Chapter Forty-Three: Receiving the Guest

Yuan Zhong decided to have a proper conversation with Cong Wenbin and ask him to stop acting so... strangely.

Cong Wenbin looked puzzled, saying he just wanted to help and didn’t understand why anyone would misunderstand his intentions.

To be fair, he really had been helpful, especially with errands and heavy lifting. Yuan Zhong decided to introduce him.

“Yes, yes, we’ve arranged to meet, and I want to treat him to dinner.” Cong Wenbin was clearly excited.

“At most, I’ll help you add him on WeChat. If you want to have dinner, you’ll have to arrange that yourself,” Yuan Zhong replied, unable to comprehend this kind of fanatical attitude.

“What good is WeChat? It’s no different from a livestream chatroom. No, I want to meet in person.”

Yuan Zhong thought to himself, I’ve only ever seen that unreliable guy in a livestream myself, and shook his head. “Meeting in person is inconvenient. He might not even want to.”

“How is it inconvenient? We’re in the same city. You haven’t even asked—how do you know he doesn’t want to?” Cong Wenbin frowned. “You’re really not trying.”

Yuan Zhong felt a headache coming on. If he’d known, he wouldn’t have agreed to help, but now he was a bit curious. “Is he really in the same city as us?”

“Yes, he’s not far from us. I can go over—wherever he wants. I’m already planning it out. He doesn’t stream on Mondays, so we can do dinner Monday evening, or even lunch, as long as he’s okay with the time.”

This kid, how smitten is he? Yuan Zhong didn’t want to burst his bubble. “I can try, but I can’t guarantee anything.”

“That’s fine.” Cong Wenbin grinned.

Yuan Zhong couldn’t understand why Cong Wenbin had such faith in him, but decided not to dwell on it. It was just one favor.

“By the way, I’ll have to wait until I’m done with the event,” Yuan Zhong said.

“No problem. If you need anything, I’m on standby.”

Cong Wenbin wasn’t talkative, but he was more efficient than Chen Yue and had a clear head. Having such an extra helper saved Yuan Zhong a lot of effort and worry.

Soon, the day of the event arrived. Yuan Zhong specifically changed into sneakers to deal with the day’s many tasks. Wang Shanshan was more demanding than ever, treating him more like a machine than a person—well, she did treat him as a person, just a robot.

The venue was set up and double-checked—everything was in order. Yuan Zhong waited expectantly, hoping to catch a glimpse of Qiye.

Wang Shanshan arrived, dressed in a deep blue cocktail dress, a navy four-leaf clover pendant around her neck, black patent shoes with a blue trim echoing the color of her dress.

“Wow, you’re really dressed up,” Chen Yue poked her head in.

“Oh, you’re here.” Yuan Zhong took a sip of water. “Sit over there. If I need help, I can find you easily.”

Everything was arranged. Cong Wenbin was waiting outside, but Yuan Zhong still felt a bit nervous. Since Chen Yue was here, he figured it was best to let her know, just in case.

Wang Shanshan inspected the venue. There was nothing wrong, but she still chattered away at Yuan Zhong.

Yuan Zhong nodded with a smile. “So, is there anything you’d like me to change?”

He thought, Stop making baseless accusations. If you think I’m careless or irresponsible, show me the evidence. If there’s something specific, say it—I’ll fix it!

But Wang Shanshan had nothing concrete. Still, she said loftily, “There’s no time. Leave it for next time—try to be more attentive!”

Yuan Zhong cursed her under his breath.

Maybe it was because he hadn’t played games in a while, but he felt an urge to curse more lately. Still, outwardly, his expression remained as controlled as ever.

Wang Shanshan’s phone rang. Yuan Zhong watched her face transform as if in a performance; her stern, fierce look vanished, replaced with a beaming smile.

“Hello? Qiye, have you arrived? I’ll come out to meet you.”

Chen Yue and Yuan Zhong exchanged a glance. Chen Yue stuck out her tongue in mock disgust.

“What? You’re stuck in traffic? Where? How long will it take?” Wang Shanshan’s voice took on a note of concern.

Whatever the reply was, it made her frown. She hung up and turned to Yuan Zhong.

He felt his eyelid twitch.

“Yuan Zhong, come here.”

Yuan Zhong glanced at Chen Yue, who silently mouthed, “Good luck.”

“Qiye’s car is stuck in traffic. You go pick him up—he can’t be late,” Wang Shanshan instructed.

Yuan Zhong frowned at the location she sent. How was he supposed to pick someone up when the traffic was gridlocked on all sides? If Qiye couldn’t get out, how could he get in?

“What are you waiting for? Go!” Wang Shanshan glared.

“Do I just need to bring him here?” Yuan Zhong asked.

“What do you mean? Of course, he needs to get here on time.”

“I mean, if I take him by subway, is that okay with you?” Yuan Zhong could only think of this solution; luckily, the location was near a subway entrance.

“He drove his car. What about his car?” Wang Shanshan reminded him.

Oh, so you know it’s a hassle? Yet you’re making things difficult for me! But Yuan Zhong had no time or desire to say this aloud.

“So taking the subway is fine, right? I’ll go, but you need to send me Qiye’s contact—it’s the only way I’ll find him.”

Without waiting for Wang Shanshan’s reply, Yuan Zhong turned and ran.

At the door, Yuan Zhong found Cong Wenbin. “Let’s go—we’re taking the subway to pick someone up.”

Cong Wenbin didn’t hesitate and immediately followed, which Yuan Zhong appreciated. They were short on time—he’d explain on the way.

