Jian Yang’s bright and steady eyes stared blankly at Guan Ciyan, his mouth trembling a little. “You… you knew Guan Ye was here all along…”

Guan Ciyan had already pulled Jian Yang into the room, walking past empty shelves. The wooden staircase at the back connected the two floors, creaking as they walked. Jian Yang followed behind Guan Ciyan, who blocked his gaze like a wall. His tall figure was wedged between the narrow, low staircase, his head nearly scraping the ceiling. The banister only reached his thigh, making it look as though he might fall at any moment.

Jian Yang wanted to see ahead, but his view was completely obstructed.

It was frustrating.

Compared to the scattered shelves on the first floor, the second floor was even more cramped.

Hand tools were haphazardly placed on the table and floor, a few pillows were thrown onto the ground, creating a slight indentation in the middle.

“Good, good.” Jian Yang looked at some movie art books and a large TV, thinking that it was a relief that Wen Ye wasn’t really focused solely on handcrafting.

Jian Yang had been pondering how to persuade Wen Ye to come out of his shell, but he hadn’t realized the atmosphere in the room had taken on an awkward level. Guan Ciyan, familiar as if at home, pulled Jian Yang onto a bamboo woven bench. Jian Yang said “Eh?”

Guan Ciyan covered his mouth.

Guan Ciyan tilted his chin, signaling Jian Yang to look.

Wen Ye stood in front of the 1.8-meter tall Bai Shun like a small toy. He kept his head lowered, unwilling to make eye contact with Bai Shun. His fingers nervously twisted his clothes, while Bai Shun’s gaze remained fixed on him, no matter his reaction. He watched intently, as if trying to solve a difficult problem—more seriously than Jian Yang during exams.

“Are you going to keep speaking to me like this?” Bai Shun’s tone was gentle, as though joking.

Wen Ye fumbled to take off his apron, and Bai Shun watched his movements. When Wen Ye’s fingers wrapped in medical tape touched his chest, Wen Ye flinched and hurriedly hid his hands behind his back. The apron he had undone hung around his neck.

Bai Shun’s gaze darkened, and he continued the motion Wen Ye had started, removing the leather apron from Wen Ye’s body.

Two bamboo chips from Wen Ye’s head fell.

They landed on Bai Shun’s leather shoes.

Wen Ye awkwardly scratched his head. “It’s inevitable when working… I saw you won an award. You’re now an Best Actor.”

Bai Shun remained unfazed. “Then congratulations on your prophecy coming true.”

After this dry exchange, the room fell silent again.

Jian Yang, once again feeling secondhand embarrassment, squirmed in his chair.

His hand under the table subtly tugged at Guan Ciyan’s sleeve, signaling with his eyes, “Say something!”

Guan Ciyan raised his eyebrows slightly. “You brought him here.”

“You told me to come!” Jian Yang huffed angrily, but no one cared.

The two standing in the middle seemed determined to continue the awkwardness.

Jian Yang felt as if his whole body was pricked with discomfort. He weakly raised his hand, “Can you predict for me? When will I become Best Actor?”

— Jian’s humor.

It got even more awkward.

Guan Ciyan laughed outright.

Bai Shun was more considerate, not letting Jian Yang’s words fall to the ground. “Soon.”

Jian Yang: “Huh???”

“Soon,” Bai Shun said nostalgically, “He predicted this for me back then.”

“Oh.” Jian Yang imagined two young, naive people encouraging each other.

In comparison to the current Best Actor and world-renowned director, he felt inexplicably warm.

Jian Yang broke the silence, and Wen Ye found his composure a little back from Bai Shun’s gentle pressure. When he made eye contact with Guan Ciyan, Guan Ciyan gave him an approving look. Wen Ye sat across from Jian Yang, and the room fell into an oddly calm quiet, different from the earlier awkwardness. Jian Yang, under Wen Ye’s scrutiny, instinctively sat up straight, as though rehearsing for an audition. Sometimes, as an actor, one is like a product waiting to be selected.

Wen Ye pushed up his glasses, furrowing his brow, and pinched his chin. When he revealed his expression so openly, it made people overlook the wounds on his hands, leaving only the boldness in his eyes.

Wen Ye: “Tch.”

Jian Yang instinctively turned his head to look for Guan Ciyan.

Guan Ciyan, like a patriarch, placed his hand on Jian Yang’s neck the moment their eyes met, gently patting him. “Wen Ye, this is the child I want to introduce to you. His audition clip, I sent it to you.”

“Huh??” Jian Yang leaned closer to Guan Ciyan. “Where did you get my audition clip?”

“You played a supporting role in Wei Wei’s film.”

The one where you die for the flag in the historical drama, you had two minutes of screen time. “But it hasn’t aired yet.”

“Quiet, Jian Yang.” Guan Ciyan said. “That film studio belongs to Fu Yu.”

Jian Yang obediently closed his mouth.

But a strange feeling arose in his heart.

