Chapter 113: A Delicate Balance of Business and Heart

“Alright, Brother Lao, do it your way,” Zhou Can joked. “Partnering with you—haha, it’s a huge advantage for me.”

Zhou Can didn’t beat around the bush.

He got straight to the point.

If it weren’t for his deep ties with Li Lao—and Zhou Can owing him for helping his wife—Li Lao would never have offered a partnership.

Simply put, he wanted to get rich together with Zhou Can.

“Don’t say that. You gave me this opportunity. But we must be clear: every investment carries risks. I know the entertainment business inside out, but that doesn’t guarantee profits. The chance of a loss on buying this album is almost nil.”

Li Lao was determined not to let a potential loss ruin their friendship.

Finding a like-minded friend in this world is incredibly difficult.

He truly cherished this bond and their friendship.

“May I ask about your source of funds?”

Every question from Li Lao had its own purpose.

Zhou Can admitted frankly, “I have to sell two houses just to scrape together this money.”

“For a starlet you might not even end up with—selling two houses to help her out? Brother, I think the title of Casanova fits you perfectly,” Li Lao teased with a laugh.

“What can I say! I love money, yet I believe it isn’t everything. If money can save the woman I love, it’s worth it.” Zhou Can had no hesitation about helping her clear over three hundred thousand in debt.

His decision to buy that album was made only after careful thought.

He felt the album was exceptionally beautiful and worth every penny.

Purchasing it was just another form of investment.

“I’m increasingly impressed by you. At such a young age, to see money so clearly—you don’t come by that often,” Li Lao said, his admiration genuine.

Many people never grasp the true meaning of money; for them, it’s all about the essentials—clothes, food, shelter, marriage, healthcare—everything relies on it.

Only a few can see past money.

Most of those people are wise beyond measure.

For instance, some scientists, though well-paid and receiving state subsidies and hefty bonuses, still live in cramped old apartments, subsist on simple fare, and haven’t bought new clothes in years.

In daily life, they’re as frugal as can be.

Yet they donate the money they save to places in need.

Sometimes donations run into hundreds of thousands, even millions.

And they keep on donating.

Most ordinary people have a hard time understanding such ‘foolish’ acts.

It’s like trying to explain ice to a summer insect.

If you haven’t reached that level of thought, you can’t understand it.

“Brother, since you’re planning to sell your houses, why not mortgage them for a bank loan? Rough estimates say about four million. I’ll also put in four million, and we’ll set up an entertainment company together. Four million isn’t much to build a company, but I’m confident that after acquiring the album, with proper packaging, promotion, and multiple ways to monetize it, we’ll make our first profit.”

“There’s one condition—your girlfriend must sign over to our new company. Once we make her a star, more talented people will be drawn in to create quality content. By then, the company will be on firm footing. You love being a doctor, right? You won’t have to worry about a thing. Lately, I’ve had too much downtime, so I’ll handle everything.”

“As for profit, we’ll each own 50% of the company and split gains equally. If we need to reinvest to expand, I’ll discuss it with you. If you want to invest further, we continue fifty-fifty; if not, your share gets diluted accordingly.”

It’s best to keep finances transparent between brothers.

Li Lao clarified every potential profit-sharing detail to avoid conflicts later.

Money can make even brothers turn against each other, or pit fathers and sons, or spouses.

Only by setting the rules in advance can you avoid getting hurt.

“Thanks, Brother Lao, for looking out for me! I’ll follow your plan. I’ll go see the bank about a mortgage tomorrow.”

Zhou Can knew all too well that he was getting a huge bargain from Li Lao.

“Now, about acquiring that album: your girlfriend doesn’t need to go to work tomorrow. Stage a fake suicide and get admitted to the hospital—make it as realistic as possible. As a doctor, that should be easy for you. After a few days of pestering the executives at Bei Hai Lang Xing Company, you will negotiate on the purchase. If I step in, it’ll be impossible to get it at a low price. Mr. Gui knows my background; if I get involved, he’ll definitely hike the price. So, be cautious and never reveal our connection before the deal is sealed.”

“Just appear as her boyfriend, saying you’re selling the house to save your girlfriend. That’s all based on real records. Even if Bei Hai Lang Xing Company investigates in secret, they’ll be more convinced of our story. They won’t fall for it.”

Li Lao guided Zhou Can on how to secure the album at a bargain.

As expected from the successful president of Tianyu Interactive, besides being extremely talented, his personal skills and tactics were unmatched.

“Understood!”

Zhou Can nodded in agreement.

