The Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Character Is the Zombie King - Chapter 18

Zhou Huaichen didn’t give Ye Wei’an the chance to give him a zero. He called over the property security staff to deal with Yan Qing, while he himself sat motionless in the car like a mountain, silently locking eyes with Ye Wei’an.
Ye Wei’an: “……”
— 【Alright, you win.】
— 【Such a straight man.】
Zhou Huaichen couldn’t help but laugh and cry.
He was the one he wanted to score a zero, and he was also the one he called a straight man.
Still, even if Ye Wei’an hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have let Yan Qing get in the car.
He frowned slightly.
Yan Qing had repeatedly used Zhou Yongnan’s name as an excuse to approach him. It was time he had a proper talk with Zhou Yongnan and gave Yan Qing an official warning.
Before, for Zhou Yongnan’s sake, he had tolerated Yan Qing many times. Perhaps Yan Qing mistook that for a good temper.
Outside the car, the property staff were persuading Yan Qing to leave.
Yan Qing was a big celebrity, so the property staff were naturally polite, yet their attitude remained firm. They stated outright that if he continued to block the resident’s car, they would call the police.
Most of the residents living here held statuses no lower than Yan Qing, the star, so the property management had every reason to stand their ground.
By now, Yan Qing had already thrown his umbrella aside. He stood alone in the rain, looking desolate as he gazed toward the car.
It was as if he had been seduced and then abandoned by the person inside.
Zhou Huaichen’s gaze fell on Ye Wei’an’s face, his tone light as he said, “Do you feel sorry for him?”
Ye Wei’an looked at him, puzzled.
Zhou Huaichen lowered his eyes. “Yan Qing’s getting drenched in the rain. Do you feel sorry for him?”
“No,” Ye Wei’an replied decisively.
—【Why would I feel sorry for him? It’s not like I like him.】
Zhou Huaichen lifted his eyes, looking straight at him. “Didn’t you want to be with Yan Qing?”
He paused for a moment, as if offering a suggestion. “Invite him into the car. He might be touched.”
Ye Wei’an looked even more confused. “Are you teaching me how to chase after him?”
—【Like I’d ever listen to you, you straight man!】
Zhou Huaichen: “…”
He gave a muted laugh, realizing that this probing move of his had gone wrong. He shouldn’t have tried to play the reverse tactic of pushing Ye Wei’an and Yan Qing together.
Fortunately, Ye Wei’an refused. Fortunately, Ye Wei’an didn’t like Yan Qing.
The system, however, thought Zhou Huaichen’s idea was pretty good and hurriedly urged Ye Wei’an: 【Host, hurry and invite Yan Qing into the car!】
System: 【Who knows, maybe Yan Qing will be so moved that he’ll agree to be with you!】
Ye Wei’an said, “Forget it. I’ve decided not to force things anymore.”
System: 【…You’re not doing the mission anymore?】
“No,” Ye Wei’an said calmly, “I’ve thought about it. I’ll just wait until I’m seventy or eighty to chase after Yan Qing. If I end up with him right before I die, that’ll still count as completing the mission, right?”
System: 【……】
System: 【!!!】
It just knew that this host always had some ridiculous move up his sleeve!
Seeing that the system had gone silent, Ye Wei’an asked, “So, what do you think of that idea?”
The system, fuming, switched itself into auto-reply mode: 【Currently shutting down. Do not disturb.】
Ye Wei’an: “…”
System: 【Currently shutting down. Do not disturb.】
Ye Wei’an: “……”
Yan Qing was still standing in front of the car, blocking the way.
Zhou Huaichen lightly tapped the steering wheel with a bent finger, then spoke to the property staff again. “Please hurry. I’m in a rush.”
The property staff, aware of who he was and afraid of offending him, quickly agreed.
Not long after, Yan Qing was firmly persuaded to leave by the staff.
This time, Yan Qing didn’t resist. He even cooperatively stepped aside to the roadside.
Only after Zhou Huaichen drove the car through the gates of the community did a faint, unreadable smile curl at the corner of Yan Qing’s lips.
