Chapter 7: Uncle Sharky

　　The two little ones remained blissfully unaware of the tension simmering between the adults. Fu Yan was busy sharing cookies with Jiujiu, who excitedly munched on a massive chocolate chip cookie. Hand in hand, they pressed up against the glass. On the other side, a black shark glided past, and both children watched in rapt silence.

　　A wash of bluish light from the glass shimmered across Fu Yan and Jiujiu’s faces. Jiujiu blinked up at the creature gliding past, letting out a soft “Wow…” With wide eyes full of wonder, he exclaimed, “That fishy looks so cool! Its teeth are all pointy!”

　　Fu Yue puffed out his chest. “That’s a great white shark.”

　　Jiujiu looked up at Fu Yan, his eyes shining with admiration. “Brother Yanyan, you know sooo many things!”

　　“That reaaally long one is a shortfin mako shark,” Fu Yan blurted, his cheeks turning bright red.

　　Gu Panqiu and Fu Yue walked a few steps behind the two children. It was supposed to be the kids’ playdate, but somehow, it felt like they were on a date of their own.

　　Fu Yue sneered, sarcasm thick in his voice, “Gu Panqiu, why did you even go for that dating show? Weren’t you supposed to be head over heels for Lu Yao?”

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　　If I’m really Jiujiu’s father, there’s no way Gu Panqiu wouldn’t know, right?

　　What’s more, he knew about Gu Panqiu’s debt troubles with the company. The man was already dead broke, and now he had a three-year-old to raise. If it came to the worst, wouldn’t he have no choice but to demand child support from the kid’s father?

　　As the shark performance kicked off at the aquarium, the handler slipped beneath the ocean-blue water, weaving gracefully alongside the sharks in a mesmerizing aquatic ballet.

　　Jiujiu’s eyes widened in worry. He tugged on Yanyan’s sleeve and whispered, “Brother Yanyan… the sharks are so close. Will they eat the people?”

　　Fu Yan answered, “No way! They’re all trained to work with sharks, and they wear special stuff so the sharks won’t hurt them.”

　　The two little ones watched with rapt attention, their eyes wide and sparkling with wonder. The aquarium staff was utterly charmed by how adorable Jiujiu and Fu Yan looked, and gave each of them a shark balloon.

　　Jiujiu and Fu Yan came running over, balloons bobbing behind them. Jiujiu held his out to Gu Panqiu with a bright grin. “Daddy, this one’s for you!”

　　With a twinkle in his eyes, Gu Panqiu scooped Jiujiu up into his arms. “And what do we have here?”

　　“Sharky,” Jiujiu peeked at Fu Yue and uttered slowly, “looks just like Uncle Fu.”

　　Fu Yan stared at the cartoon teeth on the balloon, then looked up at his older brother. In an instant, his eyes went round like saucers. “Big Bro, it really looks like you! You can have it!”

　　Fu Yue took the balloon from his younger brother and furrowed his brows. “Do I really look like that?”

　　Gu Panqiu burst out laughing at Fu Yue’s stunned face. “You really do.”

　　When Fu Yue was scolding his younger brother, his expression was every bit as fierce as that shark’s.

　　Still, Fu Yue was always good to his brother. Gu Panqiu figured he was one of those people who were cold on the surface but kind-hearted underneath. He clearly loved kids, yet still put on the stern tone of an older brother. Even so, he quietly looked after him the entire way.

　　Children were more perceptive than they were given credit for. They knew exactly who treated them well and who had a gentle temper.

　　Gu Panqiu hummed a tune without thinking, a softness in his eyes and a quiet ease in his expression—so different from the man he used to be.

　　Fu Yue pointed out, “You can’t live off dating shows forever.”

　　“I’m going to be a singer,” Gu Panqiu declared.

　　Fu Yue stared at him like he had grown a second head. “You? A singer?”

　　With a cheerful nod, Gu Panqiu responded, “That’s right. Even salted fish deserves to dream big.”

　　Fu Yue’s brows drew together, a trace of contemplation in his gaze. “You’ve really changed, Gu Panqiu.”

　　“I’m done lying flat! I’m actually doing something in my life now, okay?” Gu Panqiu stretched lazily and added, “Hey, CEO Fu, is your company hiring? Why don’t you sign me? I swear you won’t regret it.”

