BPTCMW : Chapter 25

At 10 PM, Xia Yang, carrying two hexagonal dumbbells, opened the balcony door of his bedroom. Up until now, he had downed six large glasses of iced water, taken two cold showers, and set the indoor air conditioning to 18 degrees Celsius.

 

However, none of this seemed to help. His body was still unbearably hot.

 

He knew it was because of the “nourishing dishes” and realized he had to get moving to burn off this “flammable and explosive” energy.

 

Since his plastic husband was unlikely to join him for a workout, he decided to lift weights under the moonlight to extinguish the raging fire within his body!

 

…

 

In the room next door, Han Yi, having just finished reviewing documents, left his desk and wheeled himself to the balcony. After three hours of continuous work, he needed some fresh air and also intended to call Aaron. The time difference was just right.

 

Aaron was the lead surgeon of a top-tier medical team in D Country. Han Yi had flown there a few days ago to discuss the surgical plan with Aaron’s team.

 

After several rounds of discussion, the surgical plan was essentially finalized. Han Yi wanted Aaron to give him an honest assessment of the surgery’s success rate.

 

The call connected quickly, and Han Yi got straight to the point after a brief greeting.

 

However, after just a few sentences, he heard a series of muffled yet penetrating “uh—um—uh—um” sounds coming from the balcony next door.

 

Han Yi: “…………”

 

Han Yi: “?”

 

The call abruptly paused, and an awkward silence filled the receiver.

 

After a few seconds, Aaron seemed to chuckle on the other end of the line. “Han, are you okay?”

 

“… Continue,” Han Yi said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

 

“Okay, this surgery, Mr. Han, you—”

 

“Uh—um—uh—um—uh—”

 

The call was interrupted again, and the strange noises from the adjacent balcony grew more frequent.

 

Both men on the call: “…”

 

Silence and awkwardness stretched in the air. After a while, Aaron spoke again, his voice tinged with helplessness. “Han, are you sure this is a convenient time for you to talk?”

 

Han Yi took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “We recently got a new poodle at home. It’s a bit restless. How about I call you back tomorrow?”

 

“Okay!” Aaron agreed decisively, pausing before adding, “I had a poodle too. They can indeed be quite restless, especially at night, especially the males.”

 

Han Yi: “.”

 

After hanging up, Han Yi wheeled himself to the balcony next door. Through the glass door, he saw Xia Yang lifting weights, his suppressed grunts echoing in the quiet night, the repetitive sounds hitting his eardrums.

 

Han Yi pursed his lips into a thin line and wheeled himself into Xia Yang’s room. The door was ajar, and the cold air from the air conditioner blew gently inside.

 

He picked up the remote and turned up the temperature before heading to the balcony. There, he saw the sweating youth still gritting his teeth and lifting weights.

 

Xia Yang’s white sports T-shirt was nearly soaked through, clinging to his slender back and vaguely outlining his shape. His hem lifted with each movement, revealing his porcelain-like skin and a waist that could be grasped with one hand.

 

Han Yi glanced at him and then looked away, his voice displeased. “Are you a water buffalo? Making such noises!”

 

Xia Yang was startled, nearly dropping the dumbbell on his foot.

 

Turning to see Han Yi, he wiped his forehead and panted, “I… I don’t want to make noises… but I… I can’t help it…”

 

“If you can’t help it, then stuff your mouth.”

 

“…Man… you are so ruthless.”

 

Downstairs in the small garden, Mrs. Tang’s figure flickered. She had originally come out to check on her newly planted sunflowers but unexpectedly overheard her grandson and grandson-in-law’s conversation from the second-floor balcony.

 

It sounded like a whisper, but it didn’t seem very “private.”

 

In total, three sentences floated down to her ears.

 

“I… I don’t want to make noises… but I… I can’t help it…”

 

“If you can’t help it, then stuff your mouth.”

 

“…Man… you are so ruthless.”

 

Mrs. Tang: “…”

 

Mrs. Tang: “………………”

 

She seemed to realize something, quickly returned to the house, and paced for a while before taking out her phone to message the nutritionist she had hired at a high cost.

