Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

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Chapter 101

On July 6^th, <Youths of Wuling> premiered, and by July 16th, it had broken a rating of 3 on XX Satellite TV.

The core marketing team urged Lu Yiyao to quickly hold a celebration, but he insisted on waiting. Finally, on July 21^st, when another broadcasting station also reached a rating of 3, Lu Yiyao agreed—it was time for a celebration!

In an era filled with a plethora of TV dramas and various viewing channels, breaking 2 is considered a hit, and breaking 3 is basically a blockbuster, especially when two stations simultaneously hit that mark! Meanwhile, the online view count also led by a significant margin. Both websites and TV stations were making a killing.

What’s more impressive is that alongside its high ratings, <Youth of Wuling> also received critical acclaim, with scores reaching as high as 9 on viewing websites before settling down to 8.5. For a modern drama, this is an exceptionally high rating. Numerous critics analyzed the show’s phenomenal performance from various angles, generally attributing it to—

High-quality production, movie-level visuals giving the drama an exceptional feel; a solid script that breaks away from the typical summer fantasy and idol romance dramas, charting a unique path of urban youth growth, a rare gem of realistic themes in recent years; well-chosen actors, with Ran Lin and Tang Xiaoyu’s performances bringing depth and authenticity to their characters, embodying youthful recklessness and clear moral conviction. Lastly, the successful marketing and hype leading up to and during the airing also contributed significantly to its rapid word-of-mouth spread and explosive popularity.

While viewers simply enjoy whether the drama is good or not, insiders were surprised by Lu Yiyao’s bold and professional debut. The industry isn’t short of wealthy, courageous, or professionally savvy individuals, but having all three qualities is rare.

Hence, even before the drama was halfway aired, countless investors reached out to Lu Yiyao, hoping to be part of his next project, even though that next project was still up in the air for Lu Yiyao.

Meanwhile, as Lu Yiyao leisurely pondered whether to continue solo funding or to bring in some capital for his next project, the main actors involved in the drama saw their stock rise exponentially, with offers for scripts, events, and variety shows pouring in.

The day Ran Lin’s Weibo followers exceeded 30 million, he signed his first endorsement with an internationally renowned brand for two years, nearing an eight-figure endorsement fee.

Good things come in pairs. Just three days after signing the endorsement deal, the long-awaited celebration for <Youth of Wuling> took place.

……

“One, two, three—”

At the host’s command, all the key creators on stage simultaneously smashed an ice sculpture shaped as the Arabic numeral “3”, retrieving a scroll from within it that slowly unrolled—congratulating <Youths of Wuling> on achieving new heights in viewership.

Celebrations are all about good omens and straightforward well wishes, and the stage event concluded at its peak, with invited guests moving to the adjacent reception area. If sitting in the audience was a show of support, now began the networking and socializing.

The celebratory atmosphere continued at the reception. Despite the comfortable and casual lighting and ambiance, the place was abuzz with festive joy, perhaps due to the large number of invitees. The scene was lively, with clinking glasses and lively conversations.

As soon as Lu Yiyao entered, he spotted Huo Yuntao and Peng Jingyu. The former, having taken over the family business, seldom had time for the entertainment industry and came purely on the friendship ticket from Lu Yiyao, saying it was his “first pot of gold after changing careers,” and as a close friend, he must support him in person. Peng Jingyu was formally invited by Lu Yiyao, but curiously, instead of mingling with many industry seniors, he was chatting animatedly with Huo Yuntao.

“Lao Lu—” Huo Yuntao noticed Lu Yiyao and immediately waved his glass in greeting.

Internally rolling his eyes, Lu Yiyao quickly made his way over, not wanting others to catch on to his “nickname” and spread it around—he wasn’t even thirty yet, but such names made him feel prematurely middle-aged.

“Mr. Peng.” Lu Yiyao approached and greeted Peng Jingyu first, ignoring the friend who’d teased him.

Peng Jingyu nodded. “Congratulations.”

Despite his words, his eyes clearly showed reluctance. Lu Yiyao and he had more than a professional relationship, and with Huo Yuntao as a mutual friend, they were almost half friends. Lu Yiyao, seeking support, turned to his teasing friend, “Did I offend someone?”

Huo Yuntao draped an arm around Peng Jingyu but sighed at Lu Yiyao. “You’ve made a big offense. When Ran Lin’s contract was about to expire, Mr. Peng also wanted to sign him, but you beat him to it.”

