Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 51

At the moment of wrap-up, Ran Lin had imagined feeling a variety of emotions—excitement, reflection, exhilaration, reluctance, and more.

But he never anticipated feeling so wistful, as if a part of his soul had been taken away. It was an emptiness he had never experienced before, a feeling he first encountered with <Sword of Fallen Flowers>.

Perhaps it was because this was his first major role, with significant screen time over a long period and deeply immersed, that when Fang Xian ceased to exist in the world, a piece of his heart left with the character.

This mood persisted at the wrap party.

As Chinese New Year approached, the post-production phase of the entire shoot was a race against time. Finally, thanks to the heavy snowfall, they managed to wrap up a day earlier than planned, saving the time and effort it would have taken to create a snowy scene.

For a large-scale production like <Sword of Fallen Flowers> this one-day advance meant saving at least hundreds of thousands in basic expenses, not to mention the costs for actors, locations, and other logistics. Often, film crews don’t just fail to finish early; they delay for various reasons, leading to soaring expenses in venue rentals, actor salaries, and day-to-day costs.

Comparing the two scenarios, the producer, who had been stressed about controlling the budget throughout the shoot, was so moved by the turn of events that they felt like offering incense in gratitude.

In appreciation of the cast and crew’s hard work, the standard wrap party was upgraded to a luxurious feast. Everyone headed straight to the hotel after wrapping up, and before they even warmed their seats, a variety of delicious dishes started flowing in, each one more tempting than the last.

With delicious food set in front of them, who would care about other things? After months of hard work, everyone dived into the feast with the intent to make up for all the hardships, eating and drinking merrily.

Within an hour, everyone loosened up, chatting loudly, urging each other to drink, eating heartily, and taking joyful group photos. It was hard to distinguish between directors, producers, lighting crew, and crew members in the jovial atmosphere.

Ran Lin was happy, but his joy was shadowed by a sense of emptiness, making his happiness seem quiet and subdued. He didn’t share Tang Xiaoyu’s excitement of wanting to drink with everyone; instead, he quietly watched everything, enjoying the moment in his own subdued way.

Thankfully, in the hustle and bustle of the party, no one seemed to notice his mood.

“What are you thinking about?”

Well, except for Lu Yiyao, his tablemate.

The main actors were seated with the producer, director, and scriptwriter, but at that moment, the producer and director were engaged in conversations elsewhere, and the scriptwriter and the third male lead were deeply engrossed in a discussion about poetry and philosophy, completely forgetting the others at the table.

That left the first and second leads, one who didn’t care for the drinking culture and was politely declining drinks, and the other who had finished his social duties and was now leisurely enjoying some more dishes.

Lu Yiyao, after changing out of his costume, was dressed in a high-neck sweater and a wool coat, looking dashing and refined. Now, with the coat off, his demeanor softened. High-neck sweaters aren’t easy to pull off; they can make one look neckless and frumpy. But on Lu Yiyao, it looked perfect, enhancing his polite and dignified demeanor. His hair was casually styled; most of it was swept back with a few strands falling over his forehead, making his attractive eyes even more captivating.

Fortunately, he seemed to have turned off his charm, his gaze clear and calm. Ran Lin was able to respond after a moment’s thought, smiling. “Just thinking that I’ll have to set my alarm later from tomorrow on. Kind of don’t want to.”

Lu Yiyao chuckled, teasingly suggesting, “Well, you wake up in stages anyways. Just set the last alarm.”

Ran Lin playfully retorted. “Then there’s no need to get up at eight if he starts the first phase at four.”

Lu Yiyao laughed, revealing his white teeth. Ran Lin was dazzled by the sight and suddenly asked, “Do you have a toothpaste endorsement?”

Lu Yiyao was stunned, blinking in confusion, and shook his head.

As Ran Lin stuffed a snow cotton red bean pastry into his mouth, he seriously and earnestly suggested, “You should have your agent discuss one for you. Really, it’s a waste not to endorse something with those teeth of yours.”

The friend’s suggestion was sincere and serious, but as he continued eating, puffing his cheeks like a hamster, it lacked any persuasive power.

Lu Yiyao couldn’t help but laugh and feel helpless, casually picking another pastry for him.

Ran Lin, never one to refuse, puffed his cheeks out again, graciously munching away and politely saying, “Don’t just feed me. Have some yourself… It’s really good…”

There were a few dishes on the table that Lu Yiyao hadn’t tried, and this pastry was among them. However, having his appetite piqued, he picked one up and took a bite, only to feel a bit awkward.

