When the post claiming that Xu Jingzhe was being used as a shield first appeared in the We’re Not Buying thread, Zhang Man had Zhu Xiaoxiao keep an eye on it. The tone of the post sounded too much like an industry insider. Furthermore, things ended up playing out exactly as the original poster had said. Liang Yu’s family issues were exposed a short while later.

There was still a significant gap between how agents view these things and how industry outsiders view these things. For example, Zhang Man and Yang Jierui could tell from this shift in sentiment that someone on the inside definitely knew about the contract relationship. That was the only reason why they dared to say such a thing.

“What have you found after investigating?” Zhang Man was now receiving four or five calls a day from Yang Jierui. It was almost as if they were the ones who were mutually dependent on each other, worrying about their bosses day after day. “This matter can’t possibly be made public, so hurry up and deal with any internal gossip. Ah, don’t actually cut any tongues out though. You don’t even need to issue a statement, so why is this so complicated for you?”

This issue wasn’t actually that big of a deal. There was no physical proof of the contract, and, if there’s no proof, its impact would be limited. Yang Jierui had only been as worried as he was because he knew the contract did exist. If the two of them ended up severing their contract relationship after three years, it would be difficult to shake off rumors like these.

Zhang Man was the opposite. She hoped Yang Jierui would hurry up and deal with it because she knew that any proof was already gone. She didn’t want speculation about their relationship to be brought up again and again. Otherwise, people would always wonder if Xu Jingzhe and Liang Yu were just putting on an act, and that could impact Xu Jingzhe’s career as an artist.

In any case, the two agents shared the same goal, and they would never let any potential threat to their artist go unchecked.

Additionally, Tang Mian and Yang Jierui signed a twenty year management contract. To put it bluntly, Tang Mian’s ability to become famous and the longevity of that fame were both closely tied to Yang Jierui and Liang Yu’s company, so Yang Jierui didn’t need to guard against him. They were all on the same boat. Asking him directly was a lot more efficient than beating around the bush.

Tang Mian was a lot smarter in handling this issue than Yang Jierui. Whether he wanted to clear his name or just show his loyalty so as to avoid being sidelined by Yang Jierui and Liangyu, his approach was much more skillful than Yang Jierui’s direct method of attack. Tang Mian didn’t confront anyone directly. Instead, he simply spent some time gossiping with two fellow trainees during their usual dance practice.

The three of them had heard about Liang Yu and Xu Jingzhe’s business agreement together. The entertainment industry had been in turmoil these past few days, all discussions revolving around Liang Yu and Xu Jingzhe. Almost any gossip would eventually circle back to these two.

One of the trainees brought the topic back up again, saying that Xu Jingzhe was used as a shield by Liang Yu. He even pretended to be indignant on Xu Jingzhe’s behalf. Tang Mian faked a smile and said, “Well, I’ve actually had some suspicions about them for a while.”

The trainee thought that this was some new piece of gossip and followed up, asking, “Suspicions about what?”

Tang Mian: “I suspect that we might’ve been tricked. The ‘business agreement’ we heard about might not have been referring to their relationship at all.”

The trainee was stunned for a moment. Tang Mian seemed so confident, causing him to waver. “But we overheard it together. What other explanation could there be?”

Seeing that he took the bait, Tang Mian switched tactics. He really knew how to sell a story, putting on an air of reluctance. “Think about it. They’ve been dating for so many years. Who would have known if it hadn’t been exposed? There are tons of celebrities that date, and, once the relationship is exposed, isn’t capitalizing on it part of the business? In the entertainment industry, this is all considered business as usual. Mr. Xu must have known about Mr. Liang’s family issues beforehand. Otherwise, why would he have helped him out so much? Now they’re saying he was used as a shield.” He sighed and cast the trainee a meaningful look. “You should be careful. Don’t get caught saying anything you’re not supposed to. After all, you haven’t debuted yet.”

The trainee: “…”

“Oh, one more thing.” Tang Mian stood up, stretching his neck and back. Seemingly having remembered something, he turned his head and said, smiling, “I sat next to them at the Starlight Awards. When I went to say hello, Mr. Liang almost bit my head off for looking at Mr. Xu for too long. It was kind of scary to be honest.”

He blinked innocently, “Those two really have such a good relationship. As for the people talking behind their backs, I feel like they’ll probably get what’s coming to them. Tsk, I’d hate to be them when the time comes.”

