Chapter 10

The situation did not resolve smoothly.

As Yan Zhao had anticipated, Cao Zhicheng had the backing of capital, someone supporting him. On the other hand, the company on Ying Hongyu’s side did not agree to disclose this matter.

The unspoken rules are a sensitive topic, especially when both individuals involved are male. Interpreting their interactions on video as “good buddies” or friendship is evidently more acceptable than labelling it as a sexual harassment scene.

Yan Zhao could imagine that if the complete video were exposed, there would be many psychologically dark individuals making malicious speculations about Ying Hongyu, such as insinuating there was some hidden deal or transaction before.

However, Yan Zhao is not a saint and cannot sacrifice himself to help the young man he just met. Fortunately, Ying Hongyu also has no intention of being a scapegoat.

Ying Hongyu said, “I’m not afraid of what those people say. Besides, in this world, normal people are the majority.”

As a result, the only problem facing Yan Zhao and him was Cao Zhicheng.

He idled at home for three days until Song Jing sent him a new message.

Her voice sounded tired, with a hint of cautious guilt: “The result of our conversation with the other side is that Director Cao will give the word. He will claim that on that day, you were just imitating a scene from ‘The Best Race Driver,’ and everything in the video was staged. But you need to apologize online and accompany him to… have a drink.”

She spoke ambiguously, but Yan Zhao understood. Nonsense about drinking, it’s almost like accompanying him in more ways than one, whether it’s with Cao Zhicheng himself or with others, or perhaps both.

Learning boxing was once again added to Yan Zhao’s schedule.

If he were a muscular man, he would definitely choose the latter and press Cao Zhicheng’s head into the toilet to make him drink enough, exiting the scene with style.

However, since Yan Zhao did not have any characteristics that fit the character of a warrior except for his flexible waist, Yan Zhao decided to inquire about the nearby overpass.

From now on, he would become a wandering poet.

Before Song Jing hung up the phone, Yan Zhao said, “Wait, give me Cao Zhicheng’s phone number.”

Song Jing was surprised and suspicious, “What are you…?”

Yan Zhao replied, “I want to scold him.”

Song Jing hesitated, “…”

When Yan Zhao called, Cao Zhicheng seemed to be drinking, with a noisy background, and voices of people calling out could be heard.

Yan Zhao recognized the name of a third-tier singer in the entertainment industry.

“Xiao Yan, what made you think of calling me?” Cao Zhicheng asked knowingly.

Yan Zhao indifferently said, “Director Cao, I was inconsiderate last time.”

“Haha, young people are always impulsive in their actions. I’m pleased that you can acknowledge your mistake. But a mistake is a mistake. As a junior, you offended this senior. To turn this page, you have to apologize to me in person,” Cao Zhicheng said.

Yan Zhao asked, “Just me?”

Cao Zhicheng mentioned the names of several minor celebrities and models, and said with a smile, “Don’t worry, they’re all here to accompany you.”

Yan Zhao sarcastically remarked, “You’re indeed living the good life.”

Cao Zhicheng didn’t catch the implied meaning and laughed, “Oh, these are just common faces. Without Xiao Yan, I feel like something’s missing.”

Then the harassment began. Yan Zhao sighed, “Beast.”

“What did you say?!” Cao Zhicheng couldn’t believe what he heard.

Yan Zhao raised an eyebrow, “I said you’re a beast. Can’t you understand plain language?”

Cao Zhicheng angrily asked, “You dare to insult me?!”

Yan Zhao replied, “I have nothing to fear in insulting you. Reflect on yourself. When forcing others, what’s the difference between you and an animal?”

“Oh, are you here to argue with me?” Cao Zhicheng chuckled, “Xiao Yan, let me tell you, everything has its consequences. You think I forced others or took advantage of them when I slept with them? No, they were willing. It’s you who ruined my good thing. I’ll forgive you this time, but you don’t appreciate it. It’s like toasting and not drinking, so you’ll have to take the punishment!”