He knew Guan Ciyan must have been watching him. He accepted that, given his appearance was hardly clean.

But what surprised him was that Guan Ciyan could even get things from his friend. He was sure Wei Wei didn’t give it to him. Wei Wei was the kind of person who would give Guan Ciyan his audition clip and then immediately try to subtly hint if he could get some investment in his own projects.

How Guan Ciyan got his audition clip, Jian Yang had no idea.

In fact, even before he had complained to Guan Ciyan about using Wen Ye’s contact to land the role with Director Xu, Guan Ciyan had already found Wen Ye. Or rather, Wen Ye had disappeared from the public’s view but not from Guan Ciyan’s.

This resort was also developed by Guan Ciyan’s cultural tourism company.

Jian Yang had even worried that Guan Ciyan might be taken advantage of, receiving Bai Shun’s short film from Guan Jingyu and sending it to Guan Ciyan to get ahead of Guan Jingyu in front of Wen Ye. In the end, one was an old acquaintance, the other a new friend, and he was just the fool.

“No.” Wen Ye said bluntly.

Jian Yang, who had been distracted, was abruptly snapped out of his thoughts by these two words.

He stood still, staring blankly at Wen Ye, his eyes not even blinking.

His golden eyes trembled, seemingly unable to believe what he had heard, or perhaps unable to comprehend the meaning of the word “No.”

Guan Ciyan almost immediately caught the look of shock on his face, thinking to himself, “I’ll have to figure this out when we go back.”

He pressed Jian Yang’s hand under the table, his warm palm resting on Jian Yang’s arm. Jian Yang lowered his head to look, and he heard Guan Ciyan’s voice, “What do you mean no? What’s wrong? Say it clearly.”

Jian Yang paused again, unwilling to lift his head.

Some things, he didn’t need to hear to know what they were.

Wen Ye: “The audition clip is good, but this face isn’t suitable for the big screen. His eye color, no glasses can cover it. The script is very limiting. He could do well in modern dramas, idol dramas, no problem being a supporting role to enrich the story. But as the lead? No, the audience is very picky.”

“I’ll handle his eyes.”

“I doubt it,” Wen Ye said, “I’ve seen people like this before. It’s usually incurable.”

“This isn’t something you should worry about.”

“Thank you, Director.” Jian Yang suddenly grasped Guan Ciyan’s hand, his soft, small fingers slipping between Guan Ciyan’s fingers. Guan Ciyan’s body stiffened for a moment before quickly relaxing, not daring to apply pressure.

As if any pressure would break him.

Jian Yang continued, “I know my strengths and weaknesses. I’m not here to seek collaboration. I have a friend, a director who respects you very much. He hopes to talk to you. I really value your professional opinion, please don’t make it hard for me.”

Guan Ciyan closed his eyes. He had thought too much. This child wasn’t as fragile as he imagined.

“Hiss.”

Jian Yang was speaking when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hand, and the entire palm was grabbed by Guan Ciyan, pressing against his bones on both sides.

“What are you doing?” Jian Yang asked.

Guan Ciyan didn’t respond and said to Wen Ye, “Wen Ye, I’ve already given you three years. The script is ready, and the director must be you. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Wen Ye asked Jian Yang, “Are you willing?”

“If you act in TV dramas, you may not explode in popularity, but you can become a good actor.”

“What?” Jian Yang was still confused.

Guan Ciyan answered for him, “If you give him the opportunity to play the lead, he won’t be able to refuse, and he won’t turn it down. Don’t be fooled by how he seems now, he’s actually quite daring.”

“What? What do you mean?” Jian Yang asked.

“Wen Ye is personally teaching you, making you the lead in his comeback work. Would you refuse?”

Jian Yang was about to think it over, but his body was faster than his mind. He even burst out with sudden strength, shaking off Guan Ciyan’s hand, his hands excitedly slapping the table. “I, I, I’m willing, I’m very willing! Although my face isn’t perfect, there are some flaws, but my acting is pretty good! Really, I memorize lines fast, and… I’ll work hard. Director, I can endure hardships!”

“Alright, alright, I got it. You can go back now,” Wen Ye said calmly, not surprised or feeling forced. “I can’t guarantee anything. As Guan Ciyan said, acting in TV dramas will make you a good actor, but if you act in my work, you could either get infamous or become extremely popular.”

“I’m not afraid. If it’s a gamble, I’ll take it,” Jian Yang answered decisively.

“Alright, you can go back now,” Wen Ye said to Guan Ciyan. “I’ll notify you later.”

After a long silence, Bai Shun suddenly spoke, “What about me? Are you going to notify me too?”

Wen Ye froze for a moment, his tone shifting. Just after his argument with Guan Ciyan, he seemed to shrink back, his glasses sliding down his nose, his voice softer. “You’ll be notified.”

“You’re not going to make me wait a year, are you?” Bai Shun joked.

Wen Ye shook his head, “Just wait for me to finish making the bamboo mat for the aunt at the village head’s house. She’ll need it next year.”

