The news came out shortly after the celebration banquet for “Xia Bone” ended. Photos from the event were still circulating everywhere, and Chi Feiran’s name hadn’t even left the trending searches yet, when it made a comeback.
The casting results for “De Wei Lou” were announced, and it was done through the official blog, releasing the cast list in batches. Among the names, Chi Feiran’s stood out, completely overshadowing the other actors announced at the same time, even overshadowing the buzz about Qi Ming.
“Wow! What a charmed life!”
“Looking back at the whole process, really, being born into the right family is so important…”
“One film tops the box office, and the next one is probably going to win awards. You can’t deny it.”
“I just have to say, the biggest known investor in this movie is RAN.”
“So which came first, the chicken or the egg? Was it the role or the investment?”
“I had something to say, but thinking about it, a life like that is really enviable. Others rely on their parents, but he has two dads, and he’s also very talented and handsome from a young age. What more can be said? Sometimes life is just unfair.”
“So many people are being sarcastic! Oh, so someone landing a role in a big director’s movie is just because of their background? Has nothing to do with their hard work? Give me a break! The more talented people often work even harder than you! Stop blaming everything on being rich!”
“Sure, no one’s saying Chi Feiran doesn’t work hard, but he could work a hundred years and still not compare to two days of his effort. You think that’s fair?”
“So having money is a crime now? Should he donate all his wealth to prove his sincerity?”
“Oh, so we can’t even talk about it now? The prince is too noble to discuss?”
“Mindless resentment towards the rich is also pretty scary. Having money is really a crime, huh?”
“Hahaha, those above must be dying of envy, right? Chi Feiran is rich and has a strong background! And he’s super talented too! Haha, spend less time being bitter and more time working to support your family!”
“The logic is amazing. If a star has no background, they must have had to compromise; if they do have a background, they must be making others compromise. You guys are incredible!”
“Um… considering the previous instances of being proven wrong, I’ve decided to wait and see until the movie is released.”
Although there were plenty of haters, Chi Feiran was no longer in an ambiguous position. His foundation was incredibly solid, and his fans’ fighting spirit was skyrocketing.
Supporting a star like this is so worry-free! The common scandals that plague other celebrities don’t even touch Chi Feiran. His biggest “scandal” is people saying his family is too powerful, which leads to accusations of buying awards. It’s almost amusing in its pettiness!
Because of this amusing pettiness, many fans in the comment sections were particularly sarcastic.
“A large-scale jealousy convention, let’s give them a round of applause!”
“Just a few words and it’s jealousy? Haha!”
“Haha, what are you laughing at? Who can’t laugh? Haha!”
“What’s wrong, bitter about your favorite needing to curry favor for resources? Our prince doesn’t need that! He just needs to study quietly and practice his acting. Feeling extra upset? Just pray your favorite doesn’t land a big production, otherwise, by your logic, they’d be compromised too. How tragic!”
“Just admit you’re jealous, we won’t laugh at you!”
The haters were left speechless, resorting to accusing Chi Feiran of shamelessly relying on his powerful background to snatch resources.
Chi Feiran’s fans were very straightforward, shaking their legs and saying, yeah, exactly, his background is strong, resources come easy, what of it? Is that a crime? It’s his own family’s company investing in the movie, using their own son, and not even as the main lead, so why do you have so much to say?
The haters kept up their persistent jumping, expressing deep disappointment in the entertainment industry and the world. The fans continued to mock, saying it’s so easy to disappoint you, your psychological resilience needs more training.
The bystanders were passionately watching the drama unfold, and the online space was bustling.
Chi Feiran’s personal life was largely unaffected, mainly because he now had a two-point schedule, either attending classes or staying at home. He had already turned down unnecessary work. He no longer needed to follow the usual celebrity route of maintaining exposure through a high volume of work.
Chi Feiran’s name now carried its own traffic, his popularity was off the charts.
Additionally, the major media outlets were quite discerning, knowing very well who they could and couldn’t follow. So, Chi Feiran’s surroundings were unexpectedly calm, with even paparazzi rarely bothering him. When they did, it was just to write harmless news like “The Prince Changes Cars Again Today” to fill a page.
It seems that every situation has its pros and cons. Although he now faced more controversies, having less work allowed him to focus more on what he truly wanted to pursue, which he didn’t see as a bad thing.
“De Wei Lou” was scheduled to start filming in April next year, primarily for filming convenience. Since it’s a story centered around a chef, many scenes would involve intense kitchen action, and the filmmakers wanted to avoid any impact on the shots due to temperature. Most importantly…
Rong Jin said, “This way we can film the summer scenes, and the visuals will look good.”
Chi Feiran didn’t understand what that meant—why would filming kitchen scenes in the summer look good?
Rong Jin smiled slightly, “Qi Ming is currently working out and bulking up.”
Chi Feiran was taken aback, remembering that Li Yuan had told him Qi Ming was not only learning culinary skills for this role but also working out because the director thought he lacked muscle, and it wouldn’t look good if he went shirtless while cooking…
Chi Feiran suddenly understood and widened his eyes at Rong Jin.
Rong Jin said, “This movie has an artistic tone overall, so it needs some visually appealing scenes.”