Unaware of this subplot, Lu Yiyao was surprised. Presumably Peng Jingyu had contacted Wang Xi, who had already known Ran Lin was joining his company and diplomatically rejected him.

Annoyed at Huo Yuntao, Peng Jingyu’s face showed embarrassment. He retorted, “I watched your drama. It’s only because you chose Ran Lin that it didn’t flop.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Peng Jingyu frowned. “Are you laughing at me…”

Huo Yuntao rubbed his forehead, then patted Peng Jingyu. “He’s already signed Ran Lin. Naturally, the benefits should stay within.”

Lu Yiyao openly laughed this time. “See, I have a good eye, right?”

A sudden memory made Peng Jingyu gasp. “Wait, don’t tell me you were planning to set up your own firm and poach from Dream Without Limits at that Republic-themed party?”

Lu Yiyao thought about it. If declaring feelings counts as poaching…

“Suppose so.” Lu Yiyao quite liked this foresighted version of himself.

Peng Jingyu observed the significant expression on the other’s face and felt an involuntary chill pass down his spine. During the Republic-themed party, he had only felt that this person occasionally said something or made a gesture resembling his elder brothers. Now, it seemed like a full-fledged resemblance… He had a psychological shadow when it came to such people!

“Uh, don’t worry about entertaining us. You go ahead with your work.” Peng Jingyu gave Lu Yiyao the first smile since they met.

Huo Yuntao depressed that his vision of the two “appreciating each other,” didn’t pan out, also said to his friend, “Yeah, go on.”

Lu Yiyao didn’t linger, as he was effectively the host of the reception and needed to flit about like a butterfly, not staying in one spot too long and neglecting other guests.

In one corner of the reception, Ran Lin, having just finished talking to a senior executive of a certain satellite TV, turned around to meet Shi Jiuting and immediately greeted. “President Shi.”

It seemed Shi Jiuting had been waiting for him for a while. As soon as they met, the other party’s assistant magically appeared, handing over a bag. Shi Jiuting accepted the bag and handed it to Ran Lin.

“For me?” Although it felt somewhat off, Ran Lin couldn’t think of any other reason.

“If you like it, keep it.” Shi Jiuting cleared his throat, showing a rare hint of embarrassment. “But I’d be even more grateful if you could return it to me after signing it.”

Opening the bag, Ran Lin found what seemed to be a piece of clothing. Pulling it halfway out, he recognized it as the hoodie he wore in <Youths of Wuling>, now a trendy item.

Instantly, Ran Lin understood: Shi Jiuting, this doting father, was once again star-chasing for his princess.

Shi Jiuting was clear-headed. The last time he requested a signature for <Chronicles of Winter>, he was a financier, so his approach was polite but more natural. This time, without a direct professional link, his request was tinged with humility and courtesy.

Actually, there was no need; even if he wasn’t involved in <Youths of Wuling>, his status and position were such that Ran Lin should be eager to maintain a good relationship. But with Shi Jiuting, things were straightforward, each issue on its own merits.

That was Shi Jiuting’s personality, which was also what made him endearing. However, Wang Xi had said if Shi Jiuting really got serious, he could make an opponent weep with nowhere to cry. So, Ran Lin was glad that President Shi’s daughter was a fan and not a hater.

“Don’t worry, President Shi. I’ll sign it and have it sent to you as soon as possible.” If it were on set, Ran Lin would sign it right away, but at a reception with so many people, especially peers, spreading out a hoodie to sign would be too showy and awkward for Shi Jiuting.

Shi Jiuting seemed to think the same and promptly said, “Thank you.”

Ran Lin thought for a moment and asked, “Do you want me to get it signed by other actors in the drama too, for more sentimental value?”

Without hesitation, Shi Jiuting shook his head, sighing at last, “She only likes you.”

Ran Lin felt a tinge of envy, jealousy, and sadness in that sigh.

“What are you looking at?” A familiar, albeit not particularly likable, voice came from behind. Lu Yiyao turned to find Ding Kai.

Ding Kai, accustomed to Lu Yiyao’s “lack of affection,” indeed had his eye on Ran Lin and wasn’t surprised by the lack of warmth.

