Land Of Settlement

Although Xia Qi really wanted to wear Lu Xuan’s clothes, he knew that it would draw too much attention if he walked in and out of the company wearing a noticeably oversized coat. Xia Qi was used to keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention. Despite the jealous and envious looks from the people in the vocal studio, he wrapped the clothes neatly, like a little hamster, and carried them out of the classroom.

Xia Qi went to the resting room to find Yao Miaomiao, only to find his other assistant. The assistant handed him the lemon tea prepared earlier. With concern, the assistant said, “Miaomiao probably won’t come out yet… Xia Xia, did you know, earlier this morning, Miss Lu called many people in the company for a meeting upstairs. I heard it’s about disciplining them. Many people are feeling uneasy.”

Xia Qi understood. Although he knew that Lu Xuan’s actions were merely a response to the disorganized management style and had nothing to do with him, he could not help but feel a sweet sensation in his heart. Even the drink tasted much better than usual. Xia Qi drank an entire thermos of lemon tea, feeling extremely happy.

“Xia Xia.” Speaking of the devil, Yao Miaomiao stepped into Xia Qi’s resting room, striding quickly in high heels. She had a delighted expression on her face. “I have some good news to share.”

Xia Qi poured a cup of tea for Yao Miaomiao and said, “Have a drink first, Miaomiao. Your lips look dry.” Xia Qi was more concerned about Yao Miaomiao being reprimanded due to him, so he asked worriedly, “President Lu didn’t say anything just now, did he?”

“No!” Yao Miaomiao’s mood seemed even better than Xia Qi’s. Excitedly, she said, “The main point was scolding Qin Le, that idiot. He has no ability and just jumps around all day. Oh well, that’s not important.”

Yao Miaomiao put down her teacup and her eyes sparkled as she continued, “During the meeting today, they also discussed another thing. The company plans to collaborate with Buddy Entertainment on a TV drama adaptation of a novel called ‘Against the Wind.’ It’s a Republican era novel.”

Lowering her voice, Yao Miaomiao said, “Because it will be our company’s first TV drama project, Miss Lu has decided to invest heavily. We will hire top-notch screenwriters and actors. Buddy Entertainment will also provide the best resources. From what I briefly gathered, I have a feeling it will be a huge success! Xia Xia, this time, I will fight for an opportunity for you!”

Xia Qi was not sure and said, “If everyone else is top-notch… I feel like Miss Lu would prefer Brother Jiang and Xu Tian Qing to play the main roles. I… I’m not ready for that yet.”

“There’s nothing you can’t handle,” Yao Miaomiao asserted, “Of course, you can’t think of becoming the male lead; you’re too young and can’t handle such a role. But you can still think of becoming the second male lead.”

The assistant sounded a bit disappointed, “Another supporting role…”

“What do you know?!” Yao Miaomiao knocked on the assistant’s head. “In the past few years, there have been many popular actors who rose to fame playing favorable supporting roles! Nowadays, the audience’s taste has changed. Even villains are loved as long as they have a charming point.”

Yao Miaomiao looked at Xia Qi eagerly and continued, “Originally, it was a bit of a stretch, but luckily, this drama is also set in the Republican era. The role I’m fighting for you is somewhat similar to your character in ‘Chaos Era.’ In the end, he sacrifices himself…”

“That’s so ominous, Miaomiao!” The assistant exclaimed discontentedly. “Why not find a character who survives until the end?”

Yao Miaomiao was so annoyed that she wanted to hit the assistant. The assistant quickly scampered to the other side of the sofa in the resting room, and Xia Qi could not help but laugh, gasping for breath. “Miaomiao, please continue…”

Rolling her eyes at the assistant, Yao Miaomiao continued, “This character is initially a newspaper thief from the streets. He gets caught and punished for stealing money from the male lead. A series of events happens and he ends up in the military academy. Oh, right, the male lead happens to be the vice principal of the academy. To put it simply, this character of yours had transformed from a delinquent to a soldier fighting in the war. In the end, he sacrifices himself for the country. He’s charming and had a hint of a romance with the male lead. With a bit of promotion, he might become quite popular… If he doesn’t, I’ll…,” Yao Miaomiao glanced around and pointed at the assistant, “If he doesn’t become popular, I’ll push him off the rooftop garden of our company!”

