CH 6

After the agent Li Zhuo ran far away, he suddenly felt bloated and uncomfortable in his stomach, and even slightly painful. He thought it was just a stomach ache caused by running too vigorously and didn't pay much attention to it. 

Si Huaixi casually took a look at the direction Li Zhuo was escaping in, his eyes were deep with a meaningful expression. Slowly retracting his gaze, he turned his head and saw that the reporter and the photographer both had moist, red-rimmed eyes, showing genuine pity towards him. 

Si Huaixi felt a bit awkward and rubbed his nose. 

… He wasn't really that pitiful. 

It seemed that the crash course in acting that the original host took for a few weeks was quite useful. Surprisingly, he really moved them and made them believe. A complex and touching feeling rose in Si Huaixi's heart. 

It turned out that there were still more good people in the peaceful era. Unfortunately, the original host had a rough life and was just a cannon fodder in the book, unable to wait for the ending he deserved, leaving with regret. 

A hint of sadness and coldness flashed through Si Huaixi's eyes as he thought of Li Zhou.

Before leaving, the reporter Qiu Cai even forcefully handed him a business card, saying that if Jin Hui Entertainment Company did anything shady again, he should ask for his help and not bear the burden alone. 

Si Huaixi accepted the card and gave a sincere smile in return. 

Qiu Cai covered his thumping heart with his hand, his face flushing as he sighed that if it weren't for the fact that he was a completely female-oriented straight male Beta, he would have been swayed by that smile! 

What a calamity indeed!

Si Huaixi had no idea that his recent live stream had once again put him on the hot search list. His Weilang fans had skyrocketed from just over a hundred thousand to several hundred thousand. Although he only attracted fans because of his looks, the power of these fans were immense! 

In the past, just a single photo had made him a sensation across the internet, even stealing the spotlight from the protagonist Bai Huaiyu, who was added to the hottest variety show. Now, imagine the effect of a full two-minute interview video!  

His beauty was truly striking!

Almost everyone who saw him was entranced by his captivating eyes, which were like clear autumn water. His crystal-clear, pure sea-blue eyes changed with his emotions, transforming from a bewitching bright blue to a dark blue. Finally, his pitiful, clear eyes were enough to break one's heart. 

One could not help but wish to become King Zhou and make Daji smile.

The famous video website for pairing idols (CP) had many videos featuring Si Huaixi and various celebrities that had popped up like mushrooms after a rain. 

Regardless of who it was, as long as they were paired with him, they became CP! 

The famous top streamer Yan Han and Si Huaixi were given a tragic storyline, with Yan Han portrayed as a heartbreaker and Si Huaixi as a helpless beauty. Although the two were completely unrelated, in the editing, Yan Han turned and left, while Si Huaixi's delicate face remained silently watching him walk away with an expression of unspeakable sorrow, leaving the viewers to conclude that,

Yan Han was a scumbag! 

Initially, netizens were just enjoying the fun of pairing idols, but the pitiful look in Si Huaixi's eyes moved them to anger. They rolled up their sleeves and began to curse the scumbag in the video's comments!

In an instant, the video received hundreds of thousands of views, with more netizens joining in to criticize the scumbag!

Top-tier celebrity Yan Han's agent suddenly discovered a trending hashtag # YanHan, ScumBag #, and was scared out of his wits, thinking that his artist's love affair had been exposed and he was being accused of being a scumbag. He was afraid that a PR crisis was imminent. 

However, upon watching the CP video clip, Yan Han's agent was moved to tears and joined the netizens in scolding the scum man.

Meanwhile, Yan Han, his own artist, rolled his eyes and thought he couldn't bear the blame alone, so he began browsing Weibo and watching the rivals' videos.

Yan Han, who was known as "The Cold Snow on the High Mountain," vividly watched his competitors in the entertainment industry being labeled as scum men alongside him, and smiled.

—— I can’t be the only one being scolded.

Even the gentle and kind-hearted veteran actor Qiao Handong was dragged into a fan-made CP pairing, involving a tragic love story set in ancient times between him and his distant cousin, the poor and lonely Si Huaixi. The ending, of course, was a "bad ending."

Qiao Handong's wife and daughter enjoyed the video and gave a thumbs-up while Qiao himself sat at home, shaking his head helplessly.

