Chapter 71 – Let’s Drop This Joke

Jiang Heng said with an unwavering expression, “Why would you have such a terrifying thought? Shen Fubai, I suggest you be good.” He would never allow such a thing to happen.

Shen Fubai was fully in character, his eyes brimming with tears. “You don’t really love me, you just love my body. You’re with me only for sex.”

Jiang Heng raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I don’t love you, so I’ve decided not to use protection, letting you experience what it feels like to be torn apart.”

Then he moved forward to grab Shen Fubai’s wrist.

Shen Fubai screamed in shock. “What are you doing?!”

Jiang Heng pressed him onto the dining table, leaning down slowly. “I think the dining table isn’t bad.”

A section of Shen Fubai’s shirt was pushed up, revealing his soft waist. He bit his lip. “Don’t, no.”

Jiang Heng’s tone rose. “Afraid now?” He wondered if Shen Fubai would dare to mention Jinjiang-style romance again.

Shen Fubai said seriously, “If you continue, the post will be locked on Jinjiang.”

Jiang Heng felt like he needed a cigarette to calm down.

Jiang Heng said, “If you keep this up, I’ll really make this dining table an unforgettable memory for you.”

Shen Fubai exclaimed, “Jianghu doesn’t allow it!!!”

“Let’s drop this joke. Spare Jinjiang, and spare me,” Jiang Heng decided that he would uninstall the Jinjiang app on his phone later. He didn’t want to see that green thing for now. It was blocking his love with Fubai.

Although it meant losing his mental sustenance, the more terrifying thing was spiritual love.

Shen Fubai put his clothes back in place, elegantly sat back in his seat, and started cutting his toast bread with a knife and fork—

After the completion of “Pear Blossoms,” both of them had some free time. In fact, if they were willing, there were countless variety shows and film crews inviting them that could fill their schedules to the brim. But there was no need for them to do so.

They weren’t short on money or fame. Taking this opportunity to go on vacation wasn’t a bad choice. Since they confirmed their relationship, they hadn’t had time to properly enjoy life, always busy with work—although they worked together.

Shen Fubai and Jiang Heng decided to travel abroad. They were too well-known domestically; being recognized would cause trouble, and they’d have to dodge paparazzi at all times. Abroad, there were fewer worries, and they could relax more freely.

They chose to go to Los Angeles, USA, booking tickets for September 3rd. They planned to stay there for half a month.

When Li Man heard this news, she frowned. “Because of filming “Pear Blossoms,” you haven’t been in the public eye for a long time. Now, you should be appearing on variety shows and holding concerts to maintain your exposure, rather than going on vacation in Los Angeles… And why with Jiang Heng?”

Shen Fubai’s popularity was already high, but idols were still idols who need fans to survive. This long period of inactivity was practically suicidal behavior. Shen Fubai was different from Jiang Heng. Jiang Heng was a talented actor; even if he secluded himself for a year to hone his skills, he would still have a bunch of die-hard fans waiting for him. But Shen Fubai… Well, Shen Fubai also had a bunch of die-hard fans waiting for him.

The usual tricks for ordinary young stars didn’t apply to Shen Fubai. Because there wasn’t anyone in the idol circle whose face was more beautiful than his.

But Li Man still disapproved of Shen Fubai’s actions.

“Brother Jiang and I developed a deep revolutionary friendship during three months of filming, so what’s wrong with traveling together?” Shen Fubai said calmly, then leaned in and whispered, “Sister Li, you know he’s my idol for many years. I just want to go out and play together. Just for half a month.”

Li Man stared at him for three seconds before finally conceding. “Fine, I’ll give you a half-month holiday. There’s another concert in Beijing two months later. After you return from your trip, prepare well. The company will write a new song for you, but remember to practice while traveling. Don’t just play all day.”

At the mention of the concert, Shen Fubai felt a headache coming on. “Sister Li, I really can’t sing. Making me hold a concert is like a public execution.”

Li Man glanced at him. “Do you think those million-dollar sound engineers are for show? As long as your face is there, fans will buy it.”

Shen Fubai sighed. Why was he born with such damnably beautiful looks? His fans had their own filters, completely ignoring his fake talent.

Seeing his expression, Li Man spoke earnestly. “Fubai, I know your heart isn’t in this, but it’s your job. Don’t forget that you’re an idol after acting in a TV series.”

“…”

Shen Fubai wasn’t happy, Shen Fubai was having small emotions.

Li Man softened her voice. “Director Xu told me that you have great talent in acting. I’ve seen your performance these days, and I feel very gratified. You’re far from just a pretty face; you’re excellent everywhere.”

Shen Fubai lifted his eyes.

Li Man continued. “If you want to switch careers, I’ll talk to the company. They’ll agree.”

Shen Fubai was taken aback. “Didn’t the company disagree before?”

“That was before, when they hadn’t given up hope,” Li Man said. “Now, seeing that your singing and dancing are hopeless, they’re thinking of changing routes to make money quickly.”

Shen Fubai: “…” He knew it. How could the heartless company suddenly become kind? It was still about squeezing the maximum profit from him.

“Sister Li. I didn’t want to tell you this last,” Shen Fubai thought for a moment and then said, “I’m planning to terminate my contract with the company.”

He originally intended to join Jiang Heng’s studio, and now that he and Heng had become lovers, there was no reason to work for others.

Li Man was stunned.

