Chapter 60: Overtures - On the verge of tears.

Upon arriving at the nursery entrance, He Guan spotted two black vans.

As he stepped out and waited for Du Junyan to park, ten individuals simultaneously exited the vans.

They were of similar height, uniformly dressed, and moved with synchronized strides, heading his way.

After confirming identities with several, He Guan instructed half to accompany him and the rest to attend to other duties. Taking the walkie-talkie they provided, he proceeded into the nursery with Du Junyan.

The producer's assistant waited at the entrance and hurried over to brief He Guan on the situation.

"Jin Jue demands an apology from Director Jing, but Jing refuses to acknowledge him. Jin Jue is furious and nearly attacked him, but others are holding him back. Director Jing has been acting out recently; I don’t know what's wrong today..."

He Guan: "Has he been like this for long?"

The assistant pondered, "Over two months now."

He Guan: "Has he been diagnosed with any mental disorder?"

The personal assistant replied, "Not that I'm aware of. He hasn’t taken any medication, at least to my knowledge. I'm not sure if his own assistant might know more."

He Guan: "Where's the supervisor?"

Where was the person responsible for overseeing this project?

The personal assistant: "The supervisor is on a business trip..."

He Guan: "I see."

As they conversed, they crossed over the field ridges and approached the majestic lavender fields.

Huaiyang Nursery is a flower cultivation base, home to numerous species, located in the outskirts.

There are fields specifically cultivated for filming, and at this moment, Nolimit and the rest of the MV crew were amid a sea of purple.

When He Guan arrived, the flowers were in full bloom, with the mesmerizing scent of lavender wafting in the air.

Yet, amidst this beauty, the gathered crowd was eerily silent.

The producer stood at the center, his face shadowed with anger, clearly frustrated by the unexpected turn of events.

Those at a distance, unaware of the specifics, looked dazed as they were instructed to pack up and leave.

The ones closer, a few having witnessed the incident, dared not utter a word.

The scene was chaotic.

Jin Jue stood on the edge of the field, smoking.

He Guan instructed Du Junyan to ready his metal rod and, with the personal assistant, to locate Jing Jiahao and ensure he doesn't escape.

He himself went to Jin Jue.

Approaching Jin Jue, He Guan took the cigarette from his hand and snuffed it out.

Jin Jue, enveloped in a haze of smoke and with bloodshot eyes, looked infuriated enough to kill.

He Guan: "Stop smoking. It's bad for your image, especially as a celebrity."

Uncharacteristically obedient, Jin Jue nodded.

After a brief pause, he asked, "How did you get here so quickly?"

He Guan: "I was worried about you. Where did he touch you?"

Jin Jue: "Above my thigh."

With just those words, he fell silent, pressing his lips together tightly.

He Guan suspected that Jing Jiahao's move was so sudden that Jin Jue didn't notice. Moreover, Jin Jue, being quite naive and direct, didn't expect such inappropriate behavior in public.

He Guan: "Did his drone capture it?"

Jin Jue: "...I don't know."

He Guan: "Hmm."

After saying this, He Guan nodded and was about to leave when Jin Jue grabbed him.

He Guan, turning his head: "What's up? Is there something else you want to say?"

Holding his arm firmly, with a grip like a vice, Jin Jue rasped, "...Did I cause trouble again? If you plan to use the video to threaten him, it'll backfire on you."

He said 'again'.

Jin Jue is very clever.

From the beginning, he knew that He Guan's association with the Luo family was merely a stepping stone, and that he hadn't yet found solid ground. Therefore, he never took He Guan seriously.

Coincidentally, He Guan chose to ignore him, letting him overstep his bounds several times without intervening.

But now, his use of the word 'again' suggests he knows that the previous issue with Tong Jiaqi was resolved by He Guan.

Yet, after the incident with Tong Jiaqi, when they met again at a family banquet, he still gave He Guan the cold shoulder.

After that, they hardly met...

After a brief moment of reflection, He Guan realized that while he hadn't seen Jin Jue, Jin Jue could've seen him.

