Chapter 30

In order to promote the new “Aolang” men’s fashion line, the Meng Group invested a lot of resources. Not only did they invite top-tier male celebrity Qin Yuxiao to endorse the products, but TV commercials for the new “Aolang” collection were also being aired non-stop.

The company required Shen Kuo and several other young men to come in for styling training every day, for four hours a day, paid hourly.

Since they were all newcomers, in order to quickly develop their sense of presence in front of the camera, a lot of effort had to be put in.

For Shen Kuo, no matter whether he liked it or not, as long as he was doing something, he would take it seriously.

However, Qin Yuxiao’s schedule was very tight. When he occasionally came in for rehearsal, it was usually just a few minutes of casual walking, and he was often late.

As a rising star, it was common for him to act high and mighty and carry an attitude. As long as everyone treated him well and didn’t upset him, it was fine.

When Qin Yuxiao made his first appearance, many people in the exhibition hall put down their work and ran over to watch. Their enthusiasm was mixed with flattery as they praised him, asking for autographs and photos.

Shen Kuo didn’t rush over with the crowd.

He didn’t have a TV at home, so although he knew Qin Yuxiao was a star, to him, he was just a colleague they worked with.

The only thing that bothered him was Qin Yuxiao’s constant tardiness and the many demands he made. Whether it was asking for coffee or a break, he always took so long to get his makeup done, often wasting their time.

A few times, Shen Kuo made it clear he was unhappy, giving Qin Yuxiao the cold shoulder.

As Shen Kuo’s “temporary agent,” Zhong Kai always advised him not to clash directly with Qin Yuxiao.

“He’s a big star. Even Ms. Meng gives him some leeway. Just let it go and be patient.”

Shen Kuo wasn’t some naive young man from society, he understood that it wasn’t the right time to have a conflict with Qin Yuxiao.

He held back his frustration, focused on doing his job, and thought, “In just two weeks, I’ll get paid and leave. I’ll never have to deal with him again.”

Two days before the new product launch event, Meng Zhineng came to the exhibition hall to check on the rehearsal.

“Director Fang, how are these newcomers doing?”

Director Fang looked toward her and gestured with his mouth, “Not bad, they’re starting to look camera-ready. Even the photographer praised them. Ms. Meng, you really know how to pick your talent.”

Meng Zhineng turned her gaze to the stage, where Shen Kuo was also present. He was wearing a light, natural makeup look, and the spotlight shone on his face, highlighting his flawless, fair skin. His features appeared even more delicate and refined, with eyes that sparkled—his expression was less playful and more composed, carrying a subtle aura of dignity.

He was dressed in the new “Aolang” light-colored knit sweater, and his body was the perfect model for clothes. No matter what type of clothing he wore, it seemed as if it was tailored just for him.

Under the intense spotlight, he seemed to glow, radiating beauty that was impossible to look away from.

Even when compared to the big star Qin Yuxiao standing beside him, Shen Kuo didn’t fall short. In fact, he exuded a more refined and aloof charm.

Without comparison, there’s no harm, and while Qin Yuxiao was handsome and elegant in his own right, standing next to Shen Kuo, his charm seemed to diminish, appearing a bit shallow and lacking depth.

Qin Yuxiao, holding the photographs taken by the post-production photographer, glanced at Shen Kuo behind him on his left, and his expression gradually darkened.

The man behind him had a strong presence, almost stealing the spotlight.

Qin Yuxiao had never liked Shen Kuo. While everyone else around him fawned over him, Shen Kuo’s attitude remained cold and indifferent. Once, when walking past him, Shen Kuo had completely ignored him.

This only made Qin Yuxiao resent him more.

With the event about to begin and reporters and cameras focused on the stage, Shen Kuo came out after changing into his outfit and getting his makeup done, looking handsome and poised.

Several fashion magazine reporters who saw him couldn’t help but whisper to each other, praising Meng Zhineng for her excellent eye for talent.

Qin Yuxiao could feel it deeply—this quiet young man was threatening his position and stealing his spotlight.