…
Zhou Huaichen parked the car in his private underground garage, then took the elevator upstairs with Ye Wei’an.
The villa was a standalone building. It is spacious, with excellent privacy.
Ye Wei’an secretly nodded to himself.
If this were the apocalypse, a house like this would be perfect for storing supplies.
The chef from the old house had already arrived ahead of them and prepared a full table of dishes.
So when Ye Wei’an and Zhou Huaichen entered the living room, they were immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of food.
Ye Wei’an’s eyes lit up at once.
Zhou Huaichen noticed it. His gaze softened even more. “Go wash your hands. We’ll start eating soon.”
Ye Wei’an nodded and walked briskly toward the bathroom.
Just by looking at his back, one could tell he was in a very good mood.
The smile in Zhou Huaichen’s eyes deepened.
By now, even without listening to Ye Wei’an’s thoughts, he could read the subtle shifts in his emotions through that expressionless face or his peculiar little actions.
For instance, when eating, Ye Wei’an’s eyes would shine brightly. When displeased, the corners of his mouth would droop ever so slightly, and when happy, his steps would be light and lively.
Zhou Huaichen chuckled softly, went to the kitchen to tell the staff to serve the meal, then washed his hands as well.
The chef from the old house came from a family of imperial cooks. Every dish was seasoned to perfection.
Ye Wei’an kept eating and eventually ate until he was full.
Unfortunately, it was raining today, so they couldn’t go out for a walk.
Zhou Huaichen looked at him leaning lazily against the chair, like a well-fed kitten. Ye Wei’an’s eyes half-closed in contentment, as if he were about to drift off to sleep.
He thought for a moment, then said, “Let’s sit in the study for a while. I’d like to talk to you about the project in Africa.”
Ye Wei’an opened his eyes and stared straight at him.
—【Why talk about work at a time like this? This is the perfect time to lie down and take a nap.】
—【Mmm, that Buddha Jumps Over the Wall was so good. I want to eat it again tomorrow.】
—【How can I get A-Chen to invite me over for dinner again tomorrow?】
Zhou Huaichen’s voice softened, as if coaxing a kitten. “Sleeping right after eating isn’t good for your health.”
If they couldn’t take a walk, then they could at least use their brains to burn off some calories.
He chuckled. “There’ll be Buddha Jumps Over the Wall tomorrow, too. But if we postpone our work until then, we might miss dinner.”
Ye Wei’an immediately sprang to his feet. “Let’s go! I love work!”
The system, just recovering from its shutdown mode: 【…】
Host, have some dignity!
Zhou Huaichen, however, merely laughed softly and went to the study together with Ye Wei’an.
The African project had, in fact, already been settled. What remained was to ensure strict quality control.
Since it was a collaboration with the government, there was no room for carelessness.
Zhou Huaichen said, “Both the Zhou Group and the Ye Group have their own construction and supervision teams. The two sides can monitor each other.”
Ye Wei’an had no objections.
The two of them discussed and finalized some details.
After they finished talking, Ye Wei’an suddenly remembered something and said, “I heard the Zhou Group is working on chip research.”
That was a high-end technology field, one that the Ye Group had never been involved in. Ye Wei’an himself didn’t understand much about it.
Zhou Huaichen didn’t hide anything from him. “We’re collaborating with the government.”
The Zhou Group provided the funding, while the government contributed the technology. It was a cooperative arrangement.
But beyond that, there were things he couldn’t disclose.
Ye Wei’an responded with an “oh” and didn’t press further.
—【An industry that burns through money and brains like that. The Ye Group should stay out of it.】
Zhou Huaichen smiled faintly.
Indeed, this project devoured funds and wouldn’t yield results in just a year or two.
However, if they did manage to achieve something, it would be a great contribution. Zhou Huaichen was more than willing to take on the challenge.
After spending about an hour in the study, the Ye family’s driver arrived to pick Ye Wei’an up.
Before leaving, Ye Wei’an didn’t forget to remind Zhou Huaichen, “I want to eat Buddha Jumps Over the Wall again tomorrow.”
Zhou Huaichen smiled and nodded. “Alright.”
