Qinde used to have a few hundred employees – so laid-back that they might as well have been monks peacefully tapping wooden fish in a temple. But now, with the young heir personally stationed there long-term, even though he doesn’t directly manage things, everyone – from the president down to the cleaner – can’t help but feel a little on edge.
Jin Yuanmin, the top man at Qinde, is a master of upward management, a cunning strategist at reading between the lines, and a steadfast follower of the principle ‘do big things but stay low-key.’ Finally, he decided to make a big move at the end of the year – to show the young heir and the board of directors their resounding ambition.
“We at Qinde are just too low-key. After all, we are one of the top twenty leading real estate enterprises in Ning City…”
“Mr. Jin, isn’t ‘leading enterprise’ a bit of a stretch for twentieth place?”
“…Anyway, the Galaxy Awards sponsorship is doable.”
According to the sponsorship proposal provided by the Galaxy Awards organizers, the sponsor’s logo would appear on the celebrity signing board, get face time during the live broadcast, and come with perks like host shout-outs, red carpet introductions, and seats for award presenters. But the real highlight: after the film festival ends, there would be a celebrity office-visit event, paid search terms, and trending topics on social media. The branding department’s annual KPIs would be met in one fell swoop.
This matter didn’t need approval from the group – the process wouldn’t reach Shang Shao. Jin Yuanmin had only mentioned it in passing during employee cafeteria day the week before. His plan was to lay some groundwork first, then announce the results later and claim credit.
But Jin Yuanmin hadn’t expected the young heir to take such an interest in the matter.
“The organizers want us to send a representative to attend. I asked around, but no one dared to go. So here I am, reluctantly stepping up.”
His old-fashioned, bookish way of speaking made the old tailor in the suit shop smile.
“What time tomorrow?” Shang Shao asked.
“The red carpet live broadcast starts at 3 p.m., and the awards ceremony is at 8 p.m.”
“I’ll go.”
“What… huh?” Jin Yuanmin had one arm out of his suit jacket and scrambled to backtrack. “Chairman Shao, the level of our sponsorship absolutely does not require you to attend in person. And the schedule is too long – it would be a huge waste of your precious time!”
“Not a waste,” Shang Shao replied matter-of-factly. “Send the event rundown to Cassy, and coordinate any details with her as well.”
Cassy was his executive assistant in the chairman’s office, complementing Lin Cunkang’s duties. Lin Cunkang mostly handled private and social engagements, while Cassy took care of the mundane official arrangements.
After hanging up the phone, Jin Yuanmin looked at himself in the dressing mirror – waist not too thick, legs not too short, head not too bald, just barely worthy of the phrase “elegant as a jade tree in the wind” – and couldn’t help but feel a surge of sorrow.
Damn it. All that rush to custom-order a men’s formal suit, for nothing.
Rich had been lying motionless beside him for a while. Seeing that the man had fallen silent, the little creature trotted over to ingratiate himself.
How does a tiny horse ingratiate himself? He rolled over, four hooves in the air, and put on a very earnest show – two full rolls.
Shang Shao crouched down beside him and watched his antics with an expressionless face.
After a long moment, he reached out a hand as delicate as jade, bent one finger, and lightly tapped Rich on the forehead. In a cold voice, he said, “You’re really wasting your effort. No one likes you, you know that?”
Rich was only two years old. He couldn’t stand to hear such nonsense about no one liking him. Dejected, he was led away by his keeper.
Nearly an hour had passed before Ying Yin finally had time to check her phone.
She didn’t dare ignore her benefactor’s WeChat message. Choosing her words very carefully, she replied: [I’ve been quite busy lately. I’m reassured knowing that Rich is in Mr. Shang’s care. I’m just sorry to cause you trouble.]
Her tone was even more distant than how she would address a former colleague. Shang Shao narrowed his eyes slightly and was momentarily tempted to remind her who had dirtied the mirror in his master bedroom just a few days ago.
But he didn’t reply.
Lin Cunkang had just finished his call with Cassy and went looking for Shang Shao everywhere. Finally, he found him in the study, practicing calligraphy.