Cao Zhicheng ambiguously added, “Let Cao Ge advise you, don’t hold yourself too high. The taller you stand, the easier you fall. If you drink happily with them today, with Cao Ge guiding you, you’ll still be a star in the entertainment circle. It’s just like them.”

Yan Zhao half-closed his eyes, “It’s still daytime, and you’re already dreaming?”

Cao Zhicheng sneered, “Fine, you’re the type to not turn back until you hit a wall. If you can’t get roles or sing in the future, don’t blame me!”

“I’ll quit if I have to, whether it’s acting or singing. I can always start over.” Yan Zhao replied.

Cao Zhicheng angrily said, “Sure, sure, you have a lot of ambition. Changing careers, huh? Do you think society is that easy to navigate? You caused such a big fuss by reckless driving and hitting someone. I’d like to see how you’ll get by!”

Yan Zhao coldly stated, “You don’t need to worry about that. Focus on yourself. With so many guilty deeds, retribution might come sooner than you think.”

After the call, Yan Zhao logged into his social media account, ignoring the flooded messages and comments filled with insults. He tried to edit a new post and attached the recorded audio from earlier.

【Failed to send, system error.】

Yan Zhao “…” As expected.

He got up, breaking free from the tangled blankets, and sat at his desk to search for information on studying abroad.

In his previous life, he had earned plenty of honors and realized his own shortcomings. Before the transmigration, he had already secured an offer from a foreign university, intending to take a break and recharge. Unexpectedly, with a blink of an eye, he crossed over.

The original body was at a peak in his career, with a mediocre family situation. Yan Zhao had put the idea on hold, but now he was reconsidering.

After searching for a while, Yan Zhao received a text message from…

He raised an eyebrow.

Han Yuxuan.

Since the last time this person sent him money, they hadn’t been in contact. Yan Zhao wondered what decisions Shen Yuanting had made and if he had beaten this person badly.

Pushing open the door, even though Yan Zhao wore sunglasses and a mask, he still lowered his head, letting the eaves block his silhouette.

The paparazzi were terrifying, but even more frightening were reporters who seemed to be everywhere.

He thought the security in the neighborhood was already good enough, but when he was driving, he found paparazzi squatting in the bushes, which made him angrily call the property management immediately.

The meeting place with Han Yuxuan was a niche bar, and it was daytime with only a few people sitting at the bar.

Yan Zhao glanced around, finding the side profile of someone familiar. Before he could think much, Han Yuxuan beside him pulled his arm and led him upstairs.

Yan Zhao shook off Han Yuxuan’s hand and sat on the sofa, saying, “Speak, why did you look for me? I’m busy!”

“You?” Han Yuxuan scornfully scanned his face, “Are you busy avoiding reporters?”

“If you’re here to argue, excuse me if I don’t accompany you!” Yan Zhao stood up and headed towards the exit. With a “clang,” a hand pressed against the wall, and a chest blocked his view, emanating the scent of cologne.

Unpleasant. Not as refreshing as Shen Yuanting.

Yan Zhao lifted his chin expressionlessly, successfully stopping the hand that reached out to pinch his chin.

The 24 moves of the domineering president’s flirting—I’m more familiar with them than you are.

Failing to pinch the chin, Han Yuxuan didn’t dwell on it. His idle hand went into his pocket, as if the earlier raised hand was just for stretching muscles.

“Don’t go.” He said, “It must be uncomfortable hiding these days, right? Why didn’t you come to me?”

—Come to you, and then wait for you to tell Ning Yunfan everything, so you both can enjoy watching me make a fool of myself?

Yan Zhao really wanted to give him a high kick to end his descendants. After all, CEOs who might press someone against a wall were common, but CEOs who were eunuchs were not so common. However, considering their body sizes, he refrained from doing so.

Thinking about learning boxing in daily life (2/1).

The original owner of this body and Han Yuxuan maintained a clandestine relationship as secret lovers. Yan Zhao pretended to be resentful and cursed, “How dare you say that! Why didn’t you come to me? Are you hanging out with Ning Yunfan?!”