The distance between Bai Shun and Wen Ye seemed further than between Bai Shun and Guan Ciyan, but from Bai Shun’s gaze, Jian Yang felt that Wen Ye might as well be sitting in Bai Shun’s lap.

The gaze lingered on Wen Ye, and his ears and neck gradually flushed with a deeper color, almost hiding his face in his chest.

Jian Yang swallowed and moved closer to Guan Ciyan.

Guan Ciyan’s arm went around Jian Yang’s head, covering his eyes. “Let’s go first.”

Bai Shun stood up, “I’ll go with you.”

Wen Ye visibly relaxed upon hearing this.

Jian Yang felt like he had walked into a restricted scene and ran down the stairs first. Guan Ciyan, with ears as red as Wen Ye’s, smiled, his lips curving beautifully.

Bai Shun patted Guan Ciyan’s shoulder. “Thank you for taking care of Wen Ye for so long.”

“No need. I have my own reasons,” Guan Ciyan replied, his mood light, exchanging a few words with Bai Shun.

Bai Shun, who was skilled with his gentle words, looked at Jian Yang, who was nervously tugging at his ear. “Let me give you some advice. Think carefully about your goals. Don’t reach the end and realize your aim was wrong. It’s hard to turn back once you’ve gone too far.”

Guan Ciyan didn’t respond because he didn’t understand Bai Shun’s meaning. He wouldn’t easily show weakness on something he wasn’t sure about. “Emperor Bai, don’t you ever consider coming to the Entertainment Hall for a comeback? You know I wouldn’t treat you poorly.”

Bai Shun, who was a few years older than Guan Ciyan, smiled warmly but didn’t wait for an answer. He pointed at Jian Yang. “Can I speak with him alone for a moment?”

Without waiting for Guan Ciyan’s response, he walked toward Jian Yang.

Jian Yang hadn’t heard their conversation, his head down, moving slowly and hesitantly. Bai Shun called his name twice before he heard.

“What is it?” Jian Yang looked up, confused.

Bai Shun smiled at his expression. Jian Yang seemed far more relaxed than when talking to Guan Ciyan, like a little rabbit living beside a big bad wolf, unaware of when he might be eaten.

“You’re clean, and he sees your potential. He wants to personally shape you. He’s talented but also strict. You’ll learn a lot but also suffer. Please be tolerant with him. If you have problems, you can always come to me. Don’t let Guan Ciyan bully him.”

“You mean Wen Ye?”

“Yes.” Bai Shun took out his phone. “Let’s add WeChat. If you have any problems, contact me anytime.”

“Me?” Jian Yang pointed to himself, surprised.

He was just a nobody in the entertainment industry, so how could he add an emperor-level actor like Bai Shun on WeChat?

Bai Shun didn’t answer, holding the phone out. Jian Yang finally understood, pulling out his phone to scan the QR code. Guan Ciyan stepped forward, putting his arm around Jian Yang’s shoulders. “You’re not coming to me? You’re going to steal my person?”

“It’s not necessarily your person,” Bai Shun said with a knowing smile.

He patted Jian Yang’s shoulder. “Believe in yourself.”

Jian Yang’s eyes lit up again. “Thank you!”

He bowed to Bai Shun, but as he moved away from Guan Ciyan’s embrace, his hand suddenly slipped off Jian Yang’s shoulder, causing him to break free and run toward Wen Ye’s small building.

He didn’t even look at Guan Ciyan.

Bai Shun glanced at Guan Ciyan with teasing eyes, and Guan Ciyan quickly shifted his gaze away.

The once unbeatable general now felt as though he had lost, without any betting involved.

Bai Shun left. Guan Ciyan stood there for a moment before slowly walking back, muttering to himself, “Not even a thank you. What an ungrateful little guy.”

When he reached the first-floor stairs, he heard Jian Yang’s voice, so he stopped.

“Wen Ye, are you choosing me because of Guan Ciyan?” Jian Yang stood beside the long table, hands behind his back, slightly lowering his head, with stray bangs hanging down like a student waiting for a teacher to check homework.

Wen Ye, concentrating on carving something, blew on the bamboo piece in his hand before responding, “Guan Ciyan can’t control me. He’s recommended three people to me over the years. I saw your audition clip when you were at Wei Wei’s place.”

Wen Ye looked up at Jian Yang’s face. “I thought your pupils were something Wei Wei intentionally designed. That bad guy, Guan Ciyan, knew but didn’t tell me.”

Jian Yang lowered his head even further. “Sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? It wasn’t you hiding it from me.” Wen Ye, seeing his nervousness, said plainly, “I picked you because I see talent in you, and your attitude is good. You have the professionalism of an actor. What are you thinking?”

Jian Yang slowly lifted his head, his golden eyes lighting up like the sunrise breaking through the horizon. “That’s right. You saw my audition a month ago… Thank you, Director. I won’t disappoint you!”

