Chapter 49

The next day, the drone launch event hosted by Yuan Zhao Group was about to begin.

In the stylish venue, reporters were adjusting various equipment, while loyal fans of Yuan Zhao Technology, known as “Yuan fans,” were discussing the information revealed by the official sources or live-streaming the event on Weibo.

Apart from them, there were also some casual attendees scattered around. Most of them didn’t have a deep understanding of drones, but since Yan Zhao was attending the event, how could they not come?

As a figure wearing a duckbill cap appeared at the entrance, the casual attendees immediately became excited.

“Here comes Zhao Zhao!”

“Today, brother’s fashion taste is excellent as always!”

“Ah, it’s too far to see clearly…”

“Silly, watch the live stream!”

Upon being reminded, the young lady finally reacted and quickly took out the phone endorsed by Yan Zhao, entering the live stream room.

Beside her, the tech enthusiasts who came for the drones looked at her with puzzled eyes: Aren’t we at the event? Why do we still need to watch the live stream?

Shen Yuanting noticed his focused gaze and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

During the flight demonstration segment, Yan Zhao took off his cap and went up as the chief pilot to control the drone. The drone performed various impressive maneuvers in the sky, eliciting exclamations from the tech enthusiasts present. With the idol showing off his skills, the casual attendees naturally cheered along, resulting in a lively atmosphere. As they watched, they realized not only was the idol cool, but the products he endorsed were also incredibly cool!

From the stylish movements, flashy flips, prolonged hovering, to the high-definition filming, the sophistication of the high-tech products was fully displayed.

They had heard of Yuan Zhao Technology’s renowned reputation before, but it wasn’t until they saw the product demonstration in person that they truly understood the charm of drones.

And…

Zhao Zhao, who was focused on controlling the drone, looked so adorable!!! The drone even flew in the shape of a heart; whether you listen or not, it’s like the idol is expressing love to me, wuwuwuwu!!!

After the test flight, Yan Zhao returned to his seat and smiled at Shen Yuanting. Shen Yuanting picked up his duckbill cap and helped him put it on his head. The whole process was intimate and natural, as if they had done it countless times before.

—The live stream was still recording.

Although the next moment the camera switched back to the PowerPoint presentation, the sharp-eyed  FBI still caught that fleeting moment.

Huh? How come they didn’t notice earlier that sitting next to their idol was also such a handsome guy?!!!

In the live chat room, many netizens sent barrage messages:

【Wow, so handsome, I’m swooning!!!】

【Bring the camera back, we want more!!!】

【I can’t contain this excitement!!!】

【Excuse me, is that guy also a celebrity?】

【Yuan Zhao CEO, please enlighten us】

【So young, unbelievable!!!】

【I just searched for information, I suspect he traveled back from the starting point】

【666^[1]The homonym of 666 is “牛牛牛（niú niú niú）”, which usually used to describe someone or something very powerful, very awesome, very strong, convincing and praise., after Shen’s CEO’s reincarnation theory, now we have the starting point travel theory】

And there was another kind of style:

【That scene just now, ahh, am I the only one who finds it cute???】

【Even wearing a cap, I can still sense the indulgence, is it just my eyes playing tricks???】

【Zhao Zhao is smiling at him so sweetly, I’m so envious, Zhao Zhao is so good-looking, I feel like I’m carrying ten pounds of lemons on my head】

【Basic operation of straight guys, everyone take a seat!】

【Well, actually, they’ve been chatting all along, but it seems the cameraman doesn’t like to focus on CEO Shen.】

【Maybe he’s just afraid to do so, haha.】

【Just whispering, our company and Yuan Zhao’s are in the same tech park. When we were eating, I overheard a girl from Yuan Zhao saying their company used to give out tickets for Mu’s concerts, but now Mu has disbanded…】

【The version I heard is that you can get a little red envelope if you help Yan Zhao top the charts (Money bag)】

【Is that for real? Is Yuanzhao still hiring? I’m a professional booster, I can handle the entire company’s boosting service for you.】

【Sisters, have a little ambition!!! After entering Great Corporation, do you still lack a little red envelope!!!】

【So funny, it’s just a business hype, only XXJ^[2]XXJ — xiǎoxué jī (小学鸡) = “childish, immature people who speak or behave stupidly” (literally means “pupil chicken”). would take it seriously.】

【Weird, even if it’s just hype, so what? As long as everyone enjoys it.】

【No one dares to hype up Great Corporation randomly, their legal department is scary, any hype would be with their consent.】

【What if those two are really into each other? How do you know your boss isn’t a fan too?】

After the live broadcast ended, Yan Zhao and Shen Yuanting went home together.

In the car, Yan Zhao first posted a Weibo saying “fortunate to collaborate with @Yuanzhao Technology” using his main account, then switched to his secondary account to play around.

His fingers swiped the screen twice, and the live broadcast screenshot from the press conference appeared in front of him. The blogger praised Shen Yuanting’s divine appearance, claiming to have gotten the most handsome CEO. In the comments, someone even searched for Shen Yuanting’s resume and attached a screenshot with the message: 【I’m kneeling, people simply can’t be compared.】

Both the comments and reposts were full of exclamation.

Yan Zhao’s lips curled upwards as he handed the phone over to Shen Yuanting, saying, “They’re all praising you!”

Shen Yuanting leisurely lifted his gaze and asked, “What about you?”

Yan Zhao replied matter-of-factly, “I’m sitting in the judge’s seat!”

Shen Yuanting smiled, reached out his hand, and pulled Yan Zhao close, who leaned into him, and the two of them cuddled up together.

