Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

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Chapter 94

On the afternoon when his contract with Dream Without Limits expired, Ran Lin went to the company. The boss wasn’t too enthusiastic, but he still expressed his gratitude and said goodbye to the boss and the entire Dream Without Limits team.

Back in the underground parking lot, locating his car, Wang Xi was still sitting calmly in the passenger seat. She rolled down the window and asked with concern as she watched him walk towards the car, “How did it go?”

“Everything went smoothly,” Ran Lin said, circling around the front of the car to the driver’s side and getting into the driver’s seat.

Ran Lin’s contract with Dream Without Limits had expired, but Wang Xi hadn’t resigned yet. So for such a farewell occasion, as a still-registered company employee, it wasn’t appropriate for her to appear.

However, the company probably foresaw her mindset and hadn’t assigned her any new artists. She was essentially just holding the nominal title of head of the brokerage department.

“Wait another half month.” Wang Xi fastened her seatbelt as she said, “I’ll go and submit my resignation then.”

“Will Dream Without Limits make it difficult for you?” Ran Lin was a bit worried, as he had naturally terminated his contract upon its expiration, but Wang Xi wasn’t.

“Don’t worry,” Wang Xi assured. “They’re waiting for me to take the initiative.”

Ran Lin nodded, started the engine, turned on the air conditioning, drove out of the parking lot, and headed towards their destination.

Wang Xi closed the window as the car’s temperature became cooler. She aimlessly watched the world outside, sighing after a while, “When I left Pentium Times, I thought I’d never dine with Yao Hong again. But not only am I going to eat with her, I’m handing over my most cared-for artist to her. I must have owed her in my last life.”

Ran Lin laughed. “When you and Yao Hong jointly managed the public relations for our rumors, you were quite in sync.”

“Work is work, personal is personal.” Wang Xi pursed her lips. “We just don’t click.”

Ran Lin teasingly asked, “And now?”

Wang Xi turned to look at him, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Remember, if she treats you badly, report to me immediately.”

Ran Lin: “And then?”

Wang Xi: “Xi Jie will make an international call to reprimand her.”

Ran Lin: “……”

The idea of Wang Xi “scolding Yao Hong” might be akin to “superb acting skills” to himself, Ran Lin thought. It’s a lifelong pursuit.

Forty minutes later, Ran Lin parked the car in front of a restaurant.

It was the last day of June, looking like it might rain, with a hint of moisture in the humid air. There was a breeze, but it wasn’t strong. After exiting the car, the coolness from the air conditioning clashed with the hot air outside, leaving him unsure if he felt cold or hot.

Fortunately, the discomfort was short-lived as he and Wang Xi entered the restaurant, leaving the sweltering heat behind the thick glass doors, returning to a cooler world.

At 4:30 in the afternoon, the restaurant wasn’t crowded. A waiter led them to a private room on the second floor, knocked, and opened the door to reveal Lu Yiyao and Yao Hong, who had been waiting for some time.

Today marked Ran Lin’s contract termination day. Lu Yiyao initially wanted to celebrate for his partner, but after hearing Wang Xi’s future plans from Ran Lin, he decided to have a four-person dinner after discussing with Yao Hong. The dinner was partly to celebrate Ran Lin and partly to honor Wang Xi.

Perhaps, in Wang Xi’s view, she didn’t have much rapport with Lu Yiyao. But for Lu Yiyao, he already considered Wang Xi, someone Ran Lin valued highly, as one of his own. If not for hearing from Ran Lin that she wanted to take a long break and temporarily leave the work circle, Lu Yiyao would have even considered signing her to continue managing Ran Lin.

“President Lu, Hong Jie.” Wang Xi’s address for Lu Yiyao had evolved with the times, and as the soon-to-be boss of the company Ran Lin would sign with, Lu Yiyao deserved the title.

“Come, sit here.” Lu Yiyao stood up, ushering Wang Xi and Ran Lin into their seats.

Yao Hong couldn’t intervene and simply smiled gently in response. “Xiao Wang.”

Wang Xi, newly seated, gave her a look that had been brewing for years, needing to vent. “Hong Jie, I’m forty now. Can you change my nickname?”

Yao Hong acquiesced smoothly, “Lao* Wang?”

*Clarity: It’s more uncommon for women to address each other as Lao, partially because Lao basically means old, so it’s a less flattering term towards women.

“……” Wang Xi teetered between storming off and flipping the table before storming off.

“Just calling by name seems good.” Lu Yiyao tried to mediate, hoping to avoid a premature end to the dinner.

Expecting Yao Hong to take the hint since even Wang Xi seemed to accept the suggestion, she surprisingly shook her head firmly. “I’ve been calling her that for so many years; why change it now? Besides, Xiao Wang is younger than me, and no matter if she’s forty or eighty, in my eyes, she’s still that sprightly young girl from back then.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Ran Lin: “……”

Wang Xi paused and then hesitantly said, “I didn’t know you’ve always thought that way. Besides, I’m not that much younger than you…”

“You’re someone I brought up.” Yao Hong looked at her steadily. “I’m not saying this to lord over you. After all, I didn’t mentor you for many years, but even if it was just for a year or a month, our relationship is different from others. They are colleagues, peers, and competitors, but we share a bond.”

Wang Xi’s eyes were downcast, her expression unreadable.

After a long moment, she suddenly stood up.

Lu Yiyao and Ran Lin were startled. Before they could understand what was happening, Wang Xi had already taken a teapot, poured a cup of warm tea, and handed it to Yao Hong. “Let’s forget about the past. It’s all in this cup of tea.”

Traditionally, grudges are washed away with alcohol, and apologies are made with tea.

Yao Hong took the tea, sipped it, and then said, “I’ve also been wrong in some aspects.”

However, at that moment, saying “I’m wrong” was like saying “don’t mind it”, more of a comfort.

Lu Yiyao and Ran Lin exchanged looks, eventually directing their “admiration” towards Yao Hong.

Although the two women had ostensibly buried the hatchet long ago, the deepest point of contention was dissolved just now, in that cup of tea.

With a few words, Yao Hong had secured that cup of tea.

Wang Xi probably understood, yet it touched her deeply, and she willingly let it go.

This was a years-long silent confrontation between two women, and as mere bystanders, Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao could only keep their distance to survive until the end.

Now it was all good, with a perfect ending.

Just like they had timed it, the waiter entered to serve the dishes right then.

Ran Lin was initially surprised but then realized that Lu Yiyao and Yao Hong must have ordered the dishes before they arrived.

With the meal underway, the atmosphere became warm and harmonious. Wang Xi naturally asked the question she was most concerned about. “Hong Jie, will you be leading Ran Lin after he signs?”

“At present, I’ll be leading him,” Yao Hong said. “But as I’m getting older, if I have to manage the entire brokerage department, it might be too much, so we’ll look for a more suitable agent in a couple of years.”

“Don’t worry, Xi Jie,” Lu Yiyao earnestly said. “I will definitely give the best to Ran Lin.”

Wang Xi looked at Lu Yiyao for a while, then remarked, “I always worried, thinking that a brother might not be the best boss, but now I’ve changed my mind. Having a boss who appreciates you is indeed important.”

Lu Yiyao laughed, nodding vigorously. “Yes, I appreciate him a lot.”

Ran Lin kept his head down and continued eating, pretending not to hear anything, then felt like he was the most scheming boy in the world!

Wang Xi discussed Ran Lin’s development over the past six months with Yao Hong and Lu Yiyao, including interested parties and brands, and concluded, “I’ll compile the information and send it to you in a couple of days.” Once finished, she felt somewhat relieved.

The conversation then turned into a real celebration, with Yao Hong and Lu Yiyao asking Wang Xi about her travel plans and the topics meandering all over the place.

By the time they finished eating, it was after 7 p.m.

As night fell and the lights came on, Ran Lin drove Wang Xi home and then headed to Lu Yiyao’s villa.

He’d been running to the villa whenever he had free time and had once encountered a paparazzi following his car. However, using the methods taught by Gu Jie, he managed to lose them within the Fifth Ring Road and returned to the villa, enjoying the peace of the world.

This also strengthened his resolve to become neighbors with Lu Yiyao. After all, living in the same community, it wouldn’t be odd to be seen coming and going.

However, even with high remunerations, it was challenging to keep up with housing prices. He figured it would take at least another two or three TV shows or variety shows, or more endorsements, to close the funding gap.

When Lu Yiyao gave him the villa key, he also gave him a gate card, so the security guards were familiar with the owner of the black SUV who was always fully dressed, only showing his eyes. From initially being cautious to now seeing it as commonplace.

Lu Yiyao’s villa used a fingerprint lock. Although there was a key as a backup opening method, Ran Lin always used his finger to press it, waiting for the lock core to open with a click.

Ran Lin liked this way of opening doors, as it felt like a solemn ceremony.

“Did you drop her home?” Lu Yiyao got up from the sofa as he heard the door opening and came over.

“Yeah.” Ran Lin changed into slippers and went over to give him a kiss.

Lu Yiyao hugged Ran Lin, deepening their kiss.

They parted reluctantly only when they felt it might lead to going to bed earlier.

Ran Lin took a quick shower, changed into summer home clothes, and when he came out, Lu Yiyao was sitting on the sofa, seemingly watching the evening news. Ran Lin was skeptical about whether he was really watching since, as soon as he appeared, Lu Yiyao turned to him with a beaming smile.

Ran Lin obediently sat beside him.

They snuggled together, and Ran Lin said, “Xi Jie said you’re even more composed than she imagined.”

Lu Yiyao played with Ran Lin’s hair, half-listening. “She’s also more trustworthy than I expected.”

Ran Lin swatted his hand away, looking seriously at him. “Because of Han Ze’s incident?”

“Not entirely.” Lu Yiyao pondered. “Just a feeling. Remember when she accompanied you on the set of <Sword of Fallen Flowers>? I didn’t quite like the vibe then.”

Although his impression changed later, it was only at this meal that Lu Yiyao felt he truly understood the new Wang Xi. The regret of not being able to continue managing Ran Lin grew.

Upon his partner’s reminder, Ran Lin realized that his manager did seem different from before. Her temper, personality, and methods seemed to have changed, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was different.

“By the way.” Lu Yiyao mentioned Han Ze, sparking curiosity. “What’s Han Ze up to now?”

