Chapter 14

Szd, short for “真的” (zhēn de), meaning “real.” As for ZhaoHong, it is ZhaoHong’s nickname. Similarly, it also has a reverse name called HongYan (HongYan).^[1]The first Hongyan is using this character 鴻雁(hóngyàn) , while the second Hongyan is using this 鴻顏(hóng yán ). The character Yan is different, but the pronunciation is almost the same, … Continue reading

ZhaoHong szd means that Yan Zhao and Ying Hongyu are real—whatever their real relationship is, in the hearts of CP fans, they have the purest and greatest love in the world!

Yan Zhao really didn’t expect Shen Yuanting to ask him this question.

Shen JuJu^[2]巨巨(jù jù) = Very large/huge/gigantic. Juju is an Internet term , refers to a person with super or top status. , what’s wrong with you, peeking into the life of a star-chasing girl!

You can easily find relevant explanations online. In addition to ZhaoHong, there are also Zhao A and Zhao B. Yan Zhao didn’t want to deceive Shen Yuanting, so he confessed honestly, “It means they feel that Ying Hongyu and I have a couple vibe.”

“Hmm.” Shen Yuanting’s tone was calm and indifferent, “I’ll have someone block this tag.”

Yan Zhao: “…”

ZhaoHong CP fans are too pitiful! They are just a polar circle, but they are attacked by the mysterious power from capital!

Yan Zhao advised, “Girls are just making noise for fun. Don’t take it to heart. After a few days without interaction, they will climb the wall^[3]爬牆(páqiáng) =  Climb the wall. Climbing the wall is an Internet term, and it has multiple meanings, but in this context it means : Originally you loved this star, then suddenly you fall in … Continue reading themselves. There’s no need for you to specially block it.”

Shen Yuanting said slowly, “What, are you unwilling?”

Yan Zhao: “Block it, block it immediately! This kind of evil CP should be strangled in the cradle!”

Shen Yuanting smiled slightly, “Get up and eat.”

Yan Zhao Xing straightened up like a carp and Shen Yuanting succinctly reminded, “Waist.”

Yan Zhao touched his waist and smiled, “I’m fine, much better these days, thanks to you.”

The memories of the man tracing his face emerged in his mind, a vague tingling sensation passed through his lower back, as if someone was gently massaging his injury.

—Oh my god!!! Which part of the brain is in charge of sensations? I command you to stop the immersion immediately!!!

Yan Zhao supported his waist and struggled to continue the conversation, “…Thank you for helping me with the medicine.”

Shen Yuanting: “No need to thank me, we’ll continue tonight.”

Yan Zhao: “…” I hate this!

Dinner was still prepared by Shen Yuanting, three dishes and a soup, delicious in color, fragrance, and taste. Wang Zai, feeling hungry, tried to sneak into the fish soup a few times.

Shen Yuanting glanced at Wang Zai. Wang Zai voluntarily left the dining table.

Shen Yuanting said, “I hired a new chef. If I can’t make it home on time, he’ll take care of it.”

Yan Zhao instinctively responded, “Then try to come home on time.” Only after saying it did he realize he unintentionally gave a rainbow fart. He corrected himself, “Or just let the chef handle it all. You are exhausted from work, so take a rest.”

Shen Yuanting smiled, “No, I usually do it myself. Or is the food I make not to your liking?”

Yan Zhao honestly replied, “It’s very delicious.”

He wasn’t a picky eater, but he didn’t have much enthusiasm for meals either. When no one was supervising, he would just casually eat some vegetables to get by. However, Shen Yuanting seemed to have some kind of magic touch, as there would always be one or two dishes that appealed to him, tempting him to eat properly.

Take the fish for example, Yan Zhao didn’t like fish with many bones, especially carp. But today, the fish in the soup only had one main bone, and once he removed it, the white flesh of the fish was exposed, with very few remaining small bones. It was suitable for someone like him with a clumsy palate.

Yan Zhao even had a feeling that Shen Yuanting was cooking according to his taste.

—No, that couldn’t be possible. It must be just a coincidence!

In his understanding, he and Shen Yuanting were currently in a sugar daddy relationship disguised as a marriage. It was always the little lover who pleased the wealthy benefactor, not the other way around.

But he really didn’t understand why Shen Yuanting didn’t want to sleep with him, and it wasn’t a platonic love either. So why did he want to keep him by his side?

‘Could he be a fan of my career?’ Yan Zhao was shocked by his own imagination, unable to come up with any other explanation. Maybe Shen Yuanting was a loyal fan of games like “Star Wish”?

His schedule was packed for the next week, so in order to quickly recover, Yan Zhao returned to the hellish life of a trainee. He practiced singing in the morning, worked out and danced in the afternoon, and memorized scripts and lyrics in the evening. His schedule was jam-packed.

