"I hate how composed this man looks right now," Andre muttered under his breath, arms crossed and eyes fixed on the window, even though every part of him itched to look at the man beside him. "I know that skin. I know who he really is."
He shifted in his seat, voice rising just enough to be heard. "So… you didn't come last night," he said, gaze still locked ahead, refusing to meet Zhen Yichen's face.
"What?"
"You didn't come," Andre repeated, more pointed this time. "Were you so busy that you left your real self behind?" he added mockingly.
Zhen Yichen turned to face him, eyes narrowing slightly.
That was the first time I truly looked at him that morning. He seemed restless—pent-up, maybe even frustrated—but none of that changed the way I carried myself. I stayed calm. Detached. It only seemed to fuel him more.
I had known him for years. Back then, he was just a cold, distant child. Quiet. Easy to ignore. But that child had grown—and now, the hostility in his voice was no longer buried. It came sharp and deliberate, laced into every word he spoke like fire looking for dry wood.
"I was working," Zhen Yichen finally answered after a short pause.
Andre scoffed. "What is wrong with this man? Why is he always so cool, so composed?" he thought bitterly. "Oh, I hate the real being of this beast."
Silence wrapped the car like a noose after that.
The car rolled to a stop in front of HYU Holdings.
"Good morning sir, I've been waiting for your arrival. We're already late for the meeting," Mr. Zhou greeted with a respectful bow.
"Oh, okay," Zhen Yichen replied coolly, striding toward the elevator with his usual air of command.
Andre followed silently, eyes roaming the interior of the building, trying not to show the flash of awe in his silver irises. He kept his posture indifferent, like he wasn't impressed—but he was.
Inside the exclusive elevator reserved for the president, silence returned—until they neared the top floor.
Zhen Yichen turned to Mr. Zhou, tone smooth and casual. "Oh yes. This is Andre Thompson. Fix him in any office he's suited for."
"Yes sir."
"And make sure he takes the test. No need for formality."
"Understood."
Wow, Andre thought, scoffing internally. So he really didn't introduce me as his step-son? I guess his precious image matters more than anything else.
A few hours later, in a boardroom across the building…
"Sir Andre," said Mrs. Shen Xu, the director of HYU's Entertainment Division, her tone professional, "after your interview and test results, we've reviewed your qualifications. According to your records, you studied abroad and completed high school at sixteen—very impressive. You haven't applied for college yet, reportedly due to language barriers here."
"Yes," Andre replied curtly.
"We've spoken with Mr. Zhen, and he confirmed you were home-schooled. He mentioned you'll be sitting for your college entrance exam soon, but in the meantime, you'll begin working—earning according to your field."
Andre gave a vague nod, disinterested.
"We've decided to place you in the Entertainment Department. Now, which area do you prefer—acting, dancing, music? Please tell us."
"…"
"Sir Andre?"
"None."
"Excuse me?"
"None," he repeated. "I want none of that."
Everyone in the room fell silent, stunned.