“Bang—Bang—”

Two loud party poppers exploded near Yu Yan’s ears, showering him with colorful streamers.

Fang Chi shouted, “Congratulations, Xiao Yan, for making the news!”

“Congratulations!” A group of people echoed enthusiastically.

Fang Chi pointed to a pile of gifts in the corner. “These are all carefully prepared by us. Later, make sure Shen Yuchen and your brother help you take them home. You can open them slowly when you get back.”

“Thank you, everyone,” Yu Yan said, bowing deeply.

It was just a small speech that got him a few minutes of airtime on the news, yet here he was, receiving praise from a group of successful people—something he had never imagined.

The people present were regulars on financial news and magazine covers. Compared to them, Yu Yan’s speech was insignificant.

He knew they treated him so well because of Yu Chen and Shen Yuchen, but he still felt deeply touched.

Fang Chi patted his shoulder. “So, how do you like my new restaurant? This décor, this vibe—it’s already attracting countless wealthy customers.”

“It’s really nice,” Yu Yan replied, glancing at the menu nearby. The prices were jaw-droppingly high.

As the main character of the day, Yu Yan was seated at the central position, flanked by Yu Chen and Shen Yuchen.

No wonder his brother didn’t come with him earlier—he must have been busy planning this surprise.

Looking at the many mysterious gifts, Yu Yan couldn’t help but feel excited about unwrapping them later.

While they were chatting, the door to the private room was suddenly knocked on. Fang Chi, assuming it was the waiter, casually said, “Come in.”

The next second, Yu Yan saw the boy who had been in Qi Ke’s arms earlier walk in, holding a glass of wine. The boy’s gaze swept around the table before locking onto Yu Yan, as if he had come for him specifically.

Yu Chen noticed this too. “Who are you?”

The boy introduced himself softly, “I’m Chen Qingyu, an actor.”

Given that he was an actor, he was likely here because of Yu Yan’s reputation as a manager. Everyone in the industry knew that this wealthy young master used his family’s resources to pave the way for his artists. There were countless people vying to sign with him.

Since Yu Chen didn’t interfere in Yu Yan’s work unless asked for help, he remained silent.

“Mr. Yu, I’d like to propose a toast to you,” Chen Qingyu said awkwardly, failing to use the persuasive words Qi Ke had taught him earlier.

Yu Yan had noticed the boy’s reluctance when he was with Qi Ke and decided to give him a chance.

“You want me to sign you?”

Chen Qingyu hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“Have you finished your contract with your current company?” Yu Yan refrained from mentioning Qi Ke, knowing that doing so would enrage Yu Chen and Shen Yuchen.

“There are still a few months left,” Chen Qingyu admitted honestly, holding the glass of wine without making any moves.

A few months wasn’t a long time, and Yu Yan could afford to wait.

Glancing at the glass of wine, Yu Yan said, “I don’t drink. Take it back. I sign people based on their acting skills. If you’re suitable, someone will contact you.”

Chen Qingyu’s looks passed the test—he had a school-heartthrob vibe.

But it wasn’t just about acting skills; Yu Yan also needed to have someone privately investigate Chen Qingyu to ensure he didn’t have any scandals and that his contract with Qi’s family was truly ending. Only then would he consider signing him.

Chen Qingyu lowered his head, saying nothing, his hands trembling slightly as he held the wine glass.

Fang Chi tried to ease the tension. “Why is this kid so stubborn? Xiao Yan, why don’t you just take a sip?”

Yu Yan had already figured out that Chen Qingyu, though quiet, was headstrong.

Just as he reached for the wine glass, Chen Qingyu suddenly pulled his hand back.

The abrupt motion caused half of the wine in the glass to spill on Yu Yan, with the other half splashing onto Chen Qingyu.

“What are you doing?” Yu Chen immediately stood up and questioned him.

Chen Qingyu muttered a quick “Sorry” before turning and running out.

“What’s wrong with that kid?” Fang Chi grumbled.

Yu Yan took the tissue from Shen Yuchen’s hand, lightly dabbed at the wine stain on his clothes, and brought it to his nose for a sniff.

He couldn’t smell anything.

Shen Yuming suddenly sat up straight.

Seeing his reaction, Yu Chen asked, “Is there something in the wine?”

“Not sure, but Chen Qingyu was just with Qi Ke.”

“Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

Yu Chen abruptly stood up from his chair, ready to storm out and catch him, but Yu Yan grabbed his arm.

“Brother, calm down. It’s just a suspicion. Why don’t we get it tested first?” Yu Yan looked to Shen Yuchen for confirmation. After all, the last time Qi Mo had drugged him, it was Shen Yuchen who sent the champagne for testing. He likely had the right connections.

Shen Yuming carefully wrapped the tissue soaked with wine in a handkerchief. “Let’s test it.”

The group instantly began chiming in, criticizing the Qi family.

“Didn’t the Qi family go bankrupt? And Qi Ke’s still out here causing trouble?”

“They declared bankruptcy and reorganized, but they won’t last long. The company’s sold off several projects already—it’s only a matter of time.”

“Why was he even allowed into the restaurant? No way. I need to tell the manager—Qi family members are not welcome here.” Fang Chi immediately pulled out his phone to send a message.

The last time Yu Yan got into a fight with Qi Ke at a bar, Shen Yuming had scolded Fang Chi relentlessly—not only for letting Qi Ke in but also for not informing him the moment Yu Yan entered the bar.

Shouldn’t he have informed Yu Chen instead? Who knew why Shen Yuming was so upset!

Shen Yuming asked, “Is Chen Qingyu one of his people?”

