The two approached the private room, where they saw two bodyguards in black trench coats stationed outside the ornately gilded door—one standing, the other sitting.

The standing guard was approximately 1.9 meters tall, while the seated one wasn’t far off at over 1.8 meters. Both had well-built physiques and weren’t unattractive.

Cheng Ji quickly assessed them, mentally calculating his odds in a fight. He estimated about a 30% chance of success, assuming the two didn’t attack together.

Manager Zhou nodded in greeting to the bodyguards, who understood and opened the door.

Inside was a lavishly decorated circular antechamber, no more than ten square meters in size. Another door was located deeper inside. Manager Zhou approached it and knocked with calculated force.

Countdown to the scene: one minute.

The ever-diligent Plot Administrator prompted Cheng Ji to instinctively scratch his ear.

A few seconds later, a man’s voice called out loudly from inside:
“Who is it?”

“It’s me, Xiao^[1]Little Zhou. I brought someone over,” Manager Zhou replied.

“Come in,” the man said.

Manager Zhou signaled to Cheng Ji with his eyes, silently repeating his earlier advice: tread carefully.

The two pushed open the door and stepped in, closing it behind them.

Inside was a suite with a living and dining area, two bedrooms, a Western-style kitchen, and several bathrooms. Manager Zhou led Cheng Ji into the living room, waiting for the occupants to emerge.

The first to appear was a slippery-looking man. His slicked-back hair and clean-shaven chin gleamed unnaturally, while his face bore dark circles from excess indulgence.

Cheng Ji immediately felt uneasy just looking at him but kept his head down, standing quietly behind Manager Zhou.

The man’s eyes roved over Cheng Ji, as if on wheels, scanning from his head, down his face, chest, waist, hips, and legs, all the way to his heels, before circling back to linger on his silhouette.

Disgust rose in Cheng Ji’s throat, but he kept his gaze firmly fixed on the back of Manager Zhou’s trousers.

“New here?” the man asked slyly.

“Yes,” Manager Zhou answered carefully. “First time.”

“Then why dress him like this? It’s awful. Even if it were his hundredth time, I’d still find it repulsive. Just look at him—makes you lose your appetite.”

Manager Zhou responded apologetically, “That’s my fault. I didn’t supervise properly.”

“Don’t you know Young Master Qi hates this kind of thing?”

“I do,” Manager Zhou said tactfully. “I’ll have him wash up and change right away.”

“No need,” the slick man said. “People need something thrilling. First impressions matter. Let the kid rest for today, but be more careful in the future—especially with those you bring to Young Master Qi. Luckily, I caught this. Otherwise, you’d be in for trouble.”

Manager Zhou quickly agreed, “Yes, yes, absolutely.”

Cheng Ji, nauseated by it all, kept his head lowered. Suddenly, the Plot Administrator’s voice snapped him to attention.

Countdown to the protagonist’s arrival: ten seconds. Prepare your line.

Ten, nine…

Manager Zhou said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Wu. It was my mistake. It won’t happen again.”

Six…

“Get out of here,” the slick man said.

Three, two, one…

Zero.

From the inner room, a tall man in a gray shirt emerged. Even without the Administrator’s reminder, Cheng Ji could tell this was the protagonist—he was just too striking, someone you wouldn’t forget after seeing. But there was something in his gaze that made him even more uncomfortable than the slick man’s.

Cheng Ji took half a second to size him up and concluded he could take this guy in a fight—though he didn’t want to.

Instinctively, Cheng Ji disliked him, the way one wolf dislikes another equally dominant and threatening wolf. So long as the other didn’t invade his territory, he could tolerate their posturing, as a fight wasn’t worth the cost.

Manager Zhou greeted obsequiously, “Good evening, Young Master Qi.”

Then, with a nudge to Cheng Ji, he whispered, “Say hello.”

In that moment, Manager Zhou was less a manager and more a brothel madam introducing a courtesan to a wealthy client.

Say your line, the Administrator reminded.

Cheng Ji silently asked, How?

‘Just as the Zhou supporting character instructed. This is your first line and the only one with the Qi protagonist.‘

So, Cheng Ji bowed his head slightly and muttered, “Good evening, Mr. Qi.”

His voice was a bit hoarse, soft, and awkward. Afterward, he silently asked the Administrator, ‘Was that okay?‘

The Administrator gave no response.

Qi barely acknowledged the greeting. He frowned slightly and waved a hand, signaling them to leave without even a glance.

Manager Zhou, unbothered, bowed slightly and hurriedly left with Cheng Ji in tow.