Since <Chronicles of Winter> the TV series flopped, there hadn’t been much news about Han Ze in the entertainment news. But as a colleague until the day before, Ran Lin still knew a bit. “He’s doing some variety shows and some event appearances, I guess. The incident with Cui Yanyan damaged his image too much; not many dramas are looking for him now.”

Lu Yiyao nodded and didn’t pursue the topic further.

He had no personal feelings towards Han Ze, whether positive or negative, as they barely intersected. The only time they did, Han Ze tried to undermine Ran Lin and ultimately got his just deserts.

Thinking further, Han Ze’s entire career is a reflection of many artists’.

There’s a rise to fame, then while still famous, suddenly not so anymore. Some, like Han Ze, have a clear point of flop, such as a scandal, while many just fade into obscurity without such a point, quietly forgotten by the audience. Then one day, someone mentions them, and the typical response is, “Oh yeah, what happened to them?” and then they are quickly forgotten again.

This is the entertainment industry. As easy as it is to fall in love with someone, it’s just as easy to forget them, with a mercilessly fast pace of generation change.

So someone like his Ran Lin, who doesn’t care about fame or popularity but focuses solely on acting itself, is truly rare…

“Ah, my followers have reached 18 million!”

Lu Yiyao: “…”

Was it his imagination? Ran Lin frowned; why did his lover look so unimpressed?

……

On the first weekend of July, Lu Yiyao’s studio’s official Weibo account announced the signing of Ran Lin. Lu Yiyao’s fans exploded instantly, and the entertainment industry was shocked, leading to a collaboration between the two fan bases to push “Ran Lin Signs with Lu Yiyao’s Studio” to the top of the hot search.

The content of the announcement was overseen by Yao Hong, stating that after Ran Lin’s contract had expired, he signed a normal contract with Lu Yiyao Studio. The reason given for the signing was that both parties had the same philosophy and goals. They were looking forward to a bright future together. The text was very official, yet it radiated an air of “we’re a perfect match”.

Before marketing accounts even got involved, fans from both sides had already turned the comment section into a shocked and devastated battlefield.

[I’m a bit dumbfounded…]

[God Lu’s fans and Burning Noodles haters are saying they can’t live through this day! Sigh—]

[Today is a celebration for the Green Forest Gang, hahaha [WellDone.jpg]]

[So the relationship between these two is real. I always thought it was a plastic friendship 😱]

[I refuse to listen. A dog reciting scripture*!!!]

*Idiom referring to a situation or speech that is unbelievable, nonsensical, or incongruous to the point of being laughable.

[Been shipping these two since the airport incident. I can finally rest in peace…]

[Is God Lu transitioning into a different career? I’m a bit worried…]

[Burning Noodles weeping with joy, finally leaving the dreadful Dream Without Limits. Please let <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms> not air. Better to lock it away 😫.]

[Isn’t it just an official collaboration announcement. What’s with this feeling of public romance announcement?]

As the shock settled, some of God Lu’s fans who got a grip sooner weren’t too pleased, with the most representative comment being—[The most successful social climber in history.]

However, whether shocked or sneering, Yao Hong didn’t let the public sentiment ferment for too long. She had already coordinated with numerous marketing accounts to release a unified message—

[Ran Lin signs with Lu Yiyao’s Studio! God Lu becomes Boss Lu!]

The message not only guided the narrative towards a positive “brothers striving together” energy but also revealed that Lu Yiyao was preparing for his first drama as a boss, which would soon start shooting.

Amidst the all-encompassing promotion, public opinion gradually unified into a relatively positive narrative, also giving Lu Yiyao’s new drama a wave of presence. Countless fans were left hanging, clamoring—since it’s announced, at least tell us the name of the drama!

When the name hung side by side on the trending searches, the two involved were shoulder to shoulder on the bed, posting on Weibo together.

Both reposted the studio’s Weibo, neither saying anything but using emojis. Lu Yiyao paired it with a smoking 😎 and Ran Lin with a 👍. At first glance, it looked quite couple-like.

By this time, the public sentiment had turned relatively positive, especially with Lu Yiyao’s clear stance, so the comments under their reposts were mostly blessings, with the occasional off-putting remark quickly being gently guided by others.

By midnight, public opinion had mostly stabilized, and the change in comment direction throughout the evening provided a clear insight into the subtly complex emotional journey of God Lu’s fans—

[Fuck!]

[What’s this!]

[The most successful thigh hug in history 😡.]

[God Lu has posted. We can only wish him well 😭.]

[I really can’t take a liking to Ran Lin, but God Lu surely knows him better than us, so trust in God Lu.]

[Wait, is God Lu planning to change careers?]

[What’s the name of the new drama!]

[Will the new drama feature Ran Lin?]

[Am I the only one who actually thinks Ran Lin is quite good? I’ve watched <Chronicles of Winter> and <Dyeing Fire>. His acting is really solid.]

[Agree, Ran Lin is a promising talent.]

[Ran Lin is already popular, right? Not a Burning Noodle, but a God Lu fan. Do we God Lu fans have a bit of a superiority complex?]

[I’ve been holding it in for two years, finally daring to say I’m both a God Lu fan and a Burning Noodle!]

[Ran Lin is genuinely popular now. My roommate is a hardcore Burning Noodle 😫.]

[If you’re truly a God Lu fan, stop bashing Ran Lin. If Ran Lin flops, how does it benefit God Lu? To be blunt, the company belongs to God Lu, and signing Ran Lin means he’s helping God Lu make money! The more popular Ran Lin gets, the more worthwhile the sign is!]

[Damn, woke up with a revelation! I’m a God Lu fan. I want Boss Lu to make money!]

[I… hell, starting today, I’m a Burning Noodle!!!]

[Count me in for being a Burning Noodle!]

[Burning Noodle 3]

[Here’s to making money together!]

[Make money!]

[Make money!]

[Make money!]

As for the Burning Noodles’ emotional journey, a large Burning Noodle group’s chat record was quite representative—

18:00 Group Admin: [No need to clash with God Lu’s fans. Let’s just focus on our own. The original airport incident was the original sin; nothing can be done.]

20:00 Group Admin: [Dizzy. God Lu’s fans have started to clash internally.]

22:00 Group Admin: [Did Lu Yiyao employ marketing accounts to guide the narrative? The public sentiment is very positive now.]

00:00 Group Admin: [They’ve finally realized Ran Lin is helping their boss make money, *relieved*.]

00:05 Group Admin: [Let’s establish relations with God Lu’s fans! [Today is a good day, all wishes come true.gif]]

In the late night, while God Lu’s fans and Burning Noodles peacefully discuss the future, Ran Lin, perhaps dreaming something delightful, chuckled in his sleep.

Lu Yiyao, who had been unable to sleep and secretly scrolling through Weibo, was startled and broke into a cold sweat.

……

On the second weekend of July, <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms> premiered. Ran Lin attended the drama’s promotion in Guangzhou, and it was also the same day that Wang Xi, who had resigned, embarked on her first stop of her global journey to Fiji.

Ran Lin couldn’t see her off, so he timed her wait at the airport and sent a message—[Have a great trip ❤️]

Wang Xi replied—[Nope.]

Ran Lin was puzzled—[?]

Wang Xi—[There’s something unresolved. I can’t let it go.]

Ran Lin—[What is it?]

Wang Xi—[When exactly did you and Lu Yiyao get together? 😠😠😠]

Ran Lin—[……]

Wang Xi—[If you don’t tell me, I won’t be at peace leaving 😭.]]

…Knowing this is a trip, one might think his former manager was battling Death itself! Must she phrase it so fiercely!

Ran Lin sighed—[After <Sword of Fallen Flowers>, okay?]

Wang Xi—[I was just bluffing, but it’s actually true… [QuestioningLife.jpg]]

Ran Lin—[Shouldn’t I be the one sending that meme!!!]

…The longest road Ran Lin ever walked was his agent’s tricks.

While Wang Xi dissipated her last concerns and boarded the plane peacefully, Ran Lin finished his activities and returned to the hotel, catching the second half of the second episode of <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms>.

With its high saturation, high contrast, and clashing colors in costumes and sets, the whole picture was vivid enough to make one weep, topped with shoddy special effects and occasionally mismatched dubbing. Only a miraculous plot could save the reputation now.

However, the plot of this drama was the only thing Ran Lin was familiar with, and it couldn’t be considered particularly exciting.

Fortunately, the editing quality was high, ensuring smooth storytelling. So, if viewers could accept the questionable color grading, the slightly rushed post-production, and a somewhat exaggerated acting style, it still provided some entertainment.

Unfortunately for Ran Lin, his last project was the film <Dyeing Fire>, and before that, <Chronicles of Winter>. Compared to these, the new series was difficult to accept. Audiences flocked to his Weibo to inquire about what had happened. Thankfully, fans explained that the drama was a previous commitment with his old company; it was the company’s responsibility, not Ran Lin’s. Now that he had signed with a new company, he would have more autonomy over his future projects.

Ran Lin suspected there were insiders among his fan base. Otherwise, how could they always hit right at his heart?

Though <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms> was a disaster, disastrous dramas usually have moderate viewership and discussion levels. Even if there was discussion, it was typically lighthearted teasing rather than deep-seated hatred. After a while of teasing, it just passed by.

After initially helping with the promotion of <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms>, Ran Lin stopped following the comments and eventually didn’t check Weibo much. Instead, he devoted all his energy to the script of the drama that Lu Yiyao had finally completed.

The drama Lu Yiyao had been preparing for nearly ten months was <Youths of Wulin>.

It was a modern drama about the growth and love of several young people. The male lead was written specifically for Ran Lin, so as soon as he began reading the script, he became immersed and wished he could start filming the next day.

Before terminating his contract with Dream Without Limits, Ran Lin had found another apartment. So, when Dream Without Limits took back the dormitory, he moved half of his belongings to the newly rented apartment and the other half to Lu Yiyao’s place, essentially creating two homes in Beijing.

Throughout August, Ran Lin spent most of his time with Lu Yiyao, reading scripts and cooking, occasionally checking if any small villas in the neighborhood were for sale—never forgetting his “beautiful vision” of becoming neighbors with his lover.

Lu Yiyao, on the other hand, fully immersed himself in the CEO’s rhythm. Aside from handling studio business, he personally oversaw the preparations and setting up of a new TV drama, even leveraging his influence to secure the second male lead—Tang Xiaoyu, who was almost as crucial as Ran Lin in the drama.

Since going public with his relationship, Tang Xiaoyu’s career soared, reaching a status where he could be the leading man. Yet, when Lu Yiyao called, he immediately agreed, saying, “Sure, I’m available.”

