Gu Xuanze spoke in a tone that revealed no emotion at all, as he recounted the secret that Lu Youze had discovered and was now hidden in his heart, afraid of being forgotten.

Gu Xuanze was different from his younger brother, Gu Xuanhao. He had always been a person with strict self-discipline and, apart from necessary social engagements, rarely frequented places like bars.

But sometimes, many things happen purely by chance.

On the day the incident occurred, Gu Xuanze happened to be at that particular bar, where he just happened to discover Yu Li’s plan; he just happened to witness everything; and he just happened to… there weren’t that many “happenings,” it was simply because there was someone in his heart, and he had paid extra attention.

Gu Xuanze quickly suppressed his emotions, avoiding the gaze of Lu Youze, and after slightly calming himself down, he continued expressionlessly.

The day before the incident, Gu Xuanze had unexpectedly run into Lu Youze at a business dinner, someone he never expected to see there. It wasn’t that Lu Youze was unqualified to attend such an event, as the president of the Lu Group and a movie emperor, he held a significant position in the entertainment industry. If he wasn’t qualified, there would be very few people in the entire entertainment industry who could be. However, Lu Youze had always been arrogant and had publicly stated that he would never attend such business dinners. Initially, some hosts had invited him enthusiastically, but after being rejected a few times, everyone tacitly stopped inviting Lu Youze.

But now, Lu Youze was here, which surprised everyone at the event.

Gu Xuanze was stunned for a moment, but when he saw Yu Li holding Lu Youze’s hand tightly, trying to make everyone aware of how close they were, he immediately understood what was going on.

Although Yu Li was a rising star in the entertainment industry and considered a top-tier celebrity among the younger generation, most of the attendees at the dinner were heavyweight figures in the industry, each with their own networks and influence. With Yu Li’s current experience, he was hardly qualified. But being brought by Lu Youze to the event made it completely different.

Gu Xuanze coldly glanced at Yu Li, who was being introduced by Lu Youze to the bigwigs at the event, a gentle smile on his face. That smile didn’t seem to be forced. Among the people at the dinner, making connections with just one could likely benefit Yu Li’s future in the entertainment industry. Moreover, it was a great “performance” opportunity for him, to let everyone know that Yu Li was Lu Youze’s one and only.

In the future, these people would show Yu Li some respect, even if they didn’t like him. It seemed that Yu Li’s team had already arranged for a press release, and tomorrow, news about their romantic relationship would likely flood the media.

Gu Xuanze shifted his gaze away, feeling bored, and wondered if he should make some big news tomorrow to divert public attention, not letting Yu Li get what he wanted. When Gu Xuanze first saw Yu Li, he hadn’t liked him at all. At that time, Lu Youze wasn’t yet in a relationship with Yu Li, at least not publicly, and Gu Xuanze had no idea about their relationship. He didn’t feel any jealousy; he simply disliked the person.

At that time, Yu Li had stood out in a talent show, quickly rising to fame nationwide and becoming one of the hottest newcomers in the entertainment industry. Major companies were very interested in him, and several top agents under Gu’s company wanted to sign him, believing that Yu Li would eventually become a top star in the entertainment industry and bring enormous profits to the company.

After reviewing the proposal, Gu Xuanze also watched some of Yu Li’s competition videos and interviews. Yu Li’s talent and stage presence were impressive, and he handled tricky questions from reporters and potential traps with ease, appearing both graceful and composed. Upon repeated viewing, Gu Xuanze even noticed how Yu Li subtly showcased his strengths and what fans wanted to see during the interviews.

He was a person with a much deeper strategy than his gentle and cute appearance suggested. Of course, few people in the entertainment industry were truly simple. As the boss of the company, Gu Xuanze was naturally interested in Yu Li, since the boss cares about whether the employees can bring profits to the company. As long as their personal character didn’t affect the company’s image or violate the law, it was fine as long as their public persona held up.

