brother Wang, also hadn’t expected such outstanding results from this shoot.

Especially after learning that he still wanted to continue taking on gigs, Brother Wang was very pleased and even treated him much better.

In his view, Song Nian showed considerable potential—if properly cultivated, he might just become a breakout star.

————

“What are you hiding by your side? I’m checking up on you! Show me!”

Qi Ze appeared in the doorway, staring at Li Yanchuan’s desk like a paparazzo.

“You’re here?”

Li Yanchuan, caught in the act, showed no guilt, calmly slipping the magazine that was on his desk into a drawer.

He was so calm that anyone would have thought he was just putting away work documents.

But the sharp-eyed Qi Ze wasn’t fooled; he instantly recognized it as the issue featuring Song Nian as the model.

“That cover really is good. I must say, your man is very versatile and talented. How about letting him sign with my company?”

The current entertainment company CEO, a certain Qi, commented while stroking his chin.

Normally, Li Yanchuan would have flatly rejected such a suggestion, but this time he fell silent, seemingly seriously considering whether it’s a good idea.

That he would think this way meant he believed it would benefit Song Nian and was genuinely thinking about his interests.

How strange—Li Yanchuan used to be hostile toward Song Nian, and now he was thinking about his welfare?

“Yan Chuan, you seem to have changed.”

Seeing the gentleness in his brows and the fading weariness in his eyes, even his eyes regaining their light, Qi Ze raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with emotion.

The change wasn’t for the worse; it was clearly for the better.

It was as if the dense clouds that had surrounded him had suddenly torn open, letting in a beam of light that broke through the darkness.

Both in temperament and in his approach, Li Yanchuan had transformed.

Initially, after his friend’s car accident, Qi Ze had worried that Li Yanchuan’s personality might actually drive him to extreme actions.

Like seeking revenge against the Li family in a self-destructive way, even if it meant both sides perished.

But fortunately, based on recent matters his friend had entrusted him with, Li Yanchuan now had a solid plan in place and wouldn’t do anything reckless.

If he remembered correctly, all these changes had occurred after the marriage to Song Nian.

At the wedding, Qi Ze had shared Li Yanchuan’s view that Song Nian was untrustworthy, but when he learned that Song Nian had helped transmit false information to Li Wenguang, he was astonished.

Now it seemed that perhaps Song Nian’s appearance was what caused Li Yanchuan’s transformation.

After years of being alone, he finally had someone trustworthy who could change him. As a friend, Qi Ze was genuinely happy for him.

“So, are you considering rehabilitation now?”

Seizing the moment, he cautiously brought up this sensitive topic.

Unfortunately, the answer was still negative.

“All right, let’s not talk about that for now. While the Li family’s stock price has taken a big hit, I’ve finished what you asked me to do.”

Seeing his friend’s tightened face, Qi Ze knew this wasn’t the right time to delve deeper, so he quickly changed the subject.

“Thanks.”

Li Yanchuan nodded in gratitude.

“Don’t mention it. It’s nothing between us. Feel free to ask me anything in the future.”

They discussed the next steps of their plan for a while, spending nearly two hours nailing down every detail to make sure everything was foolproof.

As he was leaving, Qi Ze seemed to remember something. He had stepped out but came back:

“Oh, and a heads-up: the entertainment company your Song Nian signed with has a bad reputation in the industry. Keep an eye on things so he doesn’t get taken advantage of.”

Hearing this, Li Yanchuan pressed his lips together in thought for a moment, then nodded in thanks:

“All right, I’ll keep it in mind.”

————

Whether it was influenced by Li Yanchuan, Song Nian found that his career luck had been getting better lately.

Since the magazine cover became a hit, more advertising offers poured in.

Strangely, after his agent’s initial screening, the remaining offers were all unusually perfect—so perfect that they seemed tailor-made for him.

They weren’t low enough to lower his standards, nor too high for his status to cause backlash, but just right for Song Nian to take on.

His agent, who didn’t know about his marriage, joked that anyone would think he came with his own connections, as if these offers were made just for him.

Song Nian, embarrassed, just smiled awkwardly.

Was it Li Yanchuan?

He wondered.

The idea crossed his mind, and he quickly dismissed it.

Maybe it was just a coincidence.

The more gigs he took, the more often he went out.

Since he didn't have a personal assistant and his agent had other artists with higher priority, most of the time Song Nian had to make his own way to work.

Although there was a driver at home, considering Li Yanchuan might need the car more for emergencies, Song Nian would only take a taxi or subway unless absolutely necessary.

