IOLYF Chapter 38

The man who had been kicked into the bushes scrambled out from the other side, panic-stricken, and fled.

Only then did Han Shao Zhou turn his attention to Mo Ming, frowning as he scolded him. “You couldn’t have waited by the shop across the street? Standing here alone, you could’ve been snatched up with no one to save you.”

Standing out here late at night, all alone, with that soft, easy-to-bully face… If he hadn’t arrived in time, who knows how badly this little guy would have been scared.

Mo Ming didn’t respond. Instead, he stood there, staring at Han Shao Zhou’s outfit—the high-collared sweater and trench coat that Mo Ming had carefully picked out for him that night.

Noticing Mo Ming’s gaze that seemed glued to him, Han Shao Zhou’s lips curled in satisfaction. He adjusted the lapels of his coat nonchalantly and said, “I rushed out after my shower and just grabbed this outfit from the wardrobe.”

He knew that Mo Ming must be moved right now. Seeing the person you love wearing the clothes you personally picked out probably gives a strong sense of being acknowledged.

He had already noticed that night how much Mo Ming enjoyed seeing him in clothes that Mo Ming had chosen.

Mo Ming quickly approached Han Shao Zhou and wrapped his arms around his waist, resting his head against Han Shao Zhou’s neck.

Han Shao Zhou still had one hand in his pocket, letting Mo Ming hold him like that. He chuckled lightly. “You like it that much? Then I’ll wear it more often.”

Mo Ming looked up, his eyes curving into crescent moons. “Okay.”

Seeing Mo Ming’s beautiful smile, Han Shao Zhou felt a lump in his throat. He reached up to adjust Mo Ming’s mask, which had slipped down to his chin, and then turned to look toward the park. “It’s still early. Let’s take a walk over there.”

He hadn’t taken a stroll with this little guy in a while, so this was a rare moment of peace between them.

Mo Ming tightened his grip on Han Shao Zhou’s arm, occasionally glancing up at him with a dreamy expression.

The night wind had softened…

Gao Chen had played his new song twice, and the crowd around him showed no signs of losing interest, urging him to perform it again.

Gao Chen looked up, searching through the sea of people, but he still couldn’t find that familiar figure.

Had he already left?

Gao Chen decided not to respond to the crowd’s calls, slinging his guitar over one shoulder and pulling down the brim of his hat as he made his way out of the gathering.

“Excuse me, coming through…”

The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving the plaza still bathed in the gentle night breeze.

Gao Chen wandered around the plaza, searching for Mo Ming, before heading back to the small pavilion where they had been earlier. But it was empty.

Finding someone in this large park was clearly a challenge, especially since Mo Ming had left so quietly, without any intention of lingering with him.

After all, tonight was really the first time they’d properly met.

Gao Chen turned away from the pavilion, looping around the plaza’s fountain as he headed back to his apartment. But then, his attention was caught by a figure in the distance.

That was… Mo Ming.

Despite the mask, Gao Chen recognized him by his build and clothing. He was standing in front of a cart selling candied hawthorns, carefully choosing from the shiny, red treats behind the glass.

Gao Chen smiled softly and quickened his pace towards Mo Ming.

At the very least, he could thank him once more.

Just as he was about to reach Mo Ming, Gao Chen saw a tall man approach him. The man naturally slipped his arm around Mo Ming’s waist, and Mo Ming turned to him, eyes filled with a smile.

Gao Chen froze in place, staring in disbelief at the familiar figure that sent a chill down his spine.

No, it wasn’t the figure itself but the clothes, the eyes exposed beneath the mask—together, they created the illusion of another person.

Gao Chen stood there, rooted to the spot, his face a mask of shock. “Is that…?”

Zhou Xu?

No, Zhou Xu had long since passed away. That must be someone else!

Gao Chen took a step forward to investigate, but in the next moment, he saw the man, who looked so much like Zhou Xu, pull down his mask and take a bite of the candied hawthorn that Mo Ming offered him.

Gao Chen’s eyes widened in recognition, and he halted once again.

That was Han Shao Zhou?!

He had seen the rumors online that Mo Ming was dating Han Shao Zhou, but there had been talk that after Wen Ci’s return to Chuanhai, Han Shao Zhou had dumped Mo Ming. Gao Chen had believed that rumor, assuming Han Shao Zhou’s choice to be obvious.

But now, not only were the rumors false, but it seemed Han Shao Zhou and Mo Ming were still together—and their relationship looked strong.

Han Shao Zhou took another bite of the candied fruit, puffing out his cheek, which made Mo Ming laugh. He reached up to pull Han Shao Zhou’s mask back into place.

With just his eyes visible, Han Shao Zhou once again looked eerily like Zhou Xu.