“Go ahead.” Wen Ye seemed to smile. His eyes behind the small round glasses locked with Jian Yang’s, creating some strange connection. He worked faster, no longer hesitating with his knife. “Prepare well. I won’t make it easy for you.”

“I can endure hardships.”

Jian Yang bowed deeply, his golden eyes shining brightly.

The decision to accept the role was a gut reaction, not to miss an opportunity with a director who could train actors like Wen Ye.

But as he walked out, his inner anxiety grew. Guan Ciyan’s influence was too strong. If Wen Ye chose him because of pressure from Guan Ciyan, their collaboration wouldn’t go smoothly. If he wasn’t good enough to carry Wen Ye’s project, the entire crew, hundreds of people’s efforts, investors’ funds, Wen Ye’s reputation, and his future could all be ruined.

As he walked out of the small building, happiness began to ferment within him, and Jian Yang felt that being in this story wasn’t as bad as he thought.

When he reached the old tree in the courtyard, Guan Ciyan called his name.

Jian Yang turned in a daze. The man’s black coat had a leaf on his shoulder. As he walked toward him, the leaf slipped off. He walked over, his appearance immaculate and untarnished by any dust.

The happiness that had been fermenting was suddenly frozen by the cold wind. Jian Yang’s mind raced as he looked into the man’s eyes, searching for something.

Guan Ciyan seemed pleased and spoke to Jian Yang in a relaxed tone, “Come here, kid.”

Jian Yang felt something wasn’t right, but Guan Ciyan’s light-heartedness made his anger and unease fade away.

He seemed to have grown accustomed to listening to Guan Ciyan, unconsciously following him. Guan Ciyan reached the back of his car and took out a large bouquet of champagne roses from the trunk. The black coat sleeve was covered by the rose gold, pale pink flowers, and the white ribbons of the bouquet were tied around his arm, intertwining black and white.

Jian Yang lowered his head, his face smaller than the bouquet by a fifth.

Guan Ciyan’s voice carried a smile. “Congratulations. You can report to Director Xu now.”

Jian Yang hesitated to accept the flowers for a long time, and when Jin Tong lacked any sign of a smile, it was like amber pierced by sunlight, drifting away through countless years, outside the realm of the modern world, untouchable and unreachable.

“Did you plan all of this?” Jian Yang asked.

After he asked this, Guan Ciyan’s smile lasted only a second before the bouquet was thrown back into the trunk. Water droplets from the flowers were pressed out, one splashing onto Jian Yang’s hand. Jian Yang glanced over, noticing the beautiful petals were marked with indentations, beginning to show signs of decay.

“Do you think I lied to you?” Guan Ciyan’s hand went into his pocket.

Without the bouquet filling the space, the distance between them became apparent.

“What are you after? Is this just for fun? Manipulating me into using the business card Guan Jingyu gave me to deceive Director Xu, using Director Xu as an excuse, making me look for Wen Ye on my own, and watching me struggle with your plan—does that amuse you?”

The last sentence made Jian Yang lose his temper.

Guan Ciyan’s smile turned back into the same mask he had when they first met, “Didn’t realize you were so confident. Playing with you isn’t as fun as making money.”

“You’re using me to make money?”

Guan Ciyan let out a sarcastic laugh without explaining.

Jian Yang felt foolish after asking.

Then again, without Guan Ciyan, he wouldn’t have gotten the role in Wen Ye. Now, asking him to give it up, he couldn’t do it. But he also didn’t want to take advantage of Guan Ciyan. If he wanted to make money using him, then he’d pay him back. After all, he was just using himself to make money.

Guan Ciyan stood at the door, hands in his pockets, his expression dark. His voice was patient, “Go back and think about it carefully.”

“What’s there to think about? You always want me to think. You never say anything clearly. I don’t want to think about it. I just want to leave,” Jian Yang retorted.

Guan Ciyan took the IOU, filling in a few zeros for the amount. “Pay it back.”

Ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand, million…

Damn it, scoundrel.

Jian Yang bit his lower lip, refusing to respond.

Guan Ciyan’s expression was cold, though seemingly indifferent, as he casually said, “I’ll give you another chance to go back and think it over, or pay back the debt until you die.”

Jian Yang hesitated when Zhang Bo tried to stop him.

But as soon as Guan Ciyan spoke, Jian Yang calmed down, “Guan Ciyan, I’m not any worse than you.”

He placed the IOU on the cabinet, grabbed his suitcase again, and walked up to Guan Ciyan, “Please move.”

Guan Ciyan didn’t budge, his chest visibly heaving, his eyes like they had been tempered in ice, sending sharp glances at Jian Yang.

“Move,” Jian Yang repeated.

Guan Ciyan stood at the door, as if it were Jian Yang who was leaving, not him being swept out by Jian Yang.

The exorbitant amount on the IOU erased any hesitation Jian Yang might have had about accepting help. His warm golden eyes didn’t blink, holding their own against Guan Ciyan’s glare.

“Woof woof woof!”

