{"id":7908,"date":"2026-04-08T09:03:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T07:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=7908"},"modified":"2026-04-08T09:03:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T07:03:30","slug":"a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-31","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/04\/08\/a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-31\/","title":{"rendered":"A Love-Struck Brain Is Nothing In The Face Of Melodrama &#8211; Chapter 31"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing\u2019s grief and anger were not unfounded.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">His family wasn\u2019t poor, but they were just an average household\u2014with a home they lived in and a storefront they owned.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">They had some savings, but not much. Covering his down payment had already emptied about half of their family\u2019s savings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The wealthiest person he had ever seen was his aunt, who drove around in a Mercedes worth over 600,000 yuan.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">So when Ye Wangxing finished with the wedding preparations and actually took over a few million in liquid assets a few days ago\u2014assets from the Ye Group, which, even after the split, was still valued at over a billion\u2014his hands trembled a bit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>So much money.jpg<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">At first, Ye Wangxing thought about fulfilling his childhood dream\u2014buying items at full price on Pinduoduo without joining a group buy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But he soon realized something was off.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Why did he, as the CEO, have to worry about the company having no business?<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Wasn\u2019t his role basically the same as a salesperson?<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">No, wait, even if a salesperson didn\u2019t make sales, they still got a base salary.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing thought about this after three sleepless days buried in documents.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But he didn\u2019t even dare to stop\u2014after all, the company supported thousands of employees, and now he truly understood why any leader with a conscience sighed every time they saw unemployment numbers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He also wanted to sigh\u2014so many people! What if the company\u2019s performance declined? What would happen to them?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Fortunately, 19 was as reliable as ever. He returned to the company that same night and installed a business management module. With the help of the company\u2019s original management team, things were still rough, but at least Ye Wangxing no longer had to stay up all night, waking 19 up just to suffer with him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It was the first time 19 realized that even a biological body needed proper sleep: \u201c\u2026Well, can\u2019t be helped.jpg\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Later, 19 used his connection to the Qin family to reach out to some Middle Eastern businessmen who happened to need affordable building materials.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">As everyone knew: &#8220;With just a piece of cloth on the head, I\u2019m the richest man on earth.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But after 19 brought the clients to City A, the translator Ye Wangxing originally hired ran off. Just as he was considering whether to have 19 step in, the story\u2019s protagonist (shou) unexpectedly showed up\u2014looking delicate and helpless\u2014and practically fell into Ye Wangxing\u2019s hands. Naturally, Ye Wangxing wouldn\u2019t miss such a great opportunity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Knowing the protagonist\u2019s weakness, Ye Wangxing immediately used a \u201crequest\u201d attack.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It was super effective.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The protagonist (shou) agreed without hesitation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">After 19 discovered that the protagonist had ditched the protagonist (gong), Ye Wangxing felt like it was a double blessing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">However, Ye Wangxing was still puzzled\u2014why did An Yang stop caring about Xu Feng? Could it be that his lovesick brain was finally salvageable?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Thinking this, Ye Wangxing\u2019s eyes lit up. But when he asked An Yang, An Yang shyly said: \u201cActually, my husband happened to be out gathering with friends. It usually runs late, so I had some free time.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He said it very naturally\u2014as if it were no big deal\u2014if 19 hadn\u2019t told Ye Wangxing that Xu Feng was currently on a date with Yun Cheng, Ye Wangxing might\u2019ve believed it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">What made things worse was that An Yang knew Xu Feng was on a date with Yun Cheng but still acted like it was completely normal.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing felt a heart attack coming on.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">[Is the protagonist\u2019s brain really beyond saving?] Ye Wangxing clutched his chest and asked 19.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">With the protagonist\u2019s current mindset, he seriously worried whether the mission could be completed smoothly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">19 stayed silent.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Because at this point, even he couldn\u2019t sneak a therapist into the protagonist\u2019s life without being caught by the destiny timeline.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">[Alright, don\u2019t say it.] From 19\u2019s silence, Ye Wangxing understood something and massaged his temples in pain.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">His brain started playing background music on its own.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Three hundred and sixty-five miles, across spring, summer, fall, and winter~\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing felt like he was the monk Tang Sanzang on a pilgrimage, and getting the protagonist away from the gong was a long, difficult road ahead.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">And even more painful than dealing with the protagonist\u2019s brain was the fact that Ye Wangxing still had to keep working.