You Just Wait!

Wen Shuang signed the contract and tactfully voiced one small request to Zhu Lian: he did not want the workload to be too heavy.

After all, he had just started dating. Xuan Zhe was the type to mean what he said, so they needed plenty of time to adjust to each other.

But Zhu Lian misunderstood. She lightly tapped Wen Shuang on the forehead. "You're just too laid-back." With such a good start, why not hurry up and establish himself in the entertainment industry?

Zhu Lian had someone tidy up a lounge for Wen Shuang. She had originally wanted to assign the young man a personal assistant, but after searching through the available candidates in her mind, she could not find anyone suitable. She put the matter aside for now, intending to keep a closer eye on him herself for the time being.

Wen Shuang informed Xuan Zhe about the dinner gathering that evening. President Xuan was not particularly pleased, but it was Wen Shuang's first day at work. He could not crush his little quail's enthusiasm. There was no one at Clear Day Manor, and he could not be bothered to go back, so he told Wen Shuang he would work late at the company and call him when he was done.

"Mm-hmm!" Wen Shuang nodded eagerly, thinking that having a boyfriend really did feel different. It made him feel secure!

Before setting out, Wen Shuang changed into something a little more formal. As Zhu Lian adjusted his collar, she muttered, "The sponsor provided this. Just wear it home, and remember to show it off when you record the program next time, got it?"

"Got it."

They arrived at the designated restaurant at seven that evening. Since there were other artists present, they had reserved a private room. By the time Wen Shuang knocked and entered, they had already gone through a round of drinks. A group of people sat there smoking, and the smell was unpleasant.

Zhu Lian seemed to spot someone. Her brow quickly furrowed, but she immediately put on a smile and adopted the perfect degree of humility. "Oh, Producer Chen is here too? The wind must be favorable today, with all the big shots gathered here. Come over, Wen Shuang. Meet everyone."

There were two directors, three producers, one investor, and two artists. One of the male artists looked familiar to Wen Shuang, seeming to be some prince from a recently popular palace intrigue drama. Wen Shuang nodded and greeted them one by one. In truth, with the thin haze hanging in the room, he did not remember many faces. The cigarette smoke was giving him a headache, and all he wanted was to finish eating and hurry home to take a deep breath of his boyfriend and detox.

The producer was named Chen Maosheng. He had a round head and a belly full of fat. He was not good at much else, but he had been born lucky. His older brother worked in broadcasting and media, and his family owned a film and television company. They could not compare to Power One, but they still had several cash cows under their belt. Everyone familiar with Chen Maosheng knew that aside from drinking and eating, he liked playing with artists, especially young, tender ones. To put it bluntly, Wen Shuang was practically built to trigger Chen Maosheng's tastes. From the moment Wen Shuang entered, his whole posture changed. His gaze stuck to the young man and never moved away.

Zhu Lian was already cursing internally. No one had said Chen Maosheng would be here. This man was probably here specifically for Wen Shuang.

Director Zhang Dong looked somewhat displeased. He did not like people like Chen Maosheng, but connections in the same circle were tangled and complicated. Sometimes, one had no choice but to maintain superficial peace.

Chen Maosheng gestured for the female artist beside him to move away, then beckoned to Wen Shuang. "Come here."

Wen Shuang remained respectful, completely treating these people as seniors. Yet the moment he approached, Chen Maosheng reached out a hand toward his face. Sensing something wrong, Wen Shuang leaned back. The man's hand then slid straight downward, brushing across his thigh.

Chen Maosheng was not angry at Wen Shuang's reaction. Instead, he rubbed his fingertips as if he had just touched some priceless jade, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "I'm talking to you. What are you dodging for?"

"Oh, Producer Chen!" Zhu Lian pulled Wen Shuang back, her smile no longer as obvious. "He's an artist I put a lot of effort into signing. I still need to deliver him to the production team in one piece, so you..."

