Chapter 32
The visitor walked in, a simmering anger beneath his calm.
His sharp, short black hair, stern and cold demeanor, and keen gaze were unmistakable.
Teamed up with his height of nearly 1.9 meters, and his expensive tailor-made suit, as soon as Xiang Boyan entered the office, Cheng Xuyuan felt a oppressive presence he found hard to ignore.
"No, no, I'm also a cool-headed person here. I can't be threatened." Cheng Xuyuan muttered, bolstering his morale internally.
"...What are you doing with your hands behind your back?" Xiang Boyan‘s normally frigid gaze turned a tad bit puzzled as he addressed Zhou Yuanzhe.
Cheng Xuyuan nervously placed his hands on the table, his exterior still reflecting a calm demeanor. He maintained a collected and steadied voice, "Mr. Xiang, what can I do for you today?"
Xiang Boyan smoothly pulled up a chair, sitting across from Zhou Yuanzhe. His lips parted slightly, "Zhou Yuanzhe, I've always admired your efficiency. However, I believe you do not have the right to bestow the endorsement of brand X to an artist I have decided to sideline."
The subtext of that was 'keep away from my lover,' Cheng Xuyuan quickly muttered in his mind.
"Actually," Cheng Xuyuan handed Xiang Boyan the perfume project proposal. "Regarding the male persona that brand X seeks, no one in Xing Entertainment fits better than An Ye."
Xiang Boyan studied the project plan attentively. He had to give it to Zhou Yuanzhe, he had a keen eye for detail. As for the spokesperson of this perfume, not to mention Xing Entertainment, even throughout the entire entertainment circle, no one could be more suitable than An Ye.
"Even so, you should have consulted with me first." Xiang Boyan's anger dissipated somewhat. "After all, An Ye's public image is not in a good place right now. His affair with Yao Yao got exposed and he already lost five or six endorsements."
Cheng Xuyuan’s hand finally stopped shaking; he lifted his eyes and asked: "What are you implying, Mr. Xiang?"
Xiang Boyan was taken aback for a moment. He initially thought that according to Zhou Yuanzhe's character, he would retort with "I’ll choose who I want, deal with it". Unexpectedly, today's Zhou Yuanzhe actually lowered his status for An Ye, and respectfully addressed him as "you".
Suddenly, Xiang Boyan's lips curled up in amusement, his tone laced with interest: "It's not that An Ye can't be the endorser, but I want know what he did to make you change your attitude towards him all of a sudden?"
Everyone at Xing Entertainment was aware that An Ye requested a new manager a year ago.
In Xiang Boyan’s impression, Zhou Yuanzhe was not a saintly person who would easily forgive, his ability to not kick a man when he’s down was already merciful. Yet, he was now actively helping An Ye to secure a big endorsement deal?
Xiang Boyan was no fool, he concluded that there was something fishy going on.
Zhou Yuanzhe cleared his throat and didn't answer for a moment.
"..." Xiang Boyan frowned slightly, "So, you have nothing to say?"
"This morning An Ye came to apologize." Cheng Xuyuan described An Ye's uncontrolled behavior as an apology, "I've noticed that he has matured a lot lately, and his charisma greatly improved. So I decided to give him this endorsement to try out."
Xiang Boyan raised an eyebrow, asking: "Is it that simple?"
Cheng Xuyuan braved ahead, "I promised An Ye that if he could secure this endorsement, I would..."
"Do what?’’ asked Xiang Boyan, watching him intently.
"Become his manager again."
After a moment of silence, Xiang Boyan suddenly spoke: "Actually it's not a big deal, but I still hope you will report to me before making decisions. Although, you have never made a wrong choice."
Cheng Xuyuan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if he had managed to save his hand.
"But I still want to ask you, Zhou Yuanzhe."
Xiang Boyan stood up, leaning his hands on the table, and looked down at Zhou Yuanzhe.
"Do you think An Ye is worth your effort? In his first year at the company, he indeed brought us huge profits and helped Xingxing break into the entire industry." Xiang Boyan's expression became serious. "But to be honest, it doesn't have much to do with him personally. In the past year since he left you, An Ye failed to meet the standard of each quarter's endorsement income."
A matter-of-fact tone, like talking about a product, purely prioritizing interests.
"I have confidence." Zhou Yuanzhe looked up at him, his clear eyes seemingly predicting the future. "Give me one year, and I can make An Ye a superstar."
Xiang Boyan looked at him earnestly. In the split second moment when they locked eyes, Zhou Yuanzhe's fingers trembled slightly, but it was hardly noticeable.
A minute later, Xiang Boyan withdrew his gaze and looked out towards the bustling traffic outside the floor-to-ceiling window, his voice somewhat emotional: "You're still like always, making decisions I cannot understand, but always able to help the company make a fortune."
"Thank you for your continued support, Boss." Cheng Xuyuan silently prayed to himself, grateful that he wasn't punished too harshly.
