The Only Choice - 39

The concert had completely lifted Zhou Fanfan's spirits, turning her gloomy mood into sunshine. Even tackling school assignments felt more enjoyable.

By Friday, she had finally finished her assignment. As she was getting into her car in the parking lot to head home, Guan Yuanbai called. He asked if she was free that evening; Song Li and the others were getting together and wanted to invite her along.

As his ‘girlfriend’, attending gatherings with his friends was part of the role. Zhou Fanfan agreed.

Since Guan Yuanbai was still wrapping up work at the Nanheng headquarters, Zhou Fanfan drove directly there, parked in the Nanheng lot, and waited for him to finish. They then took his car to meet Song Li and the others.

Song Li had booked a private clubhouse that offered a full range of food, drinks, and entertainment, reserving the largest private room.

When Zhou Fanfan and Guan Yuanbai arrived, the place was already bustling with people.

Guan Yuanbai seemed to know almost everyone. As they entered, people looked over, greeting him, their gazes then settling curiously on her.

Zhou Fanfan, aware of her special ‘status’ today, smiled back at them.

However, she genuinely knew very few people there. Scanning the room, she could only put names to Qi Chengyan and Song Li. She'd seen the others at the Guan family's cocktail party before, but that was it, she didn't know their names.

There were several other young women present. The moment Zhou Fanfan spotted Qi Chengyan, her first instinct was to look for Guan Zhiyi, but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Xiao Wu is on set, she's not here," Guan Yuanbai said, reading her expression perfectly.

Zhou Fanfan rubbed her nose. "...I wasn't going to ask that."

He didn't bother calling her out on the obvious lie, simply guiding her further inside until they settled at a long dining table.

The private room was spacious. The area with the long table was for dining, laden with gourmet food, fine wine, and many delicate pastries. Further in was a large L-shaped sofa; no one was singing at the moment, and a movie was playing quietly on the big screen. Beyond that were various entertainment facilities—card tables, mahjong tables...

"Well, well, if it isn't Fanfan's Yuanbai," Song Li said, pouring a glass of wine for Guan Yuanbai, his tone sickeningly sweet.

Zhou Fanfan: "..."

Guan Yuanbai shot him a look. "You can act normal."

"Can't do it. Really can't. The fact that you've been taken off the market, nobody here can process it normally." Song Li poured a glass for Zhou Fanfan next. "Fanfan, thank you. Seriously, thank you. Having you is Guan Yuanbai's greatest fortune."

The moment the glass was full, Guan Yuanbai took it away. "Get her some juice."

Song Li glanced at him. "Fine, fine, juice it is."

He brought over a glass of juice. Zhou Fanfan took it with a thank you.

Knowing she hadn't eaten dinner before he brought her here, Guan Yuanbai placed some main dishes in front of her. "Eat something first. Don't mind him."

Zhou Fanfan nodded.

"Anything else you want? I can order more," Guan Yuanbai asked.

She looked over the spread. "This is plenty for now, I'll start with this."

"Okay. Let me know if you want something else later."

"Mm."

Guan Yuanbai was being exceptionally attentive today, a fresh sight that had his group of friends watching with great interest.

Song Li sat down next to Qi Chengyan. "Isn't this something? The day has come when we see him dote on a woman other than his little sister. Oh, wait, I bet he's never even been this attentive to Xiao Wu."

Qi Chengyan nodded in agreement. "I guess this is what they call ditching everyone for... for her."

They weren't speaking quietly. Those nearby overheard and burst into laughter.

Zhou Fanfan was deeply embarrassed, keeping her head down as she ate, the tips of her ears turning red.

Him being so attentive was probably just because he was the one who brought her here... right?

Another small pastry was placed by her left hand by Guan Yuanbai. She glanced at him, but he seemed utterly unfazed by the teasing, his focus entirely on her. "Eat. What are you spacing out for?"

"Oh... Thanks."