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Things like documents, contracts, and back-and-forths with clients.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Luckily, the client was a genuinely wealthy one, from a country without war, so the difficulty was reduced. But they weren\u2019t foolish rich people either.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">After multiple rounds of negotiation, he finally closed the deal.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But it wasn\u2019t over\u2014after signing a deal, you had to take the client out for a meal, right? Even if the client declined, the project team still deserved a celebration, and as the highest-ranking person present, he had to foot the bill.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">A competent assistant could\u2019ve handled these arrangements\u2014but Ye Wangxing had been so busy with the mission since entering the small world that he completely forgot to hire one.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">So, after finally sending everyone home, Ye Wangxing dragged his exhausted, drunken body into the Qin family\u2019s car.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He immediately collapsed into a broad chest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing knew it was 19, but his drunk and aching head made him shake it instinctively to ease the pain.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">To the assistant who also came to pick him up, it looked like President Ye rubbed against Chairman Qin and even whined coquettishly: &#8220;My head hurts\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Chairman Qin, holding Ye tightly to prevent him from slipping, accidentally gripped a rather suggestive spot.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The suit pants were visibly wrinkled from his grip.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The assistant, who had forgotten to raise the privacy screen: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221; Am I going to be silenced by Chairman Qin?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Luckily, a glare from Chairman Qin made him tremble and raise the screen at once.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Once the burning gaze disappeared, the assistant let out a long breath.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Close call. Lived another day.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">19, who merely noticed someone staring: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;What is wrong with this human?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But he quickly ignored the assistant\u2019s thoughts and focused on adjusting his host\u2019s posture.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">If the arm stayed there, it would get strained. If the leg remained curled, it\u2019d go numb before they arrived. And the head couldn\u2019t rest at that angle\u2014it\u2019d cause a stiff neck\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">19 carefully adjusted Ye Wangxing\u2019s posture, and Ye obediently let himself be positioned like a ragdoll.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Humans sometimes trusted intelligent systems more than they trusted people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">[Host, please don\u2019t drink this much. It will damage your nervous system.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Once Ye\u2019s posture was set, 19 gently used bioelectricity to soothe his headache while speaking in his mind.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">[I can help you with all of this. You don\u2019t need to exhaust yourself.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">19 promised.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing felt a bit better. Eyes still closed, he basked in the bioelectricity on the back of his head and said seriously:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">[19, we\u2019re partners. I can\u2019t just let you handle everything alone.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He opened his eyes and looked at 19, raising his chin proudly: [Besides, when it comes to human relationships, I\u2019ve got more experience.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">19, who didn\u2019t understand human social dynamics and only knew how to manipulate people like his last host: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;No rebuttal.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He still didn\u2019t understand why Su Qing from the last world broke up with Zhou Mu.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Now feeling better, Ye Wangxing sat up and looked 19 in the eyes, saying seriously: [And 19, never say that to any other host. What if you meet a bad one who makes you do everything, and blames you when it goes wrong? That\u2019d be too sad.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The worry in Ye\u2019s eyes was unmistakable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He had learned about 19\u2019s past through 17 back in the system company. He wasn\u2019t worried about 19\u2019s abilities\u2014but after hearing what 19 said today, he genuinely feared someone would exploit him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">How could someone just offer that kind of help so casually? A system like that would be squeezed dry!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing: My powerful and capable, but overly sincere system partner.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">19\u2026 19 could only nod at his host\u2019s worried gaze, though his mood sank a little.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Does my host think I\u2019m too meddlesome?\u2019 19 reflected.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing was satisfied\u2014then immediately leaned his head toward 19\u2019s hand again, pitifully looking up.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">[19, headache. Please~]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Good. My host doesn\u2019t think so.\u2019 19 sighed in relief and pressed his hand gently on the back of Ye\u2019s head.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye Wangxing: <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Enjoyment.jpg<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">While Ye was enjoying himself, Xu Feng was about to explode.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Because it was past 10 p.m., and An Yang still hadn\u2019t come home.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Encouraged by Yun Cheng earlier, Xu Feng decided to be a good husband for once and waited at home. He thought An Yang was just sulking and would never actually stay out overnight.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">And then he saw An Yang being carried home by a handsome young man\u2014drunk, giggling, and holding a gift bag.