The caller introduced herself as Lin Yue, agent from Shixu Media. Her speech was brisk and professional: “Hello, Mr. Jiang. Sorry to bother you. I’ve heard you haven’t signed with an agency yet. Are you interested in Shixu Media? If so, I’d love to meet in person.”
Jiang Shunnian could hardly believe it. How had he suddenly gotten a call from Shixu Media? It couldn’t be fake, could it?
He’d heard from Yu Yanchen before that Shixu Media was backed by the Fu Group—the best agency in the industry right now. Was he really this lucky?
He replied immediately: “Hello, Ms. Lin. I’m thrilled you’ve reached out. I’d be happy to meet.”
“You’re shooting in the Nine Heavens Palace crew right now, correct? How’s your schedule? I can come to Film City.”
Jiang Shunnian grew even more delighted. She was this sincere? He quickly answered: “Are you free tomorrow evening? I only have daytime scenes then.”
He had night shoots tonight, and if things went smoothly, he could wrap them all up.
“Of course.”
Lin Yue smiled faintly upon hearing Jiang Shunnian’s voice. “I’m looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Jiang.”
After hanging up, she messaged her manager, who in turn quickly updated Fu Yanli’s assistant.
None of them knew why Fu Yanli had suddenly taken an interest in Jiang Shunnian. Had he taken a fancy to him?
Everyone knew Fu Yanli was over thirty and had never been in a relationship. Though he’d founded Shixu Media, he rarely paid it much attention, only reviewing key film and TV projects. He didn’t meddle much in its day-to-day operations.
So why had he suddenly ordered them to sign a minor actor?
Linking it to what Madam Shen Lingyi had done earlier, it seemed he had taken a fancy to him.
But Jiang Shunnian was married with a kid—a straight man through and through. What now? Was their boss going to break up a family? If it blew up later, how would PR handle it?
The manager rubbed his forehead in distress and instructed Lin Yue to tactfully clarify during negotiations whether Jiang Shunnian was currently married.
Anything but this— the president of the Fu Group couldn’t become the other man!
Jiang Shunnian looked up Lin Yue’s info and confirmed she was indeed a Shixu Media agent—highly capable and well-known in the industry, having groomed award-winning actors. He grew anxious, wondering why she’d approached him so suddenly. It nearly affected his night shoot.
By the time filming wrapped, it was nearly dawn. Jiang Shunnian carefully cradled the already sleeping Nono and didn’t return to Yu Yanchen’s place. Instead, he booked a room at a nearby hotel.
As they entered the elevator, Nono briefly woke, saw it was Daddy holding him, gave a sweet smile, and drifted off again.
That evening, Lin Yue messaged Jiang Shunnian that she’d arrived at Film City and reserved a private room at a nearby teahouse.
Jiang Shunnian didn’t bring Nono, entrusting him to Ran Qing.
Ran Qing happily agreed and took Nono out for a big meal. The teahouse wasn’t far—if Jiang Shunnian needed her, she could rush over instantly.
Nono had been a bit down lately. Daddy’s work hours had increased, leaving less time for him. But he understood—Daddy was working for his sake.
Still, it made him feel a tiny bit lost.
While eating, Ran Qing noticed Nono pouting, barely touching his food. She asked gently: “What’s wrong, baby Nono?”
“No chat with Daddy last night.” They used to talk every evening.
Ran Qing stroked his little head. “Because Daddy’s earning money to take care of Nono.”
“I know.” Nono’s babyish voice cracked with emotion. “It’s Nono’s fault. I cost money. If I could earn money, I’d take care of Daddy.”
He lifted his exquisite, adorable little face, his mysterious golden eyes brimming with earnest seriousness. “Sister Ran Qing, can I act in shows? I don’t mind hardship.”
Ran Qing nearly melted from the cuteness. How is this kid so adorable!
“When Sister finds a role perfect for Nono, we’ll get you in it, okay?” she replied. “Oh, and you could work with Daddy too—parent-child variety shows.”
This new type of variety show had exploded last season. With Nono’s looks and personality, he’d be a breakout child star for sure.
“Parent-child variety?” Nono didn’t quite get it and looked to her questioningly.
“It’s where you and Daddy go on trips together, do missions. You get to stay with Daddy all the time and make money.”
Jiang Yunnuo’s eyes lit up instantly. Whoa, I want to do a parent-child variety show!