The pastry was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, sweet and rich—the chef’s skills were impeccable. But for him, the dish was just too sweet.

“Is it not good?” Ran Lin immediately understood Lu Yiyao’s expression, somewhat surprised. He chewed a few more times, finding his piece delightful.

“It’s a bit sweet,” Lu Yiyao said tactfully.

“Snow cotton red bean is supposed to be sweet.” Ran Lin, thinking he was criticizing, instinctively defended the chef. “And this red bean paste must be homemade by the hotel, not greasy at all, and not overly sweet…”

“It’s not that.” Lu Yiyao knew there was a misunderstanding and explained, “It’s not the dish’s problem. I’m just not very fond of sweets in general.”

“Oh…” Ran Lin felt a bit embarrassed and fell silent, not wanting to babble any further. After a while, feeling he had to express himself, he still muttered, “Maybe you should eat sweets occasionally. They can make you feel better.”

Lu Yiyao tilted his head to think for a moment, then said seriously, “No worries. I seldom feel down.”

Ran Lin glared at him. “Are you bragging?”

Lu Yiyao laughed and openly admitted, “Probably.”

Ran Lin wanted to kick him. But that was just a thought. Starting tomorrow, it would be difficult even to see him, and he couldn’t bear to part with even a few kicks.

“After the drama, what are your work plans?” Lu Yiyao asked casually.

Ran Lin shook his head. “I don’t know. Xi Jie hasn’t told me yet. I guess there are no arrangements. I’ll go home for the New Year first. What about you?”

“The same, going home first,” Lu Yiyao’s eyes softened. “But I have to start working on the fourth day of the lunar year, flying to Changsha.”

Ran Lin noticed that when Lu Yiyao mentioned home, there were two completely different styles: sometimes tender as water, sometimes with deep bitterness. He was actually very curious, but he always restrained himself from asking. Initially, it was because he felt it was inappropriate to pry into others’ privacy, but now he felt he simply wasn’t in a position to ask.

Lu Yiyao no longer invited him for meals or talked about true friendship. Their interactions in the last week of the drama group were as plain as water.

“Being busy is good,” Ran Lin said politely. “Like me, wanting to be busy but having nothing to do.”

Lu Yiyao said, “Once this drama is aired, you’ll be extremely busy.”

Ran Lin looked up at him. “Really?”

Lu Yiyao nodded. “Yes, you’ll find yourself suddenly overwhelmed with endless invitations, non-stop work, fervent fans, and… a skyrocketing bank balance.”

Ran Lin swallowed, his eyes shimmering with the light of currency. “Actually, you could have just mentioned the last part…”

Lu Yiyao knew he was joking, but he still couldn’t help but ruffle his hair. “Money-grubber.”

It was meant to be a ruffle, but the touch was brief, as Ran Lin dodged it subtly.

Lu Yiyao’s hand paused mid-air, feeling somewhat awkward, then saw Ran Lin shaking his head and humming a tune. “They say money is a bastard~~ but it looks so good~~~”

He hummed just a couple of lines, deliberately off-tune, but the awkwardness suddenly dispersed.

Lu Yiyao withdrew his hand naturally and suddenly remembered a leaked shampoo outtake, so he asked, “Did you study music?”

“No, just a hobby.” Ran Lin smiled at him. “You know, during school days, being able to play and sing adds to the charm.”

Lu Yiyao leaned on his arm and looked at Ran Lin objectively. “You’re naturally good-looking. You don’t need to sing.”

Ran Lin no longer felt joy from compliments and mimicked him, resting his chin on his arm, turning his face to meet Lu Yiyao’s eyes.

“Are you planning to always chat with me forever while holding me in high esteem?” Perhaps the atmosphere was too tranquil and peaceful, or perhaps the few drinks had warmed his head. Ran Lin suddenly felt that it wasn’t a big deal to be open since they understood each other without words, why continue to pretend ignorance?

Lu Yiyao was caught off guard by Ran Lin’s question. Instinctively, he wanted to explain that he wasn’t deliberately flattering him; he was just speaking the truth, but he knew it wasn’t entirely so. Because of his refusal, there was a sense of guilt for hurting someone, which made him restrain impulses that he would have previously teased about.

It turned out he wasn’t the only one who felt it was very dry.

Seeing Lu Yiyao’s hesitating expression, Ran Lin knew he was playing out scenarios in his head again.