Zhou Fanfan concentrated on her meal while Guan Yuanbai chatted with Qi Chengyan and the others about investments, topics she didn't really understand.

Once she was about seventy percent full and had nothing else to do, she wandered over to the sofa area and picked a movie to watch.

Guan Yuanbai had been discussing serious matters, but his gaze drifted away as soon as he noticed Zhou Fanfan moving. Seeing her settled on the distant sofa watching a movie, his attention to the conversation with his friends noticeably waned.

Qi Chengyan, after saying a few more sentences, caught on. "That clingy, huh? Can't even talk to us properly when she's a few feet away?"

Guan Yuanbai said mildly, "I'm still listening, aren't I?"

"To what? Which part actually registered?"

"Don't bother with serious talk today, Chengyan, just give up," Song Li chimed in.

Qi Chengyan shook his head with a laugh. "Fine... Let's drop it."

Song Li said, "Come on, let's go play for a bit. Guan Xi and Jiang Suizhou will be here soon. I want to get some card games in before she arrives, so she can't cheat me again..."

...

Zhou Fanfan was thoroughly engrossed in the movie, it was one with great reviews that she'd missed in theaters.

After a while, the cushion beside her dipped. Guan Yuanbai had sat down.

"Bored?" he asked.

She popped a potato chip into her mouth. "Not at all."

"Song Li wants me to go play inside. Do you want to come?"

"Inside... cards? Or mahjong? I'm not really good at either." Her mind was still on the movie. "You guys go ahead. I'll join you after I finish watching this."

Guan Yuanbai didn't push her. "Alright. Don't eat too many snacks."

"Okay."

He got up and went inside. Zhou Fanfan didn't really heed his advice; although full from dinner, she kept a firm hold on the bag of chips.

There were quite a few people here today, and a few other girls were also watching the movie with her. Not being familiar with them, Zhou Fanfan didn't chat much, only giving vague answers when they initially asked how she'd ‘snagged’ Guan Yuanbai.

Of course, her answers missed the mark because, well, she hadn't actually snagged him.

After her non-answers, they left her alone.

Halfway through the movie, she spotted a familiar figure passing by.

"Oh, Mr. Yan!"

Yan Chenghuai had arrived late. Hearing his name, he turned and saw Zhou Fanfan. "You're here too. Where's Yuanbai?"

"They're inside."

Yan Chenghuai walked over. "Why aren't you in there?"

"This movie is really good, I wanted to finish it. Besides, I'm not great at those games."

"I see."

Seeing him reminded her of their previous conversation. "By the way, about those two IPs you mentioned last time, did you end up investing in them?"

Yan Chenghuai nodded with a smile. "Took your advice. Went with the historical drama about inner-household conflicts. It's already started filming."

"Really? Because of my opinion?!"

"Your points were spot on. The later analysis from the team aligned with what you said. Ms. Zhou, you're quite sharp in this area."

Zhou Fanfan never imagined her fan-based research could have practical business applications. She felt a little embarrassed. "Oh, it's... it's nothing, really."

"If you ever come across other projects you think are promising, feel free to share them with me."

Zhou Fanfan was taken aback. "Me? I've never actually done any investing in this field."

Yan Chenghuai seemed to remember. "Right, you're still in school. Your family probably hasn't let you get involved in these business matters."

"They haven't, but hearing you say that, I'm actually getting interested!" Zhou Fanfan asked eagerly, "Are you involved in any other IPs lately?"

"Yes, the company is expanding into the film and TV sector. We recently acquired two..."

—

Guan Yuanbai had never been particularly engrossed in card games, and with his mind elsewhere today, he lost quite a few rounds, getting thoroughly hustled by Song Li and the others.

Just as another game ended, Guan Xi and Jiang Suizhou arrived.

One of the four players gave up his seat for Guan Xi. The moment she sat down, she asked, "Been at it long? Who won the last one?"

