According to the former Xiao Yi, when he saw Li Changzheng, he couldn't help but want to rush up and hug his thighs at the first moment. Regardless, he might casually snatch a tie clip or tear a piece of trouser leg as a souvenir. Although it wouldn't go as far as a forced kiss or a tight hug, not washing the right hand that shook hands with Li Changzheng for three months after going back was a definite decision.

However, for some unknown reason, perhaps brainwashed too much by Lu Zhou, every time Xiao Yi felt someone was amiable, Lu Zhou's fierce expression would appear in his mind: "Others may flatter you and grovel, but it's because of my face!"

Or it could be said that Xiao Yi had already become Lu Zhou's person. He suddenly realized that he wasn't as devoted to Li Changzheng anymore. Instead, he was afraid of displeasing Lu Zhou. Facing his number one idol, Li Changzheng, he became more restrained, as if Li Changzheng had been forcibly demoted by Xiao Yi, at least below Lu Zhou.

Du Ma said, "When you release your CD, remember to give him a copy. When the concert is held, we'll go together to support you."

Li Changzheng smiled and said, "You can be my guest."

Xiao Yi sighed, "If there's a chance, I definitely will."

"I should go now," Li Changzheng said. "We'll talk again later, Xiao Yi. Feel free to come to my company when you have time."

"Okay," Xiao Yi replied.

In his heart, Xiao Yi was thinking that he didn't even know where Li Changzheng's company was. Li Changzheng then mentioned, "It's on the sixteenth floor across from your company."

Xiao Yi: "..."

Li Changzheng gave Xiao Yi his phone number and added, "Call this number to reach me. I also enjoy singing and songwriting. Let's exchange ideas when you're free."

"This is my business card," Xiao Yi hurriedly said.

By this point, Xiao Yi felt that Li Changzheng was being a bit too good to him. He handed over his business card with both hands, exchanged numbers with Li Changzheng, and was about to see him off. Li Changzheng gestured for them to relax and then left.

"What's the matter?"

After Li Changzheng left, Xiao Yi said to Du Ma, "I thought you just invited me out on your own. Why did you bring Li Changzheng? What's going on?"

"Order whatever you like," Du Ma threw the menu at him. "Have you eaten? Li Changzheng will cover the bill. Just pick something expensive."

"I've already eaten with Lu Zhou... um," Xiao Yi said, "Since that's the case, bring a bottle of Lafite, around 38,000, I haven't tried that one yet. Can we take the leftovers with us if we can't finish it?"

Du Ma sprayed his drink out, and Xiao Yi hurriedly said, "Just kidding." Then he asked the waiter, "Do you have Louis XV here..."

Du Ma snatched the menu back, ordered some snacks and drinks for Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi insisted, "Tell me the truth, did Li Changzheng approach me to write songs for him?"

Du Ma said, "No, don't overthink it. People do appreciate you. They say your songs are like poetry. He chose one of your songs when we were singing karaoke yesterday. It probably resonated with his past life. I didn't ask much about it."

"You two actually know each other," Xiao Yi remarked.

"Of course," Du Ma replied, "In our line of work, we often deal with people from the entertainment industry. Don't forget, I'm in lending?"

Xiao Yi recalled, and Du Ma continued, "Those involved in money laundering often ask for my help in connecting and facilitating. After some time, I got to know them. Why, are you not in a good mood today?"

Xiao Yi shook his head and remained silent.

"Aren't you a big fan of Li Changzheng?" Du Ma continued. "During our college days, you even invited everyone in our dormitory to watch his movies to support his box office."

"Yeah," Xiao Yi admitted, "But if Lu Zhou finds out, he'll definitely kill me."

Du Ma said, "I have something I want to discuss with you. Otherwise, things might not work out with Lu Zhou."

"What the hell!" Xiao Yi almost went crazy when he heard that. "No way! Are you trying to kill me?"

Du Ma said, "I have a job that I need your help with. It's like this... listen to me."