Sometimes Ran Lin felt tired for Lu Yiyao, wondering why he had to live so uprightly, as if he were a signboard in the Forbidden City, unable to tolerate a slight misalignment. But what was charming about Lu Yiyao was exactly this.

“Hey.” Ran Lin glanced around, noticing no one paid attention to their table in the bustling environment, then looked at Tang Xiaoyu and Song Mang, who were almost under the table from drinking, and whispered to Lu Yiyao, “Come here.”

Lu Yiyao doubted he heard right.

They were already sitting close, barely an arm’s length apart. In such proximity, how could he “come over” further?

Ran Lin sighed. If the mountain won’t come to him, he’d go to it. He moved his chair closer to Lu Yiyao, leaning in as if they were villains in a TV drama, whispering plots. Lu Yiyao didn’t move away, but facing the second male lead so close, he felt an ominous sense.

Finally, Ran Lin spoke, his voice low but his expression open and honest, contrary to their sneaky “plotting” behavior.

“Do you know what I admire and envy most about you?”

Asking questions was Lu Yiyao’s favorite but most failed tactic.

But with Ran Lin, it flowed smoothly. Lu Yiyao didn’t need to answer; he just needed to listen attentively.

“It’s that no matter what, you can discuss anything openly because you don’t hide any darkness in your heart, so you’re willing to pull others to bask in the sunlight with you.”

Ran Lin spoke frankly, his gaze steady and clear.

Lu Yiyao was stunned.

At that moment, he couldn’t tell if he was facing Ran Lin or Fang Xian; Ran Lin wasn’t this laid-back and suave, and Fang Xian wasn’t this gentle and calm.

“Today, I’ll learn from you,” Ran Lin said. He took a deep breath and looked around like a thief to ensure safety, then turned back to Lu Yiyao, whispering as softly as his breath. “I like you.”

Lu Yiyao’s mind went blank, forgetting to breathe.

Ran Lin exhaled, feeling as if a cool breeze had blown through his heart, refreshing and pleasant.

Speaking the truth wasn’t hard.

If it were someone else, he wouldn’t have said it, but somehow with Lu Yiyao, he felt reassured even after speaking the truth, as if certain Lu Yiyao wouldn’t betray his trust.

Like he once told Xi Ruohan, falling in love with you is a happiness.

“Surprised or not, happy or not?” With a mischievous lift of his eyebrows, Ran Lin murmured with a smile.

Lu Yiyao didn’t know what to say. Facing an unconventional friend was truly exhausting. At this moment, he felt the neatly arranged thoughts in his head had turned into a tangled mess due to a cat’s paw.

Seeing Lu Yiyao’s bewildered look, Ran Lin’s lips curved up, deciding not to tease him anymore. He softened his voice and said, “I know, and you know, so let’s not both gingerly protect that thin layer of paper. It’s tiring for you and for me. But I still need to say sorry for troubling you…”

Lu Yiyao’s heart slowly calmed down. He seemed to know what Ran Lin was about to say, but for some reason, he didn’t really want to hear it.

“I respect you.” Ran Lin suddenly raised a glass of wine, his smile bright. “After this drink, let’s turn a page on all this mess.”

Lu Yiyao touched the bottle of liquor but hesitated to move. Ran Lin thought he still had concerns, so he decisively took his own bottle to pour for him. As he poured, he said, “You don’t need to worry. I’ve truly given up. No, I never really intended anything. Actually, if you hadn’t noticed, this could have just passed without anyone being the wiser. So you need to look inward; being too intuitive isn’t always cute, you know…”

After his rambling, Lu Yiyao’s cup was full. Putting down the bottle, Ran Lin picked up his own cup, staring intently at him. Lu Yiyao felt a moment of daze before realizing he had already raised his cup.

Their glasses clinked, emitting a crisp and pleasant sound. Ran Lin downed his drink in one go, feeling relieved and as if clouds had lifted from his brow.

“Hey,” Ran Lin said, putting down his cup and sensing something amiss. “It’s all been me talking. You should say something at least.”

Coming back to his senses, Lu Yiyao, unsure of what to say, finally strained to offer, “To a friendship that lasts forever.”

Ran Lin watched Lu Yiyao drink, thinking that the man was really unfortunate. A proper star had been dragged onto a bumper car ride by him, bumbling and tumbling around until finally realizing he’s a road hazard but still insisting on continuing as a passenger.