Following Lu Yiyao’s recent gaze, Ding Kai saw Ran Lin talking to Shi Jiuting. Ding Kai had wanted to find Ran Lin since the reception started but hadn’t succeeded until now, and ironically, it was through his official partner’s gaze. It was a bit bitter, but since he spotted him, he took the chance to look a bit longer.

Lu Yiyao frowned and stepped in front of Ding Kai, occupying his entire view, then smiled. “President Ding, are you looking for me?”

Ding Kai remembered he only asked, “What are you looking at?” There wasn’t a “looking for you” part. But with Lu Yiyao’s imposing figure, his view was entirely blocked; even the light seemed dim.

Stepping back a bit, Ding Kai found the world bright again, his eyes lifting slightly. “I heard Ran Lin acted in this drama for no fee?”

<Youths of Wuling>, having sold its premiere rights to two satellite stations, had broken even. The sale to online video platforms was all pure profit, and with the drama’s hit status, future sales to provincial and local stations were all lucrative. Although Ran Lin had initially joked about no fee, Lu Yiyao indeed shared the profits with his partner, more than any fee.

But since Ding Kai understood it that way, Lu Yiyao was happy to flaunt their relationship, immediately frowning as if caught. “Where did you hear that?”

Ding Kai hadn’t expected it to be true. His emotions were complex; he drained his champagne in one go, expressing a multitude of feelings. “You’ve got it all.”

Lu Yiyao could hear the undertone and shrugged innocently. “Can’t help it. The entertainment industry is superficial like that. Good-looking people do have it easier.”

Ding Kai: “……”

No business exists without shrewdness.

Ding Kai found himself almost missing the honest and straightforward actor Lu Yiyao… Indeed, peers are the hardest to endure!

In a corner of the reception, two handsome guys who came specifically to support their brother were huddled on a sofa, inconspicuous as if they had invisibility charms on their foreheads—

Gu Jie: “Isn’t it a bit rude for us to hide like this?”

Xia Xinran: “Today’s stars are Teacher Lu and Ran Lin. What limelight are we here to steal?”

Gu Jie: “Shouldn’t we at least greet them?”

Xia Xinran: “There’s a second round later tonight. You’ll have plenty of time for deep conversations.”

Gu Jie: “……”

Xia Xinran: “What are you drinking?”

Gu Jie: “…Soda.”

Xia Xinran: “Good, I was counting on you to drive later.”

Gu Jie: “Why do I feel like I took a day off from the crew just to be your driver?”

Xia Xinran: “Trust me, going to Teacher Lu’s villa for the second round tonight, there will definitely be surprises.”

Gu Jie: “……”

Typically, when Xia Xinran said there would be surprises, Gu Jie instinctively prepared to be startled.

……

By eleven o’clock, as the gathering disbanded and sobriety returned, the night air was cool.

Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao sat in the back seat, Xia Xinran in the passenger seat, and Gu Jie holding the steering wheel steadily, with the GPS voice filling the car with directions like “Turn left at the next intersection” and “Speed camera ahead in 300 meters.”

“Teacher Lu, is it the villa complex bought by Yuan Yiqun you’re living in?” Xia Xinran finally recognized the destination after looking at the GPS for a while, a bit surprised.

“Yeah,” Lu Yiyao admitted generously. “I think the environment is quite nice.”

For celebrities, “nice environment” usually means “secured privacy”, which Xia Xinran understood. But if he remembered correctly, wasn’t it in that same complex where Lu Yiyao confessed to Ran Lin, or rather, where he first learned about Ran Lin’s relationship with him, at Yuan Yiqun’s villa where they had the Republic-themed party? Wasn’t there a bit of sentimental value involved?

Shaking his head, Xia Xinran stopped himself from continuing the thought. He almost choked on the imagined dog food from Lu Yiyao’s display of affection—it’s too unfair!

Ran Lin watched Xia Xinran’s conflicted face and smiled silently. <Youth of Wuling> had double ratings of three, and while others saw Lu Yiyao as calm and collected, he knew his lover was over the moon. That’s why, after a networking reception, there was an eager follow-up with a genuine celebration party among friends.

Not just Lu Yiyao, Ran Lin was ecstatic too. This was the first time they truly collaborated, and the feeling of moving forward side by side was wonderful.

“There’s a car following us,” Gu Jie suddenly said with a serious tone.

Ran Lin was startled, and Xia Xinran immediately peered at the rearview mirror. “Which one?”

