Ying Yimiao had large hands. His palm was damp rather than dry and when touched, it felt slightly sticky and unpleasant.
Bai Mao frowned faintly, the movement so subtle it was almost unnoticeable.
He tried to pull his hand back but Ying Yimiao held on without letting go. Bai Mao tested the grip twice, confusion rising in his mind. Ying Yimiao wasn’t using much force at all, so what exactly was this supposed to be?
A show of dominance?
Trying to disgust him with sweaty palms?
…That was far too inexplicable.
Bai Mao raised his eyebrows and said calmly, “Mr. Ying, holding on to someone’s hand without letting go doesn’t seem like the behavior of a gentleman.”
Ying Yimiao paused for a moment.
Then the corners of his lips curved upward into a smile. “My fault. I tend to lose myself a little when I see someone good-looking.”
He finally released Bai Mao’s hand, clasping his own hands together in front of him.
Bai Mao couldn’t help but take another look at Ying Yimiao.
What exactly was this man trying to do?
Praising him for being good-looking, in front of so many people, no less? Logically speaking, that kind of line should usually be followed by a cutting remark or some form of sarcasm. Yet Ying Yimiao said nothing more, as if the compliment had been entirely sincere.
But wasn’t Ying Yimiao supposed to be on Bai Sheng’s side?
How could he so casually boost someone else’s ego?
“Today I happened to pass by Hengdian,” Ying Yimiao said with a smile. “I’ll be treating everyone to a meal. Unfortunately, Film Emperor Chen and Zhijun aren’t around. Bai Mao, since you’re the second male lead in the drama and an important role, you can at least accompany me for a meal, right?”
Without waiting for Bai Mao to respond, he turned his head and spoke to the director. “Bring Xie Wantong along as well.”
With just a few words, the matter was settled.
The director nodded. “Yes, of course. The more people, the livelier it’ll be. I’ll go call Wantong.”
The director walked off to make the phone call, leaving only Bai Mao and Ying Yimiao standing where they were.
Neither of them spoke. However, Ying Yimiao’s gaze remained glued to Bai Mao’s face the entire time. It was an unabashed, almost invasive stare that made Bai Mao distinctly uncomfortable.
Bai Mao frowned. “Mr. Ying, is there something on my face?”
“No.”
Ying Yimiao smiled slightly. “Beautiful people are pleasing to the eye. It’s normal to want to stop and look.”
Bai Mao: “……”
That sounded downright gross.
Was this how Ying Yimiao usually spoke to Bai Sheng?
If Bai Sheng could tolerate this, that in itself was rather impressive.
Bai Mao silently shifted a step to the side, turning his back toward Ying Yimiao.
Not long after, everyone had gathered.
“Where’s Bai Mao?” the director asked, looking around.
Ying Yimiao tilted his chin toward a corner.
Bai Mao was crouched in an inconspicuous corner of the set.
He sat on a small stool, his complexion pale. One slender, elegant hand was pressed against his stomach.
At a glance, the director guessed that Bai Mao might use stomach pain as an excuse to leave. It was a rather old trick but an extremely practical one. He subconsciously looked at Ying Yimiao and felt a little conflicted.
Bai Mao stood up and walked back toward the group. Before the director could speak, he said quietly, “Director, my stomach does hurt but since today’s meal is Mr. Ying’s treat, there’s no need for you to smooth things over. I’ll definitely attend.”
Ying Yimiao’s target was clearly Bai Mao himself, so refusal was pointless. Besides, Bai Mao also wanted to see exactly what Ying Yimiao was planning to do to him. Rather than dodging him now and getting ambushed some other day, it was better to deal with him openly, right in front of everyone’s eyes. He would go but he needed to find an excuse in advance to avoid drinking later.
As for a reason not to drink…
Bai Mao truly couldn’t be bothered to come up with anything elaborate.
Ying Yimiao simply wasn’t worth the effort.
Hearing this, the director finally relaxed. “Don’t worry. If anything comes up later, I’ll block it for you.”
Bai Mao’s expression remained cool and indifferent.
Xie Wantong was cheerful and talkative. On the way to the restaurant, she kept up a lively stream of chatter, clearly skilled at lightening the mood. She was also perceptive enough to know who was footing the bill and her gaze drifted toward Ying Yimiao more than once, her eyes shy and expectant. Yet Ying Yimiao only kept a faint smile on his lips, never meeting her gaze.