"Isn't this the job you introduced me to?" Xiao Yi noted with a wry smile.

Du Ma said, "It's just a transitional period. Originally, I didn't plan for you to stay there for long. I wanted you to learn for a few years before moving on. Listen to me, my aunt is thinking of starting her own film and television company, you know?"

"Yeah," Xiao Yi nodded.

Du Ma said, "You signed a three-year contract, right? That's what I heard from her."

"Yeah, within these three years, I absolutely cannot leave Lu Zhou. I won't leave Lu Zhou," Xiao Yi affirmed.

"Don't rush," Du Ma said. "With her starting a company, she needs manpower. I've already brought in some people for her, and the original music department also needs someone to manage it. I couldn't find a suitable candidate, and I think someone with a bit of talent, either went abroad or is working on film scoring for big directors. Around us, you're the only one suitable for this position."

"No, no," Xiao Yi immediately objected. "I can't do it, and besides, Zhou ge has been really good to me. You don't know; I can't betray him."

Du Ma insisted, "Don't be in a hurry to say no. Hear me out. Among us who have a deep understanding of each other, in terms of creativity, you're well-known in our department. People always look for opportunities, and these years of no progress is not your fault. Look, one of your songs is already becoming popular. It proves your ability. Moreover, it's in my aunt's company. Changing positions internally doesn't violate the contract, right?"

Xiao Yi frowned, and Du Ma continued, "According to my idea, I want you to take charge of the original music department first, for a year or two. By the end of next year, Li Changzheng is planning to partner with me on a project, creating an original music company, specifically for packaging and nurturing artists."

"Du Ma," Xiao Yi said, "Let's put aside my issues for now. The record industry has been struggling for so many years. Do you think you can make it?"

"The government is tightening copyright regulations," Du Ma mentioned. "Haven't you seen that Baidu, QQ Music, and others are already regulating copyrights? In the coming years, pop songs are sure to gradually revive. The winter for the record industry is almost over. Look at the music talent shows now; anyone and everyone can participate. The sponsorship fee for making it to the finals is a million. Why not do something with it?"

"No," Xiao Yi uttered. "I haven't thought about this at all."

Du Ma answered, "You're crazy! Leaving aside everything else, you're leaving a good boss to become an assistant. What about the dreams we agreed on before?!"

"I'm doing this to save the situation," Du Ma continued with a smile. "All these years, I never gave up. With money, dreams can be realized. Look, I have money, and you have talent. Can we call it a deal? Forming a band, becoming a singer, making it big nationwide, we've already passed that age. Becoming a music producer is also difficult, but we can become bosses. Li Changzheng also likes music. After hearing our stories, he knows that people like you and me, who had to give up their dreams due to reality, now have a chance to do it. With money and ideals, isn't it good? Isn't this happiness?"

Xiao Yi spoke, "Let me be, don't keep nagging at me like my mom. There's too much information. You... have you been drinking, Du Ma?"

"No," Du Ma confirmed.

Having had some drinks, Xiao Yi looked at the singer performing a slow tune in the center of the restaurant, accompanied by a group of black musicians behind him, and sighed.

Du Ma said again, "You can't be someone's assistant for your whole life, A Tu. Even stars have times when they fade."

"Fame is fleeting," Du Ma persisted seriously. "In the entertainment industry, after struggling for ten or twenty years, can one stay in the industry forever? If you don't take on any projects for three years, you'll be forgotten. Lu Zhou is an actor; don't be fooled by his current fame. What if..."

"Enough, stop talking about it," Xiao Yi said. "He works hard, and he loves acting. He'll keep doing it."

Du Ma took a sip of his drink and spared Xiao Yi's ears. However, not long after, he came back again, "He might act for a lifetime, but he may not stay famous forever, and he definitely doesn't need an assistant like you forever. A few years are enough; don't be foolish."

Xiao Yi remained silent.

"Why are you so talkative today?" Xiao Yi asked.