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Are you Teacher An brother? He drank a bit too much today and came back late, sorry about that,\u201d said the young man kindly while holding An Yang, who was slipping again.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He closed the door in one swift motion.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">And in the next second, he roared: \u201cAN! YANG! Where the hell were you partying?!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang woke up from a blissful sleep, not even knowing where he was at first. He just knew he hadn\u2019t slept that well in ages.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Only when he saw the gift bag on the bedside table did the memories return\u2014oh right, yesterday he went with President Ye Wangxing to Ye Group.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It looked way more impressive than Shixing. No wonder Ye Wangxing didn\u2019t like Shixing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Although many offices were empty, An Yang didn\u2019t think much of it. He went straight to the conference room and was warmly welcomed by the whole project team.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Especially when they found out he was the emergency translator\u2014they were overjoyed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It was the first time An Yang had ever been the center of so much attention, and he was a bit flustered.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Luckily, his prep at noon ensured he didn\u2019t mess up.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He was nervous when the clients arrived, but he quickly found his rhythm.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">After all, their tone wasn\u2019t nearly as harsh as Xu Feng\u2019s scoldings. He handled the pressure and followed the plan.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even when the contract was finalized, An Yang couldn\u2019t believe he had helped President Ye seal the deal so easily.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The two Middle Eastern clients even praised him before leaving.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">You are a very professional translator. If possible, I want to add your contact information.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang, still in a daze, added the contact information of the two Middle Eastern clients. When he realized what he had done, his face was flushed red, and it stayed that way until the evening dinner.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It was the first time An Yang had received such praise, and it was for his work, which made him very surprised. For the first time, he realized that he was worthy of such compliments.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Tears sparkled in his eyes, and he felt grateful toward his parents who had left him with tutors when he was young.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">If it hadn\u2019t been for them, he definitely wouldn\u2019t have developed an interest in learning languages.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Of course, he was most grateful to CEO Ye, for if it weren\u2019t for <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">CEO <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ye giving him a platform, he would never have known that he could become the kind of person he had envied most on TV.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Later, they celebrated with the project team until evening. He drank a little, got somewhat tipsy, but CEO Ye protected him the whole time, ensuring that the inexperienced An Yang didn\u2019t feel any discomfort.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">CEO Ye even prepared gifts for all the project team members when it was time to leave.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang looked at the gifts with a silly smile. Since it was late, CEO Ye also arranged for someone to escort them home.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">When An Yang thought about this, he finally realized that he hadn\u2019t just stayed out until after ten the night before\u2014he had also come home drunk!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He had even neglected Xu Feng on his way back, just like those scumbag husbands in dramas!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He widened his eyes in panic and quickly checked the time on his phone.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It was already 9 a.m.! The company\u2019s clock-in time was 9, and he was late!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Oh no, oh no,\u201d An Yang muttered, his expression panicking. Not only had he missed clocking in, but Xu Feng had probably already arrived at the office, and he wouldn\u2019t even have a chance to explain!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He hurriedly put on his clothes, ready to open the door and rush to the company.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">However, when he opened the door, he found that Xu Feng hadn\u2019t gone to the company but was sitting on the sofa, fuming.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Beside him, Zhang, Xu Feng\u2019s agent, looked flustered, trying to persuade Xu Feng to go to work.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ancestor, the staff are already at the office waiting for us. Why are you staying here waiting for An Yang? Can\u2019t I just call him now? Must you wait for him to wake up naturally?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Assistant Zhang saw that Xu Feng looked like he was about to cry. But Xu Feng, sitting stubbornly on the sofa, turned his head to the side and didn\u2019t look at Zhang at all.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhang moved to the left, Xu Feng turned right, Assistant Zhang moved right, Xu Feng turned left. Watching this back-and-forth, a sudden thought popped into An Yang\u2019s panicked mind.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>Maybe he could buy a small stone grinder for home. At least he could make hand-ground soy milk, which Xu Feng liked, all by himself.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">It turned out that when people were extremely panicked, random thoughts like this could make them laugh uncontrollably.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang quickly shook his head, pushed the thought out of his mind, and forced a smile as he approached Xu Feng.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Seeing An Yang, Xu Feng finally spoke in a sarcastic tone. \u201cOh, our busy man finally woke up. I wonder who you went team-building with last night that made you come back at ten. I didn\u2019t see anything in the company group about your assistant team-building.