Sulan Qiao didn't lie, the same way Chu Cheng was silent and reticent in bed, only grabbing his wrist when he lost control.
Being held by someone he liked was indeed very comfortable.
These words seeped into Chu Cheng's ears, and fragments of memories involuntarily flashed through his mind. The little model had tender skin and toned muscles, with a good feel to him.
But that chapter had already been turned, and now bringing him back as a secondary representative was just an opportunity to teach the arrogant little model a lesson.
He cleared his throat, put the bag back under his desk, and his gaze turned serious, "Sulan Qiao, that's enough."
"Hmm?" Sulan Qiao was dazed, looking at him blankly.
Chu Cheng repeated, "There's no need to bring up past matters again."
The meaning was clear—setting boundaries with him.
One was the boss, the other the representative, and that's all.
No more jokes in the future.
Sulan Qiao was clever and quickly understood, but he felt a little sad. Despite knowing that he shouldn't hold any illusions, hearing Chu Cheng personally asking him to be a spokesperson still gave him a slight hope that he was special.
But on second thought, he was just a stranger who had an absurd one-night stand with him, how could he be special?
He forced a smile, concealing his disappointment, "Okay, Manager Chu, I won't disturb you then."
The office door was gently closed, and Yue Xi, who was leaning against the wall, looked at him suspiciously, "How come you went in lively and came out despondent? Did you get scolded?"
Sulan Qiao shook his head, pushing down the frustration in his heart, and walked to the elevator and pushed the button to go down, "Let's go buy a suit for the party tomorrow."
-
The party was held at a low-key five-star hotel. Although it was an internal gathering, with the Chu Group as the host, many celebrities and industry professionals who had previously collaborated came, all dressed up and looking splendid.
In social situations, you never know who you'll make a connection with, and a collaboration begins.
Sulan Qiao appeared in a deep blue suit, wearing a delicate rose brooch on his chest, looking elegant and refined. His hair was a bit long, but it was tidy and styled, tied up with an elastic to form an apple shape, revealing deep-set eyes.
Many passing people couldn't help but look back at him; he had a good posture, a handsome appearance, and as a new face, naturally attracted attention.
Ling Feng was socializing with a group of media people, and when he saw Sulan Qiao, he waved and signaled for him to come over. He thought simply that since Sulan Qiao had become the spokesperson, it would be beneficial for Chu Shi to widen his connections by introducing him to some people in the industry.
Sulan Qiao was new to the circle, and the news of him being a spokesperson had not been officially announced. However, the media people had a keen sense of perception, and a woman with long curly hair couldn't help but gossip, "Ling, why so enthusiastic? It seems like there's some insider information?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Sulan Qiao, who previously helped us in an advertisement shoot. He's a newcomer, so please take good care of him," Ling Feng responded effortlessly to the usual banter.
Sulan Qiao obediently nodded in greeting and said softly, "Hello, everyone. Please take care of me."
"Sulan Qiao, what a nice name," the woman with long curly hair said in a familiar manner, handing a tall glass over. "You look like a mixed-blood. Come on, let's have a drink with the media sisters."
"I can't hold my liquor, but I'll join in with everyone," Sulan Qiao said as he took the glass and clinked it with others before downing it in one go.
He thought it was just a formality today and didn't eat anything beforehand. After just one drink, he started to feel a burning sensation in his stomach.
"One drink is too little; how about three?" the woman with long curly hair insisted, not letting it go.
Sulan Qiao was straightforward as well and couldn't beat the teasing of everyone. So, he ended up having two more drinks. He drank too quickly, and within three minutes of entering, his face had already started to blush slightly.
"Mr. Chu, I apologize for yesterday's incident, I'll drink to you," a familiar voice came from behind, and Sulan Qiao turned to see Xia Ran smiling as he approached Chu Cheng, nearly plastering himself to him.
Sulan Qiao couldn't stand it and felt possessiveness rise in him.
Taking a big step forward, he tried to squeeze between the two, wearing a harmless smile, "Mr. Chu shouldn't drink too much. I'll help him with the drinks."
Xia Ran patted his sleeve and looked disdainful, "I'll drink with Mr. Chu, what are you doing here?"
Sulan Qiao pursed his lips silently, remembering Chu Cheng's words from yesterday, "This is the end," and reflexively took a step back.
He had crossed the line again.
"Okay, you can drink for me tonight. All my drinks should be yours," Chu Cheng casually said, putting his glass into Sulan Qiao's hand. "Drink up."
Sulan Qiao raised a faint smile. You tried to harass my Chu Cheng, huh? Well, I intercepted you.
He downed the drink in one go, and his stomach started to churn again, feeling like he wanted to vomit.
Xia Ran's face didn't look good as he passed by Sulan Qiao, threatening in a low voice, "You just got lucky, picking up where I left off. Don't get cocky."
That day's shoot was suddenly canceled by Xia Ran. All schedules were settled, and a well-known model couldn't make it at the last minute, so the brand department was in a hurry. That's why they replaced the newcomer, Sulan Qiao.
In a way, Sulan Qiao was quite thankful to him for ditching him this time, allowing him to have an encounter with Chu Cheng.
