Chapter 92 – Big Pig Hoof

Ten minutes later, the secretary finished printing the contract but couldn’t find Jiang Yuan.

She hurried back to the CEO’s office and reported to the young man reviewing financial statements at his desk, “Mr. Xie, Mr. Jiang isn’t in the lounge.”

Xie Chenchu lifted his eyes and nodded slightly. “Leave the contract here. Go back to your work.”

The secretary placed the contract on the desk and left.

Xie Chenchu switched to the surveillance footage on his computer, closed the window after seeing the room Jiang Yuan entered, then packed up the contract and took the elevator downstairs.

In the lounge on the 14th floor, the door was open, and the TV was blaring.

Three people sat side by side on the sofa.

The chilly youth on the far left huddled on the couch with a book on his lap, writing homework. His long fingers gripped the pen, scratching across the paper, ignoring the noise in the room.

The pretty girl in the middle had one foot on the coffee table and the other tucked under her. Scattered homework notebooks lay on the sofa, empty and untouched. She watched TV while turning to look at the man beside her with curious eyes. “Wow, Brother Jiang Heng, you really look exactly like Heng Heng.”

Jiang Yuan stared unblinkingly at the TV screen showing Jiang Heng and Shen Fubai…kissing, and took out his phone to snap pictures from all angles. He said, “Don’t call me Brother Jiang Heng. I have a name. I’m Jiang Yuan, or you can call me President Jiang.”

He, Jiang Yuan, was a domineering CEO in his own right, unwilling to be anyone’s substitute.

Xie Weiluo’s eyes sparkled. “You’re so handsome, President~”

Xie Chian’s hand trembled; he was doing his biology homework, and the answer was ‘neural center’. This question was simple for him, yet Xie Weiluo’s infatuated cry blanked his mind for a moment.

When he came to, he looked at the answer on his homework sheet.

It was three beautiful characters.

Mental patient-

Xie Chenchu knocked on the door from the doorway.

Xie Chian caught sight of him from the corner of his eye and quickly sat up straight, diligently working on his homework on the table.

Seeing her second brother’s reaction, Xie Weiluo hastily grabbed her notebook and pen and started writing—only Big Brother could make Second Brother behave so obediently! And Big Brother stood at the top of the Xie family food chain.

Jiang Yuan had been lounging with his legs crossed, but seeing the others turn serious, he also assumed a well-behaved schoolboy posture.

Then he realized something was amiss—he was the guest, what did he have to be nervous about?

Yet, he felt inexplicably guilty. After all, he was here for business, and should have been serious, instead of watching TV.

“Turns out President Jiang is here,” Xie Chenchu walked over, glanced at Xie Chian’s notebook, and instantly saw the words ‘mental patient’. He paused, his tone gentle. “Next time, don’t write on your lap, it’s easy to get tired.”

Xie Chian lowered his eyes. “Yes, Big Brother.”

Xie Chenchu’s gaze shifted to Xie Weiluo, smiling. “Not a single word written?”

Xie Weiluo tried to hide behind Xie Chian. “I was wrong.” Despite her second brother looking colder than her big brother, his temper was definitely gentler!

“Hand over your phone.” Xie Chenchu was firm. “Go next door, you can’t come out until your homework is done.”

The adjacent room was a small conference room, devoid of TV or computer.

Xie Weiluo’s face fell, but she didn’t dare disobey, carrying a stack of homework to the adjacent room.

Only then did Xie Chenchu apologize to Jiang Yuan. “Sorry, my siblings aren’t well-disciplined, making a mockery before Mr. Jiang. I wonder if they’ve neglected you. I’ll make sure they behave properly.”

Jiang Yuan remained composed. “Not at all.” He felt that President Xie was mocking him for wandering around.

“This is the contract. If Mr. Jiang finds no issues, please sign it.” Xie Chenchu handed the thick stack of documents to Jiang Yuan.

Those distinctively boned hands were extremely attractive, the fingers adorned with an expensive ring, instantly capturing Jiang Yuan’s attention.

“Where did Mr. Xie order this ring? It’s very beautiful.” Jiang Yuan lowered his head, flipping through the contract, considering buying one for Yang Yingying.

There were no major problems with the contract. Jiang Yuan wanted to sign it but realized he didn’t have a pen.

Xie Chian promptly handed over his pen and added, “Shenjiu Corporation encompasses various industries, including catering, investment, entertainment, fashion brands, and jewelry design.”

In other words, the ring was designed by their company.

Unlike the Jiang family, which focused on real estate, the Xie family dabbled in numerous sectors, holding significant influence in each industry. Therefore, they weren’t overly concerned with real estate.

Otherwise, there was no way an outsider like Jiang Yuan could snatch a slice of their large pie.

“If Mr. Jiang is interested, feel free to take a look. Our subsidiary, Shenjiu Jewelry Co., Ltd., specializes in designing jewelry for ladies and socialites. Among our wedding brand, Only Love, engagement rings can only be customized once per lifetime. We’re currently seeking spokespersons, requiring a man and a woman.” Xie Chenchu displayed his innate business acumen, seizing the opportunity to promote his company.