Several sheets of rice paper had fallen to the floor. Lin Cunkang bent down to pick them up. On them was written: “A Gentle Breeze Brings Cheer.”
The characters were exquisitely formed, their mood as pleasant as a spring breeze – but the person writing them radiated an aura that was more like a coming storm.
“A problem?”
Shang Shao finished the last stroke, gently set down the brush, and asked, without a flicker of emotion.
“Cassy sent over the event schedule. There’s a small issue.”
Shang Shao picked up a warm towel nearby and leisurely wiped his hands as he asked, “What issue?”
“The sponsor needs to walk the red carpet and serve as a presenting guest. The event is broadcast nationally, so…”
Shang Shao didn’t often appear actively in the media. High-level events were handled by Shang Qingye, the Chairman of the Board. For other events, the heads of various subgroups and press spokespersons took the spotlight. Going so public simply didn’t align with his usual low-key style.
“Use Jin Yuanmin’s name,” Shang Shao said coldly. “Nominally, he’s still the one attending.”
Lin Cunkang nodded and helped him smooth out a fresh sheet of rice paper. Then he heard Shang Shao order. “Throw them all away. Whatever this mess is.”
Lin Cunkang thought to himself: Even you know those characters came out dripping with murderous intent…
“How’s Rich?”
“Just finished playing.”
“Send a car. Take him to Ying Yin’s place.”
Lin Cunkang: “…”
“She said she’s busy, didn’t she? Take him over for a visit. She can see him, and when he’s had enough fun, bring him back.”
“You’re taking him there yourself?” Lin Cunkang asked, feeling a glimmer of hope for him.
What a clever pretext. What a well-meaning gesture. Even a snow-capped mountain should melt before this, even solid ice should thaw…
Shang Shao tossed down the white towel and gave him a cold glance. “No time. I’m busy too.”
Lin Cunkang: “…”
Rich, setting out on a long journey, sat obediently in a van. By the time his horse neck was stiff from sitting still, they finally arrived at Ying Yin’s house.
As soon as the van doors were unlocked, the handler led him into the courtyard. The sound of his hooves rang crisp against the blue-brick paving.
Ying Yin let out a delighted cry, crouched down, and hugged him. Her heart pounded as she hesitated to look at the driver’s seat. After a while, no one else got out of the car. Another minute passed, and then the car simply turned around and drove off – pulling over outside the courtyard, under the mahogany tree on the slope.
“Mr. Shang, he…” Ying Yin asked casually, using her fingers as a comb to smooth the little chestnut pony’s pale golden mane.
“Oh,” said the British handler, “he said he’s busy. No time.”
Ying Yin: “…”
Zhuang Tiwen’s head was spinning. She quickly stuffed the pony’s lead rope into Junyi’s hands. “Junyi, play with him for a while. Miss Ying, we should go wait for the trending topic.”
The trending topic dropped right at 6 PM.
The hashtag #Ruan Ye & Song Shizhang# shot up the charts in no time, eventually landing at number one with a “boiling” icon beside it.
The gossip account that broke the story posted a video – blurry but showing the full scene – with a voiceover that was positively catty:
“At 11 PM, just off her variety show gig, little flower Ruan Ye dozes off in the car. Clearly exhausted. But the place she wants to sleep isn’t her own modest hundred-square-meter apartment – the same one she showed off on that reality show. No, it’s Ninth Avenue in Xiaguang Gardens. That’s a place only big crocodiles can enter. Little fish and tiny shrimp like us don’t qualify to set foot there.
“Ruan Ye obviously knows this very well. Once she’s inside Ninth Avenue, she gets out of the car strutting like she owns the place, completely carefree. Hmm – but no one comes to pick her up. She goes upstairs by herself. The lights on the second floor are on. The sheer curtains are drawn, but late at night like this, who else could be in there besides a certain surname-Song big shot? Oh! And she throws herself at him! My goodness, you can really feel the eagerness of a woman meeting her lover. It’s so intense it even makes me blush!
