After hanging up, Ye Lan watched the snow from the living room for a while. Soon, Cen Wen contacted Ye Lan and asked if she could bring breakfast over now.

Ye Lan glanced towards the second floor, unsure if Jiang Chi was awake, and replied: Go ahead. Let yourself in when you get here, don't knock.

Cen Wen thought Ye Lan still wanted to sleep and was afraid of being disturbed, so she quickly said she understood.

Ye Lan rubbed his shoulders, got up, rolled the blanket into a ball, and tossed it into the storage room. He leaned back on the sofa and scrolled through Weibo. About twenty-something minutes later, after the electronic lock on the front door beeped a few times, it clicked, and the door was slowly pushed open by Cen Wen.

Cen Wen took off her stilettos, carried a huge insulated container, and tiptoed through the entryway. She was startled to see Ye Lan standing in the living room and said with a laugh, "You're up so early? Sister An Ya told me last night that you went out. I thought you wouldn't get up until noon."

"I woke up early." Ye Lan put down his phone. "Thank you for your hard work. I said I'd give you time off. During the New Year, I had to call you over again."

Cen Wen walked a few quick steps to put the food container in the kitchen and said casually, "It's fine. When I saw it snowing last night, I figured I had to come over. It's not far anyway. Are you eating now?"

"Yes. You don't have to open everything, just take out half for me." Ye Lan was already hungry.

Cen Wen efficiently prepared everything for Ye Lan, then looked up and said, "Before my vacation, I asked the housekeeper to put some fruit in the fridge. Did she? I'll juice some..." Cen Wen's voice trailed off. She stared blankly at the top of the stairs, then mechanically continued after a few seconds, "...juice."

Jiang Chi's hair was a bit messy, with two sleep marks pressed onto the side of his face. His clothes were still barely considered neat, but his expression clearly showed that he had just woken up. He walked down from the second floor and was also stunned to see Cen Wen.

Ye Lan looked up and saw Jiang Chi. "You're up? Perfect, let's have breakfast together."

Cen Wen looked at Jiang Chi, then at Ye Lan. With the professionalism of her nearly seven years in the industry, she swallowed the scream that was already stuck in her throat. She calmly arranged breakfast for the two of them, tossed aside the passion fruit and honeycrisp apples from the top shelf of the fridge, and instead juiced some kidney-tonifying blackcurrant juice for Ye Lan.

Ye Lan didn't notice Cen Wen's subtle actions. He took the juice she handed him, frowned slightly, and gulped it down in one go. He tossed his phone aside and sat down to eat breakfast.

Jiang Chi politely greeted Cen Wen before sitting down as well.

Cen Wen clutched the empty juice glass and screamed internally. 'Am I the only one who's so unsophisticated and finds this very surprising and awkward?!'

While working, Cen Wen snuck glances at the two of them. Seeing how naturally they behaved, she thought with a racing heart, 'Or could it be that these two have been together for a long time?'

Although Cen Wen was Ye Lan's personal assistant, there was still a difference between men and women, and Ye Lan had a strong sense of personal space, so Cen Wen couldn't watch over him twenty-four hours a day as Sister An Ya had hoped.

For example, during filming, once she had escorted Ye Lan to his hotel room at night and confirmed he didn't need anything else, her work for the day was over. What Ye Lan did afterward, Cen Wen didn't know.

Cen Wen, mentally and physically exhausted, recalled that in the hotel during filming, Ye Lan and Jiang Chi's rooms were on the same floor...

So... that's why Ye Lan lost weight so quickly these past few months...

So... that's why Jiang Chi has looked so well and energetic lately, and he even seems to have become sweeter...

Indeed... there are only bulls that are worked to death, never fields that are over-plowed.

Cen Wen was tormented, her heart clawed by a hundred claws, unsure if she should tell An Ya about this.

As an artist, Ye Lan's relationship status definitely had to be reported truthfully to his manager, so that all the PR staff in the studio could be informed and prepare PR statements for various sudden situations in advance, always ready to deal with anything. Especially for these two men who "don't take the beaten path."

But as her boss... Cen Wen was not at all optimistic that Ye Lan would be willing to disclose his relationship matters to a subordinate.

If she rashly informed An Ya, Ye Lan would probably fire her first, right?

Cen Wen was dying from the stress.

At the dining table, Jiang Chi was mechanically stuffing food into his mouth, his mind racing with thoughts, too excited to stop.

He remembered every single word his junior brother had said on the phone just now.

He might be able to sign with Starlight!

The company Ye Lan had been with for two years!

Compared to Starlight's various good resources, the relationship between their big boss and Ye Lan, and so on, the fact that "Ye Lan was once an artist under Starlight" was clearly more attractive to Jiang Chi.

The feeling of his life's trajectory overlapping with the person he liked was too wonderful, too full of anticipation.

Following in his footsteps into the entertainment industry, co-starring with him in the same movie, signing with the company he once worked with...