Lu Yiyao, surprised by his promptness, asked, “Are you sure you don’t need to discuss it with your agent first?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Tang Xiaoyu revealed, “To tell you the truth, ever since your drama started preparations, my agent’s been nudging me to approach you, hoping to secure a significant role. I was just too embarrassed to do it.”

Lu Yiyao, who had been worried about casting the second male lead, was speechless. “Then why didn’t you contact me?”

Tang Xiaoyu replied, “I thought you’d think of me, so I just waited.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Tang Xiaoyu: “And you did! Haha!”

Lu Yiyao, who has few true friends in the entertainment industry, found that those he did make were… quite unique.

……

On the last day of August, Lu Yiyao was in his office reviewing documents when he received a call from his sister.

As soon as he answered, he was greeted with his sister’s jubilant voice. “Brother, congratulations—”

Lu Yiyao moved the phone slightly away from his ear to avoid the loudness and half-jokingly, half-seriously replied, “Congratulations for what? Did our parents get back together?”

“That wish might be a bit difficult…” Lu Yimeng was very aware of her brother’s obsession, though she had a more relaxed view on it, as after all, it was their parents’ relationship. But that wasn’t the main point of her call today!

“You’ve been nominated for the XX Film Festival! For Best Actor!” Lu Yimeng finally remembered the important news.

Lu Yiyao was momentarily stunned, but not entirely surprised.

The XX Film Festival is one of the most important domestic film festivals. Though it’s a national event focusing on domestic films, getting a nomination is a significant recognition within the industry. <Split Moon>, having been nominated for a major competition section in an A-list film festival, was already internationally recognized. Being nominated for a domestic film festival was only logical.

“Brother?” Waiting for a response, Lu Yimeng called out in confusion.

“Uh-huh,” Lu Yiyao acknowledged. “I know.”

“Is that all?” Lu Yimeng’s excitement was dampened. “Brother, you can’t forget the young actor who once ran under the setting sun just because you’re now a domineering CEO.”

Lu Yiyao, holding his forehead, couldn’t even begin to imagine that beautiful scene. “Don’t just randomly assign me a persona…”

Lu Yimeng went silent for a few seconds, then said meaningfully, “Gu Jie got nominated too.”

That caught Lu Yiyao’s attention. “For <Dyeing Fire>? Best Actor?”

“Correct on all accounts!” Lu Yimeng knew this would work, as indeed her brother’s tone lifted.

Just as she was feeling proud, her brother on the other end of the line asked, “There should be five nominees, right? Who are the other three?”

Lu Yimeng hadn’t paid attention to the others. When asked, she only remembered one other person who had a brief encounter with her brother, who also seemed to be on the list. “I think Ran Lin is also nominated. I didn’t notice the other two…”

For Lu Yiyao, that was enough. “Okay, I’ll look up the news.”

Lu Yimeng laughed happily. “Brother, aren’t I great?”

Lu Yiyao smiled, reminded of a compliment Ran Lin had once given him. “Yeah, you’re the harbinger of good news.”

Lu Yimeng ended the call satisfied.

Lu Yiyao immediately looked up the news. Sure enough, just as his sister said, Ran Lin and Gu Jie were both nominated for Best Actor for <Dyeing Fire>, along with Zhang Beichen for his outstanding performance in <Mint Green>, and another veteran actor.

The online news was just a standard announcement of the nominations. But when it came to the microblogs, the topics varied widely. However, the one that made it to the top of the hot list was—Di Jiangtao was not the lead actor.

At first glance at the topic, Lu Yiyao furrowed his brows. Logically, the primary suspect for hyping such a topic would be Gu Jie, as he was the definitive lead actor of the drama and had become a competitor by being nominated alongside Ran Lin. Starting this kind of discussion seemed only natural.

But that was Gu Jie. If he would resort to demeaning a friend to promote himself, then it would be an absurdity.

Clicking on the topic, a wave of marketing accounts eagerly stirring the pot became apparent—

[Lonely Entertainment Brother: Gu Jie and Ran Lin both receive XX Film Festival Best Actor nominations. Does <Dyeing Fire> actually have double male leads?…[View full text]]

[Eight Empresses: Gu Jie’s fans are dissatisfied with Ran Lin’s nomination, claiming <Dyeing Fire> has only one male lead…[View full text]]

[Net Entertainment Fishing Studio: Ran Lin and Gu Jie both nominated, <Dyeing Fire> occupies two Best Actor nominations causing controversy…[View full text]]

Lu Yiyao’s expression darkened.

Some marketing accounts’ sole purpose is to chase trending topics, create them if none exist, and desperately seek attention.

Exiting the microblog, Lu Yiyao called Yao Hong.

The phone was quickly answered, almost as if telepathically, with a direct question. “Di Jiangtao?”

Lu Yiyao’s frustration dissipated somewhat, leaving him a bit sheepish. “Yeah.”

“Don’t worry.” Yao Hong’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “Director He’s side has already communicated well, and he will speak on behalf of the crew soon.”

Lu Yiyao: “What about Gu Jie?”

“Haven’t you seen his microblog?” Yao Hong chuckled. “He’s personally taking it to the field to tear it apart.”

Not using fans as a weapon and speaking directly when angered is Gu Jie’s usual style. But upon visiting Gu Jie’s microblog, Lu Yiyao felt Yao Hong might have exaggerated a bit. What Gu Jie did could be considered more of a firm stand rather than tearing into someone, coming off as a direct challenge—

[Di Jiangtao being the male lead or not, everyone who has seen <Dyeing Fire> can freely make their own judgment. But if you really want to ask me, then my answer is one, yes, and very much so. 💪]

Gu Jie’s words were actually aimed at those who were there for the drama, as he has never shied away from his brotherly relationship with Ran Lin. So Gu Jie’s fans have always had a good impression of Ran Lin. Before this post, Gu Jie’s fans were already schooling troublemakers under his old posts.

Once Gu Jie made his post, his fans felt utterly reassured—

[I knew my idol would post. It’s not in vain I’ve been defending Ran Lin for so long. 🙌]

[That hot comment there—you still need to defend Ran Lin? Gu Ge alone is enough! 💪]

[A real man. Always clear and firm in his stance during key moments. No need for reading between the lines. 👌]

[If I remember correctly, when Gu Ge was wronged, Ran Lin also didn’t hesitate to repost and support him. I envy this kind of friendship…]

[Have you guys checked @Xia Xinran’s microblog? The friendship boat of the Drifting Team is rocking… 🫣]

Lu Yiyao read down the comments, chuckling until he saw the guiding comment and clicked out of curiosity, finding that Xia Xinran had just updated a post—

[#Sad Radish Squat# Gu Jie’s nomination followed by Ran Lin’s, then Lu Yiyao’s, followed by Zhang Beichen’s, and then Xia Xinran…where is Xia Xinran!! 😭 😭 😭]

[Fans of Xia Forever: Damn, I read it out loud, my heart is broken 🫂🫢]]

[Little Rice of the North Country: My heart aches for Xiaxia. 💔]

[Don’t Call Me to Sell Finance Anymore: Hold tight my Xia!]

[eeeeee: Xiaxia don’t cry, we love you!]

[A Lonely City: Heart aches for Xiaxia. But isn’t the premise for nomination to have a film work this year? If I’m not mistaken, didn’t Xiaxia only act in TV dramas this year…]

[Scenery Doesn’t Change with the Seasons: Reply to @A Lonely City: What are you talking about the harsh truth for! Just give a strong hug!]

[A Lonely City: Reply to @Scenery Doesn’t Change with the Seasons: I was wrong! Heartaches for Xiaxia x100 times!]

Sometimes, fans and their idols share a certain temperament, Lu Yiyao thought. For instance, Gu Jie’s fans, at a glance, always seem straightforward and decisive, and then there are Xia Xinran’s fans, who all seem to… shine with a mischievous brilliance.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

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Chapter 93

Ran Lin couldn’t stop his tears from falling, but they were abruptly halted by his partner’s acceleration.

Sniffling, he removed Lu Yiyao’s hand from his face and took another look at the house. His vision was slightly foggy from the tears, making everything seem as if it were behind a layer of mist, ethereally beautiful.

Lu Yiyao let go of his embrace and instead took his hand. “Let me show you around.”

Ran Lin allowed himself to be led, exploring every corner of the house as if on an adventure. They started with the first floor and then moved to the second, visiting the living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, guest rooms, study… and finally, a home theater.

Ran Lin was astonished by the huge screen, clearly soundproof walls, and the surround sound system. He walked around the room several times before turning to Lu Yiyao with a laugh and disbelief. “So you’ve brought a mini cinema home…”

Lu Yiyao leaned against the doorframe. “I have a similar room in my apartment. Whenever I want to learn acting skills from the masters, I play their films on loop here. It’s very effective.” He paused for a moment and then smiled at Ran Lin. “Now it’s your turn to learn here.”

Ran Lin, tickled by the idea, was almost tempted to start watching a movie right then and there. His eyes caught the gramophone in the corner, and he walked over to examine it, realizing it was not just for show but actually functional. He looked questioningly at Lu Yiyao. “You listen to vinyl records while watching movies?”

“After watching, you’ll want to digest and absorb,” Lu Yiyao said. “Playing music helps with thinking.”

Ran Lin glanced at the gramophone and then back at his partner, imagining him after watching a movie, starting the gramophone, and lying on the sofa in contemplation…

All that for acting skills! One could simply practice in front of a bathroom mirror. Why the need for such pretentiousness!

“Which room did you like?” Lu Yiyao suddenly asked.

Ran Lin, shifting his gaze from the gramophone, looked puzzled at his partner standing in the doorway.

“The bedrooms we just saw,” Lu Yiyao clarified. “Which one did you like?”

Ran Lin tilted his head, recalling the tour. Each bedroom was beautiful, each with its own main color theme and corresponding style of bed and cabinets, making some feel fresh, others warm, some richly retro, and others simply serene.

“The blue one.” Ran Lin had a personal preference for colors. “The Mediterranean style one.”

“Okay.” Lu Yiyao straightened up and moved away from the doorframe. “Go wait in the room. I’ll call you when the bath is ready.”

Ran Lin was momentarily stunned, then caught on to the implication. “You’re moving through this process a bit too smoothly, aren’t you?”

Lu Yiyao, halfway out the door, turned back and said with a serious tone, “Ever since that time I fell asleep in the hotel, I’ve engraved the process deep in my soul.”