That last sentence was a hint. The Xie family would have plenty of celebrities vying for the endorsement. But Xie Chenchu offered the chance to Jiang Yuan because he knew Jiang Yuan’s younger brother, Jiang Heng, was in the entertainment industry.

After ruthlessly exploiting the Jiang family in land prices, offering an endorsement invitation could mend fences. The Jiang family’s headquarters was in Beijing, where many wealthy people resided. By befriending the Jiang family, they could infiltrate Beijing’s upper circles.

Xie Chenchu calculated the benefits clearly—just because Jiang Yuan complimented his ring, he could devise ten ways to make money within a second.

It wasn’t just jewelry. Their fashion brand was about to launch, and they would hold a grand show in Shanghai, having invited models from Europe and America to walk the runway. They hired Ethan, who had recently gained prominence in the American fashion scene, to expand their overseas market.

Jiang Yuan was intrigued. He recalled Jiang Heng’s call, about to take charge of Sheng Entertainment, marking his first foray into the entertainment industry.

For Yingying!

“Since Mr. Xie mentions it, I do have someone in mind…” Jiang Yuan feigned contemplation, then blurted out a name without hesitation. “Yang Yingying.”

He had previously wanted to provide resources for Yang Yingying, but she refused, preferring to forge her own path. Now things were different; he was the president of Sheng Entertainment and could legitimately pull strings for her.

“I’ll consider it. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the female role is settled with your recommendation, Mr. Jiang. I trust your judgment.” Xie Chenchu hadn’t expected Jiang Yuan to bypass his brother, Jiang Heng, and instead suggest an obscure actress.

However, he wasn’t concerned about that; he only cared about money.

“So, for the male role…” Xie Chenchu pondered.

Jiang Yuan’s eyes held anticipation: Choose me, choose me!

He didn’t mind dabbling in the entertainment industry to co-star in an ad with Yang Yingying!

The TV volume suddenly increased.

Xie Chenchu turned to see a scene of Chu Yu fighting on the battlefield. Jiang Heng, in military uniform, held a gun, blood staining his features, strikingly handsome.

Xie Chenchu raised an eyebrow. “What about…”

Jiang Yuan was alarmed: No way!

Having his brother and sister-in-law shoot a wedding ring ad was incestuous!

As if hearing Jiang Yuan’s inner plea, the TV scene changed to a quiet attic.

The incomparably beautiful Yu Tang tossed his water sleeves, his fingers forming a delicate flower shape, singing opera softly. His rouge-tinted eyes shimmered, captivating hearts.

Xie Chenchu decided, “Him, then.”

Jiang Yuan was outraged!

Marriage between sisters-in-law could make national news!-

Shen Fubai was lounging on the couch, watching TV.

And browsing the couple’s super topic on Weibo.

With more than twenty episodes of Pear Blossoms aired, those criticizing Shen Fubai’s acting online had fallen silent. Daily check-ins and reposts on Weibo were filled with phrases like “Fubai’s stunning beauty, frantically screenshotting and drooling over the screen” and “My wine person is beautiful and suave, my Tang forever.”

Pear Blossoms became a hit, not only popularizing the lead actors, Shen Fubai and Jiang Heng, but also giving supporting roles a boost in fame.

Like when Green Peony appeared.

Netizen A: Ahhhhhhh, the ice queen, I’m dead!

Netizen B: Sister Green Peony, I’m in love. I can totally fall for a woman with such charm!

Netizen C: Green Peony’s acting skills are amazing. What’s the name of this actress? So familiar, but I can’t recall.

Netizen D: It’s Yang Yingying, the former queen of evil supporting roles. I always thought she was beautiful, too bad she played villains. This time, she really amazed me.

Netizen E: She completely dominated the scene. Upon entering, she exuded queen vibes, making Yu Xiaoxiao seem like a white lotus in comparison.

Netizen F: What do you mean by that? Watching dramas doesn’t mean attacking real actors. Do you think Yu Xiaoxiao has no fans?

Netizen G: Let me stray from the topic. Am I the only one who thinks the little brother playing Tongli beside Ah Tang is adorable? What’s his name? I can’t find it on Baidu.

…

Even supporting roles garnered such discussion, needless to say, the leads. The rapid growth of fans in the super topic proved the fervor of CP fans.

CP fans desperately waved the Everlasting flag:

– Chu Yu and Yu Tang are a match made in heaven! General and actor, what a perfect pair?

– Young Master is truly gentle with Ah Tang! I replayed their consummation episode twenty times! Twenty times! Although it was only a few seconds, can the director be any stingier?

– I watched that episode too, thirty times! Did you notice a detail? When Young Master pressed Ah Tang down on the bed and said, “I like you too,” Ah Tang froze, so cute! Divine CP, I’m raving about them!

