Fan Qing had woken unusually early.
Not because he was exceptionally healthy, but someone nearby had set off electronic firecrackers, loud enough to disturb him.
Just as he rolled over, Nie Luo awoke too.
The tattered red dress slid down his shoulders. It had been torn into strips, chaotic yet strangely orderly, draped across his chest with glimpses of red-purple marks and bites visible through the gaps.
One bite mark stood out—on Nie Luo’s collarbone.
Fan Qing remembered it well.
Earlier, they had been messing around in the car until the assistant suggested putting up a barrier and driving them back to the villa.
Fan Qing hadn’t refused.
But the road was uneven, with several speed bumps.
Every time the car went over one, under the pull of gravity, Fan Qing sank a little deeper.
The last time, he couldn’t resist and let out a muffled moan as he bit down on Nie Luo.
Fan Qing recalled it, a deep satisfaction glimmering in his eyes. He leaned closer to brush a kiss across Nie Luo’s sleepy eyes.
“Ge… did I wake you?”
“No.”
Nie Luo’s vision was still hazy, but his fingers instinctively curled around the back of Fan Qing’s neck. He applied just enough pressure and leaned in, lips brushing against his, voice still husky and worn from the night’s exertion, undeniably seductive.
“I still have schedules to catch… what time is it now?”
Fan Qing wasn’t surprised. He had known Nie Luo was busy last night.
Digging through the scattered clothes in the car, Fan Qing pulled out a watch.
“Almost six o’clock, Ge.”
“Six already?”
Nie Luo’s eyes brightened immediately.
“Then I’d better get ready.”
He started sitting up slightly.
And his clothes…
Nie Luo was still looking when Fan Qing had already found a full outfit. The size fit perfectly—it was clearly Nie Luo’s.
“Ge… yours.”
“Thanks, Ah Qing.”
Nie Luo reflexively leaned in to kiss Fan Qing, reaching for the clothes.
Fan Qing dodged.
Nie Luo: ?
What’s happening?
Confused, he looked at Fan Qing, who remained calm, though his lips murmured:
“A New Year’s gift… let me help you put it on, Ge.”
Last year, he had helped Nie Luo remove it. This year, he would personally help him put it on—a perfect top-tier New Year’s gift.
A New Year’s gift?
Nie Luo blinked in slight confusion. Was it for him, or for Ah Qing?
Fan Qing read his expression, leaned in, and stole a quick kiss.
If only Nie Luo wasn’t so busy…
Just then, his phone rang. Fan Qing’s expression darkened.
Outside, the assistant tapped the window at the right moment.
“Nie Ge, we’re leaving in half an hour. All good?”
Nie Luo glanced at Fan Qing, frowning while answering the call.
“Mm.”
The assistant nodded and walked away.
As they left the garage, Fan Qing lit a cigarette to calm himself. He’d brought Nie Luo back at dawn—why was he still in the car? His hand trembled slightly as he held the cigarette.
These two… were really something.
Though slightly annoyed, Fan Qing got up from Nie Luo.
He had just mentioned Nie Luo was busy, yet now he himself had things to do. Sighing, Fan Qing adjusted his mood quickly. Work wasn’t a bad thing, and besides, sooner or later, he would be publicly seen by Nie Luo anyway. Thinking of that, he felt reinvigorated.
After getting himself ready, Fan Qing and Nie Luo exchanged a lingering, passionate kiss.
“Ge, I have to go now.”
Nie Luo’s hand traced along the back of Fan Qing’s neck, letting out a soft affirmation.
Fan Qing’s neck bore the marks from last night, all made by Nie Luo. Seeing them eased Nie Luo’s mind about going to work.
He grabbed Fan Qing’s hand and simply recounted the events of the previous night, finishing with a low, expectant voice:
“From now on, Ah Qing, you can come visit me at work. Those people last night will probably spread the word that we’re close.”
That way, Ah Qing could visit without needing an excuse.
Nie Luo’s eyes betrayed a hint of concealed happiness.
He even thought of this himself? And did all this?
Fan Qing was a little surprised, then smiled.
“So… you want me to come visit you at work?”
Nie Luo looked at him, eyes clear and matter-of-fact.
“Other people’s boyfriends get that kind of perk.”
Of course, he wanted it too.
Fan Qing blinked, then smiled broadly.
“You’re right, Ge.”
Other people’s boyfriends get perks—his boyfriend would have them too.
“I’ll make time to visit you at work.”
Fan Qing kissed Nie Luo, smiling.
Nie Luo’s eyes glimmered with joy. He thought a moment and added,
“I could pick you up from the company too.”
If other boyfriends get perks, so should Ah Qing.
Fan Qing chuckled, eyes crescent-shaped.
“Great, then I’ll wait for you to come get me when you’re free.”
Nie Luo truly refused to lose in this department—yet he was undeniably adorable.
Separating, Fan Qing went home to change and shower before heading to their scheduled meeting place.
Not the office—he entered a café.
Even on New Year’s Day, a café open at this level wouldn’t be low-end. The staff were professional, and even with the marks on Fan Qing’s neck, his smile remained flawless.
“Yes, your reserved private room is over here, please follow me.”
A solid choice, Fan Qing thought. He could consider this place for future meetings.
Following the staff, he opened the door to the private room.
Inside, a woman with an intelligent demeanor wore black sunglasses and a mask, concealing her face.
Though her features were hidden, her posture and attire suggested someone who took great care with her appearance.
