Chapter 54

The bruises from the previous fall and impact bloomed on the snow-white skin like budding plums. Xiao Yuanyan’s fingers unconsciously increased the pressure of applying the ointment.

A muffled groan sounded, and the warm skin under his palm trembled. Xiao Yuanyan looked somewhat worried, his deep voice slightly hoarse, “Too heavy? I’ll be gentler.”

Xie Fuyi exhaled, “It’s fine, just apply the medicine quickly. I can endure it.”

Xiao Yuanyan’s dark eyes dimmed. Did this person not notice how his current demeanor and words bordered on seduction?

Xiao Yuanyan’s gaze intensified as he stared at the obedient figure lying on the bed, his fingers spreading the ointment in circles on the silky-smooth skin.

Xie Fuyi bit his lip and didn’t speak, but due to the pain, his muscles tensed, and a layer of fine sweat on his smooth back seemed to be coated with honey, with droplets of sweat trickling down and gathering at the small of his back.

Xiao Yuanyan’s gaze became increasingly fervent; he felt like the air itself was heating up. In this simple rest room, amidst the hustle and bustle outside, the other person, no matter how skilled in combat, would have to endure out of fear of being discovered by others, allowing him to do as he pleased…

“Is it done?” Perhaps the other person felt the application of the ointment took too long, Xie Fuyi finally couldn’t help but speak up.

“Uh-huh.” Xiao Yuanyan snapped out of his trance, hoarsely responding.

He withdrew his hand, and Xie Fuyi sat up and moved his arms. The pain-relieving and bruise-healing ointment made his back feel cool and comfortable. He smiled and said, “This medicine really works. Thank you, Young Master Xiao. I owe you again. If you ever need anything from me in the future, just let me know.”

His gentle and clean smile carried a hint of distress as if contemplating how to reciprocate later.

Xiao Yuanyan’s gaze casually glanced over the other’s well-built chest, and then he sat on the sofa, crossing his legs without leaving a trace.

He knew he could use the other person now, but…

For someone so pure and clean, obtaining them directly would require force.

And he wasn’t ready to break that bright and clean smile just yet.

He’d take his time; he wanted those eyes to willingly surrender.

Xiao Yuanyan raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat disappointed, “Aren’t we friends?”

Xie Fuyi quickly responded, “Of course.”

Xiao Yuanyan smirked, “Why be so formal between friends?” He paused, slightly propping up his head in frustration, “Fuyi, I’m two years older than you. Would it be too much to ask you to call me ‘brother’?”

Being asked by Xiao Yuanyan to recognize him as a brother was probably something anyone would eagerly agree to. But Xie Fuyi hesitated, looking at him with some confusion, “Why are you helping me so much?”

Xiao Yuanyan assessed him; even the most innocent person would be wary of sudden kindness.

He smiled and said, “Actually, our company is investing in a new idol drama, and we’ve been struggling to find a suitable male lead. I think you’d be perfect for it, so I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to help. What do you say?”

Xie Fuyi was momentarily stunned, and then his expression brightened, “Really? Of course, I’d love to.” He did need the money now, after all, to pay off his debts. And he could also “help” Xiao Yuanyan.

Xiao Yuanyan smiled, “Great, I’ll have them contact you for the audition.”

Gratitude flickered in Xie Fuyi’s eyes; all those subtle guards and distances seemed to have dissipated. He earnestly said, “Xiao Ge, thank you.”

Xiao Yuanyan’s smile widened, “No problem. I’ve already booked a place for dinner tonight, I’ll send you the address.”

Xie Fuyi blinked, “But, tonight was supposed to be my treat…”

Xiao Yuanyan chuckled, “There will be a next time.” …Considering the current situation, being able to treat him to a meal would be good enough.

Xiao Yuanyan sent the address to Xie Fuyi. Just then, the makeup artist knocked on the door, reminding Xie Fuyi that his afternoon shoot was about to start, so he needed to get ready.

Xie Fuyi changed into his costume, and smiled at Xiao Yuanyan, “Well then, Xiao Ge, I’ll go shoot now. See you at 8 tonight.”

