Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

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Chapter 58

After returning from Shanghai, Ran Lin first read the script of <Mint Green> and made some brief notes. Instead of diving deep into the intricacies right away, he decided to read the original novel.

The novel <Mint Green> wasn’t too long, totaling 170,000 words. Unlike the nostalgic school themes popular on the big screen these days, this novel was set in the present, characterized by the restlessness and loss unique to the information explosion era, as well as the self-awareness, bravery, and openness of the new generation.

The main storyline was about love, but it didn’t shy away from the various issues in current education, as well as the impact of family and society on young people who were just starting to experience the world. The authenticity of the environmental details made this love story more delicate and textured. Overall, it was more about a journey of self-growth than love. Without glossing over or wallowing in despair, it genuinely portrayed youth, resonating strongly with readers, especially the younger generation.

The author’s skilled writing was evident, and the screenplay adapted the essence of the novel brilliantly, capturing both the bittersweetness of first love and the courage to face the future. The former was delicate, the latter was passionate, and the screenplay also incorporated clever, fitting humor that didn’t overshadow the main story but added beauty like small, lovely waves.

While reading the script, Ran Lin felt it was a compelling story, but it was after reading the novel that he understood its popularity. Revisiting the script after the novel, he appreciated the solid, beautiful adaptation even more.

No wonder Wang Xi mentioned that many financiers and actors were interested, yet opportunities were scarce.

<Mint Green> isn’t a typical commercial blockbuster, but youth films have their advantages—they don’t burn money. Less financial risk means lower box office pressure, and if marketing and word of mouth are good, a small investment can yield a large return. Plus, the novel itself carries IP popularity.

For young actors, especially those who rely on looks and popularity, such films offer a chance to showcase acting skills. A decent performance that doesn’t feel awkward on the big screen can be marketed as a transformative effort. If the performance is particularly good, it can solidify a reputation for acting talent, standing out among peers who might not yet boast about their acting skills.

Just like after <Beihai Tree>, no one said Lu Yiyao relied only on his looks anymore. The narrative became, “Despite having the looks, he relies on his talent.” Regardless of how much truth or exaggeration there is, when repeated often enough, it forms a lasting impression.

And a youth commercial film with literary qualities like <Mint Green>, even more promising than pure art films like <Beihai Tree>, offers both prestige and the potential for box office success.

So, the only challenge Ran Lin faced was, according to the script, the male lead is a goofy youth who rides a hoverboard to class.

Goofy, Ran Lin could do.

Hoverboarding, however, left Ran Lin baffled and clueless.

So, throughout April, aside from reading the script, getting into character, practicing lines, and acting out scenes in the mirror, he was riding a hoverboard purchased online, zipping around the apartment building in the dead of night.

When buying the hoverboard, the store owner thoughtfully recommended a full set of protective gear—the kind kids wear when learning to roller skate—helmet, elbow pads, knee pads. Ran Lin thought his balance was good enough not to need them, but after a few falls that bruised his legs, he promptly left a heartfelt positive review for the store and then dutifully suited up as a safety baby.

When Lu Yiyao sent over a photo, Ran Lin was downstairs taking a breezy ride on his hoverboard.

He naturally stopped and, standing on the hoverboard, facing the cool April night breeze, opened the photo sent by Teacher Lu.

The photo showed two buddies, arms over each other’s shoulders. One was naturally Lu Yiyao, and the other was a youth Ran Lin didn’t recognize. The stranger had single eyelids, thin lips, and a healthy complexion. Interestingly, while each of his features looked quite ordinary alone—only his straight, handsome nose stood out—when put together, they formed an unexpectedly harmonious and roguishly handsome face.

Perhaps influenced by his friend, the Lu Yiyao in the photo didn’t have his usual upright and stern demeanor. Instead, he looked like a youth who had fallen in with the wrong crowd, intriguing Ran Lin.

It was a selfie that seemed casual yet was anything but.

The stranger was casual, laughing heartily and carelessly without even looking properly at the camera.

Teacher Lu was anything but casual, perfectly angled, with just the right shadows, a handsome smile, and expressive eyes.

[This is me and Huo Yuntao.]

Following the photo, Lu Yiyao sent a brief explanation.

Ran Lin guessed as much without needing the clarification.

