How Did the Top-Tier Male Lead Fall in Love With Me? 6

Chapter 6

Shen Wu pulled the ring back inside his collar, patted it to make sure it was hidden, and brought up another matter. “Tonight… what’s the plan?”
It was time to sleep, and Shen Wu was already feeling a bit drowsy. But how a sham couple was supposed to sleep tonight was a major issue.
“I have to go to North City tomorrow morning for an event,” Meng Huaizhi suddenly mentioned work.
Work, tomorrow morning, in another province. And it was nearly midnight. Just thinking about it gave Shen Wu a headache, yet Meng Huaizhi remained calm and unhurried.
“I have a lot of things to bring, so I plan to have the driver take me,” Meng Huaizhi glanced at his watch. “We’ll leave now. I’ll sleep in the car.”
Shen Wu nodded, having no objections.
Although it sounded exhausting, Meng Huaizhi had been busy like this for years. It was common for him to work day and night, sometimes for dozens of hours straight.
Shen Wu was left alone in the now-empty bedroom, sighing in admiration.
As expected of a Jinjiang male lead. To be so faithful to his male virtues, all for a main character shou who hasn’t even appeared yet.

The next day, Shen Wu slept until noon and had to face Meng Zhenshen alone, who had woken up to find his grandson gone.
Although Meng Zhenshen was amiable in front of Shen Wu, the power of the Meng family’s business was still firmly in his hands. He was the one who truly called the shots in the Meng family.
Not seeing each other for three years after getting married was suspicious enough. Shen Wu was afraid he would check the surveillance footage, so he didn’t dare to lie for Meng Huaizhi and told the truth. “He had some last-minute work last night, so he left early.”
Meng Zhenshen’s brows furrowed, a thin layer of anger on his face. “What kind of work could make him go work overtime in the middle of the night?”
Shen Wu, enjoying the drama, deliberately drawled, “Who knows?” Maybe upholding his male virtues.
“You two have been married for three years and living apart for three years. Fine, you’re both busy with work,” Meng Zhenshen said with a grim face. “But you can’t keep this up during holidays. Huaizhi is my grandson. I know him, and I can tolerate him. But what about your family? This New Year, he has to make time to go back with you, no matter what…”
“Grandpa, I have something to do, so I’ll be going. I’ll come see you again next time.”
Shen Wu hadn’t expected the fire to turn on him. He quickly made an excuse and fled from the Meng residence.
He really did have something to do today. He had to go to the Shen Corporation headquarters to find Shen Ping.
The Shen family was quite wealthy. The companies and other tangible or intangible assets were more than enough to be divided between the two brothers. However, Shen Wu had no ambitions and was immersed in his own little world.
His father, Shen Tianheng, had started from scratch with his first wife. Unfortunately, she passed away from illness before she could enjoy a single day of their success. Three years later, considering that his young son needed someone to take care of him, Shen Tianheng had a whirlwind marriage with a Miss Xu who had been pursuing him vigorously.
Xu Qiongya loved the house and its crow, treating Shen Ping no worse than her own son, Shen Wu. She was the gentle mother to Shen Tianheng’s strict father, always granting any request.
But she was hopelessly in love with her husband. No matter what secret Shen Wu told her, it would be passed on to the old-fashioned Shen Tianheng, leading to another argument.
Shen Wu didn’t want Shen Tianheng to know about his entry into the entertainment industry just yet, so he went to find Shen Ping.
The Shen Corporation had an insignificant entertainment company under its wing, founded by Shen Tianheng back when he seized the opportunity of the times. Unfortunately, it had always been lukewarm. Ten years ago, Shen Ping took over this company, signed a few promising young actors, and it had been soaring ever since.
M+ Entertainment’s main business was in music. Meng Huaizhi was the official partner of the main character shou, so he wouldn’t conflict with the future film emperor main character shou.
But Star Entertainment and its artists were the biggest stepping stones on the main character shou‘s path to godhood.
In other words, Star Entertainment served as both the control group and the cannon fodder, truly befitting the company of the supportive ex-husband’s own brother.
Even though he sensed that Shen Ping’s intentions weren’t entirely pure, and that his own death was linked to his indulgence, Shen Wu couldn’t just stand by and watch his career plummet.
Shen Wu kept these thoughts to himself and casually came up with a reason that best suited a childish younger brother. “Ge, I want to sign with your Star Entertainment. I don’t trust those other companies. Besides, I’m sure I can make money. When I do, the company’s share will still be in our family. We shouldn’t let the benefits flow to outsiders.”
Only then did Shen Ping realize that Shen Wu wanted to enter the entertainment industry, completely unaware of Shen Wu’s considerations for him.
His fingers under the desk curled tightly, his fingertips digging into his palm.
Shen Ping was not the good brother Shen Wu thought he was.
The image of a proper gentleman, warm and gentle as jade, was just a facade.
Shen Wu and his mother were born with everything, enjoying wealth, glory, and endless love, while the one who had endured hardships couldn’t even live out his old age in peace. He just wanted to ask one thing:
On what grounds?
He was happy to see Shen Wu defy his father’s wishes and marry Meng Huaizhi, but that didn’t mean he wanted to see Shen Wu enter the entertainment industry as well.
In fact, since his teenage years, Shen Wu had received offers from entertainment companies, but he and his father had intercepted them all.
Shen Tianheng believed being a celebrity was a frivolous pursuit, but he…
He had seen Shen Wu’s trending topic that day. He had seen with his own eyes how Shen Wu attracted admiration and affection.
…On what grounds?
However, on the surface, he still maintained the demeanor of a good brother, replying to Shen Wu, “Alright. I’ll have someone arrange for you to join the company right now. Everything will be handled within three days.”
Shen Wu smiled. “Thanks, Ge.”
He added, “Don’t tell Mom and Dad.”
Shen Ping was always reliable. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell Dad or Auntie.”
After Shen Wu left, Shen Ping’s secretary came into the office.
Shen Ping gave his instructions, finally adding, “Don’t reveal Xiao Wu’s relationship with me to anyone at Star Entertainment.”
The secretary wouldn’t question her boss’s decisions and nodded in agreement.
But Shen Ping took the initiative to explain, “You know Xiao Wu’s personality. He doesn’t like others interfering too much. If I make arrangements for him in advance, he’ll feel like I’m robbing him of the opportunity to work hard. That way, even if he achieves good results and makes a lot of money, he won’t be happy.”
The secretary was a bit puzzled but respectfully replied, “Yes,” and added with a smile, “President Shen, the young master will surely understand all your painstaking efforts.”
This was a sincere compliment, spoken without any hidden meaning, but the listener took it to heart.
Shen Ping’s hand on the desk quietly tightened.

