An important economic forum was going on at Flower City International Convention Center.
As the official host of the event, Nan Chen returned to his seat after giving his speech.
Sitting next to him was Ouyang Duo, who had returned after leaving Flower City for two days.
Surely, it was for official matters that he came back this time—to attend the economic forum.
“What a great speech you gave there, Chen. I totally agree with you,” Ouyang Duo said to Nan Chen.
“Thank you, uncle,” Nan Chen said politely in response.
“Chen, I wonder if I can ask you for a favor?” Ouyang Duo asked.
“Please, go on, uncle. I’ll try my best to do what I can.”
“A pianist my daughter likes very much is in town for a recital today. I’d promised to go with her, but something cropped up and I have to fly back soon. You know her temper. She’ll start throwing tantrums if I don’t fulfill my promise to her. I was hoping if you could spare two hours out of your busy schedule to accompany her to the recital,” Ouyang Duo said.
Nan Chen froze as he didn’t expect Ouyang Duo to make such a request.
“I’m afraid I can’t, uncle. I still have some work to do—”
Nan Chen’s phone vibrated before he could finish his sentence.
It was an MMS from an unknown number of an image of Ning Ran accepting roses from Ouyang Qi.
At once, Nan Chen walked out of the venue with his face clouded over.
Jiang Zhe was just outside, answering a call.
Upon seeing Nan Chen, he quickly hung up. “What’s the matter, Mr. Chen?”
“What’s with that picture?”
“It’s just a false report, Mr. Chen. You know, paparazzi nowadays…”
“Show me the article,” Nan Chen said coldly.
Not daring to go against his boss, Jiang Zhe quickly retrieved the article from the internet.
“He is Ouyang Qi?” Nan Chen asked after skimming through the article.
“Yes, Sir,” Jiang Zhe replied.
“How are they acquainted?” Nan Chen frowned.
“I’m not sure about that, but they do know each other. This is not their first meeting,” Jiang Zhe reported according to the facts but sensing that something was amiss, he quickly added, “Ouyang Qi’s a fanboy. It’s normal for him to behave like this.”
“Is this normal?” Nan Chen shot daggers at Jiang Zhe.
His gaze was so frightening that Jiang Zhe clammed up.
Nan Chen felt tremendous pressure building up in his chest.
This woman sure is devious. How dare she flirt with a playboy when she’s not even famous?
“Tell Wang Xiaoou to see me,” Nan Chen commanded.
Jiang Zhe looked at the raging Nan Chen.
Well, that’s rare. Mr. Chen’s a very rational person. He should know that a fat lot of news on the internet is fake Why is he so angry?
“Mr. Chen, as a manager, Wang Xiaoou couldn’t possibly stop the fans from showing affection to Ms. Ding,” Jiang Zhe reminded timidly, earning himself another glare from Nan Chen.
However, he didn’t shrink back this time.
Having been Nan Chen’s assistant for so long, he knew when he should speak up.
“If you are to call Wang Xiaoou at this time, the upper management at Star Entertainment will surely know that you’re ticked off and they will replace Wang Xiaoou for sure. You know what Wang Xiaoou is capable of. She’s needed to ensure Ms. Ding’s success down the road. If she were replaced, it’ll be unfavorable for Ms. Ding’s new drama and her career development in the industry. Besides, Wang Xiaoou is not at fault for this. You can’t just blame her.” Jiang Zhe’s palms were already sweaty by the time he finished his sentence.
It had been a while since he confronted Nan Chen, and it was a big risk.
But only because he knew Nan Chen was a rational man who was accepting to earnest advice that he dared say such words.
Nan Chen held his peace, then turned around, and went inside.
Seeing that he didn’t flip out, Jiang Zhe let out a sigh of relief, knowing that he had heeded his words.
When Nan Chen returned to his seat beside Ouyang Duo, the latter could obviously sense the change in the former’s mood.
“It’s fine if you can’t accompany my daughter to the recital, Chen,” Ouyang Duo said.
“I can spare some time in the evening,” Nan Chen said.
“Well, thank you then, Chen. My wife and I had spoiled her too much. You must discipline her for me and don’t let her have her way.”
The equivocacy of his words was palpable, but Nan Chen pretended not to understand.
At six in the evening, Nan Chen was still working when Ouyang Qing showed up.
Whether it was her hair or makeup, it was obvious that she had spent much effort dolling up herself.
That day was a very special day for Ouyang Qing. It was her first date with Nan Chen, although he didn’t think of it as a date.
“Wait for a while. I still have some things to take care of,” Nan Chen said to Ouyang Qing.
“No worries. It’s still early. Do what you need to do, Chen.”
Ouyang Qing had wanted to have dinner with Nan Chen before going to the recital. But seeing that he was still busy, she supposed she had to drop the idea of having a meal with him.
She drew a financial magazine from the bookshelf and pretended to read when, in fact, she had been stealing glances at Nan Chen.
Needless to say, Nan Chen’s dashing look was out of this world. But seeing how charming he was when he was working, Ouyang Qing was certain that he was the man she was going to marry.
Nan Chen was so engrossed in the work that he seemed to have forgotten Ouyang Qing’s existence.
Time went by. Nan Chen was still working and he didn’t spare Ouyang Qing a glance at all.
Finally, Ouyang Qing couldn’t stand it anymore that she called out, “Chen.”
Nan Chen looked up at Ouyang Qing. “Right, what time is the recital?”
Ouyang Qing was a little disappointed that he didn’t even remember the time.
“Seven-thirty. It’s almost time,” Ouyang Qing said.
“Okay, how about you go first?” Nan Chen suggested. “I haven’t finished my work yet.”
Ouyang Qing put on a sad face. “Dad was supposed to accompany me to the recital, but something cropped up and he had to leave. And now you’re refusing to go with me. Why is it that none of y’all are keeping your words? Do y’all dislike me that much?”
Coupled with Ouyang Qing’s superb acting skills, her pure and innocent look made her look more alluring.
Nan Chen promised Ouyang Duo on a whim when his personal feelings took control upon reading the news on Ning Ran.
If he were to break his promise, he reckoned it would be hard to explain to Ouyang Duo.
Nan Chen put down the documents in his hand and stood up.
“Let’s go then.”
Seeing that her strategy work, Ouyang Qing pumped an invisible fist in the air.
“Thank you, Chen. You’re the best. I know you won’t leave me alone,” Ouyang Qing gushed.
