Li Chu responded, “…Oh.”

He wasn’t particularly greedy for food. Being a dancer from a young age, he was used to watching his diet. Previously, Ji Mowei had casually commented that he had gained weight, which bothered him enough to make him lose it afterward.

But when it came to food, it was just an excuse to chat with Su Ning without always talking about work, which could be exhausting.

But Shen Mingzheng was indeed very strict.

However, aside from Li Chu, there were others in the group who loved to eat.

Lin Zhi, thrilled with his red envelope, sat next to Li Chu, eyeing the dishes being passed around. He was naturally prone to gaining weight, so he dared not indulge recently.

Especially with Zhou Chunqing sitting nearby, no longer a star and without any dietary restrictions, she ate delightfully and even cruelly reminded them, “The outfits tomorrow are tight around the waist, and the cameras at that venue are notoriously unflattering.”

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she seemed to enjoy her meal even more.

Li Chu, seeing Lin Zhi next to him, served him some meat with his chopsticks, comforting, “It’s fine, eating a bit once won’t make you fat. At most, you’ll be a bit bloated tomorrow, but I’ll drag you up for some exercise in the morning. A cup of black coffee will sort it out, no worries about the performance.”

Inspired, Lin Zhi stuffed a piece of tender lobster into his mouth, happily chewing while trying to push his luck, “Maybe I don’t want to wake up early to exercise.”

Li Chu, merciless, replied, “No way. If you don’t get up, I’ll have Qu Shoubai bring Xiaohua to wake you up.”

Xiaohua, the chubby tricolor cat, didn’t need to watch its weight and seemed to live a carefree life.

Even without Shen Mingzheng, Li Chu was strict—there was no room for laxity.

Lin Zhi whimpered.

It was clear Su Ning had made thoughtful arrangements for their table; the dishes were skillfully adjusted, so indulging a bit more wouldn’t be too burdensome.

Although the banquet was officially to celebrate Su Ning’s promotion and was attended by business partners, it felt more like a family gathering where everyone was quite relaxed. However, Su Ning soon received a phone call that caught him off guard—it was from Lü Fei.

Lü Fei had previously connected deeply with Su Ning, especially since Glory had become so popular and their endorsement effective. Su Ning, also worried about Ji Xue, had kept in touch. Coincidentally, Lü Fei, seeing the news about Su Ning becoming chairman and being in Hai Cheng, called to see if he should come over to celebrate.

With Lü Fei’s straightforward and informal nature, Su Ning couldn’t really refuse, so he invited him over, agreeing to keep business talks off the table for a casual gathering.

“Great,” Lü Fei laughed over the phone, “I’ll bring Xiaoxue along. She’s got nothing tonight and is bored anyway.”

Mentioning Lü Fei, many at the banquet knew him since there were several official endorsers present, and he was acquainted with the well-connected Liang Xiaoliang; it wouldn’t be awkward for him to join, as it was all in good fun.

As Su Ning had informed everyone in advance, when Lü Fei arrived, everyone was ready, greeted him, and then sat down again. But the scene quieted down for a moment when Ji Xue took off her sunglasses.

Her attire and makeup were even more exquisite than before, shining brightly like a gem. She politely greeted everyone around.

Recognizing Ji Xue, Director Yao was about to speak, but since Su Ning had already briefed her, she remained silent.

Lü Fei enjoyed the moment, even in a circle used to beauty; his fiancée’s looks were still stunning enough to shock. It was a vanity pleasing to someone of his stature, likely one reason his family agreed to the engagement—extreme beauty was a rare commodity.

But seeing Su Ning surprised him too because Shen Mingzheng was there, and their matching rings made it clear they were a pair.

“Oh, young marriage is like this, huh?”

Su Ning pulled Shen Mingzheng closer, introducing him, “This is Shen Mingzheng of Shen Film Industry, the one who called me last time. He’s my partner.”

Lü Fei remembered, then became more formal, shaking hands with Shen Mingzheng, “Young President Shen, I’ve heard your name. I didn’t expect to meet you here. I was wondering who could land Su Ning so early. I hung up the phone last time still smiling, not knowing you two were together.”

“My bad, I should’ve brought a wedding gift along with the promotion gift.”

Shen Mingzheng, unaware of this part, was surprised to hear Su Ning refer to him as “my family.” A smile he couldn’t suppress spread across his face.

Sitting at the side table, Li Chu witnessed Shen Mingzheng’s priceless smile and was speechless.

Smiling like an idiot.

In such a business-like setting, they didn’t participate much, just nodding or greeting as needed. The private room was large enough to stay out of it if preferred. However, Lin Zhi, swallowing his food, whispered, “That lady is really beautiful.”

Anyone would be shocked by her face, a sentiment Zhou Chunqing shared, unable to stop staring.

