APCF – Chapter 35 The Shepherd Boy

Nearly two months ago, when Qi Xingchen had just crossed over to this world, Qi Yunxiao began considering acquiring shares in Noah Entertainment.

However, Noah had a significant figure like Bo Ye, which made many small shareholders willing to sell their shares to make quick money. Yet, the major shareholders remained cautious and avoided discussing the matter openly during several negotiations.

This situation unexpectedly gave Qi Yunxiao an opportunity.

As an entertainment company reliant on fan-driven economics, a tarnished image could cause significant damage. Following this controversy, Noah’s stock prices were expected to decline continuously.

When and if the prices would rise again would depend on Qi Yunxiao’s decisions—currently, the “Xingchen Asset Management Fund” already held 35% of Noah’s shares. Once two more major shareholders were acquired, Qi Yunxiao could change the controlling interest and present the company as a gift to the person who matched its name.

A battle that was initially expected to drag on ended swiftly and silently. Noah’s apology letter read: “Our company will file a lawsuit against former employee Du Lanxin, appoint a new manager for Mr. Qi Xingchen, and compensate him for economic losses. We hope to gain the understanding of Mr. Qi Xingchen and the public.”

The tone was exceedingly earnest, yet even with such concessions, the recently victorious fans of “Starry Light” were relentless, unleashing another wave of scolding before donning their “My Idol is the Bravest, and I’m Proud” badges and finally going to rest.

With Qi Yunxiao handling matters, Qi Xingchen experienced a rare sense of tranquility amidst the chaos.

Initially, he had planned to use the “travel allowance” given by Dad Qi as a penalty fee for breach of contract, terminate his agreement, and start his own studio to avoid the awkwardness of looking for a new employer.

Now that Qi Yunxiao had resolved everything, Qi Xingchen lounged on a deck chair in the courtyard, sipping afternoon tea while scrolling through Weibo.

Though Qi Yunxiao was the primary force behind this success, the fans of “Starry Light” were instrumental in steering public opinion, making Noah an easier target.

To comfort his fans, he posted a photo of himself with tea and a script nearby, announcing that he was about to start filming.

Afterward, he sifted through the numerous mentions, only to find that Bo Ye had done something as reckless as Liu Ziyu!

“…Did the author forget to develop Bo Ye’s character properly while writing Night’s Peach Blossom? How can the male lead be this naive? Helping a lesser-known actor stand out like this, isn’t he afraid of backlash or offending others?”

Grumbling under his breath, Qi Xingchen turned over, his back now facing the sun, and opened the group chat for Budget Travels.

—Regarding his earlier post, Bo Ye had yet to comment.

Feeling somewhat dissatisfied, Qi Xingchen opened a private chat with Bo Ye, zoomed in on his avatar, rubbed it in frustration, and began typing: “Thank you for cheering me on, and I’m sorry for not responding earlier.”

Bo Ye replied quickly: “No worries. It was the right thing to do. Is everything resolved now?”

In the adult world, “right” doesn’t necessarily equate to obligation. Extending help was a kindness; withholding it was understandable.

Regardless, Qi Xingchen made a mental note to repay Bo Ye’s kindness.

“Yes, everything is almost settled. Is your shoot in Washington finished?”

“I’ll be landing in H City tomorrow morning.”

“Will you have time tomorrow?”

If so, let me treat you to a meal, Qi Xingchen thought to himself.

But Bo Ye misunderstood: “Why, are you planning to pick me up at the airport?”

Qi Xingchen froze mid-sip of his tea. Wait a minute… had Bo Ye misunderstood?

From Bo Ye’s perspective, interpreting this as a fan’s gesture was reasonable.

And it seemed like a pretty good idea—going to the airport to pick Bo Ye up and directly taking him to dinner. Perfect!

“Exactly, I want to pick you up! Send me your flight number!”

Bo Ye: “…”

This time, Bo Ye was stunned.

Though three years older, Bo Ye instantly guessed that this was Qi Xingchen’s way of repaying a favor.

Having been overseas filming and unaware of the entire situation until much later, Bo Ye felt guilty for not being there to offer timely advice or support.

All he had done was send encouraging words, which he thought was far from enough.

So when he brought up the airport pickup, he intended to steer the conversation away from a meal invitation.

Yet the young fan… actually agreed! Bo Ye was amused yet resigned.

On second thought, if the young fan came to pick him up, Bo Ye could invite him to dinner as compensation.

He sent Qi Xingchen his flight details, arranged the pickup location, and then opened a review app to scout for a suitable restaurant.

Choosing a restaurant to host someone like Bo Ye was no easy task. It had to be discreet, upscale, tranquil, and with top-notch service and cuisine.

Lying on the rocking chair, Qi Xingchen browsed options until he dozed off, only to be woken later by Aunt Zhang, who chased him inside with a cleaning rag.

The next day, Qi Xingchen woke up early, ran 1,500 meters in the courtyard, washed up, dried his hair, and selected an outfit: a gray hoodie, dark blue jeans, limited-edition sneakers from his father, paired with a fisherman’s hat and a mask—a look that was both casual and inconspicuous.

As he headed toward the garage, his sister Qi Yujing’s eyes lit up.

“Wow, Xingxing, why are you dressed so handsomely? Where are you going?”

“…Handsome? Sis, where do you see that? Isn’t this just an average college student’s outfit?” Qi Xingchen asked, puzzled.

Qi Yujing clicked her tongue and grabbed his sleeve for a sniff.

“Penhaligon’s Shepherd Boy EDC. You even put on cologne and still won’t admit it?”