Song Li said, "Your brother lost the most. He's already had quite a bit to drink."

Guan Xi glanced at Guan Yuanbai. "With Fanfan here, his mind's not on the game, is it?"

Song Li: "Wow! How'd you know?"

Guan Xi: "Wasn't hard to guess. I just saw her outside with Yan Chenghuai and said hello."

Song Li looked out. "Chenghuai's here? I didn't know. He didn't come in."

Guan Xi said, "He's outside chatting with Fanfan."

Song Li: "Chatting about what? Tell them to come play! If Yuanbai's distracted, then get Fanfan in here. Then he'll focus."

Everyone laughed.

A slight smile touched Guan Yuanbai's lips as he stood up. "I'll go get her."

"Go on, then. We know you've been wanting to leave. Hurry up and bring her in."

When Guan Yuanbai stepped out, Zhou Fanfan was animatedly discussing the novel Yan Chenghuai had recently acquired, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Yan Chenghuai noticed Guan Yuanbai first. "Hmm? You finished already?"

"Not yet, we're continuing," Guan Yuanbai said. "Why didn't you come in when you arrived?"

Yan Chenghuai said, "Ran into Fanfan here. We were just talking about script investments."

"Mm."

Guan Yuanbai sat down beside Zhou Fanfan. "Guan Xi and the others are here."

Zhou Fanfan: "I saw."

"Also, I lost quite a few rounds just now."

As he sat close, she caught a faint scent of alcohol. "Do you have to drink when you lose?"

Guan Yuanbai nodded. "Mhm. I can't handle any more. How about you come in and play a few rounds for me?"

Zhou Fanfan said, "Ah... but I've barely played before! What if I lose even worse?"

Guan Yuanbai took her by the wrist and pulled her up gently. "Beginners have luck on their side."

Zhou Fanfan let herself be led away but didn't forget to turn back to Yan Chenghuai. "Let's talk more later!"

Yan Chenghuai smiled. "Sure."

Guan Yuanbai didn't let go of her wrist. After a few steps, he asked, "Are you interested in film and TV investments too?"

Zhou Fanfan: "I hadn't thought about it before, but after talking to your friend, I find I'm quite interested. And I know a bit about this area."

"If you ever have any investment ideas, you can talk to me about them."

"Huh?"

Guan Yuanbai said, "I can discuss these things with you too."

Zhou Fanfan was startled and looked at him, but he didn't elaborate, simply leading her inside.

Before she could ponder it further, Song Li appeared before them. "Fanfan! Quick, take a seat."

"Okay..."

Zhou Fanfan sat in the vacant seat. Guan Yuanbai had someone bring over a chair and sat down right beside her.

Song Li looked at their seating arrangement. "What's this? Is Fanfan taking over for you?"

"Got a problem with that?" Guan Yuanbai picked up a card casually. "Between her and me, what's the difference who plays?"

He was sitting so close she heard every word clearly.

Zhou Fanfan knew full well they were just acting the part of a couple in front of everyone, but hearing him say that still made her cheeks flush.

It felt so real...

As if she really was his girlfriend.

"Ugh, so corny. People in love are just disgustingly sweet," Song Li complained, feigning agony. "Good thing Xiao Wu isn't here today. If I had to watch all you couples cooing over each other, I'd flip the table and walk out."

Guan Xi rolled her eyes at him. "Jiang Suizhou is just sitting next to me. Don't worry, he won't say a word. I'll play fair with you."

Zhou Fanfan glanced at the handsome man next to Guan Xi. She knew of him, he was Guan Xi's fiancé.

Hearing Guan Xi's words, he merely raised his phone slightly, indicating he had matters to attend to and indeed wouldn't interfere.

Song Li was pleased. "Then, Yuanbai, same goes for you. No teaming up."

Guan Yuanbai said, "She's barely played before. Isn't that unfair enough for you?"