When the post about Xu Jingzhe being used as a shield finally disappeared from the We’re Not Buying thread, Zhu Xiaoxiao was actually a little surprised. She scrolled up and down several times to confirm that the industry insider was indeed gone. They even went so far as to delete every single one of their posts from the thread, leaving some replies completely without context.

Zhang Man had been mopping the floor, but she stopped after hearing that the post was gone. She immediately made herself a cup of coffee and asked Zhu Xiaoxiao to give the mop to the cleaning lady.

“The rat finally managed to get it done.” She let out a huge sigh of relief and complimented Zhu Xiaoxiao. “You did well. It’s a good thing you caught it before the rumor mill took off. I was really worried that things were going to pile up and make the situation worse. You know, I’m starting to see why those public relations fees are so high. One thing piles on top of another. I have to give those anti-fans credit for being able to think up the stuff that they do.”

Zhu Xiaoxiao really wanted to say that the same logic could apply to the sex scandal that started this whole thing, but, after thinking about it, she decided to drop it. Maybe it was hard to see clearly from inside the situation. Zhang Man could be considered clear-headed. Just look at Yang Jierui. He was probably still recovering from having his entire worldview shaken.

Yang Jierui sat in the office with Xiao Luo right across from him. Compared to Yang Jierui, Xiao Luo looked bright and well-rested. With their biggest problem now out of the way, the sisters and their mother were eating well and sleeping well. Aside from Liang Yu, the entire family gained an average of two kilograms, clearly well-nourished.

After watching Yang Jierui for a while, Xiao Luo couldn’t help but comfort him, “Forget it, Agent Yang. Matters of the heart are beyond you. Focus on your career instead, okay?”

Yang Jierui let out a deep sigh. “I haven’t exactly done well in my career either.”

Xiao Luo: “That’s okay too. My brother’s capable enough to take care of a freeloader.”

Yang Jierui: “…” He was unresigned. “Why didn’t he just tell me? It’s not like I’d object!”

“You might not object, but you’re not supportive either.” Xiao Luo knew him pretty well. “Liang Yu’s smart enough to see how you reacted towards his previous relationships. You were always on high alert to make sure they didn’t try to leech off of him. My brother might lose his head a bit when he falls in love, but you’re not much better. He didn’t want you to make things difficult for Mr. Xu, especially since he’d finally found someone who checked all the boxes for him. What’ll he do if you drive him away?”

“…” Yang Jierui protested, “I might have the guts to drive the others away, but I’d have to think twice with Mr. Xu. He’s got Zhang Man on his side. Just what do you think I’d be able to get away with?”

Upon mentioning Zhang Man, Yang Jierui suddenly realized something and asked, vigilant, “She already knew?!”

Xiao Luo pinched her fingers together and said, “She found out just a little bit earlier than you did. Don’t be too upset.”

Yang Jierui wanted to cry. He thought it over for a while, constantly worried that Liang Yu might still be angry with him. While it didn’t seem like Liang Yu would take action against him for now, it still felt like he had a guillotine hanging over his neck. He figured he might as well resign, find a new agent for Liang Yu, and head back to his hometown for another job.

It wasn’t difficult for Xiao Luo to see what he was thinking. Although she sometimes felt that Yang Jierui was useless and needed a reality check, he still deserved a lot of credit for helping Liang Yu catch Director Qiao’s attention in the first place. Back then, Liang Yu had nothing, yet Yang Jierui was still willing to stick by him through thick and thin. Her brother valued loyalty and was the best man in the world. As long as Yang Jierui didn’t betray him, Liang Yu would make sure to look after him as thanks, even if he was a little hopeless.

“Anyway, my brother has actually considered Tang Mian’s development.” Liang Luo was now taking care of some of the managerial work. Like Liang Yu, she had no prejudice against artists who could bring in money, especially ones like Tang Mian. “Once his group endorsements wrap up, leave the fashion scene to me.”

The fashion circle was one of Liang Yu’s strongest assets. No one else in the industry could match him in terms of connections and resources. Yang Jierui, even after having been his agent for so many years, had only seen the surface of it. Most of the important connections were held firmly in the hands of the two siblings themselves.

Yang Jierui had nothing to say to that, so he could only ask, “What about other areas?”

Xiao Luo smiled. She had matured a lot during this time. It was fair to say that, previously, Liang Yu was so capable that there was nothing left for her to do. Now that her brother wanted to focus on his love life, it was her turn to step up and contribute.

