In recent years, Xu Yu has appeared in a number of variety shows, the majority of which revolve around food, beauty, and outdoor activities. These shows have one thing in common: low ratings and limited audiences.
According to Xu Weichi, participating in these variety shows is similar to going to work, and doing it on a regular basis makes it seem insignificant.
Xu Yu received little screen time due to his reserved nature and reluctance to show off. The videos of him on the internet mostly came from these variety shows and a few interviews. With limited content and low popularity, there was little to edit and compile.
The second most popular video about Xu Yu was titled “Who does not want to be called ‘Gege’ by Xu Yu” and lasted only 20 seconds.
Xu Yu clicked on this video after watching the first one.
“Gege.”
The video started with Xu Yu’s voice.
Xu Yu was young, and at first, when everyone was still getting to know each other and being polite, he addressed everyone as “Gege.” The video was most likely edited from those moments.
With aggressive editing and background music, the entire 20 seconds were filled with Xu Yu’s various “Gege” tones, some of which were followed by his lines.
“Gege.”
“Gege.”
“Gege, have you eaten?”
“Gege is with me.”
“Gege, please give it to me.”
Xu Yu was not sure what was so special about him calling “Gege,” but the comments kept coming in.
【Just take it as if he’s calling me Gege】
【Although I’m a sister, Yu Yu is calling me】
【I love this ‘Gege’】
【I’ll give it to you, all for you】
After a while of watching it, Xu Yu nearly forgot what the word “Gege” meant.
He stopped watching after exiting this video.
Back on the homepage, he noticed the small magnifying glass icon and hesitated for a few seconds before clicking on it.
Without the shortcut for Su Yuanjiu’s name, Xu Yu found “Su” and “Yuan” before losing motivation to continue typing “Jiu” and deleting what he had typed.
Next, he entered another name, Xie Nan.
He was initially concerned about not knowing how to write the characters, but the input method assisted him.
This person seemed to be very popular.
As Zheng Xue had stated, all Xie Nan-related videos were various introductions, each with several million views.
He scrolled down and discovered Su Yuanjiu’s vlog, which had received over ten million views.
Xu Yu hesitated but eventually did not click on it.
The day ended after eating, working out, taking a shower, and spending some time in the practice room.
Turning on the bedside lamp, switching off the main light, and covering himself with the blanket, Xu Yu, considering his encounter with Su Yuanjiu today, silently recited three times before sleeping: Don’t dream about Su Yuanjiu, don’t dream about Su Yuanjiu, don’t dream about Su Yuanjiu.
This method was typically reserved for ghosts, as Xu Yu was terrified of them due to a traumatic childhood memory. Whenever he thought about or encountered anything related to ghosts during the day, he would chant “Do not dream about ghosts” three times before going to bed, and it always worked.
Perhaps because Su Yuanjiu was not a ghost, Xu Yu’s method failed this time.
That night, he dreamed about Su Yuanjiu.
However, the dream was quite normal. He had a dream that he was filming a commercial for JSS with Su Yuanjiu by his side, but nothing unusual happened and they did not do anything together.
The next morning, Xu Yu woke up, dazed for a moment in bed, and sighed with relief.
After breakfast, Xu Yu returned to the practice room and remained there until the evening. Tired of takeout, Xu Yu craved beef balls from a shop near his apartment complex. With the thought came action. He found a jacket in his bedroom, took out his phone, and went downstairs.
Summer was approaching, and the days were becoming longer. Even after he finished his beef balls and left the shop, it was not completely dark.
The orange sunset washed over the city, and layers of tofu-like clouds pushed against the mountains. Xu Yu took out his phone, snapped a photo, and posted it with the caption “Today,” recalling Sister Yun’s comment from yesterday about not posting on Weibo in a while.
In less than five minutes, many fans commented on the Weibo post, with some saying, “Yu Yu, you finally appeared,” others praising the beautiful sunset, and still others sharing photos of their own skies.
Sister Yun also sent a WeChat message, asking: Is this what you post on Weibo?
Xu Yu smiled and responded: I did not know what to post.
Sister Yun: Sigh, it is fine
Xu Yu did not immediately return upstairs. After reading these messages, he put his phone away and continued to walk around the apartment complex.
It was after dinner, and many residents were out walking dogs and caring for grandchildren, making the place much more lively than during the day.
After crossing a bridge and passing through a flower corridor, the sky gradually darkened and the streetlights turned on. Xu Yu decided it was time to turn back; there was only one more path to take.
As he walked, he noticed a familiar figure standing in front of a pavilion. Xu Yu was not sure, so he moved to the edge of the stone path and leaned over. It was indeed Su Yuanjiu, standing by the pool and talking on the phone.
Xu Yu paused for a few seconds before going over to greet him and turning around to leave.
In the end, Su Yuanjiu decided for him. Su Yuanjiu shifted his gaze.
Their gazes met, and Xu Yu smiled and approached Su Yuanjiu.
