Chapter 16: What is a Scandal?
“Thank you for the reminder, and thank you all for considering these things for me.” Xiahou Qian smiled as he thanked them. Although the curve of his lips was shallow, his charm increased exponentially. Wen Xiao felt as if she were about to be blinded by her Male God’s smile.
Seeing Xiahou Qian like this, Chi Shaochenâs aura softened significantly. He knew Xiahou Qian was exceptional and didn’t mind others purely admiring his excellence. He could tell that these peopleâincluding Wen Xiaoâonly felt simple admiration and affection for Xiahou Qian without any ulterior motives. He had also recognized Wen Xiao earlier as one of the people who saw him and Xiahou Qian kissing yesterday. All in all, after their conversation, Chi Shaochen felt that having Wen Xiao as Xiahou Qianâs assistant was a good choice.
Seeing Wen Xiao get her wish, Qiao Mu was also moved. Compared to Wen Xiao, Qiao Muâs family background was even better, making him a bit more composed when facing Chi Shaochen.
“Iâm a directing major, and Iâll also graduate next year. I wonder if CEO Chiâs company has a suitable position?” Qiao Mu didn’t ask Xiahou Qian, but questioned Chi Shaochen directly.
The Qiao family was just a regular wealthy family, but they had the power to get him into the cityâs television station. He had originally planned to intern at the TV station after graduation or have his father use connections to apprentice him to a famous director. But now that he had met Xiahou Qian, he had a new idea.
In truth, whether it was Wen Xiao or Qiao Mu, theyâlike Zheng Wenxinâbelieved that Xiahou Qian would surely become a god in the music industry.
Although Qiao Mu seemed steady, he possessed the unique passion and drive of a youth.
“There are positions, but my company won’t be fully operational for another month. For a long time, Xiahou Qian will be the only artist. Since he doesn’t plan to act, you would only be able to develop as an MV director. If you want to film TV dramas or movies, my company isn’t suitable for you,” Chi Shaochen stated frankly.
These words surprised not only Qiao Mu and the others, but Xiahou Qian as well. From Chi Shaochenâs words, this company didn’t even exist beforeâit was being established specifically for him? No wonder signing would take another month. But was it really appropriate for the company to have only one artist? Even if Chi Shaochen wasn’t short on money, the company couldn’t just keep losing money forever, right?
Thinking of this, Xiahou Qian turned to look at Chi Shaochen. Sensing his gaze, Chi Shaochen also turned and gave Xiahou Qian a slight smile. The curve of his lips was subtle, but Xiahou Qian was momentarily dazed by it.
Zheng Wenxin could see that Chi Shaochenâs status was not simple, but since he usually didn’t pay much attention to such matters, he hadn’t recognized him like Zheng Wenjie had.
“Chi Shaochen is the current CEO of the AE International Group,” Zheng Wenjie whispered a reminder into Zheng Wenxinâs ear.
Zheng Wenxin was surprised to hear this. He knew about AE International and had heard his family praise the current CEO, but he hadn’t expected the man to be Chi Shaochen. He truly had an extraordinary net worth, but would such a person be serious about Xiahou Qian? Or was he just playing around?
“What scale does CEO Chi plan for the company? It’s fine if Xiahou Qian is the only artistâthat way, all resources can be given to him. I also believe CEO Chi won’t lack resources. But does the company have professional talent?” Even knowing Chi Shaochenâs true identity, Zheng Wenxin still asked. Or rather, it was precisely because he knew Chi Shaochenâs extraordinary status that Zheng Wenxin felt it necessary to ask clearly.
Chi Shaochen looked at Zheng Wenxin, and Zheng Wenxin met his gaze without flinching.
Chi Shaochen naturally understood the hidden meaning in Zheng Wenxinâs words. He was a smart man, and since Zheng Wenxin was so direct, he got the point. Although it was a bit unpleasant, Chi Shaochen wasn’t petty. He knew Zheng Wenxin was worried for Xiahou Qian and didn’t trust himâlikely fearing he was only setting up this company to coax Xiahou Qian. After all, for wealthy second or third-generation heirs, this amount of money was nothing.
Even so, Chi Shaochen was still unhappy. He and Xiahou Qian were the ones in the closest relationship. Xiahou Qian had him; he didn’t need anyone else to worry, and he especially didn’t like others giving “reminders.” Since he liked Xiahou Qian, he naturally wouldn’t hurt him. Consequently, his tone when answering Zheng Wenxin was inevitably a bit cold.
“Since Iâm doing it, Iâll naturally make it the best. Although I understand your good intentions, this is our private business.” If it weren’t for Xiahou Qian, Chi Shaochenâs words would have definitely made it even harder for Zheng Wenxin to save face.
In fact, Chi Shaochen wanted to say, ‘Our business isn’t for you to worry about’ or ‘Mind your own business.’ However, he was ultimately a rational person; otherwise, the atmosphere in the booth would have likely dropped to the freezing point. Even so, everyone was momentarily stunned into silence until Xiahou Qian spoke up to ease the tension.
“Qiao Mu doesn’t need to rush. You can think about it for a few days before replying.”
“I’ll go over with Wen Xiao when the time comes.” Although he studied directing, he didn’t have any particular desire to film TV shows or movies. For him, filming commercials or MVs was the same as TV and moviesâirrelevant. By comparison, he liked MVs and movies more, and since he was joining Chi Shaochenâs company for Xiahou Qian, the chance to specialize in Xiahou Qianâs MVs was exactly what he wanted.