But at this moment, Sulan Qiao couldn't be bothered with him. He couldn't even think about his burning hot stomach, quickly following Chu Cheng's steps.
Two hours later, Sulan Qiao was already half drunk.
Part of it was due to many people coming over to make connections with Chu Cheng through him, while another part was Chu Cheng deliberately teasing him. So, in the latter half of the gathering, the two of them made their rounds throughout the entire event.
Chu Cheng observed the young model's state carefully. In the first half, he appeared lively, but in the latter half, his fair skin began to turn pink, and his steps became unsteady.
Poor tolerance for alcohol and behaving recklessly.
"If you can't drink, don't force yourself," Chu Cheng leaned against a high table, finally softening his heart as he gave in.
Sulan Qiao grabbed onto his sleeve, insisting, "I can."
Chu Cheng raised an eyebrow slightly. "I gave you a chance. We have some business associates later; you won't be able to hold on."
"If you drink too much, I'll worry too," Sulan Qiao whispered in a hushed tone by Chu Cheng's ear to avoid being overheard, nudging him with his tone.
Chu Cheng lifted his eyelids to look at him, clenched his teeth, "Fine, you brought this upon yourself. Don't complain."
Before he could finish his sentence, a slight man came over with a smile from afar. "Ah, it's been a long time, Mr. Chu. Has Mr. Ling changed to a handsome young man?"
Maintaining his posture, Chu Cheng replied offhandedly, "Mr. Chen is kidding. He's the new spokesperson for the company, here to accompany me for a drink. Drink as much as you want."
"I love drinking, that's my forte. Good, let's switch to white wine," Mr. Chen motioned to the waiter, "bring us a bottle of white wine and let this young man accompany me for two drinks."
Chu Cheng stared expressionlessly at Mr. Chen. "Mr. Chen, drinking is fine, but our collaboration needs to be pushed forward. We've been waiting on your signed confirmation."
"Mr. Chu, I've reviewed the contract, there's no problem," Mr. Chen patted Sulan Qiao's shoulder, then gestured to the just-brought Maotai, "How about this, young man drinks half of this, and we'll sign the contract right away."
Fifty-degree white wine, halfway through, and you'll be stumbling.
Chu Cheng raised his hand to rub his forehead. "Mr. Chen, don't bully the kid. Half a bottle is too much."
"Mr. Chu, earlier you said drink as much as you want. Why the change now? Not good," Mr. Chen smiled craftily, "Or perhaps he's your little lover, so you're feeling heartache?"
Sulan Qiao remained composed, but inside he felt slightly anxious. He didn't want to be made the subject of gossip in this sensitive relationship. He quickly grabbed a glass and blurted out, "I'll drink it. After I finish, remember to sign the contract with Mr. Chu."
"Fantastic! Mr. Chu attracts talent to his side," Mr. Chen lifted a small glass and tapped it against Sulan Qiao's glass, "Come on, young man, keep it up."
Sulan Qiao mechanically poured drink after drink into his throat. Unlike red wine, white wine had a more direct impact, feeling like a ball of fire rolling straight from the throat to the stomach. He didn't want to carefully appreciate the aftertaste and mechanically poured the alcohol down his throat.
One glass, two glasses, three glasses...
Countless amounts of alcohol rushed into his throat, making everything around him silent. Many faces of people watching flashed before him, then disappeared as if they were never there.
"Okay, that's enough." Chu Cheng grabbed his wrist with some force. "We are halfway through the bottle."
Sulan Qiao leaned slightly towards Chu Cheng, propping her arm on the high table. Her voice, roughened by alcohol, "I'm sorry, Chief Chu, I really can't go on."
Chu Cheng waved for Ling Feng to come over. "You take over the contract with Chief Chen, and we'll leave first."
"All right, Chief Chu, the driver is waiting for you at the door," Ling Feng said, looking at the disoriented Sulan Qiao, puzzled as to how she can get so drunk after spending the night with the two of them.
Seeing that Sulan Qiao was in a daze, Chu Cheng made no move. He turned to give her a glance and asked softly, "Can you walk?"
"I can," Sulan Qiao forced herself to gather some strength and followed him, determined not to make a fool of herself, and relying on her stubborn spirit to keep up with Chu Cheng as they walked to the hotel entrance.
As he watched the familiar Rolls-Royce approaching, his legs gave way, and he almost fell to the ground.
Chu Cheng quickly supported his waist and clicked his tongue, "Stay put, I'll take you home first."
"Chief Chu, did I embarrass you tonight?" Sulan Qiao's eyes were already disoriented, her beautiful eyes slowly closing, her response completely unrelated.
The driver, Lao Chen, hurried over to assist, carefully placing Sulan Qiao in the back seat. He looked at Chu Cheng, who had gotten into the car on the other side, and asked, "Chief Chu, where are we going now?"
Chu Cheng sighed heavily, regretting bringing this wildcat back.
Why did he have to stir up trouble for himself, and who was really tormenting whom?
As Sulan Qiao lay on the back seat, she was still restless, muttering something unintelligible.
Chu Cheng leaned in, pressing his ear close to her mouth, his voice barely above a whisper.
Chu Cheng strained to hear the words clearly, "Chief Chu, don't leave me."