n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âHow could someone as astute as you fail to notice something amiss?â
That made sense to the manager.
âYour words really came true. When I woke up this morning, I realized that we have swapped back!â The actor was still shaken. âI guess thanks to your words coming true.â
âSo,â Qin Zhou said, his lips suddenly curving into a sinister smile, âdoes your word count?â
âWhat exactly?â
âWhat you promised me. Does that count?â
The actor didnât react at first. He nodded, taking it for granted. âI do. Of course⦠waitâ¦â
His eyes widened in alarm. âWhat do you mean?â
The agent reminded him, âAs I recall, you said that if the swap back really happened, youâd streakâ¦â
ââ¦â The actor froze! He frowned and said guiltily, âThat was just a joke⦠a joke. How can you take it seriously!â
âAre you a man?â
âOf course!â
Qin Zhou scoffed at him. âA manâs word is worth its weight in gold. You have to honor even a fart.â
ââ¦â Hua Jin was silent for a moment, then said, âIf you say so. What else can I say? Weâll talk about this when we get back to the hotel.â
âWhatâs the point of waiting till then?â The manager shot him a meaningful glance. âLook, thereâs a huge audience here. You might as well show off your body. There might even be reporters around. Youâll get all the headlines tomorrow.â
ââ¦â Hua Jin shuddered involuntarily. He could almost see those headlines.
âPopular young actor goes crazy, strips and streaks on setâ¦â
âNo way!â Hua Jin stood firm. âI was only joking. I didnât mean that for real!â
Qin Zhou said sagely, âMaybe if you streak, Huanyuâs stock price will double tomorrow.â
The actor clenched his fists in accusation. âWhat a terrible capitalist you are!â
The agent urged, âAll right, cut the crap and get on with it.â
âNot happening!â
âStrip!â
âNo!â
âStrip!â 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, âBoss, donât do this. I can even perform a striptease for you in the hotel. But this⦠Are you serious or are you joking?â
âDo I look like Iâm joking with you?â
The actor immediately backed away from him. âStop it.â
âAlright, Iâll stop fooling around.â Qin Zhou added, âIâm really not interested in your body.â
The actor was dumbfounded.
âWhereâs that little assistant of yours?â Qin Zhou sat back in his seat and asked, âWhy havenât I seen her today?â
âShe has something to attend to and has made a trip home.â
âWhatâs the matter?â
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, âWhat are you sniffing for?â
âI smell an affair!â The actor winked. âWhy are you so concerned about her today?â
âIs it strange that I care about my employees?â
The actor said seriously, âItâs rare for you to ask questions about your personal staff even.â
Qin Zhou did not respond.
âCould it be⦠youâre interested in her?â
Before the manager could say anything, the actor continued, âI suppose youâre right. After all, you shared a bed. Strictly speaking, itâs a love affair.â
âIf you keep talking nonsense, Iâll lop your tongue off.â