A guardian angel~

Yan Ningke, who had been such a dazzling sight today, suddenly gave Yu Ping a burst of drive. He was only in his forties, still at an age to make his mark.

Besides, he believed that anyone who met Yan Ningke would at least come away with a deep impression, even if there was no role for him.

The big-time producer was indeed intrigued.

Guan Huaisheng looked Yan Ningke up and down with interest a few times, but spoke to Yu Ping. "Yu, you had someone like this hidden away? That's not very friendly of you."

Yu Ping lightly nudged the young man beside him with his arm, smiling ingratiatingly. "The kid's been attending training classes lately. As soon as I heard you were coming, I hurried over with him so you could take a look."

Yan Ningke glanced at him. He really could spin nonsense without missing a beat.

Guan Huaisheng pointed at him. "You, honestly..."

Yu Ping chuckled, then turned and gave Yan Ningke a pointed look: Make a toast!

Yan Ningke raised the hand holding his glass. "Mr. Guan, a toast to you."

Guan Huaisheng smiled and lightly clinked glasses with him, touching the rim to his lips. "The gesture is enough."

Despite his words, he made no move to stop him.

How could Yan Ningke miss what he meant? He tipped his head back and drained the glass.

"Good, good, good. Xiao Yan is quite something."

Guan Huaisheng praised him happily, and Yu Ping seized the chance to bring up the matter of a role.

Yan Ningke stood beside them with his eyes lowered, aloof and apart from the world.

"Tsk, poor little housekeeper."

In the dim light by the second-floor railing, Wen Shaoyu leaned lazily to one side, teasing the silent man beside him.

Shao Ke stood with his hands in his pockets, gazing downstairs. His expression was unreadable in the dim light.

Yan Ningke had no idea anyone was watching him. By now, he had downed three glasses in a row.

Champagne did not burn like baijiu, but drinking so fast inevitably left him a little tipsy.

Yu Ping still did not think it was enough and stuffed another fresh glass into his hand.

Yan Ningke frowned slightly. He did not want to drink anymore.

Yu Ping smiled at Guan Huaisheng, then turned and gave him a warning look.

Yan Ningke pressed his lips together, his reluctance reaching its limit.

Guan Huaisheng was still smiling, but displeasure had entered his eyes. "If Xiao Yan doesn't want to, forget it. We won't force him."

To those with capital, these actors were simply pawns in their hands. They could promote whomever they wanted.

If one would not do, they would move on to the next.

It was just that the one before him really was beautiful enough.

"Oh, of course he wants to. Xiao Yan is more than happy to. He's just a little dazed from the drinks." Yu Ping hurried to placate him while signaling to Yan Ningke.

"Come on, hurry up and apologize to Mr. Guan."

Compared with having water thrown in his face in his previous life, this was only a few glasses of wine.

Yan Ningke suddenly wondered whether he was being a little too precious.

He lightly bit the tip of his tongue, put his smile back on, and raised his glass. "Mr. Guan..."

"Ningke?"

A man's voice came from beside him. Yan Ningke turned, surprise flashing in his eyes.

Liu Yunzhou walked toward him. "It really is you. I thought I was mistaken."

Yan Ningke collected himself and greeted him politely. "Teacher Liu."

He had occasionally interacted with Liu Yunzhou on set last time, and the man had always been courteous. He had assumed it was merely surface politeness, never expecting him to come over and say hello.

"You look completely different. I almost didn't recognize you," Liu Yunzhou said. "Oh, Mr. Guan is here too. Long time no see."

Guan Huaisheng dropped his earlier arrogance and became enthusiastic. "Teacher Liu, you know Xiao Yan?"

After more than twenty years in the industry, what hadn't Liu Yunzhou experienced? He clinked glasses with Guan Huaisheng and said casually, "Yes, we've met a few times. He's a good kid."

Guan Huaisheng's gaze on Yan Ningke grew more meaningful.

He had thought he was just an insignificant extra, never expecting him to have a connection like this.

Liu Yunzhou had only come over to say hello and did not stay long. He told Yan Ningke he would see him later, nodded to the other two, and left.

Just then, someone else came over to toast Guan Huaisheng. Yu Ping lost interest in currying favor and dragged Yan Ningke aside.

"When did you get to know Liu Yunzhou?!"

Yan Ningke drew his collar together and answered calmly, "We met a few times at Film and Television City."

Yu Ping's eyes nearly popped out. "Then why didn't you say so?!"

Good heavens! Liu Yunzhou was a television award-winning actor above even the top tier, working with famous domestic directors. With a connection like that, a casual word would be enough to secure some minor roles, even if a lead was out of the question.

Even the second male lead might be possible!

Yu Ping's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"We've only crossed paths. We're not close."

Yan Ningke knew perfectly well what he was thinking and shattered his dream simply and directly.

Resentment was written all over Yu Ping's face. "Would he come over to greet you if you weren't close?!"

He did not believe it! Who was Liu Yunzhou? Why would he be so friendly toward a mere extra for no reason, unless...

"Don't tell me... you're with him?"

Yan Ningke was speechless.

"No! Don't make things up. He has a family!"

His son was older than Yan Ningke, for goodness' sake!

People in this industry were so strange. One normal interaction could send their imaginations running wild.

Yan Ningke truly marveled at the way their minds worked.

Yu Ping remained dubious and wanted to say more, but then he spotted someone, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over, forgetting all about Yan Ningke.

Yan Ningke breathed a sigh of relief, turned to stop a server, and went to the restroom.

On the second floor were the three men who had watched the entire thing.

Wen Shaoyu, never one to mind stirring up more trouble, drew out his words. "Oh~ A guardian angel."

"Don't talk nonsense." Si Yanzhuo glanced at the man sitting ramrod straight and said with a smile, "He's probably just a senior colleague he knows. There was nothing intimate between them, just an older colleague looking out for a younger one."

Every sentence denied a connection, and every sentence implied one.

Wen Shaoyu gave him a thumbs-up. Nobody stirs the pot like you!

The Romanée-Conti worth a million was gulped down in one swig like water.

Shao Ke set down his empty wineglass and asked a completely unrelated question. "If I remember correctly, Xinghe Entertainment belongs to the Ren Family, doesn't it?"

Si Yanzhuo paused, then answered, "Yes."

"We won't pursue the matter with the Ren Family anymore."

Shao Ke refastened his watch strap, his movements refined and elegant. "Acquire full ownership of Xinghe Entertainment."

They watched him stride away.

Wen Shaoyu said, "He's serious?"

Si Yanzhuo raised an eyebrow slightly, smiling without a word.

Yan Ningke came out of the restroom and looked around, but could not find Yu Ping anywhere.

The banquet was already halfway through. With so many people, the air was hot, and the alcohol was going to his head. A light sheen of sweat broke out on his back.

After a moment's thought, he walked against the flow of people and left the hall.

The night breeze brushed past, and fluffy, wavy strands of hair fell over his forehead. Yan Ningke stood on the steps with one leg bent, adding a touch of lazy leisure to his bearing.

Several voices rustled from the bushes opposite him.

"Which celebrity is that? How come I've never seen him?"

"Dunno. I don't recognize him either."

"Who cares? Just take the pictures! We'll see if they're any use when we get back!"

Preferring to take useless shots rather than miss a chance, a group of paparazzi raised their cameras and snapped away.

"You know, he's pretty photogenic. He looks handsome from every angle."

Yan Ningke gazed across and thought, They really spared no expense. They even put twinkling colored lights in the bushes.