Expired Candy

To turn around the slump in sales, Zhou Xingyao took the marketing department's advice and hired rising top-tier star Xia Xueying as the brand ambassador. Facing his friend's meaningful look, he remained perfectly composed. "I'm a businessman. I'll work with whoever can make me money."

Xia Xueying smiled brightly. "It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Zhou."

Under the table, Zhou Xingyao took her hand. "Don't you have anything else to say to me?"

"What am I supposed to say?" Xia Xueying asked in return.

"It's been five years. You..." Zhou Xingyao hesitated for a long time, then managed only a clichéd greeting: "Have you been well?"

"Very well. Looks like you've been doing fine too, Mr. Zhou." Xia Xueying smiled. "It's good to do what you want to do."

So have I.

Assistant Qiao Nan and agent Liu Jing whispered to each other. "You should've seen them. They were so sweet together! Oh my god, I'm dying over them!"

Xia Xueying shook her head. "You can even ship a couple whose sweetness is past its expiration date? You're really not picky."

Zhou Xingyao walked over. "Sugar is still sweet even after its expiration date. Besides, are you sure it's really expired?"

Theme: Relationships should be equal and independent, with mutual respect.