Summer saw Guan Ciyan and ran from behind the couch, biting Jian Yang’s pants leg and pulling him back.

One had to admit, Border Collies were really good at reading the room.

Jian Yang softly scolded, “Summer, go back.”

Guan Ciyan’s eyes softened, incredulously watching. Jian Yang thanked Bai Shun and apologized to Zhang Bo, even as he left home with the cat and couldn’t bear to scold his own dog.

“Summer, let go.”

The little sun sensed his owner’s mood, remaining very quiet. Summer refused to let go of his pant leg, but the little sun jumped from Jian Yang’s arm, swiping at Summer’s nose, then skillfully leaping onto the cabinet by the door, knocking over the eighth vase.

The vase shattered into pieces on the floor.

The dog’s nose is the most sensitive part of the dog’s body, and Summer couldn’t even make a sound, running around confusedly. Just as Summer’s paw was about to step on the broken shards, Jian Yang threw down whatever he was holding, bent down, and grabbed Summer by the scruff, pulling him back, “Summer! Don’t step on it!”

The little sun came back again, not satisfied with just one paw swipe at Summer, ready for a second.

Guan Ciyan, standing at the door, moved closer to Jian Yang. When the little sun jumped again, he caught it with one hand, and with the other, he pulled Jian Yang, who was slipping, into his arms.

Jian Yang grabbed Summer’s scruff, “That was close, that was close.”

Guan Ciyan held Jian Yang tightly against his chest, sternly saying, “Summer, go outside.”

Summer ran out from around Guan Ciyan’s feet, avoiding the dangerous shards of the broken vase.

The little sun meowed, clearly understanding it had caused trouble, and hid under the couch.

Jian Yang, still shaken, realized how close he was to stepping into the broken shards with Summer and getting injured.

Once steady, Jian Yang tapped Guan Ciyan’s hand, signaling for him to let go.

With their height difference, Guan Ciyan could still see the two little swirls on Jian Yang’s head, his hair stubbornly sticking up. That small annoyance in his heart quickly faded. The harder Jian Yang struggled, the tighter he held on.

“What are you doing!” Jian Yang was angry.

Guan Ciyan pulled the person into his embrace, his arm wrapping around Jian Yang’s chest, their bodies pressed tightly together. Jian Yang felt a heavy impact on his chest, struggling to breathe, tilting his head back to look at Guan Ciyan’s face. Just then, Guan Ciyan spoke, “Plans are plans, but you are the core of the plan. Didn’t you push things to this point yourself?”

The man’s brows furrowed, his smile gone, and his normally calm, unwavering eyes showed a flicker of anger.

Jian Yang had tried to convince himself that there was no personal bond between him and Guan Ciyan. Guan Ciyan hadn’t intentionally harmed him, so it wasn’t a terrible crime. He planned to settle things and part ways on good terms.

But after hearing what Guan Ciyan said, Jian Yang couldn’t hold back his anger. He pushed Guan Ciyan forcefully, but didn’t succeed. His tiny push lacked the strength of a cat’s paw, but as his waist brushed against Guan Ciyan, the sound was loud enough. “Passing the blame, huh!”

“Still blaming me?”

“Did I stop you from speaking?”

Guan Ciyan almost didn’t manage to hold him, feeling an itch from Jian Yang’s waist rubbing against his arm. He instinctively wanted to pull away, but Jian Yang, with his slender body like a slippery fish, seized the moment and almost slipped away from Guan Ciyan’s grip in just half a breath.

Guan Ciyan suppressed his natural reflex to release his grip, tightening his hold on Jian Yang even more, his voice calmer but still tinged with anger. “I told you, you can use me, use my resources. It’s you who kept hesitating.”

“You guessed that my relationship with Wen Ye isn’t simple, right?” Guan Ciyan slowed down his speech, thinking it might help Jian Yang understand better.

Jian Yang’s golden eyes contracted sharply, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak. The past hints from Guan Ciyan echoed in his mind—how he could use him, how he laid out the truth about Wen Ye withdrawing from the industry, and how he had sworn Jian Yang should negotiate with Director Xu.

Putting it all together, Jian Yang had long suspected there was more to the relationship between Wen Ye and Guan Ciyan. But he had avoided thinking about it, because he believed Guan Ciyan was a good person who had helped him.

No matter what he needed, he shouldn’t hurt him.

“Son of a…” Jian Yang’s teeth chattered as he forced the words out between clenched teeth.

Guan Ciyan, caught off guard, had never been scolded like this. In all his life, no one had dared to curse at him. Jian Yang cursed twice in a row—who gave him the courage?

“You…” Guan Ciyan was about to retort when Jian Yang continued to fire off words like a machine gun.

“Who wants to use you! You feed me, house me, help me find a job, and I’m afraid you’ll lose out? Oh, I even secretly told you about Guan Jingyu. And you—clearly, you know everything. You’ve been watching me struggle. You must have known when I met with Guan Jingyu. I even worried you’d misunderstand and get upset. Son of a—you’re lucky your dad didn’t beat you.”