"What program?" Chen Maosheng waved a large hand, looking as though he could throw money at any program Zhu Lian named right this moment. Even sitting down, he seemed to want to squint at her through the slits of his eyes. "As long as I say the word, getting Wen Shuang onto Gold Medal Actor won't be a problem!"

Gold Medal Actor was one of the hottest variety shows at the moment. Countless artists were desperately trying to squeeze their way in. Chen Maosheng might have been talking big, but he could most likely make it happen.

Zhu Lian did not fall for it. "Why would that be necessary? Wen Shuang is only just starting out. He has plenty to learn, and he hasn't even filmed many dramas yet. Wouldn't going on Gold Medal Actor just make him a laughingstock?"

Chen Maosheng narrowed his eyes, his face darkening.

"Enough, drink up, drink up." Zhang Dong immediately stepped in to smooth things over.

Chen Maosheng gave Zhang Dong face. He clinked glasses with him and downed his drink in one gulp, anger simmering beneath the action. Then he slammed the glass heavily onto the table. The female artist beside him seemed very afraid of Chen Maosheng; she lowered her head and shrank back.

Wen Shuang sat beside Zhu Lian, keeping his right leg stiff as though bugs were crawling over it. A delayed chill ran through him. He had never imagined that his first dinner outing would lead to something like this.

After Chen Maosheng had downed three glasses of wine, his gaze began to drift. It was impossible to tell whether he was truly drunk or pretending. Zhu Lian went out to touch up her makeup, leaving Wen Shuang sitting there alone for the moment. The young man lowered his eyes slightly. His lashes were long, the shadows they cast seeming hooked. He was like an exquisite oil painting displayed in an elegant hall—some would admire him from afar, while others only wanted to smear him with filth.

Heat surged in Chen Maosheng's lower abdomen, and his eyes immediately gleamed with lust. He had already begun imagining what it would feel like to pin Wen Shuang beneath him.

"Little Shuang..." Chen Maosheng approached again, his posture exceedingly humble.

Wen Shuang recoiled as though shocked by electricity, staring at Chen Maosheng warily.

Wen Shuang was not someone obsessed with looks, nor did he like judging people by their appearance, but Chen Maosheng's greasy, bloated face made him genuinely nauseous right then.

"Look, you're a newcomer. What kind of place is the entertainment industry? Zhu Lian can't carry you. You might as well follow me. I guarantee that in half a year! Just half a year! I'll make you a red-hot top-tier star within half a year. Think about it?" Even while talking, Chen Maosheng insisted on reaching out with his filthy hand.

Wen Shuang could not endure it any longer. With a smack, he slapped the hand away. He stood up too abruptly, knocking over his juice and spilling it directly onto Chen Maosheng.

"Fuck!" Chen Maosheng snapped. He had lowered himself and pursued Wen Shuang twice—only Wen Shuang got such treatment—yet this brat refused a toast only to drink a forfeit. What was he pretending to be so high and mighty for?! How many people who entered this circle could really keep their principles? They all started by saying no and resisting fiercely, but within three months, countless people would come crying and begging him. It was only because he liked that face. Thinking this, Chen Maosheng glared viciously at Wen Shuang. "Got backbone, do you? Fine. You just wait!"

The female artist behind Chen Maosheng immediately cast Wen Shuang a worried look. That vile old man had far too many disgusting methods for forcing people into submission.

Zhu Lian pushed open the door and found the atmosphere tense enough to spark. Then she heard Wen Shuang answer forcefully, "You just wait!"

Zhu Lian: "?"

Given Wen Shuang's previous temperament, he definitely would have endured it and let it pass. At worst, he would return home and pay a huge penalty for breaching his contract. In any case, he could not accept any of these so-called unspoken rules. But when Chen Maosheng threatened him just now, a flash of inspiration struck Wen Shuang. His first thought was: Who are you threatening?

It would have been one thing if he were fighting alone, but he had a boyfriend! And his boyfriend was the most badass person in this world!