Ran Lin sensed a deep sorrow under his boyfriend’s resolute voice.

……

After two years of anticipation, Ran Lin thought he was in for a rock concert, but what he got was a jazz session. But jazz was great too.

Relaxed and lazy, Ran Lin looked around the room bathed in tranquil ocean blue and thought, just like his relationship with Lu Yiyao, there was no need for dramatics—a gentle, pleasant rhythm and flow was enough.

Soon, Lu Yiyao’s call from downstairs indicated the bath was ready. Ran Lin got up and went downstairs, only to find his partner missing. Puzzled, he walked into the bathroom.

The exhaust fan was off, filling the room with a steamy haze. Behind the mist, Lu Yiyao was sitting in a water-filled bathtub, smiling at him with his eyes.

Ran Lin had fantasized about sharing a bath, the close physical contact in a confined space… But Lu Yiyao’s circular bathtub was so large it felt more like a bathing hall!

“Are you just going to watch me?” Lu Yiyao asked softly with a hint of grievance, as if saying, ‘I’m already like this. How can you just stand there?’

Of course, Ran Lin couldn’t just stand there. All the nights he had imagined with Lu Yiyao were filled with tension, haste, and the fear of being interrupted. But when it actually happened, it was solid, warm, and romantic, surpassing all his fantasies.

It was Lu Yiyao who led him into such a night. Without his knowledge, his partner had quietly done so much, prepared for so long.

“Turn around,” Ran Lin heard himself say. Lu Yiyao gave a reluctant look but eventually complied.

The water rippled softly with gentle sounds. Ran Lin quickly stripped and entered the water.

As soon as he got in, Ran Lin felt the warmth rush from his feet to the rest of his body, first shivering, then enveloped in a comfortable and secure warmth.

Hearing the splash, Lu Yiyao turned back around. By the time Ran Lin was fully immersed, Lu Yiyao had already drawn close, gently pressing him against the side of the bathtub and kissing him.

Lu Yiyao’s kiss was tender. Ran Lin closed his eyes, feeling both his body and soul melting.

After a while, Lu Yiyao softly broke the kiss and started planting smaller kisses on his chin, neck, and before Ran Lin realized it, he was already being held in Lu Yiyao’s arms.

Ran Lin’s entire body softened, with one particular area remaining tensely hard.

Lu Yiyao was the same, as Ran Lin could clearly feel him pressing against him.

But after the kiss, Lu Yiyao simply held him quietly, motionless. Ran Lin leaned into him and murmured, “Shall we start…”

“It’s okay.” Lu Yiyao rubbed his head with his chin. “I’ve waited two years already. I can wait a bit longer, till we’re back in the bedroom.”

Ran Lin thought about the disparity in willpower between them and surrendered.

“But I can’t wait any longer…”

With that, he turned around and took the initiative, splashing water everywhere in the tub.

Limited by space, the two didn’t really have full physical contact but used their hands to comfort each other.

After reaching their peaks in a flurry, they finally managed to calm down and have a proper bath.

Ran Lin felt so comfortable that he didn’t even want to move his fingers. Lu Yiyao, still full of energy, half dragged and half carried him out of the bathtub and under the showerhead.

“Close your eyes.” The somewhat muffled voice of Lu Yiyao reached his ears. Still foggy-brained, Ran Lin obediently closed his eyes, feeling the continuous flow of the shower washing over him from head to toe, the warmth enveloping him.

Suddenly, the shower was turned off. Ran Lin wanted to open his eyes but remembered his partner’s instruction and continued to stand obediently. Soon, he felt a pair of hands rubbing his hair, not too hard nor too soft, comfortably with a cool touch of shampoo.

His partner was washing his hair for him. With his eyes closed, Ran Lin couldn’t help but secretly smile…

Wait.

Ran Lin sniffed a couple of times, recognizing the scent…

The shower turned back on, and Ran Lin cooperated by lowering his head to let the water rinse off the foam. When he finally could open his eyes, he indeed saw the familiar shampoo bottle and exclaimed in surprise, “This is the one I endorsed…”

“It’s pretty good,” Lu Yiyao replied, taking some more to start washing his own hair.

Ran Lin asked, “Have you been using this all along?”

“Uh-huh,” Lu Yiyao muttered, massaging his scalp.

Ran Lin frowned. “But I remember when I started endorsing it, we weren’t together yet…”

Splash.

Very conveniently, his boyfriend turned the shower on again.

…Suspicious indeed!

But Lu Yiyao didn’t give Ran Lin another chance to seek the truth. After quickly finishing their shower, he carried Ran Lin back to the room.

After that, Ran Lin was completely submerged in the blue ocean of their room, tossed by the waves and forgetting all about his previous suspicions.

Lu Yiyao had made thorough preparations and patiently waited until Ran Lin was completely relaxed before making his move.

Initially, Ran Lin was grateful for the lack of pain, only experiencing a sense of fulfillment.

But when Lu Yiyao came for the third time, Ran Lin finally understood the saying, “short pain is better than long pain*”…

*It’s an idiom that refers to it’s better to endure brief, intense discomfort and deal with the problem immediately rather than prolonging the agony over an extended period of time. Basically, deal with it quickly rather than letting it drag out. || In this context, well… Lu Yiyao prefers dragging it out (if you know what I mean).

……

Ran Lin hadn’t had such a sound sleep in a long time. No intruders disturbed his dreams, only a sea of his favorite light blue, carrying a tempting fragrance, warm and comfortable.

His eyelashes fluttered twice before he slowly opened his eyes. The sunlight streaming in from the window tinted the room a lighter shade of blue.

“Good morning.” A cheerful greeting reached his ears.

Ran Lin turned slightly to the right and saw his partner propping up his head with his arm, watching him with a satisfied, refreshed look.

“Morning.” Ran Lin tried to turn and lie face-to-face with Lu Yiyao, but as soon as he moved, he felt sore all over.

Lu Yiyao seemed to chuckle.

The next second, he suddenly lifted the covers and dove in, swiftly pouncing on Ran Lin and popping his head out from under the covers on Ran Lin’s chest.

“No way!” Ran Lin sternly refused.

Lu Yiyao couldn’t help but laugh. “I didn’t say we’re going again.”

Ran Lin didn’t speak, just kept looking at his partner on his chest, his gaze indicating that he should reconsider his position. But Lu Yiyao relaxed instead, laying his entire weight on Ran Lin like a human blanket. “Let me lie down for a while…”

Ran Lin rolled his eyes, but after a few seconds, he couldn’t help but wrap his arms around his partner’s head.

“After you sign the contract, move in and live with me here,” Lu Yiyao said gently.

“No, I’ll buy another villa next door and be your neighbor,” Ran Lin replied, feeling somewhat extravagant for the first time. “How much is this villa?”

“…million,” Lu Yiyao replied.

“Hm?” Ran Lin urged.

Lu Yiyao lifted his head slightly, his voice clearer this time.

Ran Lin finally heard it clearly and nodded earnestly, staring into his partner’s eyes. “Let’s discuss if I can get a higher salary for my first film after I join your company…”

Lu Yiyao laughed out loud, kissing him spontaneously. A single look can spark a fire in the throes of passion, much less a kiss. So they cuddled for a while longer before Lu Yiyao got out of bed, put on clothes, and said he’d make breakfast.

Watching his partner leave the bedroom with a tender gaze, Ran Lin grimaced as he got up, feeling sore but finding a set of home wear laid out on the nightstand. He put it on, appreciating its softness and comfort, especially since it fit perfectly.

Ran Lin remembered, if not mistaken, the set Lu Yiyao had worn when he got out of bed looked identical to his, except for the color.

Getting up, the soreness was quite intense at first, but it eased after moving around a bit, thanks to Lu Yiyao’s utmost tenderness.

Descending to the living room, Ran Lin caught a faint whiff of coffee. Following the scent to the kitchen, he hesitated as he sensed not just coffee but also soy milk.

As he was about to peek at what his partner in matching home wear was concocting, Lu Yiyao turned around with a small tray in hand.

It wasn’t soy-flavored coffee but simply a cup of coffee, a cup of soy milk, a simple sandwich, and two soft buns.

Who was eating what was evident.

Ran Lin was curious about when it had all been prepared, as there was hardly a few minutes’ gap between him and Lu Yiyao coming downstairs. The only explanation was that Teacher Lu had gotten up earlier, prepared everything, and then went back to bed to wait for him to wake up.

It was nearing noon.

But for both of them, this was still breakfast.

Ran Lin had no schedule today, and Boss Lu had also skipped work, stealing a day of leisure for themselves.

“My followers have reached 17 million…” Lying on the couch, enjoying the afternoon sun, Ran Lin casually scrolled through Weibo and then discovered the surprise. “Last time I checked, it was only 14 million.”

“That was long ago.” Lu Yiyao pulled him into his embrace, lazily yawning. “With <Chronicles of Winter> and <Dyeing Fire> being released back to back, you’re at the height of popularity right now.”

“It’s just a phase.” Ran Lin saw through it. Once <Dyeing Fire> was out of theaters and new movies and TV shows came along, the focus would shift to someone else.

“It’s enough for a phase,” Lu Yiyao said. “You’re not one to chase fame with gimmicks, right? You just want to act well. You should go for quality, not quantity, nor do you need to be in the public eye every day of the year. As long as you ensure that every work you put out is of high quality and that your name becomes synonymous with good work, you’ll have succeeded.”

Ran Lin was captivated by the future Lu Yiyao depicted. “Can I really do it?”

“We’ll try together.” Lu Yiyao tightened his embrace.

……

In the last few days of April, <Dyeing Fire> and <Split Moon> were taken off the screens one after the other. <Dyeing Fire> ultimately broke 400 million in box office, which was a resounding success compared to its production cost. No one was happier than the investors and director He Guan, who held a celebration party the day after the movies were taken down.

Ran Lin, who had been “vacationing” at Lu Yiyao’s villa for over a week, had to rush back to resume work. Unexpectedly, after days of not seeing each other, his agent Wang Xi, like pulling a magic trick, presented him with a small pile of scripts—at least six or seven of them—on their way home after the celebration party.

“Are these all for me?” Ran Lin carefully held the scripts, a bit uncertain.

“These are the ones I’ve screened and found decent.” Wang Xi turned from the passenger seat and said, “There are more in my office, but also a lot of duds.”