Ran Lin—[You took it, right?]

Lu Yiyao—[You can tell even without seeing my arms?]

Ran Lin—[Don’t need to look at the arms; your face is enough. Obviously, it’s captured at your most beautiful moment.]

Lu Yiyao—[That’s not a sufficient reason. Even if he took it, the effect would be the same.]

Ran Lin—[…Please spare me some of your confidence, just a little, and I could soar to the skies.]

Lu Yiyao—[ 🤗]

Lu Yiyao—[Did you catch some immortal vibes?]

Ran Lin—[Are you still together?]

Lu Yiyao—[…Can you give a warning when you’re changing the subject?]

Ran Lin—[You didn’t give a heads-up when you took advantage.]

Lu Yiyao—[You win.gif]

Lu Yiyao—[He arrived by plane during the day, knew I was free, and came to see me in the evening.]

Ran Lin—[Your place?]

Lu Yiyao—[Yeah, my own apartment.]

Lu Yiyao—[[Map Location] Be careful when you come over. Three paparazzi are staking out regularly.]

Ran Lin—[…]

Lu Yiyao—[Save it, it’ll come in handy eventually. 😊]

Ran Lin—[You’re no longer the upright and stern Teacher Lu I knew…]

Lu Yiyao—[You might have had some unscientific misunderstandings about me from the very beginning.]

Ran Lin was utterly at a loss with Lu Yiyao.

Ever since he… well, seemed to have taken a different turn, he had been racing down the road of flirting with exceptional speed. The “naturally flirtatious” trait he once had was now fully evolved and upgraded. This evolution wasn’t very obvious face-to-face, but once in WeChat mode, it was as if his awkwardness and pressure were alleviated by “text communication”. Lu Yiyao’s skills were completely unleashed, striking right to the point.

Lu Yiyao—[Still practicing on the hoverboard?]

Lu Yiyao knew that if Ran Lin had no engagements, he would be practicing at this time every evening.

Ran Lin—[Yeah, I’ve basically mastered it now, striving for perfection.]

Lu Yiyao—[Be careful.]

Ran Lin—[Don’t worry.]

Lu Yiyao—[Next time we meet, you’ll have to teach me.]

Ran Lin unconsciously smiled, a vague warmth flowing through his heart, as if what was agreed upon wasn’t just about teaching hoverboard, but a promise—[Okay.]

……

In the blink of an eye, April passed, but Wang Xi still hadn’t managed to meet with investors. Ran Lin, however, had become extremely proficient in riding his hoverboard, darting between flower beds, green belts, cars, and bicycles below the building as if he was in a realm of his own—although occasionally, the hoverboard’s battery would run out halfway, leading to the awkward situation of “going with the vehicle carrying the person, returning with the person carrying the vehicle.”

Wang Xi was unaware of Ran Lin’s hoverboard practice and assumed he was diligently working on scripts at home. So, on May Day, when she called, she said, “Put the script aside for now. I’ll take you for some facial treatments and maintenance the next few days. The publicity for the show is about to pick up.”

The “publicity” she referred to was for the official promotion of <Sword of Fallen Flowers>.

On May 1^st, the official Weibo of <Sword of Fallen Flowers> posted—

[<Sword of Fallen Flowers> is officially scheduled for release and will premiere on May 28^th on @XX Television @XX Television! Long missed chivalrous tenderness, poetic and picturesque of the martial world, plots and intrigues, all succumb to a flourishing sword in the end! The ultimate poster is coming, and the Fallen Flowers group awaits you in the martial world! @Chen Qizheng @Song Mang @Lu Yiyao @Xi Ruohan @Ran Lin @Tang Xiaoyu @…]

The Weibo post included nine posters, featuring main and supporting characters like Tang Jingyu, Zhao Bu Yao, Fang Xian, Xu Chongfei, and Li’er, among four other significant supporting roles.

The post wasn’t just about releasing the ultimate posters; it marked the end of the pre-heating phase and the official launch of the promotional campaign for <Sword of Fallen Flowers>!

Shortly after the poster was released, the production team released a short trailer.

The trailer they chose features three characters taking a brotherly oath, showcasing Fang Xian’s carefree character questioning why they chose a plum garden yet see no plum blossoms, followed by the trio swearing an oath to heaven and earth with dramatic, rapid cuts. The juxtaposition of light-hearted moments and intense blood-pumping scenes created a significant contrast, fully capturing the audience’s attention and setting high drama tension.

