IBKAWB Chapter 28

**Chapter 28: The Protagonist Shou**

Re-translated by: Namizaki

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Chi Zhongqiao’s hurried footsteps faltered the moment he descended the stairs and saw them.

Li Xi… was standing beside Lu Yuzhou.

Chi Zhongqiao lowered the brim of his hat, unsure if he wanted to hide his face or shield himself from the wind.

His abrupt stop nearly caused Zhong Yin to crash into his back. Zhong Yin barely managed to brake in time, glancing at Chi Zhongqiao’s expression and whispering, “Brother Qiao, what’s wrong?”

Chi Zhongqiao snapped out of his daze. “Oh, nothing.”

Am I sick? Why am I hiding on the sidelines while they’re talking? Or am I feeling guilty? What do I have to feel guilty about?

Clutching the slip of card in his pocket, Chi Zhongqiao firmly repeated to himself: Go over there. What are you doing standing here watching?

He cleared his throat and was about to approach when Lu Yuzhou turned toward him. Before his gaze could fully focus, a smile already curved his lips.

Li Xi, who had been talking at length without receiving a response, followed Lu Yuzhou’s gaze and suddenly realized: So President Lu has been waiting for him all this time!

Chi Zhongqiao felt an inexplicable awkwardness.

Lu Yuzhou quickly explained, “Mr. Li and I coincidentally happened to run into each other and exchanged a few words.”

Li Xi: ……

Li Xi was shocked to realize Lu Yuzhou was blatantly lying through his teeth.

Give me a break, Li Xi thought, rolling his eyes downward in exasperation. A coincidence? I came looking for you! I said every word of our entire conversation. You’ve been standing here for ages and haven’t uttered a single word beyond a perfunctory greeting!

As if that makes you sound so polite.

Lu Yuzhou, ever the master of feigned innocence, smoothly changed the subject. “Brother Qiao, is the filming going well?”

“It’s going smoothly,” Chi Zhongqiao replied.

Completely ignored, Li Xi felt utterly humiliated.

The group stood in the shadow of the tall building, the biting wind sending shivers down their spines.

A gust of cold wind slipped under Chi Zhongqiao’s open jacket. Despite wearing a thick inner layer, he seemed unusually sensitive to the cold today, the wind penetrating his clothes and making him shudder.

Lu Yuzhou always kept half his attention on Chi Zhongqiao. Noticing the tremor, he reached out to tighten Chi Zhongqiao’s collar. “Brother Qiao, button up.”

Well, look at the difference in treatment, Li Xi thought bitterly, clutching his notebook. Lu Yuzhou is such a jerk. He shoved the notebook toward Chi Zhongqiao. “Mr. Chi, I actually came here today to recommend myself.”

Chi Zhongqiao accepted the thick stack of printed pages, his expression puzzled. Then it clicked—in the original novel, Li Xi had been a screenwriter. Li Xi’s first script was called… what was it called? Anyway, it had been a massive hit, becoming a rare phenomenon—the kind of drama that people still raved about years later.

Chi Zhongqiao instinctively glanced at Lu Yuzhou, his mind suddenly buzzing with possibilities.

If Yuzhou could invest in this script, he’d definitely make a fortune.

A mix of embarrassment and indignation flashed across Li Xi’s face. “I know it’s presumptuous of me… but I’m desperate. This is my script. Would you consider reading it?”

Worried he might sound like he was trying to guilt-trip them, he quickly added, “If you don’t think it’s suitable, you can reject it right now.”

He’d made a foolish bet with that jerk in his family, vowing to secure investment through his own efforts. Fueled by anger, he’d completely forgotten he was just a rookie screenwriter—not some acclaimed Director with a track record of hits. How could he possibly attract major funding?

With the bet slipping away, Li Xi had no choice but to swallow his pride and approach Lu Yuzhou.

Li Xi had almost memorized the pitch he’d secretly prepared, but Lu Yuzhou didn’t even glance his way. The only expression he managed to elicit was one directed at Chi Zhongqiao.

Reluctantly, Li Xi handed the printed script to Chi Zhongqiao instead.

He had complete faith in his script. If filmed properly and not butchered, its popularity would undoubtedly surpass this year’s <Empress of the World>! Lu Yuzhou– although managing an Entertainment Company– as an outsider to the acting industry, wouldn’t understand the script’s merits or be swayed by mere words. But Chi Zhongqiao was different. A seasoned actor like him couldn’t possibly miss the script’s brilliance.

Chi Zhongqiao certainly recognized its quality. In fact, he had an exceptionally keen eye for talent, always gravitating toward the best—in everything.

The script Li Xi handed him was titled <The Patriot>. Chi Zhongqiao initially planned to skim through it, but after reading a few pages, he couldn’t put it down.

Lu Yuzhou reached out to shield Chi Zhongqiao from a gust of cold wind. “Let’s move inside the car and discuss this in detail elsewhere.”

Chi Zhongqiao finally snapped out of the captivating narrative, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Mr. Li, let’s talk at the café next door.”