“Sigh, with this cold snap hitting Ning City, the big crocodile has warm, fragrant softness in his arms, and the little flower has a strong, sturdy body to shield her from the wind and cold. Only little old me is out here in the freezing wind with a telescope, face down in the dirt. All I can do is sigh – life’s just not fair!”
The comments section exploded:
[Wow, are you writing porn or what?]
[Drop your pen name! I need to read about “warm fragrant softness” and “strong sturdy body” TONIGHT.]
[The person above me – please raise your standards…]
[“Strong sturdy body” actually made me laugh.]
[Considering Ruan Ye is D-list at best, I’ll give you credit for being capable.]
[Wait, am I the only one who cares about Ying Yin? Wasn’t Song Shizhang supposed to be getting serious with her?]
[Is Ruan Ye the other woman between Song and Ying? No way, no way – is Song Shizhang blind?]
Within two minutes, #Ying Yin# also shot up the trending charts.
[@Sister Ying Yin, your man’s been stolen!]
[The discussion boards are hilarious – what does Ruan the green tea bitch finding a sugar daddy have to do with Ying Yin? Keep her name out of it.]
[Ugh, ugh, ugh. I actually thought Song Shizhang was serious about Ying Yin. Turns out he’s just another piece of trash.]
[Was Ying Yin trying to save face by buying that “impending happy news” trending topic in the middle of the night? Were she and Ruan Ye already fighting over him back then? Can someone sort out the timeline?]
Zhuang Tiwen was half delighted and half worried, sighing and laughing at the same time. “I knew you wouldn’t escape it either. So, will Chenye still handle PR for you?”
Ying Yin hadn’t yet decided which PR agency to sign with, so she was caught a bit off guard as well.
Ying Yin picked up her phone and raised an eyebrow. “Why would I need PR? You’re underestimating the power of netizens.”
Five minutes later, an entertainment blogger with a fairly good reputation – a yellow-V user – posted the following:
[I suddenly remembered the “snatching the pie” press release from Ying Yin’s birthday. A big production, a tribute film, stacked with A-listers, produced by Li Shan, helmed by his protege… Back then I thought, how could Ruan Ye, a minor flower who hasn’t even had a drama on satellite TV, possibly deserve this? But looking at it now, it all seems true, doesn’t it? Ruan, you’re ruthless [thumbs up]. Stealing both a man and a role – a role model for our generation. Respect!]
The comments quickly chimed in agreement:
[Seriously. Sister Ying lost both her man and her job this round. Feeling sympathy…]
[LOL, that birthday press release was definitely bought by Sister Ruan, right? A victory lap? Kind of disgusting, honestly.]
[So tragic. I’ve been moved into becoming an Ying Yin fan, boohoo.]
Soon after, a long thread rose from the ground in the major entertainment forum.
The main post contained a screenshot from an interview with Ying Yin from a long time ago. No one could remember what the reporter had asked anymore. All they knew was that in the screenshot, Ying Yin smiled faintly at the camera and said, “You can steal my man, but you cannot steal my job – no way.”
OP (Original Poster) said: [Presenting Sister Ying’s reaction meme. Sister Ying, fight back! You said it, now make it happen!]
The comments below were all “Haha,” “Bring on the drama,” “Let the fight get louder.”
Two hours later, netizens had largely reached a consensus:
Ruan Ye had taken a shortcut by cozying up to a big shot, snatching a resource that was never within her reach to begin with – and that resource had originally belonged to Ying Yin.
Netizens, having spent years snacking on celebrity gossip, excelled at making connections. Give them a thread, and they would unravel an entire sweater all on their own.
Many previously inexplicable events now had an “explanation”: Ying Yin’s declining treatment at Chenye, Chenye’s top golden-agent diverting enormous energy to promote Ruan Ye, Ruan Ye walking the opening of the Moda fashion gala red carpet…
Public opinion turned completely.
Click – the sound of a smartphone shutter. Cheng Junyi had taken a photo of Ying Yin and the little pony together.
In the frame, Ying Yin bent down, her forehead touching the pony’s forehead.
The twilight deepened. The sky was dark blue, the lights a warm yellow. The cold snap had finally retreated from Ning City. On a night like this, truly, a gentle breeze brought cheer.