As Jian Yang vented, Guan Ciyan’s anger simmered down, his eyes growing quieter as he observed Jian Yang’s angry face, red-rimmed eyes, and furrowed brows. His emotions, usually well-contained, were hidden beneath his composed thoughts.

The boy’s words, even dragging out the old Mr. Guan, showed how furious he was. Unexpectedly, what hurt Jian Yang the most was feeling like he had schemed for nothing. Since when had Guan Ciyan taught him to plan for others? Why had Jian Yang learned it all wrong?

Jian Yang’s fury reached its peak, and thinking about the guilt he felt for secretly meeting with Guan Jingyu and worrying that he would bring trouble to Guan Ciyan made him feel like a clown. While Guan Ciyan watched the performance, he applauded and praised him afterward.

Trapped in Guan Ciyan’s embrace, Jian Yang’s fists were loaded with rage, landing on Guan Ciyan’s chest and shoulders. But the strikes were weak, like punching cotton. The cold attitude from Guan Ciyan only made Jian Yang more reckless, biting down hard on his neck.

The pain felt raw, but Guan Ciyan made no sound. His large hand rested on Jian Yang’s back, fearing he would struggle while biting. He held Jian Yang, making it easier for him. “After you’re done biting, listen to me.”

The man’s voice was so close, his breath so near. Jian Yang’s ears burned as the anger and energy from his actions faded away.

Guan Ciyan felt the boy’s body, which had been stiff, now soften after the tension eased. “Jian Yang, do you want me to hand everything to you, or do you want to walk to Wen Ye yourself like this?”

Jian Yang fell silent, no longer clenching his teeth. Guan Ciyan gently pushed him away from his chest and looked down into his eyes. “I’ve told you many times, you have to make your own decisions.”

“You can choose to speak directly to me, or you can fight for the opportunity your way. My plan changes with your decision.”

Jian Yang, with his anger starting to settle, felt his emotions turn from confusion to disappointment.

Guan Ciyan allowed him two minutes to think, wiping the blood from Jian Yang’s lips with his thumb, letting out a soft sigh. “Seems like you still don’t understand. But, are you leaving now?”

Jian Yang blinked, not looking at the wound on Guan Ciyan’s neck. “You know I met with Guan Jingyu. Aren’t you afraid I’ll switch sides?”

“I trust my judgment,” Guan Ciyan said as he let go of Jian Yang, stepping back to give them more space. “If you can’t understand this, why should I waste my time teaching you? Did you learn your lesson? When you have the leverage, use it quickly. Hesitating only leads to detours.”

“So, you want me to fight for it myself, rather than recommend me to Wen Ye?”

Guan Ciyan took a piece of paper and pressed it to his wound, leaning lazily against the back of the sofa. His black coat was tugged up to his arm, and two buttons of his shirt were undone, giving him a strangely attractive, sensual aura.

It looked like something intense had just occurred, making people unable to tear their eyes away from him.

Jian Yang, looking disheveled after the fight, his hair messy, eyes full of confusion and frustration, and his brow creased in sorrow, appeared like someone who had been wronged.

“If I give up now, would you still push me to Wen Ye?” Jian Yang asked.

“No,” Guan Ciyan replied bluntly, “If you lack this courage, you’re not qualified to be in my core project team.”

Jian Yang’s confusion faded, replaced by a deep sense of disappointment.

“You don’t have to feel wronged,” Guan Ciyan hissed as he stepped closer, his neck injury brushing against the collar of his shirt. “Compared to my concealment, you’re more suspicious. Suddenly abandoning Guan Jingyu and coming to me, I won’t pursue it. I’ve already been merciful enough to you, child.”

Jian Yang suddenly felt guilty, his eyes darting around. Guan Ciyan took a step closer. “Before, you were the one who owed me an explanation.”

Jian Yang’s mind raced, trying to process it all. He was the one who had the rightful claim! The core of their argument today was that Guan Ciyan had deceived him! Why was he the one being passive?

Why was he being interrogated?!

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure out why he had become the one needing an explanation.

“If you don’t have a reasonable explanation for this, this opportunity still won’t belong to you,” Guan Ciyan softly threatened, his eyes fixed on Jian Yang’s face, not missing a single expression.

Jian Yang raised his head and said firmly, “You don’t believe me when I say I like you.”

Guan Ciyan locked eyes with him, remaining silent for a long time. In the past, when Jian Yang said he liked him, Guan Ciyan would just smile lightly, indifferent and unresponsive. But today, he was different. He squeezed Jian Yang’s cheek and, with a determined look in his eyes, said, “Jian Yang, stop playing your little tricks.”

Guan Ciyan never believed in Jian Yang’s words of liking.

He could see through everything. He knew it all. Guan Ciyan’s intelligence was beyond imagination.

Jian Yang broke into a cold sweat, strangely recalling the reason for their argument earlier.

What Guan Ciyan had said was true: use him when you can, and make decisions for yourself, considering your own interests.