The assistant pretended to cry, and Xia Qi bursted into laughter, saying, “But, I still feel like it’s a little difficult…”

“It didn’t seem hopeful at first, but the experience you had from ‘Chaos Era’ could back you up, as there are some similarities within both characters. I’ll gather your promotional photos from ‘Chaos Era’ and bring them to the audition. It will definitely give you an edge!” Yao Miaomiao said confidently. “At least a fifty percent chance of success. It’s definitely worth a try. Xia Xia, you should take some time to read the novel.”

Xia Qi nodded, and Yao Miaomiao hesitated for a moment before saying with a smile, “Actually… we might have a hundred percent chance.”

Xia Qi looked up, and Yao Miaomiao whispered, “Go tell President Lu. No need for an audition, just secure the role directly from him.”

Xia Qi shook his head in a hurry, “I can’t do that. Mr. Lu has already helped me secure a role in ‘Chaos Era.’ I shouldn’t trouble him anymore.”

Yao Miaomiao was just joking and apologized, “Of course, we’ll still have to rely on ourselves. Let’s give it a shot. If we could get it, then that would be great. If not… It’s fine. We’ll have more opportunities after the movie is released.”

Xia Qi nodded with a smile, “Yeah, things will always get better.”

In the afternoon, Yan Zhuo Yi called Xia Qi and would be picking him up. While Xia Qi was still in the company, he had his assistant buy the original novel of “Against the Wind” for him to read. The plot was tightly woven, and Xia Qi found himself engrossed in the story until Yan Zhuo Yi called again at five o’clock, prompting him to put the book down.

Xia Qi closed the book and praised it. Indeed, it was a great story, and it would be amazing if it were adapted into a TV drama. He stuffed the book into his backpack and went downstairs to get into the car.

“Mr. Lu still has some work to finish,” Yan Zhuo Yi looked back at Xia Qi from the passenger seat, “Let me take you to the company first, and we’ll leave together when Mr. Lu is done.”

Xia Qi was surprised. Was it alright for him to go to Lu Xuan’s company? Shouldn’t they avoid suspicion?

He vividly remembered that when he was first taken care of by Lu Xuan, they would usually meet at a hotel. Lu Xuan was a very cautious and private person, but recently… the boundaries seemed to blur a little.

Xia Qi did not dare to dwell on it. Shengshi Media was not far from Lu’s headquarters, and they arrived in less than half an hour. Xia Qi followed Yan Zhuo Yi into an elevator dedicated to bringing them up to the top floor.

It was Xia Qi’s first time coming here, so everything seemed novel. The top floor, rather than being Lu Xuan’s private office floor, looked more like a modern and extravagant integrated clubhouse. There was a large rooftop garden, a spacious conference room, and an extremely large lounge. As Xia Qi passed through a ten-meter-long glass corridor with rib-like structures, he felt a bit guilty. Did Lu Xuan walk back and forth there every day just to remind himself to be cautious of the risks associated with his high position in the company? He felt sorry for Lu Xuan. It must have been tough.

Yan Zhuo Yi led Xia Qi directly into Lu Xuan’s office. Inside, Lu Xuan was in a meeting with seven or eight senior executives from the company. When they entered, Lu Xuan looked over quietly. Xia Qi had not expected that there would be other people, feeling awkward. He did not understand why Yan Zhuo Yi brought him in directly. Lu Xuan, however, was unsurprised and said, “Help yourself to some refreshments. I’ll be done in half an hour.”

Relieved, Xia Qi did not feel like drinking anything, but still obediently poured himself a hot beverage. In the same huge office, he found a discreet spot and continued reading the book he had not finished.

Half an hour passed, and Lu Xuan finished the meeting. Everyone seemed not to notice Xia Qi as they left the office. Xia Qi put his book away, and Lu Xuan walked over with a soft smile, saying, “Sorry I made you wait.”

Xia Qi hurriedly shook his head, “There’s nothing for me to do at the company.”

“How could that be? I saw you working diligently this morning,” Lu Xuan sat next to Xia Qi and pulled himself closer to Xia Qi. Lu Xuan then made Xia Qi sit on his lap, smiling, “Are you satisfied with today’s apology?”

They were not in a hotel, but a place where Lu Xuan worked everyday, so Lu Xuan’s assistant could enter at any moment. Being so intimate with Lu Xuan in such a place made Xia Qi a little nervous, which made his cheeks turn slightly red as he whispered, “I’m satisfied. I just feel sorry for troubling you.”

“I don’t mind at all. I only delayed the meeting for an hour,” Lu Xuan rubbed his temple. “Who knows it got postponed until now… Heh, what a coincidence, I’m making you wait for me again.”

