The Only Choice - 52

The pink diamond necklace perfectly aligned with her taste. The very next day, Zhou Fanfan wore it.

She continued to wear it frequently in the following weeks. Guan Yuanbai was particularly pleased about this, so much so that he secretly ordered several more pieces of pink-hued diamond jewelry.

Zhou Fanfan was unaware of this. Recently, she had been fully occupied with the development of Scarlet Flames. She had met with several screenwriters but hadn't found one she was completely satisfied with.

Soon, mid-year arrived.

The National Drama Awards ceremony was scheduled to be held in Haishi. When Zhou Fanfan got the news, she secured an invitation. After all, these events weren't just attended by numerous stars and artists; many excellent directors and screenwriting teams would also be present.

For the sake of Scarlet Flames, she hoped to connect with more talented industry professionals.

On the day of her departure, Zhou Fanfan headed out with her luggage.

To her surprise, the car waiting at the door wasn't driven by her family's chauffeur but by… He Zhi?

"Good morning, Miss Zhou." He Zhi, in the driver's seat, nodded to her.

"Hello, why are you…"

"Mr. Guan is here too," He Zhi promptly informed her.

Just then, the rear window rolled down. Zhou Fanfan bent down to look inside and indeed saw Guan Yuanbai. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm going with you to the airport," Guan Yuanbai said.

"Ah? It's so early, you don't need to see me off."

"Not seeing you off," Guan Yuanbai paused, then said, "I'm going with you."

Zhou Fanfan had mentioned her plans to attend the awards ceremony to Guan Yuanbai days ago, but he hadn't said anything about joining her then.

Once settled in the car, Zhou Fanfan was still surprised. "Is it okay for you to leave? Is the company managing without you?"

"It's fine. Like my grandmother said, Nanheng has other people. It'll keep turning without me. I shouldn't overestimate my own importance."

Zhou Fanfan stifled a laugh. "Your grandma… she's quite something."

"Mn. She can maintain her 'charm' as long as I'm with you."

He Zhi drove towards the airport. Their flight was at nine, so Zhou Fanfan had gotten up exceptionally early.

The journey to the airport took about an hour. Sitting in the car, she started feeling drowsy.

"I'm sleepy," Zhou Fanfan announced.

Guan Yuanbai took a blanket from the back and placed it over her legs. "Mn, lean on me and sleep."

After spending so much time together, Zhou Fanfan had grown accustomed to relying on Guan Yuanbai. Intimate gestures like this no longer made her feel shy.

She naturally rested her head on his shoulder, found the most comfortable position, and closed her eyes to sleep.

He Zhi considerately turned the music down. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw his boss's gaze lowered, fixed entirely on his girlfriend.

He smiled slightly to himself and returned his focus to the road.

Guan Yuanbai was indeed watching Zhou Fanfan, finding her adorable in her sleep.

Her eyelashes were long and curled, her mouth slightly open, her face round. Pressed against his shoulder, it felt soft and full.

The more he looked, the more fond he felt. He took out his phone, silenced it, and took a picture of the two of them.

The photo mostly captured his shoulder area. Only Zhou Fanfan's closed eyes were visible; the lower half of her face was outside the frame.

He did this on purpose because he intended to post it on social media and didn't want everyone to see her full sleeping face—that was for his eyes only.

He paired the image with the caption "Business trip" and added a sleeping emoji.

Posted.

The flight from the capital to Haishi took nearly four hours. Upon landing, a wave of heat hit them.

Once his phone had a signal, Guan Yuanbai checked it. His post already had many comments—

Song Li: [Got nothing better to do these days?]

Reply to Song Li: [Nothing much. Just heading out with Fanfan.]

Qi Chengyan: [Where are you going on business?]

Reply to Qi Chengyan: [Not me. She's on a business trip. I'm tagging along.]

Qi Chengyan: […Oh.]

Guan Ziyu: [You've been posting so much lately. Doesn't your girlfriend find you annoying?]

Reply to Guan Ziyu: [She doesn't. What, some people have girlfriends but never post? Are they even real girlfriends?]

Guan Ziyu: […Shut up.]

Guan Xi: [Sixth post this month (Thumbs up).]

Cui Mingzhu: [Come back later. Accompany Fanfan for a few more days of fun.]

Reply to Grandma: [It's not for fun, it's a business trip.]

Cui Mingzhu: [Then accompany Fanfan on her business trip for a few more days. No hurry to return to the company. Your brothers are there.]