After multiple interactions with Yu Li and his team, Yu Li seemed willing to join their company. After that, Gu Xuanze and Yu Li met privately a few times, but they never seemed to get along well. With Yu Li’s personality and methods, he wouldn’t have actively made an enemy out of Gu Xuanze, but Gu Xuanze simply didn’t like him.

Gu Xuanze’s past experiences had taught him to endure. For the sake of the company’s interests, he could set aside personal dislikes. Even Gu Xuanze couldn’t understand why he had such strong hostility toward Yu Li. Even though reason told him that Yu Li could bring the company great benefits, he simply didn’t want to sign him.

In the end, Gu Xuanze did not sign Yu Li to his company. This decision was hard for many people to understand, but as he had absolute authority, no one dared to oppose him.

“Mr. Gu, it’s been a long time.”

When the voice he found so annoying, just as he remembered it, sounded in his ear, Gu Xuanze snapped out of his thoughts. Yu Li, smiling sincerely, was holding Lu Youze’s arm, while Lu Youze, who was being held by him, showed no respect, his handsome face filled with disgust.

Gu Xuanze didn’t know how Yu Li had explained the rejection to Lu Youze, but after Gu Xuanze refused to sign Yu Li, Lu Youze had announced the termination of all cooperation with Gu’s company.

It was then that Gu Xuanze realized that Lu Youze and Yu Li were in a relationship. He never thought Lu Youze could like someone so much.

Gu’s company was a dominant force in the entertainment industry, holding an unshakable position with a large roster of outstanding artists. Not only that, they had talented directors, screenwriters, and costume designers. Gu’s company had also invested in major film and television studios, many of the classic movies and TV shows, including several starring Lu Youze, were filmed in Gu’s studios.

Lu Youze knew that terminating all cooperation with Gu’s company meant he could lose the best creative team. He truly loved his profession, but for Yu Li, he didn’t hesitate to sever ties with Gu’s company.

Not only did he end the collaboration, but Lu Youze also antagonized Gu Xuanze wherever they met, showing no goodwill. This behavior angered Gu Xuanze’s friend, Gu Xuanhao, and the two even went through a period of cold war.

Thinking of this, Gu Xuanze felt a sharp pain in his chest. He thought to himself that he should make time to go to the hospital for a checkup.

Perhaps because he was feeling unwell, or perhaps because he didn’t want to see Yu Li and Lu Youze’s “affectionate” display, Gu Xuanze deliberately sat in this corner.

Since Yu Li and Lu Youze went public with their relationship, Gu Xuanze had disliked Yu Li even more. He admitted there was a “jealous” element involved, so he avoided meeting Yu Li whenever possible.

Now Yu Li had intentionally approached him, probably having seen through his feelings for Lu Youze, wanting to show off in front of him. Of course, there was also likely a desire for revenge for the earlier rejection. Gu Xuanze still remembered the look and smile Yu Li had given him when he left the meeting room after the rejection.

The public confrontation between Lu Youze and him was probably Yu Li’s first act of retaliation. What a petty person. To outsiders, Yu Li’s current smile appeared pure and adorable, but Gu Xuanze only saw the fleeting provocation in his eyes.

Hmph! Acting like this because of Lu Youze’s affection, he really doesn’t understand his own worth.

Gu Xuanze felt his chest, which had just calmed down, begin to ache again.

“President Lu, Mr. Yu.” Gu Xuanze stood up and greeted the two men without showing too much enthusiasm, even though his gaze constantly followed the man named Lu Youze. “I never expected to see both of you at such a banquet.”

Of course, he was referring to Yu Li, who had no business being there in the first place.

Yu Li looked somewhat aggrieved. He hurriedly grabbed the side of Lu Youze, who wanted to speak up for him, and gently and humbly smiled at Gu Xuanze, “President Gu, long time no see! Everyone usually just calls me by my name, so you can call me by my name as well. The ‘Mr. Yu’ feels a little unfamiliar.”

