BAB 6

 “Of course, you can also think of me as a singer who was derailed by acting.” Bai Zhou confidently took another sip of wine.

Sheng Siyu glanced at Bai Zhou and responded with his usual coldness, “Drinking alcohol first thing in the morning? You’re just asking to become an actor whose career is derailed by gout.”

Bai Zhou: “…?”

Hah! Of course, how could the ruthless CEO Sheng Siyu possibly compliment anyone?

“That’s not so bad; I’m still very young after all.” Bai Zhou glanced at the congee in Sheng Siyu’s hand. “But for someone like yourself, who has reached your golden years, it’s best to stick to light breakfasts such as congee.”

Still, Bai Zhou couldn’t help but feel frustrated. “My manager works tirelessly every day, already showing signs of balding despite being around your age—so you should take care too.”

Sheng Siyu raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Are you trying to show concern for my health?”

Bai Zhou rolled his eyes. “How am I not? I certainly don’t want to be a widow at such a young age.”

Of course, he technically was one now, albeit a living one.

However, considering the ten million yuan that had just hit his account this morning, Bai Zhou wholeheartedly hoped that Sheng Siyu would take care of himself and avoid overworking himself.

After all, how many years would it take for a small-time actor like him to earn ten million yuan per film?

Sheng Siyu scoffed. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m not balding and my health is fine.”

“Pfft.” Bai Zhou laughed coldly.

They have been married for two years and have never shared a room; either Sheng Siyu’s body was incapable or he simply wasn’t interested in his wife.

With looks that could make even the heavens chase him down with food, Bai Zhou naturally didn’t believe that his own attractiveness was the issue.

Over these past two years, Bai Zhou had developed a bedtime reading habit—pure love stories filled with sugar and spice, stories that made his face flush red each night as he read them fervently.

Within these stories were male leads who resembled Sheng Siyu, sophisticated businessmen dressed in tailored suits, who secretly harbored beastly desires beneath their refined exteriors. A night of more than ten times was practically the standard.

Perhaps due to overexposure to such stories, or perhaps because he himself hadn’t experienced it, Bai Zhou naively believed that real-life business tycoons should likewise be exceptionally skilled between the sheets, with that part sizes above twenty centimeters.

But within days of returning to China, Sheng Siyu busied himself at work during the day at his company, then returned to his bedroom to continue working late into the night. This was no longer just s3xual apathy—it was undoubtedly a problem with his physical health.

“Oh, so there’s nothing wrong with your body…” Bai Zhou said mockingly.

Sheng Siyu remained silent.

Of course, Sheng Siyu could tell what Bai Zhou meant. He responded calmly, “What? If you don’t believe me, you can try.”

But there was no need for that!

Bai Zhou mimicked Sheng Siyu’s tone from last night, “Keep dreaming!”

“Sir, you’ve received a call.” The nanny walked over to the dining table without missing a beat, holding Sheng Siyu’s personal cell phone in her hands.

As she handed it over, the nanny glanced at Bai Zhou inadvertently—on purpose?

Seeing Bai Zhou staring at her with a dark expression, she rubbed her hands awkwardly and said, “Good morning, Young master Bai.”

It had been going well until now.

Usually, after preparing breakfast, the nanny would return directly to the servants’ quarters. This was also why Bai Zhou insisted on living in three separate villas; though it may have seemed cold and deserted, no one would disturb him here.

As someone who embodied the dual nature of a typical Gemini, Bai Zhou loved putting on shows and acting out—he often let loose within the confines of his own home. Singing impromptu songs like this morning was just a small scene compared to when he delivered acceptance speeches in front of the railings of his second-floor bedroom, complete with dramatic hand gestures.

These kinds of self-indulgent activities were quite refreshing, but they became extremely awkward when another person appeared, which was why he hadn’t expected to have a third witness this morning.

Furthermore, the nanny’s avoidance earlier clearly indicated that she had overheard his conversation with Sheng Siyu—his flirtatious banter with his beloved husband at the dinner table.

