Chapter 38: The Easily Deceived Jiang Shunnian

Released on March 16, 2026

“If you want to go public with your relationship, you must tell me in advance, but my advice is to wait until you’ve won some substantial awards first,” Zhao Yuanzhou reminded him. “If you really want to go on a date with Mr. Fu, try to avoid people as much as possible, and absolutely no intimacy in public. You’re an actor who doesn’t rely on fan economy, but the industry’s investors and directors sometimes consider your personal image. If any bad rumors stick to you, you’ll miss out on a lot of roles.”

He hadn’t known Jiang Shunnian for long, but after spending time together, he truly admired him.

The entertainment industry’s usual restlessness, hype-and-dump culture—it was all absent in Jiang Shunnian. He didn’t exploit his current popularity by taking on a flood of roles or ads to burn himself out. His positioning was crystal clear: be a good actor and advance steadily, step by step.

More importantly, Jiang Shunnian brimmed with a natural aura of talent and a genuine love for acting. In Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes, it was only a matter of time before he blew up and claimed awards.

This was Jiang Shunnian’s rising phase, and his current image was that of a talented young single dad with the pure white moonlight role. If it came out that he was gay—and with a wealthy conglomerate president, no less—the massive contrast would deliver a devastating blow to his reputation.

In this society, the status of a chaebol heir and an actor were never equal.

Moreover, Zhao Yuanzhou didn’t know Fu Yanli well. He had no idea if Fu Yanli saw Jiang Shunnian as a lifelong partner or just a passing novelty.

He didn’t want Jiang Shunnian to stumble because of romance and ruin the career he’d worked so hard to build.

In Zhao Yuanzhou’s ideal world, no public dates—or even romance—at all right now.

Jiang Shunnian bowed his head in some shame upon hearing this, not daring to admit that he’d just been intimate with Fu Yanli in the car.

So yeah, male beauty really does mess with career progress.

From today on, I have to reject male temptation.

Fu Yanli, still savoring the moment on his way back, suddenly sneezed.

Jiang Shunnian was deeply grateful for Zhao Yuanzhou’s reminder. He’d been too naive before, thinking that if they were together, they should be open and aboveboard. He’d forgotten their unequal standing right now.

He’d returned to the entertainment industry at first to build a nest egg for Nono, but he truly loved acting as well.

With that in mind, Jiang Shunnian’s expression gradually firmed up. “Brother Zhao, Mr. Fu and I aren’t together yet. From now on, I’ll focus on my acting career. But if my relationship with Mr. Fu deepens to the point of starting a family—and if I’ve achieved some success by then—I’ll choose to go public.”

Just like Nono’s attachment to family, Jiang Shunnian couldn’t sacrifice love entirely for his career.

But he’d strive to balance the two without letting them clash.

Zhao Yuanzhou nodded. “Good. I trust you have the sense for it.”

With that settled, they turned to work matters.

He pulled out two ad offers for Jiang Shunnian to review. “The body wash ad is locked in—shooting in ten days. I checked your schedule; you’re free that day.”

“Got it. Once the ad concept’s finalized, can you send it to me first? Nono and I can prep ahead.”

“Sure, it should be out in the next couple days. I’ll forward it.” Zhao Yuanzhou pulled out the other offer. “Pei set his people to background-check this brand—solid quality. New foundation with good coverage, lipstick shades aren’t too outlandish, suits most girls.”

Jiang Shunnian took it and glanced over, nodding. “Any samples? I’d like to test it first.”

He didn’t know much about makeup, so for caution’s sake, he’d try it himself.

“Yeah, I’ll have Little Li bring some over later.”

Next came the live stream setup—tentatively scheduled for the evening after tomorrow. Jiang Shunnian would need to push a bit, streaming with Nono after getting home.

That was nothing to Jiang Shunnian—especially since he’d get to see Nono.

After sorting recent work with Zhao Yuanzhou, Jiang Shunnian asked if Pei Qingyi was in. Getting a yes, he went to see him.

