Then Chunan and Xiaohan somehow landed roles in this drama.

Chen Peng seemed deeply invested in it. The moment they agreed, he eagerly started discussing the shoot schedule.

They finalized the official filming date for five days later. That gap was for Chunan and Xiaohan to move in.

Chen Peng arranged employee apartments for them—technically apartments, but more like fully furnished units. Each had two bedrooms and a living room, matching Chunan’s own home in comfort.

Dawn Entertainment’s employee housing ranked among the best nationwide.

After all, it was the top entertainment company…

Not all artists lived here, though. Most residents were fresh recruits without housing. Other staff also stayed here.

Chunan finished moving in just two days. It wasn’t a full relocation—only clothes and his streaming PC. He even left his VR gear behind. A new PC game had dropped for streaming, so the VR platform could wait.

He Dong handled the minor details. Chunan had expected a whole unit, but arrived to find only one bedroom in a shared two-bedroom apartment. Essentially, they’d be living with others.

He Dong explained, “Apartment assignments hit a snag. No full units are free right now. If you mind, I can give you and Xiaohan separate rooms—but you’d be apart.”

Chunan thought it over and didn’t push further.

One room was fine. They shared a bed at home anyway.

Letting Xiaohan room with strangers? He feared trouble.

In every sense of the word.

He Dong’s expression turned knowing at that attitude.

Of course… sharing a room? Hardly “just friends.”

This was a test. In this industry, even obvious hints needed confirmation before next steps.

Executives like him faced more pressure than paparazzi here.

But beyond testing, he had a real goal—

Their roommate was Shu Xue Mu.

A rising pop star, she was one of Dawn’s key talents. Her vocals were solid. Having her guide Xiaohan made sense.

“The roles in this drama aren’t too heavy,” He Dong added. “When free, learn from Shu Xue Mu. She’s a senior. Her experience will help your debut.”

Chunan nodded. “Thanks, Uncle He.”

He Dong smiled. “My pleasure… Also, I’ll assign you a dedicated agent. I know you planned to manage Xiaohan, but with filming, you’ll lack time. An extra hand helps. Don’t worry—I’ll only liaise with you.”

Chunan paused, then agreed. “Alright. I’ll follow your lead, Uncle He.”

He Dong grew more pleased. “I’ll handle all that. Focus on your album, filming… and streaming. Ha, don’t burn out.”

Chunan smiled faintly in reply.

He Dong continued, “One more thing.”

“Go ahead, Uncle He.”

“Chen Peng… build a rapport with him. He’s a good man.” He Dong sipped tea quietly. “Truth is, he’s a wealthy heir. His family’s empire rivals Dawn’s. But he dreams of directing. He made a bet with them—if he achieves something in five years, he keeps his dream. Fail, and he inherits the business.”

Chunan: “….”

Xiaohan: “….”

Wow.

“I see his passion. This drama matters deeply to him—maybe deciding that bet.” He Dong sighed. “As Dawn, I want him to succeed. I want you to soar with this film. It benefits everyone… As a friend, I hope you help him win. I’d hate seeing him drive luxury cars while lamenting a wasted life. You understand?”

Chunan: “…I do.”

“So… give it your all. He believes in you. I do too.” He Dong set down his cup and stood. “Rest these two days. After that, it won’t be easy.”

“Wait, Uncle He.” Chunan stopped him. “Can I ask… when did Chen Ge’s bet start?”

“Three years ago. Five big-budget films. All flopped.”

“…”

Seeing their stunned faces, He Dong chuckled helplessly. “Have faith this time. I read the script. It’s genuinely good.”

He left.

Silence filled the living room.

Chunan and Xiaohan had the script—they wouldn’t join a project blind. To Chunan, the story was solid. He could even improve it.

But that wasn’t the issue. Chen Peng’s track record was… peculiar.

Did he switch to small budgets after those flops?

Typical rich heir…

After a while, Xiaohan broke the quiet. “I feel like we just jumped into a huge pit…”

Chunan shot her a sideways glance. “Rare for you to notice.”

“What’s it to me?” Xiaohan retorted sharply. “You agreed to the role. Could I even decide? Don’t blame me.”

“…Just an observation. Why so defensive?” Chunan found it amusing.

Xiaohan: “….”

He’d dumped blame on her so often she’d developed PTSD over it.

Chunan ignored her, sinking into the sofa. He stared at the ceiling, his gaze unreadable.

They’d indeed fallen into a pit.

One he’d walked into willingly.

Not just the drama. The housing too.

He was certain: if he’d insisted on a full unit, He Dong would’ve found one—or had spares ready.

Yet he’d forced a roommate.

And not just anyone—Shu Xue Mu, a current idol.

He didn’t believe established stars lived here. Shu Xue Mu’s presence was no accident. Maybe to mentor them… but more likely, to make them owe a big favor.

Workplace debts were the hardest to repay.

Tch. He Dong really trusted them.