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When Lu Chen returned to Zichengyuan, it was already past 11 p.m.
That late-night supper had lasted more than two hours. True to his reputation as a well-known foodie in the showbiz circle, Liao Jia had casually picked a private restaurant nearby, and the place turned out to be first-rate. With a dozen or so people, they just managed to fill one large table.
Lin Zhijie was there too. Not only because of Lu Chen, but also because he was friends with Liao Jia, so it was a good chance to catch up.
As for Shi Gang's situation, Lin Zhijie was genuinely intrigued. Flying Stone Records was currently expanding aggressively, signing many new artists. For a band like Wednesday, who were veterans making a comeback, as long as they had solid works, they could still earn a spot on Flying Stone's radar.
Of course, signing talent wasn't something Lin Zhijie could decide on his own. There would need to be further evaluations and negotiations, especially since there were so many contract details and terms involved.
For Shi Gang, however, just getting the chance to connect with a senior executive from Flying Stone was already a stroke of luck. Whether or not they ultimately signed with Flying Stone Records, he owed Lu Chen a big favor for the opportunity.
Everyone had been in high spirits that night, and Lu Chen hadn't escaped being plied with drinks by several "big brothers" at the table. In the end, Wang Jing had to drive him home; she was the only one who hadn't drunk.
Following Lu Chen's directions, Wang Jing pulled up in front of Building 7. "Do you want me to walk you up?" she asked.
Lu Chen rubbed his temples. "No need. You can take the car back. Just bring it to the studio tomorrow."
Though he'd had a lot to drink, he wasn't so drunk that he couldn't make it home on his own.
Wang Jing hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. See you tomorrow."
"Thanks!" Lu Chen smiled. "It's late. Drive safe and take it slow."
With that, he got out of the car. Wang Jing watched him until he disappeared from view. She sighed softly, then drove away.
Using his keycard to call the elevator, Lu Chen rode it straight up to the 17th floor. Once home, he fished out his keys, unlocked the door, and turned on the lights. Squinting against the sudden brightness, he shrugged off his heavy coat and tossed it casually onto the sofa.
"Why are you back so late?"
Just as he was about to head to the bathroom for a hot shower, a sweet voice called out unexpectedly.
Startled, Lu Chen turned his head instinctively, and there she was, standing in the doorway of the master bedroom, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Chen Fei'er!
Lu Chen's heart skipped a beat. He hurried over, asking, "When did you get back?"
Even as he spoke, he wrapped her tightly in his arms. Dressed in a soft cotton Hello Kitty pajama set, Chen Fei'er looked adorably groggy, like a little girl. The familiar fragrance of her hair and skin washed over him, instantly sweeping away all his exhaustion.
They hadn't had much time together since returning to Beijing, and she'd been busy filming commercials out of town the past few days.
He hadn't expected her to surprise him like this tonight!
Unable to resist, Lu Chen planted a big kiss on her cheek. In that moment, he felt like he was holding the entire world in his arms, and he wanted for nothing else.
Chen Fei'er, now more awake, chuckled softly. "I got back earlier tonight, so I came straight over. You…"
She wrinkled her nose and sniffed, her expression turning playful yet disdainful. "How much did you drink?"
Lu Chen chuckled sheepishly.
"Ugh, you stink," she teased, pinching her nose dramatically. "Don't get your fumes all over me! Go brush your teeth and take a shower, now!"
Lu Chen had no choice but to let her go reluctantly.
"Good boy."
She grinned mischievously. "There'll be a reward!"
…
The next morning, Lu Chen woke to the crisp chirping of birds.
There was a large park near Zichengyuan, and as a luxury residential complex, the landscaping both inside and outside the community was excellent. Naturally, this meant birds often nested nearby, their cheerful morning calls rousing the sleeping residents.
Awakening to the sound, Lu Chen kissed the still-slumbering Chen Fei'er gently, then got up, feeling refreshed and energized.
He hadn't gone out for his usual morning workout today. Instead, he headed into the kitchen, rummaged through the fridge for ingredients, and made a hearty breakfast himself: sunny-side-up eggs, rice porridge, and pan-fried bacon.
Chen Fei'er, at some point, had also woken up. Still in her pajamas, she wandered into the kitchen. She wrapped her arms around Lu Chen from behind, resting her cheek against his broad, solid back, and murmured softly, "Do you think… we could live like this every day in the future?"
Lu Chen set down the spatula, turned around, and pulled her into his embrace, smiling. "Of course, no problem!"
Chen Fei'er pouted slightly, letting out a helpless sigh. She loved spending quiet mornings like this with Lu Chen, but wanting this every day would mean giving up her career.
And that wasn't her, not yet, anyway.
So those words had just been a fleeting thought spoken aloud.
Lu Chen, seeing right through her, grinned and said, "It doesn't have to be every day. Anytime you want this, I'm available, free of charge. How about that?"
"Smooth talker!"
Chen Fei'er burst out laughing, and the slight heaviness in her mood melted away completely.
"Come on, let's eat," Lu Chen said.
The two of them enjoyed a warm, intimate breakfast together, lingering in their cozy bubble. By the time they were done, it was already past nine, almost ten o'clock. Chen Fei'er dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then began clearing the dishes. Casually, she asked, "So… who were you out drinking with last night that kept you out so late?"
"Uh…" Lu Chen froze.
He thought she'd forgotten about that, but clearly, she hadn't.
Chen Fei'er snorted softly. "Don't bother. I already know, it must've been Liao Jia who dragged you out, right?"
Though Chen Fei'er hadn't participated in 72 Hours, she still knew plenty about what went on in the circle.
Lu Chen gave a wry smile. "Zhijie-ge was there too."
He knew Chen Fei'er didn't like Liao Jia much, and liked even less when Liao Jia invited him out drinking.
Though, to be fair, it didn't happen often.
"Don't use Zhijie-ge as a shield," Chen Fei'er scolded playfully. "You should keep your distance from Liao Jia. He's into all the eating, drinking, gambling, and… other indulgences. Hanging around him too much, and you'll pick up bad habits."
Lu Chen chuckled awkwardly.
"I don't mind you making friends," she said seriously. "People like Brother Tan and Brother Lin are great, but there are some people you really shouldn't get too close to. And you should cut back on drinking. Way too many people in this industry have ruined themselves over alcohol."
"I get it," Lu Chen said, hands up in surrender.
He knew she was only looking out for him.
Buoyed by his agreement, Chen Fei'er pressed on: "Don't run around outside these next few days. I need to finish my new album!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Lu Chen said with mock solemnity. "At your service, my lady wife!"
Chen Fei'er's face flushed pink. She playfully spat back, "Who's your wife? You're still on probation. Keep it up, and I might just kick you to the curb!"
Ring ring~
They were still laughing and teasing each other when Lu Chen's phone rang sharply from the coffee table in the living room.
Reluctantly letting go of Chen Fei'er, Lu Chen went over and answered it.
It was his sister, Lu Xi. After a brief exchange, he hung up, his expression slightly unusual. Chen Fei'er noticed immediately and walked over. "What's wrong?"
Lu Chen grinned. "My sister closed the deal with SPG!"
SPG referred to SPG Entertainment, a major Korean company. They'd been negotiating with Lu Chen's studio to purchase the rights to Autumn in My Heart.
Because SPG's terms were notoriously strict, Lu Xi's talks with their representative, Park Jeong-ho, had been tough.
He hadn't expected results this soon.
Chen Fei'er was, of course, well aware of the negotiations. "Really? That's amazing! How much did they offer for the rights?"
"One billion won!"
(End of Chapter)