Back when Gao Chen and Wen Ci were together, there had been a period of tension between him and Han Shao Zhou. Gao Chen had always noticed how Han Shao Zhou bore a striking resemblance to Zhou Xu in his eyes. Yet, their temperaments were worlds apart. Gao Chen could never associate the crude, wild Han Shao Zhou with the gentle, refined teammate he had lost. So, even though they looked somewhat similar, Gao Chen had never dwelled on it.

But now… Even Han Shao Zhou’s outfit tonight was something he had seen Zhou Xu wear before. From a distance, with just his eyes showing, Han Shao Zhou really did look like Zhou Xu’s clone.

Gao Chen stood still for a long time, a cold wind snapping him back to reality. He couldn’t help but wonder about the implications of this scene.

So, did Han Shao Zhou know?

It was unlikely. With his personality, if Han Shao Zhou knew, he’d probably lose his mind.

“This is just… too much.”

Gao Chen muttered to himself, watching Mo Ming and Han Shao Zhou walk away. He had never been one to meddle in other people’s business, but for a moment, he wanted to tell Mo Ming to give up on this futile illusion. Fooling himself like this would only prolong the pain and obsession he couldn’t let go of.

But his feet wouldn’t move. Gao Chen clenched his hands into fists.

What right did he have to interfere? He had only just met Mo Ming, and all of this was just his own speculation.

The night deepened…

On a quiet path in the park, with few people around, Mo Ming removed his mask and started nibbling on the candied hawthorn.

“Still eating that stuff at your age?” Han Shao Zhou teased mercilessly.

“It’s tasty. Do you want another one, Ge?” Mo Ming offered.

“No, it’s too sweet.” The last one’s pit had even jabbed his tooth.

Han Shao Zhou watched Mo Ming’s lips, shiny and sweet, and wondered what it would be like to kiss him now. Would it taste like a sweet and sour hawthorn?

Mo Ming turned his head, catching Han Shao Zhou in the act of staring at him, his expression practically dazed. When their eyes met, Han Shao Zhou awkwardly looked away. Mo Ming chuckled softly, then stood on tiptoe to plant a quick kiss on Han Shao Zhou’s lips through his mask.

Han Shao Zhou’s breath quickened. He glanced around, then grabbed Mo Ming’s hand and pulled him behind a tall bush. With a swift move, he yanked down his mask and claimed Mo Ming’s lips.

They tasted just as he had imagined—sweet and tangy, soft and fragrant…

Mo Ming wrapped his arms around Han Shao Zhou’s neck, leaning into him instinctively as they kissed. Han Shao Zhou, feeling himself losing control, pulled back slightly, panting. “The wind’s picking up. Let’s go home, little one.”

Mo Ming licked the sugar off his lips. “Let’s walk a bit longer. I want to finish my candied hawthorn first.”

“Let me help you with that.”

Han Shao Zhou, ever the bandit, took a big bite out of Mo Ming’s candy, stuffing both sides of his cheeks with the sour-sweet treats, chewing away.

Mo Ming couldn’t stop laughing, biting into another candy as he continued down the path, Han Shao Zhou quickly catching up to him.

“Oh, by the way.” Han Shao Zhou said around a mouthful of hawthorn, his words a bit muffled, “I have to go on a business trip for a week next week. If you’re free, why don’t you come with me?”

Lately, if he was in Chuanhai, he was almost always staying with Mo Ming. He had gotten used to it. If he went out of town, he would constantly be thinking of Mo Ming. He didn’t want to spend his nights away, lying in bed, driven mad by thoughts of that little one back home.

“But I have a variety show to film next week.” Mo Ming replied. “It’ll take three days.”

“Alright then, I just assumed you weren’t busy since you’ve seemed pretty free lately.” Han Shao Zhou sighed. “Looks like I’ll just have to deal with it myself.”

Mo Ming chuckled softly.

“By the way, speaking of work, I’ve talked to the company about you. They said you don’t seem very ambitious, and you’ve even managed to annoy your agent quite a bit.” Not that he cared much about it—whether Mo Ming wanted to be ambitious or just be his little darling forever, Han Shao Zhou was fine with either.

“You’ve given me the freedom to choose my work at Xingci, and I’m already very grateful for that.” Mo Ming said with a gentle smile. “So I’m pretty laid back, just picking what interests me, whether it’s good or bad. This relaxed approach gives me more time to spend with you, doesn’t it, Ge?”

