The True Identity of the Male College Student?

Nan Pei followed Song Jingchen into the office. Staff members were helping Song Jingchen organize project materials for the upcoming meeting with Xingyao Entertainment.

Nan Pei casually placed the roses on the table and quietly peeked at the documents, confirming that this was the collaboration project mentioned in the plot.

“System, is Huo Yao really from the data redundancy zone?” Nan Pei asked, puzzled. “Why is he showing up in the overbearing CEO novel?”

“…Actually, I find it strange too,” the system replied after a moment of silence. “Normally, people from the redundancy zone don’t interact with the novel plots. Maybe it’s just a coincidence.”

“Last time, Huo Yao investing in Love Meteor Shower might’ve been a coincidence,” Nan Pei said. “But now he’s investing in Song Jingchen’s film industry project… Can it really be just a coincidence?”

The system fell into deep contemplation. After a long pause, it finally responded, “It could also be that Huo Yao’s influence in Lujin City is just too strong.”

Nan Pei was still confused but had no choice but to accept this as the most reasonable explanation for now.

“Host, why Huo Yao is involved in the project isn’t important,” the system reminded. “What is important is that you help Song Jingchen secure the collaboration to smoothly advance the second phase of the overbearing CEO novel’s career line.”

In this novel, the first phase of Song Jingchen’s career line involved overcoming the company’s financial crisis, which brought the plot to 10% completion. The second phase required helping the Song Group establish a new subsidiary and expand its business map. Completing this phase would bring the total progress to one-third.

According to the system, when the career lines of all three male leads reached one-third completion, Nan Pei would receive a mysterious reward. As for what the reward was, the system kept that detail secret—teasing Nan Pei’s curiosity.

A few minutes later, Song Jingchen finished organizing the documents and prepared to head to Xingyao Entertainment. Nan Pei left first to bring the car around. Before leaving the office, Song Jingchen’s gaze was drawn to the roses on the table—the bouquet Nan Pei had carefully prepared for him. The flowers were vibrant and beautiful. Perhaps unwilling to be rejected outright, Nan Pei had deliberately left them behind.

All along, Nan Pei had used small gestures like this to try to get Song Jingchen’s attention.

At that moment, Secretary Candy noticed where the president was looking. She swallowed nervously, then walked over to remove the bouquet. Song Jingchen frowned slightly and gave a small cough.

Candy glanced at him and said seriously, “Understood. I’ll dispose of the flowers right away.”

Song Jingchen’s expression changed slightly. Although he didn’t particularly like Nan Pei, he didn’t think it was necessary to respond so harshly to such a pitiful gesture. As Candy was about to toss the flowers in the trash, a flicker of tension crossed Song Jingchen’s face, and he abruptly stopped her.

“Leave them.”

Candy froze, stunned. “These flowers… are from Nan Pei.”

“What I mean is,” Song Jingchen said, frowning and thinking for a moment, “if I reject his flowers again, he’ll just keep sending them. Better to keep one and tell him not to send any more.”

He felt the excuse was quite reasonable—it explained why he wanted to keep the bouquet. He just didn’t want Nan Pei to get into the habit of bringing them.

Candy looked at him suspiciously. Something about Song Jingchen’s behavior felt… off. Still, she said nothing and silently placed the bouquet back on the desk.

Only then did Song Jingchen show a satisfied expression, his mood improving as he went downstairs to drive to Xingyao Entertainment.

Twenty minutes later, Nan Pei followed Song Jingchen’s car in his sports car, heading toward the northern part of Lujin City. While waiting at a red light, Nan Pei suddenly noticed a villa by the roadside—it was Huo Yao’s, located at the center of the four regions. Although he couldn’t see it clearly from a distance, a strong sense of familiarity surged within him. If he had the time, he definitely would’ve gotten out to take a closer look.

Upon entering the northern region, Nan Pei felt a sudden warmth and familiarity, as if he had been here before.

“System,” Nan Pei asked curiously, his eyes drifting across the buildings and streets, “why do I feel like… I should be living in the north? It’s like I naturally belong here.”