“Shunnian, perfect timing. I’m planning to spearhead some film and TV investments. These are scripts I’ve received—take them with your acting experience and see if any are worth backing.” Pei Qingyi pushed a stack of scripts across the desk.

Jiang Shunnian nodded. “Sure, but I’m no pro at scripts. I can only offer reference opinions—the final call’s yours, President Pei.”

Pei Qingyi inclined his head. “Good. How’s filming going lately?”

“Smooth. Director Lin’s exacting, but we’re on schedule.”

“That’s good. I’m picking the best of these for Huazhen artists to join—resources are tight for everyone right now. My failing as boss.”

Jiang Shunnian quickly countered, “President Pei, don’t say that. You’re the best boss I’ve ever seen.”

Pei Qingyi smiled. “No worries. I’ve got other ventures to tide us over for a year or two. I have high hopes for you—go shine soon.”

“I’ll give it my all, President Pei.”

Back home, Jiang Shunnian showered first, then tested the foundation and lipstick.

His makeup skills were average, so he pulled up short videos, following beauty influencers.

This foundation was lightweight with medium coverage—fine for minor blemishes—but on Jiang Shunnian’s flawless cold-toned fair skin, it barely showed. Applying it was practically pointless.

He could only check oxidation and longevity.

In the meantime, he swiped on a rose-pink lipstick and checked the mirror. A man in lipstick looked odd, but not bad—it really brought out his paleness.

Just then, Fu Yanli video-called.

Thinking it was something important, Jiang Shunnian picked up. “Yanli, what’s up?”

But Fu Yanli spotted the difference instantly.

Those freshly painted lips glistened temptingly, begging to be bitten.

Fu Yanli’s throat bobbed. I want to head home and take care of some business.

“You’re wearing lipstick?” Fu Yanli’s voice came out low and husky.

Jiang Shunnian nodded. “I took a foundation and lipstick endorsement—testing them out. Feels weird; I’ll wash it off now.”

“No need.” Fu Yanli said piously, “Got other shades? I can give feedback.”

Jiang Shunnian saw no ulterior motive, just happy for the help. “Sure, hang on—I’ll switch.”

Next was a crimson shade, more maturely sensual than the rose-pink. Jiang Shunnian asked the screen, “Just these two for the endorsement. I think they’re fine. What do you say, Yanli?”

Fu Yanli hummed softly. “Both great. Very pretty.”

“Good.” Jiang Shunnian smiled. “Oh, right—forgot to ask. What’d you call for?”

“Nothing. Work wrapped early—half-hour break. Wanted to call you.” Fu Yanli’s voice was soft and affectionate.

After seeing Lu Qinghe today, he’d recalled the data model from his PhD days, so he’d called him in. Lu Qinghe was socially awkward but eloquent on his expertise—they’d quickly sealed a collaboration.

With his schedule clearing ahead, he’d thought of Jiang Shunnian.

That lingering, passionate kiss in the car.

Jiang Shunnian stiffened, hesitating. “Yanli, I talked with my agent today. In public from now on, let’s avoid being seen together. I need to focus on my career till I make a name—then we can talk, okay?”

Fu Corporation employees signed NDAs on entry—no leaking Fu Yanli info. Plus, he operated high-profile in business, low-key personally, so no photos online. He stayed mysterious.

Netizens often debated “most domineering-looking CEO”—Fu staff lamented they couldn’t nominate their boss for debut.

Today, seeing Fu Yanli with Nono, they’d stayed discreet.

Gossip was no match for job security.

But outsiders snapping pics? Trouble.

Fu Yanli understood the concern. He lowered his gaze, looking fragile and restrained. “Shunnian, I’ll cooperate. Your career’s just starting—I won’t jeopardize it.”

The response only deepened Jiang Shunnian’s guilt. He comforted on instinct, “But at home, it’s fine.”

Fu Yanli’s golden eyes lit subtly, suppressing a triumphant smile. Instead, he said, “Good. You take the lead.”