She lifted her head at the sound, seeing Fan Qing enter unreservedly.
Her gaze flicked to the marks on his neck—she looked slightly surprised, but maintained a neutral expression.
Instead, when she saw Fan Qing’s full face, she felt a bit embarrassed and removed her mask.
“Agent Fan, you’re so open and straightforward… it makes me feel a little petty.”
“Agent Jiang, you flatter me,” Fan Qing said lightly. “I don’t have much fame, so I don’t need to pay too much attention. Unlike you, Agent Jiang—you manage several first- and second-tier talents. Paying more attention isn’t a bad thing at all.”
Fan Qing had immediately mentioned her credentials. Jiang Mian knew there was a touch of flattery in his words, but it was also the truth. She didn’t overplay modesty and simply nodded.
“Agent Fan, you’re perceptive.”
Fan Qing tapped on his tablet while nodding.
“That’s one of my strengths, I suppose.”
Jiang Mian was momentarily taken aback, then looked at Fan Qing with genuine appreciation.
She had heard rumors online that Fan Qing was skilled, but seeing him in person, it wasn’t just skill—his presence, manner of speech, even appearance were exceptional.
She almost couldn’t resist asking.
“Agent Fan… have you ever thought about entering the industry yourself? Forgive me for saying this, but with your aura and looks, it wouldn’t be difficult to become popular.”
Everyone said making it big depended on fate, but even a modest rise required only the right aura, looks, and proper backing.
Fan Qing smiled slightly.
“Agent Jiang, didn’t you check the trending searches yesterday?”
Jiang Mian frowned, puzzled.
“How could I not? Yesterday, Agent Fan, you really pulled off something remarkable…”
Her voice trailed off as she suddenly realized his meaning.
Fan Qing leaned back slightly, arms crossed over his knees, a casual smile on his face.
Ah, that’s what he meant!
Jiang Mian thought of how last night, Jian Feiyang and Yao Ge dominated the trending searches almost continuously, interweaving across multiple topics. Now she understood Fan Qing’s point.
Indeed.
With such skills, why would Fan Qing bother being a performer himself? A capable agent could earn more than enough managing talented artists.
Moreover, Fan Qing even had a newly established brand in hand—it could go further than being an artist ever could.
Jiang Mian drew in a deep breath.
She had come here precisely for this.
Before she spoke, a thought flashed through her mind—could even her presence be part of Fan Qing’s premeditated plan?
Regardless, she would have to engage with this strategy.
Jiang Mian finally spoke.
“I wanted to ask about the brand you and Designer Yao established yesterday. Could I learn more? For instance, does Designer Yao still take on custom projects like the one for Jian Feiyang? Or could I speak with him directly?”
“There’s no need.”
Though she had interrupted his private moment with Nie Luo, this opportunity came faster than he had expected. Fan Qing responded lightly.
Jiang Mian’s heart skipped a beat.
No need?
How so?
She probed carefully.
“Could you clarify, Agent Fan?”
Fan Qing caught the intent in her eyes. He didn’t need to linger in suspense—after all, this business opportunity had essentially walked up to him. He could afford to be generous.
He relaxed slightly, tone carrying a playful ease.
“Designer Yao had to work overtime last night. He isn’t a performer; there’s no reason I shouldn’t let him go home for the New Year.”
Jiang Mian exhaled slightly. That’s what he meant—there’s no need.
But she was still a little surprised.
“So… Agent Fan means you can handle arrangements on Designer Yao’s side?”
This was the same designer who had won countless awards and created Jian Feiyang’s breathtaking red carpet ensemble! Could the collaboration Fan Qing mentioned really be that simple?
If so, arranging this meeting at a café seemed a bit… careless on her part.
Jiang Mian kept her expression neutral, though her heart raced. She hadn’t expected to fail this time.
Another big opportunity?
Fan Qing studied the subtle expressions in her eyes, his mind racing, though his face remained calm and smiling.
“Of course. Agent Jiang, you should know that many artists deeply focused on their craft aren’t fond of dealing with people. I happen to be an agent. If Designer Yao cooperates with me, I am naturally willing to take on this project.”
Jiang Mian understood.
However, this meant she had prepared insufficiently.
She was still processing this when Fan Qing casually added:
“If you’re not in a hurry, Agent Jiang, we could discuss this after the New Year. You’ve probably guessed Designer Yao has more than one project on his plate. Mr. Jin is also one of our clients.”
“Mr. Jin? Which Mr. Jin?”
Jiang Mian instinctively glanced at Fan Qing, a thought crossing her mind, though she hesitated to believe it.
Fan Qing smiled faintly, reminding her:
“Agent Jiang, don’t forget—Tenghuang belongs to Second Young Master Jin. Which Mr. Jin did you mean?”
Mentioning Second Young Master Jin and the Jin Corporation so casually, Fan Qing made it seem entirely natural. He didn’t see using their names as improper—indeed, it seemed perfectly reasonable.
After all, he had recruited talent, the Jin Corporation benefited, and participated in the collaboration. Using their name—what’s wrong with that?
And Second Young Master Jin? Wasn’t he ultimately the one funding it all?
Given that, it was essentially making money for Jin himself. Using his name was no problem at all.
Fan Qing was utterly straightforward, even feeling that he really was perceptive and incredibly considerate.
Jiang Mian felt her breath catch instantly.
A single, reckless thought surged like a floodgate opening—she couldn’t stop it anymore.
If it really was that Mr. Jin, she was willing to risk everything!