“The Days We Walk Together in the Jianghu” is about to begin filming tomorrow, and Lu Youze couldn’t sleep. Ever since he had firmly established himself in the entertainment industry, it had been a long time since he felt this nervous about the start of a new drama. Since he couldn’t sleep anyway, he decided to open his computer and search for information on the actors listed in the cast sent by Wu Liyi.

Lu Youze hadn’t been in this world for long. Although he had made an effort to understand the major trends in the entertainment industry, there were so many artists that he couldn’t possibly remember them all at once. Of course, he could use “amnesia” as an excuse, but since they would all be working in the same production for a long time, the more he knew about them, the better. Even if most of the information online was just about the public personas of these stars, it didn’t matter. After all, he didn’t intend to become close friends with them; it was enough that he could get along with them for work.

This was how Lu Youze had always handled relationships—he was adaptable and could get along with anyone, but never formed deep connections. So, although this version of Lu Youze had a bit of a rough life, there was one thing he admired: having a friend like Gu Xuanhao, someone who would go to great lengths for him.

He had many friends, but none like Ahao.

At this moment, Gu Xuanze’s WeChat message came through. Lu Youze found it strange. What kind of big boss would send a message in the middle of the night asking, “Are you asleep?” He immediately felt a sense of unease, as though something bad was about to happen. When he saw that Gu Xuanze asked if they could talk, he didn’t hesitate to call him.

“Mr. Gu, what’s the important message you have at this hour?”

What he feared the most was that something unexpected had happened with the new drama.

It couldn’t be that bad, could it?

Despite his concerns, when Lu Youze spoke, he kept his tone calm and even added a hint of a smile, speaking as though he were joking. He didn’t want to make his worries too obvious.

“Lu Youze,” Gu Xuanze’s deep, pleasant voice came through, sounding almost like a low murmur in the quiet of the night. “I thought we were already friends.”

The voice carried a mix of helplessness and sadness, though perhaps that sadness was just an illusion.

It was hard for Lu Youze to imagine someone like Gu Xuanze being sad, but now, unable to see the usually expressionless face, the emotions in his voice were contagious. Gu Xuanze might have said it casually, but for some reason, Lu Youze felt a sense of guilt, and the atmosphere between them suddenly became ambiguous.

“Mr. Gu, if you have something to say, just say it,” Lu Youze replied with a smile, maintaining his usual composure. As for whether they were friends, he neither confirmed nor denied it. After all, they would still be working in the entertainment industry, and it was important not to damage relationships with influential people. Of course, he could admit they were friends, but his strong sixth sense told him that would bring an endless stream of trouble, so he chose to deflect the topic.

On the other end, Gu Xuanze pulled his phone slightly away from his ear, sighed silently, and his gaze darkened further. It was clear that Lu Youze’s response wasn’t what he had hoped for. However, he didn’t press the issue, just stared at his phone silently, waiting until Lu Youze asked if he was still there before speaking again.

“Lu Youze, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

“Mr. Gu, if you have something to say, just say it,” Lu Youze wasn’t in the mood to continue the small talk at this hour. He asked directly.

“Someone’s threatening to get Yu Li into the cast.” If Lu Youze had been trying to show his strength in front of Gu Xuanze, Gu Xuanze was the opposite. He didn’t mind revealing his helpless side to Lu Youze. He even tried to appear more innocent and wronged. “They have some leverage on me.”

Lu Youze was somewhat surprised, but not because Gu Xuanze was being threatened. He had been threatened with leverage before, too. In life, everyone had one or two secrets, and anyone could be blackmailed if someone found out. What surprised him was that Gu Xuanze was being so honest with him about this.

Someone like Gu Xuanze could easily bring anyone into the drama with just a word. He could have easily given him some excuse, although Lu Youze didn’t believe everything. The fact that Gu Xuanze told him this made him feel as though Gu Xuanze was trying to win his favor.

Lu Youze was startled by the thought and quickly shook it off, forcing himself to focus on the credibility of Gu Xuanze’s words.

Finding someone’s weakness and using it for blackmail was something Yu Li would do. Now, Lu Youze was curious—what kind of leverage could someone like Gu Xuanze have?

“Mr. Gu, are you asking for my opinion?” Lu Youze didn’t beat around the bush and asked directly.

“No,” Gu Xuanze’s voice was calm, yet somehow reassuring. “I just want you to trust me. No matter what happens, Yu Li will not be joining this production.”

“The Days We Walk Together in the Jianghu” was a project carefully crafted for Lu Youze, and Gu Xuanze would not allow anyone to ruin it, especially not Yu Li.

Lu Youze didn’t expect Gu Xuanze to make such a strong guarantee, and for some reason, his heart tightened.

The feeling was unfamiliar, causing him to furrow his brows. This wasn’t just a passing feeling. Lu Youze was sure that Gu Xuanze was being too kind to him. But soon he realized that Gu Xuanze’s kindness wasn’t directed at him personally, but because of the child he was carrying. Perhaps he still thought the child was his nephew? The thought left Lu Youze feeling undeserving of such attention.

It might be better to clarify things. Last time I tried to explain but was interrupted, and surely no one will interrupt me again this time.

“Mr. Gu, I think I should clarify something,” Lu Youze said. “The child in my belly is not Gu Xuanhao’s. He and I are really just friends, so you don’t have to be kind to me because of that.”

He wasn’t sure if it was another illusion, but when he finished speaking, he seemed to hear Gu Xuanze chuckling on the other end of the phone. The strangest thing was, he could detect a hint of affection in that smile.

And his heart began to race again.

Lu Youze slapped his head hard, forcing himself to focus. It must be the lack of sleep causing these illusions.

“Youze,” Gu Xuanze paused for a moment before slowly speaking, “Do you think I’m good to you?”

“Well, of course, you’re good,” Lu Youze replied with a smile. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t go out of your way to tell me this.”

After all, even if the role was given to another young actor with slightly better acting skills, the drama would still be a hit.

He wasn’t indispensable. Despite being threatened, Gu Xuanze was still considerate of his feelings, trying to find a way to prevent Yu Li from joining the cast.

Lu Youze also believed that Gu Xuanze could make it happen.

This feeling was strange. Unknowingly, he was beginning to trust this man more and more.

“Youze, is it wrong for me to be good to you?” After hearing Lu Youze’s answer, Gu Xuanze suddenly asked.

Uh… Lu Youze found himself momentarily speechless. He felt that tonight, Gu Xuanze seemed a little different from the impression he had of the CEO.

“Youze, don’t worry. I’ve never misunderstood your relationship with Ah Hao,” Gu Xuanze adjusted his emotions before speaking softly again.

If it wasn’t for that reason, then why would he be so kind to him?

Something seemed to be on the tip of his tongue, but Lu Youze backed out.

“Mr. Gu, it’s getting late, and I should rest,” Lu Youze felt that continuing the conversation would be dangerous, so he quickly said, “I’ve heard what you said, and I trust you. Well, I’ll hang up now. Good night.”

Not giving Gu Xuanze a chance to speak, Lu Youze hung up the phone.