Chapter 591: with translation of chapter title

The place Yu Ci had arranged was deep in a quiet alley of the Old City District of C Shi.

From the outside it looked like just a grey‑brick small building, with a modest sign, not conspicuous.

Jiang Liangjin gestured for the driver to stop the car at the alley entrance, his gaze sweeping over the building's outer wall, "Your classmate picked this spot? It's pretty quiet."

"I chose it." Yu Ci got out of the passenger seat, adjusted his collar, lowered his voice: "He hasn't arrived yet; you wait in the next private room, don't show yourselves, wait for my signal."

Having said that, he strode toward the building.

Mu Youyu pressed down the brim of her hat and got out of the car behind Jiang Liangjin.

Gu Xingnan followed closely behind.

The three entered through the side door and took seats in the adjacent private room.

The server brought a few drinks and snacks, then slipped out silently.

The soundproofing of the walls was exceptionally good.

Mu Youyu quietly pressed her ear against the wall adjoining the next room, but heard not a hint of noise.

Seeing her sneaky, ears‑pricked posture, Jiang Liangjin helplessly reached out and pulled her back to her seat: "There's surveillance here; no need to listen like that."

Gu Xingnan quickly opened his laptop; the screen suddenly showed the live feed from the neighboring private room.

Mu Youyu blinked in surprise, then leaned in to watch.

The image on the screen was exceptionally clear, the angle just right to see the empty chair opposite Yu Ci.

Mu Youyu stared at the screen for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Is this surveillance footage something he had people obtain?"

Jiang Liangjin didn't say it was Gu Xingnan who had hastily hacked the system; he gave a vague "hmm."

Mu Youyu gave him a doubtful glance, didn't press further, then leaned toward him, resting her chin on his shoulder: "Director Jiang, you really plan ahead."

"My dear, you overpraise." Jiang Liangjin's lips twitched slightly, letting her lean on him.

With no outsiders present, Gu Xingnan really feared they'd kiss right in front of him.

He silently turned up the computer volume, pretending to be an emotionless viewing machine.

On the screen, a slender young man entered through the door, his clean looks reminiscent of the male lead in some artistic film.

The person sat opposite Yu Ci, first gave a slight smile: "Sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the way."

Yu Ci lifted his head, flipped his phone face‑down on the table: "No problem, I just arrived too."

The two began what was called a discussion of cooperation.

That classmate produced a folder, pushed it toward Yu Ci, and kept a consistently enthusiastic tone in the conversation.

He was indeed talking about entertainment‑industry related matters, from micro‑film investments to advertising endorsements, and then to a big‑budget historical drama currently in preparation.

His delivery was infectious, occasionally peppered with professional jargon; the future he painted was so dazzling it dazzled the eyes, making listeners feel he truly knew his stuff.

Yu Ci, listening opposite, shifted from an initially relaxed posture to a slight forward lean, as if trying to grasp the meaning of the other's words, yet his expression remained somewhat subtle.

Gu Xingnan, having sensed something amiss, also wore a subtle expression.

Mu Youyu, who had been lowering her head to stir ice in her cup with a spoon, looked up at the words and said, "He's trying to trick A Ci into the entertainment industry as a cash cow."

Jiang Liangjin nodded, replying, "Sharp eyes."

Gu Xingnan stared straight at the computer, not looking sideways, worried Yu Ci might not cope: "Should we go over?"

Jiang Liangjin wondered how his childhood friend would handle it, and offhand said, "Just watch; let him practice his tongue."

Mu Youyu agreed.

Gu Xingnan said nothing more.

Yu Ci's reaction, however, was unexpectedly clear‑headed.

He wasn't swayed by those romantic descriptions; instead, he methodically asked several practical questions about contracts, profit sharing, investment, and so on.

The classmate's answers occasionally revealed gaps, his tone would briefly stutter, but he quickly brushed it over with renewed enthusiasm.