Maybe tonight, let Shunnian kiss me first.

Jiang Shunnian still didn’t grasp how deep the capitalist’s playbook ran.

At home, he wasn’t idle—flipping through Pei Qingyi’s scripts. One TV drama caught his eye.

Based on true events: a boy from a mountain village escapes to college, but can’t forget his father and roots. He returns as a college village official, working tirelessly day and night to lead his villagers out of poverty.

The writing was rich and sincere, plot deeply moving. Filmed right, it’d hit big—low budget too.

Jiang Shunnian marked it and kept reading.

At noon, he checked the monitors for Nono.

He was lunching with Lu Yunchuan and Atticus—three high-cuteness cubs together, a feast for the eyes.

But Jiang Shunnian was bummed: all in English, sounding advanced. He caught words but got zilch.

What’s with that Lu Yunchuan? English’s just self-taught basics, right? How’s he chatting so fluently with Nono!

The vibe’s like a business summit—serious faces. I can picture them negotiating deals in a decade or two.

Jiang Shunnian felt like a hopeless illiterate. Great, another day outdone by the old above and the young below.

He gave up in resignation: “With Nono the Great King and Lu Yunchuan around, they won’t need me to build the motherland’s future!”

Not understanding? Call in backup. He texted Fu Yanli: seen the monitors? What’s Nono chatting about?

Fu Yanli replied with voice: “U.S. stocks. Atticus knows markets, Lu Yunchuan’s a math genius, Nono studied with me a bit— they’re deep into it.”

Jiang Shunnian: “…” Yup, peak boardroom talk.

Sensing daddy’s watch, Nono glanced at the camera mid-chat, flashing a sweet smile. “Daddy, eat well at home by yourself!”

Jiang Shunnian’s paternal love overflowed. His cub, busy as he is, spares time for his empty-nest old dad!

How can there be such a good, obedient kid in this world!

Jiang Shunnian tapped Nono’s cute face on-screen, feeling recharged. He even ate two extra bites at lunch.

By four p.m., he couldn’t wait—rushed to pick up Nono.

Sunglasses on, slightly long hair whipping in the wind, he looked like a painting come alive.

Nono and Atticus emerged; Nono spotted him instantly.

“Daddy!” Nono pounced happily. Jiang Shunnian scooped him up—like cradling a future tycoon.

Atticus greeted politely. “Hello, Uncle. Good afternoon.”

“Settling in at school okay?” Jiang Shunnian asked.

Nono nodded. “Super adapted, Daddy. Teachers gave the semester plans—we can prep ahead. More if we finish early.”

His beautiful golden eyes shone with thirst for knowledge. “Atticus- ge can teach what I don’t get.”

Jiang Shunnian recalled his own school days, scraping by in culture classes. Pre-learning? Never him.

He smartly dropped it. A kid needing no homework help? I’ll laugh in secret.

Home, Jiang Shunnian cooked, mentioning the stream in two nights. Nono was game.

By Fu Yanli’s return, four dishes and soup waited—house filled with aromas and warmth.

Fu Yanli’s features softened. He naturally pulled Jiang Shunnian into an embrace, pressing a light kiss to his forehead.

Once despised by people and dogs alike, Fu Yanli never imagined that one day he would have a warm family of his own.

—Though they had no official status yet, and still counted as secret lovers.

After dinner, Atticus and Nono headed to the study to do their homework. Fu Yanli couldn’t help worrying, so he popped in every few minutes to check on them. Both kids felt a bit disturbed by it, and in the end, Nono turned to Jiang Shunnian for help: “Daddy, can you make Big Dad stop bothering us?”

Jiang Shunnian had no choice but to drag the fretful old-father figure Fu Yanli back to the bedroom.

The moment they stepped inside, Fu Yanli pulled him into a hug.

The room was unlit, shrouded in thick darkness, perfectly concealing the triumphant smile on Fu Yanli’s face.

“Shunnian,” Fu Yanli whispered lowly, “can you kiss me first?”