Chapter 10 You Have Fallen in Love

Shen Xian still looked at Chen Rumeng with a cheerful smile. "Miss Chen, you seem to harbor quite a bit of hostility toward me."

For as long as anyone could remember, Shen Xian had always been the embodiment of warmth and gentleness, never losing his temper. Nothing ever seemed to ruffle his composure. He treated everyone with courtesy and sincerity, never showing malice toward anyone. Yet he was no pushover—he wouldn’t let himself be bullied. When others harmed him, he struck back without hesitation.

"First, I am the deputy general manager of this company; I have certain decision-making authority. Your studio breached the contract this time, so you must bear the consequences. Did you really think you could dodge the penalty simply by sending someone else to the show?"

"Second, Cai Cai is refined and tolerant, seldom speaks, and is magnanimous, not one to haggle over details. But that doesn't mean I will tolerate your actions, since you've already damaged the company's reputation and finances."

"Third, stay away from Cai Cai."

Chen Rumeng’s expression remained icy as she fixed her sharp gaze on Shen Xian. He chuckled. "Miss Chen, if I’m not mistaken, you’re only the executive deputy manager. President Ning is the one with veto power. So your disagreement doesn’t matter—if President Ning approves, that’s enough. Besides, how do you know that my recommendation won’t place in 'I Am the Singer'?"

Chen Rumeng sneered, pointing at Shen Xian. "Are you still capable of writing songs?"

"And besides, those twelve songs from three years ago—are they really yours? Who can say for sure?"

Shen Xian had no interest in quarreling. "If I can't write, I can buy songs. There are plenty of good songs on the Original Music Base."

Chen Rumeng was thoroughly unimpressed. These days, those publishing or selling songs on the Original Music Base are mostly nobodies or newcomers. True, the platform has seen some legends—someone once bought a song for five thousand and made a hundred million. Yes, that infamous track that vanished overnight. But the odds are slim.

She laughed, shaking her head, her face full of disdain and mockery. "So, you’ll buy a song for a blind singer?"

"Wake up, Shen Xian. You’re too naïve, and you overestimate your abilities. The entertainment industry runs on rules—or else, why did Liu Ruyun leave you?"

"Do yourself a favor: pay the penalty quietly and stay away from Cai Cai, or I’ll contact legal affairs."

With that, she gave him a deep look.

Before Shen Xian could respond, the door opened from inside. Zhou Wan came out of the room.

She hadn’t expected Shen Xian at the doorway and nearly bumped into him. "Sorry."

In person, Zhou Wan was truly charming: five foot six, with a voluptuous, curvaceous figure and flawless features. She had the face of a young girl but the body of a mature woman. At twenty-seven, she was already a superstar—not just for her beautiful voice, but her looks were top-tier as well.

As their eyes met, Shen Xian saw her neck flush crimson before his eyes. She seemed shy, as if she couldn’t bear to look at him. Shen Xian didn’t think much of it, assuming she was just socially anxious.

"Hello, Queen Zhou," he greeted with a smile.

Zhou Wan nodded coldly, glancing up at him. Oddly, Shen Xian saw a complex mix of emotions cross her face—was it revulsion? Disappointment? Perhaps even mockery? And a trace of sadness? Shen Xian was momentarily puzzled; he hadn’t offended her.

"Let’s go," Zhou Wan said impassively, passing by Shen Xian and leaving a trail of fragrance.

"Let’s head back for now. Take a couple days to rest, and come to my place to record the song the day after tomorrow. I’ll get the songs ready in the meantime," Shen Xian said.

Wang Tianqi took a deep breath and nodded, descending the stairs with his girlfriend Li Xiurong’s support.

By the spacious floor-to-ceiling windows, Ning Cai watched Shen Xian’s departing figure silently.

Zhou Wan walked in again, noticing Ning Cai staring out in a trance. Following her gaze, she saw Shen Xian waiting by the roadside.

"What do you think of Shen Xian?" Ning Cai suddenly asked.

Zhou Wan curled her lips. "What’s there to think? We’re not acquainted."

"But I feel like your attitude toward him is... complicated," Ning Cai turned to look at Zhou Wan.

Zhou Wan shook her head at once. "No way, this is only the second time I've seen him."

Ning Cai’s eyes widened. "When was the first time?"

Zhou Wan pretended to rack her brain. "Maybe three, four years ago? I can’t really remember."

Ning Cai exposed her without hesitation. "You’re lying. You remember very well. And the way you look at him—it’s like... disappointment."

"Not at all," Zhou Wan replied.

Ning Cai scrutinized her face, then nodded. "By the way, have you gotten in touch with The Postman?"

Mentioning The Postman brightened Zhou Wan's mood; she unconsciously sighed with relief, a smile blooming on her lips. "Him? He’s so aloof. I invited him to dinner but he wouldn’t come."

Ning Cai was surprised. "Wow, you took the initiative and failed?"

She knew Zhou Wan’s allure well. Countless heirs and sons of fortune had splashed out millions to invite her to dinner, only to be rejected. One especially memorable instance—a mining tycoon’s son spent fifty million on a fireworks show just to celebrate her birthday. The good news: the whole city witnessed it. The bad news: Zhou Wan didn’t attend.

Even the entertainment industry’s big shots, with endless resources, couldn’t get her to share a drink. All were coldly turned down.

Yet now, Zhou Wan had actively invited a musician and he declined. If word got out, no one would believe it.

Zhou Wan was helpless. "Teacher Postman is so strange. He seems easy to get along with—he replies instantly—but somehow, it’s as if he’s always looking down from above, and there’s a huge gulf between us. If you call him aloof, he answers messages quickly. If you say he’s not, he never talks about personal matters."

Ning Cai’s expressionless face remained unchanged. "You’re falling for him."

Zhou Wan was shocked. "Cai Cai, don’t be ridiculous. I’m not, I haven’t!"

"I’ve never even met him. How could I possibly!"

Three consecutive denials.

Ning Cai analyzed rationally. "You’re used to flattery and people approaching you with ulterior motives. Suddenly, someone appears with no agenda, helping you, keeping strong boundaries. So you’ve put a thick filter over him, idealizing him in your mind. As time passes, you’ll like him more and more."

Zhou Wan was still unconvinced. "Impossible. We only discuss work."

Ning Cai sounded like a love expert. "Just wait. Within a month, you’ll be desperate to meet him."