So, just three minutes after Meng Zhineng left, Qin Yuxiao snapped. He kicked over Shen Kuo’s backpack that was sitting on the chair, angrily muttering, “You’re in the way.”

The black backpack contained several computer books that Lu Yan had given to Shen Kuo. They tumbled out in front of the stage, one corner of the book visible.

Everyone fell silent, knowing Qin Yuxiao was about to throw a tantrum. They didn’t dare to speak up.

Shen Kuo walked to the front of the stage, silently picked up his backpack, and gently brushed off the dust and footprints on it. As he passed by Qin Yuxiao, he didn’t even spare him a glance.

Qin Yuxiao, ignored, looked around at the others, but they all pretended to be busy and silent.

He became even more frustrated. He had made a show of asserting dominance over Shen Kuo, but Shen Kuo’s cold response made him feel… like a fool.

Qin Yuxiao walked up to Director Fang and pointed at Shen Kuo, angrily saying, “Is this the guy you found for me?”

Director Fang had always been polite to Qin Yuxiao. Smiling, he said, “These are all great candidates selected by Ms. Meng.”

“Great candidates?” Qin Yuxiao scoffed sarcastically. “Look at him—he can’t even handle the camera. He stands behind me like an idiot, distracting everyone.”

Although his words sounded like a criticism, it was obvious to everyone that Qin Yuxiao was just upset because Shen Kuo had stolen his spotlight. With no outlet for his frustration, he began looking for faults.

Director Fang, trying to maintain harmony, smiled and reassured him, “They haven’t had proper training yet. They’re still fresh and new to this. Of course, they’re not up to your level.”

Qin Yuxiao snorted, “I didn’t need you to tell me that.”

Director Fang thought that Qin Yuxiao was just venting and that the matter would soon be over. He nodded in agreement while discreetly signaling to Shen Kuo to be more understanding.

Shen Kuo didn’t mind.

After all, he had never cared about these small setbacks, they were inconsequential people and events.

In this world, the only things that mattered to him… were the people he truly cared about.

As Director Fang continued to appease Qin Yuxiao, he couldn’t help but sigh to himself. Despite Qin Yuxiao having been in the industry for a while, he still hadn’t learned how to handle things as well as a high school student.

Director Fang shook his head helplessly, feeling a newfound respect for Shen Kuo. The young man was adaptable, able to endure and bide his time. He was certainly someone with a bright future.

Director Fang thought that the matter would be resolved after a little complaining, but to his surprise, Qin Yuxiao insisted that Shen Kuo be removed from the project. If not, he threatened to quit.

“This… we all signed contracts,” Director Fang tried to reason. “Ms. Meng personally selected him. Shen Kuo hasn’t done anything wrong. There’s no reason to fire him.”

“How hasn’t he done anything wrong?” Qin Yuxiao retorted. “A guy like him standing behind me will ruin my screen image!”

The people around them, hearing this, couldn’t help but show amused expressions.

Qin Yuxiao was probably worried that Shen Kuo would steal his spotlight, which was why he was deliberately looking for an excuse to get him fired.

Although everyone could see through it, they still didn’t dare confront Qin Yuxiao directly. After all, he was a big star, someone whom even Ms. Meng had to show respect to.

Qin Yuxiao stubbornly insisted that Director Fang fire Shen Kuo, or else he would refuse to work.

Director Fang didn’t want to offend Qin Yuxiao, so he went to find Meng Zhineng. However, Meng Zhineng was currently hosting foreign guests and was unavailable to meet him.

Meng Group didn’t only have the “Wolf King” brand, Meng Zhineng, as the head of the company, was swamped with work every day.

Unable to find her, Director Fang was anxious and didn’t know what to do. If Qin Yuxiao refused to work, they could still find a replacement, but the key issue was that Shen Kuo had been personally selected by Meng Zhineng, and she certainly wouldn’t easily let him go.

With a heavy heart, Director Fang returned to the exhibition hall. Qin Yuxiao was sitting in his chair like a grandmaster, sipping his coffee. “Director Fang, have you consulted with the leadership yet?” he asked.