When you like someone too much, you always unconsciously find your own path turning into his.

Jiang Chi looked up at Ye Lan and sighed quietly in his heart, 'I really like you so much.'

To the point where just having the slightest intersection with you brings immense joy.

Compared to Jiang Chi's self-entertaining stolen glances, Ye Lan was much more frank and open. As he ate, it was as if he was using the highest magnification lens to get a detailed close-up of Jiang Chi, scrutinizingly capturing every expression on his face and noticing the subtle emotions in his eyes.

After observing for a while, Ye Lan came to a proud and satisfied conclusion: Jiang Chi was excited.

Very excited.

Did the prospect of signing with Starlight make him this happy?

A few months ago, when he received the olive branch from Yu Xinze, Jiang Chi didn't have this expression.

From the looks of it, Jiang Chi had quite a plan for his career, quite farsighted.

The genuine, irrepressible happiness in Jiang Chi's eyes pleased Ye Lan, making Ye Lan, who had always been indifferent towards the family fortune, have the thought of plotting a coup for the first time.

If only Starlight was his.

Then Jiang Chi would probably be happily circling around him right now, right?

Instead of...

"Brother Ye Lan, I'll call Li Weili and ask him to pick me up." Jiang Chi suppressed the joy in his heart and said politely, "I've disturbed you for a whole night and even freeloaded a breakfast. I should go now."

Ye Lan snorted coldly in his heart and said lazily, "What's the hurry."

Ye Lan turned to Cen Wen and asked, "Are the roads clear?"

Cen Wen met Ye Lan's gaze. Relying on her years of experience taking care of this deity, she already knew what Ye Lan meant without him having to say a word. Cen Wen, with great difficulty and against her conscience, said, "No... It snowed very heavily, the snow has turned to ice, and the road conditions are terrible. I only managed to get here because I live nearby. Actually... it was very dangerous."

Ye Lan nodded, looked at Jiang Chi, and said, "Safety first. Wait a bit longer."

In his heart, Jiang Chi was wagging his tail, frolicking about, and doing several somersaults. On the surface, afraid that Ye Lan would think him too impolite, he lowered his eyes and said, "I'm bothering you too much. Then... I'll wait a bit longer."

Cen Wen complained inwardly, 'You two, keep acting.'

Cen Wen suddenly thought of something, looked at Jiang Chi in surprise, and secretly speculated, 'Could it be that Jiang Chi is actually unwilling?'

But due to Ye Lan's power and influence, he was forced to be toyed with...

Cen Wen recalled Ye Lan's explosive temper when he replaced Tong Yizhe in a fit of anger, then thought about Jiang Chi's soft personality, and imagined the scene of Ye Lan using recasting or cutting scenes as a threat, forcing Jiang Chi to do this and that in his room every night...

Cen Wen rubbed her brow in agony, comforting herself, 'My boss isn't that kind of person, my boss isn't that kind of person.'

Thinking of Tong Yizhe, Cen Wen suddenly remembered something and looked up, "Right, the role of the bartender has been cast. After the news was released, quite a few people sent in audition videos. The day before yesterday, Director Ren and the producer reviewed them together, and in the end, they chose He Yi from Jiayu Media."

Ye Lan was baffled. Who was this again? And what eighteenth-tier small company was Jiayu Media?

Jiang Chi quickly filled Ye Lan in, "He's quite famous. Last year, he played an undercover agent for our party in a period piece. He acted exceptionally well. At first, I really thought he was a bad guy..."

"I don't care what damn thing he's acted in." Ye Lan said coolly, "Just be quiet and don't cause too much trouble."

Remembering the previous farce, Jiang Chi also felt a lingering fear.

Cen Wen guaranteed, "This person will definitely not be a problem. First, he's already married, straight as an arrow, so there won't be any romantic scandals with you. Second, he's a pretty low-key person and has almost never appeared in gossip news. Third, he already knows how Tong Yizhe left, so he won't go looking for trouble. Don't worry, there definitely won't be any mishaps this time."

"However..." Cen Wen discussed with Ye Lan, "After this role was cast, the crew contacted us. They asked if we could start work earlier after the New Year, letting you return to the set a few days early to build some chemistry with the new actor and film your scenes together sooner. This way, it won't affect the schedule, and it won't delay your wrap time."

Ye Lan was the one who kicked Tong Yizhe out, which led to all the bartender-related scenes having to be reshot. Knowing that he had caused trouble for the crew, Ye Lan cooperated, "Okay, I have no problem with that."

Cen Wen had relayed everything she needed to and breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Jiang Chi and started to worry again.

From what Ye Lan was saying, he still didn't want Jiang Chi to leave.

Cen Wen was already convinced she knew why Ye Lan had lost so much weight these past few months.

After resting for ten days, Ye Lan's complexion had finally recovered, and now he had called this draining piece of fresh meat to his house again!

This place wasn't a hotel. Without any scruples, Ye Lan would be even less restrained. There were still more than ten days before he had to return to the set, and she couldn't keep an eye on them. What was she to do?!