Who doesn’t love a great beauty!

But Li Chu glanced over, his focus different, recognizing the person capturing everyone’s attention.

Su Ning had once asked him if he had seen Ji Xue at the company. That was Ji Xue, seemingly having found the person Su Ning was looking for, but it didn’t look easy.

Sitting down, Lü Fei quickly blended in, casually mentioning why he was there—tomorrow was the premiere of “Unrivaled Picture” in Hai Cheng, and Pinnacle had sent him an invitation.

“I wasn’t really interested, but Xiaoxue was getting bored in Rongcheng, so I thought why not bring her here for fun. Her family is here, right? Might as well visit her parents,” he said. “By the way, President Su, are you attending?”

Knowing Pinnacle wanted peace, they had also sent invitations, but Su Ning wouldn’t be going.

“Mingzheng and I both have prior engagements tomorrow, so someone else from the company will have to attend,” he explained.

Chen Tao, the assistant sent by the family, couldn’t completely sever ties, given the old man’s temper. He hoped the heirs would sort out their standings without it turning deadly, since it was all Shen family business after all. Too much strife could lead to outside advantage.

If the conflict escalated, he would step in to mediate, somewhat like an emperor’s tactic of balancing power.

In the entertainment industry, where there might be deep animosity behind the scenes, it was still necessary to maintain a façade of harmony. Chen Tao from Shen Film Industry and Su Hongda from Guang Ying Entertainment would attend.

Hearing this, Ji Xue smiled, “I heard the premiere is going to be quite the event. It’s a pity, President Su, that such a busy person like you can’t make it.”

The conversation shifted away from work, and Lü Fei, getting into the mood, opened a couple of bottles of wine.

The idol table wasn’t allowed alcohol, and this wasn’t a drinking occasion anyway. Most were having juice or tea, with some even ordering milk tea—everyone just did as they pleased.

However, Liang Xiaoliang, who loved his liquor, had brought his own bottle of vintage spirits, enjoying most of it with Su Hongda, the coal tycoon. They both had high tolerance, remaining clear-eyed even as Lü Fei ordered two expensive bottles of foreign liquor to toast Su Ning.

Su Ning had climbed his way through numerous drinking occasions in his past life, but he had no particular fondness for alcohol; it was just a social tool for him. Knowing that Shen Mingzheng didn’t drink much, he took over himself.

No one pressured him; he merely followed a few toasts out of politeness, with most of the alcohol being consumed by those who ordered it. However, he hadn’t expected the liquor Liang Xiaoliang brought to be so potent, especially followed by the foreign liquor. His tolerance was rather low.

Initially, it didn’t seem like much, the drink was subtly sweet and smooth, but after a while, the effect kicked in.

Lü Fei, indulging more than usual, chatted with Liang Xiaoliang and drank several glasses of the white spirits, eventually passing out right there.

Ji Xue’s slender frame couldn’t support him, so she let him lean on the couch. Concerned about him catching cold, she asked for a blanket from the waiter and draped it over him, sitting beside him and assuring everyone, “He’s just drunk, nothing serious. I’ve already called the housekeeper; someone will come to pick us up soon. We’ll impose a bit longer, President Su, if you don’t mind?”

But Su Ning couldn’t really answer.

He was only curious and had taken a sip, now half-awake, barely able to stand. Shen Mingzheng didn’t leave him alone, letting Su Ning lean on him.

Shen Mingzheng spoke for him: “No problem, Miss Ji. Please wait here a bit longer. If you need anything, just let us know.”

He then looked at Su Ning, his tone softening by several degrees, somewhat helplessly, “How about we go home? Everyone here knows you, and they won’t mind seeing you drunk. Maybe next time, avoid being curious and taking that sip.”

Su Ning shook his head, insisting, “I’m not drunk.”

That’s what all drunks say.

Shen Mingzheng didn’t argue but pulled him in closer, planning to carry him home.

It was then that Li Chu approached.

He had been watching the scene worriedly, and it was time for the seven of them to say goodbye.

The young idols had a schedule to keep the next day and needed their rest; they couldn’t stay too long. Qu Shoubai and the others followed, intending to congratulate their general manager on his promotion before leaving.

Su Ning, stubbornly keeping his eyes open, saw them approaching. Before Li Chu could speak, he reached into his clothing and pulled out several red envelopes, puzzled, “Eh? Why aren’t there enough?”

“You’ve already handed them out,” Li Chu reminded him. “We’ve all received red envelopes.”

But Su Ning didn’t seem to really hear him.

He tried reaching again, pulling out all the extra red envelopes he had and stuffing them into their hands, smiling, “Then take these, go buy something, or share with your little friends. Have a good time.”

