“How could someone as astute as you fail to notice something amiss?”
That made sense to the manager.
“Your words really came true. When I woke up this morning, I realized that we have swapped back!” The actor was still shaken. “I guess thanks to your words coming true.”
“So,” Qin Zhou said, his lips suddenly curving into a sinister smile, “does your word count?”
“What exactly?”
“What you promised me. Does that count?”
The actor didn’t react at first. He nodded, taking it for granted. “I do. Of course… wait…”
His eyes widened in alarm. “What do you mean?”
The agent reminded him, “As I recall, you said that if the swap back really happened, you’d streak…”
“…” The actor froze! He frowned and said guiltily, “That was just a joke… a joke. How can you take it seriously!”
“Are you a man?”
“Of course!”
Qin Zhou scoffed at him. “A man’s word is worth its weight in gold. You have to honor even a fart.”
“…” Hua Jin was silent for a moment, then said, “If you say so. What else can I say? We’ll talk about this when we get back to the hotel.”
“What’s the point of waiting till then?” The manager shot him a meaningful glance. “Look, there’s a huge audience here. You might as well show off your body. There might even be reporters around. You’ll get all the headlines tomorrow.”
“…” Hua Jin shuddered involuntarily. He could almost see those headlines.
“Popular young actor goes crazy, strips and streaks on set…”
“No way!” Hua Jin stood firm. “I was only joking. I didn’t mean that for real!”
Qin Zhou said sagely, “Maybe if you streak, Huanyu’s stock price will double tomorrow.”
The actor clenched his fists in accusation. “What a terrible capitalist you are!”
The agent urged, “All right, cut the crap and get on with it.”
“Not happening!”
“Strip!”
“No!”
“Strip!” Qin Zhou seemed to be taking it seriously. He stood up immediately and seemed to loom over the actor.
The actor was instantly terrified. He clasped his fists and begged, “Boss, don’t do this. I can even perform a striptease for you in the hotel. But this… Are you serious or are you joking?”
“Do I look like I’m joking with you?”
The actor immediately backed away from him. “Stop it.”
“Alright, I’ll stop fooling around.” Qin Zhou added, “I’m really not interested in your body.”
The actor was dumbfounded.
“Where’s that little assistant of yours?” Qin Zhou sat back in his seat and asked, “Why haven’t I seen her today?”
“She has something to attend to and has made a trip home.”
“What’s the matter?”
The actor frowned at that, and cast a suspicious glance at him, sniffing.
Qin Zhou saw him sniffing like a puppy and said in disgust, “What are you sniffing for?”
“I smell an affair!” The actor winked. “Why are you so concerned about her today?”
“Is it strange that I care about my employees?”
The actor said seriously, “It’s rare for you to ask questions about your personal staff even.”
Qin Zhou did not respond.
“Could it be… you’re interested in her?”
Before the manager could say anything, the actor continued, “I suppose you’re right. After all, you shared a bed. Strictly speaking, it’s a love affair.”
“If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll lop your tongue off.”