The subway ride was only three stops. Yuan Zhong calculated—they should make it in time.

Wang Shanshan finally sent Qiye’s number. She’d never allowed Yuan Zhong to use it before, but today was an exception.

Yuan Zhong dialed. After two rings, a man’s voice answered, “Hello?”

The voice sounded familiar, but Yuan Zhong didn’t dwell on it. “Hello, is this Mr. Qiye? I’m Shan-jie’s assistant—she sent me to pick you up.”

There was a pause, then: “How are you planning to get here? There’s a traffic accident ahead; everything is blocked.”

Yuan Zhong explained, “I checked the map. You’re close to a subway station. My friend and I are on our way. He can drive, so he’ll bring your car to the venue. I’ll take you by subway so we can make it on time. Is that okay?”

Qi Leyu thought it was a good idea—but he’d deliberately left late today, hoping to be late and avoid cooperating with Wang Shanshan. Getting stuck in traffic suited him perfectly.

“Qiye? Mr. Qi? Are you alright? Don’t worry, my friend and I are already on the subway—just about one stop away. We’ll be there soon.”

“Alright.” Qi Leyu didn’t want to make things harder for others. He’d wait until they arrived. Being stuck here was troublesome enough.

The traffic inched forward. He checked the time—half an hour left.

His phone rang again. It was the same young woman—her voice a bit shaky, probably from running. Before long, Qi Leyu spotted a young man and woman, the girl talking on her phone, looking around anxiously.

He got out of his car and waved, “Look to your left.”

The young woman saw him, hung up, and hurried over, the young man following with long strides.

“Hello, Qiye, I’m Shan-jie’s assistant, and this is my friend.”

Qi Leyu thought, That introduction was pointless. He sized them up—both in casual clothes and seemingly younger than him.

Seeing him hesitate, Yuan Zhong added, “My friend can drive. Don’t worry.”

The young man walked forward, heading for the driver’s seat.

“Let me see your license?” Qi Leyu deliberately stalled.

“We’re really short on time,” Yuan Zhong wiped sweat from her brow. “Don’t worry, your car will be safe.”

Seeing her so flustered, Qi Leyu frowned. “I’m not worried about my car—I’m worried about him. He does have a license, right?”

Cong Wenbin raised his chin, snorted, and slid into the driver’s seat.

Qi Leyu wasn’t exactly easygoing. He was about to say something, but the traffic moved, and Cong Wenbin drove off.

Qi Leyu tried to follow, but Yuan Zhong grabbed his arm.

“Qiye, this way,” she said, dragging him in the opposite direction.

The cars ahead had stopped again. Cong Wenbin stuck his head out, “If you’re a man, hurry up! Don’t get in the way!”

“Hurt who?” Qi Leyu tried to shake off Yuan Zhong’s hand.

“Hurt the person next to you,” Cong Wenbin pointed.

His voice was loud, drawing attention. That kind of comment could easily be misunderstood.

“Yes, if you’re late, I’ll be in trouble,” Yuan Zhong pleaded quietly.

Qi Leyu saw the sweat on her forehead and frowned.

“Taking the subway is really convenient, I promise,” Yuan Zhong looked at him hopefully.

Qi Leyu didn’t want to make things harder and followed Yuan Zhong toward the subway.

She led the way, glancing back at him now and then, then ran ahead to buy tickets.

“One ticket?” Qi Leyu asked, noticing her hands.

“Oh, I have a monthly pass.” Yuan Zhong fished a card from her pocket and showed him.

On the subway, Qi Leyu saw her visibly relax.

“When we arrive, you’ll need to get your makeup done, then there’s an interview, and then...” Yuan Zhong began to explain.

Qi Leyu interrupted, “Is Wang Shanshan your boss?”

Yuan Zhong was momentarily taken aback. “Ah, yes.” Her phone rang. She answered, “Shifu, I’ve got him. We’re on the subway—five minutes? That’s probably not possible, but we’ll try not to be late...”

Shifu? Qi Leyu recalled that her mentor was quite a nuisance.

He glanced over—she looked worried, speaking hesitantly. It seemed Wang Shanshan wasn’t much of a mentor either.

When they arrived, Yuan Zhong didn’t want to rush him, so she ran ahead herself. Fortunately, Qi Leyu was tall and kept pace easily.

Time was tight. The photographers and crew were all in place. Wang Shanshan kept glancing at the entrance. She was about to call when she finally saw Yuan Zhong.

“Did you faint on the way?” Wang Shanshan snapped.

Yuan Zhong said nothing as Qi Leyu followed her inside.

Wang Shanshan’s eyes lit up. She immediately pushed Yuan Zhong aside, “Oh, you’ve had a hard time! Traffic is such a pain. Come, let me take you to the makeup room.”

With Wang Shanshan gone, Yuan Zhong breathed a sigh of relief and called Cong Wenbin for an update.

Cong Wenbin was as concise as ever: “All good here. I’ll find you when I arrive.”

Yuan Zhong grabbed a bottle of water, found a quiet corner, and waited for further instructions.

Chen Yue came over, her mouth rounded in awe, stars in her eyes.

“What’s up with you?” Yuan Zhong asked.

“I saw him!”

“Yeah, he’s here.”

“He’s so, so handsome!”

“He’s alright.” Yuan Zhong thought he looked pleasant enough, but she’d been too rushed to take a good look.

“I want his autograph!” Chen Yue declared.

“There’s a signing session later; go line up early,” Yuan Zhong replied. She glanced at the front— the photographer was getting impatient and checked the time. Huh, what’s taking Wang Shanshan so long in there?