Han Shao Zhou chuckled. “You say that, but some people might think I’m not treating you well enough. You’ve been with me for three years, and I still haven’t given you any decent resources. Honestly, I don’t like hearing people call you a third-rate actor…”

“Ge, do you really care about that?” Mo Ming turned to face him, nibbling on the candy as he slowly walked backward. His gentle gaze traced over Han Shao Zhou’s clothes and settled on his handsome face. “Because I think you’re great, and you treat me really well. I don’t care what other people say…”

Han Shao Zhou’s lips curved into a smile. It was true—love really does make you see someone through rose-colored glasses. Mo Ming probably thought he was the most perfect man in the world right now.

Swallowing the hawthorn in his mouth, Han Shao Zhou casually slipped his hands into his pockets, watching Mo Ming with interest. “You look so smitten—so tell me, what’s so great about me?”

Mo Ming’s gaze softened, as if lost in distant memories. He spoke quietly, “You’re the one who gave my life meaning. Ge, you’re the person I love most in this world…”

Han Shao Zhou cleared his throat, scratching his nose with one finger as he tried to play it cool. “Oh, so if I dump you, you’re going to be all heartbroken and miserable, huh?”

Mo Ming’s dazed look snapped back to reality. He glanced at Han Shao Zhou, then dropped his gaze to the ground, murmuring, “I wouldn’t want to be a burden to you… You’re a good person.”

“…Well, that killed the mood.”

Mo Ming was still walking backward when he missed a step on a downward slope, his foot slipping off the edge of a step, causing him to stumble backward. Han Shao Zhou reacted quickly, lunging forward to catch him by the waist.

Han Shao Zhou was both exasperated and amused as he steadied Mo Ming, tapping his forehead twice in reprimand. “The street lights are so dim here, and you’re walking backward… Seriously, you can’t be one step away from me.”

Mo Ming rubbed his forehead. “Then, Ge, can you carry me on your back?”

“Did you twist your ankle?”

“No.”

“You’re really something, trying to get a free ride. Walk on your own.”

Mo Ming pursed his lips and quietly turned to walk away. Seeing his dejected look, his head hanging low, Han Shao Zhou felt a sudden softness in his heart. He remembered Mo Ming’s earlier words, and his brow furrowed. The next second, he quickly strode forward, squatted down in front of Mo Ming, and patted his own back.

“Alright, hop on.” Han Shao Zhou said seriously. “Just this once, though. Don’t make it a habit.”

Without hesitation, Mo Ming climbed onto Han Shao Zhou’s back, wrapping his arms affectionately around his neck and giggling softly into his ear.

Han Shao Zhou gave Mo Ming’s butt a playful squeeze before lifting him onto his back.

Mo Ming playfully bit Han Shao Zhou’s neck in return, and Han Shao Zhou chuckled. “Go ahead and bite. We’ll see what happens when we get home.”

As a passerby approached, Mo Ming buried his face in Han Shao Zhou’s shoulder.

Han Shao Zhou couldn’t help but laugh. “And here I thought you had thick skin.”

Mo Ming didn’t want him to say anything else, so he plucked a hawthorn ball from the stick and popped it into Han Shao Zhou’s mouth.

The deeper parts of the park were quiet, with few people around. The dim streetlights barely illuminated the path and the outlines of the surrounding bushes.

Han Shao Zhou could feel the warmth from where Mo Ming rested his head on his back.

Finally swallowing the fruit, Han Shao Zhou spoke. “I need to correct you on something—I’m not a good person.”

Mo Ming was still nibbling on the last two candied fruits, but he firmly disagreed. “No, Ge, you are.”

“Let me tell you the truth: I used to be a real jerk. Bad temper, bad attitude—I used to lead Zhao Cheng and some street punks into brawls. One time, Zhao Cheng almost got kicked to death. When the old man found out, he chased me down, but he couldn’t catch me, so he had Ah De hold me down while he beat me. Those years, it felt like I was either getting hit or running away from a beating. It went on like that until they finally sent me to the military.”

Mo Ming’s expression grew complex. “Your grandpa was that harsh with you?”

“Not really. He actually spoiled me. Gave me the best of everything. It was just that I was a rebellious punk back then—arrogant and defiant. Just talking to me wouldn’t have gotten through. I did a lot of stupid things and never apologized, always talking back. Thinking back now, it’s a wonder he didn’t get a heart attack from how much I pissed him off, and it’s a miracle I didn’t get beaten to death.”

“…So how did you turn yourself around?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t really try to. I guess seeing more of the world and learning more just naturally changed me.”

Mo Ming was silent for a moment before asking cautiously, “Ge, do you still hit people now?”

“Of course, didn’t you just see me? For guys who don’t know their place, sometimes a beating works better than reasoning.”

“So if I mess up…” Mo Ming’s voice dropped, “Would you hit me too, Ge?”

“Of course not. I never hit two kinds of people—women and the men I’ve slept with.” Han Shao Zhou laughed. “And you, little one, just happen to be the second kind.”

