Chapter 12: In Short

Attending the banquet was simply part of Jian Yanzhi’s job. That evening, Fang Yang picked her up from campus, and they drove off together.

 

The Kesi Group was a renowned behemoth in the business world, with interests spanning numerous industries. In recent years, the company had also expressed ambitions to carve out a share of the entertainment market. However, long before the group graced the financial news pages, it was Young Master Kaisi, the heir to the Kesi Group, who first introduced the conglomerate to the entertainment industry. And who didn’t know Young Master Kaisi?

 

Last month, he was photographed entering a hotel with a famous actress; the next, he was seen strolling through a designer handbag store with a top-tier influencer. What might have been dismissed as the typical dalliances of a second-generation rich kid became scandalous tabloid fodder because his conquests were always prominent, well-regarded figures. By now, his frequent appearances in entertainment news were hardly surprising.

 

Jian Yanzhi had barely stepped through the banquet entrance when she ran into Young Master Kaisi. They had crossed paths twice before, both times at similar high-society events.

 

Outwardly, he exuded the perfect image of a corporate elite: sharp features, deep-set eyes, and a perpetual, seemingly affable smile playing at the corners of his lips. In short, he was undeniably handsome, making it easy to understand why so many women fell prey to his charm.

 

“Miss Jian,” Young Master Kaisi, He Yuanjia, greeted her, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit and exuding an air of authority.

 

Jian Yanzhi shook his hand politely. “Hello, President He.”

 

“Please, no formalities,” He Yuanjia said with a courteous smile. “It’s an honor to have you here.”

 

“You’re too kind,” Jian Yanzhi replied. “You’ll make me blush.”

 

“Nonsense! You’ve become quite the sensation this past year.” He Yuanjia gestured toward the interior. “Please, come in. I know actresses often worry about their figures, but I’ve prepared a feast today. It would be a shame to hold back.”

 

“Don’t worry,” Jian Yanzhi assured him. “I’ll be sure to indulge.”

 

*Indulge?* she thought. *I can barely breathe in this dress. One more bite and the seams might burst.*

 

“Oh, by the way, Miss Jian,” He Yuanjia added. “I’ve heard you’re quite skilled at gaming.”

 

Jian Yanzhi paused, taken aback. “Ah, not really… I’m not *that* good.”

 

“Don’t be so modest,” He Yuanjia said. “I heard you beat A’Jie in a solo match.”

 

A’Jie was a producer, and Jian Yanzhi had indeed played online games with him during the filming of his drama. “Well, maybe he’s just not very good,” she replied.

 

“Hahaha!” He Yuanjia burst into hearty laughter. “I’ll admit it—he’s terrible. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a pro. By the way, I’m organizing a celebrity charity eSports tournament soon. I’d love for you to participate.”

 

“An eSports tournament?” Jian Yanzhi’s eyes widened slightly. “Me?”

 

“It’s a charity event themed around gaming. We’ll invite a bunch of celebrity friends who enjoy playing games and a few professional eSports teams for some friendly matches.”

 

“That sounds interesting. I’ve never participated in such a formal competition before,” Jian Yanzhi said, intrigued. “I’ll talk to my manager about it when I get back.”

 

“Great! If you can make it, our event’s exposure will skyrocket.”

 

He Yuanjia went to speak with another group, and Jian Yanzhi, spotting a few acquaintances, joined their conversation. She was genuinely curious about the eSports competition He Yuanjia had mentioned and wanted to ask Fang Yang if she could participate.

 

However, her immediate concern was her growing hunger. Fang Yang was truly ruthless; she hadn’t even allowed Jian Yanzhi to eat lunch, all because of this extravagant gown she’d prepared.

 

“Yan Yan.”

 

Just as Jian Yanzhi was debating whether to sneak a small piece of cake, a male voice sounded from behind.

 

The voice was familiar, but Jian Yanzhi hesitated to turn around.

 

“Before I came, I was wondering if you’d be here. I didn’t expect you’d actually show up.”

 

Jian Yanzhi’s eyes narrowed slightly. She took a deep breath and turned around. “Oh, what a coincidence. You’re here too.”

 

“Yeah.” The man was impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, his handsome features and striking eyebrows undeniably fitting the image of an idol star. But none of this felt familiar to her. The pure sincerity she once knew in him had vanished completely.

 

“Yan Yan, have you been… busy lately?”

 

“Not really, just relaxing at home,” Jian Yanzhi replied. She glanced at him. “Zou Chang, we’re not that close anymore. Stop calling me ‘Yan Yan’—people might misunderstand.”

 

Zou Chang’s eyes darkened. “Yan Yan, I was wrong about what happened before. I apologize. Please don’t act like this.”

 

“Enough,” Jian Yanzhi snapped. “I don’t want to hear your apologies. That’s water under the bridge. We…” She glanced around before whispering, “We’ve broken up. Can you stop being so clingy?”

 

A crack appeared in Zou Chang’s carefully maintained smile. “It might be over for you, but it’s not over for me. Can’t we try again?”

 

“Try again?” Jian Yanzhi scoffed. “Forget it. I can’t afford to.”

 

With that, she turned and walked away, ignoring his expression.

 

But as she turned, the contemptuous expression on her face vanished completely.

 

Truth be told, she had once cared deeply for Zou Chang.

