“But sir, I don’t know how Mr. Jian should dress.” Jian Yang scratched his head.

Guan Ciyan casually leaned back, “Jian Yang, don’t you think you should pay me some tuition fees?”

Jian Yang smiled charmingly, “I’m making money for you, sir. Everything I do now, isn’t it all for you?”

The money he was earning wasn’t even a tenth of the investment. Guan Ciyan commented seriously, “A losing business.”

Jian Yang smiled sheepishly. He knew it was still a losing business, so he was desperately trying to provide emotional value to make up the difference.

He needed to work harder, Jian Yang thought. If Guan Ciyan decided to cut his losses one day, he would be finished.

Jian Yang invited Guan Ciyan to his room to help him pick clothes. The wardrobe was full of various styles, and Guan Ciyan chose a dark patterned suit. “Today’s occasion doesn’t suit flamboyance. Except for large media events like galas, dark colors are usually safe. But avoid dullness. You’re still young, so stay away from solid dark suits. Your presence can’t carry it yet. Just a little dark design will do. All your formal clothes are only sent after I’ve reviewed them. When choosing from the wardrobe, it’s not difficult. But when you’re choosing outside, you need to be careful.”

Most of Jian Yang’s clothes in the past were borrowed from brands, and the beauty of the clothes didn’t matter much. What mattered was whether it was haute couture, whether it was out of season, or whether it was a rarer design worn by another celebrity. Both the person and the clothes were just displays of fame and status.

“When did I need someone to choose clothes for me outside?” Jian Yang’s voice lowered a bit.

Guan Ciyan noticed the subtle shift and guessed it was because Jian Yang’s family had often made him endure outside, so he pinched Jian Yang’s face. “No need to be so cautious. The status of the young master of the Guan family is more noble than any clothing. What I’m telling you is basic etiquette, you don’t have to follow it.”

“Won’t it be embarrassing if I make a mistake?” Jian Yang smiled.

“No, you look good. Everything suits you.”

Jian Yang smiled widely. “Thank you, sir.”

While Jian Yang changed, Guan Ciyan picked out a watch for him. It was only a few thousand yuan, not extravagant. Compared to the collection of luxury watches in the wardrobe, this one was just a little brother among them.

“Sir, who are we meeting?” Jian Yang couldn’t help but ask in the car, too curious. What kind of person would Guan Ciyan dress him in such a low-key yet impressive way, sitting in the car for two hours to meet?

“You’ll know when we get there. Be sharp.” Guan Ciyan seemed to be thinking, and Jian Yang wisely kept quiet.

The location was a high-end beachside vacation house, part of the area developed by Guan Chaoyan. Jian Yang had been there before for a seafood hotpot.

As soon as Jian Yang got out of the car, his appetite was immediately piqued by the fresh, sweet scent, a taste he had never had elsewhere.

Guan Ciyan got out from the other side of the car, his feet touching the ground, and his trademark smile appeared on his face, his eyes deep. “Jian Yang, follow me.”

Jian Yang didn’t answer but obediently stood behind Guan Ciyan.

After walking a few steps, Guan Ciyan said, “Come to my side.”

“Okay.” Jian Yang quickened his pace to walk in sync with Guan Ciyan.

Both of them were tall, walking on the beach more eye-catching than the sea view itself. The staff was already waiting by the door, and as soon as they approached, they opened it and bowed, “Mr. Guan.”

Guan Ciyan walked in without a glance to the side, extending his hand with elegance, a smile on his lips. “Director Cheng, how does it feel?”

A man in a brown jacket stood up inside the private room and shook hands with Guan Ciyan. “As expected from Mr. Guan, one could live here for a lifetime and never get tired of it.”

“Please, have a seat.” Guan Ciyan gestured to the seat.

In the private room, they spoke loudly and laughed. Jian Yang secretly tightened his pants, feeling far from Guan Ciyan, unable to understand his eyes and smiles, but Guan Ciyan didn’t seem to care. The man gestured to the seat of honor, though it still carried his warmth.

Guan Ciyan immediately froze and scolded the nearby staff. “Do you not train your staff on how to treat distinguished guests?”

The head waiter immediately cleared the entire set of tableware and replaced it with new ones. Guan Ciyan leisurely sat at the head seat. “Director Cheng, my apologies for the oversight.”

Jian Yang felt his tense heart relax, almost seeing Guan Ciyan losing face, his back sweating. He didn’t know who Director Cheng was, but Jian Yang sat down in a daze.

“No, no, Mr. Guan, you’re too polite.” Director Cheng took the small boy he brought and nodded toward Jian Yang. “Is this the one, the one Mr. Guan took action for, the one who broke that media manager’s arm?”

Jian Yang’s eyes widened. How did this matter spread?

Director Cheng’s gaze was appraising, filled with secretive desire. He tugged at the small boy’s ear. “Mr. Guan has good taste. These eyes are extraordinary.”

Jian Yang’s body stiffened, and he immediately wanted to leave but didn’t dare move, glancing at Guan Ciyan.

Guan Ciyan put down the menu, his voice cold, “Who told you to sit down? Stand up.”

Jian Yang: ??? Didn’t you tell me to come to your side?

He obediently stood behind Guan Ciyan, his eyes falling on his shoulder.

“The younger staff are a bit lax with discipline, leading Director Cheng to misunderstand.”

“Oh, so he’s Mr. Guan’s trusted confidant. I knew those rumors weren’t true. Mr. Guan is not like us.” Director Cheng laughed awkwardly, his hand sliding down to the boy’s waist.

Jian Yang felt like his eyes were burning. He closed them.

How disgusting.