…Instead, he frequently looked at Bai Mao, for reasons unknown.
Bai Mao thought to himself, Miss, you’re in the wrong world.
In this world, almost all the influential figures were gay and had absolutely no interest in women. Everyone shared a single common goal, Bai Sheng. Bet you didn’t see that coming.
In the entertainment industry, dinner gatherings were unavoidable.
The group sat down in a private room.
Ying Yimiao originally wanted to pull Bai Mao to sit beside him but the director, afraid something might happen, quickly grabbed the assistant director and placed them on either side of Ying Yimiao, effectively sandwiching him in place. Ying Yimiao’s expression darkened slightly, his gaze falling on Bai Mao.
Bai Mao didn’t look at Ying Yimiao at all.
He sat next to Xie Wantong, pretending not to notice Ying Yimiao’s expression. He focused intently on rinsing the plates and chopsticks.
“Shall we all have a drink?” Ying Yimiao said as soon as the waiter poured tea and filled the glasses. “Let’s toast in advance to a smooth shoot and ratings breaking two.”
Bai Mao declined the alcohol, saying that his stomach hurt and only asked for water. Seeing this, Ying Yimiao said lightly, “Even a young lady is drinking. Surely Bai Mao wouldn’t be so ungracious as to refuse to give me a bit of face?”
“Mr. Ying, Xiao Bai really isn’t feeling well,” the director quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “He was already in quite a lot of discomfort on the way here. If he drinks and something happens and then filming can’t continue tomorrow, that would be a real problem.”
The director chuckled awkwardly and added, “Come, I’ll drink with you instead.”
One was investor Ying Yimiao, the other had Mr. Yu backing him. The director couldn’t afford to offend either side.
“How boring,” Ying Yimiao clicked his tongue.
For a moment, everyone at the table turned their gaze toward Bai Mao.
Bai Mao smiled and said, “It really is a bit disappointing. My apologies to Mr. Ying and everyone here.”
Although he said so, there was not the slightest hint of guilt on Bai Mao’s face. Nor did he look embarrassed under everyone’s gaze or like someone who felt pressured into drinking as a result.
“By the way,” Ying Yimiao continued, casually changing the subject, “I have a kid on hand. He’s obedient, quite good at acting. Director, what do you think, when can you arrange a role for him? It doesn’t have to be many scenes. Just let him show his face.”
“Of course, of course,” the director replied with a beaming smile.
Bai Mao lifted his eyes and looked at Ying Yimiao, who had spoken.
This man wanted to insert Bai Sheng into the cast?
That would be quite a spectacle.
Ever since Bai Mao learned that this production would use high-end AI face-swapping technology, his enthusiasm had noticeably cooled. He would still perform his role well and fulfill his responsibilities but as for anything else, he no longer cared much.
And the one being brought in was Bai Sheng…
As the so-called chosen one of fate, if he wanted to join a production, it wasn’t something just anyone could block. In that case, there was no need to waste any more effort.
Bai Mao remained calm.
Throughout the meal, no matter how others tried to persuade him, Bai Mao did not touch a drop of alcohol.
“If you really won’t drink alcohol, then at least you can drink this cup of water, right?” Ying Yimiao said openly in front of everyone. He used his own glass to pour a cup of water and placed it in front of Bai Mao.
Bai Mao lowered his gaze.
That cup had already been used by Ying Yimiao.
Bai Mao let out a soft chuckle. Without saying anything, he filled his own glass, stood up and raised it toward Ying Yimiao. “Mr. Ying, I’ll drink.”
Ying Yimiao frowned.
Bai Mao was not drinking the cup he had poured.
“What? Is Xiao Bai not using the cup because I used it earlier?” Ying Yimiao seemed to know exactly what Bai Mao was thinking and spoke it aloud, making himself appear forthright and open.
He glanced down at the cup, then revealed a somewhat strange smile. “I’m the type who doesn’t fuss over small details like this. To be honest, if it weren’t for Xiao Bai’s action just now, I wouldn’t have thought there was any issue at all.”
The people at the table exchanged glances. Most of them more or less understood what Ying Yimiao was implying.