Contemplating breaking up with a straight man to this extent could almost send one to hell, Ran Lin thought. Even if he hadn’t done it, just the thought was enough for Lu Yiyao to have a thousand reasons to break ties with him. Yet, not only did he not do so, but he also went out of his way to care for his feelings and give him a way out. Facing such a Lu Yiyao, Ran Lin couldn’t feign ignorance or wish to see him troubled because of himself.

After tonight, Lu Yiyao wouldn’t need to worry about this trifle anymore, no longer feeling the need to make amends, continuing as the busy star he was, shining in his own world.

Lu Yiyao didn’t like drinking, but he didn’t despise it to the point of being unable to swallow. However, today’s drink was an exception. He finished it in three attempts, thinking the whole time that he wanted to put it down and say, “I’m not drinking this. I need more time to think, and you can’t just decide to turn the page on your own.” 

However, the cup he finally put back on the table was empty.

Ran Lin looked at the empty cup, feeling utterly relieved. The drama wrap was complete, and so was this awkward little issue. Nothing could be more satisfying as a conclusion.

Lu Yiyao watched Ran Lin’s face light up with newfound freedom, watched him pick the last two sweet bean paste buns with his chopsticks, eating heartily and carefree. He inexplicably wanted to pinch those puffed cheeks.

How could it just be over?

How could it end like this?

How could it be that just because you say you like me, then you like me, and when you say you give up, you give up, without even consulting the “victim”?

But then he thought, wasn’t it his wish to “pretend like nothing ever happened”? Now that the outcome wasn’t just in line with but far exceeded his expectations, what was there to be unsatisfied about?

Ding.

The familiar sound of a WeChat notification interrupted Lu Yiyao’s tumultuous thoughts.

It was from Ran Lin’s phone on the table.

Ran Lin stopped eating and picked up his phone with a puzzled look. Within seconds, his face changed from “just escaped from Wuzhishan” to “once again under a tight spell.”

Before Lu Yiyao could ask, Ran Lin looked at him and whispered, “Zhang Beichen.”

Lu Yiyao immediately became alert, forgetting all about likes, dislikes, and turning pages. “He’s looking for you?”

“Or rather, for both of us,” Ran Lin said. “He knows we wrapped up today and asked when we are leaving Hengdian, wondering if we could have a meal together.”

Lu Yiyao’s lips pressed into a line, pondering for a long time before asking, “What do you think?”

“Could it be…” Ran Lin said hopefully, “He wants to come clean with us?”

Lu Yiyao didn’t confirm or deny, simply saying, “Then he’s been dragging this out for quite some time.”

Ran Lin understood Lu Yiyao’s implication. In fact, he didn’t harbor much hope for this dinner with Zhang Beichen, feeling it was more of a probe than a confession. Besides, the return tickets provided by the crew were for early tomorrow morning. They could change them, but it would be a hassle. Moreover, if Zhang Beichen truly intended to confess, whether through a meal, a call, or even a simple WeChat message, it could be done.

Seeing Ran Lin stand up, Lu Yiyao asked in surprise, “Where are you going?”

“To make a call,” Ran Lin said.

“To him?”

“Yeah.”

“What will you say?”

“Depends on what he says.”

“Make the call, but don’t be foolish…”

“Elder Brother,” Ran Lin suddenly used his character’s name for Lu Yiyao. “I’m a thousand times smarter than you, okay?”

Lu Yiyao was taken aback, not only by the address but also by the attitude.

Unconsciously smiling, he said, “Go on, Young Master Fang.”

Ran Lin took his phone to a relatively quiet corner, calmed his mind for a moment, then dialed Zhang Beichen’s number.

The other side picked up quickly. “Ran Lin?”

“Yeah,” Ran Lin tried to sound natural. “The wrap party is still going. It’s a bit noisy.”

“No problem,” Zhang Beichen said. “Did you get my message?”

Ran Lin replied, “Got it, but we probably can’t make it. We’re leaving early tomorrow.”

“Oh…” Zhang Beichen sounded slightly downcast.

Ran Lin felt a strange twinge, unclear if it was discomfort or hope.

“Do you have something to say?” he asked. “If there’s something, you can say it over the phone.”

There was silence on the other end.

It might have been a moment or an eternity, Ran Lin waited intently, losing track of time.

Finally, the voice on the other end brightened, as if even the initial downcast tone had disappeared. “Nothing much, just that after spending several months here, it’s a pity we only got together once.”

Ran Lin’s eyes dimmed, and after a long while, he said, “Yeah, it’s a pity.”

They chatted a bit more about inconsequential things, mostly about their experiences filming. Ran Lin inexplicably didn’t want to continue the conversation and ended the call hastily.