“I don’t think so. He seemed forced into it. Didn’t he stop me from drinking the wine in the end?” Yu Yan raised a brow.

Shen Yuming was silent for a moment. “So you’re still considering signing him?”

“I’ll think about it,” Yu Yan replied vaguely, leaving it undecided.

“You’re not holding a grudge?” Shen Yuming arched a brow, his fingertips rhythmically tapping the table.

Yu Yan shook his head. “What’s there to hold a grudge over? He’s human, not a saint. Who hasn’t had moments of wavering resolve? In the end, he chose the right path, didn’t he? I suspect Qi Ke forced him to do it.”

Shen Yuming’s eyes darkened slightly. “You’re this forgiving toward someone you don’t even know?” If so, wouldn’t he be even more forgiving toward those close to him?

“It’s fine. It didn’t cause me any harm.”

Yu Yan genuinely didn’t dwell on it. He had seen Chen Qingyu’s reluctance, helplessness, and internal struggle.

Chen Qingyu had taken the initiative to spill the wine today, and chances were he’d face more trouble from Qi Ke after going back.

If his acting turned out to be good enough, there was no harm in signing him. Yu Yan loved helping people, after all.

“Indeed, it’s forgivable,” Shen Yuming surprisingly agreed.

Fang Chi, shocked, clapped him on the shoulder. “You can forgive this? I remember a while back when a small celebrity spilled red wine on you, and you had her escorted out of the venue.”

He emphasized the word “escorted.”

“That was intentional. Chen Qingyu was coerced,” Shen Yuming clarified.

Out of Yu Yan’s sight, Yu Chen rolled his eyes. This man was playing a deep game. He was already laying the groundwork for revealing his true identity!

Fang Chi seemed oblivious and continued to joke around with a smile.

This little episode wasn’t important; after all, the Qi family was like a grasshopper in autumn—it wouldn’t jump around for much longer.

After a few rounds of drinks, Yu Yan went to the restroom. On his way out, he saw Chen Qingyu standing by the restroom, seemingly waiting for him.

Chen Qingyu had a clear slap mark on his face. His right cheek was swollen high, and there was even a faint trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Despite having been hit, Chen Qingyu’s mood seemed much better than before—there was even a sparkle in his eyes.

This kid had a strong contrast in personality. When begging for something, he acted timid and hesitant, but afterward, he didn’t bother to hide anything.

For a moment, Yu Yan almost saw He Zhiyu’s shadow in him.

But with that baby face and a demeanor as arrogant as if he were worth millions, the contrast was way too strong.

As Yu Yan walked over, Chen Qingyu quickly put away his nonchalant attitude.

“Looking for me?”

Chen Qingyu lowered his head again. “Yes, I came to apologize. I’m sorry about what happened earlier.”

“Qi Ke forced you?” Yu Yan raised an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Chen Qingyu nodded.

Yu Yan was a bit curious. “Did he hit you? Because I didn’t drink the wine?”

For minor celebrities like him, a slap was probably the least severe form of revenge.

Chen Qingyu lifted his head, his tone carrying a hint of pride. “Yes, but I don’t feel like I lost out. I terminated my contract with him without paying any compensation.”

“That easy?” Yu Yan was a bit surprised.

“It wouldn’t have been easy before, but now that the Qi family is collapsing, many of their key figures have been arrested. If I report him to the police, Qi Ke could be detained for at least several days. If he gets locked up, the company would fall apart, and the Qi family’s reputation would take an even bigger hit.”

There was another thing Chen Qingyu didn’t mention—he had owed Qi Ke money before, but Qi Ke agreed to write it off as part of the deal. Wasn’t that a good bargain?

Yu Yan never expected Chen Qingyu to turn the situation around under such circumstances, turning his disadvantage into an advantage. He had to admit, it was quite impressive.

“Not bad. You even know about the Qi family’s situation.”

Chen Qingyu immediately responded as if seeking credit, “I watch the news every day.”

Yu Yan nodded slowly. “Anything else?”

Chen Qingyu hesitated for a long time, his gaze flickering, but eventually, he shook his head. “No.”

Yu Yan didn’t say much more and turned to leave.

On the way back in the car, Yu Yan watched some of Chen Qingyu’s acting clips. His acting skills were decent, though he mostly played supporting roles. He did have a small fan base.

He asked Xiao Man to investigate Chen Qingyu. If the results showed he hadn’t done anything morally wrong, signing him might not be a bad idea.

Then, he casually mentioned it in their group chat.

[He Zhiyu]: “Is the group getting a new member? Let’s brainstorm a name together.”

[Song Yunjing]: “Chen Qingyu? I think I’ve heard of him. Is he the one who looks like a good student?”

[Yu Yan]: “[Image][Image][Image]”

[He Zhiyu]: “How about calling it ‘Six Daba’? (6)”

[Song Yunjing]: “I heard he’s got a bit of a temper, but no scandals.”

When Yu Yan saw this line, he couldn’t believe it and double-checked. Chen Qingyu had a temper? He didn’t see it.

But a bit of temper wasn’t a big issue, as long as he didn’t do anything inappropriate.

[Yu Yan]: “Should we sign him?”

[Song Yunjing]: “Probably. From what I’ve heard, the arguments he had with others were caused by them, not him.”

[He Zhiyu]: “How about calling it ‘Double Tap 66’? Or maybe ‘Spring Flowers Blooming in Fourteen Five (6)’?”

That settled it. Yu Yan exited the group chat and sent Xiao Man a message, instructing her to reach out to Chen Qingyu if her investigation confirmed there were no issues.