– And when Young Master was going to join the army and bid farewell, they embraced and kissed in the alley. Ah Tang said it was fine but cried as soon as he turned away. Then Young Master suddenly ran back and hugged Ah Tang from behind, kissing away his tears. Too sweet! How can this drama be so sweet? My heart is about to explode.

CP fans were skilled at finding sugar even in tense rivalries. With Pear Blossoms, there was no need for magnifying glasses—the sweetness overflowed the screen, with sugar everywhere.

But last night, the plot took a sharp turn, the style abruptly changing.

Last night’s two episodes depicted “Yu Tang enduring torture in Shen Nian’s dungeon, then suspected of betrayal by Chu Yu and faced with a gun”. The final scene showed Yu Tang falling to the ground, attempting suicide with a gun.

The scene ended abruptly, leaving viewers to wait for today’s next episode.

Thus, the internet exploded, opinions shifting. Those who had praised Chu Yu and Yu Tang as a perfect match were now cursing Chu Yu as a big pig hoof.

Netizen A: ??? Can someone explain why the style changed? Yesterday, I was grinning ear to ear watching them shower each other with affection, but today, my mom asked why I was crying so badly?

Netizen B: Ahhhh, which dog-ass writer wrote this melodramatic plot? I want to kill him! How could they torment the adorable Ah Tang? I previously thought the villain Shen Nian was cool and considered shipping the dark pairing, but now I just want to smash his head. How could he dare to harm my Ah Tang? How could you bear to step on such a beautiful face? How could you bear to hurt such a frail body?

Netizen C: Why stop here! So inhumane, I want to watch the next episode. Misunderstandings must be resolved soon!

Netizen D: Heartbroken for Ah Tang, wailing. He endured such cruelty without revealing the whereabouts of the Chu family, yet this is how Chu Yu treats him upon return? How could you point a gun at him? You big pig hoof, pfft, you’re unworthy of Ah Tang!

Netizens wept sincerely, but Shen Fubai found it amusing.

This generation of netizens was a bit cute.

Seeing Shen Fubai laughing uncontrollably on the couch, Jiang Heng raised an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”

Shen Fubai laughed, trembling, handing him the phone. “Hahaha, look at these comments. They say you, this big pig hoof, don’t deserve me…”

Jiang Heng took the phone. Most posts in the CP super topic discussed last night’s episode. Initially a pure, sweet period drama, it had turned into a deeply emotional romance.

However, an old post had resurfaced.

From a long time ago, when promotional photos had just been released, a blogger had written fanfiction.

Rising Star:

Chu Yu’s gun-wielding hand was covered in a layer of calluses, gripping Yu Tang’s slender waist that seemed too fragile to withstand a squeeze. The roughness of his fingertips sent a chill through Yu Tang’s heart. That palm, clearly warm, had once traced his eyebrows and tied his hair. Yet, the cold trigger pressed against his temple reminded him that it was also a hand that had killed and seen blood.

Chu Yu held the gun against him, his fingertips trembling. Yu Tang half-lifted his beautiful eyes, misty and enduring, his luscious lips nearly bleeding from biting them. Grievance mixed with sorrow, yet he refused to shed a tear. His proud spirit, unbent even after three days and nights in hell, wanted to bend under such a gaze.

Young Master, don’t look at me like this, don’t treat me like this.

Chu Yu’s grip on the gun suddenly faltered.

He suddenly threw down the gun, tore apart Yu Tang’s costume, and pressed the pale, weak youth onto the desk amidst the tinkling of beads. Whispering in his ear,

“Ah Tang, don’t be so stubborn. Cry, yield, and I won’t kill you. I believe everything you say.”-

Jiang Heng found the username familiar. He recalled discussing his and Fubai’s roles in the fanfiction with Wine, whom he met online. Unfortunately, the blogger had abandoned the story, and he had left comments urging updates.

At that time, the Everlasting CP fandom wasn’t large, but this post had already gained popularity. Now, after airing, coinciding with the episode featuring Chu Yu pointing the gun, the thread had resurfaced.

Most importantly, the long-abandoned blog was updated again.

The blogger completed the missing scene!

Jiang Heng skimmed it, then returned the phone to Shen Fubai. “Read this too.”

“What is it?” Shen Fubai read aloud without caution. “In the end, Yu Tang still cried and yielded. He begged for mercy with a sobbing voice, tears streaming down his gorgeous eyes. His slim waist was held down by Chu Yu on the desk, to be, to be, fucked, crying… What the hell is this?”

Shen Fubai’s reading grew increasingly awkward, his voice fading, then he suddenly looked up. “Jiang Heng, you’re messing with me!”

Jiang Heng showed no remorse. “Who told me to be a big pig hoof?”

Shen Fubai clenched his fists. “I think you want to die.”

Jiang Heng gazed meaningfully at Shen Fubai’s tender waist, mimicking the dialogue in the fanfiction, word for word. “Darling, don’t be so stubborn. Cry, yield, and I won’t mess with you. I’ll let you have your way with everything.”

Shen Fubai: “Fuck off!”