Chapter 62

Jian Ci stayed at home to recuperate, and led a life alike to a god.

Who knew what was running through Zhou Bai’s mind. He first got a blessed Guan Yin1 pendant for Jian Ci to hang around his neck and following that, his showers, meals, and toilet needs were all insistently arranged by Zhou Bai himself. It was already so excessive, but Zhou Bai always wore a look of “why are you so disobedient, if you don’t listen to me, I’ll torment you til the end ” on his face.

In Jian Ci’s mind, this man had the face of a “step-mother”, but the actions of a maternity matron.

It was a pity that this “maternity matron” did not have much free time. When Jian Ci started to itch in his recovery phase, Zhou Bai had no choice but to handle the mountain of work that had piled up upon him.

On the first day he returned to work after Jian Ci’s recovery, Qiao Zhiqi broke into his office.

Suppressing the depressed feelings built up in his chest, Qiao Zhiqi spoke, “I’m all ready on my side, but you haven’t told him anything about it yet? Zhou Bai, what did you promise me?”

Zhou Bai leaned back on his chair, pondering for a long time.

Even when he tried his best to keep his calm, Qiao Zhiqi still let out a tinge of nervousness. He has laid all his cards on the table, and he can’t let Zhou Bai give up now.

“It’s not time yet,” Zhou Bai spoke after half a beat.

Qiao Zhiqi squinted, and let out a laugh to relieve the tension, “Can’t bring yourself to do it? Fine, I understand, but don’t you regret it.”

He strode out after saying his piece, the hems of his trench coat drawing out a decisive arc.

Zhou Bai froze, his eyes glistening, and no one knew what was running through his mind.

A few days later, Zhou Bai finally understood what Qiao Zhiqi meant by “don’t regret it”.

A talented manager with lots of experience and connections in Bai Sheng Film and co. had suddenly expressed his resignation, and the new company he hopped into was Wu Wei Entertainment. Even the several artists that were under his hand had their hearts wavering, and there were rumours that Wu Wei Entertainment’s resources and treatment were extremely good. There were also rumours that Bai Cheng’s capital supply chain had declined dangerously and there were even artistes that directly proposed terminating their contract or not proceeding with contract renewals. All these made Zhou Bai extremely annoyed.

The good thing was, this situation was not entirely a disaster. To put it bluntly, this was Qiao Zhiqi’s last ultimatum. It was just that Zhou Bai needed to pull himself together to deal with it, both by forming good connections with people in the entertainment industry, and by appeasing his company’s employees. Due to this, it was inevitable that he would neglect the one at home.

That day, when the one who was in confinement – no, the one who was recuperating at home, heard the doorbell ring and from the door’s monitor he saw Qiao Zhiqi.

Although he had only met Qiao Zhiqi once, the latter had left a deep impression and Jian Ci knew that Qiao Zhiqi was Zhou Bai’s fellow partner. Despite not knowing the purpose behind Qiao Zhiqi’s visit, he still politely let the man in and brought him a change of slippers.

Jian Ci brewed a cup of coffee and spoke up, “Zhou Bai isn’t home. Are you here for urgent matters?”

“I’m not here to look for him,” Qiao Zhiqi set down the gift hamper of nutritional products and shot Jian Ci a smile, “I heard that your body is weak, so even if you think about it from a logical or relational perspective, I should pay you a visit.”

Jian Ci could not make head nor tail of what Qiao Zhiqi said, hence the suspicion that he held in his heart deepened.

“You ‘heard’ my body was weak? From whom? ‘Logical or relational perspective’? What kind of relationship do we even have between us?”

But it was soon that Jian Ci knew what this person came for.

After the short exchange of polite conversation, Qiao Zhiqi said, “Back when Zhou Bai went to B City for a business trip, we were acquainted because of some circumstances. He is someone who is very capable and charismatic, I really admire him. Later on, I linked him up with a few contacts from B City, and based on the principle of mutual benefit, he and I came to an agreement.”

Jian Ci listened quietly and did not answer.

Qiao Zhiqi continued, “I have been waiting all along for Zhou Bai to fulfil his agreement. However, I’m a little disappointed at the speed of how he does things so I have to come look for you by myself…”

Footnote:

1Goddess of Mercy, usually these amulets are used for blessings and protection