Meanwhile, as Yan Han's biggest rival in the entertainment industry, the top singer and former band vocalist Fu Zizhuo was so angry that he almost exploded. He angrily called Yan Han for "liking" his fanmade CP post. However, Yan Han was prepared and had already blocked his number, leaving Fu Zi Zhuo stomping and raging at home. 

Fu Zizhuo was the former lead singer of a band and had a proud and arrogant personality with a tendency to become easily agitated. In his fan-made video, Fu Zizhuo was portrayed as a hot-tempered, arrogant, and impulsive person, just like a school bully. In fact, Fu Zizhuo had once acted in a TV series called "The Lover of the Impulsive School Grass," in which he was constantly yelling on the playground or in the classroom. This made him look like a big-mouthed fool compared to Yan Han, who was only portrayed as a scumbag.

The Star Entertainment boss Zhou Wenjia, who is at the forefront of the online buzz, watched CP cut videos happily, while shedding tears of bitterness for Si Huaixi, a poor little artist.

Zhou Wenjia even called Pei Zhaozhou, crying fake tears as they watched the messy CP edit videos together, "Wu-wu-wu... President Pei, have you seen the video of this poor little guy?"

Pei Zhaozhou not only watched the video, but also immediately investigated Si Huaixi's background. Looking at the information of the once skinny and struggling Si Huaixi, who had to encounter these immoral and sleazy entertainment companies, Pei Zhaozhou couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted.It was no wonder that Si Huaixi had been drugged and sent to his room. What if it had been someone else with ill intentions instead of him that day?

Pei Zhaozhou dared not think about it.

Rather than letting Si Huaixi continue to suffer in such a company outside, it was better to bring him under their wings and personally protect him in the entertainment industry. Pei Zhaozhou stared closely at the photo of Si Huaixi in the data, and with a sympathetic gaze, asked his friend, "Have you seen it? What do you think of me setting up an entertainment company that only manages Si Huaixi?"

Zhou Wenjia had only intended to share his feelings about this talented yet pitiful young man with his friend and hoped to sign him as an artist under his Star Entertainment company. Unexpectedly, Pei Zhaozhou, a tech company CEO who had no interest in the entertainment industry, wanted to establish an entertainment company for Si Huaixi alone.

What's going on here?

Zhou Wenjia was stunned for a moment and said, "President Pei, what are you doing here, trying to steal my business? I saw him first!" 

Pei Zhaozhou furrowed his brow lightly, "What does that have to do with you?" 

Clearly, he was the one who discovered Si Huaixi first.

Zhou Wenjia retorted, "You've never opened an entertainment company before. Do you know where to find experienced agents, assistants, and production resources?"

Pei Zhaozhou said, "Then I'll offer triple the salary to poach your company's staff." 

Zhou Wenjia was so angry that he stared straight ahead and said, "Let me tell you, Pei Zhaozhou! Our company's people are strong and will not be swayed by this little amount of money!" 

Suddenly, the voice of Assistant Jin came from the phone on the opposite side. 

Assistant Jin, said in a very elite manner, "Mr. Pei, the film and television talents you instructed us to recruit have already responded. Basically, they have all agreed to switch jobs. However, I don't understand. Isn't the owner of Star Entertainment your friend? Why is it that the company with the most poached talents is Star Entertainment? Aren't you afraid that Mr. Zhou will be angry?"

Pei Zhaozhou was unapologetic and said, "It's precisely because we're friends that I know the talents at Mr. Zhou's company are the most top-notch in the industry. I want the best talents, even if it means paying them higher salaries."

Zhou Wenjia's face turned black upon hearing this, and he raised his middle finger and shouted towards the phone, “F*** you!" 

Although he was angry, Zhou Wenjia knew that his friend was mostly joking. He turned around curiously and asked, "I've never seen you show so much interest in a celebrity before. Why do you suddenly want to start an entertainment company for a small celebrity? Anyone who doesn't know you might think you want to keep him for yourself."

Pei Zhaozhou was caught off guard and remained silent. He did indeed want to keep Si Huaixi in his protection, but not in that way.

Zhou Wenjia's gossip radar was once again triggered, and his senses were as keen as a bloodhound as he asked, "Pei Zhaozhou, why haven't I seen you care so much about someone before? Do you know this little star from before?" 

Pei Zhaozhou was instantly silent.

