The assistant went out, and Guan Ciyan’s intuition felt something was off. After replaying the events carefully, he couldn’t find any mistakes.

Guan Jingyu had sent Jian Yang to ruin his reputation, reminding Old Master Guan that he was just the result of Old Master Guan’s drunken mistake and was not worthy of the Guan family bloodline. But the same stigma would hurt Guan Jingyu, who was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, even more. Guan Jingyu was currently rising fast, being pushed to the second tier, close to the first, with a growing fan base. No media dared to report on his scandals, allowing him to develop freely. Once his fanbase stabilized, he would cross over to the resources beyond the entertainment industry and might even establish another entertainment powerhouse to rival his.

He was waiting for an opportunity to strike at Guan Jingyu, and now that the knife was placed before him, there was no reason not to take it.

As for Jian Yang, at worst, he could invest in the Jian family. Once the Jian family’s objectives were achieved, they would handle it.

Everything was reasonable, even the risk management was unnecessary.

Guan Ciyan could no longer sit still in the study and unknowingly walked down to the first floor. Jian Yang had just entered, and a yellow shadow darted to his feet, “Meow meow meow meow.”

Jian Yang was in a good mood and squatted down, extending his hand to let the little cat jump into it. The cat was thin and skeletal, but he picked it up with one hand, giving it a few strokes, “You are so clean and smell nice.”

Guan Ciyan was watching from the staircase. When he came back earlier, the little stray cat had run out, and when it saw him, it turned around and walked away, showing its backside to him.

One by one, they were all going to make trouble.

The cat was very affectionate towards Jian Yang. When its paw landed on Jian Yang’s hand, its claws were retracted, and it kept meowing, its voice high-pitched. Jian Yang rubbed it all over, and when he looked up, he saw Guan Ciyan not far off, watching them—a person and a cat.

Jian Yang’s smile immediately faded, and he pressed the cat to his arm, “Sir, I’m back.”

Guan Ciyan walked over to the bar, pulled a bottle of mineral water from the fridge, and twisted the cap. His arm muscles bulged as his long fingers gripped the bottle, twisting the cap as if he were breaking someone’s neck. “Did you earn your 180?”

Jian Yang ignored the mockery in Guan Ciyan’s tone and happily responded, “Yes, and there’s another shot too.”

Guan Ciyan felt his ears buzz. What kind of proud tone was that?

The little cat meowed again.

Guan Ciyan shot it a dissatisfied look. Stupid creature, didn’t even know who it was following to have a good life.

Jian Yang raised the little cat in his arms, “Sir, would you like to pet it?”

The cat’s ears immediately perked up, and Jian Yang gently held its body, not allowing it to move, softly comforting its unease.

We all live for a living. It’s not shameful. With a little awareness, one can see who the real daddy is!

Guan Ciyan sneered and gave Jian Yang a meaningful glance, snapping his fingers.

A black-and-white dog appeared, running to Guan Ciyan’s side. Guan Ciyan petted the dog’s head, “Good child, sit.”

The well-groomed Border Collie sat by his feet, tongue out.

Guan Ciyan tossed a piece of jerky into the air. The Border Collie jumped and caught it, then returned to sit beside him. Guan Ciyan’s gaze shifted to the little cat. Jian Yang swallowed hard and pulled the fragile little cat back into his arms.

Guan Ciyan’s lips curled up, “Good child, go.”

The Border Collie bolted toward Jian Yang’s thigh.

“Ah—!”

Jian Yang staggered backward in fear.

The little stray cat jumped out of Jian Yang’s arms just in time, almost getting its tail stepped on by the dog.

“Be careful!”

Jian Yang fell backward, just barely landing in Guan Ciyan’s arms. Guan Ciyan steadied him, pressing down on Jian Yang’s shoulder, “Look.”

Jian Yang, still shaken, saw the living room already a mess from the cat and dog’s chaos.

