Is This The Right Way To Repay A Favor? Chapter 10

Repaying the Favor

The entire venue instantly fell silent, with only the sound of camera shutters growing more frantic.

Jiang Zhou did not answer the question immediately.

He almost subconsciously glanced to his right. Shen Zhiyu was looking at him, just like everyone else, appearing quite intrigued.

Seeing that gaze, Jiang Zhou’s throat tightened, and the carefully prepared response somehow suddenly became impossible to utter.

Jiang Zhou simply avoided the question and instead praised Su Qian.

“Ms. Su is young, beautiful, has excellent acting skills, and is willing to work hard. We believe she has great potential and want to provide her with a bigger platform.”

Such an answer naturally failed to satisfy the reporters.

A reporter asked more directly, “The internet is circulating rumors that CEO Jiang and Ms. Su are a couple. Is this true?”

Shen Zhiyu kept watching Jiang Zhou, never taking his eyes off him from start to finish.

Jiang Zhou felt as if he was about to surrender under that gaze, unable to maintain his composure any longer.

In a moment of desperation, Jiang Zhou blurted out a fabrication: “We consulted a master, and Ms. Su’s Eight Characters of Birth are highly compatible with Languang Media.”

When this statement was made, the entire venue was silent for several seconds.

Netizens who were drawn to watch the live stream by Shen Zhiyu and Su Qian also fell silent upon hearing this.

After a few seconds of quiet, the comments section exploded.

“I thought of every possible reason, except for compatible Eight Characters.”

“Sure enough, the end of business is also metaphysics.”

“When the boss starts believing in fate, I know things aren’t simple.”

“Better to believe in Eight Characters than gossip. This move is brilliant!”

Shen Zhiyu was also momentarily stunned by the answer. He glanced at Jiang Zhou with a complicated expression, then suddenly let out a soft laugh.

Shen Zhiyu’s features were sharp and striking, but when he smiled, the sharpness receded into his eyes, revealing an unusual brightness and charm.

Soon, the comments section was flooded by Shen Zhiyu’s fans.

Unfortunately, Jiang Zhou only managed to catch half of his profile from the stage.

He definitely needed to rewatch this live stream when he got back.

Jiang Zhou had repeatedly dodged the topic of romance, even resorting to the Eight Characters explanation, clearly unwilling to answer such questions.

The attending reporters were sensible enough not to dwell on the topic, turning instead to other questions.

“Since there is no relationship with Ms. Su, CEO Jiang, was Languang’s acquisition of Chengxing Entertainment related to Mr. Shen signing with Chengxing?”

Jiang Zhou reached up to adjust his glasses, pushing all his turbulent emotions back down.

He replied seriously, “All of Languang’s investments and decisions are based on strict market evaluation and strategic needs. Acquiring Chengxing is an important step in Languang’s industrial ecosystem layout. As for Mr. Shen, his joining Languang is a pleasant surprise for us.”

Shen Zhiyu stopped smiling and looked away from Jiang Zhou.

Afterward, the reporters asked several more questions, with some of the later ones directed at Shen Zhiyu.

Jiang Zhou attributed Shen Zhiyu’s earlier action of taking the microphone to his own microphone being faulty, so he thoughtfully moved his microphone closer to Shen Zhiyu.

Shen Zhiyu said nothing, answering a few questions using the microphone pushed toward him.

After about half an hour, the press conference concluded, and reporters gradually left the venue.

Shen Zhiyu stood up to exit. Before leaving, his gaze suddenly locked onto Jiang Zhou.

He leaned down, stopping near Jiang Zhou’s neck, and asked in a volume only Jiang Zhou could hear, “Did CEO Jiang really spend such a huge sum to acquire Chengxing purely as a business decision?”

The warmth of his breath brushed against Jiang Zhou’s neck.

That pale patch of skin, utterly spineless, instantly flushed crimson.

Jiang Zhou’s breathing became unsteady, and the words that came out were fragmented into several strange tones.

“Of… of course…”

Shen Zhiyu let out a slightly disappointed “Oh,” his voice not raised, but the words he spoke were like a boulder dropped into a calm lake.

He said, “So it wasn’t to repay a favor?”

—

After the press conference, Jiang Zhou lay at home with a high fever for three days.

Yuan Chong and Yuan Rong took care of him the entire time, forbidding anyone from visiting.

Wei Yan finally saw his boss again three days later.

He looked even thinner than he had at the press conference three days prior.

Wei Yan reported on the work situation over the past few days.

Jiang Zhou remained silent, twirling a pen, lost in thought.

After finishing his report, Wei Yan was about to leave the office.

Jiang Zhou suddenly spoke, “What has he been doing these past few days?”

Everyone knew who “he” referred to.

Wei Yan replied, “Mr. Shen has been resting these few days. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to attend a brand endorsement event for Yalan. The film and television side hasn’t decided which projects to take yet, but he has accepted a variety show.”

“A variety show?”

Shen Zhiyu had always disliked participating in variety shows. When he was working in Korea, he avoided them unless it was for promotional music activities.

Although he recorded a few variety shows after returning to China, he hadn’t participated in any in the subsequent years.

When media reporters asked about this, Shen Zhiyu said his personality wasn’t suited for variety shows and he wouldn’t easily try again.

“Yes. Mr. Shen chose a group reality show produced by the company itself—Peach Blossom Dream Weaver.”

Jiang Zhou was familiar with this variety show.

It was a healing, group lifestyle experiment show, inspired by The Peach Blossom Spring. The show planned to invite diverse groups of people to enter an isolated “Peach Blossom Spring,” shed their identities, cut off internet access, and experience a simple, rustic life amidst the fields and mountains, working with their own hands and building a community. The goal was to collide, help each other, and heal in simple living, searching for inner peace.

