What Should I Do if My Best Friend Is a Green Tea? [Transmigrated Into a Book]

Zhou Yanci arrived at Blue with M's team of designers. The twenty haute couture gowns they had brought earlier were already stunning, but Zhou Yanci's arrival brought with it M's latest haute couture collection for the year, including many limited-edition pieces. It could be said that M's most exquisite haute couture gowns were all here. The moment Zhou Yanci appeared, the live broadcast camera immediately focused on him. Last time, when he was spotted outside the private jet, the broadcast had to blur his image to avoid exposing his schedule, as Assistant Sun had contacted the production team to keep his appearance under wraps.

Now, since Zhou Yanci's relationship with Zhou Qingyu had been revealed, there was no need to hide anything anymore.

[Wow! This guy is so handsome! Is he a model from this year's fashion show?]

[He must be at least 190cm tall! And his face is so striking!]

[I need all his info within three minutes!]

[Hey, are you face-blind? That's Zhou Qingyu's brother! Their family photo was revealed at the winery before.]

[Back then, he looked so youthful, but now... oh my! Those arm muscles and veins! *drools*]

[Miss Zhou, would you mind having another sister-in-law? I volunteer!]

Having previously failed at stirring up trouble, Ye Luoyi had kept quiet, afraid that Zhou Qingyu might call her out to apologize to Yan Xi again. She deliberately kept a low profile, standing to the side with Su Lingling, avoiding getting involved in the tension between Zhou Qingyu and Meng Yingrong.

But the moment Zhou Yanci appeared, Ye Luoyi's eyes lit up. She shyly twisted her fingers, both hoping to catch his attention and fearing that he might not notice her.

Zhou Yanci walked past her without even a glance, striding confidently toward Zhou Qingyu and Yan Xi.

When Meng Yingrong saw the designers behind Zhou Yanci and M's most exclusive haute couture collection, her face turned pale. She pulled Zhou Yanci aside and whispered, "What are you doing? These are our limited-edition gowns! Are you lending them to Zhou Qingyu?"

Zhou Yanci's expression remained calm as he smoothed out the wrinkles on his suit jacket caused by Meng Yingrong's nails. "Grandfather has already contacted you, hasn't he?"

Meng Yingrong's face showed a hint of embarrassment.

Zhou Yanci, as if oblivious to her discomfort, continued calmly, "I'll handle this."

"How are you going to handle it?" Meng Yingrong rolled her eyes and glared at Zhou Qingyu. "It's like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Zhou Qingyu publicly criticized our brand. If we suffer, do you think she'll come out unscathed? Who would want her as a spokesperson after this?"

Zhou Yanci replied, "If you don't want M to suffer further, I suggest you stop talking now."

"You—!" Meng Yingrong's face flushed with anger. "I'm your mother! How can you treat me like this?"

Zhou Yanci glanced at her. "Or would you prefer to handle it yourself?" Meng Yingrong was seething with resentment. Zhou Yanci's light brown eyes reflected his temperament—calm and detached. Meng Yingrong had never seen him lose his temper before. In the past, she might have thought he was simply unfeeling, but now she felt increasingly estranged from her son. Sometimes, just looking into his eyes gave her an inexplicable sense of unease.

This invisible intimidation left Meng Yingrong feeling suffocated, and she eventually fell silent.

Zhou Yanci turned to Yan Xi and Zhou Qingyu. "The earlier gowns were sent by mistake. These are the ones we intended to lend you."

M's designer stepped forward enthusiastically. "Miss Zhou, these are all M's latest haute couture pieces! Some are even limited editions! As Mr. Zhou's sister, of course, we would lend you the best!"

Zhou Qingyu was stunned. She tugged at Yan Xi's sleeve and whispered, "Zhou Yanci is lending me gowns? And limited editions? Is he out of his mind, or am I hallucinating?"

Yan Xi patted Zhou Qingyu's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. You're attending Weibo Night next month, right? M might not be on par with C, but their limited editions are quite impressive!"

Zhou Qingyu pouted. "It feels like a trap!"

Yan Xi chuckled. "It's not a trap, but don't agree too easily."