“Probably because this is the only ‘normal’ world,” the system explained. “It’s also the region most similar to your world before you crossed over.”

Nan Pei blinked in realization. That made sense. Among the four regions of Lujin City, the north truly was the most ordinary.

In the southern region, dramatic family feuds dominated the news, occasionally interrupted by strange financial headlines like, ‘Due to the cooling weather, CEO X decided to bankrupt Company XX.’ It was as if everyone was obsessed with melodrama and romantic gossip.

The eastern region was immersed in the e-sports world. Posters for Crown of Thorns were plastered everywhere in anticipation of the upcoming preliminaries. TV screens constantly looped game highlights, and it seemed like everyone was a gaming fanatic.

The western region was the most chaotic—paparazzi chased celebrities down streets in cars, massive fan posters covered every wall, and the air buzzed with the latest scandals. Star-chasing had practically become a national movement.

But the northern region was different. It was quiet and laid-back. No family dramas, no e-sports fanfare, no celebrity gossip. Beneath the calm exterior, there was a subtle sense of warmth. Nan Pei really liked it here.

Xingyao Entertainment, a newly established subsidiary of the Huo Group, was located at the heart of the northern district. Its architecture was understated, perfectly matching Huo Yao’s low-key public image. After getting out of the car, Nan Pei followed Song Jingchen and his team toward the entrance.

For some reason, the thought of meeting Huo Yao in person made Nan Pei a little nervous.

Song Jingchen noticed and sneered, “If you’re regretting it now, it’s not too late. Business meetings aren’t a playground for someone like you.”

“Jingchen Gege,” Nan Pei turned to look at him, eyes filled with gentle determination, “no matter what, I have to attend—for you.”

Song Jingchen pursed his lips and muttered, “Childish.”

Still, despite his words, he suddenly felt a little more confident about the negotiation.

They were welcomed by Xingyao staff and escorted straight to the sixth-floor meeting room. As they passed through the building, it was clear that despite being new, the company was vibrant and full of energy. Everyone looked busy and focused. High-profile artists occasionally passed by, and promotional posters for upcoming film projects lined the halls.

Such a thriving entertainment company… and it was only one small subsidiary of Huo Yao’s empire.

Nan Pei found himself growing even more curious about Huo Yao. Meanwhile, Song Jingchen silently marked him as a rival—someone he was determined to surpass.

When they reached the sixth floor, Nan Pei’s nerves intensified. To calm down, he excused himself to go to the restroom.

As he approached the entrance, planning to splash some water on his face, his gaze was suddenly drawn to a tall figure standing at the door.

The man’s back was tall and straight, his long legs wrapped in tailored suit pants. He was adjusting his tie, and as he moved, the dark gray suit jacket tightened slightly, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

Sensing someone behind him, the man glanced at the mirror above the sink—and froze. Nan Pei, standing behind him, also looked into the mirror. His eyes widened like saucers.

“You, you… what are you doing here?”

It was the male college student from before.

The student’s fingers paused on his tie. His long, slanted eyes met Nan Pei’s in the mirror, filled with an unreadable expression. After a beat, he raised an eyebrow and asked, “Then why are you here?”

“I’m here for business,” Nan Pei replied reflexively. “What about you? Don’t tell me someone from this company hired you to serve drinks?”

The student frowned, retorting, “Is that all I am to you?”

Nan Pei studied the man in the mirror more closely. He didn’t look like someone who served drinks anymore.

“You’re at Xingyao Entertainment,” Nan Pei said, analyzing, “wearing what seems like a pretty expensive suit… adjusting your tie before a meeting…”

As he spoke, realization struck. He gasped and covered his mouth. “Oh no. You wouldn’t be…”

The student glanced at him, interest sparking in his eyes. “Wouldn’t be what?”

“You wouldn’t be,” Nan Pei said seriously, “an intern at Xingyao Entertainment, would you?”

The student’s hand trembled slightly, wrinkling the tie he’d just fixed. He turned around to face Nan Pei directly, frowning.

“An intern? Do I look like an intern?”

“What, aren’t you?” Nan Pei blinked. After a pause, he offered another theory. “Ah—are you a signed artist? A boy band trainee?”

