Entertainment Industry Limited Time Open - Chapter 10:

Tong Liyue felt that Ren Yuheng was a natural-born actor.

Water, Ren Yuheng handed him a bottle of water casually,

his expression calm as if nothing had happened.

Then he turned to the members and calmly reminded them to rest,

resuming practice in ten minutes.

Tong Liyue watched him walk over to discuss details with the dance instructor,

his movements elegant and composed.

Was this really the same domineering, scheming man who had

left him on the verge of tears last night?

He lowered his gaze to the water in his hand and smiled helplessly.

Thankfully, Ren Yuheng was treating him as usual,

unaffected by what had happened the night before.

The intimacy between them had escalated so suddenly that

Tong Liyue didn’t know how to face it.

Could a single, unexpected dream really change someone so drastically in such a short time?

He thought back carefully and realized he had never

seriously considered their relationship.

Even within the group, his fondness for Ren Yuheng had never

surpassed brotherly affection.

But after that night, everything had changed.

He found himself noticing Ren Yuheng’s every expression,

feeling nervous at his closeness, and even unable to resist his advances last night.

If his own feelings could be dismissed as inexplicable,

then what about Ren Yuheng? What had gotten into him?

Was it just a playful kiss on the cheek backstage yesterday?

Could something so small provoke the usually composed Ren Yuheng to act like that?

Tong Liyue couldn’t fathom Ren Yuheng’s thoughts,

and he wasn’t even sure of his own. Too many conflicting emotions churned in his mind.

What’s happening outside? Jiang Linzhao’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

Following his gaze, Tong Liyue saw the corridor crowded with people moving quickly,

their expressions tense, radiating an unusual anxiety.

Could someone have gotten into trouble again?

Shen Yiran leaned lazily against the studio mirror, joking,

but the next moment, the manager barged in, his face grave,

shutting Shen Yiran’s joking mouth instantly.

Have you checked your phones? the manager asked with a heavy sigh,

his tone revealing a seriousness that couldn’t be hidden.

We just finished resting, Tong Liyue said,

grabbing his phone from the side and sliding open the screen.

Jiang Linzhao gasped, his face going pale, What, Li Chen is…

Tong Liyue’s brow twitched as a bad premonition rose in his chest.

He quickly scanned the headline

Breaking news End’s popular member Yao Lichen is romantically

involved with a junior teammate

The dance studio fell into complete silence.

Even Ren Yuheng frowned as he glanced at his phone.

Tong Liyue’s breath caught. His fingers tightened as he

opened the article and scanned the details.

End was a senior boy group in the same company,

and Yao Lichen was the star member, highly popular.

Yet he had been photographed meeting a junior teammate privately,

embracing intimately. The photos left no room for denial.

Though the junior member was of age, the public was harsh on idols dating,

especially within the same team. The internet exploded.

End’s official forum was flooded, social media erupted,

and the comment sections were filled with anger,

accusations of betrayal, and calls for boycotts.

The agency was under immense pressure, their website temporarily inaccessible,

and End’s scheduled programs and commercial appearances were canceled within hours.

Tong Liyue scrolled through countless vicious comments

that tore the idols from their pedestal mercilessly.

I liked him so much, yet he pretended to be single while secretly dating?

End is over, these troublemakers should leave the group immediately

The company must have known, they were complicit

The words cut like knives, weighing down Tong Liyue’s chest.

Brother, Jiang Linzhao said pale-faced, clearly shocked and worried, looking at the manager.

Don’t worry too much, the manager said calmly.

This won’t affect X-One too much. But there are too many reporters outside.

Today’s schedule is canceled until the company issues a statement for End.

The studio remained silent. Though it didn’t concern them directly,

they had trained and grown alongside End’s members from the start.

Witnessing their downfall, no one could remain indifferent.

The manager surveyed the gloomy atmosphere and finally spoke,

Tong Liyue, the higher-ups want to see you.

Me? Tong Liyue frowned in confusion.

Jiang Linzhao and Shen Yiran exchanged shocked glances.

Ren Yuheng stepped forward subtly blocking him,

his calm voice tinged with coldness.

What does the company want with him now?

Qiao Zhiqing, who had been silent, frowned.

Shouldn’t we handle End’s situation first?