Mo Ming smiled and rested his chin on Han Shao Zhou’s shoulder. “Ge, have you slept with a lot of men?”

“I…”

Han Shao Zhou nearly choked. He really didn’t want to admit that before getting together with Mo Ming, he was still a virgin. That would be embarrassing for someone like Han Dashao.

But claiming he’d been with many would make him seem like a player, like Zhao Cheng.

“Do your best, little one, and maybe someday you’ll be the only one I sleep with.”

As soon as he said it, Han Shao Zhou felt relieved. That was a brilliant save.

Mo Ming kissed Han Shao Zhou’s ear and whispered softly, “Ge, I’ve finished the candied fruit. We can go home now.”

Han Shao Zhou took a deep breath and immediately turned around, striding quickly.

Mo Ming clung to Han Shao Zhou’s back, laughing so much he bit his ear again.

Han Shao Zhou didn’t mind the weight, cheerfully carrying Mo Ming through the east gate of the complex, which was closest to the park. As they walked, other residents passing by glanced at them, and Mo Ming, feeling a bit shy, lowered his head even more.

Gao Chen hadn’t expected to witness this scene.

The east gate was the closest entrance to the park, and he knew that Mo Ming would likely return through this gate. After much internal debate, despite their brief acquaintance, he wanted to persuade Mo Ming to let go of the past and leave Han Shao Zhou.

It wasn’t worth it. Even as a stand-in for Zhou Xu, Han Shao Zhou—a self-absorbed, arrogant brute—wasn’t worth Mo Ming deceiving himself over…

But now…

Watching Han Shao Zhou carry Mo Ming on his back, the two of them so intimately close, Gao Chen suddenly felt his concerns were misplaced.

Mo Ming had been with Han Shao Zhou for three years. What right did someone like him, who had only just met them, have to interfere?

Besides, his own life was still a mess…

Back at his apartment, Gao Chen contacted his agent to discuss the release of his new song.

The final version of the lyrics and melody was complete, so the next steps would be simple.

After finishing the call, Gao Chen got ready for bed. He lay down, propped up against his headboard, and logged into his social media account on his tablet, posting a teaser about his new song…

Instantly, the comment section was flooded with hate.

[Not looking forward to it, thanks! Also, maybe you should face the fact that you’re creatively burnt out!]
[You disgust me! I can’t believe I used to think of you as some cold, aloof campus god. Ugh!]
[So, I heard you’re the one who asked for the divorce? You’re disgusting, Gao Chen! Wen Ci gave up Han Shao Zhou to be with you, and you betrayed him!]
[A heartless jerk like you deserves to flop hard!]
[So, you’re releasing a new song? Amazing how you keep putting out garbage. I can’t wait to hear this new trash!]
[The commenters are just nasty Wen Ci stans. The divorce was mutual; stop making your idol out to be the victim. Get lost!]
[Can’t wait for Gege’s new song! Don’t listen to those trolls, Gege!]

Gao Chen closed the app without any expression. Not feeling sleepy, he pulled out the sheet music for his new song and reviewed it again and again…

Around 6 AM, Gao Chen was abruptly woken by his phone ringing.

He had stayed up late watching a movie to unwind, so he was too groggy to open his eyes.

Squinting at the caller ID, he saw it was his agent. Forcing himself to sit up, Gao Chen answered the call.

Before he could say anything, his agent’s excited voice burst through the line. “Quick, check the video I sent you! That’s you in it, right, Gao Chen?!”

Gao Chen blinked in confusion, his brain still foggy. He put the call on speaker and opened the video link his agent had sent. It was a recording of him performing his new song at the plaza last night.

Clearly taken by one of the onlookers.

“That’s you, right, Gao Chen?!” His agent’s excitement was palpable. “I’ve seen you in that outfit before, and that voice—it’s definitely you, right?!”

Gao Chen, still a bit dazed, replied, “Uh, yeah, it’s me. I was there with a friend…”

“Then the song you sang is your new original, right?!” his agent interrupted, eager.

“…Yes.”

“That’s fantastic, Gao Chen! Your song is going viral!”

As his agent spoke, Gao Chen scrolled down to the comments section of the video.

It had been uploaded the previous night, and by now, it had gained tens of thousands of comments and shares.

[Wow, this is so good!]
[Why can’t my music app identify this song? Someone tell me what it’s called, please!]
[It’s amazing! This guy must be super handsome, too. I’ve discovered a hidden gem!]
[His voice reminds me of Gao Chen’s, but he’s too high-profile to do something this down-to-earth, right?]
[The more I listen, the better it gets. This must be an original. Can we get this guy to release an album? Please?!]
[I’m going to marry him!]

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