"In that case, starting from tomorrow, you'll be in charge of An Ye again." Xiang Boyan walked towards the door, adding: "To lighten your workload, I'll find someone else to take care of the other three artists under you."
"I hope that, as you promised, a year from now, I'll see An Ye as a superstar."
Xiang Boyan had already left the office before Cheng Xuyuan had a chance to say anything more.
Cheng Xuyuan slumped in his chair and breathed a sigh of relief. For now, he had managed to smooth things over.
Back in the CEO's office, Xiang Boyan beckoned to his assistant Linda who was sorting documents aside, "Linda, come here."
Linda quickly put down the documents in her hands and walked respectfully over to Xiang Boyan, "What can I do for you, Boss?"
"I remember you and Zhou Yuanzhe are on good terms, right?" Xiang Boyan picked up his coffee from his desk, "Is he in a relationship recently?"
"Puh..." Linda couldn't help but laugh, then quickly put on a serious face, "Why do you suddenly ask, Boss?"
"Because..."
Because Zhou Yuanzhe appears more attractive than before, his complexion has improved, and most importantly, he unnoticingly has an added sense of...
Youthfulness?
Xiang Boyan did not know if this description was accurate. After pondering over his words, he said: "Because he seems to be acting a bit silly today."
Linda had to exert a lot of effort to hold back her laughter: "Boss, it is unlikely that Brother Yuanzhe would be in a relationship."
"Oh?" Xiang Boyan raised his eyebrows, "I see that many young ladies in the company are quite interested in him."
"Well..." Linda dare not help Zhou Yuanzhe come out of the closet in front of the boss, "Brother Yuanzhe has high standards, and no one able to meet his criteria has appeared yet."
Xiang Boyan nodded thoughtfully, then said after a moment, "Alright, I got it. Continue with your work."
________________________
That evening.
An Ye came as scheduled and arrived at Zhou Yuanzhe's office. Unlike his daytime appearance, he wore a black turtleneck sweater, exuding a lazily luxurious demeanor that caught the attention of many.
"Why aren't you wearing a shirt?" Cheng Xuyuan casually asked.
"Cold." An Ye thought, if it weren't for making you fall for me, I wouldn't even wear a shirt to the company in early spring.
"Thwack—"
Cheng Xuyuan threw a perfume proposal on the table in front of An Ye, coldly saying, "Take a look. If you think it's suitable, go for an audition this weekend."
An Ye picked up the proposal, and after a while, his eyes were filled with amusement, and the corners of his lips slightly lifted, "Brother Yuan, I just found out today why you are called the money tree of Xing Entertainment and Xiang Boyan's biological father."
"Stop." Cheng Xuyuan looked up at him, his calm tone contained some rejection, "What biological father of Xiang Boyan? I'm just an employee. Don't exalt me."
In his mind, he thought, you are the main character, making a few jokes is fine, but I'm an expendable character in danger at any time!
"I'm praising you, Brother Yuan," An Ye had a provocative glint in his eyes, "With your money-making skills, there won't be a second person like you in the whole H city, right?"
The perfume proposal seemed to be tailor-made for An Ye. It not only aligned with An Ye's image of being handsome yet slightly immature but also suited the demeanor of An Ye after rebirth—seemingly harmless, yet subtly provocative.
Under the light, An Ye picked up the proposal and earnestly thanked, "Brother Yuan, I will forever remember your kindness and willing to help me. I'll definitely give it my all at the audition this weekend."
After An Ye left, rumors started spreading within the company.
It was the third major gossip of the day following 'Zhou Yuanzhe ate a family bucket meal' and 'CEO Xiang smiled.' The new gossip was — 'Zhou Yuanzhe has become An Ye's agent again.'
This news was much more sensational than the previous two rumors, and it caused an uproar in several private group chats within the company.
"My god, how dare An Ye have the nerve to let Brother Yuan manage him?!”
"Has the incident concerning Yao Yao been resolved? Is he set to return?"
"I heard CEO Xiang transferred all of the other artists under Brother Yuan to someone else..."
"What exactly happened to CEO Xiang today?!”
In an instant, countless speculations sprang up within Xing Entertainment, intensifying everyone's disdain for An Ye.
Among these speculations, the talk of 'An Ye seducing Zhou Yuanzhe' gradually spread and started to spiral out of control.
Cheng Xuyuan was oblivious to these speculations. On the weekend, he personally drove to pick up An Ye.
"Come down; let's go to the audition," Cheng Xuyuan said as he called An Ye on the phone.
An Ye mumbled a few words and then said sweetly, "Brother Yuan, I haven't had breakfast yet..."
Sighing, Cheng Xuyuan went to a nearby Starbucks to buy a meal set and waited in his car downstairs.
Helpless, he couldn't help but follow the protagonist's whims.
