Chapter 38: A New Member

Ling Ziheng spent the entire day out of sorts during the recording, his mind constantly replaying that lively, smiling face. He pressed his hand lightly to his forehead, brows faintly furrowed, uncertain how the young girl was settling in—she hadn’t sent a single message. Fortunately, the interview focused on the recent development of television and film, and he handled it with practiced ease, betraying nothing.

The female reporter beside him watched his astonishingly handsome features, noting the restrained crease between his brows. Her heart raced—good heavens, the Best Actor was seated right across from her. She’d waited three years for this exclusive interview, and now, in person, those dark eyes lowered, lips pressed in a slight, indifferent expression that seemed almost enchanting, impossible to look away from.

The live stream’s comment board was awash with fans:

“Ruoyu looks so tired today, my heart aches for him!”
“Poor thing, it must be the hot searches from the past few days stressing him out…”
“Damn those haters (Chu Chuo anti-fans).”
“Protect our Ruoyu, his beauty is unmatched in all the world.”
“Doesn’t everyone think Ruoyu dressed up especially today?”
“Now that you mention it… maybe there’s some promo event coming up?”
And so on.

She glanced at the comment board, marveling at the sheer power of the Feathers girls’ flood of messages, then ventured cautiously, “Mr. Ling, you seem a little tired. If you need more rest, it’s perfectly fine—we’re in no rush,” her face adorned with a considerate smile.

Ling Ziheng lifted his gaze, his tone cool. “Reporter Li, you’re very kind. Let’s proceed.”

Pei Xi watched his young master’s expression, realizing he was impatient to see someone, which explained his unusually low mood—a rare sight, really. It was a pity that Miss Lin was as straightforward as steel, likely to make the young master work even harder for her.

Reporter Li’s face flushed with awkwardness. It seemed the Best Actor was not in the best spirits today. She reviewed her questions—they were all professional, rigorous, never touching on privacy or personal life. She knew Ling Ziheng’s rules. Her questions were perfectly sound.

The interview that followed proceeded smoothly. Ling Ziheng, though expressionless, answered with his usual professionalism, even generously revealing some information about his upcoming projects.

“Mr. Ling, thank you for joining us amidst your busy schedule. It’s well-known your studio has considered participating in some high-quality variety shows. Could you give our program a little exclusive, maybe let your fans hear more about your recent plans?” Reporter Li gestured to the comment board, its messages multiplying, and the swelling number of viewers, tinged with hope though she expected he’d decline.

Ling Ziheng looked up and smiled gently at the live stream, speaking slowly. “Hello, Feathers girls. Thank you for your support. I do intend to choose a few variety shows soon, and my studio will welcome a new member. She’ll announce it to all of you when the time comes.”

His eyes and brows softened, warmth blooming like a spring breeze, melting every heart present. Reporter Li was stunned—happiness had come so suddenly. Today was truly her lucky day; not only had the interview gone smoothly, but she’d seen the ice-cold actor thaw.

The comment board erupted:

“Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Ruoyu smiled!!!!”
“Ruoyu, mom fans are here!”
“Oh my god! I’m so happy I could die!!!”
“I haven’t seen Ruoyu this gentle since last year’s Star Gala!!!”
“Wait, isn’t it a bit strange? He mentioned a new studio member…”
“Could it be a girl?!”
“Don’t jump to conclusions—Ruoyu treats everyone in his studio really well!!”
“Yes!! Our Ruoyu is fiercely protective!”
“I’m sure it’ll be a competent and trusted employee, that’s why he’s so happy!”
And so on.

The interview wrapped up smoothly. As usual, Ling Ziheng ordered dinner for all the staff, instructing his assistant to deliver it later. Reporter Li was beaming—Best Actor Ling lived up to his reputation, both professionally and personally. And that face—heavenly and criminally beautiful—was utterly unfair.

After a few brief instructions and handling the fans who’d waited outside the studio, Ling Ziheng got in the car, unable to hide the anxious expression on his face. Pei Xi told the driver to go a little faster—his young master was exhausted, but he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Clearly, he was just eager and impatient.

He quietly sent a message to Lin Zhiwei.

Pei Xi: Miss Lin, the young master has finished here and is on his way.

He waited, but the “Stupid Psyduck” avatar didn’t reply. Pei Xi shook his head helplessly. Young master, I’ve done my part—now it’s up to you.

Ling Ziheng gazed out the window. Night had fallen; pedestrians hurried by, the riverside night scene alluring, neon lights dazzling and brilliant. Yet tonight, the beauty before his eyes felt utterly bland.

He tugged impatiently at the collar button, unsure what he was anticipating—only feeling that the journey home was dragging interminably.

“Sir, Miss Lin arrived early this morning. She’s been reviewing studio materials and your recent projects all afternoon.” Pei Xi noticed his master’s troubled expression and hurried to explain. After all, Miss Lin was earnest about her work. He smiled awkwardly, unsure if this explanation would ease the tense atmosphere in the car.

“Mm,” Ling Ziheng’s expression softened slightly, his heart growing a little calmer. That girl truly was devoted to her work. His mind lingered on her resolute words from their first meeting, the phrase “pleasant cooperation” tightening around his heart like a thread.

Heh, perhaps to her, it was all just cooperation—as she said, her goal was to earn money and admire handsome men. Or maybe, what he envied most was her ability to remain serene in any circumstance, utterly unconcerned.

Ling Ziheng closed his eyes, sighing softly, a bitter smile on his lips. He never expected he would find himself like this—on the verge of losing control.