Chapter 21

When the car came to a stop, Feng Jing and Zhang Min had already finished listening to Qi Linyuan’s speech.

Had it been anyone else delivering such words, they might have thought the speaker unbearably insincere, shamelessly flattering Ji Yuchen even in this setting. Yet, with Qi Linyuan, by the end, they were deeply moved.

What an utterly pure admiration this young man held for Ji Yuchen! Who among us, in our youth, has not admired someone so fervently?

“There will be opportunities,” Zhang Min whispered encouragingly as they exited the car.

“There absolutely will be!” Feng Jing declared, blood rushing with enthusiasm.

Qi Linyuan expressed his gratitude, visibly touched.

He looked up at the building before him, feeling that never before had coming to the company seemed such a wonderful thing.

He navigated the lobby with practiced ease. Just as he was about to head towards the elevator, he suddenly realized his familiarity seemed a bit out of place. He immediately stopped, pretending to search for the elevator.

“This way,” Zhang Min called to him, suspecting nothing, and guided him to the right.

Qi Linyuan followed, pleased, and the three entered the elevator. The lift ascended swiftly to the floor where the welcome party was being held.

“Do you think Mr. Ji is here yet?” Qi Linyuan grew nervous as they prepared to step out.

The two, having listened to his confession about admiration, didn’t mock him. Instead, they analyzed seriously, “Probably not yet. It’s still early.”

Qi Linyuan wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or disappointed. He tidied his attire in the elevator mirror and walked out with the others.

Many had already arrived before them—mostly company staff, with a few artists among them.

The employees wore all sorts of attire; some were formally dressed, likely mid- or upper-level managers.

The artists, meanwhile, were all made up—even if not in full regalia, they had clearly prepared carefully.

Qi Linyuan sensed something was amiss. He glanced back at Feng Jing. He hadn’t noticed before, but now he saw that Feng Jing’s outfit had been meticulously coordinated, his face lightly made up.

In contrast, Qi Linyuan’s own clothes, though proper, were casual, and his face bare of makeup. Amidst the other artists, he looked nothing like one.

Especially when, moments later, the elevator chimed, and Ji Yuchen and Qiao Shi stepped out, both in crisp suits.

Ji Yuchen nodded to everyone who greeted him, his gaze sweeping the crowd. When his eyes met Qi Linyuan’s, he paused for a few seconds before nodding and moving on.

Qi Linyuan had no idea what Ji Yuchen was thinking in that brief moment, only that his own heart felt as if a thousand hands were wringing a thousand rubber chickens in panic.

Although he wanted to leave a lasting impression on Ji Yuchen, this wasn’t the kind of impression he’d hoped for—where every other artist was carefully dressed, even the person he hoped to approach was in formal attire, and he alone stood in casual clothes and bare-faced!

Was he acting in a romance drama, relying on innocence and authenticity to catch the attention of the domineering boss?

Qi Linyuan felt utterly defeated. If Ji Yuchen weren’t present, and his gaze not occasionally drifting his way, Qi Linyuan would have already found a corner to embrace his own pitiful self.

But with Ji Yuchen still there, he couldn’t play dead; he had to maintain his usual smile, distracting himself by scrutinizing the food.

To his surprise, Fengqi was rather humane—when preparing food, they’d thoughtfully considered the artists. Many items were not only low in calories, but designed small enough to be eaten in one bite, so as not to ruin anyone’s lip makeup.

On ordinary days, makeup or no makeup, he wouldn’t care about such things.

But now…

Qi Linyuan looked at his beloved food, then at the delicate hors d’oeuvres, and silently chose the latter.

Image, image—he had to maintain his image at all times.

“What are you smiling at?” Others might not notice, but Qiao Shi, who had known Ji Yuchen for years, easily spotted the subtle smile at the corner of his lips.

Ji Yuchen didn’t deny it, replying with a relaxed tone, “I’m smiling at how wonderful it is to be young.”

Qiao Shi rolled his eyes. “You’re only in your twenties, aren’t you? Where’s this ‘youth is wonderful’ sentiment coming from? Wait, who made you feel this way?”

As he spoke, his gaze landed squarely on Qi Linyuan.

Unlike the other artists, Qi Linyuan’s appearance was very ordinary; his outfit could easily be mistaken for a company employee’s. Yet, paired with his face and exceptional presence, he stood out unmistakably.

