Chapter 11: The Genuine and the Pretender

Of course, it was too late.

Huo Yan, who had been tormented by the intermittent singing for nearly twenty minutes, clung to his savior and wouldn't let go, hastily saying, "Quickly, Xiao Yao, President Qin has arrived. You help President Qin order a cup of coffee!"

The off-key song in his mind abruptly stopped.

Huo Yan heaved a sigh of relief.

Qin Yao also relaxed, entering and sitting down opposite them.

Ye Leyao, seeing Qin Yao as if he were walking Renminbi, beamed brightly. "What does President Qin like to drink?"

"Earned money, earned money, earned money~ Rich! Oh yeah~~"

Qin Yao closed his eyes, at least it wasn't vicious singing anymore.

Huo Yan turned his head, secretly rubbing his ears.

"An Americano will do." Qin Yao took a deep breath.

Ye Leyao nodded, skillfully placing the order.

To avoid further torment from the wild singing, Huo Yan decided that today's conversation would be swift and decisive, not even bothering to taunt Qin Yao, going straight to the point: "President Qin, let's get straight to business."

Qin Yao was of the same mind, not daring to dilly-dally.

Thus, two highly skilled negotiators spent only two short minutes to settle all matters.

Until Huo Yan and Qin Yao shook hands and said "Pleasant cooperation," Ye Leyao still felt somewhat unreal, looking at Huo Yan with puzzlement in his eyes.

"Is that it? He agreed just like that?"

Huo Yan said, "Tomorrow, President Qin will send over the contract. At that time, you send it to Big Brother and have his secretary take a look. Just sign the contract after that."

Huo Yan had heard about Qin Yao's situation before. Although he had taken over the subsidiary's affairs for more than a year, there were still some old stubborn ones unwilling to relinquish power, causing him to be constrained in everything he did.

At this juncture, the Yubai role replacement incident occurred, and although Qin Yao's situation couldn't be described as difficult, he certainly needed money.

So before coming today, Huo Yan knew that this negotiation would definitely go smoothly.

But—

Huo Yan looked at Ye Leyao with lingering fear. It would have been better if Ye Leyao hadn't come along.

Without listening to Ye Leyao's twenty-minute singing, Huo Yan felt he still had the energy to mock Qin Yao.

After listening to it, now he just wanted to find a place to thoroughly clean his ears.

Exhausted.

Ye Leyao sized up Huo Yan.

Huo Yan rubbed his still slightly aching ear, somewhat frightened: "What? Any more problems?"

Ye Leyao hastily shook her head: "No, no."

Muttering in her heart: "I thought my second brother was only good at falling in love and getting scammed out of money, but I didn't expect him to be quite reliable when it comes to serious matters!"

Huo Yan gritted his teeth.

Don't think I can't hear your inner complaints!

Upon hearing this, Qin Yao's lips curled slightly, recalling the rumors he had heard over the past few days. He picked up his coffee and took a sip: "I thought you asked me to meet today to help Su Rui secure a role, but I didn't expect you were actually here to discuss cooperation."

At the mention of Su Rui, Huo Yan's expression stiffened.

Before he could think of how to respond, he heard Ye Leyao muttering softly in her heart:

"If he hadn't seen through Su Rui's true nature, my second brother might have really come to grovel for this role for Su Rui."

Qin Yao pricked up his ears discreetly.

Huo Yan was so angry that his fingers gripping the coffee cup turned white.

What did he mean by groveling? Did he need to grovel?

"No." These two words were almost spat out through clenched teeth. Huo Yan feigned ease on his face, looking at Qin Yao with a smile on his lips: "We broke up."

Qin Yao displayed just the right amount of surprise: "Why?"

"Of course, it's because Su Rui was with my second brother just for his money! This is a huge blow to someone who's all about romance!"

Qin Yao barely managed to keep the corners of his mouth from twitching, quickly taking a sip of his Americano to stimulate his taste buds before his lips could betray his amusement.

Huo Yan put down the coffee cup on the table with a bit more force than necessary, splashing a few drops of coffee. Flustered by Ye Leyao's words, his neck turned red, and he had to come up with an excuse on the spot: "Of course, it's because... we weren't compatible."

The universal excuse!