Zhou Qingyu nodded and, pulling Yan Xi along, returned to the main hall of Blue. Facing Zhou Yanci, she maintained her usual confident demeanor, tilting her chin up defiantly. "Zhou Yanci, are you trying to slap me and then offer me candy? Don't think sending M's latest collection will make me take back my earlier comments!"

"No need," Zhou Yanci replied calmly. "Actions speak louder than words."

Zhou Qingyu looked confused, unsure what Zhou Yanci was up to. To avoid falling into his trap, she glanced at Yan Xi for reassurance. Yan Xi gave her a firm look, and Zhou Qingyu relaxed slightly.

The next moment, Zhou Yanci's voice rang out. "These gowns are compensation for the earlier mistake. Additionally, I'd like to formally invite you to become M's brand spokesperson."

Zhou Qingyu: ???

Everyone present: !!!

[Did I hear that right? M wants Zhou Qingyu as their spokesperson?]

[M is a top-tier luxury brand! And they're offering her the highest title! Zhou Qingyu's fashion resources just skyrocketed!]

[Wow! Some of M's gowns are really beautiful! Zhou Qingyu is so stunning; she'll look amazing in them! Can't wait!]

Zhou Qingyu gripped Yan Xi's hand tightly, her face filled with disbelief. "Is Zhou Yanci out of his mind? He wants me as a spokesperson? Is he an imposter wearing a mask, trying to trick me?"

Yan Xi couldn't help but laugh. "Of course it's real. What are you thinking?" She turned off her microphone and whispered to Zhou Qingyu, "We just criticized M's designs. Zhou Yanci is doing damage control by making you the spokesperson. It's a way to make you retract your earlier comments without losing face."

Zhou Qingyu thought for a moment, her expression resolute. "In that case, I can't agree. I won't let him win."

Yan Xi shook her head. "It doesn't have to be that way. A win-win situation isn't bad."

Zhou Qingyu raised an eyebrow. "But it makes me look like I have no pride!"

Yan Xi explained, "You criticized them, and instead of suing you, they sent you their latest haute couture and are paying you to be their spokesperson. It's like you slapped them, and they're bowing down to you. Doesn't that feel good?"

Zhou Qingyu reconsidered. It did feel a bit satisfying.

With that in mind, she decided the offer wasn't entirely unacceptable. She rubbed her cheeks, her actress instincts kicking in as she regained her usual poised and elegant demeanor. Turning to Zhou Yanci, she said, "I'll try on the gowns, but if they're ugly, I won't accept the spokesperson role."

Zhou Yanci nodded. "Of course."

After selecting a limited-edition haute couture gown, Zhou Qingyu went to the fitting room to try it on. Her outfits for Fashion Week had already been decided, and this gown was for Weibo Night next month. If it fit well, it would be taken back to M for adjustments and then worn officially at the event.

While Zhou Qingyu was trying on the gown, Yan Xi immediately began discussing the contract details with Assistant Sun. M was a high-end luxury brand, and for a second-tier celebrity like Zhou Qingyu, this was a top-tier opportunity. If they could secure it, they couldn't let it slip away.

In terms of price, M offered a rate typical for second-tier celebrities: "Fifteen million."

Ye Luoyi, who was signed with E, another top-tier luxury brand similar to M, earned twenty million as a first-tier celebrity. Given Zhou Qingyu's slightly lower status, fifteen million was reasonable.

But Yan Xi shook her head. "At least thirty million."

Assistant Sun's eyes widened. "Are you trying to rob us?"

Yan Xi counted on her fingers. "First, using Qingyu as a spokesperson will restore your brand's reputation. That's worth at least ten million. Second, after 'Travel' finishes airing, Qingyu will likely rise to first-tier status, so her fee should increase. Finally, Qingyu's stunning looks and her reputation as one of the most beautiful faces in the entertainment industry mean you're getting a bargain by having her as your spokesperson. An extra ten million isn't too much, is it?"

"From this perspective, asking for thirty million is actually a discount for you!"

Assistant Sun: "..."