The live broadcast that day.

But why would that broadcast make him change his attitude?

He Guan didn't think it was because he had revealed his gay identity that won him any favor.

It puzzled him. But for the moment, he tried to reassure, "What are you talking about? What trouble did you cause? I didn't notice."

Jin Jue: "As a public figure, I was caught hitting someone. Even if he touched me first... Handling it will still be troublesome for you. Plus, he left, now we can't shoot the MV."

"He can use the video to threaten you."

"With a simple edit... Nolimit shouldn't have so many scandals before debuting. If issues keep popping up, the public perception will be negative, wondering why the group is so problematic."

The word 'threaten' felt like it was forced out between clenched teeth.

——He was clearly frustrated with the trouble he caused, yet every word he spoke was true.

He Guan crossed his arms and smirked, "You're the one being harassed, and yet you worry about all this. We have several candidates for the MV director; I'm still choosing. A new one will arrive in a few days. Besides, I feel there's more to today's incident than meets the eye. Who threatens whom is yet to be seen. It certainly won't escalate; we'll handle it internally."

Jin Jue: "Really?"

He Guan nodded.

Jin Jue reverted to his usual scowl, "He barely touched me before I kicked him away. Damn it, he disgusted me."

He Guan patted him on the shoulder, "As long as you're okay. Can you let me go now? I need to find a place for you before he gets away."

Jin Jue released him. As He Guan was about to leave, Jin Jue said, "He Guan."

He Guan paused with an amused look, "Can you just say everything at once?"

Jin Jue: "Sorry, I misunderstood you for so long. I thought you were still into Wen Mo's sister, forgetting you're married now."

He Guan was momentarily taken aback.

Then, it all clicked for He Guan.

The original host had told Ren Ning that he liked girls and identified as straight.

But he never mentioned who he liked or who it was.

After inheriting the original's memories, He Guan only knew the face of the girl, nicknamed Jin Jin. Now, it seems that the girl is Wen Mo's younger sister!

No wonder he always found it odd how the original host could exchange a few words with Wen Mo on variety shows...

Wen Mo is the older brother of the original host's first love!

Given the original host's personality and how close these five individuals were, it's no surprise that Jin Jue took issue with him. No wonder Jin Jue was always antagonistic!

Jin Jue's previous hostility now made sense. Only after seeing the live stream, realizing He Guan's relationship with Lou Dongcang, did Jin Jue let his guard down.

Having pieced it all together, He Guan responded with mixed emotions, "So, how do you plan to handle it?"

Jin Jue darkened, "He did... I..."

But he hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

He Guan narrowed his eyes, "How about castrating him? What do you think?"

Jin Jue: "What?"

He Guan: "A little snip."

Jin Jue hadn't anticipated such a ruthless suggestion from He Guan. He stared in shock for a moment before asking, "Is that really an option?"

That would be too satisfying.

But how... how would that even work?

He Guan: "Why not? He just encountered some shady doctors on the street and had a bit of his 'tissue' removed. What's that got to do with us?"

Despite the warmth in his smile, his gaze towards the lavender field was chillingly cold.

Yan Xu sent the recently collected data to He Guan.

On the way there, He Guan had already skimmed through its contents.

It was a complaint against Jing Jiahao.

It began with him exploiting employees.

There was a comprehensive recording and logical sequence, but Jing Jiahao, being a department manager, was untouchable by complaints from a few lower-level staff.

These complaints were intercepted and dismissed by Jing Jiahao himself. The employees were subsequently fired and moved on.

Next was embezzlement.

Jing Jiahao's expense form for the MV's clapperboard was 20,000. Yet, the film crew next door used a clapperboard that cost just 20.

Admittedly, an electronic clapperboard has its advantages, allowing real-time tracking and saving time in post-production.

But if ten electronic clapperboards were bought and all in use were 20-yuan plastic ones, it raised suspicions.

If even the basic clapperboard, flashed before the camera roll, was like this, it left one to wonder about the other equipment.

After this, there were complaint letters from several female employees.

