22: You can always trust me.

"Zheng Ge, CEO Chu actually didn't come over this time."

Wu Cheng, who had previously clashed with Shen Lian at the dressing room entrance, was standing beside Zheng Ge at this moment. His voice was teasing, but there was a hidden envy in his eyes.

He knew some of the inside story regarding this entanglement. Two favored sons of heaven were both head over heels for Zheng Ge, showering him with abundant resources. Who wouldn't be moved?

As for Shen Lian, Wu Cheng felt deep disdain for him in his heart.

But the source of his disdain wasn't necessarily because he couldn't stand Shen Lian's simp-like behavior. After all, given the chance, Wu Cheng might have simped even harder. He was just annoyed that the person involved wasn't himself.

He even frequently imagined himself in that position, feeling that he would do better than Shen Lian and wouldn't end up being universally despised.

Zheng Ge pursed his lips and smiled slightly. "CEO Chu and I are just ordinary friends."

Despite saying so, Zheng Ge was also slightly surprised in his heart.

In the past, whenever he was present, Chu Yilan's gaze would always fall heavily on him from time to time. Over time, Zheng Ge had grown accustomed to it and gradually became emboldened, finding it annoying instead.

He didn't like the gloominess about Chu Yilan; on the contrary, the confident and proud Zhou Tangsi was the direction he pursued.

Thinking of this, Zheng Ge's heart raced for no reason, and that familiar sense of unease returned. He subconsciously looked up at Chu Yilan, only to find the other man's gaze fixed on a corner of the banquet hall. Following that gaze, he saw Shen Lian's fair and cold profile.

Zheng Ge's heart skipped a beat. Was Chu Yilan observing Shen Lian?!

In the next second, Chu Yilan withdrew his gaze and turned his head to listen to what Ning Sixian was saying.

It must be an illusion, Zheng Ge thought.

On this side, Shen Lian downed a cup of sake. The expected intimidation didn't happen. The person sitting in front of him wasn't the boss of Entertainment Company, but the CEO of another entertainment firm, Qiming Media. However, the attempt to entice him was very clear.

Qiming's CEO, Fang Sheng, was in his forties. He wasn't like those middle-aged balding men with beer bellies. On the contrary, he kept himself in very good shape. His temples were slightly gray, he had a sharp haircut, wore glasses, and while his features weren't particularly striking, his aura was extraordinary.

Fang Sheng extended an olive branch, while his eyes made no secret of his liking for Shen Lian.

Qiming was a good path. Being able to join would represent a new development for Shen Lian, not to mention the prospect of becoming Fang Sheng's favorite.

Shen Lian raised his wine glass with a humble attitude. "Thank you for your appreciation, CEO Fang, but unfortunately, my ambitions lie elsewhere."

Fang Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly. "Such a good opportunity, are you sure?"

Shen Lian: "I'm sure."

He was ultimately used to being proud. Even during the hardest times in his previous life, he never thought about relying on someone to climb up. Starting over with a bad hand was normal for Shen Lian, let alone in this life where he had met Chu Yilan.

When Shen Lian liked someone, the feelings he gave had to be absolutely pure.

Seeing Shen Lian's serious expression and realizing it wasn't a game of hard-to-get, Fang Sheng felt a deeper sense of attraction alongside his dissatisfaction. Men always have some desire for conquest.

"This is my business card." Fang Sheng handed it to Shen Lian. "You're welcome to change your mind at any time."

Out of politeness, Shen Lian still took it. "Thank you, CEO Fang."

Chu Yilan happened to see this scene, and the aura around the man suddenly became dangerous.

Feng Yueshan hurriedly stood up and circled over to Zhou Yuanlin's side, muttering, "I give up. I don't know what's wrong with you, just don't punch me if you're unhappy."

Shen Lian took his leave from Fang Sheng and turned to go to the restroom.

He tugged at his collar slightly, feeling that the sake was also quite heartburn-inducing.

Chu Yilan put down his glass. "You guys have fun."

Zhou Yuanlin: "I don't understand."