Consequently, the discussion around <Sword of Fallen Flowers> really heated up. The drama’s promotional efforts and the trailer’s texture brought positive word of mouth. By mid-month, <Sword of Fallen Flowers> had become one of the most anticipated and promising shows in the pre-summer release slot.

By May 18^th, with ten days until the premiere, all the main actors had gathered in Beijing to attend the premiere ceremony. This so-called “grand ceremony” was essentially a major press conference. Since there were multiple press events planned in different locations, this first one was designed to be the most grandiose and large-scale, featuring the full cast and crew and inviting the most industry and media personnel.

Ran Lin was groomed by Wang Xi a week in advance, looking fresh and handsome, and arrived at the ceremony venue a few hours early. The process and content of the press conference, including questions the host might ask and games to be played, had already been sent to the artists’ teams to avoid any mishaps, given the large media presence.

Most of the creators lived in Beijing and arrived on time. By the time Ran Lin reached the backstage lounge, only two significant supporting characters had arrived.

The creators who would be on stage were the eight actors from the nine drama photos released on the official Weibo, with one male supporting actor absent due to commitments with another drama. The producers, director, scriptwriter, and others would also be present to discuss their creative intent and artistic pursuits, as the audience and media were primarily interested in star interactions.

When the lounge door opened again, Ran Lin’s heart involuntarily raced, only to see a “fish head” poking in.

“Long time, no see!” Tang Xiaoyu’s voice entered even faster than his body.

Ran Lin and two other actors stood up to greet him, and Tang Xiaoyu warmly hugged each one. However, the hugs for the other two were more polite, while the one for Ran Lin was more indulgent, to the point that Ran Lin always felt his shirt would get wrinkled.

Tang Xiaoyu was also wearing a more formal shirt today, but unlike Ran Lin’s light solid color, it was striped. It showed respect for the event while still retaining vibrancy, matching his usual public image.

“What have you been busy with lately?” Even though he said it had been a long time, there was no sense of alienation in Tang Xiaoyu’s words; it was as if they had just parted.

His agent was obviously used to it, nonchalantly sitting aside to rest, letting his artist freely chat around.

Ran Lin glanced at the door where Wang Xi was chatting warmly with some staff member, seemingly unconcerned about him. That’s when he whispered to Tang Xiaoyu, “I’m sad because I can’t get busy.”

Tang Xiaoyu glanced at him and lowered his voice. “Come on, didn’t <Mint Green> approach you?”

Ran Lin raised an eyebrow, not hiding anything. “You’re quite well-informed, aren’t you?”

Tang Xiaoyu looked at him unbearably. “How can you still be so naive? There are no secrets in this circle.”

Ran Lin felt silly, wondering who was actually the naive one between them.

“If you were really that well-informed, you’d know it’s not certain yet,” Ran Lin honestly replied.

Tang Xiaoyu nodded. “Indeed, many people are eyeing that one. If it wasn’t for my schedule being full, I might have competed with you.”

“Oh.” Ran Lin smirked with a bit of malice. “You, I’m not afraid of.”

Tang Xiaoyu was frustrated. “Can you not? It’s been months since you wrapped up. Can you move on from your ‘Second Brother’ persona? I’m not Xu Chongfei who you can easily bully.”

Ran Lin believed that.

Tang Xiaoyu was indeed more easily bullied than Xu Chongfei.

“But there’s still <Sword of Fallen Flowers>.'” Tang Xiaoyu brought the topic back. “If this drama explodes, your <Mint Green> is almost a sure thing.”

Ran Lin sighed, with a bit of hope yet not too optimistic. “I hope so.”

“I think it’s about right. Not to mention the drama, Lu Yiyao’s popularity alone is enough to heat up the ratings,” Tang Xiaoyu remarked, then suddenly remembered. “Oh right, I saw Lu Yiyao when I came here.”

Ran Lin was surprised. “He has arrived?”

“Yeah,” Tang Xiaoyu replied naturally, followed by a light sigh. “But he has his own separate lounge. I only saw his silhouette. Didn’t get to speak to him.”