Someone, eager to curry favor with him, spoke up. “Ah, this really isn’t a big deal. Back when conditions were tough during filming, having a mouthful of water to drink was already a luxury…”
“Exactly, exactly,” others echoed.
Bai Mao said calmly, “As you all mentioned, that was back when conditions were difficult. Now, Mr. Ying has his own cup and I have mine.”
He pressed his lips together in a faint smile. “Besides, sharing cups can easily cause cross-infection of bacteria and viruses, especially Helicobacter pylori, a chronic bacterium with a very high global infection rate. It’s an important pathogenic factor in chronic gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers. Right now, the state is actively promoting the use of communal chopsticks. In order to respond to national initiatives and promote civilized, healthy dining habits, this is something every citizen should abide by. Director, don’t you agree?”
Everyone: “???”
Wait,
Wasn’t this just about drinking a cup of water???
How did it escalate to national policy and civic responsibility???
For a moment, the expressions around the table varied widely.
Being singled out, the director looked awkward. He stood up and nodded. “…Yes, yes, hahaha. The country really has been advocating the use of communal chopsticks lately. We should all follow it in the future. Come, everyone, let’s eat and drink.”
Ying Yimiao’s gaze swept over Bai Mao. A smile curled at the corners of his lips. “It was my carelessness.”
After that, no one brought the matter up again.
Bai Mao remained composed and unreadable.
He continued eating at an unhurried pace. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Ying Yimiao’s attitude toward him was strange.
To call him an enemy… Ying Yimiao was indeed causing him trouble but every action stopped short of crossing any real line. It was more like petty probing than anything serious.
Strictly speaking, Bai Mao was actually very easy to deal with.
Without Mr. Yu behind him, he would be nothing more than an ordinary person in this world, at most, an ordinary person who happened to be a bit good-looking. In fact, having grown up in an orphanage, he hadn’t even enjoyed the favoritism and protection that most ordinary people received from their parents. An enemy wouldn’t even need to exert much pressure to ensure Bai Mao would never rise again in the entertainment industry.
The social status of ordinary people meant that even when faced with injustice, they often had no voice to speak up.
With Ying Yimiao’s identity and standing, he could have inflicted far greater harm on Bai Mao under Mr. Yu’s very nose. Then, before Mr. Yu could retaliate, he could have offered a token apology and some compensation and the matter would most likely have been smoothed over.
But he hadn’t.
After a lively meal, everyone parted ways and headed back.
In the car, Ying Yimiao asked, “Xiao Bai, which floor do you live on?”
He had drunk a bit but didn’t look drunk, there was just a faint scent of alcohol on him.
Bai Mao replied coldly, “It’s already very late. Doesn’t Mr. Ying have a flight to catch tomorrow? Once you get your hotel key, wouldn’t it be better to head back, wash up and sleep early?”
Ying Yimiao gave a low, heavy smile. “So wary of me?”
Isn’t that obvious?
Bai Mao said, “What else would I be?”
Ying Yimiao was briefly stunned, then laughed again. “Do you really think I’d do something to you for the sake of that kid Bai Sheng?” He spoke bluntly, with no intention of avoiding the director.
The director and the others remained silent. Xie Wantong’s gaze shifted back and forth between Bai Mao and Ying Yimiao.
Bai Mao raised his eyebrows.
Ying Yimiao said lazily, his tone casual and unbothered, “He’s not worthy of it yet.”
Bai Mao: “???”
Even after they arrived at the hotel, Bai Mao still felt utterly baffled.
Had Ying Yimiao come all this way not to stand up for Bai Sheng or to cause trouble for him? Yet at the dinner table, he had indeed helped Bai Sheng secure a role, directly inserting him into the production…
Behind them, the director suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “Mr. Yu?”
Bai Mao’s footsteps paused for a split second.
The night air outside the hotel was cool and still but his thoughts were in quiet turmoil. The intention behind Ying Yimiao’s visit was tangled and hard to grasp, every move seemed deliberate yet none of them aligned with the obvious expectations.
If it wasn’t for Bai Sheng…
Then what exactly was Ying Yimiao here for?
