Chapter 11: The Exquisite Young Master, Ye Gongmin

Chen Xiao also assumed that this guy had sneaked in just to feast his eyes. While that was a bit perverted, it was none of their business, so she tugged at Tao Zi and said, “Don’t bother with him. He looks harmless and, honestly, kind of handsome. In this setting, he’s more normal than most. Plenty of people sneak in—one more or less won’t make a difference. Just let him hang around and learn a thing or two. Maybe he’ll luck into a job, who knows?”

Tao Zi responded with obvious displeasure, “A job? Who here would ever hire him?”

Chen Xiao chuckled. “If I ever make it big, I’ll hire him as my assistant.”

Tao Zi rolled her eyes dramatically at both of them, snapping, “Well, that’s your problem. Just don’t get involved with us, don’t even act like you know us. If you cause trouble, you’ll drag us down with you.”

Loser.

Little Ma sneered inwardly—acting as if he were the one pestering them, when in fact, they had approached him first. He didn’t even bother to look at them, turning his head to scan the rest of the room.

“Hey, did you hear me?” Tao Zi said uneasily. “You’ve already annoyed Chief Editor Wan and Sister Yang Ling. Xiao and I finally got this opportunity to walk the runway with Feng Chenchen. We’re up next. Don’t let anyone see you—just stay away, all right?”

Ma Weimin replied, “I never compromise with losers. However, I’ll make an exception for you two. Just tell me where the prettiest spot is, and I’ll go somewhere else and leave you in peace.”

Chen Xiao and Tao Zi doubled over in laughter, clutching their stomachs. “You must be joking! The entire two floors are the prettiest place. Just go pick a corner and doodle or something, but don’t spy on us. In a moment, we’ll be walking with Feng Chenchen—such a rare chance, we’re suddenly so lucky. Some things you can only learn by walking with her; watching from the audience is a completely different experience.”

“As if she’s not a loser herself. Even if she becomes her, she’ll still be a nobody—what’s the difference?” Ma Weimin mumbled, his mind running in odd loops.

At this point, even Chen Xiao was exasperated, a dark cloud seeming to hang over her forehead.

Ding—

Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Several assistants entered, followed by a young man with the air of a rich heir—hands in his pockets, dressed tastefully in a light-colored casual suit, exuding star quality.

Ma Weimin gave him the same dismissive sneer, mentally remarking: “Anyone wearing Versace is a poor man in disguise. Why else have I never seen Old Huo in Versace?”

The young heir stood by the elevator, glancing around, surprised by the impressive turnout today.

Chen Xiao and Tao Zi gazed at him as if seeing a sky full of stars.

Chen Xiao whispered in awe, “I never imagined the legendary Ye Gongmin would be so young. Rumor has it he’s worth over three billion, with a powerful background too.”

Tao Zi, eager to show off her knowledge, murmured, “He’s young, handsome, and rich. He’s friends with the district chief of Haidong, and there’s so much more behind the scenes. He dotes on Feng Chenchen, too. For someone this busy, and this important, to come visit the set...”

“So, he’s Feng Chenchen’s boyfriend?” Chen Xiao’s voice was tinged with envy, jealousy, and longing. But considering Feng Chenchen’s looks, charm, and figure, she had to admit they made a good match.

Tch.

No wonder these girls were so weak—they lacked the heart of the strong. Ma Weimin couldn’t help but look down on them.

Tao Zi went on, “Feng Chenchen’s a complicated person, too. Ye Gongmin isn’t the only powerful figure in her circle—they say there are even bigger names behind her. She’s really something; there’s no way she wouldn’t succeed.”

Chen Xiao, green with envy, muttered, “Shameless. Even a perfect Prince Charming isn’t enough for her—how much more does she want? If Ye Gongmin were mine, I’d love him with all my heart.”

“I have to criticize you both,”

Ma Weimin suddenly interjected, mimicking the tone of a famous comedian. Both women nearly jumped out of their skin, whirling around. “Why haven’t you disappeared yet? Stay away from us!”

Little Ma replied decisively, “Only losers worry about being outshined. You’re afraid of me interfering because you lack confidence.”

Tao Zi and Chen Xiao could only raise imaginary white flags, unable to retort. After all, since they lived together, they were gradually getting used to his oddities.

