Translator: Lynn
Ji Kai expresses a deep sense of regret.
Arguably, the worst decision he made was that particular day when he let go of his restraint and impulsively slammed a watermelon knife onto the dining table.
“Is this performance art?” he quipped.
Later that evening, the prominent celebrity Zhu Ling returned home, casually tossing a limited-edition silver-gray coat of a prestigious brand onto the coat rack.
…
Ji Kai glanced up and fixed his gaze on the calendar attached to the refrigerator.
Upon calculation, it had been a complete two months since this individual returned home so early. As an artist, being engrossed in work was a positive trait. Yet, the underlying concern remained—whether some people were engrossed in work, personal matters, or even in the company of someone else.
With a soft chuckle, Ji Kai lit a cigarette.
“Hey, can’t you remove this ‘dragon-slaying sword’?” Zhu Ling playfully tampered with the motionless knife standing on the dining table. “It’s so deep! How did our dining table provoke my little bear?”
If you have no guilt, it’s unlikely that you will see an unexplained knife on the table. Even if he was observing the blatant act of smoking indoors, he should have erupted in protest long ago.
It’s a fundamental principle of behavioral psychology—people who hide their own flaws typically lack the confidence to point out flaws in others.
“Who provoked me? Didn’t you hear about it from anyone?”
With an innocent expression, the celebrity filled the coffee machine with beans. “What’s the matter, baby?”
“Today, your ‘baby’ from outside came to our house.”
“…”
“…”
A certain individual remained poker-faced. Not a single coffee bean was spilled.
This was the demeanor of an actor.
Who, despite their daily online rants about “Zhu Ling’s audacity, his acting skills are merely cosplay level,” could uphold such a composed façade?
…
The hum of the machine filled the air, enveloping the room with a delightful aroma.
Subsequently, the sofa next to him abruptly sank down.
A well-built and handsome young man, exuding a sense of charm, settled beside him. Clad in a deep V-neck black T-shirt that revealed a hint of his chest, he held a cup of black coffee in one hand while wrapping his other arm around Ji Kai.
A subtle trace of cologne, CK One Summer limited edition, lingered on his body. Ji Kai reminisced about their initial encounter when the air was saturated with the invigorating scent of summer.
Back then, Zhu Ling was financially struggling.
This very bottle of perfume equated to half a month’s earnings from his gig nights.
However, Zhu Ling possessed a certain disposition.
Even in times of financial scarcity, he pursued refined taste. Even when rent payments were in jeopardy, he refused to compromise with reality.
A down-and-out singer brimming with fervor—Ji Kai particularly admired the way Zhu Ling, despite his evident vulnerability and uncertainty, retained a spark in his determined eyes.
On an autumn evening, after yet another bar told Zhu Ling to “stay away,” he returned with his guitar, consumed by frustration. He lay on the bed, his back turned, trembling in silence.
Ji Kai extended his arm, enveloping the man in a tight embrace from behind. Warm skin pressed against his slightly cooler flesh.
After a prolonged moment, he caught the nasally stifled voice of the man: “Brother Kai, maybe I lack any talent, maybe… no one will ever listen to my singing in this lifetime.”
“I will listen.” Ji Kai’s grip tightened: “You still have me. I genuinely appreciate every song you create.”
“Zhu Ling, don’t fear, don’t fret, don’t overthink. Just compose and sing with passion. I’ll stand by you, dispel uncertainties about the future, and banish doubts about your talent.”
“One day, you will undoubtedly achieve fame.”
“Your music will resonate with countless individuals. There will be stages illuminated by lights, hosting your personal concerts. The audience will be teeming with fans, cheering and shouting your name.”
Life, in its irony, never ceases to amaze him.
Nonetheless, the most disheartening and trying moments of Zhu Ling were the ones Ji Kai fondly remembered as the happiest.
During that period, Zhu Ling radiated innocence to the utmost degree. He embodied simplicity in every sense—utterly devoid of lies, especially those directed toward Ji Kai.
The entertainment industry operates like a vast pool of dye, muddling and altering those who immerse themselves in it.
Had he known earlier, Ji Kai wouldn’t have allowed his beloved to be consumed by this gradual blending, ultimately leading to the erosion of his true self.
Each photoshoot, every instance of exposure, and the slow accumulation of fans incrementally eroded the essence of the person Ji Kai cherished. This process gave rise to a peculiar celebrity, one whose public persona had an unending aperture that swallowed up his authentic self.
Zhu Ling embarked on a journey of adopting numerous artificial “personality designs,” transforming from a reserved and guileless young man into a renowned embodiment of “humor,” “tsundere,” “wit,” and “sharp-tongued” charm.
With time, Zhu Ling amassed considerable wealth, freeing himself from reliance on Ji Kai’s support.
Somewhere along the way, “Brother Kai” evolved into “Baby,” and “Baby” subsequently morphed into “Baby Bear.”