Zhang Dong stared at Wen Shuang in astonishment. It was also his first time seeing a newcomer refuse to give face so completely. Was he truly a fearless newborn calf, or did he have an incredibly powerful backer? Judging from Chen Maosheng's livid expression, this could not end peacefully unless Wen Shuang had climbed a high branch.

Chen Maosheng stared at Wen Shuang for several seconds before suddenly calming down. He sneered and sat back down. "Fine, I'll wait." After saying that, he pointed at the door. There was no room for negotiation in his tone. "Either you leave here horizontally today, or I do."

Wen Shuang pulled out his phone, looking very much like he was about to report to a parent.

Zhang Dong and the others could barely stand to watch.

Zhu Lian had originally intended to swallow her pride and say a few conciliatory words, but she unexpectedly glimpsed Wen Shuang opening his chat with President Xuan.

Zhu Lian: "?"

Wen Shuang quickly typed: [I need to tell you something.]

Xuan Zhe's side showed "typing." The next second, he replied: [Tell me.]

Wen Shuang: [I might be subjected to the casting couch.]

Xuan Zhe: [? Is dating me considered the casting couch?]

Zhu Lian: "???" Holy shit!

Wen Shuang's fingertips paused. [Come pick me up. Someone touched my thigh just now.]

The next second, Xuan Zhe called. His tone was icy on the other end. "What happened?"

"Oh, he really made the call?" Chen Maosheng laughed wildly. He had not noticed that Zhu Lian was looking at him with pity. He did not believe a newcomer like Wen Shuang could have any powerful backing. "Come on, bring your sugar daddy over. I, Chen Maosheng, want to see him today!"

Xuan Zhe said something unknown, and Wen Shuang directly switched on the speakerphone. "It's on."

"Chen Maosheng? The second son of the Chen Household at New Horizon Media?" Xuan Zhe's voice was cool and clear, accompanied by the measured sound of footsteps. "Which hand did you use to touch Wen Shuang just now?"

The private room fell silent. There were very few people who dared to openly call him "Second Chen." Chen Maosheng only thought the voice sounded familiar—so familiar that his back inexplicably turned cold. Looking at Wen Shuang's fearless expression again, his unease steadily grew until it seized his heart.

The call ended. Chen Maosheng pretended not to care as he asked, "Who was that?"

Zhang Dong closed his eyes. Xuan Zhe. He had once been fortunate enough to meet Xuan Zhe, and everything about that man in power had left a deep impression on him. He thought that he could not stay any longer, or he would die alongside Chen Maosheng. Zhang Dong stood up, with no interest in watching the spectacle. "Something has come up at home. I'll be leaving."

Zhang Dong finally understood why Wen Shuang, a newcomer who had exploded in popularity, did not have even the slightest black history. His face practically bore the words "pure and innocent." Rather than being ignorant of the entertainment industry's darkness, he was simply fearless because Xuan Zhe was the one protecting him!

Zhang Dong was a weather vane with fully maxed-out danger avoidance skills. Everyone in the circle who knew him understood that. Seeing Zhang Dong act this way, the others also caught the scent of danger and hurriedly took their leave. Their relationships were merely drinking-table friendships; they had no intention of living and dying together. Soon, only Wen Shuang, Zhu Lian, and Chen Maosheng remained in the room.

Chen Maosheng seemed to vaguely realize something and looked as though he wanted to leave as well, but Zhu Lian stopped him in the name of offering a drink. "Don't go. Wait a little longer."

The moment Xuan Zhe pushed open the door, Chen Maosheng's face went deathly pale.

Only upon seeing him did Wen Shuang finally relax. He had just stood and stepped forward when Xuan Zhe pulled him into an embrace. Wen Shuang froze briefly, then hugged him back and took a deep breath of his cool scent. So refreshing!

Zhu Lian was so excited she nearly wanted to break into a dance. She had guessed it! Really! But the shock of seeing it in person was far greater!