“Why can’t I like you?” Jian Yang’s gaze was sharp, no sign of guilt in his eyes. “You’re rich, handsome, and can understand what I’m thinking. You provide me with the opportunity I desire the most. What reason do I have not to like you?”

Jian Yang spoke confidently, even convincing himself of his own reasoning.

Who wouldn’t like such a man?

Guan Ciyan gave a soft chuckle and pinched his face. “I won’t argue with you, but don’t deceive yourself along with deceiving others.”

Jian Yang retorted, “I told you, you don’t believe me…”

“You can come eat after you’re done, sir, young master,” Zhang Bo came from the stairwell. “The living room is full of cat and dog fur, please move to the second floor to eat.”

Jian Yang looked down. The floor was covered with broken porcelain pieces, and the sofa had claw marks from Xiao Taiyang. Guan Ciyan’s coat had yellow fur on it, probably from when he caught Xiao Taiyang.

“Xiao Taiyang, you’re eating too?” Zhang Bo took the cat to its room.

Jian Yang had calmed down now, feeling embarrassed. He had caused more trouble for Zhang Bo. He hadn’t managed to leave, and instead, he had made a mess of the house.

He bent down to clean up the broken porcelain. Guan Ciyan grabbed the back of his collar and began walking up the stairs. “You don’t need to do this. Think about what you should be doing.”

Jian Yang felt awkward, caught up in the mess he had made when he tried to leave.

“Wait a moment,” Jian Yang, being pulled by the collar, reached out and grabbed the IOU on the cabinet. He tore it up in a few quick motions. “This doesn’t count anymore.”

Guan Ciyan smiled. “I liked what you said just now.”

“What did I say?”

“You said you might not be worse than me.” Guan Ciyan released his hold on Jian Yang’s collar. “Look ahead. With this money, maybe you can pay it off next year.”

The entertainment industry makes money exponentially.

Jian Yang pursed his lips and blinked his eyes, managing to squeeze out a “thank you.”

No matter how things went, Guan Ciyan had given him a great opportunity. He didn’t need to doubt Guan Ciyan’s intentions. They both had something to gain. The clothes and accessories he gave him were marked with prices in secret.

Jian Yang touched the blue crystal brooch on his collar.

It was when they visited the old mansion that Guan Ciyan had disdainfully put it on him, as if to show off his wealth. He still remembered that moment. It was the first time he had truly looked at Guan Ciyan, whose cold face had softened in the setting sun. The corners of his mouth, which often smiled, were now showing a slightly unhappy smile.

When he gave him the brooch, he had been serious, as if treating something important.

It was then that Jian Yang first sensed Guan Ciyan’s inner world, though it could have been his illusion—a sense of closeness formed in a closed space.

Back then, Wen Ye hadn’t interfered between them yet. What was Guan Ciyan thinking when he pinned that brooch on him?

This brooch, a gift from Guan Ciyan, was also the tool to prevent him from embarrassing himself at the old mansion.

In the end, it wasn’t given from the heart. Just like the large room in the villa, the clothes in the wardrobe, and the big TV in the room, everything had its practical use.

Jian Yang chewed his food, feeling no taste. He hadn’t eaten all day, but he didn’t feel hungry. His stomach was heavy, and he felt like he might vomit. Guan Ciyan noticed that Jian Yang hadn’t touched the dishes he liked, nor had he drunk much of his usual sweet drink.

Jian Yang’s head was down, lost in thought, his disheveled hair, which had been electrostatically stuck to his scalp from rubbing against his clothes, now hung limp, like flowers that hadn’t been watered for a long time, drooping and lifeless.

Guan Ciyan relaxed his tongue against his teeth, his eyes not hiding the doubts in them.

He had just clarified everything, so why did this little thing still look unhappy? It seemed even more upset than before. At least earlier, he was angry.

Guan Ciyan thought carefully, and when he was angriest, it was because he had stolen information from Guan Jingyu’s side and sent it to himself, yet he hadn’t been equally honest with him. What was there to be angry about? The bit of information he learned was essentially useless. It wasn’t even worth exchanging with him.

If he continued in this state, Wen Ye would be driven away by him in less than three days. Guan Ciyan put down his chopsticks and stared at Jian Yang. Very few people made him feel this hard to understand. He tried to think from Jian Yang’s perspective.

To be fair, Jian Yang really didn’t mean to harm him. He would rather go against his heart and lie to Guan Jingyu than lie to him. Could it be that he really liked him? Regardless of value, Jian Yang’s actions showed no betrayal or deception.

Forget it, he’s just a kid, still growing up. It’s normal to care about such meaningless emotions, just comfort him.

Guan Ciyan sat beside Jian Yang, turned towards him, and said, “Sorry.”

Jian Yang: “Hmm??”

“Sorry, I was wrong.” Guan Ciyan apologized without any hesitation. For him, verbally softening didn’t mean much, especially since he didn’t even need to spend money on gifts. In fact, he still felt that Jian Yang was too easy to coax.