Xiao Yuanyan nodded, only relaxing after Xie Fuyi left. He hadn’t moved from his seat all this while.

—

The scene shifts to Xie Fuyi’s afternoon shoot, which was relatively simple, mostly involving appearing in crowd scenes.

Regarding the issue of intimidation, Chen Shan had reviewed all the surveillance videos, and it turned out the person responsible for Weiya had mistakenly taken the wrong one. Chen Shan fired that person and promised to be more vigilant in the future.

The crew finished work early in the afternoon, and Chen Shan told them to go back and rest.

Xie Fuyi changed back into his own clothes. Seeing that it was still early, he remembered his promise to send money to Bai Wuluo from last night.

He transferred all the wages he received today to Bai Wuluo’s WeChat account.

Bai Wuluo, after handling his affairs, happened to see the message that came through on his phone—

“Wuluo, this is the advance payment from the crew today. You can use it tonight.”

His eyes narrowed, and his movements paused. He didn’t expect the other party to really transfer the money to him as soon as they received it.

He opened the transfer page and looked at the number on it. The other party didn’t leave a single cent for himself.

Feeling inexplicably good, he curled his lips and moved his finger to return the money—

“Bro, tonight’s gathering is canceled. Let’s have dinner together. When will you be back?”

Xie Fuyi raised an eyebrow. The fact that the other didn’t accept the money was within his expectations, but they still wanted to have dinner together tonight?

“I have an appointment tonight and it’ll probably be late. You don’t need to wait for me. Remember to have dinner.”

The slight curve at the corner of Bai Wuluo’s lips flattened bit by bit: …So, is he still planning to have dinner with Xiao Yuanyan?

—

Just as Xie Fuyi finished packing up and was about to head to the West Tullan Restaurant where he had agreed to meet Xiao Yuanyan, he received a call from an unfamiliar number.

“Hello, who is this?” Xie Fuyi politely answered with his gentle voice.

There was silence on the other end for a moment, then a somewhat familiar, low, and hoarse voice came through, “Xie Fuyi, is the money ready?”

Xie Fuyi: …Oh, Bai Wuluo’s creditor’s account.

Xie Fuyi’s voice turned slightly cold, “It’s only been a day.”

A light chuckle came from the other end, slightly distorted through the phone line, “But I need it now. Come to the Star Club immediately, and let’s talk.”

“Talk about what?”

“I have an idea for a deal that will relieve you of your debt.”

Xie Fuyi checked the time. If he went now, he should make it in time for the dinner at 8.

“Okay.”

—

Standing in front of the Star Club, Xie Fuyi remembered a plot point, that is, tonight, Mu Ziming was also here.

Tonight, Bai Wuluo would have someone beat up the cannon fodder here. Mu Ziming, seeing that Bai Wuluo’s identity was not ordinary, and coincidentally knowing Xie Fuyi, would protect Xie Fuyi, attracting Bai Wuluo with his kindness.

Xie Fuyi thought this was an important plot point, definitely more important than dinner with Xiao Yuanyan.

Just as Xie Fuyi stepped inside, a black-clad bodyguard approached him and asked, “Are you Mr. Xie Fuyi?”

Xie Fuyi nodded, but before he could finish speaking, he was respectfully led to the VIP box on the second floor, “Please follow me, the boss is already waiting for you upstairs.”

Xie Fuyi: …What’s going on? Weren’t they supposed to beat him up in the lobby? He’s already seen Mu Ziming’s figure!

If he goes upstairs, there won’t be many people there, so how will the protagonist’s performance be later?

Seeing him hesitate, two more black-clad bodyguards came around, one on each side of him, standing behind him. It seemed that if he didn’t go upstairs, they would take him up themselves.

Xie Fuyi remained expressionless as he followed the person upstairs.

In the lobby, Mu Ziming, who was sitting with friends drinking, frowned. Hadn’t he just seen Xie Fuyi? But what was he doing going upstairs? This was the top club under the Xingluo Group, and especially on the second floor, only top-tier tycoons had private rooms.