“Fine,” Xiahou Qian said.
“What do you think about the fan clubâs self-designation and your nickname?” Zheng Wenxin also knew his previous words had been a bit overstepping for a new acquaintance. It was normal for someone to be angry when their role as a lover was questioned, so he just curled his lips after hearing Chi Shaochenâs words.
“Iâm fine with anything. What are your ideas?” After Xiahou Qian finished speaking, his gaze swept across the three faces before finally landing on Chi Shaochen beside him. As far as he knew, these names were usually chosen by the fans themselves, though the company could provide guidance if it wished.
“We discussed it briefly earlier. We felt ‘Qianqian’ was too feminine, ‘Qianchen’ is quite standard, and ‘Male God’ is overbearing but also used too frequently. As for the fan club, it can be called the ‘Xiahou Aristocratic Family,’ with fans being ‘Xiahou Family Members.’ We can even subdivide them into different ranks like maid, servant, young lady, young master, old master, and madam.” Zheng Wenxin answered as the representative of the three.
“Let’s call him ‘Qianchen.’ The company will also be named ‘Qianchen,'” Chi Shaochen decided directly.
“Uh…” Xiahou Qian thought: Why did he have no idea the company was called that?
The three nodded. They could already envision that as soon as Xiahou Qian debuted, he would inevitably be surrounded by various scandalsâsuch as his relationship with the company, or rather, his relationship with the company’s boss. Combined with the fact that Xiahou Qian was the only artist, rumors would likely spread about a ‘Gold Master’ opening a company just to play around while protecting him.
“Aren’t you two afraid of scandals?” Wen Xiao was the first to speak, not hiding her surprise.
“What is a scandal?” Chi Shaochen wasn’t worried at all about people knowing his relationship with Xiahou Qian, including his parents.
Although his father had many illegitimate children, he was the only one treated as the heir. AEâs status in Huaxia was indeed considerable, and it even had influence in certain foreign countries, but Chi Shaochen had his own trump cards. Thus, he didn’t even care particularly about AE; at worst, he would return it to his father, and his father could give it to whoever he liked.
What Chi Shaochen cared about was Xiahou Qian. Xiahou Qian had said earlier that he didn’t plan to go public. Although his status was far higher than Xiahou Qianâs, he could never bring himself to use his power to suppress his lover. Even though he was domineering, he knew when and where to apply it. Therefore, if Xiahou Qian didn’t want to go public, he naturally wouldn’t force him.
Xiahou Qian saw Chi Shaochen looking at him and likely understood what Chi was trying to express. However, it wasn’t easy to speak directly with outsiders present. Xiahou Qian was also thinking. He wasn’t actually afraid of scandals, especially when the subject was Chi Shaochen. In some ways, he was even happy about it. He wanted others to know this man was his. Between him and Chi Shaochen, a public relationship was actually more beneficial to him than a secret one.
Since Chi Shaochen was willing to let everyone know their relationship, why should he object? Same-sex marriage had been legal for a long time. Even if it still wasn’t the social mainstream, they were just in a normal relationshipâwhy fear rumors? Perhaps the initial rumors would be nasty and unfavorable to him, but Chi Shaochen would surely handle it. When that time came, everyone would know he and Chi Shaochen were a couple. Wasn’t that exactly what he had dreamed of?
After being reborn, he had truly become increasingly sentimental and prone to over-calculating. Facing this man, he couldn’t be broad-minded or maintain a normal state of mind. He was in pain when he couldn’t have him, and now that he did, he began to feel anxious. It was really quite annoying.
What is a scandal?
Chi Shaochenâs counter-question left Wen Xiao and the others speechless and helpless. Indeed, what was a scandal? Chi Shaochen and their Male God were in a genuine relationshipâhow could it be called a scandal?
“It’s fine. We’ll have to go public sooner or later anyway,” Xiahou Qian spoke up at this moment.
Hearing Xiahou Qian say this, Chi Shaochen was more happy than surprised. He couldn’t help but grasp Xiahou Qianâs hand on the sofa and said, “While there’s no need to make a special announcement, my relationship with Xiao Qian isn’t something that can’t be seen by others. Let nature take its course.”
Is this guy serious or just playing around? Zheng Wenxin felt that, at least for now, he was serious. He didn’t quite understand Chi Shaochen as a person, but this was Xiahou Qianâs private business after all. They had only just met, so it wasn’t right to say more.
“That works too. Qianchen will speak with his strength and looks when the time comes. No need to worry about lacking fans.” Qiao Mu felt that Xiahou Qianâs voice and face were entirely enough to conquer music fans; those brain-dead “girlfriend” fans weren’t needed anyway.
Afterward, the group talked about recording the new song. Chi Shaochenâs idea was not to rush. Once the company was perfected, there would be top-tier recording equipment as well as professional producers and recording staff. As for other public relations and planning teams, they would all be in place in a month.
By the time they finished talking, it was past 10:00 PM. Wen Xiao and Qiao Mu returned to school together. Zheng Wenxin and Zheng Wenjie declined Xiahou Qianâs offer to see them off and took a taxi to their hotel. Finally, only Chi Shaochen and Xiahou Qian were left.
“I remember you still have things to do at the company.” Xiahou Qian remembered Chi Shaochen saying he had to go back and work overtime tonight. It was already past 10:00 PM; who knew how long he would be busy?
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