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng finally spoke, and Assistant Zhang jumped up immediately.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yes, yes, An Yang, quickly explain to your husband where you went last night! He called me in the middle of the night, I was so worried about you.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng wanted to say that he hadn\u2019t called Zhang in the middle of the night, but seeing Zhang\u2019s exaggerated expressions, he remained silent.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Due to the angle, An Yang also saw Zhang\u2019s expressive gestures toward Xu Feng but didn\u2019t expose him, feeling a bit sweet inside.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng still cared for him, otherwise, he wouldn\u2019t have accepted it so easily.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>He cares about me.jpg.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang immediately clung to Xu Feng\u2019s side but didn\u2019t touch him without permission. He just leaned on the edge of the sofa, looking at Xu Feng with sticky, pleading eyes, and explained.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng, last night I actually went to negotiate a deal with CEO Ye, and also attended a gathering with colleagues from Ye\u2019s group. We had so much fun that I drank and came home late with them.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng raised an eyebrow and asked: &#8220;Just you?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Before An Yang could prove his words, Xu Feng waved his hand.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">With your measly salary, I wouldn\u2019t even care. You drank too much last night and ignored me? Or is this what you meant by taking good care of me?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng raised an eyebrow, and An Yang immediately showed a repentant expression.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">How could he do this? Xu Feng should have been cherished by him. How could he ignore him?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang panicked, wanting to kneel for forgiveness. Seeing the earnest fear on An Yang\u2019s face, Xu Feng finally made a reluctant expression and said:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">This doesn\u2019t count. If I catch this happening again, even grandpa won\u2019t stop me from divorcing you.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Those words immediately made An Yang\u2019s pupils contract. Panic swept over him like a tidal wave, he felt as if he had fallen into water, and the suffocating sensation through his nose rendered him speechless.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Until a voice, like celestial music, rang out: \u201cRemember? Don\u2019t do that next time. Now calm down.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Hearing this, An Yang finally gasped for air as if he had been granted a great pardon, looking at Xu Feng with eyes full of awe, as if seeing a savior.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng didn\u2019t know whether there was something wrong with An Yang, he only knew that this approach made An Yang obedient, and he instinctively acted this way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">However, seeing how thoroughly frightened An Yang was this time, he unusually softened his tone and said: \u201cI\u2019m not against you going out, I\u2019m just afraid that something might happen to you. The entertainment industry is so chaotic, and workplaces aren\u2019t much better. If something happens, I won\u2019t even be able to explain it to my grandfather.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang wiped his tears, got up from the floor, nodded, and quietly said: \u201cI understand. I definitely won\u2019t do it again.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Assistant Zhang, who had witnessed this scene dozens of times, looked away with numbness, unwilling to look at the pitiful An Yang. He turned to Xu Feng and asked: \u201cAncestor, have things been handled? Can we go to the company now?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng nodded, and Zhang excitedly grabbed his phone and keys to take Xu Feng downstairs, while An Yang prepared to take the bus to the company.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">At that moment, Xu Feng, who normally didn\u2019t care how An Yang got to work, turned to him and said: \u201cIt\u2019s already late for you to go to the company. I\u2019ll give you a ride today.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang stiffened, as if he had heard something unbelievable. It wasn\u2019t until he got into Xu Feng\u2019s car that he recovered, his eyes shining even brighter.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">I\u2019m just being kind this time. Don\u2019t think you can use this to get my attention in the future. When we reach the intersection near the company, you get out. You must not be seen, understand?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng didn\u2019t even look at An Yang as he said it casually.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang nodded eagerly, treasuring the moment, his eyes full of affection.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Assistant Zhang, sitting in the front as the driver, sighed while looking at An Yang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Actually, Zhang and An Yang got along well, but he never thought An Yang being with Xu Feng was a good thing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">To be honest, Xu Feng was arrogant, narcissistic, and childish, still playing the \u201cstand-in\u201d game, and constantly PUA-ing An Yang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">(PUA-ing &#8211; &#8220;to be brainwashed&#8221; or &#8220;to be deceived&#8221; through techniques like gaslighting and emotional control, often used in relationships, work, or even self-manipulation.) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But An Yang, from a troubled family background, actually fell for it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Originally, Zhang thought Xu Feng would eventually end up with Yun Cheng, and An Yang would forget after crying a bit. But unexpectedly, Xu Feng\u2019s grandfather, for some reason, favored An Yang and even had them marry.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Just thinking about An Yang\u2019s situation made Zhang shiver\u2014it was like being surrounded by enemies on all sides.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Yet An Yang enjoyed it, and Assistant Zhang couldn\u2019t even imagine what kind of environment this child had grown up in.