Shen Wu signed with Star Entertainment, which was controlled by Shen Ping, under a concealed identity. Like most newly signed young artists, he started from scratch. Although the previous trending topic had shown his potential, he didn’t receive much special treatment.
The manager Star Entertainment assigned to him was named Nie Bo. He managed several young artists, the most successful of whom was only a third-tier celebrity. But because he had so many people under him, he was often too busy.
Among them was a young male celebrity who had signed not long before Shen Wu, currently a student at the film academy. Nie Bo was trying hard to get him the role of the third male lead in a drama, but unfortunately, the negotiations had fallen through.
So Nie Bo arranged for him to attend a dinner with the drama’s main creative team, to let him try again himself.
“Shen Wu, I have other things to do tonight, and Director Hong doesn’t like managers being present,” Nie Bo said. “Why don’t you go with Xiao Zhou? Get to know some people. It won’t hurt your future development.”
Shen Wu was taken aback for a moment, not expecting to be arranged to attend a social dinner.
He wasn’t fond of these disingenuous social events, at most having meals with his team friends and school classmates.
But he had, after all, grown up as the young master of the Shen family. No matter how rebellious he was in the eyes of those close to him, to outsiders, he was still an arrogant and noble young master.
He had been taken out by Shen Tianheng to see the world since he was young and was not timid about interacting with celebrities and business tycoons.
Shen Wu was lost in thought for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”
Nie Bo was very pleased to see him being so sensible.