Turning around, he found Lu Yiyao had come up behind him at some point.

“What did he say?” Lu Yiyao asked.

Ran Lin sighed, forcing a smile.

Lu Yiyao understood and shrugged. “As expected, don’t worry too much.”

Ran Lin shook his head, sincerely saying, “It’s fine.”

It was really okay.

Some time had passed, and the busy work had already diluted the discomfort. The only reason for making the call was holding onto that last bit of hope.

Perhaps Zhang Beichen wasn’t the mastermind in this matter. To assume more extremely, he might not have even been aware at the beginning. But once the situation erupted, even he could suspect Zhang Beichen, so he didn’t believe Zhang Beichen himself wouldn’t have doubts. And an agent would almost never do anything without informing their artist; even if they did, they would need to face the questioning later. Otherwise, the artist would explode, potentially causing irrational actions that would lead to mutual destruction, a loss for both sides.

Therefore, Zhang Beichen might be the planner, or at least aware, but definitely not innocent.

Just like he himself once tacitly allowed his team to hype things up.

Zhang Beichen’s WeChat message interrupted the previous conversation, making it impossible to continue. Lu Yiyao and Ran Lin, who had returned to their seats, somehow started talking about the arduous journey in the entertainment industry. It was probably Ran Lin who started the conversation, intending to say that from another perspective, he could understand Zhang Beichen. It’s not easy to make a name in this circle, and even harder to maintain it, so any minor issue would cause significant tension, sometimes leading them to extremes.

But as the conversation continued, he began to share their own hard-fought histories, how he became popular from a photo, signing with an agency, and the minor roles he played after debuting. It was almost like a personal autobiography.

Feeling like he was veering into self-pity, Ran Lin stopped and said to Li Yiyao, “Don’t just listen to me. Talk about yourself.”

Lu Yiyao had never revealed his debut story to any colleague, not even to Yao Hong. Initially, she knew a little, under the company’s instructions, but her knowledge was more speculation than solid fact.

He had often thought that perhaps one day in the future, he would make a close friend within the circle, and they would chat about their pasts in an idyllic setting.

The reality was far from this ideal. There was no cool breeze, only air conditioning; no moonlight, just electric lights; no sound of waves, only the noisy clinking of glasses and a mess of dishes and cups, with two drunken colleagues sleeping across the table.

But he spoke anyway, earnestly and in detail, afraid of deviating even slightly from the truth.

“I went to England for high school, and by my sophomore year, it had been eight years. People talk about the seven-year itch, but I hit my breaking point in the eighth year and was determined to return home. I was studying drama, and a friend whose family was involved in the entertainment industry introduced me to Pentium Times. My first role was the third male lead, then the second male lead, and then the lead…”

Realizing how bland his story seemed, Lu Yiyao couldn’t continue and sincerely looked at Ran Lin, concluding, “That’s it.”

Ran Lin felt deep envy and frustration. “That’s it? What more could you want…”

Even the so-called anti-Japanese dramas wouldn’t allow such a flawless protagonist!

After the banter, Ran Lin remembered something and asked, “Don’t you regret not finishing college?”

“If a journalist asked, I would say I do,” Lu Yiyao replied.

“What about when I ask?” Ran Lin inquired.

Lu Yiyao’s eyes softened, like petals in the breeze. “If you’re asking, then the honest truth is, it’s okay.”

Previously, Ran Lin dreaded Lu Yiyao’s smile, as it would make his heart race. But now, he felt an odd calm, simply finding the man good looking—a pure appreciation of his looks. With a smile, all other sounds seemed to vanish, leaving only a gentle breeze and the faint scent of flowers and grass.

“Does your family not mind?”

“They’ve wanted me to go to business school from the beginning; I chose drama just to rebel.”

“So your choice wasn’t because you like acting?”

“Not really. It’s more like a slight interest.”

“……”

“What’s that look for?”

“I feel like representing all the people who love acting but never had the chance and want to throw a cake at you.”

“Why a cake?”

“Because you don’t like sweets.”

“……”

Only Ran Lin could “attack” someone so gently. Lu Yiyao, almost as if possessed, took another bite of the sweet bean paste bun. It was a bit cold now, making it taste sweeter, but somehow… it wasn’t too bad.

Ran Lin really wanted to ask why Lu Yiyao so casually chose such a significant life decision as his major just to oppose his family. But then he thought about how he studied Spanish and how it hadn’t really affected his life significantly.