After Ye Wei’an got into the car, he thought of what had happened earlier in the study and sent a message to Zhou Huaichen.
Zhou Huaichen had already changed his profile picture to a cartoon grape. It looked adorably cute.
Every time Ye Wei’an opened the chat, the system would burst into giggles, since that image was completely inconsistent with the serious, intimidating image of the great Boss Zhou himself.
Ye Wei’an had once suggested that Zhou Huaichen switch to a humanoid pig avatar instead.
At the time, Zhou Huaichen had just smiled at him and said, “When the time comes, I’ll change it.”
Ye Wei’an didn’t understand.
He poked at the grape avatar and muttered, “It’s just a profile picture. What kind of timing could it possibly need…”
After grumbling, he finally sent his message.
Ye: 【After dinner tomorrow, let’s not talk about work, okay?】
Ye: 【Zombie King being cute · jpg】
Ye: 【Zombie King lying like a salted fish · jpg】
When Zhou Huaichen received the messages and imagined Ye Wei’an’s expressionless face trying to act cute, something inside his chest was lightly tickled. It was a faint, teasing itch.
…
Meanwhile, Lin Chang was filming on set.
He seemed a little absentminded, his state not quite right, unable to get into character no matter how he tried.
Director Qi Changbai had no choice but to stop filming and call him over. “You’ve got something on your mind?”
Lin Chang hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping himself.
Not long ago, he had nearly been hit by a car, but thanks to Ye Wei’an’s timely rescue, he hadn’t been too badly frightened. His assistant had taken him to the hospital that same day for a checkup. There hadn’t been a single injury on his body.
He was deeply grateful to Ye Wei’an for saving his life.
Later, when he learned that it was Bai Yuan who had tried to harm him, he guessed it must have had something to do with Yan Qing. That realization left him uneasy, since he had, after all, risen in popularity by stepping on Yan Qing, using their fabricated scandal to boost his fame, and even stealing Yan Qing’s resources.
But what puzzled and frightened him even more was the series of inexplicable moves his company had made over the past few days.
First, President Wang personally visited the set to check on him. After that visit, three bodyguards with sharp reflexes were suddenly assigned to him, along with two new variety show invitations and several big-name endorsement deals.
Then, the company even assigned him a top-tier agent. It was someone they had poached from another agency.
Lin Chang: “…”
He was terrified. Deeply terrified.
“President Wang said it was all arranged by President Ye,” Lin Chang said after thinking for a long while, finally deciding to confide in Director Qi. “Director… do you think President Ye is trying to sleep with me?”
Qi Changbai: “…”
Lin Chang was flustered.
Even though President Ye had said last time that he didn’t like him, people’s feelings could change. What if President Ye had developed feelings after saving him?
Though the chance was slim, he really couldn’t think of any other reason why President Ye was suddenly treating him so much better.
What virtue or talent did he have to deserve so much attention from President Ye?
Lin Chang didn’t have many friends he could confide in. Since Qi Changbai had called him over for a talk, he figured that if he kept bottling things up and overthinking, it would definitely affect the filming schedule. So he ended up venting to Qi Changbai like a trash bin for complaints.
After hearing Lin Chang’s story, Qi Changbai recalled the quiet understanding between Brother Chen and President Ye. His expression became complicated as he looked at Lin Chang. “You’re overthinking it.”
Lin Chang said hesitantly, “I thought so, too. President Ye is so handsome and rich. There’s no way he’d like someone like me. But I really can’t think of another reason why he’s being so good to me.”
Qi Changbai, like a kind big brother, explained, “President Ye just wants to make you famous so he can earn more money.”
Lin Chang: “…”
Qi Changbai patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry. President Ye’s not into you.”
Lin Chang: “…”
What was with that tone of disdain in the director’s voice?
He might not be as good-looking as President Ye, but come on, he was still a pretty handsome guy!
However, after being comforted by Qi Changbai, he finally felt a little more at ease. “That’s good, then. I’m straight, after all. So I can’t respond to President Ye’s feelings.”