Director Fang could only try to appease him. “If you really can’t stand Shen Kuo, I can arrange for him to be placed further back, so he’s not standing behind you. Would that be acceptable?”

Zhong Kai immediately became anxious upon hearing this. It was Meng Zhineng herself who had arranged for Shen Kuo to stand second, and the order had already been set. How could they change it just like that?

However, Shen Kuo held Zhong Kai’s wrist and calmly looked at Qin Yuxiao.

If a confrontation occurred now, it would only make things worse. It would be better to hold back.

The suggestion made by Director Fang was actually an attempt to give Qin Yuxiao an out. If he accepted it, the matter could be resolved.

Shen Kuo didn’t care where he stood, as long as his pay remained the same. Whether he stood second or last, it made no difference to him.

However, Qin Yuxiao seemed to be competing with Shen Kuo. He knew that if Shen Kuo really appeared on TV, he might steal all the attention, and Qin Yuxiao’s spotlight would be completely overshadowed.

“No, there are only two options—either he leaves, or I leave. You decide,” he declared.

Director Fang was almost in tears. The exhibition would begin in just a couple of days, and if this wasn’t handled well, Meng Group would suffer a huge loss.

At that moment, one of Director Fang’s assistants came over and whispered, “During the selection process, we reserved a few backup candidates just in case of unforeseen circumstances. Maybe we could choose one of them to replace Shen Kuo.”

After all, the exhibition could do without anyone, but it couldn’t do without Qin Yuxiao.

Qin Yuxiao was the person Meng Zhineng’s daughter had personally chosen. Everyone in the company knew how much Meng Zhineng adored her precious daughter. Not only could she get a star for her, she could even get the moon if she wanted it.

Director Fang reluctantly looked at Shen Kuo, unsure of what to say.

“Well… Little Shen, I can only say I’m sorry, but don’t worry. Your salary will be paid in full, not a penny less,” he said.

Zhong Kai was livid. “Director Fang, Shen Kuo has been training for so many days, and now you’re saying he can’t be in the show? Are you just messing with us?”

“Oh, please understand. That guy’s a big star, even Ms. Meng treats him with courtesy. I can’t afford to offend him.”

Zhong Kai grumbled, “Is there no other star in the entire entertainment industry? Why does it have to be him? This is just him ^[1]“Throwing his weight around” means using one’s power, influence, or authority in an aggressive or overbearing way to get what they want, often disregarding others’ opinions or … Continue readingthrowing his weight around.”

“You two may not know this, but Qin Yuxiao is the person Ms. Meng’s daughter specifically requested. No matter how much it cost, Ms. Meng insisted on bringing him here just so his daughter could meet him, so… I’m really sorry.”

Shen Kuo glanced at Qin Yuxiao, who wore a victorious smirk, his attitude arrogantly domineering.

Shen Kuo knew that this was the way the world worked—survival of the fittest—and he had nothing to say about it.

“I don’t like making things difficult for others. I’ll take my leave,” Shen Kuo said, turning to leave.

Director Fang called after him, “Wait, take your pay before you go.”

“I’ll only take what I’ve earned,” Shen Kuo replied.

Taking more would be charity from others, and Shen Kuo, being a proud man, would never accept anyone’s pity or charity.

Zhong Kai, indignant, stormed out of the hall with Shen Kuo, muttering curses about Qin Yuxiao’s ancestors.

At that moment, Lu Yan entered, wearing a mint green dress. It was a simple, everyday dress, but it looked especially refreshing and charming in the midsummer heat.

She handed her bicycle to the security guard, who took it inside and carefully stored it at the front desk.

The moment Shen Kuo saw Lu Yan, it felt like a cool breeze of mint was blowing his way.

She looked… very beautiful today.

Lu Yan spotted Shen Kuo and her face showed a hint of surprise. Without hesitation, she ran over to him. “Shen Kuo, Zhong Kai, what are you two doing here?”

