Chapter 124: Old Friend

I choose an old friend.

After Lin Yu made his decision, Su Xiaolin replied to it. Moments later, she received a thank-you letter from O Music, who expressed that they would release the song as soon as possible and promote it aggressively.

As Lin Yu led Su Xiaolin to the recording studio, she looked puzzled. Why not record the song directly in the company's professional facilities? The equipment there was far more advanced, and there would be no extra cost. Yet Lin Yu refused to save a modest sum at the expense of recording in an unfamiliar place. He preferred the comfort of the studio where he was accustomed to working.

The studio owner had collaborated with him several times and understood his preferences perfectly. Their partnership flowed smoothly, and soon the new track "Suddenly I Miss You" was complete.

After a quick lunch break, they returned to the studio. The owner handed him the demos for both "Suddenly I Miss You" and "Let This Rain Fall."

That night, Lin Yu boarded the company-arranged private jet back to the hotel for the recording program.

To his surprise, he ran into an old acquaintance—Wang Fei—upon arrival.

"Well, isn't this Social I Yu-ge?" Wang Fei exclaimed with a grin.

Lin Yu strode over, slinging an arm around his shoulders like longtime good friends. After exchanging cheerful greetings, he got straight to the point.

"Wang senior, I'm starving. When can we finally eat that hotpot you promised me last time?"

Wang Fei clutched his stomach, laughing heartily. "Sure, let's have hotpot together. I'm famished too."

Since their brief separation at the music festival, they had stayed in touch only sporadically. Bumping into each other here felt like fate's doing.

Lin Yu turned to Su Xiaolin, offering a couple of quick instructions, then followed Wang Fei straight to the elevator. Su Xiaolin watched the broker in bewilderment, both parties exchanging glances.

What?

They had simply abandoned their own artist?

Just as the elevator doors opened, Lin Yu spotted Si Shaoneng, bundled up tightly against the chill, chatting with his broker while waiting. The company had apparently assigned him a new schedule, but Si Shaoneng responded half-heartedly, his tone suggesting he had no real interest.

Because he kept his head lowered, Si Shaoneng never noticed the two men emerging from the elevator. As they brushed past Lin Yu and Wang Fei on their way inside, Lin Yu seized the moment. He rested a hand on the threshold, voice low and teasing: "Little brother, you look quite dashing. Why not join me?"

What nonsense?

Si Shaoneng froze, panic rising. Could he have encountered a pervert? But he was male!

Males could be robbed of color too?

The broker's expression shifted to one of shock, as if suspecting a private breeder. Yet they had only just arrived at the hotel that very first day—how could anyone know them so well? A chill crept down their spine, and they took an instinctive step back. Si Shaoneng, more terrified, raised his hands to shield his face.

Who knew, Lin Yu and Wang Fei doubled over in laughter at the sight.

Si Shaoneng recognized the familiar voices and realized something was amiss. He looked up, the words tumbling out.

"Super! Are you two bored?"

"I never thought the aloof, untouchable Si Shaoneng—the little song king—could look so startled. Hahaha! You had me laughing my head off earlier. Your reaction would fool anyone who didn't know you into thinking something was wrong."

"Your expression was exactly like a startled rabbit. Too cute!"

Watching the two men laugh until their sides ached, Si Shaoneng's face beneath his mask flushed crimson then darkened with fury.

Targeting me? So this is your idea of fun? If you're that bored, go screw screws at the factory!

Lin Yu and Wang Fei saw his genuine anger and tried to apologize. But Si Shaoneng turned on his heel and stalked back into the elevator without a backward glance, refusing to acknowledge them.

Ah, just as expected—the same familiar air, arrogant and prickly, the little song king's signature vibe.

"Don't be ridiculous. We've known each other for ages. Joking around is one thing, but you're so touchy? Don't be mad. We're heading to hotpot—why not join us?"

Si Shaoneng gave Wang Fei a disdainful snort from behind his mask.

"I'm not going."

Hotpot? This stuff was a known threat to one's dignity.

Remember those student days when he and his classmates tried to push their limits at a hotpot dinner? They ordered it extra spicy. The result? A sleepless night, uncontrollable diarrhea, and pure agony.

Recalling that ordeal sent another chill down his spine. His rear end throbbed just thinking about it, and he instinctively clutched the spot.

"I don't want to see chrysanthemums blooming again," he muttered bitterly.

The broker's face paled.

Super, this idiot! The lofty, high-cold male idol image you've nurtured for two and a half years as a company trainee—don't let him blow it by revealing his true colors! A funny side character with such a seductive look? It's weird, okay?!

"Wang teacher, is there anything else?" The broker shot a wary glance at the two grinning men opposite.

Don't joke around! Our company's artists maintain a unified image of aloof elegance. Don't corrupt ours!

"Really, it's just dinner. You haven't eaten yet either. Why not come?"

Remembering how the two men had spoken earlier about "color robbery" so matter-of-factly, surely it wasn't a joke? In this circle, there were plenty of people with unusual preferences, and he hadn't expected a newcomer to be one of them!

The broker unconsciously placed a protective hand behind his back, shielding the man's dignity.

No! Impossible! Absolutely not!

A man's dignity could not be trampled by a simple hotpot!

You two are playing so recklessly! He's a man in his thirties, Si Shaoneng's youthful and handsome looks make him a natural target for homosexual admiration. But his chin beard—didn't that fully convey his masculinity!?

He would really thank you for it!

"If you don't want to go, it's fine. We'll take Si Shaoneng with us."

Lin Yu and Wang Fei smiled wickedly, each taking one of his arms to lead him away. Si Shaoneng turned back with utter despair, sending a desperate signal to his broker. The broker turned away, mouthing that the weather was lovely.

What? Could he handle this?

One was the prince of love songs, the other a prominent artist from Ji Fei Brokerage. Managing either one could cause chaos. Si Shaoneng would have to fend for himself!

...

"You feel so light, like a bamboo pole. How come? Does the company usually starve you?"

The two men carried Si Shaoneng effortlessly, one on each side, as if he were a small chicken.

Hearing Lin Yu's casual nickname "little dog," Si Shaoneng was stunned.

"Little dog? Who are you calling that?!"

It was nothing unusual, yet Si Shaoneng's explosive reaction suggested his anxiety had reached a breaking point.

"I know you're anxious, but don't panic first. The little dog comment might not be about you, after all, there are three of us here."

Wang Fei and Lin Yu exchanged a glance and understood. They quickly chimed in.

"Three people walking, must have a little dog. Anyway, it wasn't me."

Lin Yu immediately added, "Nor was it me."