Chapter 244: A Man Who Puts His Career First

Fang Hong had no idea about Liu Tianxian's feelings, nor did he ever care about her past.

The past is the past; it can't be changed.

What he liked was Liu Tianxian herself as a person — kind-hearted, understanding of the bigger picture, considerate of others.

Having these virtues was enough; no more was needed! As for the turmoil outside, the opposing forces — what was coming would come, and he'd deal with it when it did. After all, he'd always fought his way up.

The more he fought, the stronger he got! Last night, a photo of Fang Hong having dinner with the mother and daughter was secretly taken by Wangyi and posted online, sparking a small-scale discussion among Liu Tianxian's fans.

"My wife and mother-in-law are actually having dinner with a guy!"

"Don't talk nonsense, upstairs — that's clearly my wife and mother-in-law!"

"Who is this guy?"

"This photo is way too blurry, you can't make out anything."

"."

Most of the netizens' comments were teasing and curious! It was just that the photo was too blurry — taken from far away, dark, with terrible resolution — you couldn't make out any faces, couldn't tell it was Liu Tianxian; the photo only pointed to her!

Smartphones were spreading in this era, so once you're recognized, getting photographed is normal — it's just that the phone's resolution leaves much to be desired.

A little farther away, a little dimmer light, and it gets impossibly blurry, so it didn't stir up any major public opinion.

Stars eating out is very common; it's perfectly normal.

Liu Tianxian and Fang Hong didn't do anything excessive — she was just very close with her mom.

If she'd been cuddling and being lovey-dovey with a guy, it might've sparked a wave of speculation — a boyfriend, a romance, that sort of thing.

The two kept their distance the whole time! Meanwhile, those people at Huayi hadn't made their move yet. Liu Tianxian still had plenty of dirt on her, but it hadn't become a hot topic.

Whenever it does become a trending topic, that's when you know they've made their move.

Early the next morning, Fang Hong parked his car at the company, called Liu Tianxian to come pick him up — today happened to be the meet-and-greet for all the principal cast of "Now You See Me."

"Not here yet."

Fang Hong, in a sharp suit, briefcase in hand, stood at the entrance like an office worker waiting for the bus.

He looked left and right for a long time, but still didn't see that red Ferrari.

She's really slow — should've had Lu Dabo come pick me up.

Just as he was waiting anxiously, a sedan pulled up in front of him, and a tall girl stepped out — it was Jiang Shuying.

"Good morning, Principal."

Jiang Shuying got out of the car, walked up to Fang Hong, and stood there prettily: "Didn't you go to the company?"

"I'm waiting for someone," Fang Hong said.

"Take my car — I'm heading there too, it's on the way," Jiang Shuying offered warmly.

She was also one of the actors in "Now You See Me."

"No need, someone's coming to pick me up — you go ahead," Fang Hong declined.

"It's right on the way, let's go together," Jiang Shuying stepped forward to insist.

"Really, no need," Fang Hong dodged.

"Alright then!"

Jiang Shuying couldn't force it either, and looked a little disappointed.

She went back to the car, took out an exquisite box, and handed it to him: "I bought these pastries on the way — for your breakfast."

"I've already eaten, thanks!" Fang Hong politely refused.

"Take them — it's a small token from me, just consider it thanks," Jiang Shuying said without letting him argue, stuffing the pastries into his hands.

She was referring to the matter of her role in "Now You See Me."

Fang Hong couldn't refuse any longer and had to take them: "Well, thanks."

"Don't be so polite."

Jiang Shuying got in the car and waved: "See you later, Principal."

Fang Hong nodded. The whole exchange was very bland — he didn't reciprocate Jiang Shuying's warmth at all.

And no sooner had Jiang Shuying's car driven off than Fang Hong spotted that familiar red Ferrari pulling up.

He walked straight over, pulled open the door, and got in.

Liu Tianxian didn't look at him, but tilted her head, peering through the windshield at the car driving away ahead, and said faintly: "Who was that?"

Just now, from a distance, she'd seen that woman talking face-to-face with Fang Hong.

"Someone surnamed Jiang or something — she often has tea and chats with my mom," Fang Hong said casually.

Liu Tianxian turned to look at him: "What's that in your hand?"

"Food — that girl gave it to me. Want some?" Fang Hong held it out.

"No!" Liu Tianxian turned her head away directly.

No means no. Fang Hong opened the box — inside were six soft pastries. He picked one up and smelled it; it was wonderfully fragrant and soft.

To think some woman was actually making a play for this man — the more Liu Tianxian thought about it, the more annoyed she got. She turned to size up the man in the passenger seat beside her.

What's so good about him? No looks, no figure! "Let's go, I'm going to be late," Fang Hong said. He hadn't eaten any — just smelled it and put it back in the box.

"Late is late, what's it got to do with me," Liu Tianxian said.

"I haven't been late a single day in years — don't ruin my image in the employees' eyes, will you?" Fang Hong said.

"Image? What image do you have? I can't see it," Liu Tianxian said, her pretty face unhappy.

"Did you eat gunpowder today or what?"