The show had a significant investment. Site selection and construction began last June and were only completed by the end of the year.

Earlier this year, the program completed all setup and confirmed the participating guests.

Coincidentally, the location for this variety show was in Jiang Zhou’s hometown—Yongnan Village.

Wei Yan reminded him, “The first episode begins filming this Monday.”

Wei Yan left the office, leaving behind a proposal for Peach Blossom Dream Weaver.

Jiang Zhou flipped through it but couldn’t absorb a single word.

His thoughts were chaotic. One moment he recalled the awe he felt when he first saw Shen Zhiyu as a child, the next he remembered what Shen Zhiyu had said to him after the press conference.

Shen Zhiyu had done it on purpose.

Jiang Zhou later realized that Shen Zhiyu’s microphone wasn’t broken; he had deliberately leaned in close.

And that phrase—repay a favor.

The words “repay a favor” were like a cold stiletto, unexpectedly slicing through the armor he had meticulously stitched together for years. He felt himself regress to the boy hiding under a dilapidated eaves, clutching a massive donation, secretly looking up at others.

Jiang Zhou just stared at Shen Zhiyu then, unable to utter a single word.

It wasn’t until the other man completely disappeared from the press conference venue that Jiang Zhou felt all his strength drain away, causing him to faint on the spot.

After resting at home for three days, Jiang Zhou slowly accepted the fact that Shen Zhiyu had recognized him.

However, Jiang Zhou didn’t know when Shen Zhiyu had recognized him. Nor did he know if Shen Zhiyu was fully aware of the manipulations he had orchestrated.

—

Shen Zhiyu’s brand activities the next day were tightly scheduled. Filming magazines and promotional videos during the day, and a promotional event at a commercial plaza in the evening.

Wang Lei arrived at Hejia Peninsula early to pick him up.

As Shen Zhiyu waited for the elevator, he heard the sound of a door opening across the hall, but it only opened a crack before quickly shutting again.

The door closed abruptly with a loud bang, echoing in the quiet hallway.

Shen Zhiyu entered the elevator and messaged Wang Lei, “Wait for me ten more minutes.”

When the elevator reached the underground parking lot, Shen Zhiyu didn’t leave immediately. He waited around the corner by the elevator.

Shen Zhiyu wanted to confirm something with his own eyes.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Shen Zhiyu saw a familiar figure at the elevator entrance.

The person was walking quickly and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Shen Zhiyu made his judgment and then met up with Wang Lei.

Wang Lei was curious, “What happened?”

Under normal circumstances, Shen Zhiyu was never late. If he said he would be downstairs at a certain time, he would appear punctually, rarely requiring a last-minute wait.

Shen Zhiyu didn’t want to elaborate, “Nothing.”

“By the way, did you find out what I asked you to check?”

“Just found it. It’s an owner with the surname Yuan, I think her name is Yuan Rong. I heard she’s a doctor.”

Surname Yuan? Is she related to that bar owner, Yuan Chong?

“Why are you checking on the neighbor across the hall? Did they recognize you and harass you?”

“No. I was just thinking—” Shen Zhiyu smiled, “—if I should learn to maintain neighborly relations.”

Wang Lei was shocked, sensing a deeper meaning in Shen Zhiyu’s smile.

In private, Shen Zhiyu was far less approachable than he appeared in public, often radiating indifference. He could handle anything, yet seemed uninterested in everything.

Now, suddenly considering whether to maintain neighborly relations, it was hard to tell if this was good fortune or misfortune for the neighbor across the hall.

Yalan’s brand event this time was in collaboration with Guangyu Studio. When Jiang Zhou arrived at Guangyu Studio, Shen Zhiyu had not yet arrived.

Jiang Zhou naturally had a gentle appearance, and today he was dressed youthfully, wearing thick black-rimmed glasses, looking exactly like a student.

Wei Yan brought him in and introduced him to the Yalan executive, “This is my relative, Little Jiang. He’s here for practical training today. Please look after him.”

Languang Media and Yalan were long-time partners, and since Wei Yan had specifically instructed them, the Yalan staff naturally dared not slight him.

The executive asked Jiang Zhou what his major was and what kind of practical experience he was looking for today, so they could assign him a position.

The student seemed very shy, wearing a mask the whole time, and didn’t answer, only looking toward Wei Yan.

Wei Yan immediately said, “He’s socially anxious and introverted, which is why I wanted him to come out and train. No need for special arrangements, just let him wander around on his own.”

Since Wei Yan put it that way, the brand executive stopped pressing and instructed other staff members to accommodate him.

Jiang Zhou first went to the makeup room. After waiting another ten minutes, Shen Zhiyu finally arrived.

He came bare-faced, and his hair wasn’t styled. Compared to his public appearances, he lacked some of the sharp coldness, appearing softer and giving the illusion of being more approachable.

This was the first time Jiang Zhou had seen Shen Zhiyu’s private appearance up close. He hid in a corner of the makeup room, secretly watching, his gaze somewhat greedy.

Jiang Zhou actually wanted to take out his phone and snap a picture. But that would be too obvious and he would be discovered.

Jiang Zhou was watching intently when suddenly—

Wang Lei, who was sitting on the sofa in the makeup room, suddenly stood up and walked toward the corner where Jiang Zhou was.

“What are you doing! No unauthorized photos!”

Jiang Zhou’s heart leaped. He subconsciously took two steps back before realizing that the person Wang Lei was scolding was not him.

Not far from him, a girl frantically shoved her phone into her pocket.