After a round of inner struggle, Gu Weichen decided to tell Shen Xuanrun.
When Shen Xuanrun saw Gu Weichen calling, he panicked a little too. Had he seen the variety show?! Was that why he was calling to ask?!
After a struggle of his own, Shen Xuanrun answered.
"It's me, Gu Weichen."
"Mm, what's wrong?"
At that moment, both of them felt extremely nervous.
Gu Weichen: He wasn't angry, was he?
Shen Xuanrun: He hadn't seen it, had he?
"I was the one who took down that trending topic about you today, but it seems I ended up causing you trouble instead."
Shen Xuanrun instantly relaxed.
"Oh, it's fine. I was wondering who was trying to hurt me earlier, but it's really not a big problem."
Gu Weichen instantly relaxed too.
He hadn't seen the young man for twenty whole days now, and he always felt empty inside.
He had originally planned to give up, and if he really couldn't let go, he would go abroad. But today's variety show had given him confidence again.
"Then are you free? Let me treat you to another meal to apologize."
Gu Weichen took the first step. He intended to sound out the young man's thoughts again.
Shen Xuanrun didn't know whether to accept. Today's variety show had already left him very embarrassed, and he didn't particularly want to see this hypothetical marriage partner.
But what Gu Weichen said was reasonable too. If he turned him down, wouldn't it seem as though he had something to hide and cared a great deal about this?
Shen Xuanrun gritted his teeth.
"All right. You pick the time and place. I'll be there."
Gu Weichen immediately agreed.
"Okay, I'll arrange it right away!"
Shen Xuanrun: Why did I feel like he was a little excited?
Afraid the young man would change his mind, Gu Weichen immediately said,
"It's getting late. Get some rest! Good night."
Shen Xuanrun: ...Why did Gu Weichen seem a little impatient? No, I must have been imagining it. How could an ice-cold CEO possibly be impatient? (๑• . •๑)
"Good night."
The drama "Battle in the Sea of Commerce" aired as scheduled at eight the following evening. Its promotional trailer had thoroughly whetted the audience's appetite.
At seven thirty the following evening,
Lemon Vanilla Ice: It's coming, it's coming! Just half an hour to go!
The Wind Keeps Blowing: This preview, this trailer-they've absolutely nailed my tastes.
After eight.
Dead Sea Ferryman: Oh my god, Yang Jiayu's acting is so good. That look in his eyes really made me sad.
Society's Resentful Ghost: My god, Yang Jiayu looks so handsome standing on that deck. He has such an amazing air about him, just like a young gentleman from a wealthy family in the Republican era.
The Superstar Has Arrived: When is Shen Xuanrun coming on? When will it be his turn to get slapped in the face?
After the first episode ended,
Quirky Little Sprite: The atmosphere feels so oppressive!
Famous Outdoor Rave Performance Artist: Their acting is all so good. I was completely drawn in.
How Can This Be Called Life?: Sitting here waiting for episode two.
Ten minutes later, the second episode began.
The innocent, lively, spirited Zhao Ziru appeared before the audience, acting cute with his junior senior sister and running merrily down the street...
Runrun Is the Most Beautiful in the World: OMG, so cute! From today on, I'm Runrun's mom fan! This is my son!
Just Slack Off, Stop Competing: So cute! Son! Mommy loves you!
Sweetie with a Rogue's Charm: Who told me Shen Xuanrun couldn't act? You call this not being able to act?!
Autumn Longings, a Thousand Words of Thought: I remember Shen Xuanrun having a completely wooden face in his last drama! Has he improved that much?
Runrun Is the Most Beautiful!: Sob, I'm so moved. Our Runrun finally won't be called a pretty face anymore. Now I can confidently say: Runrun has real acting chops.
In the library, the young man quietly held a book. Sunlight illuminated the dust in the corner and fell on his fair face, a picture of tranquility.
Memories of the Past All in Red: My god, I have to say, Shen Xuanrun looks so beautiful in this shot!
Runrun Is the Most Beautiful in the World: Even though I've drooled over him countless times already, I still want to say it now: his skin is so good! Much better than mine, and I'm a girl!
A Sprite's Love Unfinished: Just for his looks alone, I'm a fan! And he's not just a pretty face either. His acting delivers too!
White Skirt, Red Robe: Where's that gossip account from before? Come out and take your beating!
After just one day on air for "Battle in the Sea of Commerce," Shen Xuanrun had successfully turned his unfavorable situation around and gained another wave of fans of his looks and mom fans.
Sister Chen and his existing fans of his looks were thrilled! The actor she managed/the idol they supported would finally no longer be called a pretty face. Sob, this was so moving.
The president's office at Gu Group.
The assistant, who had never been in a relationship at all, said with a serious expression,
"President Gu, I think if you're going on a date with Mr. Shen, you could go to a couples' restaurant. The atmosphere there is perfect for deepening your feelings."
Although I only looked this up online, for the sake of my beloved bonus, I can research it.
"Really?" Gu Weichen asked doubtfully.
"That's right, President Gu." The assistant didn't hesitate in the slightest. I found it online, so it should-no, it definitely will be fine.
"All right, then. Book a couples' restaurant for me."
Gu Weichen: Why did something feel off? I remembered the assistant had never dated anyone.
The assistant declared, For my bonus, I can start dating someone right this very instant. I could even get married.
A few days later.
Shen Xuanrun arrived at the place Gu Weichen had chosen. It was a very pink restaurant.
Shen Xuanrun: ...
Why did it feel a little like a couples' restaurant? Or was I being too sensitive?
Shen Xuanrun walked in, and a server immediately came up to greet him.
"Hello, sir. Do you have a reservation?"
"Private room xxx."
"Certainly. I'll take you up. Mr. Gu is already here."
Shen Xuanrun followed the server to the private room's entrance. The server then withdrew, and Shen Xuanrun went in himself.
When he opened the door, a Cantonese restaurant with sweeping, 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows came into view. Refinement and style went without saying.
Gu Weichen sat at the dining table waiting for Shen Xuanrun, looking very sharp in a designer suit.
Holy crap, why did this look like a love confession? It felt so tacky. Mr. CEO, please don't do this. This humble soul can't take it.
Gu Weichen's expression instantly froze.
And that outfit of Gu Weichen's-anyone who didn't know better would think he was attending some international conference. Hahahaha-hic! This humble soul is dying of laughter.
Gu Weichen's body went rigid too.
Who did Gu Weichen get to book this restaurant? And didn't Mr. CEO get tired of wearing suits every day? He'd have to dock their entire bonus when he got back. What a talent! Hahahaha-hic!
Since Shen Xuanrun figured Gu Weichen didn't know what he was thinking anyway, he let himself go completely, saying whatever came to mind in his head.
Gu Weichen's heart shattered.
It seemed docking the assistant's bonus was unavoidable.
The meal passed in a strange atmosphere, with Gu Weichen stiff all over and Shen Xuanrun constantly holding back laughter. Both of them thought of the same thing at the same time: docking the bonus.
The assistant: No! That's my life! You can't do this to me!