Li Xi, a fledgling newcomer, felt unworthy of such formality. “Brother Qiao, just call me Li Xi!” He was a year younger than Chi Zhongqiao and still in university, making him uncomfortable being addressed as “Mr.”

But…

Chi Zhongqiao’s willingness to talk meant there was hope for the investment. Although he was a newcomer actor without much personal wealth, he had connections. Besides, Young Master Lu was a living, breathing gold mine. Li Xi had done his research before approaching Lu Yuzhou and knew that Lu Yuzhou was the true investor behind <Empress of the World>, a venture that had yielded massive profits. Moreover, the financial backer behind the dark horse film of the National Day holiday was also Lu Yuzhou.

Given Young Master Lu’s special attitude toward Chi Zhongqiao, if Chi Zhongqiao agreed, how could Young Master Lu possibly refuse? Of course he’d agree!

Just listen to him! Every “Brother Qiao” dripped with sweetness.

The trio chose a nearby café. It was midday, and the café was empty, making it perfect for discussing business.

Chi Zhongqiao couldn’t put down Li Xi’s script. <The Patriot> was a dual-male-lead historical drama filled with political intrigue, its plot twists and turns meticulously crafted, both thrilling and intellectually stimulating.

Though Chi Zhongqiao was deeply impressed, he maintained a carefully controlled expression. He had no business experience, but his acting career had taught him that showing too much eagerness during negotiations could easily put one at a disadvantage.

But… this project was guaranteed to make money! Don’t miss out, young man!

Beneath the table, Chi Zhongqiao gently nudged Lu Yuzhou’s palm with his finger.

Lu Yuzhou opened his hand and captured that slender finger in his palm, giving it a slight squeeze as if to say, “I understand.”

Chi Zhongqiao felt a surge of satisfaction at the unspoken understanding between him and his child.

Having achieved his purpose, Chi Zhongqiao tugged at his finger, signaling Lu Yuzhou to release his hand.

Lu Yuzhou squeezed Chi Zhongqiao’s fingertip once more before letting go.

Chi Zhongqiao rubbed his finger, then idly twisted the script in his hand, feeling a strange unease. After a few seconds of pondering, unable to pinpoint what felt off, he refocused his attention on the script.

Suppressing the excitement of an actor discovering a promising script, Chi Zhongqiao objectively highlighted its strengths before falling silent. He hoped Lu Yuzhou wouldn’t miss this opportunity, but when it came to business negotiations, he was completely out of his element. After analyzing the script’s merits and flaws, he left the investment strategy to the professional Lu Yuzhou.

However, as Lu Yuzhou discussed investment terms with Li Xi, Chi Zhongqiao’s gaze remained fixed on Lu Yuzhou, burning with intensity.

Lu Yuzhou: “……”

He was torn between amusement and exasperation. Brother Qiao’s gaze was so palpable that anyone could sense the longing behind it.

Lu Yuzhou was well aware of the sensation <The Patriot> had caused after its broadcast. His initial hesitation stemmed from the fact that this was a production that would require a massive financial investment.

In his previous life, Lu Yuzhou had invested heavily in this drama. Though the final product lived up to his expectations, the initial investment had been astronomical.

This was why Lu Yuzhou could afford to play hard to get with Li Xi, confident that no one else would snatch up this “piece of meat.” Who would dare pour such a massive sum into a project helmed by a newcomer, with even the Director yet to be secured?

In his previous life, this drama had surfaced much earlier, languishing for four or five years and changing hands among several producers before finally landing with Lu Yuzhou, who greenlit production. Li Xi wouldn’t find investors easily.

Still, since Brother Qiao was so enthusiastic, securing the project now wouldn’t hurt.

Lu Yuzhou wasn’t one for playing games. His initial coldness toward Li Xi stemmed from his reserved personality and Li Xi’s rambling pitches, which left him struggling to respond. Li Xi’s self-recommendation was crammed with detailed plot developments and script intricacies—how could a businessman like Lu Yuzhou, an outsider to the industry, possibly keep up with such specialized knowledge?

Now that he had decided to commit to <The Patriot>, Lu Yuzhou dropped his indifferent facade.

Li Xi, a newcomer to the screenwriting world, found himself led by the nose by Lu Yuzhou, signing the verbal agreement in a daze.

With the deal settled, Lu Yuzhou took a sip of his coffee to moisten his throat.

Chi Zhongqiao, who had been fiddling with his phone halfway through the conversation, noticed the silence and glanced up at Li Xi. He realized the young man looked even more bewildered than he did, despite having heard only half of the discussion.

Chi Zhongqiao couldn’t fathom how anyone could trust this naive kid to handle business negotiations alone.

As the three were about to part ways, Li Xi suddenly called out to Chi Zhongqiao.

“Um, Brother Qiao?”

“Hmm?” Chi Zhongqiao replied.

Li Xi held up his phone. “Can I add you as a contact?”