Hearing this, Yu Ci couldn't help but chuckle: "You mean if I go play some supporting role, I could tack my pay onto this profit‑share ratio?"

The classmate's enthusiasm eased a little, yet his tone remained insistent: "Well… we can discuss that later based on market feedback; you've got to believe, the potential is limitless!"

Yu Ci leaned back against the chair, his posture once again lax: "I admit I'm good‑looking, but I have family business to attend to; I don't have time to mess around with this."

The person on the other end wasn't ready to give up: "Just think about it; this role really suits you, the character setup is just like you."

Yu Ci replied without hesitation: "No, I'm better suited to be the boss, not to be managed by a boss."

Besides, does he really think I'm only fit to be a supporting role!?

"First look at the materials, don't rush." The classmate's tone softened again: "I know this is your first encounter; feeling uneasy is normal. We can start with a small pilot project so you can experience what it's like to be in the spotlight."

"……" Yu Ci, who did not want to be the focus of everyone's attention, was left speechless.

Gu Xingnan, upon hearing the words "I'm still suited to be the boss," felt his lips twitch involuntarily.

Next door, Yu Ci continued to refuse politely: "I'm not the kind of person you're looking for."

"I think so." The classmate, good‑natured, insisted: "You have an innate camera presence; behind you lie commercial resources and family connections—if you're willing to cross over, the room for growth is enormous."

Yu Ci himself wasn't sure what he'd just heard: "Is this the reason you wanted to find me to cooperate?"

"This is just one of the reasons."

"Thanks, I'm honored you think highly of me."

The three listening next door: "Truly cultured."

Yu Ci stood up, picked up his phone from the table: "But I don't have that plan now; I haven't even graduated yet, so I really don't have that idea."

The classmate thought to himself, "What graduation? He's only a freshman; by the time he graduates he'll be how old?"

"Yu Ci, you should think it over."

The classmate clearly had no intention of convincing him in one go, pushing the folder toward Yu Ci again: "No need to rush an answer; I can first hook you up with a few projects for you to try out, then we'll talk."

Yu Ci turned sideways to avoid it, extended his hand for a vague shake: "Fine, there's no need for a trial; I'll look back later and contact you if needed."

He actually thought this person had taken a liking to his ability, wanting to discuss cooperation or even start a business, but after all the roundabout talk it turned out to be nothing but an attempt to sign him as an artist.

However, he could never have any kind of "need" in this lifetime.

Yu Ci finished speaking, stood up, and walked out.

He pushed open the teahouse door; Yu Ci had just taken out his phone to send a signal when he saw Jiang Liangjin already leaning by the car waiting for him.

"Didn't we say to wait for the signal? How did you come out early?"

Jiang Liangjin: "Oh."

Gu Xingnan, upon seeing his childhood friend, went straight to the point: "He wants to poach you into the entertainment industry?"

Yu Ci gave a grin, knowing they had been watching the whole time: "Indeed, at first they put on an act talking about cooperation, but in the end all they wanted was to sign me."

Jiang Liangjin leaned against the car door: "I advise you not to go."

Yu Ci opened the car door: "I know, besides, is my face the kind that would get by in their circle?"

He glanced at the face between boy and youth in the front mirror, revealing a very narcissistic Expression: "I think my face is more than enough in the business world; I can rely on ability."

Jiang Liangjin snorted, opened the rear door, and said nothing.

Gu Xingnan replied: "You're right."

Yu Ci was about to nod when Jiang Liangjin added: "How did you do on the last business case analysis class?"

Yu Ci's Smile froze, and he immediately protested: "We're not in the same class, I suggest you stop asking such hurtful questions; we're still brothers, you can't blatantly show off that I'm smarter than you."

Mu Youyu listened from behind, finally confirming he had no intention of entering the entertainment circle, she opened her lips: "A Ci is a capable person, a newcomer in the business world, future richest of West City."

Yu Ci then satisfiedly gave a "hum", opened the passenger door and got in.