"Did that scare you?" Xuan Zhe asked in a low voice.

"I'm okay." Wen Shuang felt a little embarrassed. He really was like a child who had been wronged outside and come home to tell his parents. But in that situation, he had no way to handle things without bringing out Xuan Zhe. He had neither power nor influence. Chen Maosheng could have toyed with him to death.

Wen Shuang was proud and thoughtful and disliked troubling others, but he also understood how to protect himself. When it was time to back down, he had to back down.

Xuan Zhe gently stroked the back of Wen Shuang's head. His gaze passed over the young man and landed on Chen Maosheng. It was like standing beside an abyss, sending terror up from the depths of one's heart.

"Which hand did you use to touch Wen Shuang?" Xuan Zhe asked again.

Zhu Lian answered first. "His right hand!"

"President... President Xuan..." Chen Maosheng began stammering. There was none of his earlier lavish bravado left.

Xuan Zhe led Wen Shuang out, ignoring Chen Maosheng's increasingly hoarse explanations behind them.

"What will Assistant Cao do?" Wen Shuang looked up and asked.

Xuan Zhe lied with his eyes open. "He'll reason with him properly, then notify his family. His brother has always wanted to work with me, so he'll definitely give me an explanation."

Wen Shuang believed him completely. "That's good."

The reasoning Cao Nanyu had already had people pin Chen Maosheng down. Looking down at the man, he said, "If you hadn't caused all this trouble, I'd already be home."

Chen Maosheng watched Cao Nanyu pick through a pile of wine bottles, his face turning white with fear. "No! No, no, no! You, please help me tell President Xuan—tell him—I didn't know! I really didn't know!"

"Can't help you." Cao Nanyu selected one and weighed it in his hand. "Kill the chicken to warn the monkeys, so no more blind fools will dare set their sights on Wen Shuang." As he spoke, he patted Chen Maosheng's face, smiling without warmth. "Think about it. Do you really think someone Zhu Lian personally accompanied here was someone you could touch?"

The screams were blocked by the soundproof door. Wen Shuang still thought Cao Nanyu was giving Chen Maosheng a lesson in ideology and politics.

Though Zhu Lian's curiosity was overflowing, President Xuan was in a bad mood, so she did not dare walk into the line of fire. She took a taxi home instead.

Xuan Zhe's car was parked by the roadside. The moment Wen Shuang got in, a large hand reached over and unfastened his belt.

"Hm?" Wen Shuang grabbed his hand, turning back toward Xuan Zhe with a horrified expression.

"Take them off," Xuan Zhe said concisely.

Wen Shuang lowered his voice and tried to reason with him. "We only just started dating. This pace is too fast. I can't really accept it."

Xuan Zhe's mouth twitched. Looking at the young man's fair, earnest face, much of the hostility in his heart suddenly dissipated. He leaned closer and kissed Wen Shuang's lips, his voice carrying undisguised gentleness. "But I like this pace. What should we do?"

The sensation was simply too wonderful. Xuan Zhe had already pulled away, but Wen Shuang still leaned forward unwillingly and gave him another light, dragonfly-skimming kiss. Then, ignoring Xuan Zhe's suddenly darkened gaze, he stuck out his pink tongue to lick his lips, looking as though he wanted more.

Xuan Zhe turned and shut the car door. He pressed Wen Shuang into the seat and began kissing him. They had not seen each other all day. No matter how much he reassured himself that he did not care, he had missed him terribly.

"Just now, I didn't tell you to take off your pants because I wanted to rush things." By now, Xuan Zhe had already removed Wen Shuang's belt. He lightly lifted his waist and tugged his pants down, his tone displeased. "It's just that when I think about Chen Maosheng touching you, I feel like these pants are dirty."

Wen Shuang was kissed dizzy, but he still found time to reply, "You're so jealous."

Xuan Zhe curled his lips. "Good that you know."