Zhong Kai, full of frustration, replied, “Ugh, don’t ask. I thought I had landed a good job, but it turns out ^[2]“The cooked duck flew away” (煮熟的鸭子飞了) is a Chinese idiom that means losing something that was already within your grasp, usually because of unforeseen circumstances or … Continue readingthe cooked duck flew away. All that training for nothing. It’s like carrying water in a bamboo basket, completely useless.”

“Ah, what happened?”

Zhong Kai, feeling full of pent-up anger, was eager to vent. He wanted to get Lu Yan’s opinion.

“Can you believe this guy? He’s so arrogant, acting all high and mighty just because he has a little fame. He even said he’s the one Ms. Meng’s daughter specifically chose. He looks down on us two.”

Shen Kuo rubbed his temple helplessly. “He didn’t exactly say that. Don’t exaggerate.”

Zhong Kai was always a bit dramatic, but his main points weren’t without some truth.

After hearing Zhong Kai’s words, Lu Yan’s expression darkened. She mumbled under her breath, “I didn’t expect him to be that kind of person.”

If she had known, she wouldn’t have suggested bringing Qin Yuxiao in. She had watched some of his films before and thought he was quite handsome, with a cool, aloof aura that suited the image of the “Wolf King” brand. That’s why she had recommended him. But now, seeing his real personality, she was disappointed.

She recalled that afternoon when Shen Kuo had received his first paycheck and excitedly treated her to a meal at the Century City Grand Hotel.

Lu Yan couldn’t stand seeing her friend being mistreated.

“Come with me.”

She grabbed Shen Kuo’s sleeve and, with a serious expression, walked toward the elevator.

Lu Yan led Shen Kuo back into the exhibition hall, where the young man who had been chosen to replace Shen Kuo was now standing in his place.

Director Fang observed the new young man, standing awkwardly behind Qin Yuxiao, and sighed. The young man’s image and aura were far inferior to Shen Kuo’s.

Yet Qin Yuxiao wanted someone like this to make himself look better, without considering the impact on the show. It was incredibly selfish.

Qin Yuxiao, noticing Shen Kuo had returned, felt his anger rise and stormed over to him.

“What are you doing back here? Let me tell you, don’t make a fool of yourself. Leave now, or else…”

“Or else what?” Lu Yan stepped forward, standing in front of Shen Kuo and facing Qin Yuxiao. “You want us to leave, is that it?”

Qin Yuxiao sized up Lu Yan, assuming she was part of the staff, and said rudely, “Get lost, or I’ll make sure you lose your job too.”

As a popular idol, Qin Yuxiao was used to girls screaming and fawning over him, but Lu Yan’s hostile attitude immediately put him off.

Lu Yan adopted the arrogant tone she had when she was a spoiled rich girl and retorted, “Let’s be honest, we’re all here for the money. No one’s better than anyone else. Stop acting like you’re some big shot.”

Qin Yuxiao couldn’t tolerate this remark. “I’m not like them. How can they compare to me?”

“Then tell me, how are you different?”

Although they all worked for Meng Group, Qin Yuxiao felt he was far above everyone else. He was a star, and his presence was a favor to Meng Group, a way to give them a face.

He pointed at Shen Kuo and the other boys around him. “These nameless guys, do you really think they can compare to me? Let me tell you, even if I went to Ms. Meng and asked her to fire all of them, she wouldn’t say a word.”

“You’re way too confident. As far as I know, Ms. Meng isn’t someone who ignores principles.”

Qin Yuxiao sneered, “I’m the one Ms. Meng’s daughter chose. Ms. Meng is famous for spoiling her daughter. Do you think she’d choose anyone else?”

Lu Yan grinned, surprised to find that, after all this back and forth, the conversation had somehow turned to her.

When Director Fang and the other colleagues heard this, they clearly felt a bit awkward. But since Lu Yan didn’t speak up, they also didn’t dare to intervene.

Qin Yuxiao turned to Director Fang and said, “What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and get rid of him, I can’t stand looking at him.”

Director Fang and the others remained motionless, as if they hadn’t heard him.

“Hey, I’m talking to you… What’s going on?”