As the gilded door closed behind them, Manager Zhou led Cheng Ji briskly down the hall. Turning a corner, confident the bodyguards couldn’t hear, he finally spoke frankly.

“Don’t take what that Wu guy said to heart. He’s just a petty bully flaunting his scraps of authority.”

“I don’t care,” Cheng Ji replied.

Manager Zhou added, “And don’t blame me for dressing you like that—it was deliberate.”

Cheng Ji frowned. “What do you mean?”

Looking around to ensure no one was nearby, Manager Zhou pulled him behind a column and explained in a low voice, “That Qi Beisong guy—you saw how good-looking he is, right? But he’s incredibly difficult to deal with. If you don’t know how to handle him, you’ll end up in big trouble.

“Since it’s your first time, I couldn’t send you in there to fend for yourself. If you said the wrong thing and angered him, your career would be over before it even started—not to mention the consequences for the rest of your life.”

Cheng Ji stared at him, mouth slightly agape, his face pale.

“So,” Zhou continued, “I had to make you look unattractive today. Sure, it’s ugly, but it’s safe. Do you get it now?”

Cheng Ji slowly nodded. “I get it. Thank you.”

Manager Zhou chuckled and said, “No need to thank me. I’ll bring someone else up in a bit. Qi is pretty picky—sometimes he doesn’t even bother playing if he doesn’t find anyone he likes. You head back for now. Once I’m done with this task, I’ll find someone more experienced for you—someone older, gentle, and less demanding. Some of the old clients can be quite considerate.”

Before he could finish, someone brushed past them.

“Stop!” Manager Zhou called out.

The person, startled, turned back. It was a young server in his early twenties, pale and delicate, about the same height as Cheng Ji, with a slender waist and narrow hips.

“Who are you?” Manager Zhou asked.

Seeing the badge on Manager Zhou’s chest, the server’s fair face flushed crimson. “I—I’m a server from the bar.”

“You’re new here, aren’t you?” Manager Zhou noted the unfamiliar face.

The server nodded.

“Who’s in charge of you?”

“Brother Mao.”

Manager Zhou’s suspicion deepened. “Mao Xiaowei sent you here?”

The young server replied, “Brother Mao said Room 388 needed a bottle of red wine, but he couldn’t find anyone else, so he asked me to deliver it.”

Shaking his head, Manager Zhou frowned. “Tch, your department’s management is a mess. Letting a newbie wander into a VIP suite without supervision. Fine, go in, deliver the wine, and get out quickly. Don’t linger and cause trouble.”

The young server nodded nervously and continued toward the room.

Suddenly, the Plot Administrator’s voice boomed in Cheng Ji’s ear, startling him.

Secondary protagonist entering in 30 seconds.

Cheng Ji was shocked and silently asked, ‘What? That guy’s a protagonist?‘

Yes, that’s Shen Zimo, the secondary protagonist. Cheng Ji, your role is to highlight his pure and unique aura.

‘To hell with that.‘

Watch your language when addressing the Administrator.

Cheng Ji felt a metaphorical mouthful of blood rise in his throat.

By then, the secondary protagonist had reached the door, explained his purpose to the bodyguards, and was granted entry. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to knock.

The Administrator began narrating: Shen Zimo is a hardworking and frugal bar server. He is an illegitimate child, orphaned early, and raised in an orphanage. Optimistic and kind, he is a gentle yet determined character whose dream is to open a flower shop. Today is his first day at work.

Cheng Ji asked, ‘What happens when he goes in?‘

The plot advances.

‘How?‘

He is restrained, taken away, and locked in a house.

‘What?‘ Cheng Ji was horrified. ‘Why is he being imprisoned? Isn’t he just here to… work?‘

No. He unintentionally offends the primary protagonist with a verbal misunderstanding, which leads to his confinement.

Cheng Ji froze mid-step.

Manager Zhou, now several steps ahead, turned back, puzzled to see him standing still.

Cheng Ji clenched his teeth and growled at the Administrator, ‘What kind of story is this? A misunderstanding leads to imprisonment? That’s completely irrational!‘

It’s a BL romance: domineering CEO, forceful love, angst-heavy. The story is titled Cruel Passion: The Tyrant’s Jilted Concubine. This opening scene establishes Shen Zimo accidentally entering Qi Beisong’s suite, which leads to a heart-wrenching and physically intense relationship.

Cheng Ji stumbled, nearly falling.

What the hell is a “jilted concubine”? Too much information at once—I feel like I have acid reflux. This is utter nonsense!

