Sunday, Xia Qing Tian arrived early for their appointment. Before Gu Yao Yang could speak, she directly entered the kitchen, rolled up her sleeves, and began peeling garlic.
"Taking the initiative today," Gu Yao Yang said, a slight curve to his lips at the sight.
"So someone doesn't think I only know how to eat and drink," Xia Qing Tian retorted with a playful glare.
The curve of Gu Yao Yang's lips widened, and a smile appeared in his eyes.
With Xia Qing Tian assisting, the kitchen work was busy yet orderly.
While waiting for the oven, Gu Yao Yang returned to his study and handed Xia Qing Tian the contract. "Take a look, and let me know if you have any questions."
"Alright." Knowing she likely couldn't help much with the subsequent work, Xia Qing Tian took the contract and sat on the sofa, flipping through the pages.
Gu Yao Yang washed a plate of fresh fruit and placed it on the coffee table before returning to the kitchen to finish preparing some dishes.
By the time Xia Qing Tian found no issues and signed the contract, Gu Yao Yang was ready to serve the meal.
As all the dishes were served, Gu Yao Yang prepared to get the wine, but Xia Qing Tian stopped him. "I brought a bottle of wine. Would you like to try it?"
"Sure." Gu Yao Yang was a little surprised. He then thought that perhaps his earlier comment about Xia Qing Tian always just "eating and drinking" had offended her pride, and she was holding a grudge.
After all, he couldn't be entirely blamed. Every time she got angry, she wanted to distance herself from him.
After knowing each other for so long and experiencing so many things together, how could she simply declare they were strangers?
"This bottle of white wine is excellent," Gu Yao Yang said after tasting it, giving it high praise. "The flavor is rich, the sweetness is moderate, and the aftertaste is quite distinct. A good wine."
"It's my dad's private collection," Xia Qing Tian winked playfully. "Don't throw away the cork when you finish. I'll pour some water into it and put it back."
Gu Yao Yang's lips twitched. This Xia Qing Tian was unusually filial.
"My dad's wines are mostly just stored away; he doesn't drink much. At his age, it's better if he doesn't drink at all. I'm doing this for his health." Xia Qing Tian's eyes narrowed into happy crescents, making her look like a cunning little fox, someone you'd want to gently scratch under the chin to hear her delightful laughter.
"Oh, right," Xia Qing Tian added. "I've finished signing the contract. I've put it next to your computer in the study."
"Mm, eat your food." Gu Yao Yang placed a piece of food onto Xia Qing Tian's plate. "If there are any issues later, you can always communicate with me."
"Are you planning to lead the project yourself, or?" Xia Qing Tian inquired.
"Yes, I'll lead it myself. What's up?" Gu Yao Yang asked.
"Nothing, really. I still have classes at school. If you're leading the project, I can relax a bit more, and the pressure will be less." Xia Qing Tian knew she had a lot to do and might not be able to manage everything. If she had a reliable person to help, it would naturally be the best.
"You should also come over often, just show your face," Gu Yao Yang said. "Those directors at Xia's Corporation don't seem entirely trustworthy."
"Isn't that because my dad spoiled them?" Xia Qing Tian silently rolled her eyes.
Xia Hong Lang was sincere with people and diligent in his work, always aiming for harmony and steady growth.
However, those people became increasingly audacious, each wanting to pick his flesh clean.
Gu Yao Yang didn't say much, seeing that Xia Qing Tian was aware of the situation, he stopped talking.
"Speaking of which, is Gu Corporation planning a reality show that collaborates with ordinary people and artists?" Xia Qing Tian asked, recalling something she overheard Song Jun Han and Yu Lin Wan discussing at the coffee shop.
"There is such a plan. The proposal was approved last week, and it's currently in preparation," Gu Yao Yang replied, looking at Xia Qing Tian. "How did you know?"
"Not only do I know, but Yu Lin Wan and Song Jun Han also know." Xia Qing Tian then informed Gu Yao Yang about the two of them working together. "Yu Lin Wan even said she has a condition I can't refuse. I find it strange; aren't they busy? I've never seen them so leisurely since starting their company!"
Gu Yao Yang paused slightly, his hand holding the chopsticks faltering, his gaze growing more dangerous.
He knew there were disloyal individuals within Gu Corporation. Earlier, Yu Lin Wan had repeatedly plagiarized and attacked Gu Corporation's entertainment projects.
However, this project's proposal had only been approved last week, and the news had already leaked.
It seemed necessary to weed out the moles in Gu Corporation's entertainment division.
Having made this decision, Gu Yao Yang's gaze deepened.
"Are you listening to me?" Xia Qing Tian asked when Gu Yao Yang didn't respond.
"I'm listening," Gu Yao Yang replied after coming back to his senses, then smiled faintly and refilled Xia Qing Tian's glass. "You don't need to pay attention to any conditions Yu Lin Wan might offer. She wouldn't dare to do anything to you."
"I wasn't planning to entertain it anyway; I just found it a bit annoying," Xia Qing Tian pouted.
At that moment, a knock came from the door. Gu Yao Yang looked towards the entrance, estimating the time, and guessed who it was.
He stood up, walked to the door, and opened it. "What are you doing here?"
"You truly are my nemesis!" Outside the door, Bai Yu Qi, with short golden hair, panted and said speechlessly. "What kind of attitude is that? Quick, quick! Get me a glass of water; I'm dying of thirst!"
"Here's five yuan. Go buy one downstairs yourself," Gu Yao Yang said, reaching into his pocket for his wallet.
"Holy cow! You won't even give me a glass of water! You're heartless!" Bai Yu Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, then he sniffed the air. "It smells so good! What delicious food are you eating!"
Immediately after, Bai Yu Qi pushed away the money Gu Yao Yang offered and squeezed into the room. He immediately spotted the table laden with food. "Gu! You're feasting at home and don't care about my plight? I'm both thirsty and hungry!"
Xia Qing Tian also recognized Bai Yu Qi. She had seen him a few times before. His striking short golden hair and excellent features made him highly recognizable.
"Bai Yu Qi!" Gu Yao Yang's face darkened. "It's inconvenient to entertain you today!"
"I don't care!" Bai Yu Qi protested. "I want to eat!"
"I'll give you money, and you can eat out," Gu Yao Yang said, trying to usher him out.
"There's food right here, so why should I eat out? I'm starving!" Bai Yu Qi insisted.
The two were at an impasse.
"It's just adding an extra pair of chopsticks and a bowl," Xia Qing Tian said, walking directly to the kitchen to serve a bowl of rice and get another pair of chopsticks. She placed them at the empty seat next to hers. "Young Master Bai, please join us for dinner."
"Heh heh, I won't stand on ceremony then!" Bai Yu Qi walked over and was about to sit next to Xia Qing Tian when Gu Yao Yang grabbed him by the collar and pulled him away.
"Go wash your hands! You're filthy!" Gu Yao Yang said with evident disgust.
"Alright, alright! What a hassle!" Bai Yu Qi immediately trotted off to wash his hands. When he returned, he found Gu Yao Yang already sitting in his previous spot, next to Xia Qing Tian, and his bowl and chopsticks placed on the opposite side.