But Ye Gongmin, having overheard the name “Feng Chenchen” while scanning the area, took notice. The two pretty newcomers seemed ripe for the picking—eager to stand out and easy to sway. Hearing the scruffy man call them losers piqued his interest.

Ye Gongmin, accompanied by his assistant, walked over to Little Ma. “And who might you be?”

“I am Brother Ma,” Little Ma replied proudly.

Chen Xiao, worried, shot him a warning look, urging him not to cause trouble.

But with a warrior’s blood and the heart of a strong man, Little Ma would not back down. He looked up, gazing at the ceiling.

Ye Gongmin smiled, “So, Brother Ma, does your family know how cocky you are? Should I kneel and polish your shoes?”

“That won’t be necessary. My shoes are high-end, unafraid of dust. True gems need not fear the dirt; they never need polishing. I thought you’d understand that,” Little Ma replied, looking half-crazed.

Ye Gongmin instantly kicked a chair aside, coldly demanding, “Are you making fun of me?”

“How did you reach that conclusion? Did you write your undergraduate thesis using the same logic?” Little Ma shot back.

Ye Gongmin said, “Sorry, I have a master’s degree—from Huaqing. Also, I don’t like your attitude. Furthermore, mentioning my girlfriend Feng Chenchen’s name annoys me. And third, don’t call those two girls losers in front of someone as bad-tempered as I am.”

Chen Xiao hurried to smooth things over. “Sorry, Mr. Ye, this guy’s a bit odd but means no harm. We know him—it’s just a joke. Sorry, sorry.”

Ye Gongmin, all elegance and poise, smiled, “Are you sure?”

In truth, even Tao Zi wasn’t sure.

But Chen Xiao nodded quickly, “Absolutely sure. Mr. Ye, you’re so gracious—thank you for standing up for us.”

Ye Gongmin nodded to the two of them with a warm smile. “You’re welcome.” He turned to Little Ma. “Consider yourself lucky. Don’t mention Feng Chenchen again, or I won’t bother with reason or the law. My surname is Ye—understand?”

Little Ma sneered at him. Still, arguing with poor people was pointless.

Ye Gongmin let it go, “So, I’ll take it you’ve listened?”

Chen Xiao hurried to apologize again. “Thank you, Mr. Ye. You’re very gracious.”

Ye Gongmin thought Chen Xiao seemed like a woman who could really please a man—unlike Feng Chenchen, who always acted aloof and never tried to please anyone. He was intrigued, wanting to chat more, but just then Feng Chenchen, now in a fresh outfit and surrounded by an entourage, emerged and started walking their way.

With so many people gathering around, Wan, the editor-in-chief—walking with Feng Chenchen and a man in a Cayenne—was clearly displeased. He had already disliked Ma Weimin when he’d seen him at Tao Zi’s place the day before, and seeing him here, in this company, only worsened his mood.

As a heavyweight in the industry, Wan’s approach to Tao Zi and Chen Xiao was obviously calculated. Now, seeing his “prey” with this eyesore of a man, he strode over and barked, “Don’t you have work to do? All of you, standing here and distracting people? You—who let you in? I won’t say anything about you sneaking in, but holding up my people and delaying my work—what’s your game?”

Ye Gongmin thought Wan was an utter fool, but since Wan was scolding Little Ma, he was happy to step back and enjoy the show.

Little Ma replied in his odd tone, “Do I look like someone who likes explanations?”

What the—?

Wan’s face flushed with anger. Someone actually dared talk back to him?

Ye Gongmin chuckled, finding Little Ma somewhat amusing now—mainly because he was a bit unhinged. He was ready to watch Wan make a fool of himself. After all, Wan was always clinging to Feng Chenchen for work reasons, and no one dared say anything.

“You!” Wan strode over, fuming. “No explanation? Acting like you belong here, as if this were a public space? Do you want me to call Security?”

“As a strong man, I do not fear security guards,” Little Ma replied, still lost in his delusions.

Chen Xiao was frightened.

Tao Zi felt her scalp go numb and was thoroughly dissatisfied with Little Ma. She felt she was about to be dragged down by him.

As for everyone else nearby, they were all left reeling, practically seeing stars.