　　“Me sign you? Then, pay your penalty fees and your salary while I’m at it, right?” Fu Yue shook his head. “I’d rather just donate that money than keep you around and let you ruin my company’s reputation.”

　　Gu Panqiu let out an exaggerated sigh. “Well, you’re really missing out on a genius.”

　　Fu Yue and his younger brother stayed until just after four in the afternoon, as a sudden call from the company pulled him away, cutting the kids’ playdate short.

　　“Alright, I should get back on set too,” Gu Panqiu murmured.

　　The children hugged each other in reluctant farewell, while Gu Panqiu and Fu Yue trailed behind, wrapped in a courteous silence.

　　Tugging gently at his brother’s sleeve, Fu Yan questioned, “Big Bro, can I add Uncle Qiuqiu on WeChat?”

　　Fu Yue knitted his brows. “You want to video call Jiujiu? Isn’t that a bit much for a kid like you to be adding adults on WeChat? Aren’t you afraid you’ll bother him?”

　　With a mischievous grin, Fu Yan chuckled, “How about you add Uncle on WeChat? Since you’re both grown-ups, I can just borrow your phone, and Mummy won’t say a word!”

　　Just as Fu Yue was about to refuse, he caught Jiujiu looking up at him with such hopeful eyes that his resolve melted. Looking back, he noted, “Gu Panqiu, it’s not me who wants to add you on WeChat. Add me if you want.”

　　Gu Panqiu smiled warmly, eyes twinkling. “No objections here! If Yanyan ever misses Jiujiu, just give Uncle a call! I’ve got all the time in the world right now; not like your brother, who’s always buried in work.”

　　As Fu Yue stepped out of the aquarium, his assistant, Miss Dora, was already waiting by the car, ready to take him to the company for the trainees’ final rehearsal before their debut.

　　Fu Yue scooped Fu Yan into the Bentley and shut the door. But before he could step away, a tiny head popped out of the window. “Don’t miss me too much, okay, Big Bro?”

　　A sneer tugged at Fu Yue’s lips. “Heh.”

　　Jiujiu waved energetically at Fu Yan, then looked up at Fu Yue with big, earnest eyes. “Uncle Fu, Jiujiu’s gotta go now!”

　　Upon hearing that, Fu Yue was caught off guard as he stared at Jiujiu’s perky little nose. This kid’s really adorable, nothing like my annoying younger brother.

　　“Can I call you Uncle Sharky?” Jiujiu blinked his big, round eyes up at Fu Yue and whispered, “Jiujiu likes sharkies.”

　　Just as Gu Panqiu moved to stop Jiujiu, Fu Yue’s low voice rang out. “That’s fine.”

　　In an instant, Jiujiu broke into a massive grin. “Bye-bye, Uncle Sharky!”

　　Gu Panqiu had not expected Jiujiu to hit it off so well with Fu Yan and Fu Yue. With that in mind, he reached into his bag and pulled out a pack of freshly baked panda cookies he had made on set. “I almost forgot, this is a little something for your brother.” Glancing up, he questioned, “You heading back to your parents’ tonight?”

　　“Yes,” Fu Yue responded. “Why?”

　　He placed the bow-tied bag of cookies into CEO Fu’s hand with a grin. “Don’t look down on this gift from a broke-ass dad, and make sure your brother gets it.”

　　Fu Yue cast a glance at the cookies and replied, “Oh, thanks.”

　　Gu Panqiu’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Well then, I’m off.”

　　After a brief moment, Fu Yue got into the car. By then, his assistant, Miss Dora, had already lit the flame of gossip. “Boss, Boss,” she asked with exaggerated seriousness, “is it true all men are drawn to the sultry minxes?”

　　“What minx?” Fu Yue shot her a frosty look.

　　“Your date, obviously.” Dora grinned. “I saw him! Gu Panqiu, right? He looks even better in person than in the photos. Back when he was still in the group, his fans called him ‘Sultry Minx’ or something like that.”

　　As a recent addition to the company, Dora was unaware of the history between CEO Fu and Gu Panqiu. All she knew was that the two of them looked surprisingly good together.

　　With a frown, Fu Yue warned, “Don’t jump to conclusions.”

　　Dora’s eyes widened in realization. “But Qiuqiu just smiled at you!”