“Sure,” Chi Zhongqiao said cheerfully. He was genuinely curious about Li Xi, the writer behind such a compelling script, and eager to discuss the script’s details further.

Lu Yuzhou, leaning against the car door, turned his gaze slowly to fix on the two exchanging contact information.

Li Xi, dressed in thin layers, shivered violently, nearly sneezing from the sudden chill.

Chi Zhongqiao, unable to suppress his paternal instincts, remarked, “Young people love to dress stylishly, but you shouldn’t play with your health. You’ll regret it when you’re older, with a body full of ailments.”

Lu Yuzhou’s eyes grew even colder.

Lu Yuzhou knew his temper was irrational, but he couldn’t stand seeing Brother Qiao being so warm and friendly with Li Xi. He remembered how Li Xi had been universally adored in their previous life, even Fu Jingshen, that sly old fox, had fallen under his charm.

If Fu Jingshen hadn’t later… Well, there was no need to pity him. Lu Yuzhou himself wasn’t much better—he had died in a staged “accident” right after <The Patriot> concluded.

Li Xi was a brilliant screenwriter, and Brother Qiao was a master actor… They had far too much in common.

Lu Yuzhou narrowed his eyes slightly. I’ll just tattle to Fu Jingshen. That way, he’ll stop letting this troublemaker out to seduce Brother Qiao.

Li Xi was deeply touched, but that didn’t stop him from feeling the surrounding air grow even colder. He nodded. “Thank you, Brother Qiao. I’ll put on more layers when I get back.” He waved. “See you later, Brother Qiao!”

Chi Zhongqiao waved back with his icy right hand.

Lu Yuzhou gave Chi Zhongqiao’s hand a quick squeeze—it was indeed freezing. He shoved the still-fatherly-minded, troublesome child into the car, sighing helplessly. “You’re shivering from the cold yourself.”

“It’s different,” Chi Zhongqiao said, waving his hand in front of Lu Yuzhou. “I’m already wearing so many layers, but I’m still cold because of my constitution. That kid was just underdressed.”

Lu Yuzhou gently squeezed his restless hand, sighing, “If you know you’re sensitive to the cold, why stay outside for so long?” Apart from his phone addiction, Brother Qiao was practically a health guru—he kept regular hours, exercised even in the coldest weather, and was actually in good shape.

The problem was his constitution. Despite being bundled up like a dumpling in winter, his hands and feet remained icy. Even with heat packs stuck under his clothes, he couldn’t warm up.

The car’s warmth made Chi Zhongqiao drowsy. He yawned, his eyes drooping as he drifted into a half-awake state. Yet even in this haze, he managed to string together coherent thoughts: “Yuzhou, Li Xi’s script for <The Patriot> is truly excellent. Filming it would be a guaranteed success. I’m telling you, if <The Patriot> is produced smoothly, it’ll be ten times more popular than <Empress of the World>. You’d make a fortune! Qi Chuyang mentioned you’ve scouted some promising talents. Cast those with real skill in supporting roles—when the actors rise to fame, the company will gradually improve. You must have earned a lot recently, right? Hmm, you have a keen eye and handle things so reliable…”

Chi Zhongqiao was genuinely exhausted. In the latter half of his rambling, he began showering Lu Yuzhou with nonsensical praise, pulling out obscure compliments from the depths of his mind and heaping them upon Lu Yuzhou.

He described Lu Yuzhou as a humble, gentleman—even a virtuous man—and genuinely worried about the future prospects of Lu Yuzhou’s company…

Lu Yuzhou still held Chi Zhongqiao’s hand, reluctant to let go. While Chi Zhongqiao’s eyes were closed, he brazenly studied Chi Zhongqiao’s face.

When Chi Zhongqiao received no response, he patted Lu Yuzhou’s leg with his eyes still closed. “Are you listening?”

Lu Yuzhou’s entire body tensed, and he accidentally squeezed Chi Zhongqiao’s palm too tightly.

Chi Zhongqiao, tickled by the pressure, suddenly opened his eyes, his shoulders shaking with laughter. “What are you doing? That tickles!”

He withdrew his hand from Lu Yuzhou’s grasp and curled up in the corner.

In Chi Zhongqiao’s eyes, Lu Yuzhou had always been clingy, and he had grown accustomed to Lu Yuzhou’s occasional physical contact.

Lu Yuzhou felt his heart pounding so hard it threatened to burst from his chest. He nearly confessed all his youthful emotions to Chi Zhongqiao in a single breath.

Never before had he felt such an overwhelming urge to confess his feelings, torn between wanting Chi Zhongqiao to see through his admiration at a glance and wanting to bury his affections so deeply that not even a trace remained.

Having lived two lifetimes, he had never felt this way about anyone.

If.. if he confessed right now…

But Lu Yuzhou restrained himself, swallowing his emotions. His face remained as calm and composed as ever, and his voice sounded no different from usual. “Once filming starts, let’s have Brother Qiao play the lead.”

The most influential drama of the decade, both past and future, gifted to his Brother Qiao.