HYAT - 18

Shen Qianzhan was caught off guard by Ji Qinghe’s final maneuver. The cool elegance she had built up while confronting Jian Xin, portraying “too noble to associate with such trash,” completely vanished amidst the mysterious, ambiguous smiles of the bigwigs.

She forced herself to maintain her persona, playfully complaining: “Gossip like this, spreading it privately is harmless, but once it’s brought out into the open, it makes one’s life difficult.”

She propped her chin, turning gracefully to meet Ji Qinghe’s gaze.

Shen Qianzhan’s original plan was to swirl her red wine glass, lightly clink it with Ji Qinghe’s, and regardless of whether he drank, strive to perform the visual effect of “Mr. Ji, you’re such a tease.”

After successfully completing the first step, for the second step, she would blink coquettishly, mesmerizing Ji Qinghe, then she could smoothly throw out a line like, “Mr. Ji and I are completely innocent. I don’t know what kind of mentality those rumor-mongers have, defiling a gentleman like Mr. Ji with my name.”

But when her gaze met Ji Qinghe’s, the coolness in his eyes, like rime ice on a mountaintop, chilled her to the bone.

Drinking too much really does affect one’s IQ.

She almost forgot, she and Ji Qinghe were not innocent at all.

If she uttered that line, putting aside whether it was against her conscience, just the scoundrel Ji Qinghe wouldn’t cooperate obediently. If he didn’t expose her, it would be because of the good fortune she had accumulated from her prayers.

Having thoroughly understood this, Shen Qianzhan changed her expression faster than turning a page. Her smile instantly vanished, replaced by a cold, unfeeling “scumbag” face, and she quickly turned her head, acting as if nothing had happened.

Su Zan, who had witnessed the entire scene, almost burst into hysterical laughter.

If he hadn’t always remembered the kindness of Shen Qianzhan’s earnest teachings over the years, he would probably be crowing with laughter right now.

What had he said before?

That scumbag Shen Qianzhan would get her comeuppance sooner or later. See? Her comeuppance is sitting right next to her, ready to swing his golden spear and harvest.

What a surreal, real-life drama.

However, enjoying the show was one thing; how you watched it behind closed doors was another. In a crisis, Su Zan still knew the importance of presenting a united front. He cleared his throat, his gaze towards Jian Xin completely undisguised with condemnation and disgust: “Malicious competition that harms someone’s reputation is really beneath the table. Producer Jian, everyone here heard what you said tonight. If I hear any related rumors outside later, I’ll assume they came from Producer Jian.”

Su Zan was usually a grinning, sycophantic realist, but unexpectedly, when he became serious, he had an unexpectedly intimidating effect.

A hint was enough; more words would be useless.

Su Zan felt the anti-slander effect was good, so he wisely stopped. Just then, Shao Chou Xie feigned taking a call and prepared to leave. Su Zan enthusiastically stood up and personally saw him off, completely removing himself from the situation.

Su Zan’s self-awareness was incredibly accurate; he was just a tool.

He was responsible for saying things that didn’t suit Shen Qianzhan’s status and for displaying behaviors that didn’t fit Shen Qianzhan’s persona. He was a soldier with a spear and shield, leading the charge when it was time to attack, and defending the base when it was time to retreat to the high ground.

He was a wealthy, idle, and beloved chess piece, everyone’s sweet little darling.

________________________________________

Shen Qianzhan needed to speak privately with Jiang Yechen. She instructed Qiao Xin to take Ji Qinghe to her car to wait for a moment, then followed Jiang Yechen out.

Passing through the corridor and getting into the elevator, Shen Qianzhan stood beside Jiang Yechen, feigning pressing the floor buttons, and spoke with sincere gratitude: “Mr. Jiang, thank you very much. I heard from Zan Zan two days ago that Qianqian’s audition with Director Lei didn’t go well. It’s really our PR department’s fault; they’re all holding rice bowls but not eating properly. Qianqian has been misunderstood and slandered recently, and her reputation is a bit poor. I’m truly grateful that you could mediate for Qianqian.”