Ran Lin was momentarily stunned.

Having chatted with Lu Yiyao so enthusiastically recently, he’d blurred the lines of their status difference. Being so suddenly reminded—even knowing it was a fact—a slight, indescribable bitterness emerged in his heart.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated twice.

Without any reason, Ran Lin knew it was Lu Yiyao. The vibration transferred from his palm to his heart, accelerating his heartbeat.

This was different from before; earlier conversations were just simple long-distance chats—no pressure, no awkwardness, no nervousness—because he knew the other person wouldn’t suddenly appear. But now, with the spatial distance so close, even if he couldn’t see the other person, just thinking about him being nearby made him feel unusual.

Ran Lin felt that this reaction could be summarized in one word—cowardly.

[I’m here. It’s inconvenient to come over. See you on stage later 😳.]

Ran Lin stared at the shy red-faced emoticon, his face a mixture of emotions, and his erratic heartbeat miraculously returned to normal.

After a while, the staff came to inform them that the ceremony was about to begin, and they should head to the stage.

Ran Lin took a deep breath, adjusted his clothes, and followed the main creative team to the “battlefield.”

……

Lu Yiyao mentioned “see you on stage”, but actually, they saw each other while waiting to go on stage.

And it wasn’t through any dramatic coincidence or accident; just as Ran Lin finished adjusting his clothes and turned his head, his gaze met Lu Yiyao’s straight on.

Lu Yiyao stood two steps away, with Tang Xiaoyu in between them. Lu Yiyao’s gaze crossed over Tang Xiaoyu and just looked at him with a smile, seemingly for a while, so when their eyes met, the smile deepened naturally at the corners of his mouth.

It had been three months, yet there was no feeling of a long-awaited reunion. The confession in the backyard of that villa felt as if it had happened just yesterday.

Ran Lin was so captivated that he didn’t come back to reality until Tang Xiaoyu nudged him—it was time to go on stage.

“Please welcome the ‘Fallen Flowers Group’ to the stage—”

As the host called out, the eight actors took the stage in a single file.

Before them, the producer and director had already appeared to open the ceremony. When the actors took the stage, everyone lined up in a single file, with the producer, director, and lead actors in the middle, the second and third male leads to the left and right, followed by the other supporting actors.

The stage lights were bright, dazzling, and hot. Ran Lin stood right next to Lu Yiyao, but when the host interviewed him, Lu Yiyao, who was speaking eloquently to the host, seemed to be a great distance away.

“In this drama, I play ‘Tang Jingyu’. This character actually has a dark attribute, as he bears the revenge of his family’s annihilation, so…”

Even though Ran Lin always teased Lu Yiyao for being narcissistic, he had to admit the man was really good-looking.

Even just seeing the side profile under the stage lights revealed a beautifully contoured face.

“Whether ‘Tang Jingyu’ is dark or not, I think besides our leading lady, ‘Fang Xian’ has the most say…”

In a moment of distraction, the host had already finished interviewing Xi Ruohan and passed the topic to Ran Lin.

Ran Lin steadied himself, forcing his mind out of the scattered thoughts. With a smile and a deep breath, he took the microphone and half-joked, half-teased, “Tang Jingyu is really too dark.”

Ran Lin’s complaints came out very naturally, as if all his grievances could fly right out of the speakers.

Laughter erupted from both the stage and the audience.

After his lament, Ran Lin became more serious, his voice clearer. “In the drama, I play ‘Fang Xian’, the young master of the Fang Clan. ‘Tang Jingyu’ and ‘Xu Chongfei’ are my sworn brothers. Initially, we shared the same ideals and pursued a conspiracy together, but later…” Ran Lin glanced at Chen Qizheng and restrained his laughter. “Later the director wouldn’t let us reveal too much, so all I can say is if ‘Tang Jingyu’ has 70 points of darkness, 69 of those points are on me.”

The host smoothly passed the question to Lu Yiyao. “What do you think about ‘Fang Xian’s’ accusation, ‘Jingyu’?”

Lu Yiyao thought for a moment, then suddenly sighed deeply. “I can’t make up for it in this lifetime. Maybe in the next one.”

Before the host could speak, Xi Ruohan, who had been holding a microphone, sighed. “I suddenly feel like I’m a third wheel.”

