The Only Choice - 51

On the matter of Scarlet Flames IP, over the next few days, Zhou Fanfan enlisted her own company's legal counsel to negotiate the copyright with the original platform.

The copyright fee was ready, but further investment required Zhao Dezhen's approval, so Zhou Fanfan spent her time figuring out how to write a solid project proposal.

Truthfully, whether a work could be successfully adapted depended not only on the production team but also heavily on the cast.

Although it was still early for casting, Zhou Fanfan had already immersed herself deeply in the novel. She knew exactly what kind of appearance she wanted for the male lead. So, when Sunday came around, she still went with Lin Zhao to Lu Mingfan's fan meet-and-greet.

Just in case he might be useful later.

And… well, it had also been a long time since she'd last attended a live, close-up performance like this!

"Um, Miss Zhou, do you think Mr. Guan might fire me on the spot if he finds out I brought you to see another guy…" Lin Zhao belatedly remembered this crucial point.

Zhou Fanfan waved a dismissive hand. "He wouldn't! Besides, I'm not here just to see a handsome guy. This is work-related."

Lin Zhao was puzzled. "Huh? What work?"

"I'm planning to acquire the adaptation rights for a novel soon," Zhou Fanfan explained. "I have a feeling Lu Mingfan might be a good fit."

Lin Zhao was astonished. "Really?! Oh, he'd definitely be perfect! He's so handsome! And he's acted in some short web dramas before, he can act!"

Thrilled to learn that Zhou Fanfan was scouting her idol for a potential role, Lin Zhao was over the moon. She practically vibrated with excitement, eager to list all of Lu Mingfan's virtues all over again, afraid her ‘son’ might miss this golden opportunity.

In her excitement, she completely forgot about potentially angering her boss and enthusiastically led Zhou Fanfan into the venue.

Zhou Fanfan was a veteran fan, having attended countless fan meetings, but today was one of the most relaxed. She hadn't even brought a camera, coming purely to see him in person.

When the meet-and-greet began, Lu Mingfan emerged from backstage.

Although he wasn't widely famous, his fans were genuinely passionate, greeting his appearance with rapturous screams.

Zhou Fanfan's ticket was in the front row. The venue was small, allowing her to see Lu Mingfan's features clearly.

His hair was dyed silver-grey. Even with the typical idol makeup, his features were strikingly handsome and well-defined. His height was also impressive, seemingly matching his online profile.

Watching his performance, Zhou Fanfan had to admit Lin Zhao's admiration was well-founded. His dancing was full of energy and charisma.

Zhou Fanfan had always loved live performances like this. Surrounded by the fervent atmosphere, she was easily swept up, jumping and cheering along with Lin Zhao.

After a high-energy dance number, he transitioned to a heartfelt ballad, and the crowd quieted down.

Zhou Fanfan went to take a few photos with her phone and noticed a missed call from Guan Yuanbai.

She immediately called him back.

"Hello?"

"You called me? What's up?"

Guan Yuanbai heard the music in the background. "Where are you?"

"I'm at a fan meet-and-greet for a new idol," Zhou Fanfan explained. "It was too loud earlier, I didn't hear my phone."

"What idol?"

"You probably wouldn't know him, he's not very famous," she said. "I had some free time today, so I came to check him out. Seeing him in person, he really is quite handsome. He actually fits the image for—"

"How handsome?" Guan Yuanbai cut in immediately.

Zhou Fanfan paused, not quite catching the slight edge in his tone. She glanced at the stage and answered honestly, "He has a very photogenic face. Especially with that silver hair; it really suits him."

Guan Yuanbai asked, "Have you… switched idols?"

"What? No, I'm not a fan! How could I switch? Yiyi is my one and only, don't say such things!"

"…"

"I just happened to see him on your assistant Lin Zhao's computer last time and thought he resembled the male lead I pictured for Scarlet Flames, so I came to see him live."

"Scarlet Flames?"

"Ah… I forgot to tell you! Remember I mentioned being interested in investing in novel adaptations? I'm currently negotiating for the rights to this one."

Hearing this reason, Guan Yuanbai felt a wave of relief, followed by amusement at his own reaction. It suddenly struck him how fortunate it was that his girlfriend's ‘idol’ was his own sister.

"You're already negotiating the rights?"

"Yes! Grandma said I need to prepare a detailed project proposal for her. But I'm worried I might not do it well. Could you… take a look at it for me when you have time later?"