At 8 o’clock sharp, Ying Yin posted her clarification:
[Ruan Ye is my junior. All of an artist’s career developments and work arrangements are decided by the company. She has neither ‘stolen’ any of my resources, nor, as far as ‘men’ go, stolen anyone from me. As for the various rumors about my private relationship with Mr. Song – though they have long been a nuisance, issuing a clarification would only make a big deal out of nothing. But now that Ruan Ye has been dragged into this, I have to speak up. Please stop spreading these rumors. The two of us have nothing to do with any of that, and there is no involvement between us.]
She accompanied the post with a photo – the one just taken of her and Rich. A gentle breeze brings cheer. Serene and elegant.
Her fan club, well-trained and unified, reposted and flooded the feed with her Weibo post. The gossip accounts followed suit, extricating her from the farce.
Ying Yin didn’t care how things would eventually be resolved. Whether it was Mai Anyan or Song Shizhang, both were masters of PR warfare and public manipulation. They would always clean things up, and the storm would always settle.
But that didn’t matter. It was enough that, for now, they were in complete disarray.
The sound of hooves was crisp and pleasant. Rich, with Ying Yin holding his lead rope, had already circled the house five times.
So small. Even he was getting dizzy.
Zhuang Tiwen marveled at the rhythm and direction of the entire incident.
She was smart enough not to press Ying Yin on whether she had done any preparatory PR work or arranged any talking points in advance.
The public backlash had come swiftly and fiercely. Along the way, old grievances and new hatred toward Song Shizhang had been settled as well. Yet Ying Yin carried herself with such detachment and moral poise.
One could say the whole affair had been guided along with the current, not a single detail wasted. Truly exquisite.
Zhuang Tiwen looked at her with a knowing, half-smile. “Miss Ying, I’ve just seen a new side of you.”
The evening breeze drifted gently. Somewhere nearby, a neighbor was pruning their garden, sending the fresh scent of cut grass into the air, reminding Ying Yin of the Serengeti plains.
And of that man who had so casually taught her about “glory kills.”
“You haven’t seen enough yet.” Ying Yin curved one side of her lips. “Tiwen, do you think I did all this just to vent a big grudge?”
“Yes.”
“But I didn’t do this to vent. Tiwen, you have to remember – in this industry, the first thing you must learn is to bide your time. Everything has its perfect moment. Before that moment arrives, you don’t act rashly. Those days might be hard to get through – frustrating, humiliating. But you must always remember: secure victory before you fight, plan carefully before you move, and go with the flow of the situation.”
Zhuang Tiwen was taken aback for a moment, then gave her a meaningful look. “You’ve earned my respect.”
Ying Yin gave a slight nod. “You’re too kind.”
“I’ll remember.” Tiwen nodded. “So today, what exactly were you ‘biding your time’ and ‘going with the flow’ for…”
“I told you. You can steal my man, but you cannot steal my job.”
Ying Yin looked back over her shoulder and gave her a bright, sunny smile. “Tomorrow is the Galaxy Awards ceremony. After that, I have a dinner meeting with Li Shan. I want that female revolutionary role back where it belongs.”
The next day, the Closing Ceremony and Awards Ceremony of the Galaxy Awards was held as scheduled at the Ning City Municipal Grand Theater.
This is one of the highest accolades in Chinese-language cinema, with a long and storied history and a solid, well-respected reputation. Every year, both the nominated and winning films are noteworthy, and the leading film screenings, forums, and project pitches have consistently yielded fruitful results.
This is the final and most magnificent gathering of Chinese-language filmmakers at the end of each year.
Unlike glamorous fashion red carpets, this film festival values dignified elegance over attention-grabbing antics. Therefore, whether they brought a film or received a nomination or not, the stars have set aside their competitive ostentation. Everyone is dressed impeccably and formally, carrying themselves with the utmost grace and poise.
The time spent on the red carpet is also very brief. After the host’s announcement, the guests go on stage, sign autographs, pose for photos, nod politely, and then the next guest comes up.
Only a select few are exceptions, receiving a short interview – such as committee members, members of this year’s Galaxy Awards jury, nominated film crews and actors, and – sponsor representatives.