 

He was the son of her father’s friend. They met during Jian Yanzhi’s senior year of high school when Zou Chang’s father came to Shanghai on business. Over dinner, they struck up a conversation. Three years her senior, Zou Chang had already navigated the college entrance exams and the specialized arts school auditions.

 

During that time, Jian Yanzhi learned a great deal from him.

 

Acting techniques, script memorization, vocal training… he helped her rehearse scenes and even tutored her in her missed schoolwork.

 

A handsome young man and a beautiful young woman, both brimming with youthful vitality, naturally developed feelings for each other.

 

However, Jian Yanzhi was still young, and Zou Chang was already a teen idol, so they kept their relationship a secret. This secrecy also meant their eventual breakup was quiet and unannounced.

 

They officially became a couple during the summer after their college entrance exams, but both were busy with filming projects. Later, Jian Yanzhi ended things after Zou Chang was rumored to be involved with a female singer.

 

As for the specifics of that time… Jian Yanzhi couldn’t quite recall. She remembered being furious, while Zou Chang claimed his team wanted to let the scandal simmer for publicity, forbidding him from immediately issuing a denial.

 

After saying this, he rushed off to work.

 

He never explained the photos of him with the female singer that had been taken by the paparazzi, leaving Jian Yanzhi alone to stew in her anger and frustration.

 

For Jian Yanzhi, this first experience with romance left her feeling completely neglected, a bitter introduction to love. In a fit of teenage impulsiveness, she threw out the words “We’re over” and never saw him again.

 

Though the breakup hadn’t been long ago, Jian Yanzhi now dismissed her younger self as “naive and clueless.”

 

Falling in love with him felt like a childish game, utterly immature.

 

Whether they were together or apart, it was all so childish!

 

If she could do it all over again, she would never engage in that farcical relationship.

 

Someone offered Jian Yanzhi a drink, and she had a few sips. Suddenly needing to use the restroom, she hurried off to find one.

 

The banquet hall was a labyrinth of corridors. When Jian Yanzhi emerged from the restroom, she realized she was utterly lost.

 

She glanced around, then gave up resisting. For someone with her terrible sense of direction, trying to navigate on her own was futile. The carpeted hallway was quiet, likely a lounge area behind the main banquet hall.

 

Jian Yanzhi pulled out her phone to call Fang Yang.

 

“Yan Yan, lost again? Follow me…” Zou Chang materialized from nowhere, his cheeks flushed, probably from drinking too much.

 

Jian Yanzhi startled. “What are you doing following me? Oh, so you’ve been enjoying my little spectacle all along?”

 

“No, I just saw you wandering around and wanted to guide you back.” Zou Chang suddenly gripped her wrist. “Yan Yan, it was my fault before. I should have found you sooner and explained everything. But… I was just too busy back then.”

 

“I’ve heard that line a million times. Stop it,” Jian Yanzhi said, shaking off his hand. “Besides, this place is crawling with people. What if a reporter sees us? Don’t be so grabby.”

 

“So what if we get photographed?” Zou Chang said urgently. “We’ll just tell them we’re a couple.”

 

“Dude, you’re completely plastered. Who said we’re a couple?” Jian Yanzhi tried to slip past him, but Zou Chang gripped her shoulders, shoving her back against the door. He leaned in close, pressing her against the cold metal.

 

“Yan Yan, I really like you…”

 

Jian Yanzhi’s eyes widened as his face drew nearer.

 

*Holy shit, he’s going for a forced kiss!*

 

With his lips inches from hers, Jian Yanzhi didn’t care if her dress ripped. She raised her foot, ready to kick him squarely in the groin.

 

*Smack.*

 

“……”

 

“……”

 

“…………”

 

Jian Yanzhi’s foot froze mid-air. Out of nowhere, a hand had appeared, firmly wedged between their lips.

 

Jian Yanzhi’s lips barely brushed the palm of the hand—it was dry and slightly cool. The loud “smack” came from Zou Chang kissing the back of her hand.

 

Jian Yanzhi froze for several seconds before mechanically turning to face the newcomer.

 

He was tall, dressed in a black coat, dark jeans, and combat boots, with a cold, impassive expression on his face.

 

“You… what are you doing here?” Jian Yanzhi’s soft voice echoed clearly in the eerily silent hallway. Her words instantly sobered Zou Chang and made the man before them withdraw his hand with evident disgust and regret.

 

He Yuan’s hand, the one that had been “molested,” hung stiffly at his side. He seemed to suppress a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure, before turning to Zou Chang with icy restraint. “Leave now, while I can still control my hands.”

 

Zou Chang’s face flushed crimson. “Yan Yan, let’s go…”

 

“I told *you* to leave. Why are you dragging her into this?” He Yuan’s expression darkened. He had intervened thinking there was still a gap, but he hadn’t anticipated this man’s drunken brazenness. The sound of that “smack” still echoed in his mind.

 

“Who do you think you are?” Zou Chang snapped, his anger rising.

 

“And who the hell are *you*?” He Yuan’s mood had soured completely. Not only had he been “molested,” but this man dared to act so entitled!

 

“I’m her ex-boyfriend!” Zou Chang hissed coldly.

 

“Oh, impressive?” He Yuan loathed being challenged. Clinging to his “never back down” principle, he glared mockingly at Zou Chang. “I’m her boyfriend.”

 

___

 

**Author’s Note:** Captain, you’re getting out of hand again!