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Even Xu Feng\u2019s unkind emotions were like lifelines for An Yang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Unfortunately, he wasn\u2019t a novel\u2019s male protagonist and couldn\u2019t carry An Yang\u2019s life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Adults could only remind him occasionally, if he couldn\u2019t handle things himself, no one else could help. It now depended on An Yang\u2019s luck, whether he could escape this huge net.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhang sighed, dropped An Yang off five minutes from the company, then speed Xu Feng into work at a sprinting pace.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">After they finished their dizzying tasks and apologized to the crew for today\u2019s shoot, Zhang wiped his sweat and sat down to rest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But after the shoot, when Xu Feng removed his makeup, he suddenly acted up again, demanding Zhang to find An Yang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang isn\u2019t good-looking, has no outstanding education\u2014at most a regular university graduate, and he\u2019s clumsy. Yet CEO Ye sent him for a business deal. Could he have been tricked? Zhang, call him over, I want to ask.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Xu Feng leaned on his chair as he said this.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhang had no energy to argue. Caring is fine, but why insult him at the same time? When he praised Yun Cheng, it was effortless.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He had no choice but to hurry to the assistant department.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">When he arrived, he heard someone sarcastically say: \u201cSome people quietly cling to big shots. No wonder\u2014they managed to secure a deal just by delivering files to the CEO\u2019s office.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">But if they\u2019ve already latched on, why are they still here? Wouldn\u2019t switching companies be better? It would save company resources.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Assistant Zhang immediately recognized that they were referring to An Yang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang had just been provoked by Xu Feng that morning, and now he faced bullying from colleagues. Zhang worried that something serious might happen.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He hurriedly pushed open the assistant department door, ready to call An Yang out, when a confused voice asked: \u201cHuh? Which celebrity in our company is switching jobs?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Silence.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Zhang watched as the two assistants who had been gossiping blushed visibly and then turned green.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">They had just been caught red-handed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">An Yang still looked bewildered, almost saying: &#8220;Huh?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Seeing the assistants\u2019 composure breaking, Zhang quickly sent a message to Xu Feng: \u201cAn Yang is being bullied.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">He then stepped forward, ready to shield An Yang.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">At that moment, a voice rang out: \u201cWho is An Yang?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Accompanied by hurried footsteps, the rarely-seen vice president of the assistant department pushed open the door, frowning as she asked inside.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Ah, I am\u2026\u201d An Yang slowly raised his hand, feeling lost.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The vice president, unconcerned about rumors\u2014like whether she was dating a younger man\u2014stepped forward, grabbed An Yang\u2019s hand, and started walking out.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Come with me quickly! CEO Ye got into a fight over you with <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">young master<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"> Qin!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Everyone: \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">While everyone was still bewildered, the vice president had already carried An Yang into the elevator. Zhang realized it too late\u2014the doors had closed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Someone slowly realized and whispered: &#8220;Is the <\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">young master<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"> Qin the one I\u2019m thinking of?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">Could our company possibly have another artist with the surname Qin?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">The room fell silent again. After a long pause, someone finally asked,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\">So what deal did An Yang go to negotiate yesterday?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span lang=\"en-US\"><i>A deal that could make the prince and the queen argue?<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=25191841\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"51\" class=\"wp-image-338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/become_a_patron_button.png?resize=217%2C51\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 217px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 217\/51;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lajnaa\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/kofi3-3.png?resize=185%2C47\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kofi3-3.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"47\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 185px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 185\/47;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ye Wangxing\u2019s grief and anger were not unfounded. His family wasn\u2019t poor, but they were just an average household\u2014with a home they lived in and a storefront they owned. They had some savings, but not much. Covering his down payment had already emptied about half of their family\u2019s savings. The wealthiest person he had ever [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7908","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250409131120_300_420.jpeg?fit=300%2C420&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7908","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7908"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7908\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7909,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7908\/revisions\/7909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7908"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7908"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7908"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}