Jiang Yechen wondered: “When did this happen?”

His evasiveness was masterful. Shen Qianzhan had said so many things in one breath, and she had no idea which part he was asking about.

She didn’t mind asking for clarification, continuing to probe: “Ah? Which incident are you referring to?”

Jiang Yechen looked at her, his expression benevolent: “Qianqian is too young, and being in a high position, it’s inevitable that her spirits become restless. Your Qianzhan should not only pay attention to cultivating artists’ character but also their psychological issues. The more popular the artist, the more you need to regulate their behavior.”

After talking about something seemingly related but completely off-topic, he adopted the tone of an elder caring for a junior and eagerly expecting talent, slowing his voice: “A few days ago, I was invited to select TV dramas for the Film Association’s key support program. Your Qianzhan has endless potential. I think you need to settle your mind and quickly push forward the project establishment of the tribute drama. At the beginning of the year, you can apply for national key support. If selected...” He didn’t finish, only gave Shen Qianzhan a meaningful look.

Both were old foxes in the industry; they could smell the tender meat from a mile away. After a few brief exchanges, their minds were as clear as mirrors, shining brightly.

Shen Qianzhan smiled, wisely refraining from continuing to probe about Xiang Qianqian.

The elevator chimed, arriving at the lobby.

Shen Qianzhan accompanied Jiang Yechen, discussing some unimportant project progress. Mostly similar to which suitable screenwriters she had recently met, how many incompetent ones she had screened out, and how much preliminary work she had done, emphasizing the enormous workload.

When there was nothing more to say, she appropriately switched to the role of a humble junior seeking advice, asking him, for example: “Mr. Jiang, you are so knowledgeable. Do you have any screenwriters you particularly recommend?”

“Mr. Jiang, what do you think of Director Shao’s ability? Is he suitable to direct our drama? Most top-tier directors who have won major awards don’t have available schedules right now, and our project can’t wait.”

“I’m also considering filming locations. Mr. Jiang, where do you think the feng shui is better? After all, your eye is precise; anything you say would benefit me immensely.”

“I think it’s too early to decide on actors, but many actors are rushing to join this project because it’s produced by you, Mr. Jiang. Their resumes have practically exploded my inbox.”

She ostensibly asked for opinions, but secretly she was flattering and sucking up, making Jiang Yechen beam with delight. It wasn’t until he got into his car that he remembered he had forgotten to ask Shen Qianzhan about her collaboration with Ji Qinghe.

Shen Qianzhan was naturally intentional. Jiang Yechen’s evasive maneuvers pressed her hard, his lips sealed so tightly that they couldn’t be pried open. And he still expected to get information from her?

No way.

________________________________________

Shen Qianzhan’s gossip radar was exceptionally keen. As soon as she knew Xiang Qianqian’s “night meeting with a backer” was a setup, she focused her suspicions on several bigwigs.

Jiang Yechen was dedicated to collaborating with Ji Qinghe to get a piece of the pie, and Xiang Qianqian contacted Ji Qinghe privately during this sensitive time, making it difficult for Shen Qianzhan not to suspect Jiang Yechen.

However, Jiang Yechen’s reputation in the industry was consistently positive, so Shen Qianzhan dared not rashly suspect him. During the dinner tonight, Director Lei suddenly agreed to let Su Zan bring Xiang Qianqian for a makeup trial. Shen Qianzhan didn’t believe Director Lei was just doing it for the convenience of drinking with her after a collaboration. The implication was simple: Xiang Qianqian didn’t want to lose this resource and asked her backer to secure it for her.

The identity of this backer was obvious.

Later, her deliberate probing, and Jiang Yechen’s reaction were also very clear. He avoided answering, downplayed the situation, and told her to calm down, which was a warning to her not to meddle. Whatever she knew, however much she knew, if she was wise, she should just keep her mouth shut.

Otherwise, she would drag the entire Qianzhan company down with her recklessness.