On Monday, Yan Zhao appeared in the public eye once again as a popular idol, and he had a new assistant with him. It was arranged by Song Jing because she was afraid he would get into trouble again.

The new assistant’s name was Xiao Dou, male, with a physique that resembled an inverted trapezoid, and his well-developed muscles almost burst out of his shirt.

Yan Zhao was curious, “Sister Song said you just switched careers, what were you doing before? Were you a fitness trainer?”

Xiao Dou was very shy: “It’s not that impressive. I used to be a humble mercenary, without enough food and clothing. Ah, socialism is better after all. The company provides social security, and I don’t have to worry about getting shot on the street.”

Yan Zhao: “???” What’s going on? It’s really a waste for you to be my assistant!

In the blink of an eye, a thought appeared in Yan Zhao’s mind. He asked, “So, can you fight?”

Xiao Dou: “???”

…

Yan Zhao, accompanied by former mercenary Xiao Dou and old assistant Zhong Ling, entered the studio, exuding a Hong Kong film boss vibe as he walked.

Inside the studio, the crew was setting up the scene and preparing props. The director, upon seeing him, had an awkward expression, as if wanting to say something. However, even after Yan Zhao greeted everyone in the studio and went to the dressing room to prepare, the director didn’t say anything, just shook his head.

Yan Zhao pushed open the door of the dressing room and found someone already inside. In addition to the makeup artist and stylist, there was also a fellow artist, more precisely, his teammate, Ning Yunfan.

Ning Yunfan was halfway through his makeup, turned his head and said, “Hey, Yan Ge, why are you here?”

Yan Zhao really admired him. He had just caught his boyfriend with him at the bar a few days ago, and today he could still talk to him with an attitude as if nothing had happened. Indeed, he had some acting skills, but there was still a lack of refinement.

Yan Zhao could tell at a glance that his surprise was fake.

Yan Zhao nodded to Ning Yunfan and asked the makeup artist in the room, “What’s going on? Any changes in the shooting plan?”

The makeup artist stammered, “Well… I’m not sure, it’s the director’s arrangement.”

Ning Yunfan frowned slightly, with a hint of apology, “Ge, sorry, did Sister Song not have a chance to tell you? The spokesperson has changed.”

Yan Zhao looked at his assistant, “Zhong Ling, you ask Sister Song.”

Zhong Ling immediately called Song Jing, her face turning pale and then green^[4]臉色青一陣白一陣(liǎnsè qīng yízhèn bái yízhèn) = The face turning pale and then green, it’s describes the change of someone’s facial expression when they become surprised or … Continue reading. After a moment, she replied, “Sister Song said… the other party breached the contract, she just found out too.”

“It can’t be called a breach of contract.” Ning Yunfan smiled, “Yan Ge and I are in the same group. The brand just thinks I might be more suitable for its style, after all, ‘restraint’ is the theme of this season.”

With hidden meanings in his words, Yan Zhao couldn’t be bothered to argue with him, “Since that’s the case, I’ll leave. You can take your time shooting.”

Ning Yunfan tried to persuade, “Ge, Since you’re here, and there’s no other schedule in the morning, why not have some fun here? After the shoot, we can grab a meal together.”

Yan Zhao smiled, “I’ll pass on the meal, I have plans.”

Ning Yunfan raised an eyebrow, about to ask the assistant to “escort” them out, but heard Yan Zhao say, “But I have a habit. When I’m free, I like to watch others busy. Xiao Ning, are you shooting a promotional photo today?”

After completing his styling, Ning Yunfan sat on a luxurious chair as per the director’s instructions.

The studio lights flickered from time to time. He followed the instructions, and keep posing in various ways.

The shoot progressed smoothly, and when the director said “last set,” he couldn’t help but glance at Yan Zhao, wearing a teasing smile.

How could he not be angry? Han Yuxuan kept saying he loved him, but he chose Yan Zhao as his lover. Even if Han Yuxuan tried to explain that he and Yan Zhao never had any physical intimacy, Ning Yunfan still felt jealous and couldn’t sleep all night.

Moreover, there was also Shen Yuanting.

That was his white moonlight, the light that filled all his beautiful fantasies, and yet he exposed his own embarrassment in front of the white moonlight, only able to flee after the outburst.

And all of this was because of Yan Zhao.

Fortunately, Han Yuxuan felt guilty. He managed to snatch the endorsement from Yan Zhao’s hands, finally transforming himself from a loser in love to a winner in his career.

He wanted Yan Zhao to know what it felt like to have everything taken away from him—

The corners of Ning Yunfan’s mouth suddenly froze.

Yan Zhao sat on a makeshift chair, holding his phone and smiling like a fool.