They even attached their failed attempts to file a police case—since the degree of sexual harassment wasn't severe enough and wasn't caught in the act, no case was established.

They also soon resigned, their whereabouts unknown.

*

When He Guan was brought in front of Jing Jiahao, the latter was gasping in his seat, appearing sweaty and pained.

Jing Jiahao had long hair, tied into a small braid at the back, giving him an artsy vibe. His facial features even seemed refined.

He Guan stood before him for two minutes before Jing Jiahao opened his eyes.

His eyes were bloodshot, different from Jin Jue's.

They reflected an excited kind of redness.

He Guan's brows furrowed immediately.

Did he take something?

The moment Jing Jiahao recognized He Guan, he jumped from his seat exclaiming, "Mr. He!"

Upon getting up, he immediately grimaced, clutching his stomach reflexively.

Accompanied by six burly men, He Guan scanned the room, gave a slight nod, and said, "It's me. Please continue and don't mind me. I'm just passing by and wanted to have a word with the director."

The staff around, who were tidying up, slowed their movements and pricked up their ears to listen in on the conversation.

Jing Jiahao's assistant whispered something into his ear, and immediately, Jing Jiahao grabbed He Guan's hand, saying, "Mr. He, you must help me out—"

He Guan cut him off swiftly, "You know why I'm here, right? Someone reported you recently, aware of that?"

He couldn't let Jing Jiahao publicize the harassment incident involving Jin Jue.

It's not that harassment should be kept quiet, but as He Guan and Jin Jue had just discussed, from Nolimit's perspective, making it public would cause more harm.

Jin Jue's kick was no joke; otherwise, Jing Jiahao wouldn't have been resting and clutching his stomach for so long.

Once things get twisted, having to clarify the story would be a hassle.

Moreover, they had means to retaliate.

Jing Jiahao was taken aback, "Wha— What?"

He Guan withdrew his hand, noticing a plaster-like sticker on Jing's hand, "Embezzling public funds, five million. It's been reported, and the police have asked the company for your address and contact."

Even with several people around him, his voice carried, reaching those nearby.

Jing Jiahao's first reaction was to dart his eyes around, avoiding He Guan's gaze.

He was evading.

He Guan: "I initially intended to spare you some dignity, but you brought this upon yourself today. Catch my drift?"

He Guan's words, spoken in front of everyone, left no room for face-saving.

Plus, with everyone present recognizing him, Jing Jiahao suddenly felt the weight of countless subtle glances, as if they'd crush him.

"Why's Mr. He here? Checking on the MV's progress? We apologize for not giving you a proper welcome..."

After dealing with the subordinate, now comes the superior.

The department manager's appearance wasn't surprising given the MV shoot was the photography department's primary task these days.

As Jing Jiahao's uncle, he had joined under the guise of supervision but was essentially on a vacation, thoroughly enjoying himself.

He Guan took a moment to survey the lounge he had entered, then amiably asked, "How's it in here? Is the basin of ice sufficient? Feeling hot?"

This man didn't use air conditioning; he had people bring in basins full of ice to keep his lounge cool, living like royalty these past days.

He was about to retire and had an "I don't care" attitude; it was high time someone dealt with him.

The department manager, noting He Guan's icy demeanor, immediately felt the urge to kneel.

Regardless of the circumstances, he realized it was essential to draw attention to this matter first.

When things escalate, they look for loopholes to exploit.

He's a seasoned veteran.

But He Guan didn't give him that opportunity.

——The manager was swiftly pulled up by Du Junyan who was one step ahead.

How strong is Du Junyan's arm strength?

For an elderly office worker like this who doesn't exercise, trying to break free from Du Junyan is a pipe dream.

The department manager trembled with fear, unable to look away from the steel pipe in Du Junyan's other hand.

He Guan smiled slightly, his voice louder, "Not exactly. I just came to see. Initially, I thought I wouldn't have any reason to come if everything was shot well, but it seems..."

"What on earth were you filming?"

The department manager's face turned ashen upon being confronted so directly, retreating step by step.