Cen Wen was just past thirty, still young and thin-skinned, and there were many things she couldn't bring herself to say.

Telling An Ya and having An Ya persuade him wasn't appropriate either.

But she really didn't dare to say it to Ye Lan...

Cen Wen cleared the dining table, glanced at Jiang Chi, and decided to pick on the softer target.

Cen Wen said to Ye Lan, "Let me know what you want for lunch. I'll buy it and bring it over. Don't go out."

Ye Lan was flipping through the TV channels frequently and nodded perfunctorily.

Cen Wen hesitated for a moment, then smiled as naturally as she could at Jiang Chi, "Um... you must know that Ye Lan has lost some weight recently. Although he's always like this when he joins a new production, and his physical check-ups show no problems, it's still not good. If possible, could I trouble you to supervise him a little? Smoking, drinking, staying up late, and that sort of thing... try to be more restrained. Brother Ye promised us before, but he can never stick to it. If you're here, could you please help us..."

Cen Wen gave a dry laugh and looked expectantly at Jiang Chi.

Jiang Chi, suspecting nothing, nodded. He thought happily in his heart, 'Does Cen Wen think Ye Lan will listen to me?'

Whether he listened or not, being entrusted with this was still quite nice.

Cen Wen gave Jiang Chi a grateful smile and briefly explained the nutritionist's requirements.

After explaining everything clearly, Cen Wen went to wash all the fruit in the refrigerator and tidied up the kitchen a bit.

Ye Lan flipped through the channels twice but found nothing he wanted to watch. He tossed the remote control to Jiang Chi and got up to look around.

Jiang Chi looked up, "What are you looking for?"

"Where are my cigarettes?" Ye Lan lifted the sofa cushion, saying uncertainly, "Did I finish them last night?"

Jiang Chi was confused, "I didn't see..."

Ye Lan had been drinking yesterday and couldn't remember clearly. He figured he had probably finished them. He had recently been smoking in limited quantities according to the nutritionist's requirements. After finishing the cigarettes the nutritionist had left for him, he had no extras at home. Ye Lan rubbed his chin and smiled at Jiang Chi, "What about yours? Give me one..."

Just as Jiang Chi was about to reach for his cigarette case, he heard Cen Wen cough deliberately from the kitchen.

Jiang Chi: "..."

With great power comes great responsibility.

Jiang Chi summoned his courage and said slowly in a low voice, "Cen Wen just said that you..."

How could Ye Lan listen to this? He urged, "Hurry up."

Jiang Chi shook his head, not wanting to give him one.

"Tsk..." Ye Lan's little remaining patience ran out. He got up, walked a few steps to stand in front of Jiang Chi, and his gaze swept over the pockets on Jiang Chi's clothes. "Where did you put it?" he asked.

Ye Lan's oppressive presence was too strong. Just by getting a little closer, Jiang Chi's heart began to race uncooperatively. He leaned back against the sofa and mumbled, "It's not on me..."

"Who are you kidding?" Ye Lan tried his best to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor, employing courtesy before resorting to force. He smiled, "I won't get physical with you. Hand it over honestly."

Jiang Chi hesitated and glanced towards the kitchen, "Cen Wen just said..."

"Are you going to listen to her or to me?"

Of course, I'll listen to you.

But since it concerned Ye Lan's health, Jiang Chi still wanted to put up a struggle. He coaxed in a soft voice, "You already love to drink, which is very hard on your liver. Tobacco also affects liver function, and it hurts your lungs, and it's bad for your skin..."

Ye Lan held back a laugh, "Shut up."

Jiang Chi immediately clamped his mouth shut like a clam.

Although he told him to shut up, seeing Jiang Chi seriously treating Cen Wen's instructions as a major issue and carefully explaining it to him, Ye Lan couldn't help but be in a great mood.

So great that Ye Lan himself wasn't sure if he really wanted a cigarette from Jiang Chi or if he just wanted to tease him.

"Give it to me yourself." Ye Lan's eyes held a smile as he elegantly and slowly looked Jiang Chi up and down. "Or are you forcing me to search you myself?"

Jiang Chi's face flushed red with a whoosh.

But Ye Lan, this beast in fine clothes, didn't know what shame was. He said in surprise, "Little friend, you're quite stubborn... Still not giving it to me? Do you really want me to strip you?"

Jiang Chi: "!"

Cen Wen was still in the kitchen listening!

Jiang Chi lowered his head deeply, shamefully reaching into his trouser pocket and taking out half a pack of cigarettes.

"So capable of bending and stretching?" Ye Lan felt a little unsatisfied. But since Jiang Chi had obediently given in, Ye Lan had no reason to bully him anymore. He casually stepped aside. "But I don't feel like smoking anymore."

With that, he went back to watching TV in a cheerful mood.

Jiang Chi clutched the cigarette pack in shame and anger, his face so red it was almost steaming.