Besides, he always felt Lu Yiyao was reluctant to discuss his family, so it might be safer to continue envying the seemingly effortless career of this male god…

“Keep it a secret.”

While he was lost in thought, Lu Yiyao’s request came to his ears.

Ran Lin didn’t react for a while and asked, “Keep what secret?”

Lu Yiyao looked around cautiously, confirming it was safe, then whispered, “I’m a connection-based hire.”

Ran Lin 囧*: “Even for later roles?”

*Clarity: While the character means something along the lines of oops, in this context, it’s mainly how it looks (a shocked face).

Lu Yiyao replied, “Not for those. After the third male lead role, I gained some popularity and never lacked opportunities.”

Ran Lin looked at him in despair. “If I didn’t know you well and understand you’re just stating facts, I’d really be angry.”

Lu Yiyao laughed at this but then became serious again, sighing softly. “My dad always said that too much smooth sailing isn’t a good thing. If life is too smooth, there will definitely be hurdles ahead.”

Ran Lin suddenly remembered his own father saying something similar, though it seemed to differ from Lu Yiyao’s more philosophical father…

“I remember now.” Ran Lin tapped the table lightly. “My dad said, ‘When you encounter smooth sailing, it’ll continue smoothly.'”

Lu Yiyao couldn’t help but smile. “So whose advice should we follow?”

After thinking seriously for a moment, Ran Lin offered a solution. “Listen to both and combine them.”

“Did your dad ever say what to do when facing difficulties?” Lu Yiyao suddenly asked.

Ran Lin was surprised because his father indeed had advice. “If it’s too hard, just quit and come back to run the bun shop.”

Lu Yiyao was taken aback. “Your family is in the catering business?”

Ran Lin, slightly embarrassed, coughed lightly. “Not so glamorous, just a bun shop. It’s small, but my mom’s fillings are unmatched, and my dad’s kneading skills are exceptional…”

Lu Yiyao was enticed by the talk of food, but still asked with a scientific spirit, “How do you define dough with excellent ‘texture and strength’?”

Ran Lin thought about it and gave up. “That’s what my dad says. You’ll have to ask him.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Of course, Lu Yiyao wasn’t going to ask Ran Lin’s father for clarification; in fact, he didn’t even know why they were discussing such topics. But he found himself enjoying the conversation, even wishing that the wrap party would never end.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. At midnight, the wrap party finally concluded. Tang Xiaoyu and Song Mang were both dragged back to their hotel, fortunately before they got too drunk. The third male lead had the foresight to take a photo with the first and second male leads and promptly sent it to Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao after it was taken.

In the car back to the hotel, Ran Lin posted a Weibo about the wrap party of <Sword of Fallen Flowers> along with a collage of nine pictures, including the group photo of the entire crew, a photo of the three of them, and photos with the director, scriptwriter, other actors, and crew members.

The moment the Weibo was posted, all the memories of the past few months flashed before his eyes, as if sending off the memories to be archived once the post was published.

Liu Wanwan sensed Ran Lin’s melancholy and asked, “Ran Ge, are you a bit reluctant to let go?”

Ran Lin shook his head, put down his phone, and said word by word to his assistant, “Beautiful memories are meant to inspire us to keep moving forward.”

Liu Wanwan quietly watched him for a few seconds and asked, “Brother, do you have a burner Weibo account where you repost motivational quotes* every day?”

*Chicken soup. Refers to things, normally writings or articles, which affect motivation and make you feel good reading it, just like how chicken soup will warm your soul.

Ran Lin laughed, suddenly remembering something, and patted his assistant’s shoulder. “Wanwan, I did something really cool today.”

Liu Wanwan perked up. “What did you do?”

Ran Lin shook his head. “Can’t say.”

Liu Wanwan, frustrated but still hopeful, asked, “Can you at least say how cool it was?”

Ran Lin grinned, showing off a set of teeth as white as Lu Yiyao’s. “So cool that I was 2.8 meters tall today.”

In the end, Liu Wanwan had no idea what heroic feat her boss had accomplished. But she could clearly sense that the Ran Lin who finished this drama was different from a few months ago. It wasn’t specific changes, but occasionally, in his smile or the look in his eyes, he seemed less cautious and more boldly expressive, almost like… Fang Xian?

Perhaps it was telepathy, but on the way back, Lu Yiyao also posted a Weibo about the wrap, and after posting, he immediately went back to the homepage and saw Ran Lin’s post.

Without hesitation, he liked it and left a comment, then switched to WeChat, thinking of asking if Ran Lin had made it back to the hotel.

