STYL - 17. At Tonight’s Auction, Bid on Everything You Like

Shen Tang had also witnessed Jiang Chengyu’s domineering and unreasonable behavior—his audacity was so brazen that it bordered on reckless.

Some men’s embraces could shield you from wind and rain, even if the sky were to collapse. His was one of them.

As a child, she had fantasized about her mother’s embrace and her father’s shoulders.

She had never experienced such warmth, yet her essays always earned full marks.

Her Chinese teacher’s comments praised her for her “genuine emotions.”

How ironic.

Later, when she entered the entertainment industry and filmed her first drama, there were emotional scenes.

But holding hands or embracing with the male lead left her feeling nothing.

At that time, she had imagined what her future husband’s embrace would feel like.

Now, in this moment, it was exactly as Jiang Chengyu’s embrace felt.

Shen Tang clung tightly to Jiang Chengyu, releasing all the coquettishness she had suppressed throughout her life in this conference room.

Thinking she might be cold, Jiang Chengyu used the back of his hand to touch her exposed arm. It felt fine.

The air conditioning had been on for a while; she should have warmed up by now.

Still, he leaned down to ask, “Are you cold?”

Shen Tang didn’t know. Her feet felt like they were on fire, yet she couldn’t tell whether she was hot or cold.

Before she could answer, Jiang Chengyu removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

Then, with one arm, he pulled her close to his chest.

The gazes of everyone in the room were left with nowhere to settle.

Meanwhile, Chu Ran had no interest in admiring their public display of affection. She was still seething from Jiang Chengyu’s earlier words, her hands trembling with anger.

Tonight’s performance had been completely botched.

In her wildest dreams, she never imagined Shen Tang and Jiang Chengyu shared such a relationship.

Jiang Chengyu had no time to waste on Chu Ran. “You have two minutes to think about how to apologize to Shen Tang.”

As soon as his words fell, Shen Tang’s assistant swiftly set a two-minute countdown.

The relentless “tick-tock, tick-tock” drilled into Chu Ran’s eardrums.

While those two minutes ticked away, Jiang Chengyu took care of other matters. “Mr. Zhao, I need copies of all videos related to Shen Tang.”

He emphasized, “All of them.”

Zhao Chiyi understood the subtext—he wanted the video of Chu Ran pushing Shen Tang.

If he guessed correctly, the secretary had already ordered someone to delete it.

“It should have been deleted. After all, both of them are celebrities. If such a video were leaked online, who knows what rumors would spread?”

He left some room for maneuvering. “I’ll check with the surveillance room.”

Jiang Chengyu smoothly interjected, “Even if it’s deleted, it’s not a problem. My team has technicians who can recover it—it’ll just take some effort. Of course, we’ll also need your surveillance room’s cooperation.”

With things laid out so clearly, Zhao Chiyi had no reason to delay further. “Then, Mr. Jiang, please send your people over. I’ll give the order immediately.”

Jiang Chengyu: “Lijie is already waiting there with your team. We’re just waiting for your go-ahead.”

Zhao Chiyi: “...”

No wonder Lijie hadn’t been seen—she had been stationed at his surveillance room all along.

He glanced at the secretary. “Call them and instruct them to retrieve the footage.”

The secretary’s mind was a whirlpool of anxiety, drenched in uncertainty.

Chu Ran grew increasingly panicked, fearing Zhao Chiyi might hand over incriminating footage to Jiang Chengyu—such as the hidden camera that captured her pushing Shen Tang.

She was restless with apprehension.

3, 2, 1—the “tick-tock” stopped.

Two minutes had passed.

The assistant exited the timer interface.

“Miss Chu the Immortal, time’s up.”

Chu Ran shot a venomous glare at Shen Tang’s assistant.

Jiang Chengyu wasted no time. He turned to Chu Ran. “Have you thought it through?”

“I don’t need her apology—it’s meaningless. A fake apology isn’t worth anything; she’d probably curse me while apologizing.” Shen Tang finally stepped out of Jiang Chengyu’s embrace. “Apologies are the most pointless thing in the world.”

As for whether others believed Chu Ran pushed her, she didn’t care.

If she had cared about public opinion since her debut, she would have been exhausted long ago.