Qi Xingchen: “…” 

What kind of super nose is this?

“Next time, don’t choose an eau de cologne. The scent fades too quickly; it might be gone before you even arrive at your date,” Qi Yujing teased, making a heart gesture. “And don’t stay out all night, okay?”

Qi Xingchen: “…”

What staying out all night! He wasn’t doing anything bad! Qi Xingchen quickly fled the scene.

Qi Yunxiao’s acquisition was conducted discreetly through a securities firm, so Qi Xingchen’s identity remained undiscovered for the time being.

To maintain his “working-class” persona, he asked the driver to drop him off outside the airport and walked into the terminal on foot.

Arriving at the designated pickup point, Qi Xingchen nearly fainted.

Holy moly, why are there so many people here? The crowd stretches as far as the eye can see!

He pulled his hat down, raised his mask higher, leaving only his eyes visible, and cautiously squeezed into the throng.

The Night Skies were an organized and polite group, automatically making way for him.

A girl whispered, “Hey, look, a handsome guy!”

“How do you know he’s handsome when his face is covered?”

“His figure and outfit! I love guys who dress clean and fresh!”

“Exactly, me too! Plus, he smells so nice! Lavender and cardamom—does he have a creamy scent pheromone? Haha!”

These voices kept drilling into Qi Xingchen’s ears. Hearing the word “pheromone,” he instinctively thought of the things he’d seen on that certain cloud drive…

His blush, which had just subsided, rushed back. He lowered his head, using his phone to shield himself from the fangirls’ chatter.

Before long, his phone vibrated in sync with the Night Skies’ excited screams. Bo: [I’m out.]

Qi Xingchen quickly looked up. Bo Ye was also scanning the crowd, and their gazes locked briefly before mutually shifting away—as if they didn’t know each other at all.

Bo Ye walked into the crowd. The Night Skies followed beside him calmly, neither shoving nor reaching out to touch him.

It was precisely because of this behavior that Bo Ye often chose to take the regular exit instead of the VIP channel.

This is my idol. This is my fan community, Qi Xingchen thought proudly, following the flow of people.

As they neared the elevator to the underground parking lot, a fan couldn’t resist asking, “Ye-ge, could you sign something for me?”

“Sure, where should I sign?”

The fan handed him a banner. Bo Ye signed it, and another fan immediately handed him a notebook. He didn’t refuse and continued signing.

His handwriting was sharp and bold, exuding an unrestrained pride. People often said that in the entertainment industry, humility was the best policy, but Bo Ye didn’t need it. His immense talent was his shield.

“It’s your turn now,” a deep voice interrupted Qi Xingchen’s wandering thoughts. Bo Ye’s slender hand extended toward him. “Where do you want me to sign?”

Qi Xingchen raised an eyebrow, looking at the composed Bo Ye.

Who carries something for an autograph to a meal invitation? Spying the pen in Bo Ye’s hand, Qi Xingchen extended his palm. “Sign here.”

“Okay. What’s your name?”

Hearing Bo Ye ask this question, the surrounding Night Skies immediately turned into jealous lemons. Bo Ye’s inquiry for a name signified a personalized autograph—something they all wanted!

Yet the lucky recipient didn’t seem thrilled. The fans reminded him eagerly, “Hey, gege asked for your name!”

“…Oh,” Qi Xingchen hesitated and made up a name, “I’m Qi Xing.”

Bo Ye nodded, then leaned over and wrote lightly on his palm, the corners of his lips curling in a faint smile.

Qi Xingchen’s palm tingled, and he couldn’t help but grin behind his mask.

When the pen lifted, Qi Xingchen saw that Bo Ye hadn’t written the fake name. Instead, he’d drawn a star.

The star had long points on either side and a short one at the top—adorable and headless.

Qi Xingchen quickly hid his hand behind his back and slipped away from the crowd, taking a detour to the underground parking lot.

Bo Ye’s three SUVs were parked in separate spots—a formation designed to mislead paparazzi and overzealous fans.

Using the license plate number Bo Ye had provided the previous day, Qi Xingchen found the correct car. Just as he reached for his phone to call Bo Ye, the automatic door slid open with a soft whirr.

Before he could react, a hand reached out, grabbed his wrist, and pulled him inside the vehicle!

Qi Xingchen was still disoriented when he realized he was now sitting inside the car, surrounded by Bo Ye’s staff, all staring at him like he was a panda in a zoo.

Bo Ye’s makeup artist, Xiao Man: “Boss, isn’t this the male fan you gave the personalized autograph to? Do you know him?”

“I feel like he looks familiar,” Bo Ye’s assistant, Alan, scratched his head. “His build reminds me of… uh…”

“Enough with the guessing,” Qi Xingchen removed his mask. “It’s me.”

“Wow, Xingxing! Why are you here? Did you miss us girls?”

“Come here, let this jie kiss you! You facing the company head-on was so satisfying. If I were ten years younger, I’d marry you on the spot!”

As the staff teased the younger man without restraint, Bo Ye finally spoke, exasperated, “Don’t scare him. He’s still young.”

Then he turned to Qi Xingchen. “Earlier, there was a paparazzi at your nine o’clock. I pulled you in to avoid them. Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Still concerned, Bo Ye leaned closer to check Qi Xingchen’s wrist.

A faint, enticing scent wafted into his nose.

Bo Ye paused briefly, then leaned in further, stopping near Qi Xingchen’s ear to sniff lightly.

“What’s that scent on you? It’s so fragrant.”