“He really was gifted by the heavens,” Qiao Shi mused. “Most artists would be lucky enough just to have that face—it’s already enough to succeed in the entertainment industry. Yet he’s such a good actor… Was that what caught your eye at first?”

Ji Yuchen shook his head. “No, it was his eyes.”

Seeing the question on Qiao Shi’s face, he recalled the first time he’d seen Qi Linyuan perform on stage. “When he acts, his gaze is resolute and pure, as if he pours his entire being into the performance. Beauty fades with time, talent wanes before the vastness of the world, but someone who dedicates himself wholly to acting will enjoy a long career.”

Ji Yuchen’s voice grew more admiring. “Especially since, as you said, his conditions are so exceptional… I greatly anticipate his future.”

Qiao Shi, himself discovered by the younger Ji Yuchen, had always trusted his judgment.

Yet, hearing this, he grew curious. “What if he only had that gaze, but lacked natural advantages? Say he wasn’t good-looking, or not skilled at acting…”

Ji Yuchen answered without hesitation, “It wouldn’t make much difference! Especially appearance. In my view, whether someone has extreme advantages or disadvantages, paired with that kind of gaze, they’re always worth looking forward to. Especially the latter—if someone with poor natural conditions never gives up, always invests themselves fully in acting, I’d want to give them a chance too. Even if it doesn’t succeed, I’d still want to try. Such people deserve it.”

Qiao Shi let out a long sigh. “That’s why I’ve always felt you were born for this position.”

Ji Yuchen neither confirmed nor denied. “Save that judgment for after I’m gone. Ask your assistant if everyone’s here. If so, I’ll say a few words so everyone can relax.”

Qiao Shi scanned the room. His assistant was ever ready to serve; seeing Qiao Shi searching for him, he hurried over.

Ji Yuchen heard the result of their exchange, took the microphone prepared for him, and after a moment’s thought, turned it on.

“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I am Ji Yuchen. It’s an honor to work with all of you in the future, and I thank you for your trust in Fengqi. The entertainment business is new to Fengqi—we’re still exploring, and need everyone’s help. If you have suggestions, tell your agent; they’ll report to the director, and Qiao Shi and I will review them.”

He paused, then added, “Of course, whether we adopt them is another matter.”

At that, the atmosphere—which had grown too solemn—lightened considerably.

After all, pretending to listen to everything is rather fake, and unnecessary; it would only ruin the company.

“In this industry, new employees are often my seniors, so as long as it’s a well-considered suggestion, bring it up. Fengqi Entertainment’s future depends on me, on Qiao Shi, and equally on all of you. Most of you aren’t new to the workforce, nor is this your first time being promised big dreams. All I can say is, you’ve signed contracts with the company—what’s written, we’ll fulfill; what’s not, if the company prospers, maybe it’ll come true. I hope that one day, Fengqi will renew your contracts with better terms.”

Having said what he meant, Ji Yuchen didn’t linger. “Now, please eat and mingle freely. If you wish to ask Qiao Shi or me anything, feel free. Tonight’s agenda is simply this welcome party.”

His speech ended swiftly. Qi Linyuan was the quickest to react, leading the applause.

Ji Yuchen glanced at him from afar, thinking this person really was somewhat odd.

His purity was genuine, his earnestness real, yet beyond that, there were times when his behavior was unexpectedly strange.

Like now—by temperament, even if he were moved, he should react quietly. Leading the applause didn’t fit his character…

This time, Qi Linyuan didn’t notice Ji Yuchen’s gaze. He rehearsed his plan silently, scanning the room. Seeing no one approaching Ji Yuchen yet, he decided to seize the moment and walked over.

He drafted his opening line in his mind—“Mr. Ji, I’ve heard so much about you; I’m Qi Linyuan”—and was rehearsing it when suddenly the nearby food cart shifted.

He froze, instinctively trying to dodge, but lost his balance and fell straight toward Ji Yuchen.

In that instant, he saw the startled look on Ji Yuchen’s face, and it was as if he could hear the declaration of his own social death.

He did want to catch Ji Yuchen’s attention, yes—but not through some clichéd romantic comedy mishap!

Why was he so unlucky in this world?!