“Once you finalize the deal and before signing any contract, send me a copy. We need to guard against any tricks by Bei Hai Lang Xing Company. After all, Mr. Gui isn’t an honest man. He’s all about profit and would scam you more than once.”

Li Lao reminded Zhou Can firmly.

His disdain for Mr. Gui was palpable.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.”

“Alright! I’ll await your good news!”

With Li Lao’s full backing, Zhou Can’s confidence soared.

He called Jin Mingxi to tell him he wouldn’t be returning to the Apartment tonight, so there’d be no worries of any mishaps.

Jin Mingxi, experienced as he was, didn’t pry.

Instead, he just smiled and wished Zhou Can moderation.

Evidently, he was reading between the lines.

Around three in the morning, Su Qianqian woke up. After all that beer, she’d been awoken by the pressure of a full bladder.

Upon opening her eyes, she found Zhou Can watching over her.

At that moment, Zhou Can was sitting close to her, his body draped over hers in sleep.

After using the restroom, she even voluntarily rested her head on Zhou Can’s thigh—a surprisingly cozy way to sleep.

Perhaps before considering ending her life, she wanted to savor one last moment of warmth.

The feeling of being cherished and protected by a man had entranced her.

Subconsciously, Zhou Can wrapped his arm around her, gently pulling a blanket over her, concealing her perfect figure. Together, they stayed on the sofa in the intimate manner typical of lovers.

“Imagine if we could live like this forever!”

She murmured softly.

“As long as you want it, we can be like this for a lifetime. Till the seas run dry and the stones crumble—I’ll always protect you.”

Zhou Can tenderly stroked her hair.

Their bond deepened rapidly.

Especially since, on the brink of giving up, she had never truly experienced love, and now she was bravely opening her heart and savoring its sweetness.

“I believe you can do it,” she said happily with a nod.

After a pause, she asked, “Can you guess what flower I like best, Can?” Her familiar way of addressing him signaled how quickly their feelings had escalated.

Zhou Can pondered a moment before replying, “You’re a modest, refined, and talented girl—you probably don’t fancy overly flashy flowers. I’d guess you like subtle orchids or the pure, fragrant jasmine.”

“Hahaha! Wrong! I love summer blossoms,” she laughed.

“Summer blossoms are too flamboyant, don’t you think?”

Zhou Can was momentarily taken aback.

He hadn’t expected her to favor summer blossoms.

“I love their brilliance. I want to live as vividly as summer flowers and die as peacefully as autumn leaves.” Her words made Zhou Can realize that her suicidal thoughts still lingered.

It was time to have a serious talk with her.

Now, with a solid plan already arranged with Li Lao, Zhou Can felt even more assured.

A vulnerable woman like her stood no chance against a bully like Bei Hai Lang Xing Company—Zhou Can would fight for her.

“Qianqian, I saw your suicide note in your bedroom,” Zhou Can declared bluntly.

He laid all his cards on the table.

Her body shuddered, and the softness she once had turned rigid.

Her expression gradually turned woeful.

The previously warm and beautiful atmosphere of love was shattered as reality set back in.

“I…”

She bitterly tried to explain, but Zhou Can silenced her by pressing his hand against her enticing red lips.

“There’s nothing you need to say. I understand your pain and helplessness. Death isn’t frightening. True courage is when someone, despite life’s suffering and unfair fate, fights on. I believe you shouldn’t be like a summer flower, but rather a noble, beautiful phoenix.”

Zhou Can gazed into her deep, black, gem-like eyes,

his look brimming with sincerity.

They shared a genuine, silent exchange, as eyes are said to be the windows of the soul.

“Do you know why the phoenix is so majestic and respected? It’s because every phoenix, from birth to maturity, must endure nine trials of rebirth. Time and again, through the searing flames and the brink of death, it emerges renewed. Only after defying death can it soar above all birds and the world.”

“It’s a process of growth—a deep reservoir of inner strength.”

Zhou Can subtly hinted that she was meant to be that phoenix.

It was a spiritual encouragement for her.

A boost to elevate her perspective and help her set new life goals.

“You shouldn’t be as fleeting as summer blossoms, but as resilient as a phoenix—proud, brave, and relentless. In time, you will shatter every injustice and leave an unforgettable legend behind.”

After speaking, Zhou Can simply stared at her silently.

Their eyes locked in a profound, wordless conversation.

Such exchanges between lovers are felt deeply, though hard to articulate.

“I don’t want to be weak either, but I’m just one fragile woman—how can I defy fate’s unfairness?”

She said softly, a trace of defiance in her voice.

Her tone carried a hint of unwilling resignation.

Zhou Can’s earlier vision had sparked a faint spark of determination in her.