Chi Feiran looked down at himself and said, “Does that mean I’m not quite suitable?”
Qi Ming was bulking up, and the guest star Jiang Haoyun also had a great physique. Chi Feiran’s build was rather slender; despite having enough exercise, his body type didn’t show much muscle.
Rong Jin said, “You don’t need to.”
Chi Feiran thought about it and realized that the character Ji Yunsheng indeed didn’t suit having muscles, but then he heard Rong Jin say, “I wouldn’t let others see you wearing only an apron and nothing else.”
Chi Feiran: “…”
For some reason, Chi Feiran suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. They had seen each other naked before, but adding an apron somehow intensified the erotic atmosphere.
Since confirming their relationship, it was rare for Chi Feiran to show such a bashful expression. Rong Jin immediately seized the opportunity and asked quietly, “Shall we give it a try?”
Chi Feiran thought he couldn’t back down now and lifted his chin. “Sure!”
Afterwards, the young prince was still full of energy, and Rong Jin felt that maybe Chi Feiran had been exercising too well recently…
So Rong Jin decided to intensify his own workouts. His determination even startled Chang Haoqing, who exclaimed, “You’ve been working so hard at home, have you gone mad?”
Rong Jin replied, “Reality has once again taught me that I haven’t been working hard enough.”
Chang Haoqing: “…”
Having known Rong Jin for ten years, Chang Haoqing was quick to grasp the situation. He realized that Rong Jin was feeling a sense of crisis because of Chi Feiran’s energetic demeanor.
Chang Haoqing wanted to laugh but feared Rong Jin might beat him up if he did, given that he was much weaker than Rong Jin.
But since the conversation had gone this far, he felt he should say something. So, Chang Haoqing asked, “Have you ever thought that maybe you’re exhausting yourself too much during workouts and not leaving enough energy for Chi Feiran?”
Rong Jin was taken aback. Huh? Could that be it?
But after thinking about it, it seemed quite plausible…
Chi Feiran, meanwhile, was unaware that Rong Jin was contemplating this matter. He was busy with his own thoughts, though his were quite different.
He was thinking about what to get Rong Jin for his upcoming birthday.
After asking around his classmates, all he got were suggestions like computers, phones, and gaming consoles—nothing particularly creative.
Xia Wen and the others joked, “Brother Chi, you can give us anything for our birthdays! We’d worship even a strand of your hair!”
Chi Feiran laughed with them, “Then I’ll start collecting my fallen hair now.”
The group of friends teased him, saying they wanted fresh strands pulled out on the spot, not fallen ones!
After the laughter died down, they settled in for class.
But the problem remained unresolved, so after school, on his way home, Chi Feiran secretly searched online for “what to get your boyfriend for his birthday.”
One response caught his eye: “Wrap yourself up and give him that! It’s the best gift!”
Chi Feiran touched his chin, thinking this could be an option. Hmm, he should also think about how to present it and prepare some additional gifts to make it a real surprise!
While Chi Feiran was secretly preparing, Rong Jin, having taken the advice, was recharging his energy. Then, the two plans collided.
On Rong Jin’s birthday, Chi Feiran first cooked a sumptuous candlelight dinner, setting the stage for a romantic evening.
He gave Rong Jin a ring, which seemed ordinary at first glance, but when placed together, it became clear that it was one of a pair of perfectly matching rings—two halves that formed a whole. Chi Feiran loved the symbolism.
When Rong Jin saw the ring, his heart melted. He said, “Wait for me.”
Rong Jin went upstairs and quickly returned with a box. Opening it, he revealed another pair of men’s rings.
Rong Jin kissed him and said, “Great minds think alike.”
Originally, he had planned to give it on his birthday, but Chi Feiran beat him to it. Yet there was no frustration, only sweetness that filled his heart.
They leaned against each other, unable to stop smiling. Rong Jin hugged Chi Feiran around the waist, his hands starting to wander.
Chi Feiran stopped his hand, leading him to the bedroom. He blindfolded Rong Jin and quickly made preparations.
Hearing the rustling, Rong Jin couldn’t help but ask, “How long will it take?”
Chi Feiran soon replied, “It’s ready.”
Rong Jin removed the blindfold and saw his boyfriend standing before him, wearing only a white shirt, his long legs exposed…
This was a birthday treat…
Chi Feiran said, “Hmm, it’s not exactly a boyfriend shirt, but…”
He turned around to show the back. “But it’s a shirt signed by my boyfriend.”
On the back of the white shirt, the name “Rong Jin” was prominently displayed, almost like a stamp claiming the person in front of him as his.
It gave a sense that this person belonged solely to him.
Rong Jin stood up, hugged him from behind, and couldn’t resist lightly biting the back of Chi Feiran’s neck, where the heat had risen during their first encounter.
Chi Feiran shivered slightly and asked, “Do you like it?”
He had thought of many ideas, like tying a bow, but eventually, he remembered this shirt, which held great sentimental value.
The feeling of Rong Jin’s signature still lingered on his back, but the previous nervousness and embarrassment had now been replaced by sweetness.
Rong Jin’s voice was low but particularly enchanting as he replied, “I love it. I love that you’re mine.”
