Chapter 165: Live Variety Show "Competitive Ski Resort"

Gu Beicheng withdrew his foot, his cold, sharp eyes devoid of the slightest warmth. His long, muscular legs stood before Li Gen, who was sprawled wretchedly on the ground.

"No, no! I was blind for a moment! President Mu, please forgive me!"

Blood seeped from the corner of Li Gen's mouth. His murky eyes struggled to look at the unmoving woman on the sofa. He bit down hard on his jaw and dragged himself forward, clutching the ground with both hands.

His family's company had gone bankrupt, and he had always been a big spender; only in the entertainment industry could he make quick money!

SY Pictures could give him that chance!

Li Gen admitted that, influenced by Fu Jiaojiao, he had hurled verbal insults at Mu Ran, and had even hosted a special stand-up comedy segment dedicated to the topic that "Mu Ran is a bitch."

"Leave, and get ready to participate in a variety show."

Mu Ran glanced sideways at Li Gen, a bizarre smile curving the corners of her lips. Her beautiful fox-like eyes were pitch-black and tranquil, flashing with an insightful, penetrating light.

"I..."

Intimidated by the woman's murderous aura, Li Gen struggled to his feet, staggering as he stood before Mu Ran. He moved his steps, attempting to get closer to her, but was blocked by a towering, imposing figure.

It was Gu Beicheng, the CEO of Chengxing, who had just kicked him.

Li Gen did not dare to provoke him. "President Mu, you just said that as long as I persuade Fu Jiaojiao to sign with SY, the company will give me resources, right?"

The man's tone was cautious and tentative.

Mu Ran looked in Li Gen's direction, but she was not looking at him; instead, her gaze fell upon Gu Beicheng's legs.

Gu Beicheng's straight, sturdy frame completely blocked Li Gen from view.

In comparison, Gu Beicheng looked like a tall, high-spirited deity.

"Incorrect." Although Mu Ran's voice was nonchalant, anyone attentive could hear the displeasure hidden within.

Li Gen froze, his mouth opening as he momentarily lost for words. He was powerless to refute; he was now merely a new artist at SY with zero speaking power.

Whatever the boss said, went.

Unfortunately, his current boss was the woman he had once insulted.

The woman's cold, deep voice sounded again. "After President Gu kicked you just now, his leg must have hurt. My heart aches for him, so what I promised you is no longer valid."

The subtext was: You made my man uncomfortable, so I'll make you uncomfortable. Go wait for death in the barren wilderness.

Mu Ran stood up lazily, swaying her slender waist as she walked toward Gu Beicheng.

"Beibei."

The woman's voice was bewitching and sexy, melting the hearts of all the artists present.

Mu Ran wrapped her arms around Gu Beicheng's shoulders, pressing her delicate face intimately against him. Tilting her small head back, she beamed up at the man looking down at her, a smile that melted his already hopelessly softened heart.

The man remained silent, his long fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. The series of gestures was both tender and overbearing.

"Let's go. You, you, you—the three of you, come with me to the variety show."

Mu Ran turned her gaze away. The eyes that had just melted into spring water were now completely devoid of ripples, turning chillingly piercing.

"The rest of you don't need to rush. When I film dramas or join variety shows later, I'll take you along."

The three designated artists nodded in flattered astonishment, their expressions dazed and blank. They were utterly shocked by President Mu's shifting facial expressions!

Before the CEO of Chengxing, she was a harmless angel.

Before them, she was a demon holding the power of life and death.

"President Mu, do you want me to accompany you to the variety show?" Li Gang dragged a reluctant Zhou Muyang to his feet, called out to the other artists to leave, and then sidled up to Mu Ran.

"No need, don't you have a date?" Mu Ran swept a glance at Zhou Muyang. Seeing the aggrieved expression on the man's face, the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily. "Dates come first, work second."

"Xiaoran, as expected of you! You really get it!"

Zhou Muyang's expression instantly brightened as if bathed in a spring breeze. He gave Mu Ran a thumbs-up and pulled Li Gang away, ignoring the latter's attempt to say something.

----

Chengxing Ski Resort——

Chengxing Ski Resort was by far the largest and best-equipped ski resort in Huaguo.

The variety show *Competitive Ski Resort* officially began recording via livestream.

Gu Beicheng and Mu Ran arrived at the ski resort a little later than the others.

"Master! Long time no see!" Shao Ping hopped off a snowmobile, holding a pair of skis, and sprinted wildly toward Mu Ran.

"Master, who are these three? And what's with the camera behind them?"