The manager sighed, clearly sensing their protective instinct.

It’s just a few questions, I’ll be present, nothing serious.

Ren Yuheng’s brows remained furrowed.

He was about to speak again when he felt a light tug at his sleeve.

Tong Liyue smiled at him, reassuringly patting his shoulder.

It’s fine, just keep practicing.

Ren Yuheng swallowed and watched Tong Liyue leave, unease bubbling inside.

Walking down the quiet corridor, Tong Liyue analyzed the situation calmly.

Why would the company summon him at this moment?

He was lost in thought when he ran into someone at the meeting room entrance Yao Lichen.

He had just walked out, eyes red, looking dejected. His once radiant face now drained of life.

Their eyes met. Yao Lichen paused, lips moved but said nothing,

nodding slightly before lowering his head and passing by.

Tong Liyue’s chest tightened. He took a deep breath, suppressing his anxiety,

and entered the meeting room with the manager.

The room wasn’t crowded, just a few executives and the manager.

The atmosphere seemed calm but oppressive.

Sit down, one executive said warmly, even kindly, but Tong Liyue could sense the importance.

Thank you, he replied politely, sitting and waiting patiently.

Liyue, have you been feeling better? the executive asked kindly,

like a senior checking on a junior.

Tong Liyue tensed slightly at the unexpected concern.

I’m fine. My manager takes good care of me, he said, smiling warmly.

The blinds swayed gently, the busy office visible outside.

Tong Liyue felt like he was standing on a massive stage, countless eyes watching him.

You are very sensible, the executive praised.

X-One wouldn’t be where it is today without you.

Tong Liyue smiled lightly, modestly replying that it was his brothers’

efforts and everyone’s hard work.

Indeed, every member works hard, the executive nodded,

then sat upright, eyes sharpening. But you are different.

Tong Liyue’s fingers tingled, yet he remained composed.

You are the star of X-One, the company’s most popular member, our core.

His heart skipped a beat. He knew he was important,

but this was the first time he heard it stated so clearly.

Core. Every word and action could impact the group’s future.

Tong Liyue’s eyes blinked, still smiling politely. So this is why I was called alone today?

Smart, the executive said, admiring him. You’ve probably seen the news.

Yao Lichen made a mistake.

Tong Liyue froze, recalling Yao Lichen’s red-rimmed eyes and

dejected expression in the corridor.

He was once End’s brightest star, like you.

Now his relationship is exposed, fans are leaving, endorsements are affected,

and all work for End members is canceled.

Do you think he regrets it?

The words sank precisely into Tong Liyue’s heart.

He lowered his eyes, exhaling softly. I don’t know, he admitted with rare weakness.

Liyue, the executive continued, your popularity and influence surpass Li Chen’s.

No idol in this company has achieved what you have.

We want to ask you a question.

Tong Liyue exhaled subtly, fingers clasping his knees, anticipating what would come next.

Are you currently seeing anyone?

The air thickened.

He wanted to deny it, yet memories of last night flooded his mind.

Ren Yuheng’s lips pressing over his, hot and dominant.

The sheets twisted, breathless gasps, their bodies close.

Ren Yuheng whispering in his ear, You’re reacting.

His fingers instinctively tightened. His heart raced.

He suppressed all thoughts, answering calmly and firmly, No.

The executive studied him, evaluating his sincerity, then nodded in satisfaction.

As expected of Tong Liyue, the executive said, still gentle.

Sorry for the pressure, but the company cannot afford more setbacks.

Liyue, understand that you carry not just yourself but

X-One and the future of everyone in the company.

Exiting the meeting, his steps felt heavier.

In a corner, Yao Lichen sat dejected, fingers tracing his phone.

People passed by with mixed expressions, whispering, but no one comforted him.

This was reality. Idols who once ruled the stage could become utterly isolated in a storm.

Tong Liyue felt an intense empathy. If it happened to him one day,

what would become of X-One?

Would his beloved brothers be dragged down?

Would fans who supported him for three years be disappointed?

Would those who cheered, cried, and laughed with him leave without mercy?

Could he bear such a cost?

He had always believed hard work could overcome everything, but now doubt gnawed at him.

A deep, unprecedented unease quietly consumed him.