Xia Qi felt quite embarrassed. He knew that Lu Xuan went to Shengshi Media today specifically to save face for him, and his heart warmed at the thought. He took the initiative to massage Lu Xuan’s temples, and Lu Xuan closed his eyes with a smile, slid his hand down to hold Xia Qi’s hand and gave his butt a playful squeeze.

“Mr. Lu…”

“Let’s go to eat first.” Lu Xuan glanced at the time. “It’s getting late.”

Xia Qi got up, feeling bashful, and said, “You… you wait for me for a moment. I need to use the restroom. I had too many drinks today.”

Lu Xuan smiled, patted his head affectionately and let him go. Xia Qi went to the restroom, and Lu Xuan got up to put on his coat. He also helped Xia Qi carry his bag when he noticed a book with a bookmark inside.

In the evening, the two of them had Shanghai cuisine together. The time had not reached 8 o’clock when they finished dinner, and Xia Qi thought Lu Xuan had already booked a hotel. However, to his surprise, Lu Xuan instructed the driver to take them back home instead. It seemed that lately, Lu Xuan was taking him to hotels less frequently and more often to Lu Xuan’s own home.

Compared to going to a hotel, being at Lu Xuan’s house made Xia Qi feel happier, but also… shyer.

Lu Xuan was satisfied, leaning against the headboard of the bed and lightly rubbing the delicate neck of Xia Qi, who was sitting at his lower abdomen. He chuckled softly, “Can’t go on?”

Xia Qi’s slender legs were still trembling slightly. He closed his eyes and, with a thick nasal voice, shook his head as if begging for mercy, “No… can’t go on…”

Shanghai cuisine was not to Xia Qi’s liking, and Lu Xuan noticed he did not eat much. On the way home, Lu Xuan had the driver take a detour to buy some supper. Once they were back home, they ended up getting intimate at the dining table for some reason, with Xia Qi in his least favorite position. Then the action continued to the bedroom, and they had been going on for over an hour. Xia Qi was utterly exhausted, and his voice had turned pitifully hoarse, “Can I… use my mouth?”

“No need.”

Lu Xuan carried Xia Qi to the bathroom. At that point, Xia Qi could not be bothered with shyness anymore. He was just too tired. Blushing, he knelt in the bathtub and let Lu Xuan take care of cleaning him up from behind. After everything was settled, the two of them lay back on the bed with fresh sheets. Xia Qi was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open, and he almost fell asleep beside Lu Xuan.

“Has your assistant been trying to secure any new work for you recently?” Lu Xuan massaged Xia Qi’s ears before turning off the lights, he then casually asked, “After this movie, you’ll still need other works to follow up with.”

Struggling to open his eyes, Xia Qi dimly recalled the supporting male role in “Against the Wind” that Yao Miaomiao mentioned earlier. With great effort, he mustered up energy and shook his head, saying, “Not yet. No hurry, there’s still a long time before the movie is released. There will be opportunities.”

Lu Xuan smiled, “True.”

Xia Qi was glad that he had not been fucked by Lu Xuan till he lost his consciousness. He drowsily wrapped his arms around one of Lu Xuan’s arms and soon fell asleep.

A few days later, Xia Qi finished reading the original novel of “Against the Wind” and familiarized himself with the script. He gained a deeper understanding of the character he wanted to portray. Just as Yao Miaomiao had described, it was a very likable role, evolving from a newspaper thief chased by the police every day to a patriotic and skillful soldier, which was a challenging character. Regardless of whether it would make him popular or not, Xia Qi genuinely loved that character. The scenes in the script made him feel almost addicted. Before the audition, Xia Qi prepared diligently. Although he did not have high hopes. Nonetheless, he was satisfied with his efforts. Even getting a chance to audition for the character’s classic scenes would be wonderful.

Filled with enthusiasm, Xia Qi arrived at Baying Company early on the audition day. Yao Miaomiao led him to the newly set up audition studio. There were quite a few actors competing for the role, which caught Yao Miaomiao off guard, making her nervous. However, Xia Qi remained relaxed and tried to comfort Yao Miaomiao repeatedly. When it was his turn, he took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and entered the audition room.

“Hello, teachers. I’m Xia Qi from Shengshi Media…”

As Xia Qi looked at the interviewer in the middle position, he instantly forgot his lines. It was… Mr. Lu!

How could Mr. Lu be here!

Xia Qi’s heart raced frantically. Today, Lu Xuan was wearing a pair of rimless glasses, and looked even more serious than usual. He lowered his head and put a checkmark next to Xia Qi’s name, saying calmly, “The script is on the table. You may begin.”