Over time, this became quite inconvenient. After much thought, Song Nian decided it was time to get his own transportation.

Like buying a car, for instance.

"Honey."

That weekend, he chose his moment to sidle up to Li Yanchuan, batting his big eyes.

With such a sweet, ingratiating smile, Li Yanchuan knew something was up. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for what he'd say next.

"I want to buy a car. What do you think?"

Without the usual roundabout hints, Song Nian cut straight to the chase.

Buy a car?

The man in the wheelchair looked down at him.

"There are plenty of cars in the garage. You can pick any one you like and take the keys."

Thinking back to the cars in the villa's garage, Song Nian froze for a moment, then immediately shook his head vigorously.

The reason was simple—the cars in the garage were too expensive.

A collection of luxury cars; any little scratch could bankrupt him. He didn't dare drive them, and just sitting in one stressed him out.

But this blunt refusal came off differently in Li Yanchuan's eyes.

He thought Song Nian looked down on these cars.

Well, after all, Song Nian was now in the entertainment industry, where keeping up appearances mattered. Maybe he needed something flashier and more expensive to boost his image.

Unlike Qi Ze, who loved collecting all kinds of supercars, Li Yanchuan preferred practicality. The cars in the garage were valuable, but most were executive SUVs in understated colors.

So he nodded and instructed, "Fine, remember to use my card. If it's not enough, write a check. Do you need an assistant to go with you to pick one?"

"No, no, I'll go myself."

This small matter didn't warrant bothering an assistant. Song Nian quickly waved his hand dismissively.

Taking advantage of a day off the next day, he went out to pick a car.

At home, Li Yanchuan watched him leave, a little curious.

Given Song Nian's needs and personality, what kind of car would he buy?

If he didn't like Bentleys or Porsches, would he go for a Rolls-Royce Phantom like that show-off Qi Ze?

If he wanted both, that was fine too—money wasn't an issue.

If spending money could keep him by his side forever, he wouldn't mind doing it...

Until his phone dinged, and a new text interrupted his thoughts.

He opened it to find a debit alert:

"Your xx bank card charged 5,000 RMB at xx:xx."

Five thousand?

A question mark slowly appeared over Li Yanchuan's head.

Was this a deposit? What car was so cheap it only needed a deposit like this?

Just then, a message from Song Nian followed:

"Song Nian: Bought it! I'm driving it back to show you my new car!"

Buying such a cheap car would be worse than just taking one from the garage. What if people in the industry looked down on him?

Li Yanchuan couldn't help but frown.

But then he figured he should first see what car the guy had chosen. If he really liked it, he'd let him have his way.

With that in mind, Li Yanchuan decided to wait for him to come back.

But he waited for a long time without seeing Song Nian. Naturally, he didn't see the car either.

Strange—if he was driving back, he should have been home in half an hour.

But now, forty minutes had passed.

Had he gone somewhere else or met someone else?

Looking at the message that said "coming home now," Li Yanchuan took a deep breath, set aside his doubts, and decided to give it a bit more patience.

After nearly another twenty minutes, finally, there was activity outside the courtyard.

Someone had returned.

Followed by the sound of the courtyard gate opening, a series of honks rang out.

Clearly, someone was proudly honking to show off his new car.

Imagining Song Nian sitting in the car and honking proudly, Li Yanchuan found it cute and couldn't help but smile.

But as he listened more closely, the horn sounded kind of off.

It wasn't like a typical car horn—it was lower in volume, higher-pitched, and tinnier.

Puzzled, he wheeled his chair to the floor-to-ceiling window on the first floor, whipped the curtain open, and made eye contact with the person in the garden.

The next moment, his eyes were drawn to the helmet on the person's head.

And the vehicle he was on.

Not a Bentley or Porsche, not a Rolls-Royce, but a two-wheeled vehicle.

Spotting the electric scooter, Li Yanchuan was dumbfounded.

An even bigger question mark hung over his head.

Honey! Look at my new car, isn't it pretty?

Completely missing his weird look, Song Nian waved excitedly.

"Is this the car you bought?"

Li Yanchuan wheeled himself forward and asked with a strange look.

"Yes."

Song Nian nodded eagerly.

He was about to give a full, 360-degree introduction of his little electric scooter, but before he could get a word out, Li Yanchuan interrupted.

"This kind of car?"

He asked, sounding suspicious and uncertain.

"What do you mean, 'this kind of car'?"

Hearing that, Song Nian immediately pouted.

"Quit looking down on me, you filthy rich jerk!"

This little scooter cost a full five thousand bucks, it's so pricey!