Gu Yaoyang paused slightly, then his eyes lit up as he looked at Xia Qingtian's eyes: "You mean..."
"A three-month trial period." Xia Qingtian had no intention of letting Gu Yaoyang get too smug: "After three months, if it's a good fit, we continue. If not, we part ways amicably."
Xia Qingtian's words struck Gu Yaoyang as novel.
Trial period? He had never heard anyone talk about giving him a trial period before.
Curving his lips, Gu Yaoyang smiled: "Okay."
"I don't do underground relationships, nor do I do the sugar daddy thing." Xia Qingtian stated, "Even in a romantic relationship, you cannot interfere with my work or restrict my freedom. I will also respect your decisions."
In her previous life, Xia Qingtian was psychologically manipulated by Song Junhan due to her legs, confined for her entire life.
In this life, she wanted absolute freedom.
Of course, she didn't intend to use her tragic experience to manipulate Gu Yaoyang. She didn't care for special privileges; she wanted equality.
"That suits me perfectly." Gu Yaoyang nodded, "Then... we'll do as you say?"
"Deal." Xia Qingtian extended her hand towards Gu Yaoyang.
Looking at Xia Qingtian's outstretched hand, Gu Yaoyang blinked.
Although he had never been in love, surely he had seen enough to know how it worked?
Who agreed to a relationship and then shook hands like they were closing a business deal?
However, seeing Xia Qingtian's bright, sparkling eyes, Gu Yaoyang took the initiative and clasped her hand: "Pleasure doing business?"
At this moment, even Xia Qingtian had a vague sense that something was amiss.
But she didn't say anything, just smiled and was about to withdraw her hand.
Gu Yaoyang, however, didn't let her. He shifted his grip, using the palm of his hand to support Xia Qingtian's, his slender fingers weaving through hers. Their palms met, and their fingers interlaced.
Gu Yaoyang nodded slightly. This time, it felt right.
Xia Qingtian looked at their intertwined fingers, her gaze shifting slightly.
At that moment, Gu Yaoyang's phone rang. It was likely Ling Feng Han's agent calling to consult him.
With such a major incident, Ling Feng Han's agent was also in a difficult position.
He was the one who discovered Ling Feng Han, the one who had propelled him to stardom.
Over the years, he admired Ling Feng Han's talent and sympathized with his struggles.
When Ling Feng Han was being stalked by obsessive fans and felt on the verge of collapse multiple times, he was always there by his side.
Seeing Ling Feng Han meet his true love at the peak of his career, his feelings were incredibly complex.
He knew that from a professional standpoint, he should prevent such a situation, prioritizing Ling Feng Han's career.
But seeing Ling Feng Han's face finally light up with a gentle smile, seeing the light return to his once hollow and despairing eyes, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
When Ling Feng Han, smiling like a child, happily told him, "Brother, I'm going to be a father!" he was even more speechless.
So, as soon as he learned that Li Mengxiao was pregnant, he had contacted Mr. Gu.
It was Mr. Gu who proposed that Ling Feng Han reduce his public appearances and gradually transition to behind-the-scenes work.
The original plan was to announce the pregnancy after Li Mengxiao gave birth and after Ling Feng Han had firmly established himself behind the scenes.
Now, due to paparazzi photos, a major leak had occurred.
Ling Feng Han was very remorseful because he had proactively invited Xia Qingtian to his home, intending to surprise Li Mengxiao, who was resting at home due to her pregnancy.
Li Mengxiao would never suspect Ling Feng Han and Xia Qingtian of having a relationship; she only regretted causing trouble for Xia Qingtian.
Now, the couple was equally distressed.
Ling Feng Han didn't want Li Mengxiao exposed to the public. He even considered retiring if it meant protecting Xia Qingtian.
"Are you crazy?" The agent could barely believe his ears. "You've worked so hard to get here, endured so much hardship! How can you give up now?"
"This isn't a sudden decision. Ever since I got together with Xiaoxiao, I've been constantly worried. I'm afraid obsessive fans might find their way to us again, that someone might harm Xiaoxiao and the baby in her belly." Ling Feng Han's eyes felt a little hot. "Retiring might be for the best. I'm still young, I can do anything, even if... I can never... sing again..."
The latter words, even to Ling Feng Han himself, felt like a sharp stab to the heart.
He truly loved this industry; he genuinely loved singing.
However, he had to shoulder the responsibility of being a man.
"How about I apologize to the public?" Li Mengxiao stood by the door, a faint smile on her lips, her eyes filled with tears. "I've been in this industry for a while too. I'm not as fragile as you think; I can handle it."
Li Mengxiao tried to put on a brave, comforting smile, but it looked more like crying than smiling.
No matter what, she didn't want to become an obstacle for her lover and her friend.
When she first entered the industry, Qingtian protected her.
Later, Ling Feng Han protected her.
Li Mengxiao also wanted to protect the people she cared about.
"You pregnant woman, what are you fussing about now!" The agent scratched his short hair in frustration. "I really owe you guys!"
Despite his words, he took out his phone and dialed Mr. Gu's number.
He was at a loss in this situation. He dared not answer the calls from several business partners. Now, he could only seek help from the all-powerful Mr. Gu.
"I'm already aware of the situation." Mr. Gu's voice was as calm and indifferent as ever, which immediately put the agent's mind at ease.
"Tell Ling Feng Han to take good care of Li Mengxiao. This small matter doesn't require his attention." Mr. Gu looked up at Xia Qingtian, only to see her taking photos of the pastries he had made with her phone, using the small pastries as props for a photoshoot, looking incredibly cute.
Mr. Gu's lips curved into a smile unconsciously. "When Ling Feng Han's contract expires, renew it and promote him by one level."
"Pr-promote by one level?" The agent was a bit bewildered. This Mr. Gu not only wasn't concerned but was also promoting Ling Feng Han!
Considering Ling Feng Han's current standing within Gu's Entertainment was already quite high, being promoted after such an incident, rather than being shelved, was unheard of!
Had he misheard?
"Yes, that's it. I have other things to attend to." Gu Yaoyang casually responded a few times and hung up the phone.
The agent, still holding his phone, was still somewhat dazed.
"What did Mr. Gu say?" Ling Feng Han was very concerned about Mr. Gu's opinion.
"He said... this is a small matter and doesn't require your worry. He told you to accompany Xiaoxiao well, and that your contract will be renewed and you'll be promoted by one level when it expires." The agent looked at Ling Feng Han, his eyes brightening as he immediately said, "Mr. Gu is telling you to work hard to earn money for the baby's expenses! You can't just talk about retiring anymore! Do you hear me!"
Hearing the agent's words, Ling Feng Han was deeply moved. Li Mengxiao, due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, couldn't stop crying.
The three of them immediately decided they must earn well for Mr. Gu!
Sobbing, Li Mengxiao blinked and asked, "Wait, what about... Qingtian?"
"Mr. Gu didn't say." The agent scratched the back of his head and replied, "But judging by Mr. Gu's tone, there shouldn't be any problem with Qingtian either."
Since Mr. Gu said it was fine, then it must be fine. After all, he was the almighty Mr. Gu!