“My brother says that depends on him. If he wants to be a singer, we can arrange resources for him to release singles and hold concerts. If he wants to act, that’s fine too,” Xiao Luo said confidently. “It’s not that we can’t borrow any favors from Mr. Xu, but he needs to put in the effort. He should take some acting lessons first to improve his skills, and, if there are any good scripts, he can audition. Once he lands the role, it’s his, and we’ll help negotiate the appearance fee.”

Xu Jingzhe was a little surprised to know that Liang Luo said this when he learned of it later. He asked Liang Yu, “Tang Mian’s already debuted, right? I remember he already has twenty million followers. With that kind of popularity, there should be plenty of leading roles looking for him. Why are you having him take acting lessons?”

Liang Yu glanced at him. Today, the two of them were finally going out together after all the recent drama, and Liang Yu, almost as if he were afraid people wouldn’t know, was driving a Hellcat. He revved the engines by the villa gates where the paparazzi were still camped out, the sound sharp and piercing.

They hadn’t even bothered to be low-key when the relationship was fake, much less now that their relationship was real.

“The acting classes are just to make him look good to the public,” Liang Yu said casually. “The kid’s smart. He knows what to do.”

Xu Jingzhe thought about it and found himself agreeing. Yang Jierui’s professional capabilities might not be all that great, but his luck was extraordinary. All the main artists under him were hardworking and low-maintenance. Sometimes, they were even more reliable than he was.

“He started working with me when I had nothing. Back then, he wasn’t the big shot agent that he is now. He had to fight to get me the opportunity with Director Qiao. He’s had to kneel, he’s had to grovel, he’s even had to drink himself sick all for my sake.” Liang Yu paused. He glanced over at Xu Jingzhe and said, smiling, “Looking at it this way, I guess I’m pretty lucky too. All the people I’ve met since leaving that place were good. He was lucky too. It’s thanks to helping me out that he can live as comfortably as he does now.”

Xu Jingzhe remarked, “He could probably retire early at this rate.”

Liang Yu snorted and said stingily, “Let’s not go too far. He still has to do what he’s supposed to do. There’s no such thing as too much money.”

The restaurant they were headed to was located within the inner ring. Liang Yu didn’t bother to shake off the cars following behind them. The paparazzi definitely wouldn’t be able to get inside, but they’d be able to at least snap a few photos at the door.

Liang Yu got out of the car first and made a show of circling around to the passenger side and opening the door for Xu Jingzhe. Neither of them tried to be subtle. They were dressed exactly how one would expect of celebrities. Xu Jingzhe was wearing a hat, but it was more decorative than anything else. They both looked wonderful in front of the cameras.

Standing by the car door, the two seemed to exchange a few words, and Xu Jingzhe suddenly laughed. Liang Yu looked down at him for a while before leaning over and kissing his brow. He then handed the key to the valet. Before heading inside, he swept his eyes over the paparazzi and pointed at them.

Xu Jingzhe laughed and asked, “What are you doing?”

Liang Yu shamelessly replied, “Warning them to make sure the photos turn out good.”

Director Qiao was already in the private room. He was alone, not having brought anyone with him. This restaurant specialized in authentic Huaiyang cuisine. There was a beautiful woman with a pipa inside the room, performing songs from the other side of an indoor brook.

Director Qiao really liked this kind of atmosphere. He had a pair of chopsticks in his hands, bobbing his head with the music. Upon seeing Liang Yu, he making a flowery gesture and sang, “My boy—”

Liang Yu helped Xu Jingzhe into his seat, a disgusted look on his face. “Speak properly.”

Director Qiao chuckled. He then turned his gaze toward Xu Jingzhe and continued, unfiltered, “So this is my daughter-in-law?”

Xu Jingzhe kept a polite smile. He extended his hand and corrected, “Haha, my father-in-law is so funny. I’m your son-in-law.”

Director Qiao: “…”

The Author Has Something To Say:

Xu Jingzhe might be the bottom, but he’s always maintained that he’s Liang Yu’s husband.

Also, considering the length of this novel, I probably won’t be able to add any side couples, no need to worry about that anymore.

Although everyone’s been happily eating up the interactions between Mr. Liang and Mr. Xu, the main storyline still needs to be followed. The term “shield” was already brought up earlier in the forums. This definitely had to be handled. No matter how laid-back an agent might be, they can’t just let posts with supposed insider information slide and cause trouble.

Zhang Man mops floors to relieve stress. Don’t ask how many mops she’s broken. If you ask, you’ll have to go out and buy her one.