Tang Xiaoyu, ever ready for humor, moved closer to Xi Ruohan’s microphone and said, “That should be my line…”

Laughter erupted from the audience once again.

This back-and-forth banter was much more interesting than the previous dry interview, finally heating up the atmosphere.

After the interview was the game segment. Seeing that the props on stage were almost ready, the host announced loudly, “Let’s begin our game segment. Please welcome our ‘Fallen Flowers Group’ back to the stage!”

This time, only the eight actors returned to the stage without the producer and director. The host, holding a draw bucket, announced the rules. “The first game is a classic ‘You Describe, I Guess,’ but before we start, we need to draw lots to form teams…”

The draw bucket was actually a colorful paper box with a hole on top. Lu Yiyao was the first to reach in and pulled out a ball labeled “2”.

Xi Ruohan was the second to go and drew a “1”.

Ran Lin was the third and also drew a “2”.

Seeing the number, Ran Lin froze for a moment, only realizing what had happened when the host congratulated the “Love-Hate Duo” for being formed—he and Lu Yiyao were in the same team!

Well, with only four teams, the odds weren’t too low.

Ran Lin put down the ball and walked over to Lu Yiyao, whose smile was as bright as the colorful box.

Soon, the teams were formed, and the first pair, Xi Ruohan and Tang Xiaoyu, began.

The game’s concept was simple: one partner describes a word without using the word itself or any part of it, and the other guesses. They had 90 seconds to guess as many words as possible, with the team guessing the most words declared the winner.

Xi Ruohan and Tang Xiaoyu turned out to be a black hole for this game; the former explained, and the latter guessed, managing only four words in 90 seconds. Towards the end, Xi Ruohan was nearly frantic, and if not for the audience and media watching, Ran Lin suspected she might have bitten Tang Xiaoyu.

“It seems the score wasn’t very ideal.” The host added fuel to the fire, eager to keep the competitive atmosphere lively. “Now, let’s welcome the second team!”

“You describe, I guess.” Without using the microphone, Lu Yiyao whispered to Ran Lin.

This kind of whispering was quite normal; Tang Xiaoyu and Xi Ruohan had also murmured to each other before going on stage, as it was typical to discuss strategies with your teammate in a group game.

But guilty conscience made Ran Lin’s ears inexplicably hot, and he dared not look into Lu Yiyao’s eyes. He nodded in a fluster and entered the game zone.

Compared to him, Lu Yiyao was much more composed and in a very good mood.

Because even if he and Ran Lin ended up together, the opportunity to interact so openly in a public setting might not come often, so he treasured it.

In a single breath, Lu Yiyao felt the world quieten down, and all he could see and hear was Ran Lin standing in front of him.

Ran Lin was wearing a light-colored shirt that day, looking particularly gentle and refined, coupled with his pale, youthful face.

But Lu Yiyao knew it was deceiving.

This guy was far from harmless; in fact, he had quite the impact.

“The timer starts now—”

With the host’s words, his arm swung down forcefully!

Ran Lin immediately focused on the word board above Lu Yiyao’s head, his mouth already moving. “It’s a four-character idiom, describing the relationship between two people…”

Lu Yiyao almost immediately responded, “Love stronger than gold!”

Ran Lin: “Not love, but friendship!”

Lu Yiyao guessed again, “Go through fire and water for each other!”

Ran Lin: “Listen to me! It describes a very mild friendship…”

Lu Yiyao: “Fair-weather friends?”

“The last two words are correct! But it’s not ‘fair-weather…'” Ran Lin looked at his “heartthrob” expectantly.

Lu Yiyao: “Friends through life and death!”

Ran Lin collapsed. “Mild!”

Lu Yiyao finally got it. “A friendship between gentlemen!”

Ran Lin felt like crying when he heard those four words.

The phrase wasn’t difficult at all; the real challenge was having such a lack of coordination between them!

The audience was already in stitches, especially when “Love stronger than gold” came out, making numerous media people want to rush up and interview Lu Yiyao about his thought process.

With just three words guessed in 90 seconds, and after mocking Xi Ruohan, Ran Lin could almost hear the sound of his own face being slapped.

The entire premiere ceremony lasted about ninety minutes and ended warmly with all the creators singing the theme song together.