Bear… damn it.
If you have reservations about my muscular physique, just speak up! If you’re partial to the delicate beauty of a slender figure and fair legs, you should have expressed your preference earlier!
Fuck your “baby bear”!
…
“Come on, baby bear, give me a rundown! What’s my ‘baby’ like out there? If she’s a beauty, I might consider making her acquaintance,” Ji Kai rolled his eyes.
“He’s really good-looking, but he’s as timid as a mouse.”
“Oh?”
“He’s about that tall, a delicate waist, porcelain skin, and his hair is dyed a golden hue.” Ji Kai took a seat and gauged his own height, “As soon as the door opened, I looked down at him, and he glanced up at me.”
“I had anticipated him finding some fault, but maybe he hadn’t expected such a vast difference in physique. He was so startled that he turned and fled.”
“Pfft—Who told me my ‘baby bear’ was born bold and stately, oozing an irresistible allure!” The major star burst into wild laughter, finally releasing his pent-up tension. He took a sip of his coffee and extended his hand to playfully pinch Ji Kai’s lively, well-defined chest muscles.
Ji Kai pushed the man away, his gaze narrowing menacingly at the knife that glinted coldly through the table’s surface.
“Baby Bear, you’ve got a lot of misunderstandings.”
“It’s probably that some strager coming over again! I apologize; I’ll be more cautious from now on! Or maybe we should consider moving? I heard there’s a new villa area on the west side…” The man quickly rambled in response.
Ji Kai shook his head, a sinister smile forming.
“It’s not a fan. It’s Bai Yueguang, your unforgettable first love—Ye Yin.”
The person beside him froze for a brief moment.
However, their potential as an actor emerged, and they swiftly regained composure with a grin. “Oh~ Ye Yin? It’s odd, even though we’re in the same industry, we haven’t interacted much. I remember! He must’ve come to repay some debt!”
“…”
“Listen to me, baby, here’s what happened. I happened to run into him a few days ago on the street. His car broke down, and his assistant wasn’t around. Feeling sorry for him, I assisted. We called for repairs, and he covered the few thousand yuan cost.”
“Oh?” Ji Kai glanced at him. “So, as our big star, in the midst of your busy schedule, you just coincidentally encounter these ‘Damsel in Distress’ situations?”
“What ‘damsel’! He’s just an acquaintance I haven’t seen in years, and I simply lent a hand! It was serendipitous. Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘There is no story without coincidences’?”
“Sure, so are you two reading ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ or ‘Golden Lotus’1These are famous yellow books/sexual books in the past?”
“Oh, come on! Baby bear, you’re too much! ‘Water Margin’! It’s definitely ‘Water Margin’2Historical book!”
Ah, Water Margin.
If there was a “hero” on Liangshan who grew up to be as “charming and handsome” as Ye Yin, it might warrant a tale akin to “Romance of the Immortals”?
“It’s true! Ye Yin and I were high school buddies. You’re not still brooding over old history, are you? Besides, we had nothing between us at that time!”
“Isn’t it that the relationships we don’t form are often the ones we remember forever and resonate with the most?”
“Baby Ji Kai!” the other party protested with an exasperated expression. “You have to trust your husband! I admit that when I first rose to fame the year before last, I was a bit full of myself, which hurt you. But even then, did I ever go to anyone else?”
“I genuinely acknowledged my mistakes and worked on self-improvement! Reflect on it and tell me, haven’t I been exemplary these past two years?” Their usually cold-faced, dashing star made a nasal sound and struck an unconventional pose with a puppy paw beside his face.
Deliberately showcasing cuteness might be considered manipulative, but it certainly worked its magic on Ji Kai’s wavering emotions.
… Could it be that he truly has reasons to doubt?
“In reality, baby bear, I genuinely appreciate these occasional moments from you.”
Observing Ji Kai’s guarded expression soften, Zhu Ling instantly seized his calloused hand, rubbing it with an affectionate touch, and his face radiated authenticity.
“I haven’t seen you jealous in quite some time! We’re an old married couple, yet you remain so concerned. It implies that I still hold a fragment of allure in your eyes, doesn’t it?” … …
In the future, whenever Ji Kai revisited this day, those present would marvel at Zhu Ling’s acting prowess that had flourished over the years of his career.
The once stern and impetuous rascal had transformed into a refined individual.
Presently, he was astute, honey-tongued, and dignified.
Even with his partner’s act of plunging a knife into the table, he managed to turn the situation around.
Ironically, it left Ji Kai feeling quite foolish. Without a solid case, he prematurely unveiled his doubts.
Consequently, the duo’s ability to anticipate each other’s moves soared, and their path toward uncovering deception and navigating the complexities of relationships took numerous twists and turns, resembling the realms of magical realism.
Translator’s Notes:
Hii! I love to do mass releases, so please stay tuned to see the updates!
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