He Guan, just like that, knocked down two men.

The producer, with her dark expression, felt a bit relieved—a boss with an artistic eye inspecting the scene made her job easier.

Jing Jiahao, realizing the manager couldn't shield him, instantly knew he underestimated He Guan's power and quickly tried to apologize, "Boss He, I..."

As he spoke, he was interrupted by He Guan: "The court subpoena has even reached Xingyu. Why haven't you left? Are you waiting for the scandal to go viral? ‘Xingyu MV Director Embezzles Funds’? The fans feel cheated, and then I have to explain?"

Employees who initially looked over in confusion now lowered their heads.

Indeed, the mess they made requires the boss to handle, and even before the group's debut, both the director and the manager acted so thoughtlessly.

He Guan said with a pleasant smile, "You have the afternoon to pack up and leave. Leave your work ID and uniform. And take off that Celine outfit before you go."

As if recalling something, he instructed, "Junyan, head to the rest room and help the manager get his things. We don't want to inconvenience the gentleman. Why stand in this heat? Let's go back to the office; isn't the central air conditioning much more comfortable?"

What He Guan is implying is...

He could act as if the manager had nothing to do with this issue; if the manager just leaves now, all will be well.

As long as the manager steps down, He Guan won't drag Lou Yingjie into this, escalating the situation and causing this old man to lose his job.

Du Junyan released Jing Jiahao's hand and took large strides towards the rest room.

The manager clenched his teeth for a moment and then followed.

While it's called a rest room, it's really just a space for the manager to take a breather.

They set up the shed here right when they started filming the MV, and from what it seems, someone has been living here for at least a week.

Nolimit came here two days ago, and up until now, they haven't even completed thirty seconds of footage.

He Guan stood still: "Let's wrap it up for today. You can leave now; you've all worked hard."

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. He!"

Echoes came from the surroundings.

Some whispered about the now-vacant director position and speculated about potential newcomers. Overall, things seemed fine, and everyone started packing up their equipment, leaving one by one.

Except for the disoriented Jing Jiahao standing right in front of him.

Jing Jiahao: "Mr. He... Mr. He..."

He Guan: "Yes?"

Jing Jiahao: "May I ask where you received that whistleblower letter from?"

He Guan chuckled: "It's from Ningchun District. I'm not sure about the specifics, maybe you can look into it? I didn't bring the letter with me; I was quite upset at the time. Don't hold it against me."

"Jiahao, I didn't bring up today's issue in front of the staff. But if we don't make a clear distinction now, it'll ultimately trouble the company. I had no choice but to use the whistleblower letter as evidence. You know what I mean."

From beginning to end, He Guan's demeanor was actually quite decent, addressing the matter without attacking the person.

This is precisely why Jing Jiahao now dares to inquire about the source.

Jing Jiahao stood as if stupefied, muttering, "No wonder... no wonder..."

Ningchun District...

That's the address of the internet company managed by Lou Junshuo.

He repeated "no wonder" several times before snapping out of his trance, saying, "Thank you, Mr. He... Thank you so much..."

He Guan: "Alright, I won't see you out. You can leave last."

Given Lou Junshuo's character, why would he ever meet the nephew of a department manager?

That would be of no use to him.

But if Jing Jiahao indeed causes a scene after meeting him, it would become crystal clear who's interfering behind the scenes.

It would be the person closest to Lou Junshuo, his troubleshooter, Yan Fengqing.

He Guan even doubted that the information Yan Xu provided came from Yan Xu's own findings.

It's likely also from Yan Fengqing.

What on earth is this Yan Fengqing up to?

If we only consider today's event, the reason it was resolved so quickly is...

Was he trying to win He Guan's favor?

It's downright chaotic and sinister.

*

After the two departed, He Guan began conversing with the producer beside him.

In a production team, the director plays an indispensable role. Now that Jing Jiahao has left, naturally, a new candidate will emerge.

He Guan handed her his phone, saying, "Take a look at this."

The producer took it and started reviewing Chi Yu's resume.