Fang Hong reached out to pinch her cheek; Liu Tianxian dodged and swatted his hand away.

"Alright, I have nothing to do with that woman — I can't even remember her full name," Fang Hong explained. He knew it was about Jiang Shuying — getting jealous was actually kind of cute.

He tugged at her arm: "I'll drive."

Hearing him say that, Liu Tianxian's expression softened, her mood improved, and she sat up, bent forward, and swung one leg over to the passenger seat.

Fang Hong placed the items he was holding up front, shifted himself from below toward the driver's seat, and as their bodies overlapped, he reached out and pinched her butt—plump and soft.

"Ah! Are you trying to kill me?!"

Liu Tianxian twisted around and slapped his head.

After switching seats, Fang Hong searched for the ignition button—it was his first time driving Liu Tianxian's Ferrari.

The car started; he pressed the accelerator, and it lurched forward with a burst.

"Slow down, you're always so reckless," Liu Tianxian said.

Fang Hong fell silent. Spotting a trash bin beside the road, he pulled over beside it: "Throw that pastry away."

"Huh? You're not going to eat it?" Liu Tianxian asked, surprised.

"No, I don't like eating them," Fang Hong said.

If someone gave him clothes or things to use, he'd accept them—but food? No. The world was full of treacherous hearts.

"You're being so wasteful!" Liu Tianxian picked up the pastry box.

"I didn't buy it. What's there to waste?"

Fang Hong added: "Just throw it away."

Liu Tianxian rolled down the window, reached out, and tossed the box into the trash bin, then rolled the window back up.

"Don't you feel like you're wasting a girl's kindness?" she joked, completely different from her earlier irritation.

"I've wasted plenty more than that—too many girls like me," Fang Hong glanced at her.

"Look at you, so proud of yourself," Liu Tianxian said.

"To be honest, a little," Fang Hong laughed.

He understood perfectly well what Jiang Shuying was thinking—he just didn't want to waste time dealing with her.

Better to spend that time with Liu Tianxian.

"Hmph, men. I knew it," Liu Tianxian sneered.

"Hey, look at you—I'm the kind of person you know, right? My mind holds only one thing: my career! I'm a man who puts career first," Fang Hong said.

Seeing how serious he was, Liu Tianxian bit back a laugh and asked: "Then what about me? Don't I occupy any space in your head?"

"You're naturally in my heart—and you take up half of it," Fang Hong said with solemn gravity, as if half were a lot.

"Only half?"

Liu Tianxian raised her voice slightly, clearly dissatisfied with half: "Tell me—who's the other half?"

"My mom," Fang Hong said.

Liu Tianxian had no reply—how could she compete with Fang Hong's mother for affection?

Still, the answer pleased her.

And Fang Hong, as usual, kept teasing her, playfully provoking her, showing no sign of anything unusual.

She hesitated, then said: "I have a question for you?"

Fang Hong said nothing, driving, signaling her to ask.

"Have you noticed I acted strangely before?" she asked.

"Strangely?!" Fang Hong didn't understand—where did that word come from? "What do you mean?"

"The me from before, in the Hong Kong circle," Liu Tianxian's voice softened slightly, her gaze fixed on his profile.

She wasn't good at explaining—she could only say this much, waiting to see how the man would react.

"So what? It's normal," Fang Hong said.

"You really don't mind at all?" Liu Tianxian blurted out—this man was too calm.

"Mind what?"

Fang Hong understood what she meant: "That's just one chapter in your life. Does that one thing negate who you are as a person? That'd be too hasty."

Liu Tianxian fell silent, saying nothing.

"Not everyone has a god's-eye view. Everyone makes mistakes—even those with a god's-eye view take wrong turns and make mistakes, because you can't understand the human heart. The heart is the most complex thing."

Fang Hong's next words were about himself—he too had made mistakes, and kept correcting himself: "No one's life is smooth sailing. You'll always make mistakes along the way. Making mistakes isn't the problem—so long as you keep your original heart, you're still you."

"Those things only helped you see the world clearly, understand the human heart. They don't mean you went too far—not even close. True transgression is the fall of the heart—the kind you willingly accept."

He spoke at length; Liu Tianxian listened carefully, feeling comforted inside.

Everyone makes mistakes. As long as the heart hasn't strayed, behavior that seems transgressive means nothing. This struck her right in the heart.

"Xiao Feifei, don't carry any psychological burden. The past, the people from the past—face them positively. Solve them however you must. Right now, we fear no one—it's just a long war. We're not afraid." Fang Hong gave her confidence.

"I'm not afraid of that. And don't you use underhanded methods," Liu Tianxian warned.

She didn't want to be at a disadvantage in their relationship—deep down, she was still strong.

"They treat you how? I'll treat them the same. Is that good enough?" Fang Hong said.

If they insulted, he'd insult back; if they blacklisted, he'd blacklist back. It was that simple.

Liu Tianxian didn't oppose such behavior—she only opposed Fang Hong using dirty tricks. Mutual public attacks weren't transgressive; everyone played that game.

Blacklisting? That was a common competitive tactic in the entertainment industry.

(End of Chapter)