I’ve never seen someone so calculating! Even the artists at Xingyao aren’t as shrewd as you! Fifteen million is the price for a second-tier artist signed with M brand, but before they left, Zhou Yanci had told Meng Huaigu that the deal wouldn’t go through without thirty million. After all, although Zhou Qingyu had criticized M brand’s designs, it wasn’t to the point of defamation—it was just an ordinary critique. This did have an impact on Zhou Qingyu’s fashion resources, but Zhou Qingyu didn’t care about her fashion resources at all.

However, M brand cared, and this put them in a passive position.

Assistant Sun looked at Zhou Yanci for help, and Zhou Yanci’s cool gaze swept over Yan Xi. He had already anticipated that thirty million was a reasonable number, so he nodded. Assistant Sun gritted his teeth, “Thirty million it is, then. Take a look at M brand’s contract. If there are no issues, we’ll sign today!”

Yan Xi almost screamed in excitement.

Thirty million wasn’t a loss for M brand. If they didn’t hire Zhou Qingyu, they’d have to find an artist with a higher status to salvage their image, and that would cost at least twenty million in endorsement fees. Additionally, handling the negative buzz would require at least ten million in PR expenses, so thirty million was a safe number.

But if someone shortsighted like Meng Yingrong were on the other side of the negotiation, the deal would never happen.

Yan Xi was thrilled internally but remained composed on the surface. “I’m just a clueless college student. I’ll take a photo of this contract and have Xingyao’s legal team review it.” Assistant Sun sneered, “A student? I’ve never seen a student who demands thirty million right off the bat!”

That said, reviewing the contract was necessary, so Assistant Sun didn’t stop her. Instead, he sent the electronic version of the contract for Yan Xi to forward to Xingyao’s legal department. Meanwhile, Meng Yingrong’s face was dark throughout the entire process. Seeing Zhou Qingyu go to try on clothes, Yan Xi and Assistant Sun discussing the contract details, and Zhou Yanci finally free, she called Zhou Yanci aside to a private lounge.

There were no live cameras here, and Meng Yingrong’s expression turned slightly vicious. “Why are you signing Zhou Qingyu? Aren’t you just helping her? And it’s our family’s money you’re spending!”

Meng Yingrong couldn’t understand it. She’d rather spend more on PR than let Zhou Qingyu benefit.

“This is the best solution for M brand.”

Zhou Yanci took the tablet Assistant Sun always carried and showed Meng Yingrong the latest online reviews about M brand.

Even though the negative buzz had been removed, Zhou Qingyu’s comments about M brand were like Pandora’s box—once opened, it couldn’t be stopped. The show *Travel* had significant popularity, and many marketing bloggers were jumping on the trend, digging up M brand’s past fashion mishaps. It’s normal for a fashion brand to have some less-than-stellar designs. “Now, look at Zhou Qingyu’s ability to drive sales,” Zhou Yanci showed Meng Yingrong another set of data.

This was a compilation of all the clothes and accessories Zhou Qingyu had worn since *Travel* started airing. Everything she wore ended up selling out.

Zhou Qingyu was a typical “flower vase” in the entertainment industry—no substantial achievements, but her looks were widely recognized. In an industry that values appearance, being beautiful is an advantage. So, making Zhou Qingyu the spokesperson not only helped clear the negative reviews but also boosted sales. It was the optimal solution.

Meng Yingrong took a deep breath. She disliked Zhou Qingyu, but she wasn’t stupid. Meng Huaigu had already scolded her earlier, telling her not to act rashly and to let Zhou Yanci handle everything. Meng Yingrong couldn’t interfere further.

“At least no matter how Zhou Qingyu fares in the entertainment industry, it won’t give her an advantage in competing for Zhou Corporation,” Meng Yingrong consoled herself.

Zhou Yanci put the tablet away.

Meng Yingrong sat unhappily on the lounge sofa, sipping the black tea a server had brought her, and changed the subject. “Has your father still not decided to hand Zhou Corporation over to you? He’s not getting any younger. How long does he plan to hold onto it? Does he really intend to give it to that girl Zhou Qingyu?”

Zhou Yanci sat on the single sofa across from Meng Yingrong. “He has his own plans.”

“You can’t let him decide on his own!”

Meng Yingrong’s voice was urgent. She slammed the teacup down on the saucer, splashing the dark red liquid.