At that moment, Meng Zhining, who had been busy with company matters, returned to the exhibition hall and asked, “What’s going on? Why is everyone gathered here?”

Director Fang quickly approached her and briefly explained the situation in a low voice.

“Ms. Meng, you’re just in time,” Qin Yuxiao said, stepping forward and raising his voice. “I don’t know where this girl came from, but she’s making a scene here. Get the security to kick them out.”

Meng Zhining’s gaze toward Qin Yuxiao grew cold.

She had already heard about how Qin Yuxiao had been arrogant during rehearsals, often speaking harshly to staff and other models, but she had let it slide, knowing it was for her daughter’s sake. However, now he was daring to speak rudely to Lu Yan, which touched a nerve with her.

“Security, get this arrogant guy out of Meng Group’s building!” she ordered coldly.

A few security guards walked over and grabbed Qin Yuxiao’s arms, preparing to escort him out.

Qin Yuxiao froze. “Hey, you’ve got the wrong person! Let go of me!”

Meng Zhining looked at him and said coldly, “Since you want to leave, fine. But we have a contract with your agency. If you want to leave, you’ll have to pay the penalty fee first.”

Qin Yuxiao didn’t expect Meng Zhining to actually kick him out. He became anxious. He had just started his career, and if he had to pay the penalty, his agency wouldn’t cover it—he would have to pay it himself.

Besides, if this incident spread, his future endorsements could be at risk.

“Ms. Meng, this… there must be some misunderstanding.”

“There’s a misunderstanding, alright,” Meng Zhining said, her tone sharp. “You think Meng Group is just some place where we pay you to come and act like a tyrant, bullying my employees and subordinates?”

She glanced at Lu Yan and continued, “Also, my daughter is not someone you can just tell to leave.”

At these words, Qin Yuxiao was left speechless.

He didn’t expect… he didn’t expect this girl with ordinary clothes, and didn’t seem particularly striking in appearance, to be Meng Zhining’s daughter, the young lady of Meng Group!

He had thought she was just one of the staff.

The staff and models who had once been looked down upon by Qin Yuxiao couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction watching him get put in his place.

Meng Zhining looked at Lu Yan, then turned her gaze to Shen Kuo behind her. “Little Shen, you didn’t do anything wrong. You don’t need to leave. Your original position still stands.”

Shen Kuo nodded calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.

Qin Yuxiao’s face turned pale with rage. Now, he was in a tough spot. After all, he still had some fame. He had already made the ultimatum “If Shen Kuo doesn’t leave, I will”—there was no way he could take it back, or else his reputation would be ruined.

With a clenched jaw, he could only storm off in frustration.

Once Qin Yuxiao left, the exhibition hall finally quieted down. Fortunately, the new product launch wasn’t for a few more days, and Meng Zhining always had a backup plan.

She immediately instructed Director Fang to contact another male celebrity who had previously worked with Meng Group’s clothing line to step in.

Lu Yan had been sitting quietly, propping her chin with one hand, watching Shen Kuo pose on the stage.

She didn’t realize before just how handsome he was!

Under the spotlight, his high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and sharp, thin lips… His striking features came together like a perfect work of art.

But he was so poor. His worn clothes and his serious, subdued aura overshadowed his youthful brilliance.

That was why the girls at school were too intimidated to get close to him.

During a brief moment of respite, Meng Zhining turned and saw Lu Yan gazing intently at Shen Kuo.

A knowing glint flashed in her eyes as she waved at Lu Yan. “Yanyan, come here.”

Lu Yan stood up and walked toward Meng Zhining.

Meng Zhining glanced at the young man on stage and then put her arm around Lu Yan’s shoulder, teasing her, “Is he your boyfriend?”

“Ah, no, he’s just a classmate.”

Meng Zhining teased further, “You look so mesmerized, your eyes are practically glued to him. You’re even willing to tear apart an idol for him, and it’s just a classmate? Is that really all?”