Just as Bai Mao was about to turn around, the faint clatter of footsteps echoed behind him, followed by subdued murmurs. The atmosphere subtly shifted, as though something unseen had entered the scene.
The hotel’s bright lights fell across the polished floor, stretching long reflections beneath everyone’s feet. In the glow, the director’s expression was frozen in disbelief, his voice carrying unmistakable astonishment.
“Mr. Yu…?”
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
Statistically speaking, coffee would be appreciated.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · A Nightmare or Reality?Chapter 2 · Yu family’s BanquetChapter 3 · I know your Secret..Chapter 4 · Becoming A Stand-InChapter 5 · Real IntentionChapter 6 · Yu XiangchenChapter 7 · Moved into new houseChapter 8 · Why he’s so perfect?!Chapter 9 · Role stolenChapter 10 · Four Times a WeekChapter 11 · Wrong Message?Chapter 12 · Flower protectorChapter 13 · Study MaterialChapter 14 Part 1 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 14 Part 2 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 15 · Four thousand yuan has arrived in AlipayChapter 16 · In the River?Chapter 17 · Boss like him, People would ready to do OvertimeChapter 18 · Does Mr. Yu have two faces?!Chapter 19 · Now we can begin to express our gratitude.Chapter 20 · Split Personality!Chapter 21 · Mr. Yu is busy and may not have time to comeChapter 22 · Call duration: 0:12Chapter 23 · He’s not Worth itChapter 24 · Mr Yu on film setChapter 25 · You can consider me if you decided to leave Mr. YuChapter 26 · Big Sister has unique hobbyChapter 27 · Really? I’m actually the young master of the Bai family?Chapter 28 · Bai Sheng is Pitiful?Chapter 29 · Someone took a picture of themChapter 30 · Your little one is hereChapter 31 · Mr. Yu asked me if I had a stiff neckChapter 32 · The little lucky butterfly’s wings flutteredChapter 33 · Mr. Yu, you came here just once at the beginningChapter 34 · The door wasn’t lockedChapter 35 · You’re an adult nowChapter 36 · Are rooms still available by scrambling?Chapter 37 · I’m definitely going to watch this variety show!Chapter 38 · Who asked Bai Sheng for money to support Bai Mao?Chapter 39 · How many zeros are there?Chapter 40 · You have to be careful with your methodsChapter 41 · Let’s get MarriedChapter 42 · I’m obviously just coveting your body!Chapter 43 · Does what we’re doing count as Sneaking?Chapter 44 · You want to change rooms?Chapter 45 · Isn’t Bai Sheng’s scheming way too deep?Chapter 46 · Mr. Yu in front of me has become calm and composedChapter 47 · You care a lot about Yu Yutian?Chapter 48 · Bai Sheng has found someoneChapter 49 · How to fall in loveChapter 50 · Uncle Long LegsChapter 51 · Bai Mao, I’m a little scaredChapter 52 · I simply told them the truthChapter 53 · That was far too mercilessChapter 54 · Your fans mention it in your fan forumChapter 55 · In your dreamsChapter 56 · Hello, UncleChapter 57 · Verified account had repliedChapter 58 · Maomao, you don’t need to be afraid of themChapter 59 · What a headacheChapter 60 · It’s a bit… tragicChapter 61 · I’m waiting for you at homeChapter 62 · That’s just too much!Chapter 63 · Is this watch really that expensive?Chapter 64 · Tian CityChapter 65 · They’re easy to get along with.Chapter 66 · Want to have a relationship with marriage in mind?Chapter 67 · Is this the joy of being someone’s “little uncle”?Chapter 68 · Has the protagonist finally figured it out?Chapter 69 · I miss youChapter 70 · That whole family is something else.Chapter 71 · Then comfort meChapter 72 · What about sincerity?Chapter 73 · There’s also 10% of the company’s sharesChapter 74 · So called conservativeChapter 75 · I thought you’d be walking with a limpChapter 76 · They’ve been brainwashedChapter 77 · We got marriedChapter 78 · CongratulationsChapter 79 · You already knew it was me?Chapter 80 · You look very good in a shirtChapter 81 · Did you used to like Bai Sheng?Chapter 82 · I never liked himChapter 83 · Uncle is super niceChapter 84 · Extra 1Chapter 85 · Extra 2Chapter 86 · Extra 3