　　Gu Panqiu smiled?

　　True enough, Gu Panqiu was not one to smile often before, but lately, he had been wearing a gentle grin.

　　Fu Yue’s brows stayed tightly knit as his mind kept looping the image of those peach-blossom eyes sparkling with mischief, mouth running a mile a minute, and hands still clutching the cookies Gu Panqiu had given him.

　　If this guy used to be a ferocious fire-breathing dragon, now… he was more like a sly little fox spirit.

　　“I’d rather eat shit than date him,” Fu Yue snapped. “There are countless beauties in this world, so what makes Gu Panqiu so special?”

　　With a playful grin, Dora asked, “Boss, what’s that in your hand?”

　　Fu Yue massaged his temples before answering, “Cookies that Gu Panqiu made for my brother.”

　　“Well, well,” Dora teased, eyes twinkling. “He’s baking you cookies now? You sure he’s not trying to flirt with you?”

　　Fu Yue paused, then scoffed. “Him? Try to flirt with me? Even if Mars smashed into Earth, he wouldn’t.”

　　Dora blinked, incredulous. “Huh? Why not?”

　　Too lazy to explain, Fu Yue turned and questioned, “Do I look like a shark?”

　　Dora blinked. “CEO Fu, how could a person look like a fish?”

　　Fu Yue’s eye twitched. “…”

　　Nova Entertainment had its hands in everything. Division One managed singers and boy groups, Division Two took care of film and television actors, and Division Three handled the hosts and other staff. Meanwhile, Division Four was in a league of its own, channeling massive profits into bold investment and financing ventures.

　　As the Executive Director of Division Four, Fu Yue was shaped by the teachings of his father and grandfather. From childhood, he spent countless hours observing his family’s artistes during their training sessions. Even now, he took an active hand in every comeback and was present at every script selection meeting, ensuring the best for his company’s talents.

　　Still reeling from what he had witnessed on the set of 5041, He Bei ducked into a bathroom stall and dialed Fu Yue’s number. The moment the line connected, he blurted out, “Ah Yue, do you know any exorcists?”

　　Fu Yue was deadpan. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m hanging up.”

　　“Wait, wait, don’t hang up!” He Bei scrambled. “I think Shen Yao’s been possessed. He joined that dating show, right? It’s only been one day. Guess what happened?”

　　Don’t tell me he’s fallen for Gu Panqiu already.

　　With a panicked voice, He Bei revealed, “He told me he’s got feelings for Gu Panqiu.”

　　Fu Yue replied coolly, “Yeah, just go find an exorcist.”

　　“I’m telling you,” He Bei said. “Last night, Gu Panqiu performed one of his own songs on the show. And honestly? It was really good. Totally changed my view of him. Forget Shen Yao being possessed—even I think this guy might actually make it big someday… Wait, isn’t his company kind of sidelining him right now?”

　　“You two,” Fu Yue remarked icily, “both need exorcisms.”

　　In the “Villa of Love” of the show, Shen Yao stirred his coffee in silence. The drink was bitter like the quiet gloom in his eyes.

　　Gu Panqiu walked in holding Jiujiu’s hand and spotted Shen Yao sitting on the sofa, seemingly miles away in thought. “Oh? Enjoying some afternoon tea, Teacher Shen?”

　　Holding his coffee with both hands, Shen Yao wondered aloud, “Did you all have fun?”

　　He spoke the way he always did—barely parting his lips, eyes at half-mast, like someone who had just rolled out of bed.

　　“Yeah, we had a good time.” Gu Panqiu changed into his slippers, then crouched down to help Jiujiu with his shoes. “Jiujiu really likes fishies.”

　　“Mhm! And jellyfish too!” Jiujiu gestured with both hands. “They’re this big, and glow like magic!”

　　Jiujiu’s love for baby talk had rubbed off on Gu Panqiu—nowadays, he often caught himself doing it too.

　　“Those glowing jellyfish are poisonous, Jiujiu,” Shen Yao warned softly.

　　His little shoulders sagged. “Brother Yanyan said that the prettier something is, the more you shouldn’t touch it.”

　　Upon hearing that, Gu Panqiu let out another soft laugh. Kids can be surprisingly perceptive sometimes.