"Huh~ a stubborn man to the end." Ye Leyao silently added her two cents.

"Forget it, forget it. My second brother helped me make some money after all, so I won't expose the embarrassing fact that he broke up because the child in his white moonlight's belly wasn't his!"

Qin Yao's eyebrows raised slightly, and he couldn't suppress the corner of his mouth anymore.

So that's how it is!

If eyes could spout fire, Huo Yan's blazing fury would have surely set the café ablaze by now.

He glared fiercely at Ye Leyao beside him, but unfortunately, Ye Leyao was just lowering his head to eat cake, completely oblivious to his second brother's sour expression.

Huo Yan closed his eyes for a moment, inwardly grateful that Qin Yao on the opposite side couldn't hear Ye Leyao's thoughts!

Qin Yao was still digesting the information contained in Ye Leyao's brief remark earlier, and he too had not noticed the change in Huo Yan's countenance.

After a while, he remembered the main purpose of his visit and raised his eyes to appraise Ye Leyao, who was eating dessert across from him.

It was common knowledge in the business world that the Huo family had an adopted son, yet this son of theirs rarely appeared in public.

Many speculated outside if it was because Ye Leyao wasn't favored in the Huo family, which was why they didn't let their adopted son show up in public.

The Qin and Huo families had always maintained close cooperation, and Qin Yao had accompanied his father to the Huo residence several times before.

But every time Ye Leyao appeared, it took less than two minutes for him to find an opportunity to slip away.

Their last meeting seemed to be three years ago, when Ye Leyao hadn't fully grown up yet. That was why Qin Yao hadn't recognized him at first glance when they met a few days ago.

Now, looking closely, Qin Yao grew increasingly satisfied with what he saw.

Unlike the Huo family, whose features were sharp and prominent, Ye Leyao's brows and eyes were softer and more refined. His almond-shaped eyes always sparkled brightly, and when he smiled, it made him even more charming, inexplicably lifting one's mood.

A person like this, if he could sign him to his company—

Qin Yao spoke up, "Leyao, are you interested in participating in a variety show?"

Ye Leyao lifted his head, a piece of chocolate still clinging to the corner of his mouth. "What kind of variety show?"

"Huh, could it be that my luck has really turned around recently?"

"Just got on the bandwagon of a hit drama, and someone is already offering me a pillow as I'm about to enter the entertainment industry!"

Surprised that Qin Yao would extend an invitation, Huo Yan interjected, "My brother has already arranged for a talent agency team for him."

Meaning there was no need to sign with Qin Yao's company.

Qin Yao wore a regretful expression but still pulled out the prepared variety show information: "It's a travel show, and the lineup of regular guests has already been decided."

Ye Leyao looked down—Travel With Us.

He was startled inside. "It's actually this show?!"

The corners of Qin Yao's smile deepened.

Travel With Us was the major variety show their company was pushing in the latter half of the year. Not only had they negotiated prime-time broadcasts with local TV stations, but they had also signed contracts with various platforms for priority promotion, making it a big production akin to The Sick Beauty.

Ye Leyao having an impression meant that the show's promotional efforts had been effective, generating high anticipation among viewers.

And then, Ye Leyao's voice boomed in his mind: "Retreat—retreat—retreat—"

Qin Yao: "...?"

Ye Leyao lifted her head, her expression complicated.

The sympathy in her eyes was unmasked.

"Is this the year of President Qin's zodiac sign?"

"Perhaps President Qin should visit a temple and pray. First, the lead actor selection for a good drama nearly ruined it, and now this... yes, it's popular, but in reverse—it's a travel variety show with all villains facing nationwide boycotts."

"Tsk tsk tsk, this luck, even a dog would shake its head in disbelief."

Qin Yao: "..."

Under the table, Qin Yao's hand clenched quietly.

After sighing inwardly, Ye Leyao spoke up: "Forget it, thank you, President Qin."

Her refusal was clear.

Huo Yan reached out, covering his slightly raised lips.

Well, suddenly his mood brightened~

But such a golden opportunity to kick someone when they're down, how could Huo Yan let it pass?

After a brief chuckle, he quickly dropped his hand, feigning puzzlement as he asked Ye Leyao, "Why not go? This is a great opportunity."