It couldn't be another livestreamed variety show, could it?

Ever since participating in *Love in Transit*, Shao Ping had developed a phobia of livestreamed variety shows.

"These three are SY artists. This competition will be broadcast live."

Shao Ping's previously excited face instantly fell. He just knew that this master of his had forgotten her original intention the moment she started a company!

"Who forgot their original intention?"

Mu Ran's sudden, chilly remark sent a shiver down Shao Ping's spine. He crossed his arms and hid behind Gu Beicheng. "Master, how did you know what I was thinking?"

To test whether Mu Ran's words were just a coincidence, Shao Ping bit his lip and muttered secretly in his heart: *My master's former coach is coming to this competition too. I wonder if she knows?*

Looking at Shao Ping's sunny, youthful face, Mu Ran said faintly, "I didn't know."

Shao Ping backed up several steps. Clutching his chest in disbelief, his voice trembled, "Master! You! Can you hear what I'm thinking?"

"Can't."

Mu Ran glanced coolly at the boy and pouted. "Whatever you're thinking is written all over your face."

With that, the woman took Gu Beicheng's arm and walked toward the lounge.

Ten minutes later.

The competition officially began.

The three SY artists also joined the contest, but at a very low level, euphemistically called the "Rookie Division."

"Xiaoran! Xiaoran! I'm here! Why didn't you call me when you came to compete?"

Lin Chong's completely bald head was dazzlingly bright in the ski resort, practically reflecting the light.

"I'm your bodyguard after all! I'm here to protect your safety!"

Hearing Lin Chong's words, Gu Beicheng smiled.

A gloomy, terrifying, emotionless smile.

He could protect Xiaoran's safety?

On the plane, if Lin Chong had protected Xiaoran properly, would she have been hypnotized?

"Uh, President Gu, don't look at me like that. This ski resort is cold enough as it is." Lin Chong shuddered.

Suddenly, the bald man with his arms crossed began to roll his eyes, shaking uncontrollably all over.

Lin Chong was having another spasm.

"Brother Lin!" Mu Ran had already put on her ski suit; turning and squatting down made her look somewhat bulky. "Beibei, Brother Lin is having a spasm again. Help him up."

Gu Beicheng did not respond, nor did he make a move.

With both hands in his pockets, his straight figure was wrapped in high-end casual wear.

Detachment, cruelty, and displeasure radiated from the man.

Mu Ran was amused to the point of laughter by Gu Beicheng's proud and pampered demeanor. "Beibei, me getting hypnotized was destined. If I hadn't been hypnotized, Gu Yan wouldn't have been manipulated into committing suicide. Don't blame Lin Chong anymore."

"Mn," the man replied softly, but still didn't move.

Snow was everywhere at the ski resort, and the temperature was extremely low.

Lin Chong, who was twitching, rolling his eyes, and foaming at the mouth on the ground, was dressed far too thinly.

Besides, Lin Chong only ever had spasms when Mu Ran was in danger.

"Beibei, I'm begging you."

Against all expectations, Mu Ran cooed softly, acting spoiled toward the man.

A trace of indulgence and helplessness appeared on Gu Beicheng's stern face; the iceberg melted.

"Xiaoran, from now on, I won't let anyone hurt you. Be a good baby and stay obediently by my side."

The man lowered his head, cupped Mu Ran's small face in both hands, helped her put on her goggles, and planted a kiss on her slightly damp lips.

"Hurry up and help him up."

Mu Ran urged.

Gu Beicheng's eyes, tainted with lingering desire, gradually cleared. He turned to look at the man on the ground twitching violently, his brow furrowing in disgust.

"Shen Mubai."

Gu Beicheng called out faintly toward the lounge behind him.

A man poked his head out from inside. "What is it, Beicheng?"

Gu Beicheng crookened a finger at Shen Mubai.

Shen Mubai trotted over eagerly, letting out a hissing sound of breath, clearly feeling the chill of the ski resort's temperature.

"What's wrong?" Shen Mubai ran up to Mu Ran and Gu Beicheng, following their line of sight to look down.

"Holy shit! What's going on? Why is the baldy twitching? Is he having an episode?"

It was the first time Shen Mubai had seen someone twitching this severely. Frowning, he squatted down to check Lin Chong's condition.

He reached a hand out toward the bald man.

Suddenly.

"Holy shit!" Shen Mubai shrieked at the top of his lungs.

"Baldy, let go! Let go of my hand! Ah! Holy shit, stop pinching my flesh!"