Feng Yueshan: "I don't understand either."

Zheng Ge hadn't noticed Shen Lian. Perhaps because Chu Yilan hadn't shown any reaction today, he rarely felt a bit of concern. After all, Chu Yilan's facial disfigurement was caused because of him, and it wouldn't be right for him to say nothing at all.

I should have a good talk with Chu Yilan, let him let go of me and start a new life, Zheng Ge thought as he also headed toward the restroom.

The restrooms here were decorated magnificently.

Shen Lian washed his face, and when he looked up, he saw Chu Yilan's figure in the mirror. He immediately gave a lazy smile. "Master Chu."

Chu Yilan said indifferently, "Going to Qiming?"

"Master Chu, the prerequisite for me going to Qiming is to become CEO Fang's bedfellow." Shen Lian's voice was slow and casual, and those expressive eyes seemed to lightly graze over Chu Yilan.

Chu Yilan's expression darkened abruptly. He strode forward, grabbed Shen Lian's right hand, and pinned it behind his back, forcing Shen Lian to turn around.

Chu Yilan looked like a storm was brewing. "You agreed?"

Shen Lian let out a soft breath. With the alcohol going to his head, he stopped pretending and hiding. He wasn't afraid at all. "Why do you trust me so little?"

"Hmm, then it must be because I haven't given you enough of a sense of security."

Chu Yilan's heart stirred as he said, "I saw you take Fang Sheng's business card."

"Just keeping up appearances." As Shen Lian spoke, he pulled the business card out of his pocket with his other hand, crumpled it up casually, and tossed it into the trash can. "How about now?"

Chu Yilan was stunned into an awkward silence.

On the way here, he had already decided that if Shen Lian agreed, not only would he prevent him from entering Qiming, he would take down Qiming altogether! Eating his food and living in his house—even if he was just a bird in a cage in name only, he couldn't slap his face like this.

But Chu Yilan had overlooked the fact that if he were truly dealing with some fickle, unfaithful creature, he wouldn't have personally chased him down to question him.

In the end, Shen Lian had made a feint, making it seem like he had tested his true feelings instead, smiling here in a way that made one's teeth itch.

"Chu Yilan," Shen Lian suddenly said, "you can always trust me."

The seriousness in his eyes made Chu Yilan's movements stiffen.

"Master Chu? Are you in there?" A sudden voice interrupted Shen Lian's next words. Shen Lian clicked his tongue, recognizing it as Zheng Ge.

Chu Yilan was about to let go of Shen Lian when his waist was grabbed in return. Shen Lian spun him around and pulled him into the nearest utility room.

The moment Shen Lian closed the door, Zheng Ge entered.

The utility room was very clean, empty of everything. Aside from their close heartbeats, only Zheng Ge's tentative footsteps outside remained.

"Were you afraid he'd misunderstand just now?" Shen Lian's voice was extremely low, but the gritted-teeth tone was unmistakable.

Chu Yilan frowned and mouthed, "No."

Wait, what am I afraid of? Why do I have to hide here?

"Whether it is or not, we'll know after a test," Shen Lian said.

Chu Yilan's brow twitched violently. Before he could react, Shen Lian gave a sly smile.

The gentle sensation on his lips caused Chu Yilan's brain to completely stop functioning.

Alcohol gives courage to the cowardly!

I'm definitely giving away this first kiss today! Shen Lian thought.

The aroma of wine rippled between their lips and teeth. Chu Yilan was dazed, and Shen Lian took all the initiative. But Shen Lian didn't care; he pecked a few more times before slightly pulling away with lowered eyes. His face was somewhat pale, and his crow-feather lashes trembled, like fine snow blown from a mountaintop that would melt with a little heat. But Chu Yilan knew it was all an illusion.

A large hand cupped the back of his head. Shen Lian suddenly looked up, and Chu Yilan's kiss had already descended.

Something exploded solidly and thunderously by his ears.

Although silent, it shook one's very core.

Shen Lian was happy and triumphant. He wrapped his arms around Chu Yilan's neck and responded to him vigorously.