"I could," Guan Yuanbai said, his tone playful. "But what's in it for me?"

Asking for a reward already! Such a businessman.

Zhou Fanfan's lips curved into a smile. "What would Boss Guan like? I'll do my best to provide, within my means."

"Then I'll have to think carefully."

"Sure, take your time."

Guan Yuanbai chuckled softly. "When will you be done there?"

"Probably another half hour."

"I see. Send me the address."

"Why?"

"I'll pick you up."

Zhou Fanfan's face lit up. "Aren't you busy?"

"I'm finished for the day."

"Then I'll call you when it's over!"

"Alright."

After hanging up, Zhou Fanfan sent Guan Yuanbai the address and returned her attention to the performance.

Lu Mingfan was not only a good dancer but also a decent singer with a magnetic voice. The quality of this fan meet-and-greet surpassed that of many more popular idols.

By the end, Zhou Fanfan even felt a little reluctant for it to finish. "I think he has potential for the future."

Lin Zhao was practically bouncing with joy. "Right, right?! So handsome! It's a crime he's not more famous! Miss Zhou, now that you've seen him, what do you think? Is he suitable for the male lead role?"

Zhou Fanfan said, "I think his look is promising. I'll keep an eye on him. Also, his silver hair is really great, haha."

Lin Zhao: "See!!!"

Chatting and laughing, the two walked to the parking lot. It was only then Zhou Fanfan remembered she hadn't called Guan Yuanbai yet.

"Wait a moment, let me make a call."

Lin Zhao: "Sure!"

The call connected quickly. Zhou Fanfan asked where he was; Guan Yuanbai said he was already in the parking lot. Zhou Fanfan said she was there too and gave him her approximate location.

Soon, Guan Yuanbai found them.

Lin Zhao saw her boss and sucked in a nervous breath.

Guan Yuanbai glanced at Lin Zhao, who hurriedly greeted him, "Mr. Guan."

"Hmm."

Lin Zhao didn't dare utter another word.

"Did you drive here?" Guan Yuanbai asked.

Lin Zhao shook her head. She had taken the subway earlier, and Zhou Fanfan had picked her up on the way here.

Guan Yuanbai said, "Then take my car back. Drive it to the company tomorrow. It's in Zone A, space 1608."

Lin Zhao nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Mr. Guan!"

Taking the car keys, Lin Zhao didn't dare linger for a second and made a quick escape.

"I didn't realize you were on such good terms with them that you'd go watch performances together," Guan Yuanbai said as he approached, gently pinching her cheek.

Zhou Fanfan felt a little embarrassed. "Not all of them. It's just that Lin Zhao is also a fan, so we have common interests. I have her to thank for getting me such a good ticket today."

Guan Yuanbai gave a noncommittal "Hmm." "Give me your keys. I'll drive."

"Okay."

Once in the car, Zhou Fanfan pulled up photos of Lu Mingfan on her phone, looking at them again while thinking about finding a way to connect with him professionally sometime later.

Guan Yuanbai hadn't started the car yet. Glancing over, he saw a man's photo on her phone. "Is this the little idol you mentioned?"

"Yeah, what do you think?"

Zhou Fanfan held her phone out for him to see.

To her surprise, Guan Yuanbai looked at it and said flatly, "Caked in makeup, garish hair color."

"The makeup is a bit heavy, but he's an idol. Their stage makeup is always like that," Zhou Fanfan defended. "But the hair color is nice! It's not garish at all. I was just telling Lin Zhao it's the perfect touch."

Guan Yuanbai tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. "Is that so."

"Yes! There was a time I really wanted to dye my hair a bold color like that too. But my grandma forbade it. She said if I ever came home with rainbow hair, she'd kick me out. So, I've always regretted not doing it."

Guan Yuanbai looked at her. "So, you think that looks good."

Zhou Fanfan nodded, her eyes sparkling brightly. "It's great! Really great!"

"You like it a lot?"

"I do! I like it a lot!"

Zhou Fanfan was just being honest, but as she spoke, she noticed Guan Yuanbai's expression seemed off.

She wasn't always the most perceptive when it came to others' moods, but even she could tell something was wrong now.

"Are you… unhappy?"

Guan Yuanbai averted his gaze, looking straight ahead. "No."

Zhou Fanfan was sure now; he really was unhappy.

