Chapter 88: Chapter 88 Attending the Show
Zhao Yanan looked at the hand extended towards her, her lips pressing together slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing her eyes—whether from gratitude or awkwardness—as she extended her own hand.
Chu Yuxuan naturally shook her hand, counted to three silently in his mind, and then released it gently.
Watching this scene, Zhou Xiaoruo blinked, seemingly a bit baffled.
At that moment, Liu Kai, trying to maintain composure, walked over and stiffly smiled, "Nannan, I... I have something to do, so I'll leave now. Chu... brother-in-law, I'm going now! …Manly girl, goodbye!"
"Go to hell!" Zhao Yanan and Zhou Xiaoruo said in unison.
Chu Yuxuan looked at Liu Kai, who exhibited very feminine behavior, with a hint of suspicion, mixed with a bit of discomfort.
After Liu Kai left, Zhou Xiaoruo explained to Chu Yuxuan, "Brother-in-law, don't mind him. That guy has gender dysphoria and always thinks he's a girl…"
Chu Yuxuan's eyes flickered for a moment, and he understood why Liu Kai could unusually get close to Zhao Yanan. Though it still felt awkward, he didn't express any opinion. After all, he and Zhao Yanan were only nominally married, and their relationship wasn't even close to that of ordinary friends. Furthermore, Liu Kai and Zhao Yanan had known each other since childhood, and their deep friendship was understandable. Besides, some people are born with conditions, and it wouldn't be right to discriminate.
"Brother-in-law... that title sounds good." Chu Yuxuan looked at Zhao Yanan, a smirk of satisfaction on his face.
Zhao Yanan coughed a few times and said coolly, "They were just joking."
Chu Yuxuan replied, "No need to explain. I don't mind."
Zhou Xiaoruo rolled her eyes and quietly exited the bedroom, thinking, "This guy really doesn't miss any chance to flirt!"
Zhao Yanan was feeling dizzy and unwell, too exhausted to engage in any argument. She changed the topic, "There's a lot of talk about you online right now. They say you studied in the U.S. for eight years and even started a business there. After returning to China, you spent two more years, investing in Qingya and now becoming its owner… In short, they've fictionalized you as a self-made success story with a glamorous background."
Chu Yuxuan casually said, "Oh? Who knows so much about me?"
Zhao Yanan looked at his shameless face and replied, "You were recently rumored about, and even though your innocence has been proven, opinions about you online are still mixed. It's obvious someone is trying to whitewash you and restore your image. Who else but the Chu family? I was planning to clean up your image later, so it wouldn't seem too deliberate. Oh, and there's also news about your donation of ten million this morning. It's probably already made the headlines."
Chu Yuxuan thought for a moment and quickly realized it was Chu Xiaotian's doing. The old man, though appearing to worry about his grandson, was actually concerned about the Chu family's reputation.
After all, times have changed. In the past, even blatant acts like forced demolitions in broad daylight weren't considered for their consequences. But now, even minor issues can be magnified on the internet.
Thus, any business with a dirty past, once exposed online, would be in a state of panic.
"Image or whatever, it's all fake," Chu Yuxuan smiled and paused before saying, "Nannan, maybe what you see of me now is also fake. I'm just telling you, recently keep a low profile and don't let the Chu family's efforts go to waste."
Chu Yuxuan understood that "keep a low profile" referred to something specific and responded with a smile. He took the water glass and, seeing it was almost empty, went to the living room to refill it with warm water.
"Drink more hot water, wrap yourself in a blanket and get some sleep. Sweating it out will help."
Zhao Yanan nodded, feeling dizzy and thinking for a moment. Confirming there were no other pressing matters, she dismissed Chu Yuxuan, "I'm going to sleep now. You can go back."
Chu Yuxuan took a breath and was about to speak when Zhao Yanan's phone screen next to her pillow suddenly lit up, displaying a WeChat message--
Aida Jing: "Tonight, I'll have the honor of seeing President Zhao again. It's truly an honor."
Zhao Yanan glanced at it, looking somewhat disgusted and too lazy to respond.
Chu Yuxuan blinked and said calmly, "Not going to reply?"
Zhao Yanan replied, "It's not about work, so there's no need."
"Aida Jing? Who's that?"
Zhao Yanan coughed and explained, "A judge invited by the show's production team. He's a big name in the Beijing circle, a public figure."
Chu Yuxuan thought for a moment, said "Rest well" and got up to leave.
As soon as he arrived home, he sent a message to Lao Wu: "Find out about a public figure named Aida Jing. I want all his information before six."
At 4 p.m., Chu Yuxuan drove to the entrance of Jiang University and picked up Jin Shuhan.
"President Chu!"
As soon as she got in the car, Jin Shuhan respectfully greeted him with a shy and embarrassed expression, "I could have taken a taxi; you didn't have to pick me up."
"It was on the way," Chu Yuxuan replied with a smile and asked, "Has Wang Long's movie not started yet?"
Jin Shuhan replied, "The script is still being revised, and a few actors have been changed. It's said to be next month."
Chu Yuxuan said, "No rush. Just focus on your classes and wait patiently... Anyway, listen to President Zhao. She values you a lot, so don't let her expectations down."
"Mm-hmm, I will cherish this opportunity. Thank you, President Chu!"
They chatted casually for half an hour before arriving at the show's production team.
The three new assistant performers sent by Qingya had been waiting. Seeing Jin Shuhan and Chu Yuxuan arrive together, they felt a mix of envy and jealousy. However, when they approached, they all wore bright smiles, flatteringly greeting Chu Yuxuan while also showing concern for Jin Shuhan.
Chu Yuxuan smiled and scanned their faces before asking Jin Shuhan, "How's the rehearsal going?"
Jin Shuhan looked confident and replied, "We've been practicing at least two hours every night, so there's no problem! One of the newcomers added, "We practice until after ten every night!"
Another newcomer said, "Yes, Shuhan, we all work hard to support you. Once we win the championship, you must treat us to a big meal!"
Jin Shuhan repeatedly thanked them, "Thank you for your hard work recently. After this busy period, I'll definitely treat everyone to a meal!"
Chu Yuxuan could hear the underlying meaning in the newcomer's words—slyly hinting at Jin Shuhan—but he chose not to comment. Opportunities are earned through one's efforts; envy is of no use.
After a brief conversation, Jin Shuhan took the three assistants to the studio for some preliminary preparations.
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