Shen Yuanting had sent him photos of Wang Zai when it was still a baby. Some of them were from a long time ago, clearly scanned from physical photos. Looking at the photos of Wang Zai and the cat’s ball, Yan Zhao sighed, [Time doesn’t spare even cats! Young Wang Zai was very good-looking, enough to be the top among all sons-in-law.]

Shen Yuanting quickly replied, [Aren’t you shooting an advertisement? Slacking off?]

Yan Zhao: “……”

—I don’t have any endorsements anymore.

Yan Zhao didn’t want to tell Shen Yuanting about this matter; otherwise, it would feel like he was being coquettish, which felt awkward.

Yan Zhao: [Take a break. Unlike you, it’s working hours for me.]

Shen Yuanting: [I’m the boss.]

It’s because of bosses like you that ordinary workers have such a hard time!

After chatting with him for a while, Yan Zhao finally replied disdainfully: [I have to move bricks!]^[5]我要搬磚了！(wǒ yàobān zhuān le！) = I have to move bricks. It is a popular internet slang nowadays in China, generally meaning ‘I’m going to work now,’ and expressing the belief … Continue reading

“Cut, Yunfan, take your time to prepare. Control your gaze, remember the word ‘restraint,’ and don’t be too aggressive.”

As the final touches were being done, Ning Yunfan hadn’t finished shooting yet?

Yan Zhao looked up, and Ning Yunfan, with his legs crossed and hands resting on the tie, looked awkward.

The stylist rushed to help him fix his tie and quickly retreated out of the camera’s view.

They took more than ten shots, and the director rejected all of them.

“The gaze is too fierce!”

“This one is a bit… too delicate.”

“No, it’s still lacking something.”

Inside the studio, the relaxed atmosphere gradually became heavy. Flashes illuminated Ning Yunfan’s face repeatedly, but there was no indication of the shoot ending.

Yan Zhao could clearly see that the person in front of the camera was getting anxious.

He was in a good state just a while ago.

Ning Yunfan took a deep breath, trying to immerse himself in his previous state. However, whenever he faced the camera, his attention would be drawn to Yan Zhao on the side.

Who are you talking to, and why are you smiling so happily? I took away your endorsement, you should be upset, shouldn’t you?

Yan Zhao looked at him, uninterested, like looking at a bland chicken breast without any seasoning.

Ning Yunfan’s thoughts were evident in his eyes.

Yan Zhao stood up, quietly greeted the director, and left the studio.

KUMONO is a fashion brand in J country, targeting a slightly budget-conscious audience and emphasizing a light luxury style. With the contract of the previous endorser just expiring, many star-chasing girls were speculating about who would be the new face.

As someone revealed that Yan Zhao appeared at K’s office building, and Song Jing posted a photo of herself with K’s executives on Weibo, everyone guessed that Yan Zhao was indeed the new endorser.

Therefore, the latest leak from a marketing account confirmed that Yan Zhao was the most active party.

[Yan Zhao appears at KUMONO, the endorsement is secured! [Image].]

In the picture, Yan Zhao wore sunglasses, draped in a black coat, with two assistants in black clothing behind him, exuding a strong presence.

Even if the picture is so blurry that the facial features are indistinguishable, it doesn’t hinder the joyous celebration of Salt Soda.

[The boss is on patrol, step aside, commoners!]

[Ahhhh, My A husband is trending!!!]

[I can, let me do it, I, Maggie Cheung^[6]Maggie Cheung is a Hong Kong actress, singer, and UNICEF China Ambassador. She has won five Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actress and four Taiwan Golden Horse Awards for Best Actress . She is the … Continue reading of Jincheng, thank you all!!!]

[Guna^[7]Guna, it was typed like that in the raw. Guna means get out of here in front, brother belongs to me, Brigitte Lin^[8]Brigitte Lin is a Taiwanese actress. She is regarded as an icon of Chinese language cinema for her extensive and varied roles in both Taiwanese and Hong Kong films. Brigitte Lin is from Chiayi, … Continue reading from the Northeast!!]

They were all happy, and the star-chasing app reminded them that their little treasure is online!

Here it comes, choosing this timing, could it be an official announcement!!!

Salt Soda’s heart was pounding, waiting for Yan Zhao to post on Weibo, and then they saw—

@Yan Zhao: Passed by K’s place, saw some familiar faces shooting, so I went in for a look. [Image]

Salt Soda burst into tears, ‘passing by’, ‘familiar faces shooting’? What happened to Yan Zhao being the endorser? Fortunately, he posted a selfie, otherwise they would have drowned in tears today!

Some people were happy and went to the square to show off:

[Hehe, acting like the spokesperson’s in their house before the official announcement. You’re really trying to take the spotlight, where’s your endorsement, huh? [snarling face].]