Next was a smaller “media screening” for the press, which the director and screenwriter would attend while the actors wouldn’t, meaning the end of their duties once they stepped off the stage.

But this was only the first day.

Tomorrow, the day after, and the day following, there would be three more premiere press conferences in different cities. Both Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao would be flying continuously.

Although there had been plenty of interactions on stage, the two hadn’t had much opportunity for private conversation. Moreover, Ran Lin hadn’t seen Lu Yiyao since coming off stage, feeling somewhat lost.

Just as he returned to the dressing room, Liu Wanwan handed him a phone, saying, “Ran Ge, someone called for you just now. They didn’t say who they were, just that you should call them back.”

Ran Lin took the phone, looking at the unfamiliar number in confusion.

Wang Xi, thinking he might recognize it, was surprised by his reaction. “You don’t know who it is?”

Ran Lin genuinely didn’t know, but intuition told him it wasn’t a spam or scam call. He casually walked to a corner of the dressing room and redialed the number.

It was picked up after one ring, but no one spoke.

Ran Lin, puzzled, greeted with a “hello.”

Finally, a voice came through. “It’s me.”

Ran Lin was stunned. It was unmistakably Lu Yiyao’s voice on the line, but why was he using a different phone? And even if Liu Wanwan couldn’t immediately recognize Lu Yiyao’s voice, she should have found it familiar.

Ran Lin glanced at Wang Xi, who was curiously looking his way, and restrained himself from responding out loud.

The other side seemed to sense his hesitation, whispering, “Is it safe to talk?”

Ran Lin immediately understood what Lu Yiyao was really asking about the safety of the conversation.

“Yeah, go ahead.” Ran Lin tried to sound and act as naturally as possible.

Lu Yiyao seemed relieved and continued, “This phone belongs to Huo Yuntao. He was the one who called you earlier, without any legitimate reason. He just wanted to see you because he was here today. You don’t have to worry about it. I’ve already dealt with him.”

Ran Lin cringed a bit, thinking that “dealt with” sounded ominously like a crime.

But Huo Yuntao was cautious. Hearing that the person answering wasn’t Ran Lin, he didn’t even reveal his name. Though even if he had, Wang Xi would probably have been thrilled to connect with him.

But putting himself in Huo Yuntao’s shoes, he’d also want to meet the person his friend had praised so highly, especially now that they were so close.

Aside from curiosity, there was probably worry too. Who knows if this guy is reliable or not, especially since he’s already led a friend astray.

To be honest, Ran Lin didn’t want to meet Huo Yuntao, partly because of the awkwardness of the situation and partly because he was afraid. This feeling was akin to a boyfriend meeting his girlfriend’s circle of friends—a kind of “inspection” pressure.

Lu Yiyao knew he wouldn’t want to meet, probably having been informed by a friend backstage, and had taken action first, now waiting on the phone to explain himself.

Suddenly, Ran Lin felt especially remorseful.

Lu Yiyao didn’t owe him anything. Being the one loved first, then becoming the pursuer, was already difficult enough, and now he had to “deal with” his own friend for him.

If he were Lu Yiyao, he’d also want to proudly show off the person he liked to his friends, hoping they’d see the good in them as well.

But if he were Huo Yuntao, he’d definitely shake Lu Yiyao by the shoulders, questioning what was so good about someone who couldn’t even dare to face up and support him!

……

“It’s over. You’re beyond salvation.” Huo Yuntao let go of Lu Yiyao’s shoulders and slumped into the sofa in despair. “You’re practically bewitched right now.”

Lu Yiyao tilted his head, pondering, then responded lightly, “Someone told me a long time ago that love is indeed like being bewitched.”

Huo Yuntao came to the premiere ceremony today with a formal invitation from the organizers. Originally, the invitation was for the executives of his entertainment company, but Huo Yuntao managed to snag an extra spot for himself. Before coming, he had even touched base with Lu Yiyao, essentially coming to support his friend.

Lu Yiyao appreciated it, so as soon as he came off the stage, he made a call to his friend and, following directions, navigated to this private lounge to meet his old friend before flying to the next city.

The room was secure, so as soon as he closed the door, his friend confessed to calling Ran Lin with an unannounced number.

Lu Yiyao wanted to kick him.