He typed halfway before realizing that it might not be necessary. Ran Lin would definitely have returned to the hotel; it’s only a few minutes’ drive, and it’s unlikely something happened. So this question seemed more like an excuse to talk.

The troubling part was, he really wanted an excuse to talk.

But he couldn’t. Not only had Ran Lin said they had turned the page, but even if Ran Lin hadn’t made things clear today, he had decided not to stir things up further. Although he didn’t consider it flirting, he wondered why he didn’t ask Tang Xiaoyu, Song Mang, or Chen Qizheng, and instead specifically wanted to ask Ran Lin.

“Lu Ge, are you okay?” Li Tong didn’t want to interrupt but seeing Lu Yiyao frowning and muttering under his breath without clarity, he couldn’t help but express concern.

“Li Tong…”

“Yes, Lu Ge, go ahead.”

“……”

Good, the assistant can now cue himself for the process.

With no Yao Hong around, only he and Li Tong were in the car, making it easier to ask—

“If a girl likes you, but you don’t like her back, what would you do?”

“Chase her like crazy,” Li Tong replied without hesitation. “Happiness is something you have to fight for. If you give up after being rejected…”

“Wait,” Lu Yiyao interrupted his assistant’s impassioned speech, unsure if he had misunderstood. “I mean, it’s not you who likes the girl. It’s the girl who likes you.”

Li Tong was stunned. “How could that happen?”

“It does,” Lu Yiyao said, feeling a pang of sadness, and patted his assistant’s shoulder, repeating the question. “If a girl likes you, but you don’t like her, what would you do?”

Li Tong thought for a moment and seriously replied, “It depends on whether she has confessed to me or not.”

The discussion was finally on the right track, and Lu Yiyao sat up straight. “What if she hasn’t confessed? And what if she has?”

Li Tong: “If she hasn’t confessed, I’d hint at her to confess. If she does, I’d try dating her. If she’s too shy to confess, we men can also take the initiative!”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Li Tong: “Lu Ge?”

Lu Yiyao: “No, it’s fine. You have a clear thought process.”

Leaning back into his seat, Lu Yiyao mentally hit himself with a cake a hundred times for the question he asked three minutes ago.

“Lu Ge.” Li Tong suddenly turned completely around, kneeling on the seat, leaning over the back to face Lu Yiyao directly. “Is it someone from the industry?”

Lu Yiyao didn’t understand. “What industry?”

Li Tong said, “The millions of followers V. Is she the one chasing you?”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Seeing his boss’s expression, Li Tong knew the answer. Sighing, he felt like his sympathies were aligning with Yao Hong’s, deeply worried for Lu Yiyao. “Lu Ge, next time you ask me something, don’t let me be myself. Let me be you, then I’ll know how to think about it.”

Lu Yiyao looked at him, unwilling to trust easily.

Li Tong continued regardless, “If I were you and the girl who likes me is a colleague, then I would need to be very careful. Since you don’t like her, don’t even touch it because there will be 100% rumors. If it were a real relationship, it might be worth it, but if you don’t like her and still get caught up in rumors, then it’s unnecessary.”

“What if I’ve already rejected her?”

“Did she confess?”

“Sort of.”

“Then it’s even more awkward; you can only try to avoid her as much as possible.”

“Do I have to avoid her?”

“Not necessarily.” Li Tong rested his chin on the backrest. “But if you’ve already rejected her and still linger around her. What if she keeps hoping there’s a chance with you?”

Lu Yiyao frowned. “Does that mean we can’t work together anymore? Avoid her at press conferences, filming, interviews, parties, and celebrity gatherings?”

“If it’s for work, then there’s no helping it, but…” Li Tong leaned closer to Lu Yiyao. “Lu Ge, do you actually want to avoid her or not?”

Lu Yiyao avoided his assistant’s probing, seemingly calm as he looked out the window but actually not focusing on anything. “I just feel like, now that everything’s out in the open, there’s no need to avoid her deliberately, right?”

Li Tong looked at his boss’s profile and mustered up the courage to ask, “Lu Ge, don’t be mad at me for being nosy, but is she chasing you, or are you chasing her?”

Lu Yiyao was taken aback, asking instinctively, “Why would you have that doubt?”

Li Tong felt his suspicion was very normal. “Because you look more like the one who was rejected.”

Lu Yiyao’s gaze finally focused on the car window, ignoring the fleeting darkness outside. The reflection showed a face marred by worry.

It certainly didn’t look like the face of someone being pursued.