He really wanted to give her a round of applause!

Flirting was something completely out of Bai Zhou’s life; he and Sheng Siyu had become so fake that even during their daily commute, neither could detect any hint of emotion from the other.

Bai Zhou lifted his eyes toward Sheng Siyu, whose expression remained blank as usual, and picked up the phone call, maintaining his cold and reserved demeanor. He spoke sparingly, as if “yes” was the only word in his vocabulary.

Suddenly, Sheng Siyu let out a quiet chuckle.

If Bai Zhou hadn’t seen the corner of Sheng Siyu’s lips twitch upward, he might’ve suspected he had misheard.

With a faint smile, Sheng Siyu hummed softly, then glanced briefly at Bai Zhou before standing up and walking out of the dining room to continue his call.

Though Bai Zhou couldn’t make out the words being spoken, he could tell from the tone that they were engaged in a lively discussion, with Sheng Siyu contributing many lines.

Who was he talking to? And they seemed to be having such a good time! If Bai Zhou could even get through to Sheng Siyu’s personal line, it couldn’t possibly be about work, right?

For that fleeting moment, Bai Zhou began questioning himself—was it really because he wasn’t attractive enough?

After all, Sheng Siyu had always been very businesslike when speaking with him over the phone, using as few words as possible.

Seeing Bai Zhou stand up, the nanny asked, “Young Master Bai isn’t eating breakfast?”

“No.” Bai Zhou walked straight into the living room after replying.

He thought he might hear what Sheng Siyu was saying if he sat closer, but just as soon as Bai Zhou took a seat on the sofa, Sheng Siyu hung up the call.

As Sheng Siyu approached, Bai Zhou quickly pulled out his cell phone and pretended to play a game, thinking he’d misheard something earlier.

“It was an old classmate calling to ask if I have some free time for a gathering,” Sheng Siyu said lightly upon reaching Bai Zhou.

“Oh,” Bai Zhou responded, then belatedly asked, “Why did you say that to me? Did I ask?”

Sheng Siyu scoffed, “No need to explain yourself lest you think I’m getting flirty with some second-tier celebrity again.”

Bai Zhou: “……?”

As if he had explained himself clearly. Su Yan’s situation was nothing more than a drop in the bucket of celebrity news and a loss of resources.

Furthermore, Bai Zhou had won his role solely on his face, with no help from Sheng Siyu whatsoever. This excuse wouldn’t convince Bai Zhou at all.

He mumbled under his breath, “In these past two years, I haven’t been involved in any rumors, unlike certain people who immediately caused trouble upon returning to China.”

Who exactly is the one causing trouble by hanging out with Lin Ruoxi at clubs every day? Sheng Siyu raised an eyebrow mockingly. “If there aren’t any rumors, could it be that you’re not famous enough?”

Bai Zhou: “……?”

This conversation couldn’t continue! His sister was right—He was only twenty-three; why should he rush to sacrifice his own happiness so early?

Bai Zhou almost immediately said something about their divorce, but in the end, he held back. After all, this kind of family marriage wasn’t something he could decide on his own.

The main issue was that Sheng Siyu was right—he really was too insignificant to warrant any gossip. Currently, whether it be in terms of career or net worth, he couldn’t even match five percent of Sheng Siyu.

But he still needed to put up a fight!

A lifelong perfectionist, Bai Zhou retorted, “… How does fame have anything to do with it? As long as I want to use this for profit, isn’t there always plenty of gossip?”

Sheng Siyu glanced at Bai Zhou; those charming peach blossom eyes that should’ve been warm and affectionate were now cold and distant, carrying a hint of stubborn pride.

It was as if he was saying, “Do you know how I’ve been these past two years? Do you know what sacrifices I made for this contract marriage?”

Sheng Siyu chuckled softly.