Lu Yan’s face suddenly flushed red. She quickly explained, “It’s… it’s really just a classmate! You know I’m just the type to stand up for my friends. If anyone bullies my friends, no matter who they are, idol or not, I’ll… I’ll still stand up for them.”

“I was just joking. Why are you so worked up?” Meng Zhining laughed.

“I… I’m not worked up!” Lu Yan stammered.

Meng Zhining smiled as she ruffled Lu Yan’s hair. “I think your classmate, Shen Kuo, is really impressive. It’s rare to find a young man who can stay so calm.”

Lu Yan knew that Meng Zhining rarely praised others easily. If she said he was impressive, it meant she truly admired him.

“However…”

Meng Zhining glanced at the radiant young man on stage and furrowed her brows slightly. “He has a bit of a fierce aura.”

Even though she had seen countless people, she couldn’t quite figure out what kind of thoughts lurked in Shen Kuo’s deep eyes.

That evening, Lu Yan and Shen Kuo walked home together.

The girl walked ahead, stepping lightly and happily, while Shen Kuo followed casually behind her, maintaining a half-meter distance the entire time.

“You’ve never told me you’re the daughter of Meng Group.”

If he had known earlier, he would have never taken this job.

“You… never asked either. Wouldn’t it be strange if I suddenly told you?”

The girl hopped along the tiles, jumping in rhythm.

Shen Kuo raised an eyebrow. “That makes sense.”

Lu Yan skipped to his side and looked up at him. “But Shen Kuo, I realized, you really have the potential to be a star!”

Shen Kuo shrugged indifferently. “Is that so?”

“When you wear those clothes and stand in front of the camera, you just shine. You’re no worse than those stars.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Have you ever considered debuting as a center position?”

“No.”

Shen Kuo wasn’t very interested in such things. He didn’t like to pose or care about other people’s opinions. He didn’t have the talent to sing or dance, and he didn’t care whether people liked or disliked him.

People like him were born to be unsuitable for the entertainment industry.

Lu Yan was just saying it casually.

“I really want to be a star. I want more people to like me.”

“Why would you want so many people to like you?” Shen Kuo asked calmly.

“I don’t know,” Lu Yan shrugged. “Being liked by many people is just a happy thing, right?”

A hint of melancholy flickered in Shen Kuo’s eyes. He had never been liked by many people. In fact, even his mother… didn’t like him.

If she did, she wouldn’t have left.

A person who has grown accustomed to fighting their own battles in solitude doesn’t care about what others think of them.

Has being liked ever been a happy thing? Shen Kuo had never felt that way.

The setting sun in the distance bathed her face in a soft glow. She smiled and said with determination, “Anyway, everyone needs to find something they love to do, and then just do that one thing for the rest of their life. That’s enough.”

Shen Kuo lowered his eyelids, staring at her for a long time, until the girl’s earlobes began to turn red.

“What… are you looking at me for?” Under his intense gaze, Lu Yan felt a bit nervous.

After just a few seconds, Shen Kuo immediately shifted his gaze and noticed a street vendor pushing a rumbling cart selling rice puff tubes.

He quickly pulled her forward and bought three rice puff tubes, handing them all to her.

Lu Yan gladly accepted them, sitting on a park bench in the middle of the street, munching on the puffed rice tubes like a little hamster.

Shen Kuo looked out at the bustling street, seeming to have no intention of going home.

“Do you want some?” Lu Yan broke off half a rice puff tube and offered it to him.

“I don’t eat snacks.”

“Then I won’t hold back.”

She crunched the puff tube until it was completely gone. As the sun slowly set, Lu Yan stood up, brushed off the crumbs from her skirt, and said, “Well, I’m going home now!”

“Wait.”

Shen Kuo suddenly reached out his hand, gently touching the corner of her mouth.

“Mm!”

Lu Yan’s heart skipped a beat.

His cool fingertip wiped away a white crumb stuck at the corner of her mouth, casually popping it into his own mouth.

“You…”

Didn’t you say you didn’t eat snacks?

He savored the sweetness on his tongue, nudged her shoulder, and smirked. “Go on, hurry up and leave.”