Apart from these praises, a small group of fans with a lingering CP (couple pairing) atmosphere quietly emerged, with some fan fiction quietly sprouting up in fan communities. Of course, at this time, they had no idea that what they were creating was real…

…

Before National Day, “You in Teaching Building 7” reached its finale. This campus drama received an 8.8 rating on major streaming platforms, with many critics praising the meticulous handling of details by the production team, which allowed viewers to relive their university days. Yan Zhao’s performance also stood out, portraying a seemingly carefree yet actually attentive and gentle male lead.

Shortly after the broadcast ended, the production team sent Yan Zhao some good news: “You in Teaching Building 7” is going to be aired on A Province Satellite TV!

Airing on satellite TV is a recognition of the quality of the work and an affirmation of the actors. Moreover, the audience of television and web dramas may not overlap, so perhaps soon, Salt Soda will experience another peak in new viewers.

Yan Zhao replied to the congratulatory messages one by one, then pushed back the wig at his temple and put it behind his ear to let some air in, as it was still a bit stuffy at the back of his neck.

This is the last struggle of the lingering summer heat, with a cool autumn rain just around the corner. In a few days, the temperature should drop.

The directorial team was still discussing which promotional photo to use, and Yan Zhao said, “Let me change my clothes first.” He went to the dressing room, removed his makeup, took off the heavy costume, and put on some refreshing casual clothes.

When he came out, the director had just decided on the promotional photo: “Forget it, since they complained that we didn’t provide enough material last time, let’s go for a nine-grid this time!”

Yan Zhao: “…”

This time, he was filming a palace intrigue drama called “Emperor’s Domain” set in a fictional world. The script was adapted from a classic novel of the same name, which already had a built-in fan base.

The production had attracted a three billion investment, making it a high-cost production compared to the previously financially strapped “You in Teaching Building 7” and “Tian Yuan.”

Just the embroidery on the few outfits Yan Zhao tried on today would be enough to keep the costume team busy for several months.

And Yan Zhao, in his portrayal, plays the role of Ye Guiqiu, the third male lead who serves as the prime minister, the right-hand man to the emperor, and the top scorer in the imperial examination of that year.

Despite being the third male lead, Ye Guiqiu’s popularity and fashionability are quite high. In the original work, he helps the male protagonist with strategies, takes charge of the military camp when the protagonist goes missing, but unfortunately, the relationship between him and the protagonist gradually deteriorates, and he ends his life with a poisoned drink. It can be said that Ye Guiqiu, just like his name suggests, eventually returns to autumn, to dust.

Yan Zhao has played the male lead twice before, so he doesn’t mind taking on a supporting role this time. As long as it satisfies his acting itch, he doesn’t mind playing a minor role. Besides, both the male lead and the second male lead are well-respected actors in the industry, so he’s looking forward to working with them.

“Yan Zhao, want to have dinner together tonight?” Zhou Yun, the male lead actor, called out. He’s the winner of the Chenxing Award, a golden ingredient for TV dramas. Any drama with him in it is bound to be a hit.

Yan Zhao had just ordered food with Shen Yuanting and could only politely decline, “I have plans already, how about I treat you another day, Brother Zhou?”

Zhou Yun chuckled, “Haha, how can I let my junior treat me? But I’ll remember the offer, you can’t back out next time!”

Yan Zhao smiled at him but then heard a slightly hoarse voice behind him, tinged with some irritation, “Please step aside, don’t block the doorway.”

Yan Zhao glanced back and was almost blinded by the sight across from him.

He thought his appearance in *Beast* magazine was flashy enough, but he didn’t expect someone even flashier here— the newcomer had silver hair, a large gold chain around his neck, diamond rings and pinky rings on all ten fingers, silver chains hanging from his belt, and he was sparkling all over.

And this nouveau riche who exudes an aura of “I’m very wealthy” from head to toe is none other than He Shengqi, the second male lead of this drama.

Unlike Zhou Yun, who guarantees high viewership ratings, the films He Shengqi acts in typically receive critical acclaim but struggle in terms of viewership. If it weren’t for his family’s wealth, he probably would have quit the industry long ago. This time, he also joined the production with financial backing.

The clash between the golden boy and the underdog, whether the mascot can lead to victory or the curse of failure, is a major topic of discussion in “Emperor’s Domain”.

As He Shengqi passed by Yan Zhao, Yan Zhao looked at him, and their eyes met. The man glared fiercely at Yan Zhao, then sat down at his own place, and the makeup artist hurried over.

Yan Zhao didn’t remember meeting him before, nor could he guess why he seemed unhappy with him. However, he didn’t dwell on it and happily went home to eat.

After he left, He Shengqi slapped himself on the face with both hands, covering it.

Makeup artist: “Um… Shengqi, are you feeling unwell?”

Beside him, Zhou Yun burst into laughter mercilessly, “No, he’s feeling embarrassed and reflecting on himself!”

Facing the bewildered makeup artist, Zhou Yun explained, “He’s a Salt Soda.”

He Shengqi blushed and shouted, “Stop it!”

Zhou Yun: “I just want to say, hahaha, giving a disapproving look to the idol, you, as a fan, will be hung up and nailed to the pillar of shame.”

He Shengqi: “I’m nervous, what can I do!”

So, adolescence has a great impact on people. He was a bully in middle and high school, causing trouble everywhere. Even though he’s graduated for so many years now, when he gets nervous, he feels like he’s back in the territory of fighting and bricklaying with the opponent’s boss. His mind is filled with harsh words like “I’ll send you to the West with one brick,” “If you don’t agree, come and fight,” “Are you looking for trouble?” When he saw the male god just now, adrenaline surged, and he automatically entered battle mode. Not only did his tone become very fierce, but it seemed like he even glared at him…

God knows he just wanted to observe the male god’s magnificent appearance up close, but it turned into a provocation of “What are you looking at?!”

Sigh, I originally wanted to be a gentle little lamb. Male god, please listen to my explanation!