Xia Chengxi took the glass of plain water, somewhat puzzled, and downed it in one go.
Being the least influential person at the table, he sat quietly, picking at his food while listening to the others discuss the current state of the television and film industry, the popular movies of the moment, and upcoming projects. Occasionally, glasses clinked, but Xia Chengxi didn’t touch a drop of alcohol all night.
“Having the opportunity to collaborate with Director Wang this time is a significant milestone for Gu Enterprises as we venture into the entertainment industry. Whether the prospects turn out bright or dim will largely depend on Director Wang.” Gu Cheng, who had remained silent until then, became the center of attention as soon as he spoke.
Director Wang Zheng’s credentials were among the top in the industry. The films he had directed in the past were box office miracles, and he even held a place of prominence in the international film scene.
“This movie script is excellent, and with the addition of Actor Shu, along with Gu Enterprises’ commitment to investing in special effects, I anticipate the box office performance will be quite impressive.”
Gu Cheng raised his glass. “Then Gu Enterprises will be counting on Director Wang.”
“You’re too kind, Mr. Gu.”
Gu Cheng continued, “The purpose of this dinner isn’t just for casual conversation. It’s mainly to introduce Director Wang to someone, as the third male lead carries significant weight in the film.”
Suddenly, the topic shifted to Xia Chengxi.
Xia Chengxi whispered to Chen Yue, “Wasn’t this role secured for me by the company? Why is Mr. Gu…?”
Chen Yue replied in a hushed tone, “Just be grateful you have a role to play.”
Xia Chengxi wasn’t being picky; he was just worried that Gu Cheng might have ulterior motives toward him.
Although those ulterior motives were as plain as day, he decided to take a gamble—betting that Gu Cheng wouldn’t make a move on him, at least not tonight. As for the future, he would have to rely on his own wits to navigate the situation.
Director Wang was widely known for his sharp eye in selecting talent. It was he who had discovered and elevated Shu Wenjin to stardom years ago. Upon learning that Gu Cheng had forcibly inserted a third male lead into the cast, Director Wang naturally made sure to investigate this person thoroughly.
Xia Chengxi was an idol drama actor who had never appeared on the big screen. His acting skills were passable among idol drama stars, and he was good-looking, humble, and diligent—a promising talent.
“Xia Chengxi, right? I’ve seen your work. Not bad.”
Flattered by Director Wang’s praise, Xia Chengxi scratched his head and smiled shyly. “Thank you for the compliment, Director Wang. I look forward to learning from you in the future, and I’m also grateful to Mr. Gu for this opportunity.”
“In the future, you can seek guidance from Actor Shu. Learning from an award-winning actor is a rare opportunity.”
Xia Chengxi turned to Shu Wenjin with a smile. “Mr. Shu, I’ll be counting on your guidance in the future.”
Shu Wenjin smiled nonchalantly. “No problem. If there’s anything you don’t understand on set, feel free to ask me. Consider it my way of repaying the favor.”
“Favor?” Chen Yue’s eyes lit up, and he deliberately raised his voice. “What favor? I had no idea.”
“It was back when we were recording a show at Mango TV. Actors like us only know how to act—we’re not great at variety shows. That night, Xia Chengxi saved the day by lightening the mood and preventing Director Zheng from Mango TV from losing his temper. We’d already agreed to treat him to a meal, but something came up and it fell through.”
Shu Wenjin’s explanation seemed intended for Gu Cheng’s ears, but Gu Cheng remained expressionless, showing no sign of any issue.
Chen Yue chuckled. “So that’s what happened. No wonder it was all over the internet recently.”
Shu Wenjin, with his distinctively bony fingers holding a wine glass, apologized to Xia Chengxi, “I was swamped during that period and didn’t pay much attention to these matters. It’s my fault for not clarifying the rumors for you sooner.”
Xia Chengxi waved his hands in panic, “No, no, it’s fine. You were busy filming, and my issue was trivial. How could I trouble you with it? Besides, the company handled the PR for me that same day, so it didn’t really affect me. I was the one who inconvenienced you that day.”
Thud—
The sound of a glass hitting the table interrupted Xia Chengxi. He looked up and saw Gu Cheng, whose expression had remained unchanged all evening but now seemed even more hostile, as if Xia had touched a nerve and provoked his displeasure.
Xia Chengxi grumbled inwardly, What’s wrong with this lunatic? It’s our first meeting—how have I offended him? Why is he always targeting me with that glare?
Suppressing his frustration, Xia Chengxi retreated into silence once more. His hand, holding the chopsticks, began to tremble slightly, and he gradually felt his mind growing hazy. The two chopsticks in front of him blurred into four overlapping shadows. His limbs grew weak, and his heartbeat quickened.
[It’s over, Little Green Hat! I’m about to be taken advantage of! When did someone drug me? Why didn’t you warn me?]
The system remained silent for a moment before replying, [I didn’t detect any substances that would cause you physical discomfort, but it seems I overlooked something. You’ll have to save yourself.]
Without hesitation, Xia Chengxi whispered to Chen Yue, “Brother Chen, I’m not feeling well. Could you take me to the hospital?”
Chen Yue took one look at his flushed cheeks, dazed eyes, and weak limbs and immediately understood what was happening. However, his boss had repeatedly emphasized not to offend Gu Cheng. How could he possibly take Xia Chengxi away from the dinner now? Feigning ignorance, he said, “Everyone’s still here. It would be impolite for you to leave now. Just bear with it a little longer. I’ll take you to the hospital once the dinner is over.”
What’s the point of going then?
Xia Chengxi finally saw the truth. Chen Yue was more than willing to throw him to the wolves. He couldn’t rely on him.
