138: Fighting in a group

Everyone was happy, and seeing this, Shen Lian did not refuse.

He went to a corner to call Chu Yilan back. As expected, Yilan was also busy, needing to host a major client. In all likelihood, both of them would probably be working until midnight.

Chu Yilan wasn't worried about anything else, only that Shen Lian might feel unwell later if he didn't rest properly. Shen Lian explained that he had no work tomorrow and could sleep in, and as for drinking, he wouldn't touch a single drop.

Chu Yilan thought about it: "Alright, I might finish even later than you. I'll have Binghe pick you up then."

"Mhm."

When Shen Lian returned, Lin Fu had finally recovered. He forced out an awkward smile: "I was so embarrassing tonight."

"It's fine. A person's life passes quickly," Shen Lian comforted him.

Lin Fu: "..."

Director Zhao booked a location, called friends, and a large group of people streamed over.

Shen Lian substituted tea for alcohol. Director Zhao saw this and didn't stop him; instead, he helped cover for Shen Lian. Whenever someone insisted on forcing drinks on the lead actor, he had the highly energized Lin Fu step in. After all, Lin Fu had just won a major award, felt boundless excitement, and could handle his liquor.

Shen Lian accompanied them, bragging and playing cards. When he was willing to get along with people, his aura was genuinely gentle. He spoke pleasantly and was a good sport. Under the intoxicating lights, his appearance and demeanor created a unique, captivating presence.

It wasn't that no one inquired about Shen Lian to Director Zhao, but as soon as Director Zhao heard it, he waved his hand, "Listen to my advice: don't even think about it."

After one round, Lin Fu was seeing stars from drinking, but if someone shouted, "best actor!" he would turn around and stay until the very end.

Shen Lian found it amusing. He had just finished two rounds of cards and was heavily affected by the smell of alcohol. He used the excuse of resting to retreat to the side, chatting with Chang Qing on his phone.

Chang Qing didn't come today. He knew he hadn't had many representative works last year, and he just happened to pick up a good script, so he focused on filming.

Chang Qing also watched the live broadcast. Needless to say, Lin Fu entertained him greatly. He teased Shen Lian, saying he was practically a mascot whom everyone grabbed when they got nervous.

When Shen Lian spoke in the group chat, Feng Yueshan and Xu Jingge would reply, but Chu Yilan remained silent, so Shen Lian knew he was still busy.

The fun lasted until 2:30 AM. Besides Shen Lian, few people present were sober.

Even so, the fact that Shen Lian was drinking tea hadn't been exposed, but he put on an act, stumbling with a surprisingly methodical rhythm. When Sun Binghe saw this from inside the car, his heart sank halfway.

Sun Binghe stepped on the gas and pulled up in front of Shen Lian.

Director Zhao was stunned, turned his thick tongue toward Shen Lian, and asked, "Picking you up?"

"Yes," Shen Lian replied, "Well, Director Zhao, I'll head back first. Lin Fu..."

"Go on, go on." Director Zhao had the mud-like Lin Fu propped up beside him. "I'll arrange everything for him. See you."

Shen Lian waved: "Goodbye, Director Zhao."

Sitting in the car, Shen Lian looked up and met Sun Binghe's sharp gaze in the rearview mirror.

Shen Lian: "I didn't drink. I was just acting."

Seeing that he articulated clearly and looked completely sober, Sun Binghe relaxed. "As expected of Teacher Shen, your acting skills are superb."

Shen Lian chuckled softly, and Sun Binghe turned the steering wheel.

A few minutes later, Shen Lian noticed scattered raindrops on the window. "I remember heavy rain is forecasted for tomorrow."

"That's right." Sun Binghe was sensitive to the weather, as there were many things a special assistant needed to arrange. "It's expected to rain until the day after tomorrow."

Shen Lian leaned back against the seat: "A good day for sleeping."

Sun Binghe adjusted the car's temperature. Before long, his phone rang.

He said, "Excuse me," and answered with one hand.

"Brother Yang."