“Let’s just stick with Mr. Yu,” Gu Xuanze replied indifferently, his expression always blank. Now with his cold demeanor, it didn’t seem out of place. “Sorry, I’m not used to calling people by their names if I’m not familiar with them.”

“President Gu, you misunderstand. I didn’t intend to get close to you…” Yu Li began to explain anxiously, but his voice suddenly became full of grievance. Yet, he seemed to try hard to keep smiling, as if worried it would be noticed. “Well, someone like you, President Gu, who is so noble, probably wouldn’t be interested in someone like me, just like back then…”

Yu Li paused here deliberately, and when he spoke again, his smile was even more radiant, “Ah, I was rude, please don’t mind, President Gu.”

Of course, Yu Li was doing this on purpose, intentionally not making his “grievance” too obvious but just enough for Lu Youze to catch on, aiming to make Lu Youze feel more pity for him.

Gu Xuanze could see right through it. What he couldn’t understand was how someone like Lu Youze, a top actor, could be deceived by such poor acting.

Could it be that the person involved is always the one who is confused? Being favored often leads to overconfidence.

Gu Xuanze didn’t speak and just stood there, coldly watching Yu Li continue his performance. Anyway, his relationship with Lu Youze had already soured enough.

“Yu Li, you don’t need to put up with this,” Lu Youze couldn’t watch it any longer. Seeing Gu Xuanze treating Yu Li this way right in front of him, it was obvious that Yu Li had probably suffered a lot back then, too. “In my eyes, you’re the best. You’re a hundred times better than some people who just use their rich father’s name to bully others.”

Gu Xuanze’s face didn’t change, but in his mind, he thought coldly, If it was relying on his useless father, he’d probably have been thrown into the Pacific Ocean to feed sharks by his older brother a long time ago. But there was no need to say this to the person in front of him. Even if he did, it would only bring mockery.

Lu Youze never bothered to understand him, so why bother making a fool of himself? Although the other person didn’t give him any face, he didn’t want to embarrass Lu Youze.

What was that saying again? The one who falls in love first always loses completely.

“Youze,” Yu Li tightly gripped Gu Xuanze’s arm, pretending to be self-reproaching. “Please don’t say that, don’t let things get unpleasant between you and President Gu because of me.”

Heh! Gu Xuanze couldn’t even be bothered to look up. What a pure and innocent “immaculate lotus.” How could someone as foolish as Lu Youze fall for someone like him? If it weren’t for not wanting his relationship with Lu Youze to worsen, and not wanting his stupid younger brother to break ties with Lu Youze just to defend him… Ever since Lu Youze started dating Yu Li, he had offended quite a few people. Even Lu’s elder seemed unhappy with it. If even Ahao were to cut ties with him, Lu Youze would really be all alone, with only Yu Li, who had no real feelings, left by his side.

“President Lu, Mr. Yu, is there something you need from me?” Gu Xuanze asked, his expression unchanged as he looked at the two of them. “I’ve had a little too much to drink, and I’m feeling a bit unwell. If there’s nothing urgent, I’ll be leaving.”

Though there were a few people he wanted to meet at this banquet, he wasn’t in the mood anymore. He could always arrange to meet them next time.

“Since you’re not feeling well, President Gu, we won’t keep you,” Yu Li said with a caring look. “This wine is a bit harmful to your health. It’s better to drink less, President Gu.”

Gu Xuanze didn’t respond. He already found him unpleasant and wasn’t about to give him that courtesy. This naturally displeased Lu Youze, who stopped Gu Xuanze, lowering his voice to warn him, “Gu Xuanze, Yu Li is with me now. I can’t let you bully him. I’m letting it slide this time because of Yu Li, but if you dare treat him like this again, don’t blame me for being rude.”

“President Lu,” Gu Xuanze glanced at Lu Youze. His emotions were unreadable. “I suggest you think carefully.”

With that, he left the exhausting banquet.