These sarcastic remarks were immediately torn to shreds by the surging Salt Soda.

Yan Zhao put down his phone, and across from him, Song Jing was still on the phone with Ning Yunfan’s assistant, looking displeased.

On the first day of becoming the manager of the Mu group, she told the artists not to take on private endorsements without permission. However, Ning Yunfan not only bypassed her but also snatched the endorsement of a teammate. This really made her furious.

She had long noticed the lack of unity within the group, but this was the first time someone dared to cause trouble right in front of her. Regardless of private relationships, as long as you’re not going solo, you’re a member of this group. For the sake of the fans, the spirit of the group must be maintained. How could they start killing each other within the same group?

“Alright, no time during the shoot, right? Then tell him that I’ll have a talk with him tonight.” Song Jing hung up the phone, wanting to sigh, but seeing Yan Zhao across from her, she held back the sigh and praised him instead, “You’ve matured. It’s better to avoid conflicts among teammates.”

Yan Zhao smiled and said, “I understand. Team harmony is the most important.”

Song Jing, with a look of satisfaction, said to him, “KUMONO should announce the spokesperson today. Just pretend you didn’t see it, and I’ll find you a new endorsement.”

Yan Zhao replied, “Thanks, Sister Song. Take your time finding, I’m not in a hurry here.” Changing endorsements naturally meant upgrading to a higher level. Otherwise, it will be like lowering your status, but with limited options, it would take effort on Song Jing’s part.

Song Jing nodded and started discussing work with him again, “You need to record well for the New Music Awards tomorrow night. As for the costumes… I’ll borrow from other brands, and I’ll have them delivered to you by 7 pm at the latest. Don’t worry.”

The New Music Awards is an award in the Chinese music industry, focusing on encouraging new artists who debuted in the current year.

Where there’s an event, there’s a red carpet, and where there’s a red carpet, there’s competition in looks, popularity, and endorsements.

KUMONO had previously agreed to provide Yan Zhao with the latest seasonal clothing, but now they’ve broken the agreement. Yan Zhao has to rely on himself in this situation. Fortunately, Song Jing, with her many years of experience as a manager, has a wide network and has no trouble borrowing luxury brands with higher prestige.

Yan Zhao seems a bit emotional: “Tomorrow, I won’t sit with Ning Yunfan, and I won’t be with Qiu Chengtian either. I’m afraid I might not be able to resist hitting him. Sister Song, please understand.”

Song Jing understands him and agreed readily: “Alright, I’ll call the organizers later and separate you guys. But if you sit alone, everyone will say you’re isolating yourself from the team.”

Yan Zhao responded: “It doesn’t matter. You know the situation in the team. Everyone is thinking about going solo. We can’t go too far anyway. Instead of suddenly disbanding, it’s safer for someone to come and give a preventive shot first, right?”

Song Jing raises her eyebrow: “I think the first one who wants to go solo is you.”

Yan Zhao waved his hand and said, “I do want to, but I can’t bear to disappoint any of the fans, what should I do?”

“Do you think your Salt Soda is not enough?”

Yan Zhao: “I just don’t want to disappoint any of them, even if they only slightly like me.”

Song Jing laughs and sighs, suggested: “By the way, how about being together with Ying Hongyu?”

Yan Zhao replied, “That’s even worse!!!”

Shen Yuanting even tore apart the ZhaoHong CP; if he causes any more trouble, it might turn into a real-life battle with Ying Hongyu.

Alas, Shen Yuanting, a toxic fan^[9]Toxic fan, it was explained by the author, didn’t run away.

Song Jing was a bit puzzled. She thought that after that incident, Yan Zhao and Ying Hongyu would become close friends. Why does Yan Zhao still want to avoid him?

In the afternoon, Yan Zhao went to the training room to practice the new dance for the upcoming concert. When he returned home, all he could think of was the roar that came out while choreographing and counting beats.

He collapsed on the sofa and shouted, “Shen Yuanting?”

After waiting for a while, there was no reply, no sound of footsteps either.

Oh, Shen Juju must be busy with work. Taking a break in the morning and working overtime in the evening, haha.

Wang Zai ran over, nudging Yan Zhao’s hand with his little head, and Yan Zhao caught it.

Yan Zhao said, “Your dad will be back later tonight.”

Wang Zai: “Meow—-“

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The author has something to say:

毒唯(Dúwéi) = Toxic fan, a derogatory term, refers to fans who only have love for their idols and cannot tolerate fans of other celebrities. They often express extreme fanaticism and frequently use offensive language to insult other stars.On social platforms like Weibo, if you search for a celebrity’s name, the search results often include discussions about fans making speculations about what opportunities their idol might receive. However, I don’t participate in fan communities; this information is something I learned from an adjacent online forum.