"I'm doing it for your own good," Du Ma replied. "When I introduced you to work with my aunt, I didn't mean for you to become someone's assistant, to be ordered around. But she pushed you to that difficult Lu Zhou. Fortunately, gold will not be buried under sand. You're getting recognized."

"It was Lu Zhou who gave me this opportunity," Xiao Yi said. "Without him, I wouldn't have written this song. He made me who I am, although I don't feel like I'm famous at all."

"Yeah," Du Ma reacted. "It takes time to accumulate. Anyway, you have to work hard, right? I know you're grateful to Lu Zhou, but with this opportunity, why not strive for it? Anyway, you can't be an assistant forever. Otherwise, you'll hate me."

Xiao Yi had been thinking about Lu Zhou. He couldn't let him know about this; otherwise, he would be in big trouble. But how could he refuse Du Ma? He also knew that Du Ma was well-intentioned. Among so many friends, it was Du Ma who pulled him out of the website and gave him this opportunity. They had been close since their student days, even joking that no girl treated Du Ma better than Xiao Yi. If Du Ma couldn't find a marriage partner as good as Xiao Yi in the future, they planned to go to Norway together to get married.

Du Ma couldn't possibly use him. Only a lunatic would look for any value from him, and Du Ma genuinely wanted them to make money together. Xiao Yi was touched by his sincerity.

"I'm not good at managing," Xiao Yi finally said. "I'm afraid of causing trouble for you."

"We can figure it out together," Du Ma said. "We have money now, no need to squeeze into those 15-yuan-per-night inns in Lijiang. What are you afraid of?"

Xiao Yi remained silent again.

Du Ma said, "Are you afraid that Lu Zhou will scold you? Is that it?"

"No," Xiao Yi said. "If I really resign, why would I be afraid of him scolding me? He's been very good to me... I even feel like I... damn it, I might fall in love with him!"

Du Ma was caught off guard by Xiao Yi's sudden revelation and was choked by the drink.

"I'm serious!" Xiao Yi said. "Although it sounds ridiculous."

"No, no," Du Ma hurriedly waved his hand. "It's nothing. In the music department, nine out of ten guys are gay. It's within my expectations that you might be one... Have you two been in bed together? How's his performance in bed? No wonder, you didn't do anything with Zhang Xinran because of his...?"

"No!" Xiao Yi said. "Listen to me."

Xiao Yi continued with a mournful tone, "I don't want to do anything now. I don't even know where my ideals have gone. Since graduation, my dreams have been killed and buried without mentioning them. If it weren't for my family urging me to get married, I would have really thought about being an assistant for a lifetime. Lu Zhou, how should I put it? Charismatic, really, he makes me love him wholeheartedly. Being with him makes me happy, and without him, I'm at a loss. With his encouragement, even though it's always a bit perverse, I sometimes doubt if I'm an 'M.' Isn't this love? It's the same as the first love we all feel, right?"

Du Ma looked at Xiao Yi with amusement and uttered, "You don't know, Li Changzheng is the real deal. If you dump Lu Zhou and go with him, I guarantee you'll love him more than you love Lu Zhou in less than three days. Li Changzheng can say and do anything to suit your preferences, and it's genuine, not fake."

"Forget it," Xiao Yi replied with a wry smile. "Excessive affection has always been hurtful."

Du Ma said, "You just idolize Lu Zhou too much, like how lovers idolize their boyfriends, magnifying his many virtues and ignoring his flaws. It's like that during the passionate phase; it's an idolization complex, understandable."

Bored, Xiao Yi leaned back on the sofa, and Du Ma continued, "You don't have to worry about owing Lu Zhou. You should think like this: he pampers you because, if he's going to pamper you, he also hopes you live well and pursue your own life, right? He's willing to spend resources, put aside his face to support you, insist on using your song as the theme song; it's because he likes you as a person, isn't it?"

"Really?" Xiao Yi asked. "Was it his request to use it?"