Although it wasn’t early, at 11 p.m. there were still quite a few cars on the street. Gu Jie could distinguish which one was tailing and which one was coincidentally going the same way. “The black one.”

Xia Xinran frowned and, after observing for a while, asked, “A paparazzi driving a Porsche?”

Initially puzzled, Lu Yiyao understood everything once he heard it and laughed. “That’s my friend. He’s also part of the group.”

“I thought a party of four was a bit quiet.” Xia Xinran liked liveliness.

Gu Jie also relaxed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem,” Lu Yiyao said genuinely. “You need to teach me sometime how to spot a tailing car.”

Gu Jie hesitated and then voiced his honest thoughts. “Driving is a progressive skill. Maybe you should start with remembering the roads?”

Lu Yiyao, often getting lost in the bustling streets of the capital, felt a thousand points of damage.

Ran Lin, realizing Lu Yiyao had also invited Huo Yuntao, glanced through the rear window, and indeed, the black Porsche gleamed under the streetlights with a subdued luxury.

However, the distance was a bit far, and he couldn’t see how many people were inside, so he directly asked his partner, “Is Panxi coming along?”

Lu Yiyao shook his head. “She went overseas for an orchestra exchange performance.”

Ran Lin understood. Ever since Lu Yiyao’s friend got married, whenever Ran Lin saw him, it was always with Lin Panxi. The couple were inseparable, especially today being Lu Yiyao’s celebration. If Lin Panxi hadn’t been abroad, Huo Yuntao would have undoubtedly brought her along.

The streets were clear at night, and even the traffic lights seemed more green than red, so they smoothly arrived at Lu Yiyao’s villa.

“Teacher Lu, is this a living room or a tropical rainforest…” Xia Xinran dodged left and right but still got slapped in the face by various plant leaves.

Finally finding a clear spot, the spread of drinks and food on the table looked more like a party.

“I’ve already questioned his taste, but our doubts are futile,” Huo Yuntao joined in, meaningfully. “Someone likes it.”

This was Xia Xinran’s first proper face-to-face interaction with Huo Yuntao, and he promptly extended his hand. “Xia Xinran.”

Huo Yuntao shook hands. “Huo Yuntao.”

Lu Yiyao was about to introduce them, but it seemed unnecessary now. He turned to find Gu Jie, who was looking around, utterly bemused.

Approaching his friend, Lu Yiyao patted Gu Jie’s shoulder. “How’s the house?”

“It’s good.” Gu Jie sincerely praised—it was spacious, open, and private. But for some reason, he felt this late-night “celebration party” carried an air of eeriness.

Both Lu Yiyao and Xia Xinran, including the not-yet-formally-met Huo Yuntao, seemed to have a meaningful glint in their eyes. Only Ran Lin seemed a bit more straightforward, but every time their gazes met, the other would smile at him in an especially joyous and sweet manner, sending chills down Gu Jie’s spine.

“Take a seat.” Not wanting to torture his friend further, Lu Yiyao ushered Gu Jie to sit comfortably on the sofa, then called out towards the dining area. “Lao Huo, Xia Xinran—”

The two who were conversing immediately ended their discussion and found suitable seats to join in. Finally, Ran Lin came over.

When he approached, there was a comfortable distance between Gu Jie, Xia Xinran, and Huo Yuntao on Lu Yiyao’s large sofa. Ran Lin could easily pick a spot at a comfortable distance from the three, but instead, he chose to sit right next to Lu Yiyao, their shoulders nearly touching.

Gu Jie noticed, swallowed hard, and instinctively leaned back, as if time had looped back to the day Mother Lu visited, always uncertain of what the next second might bring, especially now that the four seated people smiled at him in unison!

“Enough!” Gu Jie, unable to endure any longer, slapped the coffee table. “If you’ve got something to say, say it. If you keep hinting at me with your eyes, I’ll… I’ll go back to the set!”

Lu Yiyao: “…”

Xia Xinran: “…”

Huo Yuntao: “…”

The threat seemed oddly… pitiable.

No longer keeping everyone in suspense, Ran Lin took a deep breath, covered Lu Yiyao’s hand with his own, interlocking their fingers, and then raised their clasped hands for his friends to see.

Gu Jie was stunned.

Ran Lin quietly watched him, patiently waiting for him to process the news.

