Yu Xiuyuan felt as if he was about to lose control and turn into a pufferfish swollen with rage.
Why was everyone stopping me?
But before he could explode, Director Liu unleashed his ultimate move. "Pay the penalty for breaching your contract, then."
Yu Xiuyuan's fire went out in an instant.
He sidled up with an ingratiating smile, his voice as gentle as if he were soothing a child. "My dear Director Liu, what's the matter?"
Director Liu folded his arms, looking strictly businesslike. "You tell me. How many times have you turned off your microphone? You didn't even turn it on all afternoon!"
Yu Xiuyuan did feel a little guilty about that. He scratched his neck and began making excuses. "Well, our contract doesn't say I can't turn off my microphone."
"But doing that seriously affects our ratings, doesn't it?" Director Liu argued confidently. "You have to be reasonable, right?"
Yu Xiuyuan breathed a sigh of relief. That's all?
He waved a hand, utterly unconcerned. "Oh, that's nothing! You just want some buzz, right? It's too late today, but watch me tomorrow. I'll get you trending in minutes."
Director Liu had plenty of faith in his ability to stir things up and let him off for now.
By the time Yu Xiuyuan finally made it back to the guesthouse, it was already getting dark, and everyone had started preparing dinner.
Yun Chuan was busy in the kitchen too. He had changed into another outfit.
He wore a burgundy silk shirt, its fabric shimmering delicately under the lights, especially eye-catching.
The hem was casually tucked into black bespoke suit trousers, accentuating his trim waist.
Yu Xiuyuan couldn't tear his eyes away.
Perhaps he had stared for too long, because Yun Chuan's gaze swept over him casually.
"You're back?" His voice