The car was quiet, and Yang Bin's voice was very clear: "Where are you? If it's convenient, come pick me up at the Shenglin Hotel."

Sun Binghe: "Did you drink?"

"Yes, I couldn't escape it." Yang Bin sighed. "It was those people from Organization. They are difficult to deal with, you know."

"Mhm." As soon as Sun Binghe hung up, he heard Shen Lian say: "Let's go. Shenglin isn't far from here; it's on the way."

Sun Binghe was pleased: "Thank you, Teacher Shen."

Shen Lian: "Given our relationship, you don't need to be so polite."

The Shenglin Hotel was brightly lit. Yang Bin was on the twelfth floor. Along the way, there were many men and women embracing, and quite a few drunks leaning against the walls. Past this corridor, a turn led to the dining hall.

Shen Lian and Sun Binghe walked side by side, chatting and making plans to pick up Yang Bin and go eat crayfish somewhere, since it was already so late.

"Hey?! Old Liu!"

"Stop it!"

Two hoarse shouts suddenly rang out in the quiet air, followed by a loud "bang," like a hammer hitting the chest. Shen Lian frowned and looked up, just as a figure staggered backward.

Yang Bin gripped the cabinet by the wall. The debris on his head hadn't been fully shaken off. He winced and pressed his temple, but soon, blood began to seep through his fingers.

Sensing something, Yang Bin abruptly looked up.

He and Sun Binghe met eyes. Yang Bin was wearing a black overcoat. Although he looked disheveled, the calming aura about him hadn't diminished in the slightest. Even in this state, he managed a comforting smile toward Sun Binghe.

However, it was useless.

Sun Binghe's throat moved slightly, and a moment of helplessness flashed in his eyes—the reaction expected of someone whose emotions were stirred. But the next second, Sun Binghe's expression froze over completely, his aura instantly spiraled out of control, and his first step was taken with extreme ferocity and haste.

"Wait!" Yang Bin ignored his wound and stepped forward, trying to stop Sun Binghe.

"So what if I hit him?" Someone was acting drunk, speaking with extreme arrogance, and shakily pointing at Yang Bin: "An assistant, just an assistant! What are you afraid of? What's wrong with asking him to drink a couple more? I'm a dignified Manager of Organization, do I not even get this much respect?"

Sun Binghe remained silent, gathering all his strength to charge. Yang Bin could barely hold him back.

The next second, a figure flashed past their eyes.

Huh?

Since the other party had already said so, it saved Shen Lian the trouble of asking for clarification. He strode forward, grabbed the Manager by the back of the neck, forcibly yanked the man closer, and said coldly, "What did you hit him with?"

The Manager struggled fiercely. Shen Lian looked thin, but his strength was immense.

"You f*cking..." The Manager was extremely uncomfortable in this forced bowing posture, feeling the blood rush to his eyes and head. Frantic and angry, he cursed and swung a punch toward Shen Lian's waist.

Shen Lian dodged in time, but as soon as the Manager regained his footing, he became relentless.

"I'll kill you!"

Shen Lian followed up with a slap.

"Teacher Shen?" Yang Bin was momentarily stunned. Sun Binghe broke free and followed closely behind Shen Lian. In just a second, they broke out into a brawl.

Two high-level executives from Organization recognized Sun Binghe. This person had contact with all the major Qudu companies. One Vice President trembled as he pulled blood pressure medication from his pocket. Hitting Chu Yilan's only two trusted aides—how were they going to settle this score?

"Oh, come on!" Shen Lian kicked the Manager toward the Organization Vice President, then pushed away the Organization Bodyguard. His suit button had already popped off during the fight.

Yang Bin took a deep breath and removed his gold-rimmed glasses.

His eyes were long and narrow. Normally, half of their sharp light was obscured by his glasses. His way of dealing with people was completely different from Sun Binghe's; he followed the "world peace" route, avoiding conflict whenever possible.

Yang Bin then put his glasses into his overcoat pocket, and a fierce aura surged from him.

But he didn't rush to join in; instead, he first called for backup.