Chapter 157: Just One Last Little Bit

The birthday party concluded at one o’clock in the morning. Jin Hantang had already prepared guest rooms for the girls.

After Lin Fan escorted a slightly tipsy Zhang Yichen to her room and turned to leave, she suddenly grabbed him and pulled him onto the bed.

"Brother Lin Fan, there’s no one else here now. Why don't you stay and keep me company..."

She was the last one to be brought to her room, and seeing this rare opportunity, she wanted to confess her feelings to him. However, Lin Fan was startled by her sudden move and immediately became guarded.

"Yichen, you’ve had too much to drink. Get some rest. I... I have to go back for a meeting tomorrow." Lin Fan swallowed hard.

He saw Zhang Yichen lying on her side, her cheeks flushed like pomegranates. She was wearing only a shoulder-baring camisole, and the alluring sight of her chest nearly set his mind ablaze with impure thoughts. Just as he attempted to stand up, she pressed a hand against his stomach.

"Brother Lin Fan, do you like me?"

"I..."

At that moment, Lin Fan noticed that Zhang Yichen’s favorability rating had soared to 95! He was only five points away from successfully winning her over completely. He pondered that if he accepted her confession now, her favorability might reach 100, but if he rejected her, it would likely drop, rendering his previous efforts futile.

Yet, if he accepted, he knew that with Zhang Yichen’s calculating nature, she would inevitably push for better resources. Recently, with the help of Li Li and the management at Huayi Media, he had planned for Miao Tiantian and the other three girls to participate in a talent show on Shanghai Television to officially debut as a group. The original plan was to have Lin Mu shoot web dramas and movies after signing her, while the other three focused on music and variety shows to build recognition.

Zhang Yichen, however, seemed dissatisfied. Believing her acting skills were superior, she wanted to jump straight into web dramas rather than variety shows. She figured that if she could secure more of Lin Fan’s affection, he might grant her better resources. That was why she was trying to reverse-conquer him now.

But Lin Fan lacked the courage to act on his desires; if he started this, how would the other girls perceive him? Wouldn't that make him a true scumbag? Even if they kept it secret, could they really hide it from the sharp eyes of Su Anmo?

"Yichen, if you want to film a web drama, I’ll speak to Sister Li and Ms. Su when we get back to grant your wish. However, I hope you stick to your principles and don't try to take shortcuts."

"You four will have equal resources in the future. I won't give someone more just because they are pretty; it all depends on ability..." Lin Fan evaded a direct answer and shifted the topic.

Zhang Yichen clearly didn't like his response. She pouted and said coquettishly, "I know that, of course! I just want to know if you like me or not!"

"I like all of you... You are so beautiful. Across every streaming platform, whether it’s Weibo or Doujin, you have over a million fans. You’re the 'white moonlight' and dream goddess for so many boys," Lin Fan replied, thinking quickly.

"Hmph! That answer is too official. I can feel that you like Lin Mu more!"

As soon as she said this, the system sent a notification: [Zhang Yichen: Favorability -5, current favorability 90!]

Lin Fan was speechless. This girl was too realistic. *So, she’s just acting coy and showing affection to get more resources, and if I don't agree, she’s going to try to manipulate me? Is she jealous of Lin Mu? That makes sense; Lin Mu is called the 'Little Fairy,' she’s garnered attention before even debuting, and she has great talent. With her already slated for the 'Di Renjie' series, how could the others not be envious?*

He felt a wave of irritation. He hadn't expected Zhang Yichen to give him the cold shoulder—this was typical "little fairy" behavior. After some deliberation, he had to compromise.

"How about this? Aside from Lin Mu, I’ll produce a solo song for you and invest in a web drama where you’ll play the second female lead. Is that good enough?"

"You have to keep your word..." Zhang Yichen turned over, her eyes darting around with a mixture of arrogance, triumph, and a hint of playfulness.

"Of course I’ll keep my word. I’ll arrange it as soon as we get back, but filming won't start until the end of the year at the earliest. We have over a month, so let’s get the new song out first," Lin Fan said solemnly.

The "Sweetheart Baby" girl group was only missing Lin Mu, but Lin Fan had already partnered with Pan-Asia Entertainment, a Shanghai-based company, to produce a lead single for them. Now, to appease Zhang Yichen, he would have to commission another exclusive song for her. He wondered how he would explain this to Qiao Xinxin and Miao Tiantian. Although the three girls appeared to be close sisters on the surface, they were secretly competitive and prone to jealousy. Furthermore, his recent focus on Lin Mu had already caused some friction.

"That's more like it! I don't want to fall behind the others. It would be best if Pan-Asia Entertainment could get my song out first; the group’s exclusive song can wait. It won't be that easy to sign Lin Mu, will it..." Zhang Yichen traced circles on his chest with her finger, attempting to pluck his heartstrings.

Lin Fan felt she was truly calculating, yet because she was so cute, he couldn't find a reason to refuse.

"Haven't I been good enough to you? Why don't I see you show some appreciation?" Lin Fan rolled his eyes.

"Then what kind of appreciation do you want..." Zhang Yichen blinked, and before Lin Fan could respond, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Lin Fan was stunned; he hadn't expected her to be so direct. "That's it? Just once?" he asked, feigning disappointment to tease her.

"Hmph! How did you promise us before? You said you wouldn't engage in 'hidden rules' (quid pro quo), and now you're going back on your word?" She pinched him, rolling her eyes in disdain.

Lin Fan played dumb. "Really? When did I say that? I forgot." He looked at her with a sly, feigned confusion.

"Then how many do you want?" Zhang Yichen asked, looking at him seriously despite her shyness.

"Two or three more will do..." Lin Fan turned and lay on his side, presenting his right cheek to her.

After her first kiss, her favorability had returned to 95. He decided to strike while the iron was hot, hoping to max out her favorability.

"Mua!" Zhang Yichen hesitated for a moment before bashfully pecking his cheek twice.

[Zhang Yichen: Favorability +2, current favorability 97!]
[Zhang Yichen: Favorability +2, current favorability 99!]

Just as he was one point away, Zhang Yichen suddenly sat bolt upright.

"Alright! You can go now."