________________________________________

She was deep in thought, completely oblivious to the fact that she had already descended to the second basement level.

When the elevator arrived, the dizzying sensation of stopping caused her a brief physical discomfort.

She leaned on the handrail inside the elevator. After the wave of dizziness subsided, she steadied herself, just about to step out.

Ji Qinghe, who had been waiting at the elevator entrance, stepped in first, blocking her inside the basement parking elevator.

He had his coat draped over his shoulder, his eyes cool and deep.

Perhaps it was the dark main color of his suit that made his skin appear so pale, or perhaps he was naturally cool and austere. Standing before her, he was like a block of ice, emanating coldness from head to toe.

This man looked truly handsome in a suit. So handsome that she wanted to just take him on the spot, just as he was, wearing it.

Look at the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He looked like a complete refined scoundrel, a beast of a man.

Shen Qianzhan’s eyes were hazy. The dizziness that had just subsided surged back again under the impact of his beauty, churning inside her.

She raised a hand, pressing her cool hand against her face, looking innocently at the uninvited guest before her: “Were you anxious waiting?”

Shen Qianzhan rarely self-reflected, but it seemed she had chatted with Jiang Yechen for too long. Leaving an ethereal beauty like Ji Qinghe waiting was truly inexcusable.

Must be punished! Must be punished!

She decided to punish herself by taking two more looks!

Ji Qinghe saw that she couldn’t even stand steadily. He reached out to support her forearm, frowning with displeasure: “How much did you drink tonight?”

“Not much.” Shen Qianzhan stared at his slender, pale fingers for a while, counted, and said: “Four liang of baijiu? Plus a few glasses of foreign liquor mixed with beer.”

She sighed softly, complaining: “It was really awful.”

Ji Qinghe lowered his gaze, his eyes fixed on her rosy lips. It was as if that chattering little mouth, complaining incessantly, had captivated his immense interest, and he stared unblinkingly.

Shen Qianzhan knew she was feeling the aftereffects. She was always like this; once her mind relaxed, she knew what she was doing but was completely unable to control herself.

She hiccupped, then sighed deeply.

That sigh was so mournful. Ji Qinghe raised an eyebrow slightly, asking: “So bad you’re sighing?”

“No.” Shen Qianzhan glanced at him, then whispered: “When I drink too much, I become a chatterbox. I consciously watch myself transform but am powerless to stop it.”

She hesitated, but having lost control of her body, she said whatever she thought, completely unable to interfere: “I drank for three hours, and half my makeup is gone. I wanted to touch it up before coming down, but I was too focused on thinking and just came straight down.”

Ji Qinghe couldn’t help but laugh, half the coldness on his body melting away without him knowing: “You need to touch up to see me?”

Shen Qianzhan shook her head: “No, even if I might encounter a dog on the road, I would tidy up my appearance for it.” After saying that, fearing Ji Qinghe would realize she was deliberately using her chattiness to insult him, she covered it up: “Mr. Ji, I’m sorry. I don’t hold my liquor well. When I drink, I speak my mind and often offend people.”

Ji Qinghe had no intention of arguing.

After all, Shen Qianzhan calling him a scoundrel wasn’t a new thing.

He leaned in, meeting her gaze: “Speak your mind when drunk?”

His eyes twinkled slightly, as if all the light had surged into his pupils, suddenly brightening.

Shen Qianzhan belatedly realized she had dug another hole for herself, almost setting up a tombstone for herself. She finally confirmed that Ji Qinghe meant trouble, and instinctively took a step back.

Ji Qinghe’s hand, which was supporting her arm, naturally moved back, wrapping around her waist: “Why are you running?”

Shen Qianzhan was almost scared to death, her eyes darting towards the elevator exit. She knew, of course, that if she didn’t leave for so long, the elevator would have closed already. She only saw her reflection in the elevator mirror with its built-in beauty filter: her face flushed like peach blossoms, radiant with springtime allure.

This is going to be the death of me.

She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she tried hard to look less like a girl in love: “Mr. Ji.”