　　He knelt down to help Jiujiu with his shoes. The little boy sat obediently on a tiny stool, looking up with bright eyes. “Daddy, I can put my shoesies on all by myself now!” he beamed proudly.

　　Gu Panqiu knelt beside Jiujiu, gazing fondly at the little one as he changed his shoes.

　　He had shrugged off his coat, revealing a slim waist gently outlined beneath a knitted sweater. Though his frame was lean—verging on too thin—it suited him surprisingly well, complementing the aloof beauty of his features.

　　“Brother Qiuqiu, you’re back!” Li Zhu came bounding down the stairs. “I just ordered milk tea, and got one for you and Jiujiu too.”

　　Gu Panqiu looked up, a smile tugging at his lips. “Why’d you order for us?”

　　“Because you’re too skinny. You need to eat more.” Li Zhu pressed the warm cups into his hands. “I added a portion of mochi too.” 

　　Just as his final words fell, Shen Yao flicked a glance at Li Zhu. Refusing to be outdone, he pointed at the giant pack of snacks on the table. “Qiuqiu, this one’s for your son.”

　　Gu Panqiu looked between the two of them, momentarily bewildered by the unexpected scene. “Did I forget a holiday or something?”

　　“Nope, but with you around, every day feels like a holiday,” Li Zhu replied smoothly.

　　Gu Panqiu looked a little puzzled but thanked them both nonetheless. With an armful of snacks they had stuffed into his hands, he retreated to the bedroom.

　　There, he helped Jiujiu into a fluffy bunny onesie.

　　The little one lay on his tummy, flipping through a picture book with his bottom in the air. A little round tail bobbed at the back of his pajama pants, looking absurdly cute.

　　After flipping through a few pages, Jiujiu lost interest. He looked up at his dad and asked, “Daddy, are you looking for a boyfriend?”

　　For someone so little, Jiujiu had a surprisingly sharp sense of things. He could pick up on everything around him, understanding far more than his three-and-a-half years might suggest.

　　Gu Panqiu’s voice was warm and unhurried as he explained, “No, this is just Daddy’s job.”

　　Jiujiu lowered his head and blinked, looking a little confused. “This is work too?” he asked in a tiny voice. “Jiujiu doesn’t mind, really. If Daddy finds a boyfriend, that’s okay too! Then you won’t be lonely. I’ll be really, really good and won’t bother any of the uncles.”

　　How can a three-and-a-half-year-old be this thoughtful?

　　Even so, Gu Panqiu’s heart ached, for this was not the kind of maturity he wanted for his little one. After all, children at that age should be running wild and carefree without a worry in the world, not learning to tiptoe around grown-up worries.

　　“Come here and give Daddy a kiss, Jiujiu.”

　　He slowly hopped off the bed and scampered over, planting a sweet kiss on Gu Panqiu’s cheek.

　　Sweet as can be, this little one would do anything you asked, like a soft little bunny made of sugar.

　　“You don’t need to think too much, sweetheart,” Gu Panqiu said gently. “As long as you grow up healthy and happy, that’s enough. You don’t need to worry about anything else. Just think about what you want for dinner and tell Daddy, okay?”

　　He patted Jiujiu’s back reassuringly and added, “Daddy’s not going anywhere. I’ll always be here.”

　　Jiujiu broke into a happy smile and whispered, “Daddy, you’ve gotten so, so gentle!”

　　Gu Panqiu cradled Jiujiu’s small face in his hands and promised, “Daddy will always be good to you.”

　　Having never raised a child, Gu Panqiu was utterly shocked to learn today that Fu Yan had memorized nearly two hundred ancient poems.

　　Recognizing the importance of early education, Gu Panqiu pulled up a children’s classical poetry lesson on a tablet and played it for Jiujiu.

　　The little boy watched in silence. Before long, his eyelids drooped, and he dozed off.

　　Gu Panqiu smiled to himself, carried Jiujiu to bed, and tucked him in. Sitting beside the little one, he softly hummed a tune while scribbling down music notes, all the while thinking about how to make a living and where to send his resume to earn some money for his son.

　　Come nightfall, the director announced the show’s very first confession event—Paper Airplanes of Love.

　　The production crew had laid out a sumptuous candlelit dinner, its golden glow warming the room. But not everyone could get a taste; only the guests who exchanged mutual confessions in the Paper Airplane Confession round would get to enjoy this lavish treat.