Volume One: High School Days Chapter Twenty-Two: Xia Yao Risks Everything

After the fight ended, everyone at school knew the names of Liusheng and Ren Xiadong, and that Liusheng was a second-generation rich kid. Many students wanted to befriend him, some even sent him love letters, but Liusheng tossed them all straight into the trash without so much as a glance.

Meanwhile, at Senhai Animation Company, the success of "Shanhai Chronicle" allowed Xia Yao to fully seize control of the company. Li Xiang’s influence shrank under her suppression. To celebrate the triumph of "Shanhai Chronicle," Xia Yao invited Liusheng to Beijing for a celebration.

On the first Saturday after the semester started, Liusheng brought Ren Xiadong to Beijing. Wu Qian was still the one picking them up, but this time she was even more courteous, for Liusheng's talent had thoroughly won her over.

“Chief Editor Liu, please get in, everyone’s waiting for you,” Wu Qian called out, not leaving the car.

Ren Xiadong, getting in, remarked, “Chief Editor? Isn’t there a ‘Deputy’ missing from that title?”

Wu Qian laughed, “Li Xiang’s influence is dwindling. Hao, the chief editor, was his right hand, but now Summer has removed him, all thanks to Chief Editor Liu. So Xia Yao has decided to promote Liusheng as the new chief editor.”

Soon, the three arrived at Senhai Animation Tower, chatting and laughing. Wu Qian led them to the top-floor conference hall. As Liusheng entered, everyone popped confetti and shouted, “Congratulations to Chief Editor Liu for ‘Shanhai Chronicle’ becoming a global box office leader!”

All the department heads gathered to celebrate Liusheng. Xia Yao, dressed in a blue dress, carried two glasses of red wine to Liusheng’s side. “Thank you for everything you've brought to Senhai. Let’s toast.”

Ren Xiadong interjected, “Where’s mine?”

Everyone laughed, and Xia Yao hurriedly said, “Quick, bring Assistant Ren a glass.”

Assistant Ren? Ren Xiadong looked confused, and Xiaoya explained, “You follow Liusheng everywhere. Aren’t you his assistant?”

Liusheng spoke up, “No! He’s my agent and assistant. If you can’t reach me, contact him. He’s authorized to make any decision for me!”

Liusheng deliberately announced this in front of everyone, signaling that Ren Xiadong was important—pleasing him was pleasing Liusheng.

Sure enough, after this statement, people started toasting Ren Xiadong, showering him with flattery. Before long, Ren Xiadong was a bit tipsy and declared, “Liusheng and I have been brothers for years. In private, he listens to everything I say!” Hearing this, everyone redoubled their efforts to flatter him.

Nearby, Liusheng and Xia Yao chatted.

Xia Yao said, “Li Xiang now has no real power. I’ve always wanted to find a chance to send him home to retire, but never found the right moment.”

Liusheng sipped his wine, swirling the glass. “Opportunities always arise, sooner or later.”

Xia Yao clinked her glass with his and took a sip. “Tonight, I’ve invited some friends to go karaoke. Want to join?”

“Of course! Not to brag, but my singing rivals any superstar!” Liusheng boasted.

Xia Yao burst out laughing, “Don’t embarrass yourself! The place is on East Second Ring Road, a nightclub called Dream Drunk. Call me when you arrive, I’ll come get you.”

With that, she downed her wine and left.

Liusheng went over to the boasting Ren Xiadong and whispered, “Drink less. Tonight we’re going to a nightclub, and the girls there all have long legs!”

Ren Xiadong quickly put down his bottle and told everyone, “Sorry, folks, I’ve got to leave early.”

After bidding everyone farewell, the two went to their hotel, took a shower, dressed up, and changed into clean clothes. Seeing it was only five o’clock, they ordered room service. A waiter soon arrived with a cart, and Ren Xiadong, imitating Liusheng, tipped him two hundred. Both began eating ravenously, having not eaten all day in anticipation of the Beijing trip.

After eating and resting, they headed out at half past six.

“Isn’t it a bit early?” Ren Xiadong asked in the elevator.

Liusheng replied, “Better to be early and wait for them. After all, she’s the boss.”

Only then did Ren Xiadong realize Xia Yao would be there. “Why didn’t you say Summer was coming? Will I still get to see those long legs?”

Liusheng chuckled, “We’re just going to have fun, not work. Relax.”

Relieved, Ren Xiadong agreed, and they hailed a taxi to Dream Drunk Nightclub.

Initially worried about arriving too early, but with Beijing’s size and traffic jams, they didn’t arrive until nine.

In the lobby, Liusheng repeatedly failed to reach Xia Yao by phone. Ren Xiadong guessed, “Maybe it’s too noisy inside to hear.”

Liusheng set aside his phone and listened closely, hoping to catch Xia Yao’s voice. His hearing was so sharp he could pick out any sound he wanted.

Soon, his ears picked up singing and rowdy voices from various private rooms. Suddenly, a man’s voice came through, “Li Yan, this woman’s completely out. Can the brothers have some fun too? She’s gorgeous. I want to try!”

Another man snapped, “Get lost. She’s the president of Senhai Animation. I’ve chased her for years, but she ignores me. Now she wants to get rid of my dad. Tonight I’ll make sure things are done and see if she’ll stay with me!”

Liusheng thought, “Li Yan must be Li Xiang’s son. I remember Li Xiang mentioning him at the promo conference. Not good! Xia Yao’s in danger!”

He turned to Ren Xiadong, “Follow me!”

The voices came from the innermost room. There, two men in suits guarded the door. Liusheng called Wu Qian, who rushed over.

At the door, before the guards could speak, L