Chu Ran had no time to berate the assistant. Shen Tang’s words had shaken her confidence, leaving her unsure what kind of trouble Shen Tang might stir up next.

Tonight, she had witnessed that woman’s madness.

Moreover, Jiang Chengyu had copied the surveillance footage. If any of it was unfavorable to her, Shen Tang, that madwoman, would surely ruin her.

She still wanted to continue in the entertainment industry, to have more opportunities to spend time with Zhao Chiyi.

She couldn’t let Shen Tang destroy her career.

Chu Ran looked at Zhao Chiyi, silently pleading for help.

Zhao Chiyi found himself holding a hot potato today. On one side were the Chu and Xiao families, with whom he had collaborations; on the other was Jiang Chengyu, whom he didn’t want to offend openly.

Caught between a rock and a hard place.

“Mr. Jiang,” Zhao Chiyi said as he stood up, “I must first apologize to Teacher Shen Tang. Today, due to multiple events at the hotel, the cleaning staff were busy elsewhere, and the rear parking lot wasn’t cleared. This is Evergreen Hotel’s mistake.”

He took full responsibility.

“As compensation, you may choose any magazine for the cover of the New Year issue. For the next two years, in the major films or TV dramas primarily invested in by Evergreen Entertainment, you may select two projects, guaranteeing a leading role. Moreover, you get to choose your male co-star.”

Good heavens.

The actress sitting nearby, spectating like a drama enthusiast, couldn’t help but gasp. At this moment, she wished Chu Ran had pushed her instead—even breaking a leg wouldn’t matter; she could simply rest and recover.

This compensation was too tempting.

The clause about choosing her own male co-star was something countless people dreamed of.

Chu Ran’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Zhao Chiyi, wondering if he had gone mad.

This wasn’t the kind of help she wanted.

She only needed him to withhold certain surveillance footage from Jiang Chengyu.

As for making such a huge compromise?

Zhao Chiyi ignored Chu Ran’s expression and instructed the secretary: “Prepare the contract immediately. Include details about the production team and investment amounts. Call an urgent video meeting to review the contract—I’ll sign it tonight.”

Without hesitation, he offered generous compensation and showed sincere intentions to reconcile.

In Shen Tang’s world, there had never been a concept of feeling awkward. She looked at Zhao Chiyi and gave a faint smile. “Thank you for your kindness. Since it’s offered, I’ll accept. However, I have one more request.”

As long as it wasn’t excessive, he would consider it.

Zhao Chiyi: “Don’t be so formal. Speak freely.”

Shen Tang didn’t mince words: “For Sheng Xiao , which you’ve also invested in, I want you to add a clause to the contract. When the drama airs, my scenes cannot be excessively edited or cut without reason. The female lead’s original screen time must be guaranteed. If supporting actors arbitrarily steal the spotlight, Evergreen must pay me triple my salary as a penalty for breach of contract.”

This fallout with Chu Ran was complete. Knowing Chu Ran’s personality, she would surely scheme behind the scenes, potentially exploiting Sheng Xiao .

Shen Tang had to strike first.

“Mr. Zhao, do you think this request is excessive?”

Zhao Chiyi: “This is something that should have been guaranteed from the start.”

Chu Ran’s face turned ashen. Shen Tang’s additional clause was clearly aimed at her.

She had initially hoped to create discord between Shen Tang and Zhao Chiyi. Instead, Zhao Chiyi generously offered Shen Tang two projects, paving the way for direct collaboration between them.

Shen Tang didn’t spare a glance for Chu Ran. She instructed her assistant, “Remember to let Lijie sign the contract.”

“Got it,” the assistant replied, springing to her feet. Unable to wait even a minute, she grabbed her bag and rushed out. “I’ll find Lijie right away!”

Jiang Chengyu wasn’t sure if Shen Tang still harbored any grievances. “Do you want anything else?”

Shen Tang shook her head. “Enough.”

Knowing when to stop was key.

Though Chu Ran had pushed her, she had already retaliated in full measure. The embarrassing videos had been retrieved, and now Zhao Chiyi had offered such generous compensation. Continuing to push the issue might lead to a breakdown in negotiations.