“If he’s planning to give most of the assets to Zhou Qingyu just because her mother died, what will happen to you?” After a moment, she added, “No, Zhou Qingyu has the Pei family backing her. Her chances aren’t small! You need a marriage alliance to help you too. Miss Lu would be perfect. She’s recently been in Li City…”

Meng Yingrong rambled on, but Zhou Yanci felt her voice growing distant. Over the years, their meetings had been few, and the topics were always the same: competing with Zhou Qingyu for the family fortune, marrying some wealthy heiress, and helping her younger brother Meng Xuanyu.

Zhou Yanci interrupted her, “I’m not interested in a marriage alliance.” Meng Yingrong frowned, “Do you have someone you like?”

Zhou Yanci rubbed his temples, “I just don’t have plans to marry yet.” Marrying a wealthy heiress from a suitable family, having a child, and then divorcing, just like his parents?

Zhou Yanci didn’t see the point in such a marriage.

Meng Yingrong breathed a sigh of relief. Zhou Yanci just didn’t want a marriage alliance, not that he had someone he liked. That was manageable. She was afraid Zhou Yanci might fall for some “Cinderella” like other spoiled heirs, going to great lengths to marry her, which would be a headache. For families like theirs, marriage should be an asset, not a burden.

“It’s fine, don’t overthink it,” Meng Yingrong softened her tone, comforting Zhou Yanci. “I’ll handle the marriage alliance. I met Miss Lu at a banquet recently. She’s well-educated and refined. She’s definitely the best choice for you…”

After the conversation ended, Zhou Yanci left the lounge.

Given his status, he could afford to be cold toward many people. As the CEO of Zhou Corporation, he had that privilege. But with his mother, perhaps because his parents divorced early and he rarely experienced familial warmth growing up, Zhou Yanci had a bit more patience.

Even so, every conversation with Meng Yingrong left Zhou Yanci feeling more exhausted.

As soon as he stepped out of the lounge, Zhou Yanci saw a young woman in a black haute couture gown standing at the door, holding a cup of tea.

When she saw Zhou Yanci, Ye Luoyi’s cheeks flushed, her ears turning crimson.

“Mr. Zhou…” she shyly lowered her head.

Zhou Yanci was momentarily stunned, but his excellent memory quickly recalled her name. “Miss Ye, hello.”

Ye Luoyi was startled, her heart racing as she looked at Zhou Yanci with hope.

Her heart was pounding so hard she could feel it in her chest. After all these years… Zhou Yanci still remembered her. He actually remembered her!

Ye Luoyi handed him the tea, “Mr. Zhou, would you like some water?”

Zhou Yanci was puzzled but politely accepted the tea, “Thank you.”

Meanwhile—

The system updated Yan Xi on the situation in real-time.

[Oh ho!]

[Major plot development!]

[The charming female lead has encountered her third “fish”!]

Yan Xi received feedback from Xingyao’s legal team while discussing contract revisions with Assistant Sun. In her mind, she asked the system, “Third fish? Ye Luoyi’s first was Pei Yubai, the second was Qin Li. So who’s the third?” Yan Xi thought about the notable characters in *Blue* and her eyes slowly widened. “Wait, it’s not Zhou Yanci, is it?”

[Bingo!]

The system made a sound effect of snapping fingers. [You guessed right, but no reward!]

Yan Xi: !!!

“No way! Mr. Zhou is even more of a background character than I am! And he’s going to die of overwork within six months!”

[Zhou Yanci is indeed a background character, but in the novel, he saved Ye Luoyi when they were kids. He’s her unattainable white moonlight~] [Zhou Yanci is engaged to Miss Lu, so Ye Luoyi never had a chance to get close to him. Later, when Zhou Yanci dies, Ye Luoyi cries bitterly!] [You think Ye Luoyi has been indecisive all this time? It’s because she’s still hung up on her unrequited love for her white moonlight~]

Yan Xi: …

What a messed-up character relationship.

[Now, because of your interference, Zhou Yanci hasn’t met Miss Lu yet, but he’s already crossed paths with Ye Luoyi. Who knows how things will develop from here~]

The system was gleefully enjoying the drama, as the juicier the gossip, the more entertaining it was. Yan Xi finalized the last clause of the contract with Assistant Sun and had him print out the updated version.