“I’ve told you so many times, he’d feel awkward seeing you now.” Lu Yiyao understood Huo Yuntao’s curiosity but felt making an unsolicited call to Ran Lin was inappropriate.

Huo Yuntao rolled his eyes in exasperation. “It’s been three months since you confessed, and you’ve been chasing him for three months. He’s not totally uninterested in you, so why keep you hanging? Is it fun for him?”

Lu Yiyao patiently explained, “I’ve been busy, and we haven’t had a chance to meet in these three months.”

“Please.” Huo Yuntao scoffed. “You have time to meet me but not to ask him out?”

Lu Yiyao frowned reflexively and fell silent.

Huo Yuntao, never one to mince words with his old friend, bluntly said, “You’re just trying to let time dilute his guilt, right? But it’s unnecessary. He was the one who led you astray. Even if you were deeply closeted, you wouldn’t have come out without him. His guilt is sealed for life. If he’s a real man, he should be doubly good to you, not avoiding you.”

Lu Yiyao was getting a headache from Huo Yuntao’s relentless approach, which typically involved overpowering you with sheer forcefulness, whether he was right or wrong.

“And me,” Huo Yuntao continued passionately, standing up. “Am I so fearsome or harmful? I just wanted to see him; such a humble request. I’ve gone out of my way to meet him, why can’t he satisfy me…”

Ring, ring, ring—

Huo Yuntao’s distinctive monotone ringtone sounded in Lu Yiyao’s hand.

Lu Yiyao, seeing the familiar number, paused for two seconds before answering. “What’s up?”

Huo Yuntao was confused, wondering why Lu Yiyao answered his own phone so smoothly.

“No problem? What did you tell Wang Xi? Oh, oh… Our location is a bit hard to find… Just keep walking inside, turn left at the end… Yes, don’t hang up, I’ll guide you. Otherwise, you’ll definitely get lost…”

For the first time, Huo Yuntao saw his friend being so gentle and suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, as if his decade-long friendship was overshadowed by someone else’s year.

After about a few minutes, while Lu Yiyao was still on the phone, there was a knock on the lounge door.

Huo Yuntao darted ahead of Lu Yiyao to open the door, and there stood Ran Lin, phone in hand.

“Hello.” Ran Lin hung up the phone and smiled at Huo Yuntao. “I’m Ran Lin.”

Huo Yuntao was stunned for a few seconds before inviting Ran Lin in and securing the door. Once assured of privacy, he turned around, coughed lightly, and introduced himself. “I’m Huo Yuntao.”

Before Ran Lin could speak, he raised an eyebrow and muttered, “I thought you weren’t coming?”

Ran Lin had only seen photos of Huo Yuntao and was surprised to find his real-life presence less intimidating than anticipated. In fact, he seemed less imposing than the photos suggested.

Huo Yuntao, being a friend of Lu Yiyao, couldn’t be that daunting, Ran Lin thought—probably just another naive guy.

“I never said I wouldn’t come,” Ran Lin countered calmly, pointing to Lu Yiyao. “It was him who immediately said on the phone that I shouldn’t bother coming, that he’d ‘taken care of you’ already.”

Lu Yiyao was speechless, feeling like his sincere efforts had backfired spectacularly.

Huo Yuntao was displeased and sided with Lu Yiyao. “Can you have a little conscience? It’s not him who’s afraid of me. It’s you stopping him.”

“It’s last month’s me who was afraid of you, not this month’s me. So it was fine for him to block me last month, but not this month.”

Huo Yuntao had never seen such a stubborn defense. “Is there any difference between last month’s you and this month’s you?”

“Yes,” Ran Lin clarified more clearly than ever since liking Lu Yiyao. “Last month’s me was a jerk who would flee after causing trouble, but this month I’m a good man.”

Huo Yuntao challenged, “Good in what way?”

Ran Lin stood tall. “Responsible.”

Huo Yuntao pressed, “Responsible how?!”

“Hey,” Ran Lin suddenly turned to Lu Yiyao without warning and asked softly, “Do you still want to pursue me?”

Lu Yiyao, already dazed, felt a pang of sadness at the question, “I’ve always been pursuing you.”

Ran Lin’s lips slowly curled into a smile, giving Lu Yiyao a look filled with charm. “Congratulations, you succeeded.”

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