Ran Lin: “But I’m about to break my contract with Dream Without Limits soon…”

Wang Xi: “I’m not asking you to sign now. Just take a look first. If you find something suitable, we can talk after the contract termination.”

“Ran Ge, you’ve made it,” Liu Wanwan said proudly. “Before, you were looking for scripts, but now scripts are looking for you.”

“And you don’t need to audition,” Wang Xi added. “For these scripts in your hand, as long as you nod, the producers will immediately confirm you.”

Ran Lin was about to speak when Wang Xi changed the topic. “But the more this is the case, the more cautious you need to be.”

Ran Lin looked at his agent.

Wang Xi slowly continued, “Your current popularity, all that fame, it’s built upon <Sword of Fallen Flowers>, <Chronicles of Winter>, and <Dyeing Fire>. Popularity and reputation are hard to build but easy to destroy. One bad drama can do it.”

Ran Lin was starting to grasp what she meant.

Indeed, Wang Xi pointed out. “<The Legend of Lantern Blossoms> will air in July, so the next project you pick after that is crucial. The audience might forgive a sudden misstep, but they won’t tolerate consecutive failures. If the project after <The Legend of Lantern Blossoms> is also subpar, all the effort you put into <<Sword of Fallen Flowers>, <Chronicles of Winter>, and <Dyeing Fire> will mostly go down the drain.”

Ran Lin: “Audiences only look forward.”

Wang Xi nodded. “Exactly, so never let yourself be associated with trashy or rushed projects.”

Ran Lin looked at the scripts in his lap, pondered for a moment, and then looked up, feeling a bit guilty. “Xi Jie, I’ll probably be working on a project prepared by Lu Yiyao’s side next.”

Wang Xi didn’t expect Lu Yiyao to act so quickly. “Is everything ready?”

“The script is still being polished,” Ran Lin said, “but everything else is almost ready. We should start filming by October.”

……

Wang Xi didn’t probe any further into Ran Lin’s plans. She could see Ran Lin’s trust in Lu Yiyao. After all, he was going to sign with his company, so she didn’t want to give an impression of doubting Lu Yiyao with her questions.

To say doubt might not be accurate, but she indeed wasn’t very confident in Lu Yiyao’s capabilities. Acting, being a star, an idol—Lu Yiyao was unquestionable, but making a TV series was a different story, especially since he was a novice.

So, from that day onwards, she used her connections to deeply understand the status of Lu Yiyao’s project. The information she received was astonishing—Lu Yiyao had assembled a movie-level production team!

The person who informed her bluntly said Lu Yiyao was clearly aiming to make a name for his company, not necessarily to profit from this project. However, it was also predicted that as long as nothing went wrong, the project would definitely be a hit, maybe even a blockbuster. Because while the project sought movie-level team quality, it was operated by experienced industry veterans well-versed in TV rules. That meant Lu Yiyao had clearly distinguished between quality and operation, and with ample funding at hand for the project, it’d be surprising if it didn’t succeed.

Wang Xi didn’t know if Ran Lin was aware of these details. If he was, it meant he had good judgment. If not, and he was merely trusting a friend, then it was destiny shaped by character.

While Wang Xi was concerned about the future of her soon-to-be former artist, Ran Lin was getting ready to attend the wedding of his boyfriend’s friend—Huo Yuntao was getting married.

The wedding was set for a Saturday in early May. As his contract termination neared, Dream Without Limits no longer scheduled any activities for Ran Lin, so from May onwards, he was completely free. The wedding day was sunny and pleasant, with a gentle breeze. Ran Lin got ready early, invitation in hand, and drove to the venue.

According to Lu Yiyao, it was a lawn wedding, with most guests being business partners and acquaintances of the Huo and Lin families. There weren’t many friends of Huo Yuntao and Lin Panxi, especially Huo Yuntao, who could count his friends on one hand, including Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao.

Both the Huo and Lin families were prestigious, and Ran Lin anticipated a grand wedding but still underestimated its magnificence. The lawn was teeming with people, most mingling and socializing, making it hard to distinguish anyone.

Fortunately, someone guided him to a seat with a name tag once they knew he was a friend of Huo Yuntao. Once seated, Ran Lin dared not wander and simply observed his surroundings. Unlike him, most guests were engaged in conversation on the adjacent open ground. With the wedding not yet started, only a pianist was playing on the garden stage. Ran Lin’s seat in the third row was quite upfront, likely specially arranged by Huo Yuntao.

As Lu Yiyao was the best man, he wasn’t around yet, probably busy welcoming the bride with his buddy. Not wanting to disturb him, Ran Lin relaxed in his chair, admiring the rare, clear blue sky.

Clouds floated by, white and soft like candy. Just looking at them felt sweet. Weddings indeed made people feel happy, Ran Lin thought leisurely in the gentle spring breeze.

Ding dong.

A WeChat notification sound broke his reverie.

Ran Lin took out his phone to see a short video from his partner. In the video, Huo Yuntao was facing the camera, saying, “Brother, I’m about to break through the door. Cheer me on!”

Ran Lin laughed out loud and immediately replied with a voice message, “Go for it!”

There was no response from the other end, probably because his lover was busy breaking down the door.

Suddenly, a voice from behind startled him. “Teacher From Sanya?”

Ran Lin jolted and instinctively turned off his phone before turning around, only to see Ding Kai smiling broadly.

“Why so nervous? You’ve been so discreet.” Ding Kai casually sat down in the fourth row behind Ran Lin, offset by one seat so that when Ran Lin turned back, he faced him directly.

Ran Lin wasn’t sure if Ding Kai was supposed to sit there or had just come over to chat, but he quickly caught the teasing tone regarding the change of his WeChat nickname.

Ran Lin could counter most things, but this one was a clear shot. “At least it’s more thoughtful than 1111.”

Ding Kai looked unjustly accused. “I didn’t change it. That account always had that nickname.”

Ran Lin corrected himself, “Sorry, I thought you changed your nickname to add me. Turns out you just used an alternate account.”

Ding Kai: “……”

Ran Lin expected Ding Kai to come up with a bunch of excuses, not just to concede. Just as he wondered why this “forthrightness” didn’t fit Ding Kai’s style, he heard him say, “It’s risky out there in the world. What if you got annoyed and shared screenshots?”

Ran Lin rolled his eyes. “Even if you used your real name, I could post WeChat screenshots claiming they’re yours, and you could say I fabricated them since you’ve never sent a voice message.”

“Are you resenting that fact?” Ding Kai’s tone teasingly rose.

Ran Lin glared at him. “You’re overthinking.”

“Who’s the Teacher From Sanya?” Ding Kai suddenly circled back to the previous question without warning.

Ran Lin thought he had diverted from this topic and was caught off guard for a moment.

Ding Kai laughed and confidently uttered a name. “Lu Yiyao.”

His voice was so soft it dispersed with the wind. Ran Lin neither confirmed nor denied; he just looked at him calmly.

“You don’t have any connections with Huo Yuntao. The one who really does is him,” Ding Kai continued without pressing further but changed the subject. “I just found out Lu Yiyao started a company. I apologize for my earlier comments. That was foolish of me. I want to apologize to you here.”

Ran Lin flashed a look of confusion.

Ding Kai, catching it, shrugged and explained further, “I mean when I said not to find an artist because it’s like walking near a river, you’ll eventually get your shoes wet. You should’ve reminded me then.”

“Remind you of what?” Lu Yiyao’s voice came from another direction.

Startled, Ran Lin quickly turned from looking back at Ding Kai to the right side, seeing Lu Yiyao already close by, as if out of nowhere.

Ding Kai leaned back in his chair, looking up at Lu Yiyao, who had now appeared beside Ran Lin in the third row, casually saying, “Remind me that he’s not just finding an artist but a boss, and he’s about to sign with him.”

Lu Yiyao didn’t speak, just looked down at Ding Kai, trying to discern his intention. However, he failed. Ding Kai’s annoyingly inscrutable smile gave nothing away.

“Ran Lin must have shared all my less than glorious deeds with you,” Ding Kai said, not hiding anything, perhaps thinking everyone was already on the same page, or maybe because he wasn’t a public figure and didn’t need to be as cautious as Ran Lin and Lu Yiyao.

Lu Yiyao shrugged, pulled a chair next to Ran Lin, and sat down, facing Ding Kai. Ran Lin moved his chair to sit beside Lu Yiyao, facing Ding Kai together.

Ding Kai slightly frowned, feeling slightly disadvantaged, as if he were being double-teamed. Lu Yiyao also frowned slightly, firstly not expecting to encounter Ding Kai here as the Huo family’s focus isn’t on the entertainment industry, and secondly, he’s always been unclear about this uninvited guest’s depths.

Ding Kai guessed that Ran Lin had shared the harassment incident with Lu Yiyao, but he probably didn’t guess that after hearing it, Lu Yiyao had used all available resources to investigate him.

Not afraid of a thief stealing, but afraid of a thief thinking about it, he needed to understand what kind of thief he was dealing with. But the results were surprising—Ding Kai hadn’t dated or supported anyone in the industry, male or female. The only blemish was once trying to meet Ran Lin as an investor through an agent. But whether he’s gay remains uncertain, according to the investigators.

When Lu Yiyao sent people to investigate, he didn’t reveal any details, and the only conclusive information he got back was already known to him. The results were frustrating. Ding Kai is either gay or bisexual; there’s no doubt about it. Otherwise, why would he keep bothering Ran Lin unless it’s just for amusement? But apart from harassing his partner, this man appears to be clean, leaving Lu Yiyao unsure how to judge him.

However, he hadn’t shared these findings with Ran Lin.

Ideally, Ran Lin wouldn’t remember there’s such a person at all. It would be better that way.

Seeing the united front of the two across from him and with no one else around, Ding Kai decided to lay it out. “Let me clarify: I’m not trying to stir trouble, just offering an objective opinion. If it’s true love, it’s probably best not to turn it into a superior-subordinate relationship. Think about it, when one person becomes another’s boss, can the feelings of the one who becomes the employee, or the one who’s financially supported, remain independent?”

“One doesn’t need permission to give their wife the best,” Lu Yiyao retorted, clearly at his limit.

“It’s not about who’s supporting whom. It’s about two people who love each other striving together.” Ran Lin nearly spoke at the same time.

Both were defending their stance, and simultaneously, they blurred the subject, making it clear to Ding Kai what they were referring to, but outsiders would only think they were discussing relationship matters unrelated to themselves.

The moment their words fell, they paused and smiled at each other.

“…” Ding Kai felt as if he’d been hit by a hidden weapon.