Guan Ziyu: [Grandma!! I don't want to be here! I want to go on a business trip too!!]

Cui Mingzhu replies to Guan Ziyu: [You stay put right there. No talking back.]

Lin Zhao: [The boss's lady is so beautiful, a perfect match for you.]

Reply to Lin Zhao: [Mn. Regarding the leave you mentioned earlier, approved.]

Lin Zhao: [!!!]

…

Zhou Fanfan also saw Guan Yuanbai's social media post.By now, she was somewhat immune to his frequent posts and didn't feel as embarrassed as she had initially.

After amusing herself with his post for a bit, their driver arrived at the hotel she had booked earlier. The hotel was near the awards venue. After dropping off their luggage, the hairstylist and makeup artist she had scheduled arrived directly at their room.

Pressed for time, she had planned all this well in advance and hadn't accounted for Guan Yuanbai. So, he could only wait idly on the sidelines.

By the time her hair and makeup were done, over an hour had passed. She felt a little apologetic. "Was that too slow? Were you bored waiting so long?"

Guan Yuanbai, who had been sitting nearby watching her, said, "You look stunning."

"Huh?"

"Not slow, and not boring. As long as you look beautiful, it's fine."

Guan Yuanbai's success in the business world meant he possessed a certain degree of emotional intelligence. If he wanted to, he could easily make someone feel wonderful; he just hadn't been inclined to expend that effort on women before.

Now, having met someone he genuinely liked, he naturally became adept at it.

Zhou Fanfan was indeed pleased by the compliment, a sweet warmth spreading in her chest. "I just need to change into my evening gown now. Wait for me a little longer."

"Mn, no rush. Take your time."

Guan Yuanbai was also attending tonight, so He Zhi had made the necessary arrangements for him.

He Zhi delivered his formal wear. After changing, Guan Yuanbai and Zhou Fanfan set off together.

Guan Zhiyi and Qi Chengyan were also at tonight's ceremony. However, Qi Chengyan had only learned two hours ago that Guan Yuanbai's "tagging along on a business trip" meant coming here.

Now, Guan Zhiyi was seated in the artists' section, while the three of them sat together in the guests' seats.

After the ceremony concluded, there was a banquet hosted by the organizers.

The banquet was attended by industry professionals and artists. There were no fans here. Amidst the clinking glasses and socializing were precisely the people Zhou Fanfan wanted to meet.

Guan Yuanbai had specifically enlisted Qi Chengyan's company for this. Having been in the film and television industry for a long time, Qi Chengyan knew many people. With his introductions, Zhou Fanfan found it much easier to network.

After making the rounds, Zhou Fanfan had added the contact information of many top-tier industry professionals.

"Some water?" Finally, during a lull, Qi Chengyan went to find Guan Zhiyi. Zhou Fanfan and Guan Yuanbai moved to the side. He handed her a glass of water, replacing the wine glass in her hand.

"Yes, please. All that talking made me so thirsty." Zhou Fanfan drained the entire glass in one go. She never used to like these kinds of events, never thinking she'd one day be an active participant…

"Earlier, I exchanged contact info with Director Liu Qi. He even said he's read Scarlet Flames! You know, he became famous directing historical fantasy dramas. The ones he filmed before were excellent. Oh, and Xia Qing, her screenplays are incredible. I must connect with her properly after we get back."

As she spoke, she added, "By the way, you have to properly thank Mr. Qi for me later."

Guan Yuanbai: "It's fine, no need to thank him. Even if he weren't here today, I believe you could have managed it. The resources you hold are what they're truly interested in."

Zhou Fanfan said sheepishly, "But it wouldn't have been this smooth. I probably would have had to work much harder. And I know you came with me today to make things easier for me… Thanks."

Guan Yuanbai gently patted her head. "Zhou Fanfan, don't say 'thank you' to me from now on."

Zhou Fanfan grinned. "Okay!"

"Is that Mr. Guan? What an honor. I'm Zhao Sen from Juyan Group. I saw you from afar earlier and thought I was mistaken. We met last time…"

They had barely stood there for a moment before someone came over to speak with Guan Yuanbai. Besides industry insiders, there were many executives here, and quite a few knew Guan Yuanbai.

Thinking her own objectives were achieved, Zhou Fanfan told Guan Yuanbai she would wait for him to the side. Guan Yuanbai nodded and went to handle the social obligations.

After having a drink by herself for a while, Zhou Fanfan suddenly spotted someone.