In the nearby teahouse private room, the unique fragrance of Biluochun tea filled the air. Jiang Shunnian arrived ten minutes early, relaxed upon confirming it was Lin Yue, and shook her hand with a smile: “Hello, Ms. Lin. I’m Jiang Shunnian.”
Lin Yue swiftly appraised him with a professional eye—superior features, fair and luminous skin, clear and resolute gaze. In the entertainment world, he was top-tier beauty material.
No wonder President Fu took a fancy to him.
She’d reviewed his past roles today too. Solid acting skills, some technical traces but high comprehension and great potential.
Best of all, his character was grounded—no veering off path. He’d rather quit the industry than accept shady deals.
Even without Fu Yanli’s mention, she’d have wanted to sign him.
“Please, have a seat, Mr. Jiang.” Lin Yue smiled. “I saw you on the hot search. That costume still was unforgettable. Your skills and character fit Shixu Media perfectly. Learning you were unsigned, I reached out hoping we could collaborate. Do you know about Shixu? We’re new but backed by the Fu Group, with President Fu’s strong support. We’re developing steadily.”
“I’ve heard, and I’m honored for the chance to join.” Jiang Shunnian still felt dazed, like it was all a dream.
After pleasantries, Lin Yue dove into the deal, pulling out an A-list contract and going over terms point by point. Jiang Shunnian engaged actively; they hit it off.
After one pot of tea, a preliminary agreement was reached. Lin Yue didn’t pressure him to sign on the spot, giving him five days to consider.
“Shunnian, I’ve looked into your background a bit. Personally, I admire and respect your integrity. But we need to clear up a few things first.” Lin Yue steered the conversation here. “I saw on Weibo you have a child, but no mention of the other parent. Is she a civilian? Are you married?”
Jiang Shunnian knew this had to come—to avoid future scandals. But he couldn’t reveal he could give birth; it was too bizarre. “As I said on Weibo, Nono came into this world unexpectedly. There’s no other parent. I’ve let no one down, nor married anyone. Sorry, I can’t elaborate.”
Lin Yue’s expression turned serious, clearly finding him irresponsible.
Jiang Shunnian gripped his pale green teacup, bit his lip, his face falling. His explanation was flimsy. If she couldn’t accept it, he’d lose Shixu.
“Surrogate then?” Lin Yue pressed sharply. “If so, we can’t proceed.”
“No, no! Nono absolutely wasn’t from a surrogate!” Jiang Shunnian explained anxiously. He wouldn’t break the law. “His background has issues, but nothing against morals or legality.”
Lin Yue pondered, then replied: “Your situation’s complicated. I need to consult my manager. We’ll get back to you, okay?”
“Sure.”
Jiang Shunnian sighed inwardly. It’s over.
Afterward, he called Ran Qing. They hadn’t finished eating, so he joined, picking at Nono’s leftovers without ordering more.
“Didn’t go well, Shunnian?” Ran Qing asked.
He nodded, saying nothing.
Nono looked up at Jiang Shunnian, reached out his little hand to touch his face, eyes earnest: “It’s okay, Daddy. Nono will earn money to support you!”
Jiang Shunnian’s heavy mood lifted instantly. He leaned down to kiss Nono’s little head: “Okay, Daddy’s waiting for Nono to support him.”
Back at Shixu Media, Lin Yue reported the full conversation to her manager. Her gut said Jiang Shunnian was fine, but with Fu Yanli involved, she wouldn’t decide alone.
The manager hadn’t expected Jiang Shunnian to withhold the mother’s identity. He rubbed his thinning hair, pondering how to report to Fu Yanli.
After Lin Yue left, he called Fu Yanli’s assistant, outlined the situation, and asked if they should dig into Jiang Shunnian’s background.
The assistant told him to wait—he’d report to Fu Yanli.
Ever since his mom had dragged him around earlier, Fu Yanli’s mood hadn’t been great. But he was always restrained, never letting it affect work, so no one noticed.
He didn’t know why a minor actor had stirred his thoughts. He was still searching for that boy from four years ago.
Having Shixu approach Jiang Shunnian wasn’t about getting a head start. The man had been blacklisted for rejecting advances, now raising a child alone— not easy. And crucially, he had talent that fit Shixu.
Years ago, he’d been schemed against, powerless in some matters. Now at the top, he wanted to protect people like that.
It was then that the assistant knocked and entered to report on Jiang Shunnian.
“President Fu, should I investigate him?”