Seeing his words take effect, he carefully continued his second round of counsel.

“Before, you were just a fragile girl. But now that you have me, no matter how daunting the challenges ahead, I’ll steadfastly stand by you. I will always be your pillar of strength.”

Zhou Can squeezed her hand tightly.

Their fingers intertwined, their palms pressed together, allowing them to feel each other’s heartbeat.

That’s why the first step in a relationship is holding hands—ten fingers tied to a beating heart.

It’s through this touch that love is truly felt.

“You asked who I really am. I won’t hide anymore—I’m not rich, but I live the life I want. The apartment you’re renting is mine. I’m not a real estate agent—I’m the landlord.”

Zhou Can continued to reveal his secrets.

“Ah…”

Her reaction was one of utter shock.

Watching her open-mouthed, wide-eyed surprise, Zhou Can couldn’t help but enjoy it a bit.

“I plan to mortgage the house, take a loan to buy your album, and then help you break your contract.”

Zhou Can’s next words left her both touched and astonished.

“No way—that’s too risky. Besides, you don’t understand the entertainment industry. Buying it will only cause heavy losses. If you lose the house, I’d be tormented by endless guilt.”

She resolutely opposed Zhou Can’s idea of helping her.

Only those in the entertainment circle know just how treacherous the waters are.

A rookie like Zhou Can—forget one house, even if he had ten, he’d still end up in a ruinous loss.

“Are you looking down on your boyfriend?” Zhou Can teasingly flicked her delicate, upturned nose.

Her playful protest was tinged with annoyance.

“Don’t worry. I’m confident enough to buy it, and I’ve already planned an escape route. Even if I lose everything, I won’t regret it. Compared to you, a house is nothing.”

Zhou Can was truly prepared for the worst.

He could easily take the hit on one or two houses.

Even without leaning on his family, his income as a doctor would let him live comfortably.

Moreover, he was a rich second-generation.

“Thank you! Meeting you is the greatest stroke of luck in my life.”

She was deeply moved.

After years in the rough and tumble society, though still young, she knew full well the true colors of men. Those who coveted her beauty would become selfish and deceitful the moment money was mentioned.

When she was down on her luck and borrowed money from familiar bosses,

both those bosses and wealthy heirs would bare their fangs once they learned of her plight. Borrow a small sum and you might not have to repay it—if you sleep with them.

That was something Su Qianqian could never accept.

Compared to those, Zhou Can was like a breath of fresh air.

That was why she could easily tell who was sincere and who was fake.

Instinctively, Su Qianqian wrapped her arms around Zhou Can’s waist.

“Can, thank you for valuing me so much. But I don’t want to burden you, and I’m not worth all this effort. My…”

Her words were cut off again as Zhou Can pressed his hand over her mouth.

He wouldn’t let her say another word.

“I’ve made up my mind. In a marriage, the husband leads and the wife follows—just trust me. Wait and see, I’ll avenge you, and once the album deal is secured, I’ll surprise you with something even bigger.”

Zhou Can revealed none of the specifics.

Secrecy is key; loose lips sink deals.

Before any deal is final, never speak of it—keep your mouth shut, only then can big things happen.

To acquire that album at a bargain, she had to play the starring role.

“Bei Hai Lang Xing Company quoted five million, right? I consulted professionals—they said two million should be enough. But since that thug company is determined, if you want to break your contract, you’ll have to pay more. So, let’s turn their game on its head…”

Zhou Can outlined his plan: stage her fake suicide, then negotiate a huge discount when he stepped in.

After listening, Su Qianqian realized that this flashy young man wasn’t messing around.

Instead, he revealed a surprisingly deep strategy.

“Do you really think my album is that promising?”

She looked up at him, challenging.

“I’m betting on you!”

Zhou Can gazed at her dangerously charming face, utterly captivating.

After all, people are visual creatures.

Men are instantly attracted to beauty, and women to charm—initial impressions often start with lust.

“You’re so bad!”

She playfully protested.

“Want me to prove it?”

Zhou Can fixed his gaze on her soft red lips.

“I always thought you were a stand-up guy. Seems your true colors are showing,” she teased, in a flirtatious yet provocative manner.

“I never claimed to be a gentleman!”

Zhou Can leaned in, their breaths mingling as they felt each other’s presence intensely.

He could sense her tension as her body grew tight.

With a sudden, almost stealthy move, he kissed her smooth forehead before pulling back.

Love is like besieging a fortress—capturing the heart is key.

Winning the heart of a beauty was the greatest pleasure.

“Sleep well,”

he whispered, refraining from any further advances.