"You're something," Du Ma said. "Things that can become popular will become popular no matter what. Just because of his influence, does it mean that your bad song will become good? He's just giving you an opportunity; in the end, it still depends on yourself. I'm also providing you with an opportunity. If you don't work hard, won't he be angry? I think, in his mind, he hopes you become famous."

"You're always so confident," Xiao Yi answered. "It's like you've taken chicken blood every day."

Du Ma laughed, "Anyway, let me put it this way. If he's good to you, he'll want to lift you up, make you happy. Now that your talent is finally recognized, he'll definitely let you go to the music department, right? If he wanted you to be his assistant for a lifetime, that would be a setback."

"Based on what I know about Lu Zhou from my aunt," Du Ma continued leisurely, "he's not that petty. You admire him, can't bear to leave him; in the future, you can still write songs for him at any time, use your resources to promote him. Do you know how a song can revive a failing movie? How many people remember the classic songs, but forget those movies and TV shows?"

"If he fails one day, you will be glad about your choice today because, at least, you can help him a bit when he falls."

"Don't say anything when you go back," Du Ma added. "Less talk, fewer mistakes. My aunt also has this intention. She will talk to Lu Zhou; if you can't rest assured, you can convert to his work assistant first. Don't care about his life, but handle all the work for him. If you're worried about him going to the film set, go with him. You can have the title of Vice General Manager in the music department for half a day, and spend the other half with Lu Zhou."

"Half-day at work, half-day with Lu Zhou," Du Ma underlined to Xiao Yi again. "I know you're always blabbering, sticking to people. Now that you're leaving, you won't let go. Anyway, at the beginning, the music department won't have much work. You can hold the position, and everything will remain the same. How about it?"

Xiao Yi said, "Let me think about it. What about Li Changzheng? Do I have to write songs for him?"

"After my aunt opens her film and television company, there will be cooperation with Li Changzheng's company," Du Ma mentioned. "I think she wants to sign Li Changzheng, but it's impossible. There will be more frequent exchanges and cooperation in the future. After she starts her own project, the first drama will have a star-studded cast. Li Changzheng and Lu Zhou may even act in it."

"Is it a movie or a TV series?" Xiao Yi asked.

"A TV series, 'Sleek Rat and Flying Sky Cat,'" Du Ma told him. "I'm just guessing."

Xiao Yi, "..."

"Who plays the cat, and who plays the rat?" Xiao Yi instantly forgot about all the money, companies, departments, and careers. His first reaction was purely a fan's instinct, thinking how incredible it would be if both Li Changzheng and Lu Zhou were in the same drama. It would go crazy on Tianya and Weibo!

"I don't know," Du Ma answered. "I guess Lu Zhou will play Bai Yutang (NT: nicknamed Sleek Rat, a fictional knight errant from the Chinese novel ‘The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants’), and Li Changzheng will play Zhan Zhao (NT: his fellow knight errant, surnamed Imperial cat)."

"Li Changzheng is already a movie star. Will he take on a TV series?" Xiao Yi asked.

"He will," Du Ma asserted. "If they pay him enough, he'll take it. Don't get me wrong, but if your Lu Zhou doesn't consider transitioning, TV series might not last for more than a few years for him."

Xiao Yi noted, "It's not that exaggerated; he is currently popular."

Du Ma said, "He needs to do more movies; otherwise, when the young actors rise, he'll either play the playboy or the urban-dressed man every year. It's a waste of his acting skills from his movie background. Look at Li Changzheng; they are in the same class, and Li Changzheng has won the Best Actor award."

"Everyone has different pursuits," Xiao Yi argued. "You can't compare like this... But Li Changzheng is also in his thirties, right? He looks much younger than Lu Zhou... Oh, right, in university... Yes, Li Changzheng and Lu Zhou were in the same year."

Li Changzheng looked like he was in his early twenties, while Lu Zhou, although not showing signs of aging, exuded a more mature aura. Xiao Yi was completely surprised to learn that these two were classmates.