Zhou Wenjia asked, "How is that possible? When did you have time to meet that young celebrity? Did you meet him at our company's annual party that night?"

Watching Zhou Wenjia gradually unravel the truth, to the point where he was almost about to find out who slept with him that night, Pei Zhaozhou immediately interrupted him, "There's nothing to it. You're overthinking things. I'm going to hang up now."

Zhou Wenjia immediately became anxious and said, "Hey, hey, hey! Don't hang up yet. You have to ask that little star if he's willing to come to your company first. Otherwise, it's useless even if you start one!"

Pei Zhaozhou hung up the call with a frown. He didn't believe that Si Huaixi would refuse him, but he still felt a vague sense of unease in his heart, so he dialed Si Huaixi's number.

As he listened to the sound of the phone ringing on the other end, Pei Zhaozhou inexplicably felt a sense of nervousness. 

Finally, Si Huaixi's voice came through the phone, "Hello, Brother Pei. This is the first time you've called me."

Hearing Si Huaixi's clear, magnetic voice, Pei Zhaozhou's ears turned slightly red. Awkwardly, he responded with an "Mm-hmm" and said, "I have something to discuss with you."

Si Huaixi chuckled and said, "Brother Pei, you can call me anytime, no matter what it's for."

The teasing tone at the end of his sentence was like a small hook, scratching at people's hearts.

Pei Zhaozhou felt inexplicably provoked by this young man, feeling both uncomfortable and happy. But when he thought of his purpose, he put on a serious face and said, "I saw your live news. Your company isn't a good place. You don't have to stay there. I can find you a more suitable platform, and I'll pay the penalty fee for you."

Si Huaixi was a bit stunned, but he was touched by the strong sense of protection in Pei Zhaozhou's tone, whether in the apocalypse or in this era, it was the first time someone had said such words to him.

It had only been a short while since the news was released, yet Brother Pei had already thought so much for him. It was overwhelming.

With a smile and a glimmer in his eyes, he asked, "Brother Pei, we've only known each other for a few days, why are you so good to me?"

After some consideration, Pei Zhaozhou spoke with precision, "I just can't stand to see an imperial citizen being persecuted. The drugging incident was caused by them, wasn't it? Although the drugs have already been eliminated from your body and cannot be detected by medical means, I can pressure relevant government agencies to investigate the company. There will be some clues that can be found no matter what."

Si Huaixi was surprised by Pei Zhaozhou's unexpected yet reasonable response. Si Huaixi thought that he was a responsible person and appreciated this side of Brother Pei.

However, Si Huaixi still refused.

"I'm sorry, Brother Pei, I can't leave this company for now."

"Why not? If you're worried about contract disputes, I can hire the best lawyers for you. You don't have to be afraid of the company's threats." Pei Zhaozhou's tone was confident and powerful, leaving no doubt about his abilities.

"It's not because of that. When certain things are resolved, I will naturally leave there." Si Huaixi's gaze was calm and resolute.

Pei Zhaozhou hesitated to speak, feeling puzzled. But Si Huaixi was resolute, so he could only sigh and say, "Are you sure you want to do this? Can't it be solved after you leave?"

Si Huaixi's eyes flashed with deep meaning as he remembered the scene of the original owner of his body being killed. If he couldn't sever this cause and effect and avenge the original owner, he couldn't continue to live peacefully in this era of peace.

"Well, I'm sorry, Brother Pei. I didn't mean to disappoint you."

"Okay, but if you need anything, you have to come to me. We're friends..." Pei Zhaozhou felt a bit awkward saying the word "friends." He couldn't find a better word to describe their relationship.

Having unexpectedly slept together, did that make them "friends with benefits"?

But Pei Zhaozhou didn't want to label their relationship with such a term. They weren't lovers either. If they met again, it would be a bit awkward. They could only be considered friends with a subtle relationship.

"Thank you, Brother Pei." Si Huaixi understood his good intentions, but there were still some things he had to deal with personally.

After the call ended, Pei Zhaozhou called for Assistant Jin and looked at him with piercing amber eyes. "How is the investigation into the background of Jin Hui Entertainment going?"

"According to President Pei's request, we investigated this company as soon as possible. We originally thought it was a low-end entertainment industry company with a chaotic management structure, but after a thorough investigation, we found that there were some anomalies."

Pei Zhaozhou's eyes narrowed as he took the investigation materials handed to him by Assistant Jin.