Qi Changbai had already stood up, about to call for the shoot to begin. Upon hearing that, he lowered his head and looked at Lin Chang, raising an eyebrow slightly. “Straight?”
Lin Chang also stood up. “Ah, yes, very, very straight.”
Qi Changbai gave him a meaningful look and let out a soft laugh. “Is that so?”
*
The next day, Ye Wei’an went to work at the company. Just thinking about the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall they’d be having that evening put him in a great mood.
But when he was on his way to pick up Zhou Huaichen after work, the system suddenly crackled in his ear: 【Yan Qing and Zhou Huaichen are rumored to be in a relationship!】
System: 【Host, check the trending searches right now!】
Ye Wei’an: “…”
As soon as he entered his office, he took out his phone and opened Weibo. The number-one trending topic was #Yan Qing In Love#.
Clicking in, the very first post was strikingly bold: 【Suspected romance between Yan Qing and Zhou Corporation’s CEO. Five years in love.】
The attached photo showed Yan Qing standing by a car door under an umbrella, speaking to Zhou Huaichen.
The photographer’s skill was excellent. They’re turning what should’ve been an ordinary scene into something beautifully cinematic.
Yan Qing was slightly tilting his head up, while Zhou Huaichen, seated inside the car, looked at him through the rain. Their eyes met through the curtain of falling drops. The world around them seemed quiet, emotions stirred in the silence, as if in the next second, the two would lean in and kiss.
Ye Wei’an narrowed his eyes.
So yesterday, when Yan Qing went to find Zhou Huaichen, was it to get someone to take those photos?
Clearly, Yan Qing had only said a single sentence, and Zhou Huaichen hadn’t said a single word.
Yet somehow, the photos carried such an air of lingering tenderness.
Ye Wei’an tapped into the comments section.
Many netizens were gossiping, asking whether the rumor was true or not.
Among the top liked comments, one in particular stood out as a little odd: 【The Zhou Corporation’s CEO… Are we talking about that Zhou Group? I heard the CEO is especially young and handsome, incredibly capable too, one of the most outstanding figures of his generation! No wonder Yan Qing would reject President Ye if he’s with someone like that!】
That comment drew a lot of replies—
【OP seems to know something, huh? Sounds like they actually know President Zhou. So it’s true then, Yan Qing really is with him?】
【So jealous. Yan Qing must’ve saved the world in his past life. How else would so many domineering CEOs fall for him?】
【Please, Yan Qing, publish a book. I need to know how to attract rich, handsome men.】
【Book request +1! And not just any rich, handsome men. Top-tier rich and handsome men! I wish I had that kind of power…】
As a result, the hashtag #Yan Qing Write A Book climbed up the trending list again.
This time, it wasn’t sarcasm. People were either there for the drama or genuinely, earnestly begging for his “guide to attracting CEOs”.
Yan Qing looked at the howling crowd of netizens under the trending topic and raised an eyebrow smugly at Brother Ming. “See? I told you. Once the rumor spreads, public opinion will flip.”
Brother Ming nodded. “You did well.”
The photos from yesterday were taken by a friend of his. The Weibo post was also arranged through a marketing company he’d hired.
That friend specialized in photographing couples. The subtle, ambiguous atmosphere between Yan Qing and Zhou Huaichen had been captured perfectly. No wonder the netizens bought into it so easily.
The idea to start a rumor with Zhou Huaichen had been Yan Qing’s own suggestion. At first, Brother Ming had been firmly against it. After all, it was far too risky. They’d already offended Ye Wei’an. The last thing they could afford was to offend the Zhou family’s head as well.
But now, seeing the netizens’ enthusiastic reactions, Brother Ming couldn’t help but sincerely praise him. “You really do understand how the internet works.”
As for Zhou Huaichen, Brother Ming figured that with someone of his status and position, he wouldn’t even notice such a small online scandal.
Yan Qing grew even more pleased with himself.
After a moment, Brother Ming hesitated before saying, “But… all your fans already know you’re together with Zhou Yongnan. I’m worried some of them might leak it.”
Yan Qing narrowed his eyes slightly. “Have the major fan accounts start spreading the word in the fan groups. Then get the hired posters to steer the conversation.”