If not for the secretary’s reminder last night—that Bai Zhou had become so insignificant even scandalous rumors no longer interested the public—Sheng Siyu might have believed Bai Zhou really endured much to protect their marriage.

Last night, Chen An, who narrowly avoided losing his position as Wan Hua’s general manager, saw the list of actor candidates sent by the director team and nearly died from hypertension on the spot.

As the general manager, he usually held the authority to decide such matters, but because of Su Yan, he dared not replace the male lead with someone else.

That night, Chen An contacted Wen Jing and expressed his firm stance against using Bai Zhou, insisting they mustn’t cast an unknown actor in the role.

When Sheng Siyu received the news that Bai Zhou would play the male lead, he was rather surprised. Wen Jing also gave his most honest evaluation, “This film is a literary drama, its production company isn’t first-tier, and if we use another new actor, it may be impossible to get back our investment.”

“The director picked him, which means there’s still potential within him. Tell Chen An to stop worrying about whether or not they’ll lose money.”

Sheng Siyu didn’t think too deeply on it; regardless of how he felt, getting caught up in a rumor scandal upon his return to China certainly wasn’t right.

Perhaps this could be considered compensation for Bai Zhou.

Sheng Siyu didn’t plan on continuing his conversation with Bai Zhou and walked upstairs, preparing to change before leaving.

Shortly after, Bai Zhou saw Sheng Siyu walk down the stairs wearing casual clothes.

To someone accustomed to seeing Sheng Siyu dressed formally, this sporty look was quite attractive at first glance. The relaxed attire accentuated Sheng Siyu’s muscular lines, highlighting his “double door” model physique. When he donned a suit, he became the sophisticated yet ruthless villain straight out of a novel; when clad in sports wear, he transformed into a handsome and charismatic athlete with hormones.

“You’re not working today?” Bai Zhou asked almost casually.

“Mm-hmm.” Sheng Siyu paused slightly. “An old classmate invited me to play some sports. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything inappropriate.”

A domineering CEO who played basketball? How refreshing.

Bai Zhou gave him a blank response, suppressing his desire to tag along.

Sheng Siyu chuckled lightly, amused by Bai Zhou’s expression despite his obvious eagerness to join. “I’m not taking you, so your sister wouldn’t write a scathing article about my cold treatment of you, right?”

“… Hah, if you don’t even respond to interviews, how would she know?”

Sheng Siyu stowed his smile away. “Then will you come with me?”

“I won’t.” Bai Zhou rolled his eyes. “I don’t know your classmates.”

Besides, what would he even be doing at this kind of school reunion? He and Sheng Siyu were secretly married; they hadn’t even held a wedding ceremony, so there was no way his classmates knew about their marriage.

He’d only embarrass himself if he went.

“You’ll get to know each other when you meet, right?” asked Sheng Siyu.

Bai Zhou could hear the sincerity behind Sheng Siyu’s tone as he genuinely invited him to join.

Since that was the case, he might as well give it a try and check out Mr Sheng’s skills.

After standing on the golf course for more than ten minutes, Bai Zhou stared blankly.

“You… are going to play golf?”

“Of course.”

Bai Zhou blinked dumbfoundedly.

Why would he assume someone like Sheng Siyu—who had reached a certain age—would play basketball instead?

“Hello, Bai Zhou! It’s nice to finally meet you,” said Sheng Siyu’s classmate, walking toward them.

Realizing Sheng Siyu didn’t introduce himself, Bai Zhou awkwardly shook the man’s hand. 

“Hello, um… I’m…”

“I know, you’re Siyu’s lover,” the man said warmly. “Siyu already introduced you over the phone earlier.”

“Oh.” Bai Zhou smiled slightly.

Sheng Siyu was quite reliable. Bai Zhou was about to praise Sheng Siyu internally when he suddenly heard that student say, “I heard from Siyu that Mr. Bai is an all-round artist with top-notch acting skills and a beautiful singing voice?”

Bai Zhou:”……?”