Many artists were also at the banquet. She hadn't expected Lu Mingfan to be here. She remembered he had performed earlier with his group during the ceremony. They were supposed to have left after their performance, but he had appeared here alone.

Zhou Fanfan didn't hesitate and walked straight over.

"Hello, Lu Mingfan. I'm Zhou Fanfan." When dealing with younger people, Zhou Fanfan skipped the unnecessary formalities and went straight to the point, handing him a business card.

She had recently had these cards made, listing her title as Producer.

Lu Mingfan had just arrived. He'd managed to get in because he knew one of the event coordinators. He had come hoping to get lucky and find a performance opportunity but hadn't expected someone to approach him so quickly.

He was momentarily stunned. Seeing Zhou Fanfan also surprised him a little…

After all… she looked very young, possibly even younger than him. But on the business card, it said… Producer?

"I went to your fan meet with a friend before. Your singing and dancing are great," Zhou Fanfan said truthfully.

Lu Mingfan replied modestly, "Thank you, thank you."

Zhou Fanfan continued, "By the way, I heard you've also acted in some short web dramas. Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?"

Lu Mingfan said, "Well… I am. It's just that opportunities are quite scarce."

"Opportunities come through hard work. Hone your acting skills diligently. With your qualities, you're bound to have prospects in the future."

These were somewhat standard encouraging words, but coming from her, they felt sincere.

Because her gaze was genuinely earnest…

Lu Mingfan hurriedly thanked her again.

"You're welcome. You can add the WeChat on this card; it's me. I hope we might have a chance to collaborate in the future."

Lu Mingfan nodded, then asked, "You… are you really a producer?"

Zhou Fanfan found it amusing. "What? Don't I look like one?"

"No, no! I'm not questioning you," Lu Mingfan quickly clarified. "I just think you look very young…"

"Then I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you. Well, shall we keep in touch?"

Lu Mingfan: "Ah… sure."

With Scarlet Flames still having many unknowns, Zhou Fanfan naturally couldn't casually say, "I want to cast you," especially since she wasn't very familiar with his acting skills.

After exchanging contact information, Zhou Fanfan parted ways with him.

She waited on the side for another ten minutes or so before Guan Yuanbai returned. He took her hand and said, "Let's go, quickly."

Zhou Fanfan: "Huh?"

Guan Yuanbai said, "If we don't leave now, we won't be able to get away later."

Zhou Fanfan understood. If they stayed longer, more people would likely come to speak with Guan Yuanbai, and it would be harder to excuse themselves. So she gripped his hand in return, and the two secretly slipped out through a side door.

"The car is parked near the main entrance. Walking down this corridor seems a bit out of the way," Zhou Fanfan remarked.

Guan Yuanbai said, "It's fine. We can wait outside and have He Zhi bring the car around."

"Okay."

Once out of the banquet, Zhou Fanfan felt much more relaxed. The only discomfort was her high heels. She had been standing all evening, and now the back of her foot felt raw, probably blistered.

But it wasn't a big deal. They just had to wait at the entrance for He Zhi to drive over, so she didn't mention it to Guan Yuanbai.

Unexpectedly, as they walked out chatting and laughing, they ran into acquaintances.

"A-Chou?"

"Fanfan!"

Near the side exit was a group of about twenty of Guan Zhiyi's fans, holding support banners for her.

The group was also surprised. They hadn't expected to run into Guan Zhiyi's older brother and Zhou Fanfan, who had been a hot topic in the fan community recently, before seeing Guan Zhiyi herself.

They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. What a coincidence!

Zhou Fanfan walked over to A-Chou and asked quietly, "What are you doing here?"

A-Chou said, "We're the local Haishi fan representatives, waiting for Yiyi."

Zhou Fanfan understood. This passage was probably commonly used by celebrities, and fans gathered here to see them off to their vans.

"Ah… I see."

A-Chou looked at her, then at Guan Yuanbai behind her. "So, are you two leaving?"

Zhou Fanfan felt a belated sense of shyness. "Yes, waiting for our car."

"Oh~"

Under the intense gaze of the group, which included acquaintances, Zhou Fanfan momentarily didn't know what to say.

Guan Yuanbai stepped forward and asked her, "Your friend?"

Zhou Fanfan nodded. "We met when supporting Yiyi before. You've seen her."

A-Chou immediately added, "Yes, yes! Mr. Guan, we met once at a KTV. You came to pick up Fanfan that time."

Guan Yuanbai glanced at her hair. "I remember."

A-Chou, noticing his gaze, said, "My hair was blue that time. It's black now."