The Border Collie was smart and always seemed to predict the little cat’s escape route. The cat was agile, and several times it barely escaped the dog’s paws. The cat’s meowing became frantic, and the dog continued to chase, fur flying everywhere. The little cat jumped onto the couch, and the Border Collie pounced from behind. The cat kicked off with its hind legs, leaping to the top of the cabinet, and the dog ended up with three scratches on its nose, growling but unable to climb up, circling below.

If it had been another dog, the cat might not have lost. But the Border Collie was a shepherd dog, crouching and growling with sharp eyes, as intimidating as Guan Ciyan, making the little cat’s fur stand on end, struggling to fend it off.

Jian Yang’s brief change in opinion about Guan Ciyan disappeared in an instant. He remembered how Guan Ciyan had tortured the original body in the book. He imagined being locked in a cold, dark bathroom, drenched. Jian Yang shuddered with fear, his voice trembling, “Sir, the little cat… it’s still small.”

Guan Ciyan smiled gently, patting Jian Yang’s head, “Silly cat, you’ve mistaken your master.”

Jian Yang’s gaze was straight, locked onto Guan Ciyan’s strong chest. That kind of power was something he could never possess. “Sir, wait for me a moment.”

“Mm.” Guan Ciyan was calm and accommodating.

When Jian Yang stepped away from his embrace, his steps faltered, and he twisted his ankle slightly. Guan Ciyan steadied him, holding his arms firmly, “No rush, take it slow.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Jian Yang went back to his room on the second floor, took out the business card Guan Jingyu had given him last night, and handed it to Guan Ciyan, “Sir, this is the business card Guan Jingyu gave me last night.”

Guan Ciyan took the card and patted Jian Yang’s head, “Good boy.”

Jian Yang’s nostrils flared as he bit his lip, “Sir, the little cat…”

“Xia Tian, come here.”

The Border Collie was named Xia Tian, a hopeful name, and had just been chasing the little cat mercilessly.

Jian Yang stretched his arms out from under the cabinet, “Come down.”

The little cat meowed and jumped onto Jian Yang’s shoulder. Jian Yang grunted and swatted its bottom, muttering, “Silly cat.”

He walked up to Guan Ciyan and softly asked, “Sir, may I stay?”

Guan Ciyan tapped the business card in his hand, “Are you sure?”

Jian Yang’s gaze flickered but remained fixed on Guan Ciyan’s eyes. He nodded.

Only by staying beside Guan Ciyan could he slowly plan for the future. He had already gained Wei Wei’s approval and received a chance. If he left Guan Ciyan, he might fall to the bottom and have no new opportunities.

For Guan Ciyan, he couldn’t afford to provoke him, nor could he escape him.

“Why?” Guan Ciyan asked.

“Because I like you, sir.” Jian Yang figured it out, his spirit, which had been scattered by the cat-and-dog battle, gathered again, showing an appearance of shyness and nervousness. “I want to be as amazing as you, sir.”

Guan Ciyan slightly lowered his head, bringing Jian Yang’s face completely into his line of sight, trying to find an answer in those bright, shining almond eyes.

Unfortunately, Jian Yang’s eyes were clear, his cheeks flushed with a hint of red. Anyone who looked at him would have a hard time saying anything untrustworthy.

Guan Ciyan flicked his business card onto Jian Yang’s forehead. “Do you know who Wen Ye is?”

“I do,” Jian Yang nodded. “If I can act in a movie by Director Wen Ye, then Fuyu Holy Hall will be eager to sign me, right, sir? If Fuyu Holy Hall can work with Director Wen Ye, all artists will willingly lower their earnings to sign with Fuyu Holy Hall.”

“You’re quite clever.” Guan Ciyan pinched Jian Yang’s face.

“Even if I’m not an actor, I would know who Director Wen Ye is.”

“So, what did Guan Jingyu say to you?” Guan Ciyan observed Jian Yang’s expression.

Jian Yang truthfully replied, “He said he would wait for me, and didn’t say anything else.”

“What does ‘waiting for you’ mean?”

Jian Yang shook his head, “I don’t know either, sir.”

Jian Yang answered without a single lie, and now, Guan Ciyan was giving him a full-attention attitude. He couldn’t lie, nor would he dare to. Any slip-up would be noticed by Guan Ciyan.