"I think they should switch roles," Du Ma laughed. "Li Changzheng should play in idol dramas, and Lu Zhou is more suitable for the big screen feeling."

"I agree," Xiao Yi said. "But Li Changzheng's acting skills are also good. He belongs to the type that is particularly gentle, with a person in his eyes carrying stories, and he acts just like the character he portrays."

"Lu Zhou acts like himself no matter what," Du Ma stood up and proposed. "Let's go back."

"But I think Lu Zhou's most powerful trait is that he can merge himself with the character," Xiao Yi stated. "Although he is himself, his aura is that of the character, completely reflecting the character's state of mind at that time. It's very magical. You know, when he played Kou Bin, I really felt that it was us. His emotions, his confusion, I could feel it all."

"Uh-huh," Du Ma said. "They are both talented. Stop now; I know he's your idol. Once you start talking about him, you can go on for three days and nights... Let's go; it's too late. Be careful not to get scolded when you go back."

*

Midnight.

"What were you talking about?" Lu Zhou looked at Xiao Yi suspiciously.

Xiao Yi replied, "Nothing."

Xiao Yi, as if teaching a picture to speak, flipped the iPad to the next page. Lu Zhou roared angrily, "Why are you flipping Amazon so fast?"

Xiao Yi had to flip it back.

Lu Zhou said, "Oh? You didn't say anything after sitting facing each other for a whole night? Hello, did you even say 'hello'?"

"Say Lafite and Louis XIV." Xiao Yi muttered to himself.

"Look at you." Lu Zhou uttered, "Why don't you pack up some leftovers for Little Lu, who is starving and freezing at home?"

Xiao Yi: "..."

Xiao Yi thought, are you jealous of Du Ma? Is it because of the last time you wanted to celebrate my birthday and found out I went to Du Ma's house? If you knew that I shook hands with Li Changzheng... You might have thrown away everything in my house that my right hand had touched. Maybe the iPad would disappear in the blink of an eye.

"Du Ma is so rich?" Lu Zhou asked again. "Drinking Lafite?"

Xiao Yi replied, "No, he can't afford it. We just chatted about how things have been going lately."

Lu Zhou didn't quite believe it, but he couldn't turn into a tapeworm to crawl into Xiao Yi's stomach and see what he was thinking. Little did he know that Xiao Yi was in the midst of a mental struggle. A little demon with Du Ma's face was grinning maliciously, while another little angel with Lu Zhou's face clasped its hands together, chanting Hallelujah.

Du Ma's demon kept saying, "Xiao Yi, make money, start a family, and build a career. Once you become the boss, you can buy a house in Beijing. As long as you have money, you can repay Lu Zhou at any time. When he falls, you can become his benefactor..."

Lu Zhou's angel, on the other hand, kept whispering:

Xiao Yi—

I am your male god

Your male god

Male god

God...

Xiao Yi: "..."

Lu Zhou looked at Xiao Yi with a dull expression.

"Turn the page," Lu Zhou ordered. "Are you suffering from early-stage dementia?"

Xiao Yi felt that Lu Zhou's natural skill points were mostly invested in acting, and the rest were all in sarcastic remarks. If he became a talk show host, specifically mocking fellow artists, it would surely be quite entertaining.

Feeling upset, Xiao Yi turned the page. The thought of leaving Lu Zhou made him feel various emotions. Lu Zhou also noticed that Xiao Yi's behaviour was a bit strange today, but didn't say anything. Before long, Xiao Yi turned off the lights and went to sleep.

Alone in his room, Xiao Yi lay there. A bit of light came through the curtains, and he clutched Lu Zhou's plush toy between his feet. Seeing the toy wearing a ring that Xiao Yi had bought for his ex-girlfriend as an apology, given by Lu Zhou when he received his first paycheck, which was a total of eighty thousand. Xiao Yi bought a twelve-thousand-ring with it.

