TCFGBH Chapter 75

Xia Yan was a highly decisive person.

This was evident from the last world he’d been in, where he repeatedly watched the same movie to perfect his portrayal of a scumbag gong. Now, with a new goal, he quickly started handling his affairs.

Since their last conversation, Wen Changming hadn’t contacted him, and Xia Yan wasn’t going to reach out either.

Shen Wenqing, however, often messaged him, though being dominated by an Omega had indeed dealt a blow to him. Xia Yan replied to him curtly and avoided meeting up as much as possible.

The only thing he needed to handle carefully was the Sunday band.

Ever since a talent agent approached Tang Zihang, hoping to bring him into the entertainment industry, the atmosphere in the band had turned subtly complicated.

After all, what band member wouldn’t want a shot at fame?

Tang Zihang hadn’t agreed to anything yet, as he was reluctant to leave everyone, but they all knew that one day he would.

On the other hand, Fan Ting had saved up some money over the years and was planning to open his own shop to provide a stable life for his wife and unborn child.

They had come together by fate and had shared a wonderful journey, but now, each was headed in different directions for the future.

Since no one wanted to be the first to bring it up, Xia Yan decided to play the bad guy.

He booked a restaurant and notified them about the time and place in the group chat, saying he had something important to discuss and they had to come.

None of them were clueless; they sensed the air of farewell.

They forced themselves to cheer and broke the silence with lighthearted banter, but the final meal together felt strained, with everyone’s smiles barely reaching the surface.

Xia Yan sighed quietly, put down his chopsticks, and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I was planning to say this after we ate, but it seems like none of you can eat right now.”

The three of them fell silent abruptly, and the only sound in the room was the air conditioner’s hum.

Sitting upright, the young man seemed to have shed his usual carefree and flirtatious manner. He exuded a calmness that made those under his gaze unconsciously sit straighter. His alluring eyes blinked gently.

“Sunday band… let’s disband.”

His voice was soft yet left no room for objection.

There was silence—a long, profound silence.

“Um… is it because of me?” Tang Zihang bit his lip and tentatively raised a hand like a schoolkid answering a question.

Xia Yan shook his head. “No.”

Fan Ting said, “It must be because of me. I’ve indeed been slacking lately because of the shop. Once things settle down—”

“It’s not about you.” Xia Yan cut them off. “It’s because of me. I’m planning to leave this city and won’t be able to continue with the band.”

A ripple of surprise spread through the group as soon as he finished speaking.

The three of them stood up in unison, all six eyes fixed on him, each talking over one another.

Shao Jiaze pretended to cry dramatically, “Xia Yan, you can’t leave! Where will I find another beauty like you?”

“Did something happen?” As the oldest in the group, Fan Ting’s concern was more thoughtful.

Tang Zihang’s eyes teared up. “Is… is it because of me? Did something I said about Yan Ming make you uncomfortable, Brother Xia? I’m sorry. I was so angry at him back then…”

The clamor of three voices mixed together, practically noise pollution.

Xia Yan rubbed his temples and raised a hand. “Stop! One at a time. I’ll listen, though I won’t change my mind.”

“…”

Shao Jiaze clenched his fist. “My fists are itching.”

“Just avoid the face, and remember to find a decent realtor.”

The topic shifted so quickly that Tang Zihang blinked, confused, and asked blankly, “Why would you need a realtor?”

Xia Yan replied, “I’m too expensive. Our dear Sister Shao would go broke paying for me.”

“Ugh! With our bond, you’re so heartless,” Shao Jiaze stepped back, feigning a wounded expression, “So much for old friends when the new ones make you cry.”

With the banter, the atmosphere lightened up. Fan Ting clutched his stomach, laughing so hard he could barely stand. “Haha, you guys are too funny.”

Tang Zihang, a beat slower, also broke into a smile.

Once the laughter subsided, they discussed the band’s situation. Xia Yan’s reason for leaving—he’d had his fun and wanted a change of scenery—fit his personality perfectly.

Shao Jiaze, after all, wasn’t a music major; she was in her third year of college, with internships looming in her senior year, leaving her with little time as well.

Each of them had a reason to move on, and no one would have to bear any blame.

They were both excited about the future and sad about the farewell. Yet, at that moment, everyone tried to set aside their sadness and wished each other success and fulfillment in life.

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone was more than a little tipsy.

Fan Ting set his glass down heavily on the table, looked seriously at the dazed Tang Zihang, and said earnestly, “Xiao Tang, in the future, you need to learn to think about yourself. Toughen up a bit and don’t hold back when you need to speak up.”

“Huh?”

“It’s a good thing the agent wants to bring you into the entertainment industry. You should go. Don’t let others hold you back from your future. Even though we’re friends, it’s not worth sacrificing yourself for us.”

