Chapter 4: Hidden Agendas

Xu Shujian glanced at Zhang Qidong but did not take the initiative to speak; it was clear that the elder Deng had loosened up and was holding the upper hand at the table. Chen Linye was indeed reserved, his brows carrying a tinge of gloom, but that fellow Yu Hui was much more relaxed—he had never directly spoken to Xu Shujian and even joked with Song Yue during the earlier introductions, expressing surprise that they had come.

Xu Shujian understood the underlying dynamics here; much like in a past life, many rock musicians looked down on idol performers, as rock singers often prided themselves on their individuality.

The evening had already fallen, and with the lake breeze blowing, Lin Xiaoxian, wrapped in a blanket, chimed in, “You think everyone’s like you? I think it’s fine as it is. What’s there to regret? Everyone makes their own life choices.”

Zhang Qidong glanced at Lin Xiaoxian and said, “I know, Shujian, I mean no offense. I just think you have great talent.”

Yu Hui immediately opened his mouth to respond but was gently tugged back by his wife, Huang Lili, and held silent.

Yu Hui was indifferent toward Xu Shujian, but Xu Shujian’s attitude was consistent with everyone: not initiating conversation but responding politely when addressed.

To Yu Hui, such politeness wasn’t true courtesy; it seemed a bit pretentious. They were all filming a show—bros joking around to please the crew and create a lively atmosphere—but Xu Shujian was so quiet, what was he pretending to be?

Lin Xiaoxian’s peak was about on par with Xu Shujian’s. She had moved on to livestreaming after settling down; what about him?

Why did Yu Hui dare joke with Zhang Qidong? Because he felt Zhang had at least managed to turn freeloading into his own success and was actively engaging in this circle, whereas Xu Shujian seemed to place himself on a pedestal, failing to see reality.

Are idols really that impressive? Without the backing of capital, how far can you really go?

Yu Hui didn’t see any fault in himself. If Xu Shujian had no problems, why was he here? Why did President Song want a divorce from him?

Of course, Yu Hui wouldn’t say these things aloud; these thoughts were buried deep within him. At most, he might jab at Xu Shujian.

Xu Shujian was separated from Yu Hui only by Huang Lili, and he could somewhat sense Yu Hui’s disdain for him, though his gaze remained fixed on Zhang Qidong.

People like Yu Hui, who did rock and held themselves in high regard, had a simple worldview—black or white. But old Deng was cunning, deliberately steering the conversation toward himself.

“Lili, why don’t you two speak? You’re surprised to see us here, and I want to understand your concerns,” Song Yue spoke up.

She sensed some people here had issues with her husband. “We’re not divorced yet; what’s wrong with these people?”

—

Huang Lili and Yu Hui exchanged looks before Huang said, “You go ahead.”

Yu Hui shook his head. “You should say it. I don’t think there’s a problem; you’re just too hung up on it.”

“Our problem… how to say this… I feel like there’s still someone else’s shadow in our life,” Huang Lili leaned back in her chair, lost in thought.

Her words piqued everyone’s curiosity.

Pan Yun asked, “What do you mean? I don’t quite get it.”

Huang Lili explained, “For example, in one of our earlier tests, there was a question about the favorite color of a loved one. I always thought he liked black—look at his clothes, mostly black—but his answer was white. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but then I learned from his friends that he had an ex-girlfriend who liked white. That made me uneasy. And there are other examples like this in our life.”

Zhang Qidong interjected, “Can’t forget the ex?”

Huang Lili nodded, “Exactly. That’s why I doubt whether he truly loves me or just thinks I’m the most suitable for him.”

Yu Hui looked a little impatient. “See? I told you you’re too hung up on this. I don’t care about those things. Were we ever truly just ourselves from the start? We only become ourselves after going through all sorts of experiences and people. Don’t you have traces of others in you?”

Song Yue said, “I don’t.”

Yu Hui began, “I…”

Huang Lili looked at Song Yue and said, “Right? I don’t think I have either. But he just doesn’t care about these things. Every time I ask, he gives me this attitude. We’ve argued countless times.”

Zhang Qidong said, “Lili, I think Yu has a point. But you have to distinguish whether he genuinely doesn’t care or is just pretending not to care. If he truly doesn’t care, no problem. If he’s faking it, that’s the issue.”

Huang Lili frowned, lost in her memories again.

Xu Shujian added, “The problem is you care, Lili. So the problem exists.”

Huang Lili looked at Xu Shujian and immediately nodded, “Yes, yes, the problem is that I care.”

Zhang Qidong said, “Shujian, you can’t think like that. Take me for example—I certainly have traces of my parents in me, but that’s all in the past. Lili, think back: is he still tangled up with his ex?”

Huang Lili frowned again, “That doesn’t seem like the case.”

Yu Hui glared, “What do you mean ‘doesn’t seem’? It’s not like that. We deleted all contact years ago.”

Song Yue asked, “Then why does Lili feel like your ex’s shadow still lingers in her life?”

Yu Hui replied, “Because she’s too hung up on it. I have no problem.”

Huang Lili fell silent.

Xu Shujian looked toward Lin Xiaoxian beside Song Yue. “Xiaoxian, how about you? What’s the issue between you and Brother Dong?”

Lin Xiaoxian was momentarily stunned, instinctively glancing at Zhang Qidong.

Zhang Qidong chuckled and smiled at Xu Shujian. “In this respect, I’m quite like Yu. I don’t think there’s much wrong between me and Xiaoxian. Of course, she might think there is, but from my perspective, in a marriage, someone has to be the one handling the outside world. I believe President Song would agree with me. Whoever takes on that role inevitably neglects the home. Though, in this area, Xiaoxian does better than I do.”

Huang Lili asked, “In what specific ways?”

Zhang Qidong explained, “For example, routines and lifestyle habits. I went from being president of Jinyue Group to the film industry, so I changed from a nine-to-five schedule. Then I jumped to the MCN industry, which is even more extreme. She wakes at six or seven and sleeps at ten, but I might get up at three in the afternoon and sleep at three in the morning. A day or two is fine, but over the years, that builds up a lot of problems.”

Pan Yun exclaimed, “Huh? That’s not really a problem. With your resources, your houses must be huge. Like, if Xiaoxian lives on the second floor and you on the third, isn’t that fine?”

Zhang Qidong looked over and said, “That’s still a problem. Living under the same roof with such different schedules is uncomfortable when you see it. Arguments are inevitable.”

Xu Shujian then looked at Lin Xiaoxian. “Xiaoxian, you’re here now, so if there are problems, you should speak up.”

Huang Lili echoed, “Yes, Xiaoxian, you should say something too.”

After some thought, Lin Xiaoxian slowly said, “What he said is indeed a problem between us, but it’s more serious. For example, now he comes home so few times a month I can count on one hand.”