“Li Tong.” Lu Yiyao withdrew his gaze and looked at his assistant with a sigh. “It’s too hard to be a good person.”

Li Tong shrugged. “Then be a bad person.”

Lu Yiyao was confused. “Huh?”

“No,” Li Tong clarified. “I mean, just be yourself. Celebrities should date if they want to, but of course, you should first inform Hong Jie, and public relations need to keep up. Otherwise, fans will definitely react…”

“There’s no need to think so far ahead,” Lu Yiyao said, frustrated, interrupting his assistant’s planning. “I need to find myself first.”

Li Tong didn’t quite understand. Finding oneself seemed too profound for him.

Lu Yiyao picked up his phone again and finished the message he had interrupted before—[Have you reached the hotel?]

Even as his own car arrived at the hotel, Ran Lin hadn’t responded.

Lu Yiyao was in a subdued mood all the way to his room.

He took a subdued shower, went to bed subdued, and even his dreams were heavy.

In the dream, Li Tong immediately guessed, “It’s Ran Lin, right? You’re chasing Ran Lin!”

He explained in Chinese, English, and some other unknown language countless times to Li Tong that it wasn’t him chasing Ran Lin but Ran Lin chasing him. But his assistant kept covering his ears, chanting, “I’m not listening. I’m not listening,” and even started singing—

The young man under the sun~~ Has your dream come true~~ In this cold world~~ Have you changed~~

He only knew it was Ran Lin’s ringtone, but it was during the wrap party while listening to Ran Lin’s struggle story that he learned it was his first single after debuting.

Li Tong sang so terribly that he woke up before the song even finished. It was only 4 a.m., which had recently become his usual wake-up time.

Reluctantly, Lu Yiyao got up to freshen up and began packing his luggage while listening to the morning news.

Li Tong would come later to help him, but he preferred doing what he could on his own. Besides, there wasn’t much else to do at this time.

The pervasive sense of gloom from last night continued into his dreams and lingered until the morning. Even when the first rays of sunlight entered through the window, the first thing Lu Yiyao noticed was the dust floating in the light.

Then there was a knock at the door. It was Li Tong. And his phone rang, it was Ran Lin.

Lu Yiyao checked his phone first while still crouching.

[Sorry, I went to sleep as soon as I got back yesterday and didn’t check my phone. Is something up?]

[No, just checking if you made it.]

[It’s just a two-step distance, and we took a car. Are you too distrustful of our harmonious society? 😂]

Lu Yiyao, looking at that laughing-crying emoji, felt his heart suddenly clear and sunny.

Li Tong, not receiving any response for a long time, was about to call when the door opened. His boss, with dark circles under his eyes, was all smiles.

Then he heard Lu Yiyao declare, “I’ve found myself.”

Li Tong swallowed hard and asked, “Do we need to inform Hong Jie first? You’re dating now, the public relations…”

“No need to inform her. This matter can’t be PR’d.” Lu Yiyao pulled his assistant in and shut the door firmly.

Li Tong stood at the entrance, not wanting to venture further, fearing being pulled into some dark organization.

Lu Yiyao didn’t push him and just stood at the entrance, almost in a “wall slam” pose. “So, you have to help me keep this a secret. You can’t tell Hong Jie, and certainly can’t tell anyone else.”

Li Tong had never felt such an important duty before, his blood boiling. “Lu Ge, trust me, even if it rots in my stomach, I won’t utter a word.”

Lu Yiyao looked at him for a long time, nodded approvingly, then turned back to his room to continue humming a tune while packing his luggage.

Li Tong hurriedly followed. “Lu Ge, who is it?”

Lu Yiyao: “Can’t say.”

Li Tong: “Is it an internet celebrity or an actor?”

Lu Yiyao: “Can’t say.”

Li Tong: “Where are they from?”

Lu Yiyao: “Can’t say.”

Li Tong: “What song are you humming?”

Lu Yiyao: “Can’t say.”

Li Tong: “……”

As if sensing his inner turmoil, Lu Yiyao stopped his tune and looked up. His usual smile was gone, replaced by a rare hesitation. “This is complicated and involves a lot. It has to be handled carefully.”

Li Tong: “Didn’t you say she likes you?”

Lu Yiyao shook his head gently. “You don’t understand.”

Li Tong: “……”

How could he not understand? He knew the question from last night was a facade, about being pursued by a girl and not liking her back. Clearly, his boss was longing for something unattainable!

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Kinky Thoughts:

Yes! Finally! Go get him son!

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