After getting dressed, An Ye wore a simple spring jacket, maintaining his refreshing and handsome style. His tear mole near the corner of his eye was particularly eye-catching.
"Thank you, brother Yuan," An Ye said as he picked up the breakfast, smiling at Cheng Xuyuan. "Lately, I've been living alone, and my family doesn't want to see me. I often forget to have breakfast."
How come he didn't forget today? Was this a calculated move?
Cheng Xuyuan coldly replied, "Eat less; you don't want it to affect your condition."
Looking at An Ye's clothes, he added with disdain, "Have you ironed this outfit? Why is it so wrinkled?"
"Isn't there clothing at the set?" An Ye asked, apparently confused.
"That's the X brand. It ranks among the top five in the domestic perfume industry, if not the first. They don't have time to prepare clothes for every audition."
Hearing this, An Ye lowered his head and said softly, "I'm sorry, brother Yuan. I forgot about that..."
In reality, it wasn't his fault. His previous life, Lin Yunan, was a small-time star. Not to mention the X brand, even the less notable perfume brands wouldn't consider him for their campaigns. Therefore, he would not be aware of the audition process for high-end ads.
"It's alright," Cheng Xuyuan sighed, "Just eat first."
Stealing a glance at Cheng Xuyuan's icy profile, An Ye realized his audacity. He even dared to tease such a frosty top agent...
Upon arrival at the set, the crew greeted Cheng Xuyuan from a distance.
"Brother Yuan is here—"
"Hello, brother Yuan!"
"Long time no see, brother Yuan."
Cheng Xuyuan maintained a neutral smile while feeling his face stiffen.
When the crowd noticed the person following him, silence ensued.
"An... An Ye?" someone whispered, "Why is he here? Could it be..."
"What? Cheng Xuyuan is bringing that guy?"
"He's already utterly ruined. How does he have the face to come here?"
Facing the murmurs of the crowd, An Ye held a calm demeanor, showing no signs of weakness.
Upon reaching the dressing room, the other celebrities waiting for their auditions stared at him in astonishment, as if the newcomer wasn't An Ye but a monster.
"I was wondering who it was. Turns out it's him..."
A newcomer, aware of An Ye's situation, disdainfully commented to their own agent.
However, the agent's face turned serious, and he signaled with his eyes for the newcomer to shut up. Then, he greeted Cheng Xuyuan with a smile, "Hello, brother Yuan. I didn’t expect to see you here..."
Cheng Xuyuan gave him a glance, his gaze sliding over the newcomer, and he coldly retorted, "Tell your artist to watch his mouth."
"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right, brother Yuan." The agent broke out in a cold sweat and glared fiercely at the newcomer beside him.
Suddenly, the entire dressing room fell into silence.
Cheng Xuyuan looked around and found an iron for pressing clothes. After getting permission from staff, he asked An Ye, "Do you know how to iron clothes?"
"I don't..." An Ye looked at him innocently, "Are you going to help me?"
Cheng Xuyuan rolled his eyes internally, saying, "Fine, take off your clothes."
An Ye took off his denim jacket, and was about to take off his sweatshirt underneath, when Cheng Xuyuan quickly stopped him, "That's enough, I'll just iron the jacket."
After properly hanging the denim jacket, the voice of a staffer echoed from outside the dressing room, "The director says all the actors should wait at the site. The auditions will start shortly."
Cheng Xuyuan glanced at An Ye and said, "Go ahead, I'll be there shortly."
One by one, people in the dressing room left. Cheng Xuyuan skillfully turned on the iron, thinking to himself, "The protagonist really can't do anything, he doesn’t even know this simple task."
Just then, a man's voice came from the side, "Yo, an agent is ironing clothes for an actor. Isn't your situation a bit miserable?"
Cheng Xuyuan narrowed his eyes at the speaker – it was the newcomer from before.
"So," Cheng Xuyuan began seriously ironing the collar of the denim jacket. "Did you not hear what I said earlier?"
The newcomer looked a little embarrassed and angrily responded, "Who do you think you are to teach me a lesson? Do you know how many fans I have?!"
Cheng Xuyuan chuckled, "Kid, it's time for your audition."
"Ha, dealing with washed-up celebrities like An Ye, you must not be a good manager," the newcomer sneered. "You're probably just tasked with cleaning up the mess for the company."
"Perhaps you should start thinking about how you'll shed your tears when you aren't selected," retorted Cheng Xuyuan, becoming impatient. 'How can people with such low emotional intelligence make their debuts these days?' he wondered.
Suddenly, the newcomer next to him couldn't contain his anger any longer and gave Cheng Xuyuan a hard shove.
Caught off balance, Cheng Xuyuan quivered as the steamer he was holding in his right hand slipped, its edge just scratching the back of his left hand.
The high-temperature steam grazed the surface of his skin, causing a deep burning sensation. Cheng Xuyuan immediately furrowed his brows and sharply inhaled a breath of cold air.
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