This was the most important part of tonight’s private party: officially informing Gu Jie of his and Lu Yiyao’s relationship. Otherwise, waiting for Gu Jie to realize it on his own might take forever.

While Gu Jie was frozen, his mind was racing, piecing everything together from Ran Lin’s single action of hand-holding.

The fact that Lu Yiyao is gay had long ceased to be a shock to Gu Jie, and after seeing Lu Yiyao’s mother off, he made numerous guesses and analyses. He had thought of Ran Lin, but due to his limited understanding of Lu Yiyao’s circle of friends, which mainly included Ran Lin and Xia Xinran, he thought his suspicion was too narrow and somewhat presumptive, so he didn’t dwell on it.

And yet, he had guessed, right? No, the real shock was that it had all been happening right under his nose, and he hadn’t noticed?!

Seeing his friend still in shock and not digesting the news, Ran Lin carefully chose his words to explain, “Lu Yiyao and I are together, like… in a romantic relationship.”

Finally snapping out of it, Gu Jie didn’t look at Ran Lin but turned to Xia Xinran first. “Did you know?”

Xia Xinran just shrugged.

Then Gu Jie turned to Huo Yuntao. “Did you know?”

Huo Yuntao just shrugged his shoulders.

Gu Jie was in despair at his own slowness.

Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao had prepared themselves for the possibility that their friend might not accept this revelation right away and even considered that Gu Jie might react negatively. But now…

“Uh.” Ran Lin finally spoke up. “It seems like we’re the ones coming out. You don’t have to be this troubled…”

Finally, Gu Jie looked up, gazing at his two friends holding hands, then slapped his thigh. “How could I be so dense!”

Xia Xinran nodded vigorously next to him, fully agreeing with the assessment.

Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao exchanged glances, wondering what exactly they had grasped from all this. Really, what kind of friend circle did they have?!

Eventually, Gu Jie stopped berating himself, sat up straight, and said solemnly, “Thank you both for trusting me enough to tell me this.”

Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao had hoped for a smooth revelation but hadn’t dared to hope too much in case of an unexpected reaction. Now that everything had gone well, a warm current flowed through them. With understanding from family and support from friends, their lives were truly blessed.

Ran Lin’s emotions surged, just about to speak when Xia Xinran preempted, “Are we done?”

Ran Lin followed his gaze to see he was asking Lu Yiyao, who didn’t speak but nodded his head.

In the next moment, as if on cue, Xia Xinran and Huo Yuntao suddenly rose and, grabbing Gu Jie, headed upstairs. Gu Jie, utterly confused, shouted, “Hey? Hey, hey—” as he was dragged away.

Ran Lin watched, completely baffled. By the time he gathered his wits, only he and Lu Yiyao remained in the living room. He turned to his partner. “What’s happening?”

Lu Yiyao replied, “Maybe they’re going upstairs to share their feelings about hearing a friend’s coming-out story.”

Ran Lin rolled his eyes, about to comment on the absurdity, but then Lu Yiyao suddenly pulled him up.

“Let’s go to the yard,” Lu Yiyao said.

Not understanding but curious, Ran Lin followed his lover to the backyard.

The moon was bright, and stars filled the sky.

As Ran Lin entered the backyard, he noticed Lu Yiyao had replaced the original night lights installed by the developer with new ones that cast a softer, more tranquil light. There was a strangely familiar feeling to it.

Lu Yiyao led him forward, walking along the pool’s edge. As they neared the end of the pool, Ran Lin noticed something odd.

Lu Yiyao’s villa was larger than Yuan Yiqun’s, but the layout was similar, including the backyard pool. However, maintaining it was too troublesome, so it had been empty and not filled with water. In winter, the pool was covered with a protective film to prevent the pool walls and system from freezing. But in summer, it wasn’t necessary, and Lu Yiyao had mentioned filling it with water for the summer, so the winter cover had been removed as it warmed up.

But now, the protective film was back on. Due to the dim light of the night lamp, it was hard to notice unless one looked closely. However, precisely because the light was dim, when it shone on the protective film, it reflected a serene light.

Aside from the weather not being cold, every detail was eerily similar to the winter night when Lu Yiyao confessed his feelings.

Finally, Lu Yiyao stopped. It was the same secluded corner, the same faint night light; even Lu Yiyao’s face contours in the dim light seemed identical.

Ran Lin’s heart pounded.