 

[Spring Blooms]: Tomorrow’s nourishing dishes, tone them down a bit. Don’t make them too strong. I’m worried the two young ones can’t handle it.

 

[Nutritionist]: No problem!

 

After sending the message, she went back to WeChat and nudged her grandchild.

 

[Spring Blooms]: Xiao Yi, I came across a good article. I’m sharing it with you.

 

[Spring Blooms]: [Link] “Being Gentle to Your Wife is Key to a Long-lasting Harmonious Relationship”

 

[Han Yi]: ?

 

…

 

The next morning, Xia Yang received a WeChat message from the brand director as soon as he woke up.

 

[Xiang Tianran]: Hello, Mr. Xia. I’ve received your email. [Handshake]

 

[Xiang Tianran]: Your physical condition is excellent. The stills and VLOG are also very eye-catching and match our company’s cruise brand positioning. When would you be available to meet and discuss further? [Smile] [Handshake] [Handshake]

 

Xia Yang happily typed his response—

 

[Yang]: Anytime works for me. I’ll follow Director Xiang’s schedule. [Handshake] [Handshake]

 

They scheduled the meeting for two days later.

 

At 9 AM, Xia Yang, having carefully groomed himself, walked down the stairs.

 

Today, he wore a white casual business suit, looking fresh and refined, full of youthful charm.

 

Before leaving, he saw Han Yi drinking coffee in the living room, the morning light streaming through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his handsome profile.

 

“Mr. Han, I’m heading out for a bit.” Xia Yang waved, greeting him.

 

Han Yi met his clear, bright eyes, dark pupils reflecting the morning light.

 

“When will you be back?” he asked.

 

Xia Yang tilted his head. “Probably around noon? I’ll call you then.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Yunding Group’s headquarters was located in the busiest commercial district of S City, a building over sixty stories tall, making it almost as prominent as the city’s landmark.

 

After registering at the front desk, Xia Yang donned his sunglasses and headed straight for the elevator, pressing the button for the 32nd floor as instructed by Xiang Tianran.

 

Besides him, two young women were in the elevator.

 

Ever since he entered, the two seemed excited, whispering to each other.

 

“So handsome! Which department is he from? Do you know him?”

 

“Never seen him before. Why don’t you ask for his WeChat? You’re outgoing enough.” “Sure.”

 

Soon, the outgoing girl moved to his side. “Hi, handsome. You look familiar. Can we exchange WeChat?”

 

Xia Yang tilted his head slightly and politely declined. “Sorry, my partner also works here. If he knew I was adding strange girls on WeChat, he’d be unhappy.”

 

“Oh…” The girl walked away disappointed.

 

The elevator quickly reached the 32nd floor.

 

Xiang Tianran’s office was at the end of the corridor, with “Brand Director” written on the door.

 

Xia Yang stood at the door and knocked gently. “Hello, Director Xiang.”

 

The middle-aged man in a suit behind the desk looked up, his eyes brightening at the sight of Xia Yang. “Hello, Mr. Xia, please come in.”

 

“Thank you. Please call me Xia Yang.”

 

Xiang Tianran invited him in and asked his secretary to make tea.

 

“My 15-year-old daughter is a fan of yours, always calling you ‘big brother.’ So I’ve followed your work before.”

 

Xia Yang smiled, a hint of red on his ears. “Thank you. I’m honored.”

 

Xiang Tianran appraised the young idol from head to toe. His first impression was stunning. Xia Yang’s natural, delicate beauty was something plastic surgery couldn’t replicate.

 

In person, he had a different charm than his “pure desire” aesthetic in the photos. Both styles offered an indescribable visual appeal and high plasticity.

 

Overall, in terms of appearance, temperament, physique, and visual comfort, he scored 95.

 

Retracting his gaze, he pointed to a soft leather sofa in the reception area, signaling Xia Yang to sit.

 

“This year, our ‘Yunzhou’ luxury cruise is launching a new brand positioning—’Dreams are not out of reach; take you around the world.’ Our spokesperson will also participate in the annual brand conference as the Cruise Master for the Chinese region.”

 

“Previously, my team recommended a few actors and models, but they were either too flashy or too plain. They didn’t quite fit. A cruise isn’t something you can just use any traffic star to promote.”