His eyes swept around the table before finally settling on Shu Wenjin, seated to his right. Without overthinking it, he grabbed Shu Wenjin’s sleeve, breathing heavily with difficulty, and whispered, “Mr. Shu, I’m not feeling well. Could you please take me to the hospital?”
Shu Wenjin, sharp as ever, understood the situation at a glance. However, helping a minor celebrity at the cost of offending Gu Cheng—whom even Director Wang Zheng treated with deference—was clearly not a rational choice.
Xia Chengxi noticed the hesitation in Shu Wenjin’s eyes and let go of his sleeve with a bitter smile.
But he had reached his limit. He had no idea what kind of drug it was, but his entire body felt feverish, his limbs weak, and a layer of cold sweat covered his skin. His Adam’s apple bobbed nervously—everything felt wrong.
When he looked up and met Gu Cheng’s eyes, he saw a rare, mocking glint in their icy depths.
Was standing you up once really worth all this trouble? Damn it, I’ve had enough!
Xia Chengxi stood up abruptly. “Sorry, everyone. I seem to be feeling unwell. Please enjoy your meal.”
Without waiting to see the stunned expressions on Gu Cheng’s and the others’ faces. He couldn’t wait another minute—he staggered backward, preparing to leave.
Gu Cheng set down his glass, and bodyguards immediately blocked Xia Chengxi’s path. With a casual glance at Shu Wenjin, the corners of his tightly pressed lips finally curled into a malicious smirk. “Why go to the hospital? There are rooms right here. You look flushed and sweaty—you’ve probably had too much to drink. Just go upstairs and rest for a while.”
Ridiculous. Xia Chengxi had only drunk four glasses of plain water all evening—where did the alcohol come from?
But since Gu Cheng was twisting the facts and no one was stepping in to expose him, the bodyguard reached out to support Xia Chengxi. Panicked, Xia Chengxi leaned closer to Shu Wenjin, his dark, round eyes shimmering with unshed tears. In a weak, trembling voice laced with sobs, he pleaded, “Mr. Shu, could you please take me to the hospital?”
Now, Shu Wenjin was caught in a dilemma—helping seemed inappropriate, but not helping felt wrong too.
Shu Wenjin froze for a moment, then steadied Xia Chengxi and looked up at Gu Cheng. “Mr. Gu, how about this? Since he’s not feeling well, I’ll take him to the hospital first for a check-up.”
“A check-up? He’s just drunk—what’s there to check?” Gu Cheng sneered. “Mr. Shu, are you implying I might do something to him? If that’s what you’re thinking, isn’t that a bit too narrow-minded?”
Director Wang also chimed in with a smile, trying to persuade Shu Wenjin, “Wenjin, Mr. Gu means well. You…”
Before he could finish, Gu Cheng had already lost patience. Striding over on his long legs, he stood in front of Xia Chengxi.
“Mr. Shu, you strike me as an intelligent man. Is it really worth it for someone you barely know?”
It really isn’t worth it, Xia Chengxi thought.
Gu Cheng grabbed Xia Chengxi directly, pulling him into his arms, and walked out as if no one else was there. Before leaving, he politely added, “Everyone, please enjoy your meal. I’ll help Xiao Xia sober up and be back shortly.”
Gu Cheng supported him as they walked out into the hallway. Xia Chengxi went limp, clinging entirely to Gu Cheng, who then simply scooped him up horizontally. Xia Chengxi shuddered all over, pushing against him in resistance, but a sharp rebuke from Gu Cheng frightened him into submission.
“Enough of this nonsense!”
Xia Chengxi felt wronged. Was it necessary for someone he’d just met to act like this?
His body gradually grew warmer, and a hazy mist clouded his eyes.
“Mr. Gu, I come from a respectable family. I earn my living through hard work in acting. I don’t want to be subjected to casting couch politics.”
“I’ll give up the role of the third male lead, alright? Isn’t this just forced coercion?”
“Mr. Gu, there are plenty of boys in the entertainment industry more attractive than me. Couldn’t you go after them instead?”
Gu Chengxi stepped into the elevator, so angry he laughed. “What if I only want you?”
Just as I thought! Casting couch!
Xia Chengxi grew restless. Watching the elevator ascend to the top floor, he began to struggle weakly, but the little strength he had left, sapped by the drugs, was nothing in Gu Cheng’s eyes.
The bodyguard opened the door for them, and Gu Cheng strode in, laying him on the bed. He didn’t do anything else, just stood over him, watching as Xia Chengxi panted and struggled on the bed.
“Don’t you remember me?”
In his daze, Xia Chengxi heard these words and instinctively thought Gu Cheng had mistaken him for someone else. Hurriedly, he replied, “Mr. Gu, you’ve got the wrong person. I’ve never met you, I really haven’t.”
“Don’t you remember Gu Chengxi?”
Gu Chengxi?
Xia Chengxi was utterly bewildered. Biting his lip, he shook his head. Drenched in sweat, his hands feebly clutched the sheets beneath him as his body convulsed. A restless desire surged within him, slowly tearing apart his stubbornness and endurance.
Gu Cheng’s expression darkened—a clear sign of his rising anger. He calmly removed Xia Chengxi’s jacket and sweater, leaving only a thin shirt. From the bedside table, he took out a pair of handcuffs and secured Xia Chengxi’s wrists to the headboard. Watching him struggle, breathless and disheveled, his eyes gradually losing focus, Gu Cheng felt a twinge of pity.
“The medicine I gave you has an aphrodisiac effect, and it will last for an hour. During this time, think carefully about who I really am.”
After cuffing him, he chuckled softly and cursed under his breath, “You little liar.”
He leaned down and affectionately kissed his sweat-drenched cheek. After a gentle peck, he strode away.