Shengshi KTV.
There were about a dozen people present. Aside from the drama’s main creative team and Director Hong’s old acquaintances, the rest were young actors trying to try their luck. Most of them knew each other or had heard of each other’s names.
Those who were unknown would eagerly step forward to introduce themselves.
Shen Wu, a newcomer to the industry who remained silent, was the most inconspicuous and transparent person among them.
He was also happy to be left in peace.
The deafening singing echoed throughout the KTV room, the lights a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. No one paid any attention to the quiet, dim corner and the figure hidden within it.
Shen Wu looked down at the contact list on his phone. A simple “Ge” was his contact name for Shen Ping.
Before learning that he would die in a racing accident, he had never harbored the slightest suspicion towards Shen Ping.
He had trusted, respected, and admired this outstanding and steady older brother with all his heart.
Smoking, drinking, and extreme sports like racing were all his own choices. Shen Ping had given him full respect and support.
But if it weren’t for Shen Ping’s unconditional support, he wouldn’t have reached this stalemate with his father.
To Shen Tianheng, who was in a fit of anger, Shen Ping’s support, which gave Shen Wu so much confidence, was no different from adding fuel to the fire.
Shen Wu ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
[Ge, did you know the company assigned Nie Bo as my manager?]
He typed out the message, then deleted it.
If Shen Ping knew, Nie Bo probably wouldn’t have had him attend this dinner.
“What’s your name?”
“My name is Tu Qianqian, Director Hong. You can just call me Qianqian.”
Shen Wu glanced over at the sound of her voice.
He saw an exquisitely dressed woman who, after being a beautiful backdrop for who knows how long, had finally found an opportunity to join the conversation with Director Hong and the others.
“Qianqian, a good name,” Director Hong said with a smile.
A middle-aged man next to Director Hong was the best at reading people’s expressions, clearly Director Hong’s most competent lackey. He immediately poured a glass of wine and handed it to Tu Qianqian. “Here, this is for you.”
Tu Qianqian was full of reluctance, but she had to maintain a fawning smile on her face as she held her breath and downed the strong liquor.
“Not bad, little lady,” Director Hong’s interest was piqued. He refilled the empty glass. “Let’s have a drink.”
Tu Qianqian could only brace herself and continue drinking.
Everyone had their own thoughts, but on the surface, it was all laughter and cheer. The toasting soon turned into forced drinking, and it seemed new men had joined in, several of them ganging up on a delicate young girl.
Shen Wu had long since lowered his head and started playing a game. Hearing this, he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.
The intense game ended with a “game over” due to this momentary distraction, and his mood instantly soured.