 

Xia Yang nodded. “I agree.”

 

The director’s implication was clear: cruises have high standards, not just anyone can handle the role.

 

“Have you researched our company?” Xiang Tianran asked.

 

Xia Yang swallowed. He knew quite a bit about the company. After all, the high and mighty chairman was his bedmate.

 

But due to their agreement, he couldn’t reveal this.

 

“Uh, very few people don’t know about Yunding Group. It’s a top-tier company in the country and well-known internationally. Reaching an executive position here must mean you’re a top-notch elite.”

 

Xiang Tianran, flattered by the subtle compliment, couldn’t help but look at the young idol in a new light.

 

Beautiful, sweet-talking, and high IQ and EQ!

 

This advertisement was pretty much settled.

 

“Xia, you’re also an elite, an entertainment industry elite. Have you seen our script?”

 

Xia Yang was momentarily stunned. “…Not yet.”

 

He hadn’t seen the script, but he had reviewed the department’s proposal.

 

Had it not been for the exorbitant budget for hiring a star, he wouldn’t be here trying to snag the role.

 

At this moment, the secretary brought in a pot of Longjing tea. Xiang Tianran handed a cup to Xia Yang. “I’ll get the script for you. Let’s discuss your thoughts, and if everything’s good, the legal department will prepare the contract.”

 

“Thank you very much,” Xia Yang said happily.

 

Xiang Tianran stood, about to fetch the script, when his phone rang.

 

“Excuse me, I need to take this call.”

 

“Of course, go ahead.”

 

Xia Yang waited in the reception area, finishing his tea. The secretary refilled his cup. After half an hour, Xiang Tianran finally finished his call.

 

Xia Yang sensed a hint of gravity in his expression.

 

As Xiang Tianran approached, Xia Yang put down his cup, smiling. “Director Xiang, done with your call? Can we continue?”

 

Xiang Tianran rubbed his hands, hesitated for a few seconds, and then looked up. “Mr. Xia, you are excellent, your appearance and temperament fit our brand, but… something came up. The contract might…”

 

He hesitated.

 

Xia Yang saw the uncertainty in his eyes and guessed something. “What’s the issue with signing the contract?”

 

“Um…” Xiang Tianran pursed his lips, about to explain, when the door suddenly opened.

 

“Director Xiang, I brought the talent I recommended! You really didn’t give me any face, making me come in person.” Xia Yang looked towards the door and saw a tall man in a suit walking in, followed closely by someone familiar.

 

—It was Jin Yang???

 

Xia Yang’s breath caught, and he lowered his head.

 

It seemed like his bad luck streak was continuing, haunted by this little demon!

 

Xiang Tianran watched the two approach, his smile forced. “Mr. Fang, that’s an exaggeration. Mr. Jin Yang is excellent, but he might not fit our ad role. I’ve discussed this with you before.”

 

“What’s all this ‘fit’ talk? You just think he’s a model, not well-known enough,” the business director sneered, pulling Jin Yang forward and turning to point at Xia Yang. “This guy isn’t famous either, just has a better-looking face…”

 

“Director Fang,” Xiang Tianran interrupted, “My criteria for selecting ad actors aren’t just about looks. I need a comprehensive evaluation, and ad filming is the brand department’s business…”

 

“Hey, that’s impolite,” the business director cut him off, patting Jin Yang and grinning. “You know this guy, right? With his relationship with Chairman Han, he’s practically family. What’s there to consider?”

 

Xiang Tianran hesitated, speechless. Jin Yang looked at him, then at Xia Yang, raising his chin. “This role is already mine. I have my brother’s authorization. No one can take it from me. Stop trying!”

 

Familiar formula, familiar taste, full of tea fragrance.

 

What a domineering tea out of nowhere!

 

Xia Yang rubbed his ears, poisoned by the words, and stood up from the sofa.

 

He didn’t mind Jin Yang snatching the last opportunity, but this time, as the boss’s wife, representing their cruise line, who dared to block his way!

 

With this ironclad belief, he walked firmly to Jin Yang. “I’ll fight you for it. It’s not like I don’t know Brother Han~”

 

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