When he arrived, Su Yuanjiu had just finished his phone call and put it away.
“President Su, what a coincidence,” Xu Yu told Su Yuanjiu. “What are you doing here?”
Su Yuanjiu responded, “Visiting a friend.”
Xu Yu nodded. “Oh.”
Su Yuanjiu inquired, “And you? Going for a walk?”
Xu Yu responded, “Yes, I was about to go back.”
Su Yuanjiu inquired, “Where is your house?”
Xu Yu pointed in the direction of his home. “Over there.”
Su Yuanjiu nodded. “We’re going the same way. Let’s walk together.”
Xu Yu was not sure if Su Yuanjiu had already met his friends or had yet to find them. He felt it would be impolite to pry too deeply into Su Yuanjiu’s affairs.
The awkward feeling from the car ride yesterday resurfaced, but unlike yesterday, Su Yuanjiu was not at work today.
Xu Yu pondered whether Su Yuanjiu felt as awkward as he did.
After a few more steps, Su Yuanjiu spoke again: “The next shoot is next week; do you have any work in the meantime?”
“Yes,” Xu Yu answered. “In a few days, I have to go to Jianshi to record a show.” Xu Yu thought for a moment and added, “It won’t affect next week’s shoot. I’ll be back in two days.”
Su Yuanjiu gave a smile. “I did not mean that.” He then inquired, “Which show?”
Xu Yu responded, “My Song, Your Song; not sure if you have heard of it.”
Su Yuanjiu said, “I haven’t.”
Xu Yu clarified, “It is a singing show.”
Su Yuanjiu acknowledged with a sound, “I’ll check it out when I get back.”
Xu Yu nodded. “Okay.”
Su Yuanjiu commented, “I listened to your songs a few days ago; you sing very well. Have you written any songs yourself?”
“I have a few, but I have not had the opportunity to release them,” Xu Yu smiled. “I only sing them for fun.”
Su Yuanjiu asked, “Where can I listen to them?”
Xu Yu was surprised. “You want to listen?”
Su Yuanjiu nodded. “Yes, I do.”
Xu Yu thought for a moment. “I’ll send them to you when I have them ready.”
Su Yuanjiu nodded and pulled out his phone. “Let’s add each other on WeChat.”
Xu Yu paused for a half-second before responding with an “Oh” and pulling out his phone. “Sure.”
Xu Yu was not very good at interacting with strangers. If the other person did not initiate a conversation, Xu Yu would often remain silent, which only added to the awkwardness.
But today seemed different. As they walked, Xu Yu became less uncomfortable.
After a while, Su Yuanjiu seemed to glance over.
Then Su Yuanjiu spoke again.
“Xu Yu,” Su Yuanjiu said, pronouncing each syllable.
“Yes?” Xu Yu responded.
Su Yuanjiu turned around to face him. “Your hair clip.”
Xu Yu exclaimed softly, then touched it. “Oh, I purchased it because I noticed the initials XY.”
Su Yuanjiu wondered, “Do many people inquire about it?”
Xu Yu nodded. “Quite a few; some even assumed it was custom-made.”
Xu Yu did not like his bangs covering his forehead, so he frequently used the clip to pin them up.
Under the white streetlights, as night fell, Xu Yu’s skin appeared even fairer.
His long, thick eyelashes and clear, bright eyes were impressive.
When Xu Yu spoke with Su Yuanjiu, he looked up into his eyes.
After speaking, Xu Yu smiled and looked ahead again.
Su Yuanjiu also lowered his gaze, smiling slightly in an area that Xu Yu could not see.
Su Yuanjiu inquired, “Where did you get it?
Xu Yu responded, “Two years ago, while I was working on an island.”
Su Yuanjiu took another look at Xu Yu’s clip.
“President Su,” Xu Yu announced as they reached the end of the stone path, “my home is here.”
Su Yuanjiu acknowledged with a sound but did not immediately bid farewell.
“Xu Yu,” Su Yuanjiu addressed him directly. “Can you stop calling me President Su in the future?”
Xu Yu made a puzzled sound, “Huh?” and instinctively swallowed. “Well, what should I call you?”
Su Yuanjiu uttered, “Gege.”
After saying it, he laughed awkwardly and coughed, “Sorry.”
Xu Yu, probably not hearing clearly, looked even more confused. “What?”
“Nothing,” Su Yuanjiu corrected himself firmly. “Are you comfortable calling me by my name?”
“Su…” Xu Yu tried, then shook his head with a smile. “This does not feel right.”
Su Yuanjiu nodded and conceded. “Then call me Mr. Su. I won’t insist further.”
Xu Yu nodded. “Okay.”
Su Yuanjiu tilted his chin slightly and looked at Xu Yu. He replied softly, “Call me.”
Xu Yu blinked, as if bewitched by Su Yuanjiu.
“Mr. Su,” Xu Yu said.