Ran Lin turned his gaze back to Ding Kai. “Independence isn’t about the form, but the mindset. Like those you support, you’re not in the same company—no explicit relationship, does that make them independent?”

Ding Kai looked baffled; who had he supported?

“President Ding—”

Someone called out to Ding Kai from a distance. He reflexively turned back, recognized an acquaintance, and stood up to leave, quickly walking over to socialize.

Ran Lin felt a slight regret for not taking this opportunity to have a thorough conversation with Ding Kai and letting him give up. Lu Yiyao was mulling over Ran Lin’s last question, feeling that his lover might have some misunderstandings about Ding Kai.

But it was all good. They were beautiful misunderstandings.

“Speaking of which.” Ran Lin finally remembered to ask his partner. “How did you move so quickly? One second you were welcoming the bride, and the next, you were here?”

After asking, Ran Lin realized the timing of the video didn’t necessarily align with the actual welcoming. It could have been sent after everything was done, during a moment of downtime…

Seeing his partner’s expression, Lu Yiyao knew he didn’t need to explain and skipped that part, directly saying, “My task was just to welcome the bride, and now it’s perfectly completed. Lao Huo is already rehearsing his speech backstage.” Lu Yiyao nodded toward the stage direction.

Ran Lin had a clear view of the stage from his angle but naturally couldn’t see behind it. “Don’t you need bridesmaids and groomsmen to pass rings later?”

“No need.” Lu Yiyao sighed. “Lao Huo wants to do a magic trick himself and produce the rings.”

Ran Lin: “…Does the bride not mind?”

Lu Yiyao: “He didn’t tell Panxi. Said he wanted to surprise her.”

Ran Lin: “Didn’t you remind him it might be awkward or fall flat?”

Lu Yiyao: “Lao Huo is very confident in his magic.”

About fifteen minutes later, guests gradually took their seats, and the venue quieted down. The host began to speak, setting a warm and grand tone for the event.

As the host invited the groom to the stage, Ran Lin finally saw Huo Yuntao. His friend, usually carefree, had his hair neatly combed, wore a sharp suit, and even his expression was unusually serious.

“Getting married really changes a person,” Ran Lin muttered.

Lu Yiyao sighed, thinking it was due to nerves.

As the music flowed out, pouring over the entire lawn, Lin Panxi, arm in arm with her father, slowly approached from a distance, walking onto the stage under the blessed gaze of all the guests.

After a series of procedures, it was finally time for the exciting moment of exchanging rings. The host skillfully heightened the atmosphere to its peak.

Then, under the gaze of all the guests, the groom performed a small-scale close-up magic trick. So close that no one saw what he did, only that after two long and awkward minutes, the groom had two rings in his hand.

It was an uncomfortably long two minutes, which even the host’s attempts couldn’t salvage. However, when Lin Panxi saw the rings, her face lit up.

Ran Lin watched her radiant expression and suddenly thought perhaps Huo Yuntao anticipated the awkwardness. But what does it matter? It’s his wedding, and he just needed to make his bride happy.

The bouquet toss was a universally loved part of the wedding. Since Lin Panxi didn’t have many friends there, the host encouraged all the single ladies present to try their luck.

This call to action rallied over twenty girls under the stage. The atmosphere was lively, and when the bride tossed the bouquet, the girls scrambled for it. The winner, too excited, swung her arms, and two-thirds of the bouquet scattered like a celestial scattering of flowers.

Ran Lin’s seat happened to be in the “disaster zone”, and a rose hit him right on the head. Guests around found it amusing—some catching and some dodging—creating quite a scene.

Ran Lin caught the rose, pinching its shortened stem, looking at the petals, bemused.

“Good omen.” Lu Yiyao took the flower to play with it, noting the thorns had been removed so there was no risk of getting pricked.

Ran Lin jested, “Everyone else catches a bunch, not just a single stem.”

“It’s the same, a stem or a bunch.” Lu Yiyao placed the flower in Ran Lin’s suit pocket, decisively nodding, “Let’s settle on this.”

Ran Lin paused. “Settle what?”

The host said something, and the guests burst into enthusiastic applause.

“My magic will definitely be more spectacular than Lao Huo’s.” Amidst the thunderous applause, Ran Lin heard Lu Yiyao whisper in his ear.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

---

Chapter 92

In late April, as the screenings of <Dyeing Fire> and <Split Moon> drew to a close, Ran Lin finished the last of his promotional activities. <Dyeing Fire> had accumulated a box office of 370 million, while <Split Moon> reached 302 million. In the brutal battlefield of April, filled with several imported blockbusters, achieving these figures was no small feat.

Both films were equally matched in terms of critical acclaim, with similar ratings on movie websites. The difference in box office was determined by the style of the films themselves. <Dyeing Fire> was more suspenseful and intense, while <Split Moon> leaned more towards a plain and humanistic approach. Thus, for audiences looking to relax over the weekend, if they had to choose one, they were slightly more inclined towards the former.

On the day he completely finished his promotional obligations, Beijing was under a yellow smog alert. Driving on the overpass was like entering a mythical fairyland; no sky above, no ground below, and other cars invisible ahead or behind. The poor visibility made all vehicles tame, no matter how expensive they were, creeping forward slowly unless one wanted to rev the engine in neutral.

The promotion ended at 4:30 p.m., but by the time Ran Lin got back to his apartment, it was already 7:00 p.m. As the venue was close to Ran Lin’s place, the driver dropped him off first. When he alighted, Wang Xi and Liu Wanwan were still in the car.

Ran Lin had been contemplating all the way and finally made up his mind. So, instead of closing the car door after getting out, he turned around, leaned on it, and bent over to ask the others inside, “Shall we have dinner together?”

Wang Xi and Liu Wanwan hadn’t eaten yet. They were packed so close together that when Ran Lin asked them, they couldn’t think of a reason to refuse. Moreover, everyone was acutely aware that June was approaching, and the days they could dine together were dwindling.

The driver was happy to finish early and go home for dinner with his family. The three found a restaurant near Ran Lin’s apartment.

Wang Xi thought it was just a casual dinner, but just after a few bites, her comfort was disturbed by the “transfer explanation” of her artist.

“You’re going to Lu Yiyao’s company?!”

Ran Lin swallowed hard and said, “Xi Jie, I’m switching companies, not quitting the industry. You don’t need to look so desperate.”

“If you don’t want to run your own studio and prefer to sign with a company, there are many big companies out there. Why choose Lu Yiyao’s?” Wang Xi was aware that Lu Yiyao had started a company. Though it wasn’t publicly announced, it was no secret in the industry where many stars have more than one company under them. However, she hadn’t expected it to be Ran Lin’s choice.

“It’s all about signing with a company anyway…” Ran Lin said, recalling a line from a drama, and chuckled. “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”

Wang Xi understood his point but still couldn’t help advising, “I know you and Lu Yiyao are close, but business and friendship are different things. Being close doesn’t mean you can work well together, especially when the relationship changes from friends to employer and employee. It can lead to awkward situations or even falling out, potentially ending the friendship.”

Ran Lin wanted to ask if it’s awkward when a friend becomes a boss, then what about when a friend becomes a boss’ wife? But Wang Xi was unaware, and her advice was not only faultless but also considerate. Ran Lin appreciated it.

Precisely because he understood, he hoped his agent could be at ease. “Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were brothers, but that didn’t stop them from helping Liu Bei conquer the world. There are cases of falling out, but there are also cases of mutual success.”

Wang Xi raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Do you think you can both succeed?”

Ran Lin smiled confidently. “It’s worth a try.”

Wang Xi sighed, not wanting to be too blunt but also concerned about Ran Lin being shortchanged. “Have you considered that the resources within a company are limited, and external resources are even scarcer. Who do you think those resources will favor first, you or your boss?”

“Me,” Ran Lin answered without hesitation.

Wang Xi held her forehead. “Where does your confidence come from?”

Ran Lin thought for a moment and decided to reveal that Lu Yiyao was planning to change careers. After <Split Moon> Lu Yiyao would essentially retire from acting. The audience and fans would eventually realize this. Changing careers wasn’t a permanent secret, and he also wanted his agent to be reassured, especially since she was planning a global trip. There was no need for her to worry about these things constantly.

The news of Lu Yiyao’s career change left Liu Wanwan with her mouth agape, struggling to digest it. After all, Lu Yiyao was at the peak of his career, and it seemed unnecessary for such an abrupt exit.

After a moment of surprise, Wang Xi had an epiphany. She recalled a recent dinner with several investors where one mentioned wanting Lu Yiyao for a television drama with a strong investment and production team and generous payment, but he declined. She had thought Lu Yiyao might be aiming solely for movies, not television dramas anymore. It all made sense now; it wasn’t about choosing between TV dramas and films but a fundamental career decision.

“It’s such a pity…” Liu Wanwan sighed in disappointment.

“What’s a pity?” Wang Xi asked.

Liu Wanwan earnestly said, “He’s not even thirty yet and has already starred in two movies that were nominated for international film festivals. With a few more years, no, just with his current choice of scripts, he could have become a film emperor!”

“And then what?” Wang Xi tilted her head.

“Then…he could change careers,” Liu Wanwan replied after a pause, feeling it wasn’t right to go against someone’s wishes.

Wang Xi laughed. “If you can see that, Yao Hong must have analyzed it thoroughly with him already. He chose to retire at the peak, which means being a film emperor isn’t his goal. He’s aiming to be a business tycoon.”

“But he’s already succeeded in acting; changing careers could lead to failure,” Liu Wanwan argued.

Wang Xi gestured towards Ran Lin. “Here’s someone about to go over and help him make money.”

Ran Lin felt awkward.

Liu Wanwan chuckled, though she clearly wasn’t fully convinced.

Wang Xi directly asked, “If you had to choose, would you prefer being a film empress or a domineering female CEO?”

Liu Wanwan paused, pondering.

Wang Xi waited patiently.

Ran Lin was curious too.

After a long moment, Liu Wanwan finally realized that both options were appealing, and the choice depended on personal preference. Life is a struggle for one’s own goals.

As for the options Wang Xi presented, she believed, ‘Either is fine with me. I’m not picky, really.’

……

After finishing the meal, Ran Lin’s last bit of worries disappeared. His agent no longer needed to fret about selecting companies or agents for him; he could peacefully prepare for his own journey.