And so, just a few minutes later, another topic shot up the trending list—
#Yan Qing And President Zhou Are Perfect Together#
Clicking into it, the posts were all filled with photos of Yan Qing and Zhou Huaichen appearing in the same frame, every caption dripping with hypnotic enthusiasm.
【Even though we can’t see President Zhou’s full face, his side profile is so handsome! Don’t they just look perfect together?!】
【The atmosphere between them is perfect! The light rain, the luxury car, the delicate beauty holding an umbrella, and the domineering CEO sitting inside… just the image alone is enough to make my heart race! I’m shipping this CP for life!】
【They’re really such a good ship! Girls, let’s make a super topic, yeah? How about calling it One Night in His Arms?】
【One Night in His Arms… that sounds so steamy! I! Love! It! What are you all waiting for? Let’s get moving!】
All of these posts were made by hired accounts. The one creating the super topic was also one of them.
With the paid posters actively hyping it up, some of the gossip-hungry netizens got drawn into the super topic as well.
Meanwhile, under the influence of the major fan accounts’ “guidance”, even Yan Qing’s own fans began to accept the rumor.
Their change of heart was, in fact, easy to understand.
At their core, many of them admired power. Zhou Huaichen was currently the most outstanding among the younger generation of elite family heads, even a little more impressive than Ye Wei’an.
For Yan Qing to be romantically linked with someone like Zhou Huaichen gave them a subtle sense of pride!
Especially since, when Ye Wei’an had previously trended, the online crowd had been bashing Yan Qing. His fans had been holding back their frustration ever since.
Now that the tide had turned in their favor, they couldn’t wait to show off to the world that Yan Qing and Zhou Huaichen were “together”.
Soon enough, they began flooding every Weibo post with the CP name One Night in His Arms, even educating the curious onlookers—
【President Zhou is way more powerful than that Ye Group CEO. Not just anyone can win over our dear Qing Qing.】
【It’s all because Qing Qing’s charm is irresistible. Some people can’t have him, so they lash out in jealousy and try to ruin him.】
【President Zhou, your little cutie was bullied by a certain CEO surnamed Ye! You’d better come teach that man a lesson for him!】
【Waiting for the day Ye falls from grace.】
*
By the time Ye Wei’an finished scrolling through Weibo, his car had already arrived at the Zhou Group headquarters.
Perhaps because the Zhou family maintained strict control, there weren’t any reporters lurking around.
From a distance, Ye Wei’an spotted Zhou Huaichen standing at the entrance, waiting for him.
A fine drizzle still hung in the air. Zhou Huaichen was dressed in a black suit, tall and elegant, as he stood. His posture and looks were indeed enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat.
Ye Weian’s eyes burned as he fixed his gaze on Zhou Huaichen.
—【Yesterday’s little pig wanted to nuzzle me. Today, that same little pig wants to see me fall.】
—【Unhappy.】
The car pulled up right in front of Zhou Huaichen.
Hearing the thoughts that echoed from Ye Wei’an’s mind, Zhou Huaichen looked at him, puzzled.
…‘Little pig wants to see me fall’? What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Ye Wei’an lowered the car window, his expression blank and emotionless. “You’re in a scandal with Yan Qing. Did you know that?”
A flicker of surprise passed through Zhou Huaichen’s eyes.
He had been in meetings all day. Li Zeng had been sent to a branch office, so no one had reported the rumor to him.
Still, with his intelligence, he could easily guess what had happened online. It definitely had something to do with Yan Qing coming to see him yesterday.
He fixed his gaze on Ye Wei’an, his tone carrying a hint of coaxing warmth. “I’m a little cold. Let me get in the car first, so I can warm up a bit. Alright?”
Ye Wei’an: “!!!”
He stared wide-eyed at Zhou Huaichen, their gazes locking. Suddenly, four words flashed through his mind:
—【Green-tea pig!】
Zhou Huaichen: “…”

Author’s Note:
Zhou Huaichen: “Flirtatious manipulation”. Mandatory course for pursuing the Zombie King.