Still holding hands, he wondered if Lu Yiyao could feel his racing heart.

“What are you thinking about?” Lu Yiyao asked softly.

Ran Lin looked up at him, feeling sweet inside but teasingly replied, “I’m wondering if you did all this from memory, or did you visit Yuan Yiqun’s place again for reference.”

“I’m not close to Yuan Yiqun.” Lu Yiyao chuckled. “I asked Xia Xinran for photos. But the photos and that night are different, so it’s mostly from memory.”

A breeze passed between them.

Last time, it was the cold wind of a winter night.

This time, it was the warm breeze of a summer night.

“Then you should be wearing a Republic-era military uniform,” Ran Lin said, the memory clear as if it were yesterday, causing his eyes to curve into a smile.

“…” Lu Yiyao looked slightly frustrated, obviously regretting not fully recreating the scene.

Seeing this, Ran Lin quickly reassured, “The main point is you’re handsome; the clothes don’t matter.”

Satisfied, Lu Yiyao’s eyes gleamed with contentment. In the quiet of the night, Ran Lin looked up at the beautiful moon.

Suddenly, the hand he was holding gave a gentle squeeze. Ran Lin looked back at his partner, puzzled, “Hm?”

“Do you remember what I said the night I confessed to you?” Lu Yiyao asked.

Ran Lin remembered clearly, even the voice and expression Lu Yiyao had when he said it—

“You said, ‘I like you. I want to be with you.'”

As soon as the words left his mouth, his hand was released. Surprised, Ran Lin saw Lu Yiyao raise his hands, showing the palms and backs as if to prove nothing was in them.

Ran Lin blinked, watching Lu Yiyao’s empty hands, puzzled, only to see Lu Yiyao’s hands suddenly flash, pinching a ring between his thumb and index finger.

The ring was simple yet elegant, shining beautifully under the night light.

A rush of warmth filled Ran Lin’s eyes.

“The same words, I want to say them again today, but I need to add a word…”

Lu Yiyao knelt on one knee, holding up the ring, gazing steadily at his partner, took a deep breath, and spoke each word deliberately—

“I like you. I want to be with you forever.”

Ran Lin’s heart raced wildly, but he forgot to breathe. He seemed to have forgotten everything in the world along with himself…

“Cough, we understand you’re excited, but if you don’t say something soon, Lao Lu is going to feel pretty awkward.” A chuckling tease came from Huo Yuntao nearby.

Surprised, Ran Lin looked over to see Xia Xinran, Huo Yuntao, and Gu Jie pushing forward a beautiful multi-tiered cake. The cake, adorned in light blue and white, exuded a fresh and elegant warmth, and on top were two handsome men in suits, one kneeling before the other.

Gu Jie wasn’t informed about the coming-out.

Ran Lin was unaware of the proposal.

But now, even if Ran Lin was slow, it was clear—Xia Xinran and Huo Yuntao were the only ones in the know all along. They had dragged Gu Jie, who had just learned the truth, upstairs under the pretense of sharing feelings, but it was actually to relay the next step of the plan.

Ran Lin turned back to look at Lu Yiyao, who was still kneeling, unmoved.

Without warning, Ran Lin took the ring, slipped it onto his finger, then pulled Lu Yiyao up and kissed him directly. Caught off guard, Lu Yiyao hesitated only for a moment before gripping his partner’s head and deepening the kiss.

Huo Yuntao looked up at the sky. Xia Xinran looked down at the ground. Gu Jie… watched intently. After all, love should involve plenty of kissing, and as a friend, his gaze was filled with joy and blessing.

Finally, the kiss ended.

The two faced each other again. Ran Lin, with a mischievous smile, raised his hand, revealing he was also holding a ring.

Lu Yiyao was stunned. His first reaction was to check his own trouser pocket, and indeed, the ring he had prepared for himself was missing. He’d planned another magic trick to bring it out, but with just one kiss, it had been snatched away…

As he was pondering this, his hand was suddenly pulled, and the next second, the ring slipped onto his own finger.

Their hands joined together, the matching rings gleaming in the moonlight.

The friends group erupted in hearty applause. Though only three people, they clapped with the gusto of thirty.

As the clapping subsided, the two continued their sweet nothings. The friends group had to remind them—

“Shouldn’t you come over and cut the proposal cake lovingly sponsored by the groom’s sister-in-law?”