Ye Leyao found an excuse: "Brother isn't preparing a management team for me? I'll wait for Brother's arrangements."

"I'm definitely not going on this variety show!"

"The promotion said there was no script, but on the first day of filming, a regular guest had a scandal; on the first day of airing, a guest star had one; and every day before an episode aired, another artist would have a scandal. It's like they're under some kind of curse, with no survivors!"

"It's too scary! I'm really afraid that when the show airs, I'll be the only one without a mosaic over my face!"

"This variety show should just change its name from 'We Go Traveling' to 'My Daily Travels with Mosaics'!"

By the end, Huo Yan's lips were pursed so tightly they were almost cramping.

He couldn't laugh, absolutely not!

Meanwhile, Qin Yao across from him looked terrible.

He had originally thought it was only Yu Bai, but he hadn't expected them to have been planning this from so early on.

Just thinking about his hard work nearly being wasted again, Qin Yao struggled to control his expression.

Meanwhile, he echoed Huo Yan's sentiment—fortunately, Huo Yan couldn't hear Ye Leyao's thoughts!

The trio had no inclination to chat further after their coffee. Once the cups were empty, they parted ways.

Huo Yan had specifically taken a day off from the film set today to accompany Ye Leyao. With half of his leave still remaining after their meeting, he decided to return to the Huo residence with Ye Leyao.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Huo were seated in the living room, surrounded by several staff members from luxury boutiques. In front of them stood a large garment rack filled with the latest collections from various brands for the season.

Upon seeing Ye Leyao, Mrs. Huo smiled warmly and beckoned him over. "Leyao, you've returned just in time. Come pick out a tuxedo."

Ye Leyao hurried over and linked arms with Mrs. Huo. "Auntie Huo, why the sudden need to choose clothes for me?"

Mrs. Huo chuckled. "Aren't you planning to enter the entertainment industry? Your wardrobe needs to be stocked, doesn't it? Coincidentally, your Uncle Huo and I have a banquet to attend tomorrow, so we asked them to bring all the new arrivals here."

Huo Yan typically showed no interest in such matters. As a top actor in the industry, he usually wore outfits from brands he endorsed or those eager to collaborate with him for events. Without even glancing at the clothes, he was about to head upstairs to rest.

Just as he stepped onto the staircase, he heard Ye Leyao ask Mrs. Huo, "Whose banquet are you attending, Auntie Huo?"

Ye Leyao had merely asked out of politeness; he never enjoyed these banquets and parties, always finding an excuse to avoid them.

Surprised by his inquiry, Mr. Huo explained, "Didn't Old Xu find his biological son who had been lost for over a decade? They're hosting a welcome party and invited us. Are you interested?"

Mrs. Huo added, "I remember that Old Xu's youngest son was classmates with Leyao in high school. Leyao, are you going?"

At the mention of Xu Chen, Ye Leyao pursed his lips.

"I don't like Xu Chen... Wait... Found his biological son? Old Xu?"

"This plot feels oddly familiar..."

Huo Yan paused mid-step.

Mr. and Mrs. Huo perked up.

Ye Leyao's mind raced as he frantically recalled the storyline. After a few seconds, he exclaimed,

"My goodness!"

"How thrilling is this?!"

Mr. and Mrs. Huo looked at him simultaneously.

What could it be this time?

Could he please get to the point without keeping them in suspense?

Ye Leyao furrowed his brows, his expression twisted as if he were wringing out a towel. His lips were tightly pursed, his face a mix of emotions. It took him a while to come back to reality:

"So...the fake young master who seduced his adoptive father and was caught in bed with his wife and family by the real young master, turns out to be Xu Chen's adoptive older brother..."

His words struck the Huo family like a thunderbolt, leaving them stunned.

What did he say?

What was he talking about?

"Wasn't the scandal supposed to happen at the banquet?"

"It can't be that coincidental, happening tomorrow, right?"

Ye Leyao hesitated.

"Should I join the spectacle...?"

Huo Yan had already returned to the living room, turning to look at the latest collection on the garment rack. He was definitely going to be part of the drama.

Mr. and Mrs. Huo exchanged glances, a hint of anticipation in each other's eyes.

Who could say...it wasn't meant to be?

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