A soft kiss on her forehead was likely enough for her.

That tender closeness between lovers only made him cherish her more.

Her beautiful face flushed with bashful blushes, and soon she tightened her embrace around Zhou Can’s waist, a sweet, serene smile on her lips.

The next morning, an ambulance blared its sirens right outside Zhou Can’s building.

It had come for Su Qianqian, who was taken away after overdosing on a ‘massive’ amount of sleeping pills.

The incident caused quite a stir. Zhou Can first called the police,

then rang Bei Hai Lang Xing Company to report that their employee Su Qianqian was faking a suicide attempt and was being rushed to the hospital.

He demanded they send someone over to handle it.

The police arrived swiftly, beating them to the scene.

Worried about potential fatalities, Bei Hai Lang Xing Company had Deputy Mr. Qian personally lead a group over.

After following procedures and taking statements, the police, upon learning it was a contract dispute with Bei Hai Lang Xing Company, suggested that Su Qianqian could resolve it legally or through arbitration.

Of course, the police scolded Deputy Mr. Qian to uphold justice and morality, mediating a bit for both sides.

They even did some moral persuasion with Bei Hai Lang Xing Company on their part.

Deputy Mr. Qian assured them he would resolve the matter properly.

He later went to visit Su Qianqian in the hospital himself.

She remained in a semi-comatose state.

Zhou Can was fuming, unleashing a tirade at Deputy Mr. Qian and his team. He even threatened that if his girlfriend died, he’d sue until justice was served and their thug company was disgraced and legally punished.

Deputy Mr. Qian, seething with anger, dared not push Zhou Can further.

Instead, he tried to placate him with kind words, promising the issue would be escalated within the company.

…

Three days later, Su Qianqian was still hospitalized.

Not at Tuyu Hospital, but at the City Central Hospital near Baying Lake.

This hospital’s outpatient business was quite poor, and it wasn’t busy at all.

In situations like Su Qianqian’s, if the family doesn’t demand discharge, the hospital won’t rush her out.

After all, the cost of a single day here far exceeded that of a modest hotel room.

Hospitals, too, need to generate revenue.

Worried about the incident escalating, Bei Hai Lang Xing Company took measures to soothe things.

They not only covered her medical expenses but also sent representatives to visit her twice.

Su Qianqian’s performance was so realistic—she truly played the part of a suicidal star.

Not only Zhou Can, but even the patient’s family, nurses, and doctors believed she truly had suicidal tendencies.

They kept a close watch on her.

Fearing something might happen in the hospital.

On the third night, a nurse discovered that Su Qianqian was attempting to slit her wrists again and shouted for help.

They immediately notified her family.

But in this city, she had no family—only Zhou Can’s and Bei Hai Lang Xing Company’s contact numbers remained.

That same night, Zhou Can and representatives from Bei Hai Lang Xing Company rushed to the hospital one after the other.

Zhou Can was more furious than ever, causing a significant disturbance.

Deputy Mr. Qian, watching Su Qianqian on the bed and Zhou Can causing a ruckus, was caught in a difficult situation.

Bei Hai Lang Xing Company had committed too many despicable acts.

If her suicide attempt drew relentless media attention and in-depth investigation,

Bei Hai Lang Xing Company would immediately be thrown into the spotlight.

After the stage collapse incident—which they tried to pin on Su Qianqian, the insurance company, and the event organizers—such dark matters were best left unexposed.

If the media started digging, they wouldn’t be able to hide anything.

“What will Bei Hai Lang Xing Company do to settle this? My girlfriend’s only demand is to have her contract terminated. This is her suicide note, condemning all the ruthless crimes of Bei Hai Lang Xing Company. If we don’t get a satisfactory resolution today, I’ll call in every reporter I know to expose the truth of injustice!”

Zhou Can’s roar echoed down the hospital corridors.

The on-duty doctor and nurse hurried over to calm the situation, suggesting they take the discussion elsewhere.

They urged both sides to settle their issues away from the hospital.

Deputy Mr. Qian, having seen his share of the world, didn’t need further comment on tactics.

Mr. Gui had ordered him to handle the matter with care, and he had been cautiously following up.

Now, as the starlet was about to be discharged,

everything would soon be resolved.

But stubborn Su Qianqian secretly attempted suicide once more.

When faced with such fearlessness, Mr. Qian was utterly powerless.

In his hand, Zhou Can held a suicide note stained with bloodprints.

Though he hadn’t read every word, Deputy Mr. Qian was certain it contained a litany of accusations against Bei Hai Lang Xing Company’s misdeeds.

Once this got exposed, it would be like a ticking time bomb.