The student: “…”

Nan Pei eyed him up and down.

“Well, you’ve got the legs for it. Super long. And you’re handsome, great skin… You’d make a pretty solid idol.”

Almost convinced by his own guess, Nan Pei nodded thoughtfully. “That’s good—you won’t have to serve drinks anymore.”

The student looked at him in silence. Then, calmly, he asked, “So what business are you here for?”

“I’m here to discuss a collaboration with your boss, Huo Yao,” Nan Pei said honestly. “Oh, right. I know Huo Yao. We’re not super close yet, haven’t talked much.”

Then he stepped forward, giving the student a firm pat on the shoulder.

“If Huo Yao ever mistreats you, come find me. I’ll get justice for you.” His voice was full of righteous conviction.

The student looked at the hand resting on his shoulder, then responded with a neutral, “Is that so?”

“Of course—” Nan Pei started, then noticed something. “Wait, why were you fiddling with your tie just now? It looked fine to me.”

The student pressed his lips together, replying quietly, “It was a bit messy.”

Hearing that, Nan Pei stepped closer, peering up at his collar.

“Let me take a look.”

The student was much taller, so Nan Pei only had to tilt his head slightly to see the collar, tie, and the prominent Adam’s apple above. Then, carefully, he reached out and adjusted the tie. His fingers were precise and gentle.

While straightening the knot, Nan Pei’s pinky brushed against the student’s collarbone. Even through the shirt, it was enough to make the student stiffen slightly. A moment later, his Adam’s apple bobbed.

Nan Pei didn’t notice. Focused on his task, he continued adjusting.

Then came a low voice from above—slightly hoarse and a little awkward. “…Not done yet?”

“Done.” Nan Pei stepped back and smiled. “Perfect.”

The student didn’t even glance at the tie. His gaze stayed fixed on Nan Pei’s face.

“What? Not satisfied?” Nan Pei blinked, puzzled.

After a beat, the student gave a quiet “Hmm” and replied, “Satisfied.”

“By the way,” Nan Pei added with curiosity, “do you have OCD or something? You don’t even let tiny wrinkles slide.”

“A little,” the student said, lips tight.

“Seriously?” Nan Pei chuckled. “Didn’t see that coming.”

The student frowned. “What’s so funny?”

Feeling mischievous, Nan Pei tugged at his own tie, deliberately messing it up.

“What about this? Does seeing my tie like this drive you nuts?”

Sure enough, the student visibly frowned, lips pressed into a line. Seeing his reaction, Nan Pei couldn’t help but laugh.

“Just messing with you. I’m heading to the meeting. You work hard.” He waved and turned to leave.

—

Back in the meeting room, Nan Pei slid into the seat beside Song Jingchen.

Song Jingchen frowned. “What took you so long?”

“Sorry, Jingchen Gege,” Nan Pei scratched his head sheepishly. “Wasn’t feeling great.”

Song Jingchen snorted. “When will you ever be reliable?”

Just then, Huo Yao’s secretary, Cheng Man, entered the meeting room.

“Everyone, please wait a moment. President Huo will be here shortly.”

Nan Pei leaned in and whispered, “This Huo Yao isn’t very punctual, huh…”

Many in the room had never seen Huo Yao before, only knowing from rumors that he was a very handsome CEO. The atmosphere buzzed with curiosity. Nan Pei, of course, was no exception—he was eager to finally meet him.

Then, footsteps approached the door. A pair of long legs appeared at the entrance, and the meeting room doors opened automatically.

A tall young man in a dark gray suit walked in.

As he entered, the room fell silent.

Nan Pei’s eyes widened immediately.

Why was the college student here too?

Wait—why was Huo Yao’s secretary bowing and greeting him?

And why… did he just sit down across from Song Jingchen and me??

Nan Pei stared at the man—at Huo Yao.

For a long second, his mind went completely blank, lips parted slightly in shock, brain on full shutdown.

Then, the system’s voice rang clearly in his mind:

“Host, this project seems doomed.”

⸻

Author’s Note:

Please shower me with love~ 💐💘