In the same circle, they would inevitably cross paths again. There was no need to escalate tensions unnecessarily.

Zhao Chiyi owed her tonight; perhaps that favor could come in handy later.

Jiang Chengyu followed her lead.

Zhao Chiyi checked his watch, eager to end this farce. “The red carpet event hasn’t ended yet. You can still make it as the grand finale.”

Jiang Chengyu had just received a call from Lijie, rushing here from a dinner gathering where a table of people awaited him.

He exchanged polite farewells with Zhao Chiyi: “Let’s catch up another time. Wishing the charity auction a great success.”

Zhao Chiyi extended his hand. “Thank you.”

They shook hands and parted ways with courteous small talk.

Zhao Chiyi turned to address everyone seated at the conference table: “Tonight’s matter—I don’t want to hear about it beyond the 18th floor of this hotel.”

Each person present was someone they couldn’t afford to offend. They weren’t foolish enough to antagonize their boss. Everyone grabbed their phones and left.

Jiang Chengyu and Shen Tang walked ahead.

The conference room quieted down. Chu Ran remained, sobbing into her arms, her grievances spilling over with nowhere to vent.

She had never been treated this way in her life. Tears streamed uncontrollably.

This time, she was truly heartbroken.

Her dignity was shattered. Shen Tang and Zhao Chiyi now had a collaboration, leaving her with nothing but loss.

Zhao Chiyi sat beside her, lighting a cigarette. “Your little push doesn’t matter—I’ve paid a fortune to smooth things over.” He took a deep drag, exhaling his frustration through his nostrils.

“Chu Ran, you’re twenty-two. Childish tantrums aren’t suitable for someone in the entertainment industry.”

Chu Ran’s shoulders trembled as she cried aloud, her mind momentarily short-circuiting. In a burst of emotion, she blurted out: “Zhao Chiyi, do you like Shen Tang?”

Zhao Chiyi paused mid-cigarette tap. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Chu Ran sat up, tears streaming down her face like pear blossoms in the rain. She turned and wrapped her arms around Zhao Chiyi’s neck.

“Chu Ran.” Zhao Chiyi tugged at her hand.

Chu Ran refused to let go. “Can you hold me for a bit? I’m hurting, my head aches.” She leaned against his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence.

For a fleeting moment, she wanted to ask, “Then who do you like?”

He said he didn’t like Shen Tang, but her sixth sense told her otherwise. He cared about Shen Tang.

Over the years, at every event, whenever Shen Tang was present, he couldn’t help but glance at her twice.

That time he visited the Hengdian set under the pretense of taking a call—he actually went to speak with Shen Tang. He remembered so clearly that Shen Tang’s contract with her old agency was nearing expiration.

She had never disliked anyone as intensely as she disliked Shen Tang.

Zhao Chiyi, growing irritated, patted her arm. “Enough. The more you cry, the worse it gets. Go change your outfit and reapply your makeup. If you miss the auction, at least show up at the banquet.”

Reluctantly, Chu Ran released him, wiping away her tears. “I don’t want to attend the banquet. I’m tired.”

She planned to go to the hospital and stay there for a couple of days.

She wanted everyone in her family to know how much grievance she had endured because of Shen Tang.

Perhaps her uncle wouldn’t swallow this insult, nor would her aunt tolerate it.

The humiliation Shen Tang inflicted upon her tonight—she would repay it tenfold.

Zhao Chiyi extinguished the half-smoked cigarette in his hand, not pressing further. “If you don’t want to go, then go home.”

He picked up his coat and left.

Outside the meeting room was the elevator lobby. The private elevator was in operation, having just descended to the 17th floor.

The secretary explained who was using the elevator: “Shen Tang and the others took a few extra minutes to freshen up and just entered the elevator.”

Zhao Chiyi nodded, patiently waiting.

The elevator stopped at the third floor, where tonight’s charity gala was being held in the banquet hall.

As the elevator doors opened, Shen Tang waved goodbye to Jiang Chengyu before stepping out. He was headed to the underground parking lot.

Ignoring the curious gazes of the others in the elevator, Jiang Chengyu naturally took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “At tonight’s auction, bid on everything you like. Consider it my gift to soothe your nerves.”