Wang Xi’s heart finally settled. Although she still harbored a cautious attitude toward the future of Lu Yiyao’s company, Ran Lin’s decision to join it was made after careful consideration. As long as Ran Lin was determined and knew what he wanted, all she could do was offer her support and blessings.

Only Liu Wanwan felt a bit of emotional complexity because it dawned on her on the way home in the taxi that if she followed Ran Lin to Lu Yiyao’s company, she would become colleagues with Li Tong. More importantly, Li Tong was the boss’ assistant, and she was the assistant to a signed artist, creating a hierarchical difference. She wondered if she should remove him from the “No Access to My Moments” list…

As the old saying goes, speak of Cao Cao, and he shall appear. Liu Wanwan hadn’t expected that merely thinking of someone could be unsafe too.

Two days after that meal, before she had the chance to unblock Li Tong from her social circle, she received a call from her boss, who was on vacation, informing her that they would go to a late-night movie screening with the future boss to avoid paparazzi rumors. She was asked to accompany them, along with Li Tong, to provide cover.

As an assistant, it was her duty to oblige.

……

The next morning, Ran Lin woke up before the alarm, not feeling tired or sleepy but quite spirited.

It reminded him of when he was a child, waking up early for school sports days or excursions, eager for the day ahead with a backpack full of tasty snacks.

He didn’t understand then, but as he grew older, he realized that excitement and anticipation are the best “alarms.”

Throughout the day, Ran Lin rolled around in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, sofa, dining chair, and bed, not remembering exactly what he did, until finally, at 7:30 p.m., he put on a new gray hoodie and a mask and left his apartment.

The cinema chosen by Lu Yiyao was close to Ran Lin’s apartment. Since it was past rush hour, the roads were relatively clear, and he arrived at the cinema entrance by 7:50 p.m.

The cinema was in an older shopping mall with a less favorable location, hence not very prosperous. The main entrance seemed to be under renovation, with scaffolding all around, forcing customers to use a side door. The side entrance was narrow, but luckily, there wasn’t much foot traffic.

Ran Lin suspected his boyfriend had scouted the location beforehand; otherwise, it was hard to explain how such a low-profile spot was chosen. Coupled with the fact that it was a quiet Tuesday, Ran Lin didn’t struggle much to find a parking spot once a car left.

After parking, he adjusted his hoodie and mask, leaving only his bright eyes visible, then darted into the mall like a thief in the night.

The first floor of the mall was almost deserted, with bored salespeople standing in their shops and some without any attendants at all. Some brands had even vacated the premises, leaving behind empty counters and partially removed logos, adding to the bleak atmosphere.

Ran Lin quickly found the elevator leading directly to the top floor, where the cinema was located.

He rode the elevator with three or four others, all seemingly there to watch a movie. Wrapped up like a ninja, no one paid him any mind, as even wearing a gas mask wouldn’t be out of place given the recent air quality.

As the elevator ascended, Ran Lin’s heartbeat accelerated, unsure why he was so nervous about just a date.

The elevator reached its destination, and as the doors opened, Ran Lin’s heart pounded like a drum, realizing that the cinema was probably the liveliest place in the mall.

Straight out of the elevator was the cinema’s waiting area. While not full, it was relatively busy with about a dozen or two people, and six or seven were checking in.

It was 8 p.m., a typically busy time for cinemas, and though the numbers were sparse compared to a busy night, it was lively compared to the rest of the mall.

The waiting area was spacious, and Ran Lin immediately spotted Liu Wanwan and Li Tong among the small groups seated apart from each other. While others whispered or cuddled quietly, the two were focused on their phones, fingers moving rapidly in the midst of intense gaming.

Ran Lin, with his hat and mask, scanned the area but couldn’t spot Lu Yiyao.

Feeling slightly disappointed, he walked to a discreet corner and texted Liu Wanwan.

The assistant looked up from her phone, and their eyes met. Ran Lin bent his eyes in a wave, and Liu Wanwan quickly approached him, handing over the tickets while whispering, “Li Tong said Lu Ge will arrive later.”

Liu Wanwan rarely communicated directly with Lu Yiyao and felt it inappropriate to use his full name or call him “President Lu”, so she followed Li Tong’s lead in calling him “Lu Ge”.

Ran Lin took the tickets and nodded. “Okay.”

Before they could say much more, the cinema announced it was time to enter the theater for the 8:10 p.m. movie, checking tickets ten minutes early.

A few couples got up and headed to the ticket gate. Ran Lin, holding his ticket, hesitated whether to go in or wait.

Sensing his indecision, Liu Wanwan grabbed his arm and whispered, “We’ll go in first, and Li Tong will wait outside. It’ll be more conspicuous if we all enter together after Lu Ge arrives.”

Her logic made sense, and Ran Lin followed her towards the entrance.

The ticket checker was more focused on the tickets than the patrons, not noticing anything unusual about the pair, one tall and the other short.

They were there to watch <Split Moon> which was nearing the end of its run with low screening numbers and attendance. Before them, only four people had checked in, and after them, aside from Li Tong waiting for Lu Yiyao, no one else was there.

Walking through the somewhat empty corridor of the screening hall, Liu Wanwan expressed her sentiments. “It’s kind of sad to sneak around to watch your own movie.”

Ran Lin chuckled. “It doesn’t feel sad when the paycheck comes in.” His words were both a comfort to the assistant and a straightforward truth.

There is a common saying that you only see the thief eating meat, not getting beaten—the idea being that you only notice the rewards, not the punishments or hard work. But the reverse is also true. Thinking of the effort during times of gain and the potential rewards during times of sacrifice helps maintain a balanced mindset.

The vast cinema hall was eerily empty, so much so that a chill breeze seemed to blow through as they walked in. When they ascended the side stairs, the few people seated in the middle rows glanced up briefly.

But that was all.

Commercials began to play on the big screen. Its dim light was enough to guide the way, and the full sound effects dispelled the emptiness.

When they reached the fourth row from the back, Liu Wanwan turned in.

When they reached the last row, Ran Lin turned in.

The low attendance rate meant they had the luxury of choosing any seat, even comfortably settling in the middle of the last row.

One commercial followed another, featuring various products and new movie trailers, and finally, a public service announcement played. When it finished, the familiar green dragon logo appeared, and the lights in the cinema dimmed instantly.

The movie started.

Ran Lin leaned back, pressing tightly against the seat, as if sitting upright could make him feel less nervous.

Various production company logos flashed on screen—this company, that company, none of which Ran Lin really saw because his eyes were fixed on the entrance…

Right as the last financier’s logo faded from the big screen, Lu Yiyao’s figure appeared both on the screen and at the entrance.

Although the boyfriend on the big screen was clear down to every pore, the one entering was bundled up like a zongzi.

Ran Lin watched Li Tong and Lu Yiyao make their way up, then Li Tong turned into the fourth row from the back and Lu Yiyao into his row.

Ran Lin watched, twisting his neck up as the other man approached closer and closer.

By the time Ran Lin realized, he had eagerly flipped down a seat for the other, even dusting it off.

As his lover settled down, Ran Lin tried to retract his hand, but before he could pull it away, it was caught.

That hold never loosened.

Ran Lin allowed Lu Yiyao to hold it, his eyes on the big screen but muttering, “Why are you so late?”

On the big screen, Lu Yiyao was in a bathroom, looking into a mirror. The scene was silent and tense, making the entire cinema quiet.

Lu Yiyao leaned close to Ran Lin’s ear, his breath warm as he whispered, “Hard to find parking.”

Ran Lin was exasperated. “Couldn’t you come up with something more romantic…”

Lu Yiyao didn’t reply.

Just as Ran Lin was wondering why, his mask was suddenly pulled off with lightning speed, and the next second, his view of the big screen was blocked as Lu Yiyao accurately captured his lips.

A kiss somewhere between a peck and a French kiss, deeper than a peck but not as lingering as the French style. When they parted, Ran Lin’s lips felt tingly and warm, slightly itchy.

“Is that reason okay?” Lu Yiyao asked with a light smile.

“So you were late because you wanted to kiss me?” Ran Lin wanted to tease him but found himself charmed instead, noticing the twinkling eyes of his lover under the cinematic light.

Lu Yiyao flipped up the armrest drink holder, removing any barrier between their seats, then drew Ran Lin into his embrace, bending down for another peck. “Because if I’m late, I can do this without wasting words—kiss you directly.”

Ran Lin was speechless.

Though his lover was shameless as soon as the lights went out, it was a kind of shamelessness that won hearts. Deciding to enjoy the moment before contemplating resistance, Ran Lin relaxed, shifted to find a comfortable position in Lu Yiyao’s embrace, and settled down to watch the movie.

Lu Yiyao, with his arm around Ran Lin’s shoulder, occasionally caught the scent of the other’s hair. He had seen the movie more than a dozen times during promotions, knew every shot by heart, and thus found his attention drifting. As his focus wandered, his hand itched to touch, and soon he was gently caressing Ran Lin’s face.

Occasionally, if his touch distracted Ran Lin from the movie, his hand would be swatted away, but mostly, Lu Yiyao managed the balance well, making up for all the times they couldn’t touch during their online relationship.

<Split Moon> ended abruptly, leaving a lingering impression.

So, as the last shot faded and the credits began to roll, with the audience still recovering, Lu Yiyao quickly put the mask back on his partner. He, of course, was already prepared.

Ran Lin was still immersed in the storyline until Lu Yiyao covered him up, bringing him back to reality.

As the credits rolled and the lights came on, the two couples in the front row didn’t hesitate and quickly left, seemingly forgetting there were still four people behind them.

Ran Lin turned to Lu Yiyao with proud admiration. “You acted really well.”

Since <Split Moon> was nominated for a film festival, Lu Yiyao had heard countless praises, online and off, from fans and peers, elaborate analyses, and simple compliments. But hearing “You acted really well” from Ran Lin felt entirely different.

At that moment, Lu Yiyao realized he had been nervous. The reason his mind couldn’t settle into the movie, aside from having seen it too many times, was the anxiety over his performance. It felt not like watching a movie but a live broadcast, where any moment could reveal a flaw.

“Really?” Lu Yiyao found himself asking.

Ran Lin didn’t reply but earnestly suggested, “Maybe we shouldn’t watch the next one.”

Lu Yiyao paused. “Why?”

Ran Lin: “Watching your performance then mine makes me feel a bit insecure.”

Lu Yiyao: “……”

Despite suspecting that Ran Lin was just being modest or trying to cheer him up, Lu Yiyao couldn’t help but feel delighted.