She quietly put her phone away, studied him for a moment, and then seemed to grasp the reason. She pinched the fabric of his sleeve with two fingers. "He might be good-looking, but honestly, I still think you're better looking."

Guan Yuanbai remained unmoved.

Zhou Fanfan directly grabbed his arm. "Really! Compared to you, he's just… average!"

A slight eyebrow raise from Guan Yuanbai. "Weren't you just saying you 'like it a lot'?"

"I meant I like the hair color a lot. It's my first time meeting him; how could I 'like him a lot' already…"

"Oh. Is that so."

"Of course!" Zhou Fanfan leaned closer, peering at Guan Yuanbai's face. "Were you jealous just now?"

Guan Yuanbai was reluctant to admit it. Getting jealous over some young guy felt rather immature.

But he truly didn't enjoy hearing her praise another man like that.

"I wasn't jealous."

Zhou Fanfan didn't believe him. Her eyes searched his face for clues. "But I really think you were."

"No."

Zhou Fanfan giggled quietly, muttering under her breath, "You were…"

Guan Yuanbai turned to look at her. The next second, he reached out and pinched her cheek.

Little brat.

"Ow, ow, ow, let go—!"

Guan Yuanbai: "I just thought of what I want as my reward."

With her cheek still pinched, her lips puckered, Zhou Fanfan asked, "That fast?"

Guan Yuanbai released her cheek and said leisurely, "From now on, you can't keep saying you 'especially like' other random people."

"You were jealous!" Zhou Fanfan leaned back, out of pinching range, a smug look on her face. "I already told you I especially like his hair, not him!"

Guan Yuanbai shot her a glance. "Oh, whatever. I just happened to remember what I want as my reward."

Zhou Fanfan humphed lightly. So stubborn!

Guan Yuanbai: "Why so quiet? Can't you fulfill this reward?"

"I can! But there has to be a time limit," Zhou Fanfan declared. "Let's say I won't say I 'especially like so-and-so' for the next three years!"

Guan Yuanbai narrowed his eyes, reached out, pulled her towards him, and ruffled her hair. "Zhou Fanfan," he said in a low voice, "you're quite the negotiator, aren't you?"

Trapped by his arm, half of her upper body was pressed against his chest.

His warm body heat made her feel a little dizzy with contentment. She nuzzled lightly against his shoulder and said, "You can make requests… and so can I…"

Guan Yuanbai chuckled, the vibration in his chest sounding particularly pleasant. Zhou Fanfan glanced at him. His face was so close, possessing a unique allure.

As if tempting someone to do something.

"Fine. I'll let you have your way this time."

Guan Yuanbai released her. Zhou Fanfan sat back in her seat, but looking at his face, she felt a twinge of regret. She should have kissed him just now.

"By the way, this is for you." Just then, Guan Yuanbai pulled a small, square velvet box from his coat pocket. It looked very elegant.

Zhou Fanfan turned. "What's this?"

"A return gift."

"Return gift?"

"For the lapel pin you gave me."

He meant the little lamb one.

Zhou Fanfan took the velvet box and carefully opened it. Her eyes widened in surprise at what was inside. "You're really giving this to me? Isn't this the one from last time—"

"Mn. The pink diamond necklace you said was so beautiful when you were buying a gift for your mother that day."

Zhou Fanfan looked at him in astonishment. "When did you buy it?"

"I bought it that same day. But back then, I didn't have a reason to give it to you."

Back then, they weren't even together yet. She didn't even know he liked her.

She never imagined… he had bought it for her back then.

"But… this is very expensive," Zhou Fanfan said. "The pin I gave you only cost a few hundred. This… isn't the return gift a bit too much?"

Guan Yuanbai thought for a moment. "Then you can give me some compensation."

Zhou Fanfan stifled a laugh. "First it was a 'reward,' now it's 'compensation.' You're the one who's good at negotiating!"

Guan Yuanbai said, "So, is it a deal or not?"

Zhou Fanfan: "What kind of compensation? Tell me."

Guan Yuanbai pointed to his cheek, looking at her with a teasing half-smile.

Zhou Fanfan's eyes lit up. Perhaps because it was what she'd been wanting to do, her courage suddenly surged. Before Guan Yuanbai could react, she had already leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Guan Yuanbai," she whispered, "how did you know I really wanted to kiss you just now?”

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