Wu Liyi’s words once again heightened the tension in the room. Everyone present tacitly remained silent, shifting their gaze to Lu Youze.

Gu Xuanzhe stared at Lu Youze with an impassive expression. Even Ye Xing, as cunning as a fox, couldn’t decipher what was going through his mind. Of course, Ye Xing had no intention of sympathizing with Lu Youze—if anything, he was eagerly anticipating the show to unfold.

Unlike Ye Xing, Gu Xuanhao was visibly anxious. He was so frustrated that he wanted to rush over and answer on Lu Youze’s behalf. What the hell was there to consider? That idiot Lu Youze hadn’t suffered enough from that little troublemaker Yu Li? If Yu Li got into the production team, who knew what kind of chaos he would stir up?

Lu Youze would have to be out of his mind to agree!

Just as Gu Xuanhao was about to say something, Lu Youze spoke first. He smiled briefly before looking at Wu Liyi with a serious expression. “Director Wu, I truly hope to collaborate with you.”

At that moment, he paused, silently observing Wu Liyi’s reaction.

Perhaps too focused on Wu Liyi, Lu Youze failed to notice Gu Xuanzhe clenching and unclenching his fist as he spoke, his gaze never wavering from Lu Youze. He knew Wu Liyi had seen through something and was intentionally putting Lu Youze on the spot, yet until Lu Youze gave his answer, there was nothing he could do.

Of all the people present, the one who least wanted Lu Youze to have any interaction with Yu Li was Gu Xuanzhe. He didn’t even want to hear Yu Li’s name. But what amused him was that, even though his feelings were as obvious as the sun, he still couldn’t afford to reveal them in front of Lu Youze. He had to continue playing the role of a shrewd yet understanding boss—the man who could be Lu Youze’s savior.

A flicker of darkness passed across Gu Xuanzhe’s handsome face, but it quickly vanished, leaving behind a neutral expression. Even Ye Xing couldn’t help but wonder if he had imagined it. Sitting upright, Gu Xuanzhe watched Lu Youze with a blank face, as if none of this concerned him, patiently waiting for him to continue.

To achieve his goal, he had no choice but to endure. Even if Lu Youze did agree to let Yu Li into the production team, he could always make him disappear quietly, without anyone noticing.

Lu Youze’s amnesia was an opportunity—one that Gu Xuanzhe couldn’t afford to waste.

Lu Youze didn’t keep Wu Liyi waiting long. After a brief moment of silence, he continued, “Director Wu, while I genuinely want to work with you and believe that your involvement would make this production even better, I’m afraid I don’t have the fortune to collaborate with you this time. I hope we’ll have the chance in the future.”

He rejected Wu Liyi’s proposal outright.

Lu Youze knew exactly what kind of person Yu Li was. He wasn’t afraid of Yu Li’s provocations, but the real danger lay in the unpredictability of schemers. This was a great script and a perfect opportunity for him to redeem himself—there was no way he would let Yu Li ruin it.

Besides, if nothing unexpected happened, Lu Youxi was almost certain to join the production. His intuition told him that there was something odd about Yu Li’s feelings toward Youxi, but from what Uncle Lu had mentioned about their past, the three of them had a complicated relationship. He wasn’t stupid enough to give them more opportunities to interact.

Wu Liyi was slightly surprised, but when he met Lu Youze’s gaze, he seemed to understand something. Instead of responding immediately, he picked up another piece of pastry and savored it slowly, showing no sign of disappointment at Lu Youze’s refusal.

Perhaps the pastry reminded him of the pleasant times he had spent with Ren Ni.

Ren Ni was truly a talented and hardworking actor.

Even someone like him had his little temper—when he disliked a fellow actor, he outright refused to collaborate, not even bothering to put on a polite front in public.

But Ren Ni was also a gentle person; there were very few people he disliked, so his stubbornness only surfaced occasionally.

Besides, despite his grievances with Lu Lihai, both he and Lu Lihai would go out of their way to ensure that those Ren Ni disliked would never appear before him.

In every aspect except appearance, this Lu Youze was strikingly similar to Ren Ni.

Perhaps he should let this one slide for Ren Ni’s sake—after all, Fang Xiaowu’s pastries really did put him in a good mood.

“No need to wait until next time.” Wu Liyi stood up and wiped his hands with a napkin, looking ready to leave. “As long as Yu Li is excluded, I’ll handle casting for all the other roles. No problem, right?”

After a brief moment of surprise, Lu Youze quickly caught on, his face lighting up with joy. “Of course, no problem. President Gu, wouldn’t you agree?”

Though he had no idea why Wu Liyi had suddenly changed his mind, this wasn’t the time to question it.

“Mm.” Gu Xuanzhe, after regaining his composure, gave a calm nod.

Wu Liyi, suddenly in the mood to rewatch one of Ren Ni’s films, had no interest in exposing Gu Xuanzhe.

“Send me the detailed plans by email,” Wu Liyi said to Gu Xuanzhe before leaving without further delay.

“President Gu.” Once Wu Liyi left, Lu Youze let out a long breath and turned to Gu Xuanzhe with a smile. “Does this mean we’ve achieved our goal?”

Before Gu Xuanzhe could reply, Gu Xuanhao suddenly shouted in frustration.

“Lu Youze! What the hell was with all that hesitation just now? Don’t tell me you still—” Mid-sentence, he suddenly seemed to realize something and grabbed Lu Youze’s arm. “Damn it, didn’t you tell me there was nothing going on between you and my brother? Then why the hell are you two wearing matching outfits?”

Lu Youze stared at Gu Xuanhao, who looked like he wouldn’t rest until he got an explanation. How was he supposed to explain that this was just an unfortunate coincidence? Judging by Gu Xuanhao’s expression, he probably wouldn’t believe it even if he told the truth.

Though only a few hours had passed since morning, Lu Youze already felt utterly drained. He had no energy to argue with Gu Xuanhao and only wanted to return to his bed.

For now, playing dead seemed like the best option. He could explain everything to Gu Xuanhao later when he had the time.

“Ah Hao,” Gu Xuanzhe frowned, his expression pained as he instinctively placed a protective hand over his stomach. “Let go of me. My stomach hurts.”

A true actor—always in character.

Gu Xuanhao immediately released Lu Youze, afraid of causing any harm to the baby.

Gu Xuanzhe reflexively started to step forward to check on the situation but stopped himself at the last moment.

With a deep frown, he shot Gu Xuanhao an irritated look. “Ah Hao, stop fooling around.”

Gu Xuanhao was about to defend himself when Gu Xuanzhe continued, “Since Youze isn’t feeling well, I’ll take him home.”

This was exactly what Lu Youze wanted. He quickly nodded. “I’ll have to trouble you, President Gu.”

As he watched the two leave, Gu Xuanhao’s face was filled with question marks. Had he just heard his brother call Lu Youze by name?

Maybe… maybe there was something more going on between them?

With that thought, Gu Xuanhao turned to Ye Xing with a sly grin.

“Heh, Ye Xing, your good days are numbered.”