Chapter 144: None of Your Business [Bonus Chapter]

Bo Jinxu was dressed in a sharp business ensemble today. He wore a perfectly tailored black shirt, its lines so fluid it seemed every crease had been calculated to the millimeter, with every button fastened to the very top. His skin was a cool, porcelain white, yet he lacked the delicate, effeminate air of a pretty boy; his facial features were as sharp and defined as if carved by a knife. His dark eyes, in particular, were bottomless, carrying an inherent air of formidable authority and disdain for the common crowd.

He simply stood there, effortlessly drawing every gaze. That aura of restrained, powerful intensity made people both intimidated and inexplicably drawn to him, as if merely standing beside such a man could elevate one’s own stature.

Beside him stood Shen Qingqing. Today, she wore a pink dress, her hair kept in its signature long, straight black style, a string of pearls adorning her neck. Her makeup was exquisite, making her look like a Barbie doll displayed in a glass cabinet.

"Fourth Uncle, everyone has arrived. Let’s head over."

Shen Qingqing was clearly delighted, even a little exuberant, like a skylark released from a cage. Her voice was lovely, soft and delicate, evoking an immediate desire in those who heard it to protect her.

"Very well, let’s go." Though Bo Jinxu only uttered a few words, his tone was gentle.

[What is going on! Shen Qingqing calls the Crown Prince 'Fourth Uncle'? Their relationship seems unusual.]
[The four great wealthy families of the capital have deep ties and have intermarried for generations; it’s not strange at all for Shen Qingqing to call him Fourth Uncle.]
[The Crown Prince was so gentle just now! That slight upturn of his lips just killed me.]

Shen Qingqing and Bo Jinxu walked toward the group and exchanged greetings. Si Yufeng, who already knew Bo Jinxu, shook his hand. Jiang Ceyou offered a cold, perfunctory greeting. After Wei Tingfang finished her pleasantries, her gaze lingered on Shen Qingqing with subtle scrutiny.

Xu Yao sidled over and latched onto Shen Qingqing’s arm. "Qingqing, I’m Xu Yao. We attended the BS fashion gala together last time. Do you remember me?"

Shen Qingqing certainly did not; that gala had invited hundreds of people, filled with celebrities and influencers. However, bound by the necessity of being fellow guests who would have to get along for several days, she nodded. "Hello, Yao Yao. I remember you."

Xu Yao was delighted and turned to Bo Jinxu. "I’m the same age as Qingqing. Since she calls you Fourth Uncle, I’ll just follow her lead and call you Fourth Uncle as well." She reached out a hand toward him. "Nice to meet you, Fourth Uncle. I’m Xu Yao. Please take care of me during our time here."

Bo Jinxu’s eyes were cold as he swept a glance at her.

"Who gave you permission to be so presumptuous?"

Bo Jinxu’s voice was as cold as a dagger, a ruthless, throat-slitting blow. Xu Yao was stunned. This was a live broadcast; she hadn’t expected Bo Jinxu to show her such blatant disrespect.

"Mr. Bo... I am so sorry."

[Hahaha, this Xu Yao is clearly a 'green tea' flower. Trying to cozy up right from the start.]
[Capitalists are capitalists; you can’t get the slightest advantage out of him.]
[You guys are being too harsh on our Yao Yao. She’s just simple, kind, and friendly. This Bo Jinxu is just unappreciative.]
[Exactly, exactly! Why did Xu Yao call him Fourth Uncle? Because she’s kind!]

Elsewhere, Bo Jinxu’s gaze swept across the circle, finally settling on Jiang Ceyou and Shen Yibai.

In truth, among all the guests, only Bo Jinxu knew the full list. When Jiang Ceyou saw that Bo Jinxu and Shen Qingqing were also participants, a heavy stone seemed to press down on her heart. This was definitely not a coincidence. Had her participation in this variety show also been orchestrated? Just like when she had been assigned to study at the Capital Station?

Jiang Ceyou already suspected that Tang Fei was likely in Bo Wanhua’s pocket. Did Bo Wanhua know that Shen Qingqing and Bo Jinxu were joining the show, and intentionally plant her there to sabotage their relationship? And what about Shen Yibai? Was he part of the scheme, too?

At this thought, a chill crept down her spine. She had tried every possible way to avoid stepping into the game set for her, yet she had already fallen into it before she even knew it.

Shen Yibai was also surprised; he hadn’t expected his uncle and her to be here. Shen Qingqing was his half-sister. To be honest, he had never really interacted with her. Though he hadn’t changed his surname, it was only because the Elder Shen had promised that as long as he kept the Shen name, he would inherit the family legacy. But having grown up in the Bo household, he had barely met his sister.

As Shen Yibai looked at Shen Qingqing, she was appraising him as well. However, there seemed to be a flicker of fear in her eyes when she looked at him, and she instinctively hid behind Bo Jinxu.

Of course Shen Qingqing feared Shen Yibai; he was Bo Wanhua’s own son. Growing up, the name "Bo Wanhua" had been a nightmare, gripping her throat every second of every day. Had it not been for Bo Jinxu’s constant protection, she would have died a thousand times over.

Bo Jinxu walked over and stood before Shen Yibai and Jiang Ceyou.

"Host Jiang, to be so busy and yet still find time to record a variety show—is the pay at the station not enough?"

Bo Jinxu’s tone was indifferent, but Jiang Ceyou caught his subtext. He thought she had taken Bo Wanhua’s money to come here and cause trouble for him and his sweetheart. Jiang Ceyou felt she could explain, but she didn’t want to. There was no need.

She replied with equal indifference, "Mr. Bo, look at this ocean; the scenery is pleasant. It’s enough for you to build a house here. You seem very suited to living by the sea."

Bo Jinxu: "..."

Live Broadcast Chat:
[???]
[Hahaha, this sister is so brave! Isn't that just a polite way of saying 'Why don't you go live by the sea and mind your own business?']
[Translated into human language: None of your damn business.]
[These two seem to know each other, and it looks like there’s some bad blood.]

Shen Yibai seemed to sense the tense atmosphere. He knew his uncle disliked Jiang Ceyou, believing her proximity to him was driven by ulterior motives. He quickly tried to explain for her: "The guest the production team originally invited couldn't make it, so my sister was brought in as an emergency replacement by the station. This is her work."

Shen Yibai meant that she wasn't here for money or ulterior motives, but because of the station's arrangement.

Bo Jinxu’s eyes deepened. He looked at Shen Yibai, his voice flat and devoid of ripples. "And what about you?"

"Me? Well, I came here with her, of course."

Shen Yibai suddenly turned to Jiang Ceyou. "Sister, even though you haven't accepted my confession, I want to tell you: I am a man, not a child. You have the right to reject me, but I also have the right to pursue you. Sister, I like you."

The sudden confession made Jiang Ceyou wish she could dig a hole in the sand and hide.

"Yibai, you’d better stop, or I’m going to hit you."

Shen Yibai adopted the look of an innocent puppy, blinking his eyes at Jiang Ceyou with a pitiful expression. "Sister, would you really have the heart to?"

Jiang Ceyou: "..."
Bo Jinxu: "..."