No one dares to be the grand finale on a film festival red carpet; those spots are reserved for nominated crews and the big names in the industry. Ying Yin finished walking the red carpet before 6 PM.
Upon entering the venue, a staff member escorted her to her seat, which was on the right side of the stage for convenient access to the backstage area and to present awards.
“Miss Ying, you will be presenting two awards today: Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay. The presentations will be around 8:30 PM, one after the other. Thank you for your time. Your co-presenter is one of our sponsor representatives. I will bring him over shortly.”
Inside the 2,000-seat theater, the red velvet backrest chairs looked resplendent under the lights. On each chair was a champagne-colored name card.
On the card next to Ying Yin’s, three characters were written: “Jin Yuanmin.”
“So you’re pairing me with a stranger,” Ying Yin teased. “What if we freeze up on stage?”
“Not at all,” the young woman temporarily transferred from the TV station replied, quite tactfully. “It’s precisely because we know you can definitely handle it that we arranged it this way. Go get ’em!”
Go get ’em, indeed.
Ying Yin smiled, then stood up and went to greet some familiar filmmakers.
Outside the venue, the red carpet was drawing to a close.
The man before the camera was dressed entirely in black. The only accessory on his body was a wristwatch, which looked rather unremarkable. Apart from that, the sole ornament was a pair of silver-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose.
When signing his name, he clearly hesitated. After writing two strokes, he seemed to remember something and changed it midway to the character “Jin” (金). When returning the marker to the etiquette attendant, he gave a slight nod and said thank you. His voice was pleasant, his demeanor graceful. Even though he was cold and aloof, it still made people’s cheeks flush.
“Mr. Jin is here today as the representative guest of Qinde Real Estate. Now that you’re here, among so many nominated works, is there any particular one that you especially like?” the host – the leading lady of the movie channel – asked with a composed smile.
By this point, most of the celebrity-watching crowd had already dispersed, as there were only a few stars left. But at this moment, the bullet comments started heating up again:
[Me, Mr. Jin!]
[Whoa, such a classy aura and such long legs]
[Qinde Real Estate, is it? I’m coming for your campus recruitment!]
[Can I just say, my hand fetish is acting up…]
[Those celibate hands are totally sexy!]
[No can do… His powerful aura is too overwhelming… I’ve gone limp…]
Zhuang Tiwen was closely watching the live stream. When she saw Shang Shao take the stage, she sprayed out a mouthful of water.
Lin Cunkang was also watching. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but faced with these bullet comments, the old man found himself feeling a bit overwhelmed.
He couldn’t help but feel like he was watching his young master being paraded through the streets… It was quite distressing!
Shang Shao rarely watched movies. Since the host asked, he gave a slight nod and, in his elegant, unhurried tone, bestowed his favor evenly. “I like them all.”
[Although it’s perfunctory, it’s somehow sincere…]
[Whatever a big shot says carries weight. I get it now.]
The host remained unflappable. “Then please offer a blessing to all the filmmakers at today’s Galaxy Awards.”
Shang Shao never stole the spotlight on someone else’s turf. He said simply, “May Chinese cinema get better and better.”
[Although it’s simple, it’s somehow convincing…]
[So this is what a big shot is like? I think I’m beginning to understand.]
[How should I put it? I’ve seen CEOs before, but he seems somehow different…]
[The big shot really stands out like a crane among chickens. Compared to him, the other sponsor representatives look so down-to-earth!]
[Ahhh that watch! Over six million!]
[The big shot is approachable in his wealth.]
[Approachable in his wealth. Approachable in his wealth.]
[Looking at it another way, given how low-key he is, maybe this is his cheapest watch.]
After taking a group photo with the jury members of the organizing committee, Shang Shao left the red carpet first.
Walking the red carpet was no big deal – these occasions were far more casual and frivolous than the reception ceremonies held by various national capitals. But still, there were too many cameras, and the flashing lights were irritating.
Shang Shao rotated his watch on his wrist and suppressed the impatience between his brows. He gave a slight nod to the staff member who came to receive him. “Much obliged.”