To Jian Yang, it felt unbelievable that someone as proud as Guan Ciyan was apologizing to him.

“Can you stop being angry now?” Guan Ciyan picked up Jian Yang’s favorite crystal shrimp and brought it to his mouth. “Eat well.”

Jian Yang was a little dazed but gently opened his mouth, obedient and soft. His lips touched the shrimp, then he suddenly became alert, his golden eyes flashing. “What did you do wrong?”

Guan Ciyan: ??? Who gave him the courage?

Guan Ciyan looked at Jian Yang’s growing boldness and didn’t get angry. Instead, he felt relieved. It was better than the timid look he had when he first took him in.

“I should have told you about my relationship with Wen Ye earlier, so you wouldn’t have worried for nothing.” Guan Ciyan paused, this was quite absurd.

“And anything else?” Jian Yang stared at him, his gaze sincere.

He really was angry that Guan Ciyan didn’t explain, making him look like a fool, picking wildflowers to present as if he owned the whole garden. But what made him angriest was that their relationship was an equal exchange, yet Guan Ciyan made him believe they could be friends and rely on each other.

But that was already the most off-track answer Guan Ciyan could come up with. Beyond that, he couldn’t think of anything, hadn’t even seen it.

What kind of friends could Guan Ciyan have?

Jian Yang looked at Guan Ciyan’s unchanging expression and guessed that he probably hadn’t reflected on things, he just wanted to fix the problem. But he still ate the shrimp, quietly asking, “Is there anything else you’re hiding from me?”

“No.” Guan Ciyan said it without thinking.

A sudden pain gripped his heart.

In that moment, Jian Yang lowered his head, looking like he was about to disappear from the world. That submissive, self-sacrificing look was something Guan Ciyan knew well. He had seen it countless times on his mother’s face when she was trying to please his father, always giving in.

Guan Ciyan quickly replayed the past in his mind. “I haven’t hidden anything from you. I won’t hide anything from you in the future, alright?”

Jian Yang nodded, accepting it, turning the page with Guan Ciyan. Since childhood, without love from his father or mother, growing up in the Guan family, it was hard for him to truly talk about feelings.

Thud—

The chopsticks fell from Guan Ciyan’s hand. Jian Yang bent down to pick them up, but Guan Ciyan grasped his shoulder. “Jian Yang, look at me.”

Jian Yang’s eyelids moved slightly, and he raised his head to look at Guan Ciyan.

His golden eyes were clouded with a mist, the lashes trembling like tiny brushes, covering half of his gaze, and his whole face seemed dim. Even when he had taken Jian Yang back on that rainy night, those eyes hadn’t lost their brightness.

He had watched his mother gradually turn into the gentle and obedient person his father liked, losing all her rebellious energy and becoming a walking corpse.

Guan Ciyan suddenly panicked. He had the blood of the Guan family running through his veins.

In the past, when people praised him for being most like his father, it felt like iron thorns piercing his heart.

“What’s wrong?” Jian Yang looked up at him.

Guan Ciyan’s thumb lightly touched the corner of Jian Yang’s eye. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the hospital to check your eyes, alright?”

He wanted to do something.

“It probably won’t help.” Jian Yang thought Guan Ciyan was preparing for the role he was about to play and gloomily said, “I had it checked last time.”

Guan Ciyan placed his entire palm on Jian Yang’s face, gently stroking his soft cheek. He didn’t want to pinch it; instead, he comforted him, “It’ll get better. I’ll figure it out. Let’s go tomorrow, okay?”

Jian Yang still hoped his eyes could return to their normal color. He looked at Guan Ciyan, “Really?”

Guan Ciyan nodded. “First, eat well.”

“Mm.”

Jian Yang kept looking at Guan Ciyan, trying to figure out what he was after. But he couldn’t figure it out. Every cell in his body could feel that Guan Ciyan truly cared for him, sincerely, as if it were the same care his sister had for him.

He couldn’t trust it, couldn’t trust it, couldn’t trust it. Jian Yang closed his eyes and silently repeated it, then turned back to eat.

Seeing that Jian Yang was eating well, Guan Ciyan’s anxious heart calmed slightly. He lost his appetite, though, and told Jian Yang he was going to his room. His mind kept replaying the image of Jian Yang reluctantly eating the shrimp, looking so wronged, dissatisfied, and helpless.

He didn’t know what he had done wrong, perhaps the Guan family could never produce good people.

Guan Ciyan sat on the cushion by the floor-to-ceiling window, pulling up his pants to reveal the raised marks of teeth on his calf. During training one summer, Xia Tian had bitten him. Now, his obedience was all his own doing. Jian Yang biting him was nothing compared to what Xia Tian had done.

Still soft-hearted, even when it came to biting, he couldn’t bring himself to do it too harshly.

In an instant, Guan Ciyan recalled Jian Yang pouting angrily, blaming him for not believing his “like.”