In the midst of everyone’s speculation about the meaning behind Yu Jinghao’s enigmatic smile, the meeting proceeded normally. Baili Xiao had previously heard that, for entertainment companies, artists are essentially products, with different products catering to different audiences, similar to how cosmetic companies launch various shampoos with distinct functions and scents for different demographics. The roles of the social media and public relations departments are to help maintain the carefully crafted image of each artist.

Baili Xiao sat quietly in his chair, listening as people labeled him with terms like “cool” and “abstinent,” which aligned fairly well with his personal character. Thus, he didn’t feel the need to raise any questions.

Typically, an entertainment company shapes an artist’s image based on their first project, and Baili Xiao was fortunate that his first role resonated with his own temperament. In fact, he found it hard to imagine portraying a different type of character. For instance, if he were asked to present himself as a humorous and silly entertainer, he would absolutely refuse.

His manager displayed a high level of professionalism, engaging in lively discussions with others in the department, and everything appeared to be going smoothly. As Baili Xiao sat beside them, he gradually began to feel a bit bored. Just as he was about to look down and space out, he suddenly felt the weight of someone’s gaze on him. Turning around, he met Yu Jinghao’s eyes.

It was clear that Yu Jinghao, like him, wasn’t too invested in the conversation of his subordinates. He seemed to have already made a decision regarding the company’s future investment in Baili Xiao, choosing not to interrupt his team.

In that moment of eye contact, Baili Xiao noticed that Yu Jinghao’s expression held a smile, unlike the displeasure he had anticipated from being deceived. Instead, it seemed to convey a sense of… happiness?

Unsure of how to react, Baili Xiao found Yu Jinghao’s strong aura overwhelming. Despite the warmth in his gaze, Baili Xiao couldn’t maintain the eye contact for long and forced himself to look away, focusing on his own nose and ignoring the other man’s stare.

Perhaps it was guilt from earlier deception—Baili Xiao sighed inwardly.

The meeting lasted less than an hour before the manager, satisfied with the outcome, felt confident that his new artist’s future was bright. Turning around, however, he caught sight of Yu Jinghao smiling at Baili Xiao, who was awkwardly staring down at the tip of his nose, creating an uncomfortable scene.

Mike tried to put himself in the situation: if he had just given a fortune reading to the CEO of his own entertainment company—probably something cringeworthy—he would definitely feel awkward.

However, while he could understand Baili Xiao’s reaction, he couldn’t quite grasp that of the boss. To be honest, Mike swore he had never seen Yu Jinghao look at anyone for such a long time. Yu Jinghao wasn’t exactly cold, but he always maintained an aloof demeanor, rarely paying excessive attention to anyone. It was peculiar to see him express such clear friendliness.

Just as one of the managers was about to lead his artist out, Yu Jinghao suddenly called out to him.

“Mike.”

“Yes?”

“You and Li Xiao stay behind.”

—Another moment of silence filled the room. The staff exchanged glances for a second before quickly packing up and leaving, leaving only the three of them in the spacious conference room.

Yu Jinghao said nothing, continuing to read over the sparse lines of personal experience on the resume, creating an awkward atmosphere.

After carefully analyzing the differences in expressions between his artist and the president, Mike finally broke the silence for Baili Xiao, asking tentatively, “President, is there a reason you wanted to keep us?”

Yu Jinghao replied succinctly, “No rush, we’ll have dinner together later.”

“??” Mike stood there, utterly stunned.

Though he was valued by the president, the idea of having dinner with Yu Jinghao privately was unprecedented.

No one in the entire company had received such treatment.

And of course, Mike wasn’t narcissistic enough to think this privilege was due to him. He couldn’t help but glance at Baili Xiao beside him, feeling his heart start to race with anxiety.

What did the president mean by this? Did he feel indebted just because of the fortune reading? Would someone like Yu Jinghao actually believe in fortune-telling? So he awkwardly spoke up for his mute artist, “Uh, President Yu, I heard Xiao say that he doesn’t really know what he’s doing and has tricked you out of money. But you know how kids are—they can be a bit naive. Please don’t hold it against him too much. He really can’t read fortunes; he told me once, and it was all nonsense.”

Yu Jinghao: “…”

Baili Xiao: “…”

“Did I say something wrong?” Mike innocently licked his lips. “There aren’t that many metaphysical things in this world. But Xiao is really no problem. His personality is a bit cold, but his appearance, character, and talent are all top-notch. I’m confident I can mold him into the next Dai Jue…”

Just as Mike was enthusiastically expressing his optimism about Baili Xiao’s future, he was suddenly interrupted by Yu Jinghao—his gaze held a hint of teasing. He glanced at Mike before turning to Baili Xiao and asked, “What’s this? Your manager doesn’t know you’re the famous Baili Xiao well-known in Beijing’s upper class?”

Baili Xiao: “… Now he knows.”

Mike: “Now I know… What?! Baili Xiao?” He suddenly exclaimed, turning to Baili Xiao with disbelief, as if he had reached a peak of excitement and then gone a bit mad. He didn’t seem at all like a person from the Ziwei star group—more like someone experiencing a split personality. “You, you, you! You are Baili Xiao? The one on Weibo?”

Baili Xiao could only nod. “I am.”

Mike pulled out his phone, quickly opened Weibo, and found the account, reading aloud, “Is it the Baili Xiao who posted ‘Today is suitable for marriage’?”