Han Yuxuan raised his eyebrow, and said, “You’re overthinking it. I’m here to see you now, aren’t I?”

—Dodging the real issue. Die, you scumbag!

Yan Zhao squinted and said, “Even if you don’t say it, I can feel that your heart is not with me at all. Why are you pretending here?”

Han Yuxuan thought of Ning Yunfan, who had suddenly become distant these days, and his irritation grew. He withdrew his hand, sat back on the sofa, and said, “I originally wanted to fulfill the duties of a boyfriend and help you deal with Cao Zhicheng, but it seems like you’re not appreciative.”

Yan Zhao asked, “You?”

It seems like it’s not the kind of “I grant you a wish, you become a magical girl” pyramid scheme. They offer you apparent benefits but secretly have your coffin ready.

Han Yuxuan sat confidently, his eyes sharp. “Yeah, now, I’m the only one who can help you, right?”

Yan Zhao asked, “What do you want in return?”

Han Yuxuan is not a person who casually helps others; there must be a motive behind it!

He chuckled, propping his feet on the coffee table. “How about joining me for a drink? Isn’t that what Cao Zhicheng wants from you?”

“You know it’s not just about that,” Yan Zhao said, picking up the red wine from the table.

1992 Romanée-Conti.

Han Yuxuan ambiguously replied, “I’m not just talking about that either.”

Yan Zhao slowly glanced at him. His eyes, amidst the enchanting light, shimmered like a shark’s black scales under the turquoise water.

Yan Zhao said, “Sure. Shall we make it more exciting?”

Han Yuxuan licked his lips, “What do you want to play?”

Yan Zhao smiled faintly, “How about involving a third person? Someone with fair skin and long legs, he is your type.”

Han Yuxuan didn’t expect Yan Zhao to play this wildly. The slight disdain in his heart showed on his face, yet he still said, “Whoever it is, call him over.”

Looking down on him, yet seeking intimacy, he wasn’t sure if all men’s lower halves and brains were separate, but Han Yuxuan certainly was.

Yan Zhao sneered inwardly, playing the role of a charming young master. “Who wants to keep it a secret? He might not even be willing to be with you. When he comes, you’ll know who he is.”

Seeing the sly look in his eyes and his captivating peach blossom eyes, Han Yuxuan found it a bit unbearable.

Unless pushed to the limit, individuals involved in a threesome wouldn’t shout and scream in front of him. Yan Zhao discreetly adjusted the phone’s volume to a level where only he could hear, and, in front of Han Yuxuan, made a call to that person: “I’m at XX bar, Mr. Han is treating, are you coming or not… Don’t ask so many questions, I’ll text you the address.”

After hanging up, Yan Zhao quickly edited two text messages, sat next to Han Yuxuan, poured a drink for him, and said, “He said he’s coming soon, let’s have some fun first. Drinking red wine at the bar is too boring; should I order a few more drinks?”

Ten minutes later.

“Another round!” Han Yuxuan slammed the glass on the table, squinting his eyes, with a flush on his cheeks.

Acting in many scenes provides a wealth of unconventional knowledge. For example, with these dice, cheating to amuse Han Yuxuan wasn’t a problem for Yan Zhao.

Playing with the two dice, Yan Zhao only took a sip of the drink in front of him. “You’re drunk.”

“Whether I’m drunk or not, you’ll only know if you try…” Han Yuxuan gritted his teeth, his alcohol-laden body approaching.

His mind, even in this state, was filled with inappropriate thoughts.

Yan Zhao glanced at him disdainfully, pulled off his loosely hanging tie, and circled it around his eyes. “Fine, count to ten and come catch me.”

“Watch out!” Han Yuxuan pulled off the tie in front of his eyes and lunged forward like a hungry tiger attacking its prey. However, the aim of a drunken person isn’t very accurate. In his eyes, Yan Zhao had turned into several blurry figures. He charged towards the nearest one, which happened to be right in front of the door to the private room.

With a click, the door opened.

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Yan Zhao: (beating gongs and drums) Something is happening! Something is happening!