……

As dawn broke, Xia Xinran and Huo Yuntao slept soundly in their respective rooms, while Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao saw off Gu Jie, who had to return to the set.

After bidding their friend farewell, the couple returned to the living room, opened the curtains, and cuddled on the sofa, quietly waiting for the sunrise amidst the ticking of the clock. Despite a sleepless night, they didn’t feel tired at all.

“Don’t tease Huo Yuntao anymore.” Ran Lin started, recalling something with a laugh. “Your magic is even colder than his.”

“I don’t mind the magic being cold.” Lu Yiyao, holding Ran Lin close, boasted contentedly. “As long as it charms the person I want.”

Ran Lin pretended to sigh dramatically. “I’m just too easy to pursue.”

Lu Yiyao nibbled on Ran Lin’s ear. “It’s you who pursued me.”

The nibbling was comfortable but Ran Lin couldn’t tolerate the reversal of truth. “You confessed to me first.”

Lu Yiyao stood firm. “Does confessing first mean the person is the pursuer?”

Ran Lin didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”

“Then that settles it.” Lu Yiyao grinned. “You pursued me, no question about it.”

Ran Lin wriggled out of his embrace and turned to face him squarely, ready for a serious discussion. But Lu Yiyao suddenly put his finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

Ran Lin frowned but, having just enjoyed the proposal cake, allowed some “patience of love.”

Lu Yiyao picked up his phone from the coffee table and started flipping through his photo album quickly.

Ran Lin waited.

Ran Lin kept waiting.

Ran Lin was waiting even as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window.

“Hey—” Patience of love has its limits.

Finally, Lu Yiyao lifted the screenshot he’d found on his phone, trying to suppress a smile, whispered, “Kid, you wrote this, right?”

Ran Lin, seeing his own handwriting on the screenshot, was dumbfounded. After a long moment, he surrendered. “You win—”

It was a special autograph he’d given to Liu Wanwan when she wasn’t yet his assistant, back at the Dream Without Limits company, which she later posted on Weibo, causing quite a stir.

The evidence was undeniable; he was the first to confess, and there was no turning the case around. But Liu Wanwan had long deleted that Weibo post…

“When did you even take this screenshot?” Ran Lin exclaimed.

Lu Yiyao simply replied, “That’s a secret.”

Morning light filled the living room.

The couple on the sofa playfully argued, with the phone’s screen still lit. The full-screen screenshot showed Ran Lin’s signature from years ago, and above the flamboyant autograph were four words requested by a fan—

I love Lu Yiyao.

[End]

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The author has something to say:

I really updated daily until the end, tears streaming TAT. Thank you to all the cool friends who accompanied me on this journey, your support was my greatest motivation. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing. This is the end of the story. Everything I wanted to say is in the text. Teacher Lu and Xiao Ran Lin will continue to be happy, and I wish all the friends who have read this far a happy and joyful life. Love you forever, muah (づ￣ 3￣)づ

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Kinky Thoughts:

This marks the end of the novel. This is probably one of the best showbiz novels I have read and easily my favorite of that genre. It’s well written, and the pacing was great. Little bits of humor made it quite a joy to read.

The portrayal of feelings and actions was quite realistic. I especially love the conversation both MCs had with their parents for their coming out. That hit quite close to home. I also love that there’s no public announcement. Let’s face it, in today’s (China’s) entertainment world, coming out is a death sentence for their career.

While it might be sentimental to the readers to have a public display, I think realistically this fits better. And in a way, they did come out to all the people that actually mattered to them on their own terms.

Ahhh… I can go on and on about this novel. I haven’t read anything like this (outside of Nian Zhong) in a while and this definitely rekindled my spark. Such an amazing novel. If you like this novel, you can check out Midnight Owl, another work by the same author, that I’m working on. It is an unlimited flow novel though, but still very good.

If you enjoyed this novel, please consider supporting the author by buying the raws. You can use Google Chrome with their auto translate and this guide on how to buy novels on jjwxc. Remember, only with your (financial) support can artists continue to produce more great works.

You can also buy the physical version here.

There’s also a Manhua version: English version. Chinese version.

I would also like to thank everyone for your comments, encouragement, help with my translations, and ko-fi donations. It in part fuels my motivation to release so frequently.

With that, I do have a little bonus. Next is an extra that’s exclusive only to the traditional Chinese publication.

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