“Jian Yang, greet Director Cheng, the rest of the things, you’ve cooperated quite a bit,” Guan Ciyan spoke, and Jian Yang walked over to the man, casually saying hello.

Director Cheng stood up and took the wine, “Guan Dong’s capable assistant, you flatter me.”

As he spoke, the wine glass was handed to Jian Yang.

Guan Ciyan casually said, “Forget the wine, Director Cheng, just recognize the face. Don’t end up mistaking someone next time.”

“How could that happen?” Director Cheng said, pulling a young man next to him, “I like this one, haha.”

Jian Yang sighed, and since Guan Ciyan had spoken, even if Director Cheng wanted to stir trouble, he wouldn’t dare do anything. However, as their conversation continued, Jian Yang only understood part of it. They briefly discussed someone’s thoughts, then talked about local customs, literary figures.

After standing for a while, feeling hungry, Guan Ciyan finished his conversation and said goodbye to Director Cheng, mentioning there was another meeting later. The car then turned and entered the guesthouse they had visited last time.

The guesthouse was only open to Guan Ciyan. Upon entering, the hot pot and dishes were already served. Jian Yang’s stomach rumbled as he stood behind Guan Ciyan.

“Are you not hungry?” Guan Ciyan asked.

“But sir, you just had me stand.”

“Now you’re obedient.” When you ran away from home, no one could bring you back.

Jian Yang clattered through the first round of food, then Guan Ciyan asked, “What did you pick up from that conversation?”

“That person seems important?” Jian Yang bit the head off a cuttlefish, his favorite food.

“Hard to say.” Guan Ciyan looked at the cuttlefish and picked one up himself, though it didn’t look as appetizing as when Jian Yang ate it. “The Provincial Propaganda Department manages news publishing and films, with the Provincial Film Bureau added as a department. That person is just a small director in the bureau, but has some connections with higher-ups, and can be easily dealt with.”

“So you had me meet him, does this mean there are issues with Teacher Wenye’s film approval?” Jian Yang felt a bit nervous.

“No.” Guan Ciyan served Jian Yang another cuttlefish, “Does your company only take on one project? Let me familiarize you with things, it’ll come in handy later.”

Jian Yang wanted to ask, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll bypass you and connect directly with him?” But then he realized that Director Cheng wasn’t foolish enough to abandon Guan Ciyan and cooperate with him instead.

Still, Jian Yang felt that Guan Ciyan treated him well, too willing to share. Not only did he provide money, but also shared connections.

If they hadn’t met this way, and if their positions were more equal, perhaps he and Guan Ciyan could have been friends.

“Got it, sir.”

For now, Jian Yang could only obediently follow his arrangements.

A month before entering the set, Jian Yang visited Mr. Su again. Then he spent time at home studying the script, and during breaks, he’d message Guan Ciyan to let him know he was thinking of him. To his surprise, Guan Ciyan became unexpectedly calm, not scolding him for an entire month, and even came home to have dinner with him every day.

On New Year’s Eve, Zhang Bo took a break, and Jian Yang prepared to spend it alone, but unexpectedly, Guan Ciyan came home at 10 PM, and they spent the night together, ushering in a quiet new year. The Lantern Festival passed, and it was time for Jian Yang to enter the set.

On the day he entered the set, it was Guan Ciyan who personally sent him there. He even arranged a special room at the hotel for Jian Yang, with the main task of supervising Jian Yang to take his medicine. Guan Ciyan personally checked the hotel’s environment, temperature, humidity, and cleanliness, like a father sending his son to stay in a dorm.

Jian Yang stood by the door, wondering if Guan Ciyan would greet his colleagues and ask them to get along with him. He shook his head; he couldn’t make money like Guan Ciyan. Look how much he cared about his own money-making tool—himself. Jian Yang could never do it.

Guan Ciyan deserved to make money.

“What are you looking at?”

Jian Yang turned around in surprise.

It was actually Bai Shun!

On his first day on set, he ran into the Best Actor!

What was he doing here?

“Best Actor Bai, what are you doing here?” Jian Yang asked.

“Just came to take a look. Long time no see, Little Jian Yang, how’s the preparation going?”

“Well, um… okay?” Jian Yang, while studying Wenye’s works, couldn’t avoid admiring the Best Actor, who had achieved so much alongside Wenye. The more he studied, the more he admired Bai Shun’s acting skills and didn’t dare to act overly confident in front of him.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”

Jian Yang was puzzled. “Are you also part of this movie?”

If Bai Shun were involved, then Jian Yang wouldn’t be the male lead.

“No.” Bai Shun smiled as if recalling something, “Just offering some technical support for friendship.”

“Ah… You’re really kind.” Jian Yang’s tone was full of admiration. What a talented and kind person.

Guan Ciyan appeared behind Jian Yang like a ghost, “My artist doesn’t need Best Actor Bai’s help with teaching.”

“Oh, you’re here too.” Bai Shun said to Guan Ciyan, “Looks like we’re about the same.”

“About the same?” Jian Yang looked at Guan Ciyan.

“Go check if anything’s missing in the room. Your eyes need medicine.”

Jian Yang immediately went in; his eyes were his top priority.

Bai Shun helplessly said, “What are you guarding against me? You know who my lead actor is.”

“Fair treatment, so you don’t think I’m playing favorites,” Guan Ciyan closed the door, cutting off Bai Shun’s view.

“Hey, you’d better be nice to me,” Bai Shun said, half-joking, half-warning, “When you need me to point things out.”

“Looking forward to it.” Guan Ciyan responded calmly.

Bai Shun shook his head. Young people always have too much energy. If he had been a bit less stubborn back then, let go of a little pride, and talked things through sooner, he wouldn’t be running around two sets now—one acting and one accompanying Wenye on set.