Shen Fubai lowered his head. “Sister Li, thank you for taking care of and cultivating me for so many years. But I’m leaving. The company has so many newcomers every year; they need you.”

After finishing “Pear Blossoms,” once the drama aired, he would terminate the contract. This was something he had planned long ago.

Li Man fell silent for a moment before asking, “Really breaking up?”

Shen Fubai suddenly felt a bit sentimental. “Yeah, there’s no feast that doesn’t end, people part ways like the moon waxes and wanes…”

Li Man: “Have you found a new home? Take me along, too.”

Shen Fubai: “…Huh?”

“I’ve been watching that heartless company with a bad eye for a long time. For so many years, looking after you, being both sister and mother, who wouldn’t feel heartache seeing you being exploited?” Li Man patted his shoulder. “But the boss is untouchable. If you’ve found a new backer and thought through your exit strategy, I’ll leave with you and save myself the trouble of catering to others. Anyway, you’re the only artist under me.”

A manager usually handled many artists. Six years ago, when Li Man took over Shen Fubai, she wasn’t yet a top manager, and besides him, she managed four other boys. But in the end, only Shen Fubai made it big, and nurturing one Shen Fubai was enough to solidify Li Man’s position as a top manager. After that, Li Man only managed Shen Fubai as her artist.

They had achieved mutual success, walking together for six years, developing a deep bond.

“Oh right, when we leave, bring Xiao Lin along. With his personality, if it weren’t for meeting you, he would have been fired for sure,” Li Man added. “These days, there aren’t many celebrities who only deduct one yuan from their salary, offer credit, and then write it off in the end.”

Shen Fubai: “You’re flattering me so much, I’m embarrassed.”

“Don’t pretend to be shy with me. You’d rather have the whole world praise you,” Li Man glared at him. “When do you plan to terminate the contract? I guess you’re going to Jiang Heng’s studio, huh? Your relationship has advanced so rapidly.”

“True to form, sister Li, you hit the nail on the head,” Shen Fubai smiled. “After “Pear Blossoms” airs.”

“”Pear Blossoms” has just wrapped up, and after editing and submitting for review, it will take several months. The gap is too long. That concert of yours still needs to happen.” Li Man said, “Don’t resist it. When you go to Jiang Heng’s place, you’ll probably be taking the actor route. I’ve seen you act; you should go far on this path. Being an idol is a waste of your potential… but you’ve stumbled along the idol path for so many years, not producing any outstanding works. Don’t you want a splendid and perfect farewell? Consider it a reward for the fans who have supported you for so many years.”

“For that alone.” Li Man looked into his eyes. “Wine, take this concert seriously. It’s your ending, and your beginning.”

Shen Fubai fell silent for a long time before nodding.

“But sister Li, I have my own ideas about this concert.” Shen Fubai thought for a moment. “I don’t need the company to write songs for me.”

Li Man felt shocked. “Are you planning to write the lyrics and compose the music yourself?”

Shen Fubai smiled. “Why not?”

“I admire your courage,” Li Man shook her head. “But people need self-awareness.”

Shen Fubai: “…” You should encourage me.

Li Man refused. “I can’t let you be blindly confident.”

Shen Fubai vowed. “Wait and see, I’ll definitely make you see me in a new light.”

Li Man shrugged. “We’ll see.”

Before flying to Los Angeles, they went to the hospital to visit Wang Xiaoran. Wang Xiaoran’s surgery was successful, everything was safe and sound, and there was no subsequent rejection reaction.

Shen Fubai had asked Wang Xiaoran’s parents to relay a message to her: if she could survive the surgery, her idol would come to see her.

Before entering, Shen Fubai confirmed repeatedly, “She won’t have a heart attack from the excitement of seeing us, right?”

And the doctor replied, “Relax, sir.”

The delicate girl in bed was browsing the super topic of Everlasting.

Just last night, a new post titled “Everlasting is Rio” appeared in the super topic. A sister with the ID “I Have a Jug of Wine” screamed on the first floor: My dad is a Didi driver. Last night, after he came home, he told me that he picked up two passengers whose faces he couldn’t see clearly, and their destination was South Garden District! Do you know South Garden District? It’s where the rich and famous live, and Emperor Jiang also lives there. Here’s the key point: Bai Bai was carried out of the car by Emperor Jiang! And they went upstairs! Absolutely true, my dad saw Bai Bai’s face! Ahhhhh, why am I not my dad!!!

The blogger was excited, but due to lack of evidence, the comments below were skeptical.

Second floor: Don’t create false rumors in the name of fan fiction. Another crazy one, drag her out.

Third floor: Question, since you couldn’t see the faces clearly, how do you know it was Emperor Jiang? Many people live in South Garden District.

The blogger replied: Based on my dad’s description of their appearance, it’s definitely them. I bet they’re still together!

Netizens only knew that Jiang Heng had a house in South Garden District, but they didn’t know which area, building, or floor, so they couldn’t determine whether the place they entered last night was really Jiang Heng’s home.

Suddenly, the crowd lost interest. Without evidence, relying solely on words, it was all guesswork. Too unreliable. Fake news, verified.

Wang Xiaoran exited the post, half believing and half doubting.

Then she looked up and saw the two young men standing at the door.

One handsome, one charming. There was no better match in the world.

Oh, my God. Wang Xiaoran thought.

This is the real deal.