Insistent, Qu Shoubai in front had no choice but to accept. Everyone knew he was drunk and found it somewhat amusing, but they still expressed their congratulations before leaving.

From their words, Su Ning caught the key phrases and thanked them. Then, looking closely at Li Chu as if finally recognizing him, he exclaimed, “Ah, it’s Xiao Chu.”

“And there’s something even more important than my becoming the company chairman to tell you. Remember the teacher I found for you before the competition?”

Li Chu nodded; that teacher had been hard to secure, and he remembered how difficult it had been for Su Ning to arrange it.

“Now that I’m the boss, you can keep attending that teacher’s classes without waiting,” Su Ning, leaning on Shen Mingzheng’s shoulder and looking at them, smiled, “Isn’t that great?”

He thought for a moment, then looked at the others behind Li Chu, adding, “There will be more super amazing teachers too. I’ve been reaching out to them.”

His tone was like sharing sweets with children, with a rare hint of boasting. After speaking, he continued to smile at them, as if waiting for praise.

This was the advantage of having funds and influence.

Everyone now saw Glory as a money tree, not like the days following their debut in the talent show, when their careers seemed fleeting. But even now, it was crucial to keep learning.

Su Ning set higher expectations for them, not just empty words. He also needed to create the right environment, and such planning had to come first.

Shen Mingzheng stroked his hair, then took over the conversation, “You all have had many schedules recently. We planned to discuss this after your promotional period when you’d have time for training.”

“Whether it’s music or stage training, both your President Su and I have sought out the top teachers in the country. If there’s anyone else you wish to collaborate with, just talk to your executive agent, and we’ll do our best to arrange it. Everyone has been working hard; well done.”

“I hope this is not your peak, but just the beginning of your rise to fame.”

The seven of them were silent for a moment.

Su Ning’s intentions were clear; he didn’t need their verbal thanks—only Lin Zhi, well-fed, firmly stated, “Okay, I’ll definitely get up early to exercise tomorrow!”

Su Ning’s speech wasn’t private; Ji Xue, waiting nearby, had also seen it.

Just then, Lü Fei’s housekeeper arrived, helping him out. The staff was quite respectful towards Ji Xue, covering her with a new coat as Lü Fei’s group left with the young idols.

Mixed together, she and Li Chu, one after the other, the group still discussing the teacher. They had seen some during the MV shoot and recording sessions, not to mention the experienced members from Blue Hat.

Having capable teachers was a precious opportunity for everyone, so Li Chu responded to each inquiry.

Then Ji Xue heard him speak.

“…If you have the chance, you should try to understand Su Ning better,” Li Chu said. “He’s different from others, a genuinely good person.”

It wasn’t clear who he meant that for.

Ji Xue glanced back at him, smiling slightly without commenting.

But as she got into the car, she still watched the group of bustling young idols, now just emerging stars, unpacking their red envelopes and excitedly discussing their futures, exuding vibrant energy.

Back when they debuted on Idol Star Map, it wasn’t apparent they had such vitality.

Su Ning truly had a knack for nurturing talent.

Ji Xue watched for a while, then looked at Lü Fei beside her, sleeping and hazily reaching for her hand, which she didn’t pull away. Turning to the driver, she said, “Let’s go.”

The party ended with everyone in high spirits.

Curiosity about Liang Xiaoliang’s potent liquor had even gotten the host, Su Ning, to pass out, and he was carried home by Shen Mingzheng.

Recalling their first meeting, it had been similar—Su Ning drunk, taken home by Shen Mingzheng. But this time was different; the next day, what baffled the now-awake Su Ning was—

He had actually slept in the master bedroom.

And there was Shen Mingzheng, his hand still on Su Ning’s waist, their eyes closed, almost fully embracing.

Su Ning: …

He shifted slightly toward the edge of the bed, then fell into contemplation.

As legally married, it was perfectly normal for them to share a bed, but for someone as romantically clueless as Su Ning, it took him a moment to realize.

Moreover, Su Ning hadn’t completely blacked out. After recalling the events of the previous night upon waking, many details came back to him.

He hadn’t gone wild from the liquor; when he got home, he sobered up a bit. Shen Mingzheng wanted to help him wash up, but he insisted on doing it himself, though his mind wasn’t fully clear, accidentally pouring the cup of mouthwash water onto his bed.

So, that bed was out of commission, and he had to sleep in the master bedroom.

Shen Mingzheng had intended to leave the room to him but stayed as Su Ning was restless all night, and… it ended up like this.

I’ll never drink Liang Xiaoliang’s liquor again.

Su Ning thought painfully.

He tried to carefully get out of bed, but the movement caused Shen Mingzheng to wake up and pull him back by the waist.

“Where are you going?” Shen Mingzheng asked. “Does your head hurt?”

Su Ning: …

His head didn’t hurt, but his brain did now.