“Zhang Bo.” Guan Ciyan called the butler, handing over the little wild cat by the back of its neck. “Call the doctor over, and also trim its claws.”

“Sir…” Jian Yang’s gaze followed the little cat.

Guan Ciyan opened Jian Yang’s collar, revealing five small bite marks on his shoulder. The little cat had been so excited when it jumped off the cabinet that it forgot to retract its claws, digging them into Jian Yang’s shoulder.

“First, put on some medicine. When the doctor comes, they’ll give you a vaccine.” Guan Ciyan took out a first aid kit and held Jian Yang’s hand, guiding him to sit on the sofa covered with cat and dog fur. “Picking up any stray cat.”

Jian Yang wasn’t sure whether the comment about the wild cat was directed at him or if he was overthinking it. He lowered his head, saying nothing.

The medicated cotton swab was gently placed on his wound, and Guan Ciyan’s movements were very light. “Does it hurt?”

“It’s okay.”

This little pain was nothing to Jian Yang.

“Good boy.” Guan Ciyan patted Jian Yang’s dark hair. “Xia Tian, bring the tissue.”

The border collie immediately delivered the tissue to Guan Ciyan’s hand. Jian Yang slightly widened his eyes.

Guan Ciyan asked, “How is it?”

Jian Yang honestly complimented, “Very smart.”

“Hmm, only smart children get benefits.” Guan Ciyan handed the cotton swab to Jian Yang. “Apply the medicine yourself.”

“Thank you, sir.” Jian Yang smiled at Guan Ciyan.

“Sir, young master, it’s time for dinner.” The butler came to call, and Guan Ciyan nodded.

By the time Jian Yang had finished applying the medicine and arrived in the dining room, the helpers had already set the table, disappearing without a trace, leaving only the old butler to serve.

Guan Ciyan sat at the head of the table. Jian Yang looked at the expensive, rare dishes on the table and instinctively stood beside the old butler. Zhang Bo looked at him, “Does the young master need anything?”

Guan Ciyan: “What would he need while standing?”

The butler pulled out a chair. “Your seat is here.”

– To Guan Ciyan’s right.

Jian Yang: “Should I eat while sitting?”

“Do whatever you want,” Guan Ciyan said coldly. Jian Yang didn’t know whether to sit or stand. The old butler gently pressed on Jian Yang’s shoulder, making him sit.

Guan Ciyan’s meals were served individually, and the dishes were prepared earlier, even before he handed out the business card. He hadn’t been intending to drive Jian Yang away.

That earlier cat-and-dog fight… Was Guan Ciyan just playing with him?

Had he exposed his own hesitation, thinking Guan Ciyan was hinting something, and had taken the initiative to hand over Guan Jingyu’s business card?

What… What was going on?

No, it had nothing to do with him. Anyone would be scared by such a scene. It was just that it was Guan Ciyan… What kind of twisted humor was that!!!

Damn it, a mischievous dog!

But now, Jian Yang had already spilled everything. Fortunately, he didn’t actually want to work with Guan Jingyu. Compared to him, at least Guan Ciyan had really taken him to get his eyes checked. Yet, Guan Ciyan still hadn’t clearly stated whether he wanted to keep him. Jian Yang clenched his hands. “Sir.”

Guan Ciyan picked out a small tomato from the dish, bit into it, and some juice dripped, leaving a red stain on his lips. “Hmm?”

“Tomorrow, I should still go out for work,” Jian Yang peeked at Guan Ciyan. “I won’t come back too late.”

Guan Ciyan put down his chopsticks and beckoned to Jian Yang. The dining table was as large as a single bed, and Jian Yang stood up to walk to his side. Guan Ciyan waved his finger at him again, and Jian Yang leaned in. Guan Ciyan raised his hand and pinched the soft flesh of his cheek, teasingly pulling at it.

This might be cute on a child, but on an adult, it would be embarrassing. Jian Yang tensed his legs, finally hearing Guan Ciyan speak, “Sleep in the room you stayed in last night.”