Shen Qianzhan subtly raised her chin, signaling him with her gaze to look at the surveillance camera in the upper left corner: “What’s happening here might not just be known to us.”

Ji Qinghe followed her gaze, sweeping it slowly and calmly, appearing quite nonchalant: “If it’s you, I don’t really care.”

Shen Qianzhan was choked by his words and fell silent.

Ji Qinghe asked: “What does that new clause in the contract mean?”

Shen Qianzhan’s eyes darkened slightly. She decided to maintain her “speaks her mind when drunk” persona and replied: “I don’t want to have any more emotional entanglements with you.” She paused, then added: “You saw tonight how precarious my living environment is. Getting involved with me might just be gossip fodder for you, but for me, it’s not so friendly.”

Ji Qinghe nodded, unclear which part of her statement he was affirming.

Shen Qianzhan pressed on: “Mr. Ji might also have a misunderstanding about me. I have no interest in being kept. When you proposed that condition, it was quite insulting.” She glanced at Ji Qinghe, seeing his face was cold but not angered by being disrespected, then said: “Of course, the clause is just a matter of attitude. The written agreement is also to mutually bind us. With a good, fair, and aligned foundation, we can then cooperate intimately and trustingly later. You agree, don’t you...?”

Her voice grew weaker and weaker as she spoke, finally almost giving way under Ji Qinghe’s increasingly cold gaze.

Ji Qinghe didn’t even shift his gaze. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice like crumpled paper that had been smoothed out again: “I never thought of keeping you. You’ve misinterpreted.”

Shen Qianzhan nodded, Yes, yes, yes, she’s not worthy.

Her expression was so perfunctory that she didn’t take his words seriously at all.

It was just a one-night stand. How much emotion could there be? It couldn’t possibly be that Ji Qinghe saw she was finally having sex at her age and, out of pity, wanted to be responsible. How ridiculous.

Even her lingering thoughts were only because the experience was too good, ingrained in her bones. At most, she’d reminisce and lust after his body. As for investing any real emotion, impossible.

It was better for adults to be realistic. For Shen Qianzhan, pursuing love was too much of a luxury.

Ji Qinghe couldn’t read her thoughts, but her current “heartless scumbag” expression was too much of an eyesore. His hand, wrapped around Shen Qianzhan’s waist, tightened slightly, forcefully compelling her to meet his gaze.

Shen Qianzhan was already unsteady. With his arm supporting and pushing her waist, she practically fell into his embrace. The precarious sliver of distance that remained between them instantly vanished.

She suspected Ji Qinghe was deliberately misinterpreting her phrase “intimate and trusting cooperation.”

Shen Qianzhan cautiously extended a hand, resting it against his chest.

Her palm was too hot. Touching his icy suit jacket, she couldn’t help but shiver.

She looked up, reaching out to adjust his tie: “Mr. Ji, my reputation outside isn’t good. When a woman strives alone, no matter how outstanding she is, there’s always gossip. Those who are jealous, envious, or simply dislike me. It’s not that I truly care how others see me; it’s more about respect for this profession.”

“To give you an example, take Jian Xin. She’s classically trained. Her seniors, classmates, and junior colleagues from the same faction are all her network resources. Yet, even so, if she gets slightly close to someone, there are still malicious speculations trying to erase her efforts. Of course...” She pursed her lips, adding seriously: “My words are candid and fair, but that doesn’t mean I forgive her malicious slandering. If we meet again, we’ll still be opposing sides, ready to cross swords.”

She straightened his tie properly, pressed it down, and as she withdrew her hand, she looked at Ji Qinghe, stating very clearly: “I care about others’ opinions, and even more about them ruining the work. That’s not my achievement alone. I have no right to let the efforts of all crew members go to waste because of my own relationships.”

She was calm, but Ji Qinghe was even calmer.

He seemed like a spy delving into her soul. After silently gazing at her for several seconds, Ji Qinghe’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile: “You never bring personal feelings into it?”

“Then what about me? What do I count as?”