Tang Zihang, also tipsy, his face flushed, said, “I’m reluctant to leave you all.”

“Nowadays, travel is easy. It’s not like the old days. We’ll still be able to get together!” Shao Jiaze slapped his back with such force that it nearly sent him face-first into his plate.

Tang Zihang coughed a bit, looking unsteadily at the silent young man, his eyes full of hope. “Brother Xia, can I come find you in the future?”

Xia Yan, who had long trained his alcohol tolerance, was the soberest of them all.

He nodded. “You can… if I haven’t disappeared by then.”

He said the last part softly, and Tang Zihang didn’t catch it. Hearing the first part alone was enough to make him smile with satisfaction.

After a full meal and plenty of drinks, they left the restaurant. Fan Ting’s wife came to pick him up, Shao Jiaze had a friend to take her, leaving only Xia Yan and Tang Zihang.

Tang Zihang looked at his phone. “My roommate will be here in ten minutes.”

“Mm.”

Xia Yan tugged at his collar, letting the cool breeze wash over him.

A small patch of skin near his collarbone was exposed, glistening under the bright streetlight. Tang Zihang looked away in a hurry, then, unable to resist, sneaked another peek after a few seconds.

“Brother Xia.”

Xia Yan glanced at him.

Being looked at, Tang Zihang grew nervous and stammered after rehearsing his words in his head several times. “I… I’m sorry. I know you may not need it, but I still want to say it again—really… I’m sorry.”

Xia Yan had mostly forgotten about that day, and there was no one to care about rumors. “I forgive you.”

“Thank you, Brother Xia.” Tang Zihang sniffled, his eyes full of admiration, like a puppy being praised by its owner.

“My roommate’s here. I’m going, Brother Xia.”

“Wait.”

“?”

“Take my scarf.” Xia Yan pulled the wool scarf off his shoulder and draped it around the younger man’s neck. “Next time, don’t go out dressed so lightly.”

Tang Zihang was so moved that he was about to cry, but he choked up even more. “Ah… okay, thank-thank you, Brother Xia.”

Xia Yan: “…” Something about this feels a bit off.

—

The disbanding of the Sunday band caused quite a stir at the bar.

People speculated on the reason, with gossip ranging from a love triangle between Xia Yan, Tang Zihang, and Yan Ming to rumors that Tang Zihang had left for fame, abandoning his friends, to claims that Xia Yan had caught the attention of someone wealthy and was planning to live a cushy life from now on.

Overall, the last theory was the one people believed the most.

Shen Wenqing, having somehow caught wind of the news, even asked Xia Yan about it, but Xia Yan dismissed him in a few words.

In the blink of an eye, only fifteen days were left before the New Year.

Xu Rang hadn’t quit his job, only taken an extended leave, traveling light with Xia Yan as they set off back to Xia Yan’s hometown.

Xia Yan never let himself be uncomfortable, so he booked two business-class tickets. Most of the people in their section were fashionable urbanites. Dressed in designer clothing, Xia Yan blended in effortlessly, while Xu Rang, standing beside him, looked more like an ugly duckling among swans.

He followed Xia Yan stiffly, practically like a little assistant, doing things for him.

Perhaps it was Xia Yan’s striking good looks, but even during the tiring journey, there were still Alphas who couldn’t resist trying to strike up a conversation.

The man was about thirty, well-featured—decent enough to be called handsome. He was well-built, his muscles filling out his suit, giving him broad shoulders and long legs.

“Hello.” He bent slightly, adopting a polite, poised stance. “Would you allow me the pleasure of sharing a drink with you?” The plane was serving champagne and red wine.

Xia Yan barely looked up. “No.”

The man, undeterred, said, “Could we at least exchange contact information? I’m a fashion designer and could perhaps create something to suit your style.”

“Sir,” Xia Yan said, lowering his magazine, “it’s quite impolite to flirt with me in front of my boyfriend.”

Xu Rang, who was taking a sip of water, started coughing, “Cough, cough!”

The man pointed at Xu Rang, incredulous. “Boyfriend? Him?? That’s impossible.”

Xia Yan replied, “A Beta and Beta pairing is perfectly normal.”

“But…you…” The man sighed and took a step back. “Fine, I understand you’re not interested in me. Sorry to bother you, but there was no need to… make up such an unbelievable lie.”

Xia Yan: “…”

Xu Rang: “…” Even though he knew he didn’t match up to Xia Yan, being dismissed like that still stung.

With few people in the business class, no one else dared to bother them after that man’s failed attempt.

Their plane landed in City B, where they spent the night resting. The next morning, they took a train back to Xia Yan’s poor, remote hometown.