"Just knowing the rules is enough. I'll explain them to her again. Anyway, you are not to help."

Guan Yuanbai gave a light laugh. "Fine, whatever."

Zhou Fanfan grew nervous and leaned closer to whisper, "How can it be 'whatever'? I really don't know how to play!"

Guan Yuanbai gave her a reassuring look. "It's fine. Let's see how your luck holds."

However, the facts proved that not all beginners are blessed with good fortune.

Zhou Fanfan was the unlucky exception. She played three rounds and lost all three miserably.

Song Li, who hadn't won this decisively in a while, was beaming, utterly delighted.

"The loser pays the penalty, Fanfan. No exceptions."

Zhou Fanfan was dismayed. Why was she so terrible at card games?

"Okay... so what do I have to do?"

Song Li said, "Well, we're pretty random here. Sometimes we play for money, sometimes for favors, and other times, the loser has to do a dare. Since you're new, we'll go easy on you. Something simple. Let me think..."

He stroked his chin, then suddenly pointed at Guan Yuanbai. "Just give him a kiss."

Guan Yuanbai paused slightly.

Zhou Fanfan's eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head, her face crimson. "I, I'll pay! I'll pay money, okay?!"

Song Li: "Nope. We're not playing for money tonight. See, Yuanbai lost a bunch earlier too, and he drank a lot."

"Then I'll drink—"

Song Li shook his head. "Also no. We agreed earlier that the winner gets to decide the penalty for the loser."

Zhou Fanfan: "Did we? I didn't hear that!"

"Ah, you came in late, that's why you missed it." Song Li narrowed his eyes playfully. "Huh? What's the big deal? This dare is super simple. Why are you two so shy? You're together, aren't you? Too embarrassed for a little kiss? You wouldn't be..."

"Of course not!" Zhou Fanfan instantly refuted.

She was hypersensitive to that line of questioning, her first thought being that Song Li was about to ask, "You wouldn't be faking it, would you?"

However, what Song Li actually meant was, "You wouldn't not have kissed yet, would you?"

After her quick retort, Zhou Fanfan realized this, and her face felt like it was about to combust.

"If not, then when was your first kiss?" Song Li's gossipy heart was burning fiercely.

The others watching the scene unfold were also highly amused, all eyes fixed on her and Guan Yuanbai.

Zhou Fanfan wasn't falling into that trap. "...I don't think answering questions was part of the deal."

Seeing his trap had failed, Song Li shrugged. "Alright, alright, no answers then. But the kiss is still on. I'll give you a discount, just on the cheek will do."

Everyone looked on with amused anticipation, genuinely waiting.

Under the table, Zhou Fanfan's hand tugged frantically at Guan Yuanbai's sleeve. He had one arm resting on the table, turned slightly towards her.

He looked remarkably calm, even a little amused. His expression seemed to suggest he was also waiting... for her to kiss him.

Zhou Fanfan was flabbergasted. Was he actually waiting for her to do it?

Even if it was just on the cheek, was that appropriate?!

Her throat felt tight with nervousness.

"Just kidding," Guan Yuanbai said, just as Zhou Fanfan was at a complete loss. He reached out and gently tapped the back of her head, then said to Song Li, "I'll drink. Stop teasing her."

Song Li had indeed been deliberately teasing Zhou Fanfan; in fact, the whole table was in on it.

But now Song Li put on a show of sighing. "Rules are rules, you know."

Guan Yuanbai: "I'll drink double. How about that?"

Qi Chengyan finally nodded. "Acceptable. Pretty good deal."

Guan Xi propped her chin on her hand. "It is a good deal, but somehow I get the feeling that you sound a little disappointed brother."

Zhou Fanfan nearly choked on her own breath. She peeked at Guan Yuanbai. He happened to be looking back at her. After a moment's pause, he let out a soft laugh. "I'm not disappointed. Something like that... I'd never do it here for you guys to watch anyway.”

---

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