Furious, Cheng Ji spun on his heel to leave, but Manager Zhou grabbed him by the arm and hissed, “What are you doing?”

“That server is going to be in trouble,” Cheng Ji replied in a low, urgent tone.

Manager Zhou’s eyes flickered with a sharp glint beneath his plain single eyelids.

“He’s going to get hurt!” Cheng Ji pressed.

Manager Zhou slowly replied, “I know he might be in trouble. Qi Beisong loves that type the most.”

Cheng Ji’s anger burned hotter as he demanded, “Then why don’t you stop him?”

“I already warned him to deliver the wine and get out of the suite,” Manager Zhou said calmly. “He’s from the bar staff, not under my jurisdiction. I don’t even know why Mao Xiaowei sent him here. Maybe Qi Beisong called for him himself. If I interfere, wouldn’t that be overstepping?”

“He wasn’t called by Qi Beisong,” Cheng Ji gritted out.

“So what?”

Cheng Ji said, “If you won’t stop this, I will.”

Manager Zhou grabbed him by the collar and glared. “You little punk, who do you think you are? Even if he ends up suffering in there, do you think you can ruin Young Master Qi’s plans? Do you even qualify? Let me warn you, Cheng Ji—if you don’t rein in your delusions, you can forget about working under me. Don’t forget about your mother and her medical bills. Think about her!”

“But—” Cheng Ji began.

Manager Zhou cut him off with a smile, offering a sweet after a harsh reprimand. Hooking an arm around Cheng Ji’s shoulder, he said, “Come on, don’t meddle in other people’s business. Whatever happens in Room 388—be it a crime, fun and games, or nothing at all—is none of your concern. Because that’s Qi Beisong in there—a man who could get away with murder or arson.”

Cheng Ji was forcibly dragged to the employee lounge and shoved into a small private room. Manager Zhou pressed him into a seat and said to Lele, “Keep an eye on him. Don’t let him wander around or run his mouth.”

Le Le asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

Manager Zhou laughed. “This kid seems to have a bit of a rebellious streak.”

The moment Manager Zhou left, Cheng Ji pushed Le Le away impatiently.

“Cheng Cheng, what’s going on with you?” Le Le asked.

Cheng Ji ignored him and mentally asked the Plot Administrator, ‘What happens to the secondary protagonist after Qi locks him up?‘

The Administrator replied flatly: He’s humiliated, betrayed, imprisoned, and eventually cast out. It’s a tale of suffering.

‘No one intervenes?‘

No one. It’s a “pai first, sweetness later” BL story.

‘Fine. If no one else will intervene, I will.‘

Cheng Ji sprang to his feet, stretching his joints. He couldn’t just sit by while injustice unfolded before his eyes. Even if it meant ending up dead later, he had to do something now.

“Cheng Cheng?” Le Le tilted his head, confused.

“Le Le,” Cheng Ji said, “It’s too hot in here. I feel dizzy. I need to step outside for a bit.”

“But Manager Zhou said not to let you go out.”

The Administrator seemed to anticipate Cheng Ji’s defiance, and a warning blared in his ear: Deviation Alert: First Warning. Insignificant side character Cheng Ji, sit down.

Insignificant side character? Cheng Ji sneered inwardly. He didn’t care about this world’s rules or the absurd plot. To him, no one was insignificant.

He softly said to Le Le, “If Manager Zhou comes looking for me, just tell him I stepped out for a smoke.”

“But I didn’t know you smoked,” Le Le said.

“I really want one right now,” Cheng Ji replied.

“Then smoke here. Don’t go out,” Le Le protested.

“I feel too anxious. I need some fresh air to calm down,” Cheng Ji explained earnestly. “Just ten minutes. Let me go, okay? We’re bros, aren’t we?”

“We’re sisters,” Le Le corrected him.

“Fine, fine, sisters,” Cheng Ji said. “Sister, I really need a smoke!”

“You’re younger than me.”

“Okay, I’m your little sister.”

Le Le’s wariness dropped, and he let go of Cheng Ji.

Cheng Ji didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he examined the emergency evacuation map on the back of the door.

Reading maps and orienting himself were among his skills. Within minutes, he could memorize terrain and visualize routes based on contour lines. Now, he knew how to bypass the guards and approach Room 388 from the outside.

He left the lounge, slipped through the dimly lit hallway, and ducked into the staff bathroom. Without hesitation, he picked up a pair of pliers from behind the door, pushed open a window, and climbed out.

It was the first floor. His target was on the third.