"Mn." Guan Yuanbai understood. He checked the time and said, "You should wait inside the cafe. It's quite hot out here. Xiao Wu still has some matters to attend to; she'll probably need about an hour."

A-Chou and the others hadn't known when Guan Zhiyi would emerge; they were just waiting blindly because they had many letters from fans to deliver to her and didn't dare relax.

"Really?"

"Yes." Guan Yuanbai had asked before leaving. Qi Chengyan said she had an interview and wouldn't leave until nine.

Zhou Fanfan said to A-Chou, "You can get a table by the window in that cafe. That way, you can still see this spot and come out in time."

A-Chou: "That's perfect! We're really feeling the heat. Thanks! We'll go sit for half an hour and then come out."

"Okay, okay."

A-Chou and the group headed into the nearby cafe. Zhou Fanfan and Guan Yuanbai waited outside for He Zhi.

Two minutes later, Guan Yuanbai's phone rang. It was He Zhi. He said there had been a collision on the road ahead. As it was a one-way street, he was stuck and asked them to wait a moment.

Guan Yuanbai relayed this to Zhou Fanfan. She suggested they just walk a stretch since it wasn't far.

Guan Yuanbai agreed. But Zhou Fanfan had taken only two steps before stopping. "On second thought, let's just wait here."

Guan Yuanbai: "What's wrong?"

Zhou Fanfan said, "These shoes are new; they're rubbing. My heel's already a bit raw. Walking that distance would definitely make it bleed."

Guan Yuanbai looked down and noticed the red, irritated skin where her heel met the shoe.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"It's not that bad. Nothing worth mentioning…"

Guan Yuanbai gave her a disapproving look, then directly knelt on one knee, crouching down. He gently moved her foot and saw the broken skin.

Not far away were A-Chou and the other fans. Out of the corner of her eye, Zhou Fanfan could see them watching.

She hurriedly tried to pull Guan Yuanbai up. "I'm fine."

Guan Yuanbai's brow furrowed slightly. "The skin is broken. How is that fine?"

The tips of Zhou Fanfan's ears grew warm. "It's just blisters, really, it's fine. Get up, quickly."

Guan Yuanbai glanced around but didn't see any place to sit temporarily. "Get on my back. I'll carry you to the cafe to sit for a bit."

"No, no! Everyone's watching. I'll just stand here. It doesn't hurt."

"You're so stubborn," Guan Yuanbai said. "Then I'll just carry you."

Zhou Fanfan snapped her head around to look at him. In front of all these people? And they're acquaintances! She really didn't want to end up trending on fan forums again!

"Then I'll walk myself!" Zhou Fanfan gave Guan Yuanbai no chance. Clenching her teeth against the pain, she quickly strode in her high heels towards the cafe.

Guan Yuanbai: "…?"

Fortunately, the cafe was only a few steps away. Zhou Fanfan pulled the door open and sat down in the nearest seat.

A-Chou asked, "Fanfan, what's wrong?"

Zhou Fanfan waved a hand. "It's nothing. Just these shoes rubbing a bit."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Guan Yuanbai entered the cafe. "Zhou Fanfan!" he said, a warning tone in his voice.

Zhou Fanfan shrank back. "...What?"

Guan Yuanbai's frown was deep enough to crush her, but looking at her heel, he felt helpless. "Knowing you'd run off, it would have been better to just stay put. Does it hurt a lot now?"

Zhou Fanfan: "...It's manageable."

Guan Yuanbai could only relent. "Wait here."

The group with A-Chou had been watching intently. Seeing Guan Yuanbai suddenly walk over, they tensed up and quickly averted their eyes.

"Excuse me," Guan Yuanbai asked, "does anyone have a band-aid?"

The group was momentarily stunned. Then one girl said, "I do!"

She pulled a strip of band-aids from her bag and handed it over. Guan Yuanbai took two. "Thank you, this is enough."

"You're welcome…"

Guan Yuanbai turned and returned to Zhou Fanfan. In full view of everyone, he crouched down in front of her again.

Zhou Fanfan: "Hey, you—"

"Lift your foot."

"…"

Seeing her hesitate, Guan Yuanbai didn't wait. He gently held her ankle, removed her high heel, and carefully applied the band-aid to her raw heel.

After tending to it, he carefully slipped her shoe back on.

"I can do the other one myself…" Zhou Fanfan said in a low voice.

Guan Yuanbai looked up at her. "Zhou Fanfan, what's with all the formality with your boyfriend?”

---

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