After a moment, her eyes brightened, "Impressive. Her style aligns well with what I had in mind. It's quite mature. Her cinematographic language is well-developed and narrative-driven... Why haven't I heard of her before? She hasn't won notable awards, but her works have a distinct personal touch..."

Probably because she figured she couldn't make money from filmmaking and turned to sales instead.

He Guan chuckled inwardly. Hearing the producer's praises for Chi Yu, he realized she was the right choice and decided not to show the resumes of the other potential candidates.

He was about to leave when the producer stopped him.

He Guan asked, "Is there something else?"

The producer began, "Mr. He, there is. Since both the lyricist and composer are your friends and previously you provided us with the songs directly, we've never met this songwriter. If they could come, our concept for the MV could..."

He Guan promptly interrupted, "It's not feasible."

The producer looked very disappointed, "Oh?"

He Guan explained, "Otherwise, they wouldn't have handed everything directly to me from the start. 'Blind Box' is solely responsible for writing the songs. They've emphasized to me repeatedly that they won't make appearances. They said their songs are like their name, 'Blind Box'—open to interpretation and entirely up to others."

From behind them, someone softly spoke, "Excuse me, both of you."

He Guan turned, "Chu Li? What brings you here?"

Chu Li handed them two bottles of water, "I noticed you two have been talking for a while without any water. Where's your assistant?"

Accepting the water, He Guan replied, "He's occupied elsewhere, and I didn't bring him along. Thank you."

The producer took her bottle, drank a hearty gulp, and bid He Guan farewell.

Today, due to his on-camera appearance, Chu Li had worn full makeup. Now, with the makeup removed, his lips appeared a tad pale.

Although He Guan initially wanted to inquire about Nolimit, seeing the young man's somewhat off appearance prompted a different question, "Are you not feeling well recently? Or is it a health issue?"

Realizing He Guan's gaze on his lips, Chu Li hurriedly shook his head, "No, no, I've been this way since childhood."

He Guan nodded, "I see."

Chu Li hesitated for a moment, then hesitated again before asking, "Mr. He, are you free now?"

He Guan cast a curious glance at him: "Yes, that's all for today. I'm heading home soon. Why do you ask?"

Chu Li stammered, "Could I... inquire about the 'Blind Box Studio'?"

He Guan raised an eyebrow, "Why this sudden interest?"

Chu Li hesitated, "Is your friend from the studio the same person you mentioned to me before?"

He Guan chuckled, "So that's what's on your mind? Do you really think I'd tell you? The more you know, the more you might get curious. And what if you chase after them? Are you considering breaking our contract?"

Chu Li quickly retorted, "That's not what I meant! I..."

He seemed anxious, his hands waving in a gesture of reassurance, desperately trying to convey his genuine intent.

He Guan's face turned stern, "Chu Li, whether it's admiration or something deeper, stop prying for information about my friend. I let it slide today when you eavesdropped on my conversation because I'm patient."

"The only thing I can tell you is that the 'Blind Box Studio' consists of two people: him and his wife. They share a strong bond, just like my partner and I."

"You asked about my assistant's whereabouts, didn't you?"

"He's at customs today, processing exit documents. We're planning an overseas trip with them. All four of us, together."

"You'd do well to quash such thoughts while it's still early."

"Just a piece of advice."

He Guan handed Chu Li a handkerchief from his pocket and turned to leave, walking down the lavender field.

It was approaching 3 in the afternoon, the hottest time of the day.

Yet, Chu Li looked as pale as a ghost.

Clutching the handkerchief still warm from He Guan's touch, his gaze followed the departing figure.

His eyes trembled.

As if he was on the verge of tears.

Author's Note:

Done with the check-up! Bilateral hip joint cysts, combined with joint degeneration, led to persistent hip pain, affecting my daily walking. The doctor doesn't recommend surgery, so I've opted for conservative treatment. Regular acupuncture should do the trick.

In simpler terms, I'm okay and much better! Thanks for all the love and support. Hehe, virtual hugs to everyone~

Happy Children's Day~