The young woman didn’t dare to breathe too loudly. She thought to herself, How can his aura be so oppressive? Even more so than those superstars – it’s crushing.
She escorted him nervously all the way to the seating area, her voice trembling as she spoke, “Mr. Jin, this is your seat. The awards you’ll be presenting today are…”
She repeated the same introduction she had given Ying Yin, word for word. Finally, she added, “Your co-presenter is Ms. Ying Yin.”
Just as she finished speaking, they arrived at the seats.
Both of them stopped at the same time. Ying Yin heard only the sound of a woman’s high heels and a man’s leather shoes.
The sound of those leather shoes struck her heart like a drumbeat. She instinctively looked up.
The legs wrapped in suit trousers were very long. The black shirt was made of exquisite fabric. The Windsor knot of his tie was full and elegant. Her gaze traveled upward – past his Adam’s apple, his jawline, the bridge of his nose – and finally landed in a pair of eyes that had appeared in her dreams every night for the past several nights.
Her whole body tensed up with nervousness. She shot up to her feet.
The red evening gown couldn’t keep up with her speed. It swayed and rustled against the edge of the seat for a moment before finally settling down.
Shang Shao’s expression was impassive. The gaze behind his clear lenses was deep, revealing not a trace of emotion.
But the staff member beside him could clearly sense that the man’s aura had relaxed. Gone was the irritability and impatience from just moments ago. It was as if he had gently settled down for someone.
Although she was utterly absorbed in his clean, refined scent and the atmosphere of his presence, she still had to follow procedure.
The young woman pulled herself together and introduced them. “Mr. Jin, this is Ying Yin, Miss Ying – Galaxy Award winner for Best Actress.”
Then she turned to Ying Yin. “Miss Ying, this is Mr. Jin Yuanmin of Qinde Real Estate.”
Ying Yin: “…”
Jin… Jin…
Shang Shao extended his hand. “Miss Ying.”
His words were steady and composed. “Pleased to meet you.”
He called her “Miss Ying.” Such a formal tone, such earnest politeness and respect – it was utterly devastating.
Ying Yin took a deep breath, put on a sweet smile, took his fingertips, and gave them a light squeeze. “Mr. Jin. The pleasure is mine.”
Outside the venue, the red carpet welcomed the president and vice president of this year’s film festival. The two walked past the cameras together, signaling the official end of the red carpet.
Inside, the awards ceremony was about to begin. The venue lights had been dimmed in an orderly fashion.
The two sat side by side.
Ying Yin was intently flipping through the brochure that the organizers had placed on each seat, her heart racing with unease. “Shang… Mr. Jin… Jin…”
“You are not to call me Mr. Jin,” Shang Shao said flatly.
“How come Mr. Jin is here?” Ying Yin asked, her voice very small.
“Coincidence.”
Ying Yin rustled the brochure loudly, as if voicing a complaint. “Such a coincidence?”
Shang Shao said sincerely, “I truly didn’t expect it to be this coincidental.”
He had been wondering how he might catch her after arriving at the venue. Who knew the script would align so perfectly with his wishes?
“Are you absolutely sure you didn’t arrange this?” Ying Yin turned her face away, her lips pressed together with a hint of childishness, but her eyes were bright – as if she was willing not to believe him and wanted him to deny it.
“Half was arranged. The other half was fate.”
“Which half was arranged, and which half was fate?”
As the lights dimmed, the ambient chatter in the venue also quieted down in unison.
In an angle no one could see, Shang Shao raised a finger slightly toward Ying Yin.
They leaned their heads together openly and properly, yet remained within the bounds of social etiquette, as if merely trying not to disturb those around them.
Ying Yin’s ear grew warm, then gradually flushed hot.
The voice in her ear was low, and on this night, it was gentle only for her.
“Wanting to see you was arranged. Actually seeing you was fate.”
![Everyone Is Non-Human Except Me [Rebirth]](https://i3.wp.com/lazygirltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1749931059-7143-I-Am-the-Only-Human-Here.png?resize=151,215 "Everyone Is Non-Human Except Me [Rebirth]")