The ring reflected the light, and after coming back, Xiao Yi put it on the toy's finger. His love story had come to a complete end. He held the chibi plush toy with its soft hands, looked at it for a while, and felt quite stifled inside. He wanted to talk to someone. Usually, whenever something happened, he urgently wanted to tell Lu Zhou, as if telling Lu Zhou would make decisions for him. Lu Zhou would scold him, then go and settle things for him.

Now he also wanted to speak. Just say it; it will make him feel better. If Lu Zhou opposes, Xiao Yi can reject Du Ma's proposal.

Xiao Yi walked quietly through the corridor.

"Zhou Ge... Are you asleep?" Xiao Yi whispered.

There was no response from inside the room. Xiao Yi pressed his ear to the door, and suddenly, the door was pulled open. Lu Zhou stood inside the room with an expressionless face. Xiao Yi instantly fell forward, accidentally grabbing Lu Zhou's sleeping pants and pulling them down.

Lu Zhou: "..."

Xiao Yi quickly apologized, and Lu Zhou looked embarrassed as he put his pants back on.

"What are you doing?" Lu Zhou asked.

"Why didn't you use the remote control for the door?" Xiao Yi said. "Why did you personally come to open it?"

Lu Zhou replied, "I wanted to get some water!"

"I'll go pour you some," Xiao Yi hurriedly mentioned.

Xiao Yi went downstairs and poured some cold water. When he brought it back, Lu Zhou took it but didn't drink. They both stood in front of the door. The weather had gotten a bit warmer, and with the air conditioning on, Lu Zhou's upper body was in an unbuttoned sleepwear, revealing well-defined chest muscles and a toned abdomen. Xiao Yi was only wearing sleep shorts.

Lu Zhou raised an eyebrow, "?"

Xiao Yi thought for a moment and said, "I... have something I want to tell you."

"Um," Lu Zhou looked at Xiao Yi expectantly.

After a brief silence, Xiao Yi looked up at Lu Zhou and suddenly became very nervous.

"What do you want to say?" Lu Zhou looked at Xiao Yi with anticipation.

Xiao Yi: "…"

Xiao Yi licked his lips, avoiding Lu Zhou's gaze. At the end of the corridor, a night light cast a faint color, illuminating their bodies and skin.

Lu Zhou's eyes showed reproach and concern. He touched Xiao Yi's head and said, "What's wrong? This isn't like you."

Xiao Yi's heart started to beat violently. The warmth of Lu Zhou's touch and his tone were as if the entire world had suddenly become beautiful, like the beauty glimpsed in love, making Xiao Yi hold his breath.

Lu Zhou continued, "Come in and talk."

Holding a cup of water, Lu Zhou went into the room, but Xiao Yi said, "No... I'm good. Let's talk tomorrow. Good night, Zhou Ge."

"Are you sick?" Lu Zhou asked with a helpless smile.

Xiao Yi: "…"

Xiao Yi closed the door with a dark line on his forehead. Back in the room, he hugged Lu Zhou's plush toy and checked his phone repeatedly. He decided to call Du Ma, telling him he wasn't ready yet and couldn't bear to leave Lu Zhou.

However, it was too late; Du Ma must be asleep. He decided to refuse Du Ma's proposal tomorrow. But Xiao Yi couldn't fall asleep, staying awake until past five in the morning. He nervously sent a text to Du Ma, asking him to contact him, and gradually fell asleep.

The next day, Xiao Yi was hit in the head with a pillow by Lu Zhou and woke up.

Lu Zhou, looking at his watch, said, "Du wants you to come to the company."

Xiao Yi blew sleepy bubbles and crawled over to the bathroom, then collapsed onto Lu Zhou, who was dressed in a suit.

In the morning, Lu Zhou drove, but they got stuck in traffic again, and Xiao Yi kept dozing off.

"Did you not sleep well last night?" Lu Zhou asked.

"I fell asleep at five..." Xiao Yi's consciousness was hazy as he answered.

"What are you always thinking about?" Lu Zhou tapped Xiao Yi's forehead with his finger.

 

Translator : DarNan