They would, of course, watch <Dyeing Fire>, which Lu Yiyao had been looking forward to ever since he visited Ran Lin on set.

As it approached 10:00 p.m., returning to the ticket gate from the exit, the waiting area was even less populated with all new faces. The previous audience had gone to watch their respective movies, not staying back for a second screening like them.

At 10:05 p.m., <Dyeing Fire> was starting, so they could proceed directly to ticket checking and entry without waiting.

Only the four of them were there to watch <Dyeing Fire>; it seemed the others in the waiting area were there for a Hollywood blockbuster starting five minutes later.

As they approached the empty cinema hall for the second time, Liu Wanwan, with starry-eyed admiration, expressed her appreciation for <Split Moon> and her admiration for Lu Yiyao’s acting skills.

Li Tong, standing aside, sighed silently. Foolish, thinking she was here just for the movie! Couldn’t she have a pair of discerning eyes in the back of her head?!

The screening hall for <Dyeing Fire> was smaller than for <Split Moon>, and with only the four of them, they all moved forward a few rows without changing their positions.

This time, Lu Yiyao wasn’t distracted, intertwining his fingers with Ran Lin’s with one hand and sitting upright, watching the movie intently.

In <Dyeing Fire>, Ran Lin was no longer himself but Di Jiangtao—pale, gaunt, and weakly—his appearance so transformed that even his familiar face, thanks to his completely different demeanor, seemed like that of another person. Even as the movie’s truth was revealed and the criminal brought to justice, with Di Jiangtao finding his true path in life, the character retained a hint of unshakable rakishness, distinctively Di Jiangtao.

<Dyeing Fire> was longer than <Split Moon>, and by the time the credits rolled, it was past midnight.

Seeing Liu Wanwan and Li Tong getting ready to leave without offering any comments, Ran Lin became anxious and initiated, “How was it?”

Lu Yiyao, slowly putting on his mask, replied somewhat muffled, “Nine points…”

Ran Lin, hearing clearly, immediately asked, “Where’s the one point deducted?”

Lu Yiyao instructed, “Put on your mask first.”

Ran Lin obediently did as told, then stared expectantly at his partner.

Lu Yiyao held up five fingers. “Out of five.”

Ran Lin was flabbergasted. “…So you’re just adding in the extra points for sentiment!”

Exiting through the departure channel, the four of them took the elevator down.

In the elevator, with only the four of them present, Lu Yiyao directly asked Ran Lin, “Did you drive or take a cab?”

Ran Lin responded, “Drove.”

Lu Yiyao nodded. “Alright, then Li Tong, you drive Ran Lin’s car to take Wanwan home later, and then take the car back to your place.”

“No problem,” Li Tong replied promptly and clearly.

Ran Lin, puzzled, glanced at Lu Yiyao but hesitated to ask in front of Liu Wanwan.

Lu Yiyao, as if sure Ran Lin wouldn’t dare to ask, simply stretched out his hand. “Car keys.”

Ran Lin, while Liu Wanwan wasn’t looking, rolled his eyes at him but still fished out the keys from his pocket and handed them over amidst the jingling sound.

Li Tong took the keys, offering what he thought was a simple smile to Liu Wanwan.

Liu Wanwan, feeling a chill, held back her barrage of questions. Seeing Ran Lin equally perplexed and yet not asking made her wonder why.

Catching Lu Yiyao’s confident and authoritative gaze, Liu Wanwan figured it out.

Being an overbearing boss indeed had its own aura, not to mention that Lu Yiyao seemed to have Ran Lin, the future employee, completely wrapped around his finger!

As they left the elevator, some latecomers for the midnight show hurried past them into the elevator, while the group exited into the dimly lit and deserted ground floor of the mall.

“Make sure to get Wanwan home safely,” Ran Lin sternly instructed Li Tong.

Li Tong thumped his chest in assurance. “Consider it done.”

Ran Lin then turned to Liu Wanwan. “Send me a message when you get home.”

Liu Wanwan nodded.

Li Tong gave a woeful look to his boss—They don’t trust me!

Lu Yiyao glanced at him—I think your gaze towards Liu Wanwan is a bit too floaty.

Li Tong—…Wishing you a successful night.

Lu Yiyao—You’re essentially a good kid.

Li Tong stopped engaging with his unprincipled boss and asked Liu Wanwan directly, “Where’s the car parked?”

After bidding farewell, Liu Wanwan led Li Tong to the car.

As Li Tong started the engine, sitting in the back, Liu Wanwan finally vented her pent-up questions. “What’s Lu Ge taking Ran Ge to do? Any other plans?”

Li Tong, driving out of the parking spot and onto the road, vaguely responded, “Not sure. Maybe discussing work or something…”

Liu Wanwan: “Discussing work in the middle of the night?”

Li Tong glanced at the rearview mirror at his future colleague’s indescribable expression and continued to fabricate, “Time waits for no one, right? Both Lu Ge and Ran Ge are so busy, who knows when they’ll get to meet again. By the time Ran Ge joins our company, it’ll be too late for discussions. Work planning is something you have to do in advance.”

Liu Wanwan frowned, feeling something was off.

Li Tong’s heart fluttered with pity, nearly spilling the truth several times but ultimately swallowing it back down.

Let the boss and his wife deliver such a thrilling surprise themselves…

……

“Where are we going?” Ran Lin, sitting in the passenger seat, watched as Lu Yiyao calmly sped, keeping within the speed limit. The steadier Lu Yiyao’s driving was, the more uneasy Ran Lin felt. “Not to your place, right? Didn’t you say your neighborhood is always swarming with paparazzi?”

Lu Yiyao kept his eyes on the road, driving safely but with a content smile creeping onto his face. “So going back to my place is also on your date agenda?”

Ran Lin: “……”

Why did he always feel like he was being led astray?

As the night stretched on, Ran Lin couldn’t discern the road signs nor understand where Lu Yiyao was heading. But seeing the unmistakable “I have a surprise for you” radiance on his lover’s face, he didn’t want to spoil the mood by pressing for answers.

About twenty minutes later, Lu Yiyao suddenly pulled over to the side of the road.

Ran Lin tensed up, instinctively saying, “This isn’t a good spot, right? There are road cameras everywhere, and your window tint isn’t dark enough…”

Lu Yiyao grabbed his phone from the dashboard compartment with a complex expression, holding it while looking at his partner. “Are you rejecting me or hinting at something…”

Ran Lin, looking at the phone in the other’s hand, also realized that he might have, well, misunderstood the situation.

But why would Lu Yiyao suddenly stop driving to use his phone?

Before Ran Lin could figure it out, Lu Yiyao reached out to turn on the car’s electronic screen. Soon, following his phone’s operation, a map appeared… on Amap.

Who gets lost while planning a surprise for their boyfriend!!!

“Turn left at the second traffic light ahead…”

“Turn left…”

“There’s a speed camera 300 meters ahead…”

“Right turn at the traffic light ahead…”

Ran Lin, hopelessly leaning against the car window, listened to the sweet voice of the navigation, his mind void of any romantic thoughts.

Lu Yiyao was equally flustered. He naturally struggled with directions and, apart from driving to his apartment, his office, and his parents’ home in Beijing, was unfamiliar with the rest of the city. But he didn’t show any signs of distress on his face, keeping his head high and speeding the car as if forgetting the route was a very natural occurrence.

Despairing, Ran Lin followed Lu Yiyao without paying much attention to the route until he heard the navigation announce, “You have arrived at your destination.” Recognizing the familiarly luxurious retro style of the security room, the small fountain, and even the uniform of the security staff emerging from the security room, Ran Lin finally realized this was the same Aobei Villa area he had been brought to for the Republic-era party by Xia Xinran!

There couldn’t be another party, could there…

As Ran Lin pondered, he noticed Lu Yiyao’s car approach, and the gate automatically opened with the security guard saluting after recognizing the license plate.

Ran Lin instinctively held onto the seatbelt, feeling like he might be in for a roller coaster ride.

Lu Yiyao, puzzled by Ran Lin’s silence since he should recognize the place by now and expectedly ask something, glanced sideways and saw his partner looking as if he was about to be robbed or assaulted. He figured with Ran Lin’s intelligence, he must have already deduced the answer.

Like last time, they drove through layers of tall green trees, but this time they stopped in front of a different villa.

The villa’s exterior looked similar to the others, except for the many little gnomes on the lawn in front of this one, each with a unique, endearing look, like tiny guardians of the lawn and garden.

Lu Yiyao parked the car and turned to his partner, unable to resist asking, “Don’t you have anything to ask?”

Ran Lin looked deeply at him and decided to plunge in. “Whatever the surprise is, just throw it at me. I can take it.”

Seeing Ran Lin’s blissfully silly smile, Lu Yiyao couldn’t help but grin, his heart swelling with warmth.

As Lu Yiyao opened the villa door, a refreshing fragrance of flowers greeted them. Once Ran Lin stepped into the foyer, the scent became subtler, replaced by the fresh smell of greenery.

Lu Yiyao closed the door and turned on the lights.

The room lit up brightly.

Ran Lin was stunned, mesmerized by the beauty of the living room.

The décor was simple yet artistic, primarily in light colors, making the space feel more expansive. Brightly colored accessories and furniture added a pop of color, while strategically placed plants and flowers lent a layered look to the space, creating a comfortable and warm atmosphere. The pale ice-blue curtains covered the floor-to-ceiling windows tightly, but one could still imagine the beauty of the room filled with sunlight when the curtains were drawn during the day.

“It was renovated last year, but I’ve been airing it out since then because I was worried about the air quality right after the renovation.” Lu Yiyao walked up behind Ran Lin, gently embracing him. “My apartment has become a hotspot for paparazzi, but this place won’t be.”

Although Ran Lin had suspected as much when Lu Yiyao’s car passed through the gate without issue, hearing it directly still felt surreal.

“So we won’t have to be in a long-distance relationship anymore?” Ran Lin’s voice tightened.

“Mm.” Lu Yiyao nuzzled Ran Lin’s neck, murmuring. “In June, when you break your contract and sign with my company, we’ll release an announcement, letting the whole entertainment industry know you’re mine.”

Despite it not being a true public coming out, Ran Lin couldn’t suppress the warmth welling up in his eyes…

Suddenly, a warm drop fell on the back of his hand. Lu Yiyao was taken aback, not even looking before he raised his hand to cover Ran Lin’s eyes, leaning close to whisper, “You’re not allowed to cry anywhere but in bed.”

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