Zhou Yue and Shen Wu were both artists under Nie Bo. They had come to the dinner together. While Shen Wu was completely out of it the entire time, he had been working tirelessly but still hadn’t found an opportunity to get closer to Director Hong.
His attention had been on Director Hong the whole time. Not only did he see that Director Hong intended to get Tu Qianqian drunk, but he also got goosebumps from the way Director Hong’s eyes were glued to Tu Qianqian’s fair white thighs.
He felt indignant but helpless. He clenched his fists, turned his head aside, and poured himself a glass of wine, pretending it had nothing to do with him.
In his peripheral vision, Shen Wu was still listlessly huddled in that corner, seemingly engrossed in his phone, exuding an aura that was completely out of place with the decadent surroundings.
Tu Qianqian’s cheeks were already flushed red, her hands trembling slightly as she was about to drink another glass of liquor.
“Qianqian can hold her liquor better than me, hahaha,” Director Hong joked.
Tu Qianqian could only force a laugh.
In the unnoticed corner, Shen Wu suddenly stood up, walked over, snatched the glass, and downed it in one go.
Dead silence.
Director Hong was stunned for a few seconds, his drunken eyes narrowing. “…Who are you?”
Director Hong’s dutiful lackey was the first to stand up and question him aggressively, “What are you doing!?”
Shen Wu nonchalantly stuffed his hands in his pockets, lazily looking down at him. “Thirsty.”
“Shen Wu! Did that one trending topic go to your head!?” the lackey roared, glaring.
Director Hong raised an eyebrow, not taking it to heart, and pushed his own glass towards Tu Qianqian again.
Shen Wu snatched the glass again. This time, he didn’t even bother to pretend, directly pouring the liquor onto the floor and saying in a deep voice, “She’s already drunk.”
Director Hong finally fixed his gaze on him.
The lackey, acting as Director Hong’s spokesperson, rushed over. “Shen Wu! I don’t think you have any idea what the entertainment industry is like. The one thing we’re not short of here is good-looking people. No matter how successful you are in the racing world, once you enter the entertainment industry, you’re nothing…”
Director Hong ordered coldly, “Get him out.”
The lackey received his order and immediately went to grab Shen Wu’s arm.
Shen Wu easily dodged him.
The lackey was relentless and tried again.
This time, Shen Wu didn’t dodge or evade, letting him reach out. But he took him by surprise, twisting his arm back. In an instant, the tables were turned.
“Ahhh, it hurts!!!”
This lackey had also had too much to drink and immediately started shouting without any regard for his image.
With a pull and a push from Shen Wu, the blustering lackey staggered backward. His flailing hands knocked over several wine glasses. After a series of clattering sounds, he coincidentally fell onto Director Hong.
Director Hong could no longer suppress his anger. “Your name is Shen Wu?”
…

Shen Ping had been busy at the company all day. In the evening, he took some time to go to Star Entertainment to review the last quarter’s financial statements.
It was already eight o’clock at night when he came out of the office. Many employees were still working overtime, making do with instant noodles for dinner in the office, chatting as they ate.
Nie Bo was passing by with a stack of files when a curious employee called out to him, “Hey, Nie-ge, did you get the third male lead role in Director Hong’s drama?”
Nie Bo sighed and complained, “Not yet. I had Xiao Zhou go try in person. That kid is just too laid-back and introverted. Luckily, Xiao Shen was willing to go with him.”
Shen Ping paused in his tracks.
“What did you say?”
A layer of frost seemed to form on the man’s transparent glasses. Nie Bo shivered for no reason. “President Shen, you’re here?”
Shen Ping rarely came to Star Entertainment. Most employees had only seen his photo. Coming face to face with him so unexpectedly, they were both flattered and startled.
Shen Ping didn’t answer, instead asking, “You’re making your artists attend drinking parties?”
“No, no, of course not.” Although it was common for artists to attend such parties in the industry, Nie Bo really didn’t mean it that way. “I just wanted them to meet Director Hong and get their faces known.”
Seeing Shen Ping’s displeased expression, Nie Bo swallowed hard and continued to explain, “…Well, Director Hong’s reputation isn’t the best, but he’s not interested in men. It’s really just a simple meal, a few drinks, just for fun.”
Letting Shen Wu experience the darkness and endure the hardships firsthand—this was precisely Shen Ping’s dark, hidden thought.
That was why he had truly not said a word and let Shen Wu enter Star Entertainment as an ordinary person with no background.
The company was legitimate, and Shen Wu was a guy. No matter what, he wouldn’t encounter anything too terrible. It was just to let a person with a young master’s temperament experience real life.
In the current situation, he should be happy.
But his chest felt like it was being crushed by something heavy, and he couldn’t catch his breath.
The car drove aimlessly through the night.
After driving in circles, it finally stopped in front of Shengshi KTV.
Shengshi KTV was one of the most high-end KTVs in the capital city. A line of luxury cars was parked at the entrance. As Shen Ping closed his car door, he casually glanced over and suddenly froze.
He saw a rather familiar black Bentley with a familiar consecutive-numbered capital city license plate.
A low-key color, yet it still stood out among the crowd of luxury cars.
…Is that Meng Huaizhi’s car?