Returning to the sofa, Yan Xi stroked her chin. “System, based on what you’re saying, I think Zhou Yanci is doomed.”

System: ???

The system's gossipy curiosity was piqued: 【Why?】

"Although this world is a 1vN novel where everyone is infatuated with the protagonist, the male lead, Pei Yubai, has already been decided. Since Ye Luoyi likes Zhou Yanci, if Zhou Yanci doesn't die, what role does Pei Yubai have left to play?"

"Plus, with Qingyu's existence, the only outcome for Zhou Yanci is sudden death."

The system was so shocked it almost couldn't form words. After a while, the little glowing ball reluctantly admitted, 【Seems like that's the case...】

Yan Xi was simply analyzing the logic from the perspective of the novel.

The early encounter between Ye Luoyi and Zhou Yanci was a butterfly effect, but what truly led to Zhou Yanci's sudden death was the fate of the villainess, Zhou Qingyu.

Outside the restroom, Zhou Yanci accepted the tea Ye Luoyi handed him, giving her a slight nod, but he didn't drink it.

He never consumed anything of unknown origin.

Passing by Ye Luoyi, Zhou Yanci handed the tea to an assistant in the studio before returning to the Blue Hall.

Seeing this, Ye Luoyi felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.

In the Blue Hall, Zhou Qingyu had already changed into an elaborate gown. Since the dress wasn't tailored to her figure, it looked slightly ill-fitting. The designer had temporarily pinned it to better accentuate her curves. The moment Zhou Qingyu stepped out of the fitting room, she instantly captured everyone's attention. The combination of her breathtaking beauty and the most prestigious limited-edition haute couture gown was a killer move in the fashion world.

The live stream's comments froze for a moment, then erupted like a tidal wave: 【Ahhhhhhh!】

【Is this level of beauty even real?】

【She looks like a princess straight out of a fairy tale!】

【M's gowns are actually this stunning? I never realized before!】

【After all, it's a red-carpet luxury brand, and this is a limited edition.】

【The biggest regret in the young lady's life must be not being able to kiss her own cheek!】

【Every frame could be a wallpaper!】

The people in the hall were equally awestruck. Even Meng Yingrong was momentarily stunned. She had to admit that Zhou Qingyu wore their family's gown exceptionally well. With her radiant beauty and meticulous styling, it seemed as though any mistake she made could be forgiven.

Zhou Yanci gave a subtle signal to the designers from M, who immediately understood and brought out another limited-edition haute couture gown.

"Try another one," Zhou Yanci instructed Zhou Qingyu.

Zhou Qingyu frowned, her delicate brows furrowing. "Zhou Yanci, are you ordering me around?"

Assistant Sun handed a printed endorsement contract to Zhou Yanci, who glanced at it without even looking at Zhou Qingyu. His tone was cool. "I just want to see how you look in other outfits. If you only look good in this one gown, we don't need such a limited spokesperson."

Zhou Qingyu placed her hands on her hips. "Nonsense! I look stunning in any gown! Just you wait!"

With that, she grabbed the gown from the designer and stormed back into the fitting room without another word.

Yan Xi: "..."

The system: "..."

The system was speechless: 【Such a clumsy provocation, even I can see through it. How can the young lady not?】

Yan Xi sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That's why I have doubts about the novel's claim that Qingyu and Zhou Yanci are rivals... Does Qingyu even have the ability to compete with Zhou Yanci? Isn't he just toying with her?"

Zhou Yanci, unaware of Yan Xi's distraction, continued to instruct the designers, "Give her the matching jewelry too. It doesn't have to be limited edition; just choose what complements the outfit best. The focus is on the overall presentation."

Yan Xi instantly realized Zhou Yanci's intentions.

"System, check M's sales. Have they gone up?" 【Let me see!】

【Looking at their e-commerce platform's sales data... they've indeed improved significantly!】

【Ah! Zhou Yanci is using the young lady to promote their products!】

Yan Xi took a deep breath. "Exactly! What a cunning businessman!"